bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative effect of vitamin D3 and carbenoxolone treatments in metabolic syndrome rats
Authors: Saleh Nermine , Seif Ansam Aly , Bahaa Ienass , Abdel-Hady Enas A.
Published: December 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including central obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hyperglyemia. MetS is found to be a positive predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The present study was planned to test the efficacy of vitamin D3 supplementation as compared with cortisol inhibition on MetS parameters. Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, untreated MetS, and MetS treated with either vitamin D3 (10 µg/kg) or carbenoxolone (50 mg/kg). MetS was induced by combination of high-fat diet and oral fructose. After the induction period (8 weeks), MetS was confirmed, and treatment modalities started for a further 4 weeks. Compared with untreated MetS, vitamin D3- and carbenoxolone-treated rats showed significant reduction in blood pressure, body mass index, Lee index, waist circumference, retroperitoneal fat, and improvement of dyslipidemia. Meanwhile, treatment with carbenoxolone significantly lowered the elevated liver enzymes, and vitamin D3 resulted in improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced glucose uptake by muscles, and replenished glycogen content in the liver and muscles near control levels. In conclusion, although treatment with vitamin D3 or carbenoxolone reduced the risk factors associated with MetS, vitamin D3 was effective in ameliorating insulin resistance which is the hallmark of MetS.
A scoping review of the digital agricultural revolution and ecosystem services: implications for Canadian policy and research agendas
Authors: Green Arthur G. , Abdulai Abdul-Rahim , Duncan Emily , Glaros Alesandros , Campbell Malcolm , Newell Rob , Quarshie Philip , KC Krishna Bahadur , Newman Lenore , Nost Eric , Fraser Evan D. G.
Published: December 2021

The application of technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, cellular agriculture, and big data analytics to food systems has been described as a digital agricultural revolution with the potential to increase food security and reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint. Yet, the scientific evidence informing how these technologies may impact or enhance ecosystem services has not been comprehensively reviewed. In this scoping review, we examine how digital agricultural technologies may enhance agriculture’s support of ecosystem services. Keyword searches in academic databases resulted in 2337 records, of which 74 records met review criteria and were coded. We identify three clusters of digital agricultural technologies including those that make farm management more precise, increase connectivity, and create novel foods. We then examine modelling and empirical evidence gaps in research linking these technologies to ecosystem services. Finally, we overview barriers to implementing digital agricultural technologies for better ecosystem services management in the Canadian context including economic and political systems; lack of policies on data management, governance, and cybersecurity; and limited training and human resources that prevents producers from fully utilizing these technologies.
Lack of variation in nuclear DNA content in avian muscle
Authors: Jimenez Ana Gabriela , Lencyk Emily Gray
Published: December 2021

The avian pectoralis muscle demonstrates plasticity with regard to size, so that temperate birds facing winter conditions or birds enduring a migration bout tend to have significant increases in the size and mass of this tissue due to muscular hypertrophy. Myonuclear domain (MND), the volume of cytoplasm a myonuclei services, in the pectoralis muscle of birds seems to be altered during thermal stress or changing seasons. However, there is no information available regarding muscle DNA content or ploidy level within the avian pectoralis. Changes in muscle DNA content can be used in this tissue to aid in size and mass changes. Here, we hypothesized that long-distance migrants or temperate residents would use the process of endoreduplication to aid in altering muscle size. Mostly contradictory to our hypotheses, we found no differences in the mean muscle DNA content in any of the 62 species of birds examined in this study. We also found no correlations between mean muscle DNA content and other muscle structural measurements, such as the number of nuclei per millimeter of fiber, myonuclear domain, and fiber cross-sectional area. Thus, while avian muscle seems more phenotypically plastic than mammalian muscle, the biological processes surrounding myonuclear function may be more closely related to those seen in mammals.
Overview of surficial geochemistry and indicator mineral surveys and case studies from the Geological Survey of Canada's GEM Program
Authors: McClenaghan M. Beth , Spirito Wendy A. , Day Stephen J. A. , McCurdy Martin W. , McNeil Rick J. , Adcock Stephen W.
Published: December 2021

