bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitive Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Using a Novel Plasmonic Fiber Optic Biosensor Design
Authors: Saad Yosra , Gazzah Mohamed Hichem , Mougin Karine , Selmi Marwa , Belmabrouk Hafedh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put the entire world at risk and caused an economic downturn in most countries. This work provided theoretical insight into a novel fiber optic based plasmonic biosensor that can be used for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2. The aim was always to achieve reliable, sensitive and reproducible detection. The proposed configuration is based on Ag–Au alloy nanoparticles films covered with a layer of graphene which promotes the molecular adsorption and a thiol-tethered DNA layer as a ligand. Here the combination of two recent approaches in a single configuration is very promising and can only lead to considerable improvement. We have theoretically analyzed the sensor performance in terms of sensitivity and resolution. To highlight the importance of the new configuration, a comparison was made with two other sensors. One is based on gold nanoparticles incorporated into a host medium, the other is composed of a bimetallic Ag-Au layer in the massive state. The numerical results obtained has been validated and show that the proposed configuration offers better sensitivity (7100 nm\RIU) and good resolution (figure of merit; FOM=38.88Tand signal-to-noise ratio; SNR=0.388). In addition, a parametric study was performed such as the graphene layers number and the size of the nanoparticles.
A Scalable Big Data Framework for Real-Time Traffic Monitoring System
Authors: Adoni Wilfried Yves Hamilton , Nahhal Tarik , Aoun Najib Ben , Krichen Moez , Alzahrani Mohammed 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we present a scalable and real-time intelligent transportation system based on a big data framework. The proposed system allows for the use of existing data from road sensors to better understand traffic flow, traveler behavior, and increase road network performance. Our transportation system is designed to process large-scale stream data to analyze traffic events such as incidents, crashes and congestion. The experiments performed on the public transportation modes of the city of Casablanca in Morocco reveal that the proposed system achieves a significant gain of time, gathers large-scale data from many road sensors and is not expensive in terms of hardware resource consumption.
Estimation of the Seismic Damage Potential of RC Frames Using Seismic Parameters
Authors: Massumi Ali , Selkisari Maryam Rahmati 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Variation of the fundamental period is regarded as one of the methods to assess the damage of the structures under earthquakes. The inter-relationship among seismic parameters and variation of the fundamental period can identify the potential structural damage of an earthquake. For this purpose, the present paper aimed to study the relations among main seismic parameters, incorporating a variety of information about ground motion and variation of fundamental period. Three RC frames were analyzed under far-fault earthquake records by nonlinear dynamic analyses and mathematical methods applied to assay the correlation between seismic parameters and variation of fundamental period. Based on the results, high correlations were observed between some seismic parameters and variation of fundamental period. Further, based on regression equations, new parameters with a very strong correlation with variations of fundamental periods were achieved, which can be regarded as appropriate indices to estimate the potential structural damage of an earthquake.
Diagnostic Value of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for the Diagnosis of Suspected Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Lin Pengcheng , Chen Yi , Su Shanshan , Nan Wengang , Zhou Lingping , Zhou Ying , Li Yuping 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in immunocompromised patients for the diagnosis of suspected pneumonia in comparation to that of conventional microbiological tests (CMTs).Methods: Sixty-nine immunocompromised patients with suspected pneumonia received both CMTs and mNGS of BALF were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnostic value was compared between CMTs and mNGS, using the clinical composite diagnosis as the reference standard. Results: Sixty patients were diagnosed of pneumonia including fifty-two patients with identified pathogens and eight patients with probable pathogens. The overall detection rate of mNGS for pathogens were higher than that of CMTs. However, a comparable diagnostic accuracy of mNGS and CMTs were found for bacterial and viral infections. mNGS exhibited a higher diagnostic accuracy for fungal detection than CMTs (78% vs. 54%, P＜0.05), which mainly because of the high sensitivity of mNGS in patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) (100% vs. 28%, P＜0.05). Among fifty-two patients with definite pathogens, nineteen patients (37%) were identified as pulmonary mixed infection, mNGS test showed a higher detection rate and broader spectrum for pathogen detection than that of CMTs in mixed infection. Moreover, Pneumocystis jirovecii was the most common pathogen in mix infection and mNGS have identified much more co-pathogens of PJP than CMTs.Conclusions: mNGS of BALF improved the microbial detection rate of pathogens and exhibited remarkable advantages in detecting PJP and identifying mixed infections in immunocompromised patients.
A Necroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Prognosis, Immune Landscape, and Therapy Sensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Junliang , Wang Huaitao , Zhou Lei , Liu Zhihao , Chen Hui , Tan Xiaodong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a growing threat to global health. Necroptosis is a newly discovered regulated cell necrosis that plays a vital role in cancer development. Thus, we conducted this study to develop a predictive signature based on necroptosis-related genes.Methods: The tumor samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC) cohort were subtyped using the consensus clustering algorithm. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO-Cox analysis were performed to construct a gene signature model from differentially expressed genes between tumor clusters. Then we integrated TNM stage and the prognostic model to build a nomogram. The gene signature and the nomogram were externally validated in the GSE14520 cohort from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) and LIRP-JP cohort from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Predictive performance evaluation was conducted using Kaplan-Meier plot, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, principal components analysis, concordance index, and decision curve analysis. The tumor microenvironment was estimated using seven published methods. Finally, we also predicted the drug responses to immunotherapy, conventional chemotherapy and molecular-targeted therapy using two algorithms and two datasets. Results: We identified two necroptosis-related clusters and a ten-gene signature (MTMR2, CDCA8, S100A9, ANXA10, G6PD, SLC1A5, SLC2A1, SPP1, PLOD2, and MMP1). The gene signature and the nomogram had good predictive ability in TCGA, ICGC, and GEO cohorts. The risk score was positively associated with the degree of necroptosis and immune infiltration (especially immunosuppressive cells). The high-risk group could benefit more from immunotherapy. Chemotherapy and molecular-targeted therapy should be adapted to the molecular profiles of each patient.Conclusion: The necroptosis-related gene signature provides reliable evidence for prognosis prediction, comprehensive treatment, and new therapeutic targets for HCC patients. The nomogram can further improve predictive accuracy.
Development of Scalable Coding of Encrypted Images Using Modified Absolute Moment Block Truncation Code
Authors: Bright Pankiraj Jeya , Govindaraj Vishnuvarthanan , Zhang Yu-Dong , Rajasekaran Pallikonda , Milton Anisha , Thiagarajan Arunprasath 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Many researchers worked on scalable coding for unencrypted images, and there is more space for research in scalable coding for encrypted images. This paper proposes a novel method of scalable coding for encrypted images, especially for lossy compression images using the Modified Absolute Moment Block Truncation Code (MAMBTC) technique. The given input image is compressed using MAMBTC and then encrypted using a Pseudo-Random Number (PRNG) at the encryption phase. The PRNG is shared between the encoder and the decoder. At the decryption phase, the compressed pixel value is obtained by decryption using the PRNG and then reconstructed using MAMBTC, scaled by scaling factor 2 and Bilinear Interpolation Technique to obtain the original image. MAMBTC gives better image quality than Block Truncation Code (BTC), a higher PSNR of 36.32 dB, and a Compression ratio of 1.09, which makes the proposed system ready for the signal processing community/applications.
How I Deal With Breast Cancer: Iranian Women Survivors Coping Strategies - Content Analysis
Authors: Manouchehri E , Taghipour A , Ebadi A , Shandiz F Homaei , Roudsari Robab Latifnejad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in Iran. Understanding the coping strategies employed by cancer survivors can provide valuable information for designing interventions to help them adapt to their problems produced by cancer and its treatment. This study aimed to explore the coping strategies of BC survivors in Iran.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Mashhad, Northeast of Iran, between April to December 2021. 14 breast cancer survivors were selected through purposive sampling method. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis adopted by Graneheim & Lundman. MAXQDA 12 software, was used for data organization. Components of trustworthiness including credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability were considered.Results: The main themes which emerged from participants' data analysis were "behavioral coping strategies" and "emotional coping strategies". Behavioral strategies such as change nutritional habits, improving lifestyle, trying to stay active, seeking help for improvement of physical and mental needs and efforts to increase knowledge and literacy about BC. The psychological strategies were denying the breast cancer, psychological empowerment, spirituality and seeking help of family and relatives. Conclusion: Our findings provide in-depth understanding of Iranian women’s strategies for coping with BC. The qualified teams of psychiatrics, oncologists and reproductive health specialists need to contribute significantly to an upgraded coping of patients to cancer that could lead to higher quality of life.
