bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of The Pico Y Placa Policy On Fine Particulate Matter In Lima, Peru
Authors: Romero Yovitza , deSouza Priyanka , Duarte Fabio , Kinney Patrick , Ratti Carlo , Noel Julien 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Lima has been ranked among the top most polluted cities in the Americas. Vehicular emissions are the dominant source of pollution in the city. In order to reduce congestion and pollution levels during the XVIII Pan- and Parapan-American Games, Lima government officials enacted the pico y placa policy to restrict the number of vehicles on certain heavily trafficked roads in the city at rush hours between Monday to Thursday based on the last digit of their license plates. This policy was retained after the Games. In this paper we evaluate the impact of this policy on fine particulate matter concentration levels (PM2.5) at a background site in the city using a difference-in-difference approach. We find that the policy resulted in increases on PM2.5 levels on Monday-Thursday compared to Friday-Sunday levels after the policy was enacted, compared to previous years. However, such an increase was not significant. These results suggest the need for additional policies to reduce pollution due to traffic in Lima. It also suggests the need to track the response to this policy over time to evaluate its efficacy.
An Effective Congestion and Interference Secure Routing Protocol for Internet of Things Applications in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Vankdothu Ramdas , Abdul Hameed Mohd 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This paper provides an effective Wireless Sensor Network(WSN) routing solution for Internet of Things(IoT) applications cognizant of congestion, security, and interference. Because several sources try to deliver their packets to a destination simultaneously, which is a common case in IoT applications. The proposed congestion and interference aware safe routing protocol is claimed to work in networks with high traffic. The signal to interference ratio (SINR), congestion level, and survival factor is used in our suggested procedure to estimate the cluster head selection factor first. The adaptive fuzzy c-means clustering method clusters the network nodes based on the cluster head selection factor. After that, data packets are encrypted using Adaptive Quantum Logic-based packet coding. Finally, the Adaptive Krill Herd (AKH) optimization method identifies the least congested corridor, resulting in optimal data transmission routing. The exploratory findings show that the provided strategy outperforms previous methodologies in network performance, end-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio, and node remaining energy level.
Comparison and Validation of APRI and FIB-4 for Evaluating Liver Fibrosis in Chinese Hepatitis B Virus-infected Patients with Persistently Normal ALT, Mildly and Significantly Elevated ALT
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Gong Yuhan , Li Jie , Dai Xuan , Zhao Yueyue , Li Hong , Huang Haijun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Many noninvasive models based on serum markers composition are used for the assessment of liver fibrosis, reducing the need for liver biopsy. However, most of the models have rarely been validated in Chinese hepatitis B patients. We aim to evaluate and validate chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients with normal ALT, mildly and significantly elevated ALT levels.Methods: This single-center retrospective study enrolled 285 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy. There were 156 patients in normal ALT group, 85 patients in mildly elevated ALT group, and 44 patients in significantly elevated ALT group. The diagnostic accuracy of APRI and FIB-4 was evaluated by areas under the characteristic curves (AUROC) using the histological assessment of the fibrosis stages of the biopsy specimens as the standards.Results: Among 285 patients with CHB, 156 patients had normal ALT level, of which 65 (41.7%) had significant fibrosis(S2-4). The evaluation of significant fibrosis, AUROC in APRI and FIB-4 were 0.608, 0.634, 0.708 and 0.638, 0.679, 0.734 in normal ALT, mildly and significantly elevated ALT, respectively. The assessment of advanced fibrosis, AUROC in APRI and FIB-4 were 0.636, 0.751, 0.708 and 0.652, 0.763, 0.734 in normal ALT, mildly and significantly elevated ALT groups, respectively. Conclusions: APRI and FIB-4 may not be ideal noninvasive markers for evaluating liver fibrosis in Chinese HBV-infected patients with normal ALT levels. Compared with HBV-infected patients with normal ALT, APRI and FIB-4 had high accuracies in diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with mildly and significantly elevated ALT.
A Durable 4-1BB-based CD19 CAR-T Cell for Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Ying Zhitao , He Ting , Jin Shanzhao , Wang Xiaopei , Zheng Wen , Lin Ningjing , Tu Meifeng , Xie Yan , Ping Lingyan , Liu Weiping , Deng Lijuan , Ding Yanping , Hu Xuelian , Bu Bing , Lu Xin-an , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Backgroud
: CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown great promise for cure of relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r B-NHL). Previous studies reported that 4-1BB-based CD19 CAR-T was more beneficial for the clinical outcomes than CD28-based CAR-T, especially lower rates of severe adverse events. However, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 4-1BB-based product Kymriah was shorter than that of the CD28-based Yescarta (2.9 v.s. 5.9 months), suggesting that the long-term effectiveness of Kymriah was limited. Thus, a safe and durable 4-1BB-based CD19 CAR-T needs to be developed.
