bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benzydamine, a CDK2 Kinase Inhibitor, Suppresses The Growth of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Vitro and in Vivo.
Authors: Zhou Yubing , He Xinyu , Jiang Yanan , Wang Zitong , Yu Yin , Wu Wenjie , Zhang Chenyang , Li Jincheng , Guo Yaping , Chen Xinhuan , Liu Zhicai , Zhao Jimin , Liu Kangdong , Dong Zigang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is among one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide owing to late detection and low survival rate. The clinical outcome of ESCC remains dismal. To date, the disease lacks available targeted therapies. Recently, drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration have been reported to have potential as cancer chemoprevention agents. Methods: Benzydamine, available as a hydrochloride salt, a locally acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was screened out among FDA-approved drugs owing to its effective cytotoxic effect on KYSE450 cells, which remained unexplored. Mass spectrometry, kinase prediction and Swiss Target Prediction were used to verify the potential target(s) of benzydamine. Patient-derived oesophageal xenograft mouse model were used to investigate the effect of benzydamine on tumor growth in vivo.Results: We found that benzydamine inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of ESCC cells. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment revealed that benzydamine attenuated five signaling pathways, including the DNA replication pathway. We further found that benzydamine could bind to CDK2 in its ATP-binding site. Inhibition of the activity of CDK2 suppressed the growth of ESCC cells and led to a G1/S cell cycle arrest. Additionally, knocking-down CDK2 decreased the sensitivity of ESCC cells to benzydamine hydrochloride. Notably, benzydamine suppressed tumour growth in a patient-derived oesophageal xenograft mouse model of ESCC in vivo.Conclusions: We have identified CDK2 as a potential target of benzydamine for the treatment and prevention of ESCC. Benzydamine suppressed the growth of ESCC cells by inhibiting the activity of CDK2.
Health System Factors Serving as Facilitators and Barriers to Rheumatic Heart Disease Care in Sudan
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey Garnet , Barry Michele , Essam Dary , Elsayed Mohammed , Abdulkarim Mohamed , Elhossein Basamat M. A. , Mohammed Zahia H. A. , Elnogomi Abdelmunim , Elfaki Amna S. E. , Elsayed Ahmed , Chang Andrew Y. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa despite widely available preventive therapies. In this study, we sought to characterize facilitators and barriers to RHD treatment in Sudan. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study, collecting survey data from 398 patients who had enrolled in a national RHD registry between July and November 2017. The surveys included information on demographics, healthcare access, and patient perspectives on treatment barriers and facilitators. Factors associated with increased likelihood of RHD treatment adherence were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. These data were enhanced by focus group discussions with 20 participants, further exploring health system factors impacting RHD care. Results: Our analysis revealed that female gender (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.94; 95% CI 1.14-3.29), increased household income (monthly income above 2000 Sudanese pounds; OR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.26-3.25), and a perceived appropriate level of healthcare staffing by doctors and nurses (OR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.16-3.71) were all factors associated with increased odds of treatment adherence. Further, qualitative data revealed significant barriers to RHD treatment arising from health services factors at the systemic level: The primary barriers to RHD treatment included patient lack of understanding of disease, lack of access due to inadequate healthcare staffing, lack of faith in local healthcare systems, and poor ancillary services. Facilitators of RHD treatment included stronger interpersonal support.Conclusions: Enhancing RHD patient education/engagement, while strengthening local health systems, may lead to improved treatment adherence in this vulnerable population.
Clinical outcomes of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ali Husain Shabbir , Elshafei Moustafa S , Saad Mohamed O , Mitwally Hassan A , Wraidat Mohammad Al , Aroos Asra , Shaikh Nissar , Ananthegowda Dore C , Abdelaty Mohamed A , George Saibu , Nashwan Abdulqadir J , Mohamed Ahmed S , Khatib Mohamad Y 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Immunomodulatory property of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used to counteract severe systemic inflammation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, its use in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19 pneumonia is not well established.Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed electronic health records of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, Qatar, between March 7, 2020, and September 9, 2020. Patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for moderate-to-severe ARDS were divided into two groups based on whether they received IVIG therapy. The primary outcome was all-cause ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes studied were ventilator-free days and ICU-free days at day-28 and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for confounders, and the primary outcome was compared using competing-risks survival analysis.Results: Among 590 patients included in the study, 400 received routine care, and 190 received IVIG therapy in addition to routine care. One hundred eighteen pairs were created after propensity score matching with no statistically significant differences between the groups. Overall ICU mortality in the study population was 27.1%, and in the matched cohort, it was 25.8%. Mortality was higher among IVIG-treated patients (36.4% vs. 15.3%; sHR 3.5; 95% CI 1.98- 6.19; P<0.001). Ventilator-free days and ICU-free days at day-28 were lower (P<0.001 for both), and the incidence of AKI was significantly higher (85.6% vs. 67.8%; P=0.001) in the IVIG group.Conclusion: IVIG therapy in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 related moderate-to-severe ARDS was associated with higher ICU mortality. A randomized controlled study is required to confirm this observation further.
