bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelets drive fibronectin fibrillogenesis using integrin αIIbβ3
Authors: Lickert Sebastian , Kenny Martin , Selcuk Kateryna , Mehl Johanna L. , Bender Markus , Früh Susanna M. , Burkhardt Melanie A. , Studt Jan-Dirk , Nieswandt Bernhard , Schoen Ingmar , Vogel Viola
Published: March 2022

Platelets interact with multiple adhesion proteins during thrombogenesis, yet little is known about their ability to assemble fibronectin matrix. In vitro three-dimensional superresolution microscopy complemented by biophysical and biochemical methods revealed fundamental insights into how platelet contractility drives fibronectin fibrillogenesis. Platelets adhering to thrombus proteins (fibronectin and fibrin) versus basement membrane components (laminin and collagen IV) pull fibronectin fibrils along their apical membrane versus underneath their basal membrane, respectively. In contrast to other cell types, platelets assemble fibronectin nanofibrils using αIIbβ3 rather than α5β1 integrins. Apical fibrillogenesis correlated with a stronger activation of integrin-linked kinase, higher platelet traction forces, and a larger tension in fibrillar-like adhesions compared to basal fibrillogenesis. Our findings have potential implications for how mechanical thrombus integrity might be maintained during remodeling and vascular repair.
Miniature coiled artificial muscle for wireless soft medical devices
Authors: Li Mingtong , Tang Yichao , Soon Ren Hao , Dong Bin , Hu Wenqi , Sitti Metin
Published: March 2022

Wireless small-scale soft-bodied devices are capable of precise operation inside confined internal spaces, enabling various minimally invasive medical applications. However, such potential is constrained by the small output force and low work capacity of the current miniature soft actuators. To address this challenge, we report a small-scale soft actuator that harnesses the synergetic interactions between the coiled artificial muscle and radio frequency–magnetic heating. This wirelessly controlled actuator exhibits a large output force (~3.1 N) and high work capacity (3.5 J/g). Combining this actuator with different mechanical designs, its tensile and torsional behaviors can be engineered into different functional devices, such as a suture device, a pair of scissors, a driller, and a clamper. In addition, by assuming a spatially varying magnetization profile, a multilinked coiled muscle can have both magnetic field–induced bending and high contractile force. Such an approach could be used in various future untethered miniature medical devices.
Confining Sn nanoparticles in interconnected N-doped hollow carbon spheres as hierarchical zincophilic fibers for dendrite-free Zn metal anodes
Authors: Yu Huan , Zeng Yinxiang , Li Nian Wu , Luan Deyan , Yu Le , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: March 2022

We developed a three-dimensional hybrid fiber host consisting of interconnected N-doped hollow carbon spheres embedded with Sn nanoparticles (denoted as Sn@NHCF) for Zn metal anodes in high-performance Zn metal batteries. Experimental observations and density functional theory calculation reveal that the zincophilic Sn nanoparticles and N-doped carbons enable the homogeneous Zn deposition on the interior and exterior surfaces of the hollow fibers. Moreover, the hierarchical hollow fiber network effectively reduces the structural stress during the plating/stripping process. As a result, the developed Sn@NHCF host exhibits remarkable electrochemical properties in terms of high Coulombic efficiency, low voltage hysteresis, and prolonged cycling stability without dendrite formation. Moreover, a full cell based on the designed Sn@NHCF-Zn composite anode and a V
2
O
5
cathode demonstrates superior rate capability and stable cycle life. This work provides a new strategy for the design of dendrite-free Zn anodes for practical applications.
Competition for refueling rather than cyclic reentry initiation evident in germinal centers
Authors: Long Ziqi , Phillips Bethan , Radtke Daniel , Meyer-Hermann Michael , Bannard Oliver
Published: March 2022

Antibody affinity maturation occurs in germinal centers (GCs) through iterative rounds of somatic hypermutation and proliferation in dark zones (DZs) and selection in light zones (LZs). GC B cells exit cell cycle a number of hours before entering LZs; therefore, continued participation in responses requires that they subsequently reenter cell cycle and move back to DZs, a process known as cyclic reentry. Affinity enhancements are thought to arise by B cells having to compete to initiate cyclic reentry each time they enter LZs, with T cell help being a major determinant; however, direct proof is lacking. Using Fucci2 mice, we confirmed an association between B cell receptor affinity and the first step of cyclic reentry, S phase initiation from a resting LZ state. However, neither T cell ablation nor MHCII deletion prevented resting LZ cells from reentering cell cycle, and this late G
1
-S transition was also not detectably restricted by competition. In contrast, using BATF induction as exemplar, we found that T cells “refueled” LZ cells in an affinity-dependent manner that was limited by both competition and cells’ intrinsic antigen-acquiring abilities. Therefore, cyclic reentry initiation and B cell refueling are independently regulated in GCs, which may contribute to permitting cells of different competencies to be sustained alongside each other and allow T cell support to be provided across a dynamic range commensurate with affinity. We speculate that this less binary selection mechanism could help GCs nurture complex antibody maturation pathways and support the clonal diversity required for countering fast-evolving pathogens.
Synthesis of Decorated Carbon Structures with Encapsulated Components by Low-Voltage Electric Discharge Treatment
Authors: Bodrikov I. V. , Titov E. Yu. , Vorotyntsev A. V. , Pryakhina V. I. , Titov D. Yu.
Published: March 2022