Methods
Here we presented a CD19 CAR-T (named IM19) with FMC63 scFv, 4-1BB and CD3ζ intracellular domain, which was manufactured into a memory T-enriched formulation and launched a clinical trial for treatemt of r/r B-NHL. The clinical outcomes of IM19 were evaluated in 22 r/r B-NHL patients in a Phase I/II trial with dose-escalation investigation (5×105, 1×106 and 3×106/kg).
Results
All patients received a single infusion of IM19 after 3-day conditional regimen. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 13 patients (59%), with 54.5% of grade 1–2 and 4.5% of grade 3, whereas Kymriah led to 22% of > grade 3 CRS. Only one patient showed > grade 3 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). At 6 months, the overall response rate was 47.62%, and the complete response rate was 42.86%. The mPFS of IM19 achieved 9 months and the 1-year overall survival rate was 78%.
Conclusions
These results demonstrated the safety and durable efficacy of IM19 with FMC63 scFv, 4-1BB and CD3ζ intracellular domain, that is promising for further development and clinical investigation.
Trial registration
: The registration date of the clinical trial is May 17, 2018(17/05/2018) and the trial registration numbers is NCT03528421.
Current Role of Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Therapy in the Sequential Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Komatsu Shohei , Yano Yoshihiko , Fujishima Yoshimi , Ishida Jun , Kido Masahiro , Kuramitsu Kaori , Yamamoto Atsushi , Goto Tadahiro , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Toyama Hirochika , Ueda Yoshihide , Kodama Yuzo , Fukumoto Takumi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy is the new standard treatment option for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical details and sequential course after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy remain to be determined.
Methods
From October 2020 to June 2021, 34 consecutive patients who received atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy were evaluated. Their clinical outcomes were assessed according to liver function classified by modified albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 1 and 2a (1/2a) versus 2b and treatment line (first-line versus second- or later-line). Furthermore, the treatment sequence after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy was also assessed.
Results
The objective response and disease control rates were 15.6% and 93.8%, respectively. The median proportions of ALBI scores at 1, 2, and 3 months relative to the baseline scores were 0.94, 0.97, and 0.93, respectively. The median proportions of α-fetoprotein (AFP) scores at 1, 2, and 3 months relative to the baseline scores were 0.98, 1.12, and 1.83, respectively. There were no significant differences in the changes in the proportions of AFP and ALBI scores according to both liver function and treatment line. Twelve patients were administered lenvatinib treatment after the failure of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy. The proportions of AFP and ALBI scores at 1 month relative to the baseline scores were 0.55 and 0.81, respectively.
Conclusions
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy can be administered effectively for advanced HCC irrespective of patients’ liver function and treatment line. Lenvatinib administration after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy can be effective, although special attention should be paid to the deterioration of liver function.
Adaptive Control for Quadrotors with Uncertain and Faulty Actuators
Authors: Han Qi , Liu Xiangbin , Liu Zhitao , Su Hongye 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Two adaptive control strategies are presented in this paper for two types of quadrotors to cope with potential uncertainties and faults in the actuator system. The four actuators of the considered quadrotors are distinct and suffered from loss of effectiveness (LOE) as well. To accomandate unknown actuator parameters, a filter-based immersion and invariance (I&I) adaptive controllers are designed for attitude and altitude subsystems, respectively, and an integral backstepping controller is developed for the horizontal subsystem to achieve null steady-state error. Both simulation and experiment results are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of trajectory tracking performance and fault-tolerant accomondation ability of the proposed control schemes.
Evaluation of the Interference of HbE on HbA1c Results on the Detection System Produced by Shenzhen Lifotronic
Authors: Hu Yaozong , Suo Minghuan , Xu Yan , Hu Wenyong , Hu Ting , Huang Jiamin , Wang Weijia , Chen Kang 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective: To analyze the interference of HbE on the HbA1c results on detection systems manufactured by Shenzhen Lifotronic. Methods: Volunteers were recruited from Zhongshan city, Guangdong province during June 2020 to November 2020. A total of 55 specimens were obtained, including 40 cases without HbE(23 cases in normal group and 17 cases in diabetes group) and 15 cases with HbE variant. HbA1c of these two groups (normal and HbE group) were analyzed by Shenzhen Lifotronic H8, H9 and GH-900Plus, Bio-Rad Variant II Turbo 2.0 and D-10 from USA, Arkray HA-8180 from Japan, statistical analysis was conducted on the difference between detection results of normal group and HbE variant group. Bio-Rad Variant II Turbo 2.0 was used as the comparison system to calculate the bias and to evaluate the interference of HbE on each system. Results: In normal group, the results of each detection system were comparable to those of Variant II Turbo 2.0, with a bias of -6%~6%. In HbE variant group,system bias of H8, H9, GH-900Plus and D-10 was within -6% and 6%, and the results showed no significant difference (P>0.05), while the negative bias of HA-8180 showed significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with Bio-Rad Variant II Turbo 2.0, HbA1c can be correctly detected by H8, H9 and GH-900Plus system without the interference of HbE.
