bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of the active cycle of breathing technique combined with phonophoresis for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): study protocol for a preliminary randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shen M. D. , Guo L. R. , Li Y. W. , Gao R. T. , Sui X. , Du Z. , Xu L. Q. , Shi H. Y. , Ni Y. Y. , Zhang X. , Pang Y. , Zhang W. , Yu T. Z. , Li F. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by coughing, the production of excess sputum, and dyspnea. Patients with excessively thick sputum may have frequent attacks or develop more serious disease. The guidelines recommend airway clearance for patients with excessive sputum who are hospitalized with COPD. The active cycle of breathing technique is the most common non-pharmacological airway clearance technique used by physiotherapists. However, the effectiveness of the technique is not always guaranteed. Active cycle of breathing techniques require the initial dilution of the sputum, usually by inhalation drugs, which may have limited effects. Recent studies have found that phonophoresis decreases inflammation, suggesting the potential of the combined usage of active cycle of breathing techniques and phonophoresis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of combining active cycle of breathing technique and phonophoresis in treating COPD patients.

Methods and analysis
We propose a single-blind randomized controlled trial using 75 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COPD with excessive sputum production. The patients will be divided into three groups. The intervention group will receive active cycle of breathing techniques combined with phonophoresis. The two comparison groups will be treated with active cycle of breathing techniques and phonophoresis, respectively. The program will be implemented daily for 1 week. The primary outcomes will be changes in sputum viscosity and production, lung function, and pulse oximetry. Secondary outcomes include the assessment of COPD and anxiety, measured by the COPD Assessment Test scale and the Anxiety Inventory for Respiratory Disease, respectively; self-satisfaction; the degree of cooperation; and the length of hospital stay. All outcome measures, with the exception of sputum production and additional secondary outcomes, will be assessed at the commencement of the study and after 1 week’s intervention. Analysis of variance will be used to investigate differences between the groups, and a p-value of less than 0.05 (two-tailed) will be considered statistically significant.

Discussion
This study introduces a combination of active cycle of breathing techniques and phonophoresis to explore the impact of these interventions on patients hospitalized with COPD. If this combined intervention is shown to be effective, it may prove to be a better treatment for patients with COPD.

Trial registration
The trial was registered prospectively on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 24 December 2019.ClinicalTrials.gov ChiCTR1900028506. Registered on December 2019.
An adaptive kernel width convex combination method for maximum correntropy criterion
Authors: Fontes Aluisio I. R. , Linhares Leandro L. S. , F. Guimarães João P. , Silveira Luiz F. Q. , Martins Allan M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRecently, the maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) has been successfully applied in numerous applications regarding nonGaussian data processing. MCC employs a free parameter called kernel width, which affects the convergence rate, robustness, and steady-state performance of the adaptive filtering. However, determining the optimal value for such parameter is not always a trivial task. Within this context, this paper proposes a novel method called adaptive convex combination maximum correntropy criterion (ACCMCC), which combines an adaptive kernel algorithm with convex combination techniques. ACCMCC takes advantage from a convex combination of two adaptive MCC-based filters, whose kernel widths are adjusted iteratively as a function of the minimum error value obtained in a predefined estimation window. Results obtained in impulsive noise environment have shown that the proposed approach achieves equivalent convergence rates but with increased accuracy and robustness when compared with other similar algorithms reported in literature.
Neuroanatomy and behavior in mice with a haploinsufficiency of AT-rich interactive domain 1B (ARID1B) throughout development
Authors: Ellegood J. , Petkova S. P. , Kinman A. , Qiu L. R. , Adhikari A. , Wade A. A. , Fernandes D. , Lindenmaier Z. , Creighton A. , Nutter L. M. J. , Nord A. S. , Silverman J. L. , Lerch J. P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
One of the causal mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is chromatin modification and the genes that regulate chromatin. AT-rich interactive domain 1B (ARID1B), a chromatin modifier, has been linked to autism spectrum disorder and to affect rare and inherited genetic variation in a broad set of NDDs.

