bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An international comparison of HIV prevalence and incidence in blood donors and general population: a BEST Collaborative study
Authors: Germain Marc , Grégoire Yves , Custer Brian S. , Goldman Mindy , Bravo Marjorie , Kamel Hany , Davison Katy , Field Stephen , van den Hurk Katja , van de Laar Thijs J. W. , Irving David O. , Jones Ann , Liumbruno Giancarlo , Morley Sarah , O’Brien Sheila F. , Pillonel Josiane , Steinsvåg Christine Torsvik , Takanashi Minoko , Tsuno Nelson Hirokazu , Vesga Carasa Miguel Angel , Wendel Silvano , Vassallo Ralph R. , Tiberghien Pierre ,   for the BEST Collaborative
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

Efficiency in mitigating HIV transmission risk by transfusion may vary internationally. We compared HIV prevalence and incidence in blood donors across different jurisdictions in relation to those rates in the general population and differences in deferral practices.

Materials and Methods

Data from 2007 to 2016 were collected in Australia, Brazil (São Paulo), Canada, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain (Basque Country), USA (Vitalant) and Wales. For each country/region, the number of HIV antibody‐positive donations and nucleic acid testing (NAT)‐only‐positive donations was broken down according to first‐time or repeat donor status, along with the relevant denominators.

Results

There is a modest correlation between HIV prevalence among first‐time donors and HIV prevalence in the general population. However, rates of HIV‐positive donations in repeat donors, a proxy for incidence, do not correlate with incidence rates in the general population. Rates in donors from Italy and Basque Country, where deferral criteria for men having sex with men are less stringent, are higher compared with most other jurisdictions. Rates of NAT‐only‐positive donations are extremely low and do not differ significantly after adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Conclusion

Donor HIV rates are only weakly associated with those observed in the general population. Countries with less stringent deferral criteria have higher HIV rates in their donor population, but the rates remain very low.
Physiological Loading-Induced Interstitial Fluid Dynamics in Osteon of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Bone
Authors: Shrivas Nikhil Vivek , Tiwari Abhishek Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Patil Santosh , Tripathi Dharmendra , Badhyal Subham
Published: April 2021

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as “brittle bone disease,” is a genetic bone disorder. OI bones experience frequent fractures. Surgical procedures are usually followed by clinicians in the management of OI. It has been observed physical activity is equally beneficial in reducing OI bone fractures in both children and adults as mechanical stimulation improves bone mass and strength. Loading-induced mechanical strain and interstitial fluid flow stimulate bone remodeling activities. Several studies have characterized strain environment in OI bones, whereas very few studies attempted to characterize the interstitial fluid flow. OI significantly affects bone micro-architecture. Thus, this study anticipates that canalicular fluid flow reduces in OI bone in comparison to the healthy bone in response to physiological loading due to altered poromechanical properties. This work attempts to understand the canalicular fluid distribution in single osteon models of OI and healthy bone. A poromechanical model of osteon is developed to compute pore-pressure and interstitial fluid flow as a function of gait loading pattern reported for OI and healthy subjects. Fluid distribution patterns are compared at different time-points of the stance phase of the gait cycle. It is observed that fluid flow significantly reduces in OI bone. Additionally, flow is more static than dynamic in OI osteon in comparison to healthy subjects. This work attempts to identify the plausible explanation behind the diminished mechanotransduction capability of OI bone. This work may further be extended for designing better biomechanical therapies to enhance the fluid flow in order to improve osteogenic activities in OI bone.
Estimation of Aerodynamic Heating on Scramjet Inlets and Validation With Measurements
Authors: Ram Prabhu M. , Balaji C. , Sundararajan T. , Chacko M. J.
Published: April 2021

Aerodynamic heating levels on a typical inlet configuration of a scramjet engine are estimated using both standard design correlations and numerical flow simulations. The stagnation point heat flux is estimated using the Fay and Riddell formula. Aerodynamic heating over the inclined ramps is estimated using Van Driest method. Numerical flow simulations are carried out using a Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver coupled with energy equations and the Shear Stress Transport (SST) k–ω turbulence model. The aerodynamic heat flux estimates are validated with in-house measurements in a shock tunnel and for a scramjet flight experiment in the Mach number range 1.59 to 7.92. The emergence of a good agreement between them confirms the appropriateness of design correlations for heat flux estimation in scramjet inlets. The choice of simplification and appropriateness of design correlations to complex geometries demand critical assessment. Numerical flow simulations capture flow features and enable the identification of potential augmented heating zones, which will be critical for long-duration scramjet missions.
Magnetic Barkhausen Noise Technique for Early-Stage Fatigue Prediction in Martensitic Stainless-Steel Samples
Authors: Li Zi , Shenoy Bharath Basti , Udpa Lalita , Udpa Satish , Deng Yiming
Published: April 2021

