bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bi-directional associations between religious attendance and mental health: findings from a British birth cohort study
Authors: Kaushal Aradhna , Stafford Mai , Cadar Dorina , Richards Marcus
Published: August 2021

Background

There is evidence that religious attendance is associated with positive outcomes for mental health; however, there are few longitudinal studies, and even fewer, which take into account the possibility of bi-directional associations. This study aimed to investigate bi-directional associations between religious attendance and mental health.

Methods

Participants were 2125 study members who provided data at age 68–69 from the Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development (1946 British birth cohort study). Mental health was assessed using the 28-item General Health Questionnaire at ages 53, 60–64 and 68–69. Religious attendance was measured using a 4-point scale (weekly=3, monthly=2, less than monthly=1 or never=0) at ages 43, 60–64 and 68–69. Cross-lagged path analysis was used to assess reciprocal associations between mental health and religious attendance, adjusting for gender and education.

Results

Previous religious attendance was strongly related to later attendance (r=0.62–0.74). Similarly, mental health at baseline was strongly associated with subsequent mental health scores (r=0.46–0.54). Poor mental health at age 53 and 60–64 was associated with more frequent religious attendance at age 60–64 (b=0.04; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.06; p<0.05), and 68–69 (b=0.03; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.06; p<0.05), respectively. There was no evidence that religious attendance at age 43, 60–64 or 68–69 was associated with later or concurrent mental health.

Conclusion

Using birth cohort data from the UK, it was found that poor mental health was associated with later religious attendance but not vice versa. Future research should confirm these novel findings and explore the underlying mechanisms between religious attendance and mental health.
Violent victimisation trajectories from adolescence through adulthood: consequences for sleep problems
Authors: Testa Alexander , Semenza Daniel C , Jackson Dylan B
Published: August 2021

Background

Violent victimisation is a stressful experience that has been linked with sleep problems among children, adolescents and adults. However, prior research has not assessed how victimisation trajectories across different stages of the life-course correspond to sleep outcomes. The present study assesses how trajectories of violent victimisation from adolescence to middle adulthood correspond to sleep behaviours in adulthood.

Methods

Data are from fives waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N=6015). Semi-parametric group-based trajectory modelling was used to estimate violent victimisation trajectories from adolescence to middle adulthood. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between sleep quantity and quality across violent victimisation trajectories.

Results

The findings demonstrate that the relationship between violent victimisation and sleep in adulthood is not consistent across all victimisation trajectories. Rather, sleep quality and quantity are the worst among those who persistently experience violent victimisation from adolescence through adulthood.

Conclusion

Persistent exposure to violence can be a particularly damaging experience with consequences for sleep quantity and quality. Establishing interventions that reduce violent victimisation across the life-course and promote positive sleep behaviours among those with a history of victimisation are important public health measures.
Risk of Stroke and other Thromboembolic Complications after Interruption of DOAC Therapy Compared with Warfarin Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Hellerman Itzhaki Moran , Greenberg Noam , Margalit Ili , Shochat Tzippy , Krause Ilan , Goldberg Elad
Published: August 2021

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become the treatment of choice in thromboembolism prophylaxis for non-valvular atrial fibrillation, surpassing warfarin. While interruption of DOAC therapy for various reasons is a common eventuality, the body of data from real-world clinical practice on the implications of such interruptions in different clinical settings is still limited. We assessed complication rates from DOAC (apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran) interruption compared with warfarin in hospitalized patients. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic records of patients hospitalized in Rabin Medical Center between 2010 and 2017. Incidents of anticoagulation interruptions for various reasons (including unintended interruptions) were collected. DOAC-treated patients were excluded if they reported non-compliance, and warfarin-treated patients were excluded if their international normalized ratio measurement on admission was subtherapeutic. Outcomes included ischemic stroke, systemic thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality within 90 days of anticoagulation interruption. The median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 5.0 (IQR 4.0–6.0) in both treatment groups. The associated risk of stroke, thromboembolic complications, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality after interruption of anticoagulation was not significantly different between the 2 treatment groups. Selective comparison of patients who were well balanced on warfarin before treatment interruption to DOAC-treated patients did not significantly influence the outcomes. This study did not find a significant difference in the complication rate after interruption of DOAC therapy compared with interruption of warfarin therapy in hospitalized patients with a high risk of thromboembolism.
Deregulation of HLA-I in cancer and its central importance for immunotherapy
Authors: Hazini Ahmet , Fisher Kerry , Seymour Len
Published: August 2021

