bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin-3 as an important prognostic marker for COVID-19 severity
Authors: Gajovic Nevena , Markovic Sofija Sekulic , Jurisevic Milena , Jovanovic Marina , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Mijailovic Zeljko , Jovanovic Marina , Jovanovic Ivan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Galectin-3 (Gal-3), multifunctional protein plays important roles in inflammatory response, infection and fibrosis. The goal of study was to determine the association of Gal-3, immune response, clinical, biochemical, and radiographic findings with COVID-19 severity. Study included 280 COVID-19 patients classified according to disease severity into mild, moderate, severe and critical group. Cytokines, clinical, biochemical, radiographic data and peripheral blood immune cell make up were analyzed. Patients in critical group had significantly higher serum level of Gal-3, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-12, IL-10 compared to the patients in less severe stages of disease. Strong positive correlation was detected between Gal-3 and IL-1β, moderate positive correlation between Gal-3, TNF-α and IL-12, moderate negative correlation between Gal-3, IL-10/IL-1β and IL-10/TNF-α. Moderate positive correlation noted between Gal-3 and urea, D dimer, CXR findings. Strong negative correlation detected between Gal-3 and p02, Sa02, and moderate negative correlation between Gal-3, lymphocyte and monocyte percentage. In the peripheral blood of patients with more severe stages of COVID-19 we detected significantly increased percentages of CD56− CD3+TNF-α+T cells and CD56− CD3+Gal-3+T cells and increased expression of CCR5 in PBMCs. Our results predict Gal-3 as an important marker for critical stage of COVID-19. Higher expression of Gal-3, TNF-α and CCR5 on T cells implicate on promoting inflammation and more severe form of disease.
Pyogenic spondylitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae: Should the possibility of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae be considered?
Authors: Hwang Joo-Hee , Lee Seung Yeob , Lee Jaehyeon , Hwang Jeong-Hwan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Klebsiella pneumoniae is rare but the second most common causative agent among gram-negative bacteria that cause pyogenic spondylitis. However, there are no available studies on the serotype, virulence factors, and clinical characteristics associated with K. pneumoniae-caused pyogenic spondylitis. Accordingly, we investigated the clinical characteristics of pyogenic spondylitis, K1 and K2 serotypes, and virulence factors of K. pneumoniae.
Methods
We reviewed the microbiological reports of specimens collected between January 2014 and December 2019 as well as the medical records of patients with pyogenic spondylitis caused by K. pneumoniae. We also evaluated K1 and K2 serotypes and the virulent genes rmpA, iutA, mrkD, ybtS, entB, and kfu. Strains that possessed rmpA and iutA were defined as hypervirulent K. pneumoniae.
Results
Six patients with pyogenic spondylitis caused by K. pneumoniae were enrolled in the study. The capsular serotypes K1 and K2 were present in 66.7% (4/6) of cases, and the hypervirulent strains were present in 88.3% (5/6) of cases. All patients had community-acquired infections, and all strains isolated were susceptible to antimicrobial agents. Intravenous antibiotic treatment continued for 2–7 weeks, and no patient underwent decompressive operation or surgical debridement. There was no recurrence. One patient died from pneumonia with a septic lung.
Conclusion
Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae is a rare but important pathogen associated with pyogenic spondylitis.
Leader-follower consensus of uncertain variable-order fractional multi-agent systems
Authors: Chen Liping , Li Xiaomin , Lopes Antonio M. , Chu Zhaobi , Chen YangQuan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The leader-follower consensus of a class of variable-order fractional (VOF) uncertain linear multi-agent systems is studied in this paper. According to the stability theorem of VOF systems, by using the singular value decomposition of matrices and some related lemmas, a sufficient condition to obtain leader-follower consensus of uncertain VOF linear systems is proposed in the form of a linear matrix inequality. A control protocol is designed, which is dependent on the order of the VOF multi-agent system, reducing the conservatism of existing methods and being applicable to fixed-order and nonlinear VOF multi-agent systems. The feasibility and effectiveness of the approach are verified by using some numerical simulations.
Mining Minds: Implementing a Concussion Registry in a Tertiary Care Clinic
Authors: Dosaj Anil , Murty David , Aswani Shweta , Michalak Alicja , Baker Andrew , Hunt Cindy 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background:Hundreds of thousands of Canadians experience a concussion each year. The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates the associated costs at over $150 million a year. This paper examines how a registry for concussions serves as a proactive measure to reduce the burden of concussion research and improve patient flow through an outpatient clinic.Methods:The Traumatic Brain Injury Registry Database (TBIRD) collects data at the initial clinic visit and enters consenting patients’ information into a secure database. The data collected are internationally accepted Common Data Elements (CDEs). Enabling systematic standardized characterizations of the concussion injury history, social determinants of health and current symptoms. Results:Over 350 participants to date, 58.5% are female, 41.4% male. The most common mechanism of injury is transportation-related at 57.1%. The mean age of participants was 44 (SD15).Conclusions:This registry is an effective method of recruiting participants for future research within the hospital and broader studies. It provides researchers with a set of patients willing to help further understand concussions and reduces patient burden caused by multiple research teams approaching individuals. The lessons learned are applicable to other clinics to help develop a standardized and patient-friendly approach to concussion research to improve care.