The Geological Survey of Canada carried out reconnaissance-scale to deposit-scale geochemical and indicator-mineral surveys and case studies across northern Canada between 2008 and 2020 as part of its Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program. In these studies, surficial geochemistry was used to determine the concentrations of up to 65 elements in various sample media including lake sediment, lake water, stream sediment, stream water, or till samples across approximately 1 000 000 km
2
of northern Canada. As part of these surficial geochemistry surveys, indicator mineral methods were also used in regional-scale and deposit-scale stream sediment and till surveys. Through this program, areas with anomalous concentrations of elements and/or indicator minerals that are indicative of bedrock mineralization were identified, new mineral exploration models and protocols were developed, a new generation of geoscientists was trained, and geoscience knowledge was transferred to northern communities. Regional- and deposit-scale studies demonstrated how transport data (till geochemistry, indicator mineral abundance) and ice-flow indicator data can be used together to identify and understand complex ice flow and glacial transport. Detailed studies at the Izok Lake Zn–Cu–Pb–Ag VMS, Nunavut, the Pine Point carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn in the Northwest Territories, the Strange Lake REE deposit in Quebec and Labrador as well as U–Cu–Fe–F and Cu–Ag–Au–Au IOCG deposits in the Great Bear magmatic zone, Northwest Territories demonstrate new suites of indicator minerals that can now be used in future reconnaissance- and regional-scale stream sediment and till surveys across Canada.
A Combinatorial Reliability Analysis of Generic Service Function Chains in Data Center Networks
Authors: Engelmann Anna , Jukan Admela
Published: December 2021

In data center networks, the reliability of Service Function Chain (SFC)—an end-to-end service presented by a chain of virtual network functions (VNFs)—is a complex and specific function of placement, configuration, and application requirements, both in hardware and software. Existing approaches to reliability analysis do not jointly consider multiple features of system components, including, (i) heterogeneity, (ii) disjointness, (iii) sharing, (iv) redundancy, and (v) failure interdependency. To this end, we develop a novel analysis of service reliability of the so-called
generic SFC,
consisting of
n
=
k
+
r
sub-SFCs, whereby
k
≥ 1 and
r
≥ 0 are the numbers of arbitrary placed primary and backup (redundant) sub-SFCs, respectively. Our analysis is based on combinatorics and a reduced binomial theorem—resulting in a simple approach, which, however, can be utilized to analyze rather complex SFC configurations. The analysis is practically applicable to various VNF placement strategies in arbitrary data center configurations, and topologies and can be effectively used for evaluation and optimization of reliable SFC placements.
Dynamic Distribution-Sensitive Point Location
Authors: Cheng Siu-Wing , Lau Man-Kit
Published: December 2021

We propose a dynamic data structure for the distribution-sensitive point location problem in the plane. Suppose that there is a fixed query distribution within a convex subdivision
S
, and we are given an oracle that can return in
O
(1) time the probability of a query point falling into a polygonal region of constant complexity. We can maintain
S
such that each query is answered in
O
opt
(S)
) expected time, where opt (
S
) is the expected time of the best linear decision tree for answering point location queries in
S
. The space and construction time are
O(n
log
2
n
), where
n
is the number of vertices of
S
. An update of
S
as a mixed sequence of
k
edge insertions and deletions takes
O(k
log
4
n) amortized time. As a corollary, the randomized incremental construction of the Voronoi diagram of
n
sites can be performed in
O(n
log
4
n
) expected time so that, during the incremental construction, a nearest neighbor query at any time can be answered optimally with respect to the intermediate Voronoi diagram at that time.
Virtual immunology: an educational software to encourage antigen-antibody interaction learning
Authors: Faggioni Thais , Ferreira Natiele Carla da Silva , Berçot Filipe Faria , Bisaggio Rodrigo da Cunha , Alves Luiz Anastacio
Published: December 2021

Immunology is a knowledge area of paramount importance in life sciences and health care professional education with diverse applications, as well as for a general public understanding of issues related to vaccination. However, many concepts are complex and difficult to understand based only on conventional classes or static images. The use of tools, such as educational software, may enhance the learning of dynamic molecular phenomena that occur in our bodies. Virtual Immunology is a software that aims to facilitate the learning of certain complex immunology concepts. Herein, we present the “Antigen-antibody interactions” module that was used and evaluated by 127 students and 3 teachers from medical schools from 2 universities, 1 public and 1 private, both in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The pretest/posttest research design was used to assess student learning in a randomized sample. To evaluate user perceptions concerning software quality, 14 statements were analyzed using a Likert scale. Results indicate suitable evaluations from both students and teachers concerning the “Antigen-antibody module” as an auxiliary tool in immunology teaching. The software was well rated as an educational resource since it allows dynamically viewing immunological phenomena. In addition, its ease of use and immunological process visualization were the best-evaluated parameters by the students, who recommended this software module as an auxiliary learning tool. The use of the evaluated software may motivate students and aid in the understanding of immunology-related concepts, becoming a complementary tool that may enhance the teaching-learning process.
Submaximal isometric fatiguing exercise of the elbow flexors has no age-related effect on GABAB-mediated inhibition
Authors: Otieno Lavender A. , Semmler John G. , Smith Ashleigh E. , Sidhu Simranjit K.
Published: December 2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to examine GABAB-mediated inhibition during fatiguing exercise of large muscle group in older adults and young adults. We provide novel evidence to show that when older and young adults are faced with a similar magnitude of elbow flexor muscle fatigue, they have a similar decline in GABAB-mediated inhibition. This suggests that when measured in a large muscle group, older adults maintain the ability to modulate GABABinhibition during fatiguing exercise.
Use-dependent corticospinal excitability is associated with resilience and physical performance during simulated military operational stress
Authors: Proessl F. , Canino M. C. , Beckner M. E. , Conkright W. R. , LaGoy A. D. , Sinnott A. M. , Eagle S. R. , Martin B. J. , Sterczala A. J. , Roma P. G. , Dretsch M. N. , Mi Qi , Ferrarelli F. , Germain A. , Connaboy C. , Nindl B. C. , Flanagan S. D.
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate that individual differences in physical activity levels coincide with lower limb corticospinal excitability. Such use-dependent corticospinal excitability directly relates to resilience and physical performance during a 5-day simulation of military operational stress with caloric restriction, sleep restriction and disruption, and heavy physical and cognitive exertion.
Research on Music Teaching and Creation Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Mingxing
Published: December 2021