Martensitic grade stainless-steel is generally used to manufacture steam turbine blades in power plants. The material degradation of those turbine blades, due to fatigue, will induce unexpected equipment damage. Fatigue cracks, too small to be detected, can grow severely in the next operating cycle and may cause failure before the next inspection opportunity. Therefore, a nondestructive electromagnetic technique, which is sensitive to microstructure changes in the material, is needed to provide a means to estimate the specimen’s fatigue life. To tackle these challenges, this paper presents a novel magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) technique for garnering information relating to the material microstructure changes under test. The MBN signals are analyzed in time as well as frequency domain to infer material information that are influenced by the samples’ material state. Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to reduce the dimensionality of feature data and extract higher order features. Afterward, probabilistic neural network (PNN) classifies the sample based on the percentage fatigue life to discover the most correlated MBN features to indicate the remaining fatigue life. Furthermore, one criticism of MBN is its poor repeatability and stability, therefore, analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out to analyze the uncertainty associated with MBN measurements. The feasibility of MBN technique is investigated in detecting early-stage fatigue, which is associated with plastic deformation in ferromagnetic metallic structures. Experimental results demonstrate that the magnetic Barkhausen noise technique is a promising candidate for characterizing.
Pathways and modification of warm water flowing beneath Thwaites Ice Shelf, West Antarctica
Authors: Wåhlin A. K. , Graham A. G. C. , Hogan K. A. , Queste B. Y. , Boehme L. , Larter R. D , Pettit E. C. , Wellner J. , Heywood K. J.
Published: April 2021

The first oceanographic observations underneath Thwaites Ice Shelf front show previously unknown pathways for warm currents.
Deep learning model to predict complex stress and strain fields in hierarchical composites
Authors: Yang Zhenze , Yu Chi-Hua , Buehler Markus J.
Published: April 2021

Deep learning predicts mechanical fields in hierarchical composites, as an alternative to conventional numerical methods.
Stellar feedback and triggered star formation in the prototypical bubble RCW 120
Authors: Luisi Matteo , Anderson Loren D. , Schneider Nicola , Simon Robert , Kabanovic Slawa , Güsten Rolf , Zavagno Annie , Broos Patrick S. , Buchbender Christof , Guevara Cristian , Jacobs Karl , Justen Matthias , Klein Bernd , Linville Dylan , Röllig Markus , Russeil Delphine , Stutzki Jürgen , Tiwari Maitraiyee , Townsley Leisa K. , Tielens Alexander G. G. M.
Published: April 2021

Observations of RCW 120 show that triggered star formation can occur on much shorter time scales than previously thought.
A novel method for sensor-based quantification of single/multicellular force dynamics and stiffening in 3D matrices
Authors: Emon Bashar , Li Zhengwei , Joy Md Saddam H. , Doha Umnia , Kosari Farhad , Saif M. Taher A.
Published: April 2021

A nano-resolution PDMS sensor simultaneously measures cell force and matrix stiffening dynamics in 3D.
Ketogenic diet reduces alcohol withdrawal symptoms in humans and alcohol intake in rodents
Authors: Wiers Corinde E. , Vendruscolo Leandro F. , van der Veen Jan-Willem , Manza Peter , Shokri-Kojori Ehsan , Kroll Danielle S. , Feldman Dana E. , McPherson Katherine L. , Biesecker Catherine L. , Zhang Rui , Herman Kimberly , Elvig Sophie K. , Vendruscolo Janaina C. M. , Turner Sara A. , Yang Shanna , Schwandt Melanie , Tomasi Dardo , Cervenka Mackenzie C. , Fink-Jensen Anders , Benveniste Helene , Diazgranados Nancy , Wang Gene-Jack , Koob George F. , Volkow Nora D.
Published: April 2021

A ketogenic diet lowered benzodiazepine use during withdrawal in patients with AUD and blunted alcohol administration in rats.
For a change, a hint of new physics does not fade away
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: April 2021

Reprise of storied experiment confirms muon's extra magnetism.
The push and pull of DNA methylation
Authors: Gu Tianpeng , Goodell Margaret A.
Published: April 2021

The control of DNA methylation guides cell-fate decisions in development and disease
Underutilisation of EPaCCS (Electronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems) in end-of life-care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pocock Lucy , Morris Richard , French Lydia , Purdy Sarah
Published: April 2021

Objective

To support greater personalisation of end-of-life care, Electronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems (EPaCCS) have been implemented across England. Here, we describe patient factors associated with dying with an EPaCCS record and explore the association between having an EPaCCS record with cause and place of death.

Method

This is a cross-sectional study using routinely collected data. Data were extracted from primary care records in 20 of 86 general practices within one Clinical Commissioning Group in England. All deaths (n=1723) recorded between 22 February 2018 and 21 February 2019 were included to determine whether the deceased patient had an EPaCCS record at the time of death, a range of demographic factors, place of death and cause of death.

Results

Only 18% of the sample died with an EPaCCS record, and people who died of a non-cancer cause were less likely to have an EPaCCS record than those who died of cancer (OR=0.41; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.55). Adjusting for patient demographic factors and cause of death, having an EPaCCS record was strongly associated with dying in the community (OR=5.10; 95% CI 3.70 to 7.03).