Bioactive Constituents of Safflower plant as potential inhibitors of mutant Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2): Docking, Pharmacokinetics properties and Molecular Dynamics studies
Authors: Omena-Okpowe Bukola , Khaled Marwan Khaled , Akinseye Sefunmi Peace , Hammouda Mostafa Ahmed , Bora Anusuiya , Abayomi Modinat Aina , Delgado Luisa Maria Criollo , Emmanuel Adewale Oluwatosin , Sivanandan Pravitha Kasu , Olaitan Kawthar Olatunde , Solima Malak Mohamed , Mohamed Nour Hany , Adebisi Aderinsola Racheal , Isong Josiah Ayoola , Ropón-Palacios Georcki , Vilca-Quispe Julissa , Vega-Chozo Karolyn , ATTAH EMMANUEL IFEANYI 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Parkinson’s disease has posed a global health threat with no disease-modifying treatment and prolonged use of available drugs such as Levodopa (L-dopa) causes debilitating side effects. This study focused on adopting in-silico approach to investigate the drug likeliness and pharmacokinetics of some Safflower plant phytochemicals as potential therapeutics. A manually curated library of 120 phytochemicals (from different parts of Safflower plant) was first screened virtually for adherence to the Lipinski’s rule of 5 using the SwissADME server. Binding interactions were studied using Discovery Studio Visualizer. Site-specific docking was performed using AutoDock Vina and the docking parameters were set based on the score of Standard drug. The docking scores were validated by Mcule server. ADMET (Adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) properties were predicted using swissadme while carcinogenicity and toxicity were predicted using CarcinoPred-EL and PkCSM tools respectively. MD (Molecular dynamics) simulations were performed in GROMACS for 200ns to estimate the stability of the receptor and the protein – ligand complexes.
Results
Eight compounds; Serotobenine, Kaempferol, Nb-PCoumaroyltryptamine, N-Coumaroyl Serotonin, N-Feruloylserotonin, Scutellarein, Acacetin and Trans-Chalcone were identified as potential inhibitors of LRRK2 with no or mild toxicity. Molecular dynamics show more stability in molecular recognition to C1B (N-Coumaroyl-Serotonin) compound than C4B (Serotobenine).
Conclusion
Some of the compounds identified in the Safflower have the potential to be drug candidates for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease caused by mutant LRRK2 (Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2), owing to their recorded low binding energy and stability in the target.
Electron Beam Weld Penetration Depth Prediction Improved by Beam Characterization
Authors: YIN YI , Kennedy Andrew , Mitchell Tim , Sieczkiewicz Norbert , Jefimovs Vitalijs , Tian Yingtao 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The influence of beam characterization on methods to predict the penetration depth during electron beam welding (EBW) is studied, including an empirical equation, a second-order regression and an artificial neural network (ANN). A 4-slits beam probing method is introduced and applied to calibrate beam radius and focal position during EBW. Where possible the input types were varied and their effect on the accuracy of the model prediction was compared. In addition to accelerating voltage, beam current and welding speed, detailed measurement of beam radius and focal position greatly improves the accuracy of the model predictions. The data of detected beam radius and focal position can reduce the mean absolute deviations to as low as 4.5% and close to the estimated 4% inherent variability in the process. Beam characterization also enabled the ANN to provide accurate and reliable depth prediction with a minimum of 36 data points, which avoids redundant trial and error tests before EBW processes.
Identifying species likely threatened by international trade on the IUCN Red List can inform CITES trade measures
Authors: Challender Daniel , Cremona Patricia , Malsch Kelly , Robinson Janine , Pavitt Alyson , Scott Janet , Hoffmann Rachel , Joolia Ackbar , Oldfield Thomasina , Jenkins Richard , Conde Dalia , Hilton-Taylor Craig , Hoffmann Michael 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Overexploitation is a major threat to biodiversity and international trade in many species is regulated through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, there is no established method to systematically determine which species are most at risk from international trade to inform potential trade measures under CITES. Here we develop a mechanism using the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species to identify species that are likely threatened by international trade. Of 2,211 such species CITES includes 59% (1,307 species) leaving two-fifths overlooked and in potential need of international trade regulation. Our results can inform deliberations on potential proposals to revise trade measures for species at CITES Conference of the Parties meetings. We also show that for taxa with biological resource use documented as a threat, the number of species threatened by local and national use is four times greater than species likely threatened by international trade. To effectively address the overexploitation of species, interventions focused on achieving sustainability in international trade need to be complemented by commensurate measures to ensure that local and national use and trade of wildlife is well-regulated and sustainable.
