bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Left Atrial Appendage Circular RNAs Are New Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Surgical Ablation in Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients: a Case Control Study
Authors: Zhu Xiyu , Wang Yali , Mo Ran , Chong Hoshun , Cao Hailong , Fan Fudong , Wang Dongjin , Zhou Qing
Published: February 2021

Background: Atrial fibrillation recurrence after surgical ablation in valvular atrial fibrillation patients will increase the mortality and morbidity during follow-up. In this study, we attempted to evaluate the relationship between circular RNAs in left atrial appendage and atrial fibrillation recurrence to establish a predictive model for early intervention.Methods: A retrospective case control study of all patients who underwent surgical ablation during valve surgery was performed. The expression level of circular RNAs were detected in the left atrial appendage tissue after surgery. 24 hours Holter examination was used to evaluate the status of heart rhythm during follow-up. The independent risk factors of atrial fibrillation recurrence were analyzed by multivariate analysis. The predictive model of atrial fibrillation recurrence was visualized by Nomogram and was tested by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare the rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence after surgery.Results: A total of 136 patients completed the research strategy from September 2018 to June 2019, 81 (59.6%) patients restored sinus rhythm and 55 (40.4%) patients experienced atrial fibrillation recurrence. Increased age (P=0.002), longer AF duration (P<0.001) and increased expression of circ 81906-RYR2 (P<0.001), circ 44782-LAMA2 (P=0.002), circ 418-KCNN2 (P=0.011) and circ 35880-ANO5 (P<0.001) were detected in atrial fibrillation recurrence group. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age (odd ratio=1.072, P=0.006), longer AF duration (odd ratio=1.007, P=0.036) and increased expression of circ 81906-RYR2 (odd ratio=2.210, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for recurrence. The area under the curve was 0.77 and the cut-off value was 70 points of the predictive model. The results of Kaplan-Meier plots showed that patients over 70 points were more likely to suffer from atrial fibrillation recurrence during the follow-up.Conclusions: Circ 81906-RYR2 could be a new predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after surgical ablation. A predictive model consists of age, atrial fibrillation duration and expression of circ 81906-RYR2 was alternative for early intervention of atrial fibrillation recurrence.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Looking for Consistency in an Uncertain World: Test-Retest Reliability of Neurophysiological and Behavioral Readouts in Autism
Authors: Beker Shlomit , Foxe John J. , Venticinque John , Bates Juliana , Ridgeway Elizabeth M. , Schaaf Roseann C. , Molholm Sophie
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with altered sensory processing and perception. Scalp recordings of electrical brain activity time-locked to sensory events (event-related potentials; ERPs) provide precise information on the time-course of related altered neural activity, and can be used to model the cortical loci of the underlying neural networks. Establishing the test-retest reliability of these sensory brain responses in ASD is critical to their use as biomarkers of neural dysfunction in this population. MethodsEEG and behavioral data were acquired from 33 children diagnosed with ASD aged 6-9.4 years old, while they performed a child friendly task at two different time-points, separated by an average of 5.2 months. In two blocked conditions, participants responded to the occurrence of an auditory target that was either preceded or not by repeating visual stimuli. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess test-retest reliability of measures of sensory (auditory and visual) ERPs and performance, for the two experimental conditions. To assess the degree of reliability of the variability of responses within individuals, this analysis was performed on the variance of the measurements, in addition to their means. In total, this yielded a total of 25 measures for which ICCs were calculated. ResultsThe data yielded significant good-to-excellent ICCs for 15 of the 25 measurements. These spanned across behavioral and ERPs data, experimental conditions, and mean as well as variance measures. Measures of the visual evoked responses accounted for a disproportionately large number of the significant ICCs. ConclusionsThis analysis reveals that sensory ERPs and related behavior can be highly reliable across multiple measurement time-points in ASD. The data further suggest that the inter-trial and inter-participant variability reported in the ASD literature likely often represents replicable individual participant neural processing differences. The stability of these neuronal readouts supports their use as biomarkers in clinical and translational studies on ASD. Given the minimum interval between test/retest sessions across our cohort, we also conclude that for the tested age-range of ~6 to 9.4 years these reliability measures are valid for at least a 3-month interval.
Minimally Invasive Surgeries for Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Prognostic Indicators and Persistence of Treatment Outcome over a 5-year Follow-up Study
Authors: Talaat Wael , Hamdoon Zaid , Ghoneim Mohamed M.
Published: February 2021

Patients refractory to conservative treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are candidates for more invasive treatments like arthroscopy and arthrocentesis. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of long-term success and persistence of treatment outcome for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopic lysis and lavage and arthrocentesis for treatment of TMD. Analysis of 64 minimally invasive surgeries used to treat disc displacement without reduction in group I (n = 36), and osteoarthritis in group II (n = 28) was conducted. Success was identified as a pain score ≤ 3, disability score ≤ 2 and maximal mouth opening greater than 35 mm. The overall success rate was 85.9%. Difference in success rate between groups was not significant (p = 0.441). Preoperative predictors of success in group I were fewer tender muscles (p < 0.01), shorter duration of symptoms (p = 0.046), lower pain (p < 0.01) and lower disability (p = 0.0104), while in group II were fewer tender muscles (p < 0.01), less limitation in opening (p < 0.01) and lower disability (p = 0.0131). In conclusion, arthroscopy and arthrocentesis were equally efficient after 5 years. Fewer tender muscles and lower disability preoperatively were common predictors of success. Pain recorded at one year, and maximum opening and disability recorded at 3 months were maintained after 5 years.
Knowledge and Attitude of Primary Care Physicians towards Palliative Care. Is it time for integration?
Authors: Al-Ansari Ameena Mohammed , Abd-El-Gawad Wafaa Mostafa , Suroor Saleem Nawaf , AboSerea Sobhi Mostafa
Published: February 2021