Polycondensation of complexes of chloromethanes with triphenylphosphine by the action of low-voltage electric discharges in the liquid phase gives nanosized solid products. The elemental composition involving the generation of element distribution maps (scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‑ray spectroscopy mapping) and the component composition (by direct evolved gas analysis–mass spectrometry) of the solid products have been studied. The elemental and component compositions of the result-ing structures vary widely depending on the chlorine content in the substrate and on the amount of triphenylphosphine taken. Thermal desorption analysis revealed abnormal behavior of HCl and benzene present in the solid products. In thermal desorption spectra, these components appear at an uncharacteristically high temperature. The observed anomaly in the behavior of HCl is due to HCl binding into a complex of the solid anion $${\text{HCl}}_{2}^{ - }$$ with triphenyl(chloromethyl)phosphonium chloride, which requires a relatively high temperature (up to 800 K) to decompose. The abnormal behavior of benzene is associated with its encapsulated state in nanostructures. The appearance of benzene begins at 650 K and continues up to temperatures above 1300 K.
Quality of reporting among systematic reviews underpinning the ESC/ACC guidelines on ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death
Authors: Garrett Elizabeth Payton , Hightower Brooke , Walters Corbin , Srouji Derek , Chronister Justin , Torgerson Trevor , Hartwell Micah , McIntire Ryan , Love Mitchell , Vassar Matt
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to assess the methodological and reporting quality of the systematic reviews (SRs) supporting the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) recommendations for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). As a secondary objective, we sought to determine: (1) the proportion of Cochrane SRs were cited; and (2) whether Cochrane SRs scored higher on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) appraisals.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis.

Main outcome measures

We searched for CPGs published by the ESC and the ACC from 2010 to 2020. We selected the CPGs for ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of SCD. The reference sections were searched for SRs. Two independent investigators evaluated eligible SR using the PRISMA checklist and the AMSTAR-2 assessment tool.

Results

Two CPGs for ventricular arrhythmia and SCD were included in this study. Fifty-five SRs were included in our analysis. Across all SRs, the mean PRISMA score was 0.70. The lowest scoring PRISMA item related to the presence of a pre-published protocol (item 5, score 0.17). Overall, 40% of included SRs were found to have ‘critically low’ AMSTAR-2 ratings. One of the lowest scoring items for AMSTAR-2 was reporting of sources of funding (item 10). The 4 Cochrane SRs that were included scored higher on both assessment tools than non-Cochrane studies, specifically in PRISMA overall completion (88.7% vs 69.7%).

Conclusion

Our study suggests the methodological and reporting quality of SRs used within ESC and ACC CPGs is insufficient, as demonstrated by the lack of adherence to both AMSTAR-2 and PRISMA checklists. Given the importance of CPGs on clinical decision making, and ultimately patient care, the methodological rigour and quality reporting within SRs used in CPGs should be held to the highest standard within the field of cardiology.
COVID-19 pandemic in Africa’s island nations during the first 9 months: a descriptive study of variation in patterns of infection, severe disease, and response measures
Authors: Kousi Timokleia , Vivacqua Daniela , Dalal Jyoti , James Ananthu , Câmara Daniel Cardoso Portela , Botero Mesa Sara , Chimbetete Cleophas , Impouma Benido , Williams George Sie , Mboussou Franck , Mlanda Tamayi , Bukhari Arish , Keiser Olivia , Abbate Jessica Lee , Hofer Cristina Barroso
Published: March 2022

The geographic and economic characteristics unique to island nations create a different set of conditions for, and responses to, the spread of a pandemic compared with those of mainland countries. Here, we aimed to describe the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the potential conditions and responses affecting variation in the burden of infections and severe disease burden, across the six island nations of the WHO’s Africa region: Cabo Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, São Tomé e Príncipe and Seychelles. We analysed the publicly available COVID-19 data on confirmed cases and deaths from the beginning of the pandemic through 29 November 2020. To understand variation in the course of the pandemic in these nations, we explored differences in their economic statuses, healthcare expenditures and facilities, age and sex distributions, leading health risk factors, densities of the overall and urban populations and the main industries in these countries. We also reviewed the non-pharmaceutical response measures implemented nationally. We found that the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection was reduced by strict early limitations on movement and biased towards nations where detection capacity was higher, while the burden of severe COVID-19 was skewed towards countries that invested less in healthcare and those that had older populations and greater prevalence of key underlying health risk factors. These findings highlight the need for Africa’s island nations to invest more in healthcare and in local testing capacity to reduce the need for reliance on border closures that have dire consequences for their economies.
Myo-inositol nutritional supplement for prevention of gestational diabetes (EMmY): a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial with nested qualitative study
Authors: Amaefule Chiamaka Esther , Drymoussi Zoe , Gonzalez Carreras Francisco Jose , Pardo Llorente Maria del Carmen , Lanz Doris , Dodds Julie , Sweeney Lorna , Pizzo Elena , Thomas Amy , Heighway James , Daru Jahnavi , Sobhy Soha , Poston Lucilla , Khalil Asma , Myers Jenny , Harden Angela , Hitman Graham , Khan Khalid Saeed , Zamora Javier , Pérez Teresa , Huda Mohammed S B , Thangaratinam Shakila
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised trial on the effects of myo-inositol in preventing gestational diabetes in high-risk pregnant women.

