bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive review of statistical methods for analysing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) used as primary outcomes in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published by the UK’sHealth Technology Assessment(HTA) journal (1997–2020)
Authors: Qian Yirui , Walters Stephen J , Jacques Richard , Flight Laura
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To identify how frequently patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are used as primary and/or secondary outcomes in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and to summarise what statistical methods are used for the analysis of PROs.

Design

Comprehensive review.

Setting

RCTs funded and published by the United Kingdom’s (UK) National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme.

Data sources and eligibility

HTA reports of RCTs published between January 1997 and December 2020 were reviewed.

Data extraction

Information relating to PRO use and analysis methods was extracted.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The frequency of using PROs as primary and/or secondary outcomes; statistical methods that were used for the analysis of PROs as primary outcomes.

Results

In this review, 37.6% (114/303) of trials used PROs as primary outcomes, and 82.8% (251/303) of trials used PROs as secondary outcomes from 303 NIHR HTA reports of RCTs. In the 114 RCTs where the PRO was the primary outcome, the most used PRO was the Short-Form 36 (8/114); the most popular methods for multivariable analysis were linear mixed model (45/114), linear regression (29/114) and analysis of covariance (13/114); logistic regression was applied for binary and ordinal outcomes in 14/114 trials; and the repeated measures analysis was used in 39/114 trials.

Conclusion

The majority of trials used PROs as primary and/or secondary outcomes. Conventional methods such as linear regression are widely used, despite the potential violation of their assumptions. In recent years, there is an increasing trend of using complex models (eg, with mixed effects). Statistical methods developed to address these violations when analysing PROs, such as beta-binomial regression, are not routinely used in practice. Future research will focus on evaluating available statistical methods for the analysis of PROs.
Treatment of early-stage breast cancer with percutaneous thermal ablation, an open-label randomised phase 2 screening trial: rationale and design of the THERMAC trial
Authors: van de Voort Elles M F , Struik Gerson M , Koppert Linetta B , Moelker Adriaan , Debets Reno , Yo Glenn , Macco Maura J P V , Sinke Renata H J A , Franckena Martine , Birnie Erwin , Verhoef Cornelis , Klem Taco M A L
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide but almost half of the patients have an excellent prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 98%–99%. These patients could potentially be treated with thermal ablation to avoid surgical excision, reduce treatment-related morbidity and increase patients’ quality of life without jeopardising treatment effectiveness. Previous studies showed highest complete ablation rates for radiofrequency, microwave and cryoablation. However, due to heterogeneity among studies, it is unknown which of these three techniques should be selected for a phase 3 comparative study.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this phase 2 screening trial is to determine the efficacy rate of radiofrequency, microwave and cryoablation with the intention to select one treatment for further testing in a phase 3 trial. Additionally, exploratory data are obtained for the phase 3 trial. The design is a multicentre open-label randomised phase 2 screening trial. Patients with unifocal, invasive breast cancer with a maximum diameter of 2 cm without lymph node or distant metastases are included. Triple negative, Bloom-Richardson grade 3 tumours and patients with an indication for neoadjuvant chemotherapy will be excluded. Included patients will be allocated to receive one of the three thermal ablation techniques. Three months later surgical excision will be performed to determine the efficacy of thermal ablation. Treatment efficacy in terms of complete ablation rate will be assessed with CK 8/18 and H&E staining. Secondary outcomes include feasibility of the techniques in an outpatient setting, accuracy of MRI for complete ablation, patient satisfaction, adverse events, side effects, cosmetic outcome, system usability and immune response.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol was approved by Medical Research Ethics Committee of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Study results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NL9205 (www.trialregister.nl); Pre-results.
Relationship between food insecurity and smoking status among women living with and at risk for HIV in the USA: a cohort study
Authors: Sheira Lila A , Frongillo Edward A , Hahn Judith , Palar Kartika , Riley Elise D , Wilson Tracey E , Adedimeji Adebola , Merenstein Daniel , Cohen Mardge , Wentz Eryka L , Adimora Adaora A , Ofotokun Ighovwerha , Metsch Lisa , Turan Janet M , Tien Phyllis C , Weiser Sheri D
Published: September 2021

Objectives

People living with HIV (PLHIV) in the USA, particularly women, have a higher prevalence of food insecurity than the general population. Cigarette smoking among PLHIV is common (42%), and PLHIV are 6–13 times more likely to die from lung cancer than AIDS-related causes. This study sought to investigate the associations between food security status and smoking status and severity among a cohort of predominantly low-income women of colour living with and without HIV in the USA.

Design

Women enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal cohort study from 2013 to 2015.

Setting

Nine participating sites across the USA.

Participants

2553 participants enrolled in the Food Insecurity Sub-Study of the Women’s Interagency HIV Study, a multisite cohort study of US women living with HIV and demographically similar HIV-seronegative women.

