bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State identification of transfer learning based Yolov4 network for isolation switches used in substations
Authors: Huang Xuyong , Tang Biao , Zhu Mengmeng , Shen Long , Ma Yutang , Wang Xin , Zhang Zhou , Xiao Dengyu
Published: August 2022

With the steady progress of the intelligent development of power systems, as well as the higher demand for power supply reliability. It is essential to achieve the effective monitoring of substations 24 h a day. The vigorous development of deep learning network brings strong theoretical and technical support to the unmanned and intelligent construction of the substation. To identify the on/off state of the isolation switch in the substation robot inspection image, this paper proposes a method for identifying the isolation switch state of YOLOv4 (You Only Look Once V4) network based on transfer learning. Firstly, for the insufficient number of samples, transfer learning is introduced, and the network feature extraction layer is pre-trained by using public data sets. Secondly, images of isolation switch are obtained by a fixed camera and inspection robot in the substation, and data set of isolation switch is constructed. Finally, the isolation switch data set is used to train the YOLOv4 network. The test results show that compared with YOLOv3 and YOLOv4, the network can improve the identification precision of the isolation switch.
Implementation of an MPPT technique of a solar module with supervised machine learning
Authors: Sharmin Ruhi , Chowdhury Sayeed Shafayet , Abedin Farihal , Rahman Kazi Mujibur
Published: August 2022

Automated calibration of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for the photovoltaic (PV) system is pivotal for harnessing the maximum possible energy from solar power. However, most existing calibration methods of such an MPPT system are cumbersome and vary greatly with the environmental condition. Hence, an automated pipeline capable of performing suitable adjustments is highly desirable. We proposed a method using supervised machine learning (ML) in a solar PV system for MPPT analysis. For this purpose, an overall schematic diagram of a PV system is designed and simulated to create a dataset in MATLAB/Simulink. Thus, by analyzing the output characteristics of a solar cell, an improved MPPT algorithm on the basis of a neural network (NN) method is put forward to track the maximum power point (MPP) of solar cell modules. Moreover, we implemented the algorithm in a hardware setup and verified the theoretical result with the empirical data. Typically, the performance accuracy of the NN models is around 97∼98%. But our proposed model shows an even higher efficiency (99.8% approximately) without adding to any extra computational cost.
Four-wheel-drive vehicle trajectory tracking control at joint planning layer
Authors: Li Aijuan , Han Wenyao , Liu Gang , Huang Xin , Wang Xibo , Zhang Qi
Published: August 2022

Because the real road conditions are complex and changeable, the vehicle cannot drive normally according to the predetermined trajectory. Therefore, for the four-wheel drive electric vehicle, a trajectory tracking control method of joint planning layer is proposed. First, in the process of vehicle trajectory tracking, the obstacle avoidance trajectory is planned for the dynamic obstacle environment. Then, an MPC trajectory tracking controller with a velocity planning module is designed to reduce the lateral acceleration of the vehicle avoiding obstacles at high speed during trajectory tracking. Finally, CarSim/Simulink co-simulation verification and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation verification are carried out to verify the performance of the controller. The simulation results show that the trajectory planning module can successfully plan the trajectory of obstacle avoidance, and the improved MPC controller can effectively reduce the lateral acceleration of the target vehicle during trajectory tracking; HIL analysis shows that the MPC trajectory tracker with speed planning module can control the vehicle with good driving stability. Trajectory tracking control under urban road conditions will be considered in future research.
Species distribution and concentration pollution of soil heavy metals in coal mine reclamation areas
Authors: Xing Jie , Gao Lianfeng , He Li
Published: August 2022

In order to understand the distribution characteristics of heavy metal elements in the soil of the coal mine reclamation area and its impact on the surrounding environment and provide technical support for the selection of a reasonable method for the coal mine land reclamation, taking the soil of the Shanxi coal mine reclamation area as the research object, the distribution characteristics of four heavy metal elements in the soil of two different reclamation methods in deep and shallow coal mines were studied by the continuous extraction method. The research results show that the content of heavy metals in the deep reclamation area is significantly higher than that in the unreclaimed area, and the content of Zn and Cr is 6.23 times and 1.57 times that of the unreclaimed area, respectively. The content of heavy metal Zn is nine times more than the national standard value. Soils in deep reclamation areas have been contaminated with Zn and Cr. The heavy metal content in the shallow reclamation area is higher than that in the unreclaimed area but lower than the national standard value. Pb in the coal mine reclamation area has a high pollution impact on the surrounding soil. Although the content of Zn in the soil is relatively large, due to the stable nature of the residue, it has little impact on the environment. Heavy metals Ni and Cr are dangerous to the surrounding soil under certain conditions; the RSP value of the heavy metal Pb in the soil of the deep and shallow reclamation areas is the largest, which has the greatest impact on the environment, and the other three heavy metals have no pollution. Pb in coal mines has a serious impact on the environment.
Network representation learning based on social similarities
Authors: Mo Ziwei , Xie Zhenzhen , Zhang Xilian , Luo Qi , Zheng Yanwei , Yu Dongxiao
Published: August 2022