Design

A multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot randomised trial with nested qualitative evaluation.

Setting

Five inner city UK National Health Service hospitals

Participants

Multiethnic pregnant women at 12+0and 15+6weeks’ gestation with risk factors for gestational diabetes.

Interventions

2 g of myo-inositol or placebo, both included 200 µg folic acid, twice daily until delivery.

Primary outcome measures

Rates of recruitment, randomisation, adherence and follow-up.

Secondary outcome measures

Glycaemic indices (including homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance HOMA-IR), gestational diabetes (diagnosed using oral glucose tolerance test at 28 weeks and by delivery), maternal, perinatal outcomes, acceptability of intervention and costs.

Results

Of the 1326 women screened, 58% (773/1326) were potentially eligible, and 27% (205/773) were recruited. We randomised 97% (198/205) of all recruited women (99 each in intervention and placebo arms) and ascertained outcomes in 90% of women (178/198) by delivery. The mean adherence was 52% (SD 44) at 28 weeks’ and 34% (SD 41) at 36 weeks’ gestation. HOMA-IR and serum insulin levels were lower in the myo-inositol vs placebo arm (mean difference −0.6, 95% CI −1.2 to 0.0 and −2.69, 95% CI −5.26 to −0.18, respectively). The study procedures were acceptable to women and healthcare professionals. Women who perceived themselves at high risk of gestational diabetes were more likely to participate and adhere to the intervention. The powder form of myo-inositol and placebo, along with nausea in pregnancy were key barriers to adherence.

Conclusions

A future trial on myo-inositol versus placebo to prevent gestational diabetes is feasible. The intervention will need to be delivered in a non-powder form to improve adherence. There is a signal for efficacy in reducing insulin resistance in pregnancy with myo-inositol.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN48872100.
Clinical profile, risk factors and outcomes of pediatric COVID-19: a retrospective cohort multicentre study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Albuali Waleed H , AlGhamdi Amal A , Aldossary Shaikha J , AlHarbi Saleh A , Al Majed Sami I , Alenizi Ahmed , Al-Qahtani Mohammad H , Lardhi Amer A , Al-Turki Shams A , AlSanea Abdulaziz S , Bubshait Dalal K , Kobeisy Sumayyah A , Herzallah Noor H , Alqarni Wejdan A , AlHarbi Abeer H , Albuali Hamad W , Aldossary Bader J , AlQurashi Faisal O , Yousef Abdullah A
Published: March 2022

Objective

To describe the risk factors, clinical profile and outcomes of COVID-19 in the paediatric population.

Design

Multicentre, retrospective observational study.

Setting

Four tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

Patients

We recruited 390 paediatric patients aged 0–18 years who presented from March to December 2020 and tested positive for COVID-19 on PCR.

Main outcome measures

We retrospectively analysed medical records for sociodemographics, health indicators, clinical presentations, laboratory findings, clinical complications, and outcomes.

Results

The mean participant age was 5.66±4.90 years, and the mean hospital stay was 2.17±3.48 days. Forty patients, mostly school-aged children (16, 40.00%; p=0.005) and children with comorbidities (25, 62.50%; p<0.001), received more than just supportive care. Complications were seen in 15 (3.9%) patients, bacterial infection being the most common (6, 40.00%). Patients presented with dyspnoea (OR 6.89; 95% CI 2.89 to 20.72), abnormal chest radiographs (OR 6.11; 95% CI 1.26 to 29.38), lethargy (OR 9.04; 95% CI 2.91 to 28.06) and elevated ferritin (OR 14.21; 95% CI 4.18 to 48.37) and D-dimer (OR 48.40; 95% CI 14.32 to 163.62), with higher odds of developing complications. The odds of paediatric intensive care unit (ICU) admission were higher for patients with dyspnoea (adjusted OR 4.66; 95% CI 1.24 to 17.50) and elevated white blood cell count (adjusted OR 3.54; 95% CI 1.02 to 12.30).

Conclusions

COVID-19 complications were limited among our patients. However, dyspnoea, abnormal chest radiographs, lethargy and elevated ferritin and D-dimer were associated with an increased risk of complications. Dyspnoea, leucocytosis, comorbidities and abnormal chest radiographs at presentation increased the risk of ICU admission.
Predictors of falls and fractures leading to hospitalisation in 36 101 people with affective disorders: a large representative cohort study
Authors: Ma Ruimin , Perera Gayan , Romano Eugenia , Vancampfort Davy , Koyanagi Ai , Stewart Robert , Mueller Christoph , Stubbs Brendon
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To investigate predictors of falls and fractures leading to hospitalisation in people with affective disorders.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

The South London and Maudsley National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust (SLaM) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Case Register.

