bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appraisal of Experimental Methods to Manage Menopause and Infertility: Intraovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Condensed Platelet-Derived Cytokines
Authors: Sills E Scott , Wood Samuel H
Published: November 2021

The first published description of intraovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) appeared in mid-2016, when a new experimental technique was successfully used in adult human ovaries to correct the reduced fertility potential accompanying advanced maternal age. Considering the potential therapeutic scope of intraovarian activated PRP and/or condensed platelet cytokines would likely cover both menopause treatment and infertility, the mainstream response has ranged from skeptical disbelief to welcome astonishment. Indeed, reports of restored menses in menopause (as an alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy) and healthy term livebirths for infertility patients (either with IVF or as unassisted conceptions) after intraovarian PRP injection continue to draw notice. Yet any proper criticism of ovarian PRP applications will be difficult to rebut given the heterogenous patient screening, varied sample preparations, wide differences in platelet incubation and activation protocols, surgical/anesthesia techniques, and delivery methods. Notwithstanding these features, no adverse events have been reported thus far and ovarian PRP appears well tolerated by patients. Here, early research guiding the transition of ‘ovarian rejuvenation’ from experimental to clinical is outlined. Likely mechanisms are presented to explain results observed in both veterinary and human ovarian PRP research. Current and future challenges for intraovarian cytokine treatment are also discussed.
Home Monitoring of Oxygen Saturation using a Low-cost Wearable Device with Haptic Feedback to Improve Sleep Quality in a Lung Cancer Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Lachenmeier Walter , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: November 2021

The study reports about a case of a lung cancer patient with increasing difficulties in falling asleep and frequent periods of wakefulness. Severe dyspnea related to pneumonitis caused as a side effect of immunotherapy worsened the situation. Eventually, fear of falling asleep developed, including panic attacks and anxiety of choking, which was shown to lead to nights of complete wakefulness. The patient did not only sleep poorly; he did not sleep at all at night for several days, as evidenced by the notes he made during the night. Polygraphy showed no evidence of sleep-disordered breathing, but frequent periods of wakefulness and reduced basal saturation around 90% during sleep due to lung changes such as extensive functional failure of the left upper lobe with position-dependent shunts. The authors hypothesized that the symptoms described were causally related to a drop in oxygen saturation in the patient's blood. Therefore, they pursued the goal of finding a measurement technique that is as inexpensive as possible and that the patient can operate without outside assistance and great effort. So the patient started using a low-cost wearable device that allows simultaneous measurements of blood oxygen content, pulse rate and movement intensity. It consists of a finger ring with pulse oximetry sensor and a wristband with the control unit containing a vibration motor. The described device reliably warned of disturbances in oxygen concentration in the blood during the night with its vibration alarm. By use of that device during the whole night at home, the events of reduced oxygen saturation and the anxiety symptoms were reduced. Sleep disturbances with sudden awakenings did not occur when using the device. The patient benefited from the security gained in this way and slept much more peacefully, and he could spend nights without waking up again. In conclusion, wearable oximeters with vibration alarm can be recommended for patients’ home care in lung cancer patients.
Bounding Greybody and Weak Deflection Angle of NED Black Holes with Many Horizons
Authors: Javed Wajiha , Hussain Iqra , Övgün Ali
Published: November 2021

In this project, our foremost intention is to analyze the angle of deflection of photon by NED black holes with many horizons in the context of non-linear electrodynamics. For the accomplishment of our intention at first we manipulated the optical metric of the desired black holes for the calculation of Gaussian curvature. After that, the angle of deflection in leading orders is attained from the desired black holes in weak field limit by using the famous Gauss-Bonnet theorem. Moreover, we evince the effect of plasma medium on the angle of deflection. At last, the graphical impact of the angle of deflection for NED black holes with many horizons is examined with respect to black hole charge and impact parameter in both the plasma and non plasma medium. In addition, we discuss the rigorous bound for grey body factor of the desired black hole and also observer its graphical behavior.
Learning Outcome-Based Teaching of Power Electronics and Electric Machines Hybrid Laboratory Using ABAL Method
Authors: Safdar Umair , Javed Yaqoob , Khan Subhan , Hussain Jeffery Mujtaba , Naeem Noman
Published: November 2021

