bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of Serum-derived Exosomal PD-L1 in Patients with Resected Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Shimada Yoshihisa , Matsubayashi Jun , Kudo Yujin , Maehara Sachio , Takeuchi Susumu , Hagiwara Masaru , Kakihana Masatoshi , Ohira Tatsuo , Nagao Toshitaka , Ikeda Norihiko 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
PD-L1 expression is the most useful predictive biomarker for immunotherapy efficacy on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and CD8 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8 + TILs) play an essential role in the clinical activity of immunotherapy. PD-L1 is found on the exosome's surface, and PD-L1 expressing exosomes can inhibit antitumor immune responses. This study aimed to analyze tumor PD-L1 expression, serum exosomal PD-L1, and CD8 + TILs to investigate anti-PD-1 response and clinicopathological outcomes in NSCLC. One hundred twenty patients with stage I-III NSCLC were enrolled, and serum samples collected during the initial surgery were pooled. The Human CD274/PD-L1 ELISA kit was used to quantify the exosomal PD-L1. Exosomal PD-L1 levels were significantly correlated with tumor PD-L1 levels (p < 0.001) and the number of CD8 + TILs (p = 0.001). Patients with serum exosomal PD-L1 ≥ 200 pg/mL tended to have a worse RFS than those with < 200 pg/mL in stage I patients (p = 0.056). Seventeen patients exhibited postoperative recurrences and received anti-PD-1 treatment, 75% of patients with ≥ 200 pg/mL demonstrated a significant response to PD-1 inhibitors. The measurement of serum exosomal PD-L1 as a quantitative factor with tumor PD-L1 status may help predict anti-PD-1 response and be used to assess clinical outcomes in patients with NSCLC.
A Panel of miRNAs as Prognostic Markers for African-American Patients with Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Turkistani Safaa , Sugita Bruna M , Fadda Paolo , Marchi Rafael , Afsari Ali , Naab Tammey , Apprey Victor , Copeland Robert L , Campbell Michael , Cavalli Luciane R , Kanaan Yasmine 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the global expression profile of miRNAs, their impact on cellular signaling pathways and their association with poor prognostic parameters in African-American (AA) patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).Methods: Twenty-five samples of AA TNBC patients were profiled for global miRNA expression and stratified considering three clinical-pathological parameters: tumor size, lymph node (LN), and recurrence (REC) status. Differential miRNA expression analysis was performed for each parameter, and their discriminatory power was determined by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. KMplotter was assessed to determine the association of the miRNAs with survival, and functional enrichment analysis to determine the main affected pathways and miRNA/mRNA target interactions.Results: A panel of eight, 23 and 27 miRNAs were associated with tumor size, LN, and REC status, respectively. Combined ROC analysis of two (miR-2117, and miR-378c), seven (let-7f-5p, miR-1255b-5p, miR-1268b, miR-200c-3p, miR-520d, miR-527, and miR-518a-5p), and three (miR-1200, miR-1249-3p, and miR-1271-3p) miRNAs showed a robust discriminatory power based on tumor size (AUC=0.917), LN (AUC=0.945) and REC (AUC=0.981) status, respectively. Enrichment pathway analysis revealed their involvement in proteoglycans and glycan, and cancer-associated pathways. Eight miRNAs with deregulated expressions in patients with large tumor size, positive LN metastasis and recurrence were significantly associated with lower survival rates. Conclusions: Altogether, our data indicate that miRNA deregulated expression is a relevant biological factor that can be associated with the poor prognosis in TNBC of AA patients, by conferring to their TNBC cells aggressive phenotypes that are reflected in the clinical characteristics evaluated in this study.