Methods
A novel preclinical mouse model of Arid1b deficiency was created and validated to characterize and define neuroanatomical, behavioral and transcriptional phenotypes. Neuroanatomy was assessed ex vivo in adult animals and in vivo longitudinally from birth to adulthood. Behavioral testing was also performed throughout development and tested all aspects of motor, learning, sociability, repetitive behaviors, seizure susceptibility, and general milestones delays.

Results
We validated decreased Arid1b mRNA and protein in Arid1b+/− mice, with signatures of increased axonal and synaptic gene expression, decreased transcriptional regulator and RNA processing expression in adult Arid1b+/− cerebellum. During neonatal development, Arid1b+/− mice exhibited robust impairments in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and metrics of developmental growth. In addition, a striking sex effect was observed neuroanatomically throughout development. Behaviorally, as adults, Arid1b+/− mice showed low motor skills in open field exploration and normal three-chambered approach. Arid1b+/− mice had learning and memory deficits in novel object recognition but not in visual discrimination and reversal touchscreen tasks. Social interactions in the male–female social dyad with USVs revealed social deficits on some but not all parameters. No repetitive behaviors were observed. Brains of adult Arid1b+/− mice had a smaller cerebellum and a larger hippocampus and corpus callosum. The corpus callosum increase seen here contrasts previous reports which highlight losses in corpus callosum volume in mice and humans.

Limitations
The behavior and neuroimaging analyses were done on separate cohorts of mice, which did not allow a direct correlation between the imaging and behavioral findings, and the transcriptomic analysis was exploratory, with no validation of altered expression beyond Arid1b.

Conclusions
This study represents a full validation and investigation of a novel model of Arid1b+/− haploinsufficiency throughout development and highlights the importance of examining both sexes throughout development in NDDs.
Geology and geotechnical investigations of part of the Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria: implication for gully erosion hazards
Authors: Ocheli Azuka , Ogbe Ovie Benjamin , Aigbadon Godwin Okumagbe 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Geologic and geotechnical conditions of soils where Nanka and Ajali Formations outcropped in Anambra Basin, Southeastern Nigeria were investigated and accessed. This was done using detailed mapping and mechanical soil laboratory tests to unravel the genesis and continued expansion of gully erosion in the study areas.

Results
Field study revealed that gully erosions are more pronounced in the study area with poor vegetation cover and a high degree of slope steepness. Grain size analysis revealed that the soils of the Nanka Formation have an average sand content value of 90.90% (sandy) and silt content value of 3.0% (low fine portions). The plasticity index of the fine portions indicates that the soils are weak plastic, with a mean value of 5.29%. The soils have an average cohesion value of 0.30 kg/cm2 indicating a very weak cohesion. The soils are highly permeable; with an average value of 2.67 × 10–3 cm/s. The compaction test further revealed that the soils are loosely compacted. The soils for the Ajali Formation have an average sand content value of 95.10% (sandy) and silt content value of 1.43% (low fine portions). The plasticity index of the fine portions indicates that the soils are weak plastic, with a mean value of 2.70%. The soils have an average cohesion value of 0.30 kg/cm2 indicating a very weak cohesion. The soils are highly permeable; with an average value of 2.70 × 10–3 cm/s. The compaction test revealed that the soils are loosely compacted.

