bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of the Spectrum of the Young Supernova Remnant G11.2-0.3
Authors: Ivanov V. P. , Ipatov A. V. , Rahimov I. A. , Andreeva T. S.
Published: August 2021

The spectrum of G11.2-0.3 has been refined by bringing the published intensity measurements to the “artificial moon” flux scale, and the dynamics of its changes on different time scales from 0.4 to more than ~50 years has been investigated. An increase in the fluxes of radio emission of G11.2-0.3 for ≥30 years at 3 cm $$ \leqslant \lambda \leqslant 375$$ cm with a frequency dependence was found: the average rate of changes decreases proportionally to $$\log(f)$$, and at frequencies $$f \geqslant 10$$ GHz, the increase gave way to a decrease. Measurements with the RT-32 radio telescope of the Svetloe observatory (IAA RAS) in 2013–2019 showed a decrease in fluxes of G11.2-0.3 against the background of rapid nonstationary changes with an average rate of ($$ - 5.4 \pm 6.6$$) %/year at a wavelength $$\lambda = 6.2$$cm and ($$ - 1.5 \pm 0.9)$$ %/year at $$\lambda = 3.5$$ cm. The stages of growth and decline of fluxes are separated by an epoch $$2016.9 \pm 0.6$$. The spectrum of G11.2-0.3 is the spectra sum of the shell and the plerion, with each of its parameters determined by the method developed for the 1972.5 epoch. The values of the spectral indices α1 of the shell and α2 of PWN are obtained: $$\alpha {{1}_{{1972}}} = 0.77$$ and $$\alpha {{2}_{{1972}}} = 0.251$$. The dynamics of radio emission from the remnant reflects the scenario of interaction between the shock wave and CSM. Possible reasons for evolutionary and non-stationary changes are discussed.
Deoxycholate amphotericin for histoplasmosis in a patient with poor kidney function
Authors: Krishnan Gokul , Gupta Nitin , Saravu Kavitha , Hande Handattu Manjunath , Khanna Ruchee
Published: August 2021

A 48-year-old male patient living with HIV presented to our hospital with fever and weight loss. On evaluation, he was found to have pancytopenia, deranged liver and kidney function. CD4 count was 13 cells/uL. Bone marrow examination done because of pancytopenia showed yeast forms of histoplasmosis. Although liposomal amphotericin B is preferred for induction, he was treated with deoxycholate amphotericin B despite poor kidney function because of financial constraints. He was treated for 12 days with intravenous amphotericin, during which his clinical condition significantly improved. He was discharged on oral itraconazole.
Liver transplantation for post-COVID-19 sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Lee Angela , Wein Alexander N , Doyle Maria B Majella , Chapman William C
Published: August 2021

Since identified in December 2019, COVID-19 has remained a pandemic across the globe. Although primarily a respiratory illness, the impact of COVID-19 on other end organs has been increasingly identified. The effect of COVID-19 on the liver has yet to be completely understood. We describe a case of COVID-19 leading to end-stage cholangiopathy and deceased donor liver transplantation (LT). A 64-year-old man with no underlying respiratory or liver disease presented with acute respiratory distress secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia requiring intubation. Several months after resolution of his respiratory symptoms, he developed transaminitis, worsening jaundice, abdominal pain and dark-coloured urine. Hepatic function remained severely impaired warranting LT 259 days following his initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Explant pathology demonstrated diffuse hepatic injury, onion skinning of the bile ducts and bile duct loss in scattered portal tracts. As more patients develop COVID-19-related complications, we suggest LT as an option for COVID-19-related end-stage liver disease.
Refractory hypokalaemia and hypertension with metabolic alkalosis: an acute presentation of Cushing’s disease secondary to a pituitary macroadenoma
Authors: Shah Najeeb Zaheer , Malik Shah , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Mohammed Kamrudeen
Published: August 2021

A 68-year-old woman presented with right arm cellulitis, not responsive to oral antibiotics. Intravenous antibiotics were commenced, and an ultrasound scan confirmed a collection that was surgically drained. She developed refractory hypokalaemia with normal magnesium, no gastrointestinal losses and no iatrogenic cause. She was hypertensive, hyperglycaemic, alkalotic, clinically obese with proximal myopathy and skin bruising. These clinical findings and refractory hypokalaemic hypertension with metabolic alkalosis raised a suspicion of Cushing’s syndrome (CS). 24-hour urinary free cortisol (24 hours) was grossly raised on two occasions. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was significantly raised at 154 ng/L, confirming ACTH-dependant CS. A CT scan of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis excluded an ectopic source of hypercortisolaemia. MRI pituitary revealed an invasive macroadenoma. Treatment with endoscopic debulking resulted in the resolution of hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis with significant improvement in hyperglycaemia and hypertension.
CBmeter study: protocol for assessing the predictive value of peripheral chemoreceptor overactivation for metabolic diseases
Authors: Lages Marlene , Carvalho Lucinda , Feijó Salvato , Vieira Alexandra , Fonseca-Pinto Rui , Guarino Maria Pedro
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Early screening of metabolic diseases is crucial since continued undiagnostic places an ever-increasing burden on healthcare systems. Recent studies suggest a link between overactivated carotid bodies (CB) and the genesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The non-invasive assessment of CB activity by measuring ventilatory, cardiac and metabolic responses to challenge tests may have predictive value for metabolic diseases; however, there are no commercially available devices that assess CB activity. The findings of the CBmeter study will clarify the role of the CBs in the genesis of—metabolic diseases and guide the development of new therapeutic approaches for early intervention in metabolic disturbances. Results may also contribute to patient classification and stratification for future CB modulatory interventions.

