bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convalescent plasma for adults with acute COVID-19 respiratory illness (CONCOR-1): study protocol for an international, multicentre, randomized, open-label trial
Authors: Bégin Philippe , Callum Jeannie , Heddle Nancy M. , Cook Richard , Zeller Michelle P. , Tinmouth Alan , Fergusson Dean A. , Cushing Melissa M. , Glesby Marshall J. , Chassé Michaël , Devine Dana V. , Robitalle Nancy , Bazin Renée , Shehata Nadine , Finzi Andrés , McGeer Allison , Scales Damon C. , Schwartz Lisa , Turgeon Alexis F. , Zarychanski Ryan , Daneman Nick , Carl Richard , Amorim Luiz , Gabe Caroline , Ellis Martin , Sachais Bruce S. , Loftsgard Kent Cadogan , Jamula Erin , Carruthers Julie , Duncan Joanne , Lucier Kayla , Li Na , Liu Yang , Armali Chantal , Kron Amie , Modi Dimpy , Auclair Marie-Christine , Cerro Sabrina , Avram Meda , Arnold Donald M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Convalescent plasma has been used for numerous viral diseases including influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome and Ebola virus; however, evidence to support its use is weak. SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus responsible for the 2019 global pandemic of COVID-19 community acquired pneumonia. We have undertaken a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods
CONCOR-1 is an open-label, multicentre, randomized trial. Inclusion criteria include the following: patients > 16 years, admitted to hospital with COVID-19 infection, receiving supplemental oxygen for respiratory complications of COVID-19, and availability of blood group compatible CCP. Exclusion criteria are : onset of respiratory symptoms more than 12 days prior to randomization, intubated or imminent plan for intubation, and previous severe reactions to plasma. Consenting patients are randomized 2:1 to receive either approximately 500 mL of CCP or standard of care. CCP is collected from donors who have recovered from COVID-19 and who have detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies quantified serologically. The primary outcome is intubation or death at day 30. Secondary outcomes include ventilator-free days, length of stay in intensive care or hospital, transfusion reactions, serious adverse events, and reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Exploratory analyses include patients who received CCP containing high titre antibodies. A sample size of 1200 patients gives 80% power to detect a 25% relative risk reduction assuming a 30% baseline risk of intubation or death at 30 days (two-sided test; α = 0.05). An interim analysis and sample size re-estimation will be done by an unblinded independent biostatistician after primary outcome data are available for 50% of the target recruitment (n = 600).

Discussion
This trial will determine whether CCP will reduce intubation or death non-intubated adults with COVID-19. The trial will also provide information on the role of and thresholds for SARS-CoV-2 antibody titres and neutralization assays for donor qualification.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.govNCT04348656. Registered on 16 April 2020.
Multidisciplinary corroboration in differentiation syndrome: a case report
Authors: Sarkar Sayan , Ghosh Priya , Gehani Anisha , Ghara Niharendu , Bhattacharyya Parthasarathi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Differentiation syndrome (DS) is a life-threatening complication that may be seen in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia undergoing induction therapy with all-trans retinoic acid or arsenic trioxide. It can lead to severe inflammatory response syndrome and shock if adequate measures are not taken immediately. The radiological features of lung nodules with changes in ground-glass opacity can represent DS. The principal unique feature of the case reported here is that the diagnosis of DS was based on imaging results in the absence of a low total leukocyte count.

Case presentation
A 14-year-old Indian girl diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia currently undergoing a chemotherapy regimen that included all-trans retinoic acid/arsenic trioxide was sent to the radiology department for investigation of respiratory distress which she had developed soon after the initiation of chemotherapy. Her chest radiograph showed bilateral lower zone lung infiltrates. Computed tomography (CT) revealed changes in ground-glass opacity in the lower lobes with multiple lung nodules. Differential diagnosis included bacterial, viral or fungal infections, leukemic infiltrates, drug toxicity, pulmonary haemorrhage or leukostasis. She was started on dexamethasone immediately after stopping the chemotherapy with all-trans retinoic acid/arsenic trioxide and given ventilatory support. Her condition subsequently improved and her follow-up chest radiograph and CT scan showed a significant reduction of abnormal lung findings. Based on the clinical improvement and the resolution of findings on imaging following the withdrawal of all-trans retinoic acid/arsenic trioxide, we made the diagnosis of DS.

