bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of individualized immunocompatible endothelial cells from HLA-I-matched human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Song Chanchan , Wang Linli , Li Qingyang , Liao Baoyi , Qiao Weihua , Li Qiang , Dong Nianguo , Li Liangping 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Endothelial cells (ECs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) are a valuable cell resource for cardiovascular regeneration. To avoid time-consuming preparation from primary autologous cells, the allogeneic iPSC-ECs are being expected to become “off-the-shelf” cell products. However, allorejection caused by HLA mismatching is a major barrier for this strategy. Although the “hypoimmunogenic” iPSCs could be simply generated by inhibition of HLA-I expression via β-2 microglobulin knockout (B2M KO), the deletion of HLA-I expression will activate natural killer (NK) cells, which kill the HLA-I negative cells. To inhibit NK activation, we proposed to generate HLA-matched iPSCs based on patient’s HLA genotyping by HLA exchanging approach to express the required HLA allele.

Methods
To establish a prototype of HLA exchanging system, the expression of HLA-I molecules of iPSCs was inhibited by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated B2M KO, and then HLA-A*11:01 allele, as a model molecule, was introduced into B2M KO iPSCs by lentiviral gene transfer. HLA-I-modified iPSCs were tested for their pluripotency and ability to differentiate into ECs. The stimulation of iPSC-EC to allogeneic T and NK cells was detected by respective co-culture of PBMC-EC and NK-EC. Finally, the iPSC-ECs were used as the seeding cells to re-endothelialize the decellularized valves.

Results
We generated the iPSCs only expressed one HLA-A allele (HLA-A *11:01) by B2M KO plus HLA gene transfer. These HLA-I-modified iPSCs maintained pluripotency and furthermore were successfully differentiated into functional ECs assessed by tube formation assay. Single HLA-A*11:01-matched iPSC-ECs significantly less induced the allogeneic response of CD8+ T cell and NK cells expressing matched HLA-A*11:01 and other HLA-A,-B and -C alleles. These cells were successfully used to re-endothelialize the decellularized valves.

Conclusions
In summary, a simple HLA-I exchanging system has been created by efficient HLA engineering of iPSCs to evade both of the alloresponse of CD8+ T cells and the activation of NK cells. This technology has been applied to generate iPSC-ECs for the engineering of cellular heart valves. Our strategy should be extremely useful if the “off-the-shelf” and “non-immunogenic” allogeneic iPSCs were created for the common HLA alleles.
Unlicensed assisted transmission in vehicular edge computing networks
Authors: Ji Zhongbao , Lu Xiao , Yin Rui , Wu Celimuge 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRecently, the emerging computation-intensive in-vehicle applications and the exponentially growing data have posed a serious challenge to resource-limited in-vehicle devices. By integrating the mobile edge computing (MEC) into the vehicle networks, vehicular edge computing (VEC) is envisioned as a promising solution. In this paper, we divide the VEC system into small time slots, which effectively simulates dense small-scale computing scenarios in the rapidly varying channel environment over time. Furthermore, to alleviate the shortage of spectrum resources, vehicles can offload part of computing tasks to the edge server not only through licensed channels but also through unlicensed channels. However, dynamic topology changes and complex communication characteristics of the vehicle networks lead to the strategies of task offloading and resource allocation being difficult to obtain. By decoupling the non-convex optimizing problem and splitting it into multiple sub-problems, we design a joint power, spectrum and computing resource allocation strategy with low complexity, in order to minimize the total energy consumption of all vehicles for processing tasks. Theoretical analysis and simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme that employing licensed and unlicensed access in VEC networks can reduce the energy consumption of vehicles for processing tasks in comparison with baseline schemes.
Analytical analysis of fractional-order sequential hybrid system with numerical application
Authors: Khan Aziz , Khan Zareen A. , Abdeljawad Thabet , Khan Hasib 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe investigate a general sequential hybrid class of fractional differential equations in the Caputo and Atangana–Baleanu fractional senses of derivatives. We consider the existence and uniqueness of solutions and the Hyers–Ulam (H-U) stability for a general class. We use the Banach and Leray–Schauder alternative theorems for the existence criteria. With the help of nonnegative Green’s functions, the fractional-order class is turned into m-equivalent integral forms. As an application of our problem, a fractional-order smoking model in terms of the Atangana–Baleanu derivative is presented as a particular case.
Confirmation value of Western blotting in detecting anti-treponema pallidum specific antibodies with suspicious results
Authors: Xu Siqi , Li Hongsheng , Wu Xiaoyan , Guo Jianwei , Zhang Jiaoli , Hu Xuqi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Due to the inconsistent results of anti-treponema pallidum (TP) specific antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Treponema pallidum granule agglutination assay (TPPA) in clinical work, there will be a certain proportion of false-positives and false-negatives depending on TPPA as confirmation results. This study aimed to evaluate the necessity of Western blotting (WB) in samples with inconsistent results in detecting anti-TP antibodies by ELISA and TPPA.