It is now well accepted that many tumors undergo a process of clonal selection which means that tumor antigens arising at various stages of tumor progression are likely to be represented in just a subset of tumor cells. This process is thought to be driven by constant immunosurveillance which applies selective pressure by eliminating tumor cells expressing antigens that are recognized by T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that the same selective pressure may also select for tumor cells that evade immune detection by acquiring deficiencies in their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presentation pathways, allowing important tumor antigens to persist within cells undetected by the immune system. Deficiencies in antigen presentation pathway can arise by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic and epigenetic changes, and functional antigen presentation is a hard phenomenon to assess using our standard analytical techniques. Nevertheless, it is likely to have profound clinical significance and could well define whether an individual patient will respond to a particular type of therapy or not. In this review we consider the mechanisms by which HLA function may be lost in clinical disease, we assess the implications for current immunotherapy approaches using checkpoint inhibitors and examine the prognostic impact of HLA loss demonstrated in clinical trials so far. Finally, we propose strategies that might be explored for possible patient stratification.
ARF1 haploinsufficiency causes periventricular nodular heterotopia with variable clinical expressivity
Authors: Gana Simone , Casella Antonella , Cociglio Sara , Tartara Elena , Rognone Elisa , Giorgio Elisa , Pichiecchio Anna , Orcesi Simona , Valente Enza Maria
Published: August 2021

The primary anatomical defect leading to periventricular nodular heterotopia occurs within the neural progenitors along the neuroepithelial lining of the lateral ventricles and results from a defect in the initiation of neuronal migration, following disruption of the neuroependyma and impaired neuronal motility. Growing evidence indicates that the FLNA-dependent actin dynamics and regulation of vesicle formation and trafficking by activation of ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) can play an important role in this cortical malformation. We report the first inherited variant of ARF1 in a girl with intellectual disability and periventricular nodular heterotopia who inherited the variant from the father with previously undiagnosed single nodular heterotopia and mild clinical expression. Additionally, both patients presented some features suggestive of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. These clinical features showed similarities to those of three previously reported cases with ARF1 missense variants, confirming that haploinsufficiency of this gene causes a recognisable neurological disorder with abnormal neuronal migration and variable clinical expressivity.
The hypometabolic state: a good predictor of a better prognosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Cattaneo Marina , Jesus Pierre , Lizio Andrea , Fayemendy Philippe , Guanziroli Nicoletta , Corradi Ettore , Sansone Valeria , Leocani Letizia , Filippi Massimo , Riva Nilo , Corcia Philippe , Couratier Philippe , Lunetta Christian
Published: August 2021

Background

Malnutrition and weight loss are negative prognostic factors for survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, energy expenditure at rest (REE) is still not included in clinical practice, and no data are available concerning hypometabolic state in ALS.

Objective

To evaluate in a referral cohort of patients with ALS the prevalence of hypometabolic state as compared with normometabolic and hypermetabolic states, and to correlate it with clinical phenotype, rate of progression and survival.

Design

We conducted a retrospective study examining REE measured by indirect calorimetry in patients with ALS referred to Milan, Limoges and Tours referral centres between January 2011 and December 2017. Hypometabolism and hypermetabolism states were defined when REE difference between measured and predictive values was ≤−10% and ≥10%, respectively. We evaluated the relationship between these metabolic alterations and measures of body composition, clinical characteristics and survival.

Results

Eight hundred forty-seven patients with ALS were recruited. The median age at onset was 63.79 years (IQR 55.00–71.17). The male/female ratio was 1.26 (M/F: 472/375). Ten per cent of patients with ALS were hypometabolic whereas 40% were hypermetabolic. Hypometabolism was significantly associated with later need for gastrostomy, non-invasive ventilation and tracheostomy placement. Furthermore, hypometabolic patients with ALS significantly outlived normometabolic (HR=1.901 (95% CI 1.080 to 3.345), p=0.0259) and hypermetabolic (HR=2.138 (95% CI 1.154 to 3.958), p=0.0157) patients.

Conclusion

Hypometabolism in ALS is not uncommon and is associated with slower disease progression and better survival than normometabolic and hypermetabolic subjects. Indirect calorimetry should be performed at least at time of diagnosis because alterations in metabolism are correlated with prognosis.
Combined standard bypass and parent artery occlusion for management of giant and complex internal carotid artery aneurysms
Authors: Dodier Philippe , Wang Wei-Te , Hosmann Arthur , Hirschmann Dorian , Marik Wolfgang , Frischer Josa M , Gruber Andreas , Rössler Karl , Bavinzski Gerhard
Published: August 2021

Background

Complex aneurysms do not have a standard protocol for treatment. In this study, we investigate the safety and efficacy of microsurgical revascularization combined with parent artery occlusion (PAO) in giant and complex internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2017, 41 patients with 47 giant and complex ICA aneurysms were treated by an a priori planned combined treatment strategy. Clinical and radiological outcomes were stratified according to mRS and Raymond classification. Bypass patency was assessed. Median follow-up time was 3.9 years.

Results

After successful STA–MCA bypass, staged endovascular (n=37) or surgical (n=1) PAO was executed in 38 patients following a negative balloon occlusion test. Intolerance to PAO led to stent/coil treatments in two patients. Perioperative bypass patency was confirmed in 100% of completed STA–MCA bypass procedures. Long-term overall bypass patency rate was 99%. Raymond 1 occlusion and good outcome were achieved in 95% and 97% (mRS 0–2) of cases, respectively. No procedure-related mortality was encountered. Eighty-four percent of patients with preoperative cranial nerve compression syndromes improved during follow-up.

