bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Viral Load in Patients With Acute Sore Throats: Results From an Observational Clinical Trial With Echinacea and Salvia Lozenges
Authors: Weishaupt Ramon , Buchkov Alexandar , Kolev Emil , Klein Peter , Schoop Roland 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Acute tonsillopharyngitis or sore throat is an initial and frequent sign of viral respiratory tract infection (RTI) and represents an optimal occasion for early and effective treatment. Most sore throats are caused by a multiplicity of viruses that are highly contagious (e.g., rhinoviruses or coronaviruses). Thus, therapeutic intervention should not only aim to reduce symptoms (anti-inflammatory and anesthetic), but also the viral load and transmission (anti-viral). Both of these actions have been attributed to Echinacea purpurea and Salvia officinalis. The goal of this clinical study was to assess the safety and acute treatment effects of the Echinacea/Salvia lozenges for the treatment of early symptoms of sore throat, associated common cold symptoms, and viral shedding from the very beginning.Methods: A total of 74 patients (age 13-69 years) with acute sore throat symptoms (<48 h) were treated with five Echinacea/Salvia lozenges per day (4000 mg Echinacea purpurea extract [Echinaforce®] and 1893 mg Salvia officinalis extract [A. Vogel Switzerland] daily) for 4 days. Patients recorded throat pain, tonsillopharyngitis, and common cold symptoms and provided throat swab samples to assess the viral load before, during and after therapy.Results: The lozenges had 99% (very) good ratings and were exceptionally well-tolerated according to the physician and patients. A single lozenge significantly reduced viral load by 62% (p<0.03), and a 4-day treatment by 96% (p<0.02). Ninety minutes after the first dose, throat pain was reduced by 48% (p<0.001) and tonsillopharyngitis symptoms, such as difficulty of swallowing, salivation, and reddening, by 34% (p<0.001). At the end of treatment, pain, sore throat, and additional common cold symptoms, such as nasal and systemic complaints, were reduced by more than 83% (p<0.001). The physician’s assessment of throat status ultimately confirmed the patient-reported positive treatment outcome. Finally, no complicated RTI developed during therapy, and no antibiotic treatment was required (0%).Conclusions: Echinacea/Salvia lozenges represent an effective option for the early treatment of acute sore throats with a wide safety margin. Importantly, antiviral effects immediately reduce viral shedding and potentially the transmission of RTIs from the very start of treatment.
Raman Spectroscopic and Advanced Signal Processing analyses for Real Time Standoff Detection and Identification of Explosives
Authors: Abdallah Adel , Mahmoud Alaaeldin , Mokhtar Mohamed , Mousa Aiman , Elbashar Yahia , Ayoub H. S. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Laser Raman spectroscopy is a powerful instrument commonly used for detection of bulk and trace amounts of explosives. The work carried out in this paper is divided into two phases; the first phase is to propose a real time standoff explosive detection and identification system based on Raman spectroscopy that can be deployed in static checkpoints. The measurement is performed for samples placed in contact and at distances up to 1 meter in ambient light conditions. The second phase is to propose a novel sophisticated signal processing and pattern recognition techniques for accurate identification and classification of the investigated materials.
Haematopoietic and Cardiac GPR55 Synchronize Post-myocardial Infarction Remodelling
Authors: Puhl Sarah-Lena , Hilby Michael , Kohlhaas Michael , Keidel Linus M. , Jansen Yvonne , Hristov Michael , Schindler Jakob , Maack Christoph , Steffens Sabine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background and purpose: While classical cannabinoid receptors are known to crucially impact on myocardial infarction (MI) repair, a function of the cannabinoid-sensitive receptor GPR55 herein is poorly understood. We investigated the role of GPR55 in cardiac physiology and post-MI inflammation and remodelling. Methods and results: Global GPR55-/- and wildtype (WT) mice were basally characterized or assigned to 1, 3 or 28 days permanent MI and subsequently analysed via pro-inflammatory and pro-hypertrophic parameters. GPR55-/- deficiency was basally associated with bradycardia, increased diastolic LV volume and sarcomere length and a subtle inflammatory phenotype. While infarct size and myeloid cell infiltration were unaffected by GPR55 depletion, acute cardiac chemokine production was prolonged post-MI. Concurrently, GPR55-/- hearts exhibited a premature expansion of pro-reparative and phagocytic macrophages paralleled by early up regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) factors 3 days post-MI, which could be mimicked by sole haematopoietic GPR55 depletion. Moreover, global GPR55 deficiency mitigated MI-induced foetal gene re-programming and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, culminating in aggravated LV dilatation and infarct expansion. Conclusions: GPR55 regulates cardiac homeostasis and ischaemia responses by maintaining adequate LV filling and modulating three crucial processes post-MI: wound healing kinetics, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and maladaptive remodelling.
