bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Properties Determined Using Electromechanical Assessment (Arthro-BSTTM) With Macroscopic and Histological Properties in Symptomatic Human Articular Cartilage of the Hip
Authors: Ukai Taku , Sato Masato , Wasai Shiho , Takahashi Takumi , Omura Haruka , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Cartilage degeneration is assessed using various methods. Although macroscopic evaluation can measure cartilage degeneration directly, it cannot accurately assess cartilage properties. Histological examination is one of the most accurate methods for evaluating cartilage degeneration. However, it is invasive and requires collection of cartilage tissue. By contrast, the Arthro-BSTTM probe can assess cartilage properties noninvasively. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Arthro-BST for assessing cartilage degeneration by comparing macroscopic evaluation (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] classification) and histological evaluation (modified Mankin score and Osteoarthritis Research Society International [OARSI] histological grade).Methods: Fourteen femoral heads were excised from 13 patients during surgery to treat hip osteoarthritis or femoral fracture. The ICRS score was used for macroscopic evaluation of cartilage degeneration. The Arthro-BST was applied at sites matching the areas of cartilage damage. The sites assessed using the ICRS classification and Arthro-BST were evaluated histologically (modified Mankin score and OARSI histological grade), and these were compared with the Arthro-BST results.Results: ICRS classification identified significant differences between grades 1 and 3 (p < 0.01), grades 1 and 4 (p < 0.01), grades 2 and 3 (p < 0.01), and grades 2 and 4 (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were observed between the Arthro-BST results and the ICRS score, modified Mankin score (structure, cellularity, matrix staining, total score), and OARSI histological grade.Conclusions: In the assessment of hip osteoarthritis, Arthro-BST results correlated with those of macroscopic and histological evaluation. The Arthro-BST is useful for assessing hip osteoarthritis and may be helpful for the noninvasive assessment of cartilage degeneration.
Trichinella spiralis ESP inhibits tumor cell growth by regulating the immune response and inducing apoptosis
Authors: Ding Jing , Liu Xiaolei , Tang Bin , Bai Xue , Wang Yang , Li Shicun , Li Jian , Liu Mingyuan , Wang Xuelin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Although Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) causes zoonotic diseases, it has a strong immunomodulatory effect and has therapeutic potential for various autoimmune diseases and cancers. Our previous study results showed that T. spiralis infection can inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells, but the specific mechanism has not been elucidated.
Methods

BALB/c mice injected with H22 cells and then infected with T. spiralis were used to detect tumor inhibition rate. Cell proliferation and apoptosis of H22 cells treated with excretory-secretory product (ESP) were measured by Cell-Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) and Flow Cytometry (FCM). The expression of apoptosis-related genes in H22 cells and tumor tissues was detected by western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-4 production in the spleens were measured by qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).
Results

The growth of tumors in tumor model mice infected with T. spiralis was significantly inhibited compared with those uninfected tumor model mice. ESP could inhibit H22 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the levels of Th1 cytokines with antitumor effects were significantly increased in the early stage of T. spiralis infection, while Th2 cytokines increased later than Th1 cytokines.
Conclusions