Methods

This is a non-randomised, multicentric, controlled clinical study. Forty participants (20 control and 20 diabetics) will be recruited from secondary and primary healthcare settings. The primary objective is to establish a new model of early diagnosis of metabolic diseases based on the respiratory and metabolic responses to transient 100% oxygen administration and ingestion of a standardised mixed meal.

Analysis

Raw data acquired with the CBmeter will be endorsed against gold standard techniques for heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and interstitial glucose quantification and analysed a multivariate analysis software developed specifically for the CBmeter study (CBview). Data will be analysed using clustering analysis and artificial intelligence methods based on unsupervised learning algorithms, to establish the predictive value of diabetes diagnosis.

Ethics

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Leiria Hospital Centre. Patients will be asked for written informed consent and data will be coded to ensure the anonymity of data.

Dissemination

Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and relevant medical and health conferences.
Protocol for a qualitative study exploring the perception of need, importance and acceptability of a digital diabetes prevention intervention for women with gestational diabetes mellitus during and after pregnancy in Malaysia (Explore-MYGODDESS)
Authors: Sobri Nur Hafizah Mahamad , Ismail Irmi Zarina , Hassan Faezah , Papachristou Nadal Iliatha , Forbes Angus , Ching Siew Mooi , Ali Hanifatiyah , Goldsmith Kimberley , Murphy Helen , Guess Nicola , Mohd Yusof Barakatun Nisak , Basri Nurul Iftida , Salim Mazatulfazura Sf , Azmiyaty Choiriyatul , Mohd Sa"id Iklil Iman , Chew Boon How , Ismail Khalida
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and to reduce this risk the women have to adopt healthy behaviour changes. Although previous studies have explored the challenges and facilitators to initiate behaviour change among women with GDM, there is limited data from Malaysian women. Thus, this study will explore the factors affecting the uptake of healthy behaviour changes and the use of digital technology among women and their healthcare providers (HCPs) to support healthy behaviour changes in women with GDM.

Methods and analysis

The study will be modelled according to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour and Behaviour Change Wheel techniques, and use the DoTTI framework to identify needs, solutions and testing of a preliminary mobile app, respectively. In phase 1 (design and development), a focus group discussion (FGDs) of 5–8 individuals will be conducted with an estimated 60 women with GDM and 40 HCPs (doctors, dietitians and nurses). Synthesised data from the FGDs will then be combined with content from an expert committee to inform the development of the mobile app. In phase 2 (testing of early iterations), a preview of the mobile app will undergo alpha testing among the team members and the app developers, and beta testing among 30 women with GDM or with a history of GDM, and 15 HCPs using semi-structured interviews. The outcome will enable us to optimise an intervention using the mobile app as a diabetes prevention intervention which will then be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial.

Ethics and dissemination

The project has been approved by the Malaysia Research Ethics Committee. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Outcomes will be presented at both local and international conferences and submitted for publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Codesign and implementation of an equity-promoting national health literacy programme for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a protocol for the application of the Optimising Health Literacy and Access (Ophelia) process
Authors: Hawkins Melanie , Massuger Wayne , Cheng Christina , Batterham Roy , Moore Gregory T , Knowles Simon , Nadarajah Ranjit G , Raven Leanne , Osborne Richard H
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Non-government organisations (NGOs) often represent people who are underserved or experiencing vulnerability. Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) is aware that many Australians with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not reached by current communication and engagement activities. The aim of the CCA IBD project is to implement the Optimising Health Literacy and Access (Ophelia) process over 3 years to collaboratively codesign ways to improve delivery of information, services and resources for people with IBD and their carers.