VEGF-targeted multispectral optoacoustic tomography and fluorescence molecular imaging in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Steinkamp Pieter J. , Vonk Jasper , Huisman Lydian A. , Meersma Gert-Jan , Diercks Gilles F.H. , Hillebrands Jan-Luuk , Nagengast Wouter B. , Zeebregts Clark J. , Slart Riemer H.J.A. , Boersma Hendrikus H. , Dam Gooitzen M. van 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background: Vulnerable atherosclerotic carotid plaques are prone to rupture resulting in ischemic strokes. Molecular imaging techniques have the potential to assess plaque vulnerability by visualizing molecular markers. Bevacizumab-800CW is a near-infrared fluorescent contrast agent antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Here, we study if administration of bevacizumab-800CW is safe and can be visualized using multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) to evaluate atherosclerotic carotid plaques in vivo by visualizing intra-plaque neovascularization.Methods: Healthy volunteers were imaged with MSOT to determine the technical feasibility of human carotid imaging with MSOT. Patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis scheduled for carotid artery endarterectomy were intravenously administered with a bolus injection of 4.5 mg bevacizumab-800CW. Before and two days after tracer administration, in vivo non-invasive MSOT was performed. For validation, ex vivo fluorescence molecular imaging of the surgically removed plaque specimen was performed and correlated with histopathology.Results: Administration of 4.5 mg bevacizumab-800CW was safe in five patients. MSOT achieved accurate visualization of the carotid bifurcation area and assessment of the plaque in all five patients. Bevacizumab-800CW-resolved signal could not be detected with MSOT prior to surgery. However, ex vivo analysis of the carotid plaque showed accumulation of bevacizumab-800CW.Conclusions: These first-in-human MSOT and fluorescence molecular imaging results in carotid artery plaques suggest that bevacizumab is a potential tracer for imaging of vulnerable plaques. However, the microdose used here cannot be detected with MSOT. A subsequent phase I dose-finding study is needed to evaluate bevacizumab-800CW in higher doses as a useful optoacoustic imaging agent. Moreover, the development of dedicated optoacoustic contrast agents for signal attenuation of the targeting moiety is advisable for carotid atherosclerotic plaque assessment using MSOT.
Are Exclusion Fences Effective in Protecting Threatened Plants?
Authors: Lorite Juan , Salazar-Mendías Carlos , Pawlak Roza , Cañadas Eva 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Overgrazing stands out as threat factors on biodiversity, being especially harmful in the Mediterranean, due to strong human pressure and an accelerated climate change acting synergistically. Fencing is one of the most used tools in conservation biology to tackle this problem. Advantages of fences are usually fast, intuitive, and easy to evaluate. However, disadvantages could also arise (increasing interspecific competition, disturbing habitat structure, limiting pollination, reducing dispersion). Together with management issues (maintenance, conflicts with stakeholders, and pulling effect). Effectiveness of fencing for conservation has been frequently assessed for animals, while it is almost a neglected topic in plants. We evaluated the outcome of fencing three threatened and narrow-endemic plants. Selected 5 populations were only partly fenced, which allowed comparing different variables inside and outside the fence. For evaluating the fencing effects, we sampled several habitats (vegetation cover, composition, density of target species), and target-species features (individual size, neighbouring species, and fruit-set). Fencing had strong effects on the habitat and on target-species individuals, showing contrasting responses at species and population level. Particularly, for Erodium cazorlanum, fence had a positive effect in one case, and negative in another. In Hormathophylla baetica effect was positive in all populations. Finally, fencing negatively affected Solenanthus reverchonii by increasing competition and limiting seed-dispersal. Fencing outcome was different in assessed species, highlighting the need to a case-by-case evaluation to determine the net balance (pros vs. cons), also its suitability and most favourable option (i.e. permanent vs. temporary fences).
