bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognosis and Quality of Life Analysis After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Primary Surgery for Low-lying Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Can Patients Benefit From Neoadjuvant Therapy?
Authors: Guo Yaoyu , Hu Bang , Peng Hui , Lin Hongcheng , Chen Yongcheng , Zou Qi , Su Dan , Zhang Di , Ren Donglin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNeoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is a widely accepted regimen for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This compared the long-term prognosis and postoperative quality of life (QoL) between patients with low-lying LARC receiving nCRT and primary surgery.MethodPatients underwent nCRT or primary surgery for low-lying LARC between 2010 and 2016 were identified. Five-year local recurrence (LR) and disease free survival (DFS) were compared between groups. Quality of life (QoL) of patients who were disease-free was investigated using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaire core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and QLQ-Colorectal Cancer module (CR29).ResultsA total of 304 patients were included in this study. Differences in 5-year LR and DFS between groups showed no statistical significance. In terms of QoL, apart from less stoma care problem, nCRT patients showed unsatisfactory social function and worse symptoms including diarrhoea, financial difficulties, buttock pain, fecal incontinence, embarrassment and impotence compared with primary surgery group. Intergroup analysis indicated that the QoL of patients receiving nCRT with preserved sphincter was relatively inferior compared with other subgroups, as reflected in higher symptom scores including financial difficulties and those related to low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) such as diarrhea, stool frequency, flatulence and fecal incontinence.ConclusionFor patients with low-lying LARC, nCRT has no advantage in terms of 5-year survival and QoL. NCRT with sphincter preserving surgery should be conducted meticulously considering its limited benefits for patients.
Towards Intelligent Monitoring System in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing: A Surface Anomaly Detector on a Small Dataset
Authors: Li Yuxing , Mu Haocheng , Polden Joseph , Li Huijun , Wang Lei , Xia Chunyang , Pan Zengxi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Rapid developments in artificial intelligence and image processing have presented many new opportunities for defect detection in manufacturing processes. In this work, an intelligent image processing system has been developed to monitor inter-layer deposition quality during a Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process. Information produced from this system is to be used in conjunction with other quality monitoring systems to verify the quality of fabricated components. It is tailored to identify the presence of defects relating to lack-of-fusion and voids immediately after the deposition of a given layer. The image processing system is built upon the YOLOv3 architecture and through moderate changes on anchor settings, achieves 53% precision on surface anomaly detection and 100% accuracy in identifying the fabricated components’ location, providing a prerequisite for high precision assessment of welding quality. The work presented in this paper presents an inter-layer vision-based defect monitoring system in WAAM and serves to highlight the feasibility of developing such intelligent computer vision systems for monitoring the WAAM process for defects.
Modeling Clinical And Non-Clinical Determinants of Intrapartum Stillbirths In Singletons In Six Public Hospitals In The Greater Accra Region of Ghana: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Vanotoo Linda , Dwomoh Duah , Laar Amos , Kotoh Agnes , Adanu Richard 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana records 2000 stillbirths annually and 40 % of them occur intrapartum. An understanding of the contributing factors will facilitate the development of preventive strategies to reduce the huge numbers of intrapartum stillbirths. This study identified determinants of intrapartum stillbirths in GAR.Method: A retrospective 1:2 unmatched case-control study was conducted in six public hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A multivariable ordinary logistic regression model with robust standard error was used to quantify the effect of exposures on intrapartum stillbirth. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and the Brier scores were used to assess the predictive performance of the regression models. Results: The following maternal factors increased the odds of intrapartum stillbirths: pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) [adjusted Odds Ratio; aOR=3.72, 95% CI:1.71-8.10, p<0.001]; antepartum haemorrhage (APH) [aOR=3.28, 95% CI: 1.33-8.10, p<0.05] and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) [aOR=3.36, 95% CI: 1.20-9.40, p<0.05]. Conclusions: Improved management of PIH, APH, PROM, and preterm delivery will reduce intrapartum stillbirth. Hospitals should improve on the quality of monitoring women during labor. Auditing of intrapartum stillbirths should be mandatory for all hospitals and Ghana Health Service (GHS) should include fetal autopsy in stillbirth auditing to identify other causes of fetal deaths. Interventions to reduce intrapartum stillbirth must combine maternal, fetal, and service delivery factors to make them effective.