Ranscriptome Analysis Reveals the Molecular Mechanism of Yiqi Rougan Decoction in Reducing CCl4-induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Xiong Yu , Hu Jinyuan , Xuan Chen , Tian Jiayu , Tan Kaiyue , Chen Zhiwei , Luo Yan , Du Xuqin , Cheng Junxiong , Zhang Lanyue , Cao Wenfu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLiver fibrosis develops from various chronic liver diseases, and there is currently a lack of specific treatment strategies. Yiqi Rougan decoction (YQRG) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has shown durative effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis; however, the mechanism associated with YQRG-related improvements in liver fibrosis remains to be experimentally determined. This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of YQRG on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and its molecular mechanism. MethodsWe used low-, medium-, and high-dose YQRG to treat CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats, followed by assessment of liver injury and fibrosis according to liver appearance, body weight, liver mass index, histopathologic examination, and serum testing. Additionally, we performed transcriptome analysis using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology, including cluster, Gene Ontology (GO), and pathway analyses, to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and protein and gene expression were detected by immunofluorescence (IFC), western blot, and real-time quantitative PCR. ResultsThe results showed that YQRG effectively alleviated CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats, including observations of improved liver function, decreased activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and decreased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Moreover, we identified downregulated and upregulated DEGs in the model group relative to the control and YQRG-treated groups, with GO analysis revealing their enrichment in biological processes, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that YQRG treatment downregulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/AKT) signalling pathways and upregulated other signalling pathways, including those related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPAR) and AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK), with these finding subsequently verified experimentally. Conclusion﻿These findings showed that YQRG improved CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through multiple mechanisms and pathways, offering critical insight into the YQRG-related therapeutic mechanism and promoting further research into its potential application.
Rate of Recovery and Symptomatic Efficacy of a Polyherbal AYUSH Formulation in the Treatment of SARS CoV-2 disease: A Single-arm trial
Authors: Kanchibhotla Divya , Harsora Prateek , Subramanian Saumya , reddy Ravi , Venkatesh Hari 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the human coronavirus SARS CoV-2, has led to millions of deaths across the globe. Not only is the SARS CoV-2 virus highly infectious, it also mutates very easily. This creates additional challenges for development of robust therapeutic solutions. Along with modern system of healthcare, there is a definite need for exploring natural plant based antiviral compounds directed against the SARS CoV-2 virus. Objective: The present observational study investigates the efficacy of an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation of 19 ingredients, NOQ19, in the management of COVID-19. Methodology: A single arm, single centric, open label study design was adopted for this feasibility study. 161 RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients were enrolled. The enrolled participants were provided the Ayurvedic intervention, 2 tablets of NOQ19, thrice daily along with the standard of care treatment. Follow up COVID-19 RT- PCR tests were conducted on Day 5, Day 10 and Day 14, or until the patient turned negative. The time required for testing negative on the RT-PCR test or becoming asymptomatic was noted. Results: A subjective analysis demonstrated that 74% of patients turned RT-PCR negative within 5 days of taking NOQ19. Additionally, 98% of the subjects turned RT-PCR Negative on Day 10 after taking NOQ19 in addition to the standard of care treatment of Vitamin C , Zinc and antipyretic (as necessary). None of the participants reported any adverse or side effects to the medication.Conclusion: NOQ19 Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation can be an effective and safe option for the symptomatic management of COVID-19.
Association between Resting-state EEG oscillation and psychometric properties in perimenopausal women
Authors: Hwang Ren-Jen , Hsu Hsiu-Chin , Chen Hsin-Ju , Lee Yu -Sheun , Chuang Yueh-O 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The perimenopausal period is associated with higher risk for various mood disorders. Resting-state EEG (rsEEG) brain oscillatory activity has been associated with various neuropsychological disorders and behaviors but has not been assessed in perimenopausal women. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate quantitative relationships between psychometric properties and rsEEG rhythms (δ, θ, α, and γ powers) in perimenopausal women. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational descriptive study was conducted to quantitatively analyze the correlations among rsEEG low to high band activity (δ, θ, α, and γ powers) and psychometric properties for 14 perimenopausal women. Participants completed a psychological inventory comprised of a State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), Depression Inventory (DI), Behavioral Inhibition Scale (BIS), and short-form UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale (IS) before EEG recording. Results: Results showed that impulsivity was positively related to the β power, symmetrical at most channels (frontal, temporal, central, parietal, and occipital regions; p <.05), but did not relate to the δ, θ, α, and γ powers. The brainwave low to high bands, δ, θ, α, β, and γ power, were not associated with DI, SAI, or BIS scores. Conclusions: This study’s findings suggest that significantly enhanced resting-state beta activity is a trait marker of impulsivity in perimenopausal women. This finding has potential implications for preclinical or clinical evaluation of perimenopausal women.