This paper presents an Application Based Active Learning (ABAL) methodology on Power Electronics (PE) and Electric Machines (EM) as a hybrid laboratory course for the undergraduate students to design and implement the real-world engineering problems. The ABAL is a type of active learning which is a branch of Learner-centered teaching (LCT). The DC/DC converter along with the speed control of DC separately excites the motor. In addition, a DC/AC converter is designed to control the speed of an induction motor. The results are then investigated on a hardware platform under the ABAL experimental methodology. This paper also discusses the problem identification selection of the equipment, circuit design, hardware mounting and critical analysis of the results acquired from the hybrid laboratory. The ABAL methodology was evaluated based on student satisfaction, feedback, grades and interest to solve the real-world problem rather than cramming the engineering concepts and fulfill so-called lab routine and tasks
Effectiveness of the COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application (COCOA) Based on Multi-Agent Simulation
Authors: Omae Yuto , Toyotani Jun , Hara Kazuyuki , Gon Yasuhiro , Takahashi Hirotaka ,   College of Industrial Technology, Nihon University 1-2-1 Izumi, Narashino, Chiba 275-8575, Japan,   Nihon University School of Medicine 30-1 Kami, Ooyaguchi, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan,   Research Center for Space Science, Advanced Research Laboratories, Tokyo City University 8-15-1 Todoroki, Setagaya, Tokyo 158-0082, Japan
Published: November 2021

As of Aug. 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still spreading in the world. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare developed “COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application (COCOA),” which was released on June 19, 2020. By utilizing COCOA, users can know whether or not they had contact with infected persons. If those who had contact with infected individuals keep staying at home, they may not infect those outside. However, effectiveness decreasing the number of infected individuals depending on the app’s various usage parameters is not clear. If it is clear, we could set the objective value of the app’s usage parameters (e.g., the usage rate of the total populations) and call for installation of the app. Therefore, we develop a multi-agent simulator that can express COVID-19 spreading and usage of the apps, such as COCOA. In this study, we describe the simulator and the effectiveness of the app in various scenarios. The result obtained in this study supports those of previously conducted studies.
The Estimation of Image Jacobian Matrix with Time-Delay Compensation
Authors: Wang Xinmei , Liu Zhenzhu , Liu Feng , Wang Leimin ,   School of Automation, China University of Geosciences No.388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China,   Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Control and Intelligent Automation for Complex Systems No.388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
Published: November 2021

Time delay exists in image-based visual servo system, which will have a certain impact on the system control. To solve the impact of time delay, the time delay compensation of the object feature point image and the image Jacobian matrix is discussed in this paper. Some work is done in this paper: The estimation of the object feature point image under time delay is based on a proposed robust decorrelation Kalman filtering model, for the measurement vectors which cannot be obtained during time delay in the robust Kalman filtering model, a polynomial fitting method is proposed in which the selection of the polynomial includes the position, velocity and acceleration of the object feature point which impact the feature point trajectory, then the more accurate object feature point image can be obtained. From the estimated object feature point image under time delay, the more accurate image Jacobian matrix under time delay can be obtained. Simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility and superiority of this paper method.
Stable Strategy Formation for Mobile Users in Crowdsensing Using Co-Evolutionary Model
Authors: Wu Liangguang , Xiong Yonghua , Liu Kang-Zhi , She Jinhua ,   School of Automation, China University of Geosciences No.388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China,   Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Control and Intelligent Automation for Complex Systems No.388 Lumo Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China,   Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Chiba University Chiba 263-8522, Japan,   School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Technology 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan
Published: November 2021

In crowdsensing, the diversity of the sensing tasks and an enhancement of the smart devices enable mobile users to accept multiple types of tasks simultaneously. In this study, we propose a new practical framework for dealing with the challenges of task assignment and user incentives posed by complex heterogeneous task scenarios in a crowdsensing market full of competition. First, based on the non-cooperative game property of mobile users, the problem is formulated into a Nash equilibrium problem. Then, to provide an efficient solution, a judgment method based on constraints (sensing time and sensing task dimension) is designed to decompose the problems into different situations according to the complexity. We propose a genetic-algorithm-based approach to find the combination of tasks that maximizes the utility of users and adopts a co-evolutionary model to formulate a stable sensing strategy that maintains the maximum utility of all users. Furthermore, we reveal the impact of competition between users and tasks on user strategies and use a cooperative weight to reflect it mathematically. Based on this, an infeasible solution repair method is designed in the genetic algorithm to reduce the search space, thus effectively accelerating the convergence speed. Extensive simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Multilayer Batch Learning Growing Neural Gas for Learning Multiscale Topologies
Authors: Toda Yuichiro ,   Okayama University 3-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Kita-Ku, Okayama, Okayama 700-8530, Japan, Matsuno Takayuki , Minami Mamoru
Published: November 2021

