bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of cardiovascular health and incident atrial fibrillation in elderly population
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyuk , Yang Pil-Sung , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Jang Eunsun , Uhm Jae-Sun , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Joung Boyoung
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate whether baseline and changes in cardiovascular health (CVH) were related to incident atrial fibrillation (AF) risk in the elderly population.

Methods

From the Korea National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort, we included 208 598 participants without prior AF (median age: 70 (IQR 66–74) years; 90 916 (43.6%) men) who underwent national health check-ups between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2012. Using the six metrics of the American Heart Association, participants were categorised as having low, moderate and high CVH.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 7.2 years, 7818 cases of incident AF occurred. In multivariable analysis, moderate (HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.86 to 0.94) and high (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73 to 0.91) CVH status at baseline were associated with a lower risk of incident AF. However, in 109 695 participants with changes in CVH between the first and second check-ups, the direction of change in CVH scores showed no consistent association with future AF incidence. In newly diagnosed participants with AF, the incidence of the composite outcome (stroke, major bleeding and all-cause death) decreased with every 1-point increase in the baseline CVH score (HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89 to 0.99).

Conclusions

In the general elderly population, better baseline CVH metrics were associated with lower incident AF risk. In participants with newly diagnosed AF, better CVH was also associated with lower incidence of future composite outcomes. However, the direction of change in CVH status within 2 years showed an inconsistent influence on incident AF risk.
Characterisation of protein-truncating and missense variants in PALB2 in 15 768 women from Malaysia and Singapore
Authors: Ng Pei Sze , Boonen Rick ACM , Wijaya Eldarina , Chong Chan Eng , Sharma Milan , Knaup Sabine , Mariapun Shivaani , Ho Weang Kee , Lim Joanna , Yoon Sook-Yee , Mohd Taib Nur Aishah , See Mee Hoong , Li Jingmei , Lim Swee Ho , Tan Ern Yu , Tan Benita Kiat-Tee , Tan Su-Ming , Tan Veronique Kiat-Mien , van Dam Rob Martinus , Rahmat Kartini , Yip Cheng Har , Carvalho Sara , Luccarini Craig , Baynes Caroline , Dunning Alison M , Antoniou Antonis , van Attikum Haico , Easton Douglas F , Hartman Mikael , Teo Soo Hwang
Published: April 2021

Background

Rare protein-truncating variants (PTVs) in partner and localiser of BRCA2 (PALB2) confer increased risk to breast cancer, but relatively few studies have reported the prevalence in South-East Asian populations. Here, we describe the prevalence of rare variants in PALB2 in a population-based study of 7840 breast cancer cases and 7928 healthy Chinese, Malay and Indian women from Malaysia and Singapore, and describe the functional impact of germline missense variants identified in this population.

Methods

Mutation testing was performed on germline DNA (n=15 768) using targeted sequencing panels. The functional impact of missense variants was tested in mouse embryonic stem cell based functional assays.

Results

PTVs in PALB2 were found in 0.73% of breast cancer patients and 0.14% of healthy individuals (OR=5.44; 95% CI 2.85 to 10.39, p<0.0001). In contrast, rare missense variants in PALB2 were not associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Whereas PTVs were associated with later stage of presentation and higher-grade tumours, no significant association was observed with missense variants in PALB2. However, two novel rare missense variants (p.L1027R and p.G1043V) produced unstable proteins and resulted in a decrease in homologous recombination-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks.

Conclusion

Despite genetic and lifestyle differences between Asian and other populations, the population prevalence of PALB2 PTVs and associated relative risk of breast cancer, are similar to those reported in European populations.
Smoking associates with distinct clinical phenotypes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide Danish cross-sectional study
Authors: Leffers Henrik Christian Bidstrup , Troldborg Anne , Voss Anne , Kristensen Salome , Lindhardsen Jesper , Kumar Prabhat , Linauskas Asta , Juul Lars , Krogh Niels Steen , Deleuran Bent , Dreyer Lene , Jacobsen Søren
Published: April 2021

Objectives

SLE displays large clinical heterogeneity that beyond genetic factors may be determined by environmental exposures. In this Danish nationwide study, we aimed to determine if clinical subsets of SLE were associated with smoking history.

Methods

At each of six participating centres, incident or prevalent inpatients and outpatients with SLE were consecutively included. Manifestations forming the basis of SLE classification were registered in an electronic chart system. Patients also provided questionnaire-based data on environmental exposures, including smoking history. Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to determine and characterise subsets of patients with similar traits of disease manifestations. Levels of smoking exposure by pack-years were correlated to the identified SLE subsets, as well as discrete SLE manifestations.