Background

Although the primary care physicians’ role in delivering the majority of care with high-quality service for patients under palliative care is unquestionable, it is not clear what their current level of knowledge and attitude toward palliative care is.
Aim

To recognize the primary care physicians’ knowledge and attitude toward palliative care in Kuwait.
Design and Setting:

National survey using stratified random sampling was performed. A total of 25 primary care clinics in Kuwait were selected and 284 primary care physicians were recruited.
Method:

Palliative Care Attitude and Knowledge questionnaire (PCAK) were distributed to them. Their attitude and knowledge were measured. predictors of better attitude were assessed.
Results

The response rate was 79.2%(n = 225). 53.3%(n = 120) of primary care physicians had an uncertain attitude towards palliative care while only 15(6.7%) had good knowledge. Only 5.7% and 25.5% reported excellent or very good experience in the management of pain and other symptoms respectively. Moreover, 141(62.7%) and 119(52.9%) were not familiar with palliative care services in their community or length and types of coverage under palliative care benefits. Less than 50% responded correctly to the questions regarding the proper management of catastrophic bleeding, opioid initiation, types, toxicity and its role in refractory dyspnea. Higher knowledge score was a positive predictor for more positive attitude scores (OR:1.088, 95% CI: 1.012–1.170,P value: 0.023).
Conclusion

The majority of primary care physicians had uncertain attitude and poor knowledge towards palliative care. Integrating palliative care into primary health care systems is urgently needed to alleviate the suffering of those patients.
Analysis of the Acid and Alkali Resistance of Superhydrophobic Paper Mulch
Authors: Zhang Fangyuan , Li Anling , Zhao Wuyun
Published: February 2021

The paper mulch will inevitably suffer the influence of the acidic or alkaline environment during the usage. To evaluate the influence of the acidic or alkaline environment on the corrosion resistance of the paper film, we investigate the method of immersing the paper film with acid and alkali solution. We use the hydrophobic SiO2 to prepare a superhydrophobic paper mulch with a contact angle of 155° with water. Two kinds of superhydrophobic paper mulch were put into H2SO4 solution with pH 4.6 and NaOH solution with pH 8.5, respectively. After soaking for 48h, we use a contact angle tester, a tensile testing machine, and a high-speed camera to compare the contact angle, mechanical properties, and bounce performance of these two paper mulches. The results showed that the tensile strength and droplet bounce height of the superhydrophobic paper mulch decreased after being soaked in the acid or alkaline solution for 48 hours. The mass-loss rate of the paper mulch in acid solution is more significant, and its contact angle is still greater than 145° which treats as a good bounce performance. The microscopic morphology of the paper showed that SiO2 can form a superhydrophobic structure on the surface of the paper mulch. The method is simple and environmentally friendly and can solve the problem of poor acid and alkali corrosion resistance of the paper mulch. It has extraordinary significance in reducing the environmental pollution.
Are there direct relationships in canal dimension and canal-body ratio between cervical and lumbar spine?
Authors: Lee Jung-Hee , Kang Kyung-Chung , Kim Ki-Tack , Kim Yong-Chan , Chang Tae-Soo
Published: February 2021

A known prevalence of concurrent cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis was shown to be 5%-25%, but there is a lack of evidence regarding direct relationships in canal dimension and canal-body ratio between cervical and lumbar spine. Total 247 patients (mean age: 61 years, male: 135) with cervical and lumbar computed tomography scans were retrospectively reviewed. Midsagittal vertebral body and canal diameters in reconstructed images were measured at all cervical and lumbar vertebrae, and canal-body ratios were calculated. The canal diameter and ratio were also compared according to the gender and age, and correlation analysis was performed for each value. There were significant correlations between cervical (C3-C7) and lumbar (L1-L5) canal dimension (p < .001). C5 canal diameter was most significantly correlated with L4 canal diameter (r = .435, p < .001). Cervical canal-body ratios (C3-C7) were also correlated with those of lumbar spine (L1-L5) (p < .001). The canal-body ratio of C3 was most highly correlated with L3 (r = 0.477, p < .001). Meanwhile, mean canal-body ratios of C3 and L3 were significantly smaller in male patients than female (p = .038 and p < .001) and patient’s age was inversely correlated with C5 canal diameter (r=-.223, p < .001) and C3 canal-body ratio (r=-.224, p < .001). Spinal canal dimension and canal-body ratio have direct relationships between cervical and lumbar spine. Physicians can explain that if the cervical canal is narrow, the lumbar canal is also likely to be narrow.
Thin and temperature resistant TiO2-Sr1-xLaxTiO3 (x=0.1~0.3) composite ceramics for microwave absorption in the X-band
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Wen Qinlong , Yang Chaoqun , Ren Zhaowen , Lu Yuanyuan , Wan Youquan , Chen Dan , Xie Hui
Published: February 2021