Analysis of large-scale networks generally requires mapping high-dimensional network data to a low-dimensional space. We thus need to represent the node and connections accurate and effectively, and representation learning could be a promising method. In this paper, we investigate a novel social similarity-based method for learning network representations. We first introduce neighborhood structural features for representing node identities based on higher-order structural parameters. Then the node representations are learned by a random walk approach that based on the structural features. Our proposed truss2vec is able to maintain both structural similarity of nodes and domain similarity. Extensive experiments have shown that our model outperforms the state-of-the-art solutions.
Modelling the hydraulic characteristics of diaphragm fishways and the effects on fish habitats
Authors: Wang Xu , Wang Fan , Yang Jiening , Yu Ping
Published: August 2022

Diaphragm fishways are often used in fishway engineering construction. Although there are an increasing number of new types of fishways, other types of diaphragm fishways can be derived from the combination or evolution of the following three basic types of fishways: vertical slot, overflow weir and orifice. To compare the hydraulic characteristics of different foundation types of fishways, the operations of vertical slot fishways, overflow weir fishways and orifice fishways are calculated by numerical simulation, and we comprehensively compare the flow field characteristics and application scenarios of various types of fishways from the two dimensions of hydraulic characteristics and application characteristics. This paper analyses the hydraulic characteristics of the flow field, such as velocity distribution and turbulent kinetic energy, and analyses the application characteristics of the fishway from the aspects of applicable flow, favourite swimming speed range, explosive swimming speed, fish passing position, and the matching characteristics of typical target fish. It is concluded that the vertical slot fishway can be widely applied to different target fish species due to its own advantages, such as less impact from environmental conditions. The characteristics of the overflow weir fishway and orifice fishway need to be analysed in combination with the hydraulic characteristics of the fishway, the swimming ability of the target fish species and the natural environmental conditions.
Commercial gentrification in China and its distribution, development, and correlates: The case of Chengdu
Authors: Yang Qinran , Liu Yang , Yang Linchuan
Published: August 2022

Within the Anglo-American literature, commercial, along with residential, gentrification has often been treated as an attendant neighborhood phenomenon. This study aims to uncover the distribution of areas for emerging consumption that indicate the occurrence of commercial gentrification, as well as to explain the development process and spatial correlations of commercial gentrification in Chengdu, a large Chinese city. With the data of points of interest (POIs), the study categorizes new retail places for commercial gentrification and conducts spatial and statistical analyses. The following findings are revealed: First, the distribution of new retail places changed from a monocentric to a polycentric structure in the main urban areas of Chengdu from 2010 to 2020, wherein high-density areas were partially overlapped with traditional commercial centers. Second, commercial gentrification in Chengdu was presented by the fastest growth of the entertainment services in the 2010s. Third, commercial gentrification in Chengdu shifted from a centripetal to a centrifugal development pattern from 2010 to 2020. The geographies of development were variegated, connected with multiple location attributes and impacted by local governments’ urban development strategies. Fourth, commercial gentrification was positively correlated with the growth of knowledge-intensive industries but negatively related to the change in both traditionally secondary and tertiary sectors in the past decade. Finally, changes in housing prices showed no connection with commercial gentrification during the studied period. The study suggests that commercial gentrification should be treated as a phenomenon of industrial gentrification, independent of residential gentrification. The commercial spatial planning in the city should play close attention to the synergic and exclusive relations between new retail industries and the evolution of industrial spaces in the emerging post-industrial city economy.
Is there benefit from the use of cochlear implants and hearing aids in cognition for older adults? A systematic review
Authors: Carasek Natalia , Lamounier Pauliana , Maldi Isabela Gomes , Bernardes Marina Nahas Dafico , Ramos Hugo Valter Lisboa , Costa Claudiney Cândido , Bahmad Fayez
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess whether hearing aids (HA) and cochlear implants (CI) bring benefits to cognition or mitigate cognitive decline in older adults.

Methods

This is a systematic literature review registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and based on the criteria recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study type (PICOS) strategy was used to define eligibility. Studies that met the criteria were included in the qualitative synthesis. We assessed the risk of bias through the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists.

Results

A total of 3,239 articles, found in eight databases, addressed the relationship between HA, CI, and cognition. We selected 30 experimental articles reporting measures of cognitive outcomes for older adults to include in the qualitative analysis. Of those, 23 studies reported a significant improvement in outcome and seven reported no significant change.