Methods
Specific anti-TP test results in our clinical laboratory were retrospectively analyzed. The specimens with a positive or a negative result, but with colored ELISA plates, were retested by TPPA. WB was used to confirm the suspicious results between ELISA and TPPA. The Chi-square test was used to analyze whether the difference was statistically significant.

Results
A total of 106,757 anti-TP specimens were screened by ELISA from August 2018 to December 2019; 3972 were retested by TPPA, and 3809 were positive by TPPA. ELISA and TPPA showed different results in 163 specimens. Among them, 29 specimens were negative and 134 were positive by ELISA; 76 were negative, 23 were positive, and 64 were “reserve” by TPPA; 93 were negative, 31 were positive, and 39 were suspicious by the WB confirmation test. Compared with WB, the difference in the results of ELISA and TPPA was statistically significant.

Conclusions
TPPA is an effective retest method for anti-TP antibody detection. If the results of anti-TP antibodies by ELISA and TPPA are inconsistent, it is necessary to use WB for confirmation.
Trial registration This retrospective analysis is in accordance with the ethical guidelines of China and approved by the second hospital of Jiaxing (jxey-2018048).
Active IgG4-related disease with bone marrow involvement: a report of 2 cases and case-based review
Authors: Liu Shiyi , Wang Hui , Su Tao 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic fibro-inflammatory disease, histopathologically characterized by dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells in affected organs. Classic hematologic presentations including lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia are common, whereas bone marrow involvement of IgG4-RD is rarely reported. Here we present two patients of multi-organ IgG4-RD with bone marrow involvement, one on bone marrow biopsy, and the other on PET/CT. Presentations of other organ involvement included biopsy-proven IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis, lymphadenopathies, submaxillary glands, arteritis, asthma, dysosmia, and constitutional symptoms. Bone marrow involvement was initially suspected due to leukopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia in case#1, and was finally confirmed by histological evidence of significant IgG4-positive plasma cells infiltration in bone marrow. In case#2, we incidentally observed high uptakes of multi-bone marrow on 18F-FDG-PET/CT, with the maximum SUV value similar to that of the kidneys, submaxillary glands and hilar, mediastinal lymph nodes by 18F-FDG-PET/CT. Symptoms and all the hematologic presentation improved rapidly in both patients after steroids initiation. These two cases illustrate the rare bone marrow involvement in active IgG4-RD accompanied by other hematologic syndromes. The significance of disease pathogenesis is worthy of further study.
Efficacy of combination triple therapy with vasopressin, steroid, and epinephrine in cardiac arrest: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials
Authors: Saghafi Fatemeh , Bagheri Negar , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Sahebnasagh Adeleh 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
This study investigated whether combination therapy with vasopressin, steroid, and epinephrine (VSE) improves in-hospital survival and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during and after resuscitation in-hospital cardiac arrest (CA).