Recently, high-temperature stability is a challenge in a number of microwave absorption materials. Hence, researchers are still searching for a novel material system preferably with a high-temperature resistance to be applied in the field of microwave absorption. Here, in the current study, toward this aim, lanthanum (La) doped strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 ) blended with TiO 2 were fabricated by hot-press sintering in vacuum. The as-prepared samples are denoted as TiO 2 -Sr 1- x La x TiO 3 with x varying from 0.1 to 0.3 in steps of 0.1. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), and microwave vector network analyzer were carried on to study their morphology, phase composition, structure, electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties, respectively. It is revealed that the La atom was efficiently doped at the Sr-site in SrTiO 3 . Benefiting from the tunability of its dielectric and impedance properties, TiO 2 -Sr 1- x La x TiO 3 can be utilized in a highly efficient way to absorb microwave radiations with a decent design. Results illustrated that TiO 2 -Sr 1- x La x TiO 3 ( x =0.2) with a thickness of only 0.42 mm exhibits a high microwave absorption efficiency of -40.89 dB and can achieve a 2.82 GHz bandwidth of reflection loss value below -5 dB. Thus, TiO 2 -Sr 1- x La x TiO 3 composites ceramics can be served as an opening opportunity for the application of high-temperature stability and tunable high-performance effectiveness microwave absorption materials in stealth technology and information security.
Quantification of Urban Heat Intensity with Land Use/Land Cover Changes Using Landsat Satellite Data Over Urban Landscapes
Authors: Bala Ruchi , Prasad Rajendra , Yadav Vijay Pratap
Published: February 2021

Urban heat island (UHI) is a phenomenon which may have adverse effects on our environment and is stimulated as a result of urbanisation or land cover changes. Thermal remote sensing has been found beneficial to study the effect of urbanisation on UHI intensity. This paper analyses the variation in Land surface temperature (LST) with land cover changes in Varanasi city of India from 1989 to 2018 using Landsat satellite images. A new index named Urban Heat Intensity Ratio Index (UHIRI) was proposed to quantify the urban heat intensity from 1989 to 2018 which was found to increase from 0.36 in year 1989 to 0.87 in year 2018. Further, contribution of each land cover towards UHI was determined using Land cover contribution index (LCCI). The negative value of LCCI for water and vegetation indicates its negative contribution towards UHI whereas positive value of LCCI for bare soil and built-ups depicted its positive contribution towards UHI. The LCCI value for urban land cover shows significant increase in 29 years i.e. 0.49, 1.43, 3.40, 4.37 for years 1989, 1997, 2008 and 2018 respectively. The change in normalized LST from years 1989 to 2018 for the conversion of bare land to built-ups and vegetation to built-ups were found to be as -0.11 and 0.42 respectively. This led to conclusion that the replacement of vegetation with urban land cover has severe impact on increasing UHI intensity.
Analysis of Subdivision Automatic Control Precision Spraying
Authors: Hu Minying , Sang Yongying , Cai Jinjin , Liu Shangkun , Kong Degang
Published: February 2021

In this paper, based on the fact that is still a small peasant economy in China and there are many small plots, this article studies small and medium sprayers. In this sprayer, the subdivision precision spraying control system, designed for precision agriculture applications, was simulated by the LabVIEW software, while an experimental setup was able to measure and record during laboratory experiments. The main pipeline of sprayer chose the A and B. And the two different pipelines were set in the different target spray volume. When the theoretical spray value was kept being unchanged, the flow rate was verified with the field sprayer speed which were set by the pulse generator. With that the pressure stability test was completed. Based on the analysis and experimental results, the flow control precision is 97.03%, and the pressure stability precision is 97.88%, the relative average of the pulse generator is 0.05. Finally, the subdivision system could control the flow of the two branches and was better than the traditional spray method in China, while it could achieve more precise control of spray.
ChemFET sensor: Repercussion of Swift Heavy Ion irradiation on nanorods of nickel-based (NRs-Ni3HHTP2) Metal-Organic framework
Authors: Ingle Nikesh N. , Sayyad Pasha , Bodkhe Gajanan , Patil Harshada , Deshmukh Megha , Mahadik Manasi , Shirsat Sumedh , Singh Fouran , Shirsat Mahendra
Published: February 2021

Repercussion of Swift Heavy Ion (SHI) irradiation on nickel-based nanorods of Metal-Organic Framework (NRs-Ni3HHTP2-MOF) for enhancement in the properties of ChemFET based gas sensor has been investigated. Nanorods of Ni3HHTP2-MOF were synthesized by chemical method and exposed to C12+ ions irradiation with fluence 1x1011 ion/cm2 and 1x1012 ion/cm2. The structural, spectroscopic morphological and optical characterizations were carried out using x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-visible spectroscopy were studied respectively. Whereas the bandgap was calculated from Tauc's plot. The synthesized nanorods of Ni3HHTP2 MOF were drop-casted on gold coated microelectrodes on silicon/silicon dioxide (Si/SiO2) substrate, where silicon layer serves as a gate and gold microelectrodes on silicon/silicon dioxide (Si/SiO2) substrate as a source and drain. The transmutations in material properties due to SHI irradiations were serviceable for enhancing field-effect transistor (transfer and output) properties.
Quaternary Ammonium Salts Based on (-)-Borneol as Effective Inhibitors of Influenza Virus
Authors: Sokolova Anastasiya , Yarovaya Olga , Baranova Darya , Galochkina Anastasiya , Kireeva Marina , Shtro Anna , Borisevich Sophia , Gatilov Yuriy , Zarubaev Vladimir , Salakhutdinov Nariman
Published: February 2021

