bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Diagnosis and Molecular Epidemiology Investigation of Avian Hepatitis E in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Liu Kuihao , Zhao Yiran , Zhao Jun , Geng Ningwei , Meng Fanliang , Wang Siqi , Li Jing , Zhong Zhaobing , Liu Sidang , Li Ning 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Avian hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the pathogenic agent of big liver and spleen disease (BLS) and hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome (HS) in chickens, which has caused economic losses to the poultry industry in China. Eighteen samples of BLS chickens were collected in this study to understand the molecular epidemiology characteristics of avian HEV in Shandong province, China.Results: Gross and microscopic lesions of clinical samples were observed, then virology detection and genetic analysis of avian HEV were performed. The results showed that there were significant swelling and rupture in the liver, and spleen was enlarged. Microscopic lesions demonstrated that obvious hemorrhage in the liver, with infiltration of heterophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes, and macrophages, the reduction of lymphocytes in the spleen. Eleven out of the 18 samples were positive for HEV, with a positive rate of 61.11%. More importantly, all HEV positive samples were mixed infections. Among them, the mixed infections of avian HEV and chicken infectious anaemia virus (CIAV) and fowl adenovirus (FAdV) were the most common. In addition, the genetic evolution analysis showed that all obtained HEV isolates did not belong to the reported 4 genotypes, and they constituted a novel genotype. Conclusions: These results of this study further enriched the epidemiological data of avian HEV in Shandong province and proved the genetic diversity of HEV in China, but also uncovered the complicated mixed infections of avian HEV in clinical.
Cross-Sectional Study on Prevalence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Specific RNA and Anti-MERS-RBD in Camel Milk from Different Regions of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshehri Aiydh , Ali Mir Naiman , Miled Nabil 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes viral pneumonia disease in humans. The close contact with camels and drinking milk may cause Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus transfer to humans. Methods: This study was designed to detect the existence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in camel milk samples collected from healthy animals according to local customs from 83 barns located around Saudi Arabia. Camel milk samples were examined for viral RNA by RT-qPCR, also ELISA assay was performed to detect IgG antibodies directed against MERS Receptor-Binding Protein (RBD).Results: Among 83 camel milk samples tested,the result showed that seven samples (8.4%) were positive for MERS-CoV RNA, while 40.9% of camel milk samples had antibodies directed against this virus.Conclusions: The findings indicate that some regions (East and South part) are characterized by a high incidence of viral antibodies. The South western region displayed the lowest infection rates. Camel breed Sahilia seems to be resistant to viral infection as compared to other breeds such as Hamra. This need to be more explored in order to reduce spread of infection and also to understand the underlying reasons. The presence of viral RNA in camel milk samples warrants for measures to prevent possible food-borne transmission of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus through milk consumption.
A Novel Homozygous TTC7A Missense Mutation Results In Familial Multiple Intestinal Atresia And Combined Immunodeficiency
Authors: Mou Wenjun , Yang Shen , Guo Ruolan , Fu Libing , Zhang Li , Guo Weihong , Du Jingbin , He Jianxin , Ren Qinghua , Peng Yun , Hao Chanjuan , Gui Jingang , Huang Jinshi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Multiple intestinal atresia with combined immune deficiency (MIA-CID) are autosomal recessive disorders characterized by intestinal obstructions and profound immune defects. The study of patients with MIA and related disorders has established that tetratricopeptide repeat domain 7A (TTC7A) plays a critical role in intestinal and immune homeostasis and it is now shown that biallelic missense mutations have better survival outcomes. However, clues to related underlying molecular dysfunction remains elusive. In this study, we reported a patient with the diagnosis of severe CID and MIA that involved the pyloric diaphragm, ileum atresia, and colon stenosis, and the clinical course was complicated by multiple episodes of sepsis. In spite of multiple surgeries and supportive treatment, the patient died of severe sepsis and multiple organ failure at 3 months of age. The whole exome sequencing (WES) identified a novel homozygous TTC7A missense mutation (c.206T>C, p. L69P). The structural analysis showed that a hydrogen bond present between Gly65 and Leu69 in the wild-type TTC7A was broken by the Leu69Pro mutation. Moreover, this homozygous missense mutation led to a severely reduced TTC7A expression in lymphocytes and intestinal tissues, accompanied by prohibited lymphocyte development. Further studies demonstrated that the PI4K-FAM126A-EFR3A pathway was impaired in intestinal tissues. Our results strongly suggest that the missense mutation in TTC7A gene causes severe MIA-CID. More knowledge of the TTC7A protein functions will have important therapeutic implications for patients with MIA-CID.