Hierarchical topological structure learning methods are expected to be developed in the field of data mining for extracting multiscale topological structures from an unknown dataset. However, most methods require user-defined parameters, and it is difficult for users to determine these parameters and effectively utilize the method. In this paper, we propose a new parameter-less hierarchical topological structure learning method based on growing neural gas (GNG). First, we propose batch learning GNG (BL-GNG) to improve the learning convergence and reduce the user-designed parameters in GNG. BL-GNG uses an objective function based on fuzzy C-means to improve the learning convergence. Next, we propose multilayer BL-GNG (MBL-GNG), which is a parameter-less unsupervised learning algorithm based on hierarchical topological structure learning. In MBL-GNG, the input data of each layer uses parent nodes to learn more abstract topological structures from the dataset. Furthermore, MBL-GNG can automatically determine the number of nodes and layers according to the data distribution. Finally, we conducted several experiments to evaluate our proposed method by comparing it with other hierarchical approaches and discuss the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Power-Tool Use in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Arnold Matthew C.A. , Zhao Sarah , Doyle Ruben J. , Jeffers Jonathan R.T. , Boughton Oliver R.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Power tools are an integral part of orthopaedic surgery but have the capacity to cause iatrogenic injury. With this systematic review, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of iatrogenic injury due to the use of power tools in orthopaedic surgery and to discuss the current methods that can be used to reduce injury.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review of English-language studies related to power tools and iatrogenic injuries using a keyword search in MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Exclusion criteria included injuries related to cast-saw use, temperature-induced damage, and complications not clearly related to power-tool use.

Results:

A total of 3,694 abstracts were retrieved, and 88 studies were included in the final analysis. Few studies and individual case reports looked directly at the prevalence of injury due to power tools. These included 2 studies looking at the frequency of vascular injury during femoral fracture fixation (0.49% and 0.2%), 2 studies investigating the frequency of vertebral artery injury during spinal surgery (0.5% and 0.08%), and 4 studies investigating vascular injury during total joint arthroplasty (1 study involving 138 vascular injuries in 124 patients, 2 studies noting 0.13% and 0.1% incidence, and 1 questionnaire sent electronically to surgeons). There are multiple methods for preventing damage during power-tool use. These include the use of robotics and simulation, specific drill settings, and real-time feedback techniques such as spectroscopy and electromyography.

Conclusions:

Power tools have the potential to cause iatrogenic injury to surrounding structures during orthopaedic surgery. Fortunately, the published literature suggests that the frequency of iatrogenic injury using orthopaedic power tools is low. There are multiple technologies available to reduce damage using power tools. In high-risk operations, the use of advanced technologies to reduce the chance of iatrogenic injury should be considered.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
MRI Characteristics at a Mean of Thirteen Years After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery in Adolescents
Authors: Lagerbäck Tobias , Kastrati Gránit , Möller Hans , Jensen Karin , Skorpil Mikael , Gerdhem Paul
Published: November 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of lumbar spine degeneration in adult individuals who had undergone lumbar disc herniation surgery during adolescence.

Methods:

Twenty-three individuals who had been surgically treated for lumbar disc herniation as adolescents (≤18 years of age) participated in this study at a mean of 13.8 years (range, 8.6 to 20.4 years) after the surgery; they were matched for age and sex to 23 controls without any known previous disc herniation or spinal surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging included sagittal T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences of the lumbar spine. Disc degeneration was assessed with the Pfirrmann grading system. Changes in the vertebral end plate and body were assessed according to Modic changes and total end plate (TEP) score. Patient-reported outcome measures included the Oswestry Disability Index, a visual analog scale (VAS) for leg and back pain, the EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, and the mental and physical component summary scores of the Short Form (SF)-36. Statistical analyses were made with the chi-square test and the Welch-Satterthwaite t test.

Results:

Compared with the controls, the cases that underwent surgery had a higher prevalence of the following: severe degeneration according to the Pfirrmann grading system at the L4-L5 (p = 0.007) and L5-S1 (p = 0.002) levels, Modic changes at the L4-L5 (p = 0.022) and L5-S1 (p = 0.026) levels, and a TEP score of ≥6 at the L5-S1 level (p = 0.001). The surgical cases had a significantly worse patient-reported outcome compared with the controls (all p ≤ 0.010), with the exception of the VAS for leg pain (p = 0.093) and the mental component summary score of the SF-36 (p = 0.844).

Conclusions:

Lumbar disc herniation surgery that was performed during adolescence was associated with more frequent lumbar spine degeneration and lower health-related quality of life in adulthood when compared with the control group.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Numerical Modeling Study on Mineral Alteration and Sealing Performance for CO2 Geological Sequestration with Enhancing Water Recovery in Hydraulic Fractured Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Yan Maosen , Ai Chi , Fu Xiaofei , Zhang Jun , Han Xu , Cong Ziyuan , Yu Fahao , Li Wei , Li Yuwei
Published: November 2021

