bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Muscle Activity with Assistance Level During Exoskeletal Gait in Acute Stroke
Authors: O'Callaghan Ben P.F. , Flood Matthew W. , Tonellato Michele , Fingleton Caitríona , Lowery Madeleine M , Lennon Olive 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe level of assistance provided to the user is an important decision in rehabilitation training using robotic devices. Both fully assistive and assist-as-needed paradigms have shown benefits in functional outcomes in healthy individuals and users with chronic stroke and spinal cord injury. The effect of assistance level on muscle activity and kinematic gait parameters has not yet been directly examined during overground exoskeletal gait in a stroke population. Furthermore, it is not clear whether an assist-as-needed approach could elicit increased voluntary activity in individuals in the acute stages of stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of assistance level on muscle activity and kinematic parameters during exoskeleton gait in individuals in the acute stage of stroke care.MethodsNine individuals in the acute stage of post-stroke care performed walking tasks in the EKSO GTTM exoskeleton using both maximal assistance and adaptive assistance control paradigms. Temporal gait parameters and muscle activity were recorded using accelerometers and surface EMG on the lower limb muscles.ResultsShorter swing times and longer double support times were observed on the non-paretic side during adaptive assist mode than with maximum assist mode (p<0.0065). No significant effect of exoskeleton mode was observed on the remaining temporal gait parameters. On the paretic side, proximal lower limb muscles (RF and ST) and plantar-flexors (SO) (p<0.00125) exhibited greater activation in adaptive assist mode than in maximum assist mode. On the non-paretic side however, the lower limb distal muscles (TA and SO) displayed greater activity during maximum assist mode than adaptive assist mode (p<0.00125). ConclusionsThe level of assistance provided by an exoskeleton in the acute stages of stroke care is an important clinical decision. The results indicate that an adaptive or assist-as-needed approach elicits higher levels of activation in muscles acting around the knee joint and plantar-flexors on the paretic side than a maximal, fixed assistance paradigm, in the acute stage post-stroke. Increased activity around the ankle joint during maximum assistance mode was also noted. Improved understanding of the effect of assistance level can help inform future control paradigms for exoskeleton gait in acute stroke.
Considerations on Diagnosis and Surveillance Measures of PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome: Clinical and Genetic Study in a Series of Spanish Patients.
Authors: Pena-Couso Laura , Ercibengoa María , Mercadillo Fátima , Gómez-Sánchez David , Inglada-Pérez Lucía , Santos María , Lanillos Javier , Gutiérrez-Abad David , Hernández Almudena , Carbonell Pablo , Letón Rocío , Robledo Mercedes , Rodríguez-Antona Cristina , Perea José , Urioste Miguel 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The limited knowledge about the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) makes its diagnosis a challenging task. We aimed to define the clinical and genetic characteristics of this syndrome in the Spanish population and to identify new genes potentially associated with the disease.Results: We reviewed the clinical data collected through a specific questionnaire in a series of 145 Spanish patients with a phenotypic features compatible with PHTS and performed molecular characterization through several approaches including next generation sequencing and whole exome sequencing (WES).Macrocephaly, mucocutaneous lesions, gastrointestinal polyposis and obesity are prevalent phenotypic features in PHTS and help predict the presence of a PTEN germline variant in our population. We also find that PHTS patients are at risk to develop cancer in childhood or adolescence. Furthermore, we observe a high frequency of variants in exon 1 of PTEN, which are associated with renal cancer and overexpression of KLLN and PTEN. Moreover, WES revealed variants in genes like NEDD4 that merit further research.Conclusions: This study expands previously reported findings in other PHTS population studies and makes new contributions regarding clinical and molecular aspects of PHTS, which are useful for translation to the clinic and for new research lines.