Altered central and blood glutathione in Alzheimer Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jinghan J , Thiyagarajah Mathura , Song Jianmeng , Chen Clara , Herrmann Nathan , Gallagher Damien , Rapoport Mark J. , Black Sandra E. , Ramirez Joel , Andreazza Ana C. , Oh Paul , Marzolini Susan , Graham Simon J. , Lanctot Krista L 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence implicates oxidative stress (OS) in Alzheimer Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Depletion of the brain antioxidant glutathione (GSH) may be important in OS-mediated neurodegeneration, though studies of post-mortem brain GSH changes in AD have been inconclusive. Recent in vivo measurements of brain and blood GSH may shed light on GSH changes earlier in the disease.Aim: To quantitatively review in vivo GSH in AD and MCI compared to healthy controls (HC) using meta-analyses. Method: Studies with in vivo brain or blood GSH levels in MCI or AD with a HC group were identified using Medline, PsychInfo, and Embase (1947-June 2020). Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for outcomes using random effects models. Outcome measures included brain GSH (Meshcher-Garwood Point Resolved Spectroscopy (MEGA-PRESS) versus non-MEGA-PRESS), and blood GSH (intracellular versus extracellular) in AD and MCI. The Q statistic and Egger’s test were used to assess heterogeneity and risk of publication bias, respectively. Results: For brain GSH, 4 AD (AD=135, HC=223) and 4 MCI (MCI=213, HC=211) studies were included. For blood GSH, 26 AD (AD=1203, HC=1135) and 7 MCI (MCI=434, HC=408) studies were included. Brain GSH overall did not differ in AD or MCI compared to HC; however, the subgroup of studies using MEGA-PRESS reported lower brain GSH in AD (SMD [95%CI] -1.45 [-1.83, -1.06], p<0.001) and MCI (-1.15 [-1.71, -0.59], z=4.0, p<0.001). AD had lower intracellular and extracellular blood GSH overall (-1.10 [-1.58, -0.62], z=4.46, p<0.001). In a subgroup analysis, intracellular GSH was lower in MCI (-0.66 [-1.11, -0.21], p=0.025). Heterogeneity was observed throughout (I2 >85%) and not fully accounted by subgroup analysis. Egger’s test indicated risk of publication bias.Conclusion: Blood intracellular GSH decrease is seen in MCI, while both intra- and extracellular decreases were seen in AD. Brain GSH is decreased in AD and MCI in subgroup analysis. Potential bias and heterogeneity suggest the need for measurement standardization and additional studies to explore sources of heterogeneity.
Prognostic Aspects of Positive Ascites Cytology and Effects of Therapeutic Interventions in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: a Large-scale Multi-institutional Study
Authors: Yoshihara Masato , Emoto Ryo , Kitami Kazuhisa , Iyoshi Shohei , Uno Kaname , Mogi Kazumasa , Tano Sho , Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Matsui Shigeyuki , Kajiyama Hiroaki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Positive ascites cytology is a strong prognostic factor in patients with early-stage ovarian cancer (OvCa). However, limited information is currently available on the impact of positive ascites cytology on patient prognoses under each clinical background. We herein investigated the comprehensive impact of positive ascites cytology on patients with epithelial OvCa and the effectiveness of additional therapeutic interventions, including complete staging surgery and chemotherapy. Among 4,730 patients with malignant ovarian neoplasms, retrospectively identified in multiple institutions, 1,906 with epithelial OvCa were included. In the investigation of its effects on clinical factors using a multivariate analysis, positive ascitic cytology correlated with a poor prognosis. Positive ascites cytology had a significantly worse prognosis than those with negative cytology in all subgroups except for patients with stage IV tumors and a mucinous histology. Chemotherapy may be effective in reducing the negative impact of positive ascites cytology on the prognosis of patients in terms of progression-free and overall survivals, while complete staging surgery did not improve the prognosis of patients with positive ascites cytology. Collectively, our findings suggested that positive ascites cytology had a negative impact on the prognosis of patients with epithelial OvCa, but not those with stage IV tumors or a mucinous histology.
