bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling on Shock‐Induced Energy Release Behavior of Reactive Materials considering Mechanical‐Thermal‐Chemical Coupled Effect
Authors: Guo Baoyue , Ren Kerong , Li Zhibin , Chen Rong
Published: January 2021

Reactive material (RM) is a new type of energetic material, which is widely used in the military technology fields such as fragmentation warheads and shaped charge warheads. Violent chemical reactions take place in the impact process of reactive materials, and how to realize the macro numerical simulation of shock‐induced energy release behavior of reactive materials is one of the most urgent problems to be solved for its future military applications. In this study, a numerical simulation approach and procedure is proposed, which can simulate the shock‐induced energy release behavior of reactive materials on a macro scale. Firstly, program implementation of the mechanical‐thermal‐chemical coupled effect model for RM is realized in the second‐development interface of LS‐DYNA software. Then, the adaptive simulated annealing algorithm is used to fit the chemical reaction kinetic parameters of RM using the direct ballistics test data. Finally, the simulation calculation of the fragment penetrating upon steel plate is carried out to expand the applicability of the numerical simulation approach proposed in this study. The results show that the numerical simulation approach proposed in this study can reproduce the results of the direct ballistics test more accurately, which assumes practical significance for the engineering application of reactive materials in the military field in the future.
Jacobian Consistency of a Smoothing Function for the Weighted Second-Order Cone Complementarity Problem
Authors: Liu Wenli , Chi Xiaoni , Yang Qili , Cui Ranran
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a weighted second-order cone (SOC) complementarity function and its smoothing function are presented. Then, we derive the computable formula for the Jacobian of the smoothing function and show its Jacobian consistency. Also, we estimate the distance between the subgradient of the weighted SOC complementarity function and the gradient of its smoothing function. These results will be critical to achieve the rapid convergence of smoothing methods for weighted SOC complementarity problems.
Epilepsy as a Presentation of a Neuroglial Cyst Associated with Dysgenesis of Corpus Callosum in a Child
Authors: Mustapha Outznit , Allali Nazik , Latifa Chat , El haddad Siham
Published: January 2021

Neuroglial (glioependymal) cyst is a rare congenital tumor of the central nervous system usually found in childhood. It can be isolated or associated with other brain malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging is the technique of choice for making the diagnosis. We report the case of a 10-year-old child who presented with epileptic seizures revealing a neuroglial cyst and dysgenesis of the corpus callosum.
Visual Security Assessment via Saliency-Weighted Structure and Orientation Similarity for Selective Encrypted Images
Authors: Wu Zhengguo , Zhang Kai , Ren Yannan , Li Jing , Sun Jiande , Wan Wenbo
Published: January 2021

Selective encryption has been widely used in image privacy protection. Visual security assessment is necessary for the effectiveness and practicability of image encryption methods, and there have been a series of research studies on this aspect. However, these methods do not take into account perceptual factors. In this paper, we propose a new visual security assessment (VSA) by saliency-weighted structure and orientation similarity. Considering that the human visual perception is sensitive to the characteristics of selective encrypted images, we extract the structure and orientation feature maps, and then similarity measurements are conducted on these feature maps to generate the structure and orientation similarity maps. Next, we compute the saliency map of the original image. Then, a simple saliency-based pooling strategy is subsequently used to combine these measurements and generate the final visual security score. Extensive experiments are conducted on two public encryption databases, and the results demonstrate the superiority and robustness of our proposed VSA compared with the existing most advanced work.
Self-Expanding Metal Stent (SEMS) Placement to Treat Bleeding from Late Radiation Esophagitis
Authors: Gill Inayat , Antonios Bana , Imam Zaid , Ghaith Gehad
Published: January 2021

Radiation esophagitis is a serious complication occurring in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. Current treatment with proton pump inhibitors and mucosal protectants provides symptomatic relief with few studies showing improvement in erosive esophagitis or ulceration. Use of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) in cases of erosive radiation esophagitis refractory to medical therapy has not been studied. We report a case of a patient presenting with recurrent hematemesis from late (chronic) radiation esophagitis with bleeding esophageal ulceration successfully treated with SEMS placement after failure of conservative medical management, proposing a possible utility for SEMS in this setting.
A Novel Radial-Composite Model of Pressure Transient Analysis for Multistage Fracturing Horizontal Wells with Stimulated Reservoir Volume
Authors: Hu Yunpeng , Zhang Xiaoling , Cheng Ziyun , Ding Wei , Qu Liangchao , Su Penghui , Sun Chunliu , Zhang Wenqi
Published: January 2021