Conclusions

A small proportion of this sample died with an EPaCCS record, despite evidence of an association with dying in the community.
Global health-related quality of life in schizophrenia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hoseinipalangi Zahra , Golmohammadi Zahra , Rafiei Sima , Pashazadeh Kan Fatemeh , Hosseinifard Hossein , Rezaei Sepideh , Ahmadi Saba , Ahmadi Niloofar , Raoofi Samira , Aghajani Farnaz , Dehnad Afsaneh , Shabaninejad Hosein , Aghalou Sepideh , Shabani Hamide , Ghashghaee Ahmad
Published: April 2021

Background and aim

Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia may have serious impacts on patients’ quality of life leading to concern about different aspects of their lives. This study presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies examining the quality of life among patients with schizophrenia and its relationship with patients’ characteristics.

Materials and methods

A total of 40 studies were extracted from searching of relevant databases published between 2000 and 2020. Descriptive data and correlation coefficients between patient’s characteristics and quality of life were extracted and the results were reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses standards and meta-analysis of pooled studies.

Results

In total, 8363 patients with schizophrenia participated in 40 studies which used Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale revision 4. The total score of quality of life (QOL) in the study subjects was reported to be 40.66. Weighted effect size analyses revealed a significant relationship between QOL and variables including patients’ age and duration of the disease. Furthermore, the highest (the worst) score of QOL in schizophrenia patients was observed in Europe 47.04 (95% CI 41.26 to 52.82) and the Euro region 47.05 (95% CI 41.18 to 52.92).

Conclusion

Overall, the QOL among patients with schizophrenia was in a good status, which could be improved through considering different life aspects of people living in various contexts. In fact, clarifying the determinants of QOL would be a key step in the provision of future treatment efforts.
Enhancing clinical and immunological effects of anti-PD-1 with belapectin, a galectin-3 inhibitor
Authors: Curti Brendan D , Koguchi Yoshinobu , Leidner Rom S , Rolig Annah S , Sturgill Elizabeth R , Sun Zhaoyu , Wu Yaping , Rajamanickam Venkatesh , Bernard Brady , Hilgart-Martiszus Ian , Fountain Christopher B , Morris George , Iwamoto Noriko , Shimada Takashi , Chang ShuChing , Traber Peter G , Zomer Eliezer , Horton J Rex , Shlevin Harold , Redmond William L
Published: April 2021

Background

PD-1/PD-L1 engagement and overexpression of galectin-3 (Gal-3) are critical mechanisms of tumor-induced immune suppression that contribute to immunotherapy resistance. We hypothesized that Gal-3 blockade with belapectin (GR-MD-02) plus anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab) would enhance tumor response in patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

We performed a phase I dose escalation study of belapectin+pembrolizumab in patients with advanced MM or HNSCC (NCT02575404). Belapectin was administered at 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg IV 60 min before pembrolizumab (200 mg IV every 3 weeks for five cycles). Responding patients continued pembrolizumab monotherapy for up to 17 cycles. Main eligibility requirements were a functional Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status of 0–2, measurable or assessable disease, and no active autoimmune disease. Prior T-cell checkpoint antibody therapy was permitted.

Results

Objective response was observed in 50% of MM (7/14) and and 33% of HNSCC (2/6) patients. Belapectin+pembrolizumab was associated with fewer immune-mediated adverse events than anticipated with pembrolizumab monotherapy. There were no dose-limiting toxicities for belapectin within the dose range investigated. Significantly increased effector memory T-cell activation and reduced monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) were observed in responders compared with non-responders. Increased baseline expression of Gal-3+ tumor cells and PD-1+CD8+ T cells in the periphery correlated with response as did higher serum trough levels of pembrolizumab.

Conclusions

Belapectin+pembrolizumab therapy has activity in MM and HNSCC. Increased Gal-3 expression, expansion of effector memory T cells, and decreased M-MDSCs correlated with clinical response. Further investigation is planned.
Whole-genome re-sequencing reveals genome-wide variations between the peach variety Green No. 9 and its bud mutant Daifei
Authors: Li Guixiang , Li Miao , Liu Wei , Dong Xiaomin , Gao Xiaolan , Zhang Anning
Published: April 2021

Whole-genome sequencing technologies provide opportunities to further understand genetic variation among different varieties. Some related genes that are useful for the breeding process could be identified by sequencing technologies. In this study, two peach varieties, Green No. 9 (LH) and its bud mutant Daifei (DT), were analyzed with whole-genome re-sequencing. Approximately 109 million total reads were generated, which covered ∼89% of the peach reference genome. A total of 1 143 757 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 169 827 insertion–deletion mutations (InDels), 17 132 structural variations (SVs) and 5 040 copy number variations (CNVs) were detected in Green No. 9 and Daifei. Variant genes were classified by Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway database. Detected genes such as LOC18768059 (carbohydrate metabolism) and LOC18785045 (anthocyanin biosynthesis), were good candidate genes for exploring the phenotypic variations between Green No. 9 and Daifei. Green No. 9 and its bud mutant Daifei showed obvious differences in phenotypes and variant genetic loci. The detected genomic variations will contribute to explorations of important functional genes and to understanding the genetic basis of peach bud mutations.
Evaluation of selected cider apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivars grown in Ontario. I. Horticultural attributes
Authors: Plotkowski Derek J. , Cline John A.
Published: April 2021