Methods and analysis

Health literacy and other data for phase 1 will be collected using the Health Literacy Questionnaire, eHealth Literacy Questionnaire, IBD-related questions and qualitative interviews with people with IBD and their carers to ascertain their lived experience. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and cluster analysis. Identified clusters will be combined with qualitative data to develop vignettes (narratives of people’s experiences of living with IBD) for stakeholder workshops to generate ideas for useful, accessible and sustainable solutions for identified health literacy needs. Selection and testing of health literacy actions happens in phase 2 and implementation and evaluation in phase 3 (2021–2023). Outcomes of this project include giving voice to people living with IBD, their carers and frontline healthcare practitioners. Genuine codesign informs the development and implementation of what is needed and wanted to improve access to and availability and quality of information and resources that support people to manage their health. There is potential for other NGOs to use the CCA Ophelia model in other health contexts to improve engagement with and understanding of the needs of the people they serve and to reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval for Ophelia phase 1 has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee of Swinburne University of Technology (Ref: 20202968–4652) and by the South West Sydney Local Health District Research and Ethics Office for the purposes of questionnaire recruitment at Liverpool Hospital (Ref: 20202968–4652). Dissemination of the study findings will be the national codesign process and ownership development across the CCA community and through the genuine engagement of clinicians and relevant managers across Australia. The model and process will be directly distributed to international IBD associations and to other NGOs. It will also be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, conference presentations and public reports on the CCA and Swinburne University of Technology website.
Can the Robson 10 Group Classification System help identify which groups of women are driving the high caesarean section rate in major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Geze Shegaw , Tura Abera Kenay , Fage Sagni Girma , van den Akker Thomas
Published: August 2021

Objective

The rates of caesarean section (CS) in Ethiopian private hospitals are high compared with those in public facilities, and there are limited descriptions of groups of women contributing to these high rates. The objective of this study was to describe the groups contributing to increased CS rates using the Robson classification in two major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Two major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia.

Participants

All women who gave birth from 9 January 2019 to 8 January 2020 in two major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the Robson 10 Group Classification System. The secondary outcome was indication for CS as recorded in the medical files.

Results

Of 1203 births in both hospitals combined during the study period, 415 (34.5%) were by CS. Women with a uterine scar due to previous CS (group 5), single cephalic term multiparous women in spontaneous labour (group 3) and single cephalic term nulliparous women in spontaneous labour (group 1) were the leading groups contributing 33%, 27.5% and 17.1%, respectively. The leading documented indications were fetal compromise (29.4%), previous CS (27.2%) and obstructed labour (12.3%).

Conclusion

More than three-fourths of CS were performed among Robson groups 5, 3 and 1, indicating inadequate trial of labour after CS or management of labour among relatively low-risk groups (3 and 1). Improving management of spontaneous labour and strengthening clinical practice around safely providing the option of vaginal birth after CS practice are strategies required to reduce the high CS rates in these private facilities.
A clinical risk score to predict in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alkaabi Salem , Alnuaimi Asma , Alharbi Mariam , Amari Mohammed A , Ganapathy Rajiv , Iqbal Imran , Nauman Javaid , Oulhaj Abderrahim
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To identify factors influencing the mortality risk in critically ill patients with COVID-19, and to develop a risk prediction score to be used at admission to intensive care unit (ICU).

Design

A multicentre cohort study.

Setting and participants

1542 patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs in public hospitals of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates between 1 March 2020 and 22 July 2020.

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcome was time from ICU admission until death. We used competing risk regression models and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator to identify the factors, and to construct a risk score. Predictive ability of the score was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the Brier score using 500 bootstraps replications.

Results

Among patients admitted to ICU, 196 (12.7%) died, 1215 (78.8%) were discharged and 131 (8.5%) were right-censored. The cumulative mortality incidence was 14% (95% CI 12.17% to 15.82%). From 36 potential predictors, we identified seven factors associated with mortality, and included in the risk score: age (adjusted HR (AHR) 1.98; 95% CI 1.71 to 2.31), neutrophil percentage (AHR 1.71; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.31), lactate dehydrogenase (AHR 1.31; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.49), respiratory rate (AHR 1.31; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.49), creatinine (AHR 1.19; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.28), Glasgow Coma Scale (AHR 0.70; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.78) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) (AHR 0.82; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.91). The mean AUC was 88.1 (95% CI 85.6 to 91.6), and the Brier score was 8.11 (95% CI 6.74 to 9.60). We developed a freely available web-based risk calculator (https://icumortalityrisk.shinyapps.io/ICUrisk/).

Conclusion

In critically ill patients with COVID-19, we identified factors associated with mortality, and developed a risk prediction tool that showed high predictive ability. This tool may have utility in clinical settings to guide decision-making, and may facilitate the identification of supportive therapies to improve outcomes.
Risk of aortic dissection or aneurysm in patients with gallstone disease: a retrospective cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chien-Hua , Lin Cheng-Li , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: August 2021

Objective

This nationwide population-based cohort study was to compare the risk of aortic dissection (AD) or aortic aneurysm (AN) between the subjects with and without gallstone disease (GD). We also compare the risk of AD/AN between the patients with GD with and without cholecystectomy.

Setting

This nationwide population-based cohort study.

Participants

We extracted the hospitalisation database from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan and identified a total of 343 300 patients aged ≥20 years with GD newly diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 as the study cohort, including 191 111 with cholecystectomy and 152 189 without cholecystectomy, respectively. We randomly selected those without GD as the control cohort, by 1:1 propensity score matching with the study cohort based on age, sex, comorbidities and year of the index date for GD diagnosis.

