bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting models for leprosy cases: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Oliveira Ascef Bruna , de Oliveira Gustavo Laine Araújo , Ribeiro Filha Coriolano Carmelita , De Oliveira Junior Haliton Alves
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Mathematical models and statistical methodologies could play an important role in decision-making and help maintain the gains in elimination programmes. Various models for predicting leprosy cases have been reported in the literature, but they have different settings and distinct approaches to predicting the cases. This study describes the protocol for a scoping review to identify and synthesise information from studies using models to forecast leprosy cases.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review methodology will be applied following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews. We will perform a systematic search from when each database started until April 2022 and we will include the following electronic databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature Database. Data will be extracted and recorded on a calibrated predefined data form and will be presented in a tabular form accompanied by a descriptive summary. The Prediction Model Study Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this study. This scoping review will identify and map the methodological and other characteristics of modelling studies predicting leprosy cases. We hope that the review will contribute to scientific knowledge in this area and act as a basis for researchers designing and conducting leprosy models. This information can also be used to enhance national surveillance systems and to target specific policies. The protocol and consequent publications of this scoping review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs.

Systematic review registration

This scoping review was registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/W9375).
Body mass index trajectories and mortality in community-dwelling older adults: population-based cohort study
Authors: Pai Hari , Gulliford Martin C
Published: July 2022

Objective

Both low and high body mass index (BMI) have been associated with greater mortality in older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the trajectory of BMI in the final years of life.

Methods

A population-based cohort study was conducted including community-dwelling adults in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing between 1998 and 2012. BMI was evaluated in relation to age and years before death. Number of long-term conditions, cigarette smoking and socioeconomic position were evaluated as effect modifiers.

Results

Data were analysed for 16 924 participants with 31 857 BMI records; mean age at study starts, 61.6 (SD 10.9) years; mean BMI, 27.5 (4.7) Kg/m2. There were 3686 participants (4794 BMI records) who died and 13 238 participants (27 063 BMI records) who were alive at last follow-up. Mean BMI increased with age to 60–69 years but then declined, but the age-related decline was more rapid in decedents. From 4 to 7 years before death or end of study, adjusted mean BMI was 0.87 (95% CI 0.50 to 1.24) Kg/m2 lower for male decedents than survivors and 1.02 (0.56 to 1.47) lower in women; and from 3 to 0 years before death, BMI was 1.39 (0.98 to 1.80) Kg/m2 lower in male decedents and 2.12 (1.60 to 2.64) lower in female decedents. Multiple long-term conditions and lower socioeconomic position were associated with higher peak BMI and greater BMI decline; current smoking was associated with lower BMI and greater BMI decline.

Conclusions

In community-dwelling older adults, mean BMI enters an accelerating decline from up to 8 years before death. Multiple long-term conditions, smoking and lower socioeconomic position are associated with BMI decline.
A small interstitial deletion in the GPC3 gene causes Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome in a Dutch-Canadian family
Authors: Xuan Jian Y , Hughes-Benzie Rhiannon M , MacKenzie Alex E
Published: July 2022

Deletions in the heparan sulphate proteoglycan encoding glypican 3 (GPC3) gene have recently been documented in several Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) families. However, no precisely defined SGBS mutation has been published. We report here a 13 base pair deletion which causes a frameshift and premature termination of the GPC3 gene in the Dutch-Canadian SGBS family in whom the trait was originally mapped. Our analysis shows that a discrete GPC3 disabling mutation is sufficient to cause SGBS. Furthermore, our finding of a GPC3 normal daughter of an SGBS carrier with skeletal abnormalities and Wilms tumour raises the possibility of a trans effect from the maternal carrier in SGBS kindreds.
Contrast conservation measures during the global iohexol contrast shortage crisis did not affect stroke thrombectomy outcomes
Authors: Almallouhi Eyad , Sattur Mithun , Lajthia Orgest , Kicielinski Kimberly P , Holmstedt Christine , Lena Jonathan R , Al Kasab Sami , Spiotta Alejandro M
Published: July 2022

Background

The current global shortage in iohexol contrast material (Omnipaque) used in performing CT-based triage images and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) represents a challenge to the healthcare system. A study was undertaken to assess the safety and feasibility of implementing protocol-based changes in pre-MT and MT workflow at a comprehensive stroke center.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of all patients with stroke who underwent MT during a 3-week period before implementing the contrast shortage protocol and for 3 weeks while implementing the protocol. The contrast shortage protocol included not performing perfusion images for MT selection and using diluted iohexol (50% contrast mixed with 50% heparinized saline) during the MT procedure. Procedural variables were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 27 patients underwent MT during the study period, 12 pre-contrast shortage and 15 post-contrast shortage. The average contrast volume used during the MT procedure was reduced from 83 mL to 68 mL after implementing the contrast shortage protocol (p=0.04). No difference was noted in the rate of successful reperfusion (11/15 vs 10/12), average time to recanalization (21 vs 23 min), average radiation dose (1143 vs 1117mGy) and time under fluoroscopy (20.7 vs 20.5 min) in the pre- and post-contrast shortage groups. A favorable discharge outcome was observed in 3/12 patients and 4/15 patients in the pre- and post-shortage periods, respectively (p=0.92).