Twenty-eight apple cultivars were selected for their potential for hard cider production in Ontario. An experiment was conducted to evaluate their horticultural potential in the province. After being planted in spring 2015, the trees were evaluated annually for their survival, tree height and spread, trunk growth, flowering dates, flower counts, fruit per tree, pre-harvest drop, crop load, fruit weight, fruit firmness, juicing extraction efficiency, and harvest dates. These horticultural attributes were sufficient to discriminate between cultivars. Additional exploratory analyses indicated a relationship between horticultural attributes and a cultivar’s origin, with British cider cultivars blooming the latest, American cider apples producing the most juice, and French cider cultivars having the highest pre-harvest fruit drop. Cultivars in this study that show promise for continued research in Ontario include Binet Rouge, Bramley’s Seedling, Breakwell, Bulmer’s Norman, Calville Blanc d’Hiver, Cline Russet, Cox Orange Pippin, Crimson Crisp®, Dabinett, Enterprise, Esopus Spitzenberg, Golden Russet, GoldRush, Medaille d’Or, Porter’s Perfection, and Stoke Red.
ANALYSIS OF PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHIC MORPHOLOGY IN SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME PATIENTS USING CURVE FITTING AND SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE
Authors: JIANG XINGE , WEI SHOUSHUI , ZHAO LINA , LIU FEIFEI , LIU CHENGYU
Published: April 2021

This paper develops a time-saving, simple, and comfortable method for detecting Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS). Seventy SAS patients and 17 healthy persons were randomly selected in this study, and nine analytical parameters (i.e., [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] of healthy persons and SAS patients during five sleep stages (i.e., W, R, N1, N2, and N3) were obtained to construct a SAS classification model based on logarithmic normal analytical parameters using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method to fit Photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals. The results show that there were no statistical differences among the five sleep stages for either the healthy or SAS patients. However, there were significant differences in the measured logarithmic normal analytical parameters between the healthy persons and the SAS patients in each of the five sleep stages. The accuracies of the SAS classification model were 95.00%, 90.00%, 84.00%, 94.67%, and 90.77%, corresponding to the five sleep stages, respectively. The SAS classification model based on the SVM method of logarithmic normal analysis parameters can achieve higher classification accuracy for each of the five sleep stages. It can be considered to collect the patient’s pulse wave during the awake period, but not necessarily during the sleep period to classify and identify the SAS; it provides an idea for a convenient and comfortable SAS detection.
Review—Current Progress of Non-Precious Metal for ORR Based Electrocatalysts Used for Fuel Cells
Authors: Ren Xuefeng , Liu Bihe , Liang Xingyou , Wang Yiran , Lv Qianyuan , Liu Anmin
Published: April 2021

With the consumption of fossil fuels, energy and environmental problems have become increasingly prominent. Finding new energy to replace traditional fossil fuels is one of the most promising approaches to solve current energy shortages and environmental problems. Fuel cells are not restricted to Carnot cycles when chemical energy is converted to electrical energy. It has the advantages of high energy conversion efficiency, cleanliness and environmental friendliness, and occupies an important position in the fields of new energy. However, slow cathode kinetics is an important reason which has limited development of fuel cells. The traditional Pt-based catalysts with poor stability, CO poisoning, high price and other shortcomings have been unable to meet the demands for serving as fuel cell catalysts. In recent years, the non-precious metal catalysts have been widely recognized for their higher stability and resistance to CO poisoning, which are cheaper than Pt-based catalysts. Scientists have made many efforts in research of non-precious metal catalysts. This review summarizes the research progress of non-precious metal catalysts in the field of fuel cells in recent years, mainly including non-metal doped carbon materials, metal and non-metal co-doped carbon materials, and the catalytic mechanism of various catalysts.
Diannexin Can Ameliorate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Rats by Promoting Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression
Authors: Ju Ying-nan , Tai Qi-hang , Xu Guang-xiao , Zhao Xiao-qing , Sun Hai-bin , Gao Wei
Published: April 2021

Background. The recombinant protein diannexin can inhibit platelet-mediated events, which contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here, we investigated the effect of diannexin and its effect on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in ARDS. Methods. A total of 32 rats were randomized into sham, ARDS, diannexin (D), and diannexin+HO-1 inhibitor (DH) groups. Alveolar-capillary permeability was evaluated by testing the partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ratio, lung wet/dry weight ratio, and protein levels in the lung. Inflammation was assessed by measuring cytokine levels in the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the lung tissue. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured to evaluate the oxidative stress response. Lung tissue pathology and apoptosis were also evaluated. We measured HO-1 expression in the lung tissue to investigate the effect of diannexin on HO-1 in ARDS. Results. Compared with the ARDS group, diannexin improved PaO2/FiO2, lung wet/dry weight ratio, and protein levels in the BALF and decreased levels of cytokines and NF-κB in the lung and serum. Diannexin inhibited the oxidative stress response and significantly ameliorated pathological lung injury and apoptosis. The partial reversal of diannexin effects by a HO-1 inhibitor suggests that diannexin may promote HO-1 expression to ameliorate ARDS. Conclusions. We showed that diannexin can improve alveolar-capillary permeability, inhibit the oxidative stress response and inflammation, and protect against ARDS-induced lung injury and apoptosis.
Transcriptome-Wide Gene Expression in a Murine Model of Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Li Zhao , Zhu Guoshao , Zhou Chen , Wang Hui , Yu Le , Xu Yunxin , Xu Li , Wang Qingxiu
Published: April 2021