An Embeddable Molecular Code for Lewis X Modification Through Interaction with Fucosyltansferase 9
Authors: Saito Taiki , Yagi Hirokazu , Kuo Chu-Wei , Khoo Kay-Hooi , Kato Koichi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
N-glycans are diversified by a panel of glycosyltransferases in the Golgi, which are supposed to modify various glycoproteins in promiscuous manners, resulting in unpredictable glycosylation profiles in general. In contrast, our previous study showed that fucosyltransferase 9 (FUT9) generates Lewis X glycotopes primarily on lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) in neural stem cells. Here, we demonstrate that a contiguous 29-amino acid sequence in the N-terminal domain of LAMP-1 is indispensable for FUT9-dependent Lewis X modification. Interestingly, Lewis X modification was induced on erythropoietin as a model glycoprotein both in vivo and in vitro, just by attaching this sequence to its C-terminus. Based on these results, we conclude that the amino acid sequence from LAMP-1 functions as a “Lewis X code”, which is deciphered by FUT9, and can be embedded into other glycoproteins to evoke a Lewis X modification, opening up new possibilities for protein engineering and cell engineering.
Decision Tool of Medical Endoscope Maintenance Service in Chinese Hospitals: A Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Zheng Jun , Wei Jingming , Xie Ying , Chen Siyao , Li Jun , Lou Ligang , Sun Jing , Feng Jingyi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Quality and cost of medical device maintenance are dominant factors influencing hospitals’ decision in choosing medical endoscope products. Effective and efficient medical device maintenance are also paramount for providing cost-effective and high quality of medical care. This research aims to facilitate decision-making at hospitals in choosing the suitable endoscope device and the associated maintenance service; it also aims to facilitate decision-making at suppliers to develop the right products and services to fulfill customer demands.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in 50 Chinese hospitals, including primary and tertiary hospitals. Moreover, 65 medical staff and 56 medical engineers were recruited from 50 Chinese hospitals. A comprehensive set of attributes were defined and investigated. Conjoint analysis and orthogonal design were used for survey design and statistical analysis. Results: Attribute importance and utility values of decision-making factors were analyzed at the aggregate, occupation, and medical institution levels. (1) At the aggregate level, the most critical factor is "maintenance response" and the least important one is "maintenance efficiency". (2) At the occupation level, medical staff paid more attention to "maintenance response" and medical engineers paid more attention to "maintenance quality". (3) At the medical institution level, Primary hospitals paid more attention to "maintenance price", while tertiary hospitals paid more attention to "maintenance quality". Conclusions: In general, this study provides a more scientific decision-making tool to both hospitals in choosing maintenance service of medical equipment such as endoscopy, and it also helps manufacturers and suppliers improve the after-sales service.
Susceptibility of Common Family Anatidae Bird Species to Clade 2.3.4.4e H5N6 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus: An Experimental Infection Study
Authors: Soda Kosuke , Tomioka Yukiko , Hidaka Chiharu , Matsushita Mayu , Usui Tatsufumi , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: There were large outbreaks of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) caused by clade 2.3.4.4e H5N6 viruses in the winter of 2016–2017 in Japan, which caused large numbers of deaths among several endangered bird species including cranes, raptors, and birds in Family Anatidae. In this study, susceptibility of common Anatidae to a clade 2.3.4.4e H5N6 HPAI virus was assessed to evaluate their potential to be a source of infection for other birds. Eurasian wigeons (Mareca penelope), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and Northern pintails (Anas acuta) were intranasally inoculated with 106, 104, or 102 50% egg infectious dose (EID50) of clade 2.3.4.4e A/teal/Tottori/1/2016 (H5N6). Results: All birds survived for 10 days without showing any clinical signs of infection. Most ducks inoculated with ≥104 EID50 of virus seroconverted within 10 days post-inoculation (dpi). Virus was mainly shed via the oral route for a maximum of 10 days, followed by cloacal route in late phase of infection. Virus remained in the pancreas of some ducks at 10 dpi. Viremia was observed in some ducks euthanized at 3 dpi, and ≤106.3 EID50 of virus was recovered from systemic tissues and swab samples including eyeballs and conjunctival swabs. Conclusions: These results indicate that the subject duck species have a potential to be a source of infection of clade 2.3.4.4e HPAI virus to the environment and other birds sharing their habitats. Captive ducks should be reared under isolated or separated circumstances during the HPAI epidemic season to prevent infection and further viral dissemination.
