bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in condylar position and morphology after mandibular reconstruction by fibular flap with condyle preservation
Authors: Chen Haoliang , Li Yongheng , Sun Yawei , Chen Xin , Pu Yumei , Sun Guowen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objects
Changes in condylar position and morphology after mandibular reconstruction are important to aesthetic and functional rehabilitation. We evaluated changes in condylar position and morphology at different stages after mandibular reconstruction with condyle preservation.
Materials and Methods
A total of 23 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with fibular flap were included in this retrospective study. CT data of all patients were recorded before surgery (T0), 7 to 14 days after surgery (T1), and at least 6 months after surgery (T2). 5 parameters describing the condylar position and 4 parameters describing the morphology were measured in sagittal and coronal views of CT images. The association between clinical characteristics and changes in condylar position and morphology. A finite element model was established to investigate the stress distribution and to predict the spatial movement tendency of the condyle after reconstruction surgery.
Results
The condylar position changed over time after mandibular reconstruction. The ipsilateral condyles moved inferiorly after surgery (T0 to T1) and continually move anteriorly, inferiorly, and laterally during long-term follow-up (T1 to T2). Contrary changes were noted in the contralateral condyles with no statistical significance. No morphological changes were detected. No significant relationship between clinical characteristics and changes in condylar position and morphology. A consistent result was observed in the finite element analysis.
Conclusion
Condylar positions showed obvious changes over time after mandibular reconstruction with condylar preservation. Nevertheless, Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the clinical function outcomes and condylar position
Clinical relevance
These findings can form the basis for the evaluation of short-term and long-term changes in condylar position and morphology among patients who have previously undergone mandibular reconstruction by FFF with condyle preservation.
Harmonic-Gaussian double-well potential stochastic resonance with its application to enhance weak fault characteristics of machinery
Authors: Qiao Zijian , Chen Shuai , Lai Zhihui , Zhou Shengtong , Sanjuán Miguel A. F. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Although noise is ubiquitous and unwanted in detecting weak signals, the phenomenon of stochastic resonance (SR) is beneficial for enhancing weak signals embedded in signals with strong background noise. Taking into account that nonlinear systems are crucial ingredients to activate the SR, here we investigate the SR in the cases of overdamped and underdamped harmonic-Gaussian double-well potential systems subjected to noise and a periodic force. We derive and measure the analytic expression of the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the steady-state probability density (SPD) function under approximate adiabatic conditions. When the harmonic-Gaussian double-well potential loses its stability, we can observe the antiresonance phenomenon, whereas adding the damped factor into the overdamped system can change the stability of the harmonic-Gaussian double-well potential, resulting that the antiresonance behavior disappears in the underdamped system. Then, we use the overdamped and underdamped harmonic-Gaussian double-well potential SR to enhance weak useful characteristics for diagnosing incipient rotating machinery failures. Theoretical and experimental results show that adjusting both noise intensity and system parameters can activate overdamped and underdamped harmonic-Gaussian double-well potential SR in which there is a bell-shaped peak for the SNR. Additionally, the underdamped harmonic-Gaussian double-well potential SR is independent of offset frequency and scale transformation to process large machine parameter signals and outperforms the overdamped one. Finally, comparing the advanced robust local mean decomposition (RLMD) method based on signal decomposition and the wavelet transform method based on noise cancellation, the overdamped or underdamped harmonic-Gaussian double-well potential SR methods characterize a better performance to detect a weak signal. Fault characteristics in the early stage of defects are successful in improving the incipient fault characteristic identification of rolling element bearings.
Detecting adverse reaction signals to statins in a Chinese regional healthcare database, using a tree-based scan statistic method
Authors: Hailong Li , Houyu Zhao , Hongbo Lin , Peng Shen , Siyan Zhan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Healthcare databases offer complementary data for drug safety signal detection, addressing the limitations of spontaneous reporting. We applied the tree-based scan statistic (TreeScan) to detect adverse effect signals to statin therapy, using 2010–2016 data from the Yinzhou regional healthcare database. Patients (> 18 years) with hypertension were included, and identified as statin users according to their out-/inpatient prescription records. Adverse events (AEs) were defined per ICD‐10 codes from participants’ diagnosis records. We detected the safety signals of statins using the TreeScan method and established a set of reference signals according to these ICD‐10 codes. The signal gold standard was constructed from published meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and statin package inserts. Diagnostic test measures—sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, among others—were computed. In total, 224,187 patients were enrolled and classified as either statin users (85,758) or nonusers (138,429). A reference set of 126 ICD‐10-derived AEs, including 13 positive and 113 negative signals, was constructed; TreeScan generated 30 positive signals (p < 0.05), 9 of which were known AEs. Hence, TreeScan can be applied as a drug safety surveillance, signal detection method, simultaneously evaluating several potential AEs. It can further adjust for the multiple testing inherent in evaluating overlapping groups.