Background. Mechanical ventilation could lead to ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), but its underlying pathogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the genes which were highly correlated with VILI as well as their expressions and interactions by analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the VILI samples and controls. Methods. GSE11434 was downloaded from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database, and DEGs were identified with GEO2R. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted using DAVID. Next, we used the STRING tool to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the DEGs. Then, the hub genes and related modules were identified with the Cytoscape plugins: cytoHubba and MCODE. qRT-PCR was further used to validate the results in the GSE11434 dataset. We also applied gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to discern the gene sets that had a significant difference between the VILI group and the control. Hub genes were also subjected to analyses by CyTargetLinker and NetworkAnalyst to predict associated miRNAs and transcription factors (TFs). Besides, we used CIBERSORT to detect the contributions of different types of immune cells in lung tissues of mice in the VILI group. By using DrugBank, small molecular compounds that could potentially interact with hub genes were identified. Results. A total of 141 DEGs between the VILI group and the control were identified in GSE11434. Then, seven hub genes were identified and were validated by using qRT-PCR. Those seven hub genes were largely enriched in TLR and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. GSEA showed that VILI-associated genes were also enriched in NOD, antigen presentation, and chemokine pathways. We predicted the miRNAs and TFs associated with hub genes and constructed miRNA-TF-gene regulatory network. An analysis with CIBERSORT showed that the proportion of M0 macrophages and activated mast cells was higher in the VILI group than in the control. Small molecules, like nadroparin and siltuximab, could act as potential drugs for VILI. Conclusion. In sum, a number of hub genes associated with VILI were identified and could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of VILI and potential targets for its treatment.
The Prediction of Acute Postoperative Pain Based on Neural Oscillations Measured before the Surgery
Authors: Han Qi , Yue Lupeng , Gao Fei , Zhang Libo , Hu Li , Feng Yi
Published: April 2021

Even with an improved understanding of pain mechanisms and advances in perioperative pain management, inadequately controlled postoperative pain remains. Predicting acute postoperative pain based on presurgery physiological measures could provide valuable insights into individualized, effective analgesic strategies, thus helping improve the analgesic efficacy. Considering the strong correlation between pain perception and neural oscillations, we hypothesize that acute postoperative pain could be predicted by neural oscillations measured shortly before the surgery. Here, we explored the relationship between neural oscillations 2 hours before the thoracoscopic surgery and the subjective intensity of acute postoperative pain. The spectral power density of resting-state beta and gamma band oscillations at the frontocentral region was significantly different between patients with different levels of acute postoperative pain (i.e., low pain vs. moderate/high pain). A positive correlation was also observed between the spectral power density of resting-state beta and gamma band oscillations and subjective reports of postoperative pain. Then, we predicted the level of acute postoperative pain based on features of neural oscillations using machine learning techniques, which achieved a prediction accuracy of 92.54% and a correlation coefficient between the real pain intensities and the predicted pain intensities of 0.84. Altogether, the prediction of acute postoperative pain based on neural oscillations measured before the surgery is feasible and could meet the clinical needs in the future for better control of postoperative pain and other unwanted negative effects. The study was registered on the Clinical Trial Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03761576?term=NCT03761576&draw=2&rank=1) with the registration number NCT03761576.
Juvenile Dysplasia Epiphysealis Hemimelica with Multiple Ankle Free Body
Authors: Sato Shinsuke , Chang Song Ho , Kasai Taro , Maenohara Yuji , Yamazawa Sho , Tanaka Sakae , Matsumoto Takumi
Published: April 2021

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH), also known as Trevor’s disease, is a rare overgrowth of cartilage that commonly arises in the epiphyseal bone of children. We report a rare case of DEH originating from a talus accompanied by multiple intra-articular free bodies in a 7-year-old patient with ankle instability. After the primary surgery for free body removal and microfracture technique for the cartilage defects in the ankle joint, the free body recurred. Secondary surgery of arthroscopic free body removal with lateral ankle ligament repair succeeded in treating the patient, without further recurrence of the free body.
miR-375 Promotes Pancreatic Differentiation In Vitro by Affecting Different Target Genes at Different Stages
Authors: Lu Zhenyu , Wang Jing , Wang Xu , Li Zhiying , Niu Dan , Wang Min , Xiang Jinzhu , Yue Yongli , Xia Yajuan , Li Xueling
Published: April 2021

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) possess the ability to differentiate into insulin-producing cells (IPCs), which can be used to treat type I diabetes. miR-375 is an essential transcriptional regulator in the development and maturation of the pancreas. In this study, we optimized a protocol to differentiate hESCs into IPCs and successfully obtained IPCs. Then, we performed overexpression and inhibition experiments of miR-375 on cells at different stages of differentiation and performed RNA-seq. The results showed that the expression of miR-375 fluctuated during hESC differentiation and was affected by miR-375 mimics and inhibitors. miR-375 influences global gene expression and the target genes of miR-375. The overexpression of miR-375 can cause changes in multiple signaling pathways during pancreatic development. miR-375 is a major participant in the differentiation of pancreatic β-cells through different target genes at different stages. This study provides new ideas for further investigation of how microRNAs affect cell fate and gene transcription.
An Instantaneous Engine Speed Estimation Method Using Multiple Matching Synchrosqueezing Transform
Authors: Liu Youyong , Wen He , Ding Zongying , Xu Lei , Chen Hongjiang , Smulko Janusz
Published: April 2021

