bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological therapy for severe asthma
Authors: Dragonieri Silvano , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAround 5–10% of the total asthmatic population suffer from severe or uncontrolled asthma, which is associated with increased mortality and hospitalization, increased health care burden and worse quality of life. In the last few years, new drugs have been launched and several asthma phenotypes according to definite biomarkers have been identified. In particular, therapy with biologics has revolutionized the management and the treatment of severe asthma, showing high therapeutic efficacy associated with significant clinical benefits. To date, four types of biologics are licensed for severe asthma, i.e. omalizumab (anti-immunoglobulin E) antibody, mepolizumab and reslizumab (anti-interleukin [IL]-5antibody), benralizumab (anti-IL-5 receptor a antibody) and dupilumab (anti-IL-4 receptor alpha antibody). The aim of this article was to review the biologic therapies currently available for the treatment of severe asthma, in order to help physicians to choose the most suitable biologic agent for their asthmatic patients.
Dynamic changes of mitral valve annulus geometry at preprocedural CT: relationship with functional classes of regurgitation
Authors: Palmisano Anna , Nicoletti Valeria , Colantoni Caterina , Monti Caterina Beatrice , Pannone Luigi , Vignale Davide , Darvizeh Fatemeh , Agricola Eustachio , Schaffino Simone , De Cobelli Francesco , Esposito Antonio 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
We investigated mitral valve annular geometry changes during the cardiac cycle in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) prior to percutaneous mitral valve replacement or annuloplasty.

Methods
Fifty-one patients with severe MR and high surgical risk (Carpentier classification: 3 type I, 16 type II, 16 type IIIa, 16 type IIIb) underwent multiphase electrocardiographically gated (0–90%) CCTA, using a second generation dual-source CT scanner, as pre-procedural planning. Twenty-one patients without MR served as controls. The mitral valve annulus was segmented every 10% step of the R-R interval, according to the D-shaped segmentation model, and differences among groups were analysed by t-test or ANOVA.

Results
Mitral annular area and diameters were larger in MR patients compared to controls, particularly in type II. Mitral annular area varied in MR patients throughout the cardiac cycle (mean ± standard deviation of maximum and minimum area 15.6 ± 3.9 cm2versus 13.0 ± 3.5 cm2, respectively; p = 0.001), with greater difference between annular areas versus controls (2.59 ± 1.61 cm2 and 1.98 ± 0.6 cm2, p < 0.001). The largest dimension was found in systolic phases (20–40%) in most of MR patients (n = 27, 53%), independent of Carpentier type (I: n = 1, 33%; II: n = 10, 63%; IIIa: n = 8, 50%; IIIb: n = 8, 50%), and in protodiastolic phases (n = 14, 67%) for the control group.

Conclusions
In severe MR, mitral annular area varied significantly throughout the cardiac cycle, with a tendency towards larger dimensions in systole.
Evaluation of two native entomopathogenic nematodes against Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) (Isoptera: Termitidae) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Bhairavi K. Sindhura , Bhattacharyya Badal , Devi Gitanjali , Bhagawati Sudhansu , Das Partha Pratim Gyanudoy , Devi Elangbam Bidyarani , Manpoong Nang Sena 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are one of the widely studied biological control agents. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two EPNs species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar) (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) and Steinernema aciari (Qui, Yan, Zhou, Nguyen and Pang) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), isolated locally from soils of Majuli river island, Assam, India against two important subterrenean pests; Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) (Isoptera: Termitidae) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under laboratory conditions.

Results
In case of O. obesus, mortality percent was recorded by H. bacteriophora after 72 h. at 300 IJs/termite and by S. aciari at 250 and 300 IJs/termite after 96 h. The lowest LD50 and LT50 values obtained for H. bacteriophora were 13.054 IJs/termite and 26.639 h., respectively, while those of S. aciari were 42.040 IJs/termite and 31.761 h., respectively. With respect to A. ipsilon, H. bacteriophora registered a highest mortality rate at 300 IJs/larvae after 144 h. S. aciari showed 100 percent mortality at 300 IJs/larva after 168 h. The lowest values of LD50 and LT50 for H. bacteriophora were 35.711 IJs/larva and 83.050 h., respectively. The lowest values of LD50 and LT50 for S. aciari were 71.192 IJs/larvae and 97.921 h., respectively. Overall, H. bacteriophora displayed more virulence toward O. obesus and A. ipsilon than S. aciari.

