bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intravascular Ultrasound-based Decision Tree Model for the Optimal Endovascular Treatment Strategy Selection of Femoropopliteal Artery Disease - Results from the ONION Study-
Authors: Yazu Yuko , Fujihara Masahiko , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Kurata Naoya , Nakata Aya , Yoshimura Hitoshi , Ito Tomoaki , Fukunaga Masashi , Kozuki Amane , Tomoi Yusuke 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The role of catheter-based imaging in peripheral interventions for lower extremity artery disease has increased with percutaneous interventions. To clarify the relation between intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) information and procedure selection strategy for endovascular treatment therapy (EVT) of the femoropopliteal artery in the real-world clinical settings wherein new endovascular technologies (NETs), including drug-coated balloon (DCB), drug-eluting stent (DES), and covered stent-graft (CS). Our retrospective multicenter analysis examined symptomatic 970 patients treated by EVT for de novo femoropopliteal lesions with IVUS guidance. The decision tree analysis was performed retrospectively to determine the association of IVUS and angiography parameters with the strategy selection of endovascular procedures. We divided the study population according to the developed tree, and identified the most popular strategy selection in each subgroup. We finally examined whether the restenosis risk would be different among respective subgroups of the tree.Results: During the study periods, plain old balloon angioplasty, DCB, and bare nitinol stent were most frequently selected (25.3%, 23.9%, and 23.8%, respectively). The drug-eluting stent (DES), covered stent (CS), and spot stent strategies were used in 7.3%, 11.5%, and 8.1%. NETs had the lowest restenosis risk in the overall population. The decision tree had a depth of six branches and divided the patients into 11 subgroups by IVUS and angiography parameters. The restenosis rate was similarly low among these 11 subgroups when the most popular NET in each subgroup was selected (P = 0.94).Conclusions: The use of IVUS data along with angiography data would standardize the selection of endovascular procedures and can improve patency outcomes if NETs are used properly.
Lessons Learned for Drought Cities: Promising Steps towards Water Sensitive Urban Design in Arid and Semi-arid Cities
Authors: ElZein Zeina , Abdou Amal , Säumel Ina 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Water security is one of the main challenges facing urban areas in arid or semi-arid zones. Egyptian cities need to deal with both insufficient quantity and quality of water for residents. Here we provide proposed actions and policies to allow transition towards water sensitive urban design in order to respond to water challenges in Egypt. Based on a systematic literature review, we have selected a set of criteria concerning the environmental, economic, social, governmental, and infrastructural dimensions of urban water management. We compiled and compared management approaches from Lima, Windhoek, and Adelaide. The three cities have climatic conditions and water issues similar to Egyptian cities and have made substantial advances towards sustainable water management. We then evaluated which elements can be adapted and used in Egypt. Proposed actions included participatory approaches that engage the community in water management, educational campaigns that lead to change of public perception, and assessment of water services through customers’ satisfaction.
The core bacteria of Fucus distichus include apparent seaweed generalists
Authors: Park Jungsoo , Davis Katherine , Lajoie Geneviève , Parfrey Laura Wegener 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Identifying the meaningful ecological associations between host and components of the microbiome is challenging. This is especially true for hosts where the taxonomic composition of the microbiome is highly diverse and variable in space and time such as marine macroalgae. Identifying core taxa is one way forward. This study leverages a large dataset of microbial communities associated with the widespread brown seaweed, Fucus distichus, at multiple spatial and temporal scales. We compare two different methodological approaches to identify core taxa at the amplicon sequence variant (ASV) level from this dataset: simple frequency analysis of F. distichus alone over the whole dataset, and an iterative indicator species analysis method identifies prevalent taxa that are consistently enriched on F. distichus in comparison to the local environment (IndVal). We then evaluate host-specificity of the identified F. distichus core ASVs using comparative data from 35 other seaweed species sampled at one of the sites.
Results
No bacterial taxa were at 100% prevalence in F. distichus samples, and IndVal identified a diverse array of F. distichus indicator taxa across sites and over time. Across the entire dataset, a set of eleven core ASVs were identified by both frequency analysis and IndVal. Frequency analysis captured a broader suit of core taxa, while IndVal was better at identifying host-specific microbes. Many Fucus-core ASVs, particularly within Granulosicoccus and Litorimonas are found on diverse seaweed species, while we find evidence of specificity to brown algae or Fucus for a few ASVs within Blastopirellula and Rubritalea.
Conclusions
We identified a suite of core taxa that are consistently associated with F. distichus and enriched in comparison to the environment, despite variation in the prevalent and predominant taxa on F. distichus over space and time. Moreover, we show that most of these core ASVs of F. distichus are found on diverse seaweed hosts, indicating that most occupy a seaweed generalist niche rather than forming highly specialized associations with F. distichus. Further studies should test whether seaweed generalists or specialists are more likely to engage in biologically important exchanges with host.