Conclusion
After field surveys and laboratory analyses, it was found that the gully erosions have been developing respectively on steep slopes and non-vegetated areas, and their genesis facilitated by the cohesionless and very permeable nature of the sandy formations. Following those key findings, it was proposed many practices (agronomic and engineering mainly) that can help mitigate the formations as well as the expansion of this very damaging hazard type. The potential implications of these gully erosion include damaging of buildings, residential houses, bridges, and roads, loss of farmland and vegetation, isolation of villages and towns, increased migration of inhabitants as well as degradation of agricultural fertile land.
Exploring big data traits and data quality dimensions for big data analytics application using partial least squares structural equation modelling
Authors: Wook Muslihah , Hasbullah Nor Asiakin , Zainudin Norulzahrah Mohd , Jabar Zam Zarina Abdul , Ramli Suzaimah , Razali Noor Afiza Mat , Yusop Nurhafizah Moziyana Mohd 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe popularity of big data analytics (BDA) has boosted the interest of organisations into exploiting their large scale data. This technology can become a strategic stimulation for organisations to achieve competitive advantage and sustainable growth. Previous BDA research, however, has focused more on introducing more traits, known as Vs for big data traits, while ignoring the quality of data when examining the application of BDA. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effect of big data traits and data quality dimensions on BDA application. This study has formulated 10 hypotheses that comprised of the relationships of big data traits, accuracy, believability, completeness, timeliness, ease of operation, and BDA application constructs. This study conducted a survey using a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. Then, the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used to analyse the hypothesised relationships between the constructs. The findings revealed that big data traits can significantly affect all constructs for data quality dimensions and that the ease of operation construct has a significant effect on BDA application. This study contributes to the literature by bringing new insights to the field of BDA and may serve as a guideline for future researchers and practitioners when studying BDA application.
3D printing in neurosurgery education: a review
Authors: Thiong’o Grace M. , Bernstein Mark , Drake James M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives
The objectives of this manuscript were to review the literature concerning 3D printing of brain and cranial vault pathology and use these data to define the gaps in global utilization of 3D printing technology for neurosurgical education.

Methods
Using specified criteria, literature searching was conducted to identify publications describing engineered neurosurgical simulators. Included in the study were manuscripts highlighting designs validated for neurosurgical skill transfer. Purely anatomical designs, lacking aspects of surgical simulation, were excluded. Eligible manuscripts were analyzed. Data on the types of simulators, representing the various modelled neurosurgical pathologies, were recorded. Authors’ countries of affiliation were also recorded.

Results
A total of thirty-six articles, representing ten countries in five continents were identified. Geographically, Africa as a continent was not represented in any of the publications. The simulation-modelling encompassed a variety of neurosurgical subspecialties including: vascular, skull base, ventriculoscopy / ventriculostomy, craniosynostosis, skull lesions / skull defects, intrinsic brain tumor and other. Finally, the vascular and skull base categories together accounted for over half (52.8 %) of the 3D printed simulated neurosurgical pathology.