In the process of stimulated reservoir volume of tight reservoir, horizontal well can form three zones, the inner zone is multistage fracturing zone, the middle zone is skin damage zone, and the outer zone is undamaged zone. In this paper, a transient well test analysis model of multistage fracturing horizontal well in three area composite reservoir is proposed. Based on Laplace transformation, point source integration, and superposition principle, the infinite conductivity multifracture model of three area composite reservoir is obtained. The linear equations of finite conductivity multifracture in Laplace space are established by using the equal conditions of flow and pressure at the fracture wall. Gauss-Newton iteration method and Stehfest number are used to obtain the solution of wellbore pressure. The accuracy of the results is verified by numerical simulation. Then, the flow characteristics of multistage fracturing horizontal wells in three area composite reservoirs are analyzed by type curves. The flow is divided into ten stages, which are the bilinear flow, the linear flow, the first radial flow stage, the inner zone linear flow, the inner zone radial flow, the middle zone linear flow, the middle zone radial flow, the outer zone linear flow, the outer zone radial flow, and the boundary dominated flow. The pressure derivative curves show different characteristics in different flow stages. The influences of fracture conductivity, fracture spacing, radius ratio of the middle zone to inner zone, radius ratio of the outer zone to the middle zone, permeability ratio of inner zone to the middle zone, permeability ratio of inner zone to outer zone, storage capacity ratio of inner zone to the middle zone, and storage capacity ratio of inner zone to outer zone on type curves are analyzed. Finally, the application and reliability of the proposed model are verified by a case example.
Prechemoradiotherapy Systemic Inflammation Response Index Stratifies Stage IIIB/C Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients into Three Prognostic Groups: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis
Authors: Topkan Erkan , Selek Ugur , Kucuk Ahmet , Haksoyler Veysel , Ozdemir Yurday , Sezen Duygu , Mertsoylu Huseyin , Besen Ali Ayberk , Bolukbasi Yasemin , Ozyilkan Ozgur , Pehlivan Berrin
Published: January 2021

Purpose. We explored the prognostic influence of the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) on the survival outcomes of stage IIIB/C non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Methods. Present propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis comprised 876 stage IIIB/C NSCLC patients who received 1–3 cycles of platinum-based doublets concurrent with thoracic radiotherapy from 2007 to 2017. The primary and secondary objectives were the relationships between the SIRI values and overall (OS) and progression-free survival, respectively. Propensity scores were calculated for SIRI groups to adjust for confounders and to facilitate well-balanced comparability between the SIRI groups by creating 1 : 1 matched study groups. Results. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an optimal SIRI cutoff at 1.9 for OS (AUC: 78.8%; sensitivity: 73.7%; specificity: 70.7%) and PFS (AUC: 80.5%; sensitivity: 75.8%; specificity: 72.9%) and we grouped the patients into two PSM cohorts: SIRI < 1.9 (N = 304) and SIRI ≥ 1.9 (N = 304), respectively. The SIRI ≥ 1.9 cohort had significantly worse median OS (

P
<
0.001

) and PFS (

P
<
0.001

) than their SIRI < 1.9 companions. The further combination of SIRI with disease stage exhibited that the SIRI-1 (IIIB and SIRI < 1.9) and SIRI-3 (IIIC and SIRI ≥ 1.9) cohorts had the best and worst outcomes, respectively, with SIRI-2 cohort (IIIB and SIRI ≥ 1.9 or IIIC and SIRI < 1.9) being remained in between (

P
<
0.001

for OS and PFS, separately). In multivariate analysis, the two- and three-laddered stratifications per the 1.9 cutoffs and SIRI groups retained their independent significance, individually. Conclusions. The SIRI ≥ 1.9 independently prognosticated significantly worse OS and PFS results and plated the stage IIIB/C patients into three fundamentally distinct prognostic groups.
Probiotics as a Complementary Therapy for Management of Obesity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shirvani-Rad Salman , Tabatabaei-Malazy Ozra , Mohseni Shahrzad , Hasani-Ranjbar Shirin , Soroush Ahmad-Reza , Hoseini-Tavassol Zahra , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Larijani Bagher
Published: January 2021

Background. Considering the observed role of probiotics in modulating gut microbiome, probiotics are discussed to be one potential complementary therapy for obesity management in recent years. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the meta-analyses of controlled trials and investigate the effects of probiotics on obesity. Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library web databases up to May 2020. Inclusion criteria were meta-analyses of controlled trials which evaluated the impact of probiotics on obesity in English language. Meta-analyses done on pregnant women, children, animal studies, or the effect of prebiotics on anthropometric indices were excluded. Results. Within 325 recorded studies, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria consisting of 16676 overweight/obese adults with different underlying disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The length of intervention varied from 2 to 26 weeks. Results of meta-analyses have shown a moderate effect of probiotics on body weight in overweight/obese adults: from −0.526 kg/m2 (95% CI: −0.810, −0.247) to −0.25 kg/m2 (95% CI: −0.33, −0.17). Body mass index (BMI) was changed from −1.46 kg/m2 (95% CI: −2.44, −0.48) to −1.08 kg/m2 (95% CI: −2.05, −0.11) in NAFLD. Probiotics could reduce BMI from −0.36 kg/m2 (95% CI: −0.74, 0.02) to −0.29 kg/m2 (95% CI: −0.54, −0.03) in patients with PCOS. Conclusion. It seems that the probiotic products could have beneficial effects as an adjunct therapy for care and management of obesity when used in high dose. However, due to heterogeneity of included studies, it is required to confirm our results by more meta-analyses of clinical trials.
Response of Malt Barley (Hordeum Distichum L) Varieties to Different Row Spacing under Contrasted Environments of North Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: Bogale Amare Assefa , Niguse Ketema , Wasae Awoke , Habitu Shegaw
Published: January 2021