METRECoP: a methodology for identifying METamorphic RElations through Constraint Programming
Authors: de Castro-Cabrera M. Carmen , García-Dominguez Antonio , Medina-Bulo Inmaculada 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Metamorphic Testing (MT) is a test design approach that produces “follow-up” test cases from existing ones, through the application of metamorphic relations (MRs). These MRs encode known properties about the problem being solved by the system under test. Identifying , designing and implementing the MRs is costly and error-prone. In the past, several methodologies have been proposed to guide the design of MRs, such as iterative metamorphic testing (IMT) or MR-GEN. In this paper, we propose a refinement of IMT which takes advantage of mature existing constraint programming languages to formalize MRs and automate the generation of test cases. The methodology covers the design of the initial cases, the design of the MRs, and the application of the MRs to produce a comprehensive test suite. METRECoP is applied to an empirical study, creating 10 MRs (by constraint solvers), producing a test suite that can detect all the defects that were seeded into the program, and guiding the design of additional MRs.
A Framework for Quantifying Disaster Level Social Hardship: The case of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
Authors: Rivera Wilmer O. Martínez , Carvalhaes Thomaz , Jevtic Petar , Reddy Agami 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
We propose a supervised learning approach to statistically quantify the impact of an extreme event on vulnerable communities using publicly available panel data directly reflective of the different dimensions and manifestations of social hardship. These manifestations include suicides, substance abuse, excess mortality, unemployment, and others. Our modified treatment-effect model allows counterfactual baseline conditions to be posited for each manifestation from which an aggregated quantitative multi-faceted measure of social hardship can be determined. The developed statistical methodology should be greatly beneficial to policymakers who must allocate scarce resources to mitigate social hardship. Our work represents a distinct alternative to the established approach of assessing social vulnerabilities of communities subject to extraordinary events that rely on composite indices (such as Social Vulnerability Index SoVI) based on published census data. We illustrate applicability of our approach using annual and monthly panel data from 2012-2018 encompassing the 2017 Hurricane Maria event across various municipalities in Puerto Rico. Our statistical modeling methodology stands apart since (i) it explicitly and more realistically captures the effect of different manifestations of the actual event, (ii) it is flexible enough to accommodate individual preferences of various stakeholders in how they assign importance to multiple manifestations of social hardship.
Exploring the mechanisms of Kanli Granule in the treatment of chronic heart failure based on network pharmacology combined with experimental verification
Authors: Wang Xinting , Li Huiling , Lu Cheng , Zhao Jingru , Wang Huiying , Jiang Meixian , Liu Yongming 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Kanli granule (KG) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has a significant effect on chronic heart failure (CHF). KG takes "warming and invigorating the heart and kidney Yang Qi, promoting water and blood circulation" as the treatment principle, which can make the heart Yang vibrate, the kidney water transpiration, and the blood promote the circulation of water without the danger of stopping warter blood stasis. However, due to the complexity of TCM, the action mechanism of KG is unclear. In this study, we employed a network pharmacology approach combined with experimental verification to investigate the mechanism of KG in the treatment of CHF. Materials and methods: The active ingredients and targets of KG were searched by TCMSP and TCM database@Taiwan databases, and the CHF-related targets were collected from DisGeNET, OMIM and TTD databases. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) signal pathway analysis were carried out through DAVID database. Furthermore, the bubble diagrams of GO analysis and KEGG signal pathway analysis are made on OmicShare platform. The network diagram of "herbs–ingredients–targets–pathways" was constructed by Cytoscape3.7.0 software. We established a TAC induced CHF mice model to verify the protective mechanism of KG. Results: 30 active ingredients of KG were screened for the prevention and treatment of CHF, and 37 targets for the prevention and treatment of CHF by the active components of KG, including SERCA2a, PLB. GO analysis showed that there were 219 items related to biological process, 32 items related to cellular composition and 42 items related to molecular function. There are 81 related KEGG signaling pathways, including calcium signaling pathway. The results of animal experiments showed that KG significantly improved cardiac function in CHF mice by reducing LVEF, FS, NT -proBNP, and KG significantly improved cardiac structure in CHF mice by decreasing LVIDd, LVPWd, and the extent of cardiac fibrosis. Further mechanistic studies revealed that KG upregulated SERCA2a expression and activity to ameliorate CHF. Conclusion: KG may prevent and treat CHF by acting on calcium signaling pathway, increasing SERCA2a expression and improving cardiac function and cardiac structure.