Conclusions

Modifying stroke workflow to adapt to the current global shortage in iohexol is feasible. Using diluted iohexol (50% contrast mixed with 50% heparinized saline) did not affect MT outcomes.
CLinical Assessment of WEB device in Ruptured aneurYSms (CLARYS): 12-month angiographic results of a multicenter study
Authors: Spelle Laurent , Herbreteau Denis , Caroff Jildaz , Barreau Xavier , Ferré Jean-Christophe , Fiehler Jens , Januel Anne-Christine , Costalat Vincent , Liebig Thomas , Bourcier Romain , Möhlenbruch Markus A , Berkefeld Joachim , Weber Werner , Mihalea Cristian , Ikka Léon , Ozanne Augustin , Cognard Christophe , Narata Ana Paula , Bibi Richard Edwige , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Raoult Hélène , Velasco Stéphane , Buhk Jan-Hendrik , Chalumeau Vanessa , Bester Maxim , Desal Hubert , du Mesnil de Rochemont Richard , Bohner Georg , Fischer Sebastian , Gallas Sophie , Biondi Alessandra , Grimaldi Lamiae , Moret Jacques , Byrne James , Pierot Laurent
Published: July 2022

Background

The CLinical Assessment of WEB device in Ruptured aneurYSms (CLARYS) study has shown that the endovascular treatment of ruptured bifurcation aneurysms with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is safe and effective and provides protection against rebleeding at 1 month and 1 year. The 12-month angiographic follow-up is an important endpoint of the study.

Methods

The CLARYS study is a prospective multicenter study conducted in 13 European centers. The study enrolled 60 patients with 60 ruptured aneurysms of the anterior and posterior circulation. The study was conducted with an independent assessment of safety outcomes and imaging.

Results

Sixty patients with 60 ruptured bifurcation aneurysms to be treated with the WEB were included. Fifty-three aneurysms (88.3%) had a broad base with a dome to neck ratio <2 (mean 1.6). Of these, 46 patients were evaluated by an independent core laboratory with follow-up imaging performed at 12 months or before eventual retreatment. At 1 year, 19/46 aneurysms (41.3%) were completely occluded (Raymond–Roy grade I), 21/46 (45.7%) had a residual neck and 6/46 (13.0%) had residual aneurysm filling. Adequate occlusion was reported in 40/46 (87%) aneurysms. Six patients underwent target aneurysm retreatment.

Conclusions

The CLARYS study has previously shown that the use of the WEB in the endovascular treatment of ruptured bifurcation aneurysms provides effective protection against rebleeding with a good safety profile. The angiographic occlusion rates at 1 year reported here are comparable to those already seen in previous multicenter studies which primarily included unruptured aneurysms.
In-stent restenosis after vertebral artery origin stenosis stenting: a nomogram for risk assessment
Authors: Yang Kun , Fang Shiyuan , Zhang Xiao , Wang Tao , Feng Yiding , Jiao Liqun , Yan Yuxiang
Published: July 2022

Objective

To propose a nomogram for individual risk assessment of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after vertebral artery origin stenosis (VAOS) stenting.

Methods

We included 793 patients with VAOS treated with stenting from October 2006 to May 2013, with a median follow-up of 27.8 months. Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were adopted for variable selection. The nomogram was formulated and validated by concordance indexes (C-indexes) and calibration curves. An in-stent restenosis risk table (ISR-RT) was subsequently generated for risk stratification. Differences between low-, intermediate-, and high-risk levels were shown by Kaplan-Meier curves and compared by log-rank test.

Results

The training and validation set included 594 and 199 patients, with a mean ISR rate of 37.2% and 35.2%, respectively. Stent type (HR=1.64, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.14), stent diameter (HR=2.48, 95% CI 1.77 to 3.48), history of peripheral vascular disease (HR=2.17, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.00), history of transit ischemic attack (HR=1.45, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.14), and left-side involvement (HR=1.33, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.69) were included in the nomogram. The C-indexes at 6 and 12 months were 0.650 and 0.611 in the training set, and 0.713 and 0.603 in the validation set, respectively. Compared with low-risk patients, the intermediate- and high-level group had 1.46 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.04; p=0.0235) and 2.28 (95% CI 1.64 to 3.17; p<0.0001) higher chances of developing ISR in 2 years, respectively.