Recently, CO2 geological sequestration combined with enhancing deep saline water/brine recovery is regarded as a potential strategic choice for reduction of CO2 emissions. This technology not only achieves the relatively secure storage of CO2 which was captured during industrial processes but also can enhance the recovery of water for drinking, industrial, and agricultural utilization. However, the impact of CO2-water-rock reactions on the shale reservoir in the system is unclear and the sealing performance of mudstone caprock has not been investigated. For analyzing the mechanism of mineral alteration in the shale reservoir, a three-dimensional injection-production model in the double-fractured horizontal well pattern is established according to actual parameters of shale and mudstone layers. In addition, mineral alteration was characterized and caprock sealing performance was also assessed. Numerical results showed that the presence of CO2 can lead to the dissolution of k-feldspar, oligoclase, chlorite, and dolomite and the precipitation of clay minerals such as kaolinite, illite, and smectite (Ca-smectite and Na-smectite). Due to positive ion released by dissolved primary minerals, the precipitation of secondary carbonate occurs including ankerite and dawsonite, which induces the mineral sequestration capacity of the shale reservoir. The amount of CO2 sequestration by mineral is 51430.96 t after 200 years, which equals 23.47% of the total injection (219145.34 t). Besides, the height of the sealing gas column is used for evaluating the sealing performance of the shale-mudstone interface. Results show that the height of the sealing gas column at the interface above the injection well is lower but the maximum value of CO2 gas saturation is only 0.00037 after 200 years. The height of the sealing gas column at the interface is greater than 800 m, which can be classified as level II and guarantee the security of the CO2 storage. The analysis results provide reliable guidance and reference for the site selection of CO2 geological sequestration.
Comparison of Effects of Aminosalicylic Acid, Glucocorticoids and Immunosuppressive Agents On The Expression of Multidrug-Resistant Genes in Ucerative Colitis
Authors: Chen Yan , Wang Ping , Zhang Yin , Du Xiao-Yu , Zhang Ying-Jian
Published: November 2021

Objective: To compare the effects of aminosalicylic acid, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents on the expression levels of multidrug-resistant genes in ucerative colitis (UC) patients, aiming to provide theoretical and therapeutic basis for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of UC.Methods: Fresh specimen of colon mucosal tissues pathological mucosal tissues under endoscopy or postoperative pathological biopsy tissues were collected from 148 UC patients and then prepared for subsequent experiment.Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to detect the distribution site and pattern of P-glycoprotein （P-gp）. The effects of ASA glucocorticoids and immunosupresive agents on P-gp were statistically compared.The expression levels of Multidrug resistance gene （MDR1）mRNA before and after corresponding treatment were quantitatively measured by using RT-PCR. In addition, the effects of three agents upon MDR1 mRNA were also comparatively analyzed.Results: Administration of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) drugs were not correlated with the expression of multidrug resistance genes in UC, whereas delivery of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressant drugs was positively correlated with the expression profile. The expression levels of MDR1 gene and its product P-gp were significantly up-regulated in patients who were nonresponsive to glucocorticoids and immunosuppressant agents.Conclusions: Overall, the findings in the present study demonstrate that 5-ASA exerts no effect upon the expression levels of MDR1 and its product P-gp in patients diagnosed with UC. Nevertheless, administration of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressant drugs can up-regulate the expression levels of MDR1.
A Combined Index of Waist Circumference and Muscle Quality is Associated with Accumulation of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Obese Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ikeue Kentaro , Kusakabe Toru , Muranaka Kazuya , Yamakage Hajime , Inoue Takayuki , Ishii Kojiro , Satoh-Asahara Noriko
Published: November 2021

Background: Aging individuals are prone to sarcopenic obesity (SO). SO is associated with higher risks of low physical function, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality. Worldwide diagnostic criteria for SO and its cutoff values have not yet been established. In this study, from among obesity- and sarcopenia-evaluated indices, we determined a combined index most associated with the accumulation of CVD risk factors in obese patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated body composition using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis device and measured handgrip strength in 188 obese patients (73 men and 115 women). We selected each index most associated with the accumulation of CVD risk factors among obesity- (body mass index, percentage body fat, or waist circumference [WC]) and sarcopenia-evaluated indices (skeletal mass index, handgrip strength, or muscle quantity [MQ]), respectively. We then classified obese patients into four groups (group C, control; group O, obesity alone; group S, sarcopenia alone; and group SO, sarcopenic obesity) using the two selected indices with each median value and compared the CVD risk score, the number of concomitant CVD risk factors, among the four groups.Results: Based on the dichotomous comparison, WC and MQ were selected as the indices most associated with CVD risk factor accumulation. The CVD risk score was significantly higher in groups S and SO as compared with group C (1.94 ± 0.80, 1.95 ± 0.91 vs. 1.41 ± 0.84, all p < 0.05). Odds ratios for CVD risk scores ≥2 were significantly higher in groups S, O, and SO compared with group C (4.78 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.79-12.81], p = 0.002; 3.28 [95% CI 1.37-7.88], p = 0.008; 3.92 [95% CI 1.74-8.81], p = 0.001; respectively). Furthermore, odds ratios for CVD risk scores = 3 were significantly higher only in group SO compared with group C (4.29 [95% CI 1.49-12.33], p = 0.007).Conclusion: In obese patients, WC and MQ were most associated with the accumulation of CVD risk factors, respectively. Furthermore, classification using the combined index of WC and MQ reflects the accumulation of CVD risk factors in obese patients, regardless sex and age.
WITHDRAWN: A Case of Pterygopalatoma with Misdiagnosed as Secretory Otitis Media
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Yan , Zhao Xue , Guo Hai Xian , Yu Dan
Published: November 2021