Outcomes

Current cigarette smoking status and intensity were self-reported. We used cross-sectional and longitudinal logistic and Tobit regressions to assess associations of food security status and changes in food security status with smoking status and intensity.

Results

The median age was 48. Most respondents were African-American/black (72%) and living with HIV (71%). Over half had annual incomes ≤US$12 000 (52%). Food insecurity (44%) and cigarette smoking (42%) were prevalent. In analyses adjusting for common sociodemographic characteristics, all categories of food insecurity were associated with greater odds of current smoking compared with food-secure women. Changes in food insecurity were also associated with increased odds of smoking. Any food insecurity was associated with higher smoking intensity.

Conclusions

Food insecurity over time was associated with smoking in this cohort of predominantly low-income women of colour living with or at risk of HIV. Integrating alleviation of food insecurity into smoking cessation programmes may be an effective method to reduce the smoking prevalence and disproportionate lung cancer mortality rate particularly among PLHIV.
Intestinal microbiota changes induced by TNF-inhibitors in IBD-related spondyloarthritis
Authors: Ditto Maria Chiara , Parisi Simone , Landolfi Gianpiero , Borrelli Richard , Realmuto Cristina , Finucci Annacarla , Caviglia Gian Paolo , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Astegiano Marco , Zanetti Anna , Carrara Greta , Scirè Carlo Alberto , Antivalle Marco , Sarzi-Puttini Piercarlo , Fusaro Enrico
Published: September 2021

Background

The close relationship between joints and gut inflammation has long been known and several data suggest that dysbiosis could link spondyloarthritis (SpA) to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The introduction of biological drugs, in particular tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), revolutionised the management of both these diseases. While the impact of conventional drugs on gut microbiota is well known, poor data are available about TNFi.

Aim

To investigate the impact of TNFi on gut microbiota.

Methods

We evaluated 20 patients affected by enteropathic arthritis, naïve for biological drugs, treated with TNFi at baseline and after 6 months of therapy. All patients followed a Mediterranean diet. Patients performed self-sampling of a faecal sample at baseline and after 6 months of therapy. NGS-based ITS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed, followed by the taxonomic bioinformatics analysis.

Results

After 6 months of therapy, we detected a remarkable increase in Lachnospiraceae family (Δ +10.3, p=0.04) and Coprococcus genus (Δ +2.8, p=0.003). We also noted a decreasing trend in Proteobacteria (Δ −8.0, p=0.095) and Gammaproteobacteria (Δ −9, p=0.093) and an increasing trend in Clostridia (Δ +8.2, p=0.083). We did not find differences between TNFi responders (SpA improvement or IBD remission achieved) and non-responders in terms of alpha and beta diversity.

Conclusions

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that TNFi therapy tends to restore the intestinal eubiosis.
Theory requirements for SM Higgs and EW precision physics at the FCC-ee
Authors: Heinemeyer S. , Jadach S. , Reuter J.
Published: September 2021

High-precision experimental measurements of the properties of the Higgs boson at $$\sim 125$$

∼
125

 GeV as well as electroweak precision observables such as the W-boson mass or the effective weak leptonic mixing angle are expected at future $$e^+e^-$$

e
+

e
-

colliders such as the FCC-ee. This high anticipated precision has to be matched with theory predictions for the measured quantities at the same level of accuracy. We briefly summarize the status of these predictions within the standard model and of the tools that are used for their determination. We outline how the theory predictions will have to be improved in order to reach the required accuracy, and also comment on the simulation frameworks for the Higgs and EW precision program.
Long-term and season-specific changes in the body concentrations of magnesium, potassium and calcium by means of quantitative analyses of beard samples collected every day: A case study
Authors: Sera K. , Goto S. , Hosokawa T. , Saitoh Y.
Published: September 2021

More than 4000 beard samples were collected from a single person every morning over a 12-year period and analyzed using a standard-free method. We detected significant annual variations in the concentrations of magnesium and calcium in the study period, although significant monthly and seasonal variations were not noted. Calcium tends not to be obtained from season-specific foods or drinks, so its variations may be affected by changes in the metabolism of the body. In contrast, however, potassium showed marked long-term variations with significant seasonal differences. As our previous studies confirmed that green vegetables contain large quantities of potassium and that their supply and consumption increase from May to July, the seasonal variations in potassium concentration were attributed to the ingestion of green vegetables. Although magnesium is also contained in green vegetables in large quantities, its principle supply sources are diverse and its concentration did not show any clear seasonal changes.
On the inverse kinetic energy cascade in premixed isotropic turbulent flames
Authors: Qian Xiang , Lu Hao , Zou Chun , Yao Hong
Published: September 2021