Conclusions

A nomogram and a risk evaluation table were developed with good predictive ability for in-stent restenosis among patients with VAOS, which could serve as a practical approach for individualized risk evaluation.
Parkinson’s disease – palliative care needs assessment tool: adaptation and psychometric testing
Authors: Richfield Edward William , Allgar Victoria , Girgis Afaf , Johnson Miriam J
Published: July 2022

Objective

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, life-limiting disease, which benefits from structured palliative care. Systematic recognition and triage of needs helps facilitate care, allows focused referral to specialist palliative care and aids sustainability of services. Existing palliative care tools for Parkinson’s are patient/caregiver completed and focus on quantification rather than identification of the need. The Needs Assessment Tool: Progressive Disease in Cancer was designed for rapid identification of unmet needs in cancer. We describe adaptation and psychometric testing of the tool for Parkinson’s disease (NAT:Parkinson’s disease).

Methods

Set in secondary care, Parkinson’s disease outpatient clinics in the UK, this study included people with Parkinson’s, age >18, including all disease stages. People with atypical Parkinsonian syndromes were excluded. Adaptation was made using systematic review and focus groups. Construct validity was tested in 50 consecutive patients against established patient and caregiver measures, analysed with Kendall’s Tau B. Inter-rater reliability, using video consultations, were calculated in broad range of clinicians involved in Parkinson’s disease care using a weighted kappa; 0–0.2=slight, 0.21–0.40=fair, 0.41–0.60=moderate, 0.61–0.80=substantial and p<0.05 indicative of statistically significant agreement.

Results

Validity was substantial for two, moderate for five and fair for four constructs. Inter-rater reliability was substantial for one, moderate for three and fair for six constructs. Two constructs failing to demonstrate fair reliability did show very high percentage agreement.

Conclusion

Findings support the suitability of the NAT:Parkinson’s disease for everyday clinical use in the identification and triage of unmet palliative need for people with Parkinson’s disease.
End-of-life and immediate postdeath acute hospital interventions: scoping review
Authors: Green Laura , Stewart-Lord Adele , Baillie Lesley
Published: July 2022

Background

Hospital remains the most common place of death in the UK, but there are ongoing concerns about the quality of end-of-life care provision in this setting. Evaluation of interventions in the last days of life or after a bereavement is methodologically and ethically challenging.

Aim

The aim was to describe interventions at the very end of life and in the immediate bereavement period in acute hospitals, with a particular focus on how these are evaluated.

Method

A scoping review was conducted. Studies were restricted to peer-reviewed original research or literature reviews, published between 2011 and 2021, and written in the English language. Databases searched were CINAHL, Medline and Psychinfo.

Results

From the search findings, 42 studies were reviewed, including quantitative (n=7), qualitative (n=14), mixed method (n=4) and literature reviews (n=17). Much of the current research about hospital-based bereavement care is derived from the intensive and critical care settings. Three themes were identified: (1) person-centred/family-centred care (memorialisation), (2) institutional approaches (quality of the environment, leadership, system-wide approaches and culture), (3) infrastructure and support systems (transdisciplinary working and staff support). There were limited studies on interventions to support staff.

Conclusion

Currently, there are few comprehensive tools for evaluating complex service interventions in a way that provides meaningful transferable data. Quantitative studies do not capture the complexity inherent in this form of care. Further qualitative studies would offer important insights into the interventions.
Cancer survivors and neurotoxic chemotherapy: hearing loss and tinnitus
Authors: Cheung Steven , Henderson-Sabes Jennifer , Mastick Judith , Abrams Gary , Snowberg Karin , Alfaro Emely , Quinn Marisa , Paul Steven , Cooper Bruce , Wallhagen Margaret , Conley Yvette , Levine Jon , Miaskowski Christine
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Little is known about hearing loss and tinnitus associated with neurotoxic chemotherapy. Study evaluated for differences in occurrence rates and effects of hearing loss and tinnitus in survivors who received a platinum alone, a taxane alone or a platinum and taxane containing regimen.

Methods

Total of 273 survivors with breast, gastrointestinal, gynaecological or lung cancer completed self-report measures of hearing loss and tinnitus and had an audiometric assessment that obtained pure tone air conduction thresholds bilaterally at frequencies of between 0.25 kHz to 16.0 kHz. To adjust for age-related and gender-related changes in hearing, each survivor’s audiogram was evaluated using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-modified Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Survivor was classified as having hearing loss if at any frequency they scored poorer than the 50th percentile for their age and gender. Survivors were categorised as having tinnitus if they reported that for>10% of their time awake, they were consciously aware of their tinnitus. Differences among the chemotherapy groups were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric tests.

Results

For most of the demographic and clinical characteristics, no differences were found among the three chemotherapy groups. Occurrence rates for audiogram-confirmed hearing loss ranged from 52.3% to 71.4%. Occurrence rates for tinnitus ranged from 37.1% to 40.0%. No differences were found among the three chemotherapy groups in the occurrence rates or effects of hearing loss and tinnitus.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that regardless of the chemotherapy regimen common mechanistic pathway(s) may underlie these two neurotoxicities.
Patient outcomes following emergency admission to hospital for COVID-19 compared with influenza: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Woodcock Thomas , Greenfield Geva , Lalvani Ajit , Majeed Azeem , Aylin Paul
Published: July 2022

Background

We examine differences in posthospitalisation outcomes, and health system resource use, for patients hospitalised with COVID-19 during the UK’s first pandemic wave in 2020, and influenza during 2018 and 2019.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used routinely collected primary and secondary care data. Outcomes, measured for 90 days follow-up after discharge were length of stay in hospital, mortality, emergency readmission and primary care activity.