Short-Duration Dynamic [18F]DCFPyL PET and CT Perfusion Imaging to Localize Dominant Intraprostatic Lesions in Prostate Cancer: Validation Against Digital Histopathology and Comparison to [18F]DCFPyL PET/MR at 120 Minutes
Authors: Yang Dae-Myoung , Alfano Ryan , Bauman Glenn , Thiessen Jonathan D , Chin Joseph , Pautler Stephen , Moussa Madeleine , Gomez Jose A , Rachinsky Irina , Gaed Mena , Chung Kevin J , Ward Aaron , Lee Ting-Yim 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Localized prostate cancer (PCa) in patients is characterized by a dominant focus in the gland (dominant intraprostatic lesion, DIL). Accurate DIL identification may enable more accurate diagnosis and therapy through more precise targeting of biopsy, radiotherapy and focal ablative therapies. The goal of this study is to validate the performance of [18F]DCFPyL PET and CT Perfusion (CTP) for detecting and localizing DIL against digital histopathology images. Methods: Multi-modality image sets: in-vivo T2-weighted (T2w) MRI, 22-min dynamic [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT, CTP, and 2-hr post-injection PET/MR were acquired in patients prior to radical prostatectomy. The explanted gland with implanted fiducial markers was imaged with T2w MRI. All images were co-registered to the pathologist-annotated digital images of whole-mount mid-gland histology sections using fiducial markers and anatomical landmarks. Regions of interest encompassing DIL and non-DIL tissue were drawn on the digital histopathology images and superimposed on PET and CTP parametric maps. Logistic regression with backward elimination of parameters was used to select the most sensitive parameter set to distinguish DIL from non-DIL voxels. Leave-one-patient-out cross-validation was performed to determine diagnostic performance. Results: [18F]DCFPyL PET and CTP parametric maps of 15 patients were analyzed. SUVLate and a model combining Ki and k4 of [18F]DCFPyL achieved the most accurate performance distinguishing DIL from non-DIL voxels. Both detection models achieved an AUC of 0.90 and an error rate of <10%. Compared to digital histopathology, the detected DILs had a mean dice similarity coefficient of 0.76 for the Ki and k4 model and 0.73 for SUVLate. Conclusions: We have validated using co-registered digital histopathology images that parameters from kinetic analysis of 22-min dynamic [18F]DCFPyL PET can accurately localize DILs in PCa for targeting of biopsy, radiotherapy, and focal ablative therapies. Short-duration dynamic [18F]DCFPyL PET was not inferior to SUVLate in this diagnostic task.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04009174. Registered 12 February, 2012 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04009174?term=NCT04009174&draw=2&rank=1.