The understanding of energy transfer in fluids is important for the accurate modeling of turbulent reacting flows. In this study, we investigate interscale kinetic energy transfer and subgrid-scale (SGS) backscatter using data from direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of premixed isotropic turbulent flames. Results reveal that in the examined premixed flames, the pressure transfer term appearing in the transport equation of turbulent kinetic energy dominates the nonlinear advection and the dissipation at large scales, and noticeably contributes to the inverse kinetic energy cascade. Filtered DNS data show that SGS backscatter is correlated with the appearance of positive pressure-dilatation work, i.e. thermal expansion. A priori test results of three SGS stress models reveal that the Smagorinsky stress model is unable to capture SGS backscatter, but that two nonlinear structural stress models are able to predict SGS backscatter.
The thermal feedback effects on the temperature evolution during reheating
Authors: Lei Ming
Published: September 2021

The time dependence of the temperature during the reheating process is studied. We consider the thermal feedback effects of the produced particles on the effective dissipation rate of the inflaton field, which can lead to enhanced production of particles. We parameterize the temperature dependence of the dissipation rate in terms of a Taylor expansion containing the vacuum decay rate and the thermal terms. By solving the Boltzmann equations for the energy densities of the inflaton and radiation, we provide analytic estimates for a general power-law dependence on the temperature. In this way, we describe the entire reheating process. The maximum temperature of the reheating process and its dependence on model parameters are studied in different cases. The impact of the thermal feedback effects on the expansion history of the universe and the cosmic microwave background (CMB) is discussed. We also discuss the range of validity of our approach.
Causality, crossing and analyticity in conformal field theories
Authors: Maharana Jnanadeva
Published: September 2021

Analyticity and crossing properties of four-point function are investigated in conformal field theories in the frameworks of Wightman axioms. A Hermitian scalar conformal field, satisfying the Wightman axioms, is considered. The crucial role of microcausality in deriving analyticity domains is discussed and domains of analyticity are presented. A pair of permuted Wightman functions are envisaged. The crossing property is derived by appealing to the technique of analytic completion for the pair of permuted Wightman functions. The operator product expansion of a pair of scalar fields is studied and analyticity property of the matrix elements of composite fields, appearing in the operator product expansion, is investigated. An integral representation is presented for the commutator of composite fields where microcausality is a key ingredient. Three fundamental theorems of axiomatic local field theories; namely, PCT theorem, the theorem proving equivalence between PCT theorem and weak local commutativity and the edge-of-the-wedge theorem are invoked to derive a conformal bootstrap equation rigorously.
Arc presentations of Montesinos links
Authors: Lee Hwa Jeong
Published: September 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a Montesinos link [Formula: see text] with positive rational numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], each less than 1, and [Formula: see text] the minimal crossing number of [Formula: see text]. Herein, we construct arc presentations of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] arcs under some conditions for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we determine the arc index of infinitely many Montesinos links.
Nonlinear Dynamics Analysis of Flexible Deployable Linkage Mechanisms Using the Finite Particle Method
Authors: Wu Fangyu , Yu Ying , Zhao Yongjie , Yuan Xiaojing
Published: September 2021

Deployable mechanisms have notable applications in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and space technology. Although often ignored, deployable linkage mechanism exhibits additional flexibility beyond rigid folding owing to the deformation of nonrigid components. The actual behavior of flexible deployable linkage usually involves the dynamic effect and geometric nonlinearity. Using the finite particle method (FPM), this study investigated the nonlinear responses of flexible deployable linkage mechanisms. As a particle method, the FPM is displacement based, explicit, and can avoid iterations to solve nonlinear equilibrium equations. It can be used for nonlinear analyses of structures with rigid body motion and infinitesimal mechanisms, and to determine the internal force and structural deformation. To investigate the nonrigid Bennett linkage and Bricard linkage, formulations of a three-dimensional beam element and revolute hinge element were derived for FPM analysis. Agreement between analytical solutions and numerical simulations demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed approach for nonlinear motion analysis of nonrigid mechanisms. The FPM results revealed that mechanism flexibility can cause deviation from rigid compatibility paths, and the internal force and deformation of mechanisms should be considered when designing nonrigid mechanisms.
Inner Knowledge: A New Approach Building Upon Innovation
Authors: Flor Irina de la , Sarabia Maria , Crecente Fernando , Del Val Maria Teresa
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes an innovative theoretical model building upon traditional Knowledge Management (KM) that could help increase both job satisfaction and efficiency of workers. The model introduces two new dimensions to KM: the classification of knowledge according to its origin; and the degree of impact the knowledge has on an individual’s efficiency and long-term satisfaction. This allows us to categorize knowledge as inner or outer according to its objective/subjective nature and the nature of the object aimed to be known. This theoretical paper proposes an innovative model called the Inner KM Model introducing a new variable defined as Inner Knowledge.
Numerical Prediction of Failure in Unidirectional Fiber Reinforced Composite
Authors: Valdivia Ignacio , Canales Cristian , Tuninetti Víctor , Flores Paulo , Medina Carlos
Published: September 2021