Overview and Clinical Significance of Multiple Mutations in Individual Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ohshima Keiichi , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Sugiura Teiichi , Ito Takaaki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Otsuka Shimpei , Ohnami Sumiko , Nagashima Takeshi , Hatakeyama Keiichi , Sugino Takashi , Urakami Kenichi , Akiyama Yasuto , Yamaguchi Ken 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMultiple mutations (MMs) within individual oncogenes have been newly characterized as a mechanism for promotion of carcinogenesis. We investigated the spectra of the MMs and the clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsWhole-exome sequencing and gene expression profiling were performed in 223 surgically resected HCCs. ResultsMMs within individual genes was identified in 178 samples (79.8%, MMs tumors). All the remaining samples carried single mutation (20.2%, SM tumors). Mutations identified as MMs show different mutational patterns with higher functional impact compared with mutations identified as SM. Recurrence-free survival was significantly worse in the group with MMs tumors than the group with SM tumors (P = 0.012). MMs tumor was identified as an independent predictor for worse prognosis (hazard ratio, 1.72; 95%, P = 0.045). MMs were observed particularly in MUC16 (15% of samples with at least one mutation in the gene) and CTNNB1 (14%). Although there was no significant difference in MUC16 mRNA expression between MUC16 wild-type and MUC16 SM tumors, the expression in MUC16 MMs tumors was significantly enhanced compared with MUC16 SM tumors (P < 0.001). MMs in MUC16 were associated with viral hepatitis, higher tumor markers and vascular invasion. Recurrence-free survival was significantly worse in the MUC16 MMs group than the MUC16 SM group (P = 0.022); no significant difference was observed between the MUC16 SM group and MUC16 wild-type group (P = 0.324).ConclusionsMMs are relatively common driver events that selectively occur in specific oncogenes and function in tumor-promoting activity.
Combination of Pseudoephedrine and Emodin Ameliorates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Regulating Macrophage M1/M2 Polarization Through the VIP/cAMP/PKA Pathway
Authors: Yan Shu-Guang , Wang WenBa , Li Jing-Tao , Hui Yi , Shi Jie , Wang Xu-Yan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is an acute multifactorial infectious disease induced by trauma, pneumonia, shock, and sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of pseudoephedrine and emodin combined treatment in experimental ALI , as well as the mechanisms underlying the regulation of inflammation and pulmonary edema via the VIP /cAMP/PKA pathway.Methods: Wistar rats were divided into a control group, lipopolysaccharide(LPS) group, and a pseudoephedrine + emodin treatment group. Rats in the control group were given intraperitoneal saline injections, while rats in the LPS and treatment groups were given intraperitoneal LPS injections to induce ALI. After being treated with pseudoephedrine and emodin for 24 hours, all animals were sacrifce. Anal temperatures were taken on an hourly basis for eight hours after LPS injection. Pathological examination of lung specimen was performed by H&E staining. Cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, Arg-1, CD86, CD80, CD206, F4/80, VIP) in colon were assayed by ELISA and immunofuorescence.The expression of VIP, CAMP, AQP-1, AQP-5, p-PKA/PKA, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 protein in lung was determined by western blotting.Results: After rats being treated with pseudoephedrine + emodin, the symptoms (febrility) of ALI were alleviated. The contents of infammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) were decreased and anti-inflammatory cytokines(IL-10, Arg-1) were signifcantly increased in serum. Pseudoephedrine + emodin treatment effectively promoted VIP cAMP and p-PKA protein expression in lung tissues, and significantly inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation,Pseudoephedrine + emodin treatment can inhibit M1 polarization and promoted M2 polarization via the VIP/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.Conclusions: The combination of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and emodin was effective in ameliorating LPS-induced ALI in rats by inducing VIP/cAMP/PKA signaling, inhibiting the NF-κB inflammatory pathway, suppressing macrophage M1 polarization, and promoting macrophage M2 polarization.
Transition From Child to Adult Health Care for Patients With Lysosomal Storage Diseases in France. Current Status and Priorities: The TENALYS Study, a Patient Perspective Survey.