Materials and methods
Various databases were explored from inception until October 2021 for relevant published clinical trials and cohort studies.

Results
Three clinical trials were included. Pooled analysis suggested that VSE was significantly associated with increased ROSC in patients with in-hospital CA (IHCA) (odds ratio (OR): 2.281, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.304–3.989, P value = 0.004). Meta-analysis of two studies (368 patients) demonstrated a significant difference in the reduction of mean arterial pressure (MAP) during and 15–20 min after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.069, 95% CI: 0.851–1.288, P value < 0.001), renal failure free days (SMD = 0.590; 95% CI: 0.312–0.869 days; P value < 0.001), and coagulation failure free days (SMD = 0.403; 95% CI: 0.128–0.679, P value = 0.004). However, no significant difference was observed for survival-to-discharge ratio (OR: 2.082, 95% CI: 0.638–6.796, P value = 0.225) and ventilator free days (SMD = 0.201, 95% CI: − 0.677, 1.079 days; P value = 0.838).

Conclusions
VSE combination therapy during and after IHCA may have beneficial effects in terms of the ROSC, renal and circulatory failure free days, and MAP.
Prospero registration: CRD42020178297 (05/07/2020).
River Styles and stream power analysis reveal the diversity of fluvial morphology in a Philippine tropical catchment
Authors: Tolentino Pamela Louise M. , Perez John Edward G. , Guardian Esmael L. , Boothroyd Richard J. , Hoey Trevor B. , Williams Richard D. , Fryirs Kirstie A. , Brierley Gary J. , David Carlos Primo C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCharacterisation of hydromorphological attributes is crucial for effective river management. Such information is often overlooked in tropical regions such as the Philippines where river management strategies mainly focus on issues around water quality and quantity. We address this knowledge gap using the River Styles Framework as a template to identify the diversity of river morphodynamics. We identify eight distinct River Styles (river types) in the Bislak catchment (586 km2) in the Philippines, showing considerable geomorphic diversity within a relatively small catchment area. Three River Styles in a Confined valley setting occupy 57% of the catchment area, another three in a partly confined valley setting occupy 37%, and two in the remaining 6% are found in a laterally unconfined valley setting. Five characteristic downstream patterns of River Styles were identified across the catchment. We observe that variation in channel slope for a given catchment area (i.e., total stream power) is insufficient to differentiate between river types. Hence, topographic analyses should be complemented with broader framed, catchment-specific approaches to river characterisation. The outputs and understandings from the geomorphic analysis of rivers undertaken in this study can support river management applications by explicitly incorporating understandings of river diversity and dynamics. This has the potential to reshape how river management is undertaken, to shift from reactive, engineering-based approaches that dominate in the Philippines, to more sustainable, ecosystem-based approaches to management.
Application of generative adversarial networks (GAN) for ophthalmology image domains: a survey
Authors: You Aram , Kim Jin Kuk , Ryu Ik Hee , Yoo Tae Keun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Recent advances in deep learning techniques have led to improved diagnostic abilities in ophthalmology. A generative adversarial network (GAN), which consists of two competing types of deep neural networks, including a generator and a discriminator, has demonstrated remarkable performance in image synthesis and image-to-image translation. The adoption of GAN for medical imaging is increasing for image generation and translation, but it is not familiar to researchers in the field of ophthalmology. In this work, we present a literature review on the application of GAN in ophthalmology image domains to discuss important contributions and to identify potential future research directions.

Methods
We performed a survey on studies using GAN published before June 2021 only, and we introduced various applications of GAN in ophthalmology image domains. The search identified 48 peer-reviewed papers in the final review. The type of GAN used in the analysis, task, imaging domain, and the outcome were collected to verify the usefulness of the GAN.

Results
In ophthalmology image domains, GAN can perform segmentation, data augmentation, denoising, domain transfer, super-resolution, post-intervention prediction, and feature extraction. GAN techniques have established an extension of datasets and modalities in ophthalmology. GAN has several limitations, such as mode collapse, spatial deformities, unintended changes, and the generation of high-frequency noises and artifacts of checkerboard patterns.