Conclusions
Despite the growing body of literature supporting 3D printing in neurosurgical education, its full potential has not been maximized. Unexplored areas of 3D printing for neurosurgical simulation include models simulating the resection of intrinsic brain tumors or of epilepsy surgery lesions, as these require complex models to accurately simulate fine dissection techniques. 3D printed surgical phantoms offer an avenue for the advancement of global-surgery education initiatives.
Communication infrastructure for situational awareness enhancement in WAMS with optimal PMU placement
Authors: Appasani Bhargav , Jha Amitkumar Vidyakant , Mishra Sunil Kumar , Ghazali Abu Nasar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReal time monitoring and control of a modern power system has achieved significant development since the incorporation of the phasor measurement unit (PMU). Due to the time-synchronized capabilities, PMU has increased the situational awareness (SA) in a wide area measurement system (WAMS). Operator SA depends on the data pertaining to the real-time health of the grid. This is measured by PMUs and is accessible for data analytics at the data monitoring station referred to as the phasor data concentrator (PDC). Availability of the communication system and communication delay are two of the decisive factors governing the operator SA. This paper presents a pragmatic metric to assess the operator SA and ensure optimal locations for the placement of PMUs, PDC, and the underlying communication infrastructure to increase the efficacy of operator SA. The uses of digital elevation model (DEM) data of the surface topography to determine the optimal locations for the placement of the PMU, and the microwave technology for communicating synchrophasor data is another important contribution carried out in this paper. The practical power grid system of Bihar in India is considered as a case study, and extensive simulation results and analysis are presented for validating the proposed methodology.
Analysis of human aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) gene expression pattern in breast cancer tissue samples: rutin-copper complex inhibit the breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Pattar Shridhar V. , Mirjankar Manisha R. , Kulkarni Suyamindra , Gai Pramod B. , Pujar Namadev K. , Premakshi H. G. , Mulla Sikandar I. , Babu R. L. , Kamanavalli Chandrappa M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundHigher aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) activity is one of the important signatures of breast cancer appearance and has been associated with poor prognosis.ALDH1A3has been over-expressed in breast cancer patients. This study aims to analyze gene expression patterns of 18ALDHisozymes in breast cancer tissue samples. It is carried out using a chip-based microarray, next-generation DNA sequencing ofALDH2gene following in silico study to identify the natural products which act as inhibitors for over-expressedALDHisoforms. The synthesis of rutin-copper complex and cell viability assay is carried out on MDA-MB-468 cell line.ResultsALDH1A3andALDH18A1have shown the highest positive mean fold of variation; whereas,ALDH2andALDH1A2have shown the highest negative mean fold variation. In silico studies revealed that rutin has the highest binding affinity with bothALDH1A3andALDH18A1and supported with IC50value of rutin against MDA-MB-468 cells (144.50 μg/ml). Chemically synthesized rutin-copper complex significantly lowered the IC50value to 119.40 μg/ml. The next-generation sequencing study provides the novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) from T to G in theALDH2gene.ConclusionThe present study signifies that, along withALDH1A3,ALDH18A1also acts as a marker for breast cancer. Apart from that, inhibitors ofALDH1A3andALDH18A1were attained. Perhaps the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) obtained during the mutation analysis may be the probable cause of the highest downregulation ofALDH2in breast cancer.
Voltage and frequency control of standalone wind-driven self-excited reluctance generator using switching capacitors
Authors: Sedky Joseph S. , Yassin Haitham M. , Hanafy H. H. , Ismail Farouk 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a methodology for voltage and frequency (V–f) control of a standalone wind-driven self-excited reluctance generator (WDSERG). The methodology is based on proposing two different compensation configurations using two switching capacitors (short-shunt and long-shunt compensation) for (V–f) control. The dynamic and steady-state performances of the two configurations are discussed under different operating conditions: wind speeds, load currents and power factors. This analysis is done by developing a complete dynamic model of WDSERG including the excitation capacitors and load. Therefore, complete equivalent circuits are proposed. The values of capacitors are controlled by adjusting the duty cycle of H-bridge circuits with PI controllers. To validate the proposed configurations and their dynamic models and equivalent circuits, simulation results for a 1.5-kW standalone WDSERG and experimental results for 0.2 kW reluctance generator driven by a DC motor, emulating the wind turbine, are carried out. The results show a significant enhancement in voltage and frequency regulation with the selected optimal capacitances for each configuration; however, short-shunt compensation is the preferred configuration as it controls the output voltage and frequency with minimum values of capacitances and minimum required duty variation.
Clinical Germline Testing Results of Men With Prostate Cancer: Patient-Level Factors and Implications of NCCN Guideline Expansion
Authors: Greenberg Samantha E. , Hunt Trevor C. , Ambrose Jacob P. , Lowrance William T. , Dechet Christopher B. , O'Neil Brock B. , Tward Jonathan D. 
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE Germline likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants (PVs) have been identified in up to 17% of men with prostate cancer (PC) and may drive disease severity or be targetable by novel therapies. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines encouraging germline testing in metastatic PC were recently expanded to include all men with high-risk, very high-risk, or regional PC. Our aim was to assess the impact of expanded NCCN guidelines on the detection rate of germline PVs and to determine patient-level factors associated with a PV germline testing result. PATIENTS AND METHODS Men with PC underwent multigene germline genetic testing for PVs from June 2016 to December 2018, and trends were compared. The association of patient-level factors with a PV germline testing result, where ≥ 1 PV was identified, was assessed using analysis of variance and univariate logistic regression. Sensitivity analyses were limited to clinically actionable variants and those associated with disease severity or progression ( BRCA1/2 and ATM). RESULTS Of 408 men undergoing germline testing, 42 (10.3%) men had PVs and 366 (89.7%) men did not have PVs identified. The proportion of men identified with a germline PV remained stable following testing criteria expansion (9.4% v 10.6%, P = .73). No patient-level factors were significantly associated with increased odds of a PV germline testing result, including age at diagnosis, race, pretreatment prostate-specific antigen, Gleason grade group, NCCN risk group, and family history of cancer (breast and/or ovarian, prostate, or any cancer). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated a stable PV detection rate in men with PC using expanded criteria aligned to the updated NCCN testing guidelines. However, we did not find strong evidence to suggest that patient-level factors are associated with PV germline testing results. These findings support the recent expansion of NCCN germline testing guidelines in PC.
Association Between Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Gestational Diabetes—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pace Nikolai Paul , Vassallo Josanne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA growing body of evidence shows that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a surrogate index of systemic inflammation in several chronic diseases. Conflicting associations between NLR and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been reported in individual studies. This meta-analysis sought to investigate the association between NLR and GDM. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify relevant articles. The pooled standardized mean difference with 95% CI was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were carried out to control for the effects of GDM diagnostic criteria, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and age. Eleven eligible articles were included, containing 1271 participants with GDM and 1504 controls. Pooled outcomes indicated a higher NLR in GDM pregnancies than in normoglycemic controls (SMD = 0.584; 95% CI, 0.339–0.830; P &lt; .001), although extensive heterogeneity between studies was noted. Subgroup analysis revealed that the higher pooled estimate in GDM was not affected by diagnostic criteria, ethnicity, or BMI, although matching for BMI reduced heterogeneity between studies. This meta-analysis supports the higher NLR in GDM described by some individual studies.
Hemodynamic and Intestinal Microcirculatory Changes in a Phenylephrine Corrected Porcine Model of Hemorrhage
Authors: Davies Simon J. , Mythen Monty 
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND:
Intraoperative hypotension is a common event, and a recent study suggests that maintenance of blood pressure may reduce complications. The splanchnic circulation provides a reservoir of blood that can be mobilized during hemorrhage; hence, intestinal microcirculation is sensitive to volume changes. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hemorrhage on intestinal microcirculation and hemodynamics, and the effects of phenylephrine on these parameters.