Objective: This case improves the early etiologic diagnosis of recurrent and refractory secretory otitis media, avoiding missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.Methods: Collecting the clinical manifestations of this case, fiberoptic otoscopy + fiber nasopharyngoscopy and imaging features.Results: This patient was admitted to the hospital with hearing loss and ear suffocation. He did not find the cause at the beginning of the disease. Before the hospital, he underwent the treatment of tympanic incision and eustachian tube balloon expansion with simple secretory otitis media, but still recurrent, he came into our hospital through imaging and other further examination this time, having the clear cause that the secretory otitis media recurrent episodes due to tumor lesions in the pterygopalatine. Under the general anesthesia, the navigation system assisted the endoscopic sinus combined with the cryo-plasma wing axillary tumor resection, and the right ear tympanic membrane incision was performed under the microscope.Conclusions: Clinicians need to be cautious and consider the causes in order to reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis, and provide early diagnosis and early treatment to improve the quality of life of patients.
Effective Antioxidant activity of Phytic acid Prevents Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Albino wistar Rats
Authors: BRINDHA E
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of phytic acid on cardiac markers, blood glucose, total proteins, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, serum uric acid, serum iron, and plasma iron binding capacity in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in male Wistar rats. Rats subcutaneously injected with ISO (85 mg/kg) at an interval of 24 h for 2 days showed a significant increase in the degrees of cardiac troponin T (cTnT), intensity of the bands of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-isoenzyme (LDH1 and LDH2) and the activities of cardiac marker enzymes such as creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in serum with subsequent decrease in the activities of CK, LDH, AST and ALT in the heart. ISO-induced rats showed a significant increase in blood glucose, serum uric acid, serum iron and a decrease in the levels of total proteins, A/G ratio and iron binding capacity. Pretreatment with phytic acid (25 and 50 mg/kg) daily for a period of 56 days positively altered the levels of cTnT, intensity of the bands of the LDH1 and LDH2-isoenzyme and the activities of cardiac marker enzymes, and other biochemical parameters. Thus, phytic acid possess cardioprotective effect in ISO-induced oxidative stress in rats.
Trajectory Prediction of Three Dimensional Forming Tube Based On Kalman Filter
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Bo Liang , Yang Junzhou
Published: November 2021

This article focuses on the prediction of forming trajectory and process optimization during the forming process for the variable curvature tubes. Firstly, through cubic B-spline interpolation, the geometric characteristics of the axis of the target tube are obtained. An overall tube is "separated and then integrated", and the relationship between geometric parameters and processing parameters is established to obtain the initial process parameters. Based on the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm, the motion model and observation model of tube forming using simulation are presented section by section, and the relevant calculation and analysis are carried out. The forming trajectory has been predicted and the processing parameters are optimized during the processing process, in which the effectiveness of the processing optimum scheme is illustrated.
Effect of Air Pollution on Age at Menarche
Authors: Wronka Iwona , Kliś Katarzyna
Published: November 2021

Objectives

to analyse the association between the degree of air pollution (suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, benzopyrene levels) in the location of residence during childhood and adolescence and the age at menarche
Methods

Anthropometric measurements were performed, and questionnaire data were collected from 1,257 women, aged 19-25 years
Results

Negative relationships between age at menarche and suspended particulate matter as well as nitrogen levels were found. A similar trend was observed in an analysis of the relationship between age at menarche and the complex air pollution index. The tendency for age at menarche to decrease together with worsening air quality was also visible after adjusted for socioeconomic status. Girls exposed to high suspended particulate matter levels were characterised by higher risk of early age at menarche.
Conclusion

High levels of air pollution are related to younger age at menarche and the risk of the menstruation onset below 11 y.
Altered Dynamic Amplitude of Low-frequency Fluctuations in Patients with Postpartum Depression
Authors: Dong Fanghui , Zhang Zhongsheng , Chu Tongpeng , Che Kaili , Li Yuna , Shi Yinghong , Ma Heng , Zhao Feng , Mao Ning , Xie Haizhu
Published: November 2021