A field experiment was conducted in north Gondar to investigate the response of malt barley varieties to different inter-row spacing under contrasted environment. The experiment was laid out using randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were three different inter-row spacing (i.e., 20, 25, and 30 cm), six malt barley varieties (i.e., Holker, HB1963, Sabine, Ibone174/03, EH1847, and Freygebse), and two locations (Miligebsa and Kino). The result sowed that days to 50% heading, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height, spike length, and number of kernels per spike were significantly (

p
<
0.01

) affected by the main effect of location and varieties. Similarly, effective tiller number, biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield were significantly (

p
<
0.01

) influenced by the main effect of variety, inter-row spacing, and location. Important interaction was also observed between varieties × inter-row spacing × location on days to 50% heading, spike length, biomass yield, grain yield, and straw yield. Location × variety interaction significantly influences the days to 90% physiological maturity and effective tiller number. Similar significant (

p
<
0.05

) trend was also observed between varieties with inter-row spacing on effective tiller number and thousand kernel weight even at

p
<
0.01

level of significance. It was found that optimization of row spacing was found to be influenced by location and varietal difference. Hence, on the basis of the result, it can be inferred that 25 cm row spacing combined with the varieties “HB1963,” “Hollker,” and “Sabine” was optimum for maximum yielding potential under potential environment (Miligebsa).
Quantification of Biventricular Myocardial Strain Using CMR Feature Tracking: Reproducibility in Small Animals
Authors: Li Hao , Qu Yangyang , Metze Patrick , Sommerfeld Florian , Just Steffen , Abaei Alireza , Rasche Volker
Published: January 2021

Myocardial strain is a well‐validated parameter for evaluating myocardial contraction. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance myocardial feature tracking (CMR‐FT) is a novel method for the quantitative measurements of myocardial strain from routine cine acquisitions. In this study, we investigated the influence of temporal resolution on tracking accuracy of CMR‐FT and the intraobserver, interobserver, and interstudy reproducibilities for biventricular strain analysis in mice from self‐gated CMR at 11.7 T. 12 constitutive nexilin knockout (Nexn‐KO) mice, heterozygous (Het, N = 6) and wild‐type (WT, N = 6), were measured with a well‐established self‐gating sequence twice within two weeks. CMR‐FT measures of biventricular global and segmental strain parameters were derived. Interstudy, intraobserver, and interobserver reproducibilities were investigated. For the assessment of the impact of the temporal resolution for the outcome in CMR‐FT, highly oversampled semi‐4 chamber and midventricular short‐axis data were acquired and reconstructed with 10 to 80 phases per cardiac cycle. A generally reduced biventricular myocardial strain was observed in Nexn‐KO Het mice. Excellent intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was achieved in all global strains (ICC range from 0.76 to 0.99), where global right ventricle circumferential strain (RCSSAX) showed an only good interobserver reproducibility (ICC 0.65, 0.11‐0.89). For interstudy reproducibility, left ventricle longitudinal strain (LLSLAX) was the most reproducible measure of strain (ICC 0.90, 0.71‐0.97). The left ventricle radial strain (LRSSAX) (ICC 0.50, 0.10‐0.83) showed fair reproducibility and RCSSAX (ICC 0.36, 0.14‐0.74) showed only poor reproducibility. In general, compared with global strains, the segmental strains showed relatively lower reproducibility. A minimal temporal resolution of 20 phases per cardiac cycle appeared sufficient for CMR‐FT strain analysis. The analysis of myocardial strain from high‐resolution self‐gated cine images by CMR‐FT provides a highly reproducible method for assessing myocardial contraction in small rodent animals. Especially, global LV longitudinal and circumferential strain revealed excellent reproducibility of intra‐ and interobserver and interstudy measurements.
Postoperative Adjuvant Therapy for Patients with pN+ Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li Juan , Qiu Rong , Hu Yuanping , Wang Yuxiang , Qi Zhan , He Ming , Li Yuekao
Published: January 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common pathological type of esophageal cancer in China. However, patient survival time after surgery remains unsatisfactory, especially in those who are pN+. This retrospective study determined the value of postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with pN+ ESCC. From Jan 2008 to Sep 2011, 453 pN+ ESCC patients who underwent R0 resection and survived for at least 1 month were retrospectively enrolled. All patients received surgery. Some patients received surgery alone (SA, n = 131), and others received postoperative chemotherapy (POCT, n = 222), radiotherapy (PORT, n = 57), or sequential chemoradiotherapy (POCRT, n = 43). The follow‐up ended on 1 Dec 2019. The 5‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and locoregional recurrence (LR) were significantly worse in the SA group (15.2%, 13.1%, and 71.6%, all p < 0.05) than in the POCT group (28.0%, 20.8%, and 66.5%), the PORT group (27.4%, 24.4%, and 46.9%), and the POCRT group (42.8%, 35.5%, and 43.0%). Furthermore, compared with the SA group, the median OS and DFS were significantly longer in the POCT, PORT, and POCRT groups (all p < 0.05). PORT and POCRT (but not POCT) also significantly reduced the LR (p < 0.01). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that each type of postoperative therapy was independently associated with improvements in OS, DFS, and LR. Postoperative adjuvant therapy—either POCT, PORT, or POCRT—significantly improved OS and DFS in patients with pN+ ESCC after R0 surgery. PORT and PORCT significantly reduced LR in these patients.
Diversity and Bionomics of Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of an Endemic Focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Zagora Province, Southeast of Morocco
Authors: Al-Koleeby Zalalham , El Aboudi Ahmed , Aboulfadl Souhail , Faraj Chafika
Published: January 2021