Conclusions

The combined approach of STA-MCA bypass surgery followed by parent artery occlusion achieves high aneurysm occlusion and low morbidity rates in the management of giant and complex ICA aneurysms. This combined indirect approach represents a viable alternative to flow diversion in patients with cranial nerve compression syndromes or matricidal aneurysms, and may serve as a backup strategy in cases of peri-interventional complications or lack of suitable endovascular access.
Internal cerebral vein asymmetry is an independent predictor of poor functional outcome in endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: Myint May Zin , Yeo Leonard LL , Tan Benjamin Y Q , The Ei Zune , Lim Mei Chin , Sia Ching-Hui , Teoh Hock-Luen , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Chan Bernard , Ahmad Aftab , Paliwal Prakash , Gopinathan Anil , Yang Cunli , Makmur Andrew , Andersson Tommy , Arnberg Fabian , Holmin Staffan
Published: August 2021

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in large vessel occlusion (LVO) in anterior circulation acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) results in good functional outcomes in only approximately 60% of the patients. Internal cerebral veins (ICVs) are easily visible, with a consistent midline location, and are linked to stroke outcomes. We hypothesize that ICV asymmetry on multiphasic CT angiogram (mCTA) can be an adjunctive predictor for poor functional outcomes.

Methods

We studied consecutive AIS patients from 2017 to 2019 with anterior circulation LVO treated with EVT regardless of intravenous thrombolysis. Asymmetrical ICV was defined as the presence of hypodensity (less opacification) on the ipsilateral occlusion side as compared with the contralateral side. The primary outcome was modified Rankin Score (mRS) score at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were good recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3), symptomatic hemorrhage, and mortality.

Results

A total of 185 patients were included with a median age of 70 years (IQR 59–77); 87 patients (47%) were female. 82 patients (44.3%) achieved good functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) at 3 months. On multivariate analysis, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR 1.076, 95% CI 1.015 to 1.140; p<0.013), poor collateral score (OR 0.285, 95% CI 0.162 to 0.501; p<0.001), asymmetrical ICV on the peak venous phase (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.115 to 5.471; p<0.026), and late venous phase of the mCTA (OR 2.642, 95% CI 1.161 to 6.016; p<0.021) were independent risks factors of poor outcomes.

Conclusion

ICV asymmetry is a novel radiological sign which is independently associated with poor functional outcomes in EVT, even after correction for collateral circulation. Further studies are needed to validate this finding.
Impact of COVID-19 on the imaging diagnosis of cardiac disease in Europe
Authors: Williams Michelle Claire , Shaw Leslee , Hirschfeld Cole B , Maurovich-Horvat Pal , Nørgaard Bjarne L , Pontone Gianluca , Jimenez-Heffernan Amelia , Sinitsyn Valentin , Sergienko Vladimir , Ansheles Alexey , Bax Jeroen J , Buechel Ronny , Milan Elisa , Slart Riemer H J A , Nicol Edward , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Pynda Yaroslav , Better Nathan , Cerci Rodrigo , Dorbala Sharmila , Raggi Paolo , Villines Todd C , Vitola Joao , Malkovskiy Eli , Goebel Benjamin , Cohen Yosef , Randazzo Michael , Pascual Thomas N B , Dondi Maurizio , Paez Diana , Einstein Andrew J
Published: August 2021

Objectives

We aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac diagnostic testing and practice and to assess its impact in different regions in Europe.

Methods

The online survey organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency Division of Human Health collected information on changes in cardiac imaging procedural volumes between March 2019 and March/April 2020. Data were collected from 909 centres in 108 countries.

Results

Centres in Northern and Southern Europe were more likely to cancel all outpatient activities compared with Western and Eastern Europe. There was a greater reduction in total procedure volumes in Europe compared with the rest of the world in March 2020 (45% vs 41%, p=0.003), with a more marked reduction in Southern Europe (58%), but by April 2020 this was similar in Europe and the rest of the world (69% vs 63%, p=0.261). Regional variations were apparent between imaging modalities, but the largest reductions were in Southern Europe for nearly all modalities. In March 2020, location in Southern Europe was the only independent predictor of the reduction in procedure volume. However, in April 2020, lower gross domestic product and higher COVID-19 deaths were the only independent predictors.