Fremanezumab in the Prevention of High-Frequency Episodic and Chronic Migraine: A 12-Week, Multicenter, Real-Life, Cohort Study (The FRIEND Study).
Authors: Barbanti Piero , Egeo Gabriella , Aurilia Cinzia , d'Onofrio Florindo , Albanese Maria , Cetta Ilaria , Fiore Paola Di , Zucco Maurizio , Filippi Massimo , Bono Francesco , Altamura Claudia , Proietti Stefania , Bonassi Stefano , Vernieri Fabrizio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Fremanezumab has demonstrated to be effective, safe, and tolerated in the prevention of episodic or chronic migraine (CM) in randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs). Real-life studies are needed to explore drug effects in unselected patients in routine circumstances and to provide higher generalizability results. This study explores the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of fremanezumab in a real-life population of individuals affected by high-frequency episodic (HFEM: 8-14 days/month) or CM.
Methods
This is a 12-week multicenter, prospective, cohort, real-life study. We considered all consecutive patients affected by HFEM or CM visited at 9 Italian headache centers from 28/07/2020 to 11/11/2020. Eligible patients were given subcutaneous fremanezumab at the doses of 225 mg monthly or 675 mg quarterly, according to their preference. Primary study endpoints were the change in monthly migraine days (MMDs) in HFEM and monthly headache days (MHDs) in CM patients at weeks 9-12 compared to baseline. Secondary endpoints encompassed variation in monthly analgesic intake (MAI), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), HIT-6 and MIDAS scores, and ≥50%, ≥75% and 100% responder rates at the same time intervals.
Results
67 migraine patients had received ≥1 subcutaneous fremanezumab dose and were considered for safety analysis, while 53 patients completed 12 weeks of treatment and were included also in the effectiveness analysis. Fremanezumab was effective in both HFEM and CM, inducing at week 12 a significant reduction in MMDs (-4.6, p<0.05), MHDs (-9.4, p<0.001), MAI (-5.7, p<0.05; -11.1, p<0.001), NRS (-3.1, p<0.001; -2.5, p<0.001), and MIDAS scores (-58.3, p<0.05; -43.7; p<0.001). HIT-6 was significantly reduced only in HFEM patients (-18.1, p<0.001). Remission from CM to episodic migraine and from MO to no-MO occurred in 75% and 67.7% of the patients. The ≥50%, ≥75% and 100% responder rates at week 12 were 76.5%, 29.4% and 9.9% in HFEM and 58.3%, 25% and 0% in CM. Younger age emerged as a positive response predictor (OR=0.91; 95% CI 0.85-0.98, p=0.013). Treatment-emergent adverse events were uncommon (5.7%) and mild. No patient discontinued fremanezumab for any reason.
Conclusions
Fremanezumab seems more effective in real-life than in RCTs. Younger age emerges as a potential response predictor.
Ferroelectric domain-wall logic units
Authors: Wang Jing , Ma Jing , Huang Houbing , Ma Ji , Jafri Hasnain , Chen Mingfeng , Liu Di , Fan Yuanyuan , Zhang Jinxing , Lin Yuan-Hua , Chen Long-Qing , Yi Di , Nan Ce-Wen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The electronic conductivities of ferroelectric domain walls have been extensively explored over the past decade for potential nanoelectronic applications. However, the realization of logic devices based on ferroelectric domain walls requires reliable and flexible control of the domain-wall configuration and conduction path. Here, we demonstrate electric-field-controlled stable and repeatable on-and-off switching of conductive domain walls within topologically confined vertex domains naturally formed in self-assembled ferroelectric nano-islands. Using a combination of piezoresponse force microscopy, conductive atomic force microscopy, and phase-field simulations, we show that on-off switching is accomplished through reversible transformations between charged and neutral domain walls via electric-field-controlled domain-wall reconfiguration. By analogy to logic processing, we propose programmable logic gates (such as NOT, OR, AND and their derivatives) and logic circuits (such as fan-out) based on reconfigurable conductive domain walls. Our work provides a potentially viable platform for programmable all-electric logic based on a ferroelectric domain-wall network with low energy consumption.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Eyes Presenting with Cuticular Drusen and Reticular Pseudodrusen
Authors: Yoon Je Moon , Shin Dong Hoon , Kong Mingui , Ham Don-Il 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eyes with both cuticular drusen (CD) and reticular pseudodrusen (RPD). The clinical records of 13 eyes of seven patients diagnosed with CD and RPD were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent a complete ocular examination and multimodal imaging. The distribution patterns of CD (macular and diffuse type) and RPD (localized, intermediate, and diffuse type), presence of soft drusen, large drusen (> 200 µm), variant subretinal drusenoid deposits, and macular complications were investigated. The mean age at initial presentation was 71.4 ± 8.8 years and six patients were female. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 143.8 ± 25.1 µm. The distribution of CD was of the macular type in all eyes. Distribution of RPD was localized in 11 eyes (84.6%) and intermediate in two eyes (15.4%). Soft drusen, large drusen, and variant subretinal drusenoid deposits were present in 13 (100%), 12 (92.3%) and, seven (53.8%) eyes, respectively. Macular neovascularization was observed in two eyes (15.4%). CD and RPD can coexist in eyes with AMD. Multimodal imaging should be used for AMD eyes with features suggestive of CD and RPD, considering the high likelihood of developing late AMD.