The diversity and seasonality for sandflies were studied in 2019 at a focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Zagora province, southern Morocco. Standardized sampling with CDC light traps was used. A total of 4504 sandflies (4024 Phlebotomus and 480 Sergentomyia) was collected during the study period. Seven species belonging to genus Phlebotomus and six species of genus Sergentomyia were identified. The most abundant species were Ph. papatasi (33.6%) and Ph. longicuspis (25.7%), highlighting the risk for local disease transmission foci. The seasonal activity of sandflies extended from April to November, showing two peaks, one in June-July and one, less important, in late-September-October. Abundance was highest during the months May, June, and July and lowest in August, September, and October. Results of this study provide important baseline data for planning control interventions.
Dynamic Characteristics and Key Parameter Optimization of Mechanical Automatic Vertical Drilling Tools
Authors: Wang Jin , Hu Yuanbiao , Liu Zhijian , Li Lixin , Liu Baolin , Huang Leilei
Published: January 2021

Mechanical automatic vertical drilling tools (MAVDT) have gradually gained attention as a drilling tool that can achieve active correction in harsh working environments such as high temperature and high pressure. The gravity sensing mechanism can sense the deviation and convert the deviation signal into the control signal to drive the actuator to correct the deviation. It is the core component of the mechanical automatic vertical drilling tool. This paper analyzes the force on the gravity sensing mechanism based on the structural analysis of the mechanical automatic vertical drilling tool. Then, the general dynamic equation of the gravity sensing mechanism is established based on D’Alembert principle. The critical response position where the acceleration value is zero is used as the research object to complete the preliminary design and analysis of the sensing mechanism. Through analysis, it can be found that there is a conflict between the response accuracy and control stability of the gravity sensing mechanism. High response accuracy often means poor control stability. For the gravity sensing mechanism with definite structural parameters, there is a limit value of the allowable friction coefficient. When the friction coefficient of the thrust bearing exceeds the limit value, the gravity sensing mechanism cannot achieve the inclination response no matter how big the inclination angle and deflection angle are. The friction coefficient between the disc valves and the force between the disc valves of the gravity sensing mechanism have a linear effect on the performance of the mechanism, and the smaller the deviation angle, the greater the influence coefficient of the force or the friction coefficient between the disc valves on the length of the gravity sensing mechanism. During the process of dynamic swing, the dynamic stable position of the gravity sensing mechanism is related to the relative relationship between the restoring force of the mechanism and the friction damping. To be precise, it is related to the potential energy zero point and the speed zero point during the gravity sensing mechanism swing process before it reaches the dynamic stable position.
Sensitivity of Awaji Criteria and Revised El Escorial Criteria in the Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at First Visit in a Tunisian Cohort
Authors: Ido Bademain Jean Fabrice , Kacem Imen , Ouedraogo Mahamadi , Nasri Amina , Mrabet Saloua , Gargouri Amina , Ben Djebara Mouna , Kabore Bawindsongré Jean , Gouider Riadh
Published: January 2021

Background. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease whose diagnosis and early management can improve survival. The most used diagnostic criteria are the revised El Escorial criteria (rEEC) and Awaji criteria (AC). The comparison of their sensitivities showed contradictory results. Our study aimed to compare the sensitivities of these two criteria in the diagnosis of definite ALS, at first visit, in a Tunisian hospital cohort. Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective study including 173 patients diagnosed with ALS at the Department of Neurology of the Razi Hospital between January 2003 and April 2018.After studying the clinical features of the disease in our study population,each patient was categorized according to the rEEC and AC based on data collected in his medical record during his first visit to our department. Then, we compared the sensitivities of these two criteria in the diagnosis of definite ALS. Results. Our Tunisian cohort was characterized by a slower disease progression. The sensitivity of the AC (69.4%) was significantly higher than that of the rEEC (40.5%) (

p

 < 0.001). When the clinical signs evolved for less than 6 months, the sensitivities were 61% for AC and 12% for rEEC (

p

 < 0.001). After 24 months of disease progression, the sensitivities were 78.2% for AC and 69.1% for rEEC (

p

 = 0.063). It was impossible to categorize seventeen patients by the two criteria. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that patients in AC are more sensitive than rEEC in the early diagnosis of ALS in our Tunisian cohort. However, this superiority is gradually reduced during the evolution of the disease.
The Effect of Self-Care Training on Blood Sugar Control, HbA1C Level, and Life Quality of Diabetic Patients in Birjand, East of Iran: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Ahrari Forough , Mohaqiq Zabihullah , Moodi Mitra , Bijari Bita
Published: January 2021