Conclusion

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on care of patients with cardiac disease, with substantial regional variations in Europe. This has potential long-term implications for patients and plans are required to enable the diagnosis of non-COVID-19 conditions during the ongoing pandemic.
Autonomic dysreflexia in spinal cord injury
Authors: Lakra Celine , Swayne Orlando , Christofi Gerry , Desai Manishkumar
Published: August 2021

Autonomic dysreflexia is a relatively common condition in people who have a spinal cord injury above the level of T6. It is a potentially life-threatening; without timely and effective treatment, it can have deleterious cardiophysiological and systemic consequences. It is therefore imperative for medical professionals to have a clear understanding of its acute management, and be prepared to provide support and education to those caring for at-risk patients. In this paper we provide practical guidance and supporting evidence regarding the management of autonomic dysreflexia in adults with spinal cord injury.
Incentivizing stewardship in a biodiversity hot spot: land managers in the grasslands
Authors: Ayambire Raphael Anammasiya , Pittman Jeremy , Olive Andrea
Published: August 2021

Federal and provincial governments of Canada recently signed onto a Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation. The approach is based on collaboration among jurisdictions and stakeholders to enhance multiple species and ecosystem-based conservation in selected biodiversity hot spots. In this review paper, we focus on one of the biodiversity hot spots—the South of the Divide area in the province of Saskatchewan—to propose appropriate mechanisms to incentivize stewardship on agricultural Crown lands. Through a focused review and synthesis of empirical studies, we propose a range of policy instruments and incentives that can help deliver multi-species at risk conservation on Crown agricultural lands in Saskatchewan. We outline a range of policy instruments and incentives that are relevant to conservation on Crown agricultural lands and argue that a portfolio of options will have the greatest social acceptability. More germane is the need to foster collaboration between the government of Saskatchewan, other provincial/territorial governments, and the federal government, nongovernmental organizations, and land managers. Such collaboration is critical for enhanced decision-making and institutional change that reflects the urgent call for creating awareness of species at risk policies, building trust, and leveraging the local knowledge of land managers for conservation.
Dynamic Nutrient Signaling Networks in Plants
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Kun-hsiang , Sheen Jen
Published: August 2021

Nutrients are vital to life through intertwined sensing, signaling, and metabolic processes. Emerging research focuses on how distinct nutrient signaling networks integrate and coordinate gene expression, metabolism, growth, and survival. We review the multifaceted roles of sugars, nitrate, and phosphate as essential plant nutrients in controlling complex molecular and cellular mechanisms of dynamic signaling networks. Key advances in central sugar and energy signaling mechanisms mediated by the evolutionarily conserved master regulators HEXOKINASE1 (HXK1), TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR), and SNF1-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE1 (SNRK1) are discussed. Significant progress in primary nitrate sensing, calcium signaling, transcriptome analysis, and root–shoot communication to shape plant biomass and architecture are elaborated. Discoveries on intracellular and extracellular phosphate signaling and the intimate connections with nitrate and sugar signaling are examined. This review highlights the dynamic nutrient, energy, growth, and stress signaling networks that orchestrate systemwide transcriptional, translational, and metabolic reprogramming, modulate growth and developmental programs, and respond to environmental cues.
The Visual Opsin Gene Repertoires of Teleost Fishes: Evolution, Ecology, and Function
Authors: Musilova Zuzana , Salzburger Walter , Cortesi Fabio
Published: August 2021

Visual opsin genes expressed in the rod and cone photoreceptor cells of the retina are core components of the visual sensory system of vertebrates. Here, we provide an overview of the dynamic evolution of visual opsin genes in the most species-rich group of vertebrates, teleost fishes. The examination of the rich genomic resources now available for this group reveals that fish genomes contain more copies of visual opsin genes than are present in the genomes of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The expansion of opsin genes in fishes is due primarily to a combination of ancestral and lineage-specific gene duplications. Following their duplication, the visual opsin genes of fishes repeatedly diversified at the same key spectral-tuning sites, generating arrays of visual pigments sensitive to the ultraviolet to red spectrum of light. Species-specific opsin gene repertoires correlate strongly with underwater light habitats, ecology, and color-based sexual selection.
The Econometrics of Early Childhood Human Capital and Investments
Authors: Cunha Flavio , Nielsen Eric , Williams Benjamin
Published: August 2021

This article reviews recent developments in the econometrics of early childhood human capital and investments. We start with a discussion about the lack of cardinality in test scores, the reasons it matters for empirical research on human capital, and the approaches researchers have used to address this problem. Next, we discuss how the literature has accounted for the errors in human capital measurements and investments. Then, we focus on the estimation of production functions of human capital. We present two different specifications of the production function and discuss when to use one versus the other. We describe how researchers have addressed cardinality, measurement errors, and endogeneity of inputs to estimate the technology of skill formation. Finally, we take stock of the work to date, and we identify opportunities for new research directions in this field.
Relocation of phosphofructokinases within epithelial cells is a novel event preceding breast cancer recurrence that accurately predicts patient outcomes
Authors: Cheung Richard A. , Kraft Alexandra M. , Petty Howard R.
Published: August 2021