Does the Mixture of Species change the C:N:P Ecological Stoichiometric Characteristics of fine Roots? A Case Study of Cupressus Funebris Mixed Forest
Authors: He Wenchun , Wang Yang , Wen Xiaochen , Wang Yu , Xiao Baoru , Chen Gang , Zhao Kuangji , Li Xianwei , fan chuan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The growth of fine roots of trees is affected by environmental changes and biological factors. At present, there have been many researches on the physiological plasticity of fine roots caused by environmental changes, but there are still few studies on the influence of biological factors on fine roots. This paper focused on the contents of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), and their ecological stoichiometric ratios in different root orders of Cupressus funebris fine roots in 11 mixed stands with Koelreuteria paniculate or Toona sinensis at different ratios, and the effects of soil physical and chemical properties on the root chemical properties. It aimed to provide new insights into the fine-root nutrient distribution pattern and the transformation or reconstruction of low-efficiency pure forests from the standpoint of forest types. The results showed that: soil pH, and the content of available nitrogen (SAN), available phosphorus (SAP) and available potassium (SAK) differed significantly in the tested mixed forest stands. No significant differences in carbon content of fine roots were observed in different mixed stands. The content of nitrogen and phosphorus in fine roots in mixed forests showed heterogeneity. Species mixing changed the C/N, C/P and N/P of the C. funebris compared the pure stands. The "T. sinensis + C. funebris" forest alleviated the limitation of the lack of phosphorus on fine roots of C. funebris on. The principal component analysis showed that mixed stands of "T. sinensis + C. funebris" had the highest comprehensive score at ratio of "3:1". Thus, our results recommended the adoption of T. sinensis, especially at 75%, to reconstruct the low-efficiency pure C. funebris forest.
A Retrospective Analysis of COVID-19 ARDS Patients Successfully Extubated to High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy
Authors: ALAY GULCIN HILAL , Ozcan Perihan Ergin , Polat Ozlem , Anakli Ilkay , Orhun Gunseli , Tuna Verda , Celiksoy Emre , Kilic Mehmet , Mercan Mutlu , Esen Figen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Coronavirus disease- 2019 (COVID-19) related to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus is a major cause of death during the pandemic period. Here we aim to present the retrospective data analysis of extubation success to High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy (HFNO) in COVID-19 ARDS patients.
Methods

The data of 22 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 ARDS patients who were extubated to HFNO therapy at an intensive care unit (ICU) were analyzed. Respiratory variables as well as demographic characteristics were collected on admission. The mechanical ventilation volumes and pressures together with blood gas measurements were recorded during the intubation period. HFNO flow rate, FiO2, and oxygenation variables were collected 5 consecutive days after extubation. The reintubation rate within the 5 days following planned extubation, duration of ICU stay, and mortality were recorded.
Results

Among 22 patients, 16 were male (72.7%) and the mean age was 69.9 ± 13,2 years with the highest comorbidity being hypertension (59.1%). The duration between symptom initiation to ICU admission was 6.5 ± 7,9 days where nearly all patients were intubated on the same day. Twenty patients were successfully extubated to HFNO and 2 patients experienced reintubation. The mean duration of HFNO treatment was 4.8 ± 3.6 days and the length of ICU stay was 17.4 ± 6 days. The ICU mortality ratio of this complete data was 13.6% (3/22).
Conclusion

Among high-risk ARDS COVID-19 patients who have undergone extubation, HFNO therapy should be considered for preventing reintubation and post-extubation respiratory failure.
Sparse Signature Matrix Optimization for NOMA under Imperfect CSI
Authors: Lu Kun , Yang Hongwen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) can support the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) with its potential to support high spectral efficiency and massive connectivity. The low-density superposition modulation (LDSM) scheme is one of the NOMA schemes and uses the sparse signature matrix to reduce multiple access interferences (MAI). In order to improve the NOMA system performance in practice, this paper focuses on designing the sparse signature matrix with a large girth for LDSM under imperfect channel state information (CSI). Based on the orthogonal pilot and linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) estimation, the LDSM optimized by bare-bone particle swarm optimization (BBPSO) algorithm has a larger girth and can gather more accurate information in the process of iterative decoding convergence. An extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart analysis is designed for the LDSM-OFDM system as a theoretical analysis tool. The simulation results show that the optimized LDSM outperforms the reference LDSM system, bringing about a 0.5 dB performance gain.