Under the background of quality education, music learning is also changing, from the original shallow learning to deep learning gradually. In-depth learning is a new teaching concept, which pays full attention to students’ perception and exploration of music so that students can fully experience the charm of music. It can not only help students master more music knowledge and improve their music skills but also cultivate students’ music literacy and enhance their music ability (Świechowski, 2015). Therefore, in junior high school music teaching, teachers should actively apply the deep learning model and then improve the teaching level and comprehensively cultivate students’ music literacy (Whitenack and Swanson, 2003). In this paper, two convolution-based deep learning models, Breath1d and Breath2d, were designed and constructed, and a multilayer perceptron (MLP) was used as a benchmark method for performance evaluation, and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is applied for the classification task. This paper discusses the value and application strategies of deep learning in junior high school music teaching and hopes to provide some reference for all educational colleagues (Zhang and Nauman 2020).
Lumpectomy Combined with Adjuvant Radiotherapy Could Be a Treatment Option for Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Qi Wei Xiang , Cao Lu , Xu Cheng , Chen Jiayi
Published: December 2021

Background. To investigate the outcomes of primary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) of the breast undergoing radical surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods. A population cohort with histologically diagnosed PSCC of the breast was identified from the SEER database. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox-regression proportional hazards model was used to assess the impact of surgical types with or without adjuvant RT on the cause-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). A retrospective analysis of PSCC between Jan 2010 and Dec 2018 from our institute was performed. Results. A total of 515 patients with PSCC of the breast were included, 254 patients treated with mastectomy (MAST) alone, 78 with MAST + RT, 87 with lumpectomy (LUMP) alone, and 96 with LUMP + RT. The median follow-up time was 118 months (range: 0–379 months). In the multivariate Cox analyses, LUMP + adjuvant RT was an independent prognostic factor for CSS (p = 0.028) and OS (p = 0.048). Patients treated with LUMP + RT had better survival rates than patients who underwent lumpectomy (CSS, p = 0.034; OS, p = 0.0004), MAST alone (CSS, p = 0.0001; OS, p < 0.0001), and MAST + RT (CSS, p = 0.0001; OS, p = 0.0078), while postmastectomy RT did not significantly improve OS (p = 0.062) and CSS (p = 0.67) when compared to MAST alone. In addition, a total of 28 patients with PSCC of the breast were identified from our institute. All of these patients presented with estrogen receptor-negative type, and three of them had HER-2-positive PSCC; the median tumor size was 3 cm (range: 0.5–15 cm). Eight patients were treated with LUMP + adjuvant RT, thirteen with MAST, and seven with MAST + RT. Until the last follow-up of Sep 2021, 26 patients with PSCC were still alive and free of breast cancer, excepting that one patient treated with MAST and one patient with MAST + RT died from breast cancer. Conclusion. PSCC of the breast after radical surgery has a poor prognosis. Adjuvant RT after LUMP significantly improves survival of patients with PSCC of the breast. Further studies are still needed to investigate the role of adjuvant RT in PSCC of the breast after mastectomy.
Integrated Architecture Model of Tourism Information Service in Smart Scenic Spots Based on Hybrid Cloud
Authors: Cheng Jingjing , Li Qi
Published: December 2021

Tourism industry can promote the prosperity of the local economy. In addition, the booming tourism business in recent years has also led to the development of related industries and services. According to high-tech technologies such as cloud computing, hybrid cloud, and panoramic image, we will plan to design a comprehensive and integrated architecture model of scenic spots that integrates all tourism information and various services, strive to create smart scenic spots, bring the best play experience to tourists, and strive to attract more attention and attention. The results show that (1) the overall average satisfactory approval of UI test is as high as 93%, which can meet the requirements. (2) After the improved panoramic image mosaic method, the correct rate is as high as 93.90%, the effect is 4.90% better than that before the improvement, and the algorithm is more efficient. (3) The scenic spot configuration management effect is excellent, and various situations in the scenic spot are effectively monitored. (4) The average response time per request of the original system is about 161 ms. Compared with the original system, the response time of the new system is reduced by about 57%, and the access success rate is 100%. The system in the experiment runs well and satisfies the integration of tourism information resources and services in scenic spots.
Smart Payment Contract Mechanism Based on Blockchain Smart Contract Mechanism
Authors: Ge Xianyun
Published: December 2021