Conclusions

This systematic review indicates that CI and HA can bring benefits to cognition in older adults.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021273690
Nutritional compositions, pathogenic microorganisms and heavy metal concentration in green turtle eggs (Chelonia mydas) from Terengganu and Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Katni Nor Hashikin , Azmi Amirul Faiz Mohd , Abdullah Maizah Mohd , Rusli Mohd Uzair , Zakaria Zunita , Azizan Tengku Rinalfi Putra Tengku , Amat Azlan Che’ , Saad Mohd Zamri , Yasin Ina Salwany Md. , Nazarudin Muhammad Farhan , Hassim Hasliza Abu
Published: August 2022

A total of 60 green turtle eggs were obtained from sampling sites in Terengganu and Sabah, Malaysia. Isolation and identification of bacteria from these eggs resulted in 12 genera of Gram-negative bacteria with 12 different species. The most frequently isolated bacteria wereSalmonella(30.9%) andProteus(23.7%). The rest of the microorganisms wereAeromonas, Escherichia, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Morganella, Pseudomonas, Shigella, SerratiaandPhotobacterium.A slight difference in total crude protein content was recorded in the samples from Terengganu and Sabah, at 16.3% Dry matter (DM) and 15.8% DM, respectively. Meanwhile, the crude fat content found in the samples from Terengganu was 9.88% DM and 7.79% DM from Sabah. In this study, α-linolenic acid, C18:3 n-3 (Terengganu: 16.87% DM) and linoleic acid, C18:2 n-6 (Sabah: 15.19% DM) were the most prevalent fatty acids in both samples. The green turtle egg samples from Terengganu showed higher value of total saturated fatty acid, total C18:3 n-3 and C18:2 n-6 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids as compared to green turtle eggs from Sabah. The results also revealed that majority of the essential amino acids (EAA) recorded in samples from both sampling sites was lysine (9.67% DM), with higher value recorded in green turtle egg from Terengganu. However, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the nutritional compositions, fatty acid contents and amino acid compositions of the samples between the two sampling sites. Meanwhile, statistical analysis showed significant differences in heavy metal concentrations between the two sampling sites for all the six heavy metals detected in this study (Hg, Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn and Cu). The ranking of heavy metals concentration in turtle eggs from both sampling sites, in decreasing order is as follows: Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cd > Hg. Overall, these results reveal the contents and contaminations of a green turtle egg, which may raise concern on public health risks. Findings from this study will also be beneficial for the future conservation of green turtle population when the consumption of their eggs should be stopped.
3D flexible displacement sensor for highly sensitive movement measurement assisted by the terahertz imaging system
Authors: Meng Tianhua , Zhao Guozhong , Liu Hongmei , Li Wenyu , Feng Caixia , Hu Weidong
Published: August 2022

Aiming at the difficulty of accurately calibrating the sample position in the terahertz (THz) imaging process, especially in the defect imaging detection and the precise characterization of the edge profile, a flexible and highly sensitive 3D terahertz displacement sensor with a resolution of up to 1 μm was proposed by the artificial electromagnetic metamaterials. The high resolution of the flexible sensor can be attributed to the used artificial electromagnetic metamaterials with the enhancing sensitivity of THz sensors as well as the flexible substrate with the high fitting to the target. Unlike the laser displacement sensor with a complex and large volume of the generating device, the proposed flexible sensor with a simple structural design is composed of only a fixed layer and a displacement indicating layer. The fixed layer is composed of the Mylar flexible substrate layer and the metal split resonator ring on it, and the displacement indicating layer is composed of the Mylar flexible substrate layer and the metal indicator lines on it. By using this unique double-layer structure, high-sensitivity measurement of displacement can be achieved by measuring the moving amount of the metal indicator line corresponding to the valley change in the THz transmission of the displacement sensor. The results demonstrate that the sensitivity of the displacement sensor can reach 145 GHz/μm, the quality factor Q can reach 194.67, and the quality factor figure of merit can reach 6.25 μm−1. Compared with the mature commercial displacement sensors and laser displacement sensors, the proposed sensor can have the characteristics of compact structure, simple preparation process, high-sensitivity, and flexibility, which can offer certain advantages for the realization of high-precision, miniaturization, and distributed sensing systems in the future.
Effect of healthy lifestyle index and lifestyle patterns on the risk of mortality: A community-based cohort study
Authors: Hu Peng , Zheng Murui , Huang Jun , Fan Huan-Ying , Fan Chun-Jiang , Ruan Hui-Hong , Yuan Yue-Shuang , Zhao Wenjing , Wang Harry H. X. , Deng Hai , Liu Xudong
Published: August 2022

Background

Limited evidence was available on the association of the integrated effect of multidimensional lifestyle factors with mortality among Chinese populations. This cohort study was to examine the effect of combined lifestyle factors on the risk of mortality by highlighting the number of healthy lifestyles and their overall effects.