Background. As one of the most important public health problems worldwide, diabetes is closely linked with patients’ lifestyles. The optimal approach to treating diabetes is to prevent it. Our aim in this study was to assess the impact of self-care behaviors on quality of life, blood sugar control, and HbA1C level in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. This randomized clinical trial examined 100 diabetic women referred to Ghadir Comprehensive Health Center in Birjand in 2019. A 5 cc fasting blood sample was taken from each participant. The participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. For the experimental group, a 10-session self-care training workshop was held. Baseline and postintervention fasting blood glucose, HbA1C level, and life quality of the two groups were assessed and compared six months after the intervention. Data were analyzed in SPSS (16). Results. In the experimental group, the mean serum HbA1C level decreased from the baseline 7.5 ± 1.5 to 6.3 ± 1.0 (

P
<
0.001

). Fasting blood sugar in the intervention group decreased from 136.3 ± 43.5 to 127.3 ± 22.9, but the reduction was not significant (

P
=
0.322

). The mean scores of the quality of life (

P
=
0.002

) and the visual analogue scale (

P
<
0.001

P < 0.001) in the experimental group increased significantly compared to the control group. Conclusion. Self-care training for diabetic women had positive effects on both life quality and disease control. Therefore, it is recommended that self-care training be delivered and taken more seriously by physicians and health care providers in addition to drug therapy.
Inflammatory and Adipokine Status from Early to Midpregnancy in Arab Women and Its Associations with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Al-Musharaf Sara , Sabico Shaun , Hussain Syed Danish , Al-Tawashi Fatima , AlWaily Haifa Bandar , Al-Daghri Nasser M. , McTernan Philip
Published: January 2021

Objective. To examine differences in maternal serum levels of adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, and resistin) and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6)) from early to midpregnancy among Arab women with or without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), along with their links to GDM risk. Methods. This is a multicenter prospective study involving 232 Saudi women attending obstetric care. Both circulating adipokine and markers of inflammation were observed at the first (eight to 12 weeks) and second trimesters (24 to 28 weeks). GDM was screened at 24 to 28 weeks using the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. Results. Age and body mass index- (BMI-) matched circulating TNF-α was significantly higher in women with GDM in comparison to non-GDM women (

p
=
0.01

). Adiponectin and resistin significantly decreased from the first to second trimester in women without GDM (

p
=
0.002

and 0.026, respectively). Leptin presented a significant rise from the first to second trimester in both groups, with a higher increase in women with GDM (

p
=
0.013

). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that TNF-α was significantly correlated with GDM (

p
=
0.03

). However, significance was lost after adjustments for maternal and lifestyle risk factors (OR 23.58 (0.50 to 1119.98),

p
=
0.11

). Conclusion. Inflammatory and adipocytokine profiles are altered in Arab women with GDM, TNF-α in particular. Further studies are needed to establish whether maternal inflammatory and adipocytokine profile influence fetal levels in the same manner.
The Safety of Baduanjin Exercise: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fang Jianqi , Zhang Liying , Wu Fangzhen , Ye Jiajia , Cai Shuhe , Lian Xiaowen
Published: January 2021

Objectives. Baduanjin exercise is a form of Qigong exercise therapy that has become increasingly popular worldwide. The aims of the current systematic review were to summarize reported adverse events potentially associated with Baduanjin exercise based on currently available literature and to evaluate the quality of the methods used to monitor adverse events in the trials assessed. Methods. The English databases PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMbase were searched from inception to October 2020 using the keywords “Baduanjin” or “eight session brocade.” Only studies that included Baduanjin exercise therapy were included. Results. Forty-seven trials with a total of 3877 participants were included in this systematic review. Twenty-two studies reported protocols for monitoring adverse events, and two studies reported the occurrence of adverse events during training. The adverse events reported included palpitation, giddiness, knee pain, backache, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, shoulder pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and muscle ache. Conclusions. Only two studies reported adverse events that were potentially caused by Baduanjin exercise. Adverse events related to Baduanjin exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome may include muscle ache, palpitation, giddiness, knee pain, backache, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, shoulder pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Further studies conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement guideline incorporating monitoring of adverse events are recommended. Additional clinical trials in which Baduanjin exercise is used as a main intervention are needed, and further meta-analysis may be required to assess its safety and reach more informed conclusions in this regard in the future.
Generalized Ideals of BCK/BCI-Algebras Based on Fuzzy Soft Set Theory
Authors: Muhiuddin G. , Al-Kadi D. , Shum K. P. , Alanazi A. M.
Published: January 2021

In the present paper, using Lukaswize triple-valued logic, we introduce the notion of

α
,
β

-intuitionistic fuzzy soft ideal of

BCK

/

BCI

-algebras, where

α
 and 
β

are the membership values between an intuitionistic fuzzy soft point and intuitionistic fuzzy set. Moreover, intuitionistic fuzzy soft ideals with thresholds are introduced, and their related properties are investigated.
Weighted Mask R‐CNN for Improving Adjacent Boundary Segmentation
Authors: Suh SungMin , Park Yongeun , Ko KyoungMin , Yang SeongMin , Ahn Jaehyeong , Shin Jae-Ki , Kim SungHwan
Published: January 2021