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites exhibit orthotropic mechanical properties and particularly low strength in the out-of-plane direction. The use of classical failure criteria that consider transverse isotropy to evaluate these composite materials implies an overestimation of their out-of-plane strength, which could lead to a nonconservative and even catastrophic design. The Molker failure criteria developed for orthotropic materials consider the LaRC05 failure modes as a basis, with two additional failure modes for the out-of-plane direction of noncrimp fiber (NCF)-reinforced composites. Given the similarity in configuration and orthotropic behavior of unidirectional fiber fabric reinforced composites to NCF-reinforced composites, Molker failure criteria are implemented and applied in this research to determine the initiation of out-of-plane failure in unidirectional fiberglass fabric composites. The criteria are programmed in the form of a module coupled to a constitutive model available in a finite element method (FEM) package. Then, the mechanical properties and failure parameters of the unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite are determined. Model validation is accomplished by comparing numerical and experimental results of out-of-plane failure in a corrugated panel. In addition, several failure criteria used in unidirectional fiber-reinforced composite that consider transverse isotropy are evaluated. The results of critical load at the onset of transverse out-of-plane failure obtained by using the Molkerorthotropic criterion prove to be superior in accuracy compared to those obtained with the criteria commonly applied to this type of materials.
Effect of Periodic Oscillation on the Interfacial Instability of Two Superposed Fluid Layers in a Fully Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Bouchgl J. , Aniss S.
Published: September 2021

We investigate the effect of horizontal periodic oscillation on the interfacial instability of two immiscible and viscous fluids of different densities in a fully saturated porous media. A linear stability analysis of the viscous and time-dependent basic flow leads to a periodic oscillator describing the evolution of the interfacial perturbation amplitude. The horizontal oscillation leads to the occurrence of two types of instability, the Kelvin–Helmholtz’s instability and the parametric resonance. These instabilities appear at the frontier between water and petroleum and have a practical interest in oil reservoir engineering. The results show that, an increase of the oscillation frequency destabilizes the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and displaces the parametric instability regions toward the short wavelength perturbation. Also, we examine mainly how the other physical parameters of the system affect the instabilities for various permeability and porosity values of the porous medium as well as for relative heights of the two fluid layers.
Multiple solutions for a nonlocal fractional boundary value problem with fractional integral conditions on infinite interval
Authors: Aoun Abdellatif Ghendir , Djebali Smaïl
Published: September 2021

This paper discusses the existence and multiplicity of positive solutions for fractional differential equations with nonlocal fractional integro-differential boundary conditions set on an unbounded domain. Using properties of Green’s function and the fixed point theory, some existence results were obtained. Three examples illustrate the existence theorems.
Autonomy and Openness in Human and Machine Systems: Participatory Sense-Making and Artificial Minds
Authors: Zebrowski Robin L. , McGraw Eli B.
Published: September 2021

Within artificial intelligence (AI) and machine consciousness research, social cognition as a whole is often ignored. When it is addressed, it is often thought of as one application of more traditional forms of cognition. However, while theoretical approaches to AI have been fairly stagnant in recent years, social cognition research has progressed in productive new ways, specifically through enactive approaches. Using participatory sense-making (PSM) as an approach, we rethink conceptions of autonomy and openness in AI and enactivism, shifting the focus away from living systems to allow incorporation of artificial systems into social forms of sense-making. PSM provides an entire level of analysis through an overlooked autonomous system produced via social interaction that can be both measured and modeled in order to instantiate and examine more robust artificial cognitive systems.
Interaction of Sulforaphane with Cis-Platin: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Akbari Elahe , Namazian Mansoor , Noorbala Mohammad R.
Published: September 2021

Both sulforaphane (SF) and cisplatin (CP) are well-known anticancer drugs and in some cases, they are used simultaneously for the treatment of a wide range of cancers. SF is the main component of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. CP is a four-coordinated complex of platinum, Pt(NH3)Cl2. The interaction of SF with CP is important since a ligand of this inorganic complex might be replaced by SF. In this work, the complexation of SF with CP has been studied theoretically using an accurate high-level ab initio method, together with a reliable method of density functional theory method. Calculations are extended to solution phase by means of solvation model density. Different functional groups of SF are investigated so that the most active site of SF in reaction with CP is determined from both thermodynamics and kinetics points of view. Derivatives of SF have been also studied in order to improve their solbilities in aqueous solution. The results of this work show that SF can form a stable complex with CP and interactions of these two compounds should be considered.
In Silicostudy of Rosmarinic Acid Derivatives as Novel Insulin Fibril Inhibitors
Authors: Sarkar Kaushik , Das Rajesh Kumar
Published: September 2021