Methods

A total of 11,395 participants from the Guangzhou Heart Study (GZHS) were followed up until 1 January 2020. Individual causes of death were obtained from the platform of the National Death Registry of China. The healthy lifestyle index (HLI) was established from seven dimensions of lifestyle, and lifestyle patterns were extracted from eight dimensions of lifestyle using principal component analysis (PCA). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

During 35,837 person-years of follow-up, 184 deaths (1.61%) were observed, including 64 from cardiovascular disease. After adjustment for confounders, HLI was associated with a 50% (HR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25–0.99) reduced risk of all-cause mortality when comparing the high (6–7 lifestyle factors) with low (0–2 lifestyle factors) categories. Three lifestyle patterns were defined and labeled as pattern I, II, and III. Lifestyle pattern II with higher factor loadings of non-smoking and low-level alcohol drinking was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43–0.92, P–trend = 0.023) when comparing the high with low tertiles of pattern score, after adjustment for confounders. Every 1-unit increment of pattern II score was associated with a decreased risk (HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99) of all-cause mortality. The other two patterns were not associated with all-cause mortality, and the association of cardiovascular mortality risk was observed with neither HLI nor any lifestyle pattern.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the more dimensions of the healthy lifestyle the lower the risk of death, and adherence to the lifestyle pattern characterized with heavier loading of non-smoking and low-level alcohol drinking reduces the risk of all-cause mortality. The findings highlight the need to consider multi-dimensional lifestyles rather than one when developing health promotion strategies.
Identification of long-chain alkane-degrading (LadA) monooxygenases in Aspergillus flavus via in silico analysis
Authors: Perera Madushika , Wijesundera Sulochana , Wijayarathna C. Dilrukshi , Seneviratne Gamini , Jayasena Sharmila
Published: August 2022

Efficient degradation of alkanes in crude oil by the isolated Aspergillus flavus MM1 alluded to the presence of highly active alkane-degrading enzymes in this fungus. A long-chain alkane-degrading, LadA-like enzyme family in A. flavus was identified, and possible substrate-binding modes were analyzed using a computational approach. By analyzing publicly available protein databases, we identified six uncharacterized proteins in A. flavus NRRL 3357, of which five were identified as class LadAα and one as class LadAβ, which are eukaryotic homologs of bacterial long-chain alkane monooxygenase (LadA). Computational models of A. flavus LadAα homologs (Af1-Af5) showed overall structural similarity to the bacterial LadA and the unique sequence and structural elements that bind the cofactor Flavin mononucleotide (FMN). A receptor-cofactor-substrate docking protocol was established and validated to demonstrate the substrate binding in the A. flavus LadAα homologs. The modeled Af1, Af3, Af4, and Af5 captured long-chain n-alkanes inside the active pocket, above the bound FMN. Isoalloxazine ring of reduced FMN formed a π–alkyl interaction with the terminal carbon atom of captured alkanes, C16–C30, in Af3–Af5 and C16–C24 in Af1. Our results confirmed the ability of identified A. flavus LadAα monooxygenases to bind long-chain alkanes inside the active pocket. Hence A. flavus LadAα monooxygenases potentially initiate the degradation of long-chain alkanes by oxidizing bound long-chain alkanes into their corresponding alcohol.
Characterization and necrosis-inducing activity of necrosis- and ethylene-inducing peptide 1-like proteins from Colletotrichum australisinense, the causative agent of rubber tree anthracnose
Authors: Liu Xianbao , Li BoXun , Cai Jimiao , Yang Yang , Feng Yanli , Huang Guixiu
Published: August 2022

Colletotrichum australisinense, a member of the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex, is an important pathogen causing rubber tree anthracnose. Genome-wide comparative analysis showed this species complex contains more genes encoding necrosis- and ethylene-inducing peptide 1-like proteins (NLPs) than other Colletotrichum species complexes, but little is known about their necrosis-inducing roles in host. The aim of this study was to analyze NLPs number and type in C. australisinense, and characterize their necrosis-inducing activity in host or non-host. According to phylogenetic relationship, conserved the cysteine residues and the heptapeptide motif (GHRHDWE), 11 NLPs were identified and classified into three types. Five of the eleven NLPs were evaluated for necrosis-inducing activity. CaNLP4 (type 1) could not induce necrosis in host or non-host plants. By contrast, both CaNLP5 and CaNLP9 (type 1) induced necrosis in host and non-host plants, and necrosis-inducing activity was strongest for CaNLP9. CaNLP10 (type 2) and CaNLP11 (type 3) induced necrosis in host but not non-host plants. Substitution of key amino acid residues essential for necrosis induction activity led to loss of CaNLP4 activity. Structural characterization of CaNLP5 and CaNLP9 may explain differences in necrosis-inducing activity. We evaluated the expression of genes coding CaNLP by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) at different time-points after pathogen infection. It was found that genes encoding CaNLPs with different activities exhibited significantly different expression patterns. The results demonstrate that CaNLPs are functionally and spatially distinct, and may play different but important roles in C. australisinense pathogenesis.
Physiological changes and growth behavior of Corynebacterium glutamicum cells in biofilm
Authors: Zhang Di , Shen Jiawen , Peng Xiwei , Gao Shansong , Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Huifang , Sun Wenjun , Niu Huanqing , Ying Hanjie , Zhu Chenjie , Chen Yong , Liu Dong
Published: August 2022