Barriers and facilitators to utilization of community drug distribution points among adult HIV patients in Bushenyi district, south-western Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Oyet David , Akol Gideon , Onyait Emmanuel , Twinomugisha Daphine , Wambera Doreen Kawala , Wakida Edith , Obua Celestino , Niyonzima Vallence 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
People living with HIV still have challenges in accessing HIV services in low- and middle income countries. In Uganda, the community drug distribution points are interventions to improve access to anti-retroviral medications. However, there is still low enrollment on community drug distribution points among PLHIV in south western Uganda particularly in Bushenyi district. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to utilization of community drugs distribution points among adult HIV patients.
Methods
This was a descriptive study utilizing a qualitative approach. We purposively recruited 24 adult HIV patients and 6 health workers as key informants. We conducted in depth interviews with adult HIV patients and key informant interviews with health workers using interview guide. The data were transcribed from audios to Runyakore-Rukiga in word document then translated to English. Data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis.
Results
We found that the main facilitators to utilization of community drug distribution points were positive health workers’ attitude and reduced expenses especially in term of transport cost. The main barriers to utilization of community drug distribution points were lack of infrastructure and privacy.
Conclusion and recommendations
: Patients’ utilization of community drug distribution points is greatly influenced by the health workers attitude. Stigma is still a limitation to utilization of HIV services. We recommend that interventions to eliminate stigma be put in place and infrastructure be put at the community drug distribution points.
A novel strategy to interpret the differences among white ginseng, red ginseng and American ginseng based on normalized ginsenoside profiles
Authors: Li Yahui , Yang Bingkun , Guo Wei , Zhang Panpan , Zhang Jianghua , Zhao Jing , Wang Qiao , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xiaowei , Kong Dezhi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
It is well known that ginsenosides are the main active ingredients in ginseng, and they have also been important indexes for assessing the quality of ginseng. However, the absolute contents of ginsenosides in ginseng were shown to be varied with the origin, cultivated type, cultivated year and climate. It is a great challenge to distinguish the commercial types of ginsengs based on the absolute content of ginsenosides.
Methods
The common commercial types of ginsengs in China are white ginseng (WG), red ginseng (RG), American ginseng (AG). To clearly illustrate the differences among WG, RG and AG at the ginsenosides level, we established a strategy for the detection and identification of ginsenosides based on an optimized LC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS method coupled with an in-house database of ginsenosides. A special normalization to the datasheet was also introduced prior to multivariate statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis.
Results
Here, 81 ginsenosides were identified in different ginseng samples. The majority of the ginsenosides (59 in 81) were all shared by WG, RG and AG. Our analysis strategy clearly divided the ginseng samples into three groups (i.e., WG, RG and AG groups). The ginsenoside profiles in RG and WG were significantly different from those in AG. The potential markers and multivariate diagnostic models differentiating the three types of ginsengs were indicated by the principal component analysis (PCA) and logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion
Our novel methodology according to ginsenoside profiles is more robust than that based on single ingredient, and could be widely used to distinguish the commercial types of ginsengs.
Establishment of a Rabbit Liver Metastasis Model by Percutaneous Puncture of the Spleen and Implantation of the VX2 Tumor Strain under CT Guidance
Authors: Li Bing , Feng Guiling , Feng Xu , Zhang Qing , Zhang Chuan , Xu Xiaoxue , Yang Hanfeng , Du Yong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to compare the feasibility, success rate, and safety of establishing a rabbit VX2 liver metastasis model by percutaneous splenic implantation under CT guidance and open splenic implantation of the VX2 tumor strain.
Methods
Fifty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into group A (the percutaneous puncture group) (n = 25) and group B (the laparotomy group) (n = 25). In group A, 25 New Zealand white rabbits were implanted with tumor strains by percutaneous splenic puncture under CT guidance. In group B, 25 New Zealand white rabbits were implanted with tumor strains in the spleen by laparotomy. After 2–3 weeks of implantation, both group A and group B underwent MRI to confirm tumor growth in the spleen and metastasis to the liver. Two experimental rabbits randomly selected from groups A and B were killed for pathological examination. The success rate, complication rate, and operation time in groups A and B were compared and analyzed.
Results
A total of 22 rabbits in group A were successfully modeled, and the success rate was 88% (22/25). The average time of tumor operation was 10.0 ± 3.4 minutes. A total of 21 rabbits in group B were successfully modeled, and the success rate was 85% (21/25). The average time of tumor operation in group B was 23.0 ± 6.2 minutes. There was no significant difference in the success rate of modeling between the two groups (P > 0.05). The MRI manifestations of liver metastases were multiple nodular and punctate abnormal signal shadows in the liver. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining showed a large number of tumor cells in the tumor area.