Conclusions
The use of GAN has benefited the various tasks in ophthalmology image domains. Based on our observations, the adoption of GAN in ophthalmology is still in a very early stage of clinical validation compared with deep learning classification techniques because several problems need to be overcome for practical use. However, the proper selection of the GAN technique and statistical modeling of ocular imaging will greatly improve the performance of each image analysis. Finally, this survey would enable researchers to access the appropriate GAN technique to maximize the potential of ophthalmology datasets for deep learning research.
Coarse-graining and the Haar wavelet transform for multiscale analysis
Authors: Bosl William J. , Loddenkemper Tobias , Vieluf Solveig 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Multiscale entropy (MSE) has become increasingly common as a quantitative tool for analysis of physiological signals. The MSE computation involves first decomposing a signal into multiple sub-signal ‘scales’ using a coarse-graining algorithm.

Methods
The coarse-graining algorithm averages adjacent values in a time series to produce a coarser scale time series. The Haar wavelet transform convolutes a time series with a scaled square wave function to produce an approximation which is equivalent to averaging points.

Results
Coarse-graining is mathematically identical to the Haar wavelet transform approximations. Thus, multiscale entropy is entropy computed on sub-signals derived from approximations of the Haar wavelet transform. By describing coarse-graining algorithms properly as Haar wavelet transforms, the meaning of ‘scales’ as wavelet approximations becomes transparent. The computed value of entropy is different with different wavelet basis functions, suggesting further research is needed to determine optimal methods for computing multiscale entropy.

Conclusion
Coarse-graining is mathematically identical to Haar wavelet approximations at power-of-two scales. Referring to coarse-graining as a Haar wavelet transform motivates research into the optimal approach to signal decomposition for entropy analysis.
Threats, attacks and defenses to federated learning: issues, taxonomy and perspectives
Authors: Liu Pengrui , Xu Xiangrui , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEmpirical attacks on Federated Learning (FL) systems indicate that FL is fraught with numerous attack surfaces throughout the FL execution. These attacks can not only cause models to fail in specific tasks, but also infer private information. While previous surveys have identified the risks, listed the attack methods available in the literature or provided a basic taxonomy to classify them, they mainly focused on the risks in the training phase of FL. In this work, we survey the threats, attacks and defenses to FL throughout the whole process of FL in three phases, including Data and Behavior Auditing Phase, Training Phase and Predicting Phase. We further provide a comprehensive analysis of these threats, attacks and defenses, and summarize their issues and taxonomy. Our work considers security and privacy of FL based on the viewpoint of the execution process of FL. We highlight that establishing a trusted FL requires adequate measures to mitigate security and privacy threats at each phase. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current attacks and defense approaches and provide an outlook on promising future research directions in FL.
Comparative study between conventional ultrasound strain elastography and an AI-enabled elastography software in differentiating breast masses
Authors: Kamal Eman Faker , Kamal Rasha Mohamed , Mahmoud Ahmed M. , Mekhaimar Mahmoud Ibrahim , Hanafy Mennatallah Mohamed 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Conventional ultrasound elastography is a relatively novel noninvasive imaging study that assesses tissue stiffness and helps in the characterization of breast lesions. However, strain elastography is not available in some ultrasound machines especially those before 2003 and is susceptible by motion artifacts. Our aim was to compare the results of conventional ultrasound elastography and the results of an advanced intelligence-enabled elastography software. Also, we aimed to assess the feasibility of the AI-enabled elastography software to overcome the unavailability of the conventional elastography software in some new ultrasound machines.