Results

The incidence of AD/AN was 6.65/10 000 person-years for the GD cohort and 6.24/10 000 person-years for the non-GD cohort (adjusted HR (aHR)=1.11, 95% CI=1.09 to 1.13), respectively (p<0.001). Furthermore, the incidence of AD/AN in the patients with GD was 9.93/10 000 person-years for the non-cholecystectomy patients (aHR=1.24, 95% CI=1.22 to 1.26) and 4.63/10 000 person-years for the cholecystectomy patients (aHR=0.97, 95% CI=0.95 to 0.99), respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The GD cohort was associated with and greater risk of AD/AN than the non-GD cohort, but the risk of AD/AN in the patients with GD would decrease after cholecystectomy.
Using patient-reported outcome measures during the management of patients with end-stage kidney disease requiring treatment with haemodialysis (PROM-HD): a qualitative study
Authors: Anderson Nicola Elzabeth , McMullan Christel , Calvert Melanie , Dutton Mary , Cockwell Paul , Aiyegbusi Olalekan L , Kyte Derek
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Patients undergoing haemodialysis report elevated symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life, and often prioritise improvements in psychosocial well-being over long-term survival. Systematic collection and use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) may help support tailored healthcare and improve outcomes. This study investigates the methodological basis for routine PRO assessment, particularly using electronic formats (ePROs), to maximise the potential of PRO use, through exploration of the experiences, views and perceptions of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on implementation and use of PROs in haemodialysis settings.

Study design

Qualitative study.

Setting and participants

Semistructured interviews with 22 patients undergoing haemodialysis, and 17 HCPs in the UK.

Analytical approach

Transcripts were analysed deductively using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and inductively using thematic analysis.

Results

For effective implementation, the potential value of PROs needs to be demonstrated empirically to stakeholders. Any intervention must remain flexible enough for individual and aggregate use, measuring outcomes that matter to patients and clinicians, while maintaining operational simplicity. Any implementation must sit within a wider framework of education and support for both patients and clinicians who demonstrate varying previous experience of using PROs and often confuse related concepts. Implementation plans must recognise the multidimensionality of end-stage kidney disease and treatment by haemodialysis, while acknowledging the associated challenges of delivering care in a highly specialised environment. To support implementation, careful consideration needs to be given to barriers and facilitators including effective leadership, the role of champions, effective launch and ongoing evaluation.

Conclusions

Using the CFIR to explore the experiences, views and perceptions of key stakeholders, this study identified key factors at organisational and individual levels which could assist effective implementation of ePROs in haemodialysis settings. Further research will be required to evaluate subsequent ePRO interventions to demonstrate the impact and benefit to the dialysis community.
Long COVID and the mental and physical health of children and young people: national matched cohort study protocol (the CLoCk study)
Authors: Stephenson Terence , Shafran Roz , De Stavola Bianca , Rojas Natalia , Aiano Felicity , Amin-Chowdhury Zahin , McOwat Kelsey , Simmons Ruth , Zavala Maria , Consortium CLoCk , Ladhani Shamez N
Published: August 2021

Introduction

There is uncertainty surrounding the diagnosis, prevalence, phenotype, duration and treatment of Long COVID. This study aims to (A) describe the clinical phenotype of post-COVID symptomatology in children and young people (CYP) with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with test-negative controls, (B) produce an operational definition of Long COVID in CYP, and (C) establish its prevalence in CYP.

Methods and analysis

A cohort study of SARS-CoV-2-positive CYP aged 11–17 years compared with age, sex and geographically matched SARS-CoV-2 test-negative CYP. CYP aged 11–17 testing positive and negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection will be identified and contacted 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after the test date. Consenting CYP will complete an online questionnaire. We initially planned to recruit 3000 test positives and 3000 test negatives but have since extended our target. Data visualisation techniques will be used to examine trajectories over time for symptoms and variables measured repeatedly, separately by original test status. Summary measures of fatigue and mental health dimensions will be generated using dimension reduction methods such as latent variables/latent class/principal component analysis methods. Cross-tabulation of collected and derived variables against test status and discriminant analysis will help operationalise preliminary definitions of Long COVID.