METHODS:
Eight anesthetized, mechanically ventilated Yorkshire/Landrace crossbreed pigs were studied. Graded hemorrhage was performed with the removal of 20% of blood volume in 5% increments. Hemodynamic and intestinal microcirculatory measurements were performed at each stage with side-stream dark field microscopy, following which mean arterial pressure (MAP) was corrected with phenylephrine to baseline values and measurements repeated. A repeated measurement 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compared changes from baseline measurements.

RESULTS:
The mean baseline microcirculation score was 42 (standard deviation [SD] = 5). A 5% hemorrhage decreased the microcirculation score by a mean difference of 19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12-27; P < .0001), and an additional 5% hemorrhage further reduced the microcirculation score by a mean difference of 12 (95% CI, 4-19; P = .0001). Subsequent hemorrhage or administration of phenylephrine did not significantly change the microcirculation scores except when phenylephrine was administered at the 15% hemorrhage stage, which increased the microcirculation score by a mean difference of 7 (95% CI, 1-13; P = .003). All hemodynamic variables were returned to baseline values following hemorrhage by the phenylephrine infusion.

CONCLUSIONS:
Intestinal microcirculatory flow is reduced early in hemorrhage and is uncorrected by phenylephrine infusion. Hemodynamic changes associated with hemorrhage are corrected by phenylephrine and do not reflect microcirculatory flow status.