Authors: Genevaz Delphine , Arnoux Armelle , Marcel Catherine , Brassier Anaïs , Pichard Samia , Feillet François , Labarthe François , Chabrol Brigitte , Berger Marc , Lapointe Anne-Sophie , Frigout Yvann , Héron Bénédicte , Chatellier Gilles , Belmatoug Nadia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Transition from childhood to adulthood (TCA) is usually difficult in rare, progressive and multisystemic diseases. New treatments and modalities of care for many lysosomal diseases (LD) can increase life expectancy, and a successful TCA can help patient who reach adulthood to avoid disruption to health care. In France, some TCA initiatives have been taken by referral centers but in view of the problems encountered by Vaincre les Maladies Lysosomales (VML), the LD patient association, they seem to be insufficient. The aim of this study is to determine the current state of the TCA process and to identify actions to improve it through interviews with patient families and physicians in LD referral centers.The study is based upon an observational, non-interventional, cross-sectional, national survey which used two anonymous questionnaires. These questionnaires, developed by a scientific committee including representatives from VML and medical specialists in LD, were sent to patients who were receiving care in pediatric departments at age 15 years or older. Questionnaires were also sent to their referal pediatricians.ResultsFifty-four patients were included. Forty-two questionnaires were completed by patients and their corresponding physicians and 12 were completed by physicians only. The majority of the patients (80%) were informed that transferal to adult healthcare would occur, but 52 % were informed after their eighteenth birthday. Forty-eight percent indicated that they were informed that a TCA coordinator would be appointed; for 39% the time frame for the transfer was communicated, and 31% were informed of the composition of the adult medical team. Among the actions that patients rated as “important/very important”, and considered to be a priority in their comments, the most frequently cited were the provision of explanatory documents on the TCA (94%), the transmission of the medical file from the pediatric sector to the adult sector (94%) and a joint consultation with both pediatrician and adult unit physician (91%). Physicians were in agreement concerning the primary importance of the last two actions.ConclusionThis study provides a basis for the deployment, on the national level, of transition programs which include specific actions that patients view as priorities.
Infectivity and Antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Strains in Portugal
Authors: huang weijin , Wang Hai-xin , zhang Li , Liang zi-teng , nie jian-hui , wu jia-jing , li qian-qian , ding ru-xia , zhang yue , chen guo-qing , Wang you-chun , Wang hui-guo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a major impact on global human health. During the spread of SARS-CoV-2, weakened host immunity and the use of vaccines with low efficacy may result in the development of more virulent strains or strains with resistance to existing vaccines and antibodies. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains differs among regions, and this variation may affect the effectiveness of vaccines. In this study, an epidemiological investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal was performed, and the VSV-ΔG-G* pseudovirus system was used to construct 12 S protein epidemic mutants, D614G, A222V+D614G, B.1.1.7, S477N+D614G, P1162R+D614G+A222V, D839Y+D614G, L176F+D614G, B.1.1.7+L216F, B.1.1.7+M740V, B.1.258, B.1.258+L1063F, and B.1.258+N751Y.The mutant pseudoviruses were used to infect four susceptible cell lines (i.e., Huh7, hACE2-293T, Vero, and LLC-MK2) and 14 cell lines overexpressing ACE2 from different species. Mutant strains did not show increased infectivity or cross-species transmission. Neutralization activity was evaluated using the newly constructed pseudoviruses, mouse serum, and 11 monoclonal antibodies. The neutralizing activity in immunized mouse serum was not significantly reduced for the mutant strains. Additionally, mutant strains in Portugal showed escape from 9 of 11 monoclonal antibodies. Neutralization resistance was mainly caused by the S477N, N439K, and N501Y mutations in the Spike receptor binding domain. These findings emphasize the importance of SARS-CoV-2 mutation tracking in different regions for epidemic prevention and control.
Improved Adaptive Beamforming for Smart Antennas
Authors: Dakulagi Veerendra , Dakulagi Rohini , Yeap Kim Ho , Nisar Humaira 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a new antenna array configuration for smart antenna beamforming. In this new method, we displace two antenna elements of a uniform linear array (ULA) and place them at the top and bottom of the array axis. We investigate the efficacy of this method by deploying the variable step size least mean square algorithm (VSSLMS). The proposed method is compared with popular LMS and normalized LMS algorithms. Computer simulations show that the proposed method has enhanced convergence rate and high data transmission compared to the LMS and the NLMS methods. Also, the new method has the same performance for middle angles, near boresight and array endfires which is not possible for the LMS and the NLMS method using a ULA.