Although recurrent cancers can become life threatening, little is known about the intracellular events required for cancer recurrences. Due to this lack of mechanistic information, there is no test to predict cancer recurrences or nonrecurrences during early stages of disease. In this retrospective study, we use ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast as a framework to better understand the mechanism of cancer recurrences using patient outcomes as the physiological observable. Conventional pathology slides were labeled with anti-phosphofructokinase type L (PFKL) and anti-phosphofructokinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase type 4 (PFKFB4) reagents. PFKL and PFKFB4 were found in ductal epithelial cell nucleoli from DCIS samples of women who did not experience a cancer recurrence. In contrast, PFKL and PFKFB4 may be found near the plasma membrane in samples from patients who will develop recurrent cancer. With the use of machine learning to predict patient outcomes, holdout studies of individual patient micrographs for the three biomarkers PFKL, PFKFB4, and phosphorylated glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) demonstrated 38.6% true negatives, 49.5% true positives, 11.9% false positives, and 0% false negatives ( n = 101). A subpopulation of recurrent samples demonstrated PFKL, PFKFB4, and phosphorylated GLUT1 accumulation at the apical surface of epithelial cells, suggesting that carbohydrates can be harvested from the ducts’ luminal spaces as an energy source. We suggest that PFK isotype patterns are metabolic switches representing key mechanistic steps of recurrences. Furthermore, PFK enzyme patterns within epithelial cells contribute to an accurate diagnostic test to classify DCIS patients as high or low recurrence risk.
Increased end-expiratory pressures improve lung function in near-term newborn rabbits with elevated airway liquid volume at birth
Authors: McGillick Erin V. , te Pas Arjan B. , Croughan Michelle K. , Crossley Kelly J. , Wallace Megan J. , Lee Katie , Thio Marta , DeKoninck Philip L. J. , Dekker Janneke , Flemmer Andreas W. , Cramer Sophie. J. E. , Hooper Stuart B. , Kitchen Marcus J.
Published: August 2021

Term babies born by cesarean section have elevated airway liquid volumes, which predisposes them to respiratory distress. Treatments targeting molecular mechanisms to clear lung liquid are ineffective for term newborn respiratory distress. We showed that respiratory support with an end-expiratory pressure supports lung function in near-term rabbits with elevated airway liquid volumes at birth. This study provides further physiological understanding of lung function in newborns with elevated airway liquid volumes at risk of respiratory distress.
Numerical Simulation of Interaction between Large‐Scale Congestion and Vent during the Natural Gas Explosion in a Kitchen
Authors: Pang Lei , Jin Mengjie , Hu Qianran , Yang Kai
Published: August 2021

The influence of large‐scale congestion on a confined natural gas explosion in a typical Chinese kitchen was studied using the computational fluid dynamics technology. It was found that opening the explosion venting surface promotes the development of turbulence, flame propagation velocity, and multipeak overpressure in the explosion flow field. Large‐scale congestion can significantly strengthen the influence of the explosion venting surface on the flow field; the congestion and the explosion venting surface have a synergistic effect on the explosion flow field. At the moment of gas explosion, the flow fields in each area of the kitchen exhibit different distribution characteristics. A flow field near small‐scale congestion is more likely to produce greater turbulence, combustion rate, and flame speed. The obstruction effect of large‐scale congestion perpendicular to the flame propagation direction is dominant. The indoor flame propagation speed and overpressure development speed increase and the peak combustion rate and indoor peak overpressure decrease with an increase in obstacle blockage. Increases in the large‐scale volume congestion rate and volume blockage in the kitchen induce changes in the indoor flame propagation mode and increase the external explosion overpressure. This paper investigated the correlation behavior between large‐scale congestion and vent surface in a typical Chinese civil kitchen during natural gas explosion process and provided important support for understanding the mechanism of congestion on gas explosion process and the distribution of explosion hazards in a kitchen.
A Study on COMP and CTX‐II as Molecular Markers for the Diagnosis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Qi Dong-Duo , Liu Zhong-Han , Wu De-Sheng , Huang Yu-Feng
Published: August 2021

Background. Diagnosis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is challenging at the early stage. The cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and extracellular matrix degradation products of C‐telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX‐II) serve as markers for the serological diagnosis of IVDD. Oxidative stress might cause IVDD and matrix degeneration. Methods. A total of 128 male adult Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly and equally assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group was used to construct IVDD models by acupuncture, while the control group underwent sham operation. The animals were executed every week for 8 weeks after intervertebral disc acupuncture, and serum samples were collected for the estimation of CTX‐II and COMP concentrations by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, the histological changes and caudal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes were examined in the intervertebral disc. Results. IVDD in rats worsened with prolonged follow‐up after acupuncture. At all the time points, the experimental group showed altered histological and caudal vertebra MRI signals, and serum CTX‐II and COMP concentrations were significantly greater than those of the control group. These levels increase with the process of IVDD. Conclusion. Serum CTX‐II and COMP estimation is a reliable method to diagnose IVDD, and their concentrations show a positive correlation with the process of IVDD.
[Retracted] The Effect on the Fracture Healing following Femoral Neck Shortening after Osteoporotic Femoral Neck Fracture Treated with Internal Fixation: Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Yu Xiao , Rong Peng-ze , Pang Qing-jiang , Chen Xian-jun , Shi Lin , Wang Cheng-hao
Published: August 2021

