bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Fang Changquan , Xu Limin , Lin Junhong , Li Yujun , Wei Shuquan , Zhao Zhuxiang , Zhao Ziwen 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDRAB) has strong ability to acquire drug resistance genes, which are then rapidly cloned and transmitted, leading to worldwide spread posing a significant treatment challenge. Currently, limited drugs are available for the treatment of XDRAB infection, and their clinical effects are not clear; therefore, the specific factors that affect the treatment response and patient outcome require further exploration. The aim of this was to clarify effective treatment methods during XDRAB infection and the factors affecting patient prognosis according to a retrospective review of cases at our hospital.Methods: Hospital-acquired XDRAB pneumonia cases clinically diagnosed at Guangzhou First Municipal People’s Hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were selected, and their clinical features, treatment, and prognosis were retrospectively analysed.Results: Forty-eight patients met the diagnostic criteria of hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by XDRAB in the study period, 20 of whom survived and 28 of whom died for an overall mortality rate of 58.3%. There was no significant difference in anti-A. baumannii activity according to the type of antibiotic administered or their combinations between the patients that survived and those that died from the infection. The use of antibacterial drugs during infection did not effectively improve the clinical outcome. Advanced age, multiple organ failure, and disease severity (APACHE score) were significantly negatively correlated with bacterial clearance, whereas effective airway management (tracheotomy and sputum suction during infection) had a positive impact on bacterial clearance. In multivariate analysis, age [odds ratio (OR) 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–1.3] and APACHE score (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0) were independent risk factors affecting prognosis. Tracheotomy during infection (OR 0.0, 95% CI 0.0–0.55) was a protective factor contributing to survival.Conclusion: XDRAB hospital-acquired pneumonia has a high mortality rate. Advanced age and severe disease are independent risk factors that affect patient prognosis. The use and type of antibacterial drugs for treatment do not appear to substantially affect the prognosis during XDRAB infection. Overall, timely and effective airway management is the key to improving the prognosis of patients with hospital-acquired XDRAB infection.
Management and Molecular Diagnosis of Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome in Chinese Patients
Authors: Tian Hongjuan , Wu Dehua , Ru Wei , Wu Dingwen , Tao Chang , Chen Guangjie , Yuan Jinna , Fu Junfen , Tang Daxing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: To report the management and molecular findings of patients with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS).Materials and Methods: The hospital records of PMDS patients seen in our center between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Exome sequencing and Sanger verification were performed for accurate diagnosis. We also reviewed reported clinical and molecular data on PMDS.Results: A total of 12 PMDS patients with a median age of 13 months and a median follow-up time of 25 months were included in the study. Preoperative diagnoses were obtained on the basis of ultrasound (7/12) and exome sequencing (1/12). Twelve different AMH variants in 9 patients (2 frameshift/nonsense, 1 deletion, 8 missense, 1 in-frame) and 6 different AMHR2 variants in 3 patients (5 missense, 1 splicing) were identified. Not all patients with AMH defects showed low serum AMH concentrations (2/9), but all patients with AMHR2 defects showed elevated AMH levels (3/3). During surgery, an abnormal vas deferens was observed in half of the patients. Patients with orchidopexy with uterine preservation presented complications including irreducible cryptorchidism (2/8) and Müllerian remnant cysts (3/8). Patients with subtotal hysterectomy had complications of injury to the vas deferens (1/3) and hemorrhage (1/3).Conclusions: This is the first report involving a large Chinese population. The present study not only expands the variation spectrum but also provides new insights into the management of the uterus.
Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Hydroxyapatite: Effect of Sintering Parameters
Authors: Abifarin Johnson Kehinde 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Our previous study have reported synthesis and mechanical properties of natural hydroxyapatite (HA), but optimization of the measured hardness and compressive strength has not been examined. This paper presents optimization of mechanical characteristics (hardness and compressive strength), using Taguchi-grey relational analysis design. In the design, three factors with mixed levels (2 and 3) is employed with the consideration of sintering parameters (0 and 500 Pa compaction pressure, and 900, 1000 and 1100 oC sintering temperature), reported in the previous study. The orthogonal array L18 having 18 rows corresponding to the number of tests and the required columns was selected. Results obtained shows that HA with good hardness and compressive strength is feasible with less or no compaction pressure sintering parameter. An optimum grey relational grade (GRG) of the synthesized HA is 0.7171 and has experimental value within 95% confidence interval.The optimal sintering parameters are gotten to be 500Pa compaction pressure and 1100 oC sintering temperature. Result shows that sintering temperature having 99.90 percentage of contribution is the most significant factor, while compaction pressure and error are insignificant on the overall hardness and compressive strength of the synthesized HA.
The Impact of Carbon Source on Cell Growth and the Production of Bioactive Compounds in Cell Suspensions of Hancornia speciosa Gomes
Authors: Dantas Luciana Arantes , Faria Paula Sperotto Alberto , Dário Bruno Matheus Mendes , Arantes Ana Luíza Martins , Silva Fabiano Guimarães , Avila Roniel Geraldo , Pereira Paulo Sérgio , Neto Aurélio Rubio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Belonging to the Brazilian flora, the species Hancornia speciosa (Gomes), known as mangabeira, has bioactive compounds of interest, such as flavonoids, xanthones, and proanthocyanidins. The objective of this study was to determine how the supplementation of sugars in culture medium affects the osmotic potential of the medium, as well as its influence on cell growth and on the concentration of phenolic compounds. For this purpose, after 90 days of subculture, 20 ml aliquots of the cultures were added to flasks containing 20 ml of medium with different sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol) under a 16-h photoperiod with a spectral range between 400 and 700 nm of photosynthetically active radiation (45-55 μmol m -2 s -1 ) in a shaker at 110 rpm. After 30 days, the pH, electrical conductivity, osmotic potential, biomass accumulation, and concentrations of phenolic compounds were evaluated. Regardless of their concentration in the medium, the sugars sorbitol and mannitol provided more unfavorable conditions for water absorption at the cellular level, reducing the water potential of the medium. Sucrose favored greater water absorption and biomass accumulation. Among the various sugar concentrations, 3% (30 g/L) sucrose or glucose improved the accumulation of fresh and dry cell weight and the production of polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, rosmarinic acid, hesperidin, rutin, and quercetin. In addition, they resulted in a higher osmotic potential of the medium and larger cells than other carbon sources. Despite the differences in cell size, no culture conditions compromised cell survival.
Improving the Quality of Routing Service using Metaheuristic PSO algorithm in VANET Networks
Authors: Javadpour Amir , Rezaei Samira , Sangaiah Arun Kumar , Slowik Adam , Khaniabadi Shadi Mahmoodi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
VANETs are organized to progress road protection with no specific need for any fixed infrastructure. Subsequently, the movement of all vehicles can be planned in the upcoming future, based on perceived information, Quality of Services Routing (QoSR) algorithms can be pressured on its available options, paths, and links and according to criteria and reliability of the QoSR. Awareness of QoSR to the environmental conditions of the network of vehicles, such as the location of vehicles, direction and speed that can be obtained. This study is to reduce the effects of unpredictable problems on the best pathway to replace the broken path / link. In this article, A QoSR with Particle Swarm Optimization (QoSR-PSO) for improving QoSs in vehicular ad-hoc networks has been used. The particle swarm optimization algorithm by modeling the behavior of a set of particles looks for the optimal solution of the problem. In order to perform simulation experiments, NS2 simulator and VanetMobisim have been used. The comparison results with benchmark studies show the improvement in packet delivery rate (PDR), delay, Packet Drop and overload.