Conclusion
CT-guided percutaneous splenic implantation of the VX2 tumor strain to establish a rabbit liver metastasis model is a minimally invasive and feasible modeling method. The success rate of this technique is not lower than that of open splenic implantation, with low mortality, low incidence of complications, and short operation time.
Performance of PSGWC-Bars and Other Rebars Reinforced Columns
Authors: Bajad Mohankumar N 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In comparison to earlier concrete structures, recent decades' structures have experienced early deterioration. The majority of the time, this is due to the severe corrosion found in today's ribbed rebars. The adoption of PSGWC-bars, which have a plain surface and a gentle wave-type configuration, can extend the life of concrete structures by several times by reducing the rate of rebar corrosion. Beams strengthened with PSGWC-bars performed significantly better in tests conducted at several colleges. To establish its viability as a replacement for traditional rebars in columns, the load carrying capacity of PSGWC bars and other rebars must be tested. In this paper an attempt has been made to improve load carrying capacity of column with rebars. The impact of plain bars, epoxy coated plain bars, galvanised plain bars, PSGWC-bars of five different types, ribbed bars, epoxy coated ribbed bars, and ribbed bars with galvanising on the performance of sustainable columns was examined in this paper. It has been discovered that the use of PSGWC-bars increases load-carrying capacities in concrete columns as well.
Prokaryotic expression and in vitro activity of Ancylostoma ceylanicum calreticulin
Authors: Zhuang Tingting , Abuzeid Asmaa , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhu Shilan , Li Guoqing 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a zoonotic soil-derived nematode that parasitizes the intestine of humans and animals (dogs and cats), causing malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia of the host. Studies have shown that the parasite can regulate or block the host's immune response by secreting calreticulin. However, no data are available on A. ceylanicum calreticulin. To study the biological function of A. ceylanicum calreticulin (Ace-CRT), we amplified the cDNA encoding Ace-CRT and constructed the prokaryotic expression vector pET28-Ace-CRT to express the target protein. The antigenicity of Ace-CRT was investigated by western blotting with canine serum. Mouse splenocytes and canine peripheral blood lymphocytes were stimulated with the recombinant protein in vitro to explore its proliferation activity and effect on the transcription level of cytokines. The recombinant protein was co-incubated with sensitized sheep erythrocytes to analyze the inhibitory effect on the complement-mediated hemolysis. Results showed that the rAce-CRT was abundantly expressed in Escherichia coli, with good antigenicity. The recombinant protein stimulated the proliferation of mouse splenocytes and canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that rAce-CRT mainly promoted the expression of Th2 cytokines, especially IL-13, in canine peripheral blood lymphocytes. In vitro, rAce-CRT inhibited complement-mediated sheep erythrocytes hemolysis. These findings indicate that Ace-CRT has an immunomodulatory role and might be a promising candidate molecule for the hookworm vaccine.
Clinical Validation of Pre-amplification qPCR with DNA Free Extraction for the Rapid Detection of White Spot Syndrome Virus
Authors: Ma Chao , Tian Zhuo , Yang Lili , Cao Jijuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
WSSV has posed a serious threat to China and the global shrimp aquaculture industry. In order to diagnose WSSV early and prevent the spread and outbreak of WSSV, it is necessary to establish a highly sensitive WSSV diagnosis method suitable for shrimp farming sites. In this study, a pre-amplification qPCR assay with DNA free extraction was established, which was further compared with the universal qPCR assay to verify the clinical samples. The results show that the limits of detection (LOD) of pre-amplification qPCR were 1 copy / µl, and the LOD of universal qPCR were 10 copies / µl, respectively. It had good WSSV specificity and did not react with the other six viruses, including Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), Hepatopancreatic Parvovirus (HPV), Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), Acute hepatopancreas necrosis disease (AHPND), Necrotizing hepatopancreatitis bacteria (NHPB), Decapod Iridescent Virus 1 (DIV1). A total of 36 clinical samples of WSSV-infected shrimp were diagnosed by pre-amplification qPCR with DNA free extraction and universal qPCR with DNA extraction. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 97.22% (85.5% ~ 99.9%, 95% CI) and 100% (81.5% ~ 100%, 95% CI), respectively. The agreement Kappa value was 0.959 (0.879 ~ 1, 95% CI), and the analysis results were basically consistent. Eliminating the tedious steps of extracting DNA and using pre-amplified qPCR to detect WSSV in shrimp, it is a good choice for aquaculture farms.