Objective. To evaluate the stress status of fracture site caused by femoral neck shortening and to analyze the stress of fracture site and the implants from the finite element point of view. Methods. CT scan data of hip of a normal adult female were collected. Three‐dimensional reconstruction MICs and related module function simulation was used to establish the postoperative shortening model of femoral neck fracture with Pauwels angle > 50°, which was treated with cannulated screws. The models were divided into four groups: normal femoral neck, shortening in 2.5 mm, shortening in 7.5 mm, and shortening in 12.5 mm. The finite element analysis software msc.nastran2012 was used, and the data of maximum stress and stress nephogram of fracture site and implants were carried out. Results. From normal femoral neck to shortening in 12.5 mm of the femoral neck, the maximum tensile stress increased gradually in the fracture site above the cannulated screws while compressive stress decreased gradually in the fracture site below the cannulated screws, and the maximum stress of the cannulated screws increased gradually with obvious stress concentration at the screw holes in the fracture site, and the peak value of stress concentration was about 179 MPa. Conclusion. The biomechanical environment of the fracture site changed by femoral neck shortening. With the increasing of femoral neck shortening, the stress of the fracture site and implants would be uneven; then, the stability of fracture site would become worse, and the possibility of implant sliding or even breakage would be increased.
Effect of Pantograph’s Main Structure on the Contact Quality in High‐Speed Railway
Authors: Wang Jiangwen , Mei Guiming
Published: August 2021

In general, the electrical energy is provided to the high‐speed train through the pantograph‐catenary sliding contact. The variation of the dynamic contact force is expected to be small enough to keep the good current collection quality and to extend the service life of the pantograph‐catenary system. In this paper, the two tension wires of the catenary are discretized by the sine‐series expansions, a multibody dynamics theory based on relative coordinates is adopted to describe the dynamic behavior of the pantograph, and the standard deviation (STD) of dynamic contact force is used as the indicator to evaluate the contact quality. The objective is to investigate how the variations of the pantograph’s main structure influence the contact quality, which may support the structural design and parameter optimization of the pantograph in high‐speed railway.
Research on Global Dynamic Path Planning Method Based on Improved A

∗

Algorithm
Authors: Niu Chuanhu , Li Aijuan , Huang Xin , Li Wei , Xu Chuanyan
Published: August 2021

Aiming at the optimal path and planning efficiency of global path planning for intelligent driving, this paper proposes a global dynamic path planning method based on improved

A

∗

algorithm. First, this method improves the heuristic function of the traditional

A

∗

algorithm to improve the efficiency of global path planning. Second, this method uses a path optimization strategy to make the global path smoother. Third, this method is combined with the dynamic window method to improve the real-time performance of the dynamic obstacle avoidance of the intelligent vehicle. Finally, the global dynamic path planning method of the proposed improved

A

∗

algorithm is verified through simulation experiments and real vehicle tests. In the simulation analysis, compared with the modified

A

∗

algorithm and the traditional

A

∗

algorithm, the method in this paper shortens the path distance by 2.5%∼3.0%, increases the efficiency by 10.3%∼13.6% and generates a smoother path. In the actual vehicle test, the vehicle can avoid dynamic obstacles in real time. Therefore, the method proposed in this paper can be applied on the intelligent vehicle platform. The path planning efficiency is high, and the dynamic obstacle avoidance is good in real time.
Acoustic Emission Waveform Analysis of Sandstone Failure with Different Water Content
Authors: Li Hongru , He Manchao , Shen Rongxi , Xiao Yingming , Cheng Tai
Published: August 2021

Previous studies have shown that water can reduce the acoustic emission (AE) energy and other parameters during rock failure. However, the fracture mechanism of rock can be better reflected by analyzing the AE waveform. Therefore, this paper conducted experiments of uniaxial compression on sandstone samples of various water contents and collected AE signals simultaneously. Analyses of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) were performed on the AE waveform when the sample failed. The results show that as the water content increases, the frequency and intensity of the AE signal will decrease. The influence of water on the intensity of the AE signal is greater than that on the frequency. Through the analysis of the energy mechanism of rock failure, it is pointed out that the frequency and intensity of AE signal are closely related to elastic energy index

W

ET

and burst energy index

K

E

. The research results have guiding significance for the monitoring of rockburst.
Measurement and Characteristic Analysis of Electromagnetic Disturbance of Coal Mine Fan Converter
Authors: Xin Zhonghua , Zhang Xiaodong , Yu Shuqian , Wang Huijuan , Jia Xiaoqian , Ma Yuling
Published: August 2021