Background
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mood disorder with increasing incidence year by year. However, the dynamic changes in local neural activity remain unclear. In this study, we utilized the dynamic amplitude of low-frequency (dALFF) to investigate the abnormal temporal variability of local neural activity.
Methods
Twenty-four patients with PPD and nineteen healthy postpartum women controls (HCs) matched for age, education level and body mass index were examined by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). A sliding-window method was used to assess the dALFF, and a k-means clustering method was used to identify dALFF states. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences of dALFF variability and state metrics between PPD and HCs. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between dALFF variability, states metrics and clinical severity.
Results
(1) Patients with PPD had lower variance of dALFF than HCs in the cognitive control network, cerebellar network, and sensorimotor network. (2) Four dALFF states were identified, and the number of transitions between the four dALFF states increased in the patients compared with that in HCs. (3) Multiple dALFF states were found to be correlated with the severity of depression. The variance of dALFF in the right middle frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale score.
Conclusion
This study provides new insights into the brain dysfunction of PPD from the perspective of dynamic local brain activity, and highlights its important role in understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms of PPD.
SINS/BDS Tightly-Coupled Integrated Navigation Algorithm for Hypersonic Vehicle
Authors: chen kai , PEI Sen-sen , ZENG Cheng-zhi , DING Gang
Published: November 2021

A tightly-coupled integrated navigation system (TCINS) for hypersonic vehicles is proposed when the satellite signals are disturbed. Firstly, the architecture of the integrated navigation system for the hypersonic vehicle is introduced. This system applies fiber SINS, BeiDou satellite receiver (BDS) and SOPC missile-born computer. Subsequently, the SINS mechanization for hypersonic vehicle is presented. The J2 model is employed for the normal gravity of the near space. An algorithm for updating the attitude, velocity and position is designed. State equations and measurement equations of SINS/BDS tightly-coupled integrated navigation for hypersonic vehicle are given, and a scheme of validity for satellite data is designed. Finally, the SINS/BDS tightly-coupled vehicle field tests and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation tests are carried out. The vehicle field test and HWIL simulation results show that the heading angle error of tightly-coupled integrated navigation is within 0.2°, the pitch and roll angle errors are within 0.05°, the maximum velocity error is 0.3m/s, and the maximum position error is 10m.
An Evaluation of An Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Intervention in Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Care
Authors: Milgrom Zheng , Severance Tyler , Scanlon Caitlin , Carson Any'e , Janota Andrea , Vik Terry , Duwve Joan , Dixon Brian , Mendonca Eneida
Published: November 2021

To address the increasing cancer burden in Indiana, a telementoring program using the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model focusing on cancer prevention, screening, and survivorship care, was deployed in September 2019 to guide best-practice care to primary care providers (PCPs). We utilized Moore’s Evaluation Framework for Continuing Medical Education to evaluate the program's educational outcomes. We collected 22 semi-structured interviews and 30 anonymous one-time surveys from the program participants (hub and spoke members) and the target audience. During the first year, there was an average of 12 non-PCP professionals and 2.5 PCPs come to each session. In spite of a relatively low PCP participation, the program overall received very positive satisfaction and feedback of their improvement in knowledge, confidence and practice. There are three features that both program participants and target audience valued in the Cancer ECHO: a conversational format, gaining real-life experiences, and support from a professional interdisciplinary community. Our study also discovered the PCP’s resistance to didactics focused on prevention and screening, their preference on case discussion part about survivorship care but they do not have enough cases to present. Our study showed that the Cancer ECHO program could be an effective educational means in improving the cancer control capacity, especially to the PCPs. The program strengths suggested a unique role of the ECHO model among the existing physician-targeting cancer control interventions. A further study is warranted to explain the discrepancy between the program’s strengths and a relatively low PCP adoption.
Effect of Eribulin on Angiogenesis and Endothelial Adhesion Molecule Expression.
Authors: Abbona Andrea , Paccagnella Matteo , Astigiano Simonetta , Martini Stefania , Denaro Nerina , Ruatta Fiorella , Barbieri Ottavia , Merlano Marco Carlo , Garrone Ornella
Published: November 2021

Tumor vasculature is an important component of the tumor microenvironment and deeply affects anticancer immune response. Eribulin is a non-taxane inhibitor of the mitotic spindle. However, off-target effects interfering with the tumor vasculature have been reported. The mechanisms responsible of this effect are still unclear.We designed an in vitro study to investigate the effect of eribulin, with or without TGF-β, on neo-angiogenesis, and on the expression of the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. We also investigated the effects of paclitaxel and vinorelbine in the same experimental conditions.Eribulin up-regulated the epithelial markers VE-cadherin and CD-31 in HUVEC and inhibited tube formation in HUVEC cultured in Matrigel. The drug effectively arrested tube formation even in presence of TGF-β and counteracted the TGF-β-induced change in cell shape from the endothelial cobblestone-like morphology to an elongated spindleshaped morphology.We also observed that eribulin was able to upregulate ICAM-1 and to counteract its downregulation induced by TGF-β.Eribulin therefore exerts different off-label effects: increases vascular remodeling, counteracts the endothelial tomesenchymal transition (EndMT) mediated by TGF-β and promotes tumor infiltration by immune cells by increasing expression of ICAM-1 and transcription of CD31 and VE-cadherin.Moreover, eribulin was able to inhibit vasculature remodeling and the induction of EndMT mediated by TGF-β better than vinorelbine and paclitaxel.The effects observed in this study might have important therapeutic consequence if the drug will be administered with immunotherapy.
Pay-it-forward to improve influenza vaccine uptake and public engagement among children and older adults in China: A three-arm quasi-experimental study
Authors: Wu Dan , Jin Chenqi , Bessame Khaoula , Tang Fanny , Ong Jason , Wang Zaisheng , Xie Yewei , Jit Mark , Larson Heidi , Chantler Tracey , Lin Leesa , Gong Wenfeng , Yang Fan , Jing Fengshi , Wei Shufang , Cheng Weibin , Zhou Yi , Ren Nina , Qiu Shuhao , Bao Jianmin , Wen Liufen , Yang Qinlu , Tian Junzhang , Tang Weiming , Tucker Joseph
Published: November 2021