Biofilm cells are well-known for their increased survival and metabolic capabilities and have been increasingly implemented in industrial and biotechnological processes. Corynebacterium glutamicum is one of the most widely used microorganisms in the fermentation industry. However, C. glutamicum biofilm has been rarely reported and little is known about its cellular basis. Here, the physiological changes and characteristics of C. glutamicum biofilm cells during long-term fermentation were studied for the first time. Results showed that the biofilm cells maintained stable metabolic activity and cell size was enlarged after repeated-batch of fermentation. Cell division was slowed, and chromosome content and cell proliferation efficiency were reduced during long-term fermentation. Compared to free cells, more biofilm cells were stained by the apoptosis indicator dyes Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI). Overall, these results suggested slow-growing, long-lived cells of C. glutamicum biofilm during fermentation, which could have important industrial implications. This study presents first insights into the physiological changes and growth behavior of C. glutamicum biofilm cell population, which would be valuable for understanding and developing biofilm-based processes.
Evolution of PEKK crystallization measured in laser sintering
Authors: Benedetti L. , Brulé B. , Decraemer N. , Evans K. E. , Ghita O.
Published: August 2022

The rising popularity of laser sintering (LS) technology has increased by the broadening of available materials for this process. Kepstan 6002 poly (ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) was recently launched as a high-performance polymer grade with a lower processing temperature and unique crystallization kinetics. This study aims to understand the progress of crystallization on samples manufactured throughout the laser sintering process. These results were compared with isothermal and dynamic differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments with different cooling rates. Kepstan 6002 PEKK processed by high-temperature laser sintering (HT-LS) presents a kinetics of crystallization in the order of ∼10 times slower than its crystallized samples in the DSC. This result highlights the need for a part-based crystallization investigation rather than isothermal models to describe the crystallization in LS. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis reveals smaller spherulites in the samples subjected to prolonged cooling times and an almost amorphous structure for the PEKK samples exposed to almost no cooling. This experiment identified the surroundings of laser sintered particles as preferential sites for crystallization initiation, which grows as the particles penetrate the molten layers and spherulites are formed. The slower kinetics of crystallization of Kepstan 6002 PEKK grade improve the adhesion between layers in laser sintering and enable tailoring its properties according to the application. Understanding the relationship between intrinsic material characteristics and the resulting final properties is vital to optimizing the process and controlling the final performance of PEKK for different applications.
Towards computational polar-topotronics: Multiscale neural-network quantum molecular dynamics simulations of polar vortex states in SrTiO3/PbTiO3 nanowires
Authors: Linker Thomas , Fukushima Shogo , Kalia Rajiv K. , Krishnamoorthy Aravind , Nakano Aiichiro , Nomura Ken-ichi , Shimamura Kohei , Shimojo Fuyuki , Vashishta Priya
Published: August 2022

Recent discoveries of polar topological structures (e.g., skyrmions and merons) in ferroelectric/paraelectric heterostructures have opened a new field of polar topotronics. However, how complex interplay of photoexcitation, electric field and mechanical strain controls these topological structures remains elusive. To address this challenge, we have developed a computational approach at the nexus of machine learning and first-principles simulations. Our multiscale neural-network quantum molecular dynamics molecular mechanics approach achieves orders-of-magnitude faster computation, while maintaining quantum-mechanical accuracy for atoms within the region of interest. This approach has enabled us to investigate the dynamics of vortex states formed in PbTiO3 nanowires embedded in SrTiO3. We find topological switching of these vortex states to topologically trivial, uniformly polarized states using electric field and trivial domain-wall states using shear strain. These results, along with our earlier results on optical control of polar topology, suggest an exciting new avenue toward opto-electro-mechanical control of ultrafast, ultralow-power polar topotronic devices.
Lifestyle habits, macronutrient intake, and obesity prevalence among adolescents in rural-periurban community senior high schools in the Ho municipality of Ghana
Authors: Akoto Sheila , Tandoh Marina Aferiba , Nsiah Kwabena , Asamoah-Boakye Odeafo , Annaful Veronica Tawiah
Published: August 2022

Background

Adolescence is a critical stage in the life cycle that presents a window of opportunity for the formation of lifetime habits or an aversion to childhood malnutrition effects. This study assessed the lifestyle habits, macronutrient intakes, and obesity prevalence among adolescents in some selected Senior High Schools in rural communities in Ho Municipality.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 272 adolescents aged 13–19 years and attending senior high schools in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. Data on sociodemographic, physical activity levels, dietary habits, and anthropometrics were obtained. A body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were determined, while a repeated 24-h dietary recall was used to collect the dietary intakes of the participants.

Results

The majority of the adolescents did not meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for calories (94.5%), dietary protein (68.8%), and fibre (91.5%). Adolescent boys consumed more calories (1,969.7 ± 579.9 Kcal) on average than adolescent girls (1,658.0 ± 458.7 Kcal) (p = 0.001). Overweight and obesity prevalence were 15.8 and 8.5%, respectively. About 90.4% of the adolescents did not meet the WHO recommended 150 min per week of physical exercise. On sedentary, 97.6% of adolescents spent half an hour to 5 h per day watching television when at home. Breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal (47.9%), and 59.6% of adolescents consumed fast foods such as pizza, burgers, and ice cream one to three times per week. Adolescent girls also had higher odds of being overweight or obese compared with adolescent boys (AOR = 2.4, p = 0.094, 95% CI = 0.9–6.4). Adolescents who did not meet the RDA for calories had lower odds of being overweight or obese compared with those who did (UOR = 0.3, p = 0.045, 95% CI = 0.1–0.9).