Results

The study included 5132 patients admitted to hospital as an emergency, with COVID-19 and influenza cohorts comprising 3799 and 1333 patients respectively. Patients in the COVID-19 cohort were more likely to stay in hospital longer than 10 days (OR 3.91, 95% CI 3.14 to 4.65); and more likely to die in hospital (OR 11.85, 95% CI 8.58 to 16.86) and within 90 days of discharge (OR 7.92, 95% CI 6.20 to 10.25). For those who survived, rates of emergency readmission within 90 days were comparable between COVID-19 and influenza cohorts (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.29), while primary care activity was greater among the COVID-19 cohort (incidence rate ratio 1.30, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.37).

Conclusions

Patients admitted for COVID-19 were more likely to die, more likely to stay in hospital for over 10 days and interact more with primary care after discharge, than patients admitted for influenza. However, readmission rates were similar for both groups. These findings, while situated in the context of the first wave of COVID-19, with the associated pressures on the health system, can inform health service planning for subsequent waves of COVID-19, and show that patients with COVID-19 interact more with healthcare services as well as having poorer outcomes than those with influenza.
Temporal shifts in reproductive phenology of cycads: a comparative study in Ceratozamia
Authors: Martínez-Domínguez Lilí , Nicolalde-Morejón Fernando , Silva Francisco Vergara , Stevenson Dennis Wm.
Published: July 2022

The reproductive phenology in plants consists of successive life cycle phases leading to reproductive success. In seed plants, cycads and other dioecious groups have complex reproductive systems, where individuals require synchronizations among two sexes and populations of the same species. Here, we analyzed phenology between populations of three geographically close species in the cycad genus Ceratozamia Brongn. We described the lifespan of pollen and ovulate strobili and their morphological changes throughout ontogeny and evaluated synchrony among reproductive events, focusing on the timing and abundance of the receptivity and open pollen phases. Our results showed that the reproductive timing in the three species was highly synchronous, and that the overlap between the receptivity and open pollen phases could point to gene flow among populations of different species. We identified a correlation between the reproductive patterns and the temperature and precipitation regimes. Pollen and ovulate strobili were produced during the rainy season, whereas the period of synchrony between receptivity and pollen occurred during the dry season. The seed release occurred during the rainy season, which could contribute to keep the seed moist and prevent the embryo from drying out. Finally, we highlight the utility of studies in wild populations for the ecological and evolutionary understanding of phenological patterns in cycads.
From plant biology research to technology transfer and knowledge extension: improving food quality and mitigating environmental impacts
Authors: Shelp Barry J.
Published: July 2022

Academic scientists face an unpredictable path from plant biology research to real-life application. Fundamental studies of γ-aminobutyrate and carotenoid metabolism, control of Botrytis infection, and the uptake and distribution of mineral nutrients illustrate that most academic research in plant biology could lead to innovative solutions for food, agriculture, and the environment. The time to application depends on various factors such as the fundamental nature of the scientific questions, the development of enabling technologies, the research priorities of funding agencies, the existence of competitive research, the willingness of researchers to become engaged in commercial activities, and ultimately the insight and creativity of the researchers. Applied research is likely to be adopted more rapidly by industry than basic research, so academic scientists engaged in basic research are less likely to participate in science commercialization. It is argued that the merit of Discovery Grant applications to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada should not be evaluated for their potential impact on policy and (or) technology. Matching industry funds in Canada rarely support the search for knowledge. Therefore, NSERC Discovery Grants should fund basic research in its entirety.
Minimizing the phase structure of quark mass matrices
Authors: Awasthi Nikhila , Kumar Manoj , Randhawa Monika , Gupta Manmohan
Published: July 2022

Fritzsch–Xing matrices are a particular class of texture 4 zero hermitian quark mass matrices, known to be successful in accommodating the quark mixing data. In the present work, it is shown that these texture 4-zero matrices with only one phase parameter, unlike the usually considered two phase parameters, are not only consistent with the latest experimental quark mixing data, but also predict the CP violation parameters, J and corresponding phase $$\delta $$
δ
, in agreement with the recent global analyses. We also show that the mass matrix elements do not exhibit a strong hierarchy and there is a strong correlation between some of the mass matrix elements of up and down sector. A precision measurement of $$\delta $$
δ
as well as small quark masses would have the potential to constrain the phase structure of the matrices further.
Construction of Sports Rehabilitation Training Method Based on Virtual Reality
Authors: Xu Yi , Huang Jinglun , Yao Yajuan , Zeng Chaofan
Published: July 2022