The self-assembly of human insulin (HI) plays a crucial role in regulating amyloid fibrils. Therefore, it is a significant problem for the medical management of diabetes therapy and these findings have led us to investigate the amyloid formation and its inhibition. Few potential inhibitors have been identified to inhibit amyloid fibrils. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is one of the things that inhibits amyloid formation completely by increasing the resistivity of the amyloidogenic insulin (dimer) protein to thermal unfolding. Here, we choose different tested derivative compounds for designing amyloid inhibitors by substituting various functional groups of RA. These derivative compounds were subjected to in silico studies to determine the best drug candidates. In comparison to RA, 14 molecules have higher binding affinity and interactions with the target receptor. After frontier molecular orbitals study, ADME and toxicity analysis, the eight best compounds may act as the best inhibitors. The stability of the docked complexes was visualized by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This finding opens a new proposal to explore future studies with these best compounds to increase the thermal stability of the insulin dimers.
Usnic Acid as a Potential Free Radical Scavenger and its Inhibitory Activity Toward SARS-CoV-2 Proteins
Authors: Jovanović Jelena Đorović , Manojlović Nedeljko , Marković Zoran
Published: September 2021

The antioxidative activity and free radical scavenging potency of usnic acid towards eight selected free radical species are examined. The thermodynamic parameters in the absence of harmful free radicals are used to predict the most favorable mechanism of antioxidative action. The reaction enthalpies are used to define the most probable mechanism of free radical scavenging in the presence of free radical species. The obtained results indicate that the favorable mechanism of antiradical action is dependent both on the polarity of solvents and the nature of free radical species. From the achieved results, it is clear that Sequential Proton Loss Electron Transfer (SPLET) is the most probable for antioxidative action in water and methanol, while competition between SPLET and Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) is presented in benzene. The free radical scavenging of eight free radical species under investigation is possible, and the most believable mechanism of action is SPLET, in all three investigated solvents. Since usnic acid exhibits significant radical scavenging activity that affects the maintenance of redox hemostasis, its inhibitory potency toward COVID-19 targeted proteins molecular docking study is performed. The obtained results indicate that usnic acid has the potential to inhibit the functional proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix: An Alternative to Connective Tissue Graft—A Narrative Review
Authors: Dadlani Shashi
Published: September 2021

Porcine acellular dermal matrix has recently been introduced in dentistry as an alternative to the gold standard connective tissue graft especially for the use in gingival recession treatments and soft tissue augmentation in implant surgery. Connective tissue grafts are inconvenient and require a second surgical site leading to greater morbidity, longer surgical procedures, and a more painful postoperative phase for the patient. Other options such as allografts have ethical concerns and are less available in Europe. Thus, dental professionals have sought other techniques and materials. Porcine acellular dermal matrix results in periodontal recession treatment with a gain in recession coverage as well as increased keratinized tissue and soft tissue augmentation. This leads to more keratinized mucosa and greater tissue thickness. Many studies have been published using collagen matrices, but a few strictly use porcine acellular dermal matrix, which have been studied in prospective randomized clinical trials with a large number of patients and longer follow-up periods (more than 5 years). Nevertheless, more data are needed to confirm that the porcine acellular dermal matrix is a suitable alternative although its favourable results to date suggest a positive future.
Algorithmic Study of the Characteristics of Electrocardiograph Signals in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Li Honger , Zhao Lixia
Published: September 2021

This work aimed to analyze the electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics and signal classification of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) diagnosed by coronary angiography, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical adoption of ECG images. 106 patients with CHD who were admitted to the XXX hospital from January 15, 2019, to May 30, 2020, underwent coronary intervention therapy, and their ECG indicators were recorded during the operation. Then, the LetNet-SoM algorithm designed in this work, as well as the traditional algorithms GoogLeNet and SqueezeNet, was applied to the patient’s ECG classification. It was found that part of ECG wave (QRS) and corrected Q-T interval (QTC) of patients after treatment were higher than those before treatment (

P
<
0.05

), but PR interval, RR interval, Tpeak-Tend (TpTe) interval, and QT interval were not substantially different from those before treatment (

P
>
0.05

). The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of LetNet-SoM algorithm for patients with CHD were better than those of traditional algorithms, with evident difference (

P
<
0.05

). The classification time of LetNet-SoM algorithm was lower in contrast to that of traditional algorithms, and the difference was also notable (

P
<
0.05

). The R wave and T wave indicators of patients after treatment were higher than before treatment, with notable difference (

P
<
0.05

). The difference between the patient’s S wave indicator before and after treatment was not statistically significant (

