bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survival Outcomes Using Computed Tomography-Based Texture Analysis
Authors: Song Sung Eun , Seo Bo Kyoung , Cho Kyu Ran , Woo Ok Hee , Ganeshan Balaji , Kim Eun Sil , Cha Jaehyung 
Published: July 2021

Background: Although inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) has poor overall survival (OS), there is little information about using imaging features for predicting the prognosis. Computed tomography (CT)-based texture analysis, a non-invasive technique to quantify tumor heterogeneity, could be a potentially useful imaging biomarker. The aim of the article was to investigate the usefulness of chest CT-based texture analysis to predict OS in IBC patients.Methods: Of the 3,130 patients with primary breast cancers between 2006 and 2016, 104 patients (3.3%) with IBC were identified. Among them, 98 patients who underwent pre-treatment contrast-enhanced chest CT scans, got treatment in our institution, and had a follow-up period of more than 2 years were finally included for CT-based texture analysis. Texture analysis was performed on CT images of 98 patients, using commercially available software by two breast radiologists. Histogram-based textural features, such as quantification of variation in CT attenuation (mean, standard deviation, mean of positive pixels [MPP], entropy, skewness, and kurtosis), were recorded. To dichotomize textural features for survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine cutoff points. Clinicopathologic variables, such as age, node stage, metastasis stage at the time of diagnosis, hormonal receptor positivity, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity, and molecular subtype, were assessed. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the association of textural features and clinicopathologic variables with OS.Results: During a mean follow-up period of 47.9 months, 41 of 98 patients (41.8%) died, with a median OS of 20.0 months. The textural features of lower mean attenuation, standard deviation, MPP, and entropy on CT images were significantly associated with worse OS, as was the M1 stage among clinicopathologic variables (all P-values &lt; 0.05). In multivariate analysis, lower mean attenuation (hazard ratio [HR], 3.26; P = 0.003), lower MPP (HR, 3.03; P = 0.002), and lower entropy (HR, 2.70; P = 0.009) on chest CT images were significant factors independent from the M1 stage for predicting worse OS.Conclusions: Lower mean attenuation, MPP, and entropy on chest CT images predicted worse OS in patients with IBC, suggesting that CT-based texture analysis provides additional predictors for OS.
How Reliable are 11- to 13-Year-Olds’ Self-Ratings of Effort in Noisy Conditions?
Authors: Visentin Chiara , Prodi Nicola 
Published: July 2021