A new compounds containing 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane fragment has been found to exhibit potent inhibitory activity against the influenza A(H1N1) virus. The most potent antiviral compound 10a is a quaternary ammonium salt based on (-)-borneol, with a therapeutic index of more than 500. Mechanism-of-action studies for compound 10a were performed. The compound appeared the most effective when added at the early stages of viral life cycle. In direct hemagglutinin inhibition tests the agent, 10a, was shown to decrease the activity of hemagglutinin of influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34. According to the results of molecular modelling, the lead-compound, 10a, can attach at the binding sites of the stem part of the HA. These results prove that monoterpenoids with 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane fragment are prospective natural compounds for the development of antiviral agents.
Late Holocene Sedimentation Dynamics in the Lake Ulaan Basin, Southern Mongolia: A History of a Playa Lake 
Authors: Orkhonselenge Alexander , Uuganzaya Munkhjargal , Davaagatan Tuyagerel
Published: February 2021

Sedimentation dynamics in the Lake Ulaan basin located in the northern margin of the Govi region, southern Mongolia show high sedimentation rates of 11.8–22.7 cm/ka in the eastern part of the basin and low rates of 3.3–5.8 cm/ka in the western part during the late Holocene. The eastern and western parts of the lake have been strongly influenced by fluvial and aeolian activities since the arid late Holocene. However, fluvial sediment input was more significantly recorded in the eastern part. Aeolian deflation has been prevailing throughout the lake bank recently. Lake Ulaan reached its maximum extent before the early Holocene (Sternberg and Paillou, 2015; Holguin and Sternberg, 2016) with a water depth of ~43 m (Lehmkuhl et al., 2018a). After the early Holocene, Lake Ulaan started to decrease its area, and the drop of the lake level intensified since the middle Holocene. In the late Holocene, the лйоупы western and eastern parts were initially exposed to wind deflation at 2.7–3.2 cal. ka BP and the aerial exposition continued at 0.6–1.3 cal. ka BP. In the Anthropocene, Lake Ulaan has rapidly shifted into a playa lake condition during the last five to six decades, and it has become an open-source area of dust generation blown out by the westerly winds.
Prediction of GOLD Stage in Patients Hospitalized with COPD Exacerbations Using Blood Neutrophils and Demographic Parameters as Risk Factors
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhao Yang , Qun Yuan , Liquan Guo , Daxi Xiong
Published: February 2021

Background: Patients hospitalized with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are unable to complete the pulmonary function test reliably due to their poor health conditions. Creating an easy-to-use instrument to identify the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage will offer valuable information that assists clinicians to choose appropriate clinical care to decrease the mortality in these patients. The objective of this study was to develop a prediction model to identify the GOLD stage in the hospitalized exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD) patients.Methods: This study involved 155 patients hospitalized for ECOPD. All participants completed lung function tests and the collection of blood neutrophils and demographic parameters. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted based on the data of 155 patients, and was used to analyze the disease severity predictive ability of blood neutrophils and demographic parameters. A support vector regression (SVR) based GOLD stage prediction model was built using the training data set (75%), whose accuracy was then verified by the testing data set (25%).Results: The percentage of blood neutrophils (denoted as NEU%) combined with the demographic parameters was associated with a higher risk to severe episode of ECOPD. The area under the ROC curve was 0.84. The SVR model managed to predict the GOLD stage with an accuracy of 90.24%. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the forced expiratory volume in one second as the percentage of the predicted value (denoted as FEV1%pred) was 8.84%. Conclusions: The NEU% and demographic parameters are associated with the pulmonary function of the hospitalized ECOPD patients. The established prediction model could assist clinicians in diagnosing GOLD stage and planning appropriate clinical care.
A case for improved assessment of gut permeability – a meta-analysis quantifying the lactulose:mannitol ratio in coeliac and Crohn’s disease
Authors: Gan Jonathan , Nazarian Scarlet , Teare Julian , Darzi Ara , Ashrafian Hutan , Thompson Alex J.
Published: February 2021