Predictive Simulation of Post-Stroke Gait and Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation: A Case Report
Authors: Santos Gilmar F. , Jakubowitz Eike , Pronost Nicolas , Bonis Thomas , Hurschler Christof 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Post-stroke patients present various gait abnormalities such as drop foot, stiff-knee gait (SKG), and knee hyperextension. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) improves drop foot gait although the mechanistic basis for this effect is not well understood. To answer this question, we evaluated the gait of a post-stroke patient walking with and without FES by inverse dynamics analysis and compared the results to an optimal control framework. The effect of FES and cause-effect relationship of changes in knee and ankle muscle strength were investigated; personalized muscle-tendon parameters allowed the prediction of pathologic gait. We also predicted healthy gait patterns at different speeds to simulate the subject walking without impairment. The passive moment of the knee played an important role in the estimation of muscle force with knee hyperextension, which was decreased during FES and knee extensor strengthening. Weakening the knee extensors and strengthening the flexors improved SKG. During FES, weak ankle plantarflexors and strong ankle dorsiflexors resulted in increased ankle dorsiflexion, which reduced drop foot. FES also improved gait speed and reduced circumduction. These findings provide insight into compensatory strategies adopted by post-stroke patients that can guide the design of individualized rehabilitation and treatment programs.
Cyclic Soft/Hardening and Microscopic Mechanism of GS-20Mn5
Authors: Zou Zongyuan , Liu Doudou , Han Shuting , Song Chunyan , Wang Hongzhong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The cyclic plastic characteristics of metal materials are different from the deformation characteristics under monotonic loading, which has an important effect on the safety of structures in service under cyclic loading. However, GS-20Mn5, which is commonly used in large hydraulic machine beams, offshore platforms and large Bridges, is still lacking the studies of mechanical response characteristics under cyclic loading. In this study, the cyclic softening/hardening characteristics of GS-20Mn5 are studied by a series of cyclic loading tests under uniaxial strain control. Combined with transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis of cyclic loading tests under typical strain levels, the microscopic mechanism of cyclic softening/hardening is discussed. The results show that the cyclic softening/hardening properties of GS-20Mn5 cast steel are sensitive to amplitudes and cycles. At smaller strain amplitudes (0.16%,0.2% and 0.3%), the cyclic hardening properties of GS-20Mn5 cast steel are rapid at the beginning of the cycle, followed by cyclic softening and then slow secondary cyclic hardening at the end. However, under larger strain amplitudes (0.4% and 0.5%), the cyclic hardening continues during the cyclic loading, and the hardening rate is bigger at the beginning of the cyclic loading and smaller at the later cyclic stage. The cyclic softening/hardening characteristics of GS-20Mn5 cast steel are related to the dislocation structure of ferrite and pearlite. Taking the strain amplitude of 0.2% as an example, the initial cyclic hardening is mainly caused by the proliferation and interaction of dislocations in ferrite. Dislocation spots and cell walls in ferrite grains are mainly caused cyclic softening at the initial stage, the secondary cyclic hardening is directly related to dislocation proliferation and entanglement in pearlite.
Sensing Properties of Vacancy and Pd-Doped Graphene Layer: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Zhang Jun’an , Lu Yunhua , Zhang Qingwei , Li Lei , Tian Jiangling 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the effect of SO2 adsorption on graphene (intrinsic, vacancy, and doped) is investigated for structural and electronic properties to exploit their potential applications as a gas sensor. The adsorption energy, charge transfer, magnetic moment, density of states, as well as band structure of the SO2 molecule on the vacancy and doped graphene systems are thoroughly discussed. The most stable adsorption site for SO2 on various graphene sheets is also identified and reported. It is found that SO2 molecule is weakly adsorbed on intrinsic graphene (IG) with low adsorption energy. In contrast, vacancy defect and Pd doping significantly enhance the strength of interaction between SO2 molecule and the modified substrates. The dramatic increase in adsorption energy and charge transfer of these systems are expected to induce significant changes in the electrical conductivity of the vacancy graphene (VG) and Pd-doped graphene (PdG) sheets. Furthermore, the results present the potential of Pd-doped vacancy graphene (Pd-VG) for molecular sensor application.