Participants

A large cohort of people with affective disorders (International Classification of Diseases- 10th version [ICD-10] codes F30–F34) diagnosed between January 2008 and March 2016 was assembled using data from the SLaM BRC Case Register.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Falls and fractures leading to hospitalisation were ascertained from linked national hospitalisation data. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses were administrated to identify predictors of first falls and fractures.

Results

Of 36 101 people with affective disorders (mean age 44.4 years, 60.2% female), 816 (incidence rate 9.91 per 1000 person-years) and 1117 (incidence rate 11.92 per 1000 person-years) experienced either a fall or fracture, respectively. In multivariable analyses, older age, analgesic use, increased physical illness burden, previous hospital admission due to certain comorbid physical illnesses and increase in attendances to accident and emergency services following diagnosis were significant risk factors for both falls and fractures. Having a history of falls was a strong risk factor for recurrent falls, and a previous fracture was also associated with future fractures.

Conclusions

Over a mean 5 years’ follow-up, approximately 8% of people with affective disorders were hospitalised with a fall or fracture. Several similar factors were found to predict risk of falls and fracture, for example, older age, comorbid physical disorders and analgesic use. Routine screening for bone mineral density and fall prevention programmes should be considered for this clinical group.
How to identify clinically significant diabetes distress using the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale in adults with diabetes treated in primary or secondary care? Evidence for new cut points based on latent class analyses
Authors: de Wit M , Pouwer Frans , Snoek F J
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The Problem Areas of Diabetes (PAID) questionnaire is a frequently used measure to assess diabetes-distress. The aim of this study was to identify clinically meaningful levels of diabetes-distress, using latent class analyses (LCA), and to determine which groups were at increased risk of elevated diabetes-distress in terms of sex, age, type of diabetes and glycaemic control.

Methods

Data were derived from four studies (total N=2966, 49% female, age range 18–95 years, 43% type 1 diabetes, diabetes duration range 0–79 years). LCAs were performed to examine possible latent groups in the distribution of answers on the individual PAID items. Demographic and diabetes-related characteristics were added to the model to estimate their effects on latent class membership and receiver operating curves curves to determine cut-offs.

Results

Three levels of diabetes distress were distinguished with defined cut-off scores and labelled as: low, moderate and high diabetes distress. Levels of distress did not associate with distinct clusters of items. Older people were more likely to be part of the low distress class; women and people with high HbA1cwere more likely to be part of the high distress class. Sensitivity and specificity of the commonly used cut-off of 40 for high distress are 0.95 and 0.97, respectively. To distinguish the moderate distress group, cut-off scores of 17 and 39 are optimal with a sensitivity of 0.93 and a specificity of 0.94.

Conclusion

Three levels of diabetes-distress can be distinguished: low, moderate and high diabetes distress. Younger people, women and people with poor glycaemic control are at an increased risk for high levels of distress. A cut-off of 40 is satisfactory to detect people with high levels of diabetes-distress; a score of 0–16 indicates low diabetes distress and a score of 17–39 moderate diabetes distress.
CircITGB6 promotes ovarian cancer cisplatin resistance by resetting tumor-associated macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype
Authors: Li Han , Luo Fan , Jiang Xingyu , Zhang Weijing , Xiang Tong , Pan Qiuzhong , Cai Liming , Zhao Jingjing , Weng Desheng , Li Yue , Dai Yuhu , Sun Fengze , Yang Chaopin , Huang Yue , Yang Jieying , Tang Yan , Han Yulong , He Mian , Zhang Yanna , Song Libing , Xia Jian-Chuan
Published: March 2022

Background

Platinum resistance is a major challenge in the clinical treatment of advanced ovarian cancer (OC). Accumulating evidence shows that the tumor-promotive M2 macrophage is linked to the limiting chemotherapy efficacy of multiple malignancies including OC. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of non-coding RNAs which function as the critical regulator in biological process of cancer. However, their impact on macrophage polarization and chemoresistance of OC remain unclear.

Methods

Platinum-resistant circRNAs were screened using circRNA deep sequencing and validated using in situ hybridization in OC tissues with or without platinum resistance. The role of circITGB6 in inducing cisplatin (CDDP) resistance was evaluated by clone formation, immunofluorescence and annexin V assays in vitro, and by intraperitoneal tumor model in vivo. The mechanism underlying circITGB6-mediated tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization into M2 phenotype was investigated using RNA pull-down, luciferase reporter, electrophoretic mobility shift, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), ELISA and immunofluorescence assays.

Results

We identified that a novel circRNA, circITGB6, robustly elevated in tumor tissues and serums from patients with OC with platinum resistance, was correlated with poor prognosis. circITGB6 overexpression promoted an M2 macrophage-dependent CDDP resistance in both vivo and vitro. Mechanistic research determined that circITGB6 directly interacted with IGF2BP2 and FGF9 mRNA to form a circITGB6/IGF2BP2/FGF9 RNA–protein ternary complex in the cytoplasm, thereby stabilizing FGF9 mRNA and inducing polarization of TAMs toward M2 phenotype. Importantly, blocking M2 macrophage polarization with an antisense oligonucleotide targeting circITGB6 markedly reversed the circITGB6-induced CDDP resistance of OC in vivo.