Chemical and Statistical Studies on Water and Stream Sediments Around the Coal Mine Area in Dazhu, China
Authors: Deng Dongping , Wu Yong , Ren Bangzheng , Yin Heng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Coal mine pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems in China and elsewhere. Water, in the form of groundwater and streams, as well as stream sediment samples, were collected from the coal mine area in Dazhu, Southwestern China. Different analyses, including the hydro-geochemical, multivariate analyses and X-ray analyses, were conducted to examine the coal mine pollution effect. The study results show that the groundwater and stream samples are slightly acidic to alkaline with pH values of 6.36 to 7.17 and 6.51 to 7.39, respectively. With the dissolution of carbonate and sulfate, a large amount of Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42- is found in the groundwater and stream samples, which is higher than the environmental background value. Typically, the water samples are dominated by Ca2++Mg2+-HCO3- and Ca2++Mg2+-Cl-. According to Chinese standard and the World Health Organization’s guidelines, the water in the coal mine area is of good quality in terms of its physical and chemical properties, except for the concentrations of Fe and Mn (1925.14 and 12872.882 μg/L, respectively). Principal component analysis reveal two groups that explained the variance in the data consisting of SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and low pH as well as HCO3−, Na+, and Cl−, which can reflect the acid mine drainage effects as well as different human activities or the evaporation found in low mountains and hills, respectively. Hence, the concentrations of metals and metalloids in the stream sediments are affected by the coal mine drainage, which are generally enriched in Cr, Mn, Zn, Sr, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Ca, Fe, and Mg. Mn and Fe average concentrations are higher in the downstream Kongjiagou drain stream sediment samples were 2035.03 ppm and 6%, respectively, relative to the Mn and Fe average concentrations in Xiaojiagou of 453.04 ppm and 2.96%, respectively. Both Mn and Fe concentrations are higher than the background values. Ultimately, mine closures can help with the process of ecological and environmental recovery.
Site-Controlled Telecom Single-Photon Emitters in Atomically-thin MoTe2
Authors: Zhao Huan , Pettes Michael , Zheng Yu , Htoon Han 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Quantum emitters (QEs) in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) have advanced to the forefront of quantum communication and transduction research1 due to their unique potentials in accessing valley pseudo-spin degree of freedom (DOF)2 and facile integration into quantum-photonic, electronic and sensing platforms via the layer-by-layer-assembly approach.3 To date, QEs capable of operating in O-C telecommunication bands have not been demonstrated in TMDCs.4-7 Here we report a deterministic creation of such telecom QEs emitting over the 1080 to 1550 nm wavelength range via coupling of 2D molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) to strain inducing nano-pillar arrays.8,9 Our Hanbury Brown and Twiss experiment conducted at 10 K reveals clear photon antibunching with 90% single photon purity. Ultra-long lifetimes, 4-6 orders of magnitude longer than that of the 2D exciton, are also observed. Polarization analysis further reveals that while some QEs display cross-linearly polarized doublets with ~1 meV splitting resulting from the strain induced anisotropic exchange interaction, valley degeneracy is preserved in other QEs. Valley Zeeman splitting as well as restoring of valley symmetry in cross-polarized doublets are observed under 8T magnetic field. In contrast to other telecom QEs,10-12 our QEs which offer the potential to access valley DOF through single photons, could lead to unprecedented advantages in optical fiber-based quantum networks.
Comparison of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT with [18F]FDG PET/CT for Nodule Characterization and Staging in NSCLC Patients
Authors: Zhou Xin , Wang Shuailiang , Xu Xiaoxia , Meng Xiangxi , Zhang Huiyuan , Zhang Annan , Song Yufei , Zhu Hua , Yang Zhi , Li Nan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose:The aim of this study is to explore the nodule characterization and staging efficacy of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to compare with that of [18F]FDG PET/CT lesion-by-lesion.Methods:Sixty-five patients with clinically diagnosed or suspected NSCLC were enrolled in this prospective study (ChiCTR2000038080). All patients received both [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT, and they were assigned into three groups by different research directions as nodule characterization, node (N) staging and metastatic (M) staging. Imaging characteristics in PET/CT of lung nodules and suspected metastatic lesions were obtained and analyzed.Results:In the nodule characterization group, [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 SUVmax ≥ 2.5 was set as the predictor of NSCLC, and the diagnostic sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was higher than [18F]FDG (0.88 vs. 0.67). And for adenocarcinoma with partial-solid density, SUVmax of 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was higher than [18F]FDG with significant differences (4.8 ± 2.8 vs. 2.1 ± 1.1). In N staging group, lymph nodes SUVmax of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was lower than [18F]FDG in nonmetastatic group (3.1 ± 1.3 vs. 6.1 ± 2.3) and higher than [18F]FDG (10.7 ± 4.7 vs. 6.5 ± 3.3) in metastatic group. Set 6 and 1.1 as the cut-off value for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 SUVmax and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 SUVmax/FDG SUVmax, diagnostic accuracy of metastatic lymph nodes using each criterion and their combination was 95%, 93% and 97% respectively. In multi-metastatic NSCLC patients, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 identified more lesions than [18F]FDG (206 vs. 106 lesions) and the uptake value of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was higher too, but no patients’ staging was changed.Conclusion:Compared with [18F]FDG, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging has higher sensitivity in primary and metastatic lesion detection of NSCLC patients, it also increases the specificity of metastatic lymph nodes diagnosis.