Is there Variation in Utilization of Preoperative Tests Among Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Replacement in the US, and Does It Affect Outcomes? A Population-based Analysis
Authors: Hasan Mohamed , Kang Raymond , Lee Jungwha (Julia) , Beal Matthew , Ahmed Abdalrahman , Tian Yao , Ghomrawi Hassan M.K. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Study Objective:To describe recent practice patterns of preoperative tests and to examine their association with 90-day all-cause readmissions and length of stay.Design: Retrospective cohort study using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS).Setting: SPARCS from March 1, 2016, to July 1, 2017.Participants: Adults undergoing Total Hip Replacement (THR) or Total Knee Replacement (TKR) had a preoperative screening outpatient visit within two months before their surgery.Interventions: Electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray, and seven preoperative laboratory tests (RBCs antibody screen, Prothrombin time (PT) and Thromboplastin time, Metabolic Panel, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Nasal DNA probe, Urine analysis, Urine culture) were identified. Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures: Regression analyses were utilized to determine the association between each preoperative test and two postoperative outcomes (90-day all-cause readmission and length of stay). Regression models adjusted for hospital-level random effects, patient demographics, insurance, hospital TKR, THR surgical volume, and comorbidities. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the subset of patients with no comorbidities.Results:55,099 patients (60% Female, mean age 66.1+/-9.8 SD) were included. The most common tests were metabolic panel (74.5%), CBC (66.8%), and RBCs antibody screen (58.8%). The least common tests were MRSA Nasal DNA probe (13.0%), EKG (11.7%), urine culture (10.7%), and chest X-ray (7.9%). MRSA testing, urine culture, and EKG were associated with a lower likelihood of 90-day all-cause readmissions. No tests were associated with the length of hospital stay. Results were similar in the subset with no comorbidities.Conclusions:Wide variation exists in preoperative tests before THR and TKR. We identified three preoperative tests that may play a role in reducing readmissions. Further investigation is needed to evaluate these findings using more granular clinical data.
3D printed scaffold for repairing bone defects in apical periodontitis
Authors: Li Cong , Xu Xiaoyin , Gao Jing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Chen Yao , Li Ruixin , Shen Jing 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the feasibility of the 3D printed scaffold for periapical bone defects.
Methods
In this study, KSL-W @PLGA microspheres were firstly prepared, the drug release behavior and bacteriostatic ability against E.faecalis and P.gingivalis were studied. After that, we prepared the KSL-W @PLGA microspheres/collagen/silk fibroin/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold, meanwhile, the pore size, porosity, water absorption expansion rate and mechanical properties were measured. Also, MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded into sterile scaffold materials and investigated by CCK-8, SEM, and HE staining. In the animal experiment section, we constructed bone defect models of the mandible in vivo and evaluated its effect of bone formation. The Japanese white rabbits were killed at 1 and 2 months after surgery, the CBCT scanning, micro-CT scanning and HE staining analysis were performed on the samples of the operation area, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and LSD test. (α = 0.05).
Results
We observed that the KSL-W@PLGA sustainable-release microspheres prepared in the experiment were uniform in morphology and could slowly release the antimicrobial peptide (KSL-W), which had a long-term antibacterial effect. The prepared scaffold materials had good biocompatibility, while MC3T3-E1 cells were present on the surface of the scaffold with good morphology. The rabbit experiments showed that there was more new bone formation in the scaffold group according to histological and radiographic examinations.
Conclusions
The biological and mechanical properties of the 3D printed scaffold meet the requirements of bone tissue engineering. It is expected to be applied to the repair of bone defects in apical periodontitis.
Clinical Significance
The 3D printed scaffold not only has antibacterial effect, but also can promote bone tissue formation, which provides an alternative treatment option in apical periodontitis.
On mortality modelling using a density-hazard distribution
Authors: Ngataman Nuraini , Bakar Shaiful Anuar Abu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This paper analyzes a new parametric distribution from a family of density-hazard distribution for mortality modelling. The performance of the distribution is assessed using real United States mortality data and compared to an existing study demonstrating a three-parameter logistic distribution employing similar data. Parameter estimation is performed using the nonlinear least squares method. The result shows that the density-hazard distribution consistently gives a better fit for the United States male, female and total population data than the three-parameter logistic distribution for a 60-year period of study with the conclusion derived from the mean square error. In addition, the estimated life expectancy with an underlying density-hazard distribution gives proximity to its empirical counterparts for almost all age groups.