In recent years, blockchain technology has become a hot topic in various industries. With the development and maturity of blockchain technology, it has been applied to finance, law, etc., with its advantages of decentralization, openness, information security, and concealment. The application scenarios of industry are becoming more and more abundant. Compared with the traditional TPA payment contract form, the smart contract mechanism based on blockchain technology is obviously more efficient, convenient, and safe. Against this background, we design a smart payment contract suitable for cloud storage by studying Ethereum. The relationship clause in the smart payment contract should be regulated around the contract law. The smart contract payment linkage clause can be classified into three forms, including conditional effective type, contract joint type, and contract link type, which correspond to the contract law. Therefore, the contract legal system for smart contract payment linkage clauses should follow typified thinking. Based on blockchain technology, smart contracts not only reduce the number of interactions in contract execution but also allow users to stop paying for cloud services when data is lost or damaged. The precise method is to generate each node with a private chain and place the smart contract on the private chain. With the decentralization of the blockchain private chain, the advantages of read-only data, and traceability of information, the storage of smart payment contract data is more secure. Both parties to the transaction are more trustworthy. Therefore, the proposed system has a safe and efficient smart contract payment mechanism, which brings a good user experience to users, which proves the significance and value of this research.
Cystic Fibrosis: Systems Biology Analysis from Homozygous p.Phe508del Variant Patients’ Samples Reveals Perturbations in Tissue‐Specific Pathways
Authors: de Faria Poloni Joice , Rispoli Thaiane , Rossetti Maria Lucia , Trindade Cristiano , Vargas José Eduardo
Published: December 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder, caused by diverse genetic variants for the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Among these, p.Phe508del is the most prevalent variant. The effects of this variant on the physiology of each tissue remains unknown. This study is aimed at predicting cell signaling pathways present in different tissues of fibrocystic patients, homozygous for p.Phe508del. The study involved analysis of two microarray datasets, E‐GEOD‐15568 and E‐MTAB‐360 corresponding to the rectal and bronchial epithelium, respectively, obtained from the ArrayExpress repository. Particularly, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predicted, protein‐protein interaction (PPI) networks were designed, and centrality and functional interaction networks were analyzed. The study reported that p.Phe508del‐mutated CFTR‐allele in homozygous state influenced the whole gene expression in each tissue differently. Interestingly, gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis revealed that only “neutrophil activation” was shared between both tissues; however, nonshared DEGs were grouped into the same GO term. For further verification, functional interaction networks were generated, wherein no shared nodes were reported between these tissues. These results suggested that the p.Phe508del‐mutated CFTR‐allele in homozygous state promoted tissue‐specific pathways in fibrocystic patients. The generated data might further assist in prediction diagnosis to define biomarkers or devising therapeutic strategies.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Algorithm for CT Pulmonary Angiography in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism Combined with Syncope
Authors: Zhang Zhongxing , Zhang Yan , Wang Xiaohui , Han Xiaoli , Zhang Xin , Chen Hong
Published: December 2021

This paper aimed to study the clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) with syncope (PE + S) based on the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction algorithm in computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography (CTPA). In this study, 857 patients with acute PE (APE) who were treated in hospital were selected as the research objects and divided into syncope group (group S) and nonsyncope group (group NS). The 3D reconstruction marching cubes (3DR-MC) algorithm was compared with the traditional MC (T-MC) algorithm and the mesh simplification MC (MMS-MC) algorithm, and the results proved that the running time of the 3DR-MC algorithm on the platform was shorter than that of the other two algorithms. The incidence of syncope in group S in women was higher than that in group NS (51.7% vs. 38.2%). The incidence of syncope classified as high risk in group S was higher than that in group NS, and the mortality rate of pulmonary embolism patients with syncope was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 113.332,

P
<
0.05

). The incidence of syncope in group S was higher than that in group NS (χ2 = 4.074,

P
<
0.05

). In short, hypertension was an independent risk factor for syncope. PE + S patients could be diagnosed and treated as early as possible based on the clinical characteristics, so as to reduce the adverse consequences of misdiagnosis.
A Mixed Decision Strategy for Freight and Passenger Transportation in Metro Systems
Authors: Ye Yutao , Guo Junhua , Yan Lixin
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a mixed decision strategy for freight and passenger transportation in metro systems during off‐peak hours (MTS‐OPH). The definition of the mixed decision strategy is proposed, and fixed and flexible loading modes are considered for different passenger flow volumes. A mathematical model of the MTS‐OPH is proposed and solved using an improved variable neighborhood search algorithm. Case studies demonstrate the performance and applicability of the proposed model and algorithm, and the MTS‐OPH is discussed for different delivery distances, passenger flows, and metro network types. The proposed strategy is suitable for long‐distance delivery, and the proposed model framework can be applied to different types of metro networks with different levels of complexity. The mixed decision strategy provides a decision support tool for metro and freight companies and can propose corresponding solutions according to different passenger flows.
The Regularity of the Site of Impaction in Recurrent Gallstone Ileus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Reported Cases
Authors: Alzerwi Nasser A. N. , Idrees Bandar , Alsareii Saeed , Aldebasi Yaser , Alsultan Afnan
Published: December 2021