P
>
0.05

). The positive rate of S wave amplitude, QRS, and QTC was 68.15%, 60.52%, and 51.36%, respectively. In short, the LetNet-SoM algorithm designed based on lightweight neural network had excellent performance in classification and diagnosis of ECG, and it had the value of further popularization and application. The ECG signals were important indicators in the diagnosis of CHD, among which the S wave amplitude, QRS, and QTC were the most sensitive ones.
Convolutions of Harmonic Mappings Convex in the Horizontal Direction
Authors: Çakmak Serkan , Yaşar Elif , Yalçın Sibel
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we establish some results concerning the convolutions of harmonic mappings convex in the horizontal direction with harmonic vertical strip mappings. Furthermore, we provide examples illustrated graphically with the help of Maple to illuminate the results.
Computer Vision‐Based Patched and Unpatched Pothole Classification Using Machine Learning Approach Optimized by Forensic‐Based Investigation Metaheuristic
Authors: Hoang Nhat-Duc , Huynh Thanh-Canh , Tran Van-Duc
Published: September 2021

During the phase of periodic asphalt pavement survey, patched and unpatched potholes need to be accurately detected. This study proposes and verifies a computer vision‐based approach for automatically distinguishing patched and unpatched potholes. Using two‐dimensional images, patched and unpatched potholes may have similar shapes. Therefore, this study relies on image texture descriptors to delineate these two objects of interest. The texture descriptors of statistical measurement of color channels, the gray‐level cooccurrence matrix, and the local ternary pattern are used to extract texture information from image samples of asphalt pavement roads. To construct a classification model based on the extracted texture‐based dataset, this study proposes and validates an integration of the Support Vector Machine Classification (SVC) and the Forensic‐Based Investigation (FBI) metaheuristic. The SVC is used to generalize a classification boundary that separates the input data into two class labels of patched and unpatched potholes. To optimize the SVC performance, the FBI algorithm is utilized to fine‐tune the SVC hyperparameters. To establish the hybrid FBI‐SVC framework, an image dataset consisting of 600 samples has been collected. The experiment supported by the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test demonstrates that the proposed computer vision is highly suitable for the task of interest with a classification accuracy rate = 94.833%.
Tai Chi as a Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Reducing Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Pan Xiandu , Tian Li , Yang Fan , Sun Jiahao , Li Xinye , An Na , Xing Yanfen , Su Xin , Liu Xu , Liu Can , Gao Yonghong , Xing Yanwei
Published: September 2021

Objective. This study systematically evaluated the effects of Tai Chi exercise on blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and quality of life (QOL) in patients with hypertension. A meta-analysis was performed to provide a reliable reference for clinical practice. Methods. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in five English databases and two Chinese databases, with the earliest data dated December 5, 2020. A quality assessment of the methods and a meta-analysis were also conducted. Results. The meta-analysis of 24 studies showed that the intervention group showed better outcomes in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD −1.05, 95% CI −1.44 to −0.67,

P
≤
0.001

; I2 = 93.7%), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SMD −0.91, 95% CI −1.24 to −0.58,

P
≤
0.001

; I2 = 91.9%), and QOL (physical functioning (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.37,

P
=
0.001

; I2 = 91.3%), role-physical (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.11,

P
≤
0.001

; I2 = 65%), general health (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.17,

P
=
0.001

; I2 = 88.1%), bodily pain (SMD 0.65, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.00,

P
≤
0.001

; I2 = 83.1%), vitality (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.07,

P
≤
0.001

; I2 = 84.3%), social functioning (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.07 to 1.19,

P
=
0.027

; I2 = 93.1%), role-emotional (SMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.06,

P
=
0.003

; I2 = 88.1%), and mental health (SMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.16,

P
=
0.001

; I2 = 88.2%)) compared to those of the control group. However, no significant improvements were seen in BMI of the intervention group (SMD −0.08, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.19,

P
=
0.554

; I2 = 69.4%) compared to that of the control group. Conclusion. Tai Chi is an effective intervention to improve SBP and DBP in patients with essential hypertension.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Inferior Vena Cava Images under Dezocine Anesthesia in Detection of Bile Duct Injury after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Chen Yantao , Zeng Qinyao , Feng Biao , Xiong Haixia
Published: September 2021

This study focused on the segmentation effects of an artificial intelligence-based algorithm of CT images, to detect the bile duct injury (BDI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) under dezocine anesthesia. This study was based on the maximum between-class variance (Otsu) algorithm; it introduced the image grayscale mapping method to increase the accuracy of the target area segmentation within the CT image and compare the segmentation effect with the threshold segmentation and the regional growth segmentation algorithm. 46 patients treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were used as research objects, and all patients were inspected in the abdominal CT examination. According to the anesthetic drug selection, patients were divided into control group (conventional anesthesia) and dezocine group (conventional anesthesia + dezocine), with 23 cases in each group. And it compared the difference between the respiratory recovery time, the wake time, the tube time, and the postoperative 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery, and complication after LC evaluation of bile duct injury (BDI). It was found that the algorithm in this study can segment the target area in CT image accurately. Compared with the threshold segmentation and region growing segmentation algorithms, its Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC) were higher (