China has low seasonal influenza vaccination rates among children and older adults. This quasi-experimental pragmatic trial examined the effectiveness of a pay-it-forward intervention on influenza vaccination compared to standard of care (user-paid vaccination) and free vaccination strategies among children and older people in China (ChiCTR2000040048). In pay-it-forward, people receive a free influenza vaccine from a local group and are offered an opportunity to donate financially to support vaccination among future individuals. The primary outcome was pre-specified as influenza vaccine uptake. Secondary outcomes included vaccine confidence and associated costs. Among 450 participants enrolled, 55/150 (36.7%) in the standard of care arm, 111/150 (74.0%) in the pay-it-forward arm, and 114/150 (76.0%) in the free vaccination arm received an influenza vaccine. The pay-it-forward arm had significantly higher vaccine confidence when compared to the standard of care arm. In the pay-it-forward arm, 107/111 (96.4%) of participants donated money for subsequent vaccinations and 19 of 60 invited (31.7%) created postcard messages.
Relational Capital And Strategic Orientations As Antecedents of Innovation: Evidence From Mexican SMEs
Authors: RAMIREZ-SOLIS EDGAR ROGELIO , Llonch Joan , Malpica-Romero Alberto
Published: November 2021

Despite the importance of strategic orientations and relational capital in businesses, little research has been carried out on the relationship of these factors with the innovation process. Nor has the behavior of strategic orientations been sufficiently studied if we measure them together. This paper examines the relationship between those factors with firm performance. We propose relational capital as a source of innovation for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through strategic orientations. Therefore, this study contributes to advanced knowledge in the SMEs competitive research stream. A total of 360 respondents completed a survey conducted at four main cities in México. Using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, our results reveal a strong positive effect of relational capital over strategic orientations. Mixed findings of strategic orientations and innovation are presented. The findings offer managerial insights for managers to improve performance through innovation and strategic orientations using relational capital.
WITHDRAWN: Rare Metachronous Multiple Carcinoma of Ear, Nose and Throat: A Case Report: Metachronous Multiple Carcinoma of Bilateral Maxillary Sinus and Lung
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Yan , Li Qiu Jin , Guo Xian Hai , Zhao Xue , Yu Dan
Published: November 2021

BackegroundTo report a rare case of metachronous multiple carcinoma of bilateral maxillary sinus and lung.MethodsThe clinical manifestations, pathological results, endoscopic findings and imaging features of the patient were collected and summarized.ResultsThe patient, male, 58 years old, came to our department in 2010 for "left exophthalmos and blood in snot". Combined with relevant examinations, it was diagnosed as malignant tumor of the left maxillary sinus. Postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy were performed. Ten years later, the patient developed right maxillary sinus cancer and left lung cancer. The postoperative pathological return of lung was lung adenocarcinoma,excluding the possibility of metastasis.Conclusions﻿For otorhinolaryngology,this case of isochronous multiple lung cancer in bilateral maxillary sinuses is very rare, which also suggests that we should closely follow up tumor patients in clinical treatment.In addition to the primary site, we should also strengthen the monitoring of radiotherapy operation area and easily metastatic organs (such as lung, bone, liver, etc.), strengthening the popularization of relevant knowledge and improve patients' awareness of disease prevention, changing the bad lifestyle, further reducing the incidence of multiple primary cancer or early detection of cancer and improving the quality of life of patients.
WITHDRAWN: Parametric Optimization of Friction Stir Welding Factors (FSWF) for Yellow Brass 405-20
Authors: Raza Syed Farhan , Khan Sarmad Ali , Habib Muhammad Salman , Ahmed Naveed , Ishfaq Kashif , Mehdi Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a green, environmentally amicable, and solid-state joining technology. Industries are really interested in adopting FSW in its various applications e.g., automobile, aerospace, marine, construction, etc. FSW can successfully weld a wide range of materials (similar/dissimilar parent materials) including aluminum, copper, steel, different alloys from these materials, plastics, composites, and this material range is subjected to extension if FSW research efforts develop further in future. FSW of brass has already been accomplished by fewer researchers. In this research, yellow brass 405-20 is, therefore, welded with FSW that was never welded before. In this study, tool material utilized was M2 HSS that was also novel. Effect of two friction stir weld factors (FSWF), rotational speed (RS) and traverse speed (TS), was found on three output parameters i.e., weld temperature, weld strength and weld hardness. Weld temperature was found to be 63.72% of melting point of base metal. A significant improvement in friction stir weld strength (FSWS) was also measured that was found to be 82.78% of the base brass strength. Finally, weld hardness was measured which was found to be 87.80% of original brass hardness. Based on main effects of Anova Analysis, optimal FSW factors were found to be 1450 rpm and 60 mm/min resulting interestingly in maximum (max.)/optimal temperature, max./optimal weld strength, and minimum/optimal hardness. Rotational speed (RS) was found to be significant to affect the weld temperature only at the friction stir weld zone (FSWZ) with the highest percent contribution (PCR) of 65.69%. Transverse speed (TS) was found to be overall insignificant for affecting weld temperature, weld strength and hardness. However, PCR of transverse speed was found to be maximum for affecting weld strength as compared to its PCR towards both weld temperature and weld hardness. Error PCR was found to be the lowest for weld zone temperature, then for weld strength, and finally the highest for weld hardness. Interaction Plots (IPs) were also made for those FSWF which were found to be insignificant and to investigate any combined effect of FSWF on output parameters causing increased error PCR towards weld temperature, weld strength, and weld hardness.
Changes in thromboelastography to predict ecchymosis after knee arthroplasty: a promising guide for the use of anticoagulants: a case control study
Authors: Chen Yuelong , Qin Leilei , Wang Jiawei , Gong Xuan , Hu Ning
Published: November 2021