Attack rate and the price of SARS-CoV-2 herd immunity in Brazil
Authors: Filho Tarcisio Rocha , Mendes José , Chow Carson , Phillips James , Cordeiro Antônio , Scorza Fulvio , Almeida Antonio-Carlos , Moret Marcelo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We introduce a compartmental model with age structure to study the dynamics of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. The contagion matrix in the model is given by the product of a probability per contact with a contact matrix explicitly taking into account the contact structure among different age groups. The probability of contagion per contact is considered as time dependent to represent non-pharmaceutical interventions, and is fitted from the time series of deaths. The approach is used to study the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the main Brazilian cities and compared to two good quality serological surveys. We also discuss with some detail the case of the city of Manaus which raised special attention due to a previous report of three-quarters attack rate by the end of 2020. We discuss estimates for Manaus and all Brazilian cities with a total population of more than one million. We also estimate the attack rate with respect to the total population, in each Brazilian state by January, 1st 2021 and May, 23 2021.
Using Nominal Group Technique To Advance Power Assisted Exercise Equipment For People With Stroke
Authors: Young Rachel , Sage Karen , Broom David , Broomfield Katherine , Church Gavin , Smith Christine 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPower assisted exercise is accessible and acceptable for people with stroke. The potential for technological advancement of the equipment to improve the user experience has been identified. Involvement of end users and service providers in the design of health technologies is essential in determining how said technology is perceived and adopted. This project invited people with stroke and service providers to influence design features and determine machine selection in the preliminary stages of a codesign research programme. AimsTo capture the perspectives of people with stroke and professionals working with people with stroke about proposed digitalisation of power assisted exercise equipment and select machines for prototype development.MethodsNominal group technique was used to capture the perspectives, ideas, preferences and priorities of three stakeholder groups: people with stroke, rehabilitation professionals and exercise scientists. Two questions underpinned the structure of the events; ‘What does an assistive exercise machine need to do to allow the person with stroke to engage in exercise?’ and ‘Which machines would you prioritise for use with PwS?’ Attendees were invited to cast votes to indicate their preferred machines. FindingsSynthesis of the data from the NGT identified four domains; software and interface, exercise programme, machine and accessories, setting and service. Three preferred machines from a range of nine were identified through vote counting. ConclusionNominal group technique enabled a structured approach to patient and public involvement at the outset of a co-design project to advance rehabilitation technologies for people with stroke. Patient and service provider contributionThe opinions and preferences of people with stroke, rehabilitation professionals and exercise scientists were central to key decisions which will shape the digitalisation of power assisted equipment, influence future research and guide implementation of the new technologies.
The Reinforcement Learning Method in Deciding on Task Offloading and Energy Consumption Management at the Edge of IoT Network
Authors: Mohammadian Asghar , Zarrabi Houman , Jabbehdari Sam , Rahmani Amir Masoud 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, using edge processing in IoT network ,a method to decide on task offloading to edge devices and improve management of consuming energy in network of edge devices is introduced. First, by defining the problem of maximizing utility and then by decomposing it based on the status of task offloading from end devices to smart gateway with the lowest battery consumption and the possible lowest use of the communication bandwidth, independent optimal models are obtained and then combining. Then the general problem of maximizing the usefulness and increasing the lifetime of the end devices with restrictions of processing time and energy resources will be obtained. Due to the unknown environment of the problem and how the end devices and the edge of the network, an iterative reinforcement learning algorithm is used to generate the optimal answer in order to maximize the utility gain.The results show the existence of processing overhead and network load with increasing number of devices. The proposed method, while improving energy consumption in existence of a small number of devices in end of edge, reduces latency and increases processing speed and maximizes system performance compared to the central cloud system. The operating efficiency of the whole system is improved by 36% and the energy consumption at the edge of the network is optimized by 12.5%. It should be noted that, with the addition of a large number of end devices, our method outperforms similar works.