Development of a Competitive Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Using a Monoclonal Antibody Recognizing 3B of Foot-and-mouth Disease Virus for Differentiating Infected From Vaccinated Animals
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Guanglei , Yang Sicheng , Li Junhui , Gao Zhan , Ge Sudan , Yang Huihui , Shao Junjun , Chang Huiyun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a devastating animal disease. Differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) is very important for confirming suspected cases, evaluating the prevalence of infection, certifying animals for trade and controlling the disease. Methods: In this study, a competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay (3B-cCLIA) for DIVA was developed for the rapid detection of antibodies against non-structural proteins (NSPs) in different species of livestock animals using monoclonal antibody 9E2 as a competitive antibody that recognizes NSP 3B.Results: The cut-off (50%), diagnostic sensitivity (97.20%, 95.71%, and 96.15%) and diagnostic specificity (99.51%, 99.43%, and 98.36) of the assay were estimated by testing a panel of known background sera from swine, cattle and sheep. The accuracy rate of 3B-cCLIA was further validated followed by its comparison with two commercial diagnostic kits. The early diagnostic performance showed that antibodies to NSPs occurred later (about 1–2 days) than antibodies to structural proteins. Furthermore, NSP antibodies present in animals vaccinated multiple times (false-positive), especially in cattle and sheep, were confirmed, and the false-positive rate increased with the number of vaccinations. Conclusions: These results indicated that 3B-cCLIA is suitable to rapidly detect antibodies against FMDV NSP 3B in a wide range of species for DIVA.
Monitoring the Tissue Perfusion During Hemorrhagic Shock and Resuscitation: Tissue-to-arterial Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure Gradient in a Pig Model
Authors: Endo Yusuke , Hirokawa Taku , Miyasho Taku , Takegawa Ryosuke , Shinozaki Koichiro , Rolston Daniel M , Becker Lance B. , Hayashida Kei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Transcutaneous CO2 (tcPCO2) and arterial CO2 (artPCO2) decoupling occurs during shock states. Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that the gradient between tcPCO2 and artPCO2 (tc-artPCO2) can detect inadequate tissue perfusion during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Methods: This prospective animal study was performed by a qualified and experienced research team using female pigs (LWD, weighing 29–34 kg) at university-based experimental laboratory. Progressive massive hemorrhagic shock was induced in mechanically-ventilated pigs by stepwise blood withdrawal. Next, all the animals were then resuscitated by transfusing the stored blood in stages. A transcutaneous monitor was attached to the animals’ ear to measure the tcPCO2 and transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2). The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) and pulse index continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) were used to monitor several hemodynamic parameters. Results: Hemorrhage and blood transfusion precisely impacted hemodynamic and laboratory data, such as cardiac output (CO), stroke volume, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, global end-diastolic volume, hemoglobin, and arterial lactate. The tc-artPCO2 level markedly increased as CO decreased. In the analyses of the 42 paired measurements, there were significant correlations of tc-artPCO2 with systemic oxygen delivery (DO2) and CO (DO2: r = -0.83, CO by PAC: r = -0.79; CO by PiCCO: r = -0.74; all P < 0.0001) levels. The critical level of oxygen delivery (DO2crit) was 11.72 mL/kg/min according to tcPO2 (at a threshold of 30 mmHg). The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that the area under the curves (AUCs) that predicted DO2crit for tc-artPCO2, shock index (SI), and lactate were 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.00); 0.78 (0.63-0.93); and 0.65 (0.47-0.82), respectively. The AUC for tc-artPCO2 was greater in predicting DO2crit than that for SI.Conclusions: tc-artPCO2 was strongly correlated with DO2 during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. This less-invasive tc-artPCO2 monitoring can sensitively detect inadequate systemic O2 supply during hemorrhagic shock. Further evaluations are required in different forms of shock in other large animal models and in humans to assess its usefulness, safety, and ability to predict outcomes in critical illnesses.