Towards A Sustainable Green Design for Next-Generation Networks
Authors: Alimi Isiaka Ajewale , Patel Romilkumar K. , Mufutau Akeem O. , Muga Nelson J. , Pinto Armando N. , Monteiro Paulo P. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The evolution in the Information and Communications Technologies industry results in excessive energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission in the wireless networks. In this context, energy efficiency in mobile networks has been attracting considerable attention as green communications and operational expenditures reduction depend on it. Although the Internet of Things is to be supported by devices that are low-energy consuming, the power consumption of the huge number to be connected for several applications and services demand significant attention. To offer insights into green communications, this paper reviews various energy efficiency improvement techniques. Also, we consider a hybrid model in which the main grid power and dynamically harvested green energy from renewable energy sources can be leveraged to support the energy demand of the radio access network. In this regard, we reformulate the energy consumption model and consider an energy-efficient power allocation algorithm for green energy optimization. Numerical results show that with resource allocation algorithm exploitation, the energy efficiency can be enhanced. Besides, the amount of the grid energy consumption can be considerably minimized, resulting in the greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the wireless networks.
Laser Projector Method for Measuring Postoperative Acetabular Anteversion After Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Chen Wei-Cheng , Wu Tai-Yin , Chi Kuan-Yu , Weng Pei-Wei , Huang Yu-min , Lin Feng-Huei , Liaw Chen-Kun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction For patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR), measuring the postoperative acetabular anteversion precisely plays a pivotal role in the prognosis because anteversion of acetabulum cup determines the range of motion and stability after the THR. To date, the documented techniques for the accurate assessment encompass methods of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D). Our team has developed several 2D methods for precisely measuring acetabular anteversion after the THR, namely the trigonometric, the protractor, and the computerized ellipse method. Despite multiple commercially available assessing tools, most mandate computerized equipment with corresponding software that is frequently in shortage in remote areas and developing countries. Therefore, we attempted to invent a laser projector that is able to measure the acetabular anteversion directly on the traditional plain film and to examine its validity and consistency by comparison with the Elliversion software.Methods We invented a portable laser projector incorporating the ellipse method for the measurement of postoperative acetabular anteversion. We retrospectively collected 50 postoperative pelvis radiographs including acetabulum from our institution. One investigator first measured the anteversion of included radiographs through Elliversion software as the control group. Subsequently, two operators independently used the laser projector for measurements in two separate periods with 1-day intervals as the experimental group. Our analysis was comprised of intra- and inter-group comparisons, which investigated the consistency and validity, respectively, by using two-sample student’s t-test. P-value < 0.05 suggests statistical significance. Results There was no significant difference in measuring the anteversion through laser projectors between two operators (MD, -0.12; 95% CI, -0.52 to 0.27; p=0.54). The estimated effect in the anteversion measurement between the Elliversion and laser projector was also comparable (MD, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.38 to 0.04; p=0.12).Conclusions Our study reported the consistency and validity of this laser projector as there is no significant difference in both intra- and inter-observer reliability, demonstrating real-time, intuitive, and convenient product design comparing to Elliversion. Most importantly, we look forward to helping elevate clinical acumen when doctors provide care to patients after THR, especially in remote areas.
Risk factors and mitigation measures in public-private water sector partnerships: lessons from the Asutifi North District, Ghana
Authors: Agbemor Benjamin Dawurah , Smiley Sarah L. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are promoted as a practical option for developing countries to meet their water sector infrastructure gaps. Despite their appeal, PPP projects have been described as complex and challenging, and the water sector PPPs are particularly associated with high failure rates. Risk analysis and evaluations have been identified as critical to the success of PPPs. In this paper, we examine an on-going PPP arrangement for piped water supply in the Asutifi North District of Ghana under a Build, Operate, and Transfer arrangement. Safe Water Network will provide the supply systems and transfer ownership to the District Authority at the end of the contract. We reviewed key project documents to ascertain the measures that would minimize the likelihood of risk occurring during the project cycle. Of 11 risk factors, 7 were anticipated in the project documents. We recommend that project documents be reviewed and amended to address the unanticipated risks.
Assessing desertification sensitivity map under climate change and agricultural practices scenarios: the island of Crete case study
Authors: Morianou G. , Kourgialas N. N. , Pisinaras V. , Psarras G. , Arambatzis G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is the assessment of desertification risk for a typical Mediterranean island, in the frame of climate change and the application of good agricultural practices. Based on the MEDALUS Environmentally Sensitive Area Index (ESAI) approach, the sensitivity in desertification is estimated by employing 15 quantitative parameters divided in to four main quality indices: climate, vegetation, soil, and management quality. The methodology applied for a baseline scenario (current conditions), two future climate change scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) and a soil quality improvement scenario. According to the results, more than 13% of the island's area is characterized as critically sensitive to desertification in the current conditions. This percentage will increase in the future under both the RCP 4.5 and the RCP 8.5 climate scenarios, where the critical areas will rise above to 15%. By applying the soil quality improvement scenario simultaneously with the climate change scenarios, a slight mitigation of desertification risk in the future could be achieved. The methodology developed in this study may be used to assess desertification process under various climate, soil, and land use management scenarios in regions of the Mediterranean Sea.