Ethics and dissemination

Research Ethics Committee approval granted. Data will be stored in secure Public Health England servers or University College London’s Data Safe Haven. Risks of harm will be minimised by providing information on where to seek support. Results will be published on a preprint server followed by journal publication, with reuse of articles under a CC BY licence. Data will be published with protection against identification when there are small frequencies involved.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN34804192; Pre-results.
Spironolactone for adult female acne (SAFA): protocol for a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III randomised study of spironolactone as systemic therapy for acne in adult women
Authors: Renz Susanne , Chinnery Fay , Stuart Beth , Day Laura , Muller Ingrid , Soulsby Irene , Nuttall Jacqui , Thomas Karen , Thomas Kim Suzanne , Sach Tracey , Stanton Louise , Ridd Matthew J , Francis Nick , Little Paul , Eminton Zina , Griffiths Gareth , Layton Alison M , Santer Miriam
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Acne is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide and can have significant psychosocial impact and cause permanent scarring. Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, has antiandrogenic properties, potentially reducing sebum production and hyperkeratinisation in acne-prone follicles. Dermatologists have prescribed spironolactone for acne in women for over 30 years, but robust clinical study data are lacking. This study seeks to evaluate whether spironolactone is clinically effective and cost-effective in treating acne in women.

Methods and analysis

Women (≥18 years) with persistent facial acne requiring systemic therapy are randomised to receive one tablet per day of 50 mg spironolactone or a matched placebo until week 6, increasing to up to two tablets per day (total of 100 mg spironolactone or matched placebo) until week 24, along with usual topical therapy if desired. Study treatment stops at week 24; participants are informed of their treatment allocation and enter an unblinded observational follow-up period for up to 6 months (up to week 52 after baseline). Primary outcome is the Acne-specific Quality of Life (Acne-QoL) symptom subscale score at week 12. Secondary outcomes include Acne-QoL total and subscales; participant acne self-assessment recorded on a 6-point Likert scale at 6, 12, 24 weeks and up to 52 weeks; Investigator’s Global Assessment at weeks 6 and 12; cost and cost effectiveness are assessed over 24 weeks. Aiming to detect a group difference of 2 points on the Acne-QoL symptom subscale (SD 5.8, effect size 0.35), allowing for 20% loss to follow-up, gives a sample size of 398 participants.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by Wales Research Ethics Committee (18/WA/0420). Follow-up to be completed in early 2022. Findings will be disseminated to participants, peer-reviewed journals, networks and patient groups, on social media, on the study website and the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit website to maximise impact.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12892056;Pre-results.
Shock wave quantum memory in shocked detector
Authors: Majhi Bibhas Ranjan
Published: August 2021

Usual uniformly accelerated frame, in Dray–’t Hooft spacetime, does not see the any quantum imprint on Unruh effect due to localized shock wave in Minkowski spacetime. Here, we argue that such non-appearance of quantum memory is specific to those particular observers which do not incorporate the presence of wave in their trajectory. In fact, a detector, associated with a frame which is affected by the shock, cannot be trivial in terms of its response. We explicitly show that the later type of frame detects particle in the shock wave Minkowski vacuum which is the effect of shock. Therefore, this quantum memory is very special to specific class of observers as far as Dray–’t Hooft spacetime is concerned. We analyze for a null like trajectory along which the detector is moving.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF PANCREATIC CANCER TREATMENT WITH CANCER STEM CELLS
Authors: YILDIZ TUĞBA AKMAN , KÖSE EMEK , ELLIOTT SAMANTHA L.
Published: August 2021