Background
A widely used method in assessing small bowel permeability is the lactulose:mannitol test, where the lactulose:mannitol ratio (LMR) is measured. However, there is discrepancy in how the test is conducted and in the values of LMR obtained across studies. This meta-analysis aims to determine LMR in healthy subjects, coeliac and Crohn’s disease.
Methods
A literature search was performed using PRISMA guidance to identify studies assessing LMR in coeliac or Crohn’s disease. 19 studies included in the meta-analysis measured gut permeability in coeliac disease, 17 studies in Crohn’s disease. Outcomes of interest were LMR values and comparisons of standard mean difference (SMD) and weighted mean difference (WMD) in healthy controls, inactive Crohn’s, active Crohn’s, treated coeliac and untreated coeliac. Pooled estimates of differences in LMR were calculated using the random effects model.
Results
Pooled LMR in healthy controls was 0.014 (95% CI: 0.006–0.022) while pooled LMRs in untreated and treated coeliac were 0.133 (95% CI: 0.089–0.178) and 0.037 (95% CI: 0.019–0.055). In active and inactive Crohn’s disease, pooled LMRs were 0.093 (95% CI: 0.031–0.156) and 0.028 (95% CI: 0.015–0.041). Significant differences were observed in LMR between: (i) healthy controls and treated coeliacs (SMD = 0.409 95% CI 0.034 to 0.783, p = 0.032), (ii) healthy controls and untreated coeliacs (SMD = 1.362 95% CI: 0.740 to 1.984, p < 0.001), (iii) treated coeliacs and untreated coeliacs (SMD = 0.722 95% CI: 0.286 to 1.157, p = 0.001), (iv) healthy controls and inactive Crohns (SMD = 1.265 95% CI: 0.845 to 1.686, p < 0.001), (v) healthy controls and active Crohns (SMD = 2.868 95% CI: 2.112 to 3.623, p < 0.001), and (vi) active Crohns and inactive Crohns (SMD = 1.429 (95% CI: 0.580 to 2.278, p = 0.001). High heterogeneity was observed, which was attributed to variability in protocols used across different studies.
Conclusion
The use of gut permeability measurements in screening and monitoring of coeliac and Crohn’s disease is promising. LMR is useful in performing this function with significant limitations. More robust alternative tests with higher degrees of clinical evidence are needed if measurements of gut permeability are to find widespread clinical use.
Trial Registration
Not Applicable
Comparison of obesity-related parameters as predictors of high brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in middle-aged and elderly people in China: A multicenter cross-sectional community-based study
Authors: Sun Ting , Xie Hui , Ma Zuchang
Published: February 2021

Background

The association between obesity-related parameters and occurrence of high brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Chinese middle-aged (40–59 years) and elderly people (≥ 60 years) is unknown, especially when body composition indicators are compared.
Methods

A total of 3219 middle-aged and elderly subjects who were recruited from 6 community health service centers located in Hefei, Bengbu, and Chuzhou (Anhui province, Eastern China) met the inclusion criteria and had valid data. An e-health promotion system was used to collect basic health data, and baPWV and the body composition of each subject were measured. Partial correlation and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between obesity-related parameters and high baPWV, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine the optimal cutoff values and predictive capacity of high baPWV.
Results

Partial correlation coefficients (adjusted for age and mean arterial pressure) for waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (0.101 and 0.192) and waist circumference (WC) (0.101 and 0.172) were highest in women. The partial correlation coefficient for fat tissue index (0.158) was highest in middle-aged men. WHtR combined covariates explained the largest proportion of the variance for dependent variables in model 1, model 2 (women), and model 3 (women). R2 ranged from 0.088 to 0.216 in Model 1. The predictive capacities of these parameters were lower in men. The area under the ROC curve was higher for WHtR (0.647–0.739) than other parameters in elderly women, with optimal cutoff values of 0.52.
Conclusions

WHtR and WC may be useful for community-based screening of women as a secondary preventative measure for high baPWV. These 2 parameters can be used in conjunction with others (eg, body composition index) to predict the risk of high baPWV based on region, age, and sex.
Electrolyte Modulators towards Polarization Immune Lithium-Ion Batteries for Sustainable Electric Transportation
Authors: Li Xinru , Xu Pengcheng , Tian Yue , Fortini Alexis , Choi Seungho , Liu Xiaoyan , Xu Jinhui , Liu Qian , Wu Hao Bin , Chen Gen , Zhang Chen , Tan Xinyi , Jin Lihua , Wang Qinchao , Shen Li , Lu Yunfeng
Published: February 2021

Lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV) are subject to fast charging, dynamic acceleration, and regenerative braking. However, the polarization arises from these high-rate operations and tends to deteriorate the battery performance and therefore the driving range and lifespan of EVs. Using metal organic frameworks (MOF) as electrolyte modulators (MEM), we report herein a facile strategy for effective mitigation of polarization, where the MEM can confine anions and enrich electrolyte, affording boosted lithium-ion transference number (up to 0.76) and high ionic conductivity (up to 9 mS cm−1). In addition, such MEM could implant itself into electrolyte interface, conferring the interface with low-resistance and ability to suppress concentration polarization. As a result, commercial cells with MEM deliver remarkably enhanced power output, energy efficiency, and lifespan during high rate (2C, > 3000 cycles) as well as dynamic stress tests (tripled cycle life) that mimic realistic operation of EV. This work introduces a readily implementable approach towards optimizing ion transport in electrolyte and developing polarization immune battery for power-intensive applications.
Modeling gene x environment interactions in PTSD using glucocorticoid-induced transcriptomics in human neurons
Authors: Breen Michael , Breen Michael , Rusielewicz Tom , Bader Heather , Seah Carina , Wu Changxin , Hunter Christopher , McCarthy Barry , Chattopadhyay Mitali , Desarnaud Frank , Makotkine Iouri , Flory Janine , Staniskyte Migle , Noggle Scott , Paull Daniel , Brennand Kristen , Yehuda Rachel
Published: February 2021

