bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is there scope to improve the selection of patients with alcohol-related liver disease for referral to secondary care? A retrospective analysis of primary care referrals to a UK liver centre, incorporating simple blood tests
Authors: Rhodes Freya Alison , Cococcia Sara , Patel Preya , Panovska-Griffiths Jasmina , Tanwar Sudeep , Westbrook Rachel H , Rodger Alison , Rosenberg William
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Twenty per cent of people with alcohol use disorders develop advanced fibrosis and warrant referral to secondary care. Improving outcomes in alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD) relies on its earlier detection in primary care with non-invasive tests (NIT). We aimed to determine the proportion of alcohol-related referrals who were diagnosed with advanced fibrosis in secondary care, the prevalence of both alcohol and fatty liver disease (‘BAFLD’) and the potential impact of NIT on referral stratification.

Design/setting

Retrospective analysis of all general practitioner-referrals with suspected ArLD/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to a UK hepatology-centre between January 2015 and January 2018.

Participants

Of 2944 new referrals, 762 (mean age 55.5±13.53 years) met inclusion criteria: 531 NAFLD and 231 ArLD, of which 147 (64%) could be reclassified as ‘BAFLD’.

Primary outcome measure

Proportion of referrals with suspected ArLD/NAFLD with advanced fibrosis as assessed by tertiary centre hepatologists using combinations of FibroScan, imaging, examination and blood tests and liver histology, where indicated.

Secondary outcome measures

Included impact of body mass index/alcohol consumption on the odds of a diagnosis of advanced fibrosis, and performance of NIT in predicting advanced fibrosis in planned post-hoc analysis of referrals.

Results

Among ArLD referrals 147/229 (64.2%) had no evidence of advanced fibrosis and were judged ‘unnecessary’. Advanced fibrosis was observed in men drinking ≥50 units per week (U/w) (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.51 to 5, p=0.001) and ≥35 U/w in women (OR 5.11, 95% CI 1.31 to 20.03, p=0.019). Drinking >14 U/w doubled the likelihood of advanced fibrosis in overweight/obesity (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.44 to 3.09; p<0.001). Use of fibrosis 4 score could halve unnecessary referrals (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.79, p=0.003) with false-negative rate of 22%, but was rarely used.

Conclusions

The majority of referrals with suspected ArLD were deemed unnecessary. NIT could improve identification of liver damage in ArLD, BAFLD and NAFLD in primary care. Anecdotal thresholds for harmful drinking (35 U/w in women and 50 U/w in men) were validated. The impact of alcohol on NAFLD highlights the importance of multi-causality in chronic liver disease.
Birley Place: a virtual community for the delivery of health and social care education
Authors: Wright David J , Greene Leah , Jack Kirsten , Hannan Eleanor , Hamshire Claire
Published: June 2021

Virtual simulation can provide high-quality learning experiences through innovative and engaging activities while also overcoming some of the constraints associated with physical simulation. We developed a virtual community, called Birley Place, to facilitate simulation-based learning activities. Adopting a novel approach, we modelled the virtual community on the large metropolitan city in which our institution is based. Publicly available health and population data were used to ensure that the homes, businesses and services in the community were representative of distinct socioeconomic areas of our city. The residents of the virtual community were also matched with the real-world areas based on health and lifestyle data. Our virtual community is used to facilitate learning activities across our health and social care degree programmes. In this article, we summarise how we developed Birley Place, before providing one example of how it is used to facilitate the delivery of a large-scale interprofessional education project. Birley Place is an innovative tool for delivering online and virtual simulation. The use of this virtual community facilitates learners’ understanding of the connection between settings and health status.
Time considered as a helix of infinite possibilities
Authors: Clayton Jay
Published: June 2021

This article explores the temporal implications of genomics through the lens of a classic science fiction story by Samuel R Delany, ‘Time Considered as a Helix of Semi-Precious Stones’. Delany’s futuristic vision of ‘hologramic information storage’, which allows the interplanetary Special Services to discover and predict everything a suspect has done or will be doing at any time in the past, present or future resembles ‘genome time’, the illusion that data encoded in your DNA can reveal your entire life—not only where you came from but what you will become—and that it is knowable from a single test in the present. The temporal implications of genomics are compared with ‘queer time’ and contrasted with the temporal implications of nanoscience and climate change in order to clarify what is distinctive about genome time. In conclusion, some practical consequences of genome time are discussed.
Cross-sectional study on the role of public awareness in preventing the spread of COVID-19 outbreak in India
Authors: Kaushik Manish , Agarwal Divya , Gupta Anil K
Published: June 2021

Background

WHO has recommended personal hygiene (respiratory hygiene, using face masks, washing hands with warm water and soap, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoid touching mouth, eyes & nose, cleanliness), social distancing and careful handling of purchased products as an effective preventive measure for COVID-19 disease. The growing pandemic of COVID-19 disease requires social distancing and personal hygiene measures to protect public health. But this message is not clear and well understood among people. The aim of this study is to determine the awareness, knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 and relate the behaviour of Indian society, especially when the country is restarting all its economic activities, after the complete lockdown.

Method

The present paper is based on an extensive survey among 21 406 adult participants of various sections of Indian society with different age groups between 18 and 80 years to introspect the level of public awareness with respect to cause, spread, prevention and treatment of disease caused by spread of COVID-19 viral outbreak, which will be automatically reflected in the societal behavioural response of rigorous precautionary measures.