Alkaline and acid solubilisation of waste activated sludge
Authors: de Sousa Tales Abreu Tavares , do Monte Fernanda Patrício , Silva José Vanderley do Nascimento , Lopes Wilton Silva , Leite Valderi Duarte , van Lier Jules B. , de Sousa José Tavares 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The influence of acidic and alkaline conditions on the solubilisation process of waste activated sludge (WAS) was investigated using HCl and NaOH at pH 2, 10, 11 and 12. The rise in concentration of solubilised compounds, the influence of reaction time, and the influence of the concentration of total solids (TS) during the solubilisation process were determined. Physical and chemical tests demonstrated that pre-treatment provided a release of compounds from the sludge floc matrix into the soluble fraction, characterising the solubilisation process. The highest degree of WAS solubilisation was observed when a pH of 12 was applied. Although largest effects were already attained after 0.25 h, WAS solubilisation continued reaching an increase in total dissolved solids by a factor 10.4 after 720 hrs. Under these conditions, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC), proteins, and carbohydrates resulted in releases up to 15, 40 and 41 times, respectively; phosphorus increased 5.7 times. Results indicate that by applying alkaline pre-treatment, higher TS concentrations can be treated per reactor volume compared to non-pre-treated WAS. Aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability tests showed increased bioconversion potentials in full-scale treatment plants. The respirometry tests ratify the improvement in solubilisation, with O2 consumption rates increasing 1.4 times, concomitant with an additional 261 mg·L−1 of the COD used, which represents 90% bioconversion of waste activated sludge. Biomethanisation test indicated an increase of 3.6 times relative to the blank.
EL APORTE DEL EMPRENDIMIENTO SOCIAL A LA EDUCACIÓN MEDIA TÉCNICA
Authors: Cadena Luisa Fernanda 
Published: May 2021

El presente artículo recoge algunos de los principales resultados generados de la investigación ejecutada en el periodo 2014-2017 en 4 instituciones de educación media técnica del sector oficial en la ciudad de Bogotá, en la que se pretendió comprender el impacto de las políticas de articulación de la media t y la formación en emprendimiento que desde el Ministerio de Educación Nacional hacen parte del Proyecto Educativo Institucional (PEI) de las instituciones que tienen en su modelo educativo la formación media técnica. Esta indagación se conduce bajo la mirada del desarrollo del pensamiento complejo en la escuela y con ella se quiso conocer como impactaba en el desempeño de los egresados de la formación media en articulación y la implementación de las dos políticas públicas que se plantean para mejorar la formación del futuro egresado como bachiller técnico para el ingreso al sector productivo o bien para su paso a la formación superior. En cuanto a la metodología desarrollada en el estudio, la investigación fue de carácter cualitativo, con enfoque descriptivo.Para organizar y analizar la información obtenida se realizó el proceso metodológico de triangulación, con el objetivo de darle la rigurosidad científica a los resultados de la investigación recogidos desde los diferentes actores, mediante el análisis de los resultados arrojados.En conclusión, la investigación entregó entre otros aportes una serie de componentes para generar un proyecto de aula a partir del desarrollo de competencias en emprendimiento social.Palabras Clave: Educación media, política de articulación, sector productivo, pensamiento complejo, competencias.
La matrícula ante la política educativa: el caso de la Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, México
Authors: Garduño Teliz Elvia , Reyes Carreto Ramón 
Published: May 2021

El objetivo del estudio es analizar la matrícula de Educación Media Superior (EMS) y Educación Superior (ES) en los últimos seis ciclos escolares para establecer propuestas que contribuyan a ampliar la cobertura de la oferta educativa en la Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero (UAGro). A partir de aplicar una metodología cuantitativa se realizó un análisis entre los datos establecidos en el Anuario Estadístico institucional y los presentados por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI) relativos a la población objetivo del derecho a la educación EMS y ES en las siete regiones del estado de Guerrero.Los resultados demuestran que la actual y nueva oferta educativa de la UAGro no ha tenido un impacto significativo en el crecimiento de su matrícula. Ante esto, se genera una serie de propuestas orientadas a modificar las políticas institucionales con miras a ampliar la matrícula y la cobertura.