Objective. Due to the rarity of recurrent gallstone ileus (RGSI), its epidemiological and clinical features are elusive. With a focus on mortality and the site of impaction, this study consolidates the key clinical characteristics of index GSI (IGSI) and RGSI. Methods. A meta-analysis of cases reported on RGSI was performed. Risk factors for mortality and site of impaction were examined, and a subgroup analysis was performed for age, sex, and site of impaction (jejunum, ileum, or others). Results. In the final analysis, 50 (56 individual cases) studies were included. The paired data for the site of impaction was available for 45 patients. Women accounted for 87.3% of all RGSI cases included in the pooled analysis. The median age (interquartile range, IQR) of the patients was 70 (63–76) years, and the median time of recurrence (IQR) was 20.5 (8.5–95.5) days. The overall mortality rate was 11.8%, without correlation between the mortality rate and age, the time of recurrence, or the site of impaction. The region in which the stone was found in RGSI and IGSI was similar in most cases

p
=
0.002

. Logistic regression also revealed a higher probability of stone impaction in the ileum in RGSI if it was the site of impaction in IGSI. In most cases, enterolithotomy was the preferred method. Conclusions. A high index of suspicion for RGSI should be maintained for older women with a history of GSI. The region where the stone was impacted during IGSI should be investigated first in such patients.
Research on the Nonlinear Impact of Environmental Regulation on the Efficiency of China’s Regional Green Economy: Insights from the PSTR Model
Authors: Yao Shuangliang , Su Xiang
Published: December 2021

This paper uses the super-efficiency SBM model to measure the green economic efficiency considering undesired output and analyzes the spatial distribution difference of green economic efficiency; secondly, the nonlinear panel threshold model is used to empirically study the nonlinear relationship between environmental regulations and green economic efficiency, and further analyzed the threshold effect of environmental regulations on the efficiency of green economy and concluded as follows. (1) The green economy efficiency index in the eastern region is mostly more significant than 1, and the green economy efficiency in most provinces in the eastern region has improved. These provinces have higher regional production levels and less environmental pollution. The green economy efficiency of the central region is second only to the eastern region. The green economy efficiency of provinces in the western region except Chongqing is less than 1, indicating that these provinces have insufficient regional production, severe environmental pollution, or extensive resource depletion. (2) The impact of environmental regulations on the efficiency of the green economy presents an inverted “U” shape, with a threshold of 0.5128 for environmental regulations. The impact of the industrial structure on the efficiency of the green economy changes from inhibition to promotion after crossing the threshold of the intensity of environmental regulation, and the degree of opening to the outside world has a complementary effect on the efficiency of the green economy. The impact of urbanization on the efficiency of the green economy changes from promotion to suppression after surpassing the threshold of the intensity of environmental regulations.
Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Getaneh Temesgen , Negesse Ayenew , Dessie Getenet , Desta Melaku , Tigabu Agimasie
Published: December 2021

Objective. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infections during pregnancy. It is associated with different maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, still birth, preeclampsia, maternal anemia, sepsis, and amnionitis, even when the infection is asymptomatic. However, in Ethiopia, it is represented with fragmented and inconclusive pocket studies. Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis is aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of UTI and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and local sources were used to access eligible studies. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta‐Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was applied for critical appraisal. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using I2 statistic, funnel plot asymmetry, and Egger’s tests. Random effect model was employed to estimate the pooled burden of UTI and its associated factors among pregnant women with its corresponding odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Result. From all systematically searched articles, 14 studies were eligible for this analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 15.37% (95% CI: 12.54, 18.19). Family monthly income (OR = 3.8 and 95% CI: 1.29, 11.23), parity (OR = 1.59 and 95% CI: 1.01, 2.50), history of catheterization (OR = 2.76 and 95% CI: 1.31, 5.84), and history of UTI (OR = 3.12 and 95% CI: 1.74, 5.60) were factors significantly associated with UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Conclusion. The overall pooled estimate of UTI among pregnant women in Ethiopia was higher compared with CDC estimation which was 8%. Family monthly income < 1000ETB, multipara, previous history of catheterization, and history of UTI were factors increased burden of UTI during pregnancy. So, strategies targeting in economic reforms, universal access of family planning, and standardized prenatal care service should be addressed to alleviate this high prevalence of UTI during pregnancy.
Risk Factors and a Nomogram Model Establishment for Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Arthroplasty Surgery: A Single‐Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Daiyu , Li Ying , Li Qingshu , Gao Wuxi , Li Jiaoni , Wang Siqi , Cao Jun
Published: December 2021