Performing a task in noisy conditions is effortful. This is especially relevant for children in classrooms as the effort involved could impair their learning and academic achievements. Numerous studies have investigated how to use behavioral and physiological methods to measure effort, but limited data are available on how well school-aged children rate effort in their classrooms. This study examines whether and how self-ratings can be used to describe the effort children perceive while working in a noisy classroom. This is done by assessing the effect of listening condition on self-rated effort in a group of 182 children 11–13 years old. The children performed three tasks typical of daily classroom activities (speech perception, sentence comprehension, and mental calculation) in three listening conditions (quiet, traffic noise, and classroom noise). After completing each task, they rated their perceived task-related effort on a five-point scale. Their task accuracy and response times (RTs) were recorded (the latter as a behavioral measure of task-related effort). Participants scored higher (more effort) on their self-ratings in the noisy conditions than in quiet. Their self-ratings were also sensitive to the type of background noise, but only for the speech perception task, suggesting that children might not be fully aware of the disruptive effect of background noise. A repeated-measures correlation analysis was run to explore the possible relationship between the three study outcomes (accuracy, self-ratings, and RTs). Self-ratings correlated with accuracy (in all tasks) and with RTs (only in the speech perception task), suggesting that the relationship between different measures of listening effort might depend on the task. Overall, the present findings indicate that self-reports could be useful for measuring changes in school-aged children’s perceived listening effort. More research is needed to better understand, and consequently manage, the individual factors that might affect children’s self-ratings (e.g., motivation) and to devise an appropriate response format.
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals the Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Xie Xinsheng , Wang En ci , Xu Dandan , Shu Xiaolong , Zhao Yu fei , Guo Daqiao , Fu Weiguo , Wang Lixin 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are associated with high mortality rates. The genes and pathways linked with AAA remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to the progression of AAA using bioinformatics analysis.Methods: Gene expression profiles of the GSE47472 and GSE57691 datasets were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. These datasets were merged and normalized using the “sva” R package, and DEGs were identified using the limma package in R. The functions of these DEGs were assessed using Cytoscape software. We analyzed the DEGs using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. Protein–protein interaction networks were assembled using Cytoscape, and crucial genes were identified using the Cytoscape plugin, molecular complex detection. Data from GSE15729 and GSE24342 were also extracted to verify our findings.Results: We found that 120 genes were differentially expressed in AAA. Genes associated with inflammatory responses and nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process were clustered in two gene modules in AAA. The hub genes of the two modules were IL6, RPL21, and RPL7A. The expression levels of IL6 correlated positively with RPL7A and negatively with RPL21. The expression of RPL21 and RPL7A was downregulated, whereas that of IL6 was upregulated in AAA.Conclusions: The expression of RPL21 or RPL7A combined with IL6 has a diagnostic value for AAA. The novel DEGs and pathways identified herein might provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of AAA.
Contemporary Trends and Risk Factors of Hemodynamic and Myocardial Mechanics Derived by the Pressure Recording Analytical Method After Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Lou Xiaobin , Liu Yingying , Cui Yanqin , Li Jianbin , Li Lijuan , Ma Li , Zou Minghui , Chen Xinxin , Li Jia 
Published: July 2021

Objective: Adverse factors of postoperative hemodynamic and myocardial performance remain largely unexplored in children with congenital heart disease following cardiopulmonary bypass due to technical limitations. Pressure recording analytical method (PRAM) is a continuous hemodynamic and myocardial performance monitoring technique based on beat-to-beat arterial pressure waveform. Using PRAM, we examined the temporal trends and adverse factors, in clinical management, of these performances.Methods: We monitored blood pressure, cardiac index, cardiac cycle efficiency (CCE), dP/dTmax, and systematic vascular resistance index in 91 children (aged 186 ± 256 days) during their first 48 h after cardiopulmonary bypass. Above parameters, inotropic and vasoactive drug dosages, and serum lactate were recorded 3-hourly. NT-proBNP was measured daily.Results: CCE and dP/dTmax gradually increased (Ps &lt; 0.0001), while systematic vascular resistance index, diastolic blood pressure and inotrope dosages decreased (Ps &lt; 0.0001) over time. Cardiac index, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate did not change significantly (Ps ≥ 0.231). Patients undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest had significantly higher heart rate and lower CCE (Ps ≤ 0.006) over time. Multivariate analyses indicated that epinephrine dose significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure, cardiac index, CCE, and dP/dTmax after polynomial transformation, with the peak ranging from 0.075 to 0.097.Conclusions: Systemic hemodynamic and myocardial performance gradually improved in the first 48 h after cardiopulmonary bypass without the “classic” nadir at 9–12 h. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and higher epinephrine doses were adversely associated with these performances. CCE, rather than cardiac index or other common-used parameters, was the most sensitive and consistent indicator.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Accelerates the Recovery of Pulmonary Function in Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Zhu Pengfei , Wang Zhengchao , Guo Xiaomi , Feng Zhiyong , Chen Chaochao , Zheng Ai , Gu Haotian , Cai Yu 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on short-term pulmonary functional recovery in patients with COVID-19.Methods: Patients with COVID-19 (n = 123) were divided into two groups (PR group or Control group) according to recipient of pulmonary rehabilitation. Six-min walk distance (6MW), heart rate (HR), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and CT scanning were measured at the time of discharge, 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks.Results: At week one, both PR group and Control group showed no significant changes in pulmonary function. At 4 and 12 weeks, 6MW, HR, FVC, FEV1, and DLCO improved significantly in both groups. However, the improvement in the PR group was greater than the Control group. Pulmonary function in the PR group returned to normal at 4 weeks [FVC (% predicted, PR vs. Control): 86.27 ± 9.14 vs. 78.87 ± 7.55; FEV1 (% predicted, PR vs. Control) 88.76 ± 6.22 vs. 78.96 ± 6.91; DLCO (% predicted, PR vs. Control): 87.27 ± 6.20 vs. 77.78 ± 5.85] compared to 12 weeks in the control group [FVC (% predicted, PR vs. Control): 90.61 ± 6.05 vs. 89.96 ± 4.05; FEV1 (% predicted, PR vs. Control) 94.06 ± 0.43 vs. 93.85 ± 5.61; DLCO (% predicted, PR vs. Control): 91.99 ± 8.73 vs. 88.57 ± 5.37]. Residual lesions on CT disappeared at week 4 in 49 patients in PR group and in 28 patients in control group (p = 0.0004).Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation could accelerate the recovery of pulmonary function in patients with COVID-19.
Utility of Human Immune Responses to GAS Antigens as a Diagnostic Indicator for ARF: A Systematic Review
Authors: Salie M. Taariq , Rampersadh Kimona , Muhamed Babu , Engel Kélin C. , Zühlke Liesl J. , Dale James B. , Engel Mark E. 
Published: July 2021