Conclusions
Though a rather unusual possibility, the treatment history of the patient enabled a rather crucial diagnosis in the nick of time and imaging played a pivotal role. This case further iterates the importance of keeping DS in mind when dealing with similar patients in the future.
Multi-base compressive sensing procedure with application to ECG signal reconstruction
Authors: Orovic Irena , Stanković Srdjan , Beko Marko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStandard compressive sensing (CS) scenario assumes a single sparsifying basis used to reconstruct the signals from a small set of incoherent measurements. However, in many cases, the signal cannot be sparsely represented using a single transformation. Particularly, in ECG signal analysis, each signal segment is specific in nature and reflects different physical phenomena. Hence, using the same transformation for all segments may be inappropriate for efficient analysis and reconstruction. Moreover, in the CS scenario, it would be necessary to combine different transforms to achieve compact signal support and to provide successful reconstruction from randomly under-sampled data. This work proposes a hybrid CS reconstruction algorithm that combines different transform basis, based on the concept of orthogonal matching pursuit. The performance of the proposed approach is verified experimentally using the combination of the Fourier and the Hermite transform on the real ECG signals.
CARAMEL: results on a secure architecture for connected and autonomous vehicles detecting GPS spoofing attacks
Authors: Vitale Christian , Piperigkos Nikos , Laoudias Christos , Ellinas Georgios , Casademont Jordi , Escrig Josep , Kloukiniotis Andreas , Lalos Aris S. , Moustakas Konstantinos , Diaz Rodriguez Rodrigo , Baños Daniel , Roqueta Crusats Gemma , Kapsalas Petros , Hofmann Klaus-Peter , Khodashenas Pouria Sayyad 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe main goal of the H2020-CARAMEL project is to address the cybersecurity gaps introduced by the new technological domains adopted by modern vehicles applying, among others, advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques. As a result, CARAMEL enhances the protection against threats related to automated driving, smart charging of Electric Vehicles, and communication among vehicles or between vehicles and the roadside infrastructure. This work focuses on the latter and presents the CARAMEL architecture aiming at assessing the integrity of the information transmitted by vehicles, as well as at improving the security and privacy of communication for connected and autonomous driving. The proposed architecture includes: (1) multi-radio access technology capabilities, with simultaneous 802.11p and LTE-Uu support, enabled by the connectivity infrastructure; (2) a MEC platform, where, among others, algorithms for detecting attacks are implemented; (3) an intelligent On-Board Unit with anti-hacking features inside the vehicle; (4) a Public Key Infrastructure that validates in real-time the integrity of vehicle’s data transmissions. As an indicative application, the interaction between the entities of the CARAMEL architecture is showcased in case of a GPS spoofing attack scenario. Adopted attack detection techniques exploit robust in-vehicle and cooperative approaches that do not rely on encrypted GPS signals, but only on measurements available in the CARAMEL architecture.
Architecture for integrating vertical customer’s programmability control of network functions and connectivity in a slice-as-a-service schema
Authors: Contreras Luis M. , Barguil Samier , Vilalta Ricard , López Victor 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNetwork slicing will permit offering to vertical customers tailored end-to-end logical networks in an on-demand fashion, on top of a common telecom infrastructure, achieving a Slices-as-a-Service (SlaaS) business model. This is possible due to the progressive introduction of network softwarization techniques, such as programmability and virtualization, into existing operational networks, enabling dynamic and flexible provision of slices. Those vertical customers could require the control not only of the network functions composing the end-to-end service, but also of the connectivity among them, e.g., for influencing the paths for steering traffic among function instances. However, this can be problematic since decisions from one vertical customer can collide with decisions from others. One aspect not yet sufficiently investigated is how to permit vertical customers to jointly control the service functions and the underlay connectivity, in such a way that could operate the allocated slice as if it was actually a dedicated network entirely for them. This paper explores some architectural proposition in this respect illustrated with some potential use cases and it provides an example of the provision of SlaaS for a vertical customer.
Global classical solutions to the elastodynamic equations with damping
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Lin Xueyun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we show the global existence of classical solutions to the incompressible elastodynamics equations with a damping mechanism on the stress tensor in dimension three for sufficiently small initial data on periodic boxes, that is, with periodic boundary conditions. The approach is based on a time-weighted energy estimate, under the assumptions that the initial deformation tensor is a small perturbation around an equilibrium state and the initial data have some symmetry.
Factors that influence clinical efficacy of live biotherapeutic products
Authors: Pot Bruno , Vandenplas Yvan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTraditional probiotics are increasingly being used in a medical context. The use of these products as drugs is considerably different from the traditional use as food or food supplements, as, obviously, the target population is different (diseased versus healthy or at risk population). Besides the target population, also the regulatory context is different, mainly with respect to production, administration regime and type of clinical studies required. In this paper we will, besides the regulatory differences, focus on aspects that may impact the efficacy of a live biotherapeutic product (drug), especially in a clinical setting. The impact of the dosage seems to depend on the strain and the application and may follow some rationale. In contrast, information on the impact of the time of administration or diet, is often still lacking. The matrix and the use of protective measures may clearly have an impact on the survival and efficacy of the strain.
Synergistic action of the gut microbiota in environmental RNA interference in a leaf beetle
Authors: Xu Letian , Xu Shijing , Sun Liuwei , Zhang Yiqiu , Luo Jing , Bock Ralph , Zhang Jiang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as an efficient tool to control insect pests. When insects ingest double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeted against essential genes, strong gene silencing and mortality can be induced. To exert their function, dsRNA molecules must pass through the insect’s gut and enter epithelial cells and/or the hemolymph. Gut bacteria are known to play multifarious roles in food digestion and nutrition, and confer protection against pathogens and parasites. Whether there is a cross talk between gut bacteria and ingested dsRNAs and whether the microbiome affects RNAi efficiency are unknown.