Animal Pose Estimation Algorithm Based on the Lightweight Stacked Hourglass Network
Authors: Wenwen Zhang , Yang Xu , Rui Bai , Li Li 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Pose estimation has been a hot topic in the field of machine vision in recent years. In the pose estimation task, a lightweight stacked hourglass network (SHN) algorithm is proposed. Moreover, aiming at the problem of large parameters in depthwise convolutional neural networks, a lightweight residual module is proposed, that is, based on the lightweight efficient channel attention improved conditional channel-weighted method (ICCW-Bottle), which replaces bottleneck module, thereby reducing the weight of the network and obtaining the feature information of different scales. Given the problem that a large amount of feature information is easily lost after the network pooling operation, a lightweight dual-branch fusion module is proposed that fully integrates high-level semantic information and low-level detailed features under the condition of a small number of parameters. Finally, the training model of synthetic animal dataset and real animal dataset was jointly applied. Compared with the consistency-constrained semi-supervised learning (CC-SSL) method, the proposed method increased in accuracy of pose estimation by 5.5%. It also reduced the number of network parameters and the calculation amount. The results of the ablation experiment verify the advancement and effectiveness of the overall network.
Assessing Walking Ability Using a Robotic Gait Trainer: Opportunities and Limitations of Assist-as-Needed Control in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Maggioni Serena , Lünenburger Lars , Riener Robert , Curt Armin , Bolliger Marc , Melendez-Calderon Alejandro 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Walking impairments are a common consequence of neurological disorders and are assessed with clinical scores that suffer from several limitations. Robot-assisted locomotor training is becoming an established clinical practice. Besides training, these devices could be used for assessing walking ability in a controlled environment. Here, we propose an adaptive Assist-as-Needed (AAN) control for a treadmill-based robotic exoskeleton, the Lokomat, that reduces the support of the device (body weight support and impedance of the robotic joints) based on the ability of the patient to follow a gait pattern displayed on screen. We hypothesize that the converged values of robotic support provide valid and reliable information about individuals’ walking ability.Methods: Fifteen participants with Spinal Cord Injury and twelve controls used the AAN software in the Lokomat twice within a week and were assessed using clinical scores (10MWT, TUG). We used a regression method to identify the robotic measure that could provide the most relevant information about walking ability and determined the test-retest reliability. We also checked whether this result could be extrapolated to non-ambulatory and to unimpaired subjects. Results: The AAN controller could be used in patients with different injury severity levels. A linear model based on one variable (robotic knee stiffness at terminal swing) could explain 74% of the variance in the 10MWT and 61% in the TUG in ambulatory patients and showed good relative reliability but poor absolute reliability. Adding the variable ‘maximum hip flexor torque’ to the model increased the explained variance above 85%. This did not extend to non-ambulatory nor to able-bodied individuals, where variables related to stance phase and to push-off phase seem more relevant.Conclusions: The novel AAN software for the Lokomat can be used to quantify the support required by a patient while performing robotic gait training. The adaptive software might enable more challenging training conditions tuned to the ability of the individuals. While the current implementation is not ready for assessment in clinical practice, we could demonstrate that this approach is safe, and it could be integrated as assist-as-needed training, rather than as assessment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02425332
Deregulation in binding and expression of RNA binding proteins as a mechanism of CD19-negative B-ALL
Authors: Ziegler Nicole , Cortés-López Mariela , Alt Francesca , Sprang Maximilian , Lehmann Nadine , Malki Khalifa El , Wingerter Arthur , Russo Alexandra , Beck Olaf , Attig Sebastian , Roth Lea , König Julian , Paret Claudia , Faber Jörg 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Despite massive improvements in the treatment of B-ALL through CART-19 immunotherapy, a large number of patients suffer a relapse due to loss of the targeted epitope. Mutations in the CD19 locus and aberrant splicing events are known to account for the absence of surface antigen. However, the molecular determinants are not fully enlightened so far. We applied deep sequencing to analyze the CD19 locus in a cohort of B-ALL patients and identified a blast-specific 2-nucleotide deletion in intron 2 that exists in 35% of samples at initial diagnosis. Remarkably, no disease-specific mutation in the coding region was detected. We show that this deletion affects the binding site of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) including PTBP1. Moreover, we show that downregulation of PTBP1 in 697 cells reduces CD19 total protein by increasing intron 2 retention. Isoform analysis in patient samples revealed that blasts, at diagnosis, express increased amounts of CD19 intron 2 retention compared to normal B cells. By RNAseq and qRT-PCR, we could identify several RBPs being deregulated in leukemic blasts.Our data suggest that loss of RBP functionality by mutations altering their binding motifs or by deregulated expression might harbor the potential for the disease-associated accumulation of therapy-resistant CD19 isoforms.