Results

The cohort consisted of 485 patients (88% women and 92% Caucasian) with SLE of which 51% were ever smokers. Common disease manifestations comprised non-erosive arthritis (81%), malar rash (57%), lymphopenia (55%), photosensitivity (50%) and persistent proteinuria (41%). We identified three distinct phenotypic clusters characterised by their preponderance of (A) neurological, serosal and mucosal involvement; (B) renal, haematological and immunological disorders; and (C) acute and chronic skin manifestations. Cluster B was the youngest and had the lowest level of smoking exposure. Age-adjusted regression analyses showed that compared with never smokers a smoking history of >20 pack-years was associated with neurological disorder (OR=3.16), discoid rash (OR=2.22), photosensitivity (OR=2.19) and inversely with haematological disorder (OR=0.40), renal disorder (OR=0.40) and non-erosive arthritis (OR=0.45), p<0.05 for all.

Conclusions

Our findings support that SLE presents in varying clinical phenotypes and suggest that they may have differentiated associations with smoking history.
Undiagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcome in patients with acute MI and no COVID-19 symptoms
Authors: Akhtar Zubair , Chowdhury Fahmida , Aleem Mohammad Abdul , Ghosh Probir Kumar , Rahman Mahmudur , Rahman Mustafizur , Hossain Mohammad Enayet , Sumiya Mariya Kibtiya , Islam A K M Monwarul , Uddin Mir Jamal , MacIntyre C Raina , Cajander Sara , Frobert Ole
Published: April 2021

Objective

We aimed to determine the prevalence and outcome of occult infection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza in patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) without COVID-19 symptoms.

Methods

We conducted an observational study from 28 June to 11 August 2020, enrolling patients admitted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation MI who did not meet WHO criteria for suspected COVID-19. Samples were collected by nasopharyngeal swab to test for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. We followed up patients at 3 months (13 weeks) postadmission to record adverse cardiovascular outcomes: all-cause death, new MI, heart failure and new percutaneous coronary intervention or stent thrombosis. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

We enrolled 280 patients with MI, 79% male, mean age 54.5±11.8 years, 140 of whom were diagnosed with STEMI. We found 36 (13%) to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 1 with influenza. There was no significant difference between mortality rate observed among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients compared with non-infected (5 (14%) vs 26 (11%); p=0.564). A numerically shorter median time to a recurrent cardiovascular event was recorded among SARS-CoV-2 infected compared with non-infected patients (21 days, IQR: 8–46 vs 27 days, IQR: 7–44; p=0.378).

Conclusion

We found a substantial rate of occult SARS-CoV-2 infection in the studied cohort, suggesting SARS-CoV-2 may precipitate MI. Asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 admitted with MI may contribute to disease transmission and warrants widespread testing of hospital admissions.
Impact of assessing patient-reported outcomes with mobile apps on patient–provider interaction
Authors: Shaw Yomei , Courvoisier Delphine S , Scherer Almut , Ciurea Adrian , Lehmann Thomas , Jaeger Veronika K , Walker Ulrich A , Finckh Axel
Published: April 2021

Objective

To explore the effect of apps measuring patient-reported outcomes (PROs) on patient–provider interaction in the rheumatic diseases in an observational setting.

Methods

Patients in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatic Diseases Registry were offered mobile apps (iDialog and COmPASS) to track disease status between rheumatology visits using validated PROs (Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Index-5 score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score, Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data-3 score and Visual Analogue Scale score for pain, disease activity and skin symptoms). We assessed two aspects of patient–provider interaction: shared decision making (SDM) and physician awareness of disease fluctuations. We used logistic regressions to compare outcomes among patients who (1) used an app and discussed app data with their physician (app+discussion group), (2) used an app without discussing the data (app-only group) or (3) did not use any app (non-app users).

Results

2111 patients were analysed, including 1799 non-app users, 150 app-only users and 162 app+discussion users (43% male; with 902 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 766 patients with axial spondyloarthritis and 443 patients with psoriatic arthritis). App users were younger than non-app users (mean age of 47 vs 51 years, p<0.001). Compared with non-app users, the app+discussion group rated their rheumatologist more highly in SDM (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.4) and physician awareness of disease fluctuations (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1). This improvement was absent in the app-only group.

Conclusion

App users who discussed app data with their rheumatologist reported more favourably on patient–provider interactions than app users who did not and non-app users. Apps measuring PROs may contribute little to patient–provider interactions without integration of app data into care processes.
Species-specific vulnerability to angling and its size-selectivity in sympatric stream salmonids
Authors: Tsuboi Jun-ichi , Morita Kentaro , Sahashi Genki , Kuroki Mari , Baba Shinya , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: April 2021