Reconstitution of Prenyltransferase Activity on Nanodiscs by Components of the Rubber Synthesis Machinery of the Para Rubber Tree and Guayule
Authors: Kuroiwa Fu , Nishino Akira , Mandal Yasuko , Honzawa Masataka , Suenaga-Hiromori Miki , Suzuki Kakeru , Takani Yukie , Miyagi-Inoue Yukino , Yamaguchi Haruhiko , Yamashita Satoshi , Takahashi Seiji , Tozawa Yuzuru 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Natural rubber of the Para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is synthesized as a result of prenyltransferase activity. The proteins HRT1, HRT2, and HRBP have been identified as candidate components of the rubber biosynthetic machinery. To clarify the contribution of these proteins to prenyltransferase activity, we established a cell-free translation system for nanodisc-based protein reconstitution and measured the enzyme activity of the protein-nanodisc complexes. Co-expression of HRT1 and HRBP in the presence of nanodiscs yielded marked polyisoprene synthesis activity. By contrast, neither HRT1, HRT2, or HRBP alone nor a complex of HRT2 and HRBP manifested such activity. Similar analysis of guayule (Parthenium argentatum) proteins revealed that three HRT1 homologs (PaCPT1–3) manifested prenyltransferase activity only if co-expressed with PaCBP, the homolog of HRBP. Our results thus indicate that two heterologous subunits form the core prenyltransferase of the rubber biosynthetic machinery. A recently developed structure modeling program predicted the structure of such heterodimer complexes including HRT1/HRBP and PaCPT2/PaCBP. HRT and PaCPT proteins were also found to possess affinity for a lipid membrane in the absence of HRBP or PaCBP, and structure modeling implicated an amphipathic α-helical domain of HRT1 and PaCPT2 in membrane binding of these proteins.
Halo-Tolerant And Thermostable Mechanisms of An Endoglucanase From Marine Aspergillus Niger
Authors: Cai Li-Nian , Xu Sheng-Nan , Lu Tao , Lin Dong-Qiang , Yao Shan-Jing 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The cellulase cocktail of marine Aspergillus niger exhibited halo-tolerant and thermostable properties, which is of great potential in industrial application. In order to excavate the single tolerant cellulase components from complex cellulase cocktail, constitutive homologous expression was employed for direct obtainment of the endoglucanase (AnEGL). Enzymatic property study revealed that AnEGL exhibited a property of halo-tolerance and an outstanding thermostability in high salinity environment. Significantly, its activity increased by 29% and the half-life at 65 °C increased by 26.7-fold with the presence of 4.5 M NaCl. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that Na+ and Cl－ could form salt bridges with charged residues, and then influenced the activity of loops and the stability of substrate binding pocket, which accounted for the halo-tolerance and thermostability. Further, site-specific mutagenesis study proved that the residues Asp95 and Asp99 in the pocket were of great concern for the tolerant properties. The halo-tolerant and thermostable AnEGL was of great value in lignocellulosic utilization and the conjectural mechanisms were of referential significance for other tolerant enzymes.