Conclusion

Poor dietary habits and intake, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity prevalence were observed among the adolescents. Being an adolescent girl was associated with obesity risk, while not meeting caloric intake showed a protective effect. Efficient and effective nutrition and lifestyle education programme should be promoted in communities to improve the dietary intake and lifestyle habits of adolescents.
Sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men and association with sociodemographic variables and obesity
Authors: AlFaris Nora A. , Alshwaiyat Naseem M. , Alkhalidy Hana , AlTamimi Jozaa Z. , Alagal Reham I. , Alsaikan Reem A. , Alsemari Malak A. , BinMowyna Mona N. , AlKehayez Nora M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Adults frequently consume sugar-sweetened beverages. These products are linked to negative health effects such as obesity. Our study was carried out to assess rates of weekly and daily sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in a multi-ethnic population of middle-aged men and association with sociodemographic variables and obesity.

Methods

A sum of 1,800 middle-aged men (36–59 years) living in Riyadh, KSA, participated in this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic variables and the frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption were gathered from participants using face to face interviews. Weekly and daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages were the two binary outcome variables applied in this research. Weight and height were measured following standard procedures.

Results

In this study, 93.8 and 32.6% of participants consumed sugar-sweetened beverages weekly and daily, respectively. The weekly and daily sugar-sweetened beverages consumption was predicted by nationality. Subjects from Pakistan (99.3%) and Yemen (60.0%) reported the greatest rates of weekly and daily consumption, respectively, while Bangladeshi and Sudanese subjects reported the lowest rates of weekly (87%) and daily (2.9%) consumption, respectively. Another factor that predicted weekly sugar-sweetened beverages consumption was obesity. Obese subjects had a significantly greater odds ratio of weekly sugar-sweetened beverages intake than non-obese individuals (OR = 3.80, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is common among middle-aged men who live in KSA. Results show connecting sugar-sweetened beverages intake with specific sociodemographic variables and obesity.
Silica nanochannels boosting Ru(bpy)32+-mediated electrochemical sensor for the detection of guanine in beer and pharmaceutical samples
Authors: Yang Luoxing , Zhang Tongtong , Zhou Huaxu , Yan Fei , Liu Yan
Published: August 2022

Vertically ordered mesoporous silica film (VMSF) with uniform mesoporous channels perpendicular to electrode substrate has a wide range of applications in direct electroanalysis of complex samples. However, the detection of nucleic acid bases is difficult to realize at the commonly used VMSF-modified indium tin oxide (VMSF/ITO) electrode due to the high overpotentials of underlying ITO for many small organic molecules. In this work, we demonstrated an electrochemical method for the sensitive detection of guanine (G) by integration of VMSF/ITO and tris(2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium (II) [Ru(bpy)32+] redox mediator. Ru(bpy)32+ electrostatically accumulated by VMSF is able to act as an electron shuttle between G and underlying ITO surface, showing electrocatalytic oxidation of G and enabling the quantitative determination of G with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.058 μM and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.2 μM. Electrochemical detection performance for G could be regulated by changing the pH of the supporting electrolyte and the content of Ru(bpy)32+, achieving a wide dynamic linear range from 0.2 to 10 μM (R2 = 0.999), 2 to 100 μM (R2 = 0.999), and 10 to 500 μM (R2 = 0.998). Furthermore, owing to the good anti-fouling and anti-interference ability of VMSF, this simply sensing strategy can be applied to the direct and rapid detection of G in beer samples, and the detection of ganciclovir (G analog) content in ganciclovir eye drops.
Systematic assessment of microRNAs associated with lung cancer and physical exercise
Authors: Liu Yang , He Libo , Wang Wang
Published: August 2022

It has long been evident that physical exercise reduces the risk of cancer and improves treatment efficacy in tumor patients, particularly in lung cancer (LC). Several molecular mechanisms have been reported, but the mechanisms related to microRNAs (miRNAs) are not well understood. MiRNAs modulated various basic biological processes by negatively regulating gene expression and can be transmitted between cells as signaling molecules. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs are actively released into the circulation during exercise, and are deeply involved in cancer pathology. Hence, the role of exercise intervention in LC treatment may be further understood by identifying miRNAs associated with LC and physical activity. Here, miRNAs expression datasets related to LC and exercise were collected to screen altered miRNAs. Further bioinformatic approaches were performed to analyze the value of the selected miRNAs. The results identified 42 marker miRNAs in LC, of which three core-miRNAs (has-miR-195, has-miR-26b, and has-miR-126) were co-regulated by exercise and cancer, mainly involved in cell cycle and immunity. Our study supports the idea that using exercise intervention as adjuvant therapy for LC patients. These core-miRNAs, which are down-regulated in cancer but elevated by exercise, may act as suppressors in LC and serve as non-invasive biomarkers for cancer prevention.
Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 expression in chondrosarcoma: A potential target for antibody-based immunotherapy
Authors: Nota Sjoerd P. F. T. , Osei-Hwedieh David O. , Drum David L. , Wang Xinhui , Sabbatino Francesco , Ferrone Soldano , Schwab Joseph H.
Published: August 2022