Objective. To explore the related risk factors of postoperative delirium (POD) after hip or knee arthroplasty in elderly orthopedic patients and the predictive value of related risk factors. Material and Methods. In total, 309 patients (≥60 years) who received knee and hip arthroplasty between January 2017 and May 2020 were consecutively selected into the POD and nonpostoperative delirium (NPOD) groups. Group bias was eliminated through propensity score matching. Univariate and multivariable logistic analysis was used to determine the risk factors for POD. The nomogram was made by R. Results. 58 patients were included in each group after propensity score matching; multivariable analysis demonstrated that LDH (OR = 4.364, P = 0.017), CHE (OR = 4.640, P = 0.004), Cystatin C (OR = 5.283, P = 0.006), arrhythmia (OR = 5.253, P = 0.002), and operation duration (OR = 1.017, P = 0.050) were independent risk factors of POD. LDH, CHE, Cystatin C, and arrhythmia were used to construct a nomogram to predict the POD. The nomogram was well calibrated and had moderate discriminative ability (AUC = 0.821, 95% CI: 0.760~0.883). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful. Conclusions. Our study revealed that arrhythmia, operation duration, the increase of lactate dehydrogenase and Cystatin C, and the decrease of cholinesterase were reliable factors for predicting postoperative delirium after elderly hip and knee arthroplasty. Meanwhile, the nomogram we developed can assist the clinician to filtrate potential patients with postoperative delirium.
Effects of Texture Bottom Profile on Static and Dynamic Characteristics of Journal Bearings
Authors: Li Peng , Zeng Fang , Xiao Sen , Zhen Dong , Zhang Hao , Shi Zhanqun
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this paper is to numerically study the effect of texture bottom profile on static, dynamic, and stability performance parameters of hydrodynamic journal bearings. The different performance parameters of square textured journal bearings with different bottom profiles are numerically investigated and compared with those of smooth journal bearing. There are five bottom profiles of this square texture: flat, curved, isosceles triangle (T1), oblique triangle (T2), and oblique triangle (T3). The static and dynamic coefficients are calculated by solving the steady‐state Reynolds equation and the perturbation equations with FDM numerical technique. The performance characteristics under different texture distribution, depth, and bottom profiles are studied, and the current numerical results show that the selection of texture parameters is crucial to improve the static, dynamic, and stability performances of hydrodynamic journal bearing. Meanwhile, it is also found that the square texture with a flat bottom profile has a higher improvement in the values of static performance parameters in comparison to those other bottom profiles. Moreover, the simulation results indicate that the dynamic and stability performances improvement of textured journal bearing is also significant, especially when the eccentricity ratio is smaller.
Phenotypical and Genotypical Comparison of Clostridium difficile Isolated from Clinical Samples: Homebrew DNA Fingerprinting versus Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) and Clostridial Toxin Genes
Authors: Sisakhtpour Javid , Savaheli Moghadam Fatemeh , Khodaparast Sepideh , Khoramabadi Nima , Mohabati Mobarez Ashraf
Published: December 2021