The introduction of virtual reality technology into rehabilitation training can avoid various shortcomings of traditional rehabilitation training, and can efficiently complete training tasks. Based on the basic theory of virtual reality, this paper constructs a sports rehabilitation training method to achieve the consistency of the virtual upper limbs and the real upper limbs of the human body. The model provides a background environment in the virtual reality training, realizes the systematic maintenance of the patient’s training mode, provides the patient with a scientifically based training mode and evaluation results, solves the quantitative index problem of sports rehabilitation training, and builds a virtual upper limb platform at the same time. During the simulation process, the system used the Berg balance assessment scores to conduct four-stage assessments. Before treatment, the three-dimensional gait analysis, FMAL lower extremity function scores and Berg balance assessment results were not significantly different between the control group and the experimental group ([Formula: see text]). The experimental results showed that the three-dimensional gait analysis was used to analyze the pace, left and right step length, left and right support percentage, and stride frequency. Compared with the evaluation data before treatment, the index values of the control group and the experimental group were significantly improved ([Formula: see text]); after the treatment, the two groups of patients were evaluated for motor function, the evaluation values of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group when compared between the two groups. It effectively meets the human–computer interaction needs of rehabilitation training.
Optimized Learning Strategy Towards Research-LED Teaching Curriculum Development
Authors: Luo Yuxin , Marimuthu K. , Bala Murugan S.
Published: July 2022

Leadership Education Development (LED) teaching results in criticism and debate in the learning atmosphere for students. The significant challenges in LED are analyzing how research can successfully be applied to benefit the students’ teaching, the political essence of education, identifying education research as a science, and the dislocation between educational research and education practice. Teaching and research are two critical ties to tertiary education programs. Two psychological tools have been built from archived research data and show how this form of reuse allows pedagogue to directly link research and teaching. This manuscript proposed an Optimized Learning Strategy (OLS) to improve curriculum development. OLS provides strategies for learning that increase learning ability, learning experience, boost understanding, and connect with previous knowledge of new information. This paper presents the real practice of the development of LED teaching programming. Finally, the results show the students highly recommended OLS based on case study analysis to measure teaching and learning methods.
A Deep Learning Based Method for Network Application Classification in Software-Defined IoT
Authors: Umair Muhammad Basit , Iqbal Zeshan , Khan Farrukh Zeeshan , Khan Muhammad Attique , Kadry Seifedine
Published: July 2022

Network Application Classification (NAC) is a vital technology for intrusion detection, Quality-of-Service (QoS)-aware traffic engineering, traffic analysis, and network anomalies. Researchers have focused on designing algorithms using deep learning models based on statistical information to address the challenges of traditional payload and port-based traffic classification techniques. Internet of Things (IoT) and Software Defined Network (SDN) are two popular technologies nowadays and aims to connect devices over the internet and intelligently control networks from a centralized space. IoT aims to connect billions of devices; therefore, classification is essential for efficient processing. SDN is a new networking paradigm, which separates data plane measurement from the control plane. The emergence of deep learning algorithms with SDN provides a scalable traffic classification architecture. Due to the inadequate results of payload and port-based approaches, a statistical technique to classify network traffic into different classes using a Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) is presented in this paper. This paper provides a classification method for software defined IoT networks. The results show that, contrary to other traffic classification methods, the proposed approach offered a better accuracy rate of over 99 %, which is promising.
CONNECTING THE DOTS: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS ON THE CONSUMER INNOVATION−DECISION PROCESS
Authors: MILLEMANN JAN A. , DE WAAL GERRIT ANTON , MARITZ ALEX
Published: July 2022

Despite half a century’s extensive scholarly research in the decision-making process of individuals around the adoption of new innovations, innovation practitioners are still not able to capitalise sufficiently on the existing knowledge base to successfully commercialise new products. Evidence of this stems from consumers’ continued rejection of new offerings at alarming rates. This makes the marketing of innovation, with a focus on influencing consumers’ decision-making process, one of the most challenging corporate challenges for new product managers. To address this gap, this paper sequentially applies a systematic literature review (SLR), followed by extensive descriptive and bibliometric analyses, to reveal and assess the current state of knowledge in this field. Furthermore, the analysis identifies six prominent future research paths that could fill identified gaps in knowledge. Using the results of the bibliometric section, practitioners can pinpoint specific research areas of interest, enabling them to access and utilise findings from past studies more effectively.
About this title - Mesozoic Biological Events and Ecosystems in East Asia
Authors: Chang S-C. , Zheng D.
Published: July 2022

Mesozoic Biological Events and Ecosystems in East Asia
covers a wide range of topics, encompassing palaeoenvironments, palaeoecosystems and important vertebrate, invertebrate and plant fossils, some found in amber with excellent preservation of delicate morphological features. Fifty-three authors from a number of different disciplines – geochronology, palaeontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, tectonics and geochemistry – contribute to the 18 articles in the volume.