Conclusions

This study reveals a novel mechanism for platinum resistance in OC and demonstrates that circITGB6 may serve as a potential prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for patients with OC.
An Infinite Sequence of Bitransitive Sierpiński Carpets for z↦λ(z + 1 z)
Authors: Look Daniel M.
Published: March 2022

We prove that there is a sequence of purely imaginary parameter values [Formula: see text] converging to [Formula: see text] such that the Julia set for [Formula: see text] is homeomorphic to the Sierpiński carpet fractal; however, for any distinct pair of such parameter values, the dynamics of the map restricted to the Julia set are not conjugate.
Bifurcations and Exact Solutions of the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation with Nonlinear Dispersion
Authors: Zhang Qiuyan , Zhou Yuqian , Li Jibin
Published: March 2022

The nonlinear Schrödinger equation with nonlinear dispersion is investigated. By using the bifurcation-theoretic method of planar dynamical systems, bifurcations of phase portraits and exact periodic solutions, homoclinic and heteroclinic solutions, periodic peakons as well as compacton solutions for this planar dynamical system are obtained. Under different parameter conditions, solutions can be exactly obtained. Fifteen exact explicit solutions of the traveling wave system are derived.
Chaos in a Simplest Cyclic Memristive Neural Network
Authors: Lai Qiang , Lai Cong , Kuate Paul Didier Kamdem , Li Chunbiao , He Shaobo
Published: March 2022

Previous studies have shown that cyclic neural networks which have no autoexcitation and are unidirectional cannot generate chaos. Inspired by this finding, the present paper constructs a new memristive neural network composed of three nodes connected by the simplest circular loop, whose synaptic weights are replaced by hyperbolic memristors. The memristive neural network can generate chaos via period-doubling bifurcation, and generate different stable and periodic states with the variation of parameters. Another remarkable feature of the new memristive neural network is that it coexists with point and periodic attractors, periodic and chaotic attractors from different initial conditions. Detailed dynamic analysis and circuit implementation are given to illustrate the existence of chaos and coexisting attractors, which gives a positive answer to the interesting question whether chaos can occur in neural network with the simplest cyclic connections.
Approximate k-state solutions of the deformed Dirac equation in spatially dependent mass for the improved Eckart potential including the improved Yukawa tensor interaction in ERQM symmetries
Authors: Maireche Abdelmadjid
Published: March 2022

In this work, we considered analytical approximate bound state solutions of the mass-dependent deformed Dirac equation with the improved vector Eckart potential including the Yukawa tensor interaction (IEPDMYI for short) in the context of extended relativistic quantum mechanics ERQM symmetries. The new relativistic energy spectra of the DDE for the IEPDMYI with spin symmetry and pseudospin symmetry are obtained. The solutions for arbitrary k-wave are obtained by using the basic concept of Bopp’s shift approach and standard perturbation by applying an approximation to the centrifugal-like term in the calculations. The new values that we get appeared sensitive to the discrete quantum numbers [Formula: see text], the mixed potential depths [Formula: see text], the range of the potential [Formula: see text] and noncommutativity parameters [Formula: see text]. We have highlighted three physical phenomena that automatically generate a result of the topological properties of noncommutativity, the first physical phenomena are the perturbative spin-orbit coupling, the second is the magnetic induction while the third corresponds to the rotational proper phenomena. We show that the corrections on the spectrum energy are smaller than the main energy in the usual cases of quantum field theory. In the ERQM symmetries, it is not possible to get the exact analytical solutions for [Formula: see text], only the approximate solutions are available. We have obtained the energy equation for several well-known potentials by choosing appropriate parameters in the improved Eckart potential model such as the improved Hulthén potential and the improved generalized Morse potential.
Au Nanodendrites Decorated 2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) Malononitrile Modified Electrode for Electrocatalytic Determination of Hydrazine in the Presence of Hydroxylamine
Authors: Taei Masoumeh , Fouladgar Masoud , Banitaba Seyed Hossein
Published: March 2022

A selective and sensitive method was proposed for the determination of hydrazine by electrochemical deposition of Au nanodendrites (AuNDs) on the electropolymerized-2-(3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) malononitrile (AuNDs/HBM/GCE). Deposition of AuNDs on the surface of HBM modified electrode effectively increased the electron transfer and active surface area. The surface analysis techniques substantiated the deposition of AuNDs and HBM molecules at the electrode surface. As-prepared modified electrode produced a sharp peak for hydrazine oxidation at [Formula: see text] versus Ag/AgCl, with a significant negative potential shift (about 0.43[Formula: see text]V) compared with unmodified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The proposed electrode showed a linear response over 0.2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M–2.4[Formula: see text]mM with the detection limit of 0.08[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M ([Formula: see text]. Moreover, AuNDs/HBM/GCE exhibited appropriate stability, selectivity and reproducibility. One of the brilliant advantages of the proposed method is the determination of hydrazine in the presence of hydroxylamine. The peaks of these two compounds are completely separate at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V. Therefore, the fabricated electrode is capable of hydrazine quantification in real samples without apparent hydroxylamine interference.
Fabrication and Characteristics of Quercetin-Loaded Mn-Doped SiO2 Nanospheres Coated with Carboxymethyl Chitosan
Authors: Ji Lili , Li Shuangyan , Sun Bo , Yang Jing
Published: March 2022