Results
The study included 53 patients, who had breast lesions either clinically felt or detected during screening. All patients were subjected to both grayscale US imaging and conventional ultrasound elastography; quasi-static compression was applied during acquiring one of the cine-loops of the grayscale US imaging. Also, the cine-loops of the grayscale US imaging while quasi-static compression were processed by an AI-enabled elastography software. Then, the results of the strain ratio (SR) calculated by conventional elastography software and those by AI-enabled elastography software were compared. The strain ratio calculated using the AI-enabled elastography software showed better results than conventional ultrasound elastography strain ratio. The AI-enabled software shows better specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values than the conventional ultrasound elastography.

Conclusion
The AI-enabled elastography software shows promising results compared to the conventional US elastography. Elastography does not have the potential to replace conventional B-mode US for the detection of breast cancer but may complement the conventional US to improve diagnostic performance.
Readiness to implement on-site molecular testing for tuberculosis in community health centers in Uganda
Authors: Nalugwa Talemwa , Handley Margaret , Shete Priya , Ojok Christopher , Nantale Mariam , Reza Tania , Katamba Achilles , Cattamanchi Adithya , Ackerman Sara 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Newer molecular testing platforms are now available for deployment at lower-level community health centers. There are limited data on facility- and health worker-level factors that would promote successful adoption of such platforms for rapid tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment initiation. Our study aimed to assess readiness to implement onsite molecular testing at community health centers in Uganda, a high TB burden country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods
To understand implementation readiness, we conducted a qualitative assessment guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at 6 community health centers in central and eastern Uganda between February and April 2018. We conducted 23 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with health workers involved in TB care at each health center to assess TB-related work practices and readiness to adopt onsite molecular testing using the GeneXpert Edge platform. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for thematic analysis.

Results
Participants (N=23) included 6 nurses/nursing assistants, 6 clinicians, 6 laboratory directors/technicians, 1 medical officer, 2 health center directors, and 2 other health workers involved in TB care. Health workers described general enthusiasm that on-site molecular testing could lead to greater efficiencies in TB diagnosis and treatment, including faster turn- around time for TB test results, lack of need for trained laboratory technicians to interpret results, and reduced need to transport sputum specimens to higher level facilities. However, health workers also expressed concerns about implementation feasibility. These included uncertainty about TB infection risk, safety risks from disposal of hazardous waste, a lack of local capacity to provide timely troubleshooting and maintenance services, and concerns about the security of GeneXpert devices and accessories. Health workers also expressed the need for backup batteries to support testing or charging when wall power is unstable.

Conclusion
Our study generated a nuanced understanding of modifiable contextual barriers and led to direct revisions of implementation strategies for onsite molecular testing. The findings highlight that novel diagnostics should be implemented along with health system co-interventions that address contextual barriers to their effective uptake. Pre-implementation assessment of stakeholder perspectives, collaborative work processes, and institutional contexts is essential when introducing innovative technology in complex health care settings.
Post COVID-19 syndrome in a prospective cohort study of Egyptian patients
Authors: Gamal Dalia Mohamed , Ibrahim Rehab Ali , Samaan Sara Farid 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) syndrome is defined as the persistence of symptoms for more than 3 to 12 weeks after infection with the COVID-19 virus that cannot be attributed to another etiology. This study was conducted in our university hospital aiming to analyze the medium-term persistent symptoms in post-COVID-19 patients through a comprehensive and structured clinical assessment and evaluating the incidence, association, and risk factors of the post COVID-19 symptoms and their effect on the functional status of the survivors.

Results
Of 170 recruited individuals, about 66 (38.82%) reported post-COVID-19 symptoms. Post-viral fatigue was the most common symptom (23.5%), followed by arthralgia and myalgia in 32 patients (18.8%). Lower functional status was reported among some of the survivors which can be attributed to the severity of the disease and the presence of post-COVID symptoms among these patients. The post-COVID-19 syndrome showed an association with patient age, severity of the disease, and the presence of preexisting comorbidities.

Conclusion
A significant functional impact was found in some COVID-19 survivors after COVID-19 infection. Age, severity of the disease, and presence of preexisting comorbidities are critical risk factors for the development of post-COVID-19 syndrome.