Instantaneous rotational speed measurement of the engine is crucial in routine inspection and maintenance of an automobile engine. Since the contact measurement of rotational speed is not always available, the vibration measurement has been used for noncontact rotational speed estimation methods. Unfortunately, the accuracy of the noncontact estimation methods by analyzing engine vibration frequency is not satisfactory due to the influence of noise and the strong nonstationary characteristic of the vibration signal. To overcome these problems, based on the multiple matching synchrosqueezing transform (MSST) (MMSST, improved MSST with multiple squeeze operations), a novel noncontact method is proposed to accurately estimate the instantaneous rotational speed of automobile engine in this paper. Firstly, a MMSST is proposed to process the vibration signal to obtain a concentrated time‐frequency (TF) representation. Secondly, the instantaneous frequency (IF) detection algorithm is employed to extract the fundamental frequency from the TF result. Finally, the rotational speed of the engine is calculated according to the relationship between the fundamental frequency and rotational speed. Results from numerical simulations and test on real engine have proven that the proposed method can obtain much higher frequency resolution and more precise IF estimation of the engine vibration signal and more accurate rotational speed estimation result compared with the MSST method. Furthermore, the proposed method is verified to have a stronger noise robustness and can provide satisfactory estimation results for engine vibration signal containing nonlinear frequency‐modulated components.
Performance‐Based Seismic Fragility and Risk Assessment of Five‐Span Continuous Rigid Frame Bridges
Authors: Wu Fangwen , Zhou Jingwen , Zhao Yangyang , Wang Guangqian , Tang Wenlong , Luo Jianfei , Ibrahim Usama , Meng Yuanying
Published: April 2021

Earthquakes can cause serious damage to traffic infrastructures, among which the impact on bridge structure is the most important. Therefore, in order to assess bridges serviceability, it is important to master their damage mechanism and to analyze its probability of occurrence under a given seismic action. Various uncertainties, like the location of epicentre of future earthquakes and their magnitudes, make this task quite challenging. We are also required to consider different earthquake scenarios and the damaged states of bridge components associated with those earthquakes. To suppress these difficulties, this study proposed a new method of performance‐based seismic fragility and risk assessment for bridges. The proposed method included three steps: (1) performance‐based seismic fragility estimation of a five‐span continuous rigid frame bridge, (2) seismic hazard analysis for locations of the bridge, and (3) seismic risk analysis of the bridge. The proposed method that considered the performance of the bridge and the uncertainty in the location of the earthquake epicentre and magnitudes can provide valuable references for seismic‐resistant design of multispan continuous rigid frame bridges in the future.
Three-Random-Point Marking Method for Toric Intraocular Lens Alignment Using the iTrace Aberrometer
Authors: Niu Yongyi , Lin Hongliang , Qin Yongjie , Yang Cheng , Chen Yanlei , Zeng Jin , Zhang Hongyang
Published: April 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical outcome of the three-random-point (TRP) marking method for toric intraocular lens (IOL) alignment using the iTrace aberrometer (Tracey Technologies Corp., Houston, TX). Setting. Department of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Eye Institute, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China. Design. Prospective, randomized comparative trial. Method. Thirty eyes of 30 patients undergoing cataract surgery with coexisting corneal astigmatism of over 1.0 D were included in this study. All patients were prospectively randomized into the TRP marking group or slit-lamp horizontal meridian (SHM) marking group. TRP marking involved marking three points randomly in the corneal limbus of the patients and accurately marking the horizontal meridian was not required. The follow-up duration was 3 months after cataract surgery. Results. Fifteen eyes of 15 patients were in the TRP marking group and 15 eyes of 15 patients in the SHM marking group. There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA, UDVA, preexisting corneal astigmatism, or residual astigmatism between the groups before or after surgery

P
>
0.05

. The mean toric IOL misalignment was lesser but without significance in the TRP marking group than in the SHM marking group after 3 postoperative months (2.66° ± 1.42° versus 3.29° ± 1.67°;

P
=
0.295

). Conclusion. The TRP marking method using the iTrace aberrometer is simple and accurate for preoperative marking of toric IOLs. It can eliminate the potential systematic errors resulting from varying head positions during the preoperative keratometry measurement and from manual marking.
IFNγ Is Critical for CAR T Cell–Mediated Myeloid Activation and Induction of Endogenous Immunity
Authors: Alizadeh Darya , Wong Robyn A. , Gholamin Sharareh , Maker Madeleine , Aftabizadeh Maryam , Yang Xin , Pecoraro Joseph R. , Jeppson John D. , Wang Dongrui , Aguilar Brenda , Starr Renate , Larmonier Claire B. , Larmonier Nicolas , Chen Min-Hsuan , Wu Xiwei , Ribas Antoni , Badie Behnam , Forman Stephen J. , Brown Christine E.
Published: April 2021

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells mediate potent antigen-specific antitumor activity; however, their indirect effects on the endogenous immune system are not well characterized. Remarkably, we demonstrate that CAR T-cell treatment of mouse syngeneic glioblastoma (GBM) activates intratumoral myeloid cells and induces endogenous T-cell memory responses coupled with feed-forward propagation of CAR T-cell responses. IFNγ production by CAR T cells and IFNγ responsiveness of host immune cells are critical for tumor immune landscape remodeling to promote a more activated and less suppressive tumor microenvironment. The clinical relevance of these observations is supported by studies showing that human IL13Rα2–CAR T cells activate patient-derived endogenous T cells and monocytes/macrophages through IFNγ signaling and induce the generation of tumor-specific T-cell responses in a responding patient with GBM. These studies establish that CAR T-cell therapy has the potential to shape the tumor microenvironment, creating a context permissible for eliciting endogenous antitumor immunity.