The biodegradability of inorganic nanocarriers is one of the most critical issues in their further clinical translations. In this work, a manganese-doped approach was developed to endow inorganic mesoporous silica (SiO2) nanospheres with pH-sensitive biodegradation. Manganese-doped mesoporous silica nanospheres (MMS) were prepared by in-situ doping method, with a particle diameter of 160–175 nm and pore diameter of 3–5[Formula: see text]nm by characterization of N2 adsorption method, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum, field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope techniques. Quercetin was used as the model drug to load, and MMS loaded with quercetin (MMS–QUE) was surface-modified using a carboxymethyl chitosan (MMS–QUE–CMCS) to prevent quercetin leakage. Based on the dissolution characteristics of manganese ions and the swelling behavior of carboxymethyl chitosan, the MMS–QUE–CMCS could be degraded in response to acid. The MMS–QUE–CMCS delivery system exhibited a good pH-responsive release. The cytotoxicity test showed that the MMS–QUE–CMCS had a significant biocompatibility and an enhanced cytotoxicity, thus revealing that the MMS–QUE–CMCS was a promising delivery system.
Dynamic Changes in Lung Function and Imaging in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ye Lingyan , Hu Bingyu , Lin Shuangxiang , Chen Meifang , Fang Yicheng , He Susu
Published: March 2022

Purpose. To investigate the recovery of lung function and chest imaging in patients with COVID-19 three months after clinical cure and discharge and the correlation between them. Methods. This study collected 80 patients diagnosed with 2019-nCoV infection who were discharged from the Taizhou Public Health Medical Center in Zhejiang Province between January 31, 2020, and March 10, 2020. Lung function examinations and lung CT scans were performed at discharge and three months after discharge. The dynamic changes examined at discharge and three months after discharge were observed, and their correlation was analyzed. All data collection ended on June 25, 2020. Results. Among the 80 COVID-19 patients discharged from the hospital, the rate of abnormality indicated by lung CT images was 97.5%, mainly presenting as patchy shadows (95%), ground-glass shadows (75%), grid-like lesions, interlobular septal thickening or fiber strip shadows (30%), consolidation shadows, and nodules (10 cases each). At discharge, 72 patients (90%) had pulmonary dysfunction, 64 (80%) had restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, and 48 (60%) had small airway dysfunction. Three months after discharge, the rate of abnormality indicated by lung CT images was 12.5%. Eight cases (10%) showed residual patchy shadows, but the density was weak, and the scope was reduced. Two cases (2.5%) showed nodular shadows. Three months after discharge, 18 patients (22.5%) had residual restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, 28 patients (35%) had small airway dysfunction, and 32 patients (40%) had diffuse dysfunction. Moreover, patients with more severe chest imaging manifestations (bilateral lesions and ground-glass shadows combined with interstitial lesions) also had more obvious lung function impairment. Conclusion. Three months after being clinically cured, patients with COVID-19 had good chest imaging absorption and no residual fibrosis. Some patients had mild to moderate pulmonary dysfunction, mainly restricted ventilation dysfunction, small airway dysfunction, and diffuse dysfunction.
The Influence of Work Zone Management on User Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Life Cycle Assessment on Highway Pavement Maintenance
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Zhu Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoxia , Wang Yuanqing , Yu Qian , Han Shuang
Published: March 2022

The higher contribution of traffic delay to environmental impacts is urging the highway agencies to take work zone management into the maintenance schemes decision-making. Aiming to understand the role of work zone management in user CO2 emissions reduction, this paper firstly developed a practical methodological framework of traffic delay-related CO2 emissions caused by highway maintenance based on a popular life cycle user cost analysis approach in regard of the microscopic vehicle operation analysis. The method was applied in an actual freeway flexible pavement with 15-year design life in Shaanxi Province, China, covering three types of preventive maintenance, correction maintenance, and rehabilitation. In addition, the impacts of key inputs of proposed method on work zone user CO2 emissions results were checked. The results show that traffic delay attributes to 29.4% of total CO2 emissions of the life cycle of highway pavement maintenance, and 51.8% of work zone user CO2 emissions result from preventive maintenance, especially from micro vehicle operations including speed change and queue near work zone (62% of total work zone user CO2 emissions). The work zone management alternative strategies related to less traffic volume or higher highway capacity including vehicle type limitation and the limited work zone speed have an advantage in reducing the work zone CO2 emissions over changing work zone length or work zone timing. The findings in this paper may present a useful tool and reference for robustly supporting the decision-making on highway maintenance carbon mitigation in work zone traffic.
Different Airway Inflammatory Phenotypes Correlate with Specific Fungal and Bacterial Microbiota in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Yang Rui , Zhang Qiao , Ren Zhidong , Li Hong , Ma Qianli
Published: March 2022