Early Initial Video-Electro-Encephalography Combined With Variant Location Predict Prognosis of KCNQ2-Related Disorder
Authors: Xu Yan , Dou Ya-lan , Chen Xiang , Dong Xin-ran , Wang Xin-hua , Wu Bing-bing , Cheng Guo-qiang , Zhou Yuan-feng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The clinical features of KCNQ2-related disorders range from benign familial neonatal seizures 1 to early infantile epileptic encephalopathy 7. The genotype-phenotypic association is difficult to establish. Objective: To explore potential factors in neonatal period that can predict the prognosis of neonates with KCNQ2-related disorder. Methods: Neonates with KCNQ2-related disorder were retrospectively enrolled in our study in Children’s Hospital of Fudan University in China from Jan 2015 to Mar 2020. All patients were older than age of 12 months at time of follow-up, and assessed by Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (BSID-III) or Wechsler preschool and primary scale of intelligence-fourth edition (WPPSI-Ⅳ), then divided into three groups based on scores of BSID-III or WPPSI-Ⅳ: normal group, mild impairment group, encephalopathy group. We collected demographic variables, clinical characteristics, neuroimaging data. Considered variables include gender, gestational age, birth weight, age of the initial seizures, early interictal VEEG, variant location, delivery type. Variables predicting prognosis were identified using multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 52 neonates were selected in this study. Early interictal video-electro-encephalography (VEEG) (OR=2.77; 95%CI: 1.20～4.34, P=0.001), and variant location(OR=2.77, 95%CI: 0.03～5.50, P=0.048) were independent risk factors for prognosis (p<0.05). Conclusions: The integration of early initial VEEG and variant location can predict prognosis. An individual whose KCNQ2 variant located in voltage sensor, the pore domain, with worse early initial VEEG background, often had an adverse outcome.
Uremic Serum Damages Endothelium by Provoking Excessive Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation
Authors: Lee Hoi Woul , Nizet Victor , An Jung Nam , Lee Hyung Seok , Song Young Rim , Kim Sung Gyun , Kim Jwa-Kyung 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is a key CKD-specific risk factor; however, the mechanisms by which uremia harms the endothelium are still unclear. We report a role for excessive neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation induced by uremic serum on EC injury. Level of plasma nucleosome and myeloperoxidase-DNA, established in vivo markers of NETs, as well as intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 were measured in hemodialysis (HD) patients and healthy volunteers (HV) and their prognostic role evaluated. For in vitro studies, we differentiated HL-60 cells into neutrophil-like cells (dHL-60) by applying retinoic acid and determined the effect of uremic serum on these dHL-60 and human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC). The level of in vivo NETs was significantly higher in incident HD patients compared to HV, and these markers were strongly associated with ICAM-1. Specifically, nucleosome and ICAM-1 levels were independent predictors of a composite endpoint, all-cause mortality or vascular access failure. In vitro, HD-derived serum significantly increased NET formation by dHL-60, and these NETs decreased EC viability and induced their apoptosis. In addition, the ICAM-1 level in HUVEC supernatant was significantly increased by uremic serum-induced NETs compared to control serum-induced NETs. Dysregulated neutrophil activities in the uremic milieu may play a key role in vascular inflammatory responses. The high mortality and CVD rates in ESRD may be explained in part by excessive NET formation leading to EC damage and dysfunction.
Identification of Antimicrobial Property of Rat-Tailed Maggots Surviving in Pig Excreta
Authors: Deb Rajib 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the near future, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will become a major danger to the global community. Despite the fact that India has many synthetic antibiotics, their irrational use is generating possible AMR in livestock. Furthermore, the expense of producing synthetic antibiotics is too expensive for the impoverished farming population. In this context, natural therapeutics are being sought. The current examination found that rat-tailed maggots from piggery excreta had antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 25–30 g/100 µl and 35–40 g/100 µl, respectively. Antimicrobial peptide sequences such as Diptericin and Sarcotoxin were also found in the isolated hemolymph. In comparison to rice grained shaped maggot hemolymphs, comparative gene expression levels for both AMPs were substantially (p < 0.05) increased in rat-tailed maggots. The current study's findings may suggest that using natural maggots in animal husbandry waste as a therapeutic alternative decreases the unjustified usage of antibiotics.