Chondrosarcoma is a common primary bone malignancy whose phenotype increases with its histologic grade. They are relatively resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy limiting curative options for disseminated disease. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is a cell surface proteoglycan that is highly expressed across various human cancers, including chondrosarcoma, and has restricted distribution in healthy tissues, making it an attractive target for the antibody-based therapy. CSPG4 specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have been shown to be effective in treating other cancers such as melanoma and triple negative breast cancer. The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of CSPG4 in human chondrosarcoma and to assess the efficacy of CSPG4 specific CAR T cells in lysing chondrosarcoma cells in vitro. Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we stained a tissue microarray containing primary conventional and dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma from 76 patients with CSPG4 specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In addition, we incubated 2 chondrosarcoma cell lines with CSPG4-targeting CAR T cells and subsequently evaluated cell survival. Our results showed medium to high expression of CSPG4 in 29 of 41 (71%) conventional chondrosarcoma tumors and in 3 of 20 (15%) dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma tumors. CSPG4 expression showed a positive association with time to metastasis and survival in both subtypes. CSPG4 CAR T treated cell lines showed a lysis of respectively >80% and 70% demonstrating CSPG4-targeted CAR T cells effective in killing CSPG4-positive chondrosarcoma tumors.
Case report: Changes in serum bevacizumab concentration in a hemodialysis patient with unresectable colorectal cancer treated with FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab
Authors: Tanaka Toshimitsu , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ushijima Tomoyuki , Nagasu Sachiko , Akagi Yoshito , Kawaguchi Takumi , Miwa Keisuke
Published: August 2022

The global incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients receiving hemodialysis is steadily rising. However, current information on the clinical use of chemotherapy for patients undergoing hemodialysis with CRC is limited. Herein, we describe a clinical course of a 74-year-old patient undergoing hemodialysis with unresectable CRC treated with folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil (5FU), and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus bevacizumab whose changes in serum bevacizumab concentration were analyzed. Treatment was initiated with a standard dosage of 5-FU and 80% of the standard dose of irinotecan to avoid any adverse events. However, neutropenia (grade 4) was observed after five treatment cycles, which prompted a dose reduction of 5-FU and irinotecan, after which treatment was safely completed. Progression-free survival of the patient was 7.5 months. Changes in serum bevacizumab concentration were similar to those documented in patients with normal renal function. In addition, no bevacizumab-related adverse events occurred. It was inferred that FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab therapy could be implemented as a safe and efficient treatment for patients undergoing hemodialysis with unresectable CRC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the analysis of serum bevacizumab concentrations in a patient undergoing hemodialysis with unresectable CRC.
Ultrasound-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of early-stage tongue cancer
Authors: Yang Jianquan , Guo Wen , Huang Rong , Xu Zhengmin , Zhou Chunyang , Lu Man
Published: August 2022

Background

Tongue cancer is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck. Its treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, these treatments have serious side effects and poor cosmetic effect, so it is urgent to find new treatment methods. We pioneered the use of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of early tongue cancer and achieved good results.

Case Presentation

A 67-year-old woman (Han nationality) was admitted to the hospital because of progressive aggravation of tongue pain. She had a history of tongue pain of more than 1 year. Pathological biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma; following this, radical operation of the tongue cancer was planned. The preoperative examination showed thyroid occupation in the upper mediastinum region compressing the airway; hence, the risk of general anesthesia was high. Consent was obtained from the patient and her family. Ultrasound-guided MWA was successfully performed under the lingual nerve block. The patient was followed for 1 year. She recovered well with no dysphagia and unclear articulation symptoms, and the cosmetic effect was excellent.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case of using MWA for the treatment of early-stage tongue cancer (ESTC). Ultrasound-guided MWA may be used for ESTC that can completely ablate the tumor and retain the function of the tongue, further improving the quality of life of the patient. However, it is only a case report and needs more research to verify the use of MWA in ESTC.
Intratumor heterogeneity of driver mutations and TMB distribution in 30 early-stage LUAD patients with multiple lesions
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Liu Liping , Yang Haihong , Chen Hanzhang , Deng Qiuhua , Xiao Dakai , Lin Yongping , Zhu Changbin , Li Weiwei , Shao Di , Jiang Wenxi , Wu Kui , He Jianxing
Published: August 2022

Background

Differentiating multiple pulmonary lesions as multiple primary lung cancer (MLC) or intra-pulmonary metastasis (IPM) is critical. Lung cancer also has a high genetic heterogeneity, which influenced the treatment strategy. Genetic information may aid in tracing lineage information on multiple lung lesions. This study applied comprehensive genomic profiling to decipher the intrinsic genetics of multiple lung lesions.