Background. Studies of chronic airway inflammatory diseases have increasingly focused on airway microbiota. However, the microbiota characteristics of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with different airway inflammatory phenotypes remain unclear. Objective. We aimed to reveal the differences of fungal and bacterial microbiota between eosinophilic asthma (EA) and noneosinophilic asthma (NEA) patients and between eosinophilic COPD (EC) and noneosinophilic COPD (NEC) patients. Further, explore whether similarities exist in the airway microbiota of patients with the same phenotype. Methods. Induced sputum samples were collected from 45 asthma subjects and 39 COPD subjects. The airway microbiota of the subjects was profiled by nearly full-length 16S rRNA and internal transcribed space (ITS) sequencing. Results. Subjects with eosinophilic phenotype (EA and EC) showed significant differences in both fungal and bacterial microbiota compared to the corresponding subjects with noneosinophilic phenotype (NEA and NEC). In addition, no differences were observed between the fungal microbiota of subjects with the same phenotype (EA vs. EC, NEA vs. NEC). In bacterial microbiota, the greater relative abundance of Streptococcus thermophilus was observed in EA and EC subjects, while Ochrobactrum was enriched in NEA and NEC subjects. In fungal microbiota, the EA and EC subjects showed higher relative abundances of Aspergillus and Bjerkandera, while the NEA and NEC subjects were enriched in Rhodotorula and Papiliotrema. Conclusions. Different airway inflammatory phenotypes were related to specific fungal and bacterial microbiota in both asthma and COPD, while the same airway inflammatory phenotype revealed a degree of similarity in airway microbiota, particularly in fungal microbiota.
Current Insights into Phytochemistry, Nutritional, and Pharmacological Properties of Prosopis Plants
Authors: Zhong Jianshu , Lu Peiyao , Wu Hanjing , Liu Ziyao , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Setzer William N. , Suleria Hafiz A.R.
Published: March 2022

Prosopis is a regional cash crop that is widely grown in arid, semiarid, tropical, and subtropical areas. Compared with other legume plants, Prosopis is underutilized and has great potentialities. Prosopis not only is a good source of timber, construction, fencing material, and gum, but also can be applied for food, beverage, feed, and medicine. Prosopis contains numerous phytochemical constituents, including carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, while varieties of phenolic compounds have also been identified from different parts of Prosopis. Flavonoids (especially C-glycosyl flavonoids), tannins, catechin, 4′-O-methyl-gallocatechin, mesquitol, and quercetin O-glycosides are significant phenolic contents in Prosopis. Various extracts of Prosopis displayed a wide range of biological properties, such as antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antitumor, and anticancer. Additionally, Prosopis has the potential to be an ideal diet that contains abundant dietary fiber, minerals, galactomannans, and low-fat content. However, the bioactivity and pharmacological properties associated with Prosopis were influenced by the bioavailability of phytochemicals, various antinutritional compounds, and the interactions of protein and phenolic compounds. The bioavailability of Prosopis is mainly affected by phenolic contents, especially catechin. The antinutritional compounds negatively affect the nutritional qualities of Prosopis, which can be prevented by heating. The protein-phenolic compound interactions can help the human body to absorb quercetin from Prosopis. This literature review aimed to provide systematic information on the physical, biochemical, pharmacological, and nutritional properties and potential applications of Prosopis.
Construction and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Postoperative Urinary Retention in Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhang Xu , Zheng Xu , Liang Yicheng , Liu Yan , Gao Yushun
Published: March 2022

Indwelling catheter is a routine procedure in surgical patients. Studies have shown that prolonged indwelling urinary catheterization increases the risk of postoperative urinary tract infection. Although early removal of the urinary catheter after operation can reduce the risk of postoperative urinary symptoms and tract infections, it may lead to postoperative anesthetic dysuria. Therefore, this study investigates the urinary retention and related risk factors in patients after thoracoscopic lobectomy under general anesthesia. The clinical data of 214 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of a tertiary class A cancer hospital in Beijing from July 2020 to April 2021 were collected. A risk prediction model was established by logistic regression analysis, and the prediction effect was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The incidence of indwelling catheter after thoracoscopic lobectomy was 44.8% (96/214). Sex (OR = 21.102, 95% CI: 2.906–153.239,

P
=
0.003

), perception of shame (OR = 74.256, 95% CI: 6.171–893.475,

P
=
0.001

), age (OR = 1.095, 95% CI: 1.014–1.182,

P
=
0.021

), and bed rest time (OR = 1.598, 95% CI: 1.263–2.023,

P
<
0.021

) were the factors influencing urinary retention after thoracoscopic lobectomy. This model can effectively predict the occurrence of postoperative urinary retention in patients with lung cancer and help medical staff to intervene effectively before the onset of urinary retention, which provides reference for preventive treatment and nursing intervention.
Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus following an Off-Label Administration of Sevoflurane for Prolonged Sedation in a COVID-19 Patient and Possible Influence on Aquaporin-2 Renal Expression
Authors: Dupuis Camie , Robert Arnaud , Gerard Ludovic , Morelle Johann , Laterre Pierre-François , Hantson Philippe
Published: March 2022