Significance:

Our findings highlight the critical role of IFNγ signaling for a productive CAR T-cell therapy in GBM. We establish that CAR T cells can activate resident myeloid populations and promote endogenous T-cell immunity, emphasizing the importance of host innate and adaptive immunity for CAR T-cell therapy of solid tumors.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2113
A Fantasia de Carnaval: um ensaio a partir de Hegel e Freud
Authors: Kurle Adriano Bueno
Published: April 2021

Neste ensaio, busco explorar a ideia de “fantasia” a partir do carnaval, relacionando os sentidos concreto e abstrato, real e ideal do conceito. Para tanto, exploro a noção de fantasia na filosofia da arte de Hegel enquanto princípio criativo na poesia, além de relacionar a ideia de manifestação concreta da fantasia com o tabu em Freud, a partir da obra Totem e Tabu. A fantasia de carnaval pode ser considerada, com base em Hegel, como o princípio poético do carnaval, enquanto o conjunto expresso por essa fantasia pode ser considerado uma criação poética.
Negros saberes em festa: Ilê Aiyê e Olodum e suas (trans)formações
Authors: Oliveira Jusciele Conceição Almeida de , Santos Simone de Jesus
Published: April 2021

Este artigo discute sobre blocos afros do Carnaval de Salvador e seus contributos para a Educação e Relações Étnico-raciais, com ênfase na valorização positiva de sujeitos afro-brasileiros, em especial, Ilê Aiyê e Olodum. Consideramos, para tanto, históricas violências provenientes do racismo direcionado a negras e negros, no contexto brasileiro, geradoras da necessidade de se reiterar discursos contrários a tal situação. A partir de produções contemporâneas sobre o tema, realizamos pesquisa bibliográfica e análise das informações coletadas, com base em fundamentação teórica e crítica, em diálogo com o assunto em foco. O percurso metodológico adotado possibilitou o entendimento de representação de culturas negras no carnaval, educação para relações étnicas e raciais em instituições próprias, produções musicais negras e produções de materiais didáticos para afirmação de identidades negras como contributos do Ilê Aiyê e Olodum no que tange à educação e relações étnicas e raciais.
Sincretismo de um carnaval no Rio das Pérolas: o caso de Macau
Authors: Saldanha Ana Maria
Published: April 2021

O filósofo e pensador russo Mikhail Bakhtin afirma que o ser humano tem a capacidade de assumir duas vivências distintas: numa delas, o Homem encontra-se sujeito à hierarquia e procura levar uma vida com seriedade e em conformidade com padrões e normas sociais, conquanto na outra se encontra liberto de constrangimentos. É nesta última que uma manifestação cultural como o carnaval ganha vida e forma. Será a partir da acepção bakhtiniana de que o carnaval permite uma representação invertida da realidade da qual emerge que procuraremos compreender a forma como confluíram no (já desaparecido) carnaval macaense, culturas, identidades e expressões linguísticas, as quais, por sua vez, são o resultado de um sincretismo cultural que permitiu a formação de uma cultura, especificamente, macaense.
Dapagliflozin and Recurrent Heart Failure Hospitalizations in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: An Analysis of DAPA-HF
Authors: Jhund Pardeep S. , Ponikowski Piotr , Docherty Kieran F. , Gasparyan Samvel B. , Böhm Michael , Chiang Chern-En , Desai Akshay S. , Howlett Jonathon , Kitakaze Masafumi , Petrie Mark C. , Verma Subodh , Bengtsson Olof , Langkilde Anna-Maria , Sjöstrand Mikaela , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Køber Lars , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Martinez Felipe A. , Sabatine Marc S. , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction will experience multiple hospitalizations for heart failure during the course of their disease. We assessed the efficacy of dapagliflozin on reducing the rate of total (ie, first and repeat) hospitalizations for heart failure in the DAPA-HF trial (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse-Outcomes in Heart Failure).

Methods:

The total number of HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular deaths was examined by using the proportional-rates approach of Lei-Wei-Yang-Ying and a joint frailty model for each of recurrent HF hospitalizations and time to cardiovascular death. Variables associated with the risk of recurrent hospitalizations were explored in a multivariable Lei-Wei-Yang-Ying model.