Background: Previous studies have established that streptococcal antibody titer is correlated with a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). However, results vary in the usefulness of GAS antibodies, particularly anti-streptolysin-O (ASO) and anti-DNase B, in confirming a recent GAS infection. Therefore, we sought to provide, from published studies, an evidence-based synthesis of the correlation of streptococcal serology to establish the usefulness of immunological data in aiding the diagnosis of ARF. These findings are anticipated to have implications where echocardiography is not freely available, especially where ARF is rampant.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across a number of databases. Applying a priori criteria, we selected articles reporting on studies, regardless of study design, that evaluate the levels of antibodies against GAS-specific antigens in ARF subjects against control values or a published standard. Data were extracted onto data extraction forms, captured electronically, and analyzed using Stata software. Risk of bias was assessed in included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).Results and Conclusion: The search strategy yielded 534 studies, from which 24 met the inclusion criteria, reporting on evaluation of titers for SLO (n = 10), DNase B (n = 9), anti-streptokinase (ASK) (n = 3) amongst others. Elevation in titers was determined by comparison with controls and upper limit of normal (ULN) antibody values as determined in healthy individuals. Meta-analysis of case-controlled studies revealed moderate odds ratio (OR) correlations between ARF diagnosis and elevated titers for SLO (OR = 10.57; 95% CI, 3.36–33.29; 10 studies) and DNAse B (OR = 6.97; 95% CI, 2.99–16.27; 7 studies). While providing support for incorporating SLO and DNase B in the diagnosis of ARF, we present the following reflections: an elevation in SLO and DNase B levels are not consistently associated with an ARF diagnosis; increasing the number of GAS proteins in the test is warranted to improve sensitivity; paired (acute and convalescent) samples could provide a more accurate indication of a rising titer. Use of community-based controls as a standard is not a reliable marker by which to gauge recent GAS infection.
Major and Trace Element Geochemistry of the Permian-Triassic Boundary Section at Meishan, South China
Authors: Dudás Francis Ö. , Zhang Hua , Shen Shu-Zhong , Bowring Samuel A. 
Published: July 2021