Conclusion
Both native EPNs were found effective against O. obesus and A. ipsilon. However, H. bacteriophora was more virulent toward O. obesus and A. ipsilon than S. aciari under the laboratory conditions.
Biochemical and microbial profiling establish “Eu” (a traditional fermented beverage of Toto people) as a probiotic health drink
Authors: Bhattacharjee Soumita , Kar Pallab , Sarkar Indrani , Sen Arnab , Ghosh Chandra 
Published: August 2021

Abstract“Eu,” is a traditional millet-based mild alcoholic beverage consumed by the Toto tribe of West Bengal. Eu is prepared through the fermentation of millet with locally groomed starter culture “Moaa.” The study highlighted the overview of the traditional process of Eu preparation along with its molecular and biochemical characterization. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for collecting the ethnobotanical data and the samples. We have also included qualitative assays like acute toxicity, antioxidant, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), molecular docking, and physiochemical characteristics such as pH and alcohol content. Moreover, metagenomics of the starter culture has been reported. This type of study on Eu has not been done previously. Therefore, it seems to be a pioneer report especially on the metagenomic analysis of Eu. Results revealed that Eu has a very low alcohol content (approximately 1-3%) and a high antioxidant capacity. GC-MS analysis identified thirteen different bioactive compounds. Metagenomics analysis revealed that the Eu has a high source of various beneficial gut microflora. OverallLactobacillus,Lactococcus,Enterococcus,Leuconostoc, andPediococcusare dominant genera identified in the starter culture. The present study revealed that the consumption of Eu is safe and has the potential to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, the commercialization of Eu can be an alternative source of income for the poor endangered Toto tribe.
Plasmid profiling of multiple antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from soil of the industrial area in Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Asma , Rahman Md. Mijanur , Chowdhury Mohammed Mehadi Hassan , Mobashshera Tanha Amina , Islam Nazneen Naher 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundMultiple antibiotic-resistant (MAR)Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa) plays a significant role in triggering nosocomial infection in clinical settings. WhileP. aeruginosaisolated from the environment is often regarded as non-pathogenic, the progressive development of antibiotic resistance necessitates exploring the MAR patterns and transposable genetic elements like plasmid in the isolates.ResultsUsingecfXgene-based PCR, 32P. aeruginosaisolates among 48 soil samples collected from the industrial region have been confirmed. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of those isolates revealed that 5 (15.63%) of them were resistant to a range of antibiotics, and they were categorized as MAR isolates. Nevertheless, all MAR isolates were found resistant to piperacillin and gentamicin, but none of them to ceftazidime, aztreonam, and ciprofloxacin. Moreover, the isolates were also showed resistance to amikacin (60%), tobramycin (80%), netilmicin (80%), imipenem (60%), doripenem (40%), meropenem (60%), and cefixime (40%). Furthermore, 60% of MAR isolates possessed double plasmids of 1000–2000 bp sizes which indicates the distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in MARP. aeruginosamight be correlated with the presence of those plasmids. The MAR index’s high threshold values (> 0.20) implied that the isolates were from high-risk environmental sites where the presence of numerous antibiotic residues happened.ConclusionsThese findings highlighted the presence of multiple antibiotic resistance inP. aeruginosaof the industrial soil and a considerable prospect of transferring antibiotic resistance genes in the microbial community by plasmids. We recommend taking immediate stringent measures to prohibit the unnecessary and overuse of antibiotics in agricultural, industrial, or other purposes.
Phase I Study of Venetoclax Plus Daratumumab and Dexamethasone, With or Without Bortezomib, in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma With and Without t(11;14)
Authors: Bahlis Nizar J. , Baz Rachid , Harrison Simon J. , Quach Hang , Ho Shir-Jing , Vangsted Annette Juul , Plesner Torben , Moreau Philippe , Gibbs Simon D. , Coppola Sheryl , Yang Xiaoqing , Al Masud Abdullah , Ross Jeremy A. , Bueno Orlando , Kaufman Jonathan L. 
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE Venetoclax is an oral BCL-2 inhibitor with single-agent activity in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) with t(11;14) translocation. Venetoclax efficacy in RRMM may be potentiated through combination with agents including bortezomib, dexamethasone, and daratumumab. METHODS This phase I study ( NCT03314181 ) evaluated venetoclax with daratumumab and dexamethasone (VenDd) in patients with t(11;14) RRMM and VenDd with bortezomib (VenDVd) in cytogenetically unselected patients with RRMM. Primary objectives included expansion-phase dosing, safety, and overall response rate. Secondary objectives included further safety analysis, progression-free survival, duration of response, time to progression, and minimal residual disease negativity. RESULTS Forty-eight patients were enrolled, 24 each in parts 1 (VenDd) and 2 (VenDVd). There was one dose-limiting toxicity in part 1 (grade 3 febrile neutropenia, 800 mg VenDd). Common adverse events with VenDd and VenDVd included diarrhea (63% and 54%) and nausea (50% and 50%); grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in 88% in the VenDd group and 71% in the VenDVd group. One treatment-emergent death occurred in part 2 (sepsis) in the context of progressive disease, with no other infection-related deaths on study with medians of 20.9 and 20.4 months of follow-up in parts 1 and 2, respectively. The overall response rate was 96% with VenDd (all very good partial response or better [≥ VGPR]) and 92% with VenDVd (79% ≥ VGPR). The 18-month progression-free survival rate was 90.5% (95% CI, 67.0 to 97.5) with VenDd and 66.7% (95% CI, 42.5 to 82.5) with VenDVd. CONCLUSION VenDd and VenDVd produced a high rate of deep and durable responses in patients with RRMM. These results support continued evaluation of venetoclax with daratumumab regimens to treat RRMM, particularly in those with t(11;14).
Effect of Early Palliative Care on End-of-Life Health Care Costs: A Population-Based, Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Seow Hsien , Barbera Lisa C. , McGrail Kimberlyn , Burge Fred , Guthrie Dawn M. , Lawson Beverley , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Peacock Stuart J. , Sutradhar Rinku 
Published: August 2021