Well-preserved fossils and rocks continue to be found from marine and terrestrial sediments across East Asia. Over some years, the palaeontological and geological evidence discovered from this region has significantly improved our understanding of Mesozoic environments. In discussing feathered dinosaurs, primitive birds, early mammals, diverse insects, amber inclusions, the oldest-known flowers and research utilizing new, advanced methods, this volume explores Earth's history in even greater detail. What other exciting discoveries are waiting to be unveiled in the future?
The Underpotential Deposition of Lead and its Effect on Carbon Monoxide Adsorption on Pt(111) Electrode
Authors: Huang Jian Wei , Huang Shih-Yung , Yau Shuehlin
Published: July 2022

In situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to examine the spatial structures of lead (Pb) adatom and carbon monoxide (CO) molecule adsorbed onto an ordered Pt(111) electrode in 0.1 M perchloric acid (HClO4) containing 1 mM Pb(ClO4)2 under potential control. Ordered Pb structures were not seen until the potential was made more negative to 0 V (vs Ag/AgCl), where a quasi-square array (√7 × √57) was seen. Shifting the potential more negative substantiated Pb deposition, which triggered restructuring of the Pb adlayer into (√21 × √21)R11° and (3 × 2√3)rect (θ = 0.62 and 0.67) at −0.1 V. Pb adatom reduced the poisoning effect of CO on the Pt(111) electrode by blocking the adsorption of CO and by forcing CO molecule to asymmetric sites. An ordered (√7 × 3)—Pb + CO structure was imaged at 0 V in 0.1 M HClO4 + 1 mM Pb(ClO4)2, from which the surface coverage and binding sites of CO molecule were inferred.
Aromatase inhibition increases blood pressure and markers of renal injury in female rats
Authors: Almutlaq Rawan N. , Newell-Fugate Annie E. , Evans Louise C. , Fatima Huma , Gohar Eman Y.
Published: July 2022

Aromatase enzyme catalyzes the rate-limiting step in estrogen biosynthesis. Aromatase inhibitors are clinically used for the treatment of patients with breast cancer; however, the impact of inhibiting aromatization on blood pressure and renal function is incompletely understood. The present findings demonstrate that systemic anastrozole treatment increases blood pressure and renal tubular injury markers in female rats fed a high-salt diet, suggesting an important role for aromatization in preserving cardiovascular and renal health in females.
SGLT2 inhibitor and loop diuretic induce different vasopressin and fluid homeostatic responses in nondiabetic rats
Authors: Masuda Takahiro , Ohara Ken , Vallon Volker , Nagata Daisuke
Published: July 2022

In nondiabetic rats, the Na+-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor ipragliflozin increased vasopressin-related stimulation of fluid intake and free water reabsorption and maintained fluid balance and serum creatinine, whereas the loop diuretic furosemide reduced vasopressin and induced a negative fluid balance followed by a subsequent increase in serum creatinine. This study suggests that differences in vasopressin secretion in response to a SGLT2 inhibitor or loop diuretic may contribute to differences in body fluid status and subsequent renal function.
Novel Management for Severe Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis Based on Pathophysiology
Authors: Ohyama Yoshio , Ogawa Masaru , Yokoo Satoshi
Published: July 2022

Endoscopic sinus surgery is commonly performed to treat odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. However, recurrence and natural ostium reclosure often occur due to the inadequate patency of the excretory route. Furthermore, classical maxillary sinus radical surgery is still performed for odontogenic maxillary sinusitis even though it can cause postoperative maxillary sinus deformation, loss of function, and a postoperative maxillary cyst. A management that addresses these issues has not yet been identified. This study reported a conservative maxillary sinus management, wherein a nasoantral window is prepared and the thickened maxillary sinus mucosa is preserved, using the Caldwell–Luc approach. This study presents a case of severe odontogenic maxillary sinusitis that spread to the frontal sinus. This novel management facilitated complete recovery from severe odontogenic maxillary sinusitis in this case.
Corynoline Alleviates Osteoarthritis Development via the Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Li Sunlong , Shi Yifeng , Zhang Shuhao , Li Haobin , Ye Ziyang , Kong Jiangqian , Hong Weijun , Tu Yiting , Ren Jiaping , Meftah Zaher , Xie Chenglong , Wang Xiangyang , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: July 2022

Purpose. OA is a multifactorial joint disease in which inflammation plays a substantial role in the destruction of joints. Corynoline (COR), a component of Corydalis bungeana Turcz., has anti-inflammatory effects. Materials and Methods. We evaluated the significance and potential mechanisms of COR in OA development. The viabilities of chondrocytic cells upon COR exposure were assessed by CCK-8 assays. Western blot, qPCR, and ELISA were used to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration and inflammation. The NF-κB pathway was evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence (IF). Prediction of the interacting proteins of COR was done by molecular docking, while Nrf2 knockdown by siRNAs was performed to ascertain its significance. Micro-CT, H&E, Safranin O-Fast Green (S-O), toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemical examination were conducted to assess the therapeutic effects of COR on OA in destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM) models. Results. COR inhibited ECM degeneration and proinflammatory factor levels and modulated the NF-κB pathway in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Mechanistically, COR bound Nrf2 to downregulate the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, COR ameliorated the OA process in DMM models. Conclusion. We suggest that COR ameliorates OA progress through the Nrf2/NF-κB axis, indicating COR may have a therapeutic potential for OA.
Gluconeogenesis Alteration and p53-SIRT6-Fox01 Signaling Adaptive Regulation in Sheep from Different Grazing Periods
Authors: Han Yongli , Liang Chen , Yu Yuxiang , Zhang Jianhai , Wang Jundong , Cao Jinling
Published: July 2022