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from severe trauma exposure, but the extent to which genetic and epigenetic risk factors impact individual clinical outcomes is unknown. We assessed the impact of genomic differences following glucocorticoid administration by examining the transcriptional profile of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived glutamatergic neurons and live cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from combat veterans with PTSD (n=5) and without PTSD (n=5). This parallel examination in baseline and glucocorticoid-treated conditions resolves cell-type specific and diagnosis-dependent elements of stress response, and permits discrimination of gene expression signals associated with PTSD risk from those induced by stress. Computational analyses revealed neuron-specific glucocorticoid-response expression patterns that were enriched for transcriptomic patterns observed in clinical PTSD samples. PTSD-specific signatures, albeit underpowered, accurately stratify veterans with PTSD relative to combat-exposed controls. Overall, in vitro PTSD and glucocorticoid response signatures in blood and brain cells represent exciting new platforms with which to test the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying PTSD, identify biomarkers of PTSD risk and onset, and conduct drug-screening to identify novel therapeutics to prevent or ameliorate clinical phenotypes.
Does Microfinance Program Innovation reduce income inequality? A cross-country analysis
Authors: Miled Kamel Bel Hadj , Younsi Moheddine
Published: February 2021

This study examines the relationship between microfinance and income inequality at the macro level using cross-country and panel data. We show that a country with higher MFIs’ gross loan portfolio per capita tends to have lower income inequality, which confirms the beneficial role of microfinance in reducing income inequality at the macro level. Our results suggest that microfinance loans can lead to improve the relative income position of the poor in developing countries, albeit slowly. In the light of the foregoing outcomes, some important recommendations are suggested to the policymakers in order to reducing income inequality. Microfinance becomes an even more popular tool for fighting poverty; reducing income inequality; institutions innovate in their products and programs at a rapid pace
Phase II Trial of Veliparib and Temozolomide in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients With and Without BRCA1/2mutations
Authors: Xu Jing , Keenan Tanya E , Overmoyer Beth , Tung Nadine Muskatel , Gelman Rebecca , Habin Karleen , Garber Judy , Ellisen Leif W , Winer Eric P , Goss Paul E , Yeap Beow Y , Chabner Bruce , Isakoff Steven J
Published: February 2021

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of poly-(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1 and 2 inhibitor veliparib and temozolomide in metastatic breast cancer patients with and without germline BRCA1/2 mutations.Methods: In this single-arm phase II trial, patients with metastatic breast cancer received veliparib 30 to 40 mg twice daily on days 1 to 7 with concurrent temozolomide 150 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5 of a 28-day cycle. The primary cohort was unselected for BRCA mutation status, and an expansion cohort enrolled only BRCA1/2 carriers. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) in each cohort. Secondary endpoints included progression free survival (PFS), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and evaluation of safety and tolerability.Results: In the primary cohort of 41 unselected patients, which included 9 BRCA mutation carriers, the ORR was 10% and clinical benefit rate at 4 months (CBR) was 27%. In the expansion cohort of 21 BRCA1/2 carriers, the ORR was 14% and CBR was 43%. Among all 30 BRCA1/2 carriers, the ORR was 23% versus 0% among non-carriers. In the subset of BRCA1/2 carriers, the ORR was 32% among platinum-naïve patients versus 9% among platinum-exposed patients. The median PFS was 3.3 months among BRCA1/2 carriers compared to 1.8 months among non-carriers (HR: 0.48, p = 0.006). A longer median PFS of 6.2 months was observed among BRCA1/2 carriers who had no prior platinum therapy. The most common grade 3 and 4 toxicities were thrombocytopenia (32%) and neutropenia (21%) that generally improved with dose modifications.Conclusion: Veliparib and temozolomide demonstrated clinical activity in platinum-naïve BRCA-associated metastatic breast cancer with manageable toxicity at doses of veliparib well below the single agent active dose. Although the study did not meet its primary endpoint in unselected nor BRCA-associated breast cancer, this regimen was further evaluated in the BROCADE 2 study. Trial registration: NCT01009788 (ClinicalTrials.gov), November 9, 2009
Incidence and Associated Factors for Neuraxial Anaesthesia-Related Hypotension in COVID-19 Parturients Undergoing Caesarean Delivery: A Multicenter Case-Control Study
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Chen Rong , Cao Chen , Gong Yuan , Zhou Qin , Cheng Hui-hui , Wei Min , Xia Zhong-yuan , Chen Xiang-dong , Meng Qing-tao
Published: February 2021