Background. Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is recognized as the major cause of healthcare antibiotic-associated diarrhea. We surveyed a molecular epidemiological correlation between the clinical isolates from two general hospitals in Iran through clustering toxigenic types and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) accuracy. Methods. Study population included 460 diarrhoeic specimens from inpatients with a history of antibiotic therapy. All samples underwent enriched anaerobic culture, confirmed by detection of gluD gene with PCR. Toxin status and AST were assessed by the disk diffusion method (DDM) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of metronidazole, vancomycin, and rifampin. C. difficile outbreak was analyzed through conventional PCR by tracing toxin genes and Homebrew pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for characterizing isolates within our healthcare systems. Results. A total of 29 C. difficile strains were isolated by enriched anaerobic culture from the clinical samples. Among them, 22 (4.8%) toxigenic profiles yielded toxins A and B (tcdA, tcdB) and binary toxins (cdtA, cdtB). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 18.1% and 9% for vancomycin and metronidazole, and all isolates were susceptible to rifampicin and its minimum inhibitory concentration was at <0.003 μg/mL. The most dominant toxigenic and antibiotic-resistant “pulsotype F” was detected through PFGE combined with multiple Clostridial toxigenic pattern and AST. Conclusions. DNA fingerprinting studies represent a powerful tool in surveying hypervirulent C. difficile strains in clinical settings. Resistance to vancomycin and metronidazole, as first-line antibiotics, necessitate accomplishment of proper control strategies and also prescription of tigecycline as a more appropriate option.
In Hepatocellular Carcinoma, miRNA-296-3p Targets MSL2 and Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Invasion
Authors: Li Xiaocui , An Min , Gao Zhenjun
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third-highest cause of cancer-related death in the world. miRNAs have a role in cell division, differentiation, and death biological processes. They are typically dysregulated in cancers, affecting tumor progression. miRNA-296-3p appears to play a crucial role in cancer control, according to new research. However, its expression and roles in HCC are unknown. This study used qRT-PCR and western blotting to detect the miRNA-296-3p and male-specific lethal 2 (MSL2) expression. In addition, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were studied using CCK-8, flow cytometric analysis, colony formation assay, wound healing test, and transwell assays. The results show that miRNA-296-3p is underexpressed in HCC cell lines, particularly in Huh-7 and HepG2 cells. miRNA-296-3p overexpression lowers the ability of HCC cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade while increasing cell death. Luciferase reporter experiments revealed that the MSL2 is a direct target of miRNA-296-3p. Furthermore, overexpression of miRNA-296-3p reduced MSL2 mRNA and protein levels considerably, according to our findings. Furthermore, the rescue experiments showed that the MSL2 overexpression partially blocked the inhibition effects of miRNA-296-3p mimic on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. The above results show that miRNA-296-3p may have a repressive effect in HCC by targeting MSL2 and could be used as a therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Experimental Research on Damping Effect of Double‐Layer Tuned Mass Damper for High‐Rise Structure
Authors: Shen Botan , Wang Jin , Xu Weibing , Chen Yanjiang , Yan Weiming , Huang Jianhui , Tang Zhenyun
Published: December 2021

A double‐layer tuned mass damper (DTMD) has advantages of wide damping frequency band and strong robustness. At present, there is a lack of seismic design methods for high‐rise structures based on DTMDs. In this study, a DTMD parameter optimisation method was proposed, with the objective of minimising the peak displacement response of a first N‐order vibration modal with a vibration mass participation factor of 85%. Then, a scale model of a high‐rise structure was fabricated, along with a corresponding DTMD. Different types of excitations were chosen to clarify the dynamic responses of the model with and without the DTMD, including Site‐II ground motions, long‐period (LP) ground motions without pulses, and near‐fault pulse‐type (NFPT) ground motions. The results indicate that the dynamic responses of high‐rise structures under LP and NFPT ground motions are much greater than those under Site‐II ground motions. The DTMD can effectively reduce the absolute displacement response, acceleration response, and strain response at the top floor of the test model. However, the DTMD has a time delay in providing the damping effect. A smaller damping ratio between the upper TMD and the controlled structure will lead to a more significant damping effect for the DTMD.
Dental Students’ Didactic and Psychomotor Skills Performance in Dental Anatomy and Preclinical Operative Dentistry Courses in a Saudi Governmental School
Authors: Al-Zain Afnan O. , Abdel-Azim Adel M. , Othman Hisham I.
Published: December 2021

Background. Knowledge and psychomotor skills are essential in dental education. The aims were to (1) investigate the correlation between dental students’ didactic and psychomotor skills performance in the dental anatomy and preclinical operative dentistry courses and (2) explore the impact of gender on students’ performance in both courses. Materials and Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed on dental students’ (164 students; 72 males and 92 females) dental anatomy and preclinical operative courses scores of the same class over 2 years (2018–2020). Didactic and practical scores were collected. The didactic scores included examinations. Practical scores included tooth wax carving for the dental anatomy course and class II cavity preparations and restorations for the preclinical operative. Student’s t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze the difference between the didactic and psychomotor skills scores of both courses and genders. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to explore correlations (

p
<
0.05

). Results. Moderate, positive, and significant correlations were found between didactic scores in both courses and between dental anatomy’s didactic and psychomotor skills. A weak, positive, and significant correlation existed between the preclinical operative didactic and psychomotor silks (

p
<
0.05

). Females’ didactic performance was significantly better than males. Gender had a significant, positive, and moderate correlation in the dental anatomy course, but moderate-weak in preclinical operative (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Students’ didactic and psychomotor performance correlations in dental anatomy and preclinical operative courses were positive. The correlation was moderate and weak and varied by course. Gender had a significant impact on student performance and varied by procedure and courses investigated.
Computed Tomography Image under Optimized Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm to Analyze the Characteristics of Blood Flow Field in Cerebral Aneurysm before and after Stent Implantation
Authors: Bao Kunyang , Liu Chao , Li Jin , Liu Xiang , Luo Wenzhang , Huang Changren
Published: December 2021