In mixed fisheries where multiple species are caught, to manage resources sustainably, knowledge about the species-specific vulnerability to fishing is equally or even more important than knowledge of size selectivity of the gear. We compared the vulnerability to bait recreational angling in four salmonid species in natural streams in Japan. The ranking of species-specific angling vulnerability was as follows (from highest to lowest): rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou), white-spotted char (Salvelinus leucomaenis), and southern Asian Dolly Varden (Salvelinus curilus). In all species, larger individuals were more vulnerable to angling, but there were differences in the size dependence between species. In rainbow trout and Dolly Varden (which have a nonanadromous life history in the study area), the probability of being caught monotonically increased with body size, while the vulnerability to angling in masu salmon and white-spotted char (which have an anadromous life history in the study area) showed a domed-shaped pattern. We found that across the species the catch per unit effort showed a hyperstable relationship with population density. Therefore, diminishing local populations are prone to collapse, and this collapse would be hard to foresee based on catch rate data alone.
Tail breakage and predatory pressure upon two invasive snakes (Serpentes: Colubridae) at two islands in the Western Mediterranean
Authors: Febrer-Serra Maria , Lassnig Nil , Colomar Victor , Sureda Gomila Antoni , Pinya Fernández Samuel
Published: April 2021

Tail breakage is an important anti-predator mechanism in snake populations, which can be used as a proxy for predation intensity as natural observations of predator-prey interactions are scarce. Frequency of tail breakage was calculated for two Iberian colubrids recently introduced in the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean, Spain): Hemorrhois hippocrepis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Eivissa and Zamenis scalaris (Schinz, 1812) in Formentera. The effect of sex, life-stage, dorsal coloration pattern, body length and body condition on frequency of tail breakage and on remaining subcaudal scale pairs (SBC) were analyzed and compared between the native range and the invaded islands. An increase of the frequency of tail breakage with body size was found, supporting a size-related effect, which also occurs in the native range. Frequency of tail breakage of H. hippocrepis was lower in Eivissa when compared with the original area, while in Formentera Z. scalaris showed a higher frequency, which could be related to the different predator community on each island compared with the mainland. The study of the main ecological aspects of these recent introduced species may allow to assess their potential impact on insular ecosystems and their native biodiversity as well as to promote future control actions in these areas previously free of snakes.
Distribution of FISH oligo-5S rDNA and oligo-(AGGGTTT)3 in Hibiscus mutabilis L.
Authors: Luo Xiaomei , He Zhoujian
Published: April 2021

Hibiscus exhibits high variation in chromosome number both within and among species. The Hibiscus mutabilis L. karyotype was analyzed in detail using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with oligonucleotide probes for (AG3T3)3 and 5S rDNA, which were tested here for the first time. In total, 90 chromosomes were counted in prometaphase and metaphase, and all exhibited similarly intense (AG3T3)3 signals at both ends. (AG3T3)3 showed little variation and thus did not allow discrimination among H. mutabilis chromosomes, but its location at both ends confirmed the integrity of each chromosome, thus contributing to accurate counting of the numerous, small chromosomes. Oligo-5S rDNA marked the proximal/distal regions of six chromosomes: weak signals on chromosomes 7 and 8, slightly stronger signals on chromosomes 15 and 16, and very strong signals on chromosomes 17 and 18. Therefore, 5S rDNA could assist in chromosome identification in H. mutabilis. Metaphase chromosome lengths ranged from 3.00 to 1.18 μm, indicating small chromosomes. The ratios of longest to shortest chromosome length in prometaphase and metaphase were 2.58 and 2.54, respectively, indicating karyotype asymmetry in H. mutabilis. These results provide an exact chromosome number and a physical map, which will be useful for genome assembly and contribute to molecular cytogenetics in the genus Hibiscus.
Holonomy and inverse-triad corrections in spherical models coupled to matter
Authors: Alonso-Bardaji Asier , Brizuela David
Published: April 2021

Loop quantum gravity introduces two characteristic modifications in the classical constraints of general relativity: the holonomy and inverse-triad corrections. In this paper, a systematic construction of anomaly-free effective constraints encoding such corrections is developed for spherically symmetric spacetimes. The starting point of the analysis is a generic Hamiltonian constraint where free functions of the triad and curvature components as well as non-minimal couplings between geometric and matter degrees of freedom are considered. Then, the requirement of anomaly freedom is imposed in order to obtain a modified Hamiltonian that forms a first-class algebra. In this way, we construct a family of consistent deformations of spherical general relativity, which generalizes previous results in the literature. The discussed derivation is implemented for vacuum as well as for two matter models: dust and scalar field. Nonetheless, only the deformed vacuum model admits free functions of the connection components. Therefore, under the present assumptions, we conclude that holonomy corrections are not allowed in the presence of these matter fields.
Regular black hole interior spacetime supported by three-form field
Authors: Bouhmadi-López Mariam , Chen Che-Yu , Chew Xiao Yan , Ong Yen Chin , Yeom Dong-han
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we show that a minimally coupled 3-form endowed with a proper potential can support a regular black hole interior. By choosing an appropriate form for the metric function representing the radius of the 2-sphere, we solve for the 3-form field and its potential. Using the obtained solution, we construct an interior black hole spacetime which is everywhere regular. The singularity is replaced with a Nariai-type spacetime, whose topology is $$\text {dS}_2 \times \text {S}^2$$

dS
2

×

S
2

, in which the radius of the 2-sphere is constant. So long as the interior continues to expand indefinitely, the geometry becomes essentially compactified. The 2-dimensional de Sitter geometry appears despite the negative potential of the 3-form field. Such a dynamical compactification could shed some light on the origin of de Sitter geometry of our Universe, exacerbated by the Swampland conjecture. In addition, we show that the spacetime is geodesically complete. The geometry is singularity-free due to the violation of the null energy condition.
Aschenbach effect for spinning particles in Kerr–(A)dS spacetime
Authors: Vahedi Ali , Khodagholizadeh Jafar , Tursunov Arman
Published: April 2021