BackgroundEcchymosis is one of the worrisome complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and interferes with functional rehabilitation. Current clinical guidelines do not provide individualized approaches for patients with ecchymoses. In this study, we used thromboelastography (TEG) to determine the coagulation state after TKA and to then explore markers that predict the occurrence of ecchymosis events after TKA.MethodsIn our cohort, patients were divided into ecchymosis (n=55) and nonecchymosis (n=137) groups according to whether ecchymosis events occurred after TKA. Rivaroxaban 10 mg/d was taken orally for thromboprophylaxis after surgery. All patients completed TEG testing. Correlation analysis was used to determine the risk factors for ecchymosis after TKA, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for variables with significant correlation were plotted.ResultsIn all, 55 of the 192 patients (28.65%) developed ecchymosis surrounding the surgical site. Multivariate analysis showed that hidden blood loss (OR = 1.003 and p =.005) and changes in the coagulation index (ΔCI) values (OR = 0.351 and p =.001) were risk factors for ecchymosis after TKA. Using the Youden index, 0.1805 was determined as the optimal threshold value of ΔCI for predicting the occurrence of ecchymosis, with a sensitivity of 74.55% and specificity of 72.99%.ConclusionsΔCI is a promising marker as an alarm for the occurrence of ecchymosis after TKA.Trial registrationChinese Clinical TrialRegistry, ChiCTR, NO. ChiCTR1800017245. Registered 19 July 2018 - Prospective registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn
Using Machine Learning To Improve the Accuracy of Genomic Prediction on Reproduction Traits in Pigs
Authors: Wang Xue , Shi Shaolei , Wang Guijiang , Luo Wenxue , Wei Xia , Qiu Ao , Luo Fei , Ding Xiangdong
Published: November 2021

Background

Recently, machine learning (ML) is becoming attractive in genomic prediction, while its superiority in genomic prediction and the choosing of optimal ML methods are needed investigation.
Results

In this study, 2566 Chinese Yorkshire pigs with reproduction traits records were used, they were genotyped with GenoBaits Porcine SNP 50K and PorcineSNP50 panel. Four ML methods, including support vector regression (SVR), kernel ridge regression (KRR), random forest (RF) and Adaboost.R2 were implemented. Through 20 replicates of five-fold cross-validation, the genomic prediction abilities of ML methods were explored. Compared with genomic BLUP(GBLUP), single-step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) and Bayesian method BayesHE, our results indicated that ML methods significantly outperformed. The prediction accuracy of ML methods was improved by 19.3%, 15.0% and 20.8% on average over GBLUP, ssGBLUP and BayesHE, ranging from 8.9–24.0%, 7.6–17.5% and 11.1–24.6%, respectively. In addition, ML methods yielded smaller mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) in all scenarios. ssGBLUP yielded improvement of 3.7% on average compared to GBLUP, and the performance of BayesHE was close to GBLUP. Among four ML methods, SVR and KRR had the most robust prediction abilities, which yielded higher accuracies, lower bias, lower MSE and MAE, and comparable computing efficiency as GBLUP. RF demonstrated the lowest prediction ability and computational efficiency among ML methods.
Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that ML methods are more efficient than traditional genomic selection methods, and it could be new options for genomic prediction.