Results
Here, using a leaf beetle gut microbiota system, we investigated whether gut bacteria interact with dsRNA molecules and how the gut microbiota affects RNAi responses in insects. We first showed that the leaf beetle Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera) is highly susceptible to RNAi. We then demonstrated that ingestion of dsRNAs by non-axenic P. versicolora larvae results in (i) significantly accelerated mortality compared with axenic larvae, and (ii) overgrowth and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. The latter may be caused by bacterial utilization of dsRNA degradation products. Furthermore, we found that Pseudomonas putida, a gut bacterium of P. versicolora, acts as major accelerator of the death of P. versicolora larvae by transitioning from commensal to pathogenic lifestyle.

Conclusions
The present study illuminates the complex interplay between lethal dsRNA, the insect host, and its gut microbiota. The ingestion of dsRNA by the leaf beetle caused a dysbiosis of gut bacterial community, and the dsRNA degradation products by host insect preferentially promoted the growth of an entomopathogenic bacterium, which accelerated dsRNA lethality to the insect. Our findings reveal a synergistic role of the gut microbiota in dsRNA-induced mortality of pest insects, and provide new insights in the mechanisms of RNAi-based pest control.
Production forecast and estimation of the recovery factor of the Los Humeros geothermal field, Mexico
Authors: González-García Héctor , Francke Henning , Sass Ingo , Huenges Ernst 
Published: May 2021