A non-monotonic behavior of the velocity gradient of a test particle revolving around a rapidly rotating black hole in the locally non-rotating frame of reference is known as the Aschenbach effect. This effect can serve as a distinguishing signature of rapidly rotating black holes, being potentially useful for the measurements of the astrophysical black hole spins. This paper is the generalization of our previous research to the motion of spinning particles around a rotating black hole with non-zero cosmological constant. We show that both the particle’s spin s and the cosmological constant $$\Lambda $$
Λ
modify the critical value of the black hole spin $$a_c$$

a
c

, for which the Aschenbach effect can be observed; $$a_c$$

a
c

can increase or decrease depending on the signs of s and $$\Lambda $$
Λ
. We also found that the particle’s spin s can mimic the effect of the cosmological constant $$\Lambda $$
Λ
for a given $$a_c$$

a
c

, causing thus a discrepancy in the measurements of s, $$\Lambda $$
Λ
and $$a_c$$

a
c

in the Aschenbach effect.
Non-minimal energy–momentum squared gravity
Authors: Shahidi Shahab
Published: April 2021

We consider a gravitational theory with an additional non-minimal coupling between baryonic matter fields and geometry. The coupling is second order in the energy momentum tensor and can be seen as a generalization of the energy–momentum squared gravity model. We will add a constraint through a Lagrange multiplier to ensure the conservation of the energy–momentum tensor. Background cosmological implications together with its dynamical system analysis will be investigated in details. Also we will consider the growth of matter perturbations at first order, and estimate the model parameter from observations on H and also $$f\sigma _8$$

f

σ
8

. We will show that the model parameter should be small and positive in 2$$\sigma $$
σ
confidence interval. The theory is shown to be in a good agreement with observational data.
SHOULD ASEAN ANTITRUST LAWS EMULATE EUROPEAN COMPETITION POLICY?
Authors: AUER DIRK , MANNE GEOFFREY A. , BOWMAN SAM
Published: April 2021

Recent years have seen the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members embark upon various initiatives that seek to harmonize their competition regimes. These ongoing efforts to modernize and harmonize ASEAN competition laws take place amid a longstanding effort by both the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) to export their respective competition laws throughout the world. This raises a critical question: Should the ASEAN countries attempt to mimic the competition regimes of other developed nations, notably those that are in force in the EU and the US? And, if so, which one of these regimes should they draw more inspiration from? This paper seeks to dispel the myth that the European model of competition enforcement would necessarily provide a superior blueprint. To the contrary, it shows that the evolutionary, common-law-like regime that has emerged in the US has many strengths that are often overlooked by contemporary competition policy scholarship, and which might provide a particularly good fit for the economic and political realities of the ASEAN member states. The paper proceeds as follows. Section  2 analyzes the high-level differences between the American and European approaches to competition policy. Section  3 shows that the US and Europe also differ substantially in terms of the conduct that may constitute an infringement of competition law — the EU system being significantly more restrictive. Section  4 turns to the thorny problem of digital platforms, in particular, and argues that while the European model might more readily facilitate intervention against digital platforms, the resulting cases may be detrimental to consumers and the economy more broadly. Section  5 posits that reducing economic concentration — sometimes cited as a byproduct of European-style competition enforcement — should not be a self-standing goal of antitrust policy. Finally, Section  6 argues that many of the economic and political characteristics of the ASEAN economy cut in favor of using the US model of competition enforcement as a blueprint for further development and harmonization of ASEAN competition law.
Blowing up solutions for supercritical Yamabe problems on manifolds with non-umbilic boundary
Authors: Ghimenti Marco G. , Micheletti Anna Maria
Published: April 2021

We build blowing-up solutions for a supercritical perturbation of the Yamabe problem on manifolds with boundary, provided the dimension of the manifold is [Formula: see text] and the trace-free part of the second fundamental form is nonzero everywhere on the boundary.
A Passive Adaptive Suspended Mass Pendulum to Compensate Detuning Due to Large Swing Angle
Authors: Huo Linsheng , Huang Chen , Zhang Yuwan , Li Hongnan
Published: April 2021