Microbacterium Sulfonylureivorans Sp. Nov., Isolated From A Sulfonylurea Herbicides Degrading Consortium
Authors: Ma Qingyun , Kong Delong , Zhang Qi , Li Miaomiao , Han Xiaoyan , Che Juan , Zhou Yiqing , Zhang Wei , Jiang Xu , Ruan Zhiyong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A novel Gram-stain positive, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain LAM7116T, was isolated from a sulfonylurea herbicides degrading consortium enriched with the birch forest soil from Xinjiang. The optimal temperature and pH for the growth of strain LAM7116T were 35 °C and 7.0, respectively. Strain LAM7116T could grow in the presence of NaCl up to 4% (w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain LAM7116T was closely related to the members of the genus Microbacterium, with the highest similarity to Microbacterium flavescens DSM 20643T (98.1%) and Microbacterium kitamiense Kitami C2T (98.1 %). Strain LAM7116T formed a distinct subclade with M. flavescens DSM 20643T within the genus Microbacterium in the 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic trees. The genomic DNA G+C content of LAM7116T was 69.9 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) value between strain LAM7116T and M. flavescens DSM 20643T was 27.20 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value was 83.96 % by comparing the draft genome sequences of strain LAM7116T and M. flavescens DSM 20643T. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C17:0 and iso-C16:0. The respiratory quinones of strain LAM7116T were MK-13 and MK-14. The main polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified lipid and an unidentified glycolipid. Based on the phenotypic characteristics and genotypic analyses, we propose that strain LAM7116T represents a novel species, for which the name Microbacterium sulfonylureivorans sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is LAM7116T (=CGMCC 1.16620T =JCM 32823T). Strain LAM7116T secreted auxin IAA and grew well in Ashby nitrogen-free culture medium. Genomic results showed that strain LAM7116T carried the nitrogenase iron protein (nifU and nifR3) gene, which indicated that strain LAM7116T has the potential to fix nitrogen and promote plant growth. At the same time, the strain LAM7116T can degrade nicosulfuron (a kind of sulfonylurea herbicides) by using glucose as carbon source, microbial degradation of nicosulfuron is the primary process of removing nicosulfuron from environments, and biodegradation is the most effective and environmentally friendly. Microbacterium sulfonylureivorans sp. nov. LAM7116T is a potential candidate for the biofertilizers of organic agriculture areas, having broad prospects for using, and may possess potential to be used in bioremediation of nicosulfuron-contaminated environments.
Enhancement of Multilayer Perceptron Model Training Accuracy through the Optimization of Hyperparameters: A Case Study of the Quality Prediction of Injection Molded Parts
Authors: Ke Kun-Cheng , Huang Ming-Shyan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Injection molding has been broadly used in the mass production of plastic parts and must meet the requirements of efficiency and quality consistency. Machine learning can effectively predict the quality of injection molded part. However, the performance of machine learning models largely depends on the accuracy of the training. Hyperparameters such as activation functions, momentum, and learning rate are crucial to the accuracy and efficiency of model training. This research further analyzed the influence of hyperparameters on testing accuracy, explored the corresponding optimal learning rate, and provided the optimal training model for predicting the quality of injection molded parts. In this study, stochastic gradient descent (SGD) and stochastic gradient descent with momentum were used to optimize the artificial neural network model. Through optimization of these training model hyperparameters, the width testing accuracy of the injection product improved. The experimental results indicated that in the absence of momentum effects, all five activation functions can achieve more than 90% of the training accuracy with a learning rate of 0.1. Moreover, when optimized with the SGD, the learning rate of the Sigmoid activation function was 0.1, and the testing accuracy reached 95.8%. Although momentum had the least influence on accuracy, it affected the convergence speed of the Sigmoid function, which reduced the number of required learning iterations (82.4% reduction rate). Optimizing hyperparameter settings can improve the accuracy of model testing and markedly reduce training time.