Bayesian Updating and Sequential Testing: Overcoming Inferential Limitations of Screening Tests
Authors: Balayla Jacques 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Bayes’ Theorem confers inherent limitations on the accuracy of screening tests as a function of disease prevalence. Herein, we establish a mathematical model to determine whether sequential testing with a single test overcomes the aforementioned Bayesian lim- itations and thus improves the reliability of screening tests. Methods: We use Bayes’ Theorem to derive the positive predictive value equation, and apply the Bayesian updating method to obtain the equation for the positive predictive value (PPV) following repeated testing. We likewise derive the equation which determines the number of iterations of a positive test needed to obtain a desired positive pre- dictive value, represented graphically by the tablecloth function. Results: For a given PPV ρ approaching k, the number of positive test iterations given a prevalence φ needed is: [see equation], where ni = number of testing iterations necessary to achieve ρ, the desired positive predictive value, ln = the natural logarithm, a = sensitivity, b = specificity, φ = disease prevalence/pre-test probability and k = constant. Conclusions: Based on the aforementioned derivation, we provide reference tables for the number of test iterations needed to obtain a ρ(φ) of 50, 75, 95 and 99% as a function of various levels of sensitivity, specificity and disease prevalence/pre-test probability. Clinical vali- dation of these concepts needs to be obtained prior to its widespread application.
The interplay among MAP3K1 and SOX2 regulated metastasis by MAPK signaling pathway through interaction with KLF4 in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zheng Lixiang , Zheng Xilei , Ren Xiaoying , Hunag Ping , Wang Ke , Yu Zhipeng , Zeng Meifang , Liu Tingting , Zhou Lu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTumor metastasis with poor prognosis is still the leading cause of deaths among triple-negative breast caner (TNBC) patients. Therefore, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of TNBC metastasis and identifying the molecules contributing to the process are of great importance.It would be provided targets for the prevention and treatment of recurrence and metastasis of TNBC. MethodsThe expression level of MAP3K1 and its up-or downstream genes,SOX2 and KLF4 were detected using Western blotting assay. Cell migration and proliferation were measure by xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analyzer (RTCA). Protein interaction was used for co-immunorecipitation. ResultCompared with metastasis (Met) in TBNC model, the expression of MAP3K1,KLF4,ERK1/2, C-jun and werelower, while SOX2, Ras,Rafand c-Fos were higher in non-metastasis (non-Met) samples. In MAP3K1 silenced MDA-MB-231 cells, the cell proliferation and metastasis rates were increased. The expression level of KLF4 was lower than SOX2 reduced or minimal interaction of both. In SOX2 silenced MDA-MB-231 cells, the cell proliferation and metastasis rates were decreased, while the expression of KLF4 and MAP3K1 were higher, the interaction of MAP3K1 and KLF4 was inhibited. ConclusionsIt is demonstrated for the very first time that SOX2 and MAP3K1 are playing an important rolesin TNBC cell metastasis by regulating MAPK signaling pathway by interacting with KLF4 .
Exploring Alterations in Sensory Pathways in Migraine
Authors: Meylakh Noemi , Henderson Luke A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMigraine is a neurological disorder characterized by intense, debilitating headaches, often coupled with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Whilst changes in sensory processes during a migraine attack have been well-described, there is growing evidence that even between migraine attacks, sensory abilities are disrupted in migraine. Brain imaging studies have investigated altered coupling between areas of the descending pain modulatory pathway but coupling between somatosensory processing regions between migraine attacks has not been properly studied. The aim of this study was to determine if ongoing functional connectivity between visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and somatosensory cortices are altered during the interictal phase of migraine. MethodsTo explore the neural mechanisms underpinning interictal changes in sensory processing, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare resting brain activity patterns and connectivity in migraineurs between migraine attacks (n= 32) and in healthy controls (n=71). Significant differences between groups were determined using two-sample random effects procedures (p<0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons, minimum cluster size 10 contiguous voxels, age and gender included as nuisance variables). ResultsIn the migraine group, increases in infra-slow oscillatory activity were detected in the right primary visual cortex (V1), secondary visual cortex (V2) and third visual complex (V3), and left V3. In addition, resting connectivity analysis revealed that migraineurs displayed significantly enhanced connectivity between V1 and V2 with other sensory cortices including the auditory, gustatory, motor and somatosensory cortices. ConclusionsThese data provide evidence for a dysfunctional sensory network in pain-free migraine patients which may be underlying altered sensory processing between migraine attacks.