The suspended mass pendulum (SMP) conventionally used is a type of frequency sensitive vibration control device. It is vulnerable to detuning due to large amplitude oscillations, which can lead to a significant loss in vibration control performance. Although active or semi-active control systems can solve the problem of frequency detuning, the reliability and stability of the sensors and actuators in the control system are difficult to guarantee for large-scale civil structures. To overcome this issue, this study proposes a passive adaptive suspended mass pendulum (PASMP) that uses a curved support. First, the mathematical equations describing the curved support are derived to show that it can keep the frequency of the pendulum constant at large swing angles. Then the kinematic equations of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structure installed with the PASMP are established. A parametric analysis is conducted to verify how the parameters of the control system, including the excitation period, pendulum length and mass ratio, affect the dynamic responses of the main structure. Furthermore, to verify the effectiveness of the PASMP and the validity of the theoretical analysis, a two-story frame structure is chosen as the model structure in shaking table tests. Also, the proposed PASMP is applied to a transmission tower to numerically verify its effectiveness of vibration suppression under different seismic excitations. The numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the PASMP can more effectively suppress the vibration of structures than the conventionally used SMP.
Morphological Control in Gold Nanostructures Synthesis Process
Authors: Mohammed Yasir Hussein , Zakar Ammar Tahseen , Zaker Thoalfiqar Ali
Published: April 2021

Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) have unique optical, electronic and catalytic properties. Dome-like gold (Au) NPs having a size as small as [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm and a high density of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] were prepared by very high frequency (VHF) hydrogen (H[Formula: see text] plasma-assisted radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS) technique. The influence of RF power and sputtering time on the morphology and structure of islands-like Au nanostructures (NSs) were determined. Besides, optimum sputtering sample (OSS) was treated by VHF H2 plasma technique to fabricate dense Au NPs with great uniformity. Prepared samples were studied by atomic force microscope (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). AFM images of the sputtering samples show a good density of islands-like Au NSs ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] with relatively homogeneous distribution. VHF H2 plasma treatment dependent alterations in the surface morphology of the OSS (shape, size, distribution, number density and average surface roughness) were clearly manifested in the AFM images. EDX spectra disclosed prominent Au peaks highly sensitive to the H2 plasma treatment. Our novel fabrication method may contribute to the development of Au NPs based nanodevices.
Smooth reverse subdivision of uniform algebraic hyperbolic B-splines and wavelets
Authors: Ajeddar Mohamed , Lamnii Abdellah
Published: April 2021

In this work, we give an introduction of uniform algebraic hyperbolic [Formula: see text]-splines (UAH [Formula: see text]-splines) generated over the space spanned by [Formula: see text], in which [Formula: see text] is an integer larger than or equal to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is a tension parameter. Then, we construct a general formula of the refinement equation for any given order [Formula: see text] of these [Formula: see text]-splines. Using the matrix version of this equation, we have also constructed the subdivision formula for UAH [Formula: see text]-spline curves. In order to introduce a new reverse subdivision framework, entitled “Smooth Reverse Subdivision” associated with the cubic UAH [Formula: see text]-splines, by continuing this process, we present a new multiresolution technique for general topology curves. We illustrate our results by numerical experiments.
Embedded interior solutions of V elaX − 1 model in f(τ,T) gravity
Authors: Ashraf Asifa , Ditta Allah , Zhu Quanyong , Zhang Zhiyue
Published: April 2021

This article is based on the extension of Teleparallel Theory named [Formula: see text] gravity, where the notions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] abbreviate the torsion trace term of the energy–momentum tensor. This study aims to explore the anisotropic outcomes of the [Formula: see text] model. We use the field equations drawn by using the spherical symmetry, including the torsion trace term. The major components [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], of spherical symmetric space-time are obtained by inducing the Karmarkar condition. We can obtain the values of the involved parameters [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] in this study by matching the interior spherical metric with the exterior Schwarzschild’s solutions of the Einstein field equations. To explore the stability of the stellar objects predicted by our study, we study the properties like metric potentials, energy density, pressures, anisotropy, gradients, EoS, energy conditions, the behavior of forces, sound speeds, adiabatic index, redshift, mass function, and compactification by graphical analysis in the background of [Formula: see text] gravity.
Expressing the largest eigenvalue of a singular beta F-matrix with heterogeneous hypergeometric functions
Authors: Shimizu Koki , Hashiguchi Hiroki
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the exact distribution of the largest eigenvalue of a singular random matrix for multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is discussed. The key to developing the distribution theory of eigenvalues of a singular random matrix is to use heterogeneous hypergeometric functions with two matrix arguments. In this study, we define the singular beta [Formula: see text]-matrix and extend the distributions of a nonsingular beta [Formula: see text]-matrix to the singular case. We also give the joint density of eigenvalues and the exact distribution of the largest eigenvalue in terms of heterogeneous hypergeometric functions.
Quantitative Molecular Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Using Advanced Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Zaidi Habib , El Naqa Issam
Published: April 2021