Background: COVID-19 continues to spread globally and results in additional challenges for perioperative management in parturients. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and identify associated factors for neuraxial anaesthesia-related hypotension in COVDI-19 parturients during caesarean delivery.Methods: We performed a multicenter case-control study at 3 medical institutions in Hubei province, China form 1th January to 30th May 2020. All ASA Physical Status II full termed pregnant women who received caesarean delivery under neuraxial anaesthesia were eligible for inclusion. The univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used to identified the independent predictors of neuraxial anaesthesia-related hypotension.Results: Present study included 102 COVID-19 parturients. The incidence of neuraxial anaesthesia-related hypotension was 58%. Maternal abnormal lymphocyte count (OR = 3.41, p = 0.03), full stomach (OR = 3.22, p = 0.04), baseline heart rate (OR = 1.04, p = 0.03), experience of anaesthetist (OR = 0.86, p = 0.02) and surgeon (OR = 0.76, p = 0.03), and combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia technique (OR = 3.27, p = 0.02) were associated with neuraxial anaesthesia-related hypotension. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve achieved 0.83 which was significantly higher than 0.5 (p < 0.001). And the sensitivity, specificity and percentage correct were 75%, 79% and 75%, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed a good calibration of the model (H = 2.01, DF = 8, p = 0.98).Conclusions: Maternal abnormal lymphocyte count, full stomach, baseline heart rate, experience of anaesthetist and surgeon, and combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia technique were identified as the independent predictors of neuraxial anaesthesia-related hypotension.
Eye-movement replay supports episodic remembering
Authors: Johansson Roger , Nyström Marcus , Dewhurst Richard , Johansson Mikael
Published: February 2021

When we bring to mind something we have seen before, our eyes spontaneously reproduce a pattern strikingly similar to that made during the original encounter. Eye-movements can then serve the opposite purpose to acquiring new visual information; they can serve as self-generated cues, pointing to memories already stored. By isolating separable properties within the closely bound chain of where and when we look, we demonstrate that specific components of dynamically reinstated eye-movement sequences, facilitate different aspects of episodic remembering. We also show that the fidelity with which a series of connected eye-movements from initial encoding is reproduced during subsequent retrieval, predicts the quality of the recalled memory. Our findings indicate that eye movements are “replayed” to assemble visuospatial relations as we remember. Distinct dimensions of these scanpaths differentially contribute depending on the goal-relevant memory.
The Reflection of the Era of the “Roaring Twenties“ in the F.S.Fitzgerald’s Novel «The Great Gatsby»
Authors: Diadechko A.
Published: February 2021

The article deals with the portraying “Roaring Twenties” which marked a legendary and unprecedented period in the history of American society. Though this era goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, it has never stopped arousing deep common interest because of its uniqueness. Having been abundantly reflected in numerous pieces of art and literature, “Roaring Twenties”, synonymously named “The Jazz Age”, go on provoking public discussion and reevaluation. If viewed in literary terms, this epoch is certainly linked with the name of Francis Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) and with his best known novel “The Great Gatsby” filmed five times. The writer is considered to be one of the best chronicler of the American 1920s. Fitzgerald’s masterpiece had embodied many symbols and icons of America which travelled though one hundred years and still feature contemporary society. The articles attempts to outline extra-lingual information and data that shape the temporal and cultural background of the novel. It aims at providing the readers with sufficient additional information that may significantly enlarge on the novel context grasping. It proposes a detailed description and interpretation of symbols and markers of the American 1920s which typically feature “Roaring Twenties” and the ways they are projected onto Fitzgerald’s story. In particular, the focus is made on American Dream doctrine, New York of the 1920s, the conflict between “the old money” and “the new money”, feminism and fashion, alcohol and crime, music, cars. Some parallels between the author’s life story and his characters are also specified.
Measurements of the Lamb-Mössbauer factor at simultaneous high-pressure-temperature conditions and estimates of the equilibrium isotopic fractionation of iron
Authors: Zhang Dongzhou , Jackson Jennifer M. , Sturhahn Wolfgang , Zhao Jiyong , Alp E. Ercan , Hu Michael Y.
Published: February 2021

Isotopic fractionation has been linked to the lattice vibrations of materials through their phonon spectra. The Lamb-Mössbauer factor (fLM) has the potential to provide information about the lattice vibrations in materials. We constrain the temperature evolution of the fLM of γ- and ε-Fe at in situ high-P-T conditions between 1650 K and the melting point. We find that the vibrations of γ- and ε-Fe can be described using a quasiharmonic model with a pressure- and temperature-dependent Debye temperature computed from the measured fLM. From the Debye temperature, we derive the equilibrium isotopic fractionation β-factor of iron. Our results show that the quasiharmonic behavior of metallic iron would lower the value of lnβFe57/54 by 0.1‰ at 1600–2800 K and 50 GPa when compared to the extrapolation of room temperature nuclear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering data. Our study suggests that anharmonicity may be more prevalent in Fe metal than in lower mantle minerals at 2800 K and 50 GPa, a relevant condition for the core formation, and the silicate mantle may be isotopically heavy in iron.
Peculiarities of cybercrime investigation in the banking sector of Ukraine: review and analysis
Authors: S. Vitvitskiy Sergij , N. Kurakin Oleksandr , S. Pokataev Pavlo , M. Skriabin Oleksii , B. Sanakoiev Dmytro
Published: February 2021