In the recent era of AI, instance segmentation has significantly advanced boundary and object detection especially in diverse fields (e.g., biological and environmental research). Despite its progress, edge detection amid adjacent objects (e.g., organism cells) still remains intractable. This is because homogeneous and heterogeneous objects are prone to being mingled in a single image. To cope with this challenge, we propose the weighted Mask R‐CNN designed to effectively separate overlapped objects in virtue of extra weights to adjacent boundaries. For numerical study, a range of experiments are performed with applications to simulated data and real data (e.g., Microcystis, one of the most common algae genera and cell membrane images). It is noticeable that the weighted Mask R‐CNN outperforms the standard Mask R‐CNN, given that the analytic experiments show on average 92.5% of precision and 96.4% of recall in algae data and 94.5% of precision and 98.6% of recall in cell membrane data. Consequently, we found that a majority of sample boundaries in real and simulated data are precisely segmented in the midst of object mixtures.
A Novel Glucose Metabolism‐Related Gene Signature for Overall Survival Prediction in Patients with Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Chaocai , Wang Minjie , Ji Fenghu , Peng Yizhong , Wang Bo , Zhao Jiannong , Wu Jiandong , Zhao Hongyang
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most frequent primary intracranial malignancies, with limited treatment options and poor overall survival rates. Alternated glucose metabolism is a key metabolic feature of tumour cells, including GBM cells. However, due to high cellular heterogeneity, accurately predicting the prognosis of GBM patients using a single biomarker is difficult. Therefore, identifying a novel glucose metabolism‐related biomarker signature is important and may contribute to accurate prognosis prediction for GBM patients. Methods. In this research, we performed gene set enrichment analysis and profiled four glucose metabolism‐related gene sets containing 327 genes related to biological processes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were specifically completed to identify genes to build a specific risk signature, and we identified ten mRNAs (B4GALT7, CHST12, G6PC2, GALE, IL13RA1, LDHB, SPAG4, STC1, TGFBI, and TPBG) within the Cox proportional hazards regression model for GBM. Results. Depending on this glucose metabolism‐related gene signature, we divided patients into high‐risk (with poor outcomes) and low‐risk (with satisfactory outcomes) subgroups. The results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the prognostic potential of this ten‐gene signature is independent of clinical variables. Furthermore, we used two other GBM databases (Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and REMBRANDT) to validate this model. In the functional analysis results, the risk signature was associated with almost every step of cancer progression, such as adhesion, proliferation, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and even an immune‐suppressed microenvironment. Moreover, we found that IL31RA expression was significantly different between the high‐risk and low‐risk subgroups. Conclusion. The 10 glucose metabolism‐related gene risk signatures could serve as an independent prognostic factor for GBM patients and might be valuable for the clinical management of GBM patients. The differential gene IL31RA may be a potential treatment target in GBM.
A Possible Relationship between Peri-Implantitis, Titanium Hypersensitivity, and External Tooth Resorption: Metal-Free Alternative to Titanium Implants
Authors: Borgonovo Andrea Enrico , Censi Rachele , Vavassori Virna , Savio Mauro , Re Dino
Published: January 2021

Titanium dental implant surface does not remain unaltered but may corrode and release ions or particles which trigger soft and hard tissue damage. Titanium may induce clinically relevant hypersensitivity in patients chronically exposed. A 56-year-old female patient presented peri-implantitis around a single titanium implant positioned three years earlier. Despite nonsurgical therapy, a rapid bone loss associated with pain and swelling occurred, and adjacent teeth presented external resorption. Compromised teeth were removed, and three titanium implants were inserted. Six months later, the patient complained about high mucosa sensitivity and implant exposure. At clinical and radiographic examinations, tissue inflammation and vertical bone loss involved the new implants and the process of external resorption affected the teeth. The blood test confirmed titanium hypersensitivity. Titanium implants were removed, and 5 zirconia implants were placed. No sign of bone loss or tooth resorption was recorded at clinical and radiographic control during 18 months of follow-up.
Spectral Efficient Asymmetrically Clipped Hybrid FBMC for Visible Light Communication
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Preeti
Published: January 2021

Filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) modulation has shown sufficient potential for wireless communication. A hybrid optical FBMC technique is proposed to improve the spectral efficiency of a visible light communication (VLC) system. In this technique, a hybrid asymmetrically clipped optical offset quadrature amplitude modulation FBMC (HACO-OQAM-FBMC) modulation technique is used. Asymmetrically clipped optical FBMC (ACO-FBMC) is used for odd subcarriers, and pulse amplitude modulation-discrete multitone (PAM-DMT) is used for the even subcarriers. The proposed hybrid scheme uses an intensity modulation/direct detection (IM/DD) channel. It is shown that there is no interference on odd subcarriers using the proposed method and receiver demodulation is similar to that of ACO-FBMC receiver. However, clipping noise of ACO-FBMC falls on PAM-DMT subcarriers, which can be cancelled at receiver processing after estimation. The analytical performance of the proposed technique is compared using parameters, namely, bit error rate (BER), spectral efficiency, computational complexity, and peak to average power ratio (PAPR). It is found that HACO-OQAM-FBMC is more spectral efficient than ACO-FBMC and other OFDM-based techniques.
Complexity Measures for Maxwell–Boltzmann Distribution
Authors: Smaal Nicholas , Piqueira José Roberto C.
Published: January 2021