The widespread availability of high-performance computing and the popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) with machine learning and deep learning (ML/DL) algorithms at the helm have stimulated the development of many applications involving the use of AI-based techniques in molecular imaging research. Applications reported in the literature encompass various areas, including innovative design concepts in positron emission tomography (PET) instrumentation, quantitative image reconstruction and analysis techniques, computer-aided detection and diagnosis, as well as modeling and prediction of outcomes. This review reflects the tremendous interest in quantitative molecular imaging using ML/DL techniques during the past decade, ranging from the basic principles of ML/DL techniques to the various steps required for obtaining quantitatively accurate PET data, including algorithms used to denoise or correct for physical degrading factors as well as to quantify tracer uptake and metabolic tumor volume for treatment monitoring or radiation therapy treatment planning and response prediction.This review also addresses future opportunities and current challenges facing the adoption of ML/DL approaches and their role in multimodality imaging.
Environmental Influences on the Human Microbiome and Implications for Noncommunicable Disease
Authors: Ahn Jiyoung , Hayes Richard B.
Published: April 2021

The human microbiome contributes metabolic functions, protects against pathogens, educates the immune system, and through these basic functions, directly or indirectly, affects most of our physiologic functions. Here, we consider the human microbiome and its relationship to several major noncommunicable human conditions, including orodigestive tract cancers, neurologic diseases, diabetes, and obesity. We also highlight the scope of contextual macroenvironmental factors (toxicological and chemical environment, built environment, and socioeconomic environment) and individual microenvironmental factors (smoking, alcohol, and diet) that may push the microbiota toward less healthy or more healthy conditions, influencing the development of these diseases. Last, we highlight current uncertainties and challenges in the study of environmental influences on the human microbiome and implications for understanding noncommunicable disease, suggesting a research agenda to strengthen the scientific evidence base.
Vaccine Hesitancy, Acceptance, and Anti-Vaccination: Trends and Future Prospects for Public Health
Authors: Dubé Ève , Ward Jeremy K. , Verger Pierre , MacDonald Noni E.
Published: April 2021

An often-stated public health comment is that “vaccination is a victim of its own success.” While the scientific and medical consensus on the benefits of vaccination is clear and unambiguous, an increasing number of people are perceiving vaccines as unsafe and unnecessary. The World Health Organization identified “the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite availability of vaccines” as one of the 10 threats to global health in 2019. The negative influence of anti-vaccination movements is often named as a cause of increasing vaccine resistance in the public. In this review, we give an overview of the current literature on the topic, beginning by agreeing on terminology and concepts before looking at potential causes, consequences, and impacts of resistance to vaccination.
Single-cell transcriptomics trajectory and molecular convergence of clinically relevant mutations in Brugada syndrome
Authors: Tambi Richa , Abdel Hameid Reem , Bankapur Asma , Nassir Nasna , Begum Ghausia , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi , Uddin Mohammed , Berdiev Bakhrom K.
Published: April 2021

Brugada syndrome is a rare inherited arrhythmia with high risk of sudden cardiac death. We present the findings for a molecular convergence of clinically relevant mutations and identification of a single-cell transcriptome-derived cardiac cell types that are associated with the etiology of BrS. Our study suggests that genomic and proteomic hotspots in BrS converge into ion transport pathway and cardiomyocyte as a major BrS-associated cell type that provides insight into the complex genetic etiology of BrS.
Microvesicles in plasma reflect coronary flow reserve in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bryl-Górecka Paulina , James Kreema , Torngren Kristina , Haraldsson Inger , Gan Li-Ming , Svedlund Sara , Olde Björn , Laurell Thomas , Omerovic Elmir , Erlinge David
Published: April 2021

We investigated how microvesicles (MVs) from patients with cardiovascular diseases are related to coronary flow reserve (CFR), a clinical parameter reflecting blood flow in the heart. Our results show a negative relationship between CFR and levels of platelet and endothelial MVs. The pattern of MV-enriched cardiovascular biomarkers differs between patients with high and low CFR. Our findings suggest a potential clinical value of MVs as biomarkers of reduced blood flow and proatherogenic status, additional to CFR.
Role of arterial impairment in preeclampsia: should the paradigm shift?
Authors: Pereira María M. , Torrado Juan , Sosa Claudio , Zócalo Yanina , Bia Daniel
Published: April 2021