Artificial Neural Network coupled Condition Monitoring for advanced Fault Diagnosis of Engine
Authors: Mohanty Suvendu , Paul Swarup , Hazra Soudip 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper reflects on the use of the Artificial Neural Network ( ANN) approach to diagnose and interpret engine failure behaviour. The current research focuses on the analysis of quantitative wear trend patterns through Condition Tracking (CM) and soft computational approaches. Oil analysis has been carried out to observe the engine failure trend. An ANN model using a Nonlinear Autoregressive with Exogenous Input (NARX) architecture has been employed to predict quantitative outputs such as Wear Particle Concentration (WPC), Wear Severity Index (WSI), Severity Index (SI) and Percentage of Large Particle (PLP) in connection with input functions of Engine Running Hours, RPM and oil temperature. Correlation function and error similarity are statistically evaluated to represent the model's robustness and effectively chart the loss input-output sequence. The subsequent ANN model demonstrates the capabilities for advance diagnosis and better prediction of engine performance.
Silent Type Ii Truncus Arteriosus Diagnosed at the Age of 18-years in a Ugandan Male&nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: SEREKE SENAI Goitom , Isse Hamdi Mohamed , Jaffar Tamale , Bongomin Felix 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Persistent truncus arteriosus (TA) is a rare congenital heart condition with reported incidence of 1.2% among all congenital heart malformations. Majority of patients with TA die early in childhood due to complications such as heart failure. Case presentation: An 18-year-old adult with unsuspected congenital heart disease since birth, not detected in childhood. Six months prior to his presentation, he complained of easy fatigability and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Chest radiography demonstrated normal heart size and electrocardiogram showed biventricular hypertrophy. Echocardiograph showed truncus arteriosus type II with large outlet ventricular septal defect. The patient was put on medical therapy including bed rest, fluid restriction and then surgical correction was done. The patient’s symptom improved after the surgical correction.Conclusion: TA is a rare, serious congenital heart defect that can be detected in prenatal period by routine ultrasound screening. It is also very rare for TA to be silent and reach adulthood without clinical manifestation and a diagnosis.
Altitude and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the First Pandemic Wave in Spain: An Ecological Study
Authors: Castilla Jesus , Fresán Ujué , Trobajo-Sanmartín Camino , Guevara Marcela 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAfter the first pandemic wave, a nationwide seroepidemiological survey assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the population of Spain and found notable differences among provinces whose causes remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine the influence of environmental factors on SARS-CoV-2 infection. MethodsThis ecological study analyzed the association between environmental and demographic factors and SARS-CoV-2 infection by province. Environmental temperature and humidity were obtained from the Spanish Meteorological Agency and province extension, and latitude and altitude above sea level of their capital cities from the Geographical Institute. The seroprevalence SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by province was obtained from a nationwide representative survey performed in June 2020, after the first pandemic wave in Spain. Linear regression was used in the analysis.ResultsThe seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of the 50 provinces ranged from 0.2% to 13.6%. Altitude explained nearly half of differences in seroprevalence (determination coefficient [R2]=0.46, p<0.0001). Seroprevalence in people residing in provinces above the median altitude (215 meters) was threefold higher (6.5% vs 2.1%, p<0.0001). In the multivariate linear regression, the addition of population density significantly improved the predictive value of the altitude (R2=0.55, p<0.0001). Every 100 meters of altitude increase and 100 inhabitants/km2 of increase in population density, the seroprevalence increased by 0.84 and 0.63 percentage points, respectively.ConclusionsEnvironmental conditions related to higher altitude in winter-spring, as lower temperature and absolute humidity, may be relevant to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Places with such adverse conditions may require additional efforts for pandemic control.
Statistics of Seismicity to Investigate the Campi Flegrei Caldera Unrest
Authors: Tramelli Anna , Godano Cataldo , Ricciolino Patrizia , Giudicepietro Flora , Caliro Stefano , Orazi Massimo , De Martino Prospero , Chiodini Giovanni 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The knowledge of the dynamic of the Campi Flegrei calderic system is a primary goal to mitigate the volcanic risk in one of the most densely populated volcanic areas in the world. From 50s to 80s Campi Flegrei suffered three bradyseismic crises with a total uplift of almost 4.3 m. After a period of subsidence of 20 years, the uplift started again in 2005 accompanied by a low increment in the seismicity rate. In 2012 an increment in the seismic energy release and a variation in the gas composition of the fumaroles of Solfatara (in the central area of the 1 caldera) were recorded. Since then, a slow and progressive increase in phenomena continued until today. We analyze the seismic catalogue of Campi Flegrei from 2000 to 2020 collected by INGV-Osservato-rio Vesuviano to look for any variation in the seismic parameters and compare them with geochemical monitored ones. A remarkable correlation between independent variables as earthquake cumulative number, CO/CO 2 values and vertical ground deformation reveals a likely common origin. The interpretation of the seismological, geochemical and geodetical observable brings back to the injection of magmatic fluids into the hydrothermal system or its pressurization.