This work presents a discussion about the application of the Kolmogorov; López‐Ruiz, Mancini, and Calbet (LMC); and Shiner, Davison, and Landsberg (SDL) complexity measures to a common situation in physics described by the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution. The first idea about complexity measure started in computer science and was proposed by Kolmogorov, calculated similarly to the informational entropy. Kolmogorov measure when applied to natural phenomena, presents higher values associated with disorder and lower to order. However, it is considered that high complexity must be associated to intermediate states between order and disorder. Consequently, LMC and SDL measures were defined and used in attempts to model natural phenomena but with the inconvenience of being defined for discrete probability distributions defined over finite intervals. Here, adapting the definitions to a continuous variable, the three measures are applied to the known Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution describing thermal neutron velocity in a power reactor, allowing extension of complexity measures to a continuous physical situation and giving possible discussions about the phenomenon.
A lncRNA TCL6-miR-155 Interaction Regulates the Src-Akt-EMT Network to Mediate Kidney Cancer Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Kulkarni Priyanka , Dasgupta Pritha , Hashimoto Yutaka , Shiina Marisa , Shahryari Varahram , Tabatabai Z. Laura , Yamamura Soichiro , Tanaka Yuichiro , Saini Sharanjot , Dahiya Rajvir , Majid Shahana
Published: January 2021

Metastasis is the leading cause of mortality from kidney cancer, and understanding the underlying mechanism of this event will provide better strategies for its management. Here we investigated the biological, functional, and clinical significance of lncTCL6 and its interacting miR-155 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We employed a comprehensive approach to investigate the lncTCL6-miR-155-Src/Akt–mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway as a novel regulatory mechanism in ccRCC progression. Expression analyses revealed that lncTCL6 is downregulated in ccRCC compared with normal tissues. Overexpression of lncTCL6 in ccRCC cell lines impaired their oncogenic functions, such as cell proliferation and migration/invasion, and induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis; conversely, depletion of lncTCL6 rescued these phenotypic effects. Furthermore, lncTCL6 directly interacted with miR-155. Unlike lncTCL6, miR-155 was overexpressed in ccRCC. Stable knockdown of miR-155 phenocopied the effects of lncTCL6 overexpression. Conversely, reconstitution of miR-155 and suppression of lncTCL6 in noncancerous renal cell HK2 induced tumorigenic characteristics. Patients with higher expression of lncTCL6 and lower expression of miR-155 had better survival probability. When overexpressed, lncTCL6 recruited STAU1 and mediated decay of Src mRNA, followed by a marked downregulation of an integrated network of Src target genes involved in migration, invasion, and EMT. However, the interaction between miR-155 and lncTCL6 attenuated the regulatory role of lncTCL6 on Src-mediated EMT. In conclusion, this study is the first report documenting the lncTCL6-miR155-Src/Akt/EMT network as a novel regulatory mechanism in aggressive ccRCC and a promising therapeutic target to inhibit renal cancer.

Significance:

This study's investigation of noncoding RNA interactions in renal cell carcinoma identify miRNA-155-lncRNA TCL6-mediated regulation of the Src-Akt-EMT network as a novel mechanism of disease progression and metastasis.
Variables Associated with Detection of Methylated BCAT1 or IKZF1 in Blood from Patients Without Colonoscopically Evident Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Saluja Hariti , Young Graeme P. , Kholmurodova Feruza , Symonds Erin L.
Published: January 2021

Background:

DNA methylated in BCAT1 and IKZF1 are promising circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection. This study tested for variables that might be associated with their detection in patients without colonoscopically evident colorectal cancer so-called false positives.

Methods:

A retrospective review of demographic and clinical variables was conducted on patients who were assayed for these biomarkers prior to a colonoscopy for any indication. Potential relationships between detection of these biomarkers and patient variables in patients without colorectal cancer were identified by logistic regression. An age- and sex-matched case–control study was undertaken to identify additional associations.

Results:

A total of 196 of 1,593 patients undergoing colonoscopy were positive for BCAT1 and/or IKZF1 methylation; 70 (35.7%) had confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Of the 126 false positives, biomarker levels were significantly lower than in those with colorectal cancer (P < 0.05), with the total cell-free circulating DNA concentration associated with biomarker detection (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.10–1.22), and 83 (65.9%) of the non-colorectal cancer cases positive for methylated BCAT1 only. Age ≥70 years was the only demographic variable associated with biomarker detection (OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 1.50–12.41). No significant associations were seen with medications or comorbidities (P > 0.05). Four cases without colonoscopically evident colorectal cancer but with biomarker levels above the median for patients with colorectal cancer were diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma within 1 year.

Conclusions:

False-positive results were most commonly associated with detection of methylated BCAT1 only, as well as age ≥70 years.