Preeclampsia is a worldwide pregnancy complication with serious short- and long-term maternal and neonatal consequences. Our understanding of preeclampsia pathophysiology has significantly evolved over the last decades with the recognition that impaired arterial function and structure may occur early in the course of pregnancy, preceding the clinic-humoral syndrome and driving long-term cardiovascular disease risk in the future of these patients. Although an early abnormal placentation may be the inciting event for a large proportion of cases, there is growing evidence that challenges the placental hypothesis in all affected women, since placental histopathology lesions thought to be characteristic are neither sensitive nor specific markers for the disorder. Recent hemodynamic investigations and studies on left ventricular function and structure in women with preeclampsia further challenge this universal paradigm and propose that placental dysfunction could be secondary to a maternal cardiovascular maladaptation to pregnancy in certain patients. Supporting this hypothesis, certain vascular features, which are characteristically enhanced in normal pregnancy allowing a healthy vascular adaptation, are absent in preeclampsia and comparable to the nonpregnant population. However, arterial biomechanics in preeclampsia may only not cope with hemodynamic demands of pregnancy but also impose additional detrimental loads to the maternal heart (“impaired left-ventricle-aorta coupling”) and transmit pressure and flow disturbances into the fetoplacental circulation (“impaired large arteries-microcirculation coupling”). In this review, we analyze the major role of the arterial dysfunction in the cardiovascular maladaptation hypothesis of preeclampsia, shed light on its potential etiopathogenic link, and discuss the complementary nature of the placental and cardiovascular theories.
Application of Propofol in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Anesthesia Based on Smart Medical Blockchain Technology
Authors: Yu Zhaoxiang , Liu Yang , Zhu Chunlei
Published: April 2021

The rapid development of intelligent computer technology has promoted the improvement of people’s living standards and the application of the entire intelligent system. In modern medicine, doctors use their accumulated experience and medical knowledge to diagnose diseases and draw conclusions. In order to effectively inherit the diagnosis experience accumulated by doctors, R&D personnel put forward the idea of using artificial intelligence technology to develop an intelligent auxiliary medical diagnosis system. Aiming at the abovementioned machine-learning problems in the medical field, this article mainly introduces the application research of propofol in oral and maxillofacial surgery anesthesia based on smart medical blockchain technology. This paper proposes a research method based on smart medical blockchain technology to assist propofol in oral and maxillofacial surgery anesthesia, including support vector machine data classification algorithm, decision tree data classification algorithm, and machine-learning-based LSTM neural network. Research experiments on the application of intelligent medical aid propofol in oral and maxillofacial surgery anesthesia are conducted. The experimental results in this paper show that the response time of the general business logic interface of the application system of propofol in oral and maxillofacial surgery anesthesia based on smart medical blockchain technology is about 41 milliseconds, which can better help doctors in anesthesia and related treatments.
The Herbal Constituents in An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH) Protect against Cinnabar- and Realgar-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity and Accumulations of Mercury and Arsenic in Mice
Authors: Wang Songsong , Xiao Xiao , Li Ao , Li Peng
Published: April 2021

An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH) has been a well-known cinnabar- and realgar-containing compound recipe for cerebral diseases. Unfortunately, its clinical practice is often restrained by the specific hepatorenal toxicity of cinnabar and realgar (C + R). In previous research studies, we have found that the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of its herbal constituents could mitigate the risks from the toxicity. The underlying detoxification mechanisms are still unsolved. The present study investigated the protective effects of AGNH’s herbal constituents on hepatorenal injury induced by C + R. For the mice treated with C + R, the increased expression levels of sensitive biomarkers of metal exposure and hepatorenal toxicity, including metallothionein (MT) in both hepatorenal tissues and kidney induced molecule-1 (KIM-1) in the kidney, were simultaneously reduced when C + R coadministered with other herbal medicines. In addition, the contents of trivalent As (AsIII), pentavalent As (Asv), and mercury (Hg) in hepatorenal tissues of mice were also significantly reduced benefiting from the herbal constituents in AGNH. Further mechanism studies showed that the herbal constituents in AGNH could downregulate the expressions of uptake transporters (AQP9 and OAT1) and upregulate the expressions of efflux transporters (P-gp, MRP2, and MRP4) in mice intoxicated by C + R. Our results suggested that AGNH’s herbal constituents protect the body against C + R-induced hepatorenal toxicity and accumulations of Hg and As, which could be associated with the reestablishment of heavy metal homeostasis and the detoxification system.
On-Demand Release of Drug from Magnetic Nanoparticle-Loaded Alginate Beads
Authors: Nguyen Dung The , Nguyen Nguyet-Minh , Vu Duc-Minh , Tran Minh-Duc , Ta Van-Thao
Published: April 2021

Targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs has been considered to be an important therapeutic approach since it could allow a better treatment efficiency and less side effects. In this research, magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via the coprecipitation method and then loaded in alginate beads with berberine as a drug model for drug release application. Various factors such as pH values of the suspended environment and surface modifications of the drug carrier could be exploited to adjust the amount of drug release. More importantly, the amount of drug release could be effectively controlled by an on-off switching operation of a static magnetic field.
A New Measure of Pulse Rate Variability and Detection of Atrial Fibrillation Based on Improved Time Synchronous Averaging
Authors: Ding Xiaodong , Wang Yiqin , Hao Yiming , Lv Yi , Chen Rui , Yan Haixia
Published: April 2021