Hierarchical Drug Release Designed Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs for Targeted Delivery to Breast Cancer with Combined Photothermal-chemotherapy
Authors: Li Wen , Cao Zhiwen , Yu Liuchunyang , Huang Qingcai , Zhu Dongjie , Lu Cheng , Lu Aiping , Liu Yuanyan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the frequently diagnosed cancer and one of the deadliest causes of cancer-related death with a severe survival rate. Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-tumor drug used in the treatment of BC. The poor dispersion in water and toxic side effects limit its clinical application. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), due to their specific structures and unique biological and physiochemical properties, have emerged as attractive candidates as vehicles for tumor targeting, bio-imaging and therapy. An innovative nano drug-loading system (Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs) was prepared for targeted treatment of BC. Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs under near infra-red region (NIR) irradiation showed effective photothermal therapy against MDA-MB-231 human BC cells growth in vitro by inducing apoptosis through triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and generating excessive heat. In vivo studies revealed that Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs under NIR irradiation showed deep penetration and cancer-targeted fluorescence imaging application and strong photothermal therapy against BC xenograft growth in vivo by induction of apoptosis. Analysis of histopathology, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity assay, apoptosis experiment indicated that Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs had a good therapeutic effect with high biocompatibility and less side effect. This Au NPs drug-loading system achieved specific BC targeting ability by surface decoration of MTX, NIR laser irradiation for fluorescence imaging and combined photothermal-chemotherapy as well as pH- and NIR- triggered hierarchical drug release.
Differentiation of Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism predominant multiple system atrophy in early disease stages by means of objective measurement in Susceptibility Weighted Imaging
Authors: Ren Qingguo , Wang Yihua , Nan Xiaomin , Zhang Jianyuan , Meng Xiangshui , Zhao Cuiping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

We have established radiological protocol and made morphological measurement of the lentiform nucleus (LN) and the signal intensity which we used to discriminate parkinsonism predominant multiple system atrophy (MSA-P) from Parkinson’s disease (PD). But we don’t know whether it works especially in early stage of MSA-P. This case-control study aimed to investigate whether the new measurement of the morphological and intensity changes in susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) of the LN could discriminate MSA-P from PD in their early stage and controls.
Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with MSA-P, PD, and sex- and age-matched controls between January 2015 and July 2020 at the Movement Disorder Center who underwent brain MR scanning with SWI sequence. Two specialists at the center reviewed the medical records and made the final diagnosis, and two experienced neuroradiologists performed MRI image analysis based on a defined radiological protocol to conduct the region of interest (ROI) based morphological measurements of the LN and the signal intensity.
Results

A total of 17 patients with MSA-P, 17 patients with PD within 2 years of the disease duration and 17 controls were enrolled in this study. We found that patients with MSA-P had significant decreased size in the short line (SL, cSL), and the ratio of the SL and the long line (SLLr, cSLLr) compared with the patients with PD and with the controls (P < 0.05). Combining these four indexes, this finding had a sensitivity of 58.8% and a specificity of 100% to distinguish MSA-P from PD.
Conclusions

As compared to PD and control subjects, the MSA-P patients are characterized by narrowing morphology of the posterior region of LN. The quantitative morphological change is a possible potential marker to differentiate MSA-P from PD in the early stage.