In order to analyze the change characteristics of blood flow field in cerebral aneurysms before and after stent implantation, this study first constructed an optimized iterative reconstruction algorithm to reconstruct CT images of patients with cerebral aneurysms and used it to solve the problem of image sharpness. In addition, backprojection image reconstruction algorithm and Fourier transform analytic method were introduced. According to the CT images of cerebral arteries of patients, the lesions were presented in a three-dimensional and visual way through the reconstructed three-dimensional images, thus achieving the effects of simulation and simulation. The results showed that the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the optimized iterative reconstruction algorithm were 90.78%, 83.27%, and 94.82%, which were significantly higher than those of the backprojection image reconstruction algorithm and Fourier transform analysis method, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). Before operation, the blood flow velocity in the neck of aneurysm was 7.35 × 10−2 m/s, the exit velocity was 1.51 × 10−1 m/s, and the maximum velocity appeared in the upstream part of the exit. After passing through the aneurysm, the blood flow velocity began to decrease gradually, forming a vortex at the top of the tumor. After stent implantation, the neck and outlet velocities of cerebral aneurysm were 9.352 × 10−2 m/s and 1.897 × 10−2 m/s, respectively. The velocity of blood flow decreased after entering the aneurysm, and there was no vortex at the top of the aneurysm. Among the outlet velocities of arterial blood vessels, the velocity before stent implantation was significantly lower than that after stent implantation, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with prestent, the shear force distribution on the wall of cerebral aneurysm showed a significant decrease, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). To sum up, pelvic floor ultrasound based on hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm has high accuracy in diagnosing the changes of blood flow field in cerebral aneurysms. The application of CT images in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms can objectively provide imaging data for clinical practice and has high application value.
Fifteen Limit Cycles Bifurcating from a Perturbed Cubic Center
Authors: Menaceur Amor , Alrawashdeh Mufda , Ahmed Idris Sahar , Abd-Elmageed Hala
Published: December 2021

In this work, we study the bifurcation of limit cycles from the period annulus surrounding the origin of a class of cubic polynomial differential systems; when they are perturbed inside the class of all polynomial differential systems of degree six, we obtain at most fifteenth limit cycles by using the averaging theory of first order.
Stability of Fractional Differential Equations with New Generalized Hattaf Fractional Derivative
Authors: Hattaf Khalid
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to study the stability of fractional differential equations involving the new generalized Hattaf fractional derivative which includes the most types of fractional derivatives with nonsingular kernels. The stability analysis is obtained by means of the Lyapunov direct method. First, some fundamental results and lemmas are established in order to achieve the goal of this study. Furthermore, the results related to exponential and Mittag–Leffler stability existing in recent studies are extended and generalized. Finally, illustrative examples are presented to show the applicability of our main results in some areas of science and engineering.
Severe Anxiety Post-COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Driscoll Maggie , Gu Jason
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 infection is linked to increased risk of neuropsychiatric symptoms such as psychosis and suicidal ideation/behavior. After further review of the literature, there is not a large body of data on anxiety following COVID-19 infection. Most literature found is related to fear/anxiety of contracting and dying from COVID-19. We illustrate a case of a 27-year-old male with no previous psychiatric treatment history or symptomology, who developed severe anxiety with intrusive thoughts of self-harm via firearm after COVID-19 infection. Given the severe nature of the anxiety and intrusive thoughts, the patient feared for his safety and sought acute inpatient admission. The patient was effectively treated with group therapy and psychotropic medications and was able to be discharged in a timely manner with outpatient psychiatric follow-up. Much is still unknown of COVID-19. With this case report, we discuss a potential relationship between anxiety and COVID-19 infection.
Impact of Plasma Donepezil Concentration on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kagawa Yoshiyuki , Yamamoto Yoshiaki , Ueno Ayami , Inomata Kengo , Tezuka Mayu , Osawa Takashi , Yazawa Yasuharu , Maeda Toshio , Obi Tomokazu
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims: The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) detract from the quality of life of not only dementia patients but also their family members and caregivers. Donepezil is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and is metabolized via cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 and CYP3A4/5. It is controversial whether donepezil improves or exacerbates BPSD. This study investigated the relationships among BPSD, the pharmacokinetics of donepezil including its metabolite, 6-O-desmethyl donepezil, genetic polymorphisms of CYPs and P-glycoprotein, and patient backgrounds in 52 patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: BPSD were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), with scores ≥20 points defined as severe BPSD. Plasma donepezil and 6-O-desmethyl donepezil concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Although significant relationships between NPI scores and plasma donepezil concentrations were not seen, none of the 15 patients (29%) with high plasma donepezil concentrations (≥60 ng/mL) developed severe BPSD. Polymorphisms of CYP2D6, CYP3A5, and ABCB1 did not influence NPI scores. There were no significant relationships between NPI and patient background factors such as dosing regimen, concomitant use of other drugs, or laboratory test results. Two patients who underwent multiple blood samplings over 2 years showed an inverse correlation between plasma donepezil concentrations and NPI scores. Discussion/Conclusions: These results indicate that higher plasma concentrations of donepezil contribute to preventing or alleviating rather than developing or deteriorating BPSD.