Background. Pulse rate variability monitoring and atrial fibrillation detection algorithms have been widely used in wearable devices, but the accuracies of these algorithms are restricted by the signal quality of pulse wave. Time synchronous averaging is a powerful noise reduction method for periodic and approximately periodic signals. It is usually used to extract single-period pulse waveforms, but has nothing to do with pulse rate variability monitoring and atrial fibrillation detection traditionally. If this method is improved properly, it may provide a new way to measure pulse rate variability and to detect atrial fibrillation, which may have some potential advantages under the condition of poor signal quality. Objective. The objective of this paper was to develop a new measure of pulse rate variability by improving existing time synchronous averaging and to detect atrial fibrillation by the new measure of pulse rate variability. Methods. During time synchronous averaging, two adjacent periods were regarded as the basic unit to calculate the average signal, and the difference between waveforms of the two adjacent periods was the new measure of pulse rate variability. 3 types of distance measures (Euclidean distance, Manhattan distance, and cosine distance) were tested to measure this difference on a simulated training set with a capacity of 1000. The distance measure, which can accurately distinguish regular pulse rate and irregular pulse rate, was used to detect atrial fibrillation on the testing set with a capacity of 62 (11 with atrial fibrillation, 8 with premature contraction, and 43 with sinus rhythm). The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the performance of the indexes. Results. The Euclidean distance between waveforms of the two adjacent periods performs best on the training set. On the testing set, the Euclidean distance in atrial fibrillation group is significantly higher than that of the other two groups. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve to identify atrial fibrillation was 0.998. With the threshold of 2.1, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 98.39%, 100%, and 98.04%, respectively. This new index can detect atrial fibrillation from pulse wave signal. Conclusion. This algorithm not only provides a new perspective to detect AF but also accomplishes the monitoring of PRV and the extraction of single-period pulse wave through the same technical route, which may promote the popularization and application of pulse wave.
circSLC8A1 Acts as a Tumor Suppressor in Prostate Cancer via Sponging miR‐21
Authors: Wang Daoyuan , Yan Shuxian , Wang Lihui , Li Yunlong , Qiao Baoping
Published: April 2021

Background. There is more and more evidence showed that circRNAs played essentially role in the regulation of various biological processes. The role of circSLC8A1 in prostate cancer (PCa) is yet little known. Methods. The CircSLC8A1 expression in human prostate cancer was measured by qRT‐PCR. The interplay between the specific circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA was investigated by RT‐PCR and luciferase reporter assay. Through transient transfection of siRNA, the impacts of circSLC8A1 on PCa were discussed. Cell cycle evaluation, transwell assay, and CCK‐8 assay were employed to determine its biological influences. Results. In this study, our data revealed that circSLC8A1 was downregulated in PCa tissues and cells. The reduction of circSLC8A1 resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. In mechanism, circSLC8A1 exhibited a direct interaction with miR‐21 and displayed as a miRNA sponge to inhibit PCa progression. The functional analysis revealed that the circSLC8A1/miR‐21 axis may regulate the cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, MAPK signaling pathway, and chemokine signaling pathway. Conclusions. CircSLC8A1 functioned as an inhibitor of neoplasm via modulating the miR‐21 and might serve as a prospective target for the treatment of PCa.
An Update on Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Centered Therapies in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Xie Liang
Published: April 2021

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative disease characterized by cartilage degeneration, disrupted subchondral bone remodeling, and synovitis, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients with chronic pain and functional disabilities. Current treatments for TMJOA are mainly symptomatic therapies without reliable long-term efficacy, due to the limited self-renewal capability of the condyle and the poorly elucidated pathogenesis of TMJOA. Recently, there has been increased interest in cellular therapies for osteoarthritis and TMJ regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), self-renewing and multipotent progenitor cells, play a promising role in TMJOA treatment. Derived from a variety of tissues, MSCs exert therapeutic effects through diverse mechanisms, including chondrogenic differentiation; fibrocartilage regeneration; and trophic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we provide an overview of the therapeutic roles of various tissue-specific MSCs in osteoarthritic TMJ or TMJ regenerative tissue engineering, with an additional focus on joint-resident stem cells and other cellular therapies, such as exosomes and adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF). Additionally, we summarized the updated pathogenesis of TMJOA to provide a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms of cellular therapies. Although limitations exist, MSC-centered therapies still provide novel, innovative approaches for TMJOA treatment.
Small Molecule “Silmitasertib” Repurposed as Inhibitor of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 for the Development of Therapeutics for Oral Submucous Fibrosis
Authors: Boreak Nezar
Published: April 2021

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is considered a premalignant condition characterized by aggressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissues of the oral cavity reflecting its malignant transformation potential. Activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling has been reported to lead increased collagen production and fibrosis. Recently, significant upregulation of TGF‐β1 has been reported in OSMF as compared to normal tissues. Therefore, inhibition of the TGF‐β1 may pave for the development of therapeutics of OSMF. Based on the structure‐assisted drug designing, we found “silmitasertib” as potent inhibitor of TGF‐β1. We suggest that this molecule can be validated and implemented for the treatment of OSMF.