SHED Aggregate Derived Exosomes-shuttled miR-222 Promotes the Regenerative Properties of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells
Authors: Zhou Feng , Guo Jia , Wang Fang , Zhao Wanmin , He Xiaoning , Wu Meiling , Ji Kun , Li Bei , Jin Yan , Zhou Miao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) aggregate is still limited in clinical application for lack of angiogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of exosomes derived from stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) aggregate (SA-Exo) on the aggregate formation and angiogenic properties of PDLSCs.Methods: SA-Exo were isolated by ultracentrifugation. The effect of SA-Exo on the aggregate formation and angiogenic differentiation of PDLSCs were evaluated by investigating extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and tube formation assay. MicroRNA (miRNA) sequencing was employed to screen different miRNA expression. The effect of targeting miRNA on ECM deposition and angiogenesis of PDLSCs aggregate was investigated after overexpression and inhibition of miRNA. Periodontal bone defect rat models were established to evaluate the effect of the PDLSCs aggregate and SA-Exo combination on periodontal bone regeneration. Results: SA-Exo could significantly enhance the ECM deposition and angiogenic ability of PDLSCs. The expression of ECM-associated proteins (COL-I, integrinβ1, and fibronectin), angiogenesis-related proteins (PDGF, ANG, TGFβRII), and related pathway (p-SMAD1/5 and p-SMAD2/3) were upregulated in PDLSCs aggregate with SA-Exo. Mechanistically, miR-222 was found relatively abundant in SA-Exo, which promoted ECM deposition and angiogenesis of PDLSCs. In vivo experiment further validated that combinational use of PDLSCs aggregate and SA-Exo promote more bone formation and neovascularization in rat’s periodontal bone defect.Conclusions: SA-Exo-shuttled miR-222 contributes to PDLSCs aggregate engineering by promoting aggregate formation and angiogenesis, which might through activate the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.
Estimating the wear rate of diamond cutting wire segment in building stone cutting using SVR and GA_MLP system
Authors: Babajan Omid Jami , Bagherpour Raheb 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
As the cutting stone is a wear process, performing this process with diamond pieces' aid can be considered the wear of stone particles bypassing diamond grains on its surface. To better understand this process as well as the conditions governing the cutting diamond grain, it is necessary to familiar with the cutting mechanism along with the affecting parameters. In this matter, predicting the amount of segment consumption plays a prominent role to estimate the production cost as well as to schematize the building stone mines. This paper utilized the data obtained from Carbonate and Granite stones to estimate the amount of consumption of diamond cutting wire segments. To do so, two methods, namely support vector regression (SVR) and genetic algorithm + Multilayer perceptron (GA-MLP) were chosen using the MATLAB software toolboxes in order to estimate the segment erosion. In each of the above algorithms, a lowpass smoothing filter, called Savitzky-Golay was employed on the data. For this purpose, three rock properties including uniaxial compressive strength, Shimazk friction factor, and Young's modulus, were also employed as the model's input. After that, twelve models were constructed and then the segment erosion was estimated as well. Ultimately, the accuracy of the above models was assessed using the coefficient of determination (\({R}^{2}\)), mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean value absolute error (MAD), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and variance of factor analysis (VFA). According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the SVR approach and the Savitzky-Golay filter with Polynomial Kernel could better estimate the wear rate of the diamond cutting wire segment.