With the extensive use of converters in high-power ventilator, shearer, road header, conveyor, hoist, and other coal mine equipment, the electromagnetic disturbance problem of the converter is worthy of attention. In this paper, the field measurement and statistical method are used to analyze the radiation interference characteristics of frequency converter. Then, a typical fan converter is taken as an example, and the electromagnetic disturbance of the converter is tested in four key positions and two working frequencies, respectively. Multiple sets of data and spectrum are obtained by using a spectrum analyzer and other instruments, and the dominant frequency characteristic parameters of the converter are analyzed emphatically. The small sample data adopts the Shapiro–Wilk test, and the 80%/80% rule was used for statistical analysis. Finally, we got five common frequencies of electromagnetic interference generated by the converter (electric field dBμV/m). The CH4 sensor and other sensors work near these five dominant frequencies, which may affect the normal operation of the sensor and cause alarm. The test and analysis method proposed in this paper can be used to obtain the characteristic parameters of the converter electromagnetic disturbance, which can be used as a reference for the design of the immunity of sensors or control instruments.
Consensus Patterns of a Set of Time Series via a Wavelet-Based Temporal Localization: Emphasizing the Utility over Point-Wise Averaging and Averaging under Dynamic Time Warping
Authors: Waduge Chekhaprabha Priyadarshanee , Ganegoda Naleen Chaminda , Wickramarachchi Darshana Chitraka , Lokupitiya Ravindra Shanthakumar
Published: August 2021

Summarizing or averaging a sequential data set (i.e., a set of time series) can be comprehensively approached as a result of sophisticated computational tools. Averaging under Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) is one such tool that captures consensus patterns. DTW acts as a similarity measure between time series, and subsequently, an averaging method must be executed upon the behaviour of DTW. However, averaging under DTW somewhat neglects temporal aspect since it is on the search of similar appearances rather than stagnating on corresponding time-points. On the contrary, the mean series carrying point-wise averages provides only a weak consensus pattern as it may over-smooth important temporal variations. As a compromise, a pool of consensus series termed Ultimate Tamed Series (UTS) is studied here that adheres to temporal decomposition supported by the discrete Haar wavelet. We claim that UTS summarizes localized patterns, which would not be reachable via the series under DTW or the mean series. Neighbourhood of localization can be altered as a user can customize different levels of decomposition. In validation, comparisons are carried out with the series under DTW and the mean series via Euclidean distance and the distance resulted by DTW itself. Two sequential data sets are selected for this purpose from a standard repository.
NMDA Receptor Mediates the Anticonvulsant Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Artemisia persica in PTZ-Induced Seizure in Mice
Authors: Nasiri-Boroujeni Shakiba , Rahimi-Madiseh Mohammad , Lorigooini Zahra , Piroti Khadijeh , Rafieian-Koupaei Mahmoud , Amini-Khoei Hossein
Published: August 2021

It is necessary to seek more effective sources to design new drug against epilepsy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia persica on pentylenetetrazole- (PTZ-) induced seizure in male mice by investigating the possible role of the NMDA receptor and antioxidative stress effect. The phenolic profile of A. persica extract was determined by HPLC-DAD analysis. Mice were treated with normal saline or A. persica extract or pentobarbital or a subeffective dose of extract plus ketamine (NMDA receptor antagonist) and/or effective dose of extract plus NMDA. PTZ (90 mg/kg) was injected intravenously for induction of seizure. The seizure threshold was measured. Then mice were euthanized and the antioxidant capacity and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) of the prefrontal cortex and serum were measured. The gene expression of NMDA receptor subunits (Nr2a and Nr2b) was determined by real-time PCR. Findings showed that A. persica extract increased the seizure threshold, increased antioxidant capacity, and decreased MDA levels in the serum and brain samples. A. persica extract reduced the expression of NMDA receptor subunits. The result showed that ketamine potentiated the effect of the subeffective dose of extract. HPLC analysis showed that quercetin had the highest flavonoid content and also caffeic acid had the highest content of the phenolic acids. A. persica extract probably via NMDA receptor exerts anticonvulsant properties.
Visual Information Features and Machine Learning for Wushu Arts Tracking
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Guangren
Published: August 2021

Martial arts tracking is an important research topic in computer vision and artificial intelligence. It has extensive and vital applications in video monitoring, interactive animation and 3D simulation, motion capture, and advanced human-computer interaction. However, due to the change of martial arts’ body posture, clothing variability, and light mixing, the appearance changes significantly. As a result, accurate posture tracking becomes a complicated problem. A solution to this complicated problem is studied in this paper. The proposed solution improves the accuracy of martial arts tracking by the image representation method of martial arts tracking. This method is based on the second-generation strip wave transform and applies it to the video martial arts tracking based on the machine learning method.
DFT Study and Antiparasitic Activity of Some Azo Dyes Containing Uracil
Authors: Süleymanoğlu Nevin , Kubaşık Pınar , Direkel Şahin
Published: August 2021