Of all cancers, pancreatic cancer has a significantly low rate of survival, mostly due to lack of early screening. Thus, once detected, pancreatic cancer is usually in later stages, reducing the likelihood of full recovery. The most common treatment strategy is chemotherapy, although several immunotherapeutic drugs show promising results in extending the patient’s lifespan. In this paper, we provide a validated mathematical model for the pancreatic cancer after fitting the parameter values, such as tumor growth rate, inverse carrying capacity, activation and decay rate of pancreatic stellate cells, with the use of the experimental data presented by Cioffi et al. cioffi2015inhibition For treatments with the chemotherapeutic drugs, Abraxane and Gemcitabine, and the immunotherapeutic drug, Anti-CD47, we modified the model accurately and compared the simulation results with the experimental data not only to model pancreatic cancer treatment correctly but also to move forward with other drug trials. Then, we include the cancer stem cells, which are known to initiate tumors and cause a relapse post-chemotherapy, per cancer stem cell hypothesis so that cancer progression can be assessed based on this phenomenon. In addition, we investigate optimal drug protocols. We find out that the most effective treatment is dual therapy due to extending survival time when compared to other drugs. Moreover, this study reveals that drug dose is more effectual than frequency of drug injection on account of different treatment scheduling with the same dose over a week. The model could be a starting point to investigate pancreatic cancer progression based on cancer stem cell hypothesis and shed light on novel drug discoveries.
Numerical investigation of the effects of partial metallization at the pore surface on the effective properties of a porous piezoceramic composite
Authors: Nasedkin Andrey , Nassar Mohamed Elsayed
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a numerical homogenization analysis of a porous piezoelectric composite with a partially metalized pore surface. The metal layers can be added to the pore surfaces to improve the mechanical and electromechanical properties of ordinary porous piezocomposites. Physically, constructing that composite with completely metalized pore surfaces is a challenging process, and imperfect metallization is more expected. Here, we investigate the effects of possible incomplete metallization of pore surfaces on the composite’s equivalent properties. We applied the effective moduli theory, which was developed for the piezoelectric medium based on the Hill–Mandel principle, and the finite element method to compute the effective moduli of the considered composites. Using specific algorithms and programs in the ANSYS APDL programming language, we constructed the representative unit cell element models and performed various computational experiments. Due to the presence of metal inclusion, we found that the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the considered composites differ dramatically from the corresponding properties of the ordinary porous piezocomposites. The results of this work showed that piezocomposites with partially metallized pore surfaces can have a higher anisotropy, compared to the pure piezoceramic matrix, due to the defects in metal coatings.
Cystic Fibrosis and the Cells of the Airway Epithelium: What Are Ionocytes and What Do They Do?
Authors: Shah Viral S. , Chivukula Raghu R. , Lin Brian , Waghray Avinash , Rajagopal Jayaraj
Published: August 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by defects in an anion channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Recently, a new airway epithelial cell type has been discovered and dubbed the pulmonary ionocyte. Unexpectedly, these ionocytes express higher levels of CFTR than any other airway epithelial cell type. However, ionocytes are not the sole CFTR-expressing airway epithelial cells, and CF-associated disease genes are in fact expressed in multiple airway epithelial cell types. The experimental depletion of ionocytes perturbs epithelial physiology in the mouse trachea, but the role of these rare cells in the pathogenesis of human CF remains mysterious. Ionocytes have been described in diverse tissues(kidney and inner ear) and species (frog and fish). We draw on these prior studies to suggest potential roles of airway ionocytes in health and disease. A complete understanding of ionocytes in the mammalian airway will ultimately depend on cell type–specific genetic manipulation
Deep Learning for Intelligent Recognition and Prediction of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yan , Gong Cuilan , Zheng Ling , Li Xiaoyan , Yang Xiaomei
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate the intelligent recognition of radiomics based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) in predicting endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, 158 patients with EC in hospital were selected as the research objects and divided into a training group and a test group. All the patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery. Based on the CNN, the imaging model of EC prediction was constructed according to the characteristics. Besides, the comprehensive prediction model was established through the clinical information and imaging parameters. The results showed that the area under the working characteristic curve (AUC) of the radiomics model and comprehensive prediction model was 0.897 and 0.913 in the training group, respectively. In addition, the AUC of the radiomics model was 0.889 in the test group and that of the comprehensive prediction model was 0.897. The comprehensive prediction model was established through specific imaging parameters and clinical pathological information, and its prediction performance was good, indicating that radiomics parameters could be applied as noninvasive markers to predict EC.
Microglia‐Derived Exosomes Improve Spinal Cord Functional Recovery after Injury via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Promoting the Survival and Function of Endothelia Cells
Authors: Peng Wei , Wan Liyang , Luo Zixiang , Xie Yong , Liu Yudong , Huang Tingmo , Lu Hongbin , Hu Jianzhong
Published: August 2021

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease of the central nervous system with long‐term disability and high mortality worldwide. Revascularization following SCI provides nutritional supports to rebuild and maintain the homeostasis of neuronal networks, and the subsequent promotion of angiogenesis is beneficial for functional recovery. Oxidative stress drastically produced following SCI has been contributed to endothelial dysfunction and the limited endogenous repair of microvasculature. Recently, exosomes, being regarded as potential therapeutic candidates for many kinds of diseases, have attracted great attentions due to its high bioavailability, safety, and stability. Microglia have been reported to exhibit proangiogenic function and guide the forming of vasculature during tissue repair. However, the specific role of microglia‐derived exosomes (MG‐Exos) played in SCI is still largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether MG‐Exos could protect spinal cord microvascular endothelial cells (SCMECs) against the toxic effects of oxidative stress, thus promote SCMECs’ survival and function. We also investigated the protective effects of MG‐Exos in the mouse model of SCI to verify their capability. Our results demonstrated that MG‐Exo treatment significantly decreased the level of oxidative stress (ROS), as well as did the protein levels of NOX2 when bEnd.3 cells were exposed to H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. Functional assays showed that MG‐Exos could improve the survival and the ability of tube formation and migration in H2O2‐induced bEnd.3 in vitro. Moreover, MG‐Exos exhibited the positive effects on vascular regeneration and cell proliferation, as well as functional recovery, in the mouse model of SCI. Mechanically, the keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway was also investigated in order to unveil its molecular mechanism, and the results showed that MG‐Exos could increase the protein levels of Nrf2 and HO‐1 via inhibiting the keap1; they also triggered the expression of its downstream antioxidative‐related genes, such as NQo1, Gclc, Cat, and Gsx1. Our findings indicated that MG‐Exos exerted an antioxidant effect and positively modulated vascular regeneration and neurological functional recovery post‐SCI by activating keap1/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling.
Source Identification and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Shallot Fields in Brebes Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Triyani , Martono Edhi , Hanudin Eko , Harini Rika
Published: August 2021