Subjective socioeconomic status: an alternative to objective socioeconomic status
Authors: Zhao Maryann , Huang Chuan-Chin , Mendoza Milagros , Tovar Ximena , Lecca Leonid , Murray Megan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Subjective “ladder” measurements of socio-economic status (SES) are easy-to-administer tools that ask respondents to rate their own SES, allowing them to evaluate where they believe their material resources place them relative to their community. Here, we sought to compare a ladder score to a measure of SES that includes data on water and sanitation, asset ownership, education, and income (WAMI).
Methods
Leveraging an ongoing study of adult patients with tuberculosis in Lima, Peru, we compared results of the WAMI survey to the MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status. We assessed the relationship between WAMI and the ladder scores using Kappa scores and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. We used Akaike information criterion (AIC) to compare the predictability of logistic regression models that evaluated the association between SES and history of asthma.
Results
Among 595 participants who completed both questionnaires, the MacArthur ladder and WAMI scores were within two or less points (on a scale of 10 points) of each other for 84% of participants. The correlation coefficient was 0.34 (p < 0.001). Among 36 participants with a repeated ladder test, the 18 individuals who were selected for initially having dissimilar ladder and WAMI scores had a greater median decrease in their retested ladder scores (median 5, IQR: 1.25 to 6) compared to the 18 individuals who had similar scores (median 2, IQR: 0 to 3). When initial ladder scores were replaced with the repeated responses, the overall correlation coefficient increased to 0.40 (p < 0.001) and the variability in the difference between the ladder scores and WAMI decreased. Both SES scores were associated with history of asthma.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that the MacArthur SES ladder is positively correlated to WAMI and performs similarly to WAMI in predicting a socio-economically sensitive health outcome. Researchers should consider subjective SES tools as an alternative method for measuring SES, particularly in large health studies where data collection is a burden.
UAV hovering pose detection via binocular vision system based on improved SAC-IA+ICP point cloud registration
Authors: Xu Lianyin , Qu Xinghua , Zhang Fumin , Zhang Yuanjun , Liang Xiaobo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper, to solve the problem of quantitative evaluation of the stability of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while hovering, a binocular vision relative pose measurement system that can be used for remote control is developed and a characteristic target adapted to the system is designed. Moreover, a feature point extraction algorithm based on known feature constraints and a fast feature point matching algorithm based on projection shape invariant constraints are proposed for fast and accurate extraction and reconstruction of feature point sets. The point cloud registration method of SAC-IA + ICP is used to solve the pose and orientation of the characteristic target. It is verified by simulation that the orientation and angle of the target have registration accuracies of 1.1078mm and 0.0463°, respectively. The binocular system is experimentally analyzed using the laser tracker and T-Mac measurement as the true value. Compared with the optical flow method, the former time is shortened by 60%, the Euclidean displacement measurement error is reduced by 83%, and the attitude angle deflection measurement error is reduced by 87%. Then, the hovering state of the UAV is measured using the binocular system; and the obtained experimental measurement results of the system are true and reliable.
High Dynamic Range Agile Radio over Fiber Transmitter’s Architectures for 5G/NR Applications
Authors: Noweir Mahmood , Ghannouchi Fadhel. M. , Helaoui Mohamed , Oblak Daniel 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we proposed a novel radio over fiber (RoF) transmitter architecture to achieve high dynamic range (DR) suitable for millimeter wave (mm-wave) applications, supported by simulation and experimental validations. The designed test benches achieved more than-41 dBc adjacent carrier leakage ratio (ACLR) for a fifth generation/new radio (5G/NR) signal of 100 MHz bandwidth, transmitted in the upper frequency range (FR2) at 28 GHz. The key for this achievement is the utilization of the electrical mixing with proper phase shift before optical modulation. The mixing of the local oscillator (LO) and the intermediate frequency (IF) signals in the electrical domain, reduces the unwanted beating between optical bands prior to the photo-detection stage, hence preventing photodetector saturation, which leads to higher optical-to-electrical conversion.