P
<
0.05

). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative spontaneous breathing recovery time, wake-up time, and extubation time between the dezocine group and the control group (

P
>
0.05

), but in the dezocine group, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the surgery were lower (

P
<
0.05

). 27 patients developed BDI after the surgery, and they were classified as per the Strasberg classification standard. It was found that 6 cases were evaluated as type A, 4 cases were type B, 2 cases were type C, 6 cases were type D, and 9 cases were type E. It was concluded that the algorithm in this study can segment the target area of the CT image accurately, assisting the doctor in diagnosis. The use of dezocine before LC can effectively relieve patients’ postoperative pain. This study provides a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder disease and the detection of complications.
Peri-Contrast Staining as a Marker of Stent Failure: Restenosis, Thrombosis, and Fracture
Authors: Mshelbwala Fakilahyel S. , Fuller Brittany , Alaswad Khaldoon , Basir Mir B.
Published: September 2021

Peri-stent contrast staining (PSS), defined as contrast staining around the stent struts, has been identified as an indicator of future stent failure in first generation, sirolimus-eluting coronary stents. 1 PSS has been associated with in-stent restenosis, stent thrombosis, stent fracture, and the development of coronary aneurysm. As the frequency of patients with first generation sirolimus-eluting coronary stents becomes infrequent; PSS may go unrecognized. Herein, we present a patient with a decade of longitudinal follow-up, who developed PSS identified on coronary angiogram with recurrent stent failure.
Reduction of Ascaridia galli Pathology by Salmonella typhimurium in Broiler Chicken
Authors: Sop Foka Eric Igor , Yamssi Cedric , Enyetornye Ben , Noumedem Anangmo Christelle , Mpoame Mbida  , Mayaka Theodore B.
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have reported interactions between Salmonella spp. and some helminth coinfections. In this study, S. typhimurium and Ascaridia galli coinfections were analyzed, and the consequences on therapy were proposed. In a first experiment where the effect of the bacteria on the nematode was evaluated, thirty 42-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups and coinfected with both parasites. The rate of A. galli egg inoculum was kept constant at 500/ml while that of S. typhimurium varied as follows: T0 (500 A. galli eggs/ml), T104 (500 A. galli eggs/ml+104 S. typhimurium CFUs), and T106 (500 A. galli eggs/ml +106S. typhymurium CFUs). EPG and parasitic load were measured using the McMaster technic, and number of worms and their length were also measured. We observed that T106 containing 106 CFUs of Salmonella significantly reduced the EPG values, and this group recorded the lowest worm load ranging from 18 to 21 worms. Likewise, the length of the worms obtained with T104 and T106 appeared to be shorter than those of the control (T0). In a second experiment to assess the effects of the nematode on the bacteria, thirty 42-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups and coinfected with both parasites. The rate of S. typhimurium inoculum was kept constant at 106 CFUs while that of A. galli varied as follows: T0 (106CFUs), T500 (500 A. galli eggs/ml +106S. typhymurium CFUs), and T750 (750 A. galli eggs/ml +106S. typhymurium CFUs). Bacterial load was measured using Voogt technique. We observed that T500 increased the colonization time and prolonged the duration of S. typhimurium secretion. Salmonella appears to be a hyperparasite considering the deleterious effect on A. galli. Due to this, it may be prudent to combine anti-Salmonella treatment with anthelmintic so as to effectively treat pathologies caused by these two pathogens.
Peripapillary Microvascularization Analysis Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Optic Chiasmal Compression
Authors: Ben Ghezala Inès , Haddad Déa , Blanc Julie , Meillon Cyril , Madkouri Rachid , Borsotti François , Bron Alain M. , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine
Published: September 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the vessel density (VD) of the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) network using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) “en face” images of eyes with chiasmal compression caused by brain tumors before and after decompressive surgery compared with healthy controls. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 patients with chiasmal compression confirmed by neuroimaging. Sixteen healthy participants were also included. All patients with chiasmal compression underwent a neuro-ophthalmological examination one week before and 6 months after brain surgery, including static automated perimetry as well as measurement of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the ganglion cell complex (GCC) with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Based on this neuro-ophthalmological examination, the presence of an optic neuropathy (ON) was evaluated. Peripapillary VD was obtained in four sectors on a 6 × 6 mm SS-OCTA image using the Cirrus Plex Elite 9000. Results. Baseline average VD was significantly lower in patients with chiasmal compression and ON than in controls (median: 55.62; interquartile range (IQR): 2.96 vs. 58.53; IQR: 2.02;

p
=
0.003

). This decrease was also found in the temporal, superior, and nasal sectors. Average postoperative VD was decreased in patients with chiasmal compression compared with average preoperative VD (median: 56.16; IQR: 4.07 vs. 57.48; IQR: 3.83;

p
=
0.004

). Preoperative VD was significantly correlated with RNFL, GCC thickness, and visual field defects. Conclusions. The VD of the RPC network was decreased in chiasmal compressive ON, and it was further decreased at 6 months after decompressive surgery.
Human Acellular Amniotic Matrix with Previously Seeded Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Restores Endometrial Function in a Rat Model of Injury
Authors: Wang Shan , Shi Cheng , Cai Xiaohui , Wang Yanbin , Chen Xi , Han Hongjing , Shen Huan
Published: September 2021