Shallots have been widely planted as the primary commodity crop in Brebes Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Information on the distribution of heavy metals in the shallot fields of Brebes Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, is not yet available. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify the concentration and spatial distribution of several heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, and Ni) and their possible sources in the shallot fields through a field survey and a series of laboratory and statistical tests. The total concentration of heavy metals was analyzed from 184 sampling points of the shallot fields in Brebes Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, during the dry season from August to October 2019. The heavy metals concentration was as follows: Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd. The values of total Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, and Ni concentrations in the soils were 7.84–18.94, 0.99–2.31, 3.02–9.98, 10.40–49.55, and 10.17–26.62 mg kg−1, respectively. All these concentration values of heavy metals are still lower than the critical values for agricultural soils and lower than the topsoil background values except Cd. Based on the concentration of heavy metals, the shallot fields in Brebes Regency, Central Java, are classified as uncontaminated soils. Multivariate and geostatistical analyses were employed to determine and describe the metals’ origin. Pb, Cr, and Ni mainly originate from a natural source, while Cd and Co are from anthropogenic sources (agricultural practices and industry).
[Retracted] Utilization of Red Mud‐Fly Ash Reinforced with Cement in Road Construction Applications
Authors: K Sarath Chandra , S Krishnaiah , Sahile Kibebe
Published: August 2021

Industrialization is the key to the growth of any country’s economy. However, on the other hand, the production of industrial waste is increasing enormously, which adversely impacts the environment and natural resources. Red mud is also a widespread industrial waste produced during aluminium extraction from bauxite ore in Bayer’s process. Red mud is a highly alkaline material that creates a massive environmental threat in nature. To reduce the impact of this solid waste material, the ideal method is to use it in construction works with appropriate stabilization. This study envisages the strength properties of red mud with fly ash and cement to use it as a road construction material in the subgrade. The influence of fly ash and cement on improving the strength properties of red mud was studied in detail by replacing red mud with 10%, 20%, and 30% with fly ash and 1%, 3%, and 5% of cement to its dry weight. The CBR (California bearing ratio) value was increased from 1.58% to 11.6% by stabilizing red mud with fly ash and cement, which can be used as a road construction material. The UCS (unconfined compressive strength) of red mud was increased from 825 kPa to 2340 kPa upon curing for 28 days with the right mix of fly ash and cement. Along with the strength properties, the chemical analysis of leachate for the best suitable mix was performed according to the TCLP method to understand the hazardous materials present in the red mud when it is injected as ground material. Both strength properties and the leachate characteristics prove that the red mud with suitable fly ash and cement is an excellent material in road constructions.
Research on the Decision Mechanism of University‐Enterprise Collaborative Innovation Based on Quantum Cognition
Authors: Wang Sheng-Yuan , Chen Wan-Ming , Liu Ying , Wu Xiao-Lan
Published: August 2021

The relationship between quantum cognition and decision‐making is an important field in the direction of human behavior research. The uncertain and entangled state of quantum cognition has largely explained the decision‐making process with limited information and ambiguity. University‐enterprise collaborative innovation, a systematic project of joint action by both parties, aims to integrate the resources of enterprises and universities and enhance their innovation capabilities. As the main decision‐making parties in collaborative innovation decision‐making, the university and enterprise have a state of uncertainty and entanglement in their cognitive preferences before the final decision is formed. A university‐enterprise collaborative innovation decision‐making model should be constructed from the perspective of enterprise decision‐making, taking different innovation schemes as the final choice, and the method of quantum probability theory can be used to perform quantum cognition on the independent and joint decision‐making models in the university‐enterprise collaborative innovation decision‐making. Research shows that the internal mechanism of university‐enterprise collaborative decision‐making is based on its quantum attributes, university‐enterprise collaborative decision‐making is more inclined to joint decision‐making, joint university‐enterprise collaborative decision‐making is more inclined to quantum cognition incompatibility expression, and the opinions of innovative members will have sequential effects and interference effects on decision makers.
Effective Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Rhazya stricta Leaf Extract
Authors: Najoom Sanodia , Fozia Fozia , Ahmad Ijaz , Wahab Abdul , Ahmad Nisar , Ullah Riaz , Gul Anadil , Bari Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Yahya , Khan Anis Ahmed
Published: August 2021