Clinical Value of 18F-FAPI PET/CT in assessing early-stage fibrosis of liver after liver transplantation: preliminary experience
Authors: Fang Xiaohan , Xie Man , Zhao Youwei , Wang Ye , Zhang Qun , Tian Qiuju , Zhao Liu , Zhang Bei , Wei Zhimin , Kong Xinjuan , Yang Guangjie , Cai Jinzhen , Rao Wei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Aims: To investigate the clinical usefulness and performance of 18F-FAPI PET/CT in assessing early-stage liver fibrosis in liver transplantation (LT) recipients.Methods: A prospective study including 17 LT recipients and 12 chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) patients was performed. All patients received liver biopsy, transient elastography (TE), and 18F-FAPI PET/CT. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the liver parenchyma were recorded on 18F-FAPI PET/CT images. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to determine the diagnostic efficacy of 18F-FAPI PET/CT in early-stage liver fibrosis (S1 ~ S2) compared with the diagnostic performance of TE.Results: Of 29 patients, 15(51.7%) had fibrosis stage 0 (S0), 10(34.5%) had stage 1 (S1), and 4(13.8%) had stage 2 (S2) respectively. The SUVmax of patients with early-stage liver fibrosis were significantly higher than those without liver fibrosis in LT recipients and CHB patients (p=0.004, p=0.02). In LT recipients, a SUVmax cut-off value of 2.0 detected early-stage liver fibrosis with an AUROC of 0.92 (P=0.006) and a Liver Stiffness measurements (LSM) score cut-off value of 8.2 kPa detected early-stage liver fibrosis with an AUROC of 0.80 (P=0.012). In CHB patients, a SUVmax cut-off value of 2.7 detected early-stage liver fibrosis with an AUROC of 0.94 (P<0.001) and a LSM scores cut-off value of 8.4 kPa detected early-stage liver fibrosis with an AUROC of 0.91 (P<0.001).Conclusions: 18F-FAPI PET/CT could be applied to evaluate early-stage liver fibrosis in LT recipients and CHB patients accurately. Compared with TE, 18F-FAPI PET/CT was comparable in detecting early-stage liver fibrosis with the additional advantages in whole-liver evaluation.
Medication adherence and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Northeast China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Boqiang , Yu Xiaochen , Liu Yunfei , tian yuanmeng , jing li , Sun Qun , shi lei , Sun Jixu , Li Guangxiao , liu shuang , Yang Zuosen , Xing Liying 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to assess the level of medication adherence and its associated factors among hypertensive patients. From 26 May 2019 to 24 March 2021, a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to randomly select 8 communities and 7 villages from 7 cities in Northeast China. A questionnaire survey was performed on 2,835 eligible hypertensive patients aged ≥ 40 years. The 4-Item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used to evaluate the level of medication adherence. The overall rate of medication adherence in hypertensive patients was 42.4%, male and female were 44.3% and 41.2% respectively. The rate in urban was higher in rural (68.2% vs 22.3%, P < 0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with age 70 and above (OR: 1.78), urban (OR: 3.65), family history of hypertension (OR: 1.26), over 15 years duration of hypertension (OR: 1.36), good knowledge (OR: 1.67), good attitude (OR: 2.08) and good practice (OR: 2.12) had good adherence in hypertensive patients. The mean SBP and DBP of hypertensive patients with good adherence were lower than poor adherence (151.4 mmHg vs 154.8 mmHg, P < 0.001; 89.0 mmHg vs 90.5 mmHg, P = 0.001). The rate of BP control was 20.6%, patients with good adherence was higher than those of patients with poor adherence (23.8% vs 18.3%, P < 0.001). The level of medication adherence is lower among hypertensive patients in Northeast China. It is urgent to strengthen the management of medication adherence and improve the control in hypertensive patients.
Clinicopathological, Morphological and Molecular study on Grade 2 and 3 Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma
Authors: Zhang Hui , Ma Xiao-Jing , Xiang Xue-Ping , Wang Qi-Yuan , Tang Jin-Long , Yu Xiao-Yan , Xu Jing-Hong 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is an uncommon astrocytoma that tends to occur in children and young adults and has a relatively favorable prognosis, which is rated Central Nervous System (CNS) World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 and grade 3. The histological grading was based on mitotic activity (﻿>=2.5mitoses/mm2). The present study specifically evaluates the clinicopathological, morphological, and especially molecular characteristics of grade 2 and 3 PXA respectively. Methods: We analyzed characterized 57 tumors with histologically defined grade 2 PXA (n=37, 65%) and grade 3 PXA (n=20, 35%) at our department between 2003 and 2021. Results: Compared with grade 2, the grade 3 PXA has a deeper location and no superiority of temporal lobe, which is more likely to be accompanied by peritumoral edema, but the epilepsy symptoms are reduced. Epitheloid cells and necrosis were more likely occur in grade 3 PXA in histomorphology. Molecular analysis found that TERT promoter mutation more occurred in grade 3 than that in grade 2 PXA (35% VS 3%, P=0.0005), and all mutation sites were C228T. Conclusion: These data define PXA as a heterogeneous astrocytoma. Grade 2 and grade 3 PXA have their respective clinicopathological and histological characteristics, also confirm a distinct molecular profile. And TERT promoter mutations may be a significant genetic event associated with anaplastic progression.