PURPOSE:This study aimed to investigate the impact of early versus not-early palliative care among cancer decedents on end-of-life health care costs.METHODS:Using linked administrative databases, we created a retrospective cohort of cancer decedents between 2004 and 2014 in Ontario, Canada. We identified those who received early palliative care (palliative care service used in the hospital or community 12 to 6 months before death [exposure]). We used propensity score matching to identify a control group of not-early palliative care, hard matched on age, sex, cancer type, and stage at diagnosis. We examined differences in average health system costs (including hospital, emergency department, physician, and home care costs) between groups in the last month of life.RESULTS:We identified 144,306 cancer decedents, of which 37% received early palliative care. After matching, we created 36,238 pairs of decedents who received early and not-early (control) palliative care; there were balanced distributions of age, sex, cancer type (24% lung cancer), and stage (25% stage III and IV). Overall, 56.3% of early group versus 66.7% of control group used inpatient care in the last month ( P < .001). Considering inpatient hospital costs in the last month of life, the early group used an average (±standard deviation) of $7,105 (±$10,710) versus the control group of $9,370 (±$13,685; P < .001). Overall average costs (±standard deviation) in the last month of life for patients in the early versus control group was $12,753 (±$10,868) versus $14,147 (±$14,288; P < .001).CONCLUSION:Receiving early palliative care reduced average health system costs in the last month of life, especially via avoided hospitalizations.
Intra-articular low-dose parathyroid hormone (1-34) improves mobility and articular cartilage quality in a preclinical age-related knee osteoarthritis model
Authors: Chen Chung-Hwan , Kang Lin , Chang Ling-Hua , Cheng Tsung-Lin , Lin Sung-Yen , Wu Shun-Cheng , Lin Yi-Shan , Chuang Shu-Chun , Lee Tien-Ching , Chang Je-Ken , Ho Mei-Ling 
Published: August 2021