Long-Term Impact of Baseline Serum Uric Acid Levels On Living Kidney Donors: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tanaka Kosuke , Yamanaga Shigeyoshi , Hidaka Yuji , Nishida Sho , Kinoshita Kohei , Kaba Akari , Ishizuka Toshinori , Hamanoue Satoshi , Okumura Kenji , Kawabata Chiaki , Toyoda Mariko , Miyata Akira , Kashima Masayuki , Yokomizo Hiroshi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Preoperative characteristics of living kidney donors are commonly considered during donor selection and postoperative follow-up. However, the impact of preoperative uric acid (UA) levels is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between preoperative serum UA levels and post-donation long-term events and renal function.Methods: This was a single-center retrospective analysis of 183 living kidney donors. The donors were divided into high (≥5.5 mg/dl) and low (<5.5 mg/dl) UA groups. We analyzed the relationship between preoperative UA levels and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as adverse events (cardiovascular events and additional prescriptions for hypertension, gout, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus), over 5 years after donation. Results: In total, 44 donors experienced 52 adverse events over 5 years. The incidence of adverse events within 5 years was significantly higher in the high UA group than in the low UA group (50% vs. 24%, p = 0.003); this was true even after the exclusion of hyperuricemia-related events (p = 0.047). UA emerged as an independent risk factor for adverse events (p = 0.012). Donors with higher UA levels had lower eGFRs after donation, whereas body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not have any impact on the eGFR.Conclusions: The findings suggest that preoperative UA levels should be considered during donor selection and postoperative follow-up.
Improving Access to Health and Gender-based Violence Services for Female Entertainment Workers in Cambodia: Findings From the Mobile Link Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brody Carinne , Chhoun Pheak , Tuot Sovannary , Fehrenbacher Anne E. , Moran Alexander , Swendeman Dallas , Yi Siyan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia experience a greater prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), psychological distress, substance use, and gender-based violence (GBV) than the general population. Reaching FEWs with health education and linking them to services has been difficult because of their hidden and stigmatized status. This study evaluates the Mobile Link intervention, aiming to improve FEWs’ health by connecting them to existing HIV, sexual and reproductive health, and GBV services using short message services and voice messages.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted between March 2018 and June 2019. We employed a stratified random sampling method to select participants from five study sites. Initially, we randomly selected 600 participants from a list of 4000 FEWs by age group and study site and randomized them to intervention or standard care control arms. The primary outcome measures included self-reported HIV and STI testing, condom use, and contraceptive use. We also measured secondary outcomes, including contact with outreach workers, escorted referral services use, forced drinking, and GBV experiences. Intervention effects were modeled using repeated measures, multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression.Results: We included 218 FEWs in intervention and 170 FEWs in control arms in the per-protocol analyses after removing dropouts. Evidence of positive intervention effects was detected for the following secondary outcomes: contacting an outreach worker (group by time 2 AOR 3.29, 95% CI 1.28–8.47), receiving an escorted referral (group by time 2 AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.09–7.52; group by time 3 AOR 8.15, 95% CI 1.65–40.25), and never being forced to drink at work (group by time 3 AOR 3.95, 95% CI 1.62–9.60). No significant differences between intervention and control groups over time were observed for any primary outcomes in the fully adjusted models.Conclusions: The Mobile Link intervention effectively connected FEWs with outreach workers and escorted referrals. Reductions in forced drinking at work were also significantly more extensive in the intervention group than the control group. Longer-term messaging may increase access to services and impact FEWs’ health outcomes in the future.Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov, NCT03117842 . Registered 31 March 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03117842?term=NCT03117842&rank=1
Protocol for the Implementation Mechanisms of Stepping Up (I.M. Stepping Up) Study, a Longitudinal Natural Experiment Examining Implementation Mechanisms to Improve Mental Health and Substance Use Services for Justice-involved Individuals in 950 Stepping Up and Comparison Counties Across the U.S.