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the rapidly progressive shortage of intravenous sedative drugs led numerous intensive care units to look for potential alternatives in patients requiring mechanical ventilation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Inhalational sedation using the AnaConDa® device for sevoflurane administration is a possible option. In a 54-year-old COVID-19 patient with severe ARDS requiring extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO), sevoflurane on AnaConDa® device was administered for 8 days but was complicated by the development of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Other causes of NDI or central diabetes insipidus were reasonably excluded, as in other previously published cases of NDI in ICU patients receiving prolonged sevoflurane-based sedation. In addition, the postmortem examination suggested a lower expression of aquaporin-2 in renal tubules. This observation should prompt further investigations to elucidate the role of aquaporin-2 in sevoflurane-related NDI. Inhaled isoflurane sedation is a possible alternative.
A Privacy Protection Scheme for Facial Recognition and Resolution Based on Edge Computing
Authors: wu Junhua , Feng Wenzhen , Liang Guopeng , Wang Tiantian , Li Guangshun , Zheng Yuanwang
Published: March 2022

Facial recognition and resolution technology have extensive application scenarios in the era of big data. It ensures the consistency of personal identity in physical space and cyberspace by establishing correspondence between physical objects and network entities. However, massive data brings huge processing pressure to cloud service, and there are data leakage risks about personal information. To address this problem, we propose a privacy security protection scheme for facial recognition and resolution based on edge computing. Firstly, a facial recognition and resolution framework based on edge computing is established, which improves the communication and storage efficiency through task partition and relieves the pressure of cloud computing. Then, a verifiable deletion scheme based on Hidden CP-ABE is proposed to provide fine-grained access control and ensure the safe deletion of target data in the cloud. Moreover, after applying the verifiable deletion method, the safe deletion of the target data in the cloud can be achieved. Finally, the simulation results show the effectiveness and security of the proposed scheme.
Classification and Recognition of Doppler Ultrasound Images of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation under Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Du Meiling , Zhang Aiai , Li Feixing , Yi Mengyang , Li Fangjiang
Published: March 2022

This study was aimed to explore the value of the twin neural network model in the classification and recognition of cardiac ultrasound images of patients with atrial fibrillation. 80 patients with cardiac atrial fibrillation were selected and randomly divided into experimental group (40 cases) and control group (40 cases). The twin neural network (TNN) model was combined with traditional ultrasound, Doppler spectrum, tissue velocity, and strain imaging technology to obtain the patient’s cardiac structure parameters and analyze and compare related indicators. The results showed that the total atrial emptying fraction (TA-EF value) of the experimental group was 53.08%, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (

P
<
0.05

). There were no significant differences in left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left atrial maximum volume (LAVmax), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between the two groups. In the experimental group, the average peak velocity of mitral valve annulus (Em) was 8.49 cm/s, the peak velocity of lateral wall systole (Vs) was 6.82 cm/s, and the propagation velocity of left ventricular blood flow (Vp) was 51.2 cm/s, which were significantly reduced (

P
<
0.05

). The average values of peak strains in the middle and upper left atrium of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (

P
<
0.05

). It can be concluded that the combined use of the TNN model can more accurately and quickly classify and recognize ultrasound images.
Research on Contactless Identification and Evaluation of Unarmed Fitness Activity
Authors: Li Chengzhao
Published: March 2022

For low accuracy in the recognition and evaluation of unarmed fitness activities, analyzing the impact of the diversity of the execution speed of unarmed fitness activities on the recognition and evaluation results, a contactless recognition and evaluation method of unarmed fitness activities has been proposed by using the normalization to improve dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm. As can be seen, the proposed method can reduce the influence of activity execution speed change on activity recognition and evaluation, so as to improve the contactless recognition accuracy of unarmed fitness activities. Meanwhile, the overall recognition accuracy can reach 0.91, and the positive rate can be more than 0.84, which has strong robustness.
Gesture Tracking and Recognition Algorithm for Dynamic Human Motion Using Multimodal Deep Learning
Authors: Xia Zhonghua , Xing Jinming , Li Xiaofeng
Published: March 2022

To address the problems of the traditional human motion gesture tracking and recognition methods, such as poor tracking effect, low recognition accuracy, high frame loss rate, and long-time cost, a dynamic human motion gesture tracking and recognition algorithm using multimode deep learning was proposed. Firstly, the collected human motion images are repaired in the three-dimensional (3D) environment, and the multimodal 3D human motion model is reconstructed using the processed images. Secondly, according to the results of model reconstruction, the camera gesture and other parameters of the keyframe are used to construct the target tracking optimization function so as to achieve the purpose of accurate tracking of human motion. Finally, for multimodal human motion gesture learning, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is developed. The trained CNN is utilized to complete dynamic human motion recognition after convolutional and pooling calculations. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is effective in tracking human motion gestures. The average recognition accuracy is 96%, the average frame loss rate is 8.8%, the time cost is low, and the proposed algorithm has a high F-measure and much lower power consumption than other algorithms, indicating that the proposed algorithm is effective.