ESP can directly induce tumor cell apoptosis and indirectly inhibit tumor cell growth through the host immune system, which is the potential antitumor mechanism of T. spiralis infection.
Single-Cell Conventional Pap Smear Image Classification Using Pre-Trained Deep Neural Network Architectures
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Aliy , Abdurahman Fetulhak , Ayalew Yodit Abebe 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Automating Pap smear based cervical cancer screening could alleviate the challenge related to the shortage of skilled manpower, mainly pathologists in developing countries. The astonishing accuracy and reproducibility of deep neural networks in computer vision have made them a frontline candidate to tackle such challenges. In this regard, the main purpose of this research project is to classify single-cell Pap smear microscopic images using the architectures of the pre-trained deep convolutional neural network image classifiers. We have trained five class single-cell Pap smear images from SIPaKMeD on top ten pre-trained image classification architectures. The architectures were selected from Keras Applications based on their top 1% accuracy. Then, the output layers of the selected architectures were fine-tuned from 1000 classes to five classes and retrained. Results: Our experimental result demonstrated that DenseNet169 outperformed the selected 10 pre-trained architectures with an average accuracy, precision, recall and f1-scores of 0.990, 0.974, 0.974 and 0.974, respectively. Moreover, it dashed the benchmark accuracy proposed by the creators of the dataset with 3.70%. Conclusions: Even though the size of DenseNet169 is small compared to the experimented architectures, still it is not suitable for mobile and edged devices. It is required to experiment with mobile or small size image classification neural network architectures.
Association of Serum Magnesium and Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertensive Crises: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Onor IfeanyiChukwu O. , Hill Lashira M. , Famodimu Modupe M. , Coleman Mallory R. , Huynh Carolkim H. , Beyl Robbie A. , Payne Casey J. , Johnston Emily K. , Okogbaa John I. , Gillard Christopher J. , Sarpong Daniel F. , Borghol Amne , Okpechi Samuel C. , Norbert Ifeyinwa , Sanne Shane E. , Guillory Shane G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The role of magnesium in blood pressure has been studied among hypertensive patients, however, no study has explored the role of magnesium in hypertensive crises. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between serum magnesium and blood pressure in patients with hypertensive crises.
Methods: This study is a single-center, retrospective, chart review, cohort study of patients with hypertensive crises. Patients were included in the study cohort if they were eighteen years of age or older with an international classification disease ninth revision (ICD-9) code of 401.9 (hypertensive crises: emergency or urgency) and a documented magnesium level on their electronic medical record. The primary outcome of the study was to assess the correlation between serum magnesium on blood pressure (systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure) in patients with hypertensive crises. The secondary outcomes were to assess the association between serum calcium, corrected calcium, and serum potassium on blood pressure in patients with hypertensive crises and to determine the effects of covariates in modulating the relationship between serum magnesium and blood pressure.
Results: Two hundred and ninety-three patients were included in the study. The primary outcome result showed that serum magnesium was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r=0.143, p=0.014), but not diastolic blood pressure. Serum calcium was also found to be positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic blood pressure. After adjusting for covariates in the solution for fixed effects analysis, serum magnesium, serum calcium, corrected calcium, and use of home proton pump inhibitors were correlated with systolic blood pressure at crises; while age, serum calcium, and corrected calcium were significantly correlated with diastolic blood pressure at crises.
Conclusion: This study found a significant positive association between magnesium and systolic blood pressure, but not diastolic blood pressure among patients with hypertensive crises. This positive association of serum magnesium with systolic blood pressure was maintained after adjusting for covariates. This study findings suggests a potential role of magnesium in blood pressure among patients with hypertensive crises. Future studies should evaluate the role of serum magnesium modifying therapies in controlling blood pressure in patients with hypertensive crises.
Extension of In-Gap Electronic-State Spectrum Extraction Technique Based on Transient Photo-Voltage Measurement
Authors: Lin Zedong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This article puts forward a novel insight for extraction of trap state density (DOST) based on the transient photo-voltage (TPV) experimental data. Inspired by the method based on the Gauss distribution model, we introduce a universal general distribution model and present a general technique of DOST distribution from the experimental data of TPV measurement. The method based on the exponential (Gauss) distribution model is the one (two) order special case of our method. Compared to the method based on the exponential model (applicable only when the TPV result satisfies linear relation) and Gauss model (applicable only when the TPV result satisfies quadratic function relation), our work is effective for arbitrary TPV result.
Changes in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life during Pregnancy