The Effect of Educational Intervention Based on Health Belief Model on Preventive Behaviors of Type 2 Diabetes Among at-risk Male Students
Authors: Safajou Saleh , Rezaeian Mohsen , Abadi Yaser Salim , Nasirzadeh Mostafa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: One of the most important strategies to prevent diabetes as an important health issue in adolescents is education and awareness. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of educational intervention (EI) based on health belief model (HBM) on preventive behaviors of type 2 diabetes.Methods: The educational trial study was conducted in 2019-2020 among 143 high school male students at risk in Khash city (in southwestern Iran), using a random cluster method in two intervention and control groups. Data collection tools were demographic characteristics, knowledge, model constructs and disease prevention behaviors questionnaires. The training program was held in 7 one-hour sessions. Data were collected before, immediately and three months after the intervention and analyzed by SPSS 20 software using Chi-square, Independent t-test and Repeated Measures ANOVA at significant level of 0.05. Results: Immediately after the implementation of the training program in the intervention group, a significant increase was observed in the mean scores of knowledge, model constructs and behavior (P =0.0001). Three months after the EI, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of knowledge, perceived barriers, Cues to action and behavior between the two groups (p <0.05).Conclusion: Considering the effect of EI based on HBM on the promotion of diabetes prevention behaviors in students, the design, implementation and evaluation of theory-based EIs in the control and prevention of diabetes in adolescents is recommended.
Pressure-controlled ventilation-volume guaranteed (PCV-VG) for postoperative pulmonary complications: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Zheng Jianqiao , Du Li , Deng Xiaoqian , Zhang Lu , Wang Jia , Chen Guo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMore than 300 million major surgical procedures are performed worldwide yearly. Above 30% of patients undergoing surgery with mechanical ventilation may experience postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). PPCs are the main cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality and it can be decreased by optimizing the mechanical ventilation. Pressure-controlled ventilation-volume guaranteed (PCV-VG) is a new ventilation mode, which combines the advantages of volume-controlled ventilation and pressure-controlled ventilation, might reduce PPCs. The efficacy of PCV-VG for PPCs has not yet been systematically reviewed. Hence, we will conduct a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of PCV-VG for PPCs. The aim of this protocol is to investigate the benefits of PCV-VG versus conventional ventilation mode for PPCs.MethodsWe will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid medline, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Literature, Wanfang and VIP databases from their inception until May 2021, to identify randomised controlled studies using related keywords. Simultaneously, clinical registration tests and gray literature will also be retrieved. Studies published in English or Chinese will be considered. The primary outcome will be the incidence of PPCs, secondary outcomes will be intraoperative parameters of respiratory and hemodynamic function. Data synthesis/statistical analyses will be performed using the Review Manager software (version 5.4) and Stata (version 16). Heterogeneity will be assessed by the standard chi-square test and I2 statistic. Two authors will independently search, extract data from and assess the risk bias of included studies according the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Trial sequential analysis will be used to control the risks of random errors. Funnel plots and Egger’s regression test will be used to assess the publication bias. Certainty of the evidence will be assessed by modified Jadad Scale.DiscussionThis study will systematically and comprehensively search literature and integrate evidence on the efficacy of PCV-VG for PPCs. Our results will help clinical decision-making and support the development of clinical practice guidelines.
The comparison of Self-organized map and k-means algorithms used for 4G network performance evaluation
Authors: Wang Shaoxuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
With the increasing complexity of mobile networks, it has become more and more difficult to perform effective management of mobile networks, which has led to more data to be evaluated and optimized. This article focuses on the performance evaluation of Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks by using two unsupervised learning techniques. Besides, this paper aims to identify the pros and cons of these two clustering algorithms as well. To achieve the above goals, different dimensional datasets for learning a process based on two classic unsupervised clustering methods are introduced to this work. A Self-organized map (SOM) neural network and k-means are as a comparison algorithm and the sample data with three different degree correlation coefficients features with 63 LTE cells, which is from a major European city. The purpose behind using these two methods is to see how different dimensions of the datasets can be used for testing clustering effectiveness and we propose a method based on the features extracted from key performance indicators (KPIs) and Euclidean distance is used as the evaluation standard for the distance between different clusters and samples within clusters. The comparing results show that k-means has a better cluster performance in low dimension data set, whereas the SOM’s performance unsatisfactory. On the other hand, the SOM’s clustering performance is better than k-means in high dimension and big data set and it could visualize results. It was verified that there is a significant difference in the obtained results using different clustering algorithms.