AbstractProduction data from the Los Humeros geothermal field in Mexico are used to develop a forecast method for operation of the field in the future. This method supports understanding the limitations of sustainably exploiting a geothermal reservoir. Using such forecasts, fluid extraction could be scheduled in order to fulfill the steam demand of the installed capacity. Moreover, the forecast of the extraction can diminish the commercial risk involved and therefore clear the way for new investments. Herein, we determined the total extracted heat from the Los Humeros geothermal system, with the aim to forecast the next phase of fluid extraction. We took the information from 29 producing wells to analyze their historic geothermal fluid production. From their statistical distribution of data, we estimated the amount of extracted fluids for a future phase. The size of the heat reserve previous to exploitation was calculated from the forecasted and the extracted heat. Thus, the recovery factor of the system was calculated as the ratio of the accumulated production of heat and the initial heat in place. The general recovery factor for 60 years of production was calculated as 37–44%. Due to the heterogeneity of the system, this study conducted individual assessments. The forecasted heat extraction for the next 30 years of production, amounts to 580 PJ assuming a constant extraction rate between 6 and 56 ton·[h]−1 depending on the particular well. The results of this study potentially complement the existing models of the geothermal exploitation and offer an estimation of the future production of the Los Humeros, which could be a good basis for decision-making and management of the site.
Parkin and its molecular associations in gliomas – a systematic review
Authors: de Castro Eduardo Morais , Barbosa Leonardo Vinícius , Ferreira João Vitor Alves , de Andrade Diancarlos Pereira , Mello Rosiane Guetter , Torres Luiz Fernando Bleggi , de Noronha Lucia , Machado-Souza Cleber 
Published: May 2021

AbstractParkin, a protein encoded by PRKN, discovered in the context of Parkinson’s disease, controls proteasomal degradation by protein ubiquitination and acts on cell cycle control and mitochondrial homeostasis, among other cellular processes. Parkin has been also implicated in several carcinomas, melanoma and leukemia. In the neoplastic setting, reduced parkin level usually indicates poorer prognosis. Some authors have described the associations between parkin and gliomas. Gliomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise in the central nervous system, astrocytomas being the most common. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate how parkin behaves in gliomas and the molecular pathways associated in this interaction. A search was conducted in PubMed, EBSCO and Scopus and 8 published articles were identified as eligible studies. The studies were categorized in three groups, according to their main emphasis: PRKN mutation patterns detected in gliomas, parkin effects on tumor growth and survival rates, and molecular interactions between parkin and other proteins. The studies showed higher PRKN mutation rates and lower parkin expression in high grade gliomas. Patients with higher parkin expression had better overall survival. Besides, different molecular pathways associated with parkin were described, some of them regarded as potential therapeutic targets.
Mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of porous-coated metaphyseal sleeves used in revision total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Gurel Ron , Morgan Samuel , Elbaz Etay , Ashlenazi Itay , Snir Nimrod , Kadar Assaf , Gold Aviram , Warschawski Yaniv 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe management of bone defects remains one of the major challenges surgeons are faced with in revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). Large and uncontained bone defects are traditionally managed with metaphyseal sleeves that facilitate osseointegration and have reported construct stability. While many studies have presented excellent short-term outcomes using metaphyseal sleeves, less is known on their performance in the longer term. The purpose of this study was to present our mid-term results of the metaphyseal sleeves used in patients undergoing RTKA.Materials and methodsBetween January 2007 and January 2015, 30 patients underwent RTKA with the use of a CCKMB prosthesis combined with an osteointegrative sleeve. The main indications for RTKA were instability in 40% of the cases (n = 12), aseptic loosening in 30% (n = 9), infection in 26.7% (n = 8), and “other” in 3.3% (n = 1). The minimal follow-up time was 5 years and the mean follow-up time was 82.4 months (SD = 22.6). Clinical outcomes were assessed by Knee Society scores (KSS), range of motion and rate of re-operation.ResultsThe mean Knee Society score increased significantly from 72.1 preoperatively to 90.0 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of re-operation in our study was 13.3% (n = 4). Our study reported no cases of aseptic loosening or mobile-bearing spin-out. Knee flexion to 90° and more was impossible in seven cases (23.3%) preoperatively and in one case (3.3%) postoperatively.ConclusionPorous-coated metaphyseal sleeves demonstrated excellent rates of survivorship and radiographic ingrowth in the mid-term setting. However, further studies are required to assess their outcomes in the long-term.
Can ultrasound suffice for triaging patients requiring surgical correction of rotator cuff tears—a comparative evaluation of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Agarwal Aniket , Vani Kavita , Batta Anurag , Verma Kavita , Chumber Shishir 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Objectives: To comparatively evaluate the role of ultrasound and MRI in rotator cuff and biceps tendon pathologies and to establish ultrasound as a consistently reproducible, quick and accurate primary investigation modality sufficient to triage patients requiring surgical correction of full thickness rotator cuff tears. Methods: Fifty patients, clinically suspected to have rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon pathologies, with no contraindications to MRI, were evaluated by US and MRI, in a prospective cross-sectional observational study. US was done with high-frequency linear probe, and MRI was done on a 1.5-T scanner using T1 oblique sagittal, proton density (PD)/T2 fat-suppressed (FS) oblique sagittal, T1 axial, PD/T2 FS axial, T1 oblique coronal, T2 oblique coronal and PD FS oblique coronal sequences. Statistical testing was conducted with the statistical package for the social science system version SPSS 17.0. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were also calculated to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of US findings correlating with MRI findings. A p value less than 0.05 was taken to indicate a significant difference.