MicroRNA-223 Downregulation Promotes HBx-Induced Podocyte Pyroptosis by Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: YU Yani , DONG Hui , ZHANG Yue , SUN Jingyi , LI Baoshuang , CHEN Yueqi , FENG Moxuan , YANG Xiaoqian , GAO Shengbo , JIANG Wei 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its related protein, HBV X (HBx), play an important role in podocyte injury in HBV-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN). MiR-223 is expressed in several diseases, including HBV-associated disease, while nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a major role in pyroptosis. This study aims to determine the potential function and related mechanism of miR-223 in HBx-induced podocyte pyroptosis. We observed that the results of polymerase chain reaction indicated that miR-223 was downregulated in HBx-transfected podocytes. Transfection of miR-223 mimic eliminated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and its related cytokines released by NLRP3 overexpression. Moreover, the transfection of HBx and NLRP3-overexpressing plasmids increased the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins especially in the presence of miR-223 inhibitors. In conclusion, miR-223 downregulation plays an important role in HBx-induced podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, suggesting that miR-223 is a potential therapeutic target for alleviating HBV-GN inflammation.
Functional Status and Its Related Factors Among Stroke Survivors in Rehabilitation Departments of Hospitals in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zhou Jing , Liu Fang , Zhou Mingchao , Long Jianjun , Zha Fubing , Chen Miaoling , Li Jiehui , Yang Qingqing , Zhang Zeyu , Wang Yulong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Many stroke survivors have multiple chronic diseases and complications, coupled with various other factors which may affect their functional status. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with poor functional status in hospitalized patients with stroke in Shenzhen, China.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data on 646 patients with stroke were recruited from four urban hospitals using cluster sampling. The Longshi Scale was used to assess the functional status of stroke survivors. Explanatory variables, i.e. factors affecting functional status, included demographic, lifestyle factors, complications, and chronic conditions. The ordinal logistic regression model was used to investigate factors associated with poor functional status. Results: Stroke survivors with poor functional status accounted for 72.14% and were assessed as the bedridden group based on the Longshi scale, 21.67% of patients with moderate functional limitation were assessed as the domestic group and 6.19% of the patients with mild functional restriction was assessed as the community group. The highest dependence was noted for feeding (73.39%), bowel and bladder management (69.74%), and bedtime entertainment (69.53%) among the bedridden group, and housework (74.29%) among the domestic group. In the adjusted model, patients who were in older age groups (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.55–3.80), female (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.08–2.77), duration of stroke more than 12 months (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.28–2.95), with pulmonary infection (OR = 10.91, 95% CI: 5.81–20.50), and with deep venous thrombosis (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.28–7.04) had almost or more than two times the risk of poorer functioning.Conclusions: Our study found that 72.14% of stroke survivors had poor functional status, 21.67% and 6.19% of stroke survivors had moderate functional limitations and mild functional restrictions in rehabilitation settings. The older age bracket (age ≥ 60) and females were more likely to exhibit poor functioning. Pulmonary infection and deep venous thrombosis, both common post-stroke complications, were related to the increased chance of dependence. Therefore, interventions aimed at treating or preventing pulmonary infection and deep vein thrombosis need to contribute to addressing these circumstances and subsequent dysfunction after stroke.
Lung and Colon Cancer Classification Using Medical Imaging : A Feature Engineering Approach
Authors: Chehade Aya Hage , Abdallah Nassib , Marion Jean-Marie , Oueidat Mohamad , Chauvet Pierre 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Lung and colon cancers are the most common causes of death. Their simultaneous occurrence is uncommon, however, in the absence of early diagnosis, the metastasis of cancer cells is very high between these two organs. Currently, histopathological diagnosis and appropriate treatment are the only possibility to improve the chances of survival and reduce cancer mortality. Using artificial intelligence in the histopathological diagnosis of colon and lung cancer can provide significant help to specialists in identifying cases of colon and lung cancers with less effort, time and cost. The objective of this study is to set up a computer-aided diagnostic system that can accurately classify five types of colon and lung tissues (two classes for colon cancer and three classes for lung cancer) by analyzing their histopathological images. Using machine learning, features engineering and image processing techniques, the five models XGBoost, SVM, RF, LDA and MLP were used to perform the classification of histopathological images of lung and colon cancers that were acquired from the LC25000 dataset. The main advantage of using machine learning models is that they allow for better interpretability of the classification model since they are based on feature engineering; however, deep learning models are black box networks whose working is very difficult to understand due to the complex network design. The acquired experimental results show that machine learning models give satisfactory results and are very precise in identifying classes of lung and colon cancer subtypes. The XGBoost model gave the best performance with an accuracy of 99% and a F1-score of 98.8%. The implementation and the development of this model will help healthcare specialists identify types of colon and lung cancers. The code will be available upon request.