Authors: Johnson Jennifer E. , Viglione Jill , Ramezani Niloofar , Cuellar Alison , Hailemariam Maji , Rosen Rochelle , Breno Alex , Taxman Faye 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background. The criminal justice system is the largest provider of mental health services in the U.S. Many jurisdictions are interested in reducing the use of the justice system for mental health problems. The national Stepping Up Initiative works with counties to reduce the number of individuals with mental illness in jails and to improve access to mental health services in the community. The Implementation Mechanisms of Stepping Up (I.M. Stepping Up) Study leverages a large natural experiment created by comparing Stepping Up counties to matched comparison counties over time to examine implementation mechanisms and outcomes. Methods. The study will survey 475 Stepping Up counties and 475 matched comparison counties at three waves: baseline, 18 months, and 36 months. Surveys will be sent to up to four respondents per county including administrators of jail, probation, community mental health services, and community substance use treatment services (3,800 total respondents). Implementation target mechanisms include: (1) use of and capacity for performance monitoring; (2) use and functioning of interagency teams; (3) common goals and mission across agencies; and (4) system integration (i.e., building an integrated system of care rather than adding one program or training). We will examine whether Stepping Up counties show a faster rate of improvement in hypothesized target mechanisms between Wave 1 and subsequent assessments (i.e., Waves 2 and 3) than do comparison counties (primary). We will also examine whether Stepping Up counties show a faster increases in implementation outcomes (number of justice-involved clients receiving behavioral health services, number of behavioral health evidence-based practices and policies [EBPPs] available to justice-involved individuals, and resources for behavioral health EBPP for justice-involved individuals). We will evaluate whether engagement of hypothesized mechanisms explains differences in implementation outcomes. Finally, we will characterize implementation processes and critical incidents using survey responses and qualitative interviews. Discussion. There are few rigorous, prospective studies examining implementation mechanisms and their relationship with behavioral health implementation outcomes in justice and associated community behavioral health settings. There is also limited understanding of implementation mechanisms that occur across systems with multiple goals. This study will elucidate target mechanisms in multi-goal, multi-agency systems.
Amphiphilic branched polymeric nitroxides for efficient magnetic resonance imaging of multiple-object in vivo
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Guo Shiwei , Li Zhiqian , Luo Qiang , Dai Yan , Zhang Hu , Gong Qiyong , Luo Kui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In order to solve the potential toxicity of metal-based Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs), a concept of non-metallic MRI CAs has emerged. Currently, paramagnetic nitroxides (such as (2, 2, 5, 5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyl, PROXYL), (2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxide, TEMPO), etc.) are being extensively studied because their good stability and imaging mechanism are similar to metal based contrast agents (such as Gd3+ chelate-based clinical CAs). However, nitroxides lower relaxivity and metabolizes rapidly in vivo are still challenge. Previous researches have proven that the construction of macromolecular nitroxides contrast agents (mORCAs) is a promising solution through the macromolecularization of nitroxides (ie, large molecules carry nitroxides). Macromolecular effects not only improve the stability of nitroxides by limiting their exposure to reductive substances in the body, but also improve the overall 1H water relaxation by increasing the concentration of nitroxides and slowing the molecular rotation speed. Results: Branched pDHPMA-mPEG-Ppa-PROXYL with high molecular weight (MW=160 kDa) and nitroxides content (0.059 mmol/g), it can form a nanoscale (~ 28 nm) self-assembled aggregate in a water environment and hydrophobic PROXYL can be protected by the hydrophilic outer layer to obtain the strong reduction resistance in vivo. Compared with the small molecular 3-Carboxy-PROXYL (3-CP), Branched pDHPMA-mPEG-Ppa-PROXYL displays there prominent performance: 1) its longitudinal relaxivity (0.50 mM-1 s-1) is about three times that of the 3-CP (0.17 mM-1 s-1); 2) the blood retention time of nitroxides is increased significantly from a few minutes of 3-CP to 6 h; 3) it could provide long-term and significant enhancement in MR imaging of the tumor, liver, kidney and cardiovascular system (heart and aortaventralis), and this is the first report on nitroxides-based MRI CAs for imaging the cardiovascular system. Conclusions: As a safe and efficient candidate metal-free magnetic resonance contrast agent, Branched pDHPMA-mPEG-Ppa-PROXYL is expected to be used not only in tumor, liver and kidney imaging, but also in cardiovascular system imaging, which expands the application scope of this kind of CAs.