The rapid growth in the number of cybercrimes committed in the banking sector requires the creation of an effective system for preventing such crimes and ensuring the cybersecurity of the state. The constant updating of means and methods for cybercrime commission necessitates the identification of effective measures to combat them. The paper uses a survey method to study the theoretical experience and practical measures to prevent cybercrime in the banking sector to identify effective ways to combat crime in the virtual space of Ukraine. The paper analyzes the experience of the world’s leading countries concerning cybercrime prevention, deals with measures to improve the level of cybersecurity of national and international cyberspace. It is concluded that the current state of cybersecurity in Ukraine does not meet contemporary requirements and needs initiating effective measures and coordinated cooperation between private and public sectors in order to effectively combat cybercrime, in particular: enshrining the classification of cybercrimes in the regulatory legal acts of Ukraine; introduction of the concept of “banking criminal law” in the scientific and legal sphere; creation of Ukrainian cyber forces, whose activities will be aimed at preventing and combating crimes committed in cyberspace.
Comparative Study of Degradation of Reactive Dyes and Decolorization and Detoxification in Aqueous Solution Applying DyP Peroxidases Isolated from Saccharomonospora viridis (SviDyP) and Thermobifida fusca (TfuDyp)
Authors: Schreiber Carolline , de Souza Franklin , de Jesus Paulo , Zapp Eduardo , Brondani Patrícia
Published: February 2021

The wastewater that originates from the widespread usage of synthetic dyes in the industry have become a severe environmental problem. Several efforts have been made to develop new types of treatment which are capable of performing the degradation of the dyes from the environment. Within this scope, much attention has been drawn to enzymatic approaches, mainly the ones applying oxidative enzymes, such as peroxidases. A recently discovered superfamily of peroxidases, the so called dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs) is a promising alternative to further improve the efficiency of these processes. In this work, two of these peroxidases (Saccharomonospora viridis (SviDyP) and Thermobifida fusca (TfuDyp)) were tested together with twelve different reactive dyes in order to evaluate the efficiency of degradation and decolorization, leading to good results. When applying the SviDyP enzyme in experiments carried out for 12 h in pH 3, the degradation efficiencies were above 80% for some dyes. The biodegradation efficiency data and cyclic voltammograms were recorded to obtain the redox potential of the chosen dyes and enzymes. In addition, an electrochemical biosensor was used to gauge the genotoxicity of the generated bioproducts. This analysis showed that bioproducts from dye degradation mostly present a lower degree of genotoxicity when compared to the control reactions.
Assessment and reform of greywater reuse policies and practice: a case study from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Shanableh Abdallah , Khalil Mohamad Ali , Abdallah Mohamed , Darwish Noora , Tayara Adel , Mustafa Ahmed , Idris AlaEldin , Al Bardan Mayyada
Published: February 2021

This article presents an assessment of one of the earliest greywater reuse (GWR) experiences in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In 2003, the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) imposed a compulsory GWR program on various categories of new buildings in the city. However, implementation of the program faced significant resistance and setbacks and remained limited to about 200 buildings, representing less than 2% water savings. In the analysis presented in this study, the need for GWR was assessed through analyzing SEWA's water supply and demand projections, conducting a 12-month water use survey of 285,000 Sharjah residents from about 140 nationalities, and identifying the areas in the city with intense water use. In addition, analysis and reforms of the various aspects of SEWA's GWR reuse policies and practice were presented and discussed. Reforming the policy to increase GWR to about 10% water savings can lead to significant reductions in desalinated water consumption and wastewater generation and consequently significant reductions in desalination cost (35 million USD/y), energy consumption (225,840 MWh/year) and CO2 emissions (120 ton/year). The case study presented in the article can serve as a reference to guide GWR policies and practice, especially for local authorities in developing countries.
Numerical investigation of wetting front migration and soil water distribution under vertical line source irrigation with different influencing factors
Authors: Fan Yanwei , Ma Liangjun , Wei Hujun , Zhu Pengcheng
Published: February 2021

Vertical line source irrigation (VLSI) is an underground irrigation method suitable for deep-rooted plants. Understanding the characteristics of the soil wetting body of the VLSI was the key to designing this irrigation system. On the basis of experimental verification of the reliability of the HYDRUS simulation results of VLSI under the conditions of soil texture (ST), initial water content (θi), line source buried depth (B), line source diameter (D) and line source length (L), numerical studies of the migration law of the wetting front of VLSI and the distribution characteristics of soil moisture were performed. The wetting front migration (WFM) was mainly influenced by ST, θi, D and L (P < 0.05), while B had little effect on WFM (P > 0.05). The shape of the soil wetting body changed little under different influencing factors. The water content contour was approximately ‘ellipsoidal’ around the line source. The soil moisture near the line source was close to the saturated moisture content. The moisture content around the line source gradually decreased outward, and the contour lines gradually became dense. According to the simulation results, a prediction model of multiple factors influencing the migration process of the VLSI wetting front was established. The predicted value was in good agreement with the measured value. The results of this research could provide a theoretical basis for further optimizing the combination of VLSI and irrigation elements.
Psychological Health
Authors: Garbuzova Violetta Sergeevna
Published: February 2021

The article highlights the foundations of the psychological health of a person. The genesis of human psychological health in the process of ontogenesis is considered.
Increasing the Role of Vietnam's Trade Unions in Implementing the Social Protection of Employees
Authors: Dang Xuan Giap
Published: February 2021

The article examines the increasing role of trade unions in Vietnam in the implementation of social protection of employees.