Integrated Product, Process and Manufacturing System Development for Multifunctional Micromachine Tool
Authors: Cortés Daniel , Ramírez José , Medina Jorge , Molina Arturo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Novel practices in the formation of students are encouraged to be multidisciplinary which in fact, allows them to better understand the behaviour of systems. This skill allows them to identify existing needs that impact multiple areas, both for an organization and to complement their entrepreneurial training. In this work, there is exposed a reference framework that arose to aid in the innovative design process among the manufacturing sector, it seeks to stretch the gap between conceptualization and implementation for engineering projects. Furthermore, the formation of the learners is enriched due to the breakdown of complex systems into entities as it gathers existing knowledge and provides structure to systematize the development process, allocate problems and provide feedback. Thus, design stages are detailed, engineering stages are described, and a toolbox is presented to guide designers into their task. The methodology has been tested under multidisciplinary projects in different time lapses, observing a positive impact in the formation of participants, as it guarantees the inclusion of desired attributes, documentation and milestones in the scenario being developed. In this article, there are described three case studies. Findings when developing using the methodology shows a structural, documented process followed by the designers, capable of recognizing the abilities acquired and reinforced skills, documented entities corresponding to what is developed at the end of the projects and time of deployment is enhanced.
Amisulpride Augmentation Therapy Improves Cognitive Performance and Psychopathology in Clozapine-resistant Treatment-refractory Schizophrenia (CTRS): a 12-week Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Li Zezhi , Zhu Minghuan , Liu Zhenjing , Hu Qiongyue , Yang Jiayu , Jin Ying , Zhu Na , Huang Ying , Shi Dianhong , Liu Minjia , Zhao Lei , Lv Qinyu , Yi Zhenghui , Wu Fengchun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough clozapine is an effective option for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), there are still 1/3 to 1/2 of TRS patients who do not respond to clozapine. The main purposes of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to explore the amisulpride augmentation efficacy on the psychopathological symptoms and cognitive function of CTRS patients. MethodsA total of 80 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to receive an initial clozapine plus amisulpride or clozapine plus placebo. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale scores, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS), laboratory measurements and electrocardiograms (ECG) were performed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. ResultsCompared with clozapine plus placebo group, clozapine plus amisulpride had lower PANSS total score, positive subscore and general psychopathology subscore at week 6 and week 12 (all p Bonferroni< 0.01). Furthermore, compared with clozapine plus placebo group, clozapine plus amisulpride showed improved RBANS language score at week 12 (p Bonferroni< 0.001). Clozapine plus amisulpride group had a higher treatment response rate (p = 0.04), lower scores of CGI severity (CGI-S) and CGI efficacy (CGI-E) at week 6 and week 12 than clozapine plus placebo (all p Bonferroni< 0.05). There were no differences in BMI, QT intervals or laboratory measurements between the groups. Our results demonstrate that amisulpride augmentation therapy can safely improve the psychiatric symptoms and cognitive performance of CTRS patients. ConclusionsOur study indicates that amisulpride augmentation therapy has important clinical significance for the treatment of CTRS to improve clinical symptoms and cognitive function with tolerability and safety.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov identifier- NCT03652974. Registered 31 August 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03652974
First Report of Rickettsia Asembonensis in Small Ruminants
Authors: Low Van Lun , Azhar Siti Sarah , Tan Tiong Kai , Bathmanaban Premaalatha , AbuBakar Sazaly , Chandrawathani Panchadcharam , Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam Quaza , Hanim Mohd Saeid Faizah , Akma Ngah Hamid , Norlizan Mohd Noor , Lim Yvonne Ai Lian 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Rickettsioses is an emerging infectious disease in Southeast Asia caused by different organisms in the Rickettsiae bacterial tribe, a gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium. There is limited information regarding the vertebrate hosts of Rickettsia spp. This study aims to detect and identify Rickettsia agents present in wildlife and domesticated animals in Malaysia using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing approach with phylogenetic analysis. Rickettsia sp. was detected in 2 (0.67%) of 300 animal blood samples. The positive samples were derived from a goat (5.56% of 18) and a sheep (2.22% of 45). Based on the analysis of the Rickettsia citrate synthase gene (gltA), both sequences demonstrated 99.64% sequence similarity to Rickettsia asembonensis, a species that is known to infect humans and macaques. This study reported for the first time the detection of R. asembonensis in sheep and goats in Malaysian farms, suggesting this species may be adapting in a wider range of animals, specifically farm animals, therefore, poses a zoonotic threat to the local populace particularly to the farm workers or animal handlers. The low infection rate of this pathogen yet is of public health importance highlighted the needs of continuous surveillance of emerging and reemerging pathogens among animal reservoirs.