The decline in sheep health and meat quality caused by seasonal nutritional deficiencies has always been an important problem in the production of naturally grazing sheep. Glucose metabolism is crucial in ruminants for adequate cell function and maintenance of the body tissues and systems. However, whether glucose metabolism, especially gluconeogenesis, is affected by seasonal grazing conditions has not been fully uncovered. Thus, twelve sheep from two seasons (dry and green grass periods) in natural grazing areas of Inner Mongolia, China, were selected for this study. Their serum glucose, insulin, PC, and PEPCK levels and volatile fatty acid (gluconeogenesis material) concentrations in rumen fluid were analyzed. The expression of key enzymes including PC, PEPCK, GLUT2, and G6P of gluconeogenesis and their regulators INSR, PI3K/AKT and p53-SIRT6-Fox01 in the liver was detected by real-time PCR and western blotting. The results revealed significant variances in gluconeogenesis and its indicators and showed p53-SIRT6-Fox01 as having potential regulation in different grazing periods. This study offers new insights into the mechanism of gluconeogenesis and adaptive regulation between dry grass period and green grass period and also provides a reference for maintaining the health of sheep and meat quality despite seasonal nutritional deficiencies.
Study on the Application of Gob-Side Entry Retaining via Roof Cutting under the Condition of a Hard Thick Roof
Authors: Zhu Daoyong , Zhang Huyue , Su Yi
Published: July 2022

To solve the problem of instability and failure of a roadway in the Dianping coal mine working face under the condition of traditional gob-side entry retaining, a mechanical model was established for analysis. The reasons for the damage are as follows: (1) the mining height is high, and the hard thick old roof exhibits large space for rotation and subsidence; (2) the retained roadway includes a large section; and (3) the mining impact is strong, and the adaptability of traditional cable is poor. Therefore, the technologies of “roof-cutting type gob-side entry retaining” were proposed and the principle was analyzed. Numerical simulation analysis of displacement and stress field under two processes was performed. The results indicated that the peak value of side abutment pressure decreased from 20.54 to 18.24 MPa due to the roof cutting (a decrease of 11%). The advance stress was less than the stress value under traditional conditions. When compared with the traditional conditions, the deformation of the roadway decreased by more than 50%. Finally, field monitoring was performed, and the results showed that under the condition of roof cutting, the deformation corresponded to the most severe within the range of 30–80 m behind the working face. After 80 m, the deformation gradually stabilized, and the maximum convergence between the roof and floor was 210 mm. Along the inclined direction, the stress of the hydraulic support in the middle part was the highest, the stress in the uncut side was second highest, and that in the roof-cutting side was the lowest. The periodic weighting interval on the roof-cutting side was the highest, and the transverse influence range of the roof cutting along the working face corresponded to 29.5 m.
Intelligent Optimization Algorithm of 3D Tracking Technology in Football Player Moving Image Analysis
Authors: Sun Peng , Zhao Xiang , Zhao Yu , Jia Ni , Cao Dawei
Published: July 2022

Computer vision technology began to affect the development of football. There is increasingly high-tech in football broadcast technology, and many application tools have emerged in the field of football broadcast video analysis. The purpose of this paper is to study the improvement of target tracking algorithm for football broadcast video and to study the intelligent optimization algorithm of 3D tracking technology in football player moving image analysis. This paper proposes to select four models of YOLOv5 to perform target detection experiments in football broadcast videos and analyzes the principle of the Deep SORT multitarget tracking algorithm. At the same time, it is based on the 3D tracking and 3D pose estimation of players based on cross-view correlation matching, and to measure the comprehensive performance of the tracker in the football scene, experiments are carried out on the accuracy and speed of the tracker under the football datasets of four different scenes. The experimental results in this paper show that the MOTA values corresponding to the 3D tracking results and 2D projection results obtained in the campus dataset are only 50 and 56.2. This is much lower than the tracking performance when based on other similarity matrices. The MOTA value of the obtained tracking result (92.6) is very close and significantly outperforms other methods. CCOT performs better on datasets 28, 29, 31, and 32, ECO stands out on dataset 38, and Siamese also performs well on datasets 22 and 36.
Analysis of Key Factors of College Students’ Ideological and Political Education Based on Complex Network
Authors: Lu WeiPing , Huo DeCai , Jia Sibo
Published: July 2022