Methods

Sixty-six lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) tumor lesions (FFEP) archived from 30 patients were included in this study. The 508 cancer-related genes were evaluated by targeted next-generation sequencing (MGI-seq 2000).

Results

The study included a total of 30 LUADs (66 samples). The majority of tumors demonstrated intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Two hundred twenty-four mutations were detected by sequencing the 66 samples. We investigated the driver gene mutations of NSCLC patients with multiple lesions. EGFR was the most frequently (48/198) mutated driver gene. The codons in EGFR mainly affected by mutations were p.L858R (18/66 [27.3%]) and exon 19del (8/66 [12.1%]). In addition, additional driver genes were found, including TP53, BRAF, ERBB2, MET, and PIK3CA. We also found that the inter-component heterogeneity of different lesions and more than two different mutation types of EGFR were detected in seven patients with two lesions (P3, P10, P24, P25, P28, P29, and P30). The TMB values of different lesions in each patient were different in 26 patients (except P4, P5, P14, and P30).

Conclusions

Comprehensive genomic profiling should be applied to distinguishing the nature of multiple lung lesions irrespective of radiologic and histologic diagnoses.
Micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma: Contrast-enhanced CT features with histopathological correlation in 10 patients
Authors: Miao Lei , Yang Lin , Zhang Jia-Xing , Sun Xu-Jie , Zhang Huan-Huan , Qi Lin-Lin , Li Meng
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate and summarize the contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) imaging features of micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma (MTWLS) based on all MTWLS patients at our institution and was the first imaging study of MTWLS worldwide.

Methods

This retrospective study included 10 MTWLS patients who underwent CECT between April 2012 and November 2021. We collected and analyzed the CECT imaging features, including the location, size, shape, tumor density, classification, and CT value of the solid component. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software (version 26.0; IBM).

Results

Ten patients (five males [50%], five females [50%]; median age, 61.4 years; range, 54-72 years) underwent CECT. Of the 10 cases, one case was purely cystic, seven cases were cystic-solid, and two cases were purely solid. Six cases were round/oval in shape, and four cases were irregularly shaped. Excluding a purely cystic tumor with an unmeasurable degree of enhancement, two cases showed moderate enhancement, and seven cases showed significant enhancement. Among the solid or cystic-solid cases, the mean CT value of the measurable solid component on the enhanced scan was 93.9 HU. Nine masses were located adjacent to the mediastinal pleura, pericardium, or large vessels. Additionally, there were no malignant tumor signs in any patient, including penetration of the mediastinal pleura or involvement of the pericardium, pleural effusion, elevation of the diaphragm, or direct vascular invasion.

Conclusion

MTWLS demonstrates certain features on CECT, such as a high rate of cystic change, significant solid component enhancement, and no malignant, invasive imaging features. These CECT features are helpful for diagnosing MTWLS.
A personalized DVH prediction model for HDR brachytherapy in cervical cancer treatment
Authors: Li Zhen , Chen Kehui , Yang Zhenyu , Zhu Qingyuan , Yang Xiaojing , Li Zhaobin , Fu Jie
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Although the knowledge-based dose-volume histogram (DVH) prediction has been largely researched and applied in External Beam Radiation Therapy, it is still less investigated in the domain of brachytherapy. The purpose of this study is to develop a reliable DVH prediction method for high-dose-rate brachytherapy plans.

Method

A DVH prediction workflow combining kernel density estimation (KDE), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), and principal component analysis (PCA) was proposed. PCA and kNN were first employed together to select similar patients based on principal component directions. 79 cervical cancer patients with different applicators inserted was included in this study. The KDE model was built based on the relationship between distance-to-target (DTH) and the dose in selected cases, which can be subsequently used to estimate the dose probability distribution in the validation set. Model performance of bladder and rectum was quantified by |ΔD2cc|, |ΔD1cc|, |ΔD0.1cc|, |ΔDmax|, and |ΔDmean| in the form of mean and standard deviation. The model performance between KDE only and the combination of kNN, PCA, and KDE was compared.

Result

20, 30 patients were selected for rectum and bladder based on KNN and PCA, respectively. The absolute residual between the actual plans and the predicted plans were 0.38 ± 0.29, 0.4 ± 0.32, 0.43 ± 0.36, 0.97 ± 0.66, and 0.13 ± 0.99 for |ΔD2cc|, |ΔD1cc|, |ΔD0.1cc|, |ΔDmax|, and |ΔDmean| in the bladder, respectively. For rectum, the corresponding results were 0.34 ± 0.27, 0.38 ± 0.33, 0.63 ± 0.57, 1.41 ± 0.99 and 0.23 ± 0.17, respectively. The combination of kNN, PCA, and KDE showed a significantly better prediction performance than KDE only, with an improvement of 30.3% for the bladder and 33.3% for the rectum.

Conclusion

In this study, a knowledge-based machine learning model was proposed and verified to accurately predict the DVH for new patients. This model is proved to be effective in our testing group in the workflow of HDR brachytherapy.