Results:

Of 2371 participants randomly assigned to placebo, 318 experienced 469 hospitalizations for HF; of 2373 assigned to dapagliflozin, 230 patients experienced 340 admissions. In a multivariable model, factors associated with a higher risk of recurrent HF hospitalizations included higher heart rate, higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and New York Heart Association class. In the Lei-Wei-Yang-Ying model, the rate ratio for the effect of dapagliflozin on recurrent HF hospitalizations or cardiovascular death was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.65–0.88),
P
=0.0002. In the joint frailty model, the rate ratio for total HF hospitalizations was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.61–0.82),
P
<0.0001, whereas, for cardiovascular death, the hazard ratio was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.67–0.98),
P
=0.0282.

Conclusions:

Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of total (first and repeat) HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular death. Time-to-first event analysis underestimated the benefit of dapagliflozin in HF and reduced ejection fraction.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03036124.
Glyptopetalum griffithii (Celastraceae) synonymized under G. calocarpum and typification of two names

Authors: KUMAR ANAND , KRISHNA GOPAL , CHAKRABARTY TAPAS
Published: April 2021

The Asian genus Glyptopetalum Thwaites (1856: 267) comprises 35 species (Savinov 2014) of which 5 species are occurring in India (Ramamurthy 2000). Glyptopetalum griffithii Prain (1891: 209) was described on the basis of a single gathering obtained by Griffith from the Mishmi hills, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Later, Kanjilal et al. (1936: 266) recognized and treated this species based on a collection by Kanjilal from Pashighat in Arunachal Pradesh. Eventually Ramamurthy (2000: 112) also accepted the species in his treatment of the family Celastraceae for the Flora of India. Chakrabarty & Gangopadhyay (1990: 129) as well as Savinov (2014: 187) erroneously considered G. griffithii a name based on Euonymus griffithii Kurz (1870: 73). However, the latter was proposed as a new name for Hippocratea angulata Griffith (1854: 473), due to the existence of Euonymus angulata Wight (1846: t. 1053), whereas G. griffithii was originally described as species new to science.
Liobagrus huaiheensis, a new species of torrent catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the Huaihe River basin in Central China
Authors: CHEN ZHONGGUANG , WU JIAYUN , WEN ANXIANG
Published: April 2021

Liobagrus huaiheensis, a new species of catfish, is described from the Shihe River, a tributary of the Huaihe River, in Henan Province, Central China. It shares a serrated posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine with L. marginatus, L. nigricauda, L. kingi, L. chenghaiensis, L. andersoni, L. mediadiposalis, L. obesus, L. somjinensis, and L. hyeongsanensis, but it is distinguished from these nine species by having combination of the following characters: 2–3 serrations on the posterior edge of the pectoral-fin spine; 15–17 anal-fin rays; an upper jaw longer than lower one; a rounded caudal-fin with 50–55 rays; 35–37 post-Weberian vertebrae; anus close to pelvic-fin insertion and an adipose-fin posteriorly continuous with caudal-fin, with a marked incision at confluence.
The Unconventional Eyewall Replacement Cycle of Hurricane Ophelia (2005)
Authors: Razin Muhammad Naufal , Bell Michael M.
Published: April 2021

Hurricane Ophelia (2005) underwent an unconventional eyewall replacement cycle (ERC) as it was a Category 1 storm located over cold sea surface temperatures near 23°C. The ERC was analyzed using airborne radar, flight-level, and dropsonde data collected during the Hurricane Rainband and Intensity Change Experiment (RAINEX) intensive observation period on 11 September 2005. Results showed that the spin-up of the secondary tangential wind maximum during the ERC can be attributed to the efficient convergence of absolute angular momentum by the mid-level inflow of Ophelia’s dominantly stratiform rainbands. This secondary tangential wind maximum strongly contributed to the azimuthal mean tangential wind field, which is conducive for increased low-level supergradient winds and corresponding outflow. The low-level supergradient forcing enhanced convergence to form a secondary eyewall. Ophelia provides a unique example of an ERC occurring in a weaker storm with predominantly stratiform rainbands, suggesting an important role of stratiform precipitation processes in the development of secondary eyewalls.
Postoperative Infection Rate and Associated Factors Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Shah Sharan J. , Hawn Vivian S. , Zhu Nina , Fang Christina H. , Gao Qi , Akbar Nadeem A. , Abuzeid Waleed M.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

There is a paucity of data on postoperative infections after endoscopic sinus surgery and associated risk factors. Our objective was to evaluate a cohort of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis to determine which perioperative factors may be associated with infection in the 30-day postoperative period.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study of adults who underwent ESS at a tertiary academic medical center from 2015 to 2018 was performed. The primary outcome was incidence of postoperative infection, defined by identification of sinus purulence on nasal endoscopy necessitating antibiotics within 30 days of surgery. Independent variables collated included the result of postoperative cultures and use of perioperative antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, packing, and steroid-eluting stents. Statistical analysis involved bivariate analysis to identify variables that correlated with postoperative infection and subsequent multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors.

Results:

Three hundred seventy-eight unique ESS cases performed in 356 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 46 years (range, 18-87). The most common indication for surgery was chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis. The postoperative infection rate was 10.1%. The most commonly cultured pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative systemic corticosteroid use was the only risk factor independently associated with infection (OR 3.47 [95% CI 1.23-9.76], P = .018).

Conclusion:

The incidence of postoperative infection following ESS was 10.1%. The use of postoperative systemic corticosteroids independently increased the risk of infection by 3.47-fold.