Background. Abnormal endometrial repair after injury results in the formation of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) and a thin endometrium, which are key causes for implantation failure and infertility. Stem cell transplantation offers a potential alternative for some cases of severe Asherman’s syndrome that cannot be treated with surgery or hormonal therapy. Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) have been reported to repair the damaged endometrium. However, there is no report on the effects of UCMSCs previously seeded on human acellular amniotic matrix (AAM) on endometrial injury. Methods. Absolute ethanol was injected into rat uteri to damage the endometrium. UCMSCs previously seeded on AAM were surgically transplanted. Using a variety of methods, the treatment response was assessed by endometrial thickness, endometrial biomarker expression, endometrial receptivity, cell proliferation, and inflammatory factors. Results. Endometrial thickness was markedly improved after UCMSC-AAM transplantation. The expression of endometrial biomarkers, namely, vimentin, cytokeratin, and integrin β3, in treated rats increased compared with untreated rats. In the UCMSC-AAM group, the VEGF expression decreased, whereas that of MMP9 increased compared with the injury group. Moreover, in the AAM group, the MMP9 expression increased. The expression of proinflammatory factors (IL-2, TNFα, and IFN-γ) in the UCMSC-AAM group decreased compared with the untreated group, whereas the expression of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-10) increased significantly. Conclusions. UCMSC transplantation using AAM as the carrier can be applied to treat endometrial injury in rats. The successful preparation of lyophilized AAM provides the possibility of secondary infectious disease screening and amniotic matrix quality detection, followed by retrospective analysis. The UCMSC-AAM complex may promote the better application of UCMSCs on the treatment of injured endometrium.
Traffic Information Collection Using Wireless Sensor Network Positioning Technology
Authors: Zhang Jinxi , Zhu Wenying , Wu Xueying , Ma Tianshan
Published: September 2021

The wireless sensor network integrates sensor technology, microelectromechanical technology, distributed information processing technology, and wireless communication technology. In order to solve this problem, this paper designs and proposes an anchor node self‐location algorithm. Aiming at the positioning accuracy of wireless sensor network nodes, this paper proposes an improved algorithm for sensor network node positioning that uses error correction methods to reduce accumulated distance errors and positioning errors. In this paper, the designed routing algorithm is simulated and implemented, and the performance of the routing algorithm is evaluated based on different network topologies. From the analysis results, compared with the existing typical routing algorithms, the routing algorithms designed in this paper can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the network and prolong the lifetime of the network. The core of the algorithm is to integrate the known and available information of the system to locate unknown anchor nodes. This greatly reduces the number of anchor nodes whose initial position information is required by the system, and under the condition of less impact on the positioning accuracy of the system, the cost of the system is reduced and the scope of application of the system is improved. This paper has deeply studied the positioning and tracking problems in wireless sensor networks, including node positioning, biochemical gas source positioning, and target tracking, and designed and developed a platform for positioning and tracking application research to lay the foundation for further application research. In the study of the above problems, new methods of positioning and tracking with theoretical and practical value are proposed for different practical application scenarios, and the performance is verified and evaluated through computer simulation.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking‐Based Prediction of the Mechanism of Qianghuo Shengshi Decoction against Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zeng Zhihao , Hu Jiaoting , Jiang Jieyi , Xiao Guanlin , Yang Ruipei , Li Sumei , Li Yangxue , Huang Huajing , Zhong Huixian , Bi Xiaoli
Published: September 2021

Qianghuo Shengshi decoction (QHSSD) is a classical Chinese medicine formula, which is used in clinical practice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. However, the pharmacological mechanism of QHSSD on RA has remained unclear by now. We collected and screened active compounds and its potential targets by the pharmacology platform of Chinese herbal medicines. In addition, the therapeutic targets of RA were obtained and selected from databases. Network construction analyzed that 128 active compounds may act on 87 candidate targets and identified a total of 18 hub targets. GO annotation and KEGG enrichment investigated that the action mechanism underlying the treatment of RA by QHSSD might be involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, anti‐inflammation, and antioxidation. Finally, molecular docking verification showed that TP53, VEGFA, TNF, EGFR, and NOS3 may be related to the RA treatment and molecular dynamics simulation showed the stability of protein‐ligand interactions. In this work, QHSSD might exert therapeutic effect through a multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway in RA from a holistic aspect, which provides basis for its mechanism of action and subsequent experiments.