Results
Mean age was 45 years; 74% patients were males; 77% females and 60% males had tears. Majority of patients with rotator cuff tears were in the sixth decade of life. The frequency of tears was higher among older patients. Fourteen percent of patients had full thickness tears while 64% had partial thickness tears. US was comparable to MRI for detection of full thickness tears with overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV and accuracy of 93.8%, 100%, 100% and 98.2%, respectively (p value < 0.001). For partial thickness tears, US had overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV and accuracy of 75.6%, 82.6%, 89.5% and 78%, respectively (p value < 0.001), as compared to MRI. Subacromial-subdeltoid bursal effusion and long head of biceps tendon sheath effusion were common associated, though, non-specific findings.

Conclusion
Ultrasound findings in our study were found to be in significant correlation with findings on MRI in detection of rotator cuff tears. US was equivalent to MRI in detection of full thickness tears and fairly accurate for partial thickness tears. Therefore, US should be considered as the first line of investigation for rotator cuff pathologies.
The pattern of cardiovascular manifestations in Egyptian Behçet’s patients and its relation to disease activity
Authors: Morshedy Nashwa Aly , Mohammed Dalia Fayez , Badr Fatma Mohammed , Teama Mohammed Abd El monem 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Behçet’s disease (BD) is also referred to as vascular BD when it frequently involves the heart and vessels. This study aimed to describe the cardiovascular manifestations in patients with BD and its correlation to disease activity. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 40 patients diagnosed with BD according to the International Criteria for Behçet’s Disease 2014. All the patients were subjected to detailed history taking, full clinical examination, lab investigations, resting electrocardiogram, trans-thoracic echocardiography, and carotid artery duplex for measuring intimal thickness, peripheral arterial and venous duplex, computed tomography pulmonary angiography, and full ophthalmological examination. Regarding the activity of the disease, it was assessed according to the score of Behçet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF).

Results
The most common cardiac manifestation was valvular lesion (67.5%) where the most frequently affected valve was the tricuspid valve (27.5%). Although 25% of patients had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, only 5% had intracardiac masses. Approximately 52.5% of patients had vascular lesion (deep venous thrombosis 45%, arterial involvement 7.5% [as pulmonary artery thrombosis 5% and aneurysm 2.5%]). Increase in intima media thickness (IMT) was observed in 7.5% of patients, while 60% had abnormal lipid profiles. Hypercholesterolemia was the most common lipid abnormality (50%). BDCAF score range was 4–12, which was significantly correlated to multiple cardiovascular parameters as a mitral, tricuspid valve, and vascular venous involvement (p < 0.05), while not significantly correlated to lipid profile (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
Cardiovascular complications are frequent among patients with BD, even those who are asymptomatic; therefore, these complications must be screened for early detection and proper management.