We report extensive major and trace element data for the Permian-Triassic boundary (PTB) at Meishan, China. Analyses of 64 samples from a 2.5 m section span the last 75 kyr of the Permian and the first 335 kyr of the Triassic, from beds 24 to 34. We also report data for 20 acetic acid extracts that characterize the carbonate fraction. Whole rock major element data reflect the change of lithology from carbonate in the Permian to mudstone and marl in the Triassic, indicate an increase of siliciclastic input and MgO in and above the extinction interval (beds 24f–28), and silica diagenesis in carbonates below the extinction horizon. Above bed 27, enrichment factors calculated with respect to Al and Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) are ∼1 for most trace elements, confirming that siliciclastic input dominates trace element distributions in the Triassic. Within the extinction interval, beds 24f and 26 show increases in As, Mo, U and some transition metals. V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ba are variably enriched, particularly in bed 26. Below the extinction interval, the top of bed 24d shows enrichment of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ba in a zone of diagenetic silicification. Trace elements thus reflect siliciclastic input, diagenetic redistribution, and responses to redox conditions. Trace element patterns suggest either a change in provenance of the detrital component, or a change in the proportion of mechanical to chemical weathering that is coincident with the beginning of the extinction in bed 24f. Ba, Zr, and Zn behave anomalously. Ba shows little variation, despite changes in biological activity and redox conditions. The enrichment factor for Zr is variable in the carbonates below bed 24f, suggesting diagenetic Zr mobility. Zn shows a sharp drop in the extinction horizon, suggesting that its distribution was related to phytoplankton productivity. Rare earth element content is controlled by the siliciclastic fraction, and carbonate extracts show middle rare earth enrichment due to diagenesis. Ce and Eu anomalies are not reliable indicators of the redox environment at Meishan.
The Impacts of Global Research and International Educational Experiences on Texas A&M University System LSAMP Participants
Authors: Preuss Michael , Merriweather Samuel , Avila John , Butler-Purry Karen , Watson Karan , Walton Shannon , Obiomon Pamela , Pezold Frank , Murry Jasmine , Roth Michele , Kelley Judy , Lamm Harriet , Alves Maria , Garcia Sonia ,   for the Texas A&M University System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
Published: July 2021

The Texas A&amp;M University System was one of the first six Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) awardees. All current members of the Alliance are part of the Texas A&amp;M University System. Many high impact practices (HIP) have been emphasized in the Alliance’s 30 years of programming with Diversity/Global Learning as a focus in the last 14 years. Diversity/Global Learning has been supported in two formats on the Alliance campuses, through traditional study abroad programming and a College of Engineering initiative. Data presented were derived from a number of sources, project evaluation information regarding student perspectives and outcomes, survey research conducted by an independent party, and institutional data and online platforms accessed to assess student outcomes. Triangulation was completed between data sets. Results indicate both forms of programming were efficacious for underrepresented and first-generation students. Outcomes reported were substantial increases in awareness of and interest in graduate school, increases in cultural learning, confidence in travel outside the United States, learning relevant to major, commitment to continuing involvement with research, interest in another similar experience, and willingness to consider employment outside the U.S. Participants reported statistically significant growth in personal, professional, and research skills. They persisted, participated in additional study abroad experiences, and graduated at higher rates than their institutional peers with approximately 90% of informants indicating intention to consider graduate school in the future, over 40% indicating intent to attend immediately following undergraduate study, and 39.4% of 2007–2014 participants enrolling in graduate school by the spring of 2021. Programming described is replicable at and likely to be efficacious for a wide variety of institutions of higher education.
Desulfurization of Vulcanized Rubber Particles Using Biological and Couple Microwave-Chemical Methods
Authors: Valdés C. , Hernández C. , Morales-Vera R. , Andler R. 
Published: July 2021

Currently, recycling or degradation treatments for tires are an enormous challenge. Despite efforts to dispose of or recycle it, rubber waste is increasing year by year worldwide. To create a rubber-recycling system, several researchers have proposed tire desulfurization. In this study, we compare two methods: one biological, using Acidobacillus ferroxidans in shake 250 ml flask experiments, and one chemical using, for the first time, microwaves and an aqueous solution. The results of these methods were analyzed through sulfate quantification, cross-linking differences, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with energy disperse spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). We observed that the amount of sulfates generated by the chemical system was 22.40 (mg/L)/g of rubber, which was 22-times higher than the biological system, which generated 1.06 (mg/L)/g of rubber. Similarly, after cross-linking studies, a 36% higher decrease after the chemical treatment was observed. When using FTIR analysis, the disappearance of characteristic bands corresponding to functional groups containing sulfur bonds and metal oxides were observed by treating the sample with both desulfurization methods. Morphological changes on the rubber surface structure was also demonstrated by SEM-EDS analysis with the appearance of holes, cracks and changes in the porosity of the material. This work analyzed two different non-aggressive desulfurization approaches that might be used as methods for rubber recycling processes.
Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicines on Hearing Loss Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Retrospective Claims Analysis
Authors: Li Hsin-Hua , Livneh Hanoch , Chen Wei-Jen , Fan Wen-Lin , Lu Ming-Chi , Guo How-Ran , Tsai Tzung-Yi 
Published: July 2021

Objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a higher risk of extra-articular manifestations, especially hearing loss (HL). Although Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) are proven safe and effective treatments for inflammatory conditions, the effect of CHM use on HL in RA patients is unknown. This cohort study aims to determine the relationship between CHM use and the subsequent risk of HL among RA patients.Methods: From health insurance claims data in Taiwan, a total of 6,905 persons aged 20–80 years with newly-diagnosed RA in 2000–2009 were identified. Of these, we recruited 2,765 CHM users and randomly selected 2,765 non-CHM users who matched with the users by the propensity score. Both cohorts were followed up until the end of 2012 to estimate the incidence of HL. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for HL.Results: The incidence of HL was lower in the CHM users than in the comparison cohort (8.06 vs. 10.54 per 1,000 person-years) (adjusted HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63–0.94). Those who received CHM for more than 2 years had the greatest benefit against the onset of HL, with over 50% risk reduction. Prescriptions of Hai Piao Xiao, Yan Hu Suo, San-Qi, Huang Qin, Dang Shen, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, Shu-Jing-Huo-Xue-Tang, and Dang-Gui-Nian-Tong-Tang were found to be associated with a reduced risk of HL.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that adding CHM to conventional therapy may reduce the subsequent risk of HL in RA patients. Prospective randomized trials are recommended to further clarify whether the association revealed in this study supports such a causal relationship.
Network Analysis of Outpatients to Identify Predictive Symptoms and Combinations of Symptoms Associated With Positive/Negative SARS-CoV-2 Nasopharyngeal Swabs
Authors: Spechbach Hervé , Jacquerioz Frédérique , Prendki Virginie , Kaiser Laurent , Smit Mikaela , Calmy Alexandra , Chappuis François , Guessous Idris , Salamun Julien , Baggio Stéphanie 
Published: July 2021

Background: Limited data exist on early predictive clinical symptoms or combinations of symptoms that could be included in the case definition of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly for mild-to-moderate disease in an outpatient setting.Methods: A cohort study of individuals presenting with clinical symptoms to one of the largest dedicated networks of COVID-19 test centers in Geneva, Switzerland, between March 2 and April 23, 2020. Individuals completed a symptom questionnaire, received a nurse-led check-up, and nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained. An analysis of clinical features predicting the positivity and negativity of the SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test was performed to determine the relationship between symptoms and their combinations.Results: Of 3,248 patients included (mean age, 42.2 years; 1,504 [46.3%] male), 713 (22%) had a positive RT-PCR; 1,351 (41.6%) consulted within 3 days of symptom onset. The strongest predictor of a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR was anosmia, particularly in early disease, followed by fever, myalgia, and cough. Symptoms predictive of a negative test were breathing difficulties, abdominal symptoms, thoracic pain and runny nose. Three distinct networks of symptoms were identified, but did not occur together: respiratory symptoms; systemic symptoms related to fever; and other systemic symptoms related to anosmia.Conclusions: Symptoms and networks of symptoms associated with a positive/negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR are emerging and may help to guide targeted testing. Identification of early COVID-19-related symptoms alone or in combination can contribute to establish a clinical case definition and provide a basis for clinicians and public health authorities to distinguish it from other respiratory viruses early in the course of the disease, particularly in the outpatient setting.