In this study, for the first time, molecular modeling and antiparasitic activity studies were carried out on some azo dyes containing uracil, 6-amino-5-[(4-nitrophenyl) diazenyl] pyrimidine-2,4 (1H, 3H)-dione (dye I) and 6-amino-5-[(4-bromophenyl) diazenyl] pyrimidin-2,4 (1H, 3H)-dione (dye II), which were resynthesized using the same method in the literature and whose molecular structures were confirmed using FTIR and 1H-NMR methods. In molecular modeling study, all calculations were performed using DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method. The molecular structures of the possible tautomeric forms of dyes I and II were optimized, and their molecular total energies were calculated in the gas phase and DMSO solvent. IR and 1H-NMR spectral data of the possible tautomeric forms of dyes were obtained, and theoretical spectral data were compared with experimental ones. The evaluations show that, for both dyes, the spectral data of the imine-diketo-hydrazone form, which has the lowest energy and is hence determined to be the most stable form, are in agreement with the experimental ones. In antiparasitic activity study, dyes I and II were tested for the first time against parasites Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major, Leishmania tropica promastigotes, and Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites. In vitro antileishmanial activities against Leishmania promastigotes were tested by microdilution broth assay with Alamar Blue in RPMI 1640 medium, and in vitro trichomonacidal activities against Trichomonas vaginalis parasite were tested using TYM medium. In tests, antileishmanial and trichomonacidal effects were determined by comparing the obtained minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) values with those obtained for standard drugs (amphotericin B and metronidazole, respectively).
Sustainable Development of Tourism under the Background of Low‐Carbon and Green Economy
Authors: Han Lirong , Li Lei
Published: August 2021

The development of tourism industry not only promotes social and economic progress and the improvement of people’s happiness index but also causes resource damage and environmental pollution, which not only affects our living environment but also directly threatens the survival and development of mankind. Therefore, how tourism will develop in the context of low‐carbon green economy has become the main problem of tourism development. Based on the above background, in order to solve the development problem of tourism in the future under the low‐carbon green economy, based on the research results at home and abroad, starting from the starting point of sustainable development of tourism, this paper introduces the concept of “tourism consumption separation rate” and uses Kaya traditional accounting method. The structural decomposition analysis method and cointegration relationship test method are used to calculate, analyze, and test the tourism carbon emissions and influencing factors at the overall level of China and the middle, western, and eastern regions. Through this method, the accuracy of the calculation results is improved by 30%, which increases the accuracy of the experimental data and is more practical.
The Mellin Transform of Logarithmic and Rational Quotient Function in terms of the Lerch Function
Authors: Reynolds Robert , Stauffer Allan
Published: August 2021

Upon reading the famous book on integral transforms volume II by Erdeyli et al., we encounter a formula which we use to derive a Mellin transform given by

∫
0
∞

x

m
−
1

log

k

a
x

/

β

2

+

x

2

γ
+
x

d
x

, where the parameters

a
,
k
,
β

, and

γ

are general complex numbers. This Mellin transform will be derived in terms of the Lerch function and is not listed in current literature to the best of our knowledge. We will use this transform to create a table of definite integrals which can be used to extend similar tables in current books featuring such formulae.
Delayed CPAP-Induced Pneumocephalus and Meningitis Posttranssphenoidal Surgery
Authors: D’Ignazio Tara , Francispillai Mary , Giroux Marc , Albert Martin
Published: August 2021

Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is a frequently used technique to remove pituitary adenomas. Rare complications of TSS include development of postoperative pneumocephalus. Many patients undergoing TSS also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and thus require positive pressure ventilation. The exact timing of when to safely reintroduce the CPAP machine in this subset of patients is presently not exactly known but is most often cited as being two to four weeks postoperatively. In this case, we describe the story of a 69-year-old female who underwent TSS for a nonsecreting pituitary adenoma in April 2012 and went on to develop pneumocephalus five weeks postoperatively after reintroduction of her CPAP machine. This is the latest presentation of pneumocephalus after reintroduction of CPAP documented in present literature. The case reopens the debate as to how many weeks postoperatively positive pressure ventilation should be withheld to prevent the development of pneumocephalus in patients having undergone TSS with simultaneous OSA.
Differentially Private Web Browsing Trajectory over Infinite Streams
Authors: Liu Xiang , Guo Yuchun , Tan Xiaoying , Chen Yishuai
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, a lot of data mining applications, such as web traffic analysis and content popularity prediction, leverage users’ web browsing trajectories to improve their performance. However, the disclosure of web browsing trajectory is the most prominent issue. A novel privacy model, named Differential Privacy, is used to rigorously protect user’s privacy. Some works have applied this privacy model to spatial-temporal streams. However, these works either protect the users’ activities in different places separately or protect their activities in all places jointly. The former one cannot protect trajectories that traverse multiple places; while the latter ignores the differences among places and suffers the degradation of data utility (i.e., data accuracy). In this paper, we propose a

w
,
n

-differential privacy to protect any spatial-temporal sequence occurring in

w

successive timestamps and

n

-range places. To achieve better data utility, we propose two implementation algorithms, named Spatial-Temporal Budget Distribution (STBD) and Spatial-Temporal RescueDP (STR). Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that these two algorithms can achieve a balance between data utility and trajectory privacy guarantee.