Authors: Gil-Montoya José Antonio , Leon-Rios Ximena , Rivero Tania , Expósito-Ruiz Manuela , Perez-Castillo Iñigo , Aguilar-Cordero María José 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate the evolution of perceived quality of life in relation to oral health during pregnancy and to determine the risk factors involved in this process. MethodsA follow-up study was carried out with pregnant Spanish women. Two oral examinations and an oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) assessment, using the OHIP-14 questionnaire, were performed in the first and third trimester of pregnancy. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, O’Sullivan Test measures, oral hygiene habits, history of caries, and periodontal status of participants were collected through structured medical-dental questionnaires. ResultsA complete dataset comprising 246 pregnant women was available for analysis. Overall scores for negative impacts on the OHIP questionnaire were significantly higher during late pregnancy (74%). This indicated a deterioration in oral health-related quality of life amongst participants. Items describing “painful aching”, “self-consciousness”, “unsatisfactory diet”, and “interrupted meals” showed the greatest increase between the first and third trimester of gestation. Multivariate analysis showed that pre-gestational/gestational diabetes mellitus and poor oral hygiene habits during the first trimester of gestation were directly associated with worse oral health-related quality of life during the third trimester of gestation (hyperglycemia: OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.019-8.050: p=0.043 / Oral Hygiene: OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.970-1.836; p=0.076). ConclusionsIn the present research, hyperglycemia during pregnancy and poor oral hygiene habits during the first trimester of gestation led to a higher risk of poor oral quality of life during late pregnancy.
Neural Network-Based Event-triggered Adaptive Asymptotic Tracking Control for Switched Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Li Baomin , Xia Jianwei , Sun Wei , Shen Hao , Zhang Huasheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper addresses the event-triggered based adaptive asymptotic tracking control problem for switched nonlinear systems with unknown control directions based on neural network technique. A novel asymptotic tracking controller, in which Nussbaum functions are introduced to address the issue of unknown control directions, is designed by combining neural network control technology and event-triggered strategy. Different from the existing tracking control schemes, the proposed controller in this paper can guarantee that the tracking error ς 1 asymptotically converges to the origin and reduce the communication burden from the controller to the actuator. Finally, the effectiveness of the presented control design is proved by numerical examples.
Prediction Score Project for the Incidence of Cerebrovascular Events in Patients With Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxiao , Liu Chen , Zhou Peng , Sheng Zhaoxue , Li Jiannan , Zhou Jinying , Chen Runzhen , Wang Ying , Chen Yi , Song Li , Zhao Hanjun , Yan Hongbing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWe sought to develop and validate a novel marker-based risk score to improve stroke prognostication in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsA retrospective study was conducted and internally validated a new biomarker-based risk score for the incidence of stroke in 4103 patients with MI undergoing primary PCI who were randomized into a derivation and a validation cohort. Predictive values of markers and clinical variables were evaluated using Cox regression models and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. The most important variables were included in the score, with weight proportional to the model coeﬃcients.ResultsSignificant predictors of the incidence of cerebrovascular events were age, history of atrial fibrillation, history of hypertension, Killip class, blood pressure group, target lesion involving branches, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and thrombus aspiration. The models had good calibration and discrimination in derivation and internal validation. The areas under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for predicting cerebrovascular events were 0.773 and 0.766 for the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively, at 5-year follow-up. Survival ROC curves exported the best cut-off values and divided them into low-risk and high-risk groups using the R language. We conducted Kaplan–Meier survival analysis for the two groups. Both groups displayed significant difference in the derivation and validation cohorts (P=0.00003 and P=0.009, respectively). We compared the new prediction model to the CHADS-VASc score; the AUCs were 0.773 and 0.754, respectively.ConclusionThe prediction model was internally validated and calibrated in large cohorts of patients with MI receiving primary PCI therapy. This risk score incorporates allows re-evaluation of the risk of cerebrovascular events after undergoing primary PCI.
Purification of syncytia -producing peptide as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer and viral infection
Authors: Koga Michiko , Tei Sokoku , Watanabe Manabu , Sato Sakiko , Tanabe Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Virus-induced syncytium formation, or cell fusion, has been investigated as a potential therapeutic approach for cancer. HVJ virus infection or transfection of membrane glycoproteins of virions have been known to cause syncytium formation in affected cells. Also, it was known that other enveloped viruses such as Herpes viruses, leukaemia viruses induce cell fusion. However, substances or molecules that directly cause syncytium formation have not been identified to date. Here, we identify a peptide that efficiently induces syncytia and report its structure, as an actionable therapeutic agent for cancer and viral infection. We purified and identified the fusion factor from the exosomes of the cells infected with murine leukaemia virus but not producing viruses by column chromatography, mass spectrometry, and amino acid analyses. We confirmed the peptide purified from the cell culture media and synthesized peptides induce syncytia as well as the murine leukaemia viruses, or the membranes or exosomes of MuLV infected cell lines in RFL cells and several cancer cell lines leading to apoptosis. And this peptide suppresses in vivo growth of cancer cells significantly. Furthermore, we found the synthesized peptide can cause fusion of enveloped virions as well as virus infected cells or cancer cell lines. These results nominate the use of this peptide as a potentially promising therapeutic approach for cancer and viral infection through efficient induction of syncytium formation followed apoptosis.
Neural stem cells reversed disease symptoms in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Brown Christina , McKee Christina , Halassy Sophia , Kojan Suleiman , Feinstein Douglas , Chaudhry G. Rasul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). MS affects millions of people and causes a great economic and societal burden. Currently used treatment drugs have side effects and only address the symptoms but not the causes of MS. In this study, a novel approach of transplanting neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human primitive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was investigated in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS.
Methods