Aims Osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent among the elderly and incurable. Intra-articular parathyroid hormone (PTH) ameliorated OA in papain-induced and anterior cruciate ligament transection-induced OA models; therefore, we hypothesized that PTH improved OA in a preclinical age-related OA model. Methods Guinea pigs aged between six and seven months of age were randomized into control or treatment groups. Three- or four-month-old guinea pigs served as the young control group. The knees were administered 40 μl intra-articular injections of 10 nM PTH or vehicle once a week for three months. Their endurance as determined from time on the treadmill was evaluated before kill. Their tibial plateaus were analyzed using microcalculated tomography (μCT) and histological studies. Results PTH increased the endurance on the treadmill test, preserved glycosaminoglycans, and reduced Osteoarthritis Research Society International score and chondrocyte apoptosis rate. No difference was observed in the subchondral plate bone density or metaphyseal trabecular bone volume and bone morphogenetic 2 protein staining. Conclusion Subchondral bone is crucial in the initiation and progression of OA. Although previous studies have shown that subcutaneous PTH alleviates knee OA by improving subchondral and metaphyseal bone mass, we demonstrated that intra-articular PTH injections improved spontaneous OA by directly affecting the cartilage rather than the subchondral or metaphyseal bone in a preclinical age-related OA model. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(8):514–525.
Extended Risley scanning system with 30 × 360 coverage
Authors: Lyu Jiangbo , Chen Zhiyu , Wang Guangbiao , Tan Meng , Lu Rongguo , Cao Zizheng , Liu Yong 
Published: August 2021

We propose a beam scanning system based on an extended Risley prism structure. This
system uses a rotating mirror structure and expands the original
construction of the balanced and stable Risley prism. There is much
research on extended Risley prism structures, but the scanned angle of
their extended systems is less than 180°. The proposed system in this
paper can expand scanned angle to 360°, showing practical significance
and application value in the field of beam scanning. This is achieved
by using reflectors and multiple transmitter and receiver structures
with optimized positions and transmission directions. Simulation
results show that the scanning range is 360° and

±

14

∘

in the horizontal and vertical
directions, respectively, at 110 m while the angular resolution is

0.2

∘

×

2

∘

.
Spectropolarimeter on board the Aditya-L1: polarization modulation and demodulation
Authors: Nagaraju K. , Prasad B. Raghavendra , Hegde Bhavana S. , Narra Suresh Venkata , Utkarsha D. , Kumar Amit , Singh Jagdev , Kumar Varun 
Published: August 2021

One of the major science goals of the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload aboard the Aditya-L1 mission is to map the coronal magnetic field topology and quantitative estimation of longitudinal magnetic field on a routine basis. The infrared channel of VELC is equipped with a polarimeter to carry out full Stokes spectropolarimetric observations in the Fe xiii line at 1074.7 nm. The polarimeter is in a dual-beam setup with a continuously rotating wave plate as the polarization modulator. Detection of circular polarization due to the Zeeman effect and depolarization of linear polarization in the presence of a magnetic field due to the saturated Hanle effect in the Fe xiii line require a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Due to the limited number of photons, long integration times are expected to build the required SNR. In other words, signals from a large number of modulation cycles are to be averaged to achieve the required SNR. This poses several difficulties. One is the increase in data volume and the other is the change in the modulation matrix in successive modulation cycles. The latter effect arises due to a mismatch between the retarder’s rotation period and the length of the signal detection time in the case of the VELC spectropolarimeter. It is shown in this paper that by appropriately choosing the number of samples per half rotation, the data volume can be optimized. A potential solution is suggested to account for modulation matrix variation from one cycle to another.
Full-color micro-LED display based on a single chip with two types of InGaN/GaN MQWs
Authors: Wang Zhou , Zhu Shijie , Shan Xinyi , Yuan Zexing , Cui Xugao , Tian Pengfei 
Published: August 2021