[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE Versus Standard of Care in Adult Patients With Gastro-Enteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (GEP-NETS): A Cost-Consequence Analysis From an Italian Hospital Perspective
Authors: Spada Francesca , Campana Davide , Lamberti Giuseppe , Laudicella Riccardo , Dellamano Renato , Dellamano Luca , Leeuwenkamp Oscar , Baldari Sergio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To assess and compare clinical outcomes and costs, to the Italian healthcare system, of three therapeutic options approved in the management of adult patients with gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs).
Methods
We compared the efficacy, safety and costs of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, everolimus (both originator and generic products) and sunitinib in patients with advanced GEP-NETs (NET G1 and G2) that had progressed following treatment with somatostatin analogues (SSAs). A cost-consequence model was developed and validated by a panel of clinical experts from three NET reference centres in Italy. The clinical outcomes included in the model were median progression-free survival and the incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs), as reported in pivotal clinical trials. The costs for acquisition and administration of each treatment, and of managing AEs, were calculated from the perspective of the Italian national health service. Treatment costs per progression-free month were calculated separately for patients with NETs of pancreatic (PanNETs; all three treatments) and gastrointestinal (GI-NETs; [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE and everolimus only) origin.
Results
In patients with PanNETs, total costs per progression-free month were €2989 for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, €4975 for originator everolimus, €3472 for generic everolimus, and €5337 for sunitinib. In patients with GI-NETs, total costs per progression-free month were €3189 for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, €4990 for originator everolimus, and €3483 for generic everolimus.
Conclusions
[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE was associated with lower costs per progression-free month versus relevant treatment options in patients with GI-NETs or PanNETs (NET G1–G2; progressed following SSA treatment), although acquisition and administration costs are higher. These findings provide further economic arguments in the overall context of treatment decision making.
Co-administration of Toll-like Receptor (TLR)-3 Agonist Poly I:C with Different Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) Vaccines Improves IBD Specific Immune Response in Chicken
Authors: Ramasamy Kannaki T , Priyanka E , Abhilash Manda , Haunshi Santosh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are emerging as promising vaccine adjuvants and immunomodulators in poultry against many diseases. Infectious bursa disease (IBD) still remains as a major threat in poultry industry. Improving the vaccine mediated immune response would help in better protection against IBD virus infection. Adjuvant potential of TLR3 agonist, Poly I:C with different IBD vaccines has been analyzed in chicken in the present study. Intermediate, intermediate plus IBD vaccine, bursaplex vaccine and their respective poly I:C combinations were used for immunization of chicken. IBD specific antibody titre, bursa to body weight ratio, body weight gain and bursal lesion scores were evaluated at weekly interval in different immunization groups. Fold changes in cytokines IL-1β and IFN-γ mRNA expression levels were also analyzed in different groups. Intermediate IBD plus vaccine induced significantly (P≤0.05) higher IBD specific antibody response at 35 days of age than other groups with comparatively lower body weight gain and moderate bursal lesion score. Poly I:C co-administration with intermediate IBD vaccine and bursaplex vaccine improved the IBD specific antibody titres, better body weight gain and moderately less bursal lesion score. However, Poly I:C combination with intermediate plus IBD vaccine did not improve the specific immune response. IL-1β levels were up-regulated in intermediate plus and bursaplex group, whereas IFN-γ m RNA expression levels were upregulated in intermediate IBD with Poly IC group. In conclusion, poly I:C co-administration with intermediate IBD and bursaplex vaccine was beneficial and improved the specific immune response with least immunosuppression and bursal damage.