Primitive MSCs were differentiated into NSCs using selective media. The cells were labeled with PKH26 and injected into the tail vein of EAE mice. The animals were evaluated for changes in neurobehavior and weight twice daily. Two weeks following cell transplantation, the animals were sacrificed to collect the blood, lymphatic and CNS tissues for analysis. FACS analysis was used to track labeled cells and infiltrates. Histochemical analysis was performed to determine the levels of myelination. Expression of inflammation, neural, astrogliosis, neuroprotection, and myelination markers was investigated by using immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR analyses.
Results

Neurobehavioral assays showed that EAE disease process was halted by transplantation of both MSCs and NSCs. However, NSCs showed greater efficacy in reversing the disease symptoms, which resulted in near complete recovery of EAE animals. Post-transplantation analyses also showed homing of transplanted cells into the CNS with concomitant induction of anti-inflammatory response resulting in reduction of immune infiltrates. Luxol fast blue staining intensity of CNS tissues was significantly improved in treated mice as compared to EAE animals, suggesting endogenous remyelination. NSC transplantation also modulated Treg and Th17 cells in EAE mice to levels comparable to healthy controls. In addition, several of the markers associated with neuroprotection (i.e. Igf, Bdnf, and Trkb), myelination (i.e. Erk2, Krox-20, Oct-6, Mpz, Mbp, and Mog) and neurogenesis (i.e. Tuj1 and Nestin) were upregulated, suggesting endogenous regeneration in treated animals.
Conclusions

Cell transplantation was more effective at an earlier point of EAE disease (EAE stage 1) than later (EAE stage 2). These promising results provide basis for large-scale clinical studies to treat MS using NSCs derived from primitive MSCs.
Seasonal variations of pollutants removal and microbial activity in integrated constructed wetland–microbial fuel cell systems
Authors: Wang Xiaoou , Tian Yimei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the seasonal variations of pollutants removal and microbial activity in constructed wetland–microbial fuel cell systems (CW–MFCs). The results showed that the atmospheric temperature significantly influenced the bioelectricity generation and removal of organics and nitrogen in CW–MFCs by primarily influencing the microbial enzymatic activity. The electricity output of CW-MFCs was extremely low below 5 °C, and reached the maximum above 25 °C. The organics and nitrogen removal of closed-circuit CW–MFC reached the highest in summer and autumn, followed by spring, and decreased by an average of 10.5% COD, 14.2% NH3-N and 10.7% TN in winter, demonstrating smaller seasonal fluctuations compared to open-circuit CW–MFC in which the difference between summer and winter was 13.4% COD, 15.1% NH3-N and 15.1% TN. Even at low temperatures, the MFC current could enhance the enzymatic activity and stabilize the growth of microorganisms on the electrodes, moreover, the closed circuit operation can promote the bacteria diversity on CW–MFC anodes as well as the abundance of electrogens on CW–MFC anodes and cathodes, and thus reduce the adverse effect of cooling on organics and nitrogen removal in CWs. However, neither MFC nor temperature had a significant influence on phosphorus removal in CW–MFCs.
Serum Sickness Reaction to Rituximab with Positive Immediate Intradermal Skin Test: A Case Report
Authors: Palomino-Lozano Laura , Noguerado-Mellado Blanca , Quirós Jimena Crespo , Tejero-Alcalde Melina , Cuevas-Bravo Cristina , Zavala Borja Bartolomé , Rojas-Perez-Ezquerra Patricia 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Rituximab is a chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody against CD20. It can be used off-label in autoimmune diseases. Its administration can
lead to several types of reactions; immediate infusional reactions and also delayed reactions like Serum Sickness Reaction (SSR).

Case presentation:
This is a case study of a 48 years old woman diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis/systemic lupus erythematosus who developed refractory immune
thrombocytopenic purpura and received treatment with rituximab. After treatment, she developed erythematous-violet lesions accompanied with
fever of 38ºC, dyspnea, joints arthralgia and edema. In the emergency department, hypotension, fever, dyspnea, and shivering were observed, for
which, intramuscular epinephrine, intravenous corticosteroids, antibiotics and salbutamol nebulization were administered. In our allergy unit, we
performed an intradermal test (IDT) with rituximab (1mg/ml), which was positive at immediate (20min) and late (48h) reading. Based on the
clinical manifestations and test carried out, she was diagnosed with rituximab SSR. We also studied the molecular mass of the IgE-reactive
proteins present in rituximab product by SDS-PAGE Immunoblotting method according to Laemmli, in reducing and non-reducing conditions,
with high sensitivity and using three different polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane blocking substances (skimmed cow's milk, fish
collagen and egg white). We did not detect IgE-binding to rituximab product.

Conclusion:
The pathogenesis of SSR is not well known. The patients after reinfusion can develop immediate reactions suggesting involvement of IgE
hypersensitivity. Nevertheless, there are patients who tolerated reinfusion. Further studies and assays are needed for a better understanding of these
reactions and to lead to a safer re-administration if needed.