In this Letter, we have successfully realized the full-color micro-LED display on a single-chip utilizing multi-wavelength multi-quantum wells (MQWs). The epitaxial wafer used for micro-LED array chips is designed with two types of MQWs including

I
n

0.1

G
a

0.9

N

/

G
a
N

and

I
n

0.55

G
a

0.45

N

/

G
a
N

grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). A single-chip broad-spectrum multi-wavelength emission from 620 to 450 nm can be realized by changing the injection current to realize the regulation of carrier injection in the MQWs with different emission wavelengths. And the full-color micro-LED display with uniform brightness can be achieved by adopting the pulse width modulation (PWM) to adjust the duty cycle of micro-LED pixels at different pulse voltages. We expect this study will provide a promising research direction for full-color micro-LED displays, thus effectively avoiding the problems caused during the massive transfer and color conversion.
Asymmetric dual-SSB modulation for photonic co-frequency mm-wave signals generation and DSP-free receiver
Authors: Song Haiping , Huang Chuanming , Li Hongyu , Dai Longquan , Liu Ziqi , Yang Yu , Cheng Mengfan , Yang Qi , Tang Ming , Liu Deming , Deng Lei 
Published: August 2021

An asymmetric dual-single-sideband (SSB) modulation scheme for photonic co-frequency millimeter (mm)-wave signals generation and digital signal processing (DSP)-free receiver is experimentally demonstrated for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. To effectively avoid the sideband crosstalk in the traditional symmetric dual-SSB modulation scheme, not only two vector-modulated signals but also two unmodulated sidebands are modulated on the two asymmetric sides of an optical carrier in this scheme. An optical delay line interferometer could easily separate these two asymmetric dual-SSB signals simultaneously in the receiver, and thus the photonic frequency up-conversion is realized. Besides, this scheme is free of dispersion-induced RF power fading thanks to the SSB modulation. By this means, no digital compensation algorithms such as carrier phase recovery, fiber dispersion compensation, and channel equalization are required, contributing to the DSP-free receiver. In our experiment, two 32 GHz 3.2 Gb/s 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation mm-wave signals are produced using two RF signals with the carrier frequencies of 12 GHz and 20 GHz. The error vector magnitude (EVM) performances of these two mm-wave signals after 25.5 km standard single-mode fiber transmission are better than 3rd Generation Partnership Project requirements without using any digital compensation algorithms.
A qualitative study to explore the experience of parents of newborns admitted to neonatal care unit in rural Rwanda
Authors: Byiringiro Samuel , Wong Rex , Logan Jenae , Kaneza Deogratias , Gitera Joseph , Umutesi Sharon , Kirk Catherine M. 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundNeonatal Care Units (NCUs) provide special care to sick and small newborns and help reduce neonatal mortality. For parents, having a hospitalized newborn can be a traumatic experience. In sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited literature about the parents’ experience in NCUs.ObjectiveOur study aimed to explore the experience of parents in the NCU of a rural district hospital in Rwanda.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted with parents whose newborns were hospitalized in the Ruli District Hospital NCU from September 2018 to January 2019. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide in the participants’ homes by trained data collectors. Data were transcribed, translated, and then coded using a structured code book. All data were organized using Dedoose software for analysis.ResultsTwenty-one interviews were conducted primarily with mothers (90.5%, n = 19) among newborns who were most often discharged home alive (90.5%, n = 19). Four themes emerged from the interviews. These were the parental adaptation to having a sick neonate in NCU, adaptation to the NCU environment, interaction with people (healthcare providers and fellow parents) in the NCU, and financial stressors.ConclusionThe admission of a newborn to the NCU is a source of stress for parents and caregivers in rural Rwanda, however, there were several positive aspects which helped mothers adapt to the NCU. The experience in the NCU can be improved when healthcare providers communicate and explain the newborn’s status to the parents and actively involve them in the care of their newborn. Expanding the NCU access for families, encouraging peer support, and ensuring financial accessibility for neonatal care services could contribute to improved experiences for parents and families in general.