Rapid updating and complex network means bringing more development opportunities for the education industry. As for ideological classes and political science at colleges and universities, how to use sophisticated online technology to educate and educate ideological and political classes and improve the formation of ideological and political classes has been a complex theory in the education industry in recent years. Complex network is an abstract representation of complex systems in the real world, with broad research value and application prospects, and has many advantages in complex network research, with interpretability, expression ability, generalization ability, flexibility, etc., and has been used in various network analysis tasks, such as community discovery, link prediction, network representation, and political learning. The second part of this article focuses on (1) the concept of ideological education, (2) the advantages of ideological education, (3) the contradiction of the mode of ideological education, and (4) how to innovate ideological education. The third part proposes the basic characteristics and models of complex networks and proposes the emergence of fractal structures. The fourth part analyzes complex network models in detail and compares the number of points and sides of the real network with the respective irregular networks, indicating that the real world is not fully defined or completely irregular, and that the real network has the nature of a small world and a high-quality cluster. The key factors of complex networks applied propose theoretical and political education and ultimately influence theoretical and political teachers and students in the complex networks examined through empirical questionnaires. He proposes that large universities should be able to use a network environment to promote ideological and political education.
miR-199a-5p Relieves Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome-Related Hypertension by Targeting HIF-1α
Authors: Guo Chunyan , Zhang Minghui , Su Wei , Xu Min , Zhao Shumei
Published: July 2022

Introduction. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is related to hypertension. Vascular remodeling is both the pathogenesis and the structural change basis of OSAS-related hypertension. Exploring miRNA functioning in OSAS-related hypertension may offer novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for controlling hypertension-associated cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of miR-199a-5p in OSAS-related hypertension has not been demonstrated yet. Methods. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-199a-5p and HIF-1α in OSAS-related hypertension by performing in vitro cell experiments and in vivo animal experiments. Rat aortic smooth muscle cells (A7r5) were cultured under hypoxia as an in vitro model. To establish the animal model of OSAS-related hypertension, the rats were under exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) in a hypoxic instrument. The rats were randomly grouped into normal, CIH, CIH+NC, and CIH+miR-199a-5p. Results. By establishing an animal model, we found decreased miR-199a-5p expression and increased HIF-1α expression in OSAS with hypertension. The overexpressed miR-199a-5p could reduce systolic blood pressure and relieve oxidase stress and inflammation. miR-199a-5p treatment could overturn the upregulation of HIF-1α and TGF-β1 and downregulation of α-SMA. Overexpressed miR-199a-5p might attenuate vascular remodeling through HIF-1α downregulation. miR-199a-5p/HIF-1α may inhibit proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells under hypoxia. Conclusion. miR-199a-5p may relieve OSAS-related hypertension by targeting HIF-1α and be a novel potential therapeutic target.
Necrotizing Granulomatous Pneumocystis Infection Presenting as a Solitary Pulmonary Nodule: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Assaad Mansur , Swalih Mohamed , Karki Apurwa
Published: July 2022

Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungus that is classically associated with pneumonia in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). However, this infection is now more commonly seen in those with malignancy, particularly lymphoproliferative disorders. Classic image findings with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) include bilateral ground-glass opacities with or without cyst formation. Up to 5% of patients with PJP may present with atypical image findings, specifically nodular opacities or masses thought to represent granulomatous inflammation. The differential diagnosis for a new solitary pulmonary nodule in an immunocompromised patient is broad. One must first rule out a recurrence of malignancy or new primary malignancy. In our patient’s case, two nondiagnostic bronchoscopies with EBUS-TBNA eventually led to a surgical resection, which revealed a diagnosis of nodular necrotizing granulomatous Pneumocystis jirovecii. The diagnostic yield from EBUS is not well established, and most cases require surgical biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Further data regarding the use of EBUS-TBNA in diagnosing granulomatous PJP is needed.
The Effects of Periarticular Injection Cocktail in Postoperative Analgesia after Bilateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Ruizhu , Zhao Jin , Guo Xiaojing , Ji Binping
Published: July 2022

Objective. This study was conducted to compare postoperative pain and functional recovery in bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and unilateral UKA after cocktail therapy. Methods. A total of 240 patients who received unilateral UKA and bilateral UKA in our orthopedic department from February 2019 to April 2020 were collected. The general clinical data was recorded and compared between the two groups of subjects, and the time of postoperative landing was recorded separately for both groups. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record the patients’ pain at 1, 7, and 14 days postoperatively, as well as the range of motion of the affected limb at 1, 7, 14 days, and 3 months postoperatively and the hospital for special surgery (HSS) knee score of the knee at 1 month postoperatively. Results. After cocktail injection analgesia, unilateral patients with knee surgery got off the ground and walked significantly earlier than patients with bilateral surgery, while there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pain at 1, 7, and 14 days after surgery, range of motion of the affected limb at 1, 7, 14 days, and 3 months after surgery, and knee HSS score at 1 month after surgery. Conclusion. Periarticular cocktail injection significantly reduces postoperative pain in patients, and bilateral UKA surgery can be used as satisfactory as unilateral UKA in clinical practice.