Relationships Between Soil Microbial Communities and Plant Communities on Different Slope Aspects in a Subalpine Coniferous Forest
Authors: He Luoshu , Ma Suhui , Zhu Jiangling , Xiong Xinyu , Li Yangang , Zhu Biao , Ji Chengjun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose The local microclimate of different slope aspects in the same area can not only impact soil environment and plant community but also affect soil microbial community. However, the relationship between aboveground plant communities and belowground soil microbial communities on various slope aspects has not been well understood.Methods We investigated the above- and belowground relationship on different slope aspects and explored how soil properties influence this relationship. Plant community attributes were evaluated by plant species richness and plant total basal area. Soil microbial community was assessed based on both 16S rRNA and ITS rRNA, using High-throughput Illumina sequencing. Results There was no significant correlation between plant richness and soil bacterial community composition on the north slope, but there was a positive correlation on the south slope and a significantly negative correlation on the flat site. There was a significantly negative correlation between soil fungal community composition and plant total basal area, which did not change with the slope aspect. In addition, there was no significant correlation between plant community species richness and soil microbial species richness.Conclusions In subalpine coniferous forests, the relationship between plant-soil bacteria varies with slope aspect, but the plant-soil fungi relationship is relatively consistent across different slope aspects. These results can improve our understanding of the relationship between plant and soil microorganisms in forest ecosystems under microtopographic changes and have important implications for the conservation of biodiversity and forest management in subalpine coniferous forests.
Efficacy of Three Antimalarial Regimens for Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria in Cambodia, 2009 – 2011: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Lek Dysoley , Rachmat Agus , Harrison Dustin , Chin Geoffrey , Chaoratanakawee Suwanna , Saunders David , Menard Didier , Rogers William O. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Antimalarial resistance remains an important public health challenge in Cambodia. The effectiveness of three therapies for uncomplicated Falciparum malaria were evaluated in Oddar Meanchey province in Northern Cambodia from 2009 – 2011.Methods: In this randomized, open-label, parallel group controlled trial, 211 subjects at least 5 years old with uncomplicated Falciparum malaria were treated with directly observed therapy. Over 3 days, 63 received artesunate-mefloquine (AS/MQ), 77 received dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA/PPQ), and 71 received atovaquone-proguanil (ATQ/PG). Subjects were followed for 42 days or until recurrent parasitemia. Genotyping of msp1, msp2, and glurp among individual parasite isolates distinguished recrudescence from reinfection. Pfmdr1 copy number was measured by real-time PCR and half-maximal parasite inhibitory concentrations (IC50) was measured in vitro by 48-hour isotopic hypoxanthine incorporation assay.Results: The primary outcome of per-protocol PCR-adjusted efficacy at 42 days was analyzed for 190 (90.0%) of the enrolled subjects. PCR-adjusted efficacy (95% confidence interval) at 42 days was 80.6% (70.8 – 90.5%) for AS/MQ, 97.2% (93.3 – 100%) for DHA/PPQ, and 92.9% (86.1 – 99.6%) for ATQ/PG. On day 3, 59.3% remained parasitemic. At baseline, 46.9% had microscopic P. falciparum gametocytemia. Both recurrences in the DHA/PPQ arm lost Pfmdr1 copy number amplification at recrudescence. All four recurrences in the ATQ/PG arm were wild-type for cytochrome bc1. One subject withdrew from the ATQ/PG arm due to drug allergy.Conclusions: This previously unpublished study was conducted at the epicenter of substantial multi-drug resistance that emerged soon thereafter. Occurring early in the national transition from AS/MQ to DHA/PPQ, both DHA/PPQ and ATQ/PG had acceptable efficacy against uncomplicated falciparum malaria. However, efficacy of AS/MQ was only 80% with apparent mefloquine resistance based on elevated Pfmdr1 copy number and IC50. By 2009, there was already significant evidence of artemisinin resistance not previously reported at the Northern Cambodia-Thai border. This study suggests the basis for early development of significant DHA/PPQ failures within 3 years of introduction. Artemisinin resistance likely occurred on the Northern border concurrently with that reported along the Western border in Pailin.Trial Registration: This legacy trial was conducted prior to International Committee of Medical Journal Editors’ requirements for preregistration on ClinicalTrials.gov. The full protocol has been provided.