Impact:

In the absence of colonoscopically evident colorectal cancer, a high level of circulating methylated DNA warrants investigations for cancers at other sites.
Functional Hierarchy and Cooperation of EMT Master Transcription Factors in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Addison Joseph B. , Voronkova Maria A. , Fugett James H. , Lin Chen-Chung , Linville Nathaniel C. , Trinh Brandon , Livengood Ryan H. , Smolkin Matthew B. , Schaller Michael D. , Ruppert J. Michael , Pugacheva Elena N. , Creighton Chad J. , Ivanov Alexey V.
Published: January 2021

Several master transcription factors (TF) can activate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, their individual and combinatorial contributions to EMT in breast cancer are not defined. We show that overexpression of EMT-TFs individually in epithelial cells upregulated endogenous SNAI2, ZEB1/2, TCF4, and TWIST1/2 as a result of positive feedback mediated in part by suppression of their negative regulator miRNAs miR200s/203/205. We identified TCF4 as a potential new target of miR200s. Expression of ZEB1/2 strongly correlated with the mesenchymal phenotype in breast cancer cells, with the CD24−/CD44+ stemness profile, and with lower expression of core epithelial genes in human breast tumors. Knockdown of EMT-TFs identified the key role of ZEB1 and its functional cooperation with other EMT-TFs in the maintenance of the mesenchymal state. Inducible ZEB1+2 knockdown in xenograft models inhibited pulmonary metastasis, emphasizing their critical role in dissemination from primary site and in extravasation. However, ZEB1+2 depletion one-week after intravenous injection did not inhibit lung colonization, suggesting that ZEB1/2 and EMT are not essential for macrometastatic outgrowth. These results provide strong evidence that EMT is orchestrated by coordinated expression of several EMT-TFs and establish ZEB1 as a key master regulator of EMT and metastasis in breast cancer.

Implications:

The EMT program is orchestrated by coordinated expression of multiple EMT transcription factors, whereas ZEB1 integrates the EMT master regulatory network and plays the major role in promoting EMT and metastasis.
Old Dog, New Trick: Type I IFN–Based Treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Alsufyani Abdullah , Alanazi Rehab , Woolley John F. , Dahal Lekh N.
Published: January 2021

Despite strong biological rationale for the use of type-I IFNs for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), their usage is limited to few hematologic malignancies. Here, we propose that innate immune sensing machinery, particularly the stimulator of IFN genes pathway, may be exploited to deliver antileukemic effects in AML.
Trajectories of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Acute Decompensation for Systolic Heart Failure: Concomitant Echocardiographic and Systemic Changes, Predictors, and Impact on Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Albert Judith , Lezius Susanne , Störk Stefan , Morbach Caroline , Güder Gülmisal , Frantz Stefan , Wegscheider Karl , Ertl Georg , Angermann Christiane E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Prospective longitudinal follow‐up of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) trajectories after acute cardiac decompensation of heart failure is lacking. We investigated changes in LVEF and covariates at 6‐months' follow‐up in patients with a predischarge LVEF ≤40%, and determined predictors and prognostic implications of LVEF changes through 18‐months' follow‐up.

Methods and Results

Interdisciplinary Network Heart Failure program participants (n=633) were categorized into subgroups based on LVEF at 6‐months' follow‐up: normalized LVEF (>50%; heart failure with normalized ejection fraction, n=147); midrange LVEF (41%–50%; heart failure with midrange ejection fraction, n=195), or persistently reduced LVEF (≤40%; heart failure with persistently reduced LVEF , n=291). All received guideline‐directed medical therapies. At 6‐months' follow‐up, compared with patients with heart failure with persistently reduced LVEF, heart failure with normalized LVEF or heart failure with midrange LVEF subgroups showed greater reductions in LV end‐diastolic/end‐systolic diameters (both
P
<0.001), and left atrial systolic diameter (
P
=0.002), more increased septal/posterior end‐diastolic wall‐thickness (both
P
<0.001), and significantly greater improvement in diastolic function, biomarkers, symptoms, and health status. Heart failure duration <1 year, female sex, higher predischarge blood pressure, and baseline LVEF were independent predictors of LVEF improvement. Mortality and event‐free survival rates were lower in patients with heart failure with normalized LVEF (
P
=0.002). Overall, LVEF increased further at 18‐months' follow‐up (
P
<0.001), while LV end‐diastolic diameter decreased (
P
=0.048). However, LVEF worsened (
P
=0.002) and LV end‐diastolic diameter increased (
P
=0.047) in patients with heart failure with normalized LVEF hospitalized between 6‐months' follow‐up and 18‐months' follow‐up.

Conclusions

Six‐month survivors of acute cardiac decompensation for systolic heart failure showed variable LVEF trajectories, with >50% showing improvements by ≥1 LVEF category. LVEF changes correlated with various parameters, suggesting multilevel reverse remodeling, were predictable from several baseline characteristics, and were associated with clinical outcomes at 18‐months' follow‐up. Repeat hospitalizations were associated with attenuation of reverse remodeling.

Registration

URL:
https://www.controlled‐trials.com
; Unique identifier: ISRCTN23325295.