In the present study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were prepared using ZnCl2.2H2O as a precursor, via green route using leaf extract of Rhazya stricta as capping and reducing agent. The prepared ZnO nanoparticles were examined using UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction spectrometer (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UV-Vis absorption spectrum at 355 nm showed an absorption peak, which indicates the formation of ZnO NPs. The FT-IR spectra analysis was performed to identify the potential biomolecule of the as-prepared ZnO NPs. The FT-IR spectra showed peaks at 3455, 1438, 883, and 671 cm−1 in the region of 4000–500 cm−1, which indicates –OH, NH, C-H, and M-O groups, respectively. The SEM images showed aggregation of ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 70–90 nm. The XRD study indicated that the ZnO NPs were crystalline in nature with hexagonal wurtzite structure and broad peaks were observed at 2 theta positions 31.8°, 34.44°, 36.29°, 47.57°, 56.61°, 67.96°, and 69.07°. The synthesized ZnO NPs were found to be good antiplasmodial with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 3.41 μg/mL. It is concluded from the current study that the ZnO NPs exhibited noble antiplasmodial activity, and for the improvement of antiplasmodial medications, it might be used after further in vivo studies.
Evidence-Based Analysis of the Emergency Temporary Cardiac Pacing (Electrical Stimulation from Metal Wire Electrode)
Authors: Liu Meng , Lin Xuming , Tan Qiaoyin , Han Xiaotong
Published: August 2021

The patient’s Cr (creatinine), BUN (blood urea nitrogen), HBG (hemoglobin), VT (ventricular tachycardia), pacing frequency, puncture point, emergency to permanent pacing time, pacing current (mA), pacing threshold current (mA), and admission diagnosis data were collected. The data were subjected to frequency statistics, curve regression analysis, PLS regression analysis, adjustment analysis, chi-square test, ridge regression analysis, discriminant analysis, negative binomial regression analysis, Poisson regression analysis, and stepwise regression analysis. Some findings include the following: (1) Cr has a significant positive effect on HBG, and BUN has a significant negative effect on HBG. (2) VT has a negative correlation with age and a positive correlation with CK-MB and CK (creatinine kinase). (3) Myocarditis has a negative correlation with age and a significant positive correlation with CTnI (cardiac troponin I). (4) AST (aspartate transaminase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) have a significant positive impact on DDI (D-dimer), while CTnI has a significant negative impact on DDI. MYO (myoglobin) has no impact relationship to DDI. (5) ALT has a significant positive relationship with APTT (partial thromboplastin time). (6) Alb (albumin) and TBIL (total bilirubin) have a significant positive effect on PLT (platelet) count, while pro-BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) and MYO have a significant negative effect on PLT. (7) CK has a significant positive effect on INR (international normalized ratio). (8) The relationship between sinus node dysfunction and VT significantly affect the pacing frequency (beats/minute). For third-degree atrioventricular block, different samples of sinus node dysfunction showed significant differences. (9) There is a significant positive correlation between pacing current (mA) and pacing threshold current (mA). (10) There was a significant positive correlation between perceived voltage (mV) and the time from emergency to permanent pacing. Admission diagnosis has a significant positive impact on the time from emergency to permanent pacing. The change (increase) in time from emergency to permanent pacing was 1.137-fold when an additional condition was diagnosed on admission.
Synthesis of Novel Thiazolyl Hydrazine Derivatives and Their Antifungal Activity
Authors: Zhu Jianjun , Chen Yazhen , Su Fen , Wang Peiyi
Published: August 2021

A series of novel thiazolyl hydrazine derivatives 3a–3o were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activity against six phytopathogenic strains, namely, Botryosphaeria dothidea (B. d.), Gibberella sanbinetti (G. s.), Fusarium oxysporum (F. o.), Thanatephorus cucumeris (T. c.), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. s.), and Verticillium dahliae (V. d.), by the classical mycelial growth rate method. Biological assessment results showed that most of these target compounds showed good antifungal activity toward tested strains. Especially, compound 3l showed excellent antifungal activities against B. d. and G. s. with relatively lower EC50 values of 0.59 and 0.69 µg/mL, respectively, which were extremely superior to those of commercial fungicides fluopyram, boscalid, and hymexazol and were comparable to those of carbendazim. Given the excellent bioactivity of designed compounds, this kind of thiazolyl hydrazine framework can provide a suitable point for exploring highly efficient antifungal agents.
A Multiport Electric Energy Routing Scheme Applied to Battery Energy Storage System
Authors: Sha Guanglin , Duan Qing , Sheng Wanxing , Pan Aiqiang , Liu Zhe , Ma Chunyan , Zhao Caihong , Teng Jiaxun , Fu Lumin , Zheng Yi
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the research status of topology and control strategy of energy storage grid-connected system is analyzed, and aiming at the working characteristics of the repurposed battery, a cascade power electronic transformer (CPET) with independent DC output is proposed. The working principle of current fed isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter (CF-IBDC) and cascaded H-bridge (CHB) is analyzed, and the decoupling control strategy is designed. In this paper, a hierarchical control strategy is designed for the repurposed battery energy storage (RBES) grid-connected system based on CPET, which consists of three layers: energy layer, power layer, and state of charge (SOC) layer. The energy layer responds to active and reactive power scheduling instructions, the power layer controls the grid-connected current and tracks the grid voltage, and the SOC layer equates the charged state of repurposed batteries. A 3 MVA/12 kV three-phase grid-connected simulation system was established, and a 1 kW single-phase system experiment platform was designed. The simulation and experimental results can verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the control strategy.