Functional Gene and Metabolic Changes of Marine Microbial Populations Involved in Hydrocarbon Degradation Under Different Enrichment Conditions
Authors: Song Bingkui , Zhang Zhongzhen , Li Si , Fu Qitong , Qi Shuting , Li Liang , Mu Di , Zhang Aili 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this study, seawater from the area of an oil extraction platform in Bohai Bay was subjected to experimental treatments with oil as the only carbon source to understand the transcriptional responses of seawater microbial populations to oil degradation treatments. Twelve enrichment conditions were used, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) along with metatranscriptomic analyses were used to understand functional changes within each treatment. RNA from the petroleum-degrading bacterial enrichments was extracted after cultivation and FISH was used to evaluate overall activity, while changes in gene expression among different culture conditions were analyzed based on eight hydrocarbon-specific gene probes and flow cytometry. Concomitantly, 1,066 metabolic pathways were identified as being expressed in the populations through RNA sequencing, metatranscriptomic analysis, and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis. The addition of oil led to the inhibition of carbohydrate metabolism and inositol phosphate metabolism, while also reducing extracellular signaling pathway transcription levels. When low- and high-nutrient conditions were compared, low-nutrient conditions inhibited taurine and hypotaurine metabolism in addition to inositol phosphate metabolism. Among oxygen-treated, carbon dioxide-treated, and air-treated conditions, oxygen-treated conditions inhibited taurine and hypotaurine metabolism but promoted galactose metabolism, while carbon dioxide-treated conditions promoted inositol phosphate metabolism. Overall, metabolic pathway expression and functional gene changes indicated that high-nutrient, oil-free, and aerobic culture conditions best promoted the growth and reproduction of marine microbial communities.
Peanut Components Measured by ISAC: Comparison With ImmunoCap and Clinical Relevance in Peanut Allergic Children
Authors: Brand Kim , Schreurs Marco , Emons Joyce , Wijk Roy Gerth van , de Groot Hans , Arends Nicolette 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSpecific IgE (sIgE) against the peanut component Arachis hypogaea (Ara h) 2 has been shown to be the most important allergen to discriminate between peanut allergy and peanut tolerance. Several studies determined sIgE cut off values for Ara h 2, determined by singleplex measurements. However, cut off values for Ara h 2 from multiplex arrays are less well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between Ara h 2 sIgE determined by singleplex versus multiplex measurements and to assess the diagnostic value of the different peanut components included in Immuno Solid-phase Allergen Chip (ISAC) multiplex analysis in children with a suspected peanut allergy.Methods In this retrospective study we analyzed Ara h 2 sIgE values with singleplex Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA, ImmunoCap) and multiplex microarray (ISAC) measurements in 117 children with a suspected peanut allergy. Also, other peanut components measured by ISAC were analyzed. Double blinded placebo controlled oral food challenges were used as golden standard.Results Among all studied peanut components FEIA Ara h 2 sIgE showed the highest area under the curve (AUC, 0.922), followed by ISAC Ara h 6 and Ara h 2 sIgE with AUCs of respectively 0,906 and 0,902. Best cut off values to diagnose peanut allergy were 4.40 kU/l for FEIA Ara h 2 sIgE and, 7.43 ISU and 8.13 ISU for respectively Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 sIgE in ISAC microarray. Ara h 2 sIgE determined in FEIA and ISAC showed a good correlation (r=0.88. p<0.01). ConclusionAra h 6 and Ara h 2 sIgE in multiplex ISAC are both good predictors of clinical peanut allergy, and their performance is comparable to the use of Ara h 2 in singleplex FEIA. The simultaneous measurement of Ara h 6 and Ara h 2 sIgE using ISAC is an advantage and clinically useful to detect peanut allergic children that are monosensitized to Ara h 6.