Regulation of Community Advisory Boards During Conduct of Clinical Trials in Uganda; a qualitative study involving Stakeholders
Authors: Mijumbi Andrew Ojok , Mugenyi Levicatus , Nanfuka Mastula , Agaba Collins , Ochieng Joseph 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Community advisory structures such as Community Advisory Boards (CABs) play an important role of helping researchers to better understand the community at each phase of the clinical trial. CABs can be a source of accurate information on the community, its perception of proposed research and may identify factors that make community members vulnerable to the problem under investigation. Although CABs help to build mutually beneficial relationships between the researcher(s) and the communities in which the clinical trial is being implemented, meaningful engagement would require ethical guidance and regulatory oversight. The study assessed the stakeholders’ perspectives regarding the regulatory oversight of CABs in Uganda Methods: This was a cross-sectional study employing qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Key informant interviews (KIIs) with the trial investigators, CAB chairpersons, community liaison officers, regulators and REC chairpersons were conducted. A KII guide was designed and utilized during key informant interviews. The guide included questions on role of investigators and CAB members in clinical trials; challenges of community engagement; facilitation of CABs; regulatory oversight of CABs; work relationships between investigators and CABs; and opinions on how community trials should be conducted among others. All interviews were conducted in English. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim. A code book was generated based on the transcripts and study objectives. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data in Atlas ti based on emerging themes and sub-themes and in line with the study objectives. Results: Of the 34 respondents, 29.4% were investigators, 29.4% CAB chairpersons, 29.4% research regulators/REC Chairs and 11.8% community liaison officers. Fifty-nine percent were male and had varying occupations and demographic characteristics. Content analysis identified themes including the current practices for CAB establishment and monitoring; need for regulatory oversight; appropriate training and skills; and challenges faced by CABs. Conclusion: There is need for regulatory oversight of CABs based on contextualized ethical guidelines as well as capacity strengthening in terms of training and skills development.
Daunorubicin induces Cysteine‐rich protein 61 to decreases the Chemosensitivity through the ATM/NF-κB pathway in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Shi# Pengchong , Lin# Zhen , Song Yanfang , Li Zhaozhong , Zeng Menglu , Luo Li , Cao Yingping , Zhu Xianjin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia（ALL）is the second most common hematologic malignancy worldwide with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia（B-ALL）accounting for 70%-80%. Cysteine‐rich protein 61 (Cyr61), a potential tumor-promoting factor, is increased in both serum and bone marrow of B-ALL patients in our previous study. We aimed to elucidate the role of Cyr61 in B-ALL as well as to explore the source of Cyr61 in the bone marrow of B-ALL patients.Methods: The human B-ALL cell line Nalm-6 was used. Cyr61 expression levels were measured by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis. The biological functions of Cyr61 in regulating B-ALL cell chemosensitivity to DNR and VCR was detected by cell viability assay and flow cytometry analysis. The production mechanisms of Cyr61 in the bone marrow were measured by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis.Results: Knockdown of Cyr61 increased the chemosensitivity of Nalm-6 cells to DNR and VCR, and overexpression of Cyr61 decreased the chemosensitivity of Nalm-6 cells to DNR and VCR. Mechanistically, we found that Cyr61 attenuated chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis by the upregulation of Bcl-2. Importantly, Cyr61 can be up-regulated by the chemotherapeutic drug DNR through the ATM-dependent NF-κ B pathway, however, VCR has no effect on the expression of Cyr61 in B-All cells.Conclusions: In conclusion, our study revealed that DNR can induce the production of Cyr61 in B-ALL cells; further, increasing Cyr61 decreased the chemosensitivity of B-ALL cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, targeting Cyr61 may be a promising therapeutic strategy to increase the chemotherapy sensitivity in patients with B-ALL.
Calmodulin Functionalized Porous Silicon Based Electrical Calcium Detector and its Comparison with Optical Detector
Authors: Sen Kaustav , Sarkar Tanusree , Basu Deeparati , Hossain Syed Minhaz , Das Jayoti 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In this work a bi-parametric, highly selective, electrical calcium detecting platform is fabricated. The fabricated detector consists of porous silicon substrate which is surface functionalized by calmodulin. The use of porous silicon provides many fold increment in surface area, facilitating effective absorption, where as calmodulin functionalization upon the porous surface provides excellent calcium attachment sites. The electrical parameters of this detecting platform are then tested with calcium and several other ionic solutions, at concentration relevant physiologically. The fabricated detector showed tremendous selectivity towards calcium ion. Even in mixture ionic solution the detector exhibited its high discrimination towards calcium ion. Thus the fabricated detecting platform can work as an effective calcium detector. Its bi-parametric approach provides enhanced calcium detection efficiency. Hence the detector imparts a highly selective, robust, label free and cost-effective alternative for calcium detectors, effective even in biologically relevant concentrations. Later a comparative study is performed between the optical and electrical response of the detector platform to provide a better understanding of the consistency of the detector developed that in future will facilitate multi-parametric approach to enhance the response, selectivity and thus the efficiency of the detector platform developed in this work.