Conclusions

There is a need to extend the knowledge base among individuals to enhance their active participation in the prevention mechanisms with respect to the spread of the pandemic. There is a need to elaborate the Indian socio-cultural aspects, so that society starts appreciating and voluntarily following social distancing. This should improve the adaptability of people with livelihood resilience to let them protect themselves not only from the present pandemic but also from all other unforeseen infections, and to provide care to patients.
Fluorescence optical imaging: ready for prime time?
Authors: Ohrndorf Sarah , Glimm Anne-Marie , Ammitzbøll-Danielsen Mads , Ostergaard Mikkel , Burmester Gerd R
Published: June 2021

The novel technique of fluorescence optical imaging (FOI, Xiralite), which is approved in the European Union and the USA for clinical use, has been the object of studies since 2009. Indocyanine green-based FOI can demonstrate an impaired microcirculation caused by inflammation in both hands in one examination. Several studies have investigated FOI for detection of joint inflammation by comparing FOI to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS). The results have shown a generally good agreement (>80%) between FOI and clinical examination, MRI and MSUS by power Doppler in inflammatory joint diseases. Moreover, characteristic enhancements in skin and nails are seen in PsA, which potentially can be useful in the diagnostic process of early undifferentiated arthritis. Furthermore, FOI has been investigated for the visualisation of a disturbed microcirculation in the hands and fingers of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), highlighting the potential of monitoring vascular changes in SSc and other vasculopathies. The available data indicate that it is time to consider FOI as a useful part of the imaging repertoire in rheumatology clinical practice, particularly where MSUS and MRI are not easily available.
Emerging Digital Technologies to Combat Future Crises: Learnings From COVID-19 to be Prepared for the Future
Authors: Guggenberger Tobias , Lockl Jannik , Röglinger Maximilian , Schlatt Vincent , Sedlmeir Johannes , Stoetzer Jens-Christian , Urbach Nils , Völter Fabiane
Published: June 2021

In 2020, the world has witnessed an unprecedented global pandemic with COVID-19. It has led nations to take measures that have an enormous impact on individuals, society, and the economy. Researchers and practitioners responded rapidly, evaluating the opportunities to capitalize on technology for tackling the associated challenges. We investigate the innovative potentials of three emerging digital technologies — namely, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and distributed ledgers — to tackle pandemic-related challenges. We present our findings on the most effective means of leveraging each technology’s potential, the implications for use in crises, and the convergence of the three technologies.
A new bivalved arthropod from the Cambrian (Stage 3) Qingjiang biota expands the palaeogeographical distribution and increases the diversity of Tuzoiidae
Authors: Ma Jiaxin , Lin Weiliang , Liu Cong , Sun Ao , Wu Yu , Wu Yuheng , Fu Dongjing
Published: June 2021

Fossil Lagerstätten similar to the Cambrian Burgess Shale have a crucial role in revealing the origin and early evolution of arthropods. Tuzoiidae, one of the most important groups of bivalved arthropods, occupied an important ecological niche in the Cambrian marine ecosystem. We describe a new taxon,
Duplapex anima
gen. et. sp. nov., in the Family Tuzoiidae on the basis of four exceptionally preserved specimens from the early Cambrian (Stage 3) Qingjiang biota of Hubei, South China.
Duplapex
is characterized by an ornamented bivalved carapace, a ventral notch and doublure spine on the valve and a pair of compound eyes connected by fleshy annulated eye stalks. Despite having an unusual morphology for the group, the new taxon is recognized as a tuzoiid arthropod and indicates that these problematic euarthropods had a greater degree of morphological disparity than previously considered.
D. anima
, as well as the newly reported
Tuzoia.
sp. from the Fandian biota, represent the oldest occurrence of Tuzoiidae, extending its stratigraphic range to Cambrian Stage 3 and expanding the palaeogeographical distribution of the group to the northern border of the Yangtze Platform.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Advances in the Cambrian Explosion collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/advances-cambrian-explosion
Chasm in Hegemony: Explaining and Reproducing Disparities in Homophilous Networks
Authors: Zhang Yiguang , Han Jessy Xinyi , Mahajan Ilica , Bengani Priyanjana , Chaintreau Augustin
Published: June 2021

In networks with a minority and a majority community, it is well-studied that minorities are under-represented at the top of the social hierarchy. However, researchers are less clear about the representation of minorities from the lower levels of the hierarchy, where other disadvantages or vulnerabilities may exist. We offer a more complete picture of social disparities at each social level with empirical evidence that the minority representation exhibits two opposite phases: at the higher rungs of the social ladder, the representation of the minority community decreases; but, lower in the ladder, which is more populous, as you ascend, the representation of the minority community improves. We refer to this opposing phenomenon between the upper-level and lower-level as the chasm effect. Previous models of network growth with homophily fail to detect and explain the presence of this chasm effect. We analyze the interactions among a few well-observed network-growing mechanisms with a simple model to reveal the sufficient and necessary conditions for both phases in the chasm effect to occur. By generalizing the simple model naturally, we present a complete bi-affiliation bipartite network-growth model that could successfully capture disparities at all social levels and reproduce real social networks. Finally, we illustrate that addressing the chasm effect can create fairer systems with two applications in advertisement and fact-checks, thereby demonstrating the potential impact of the chasm effect on the future research of minority-majority disparities and fair algorithms.
Improving characterization of hypertrophy-induced murine cardiac dysfunction using four-dimensional ultrasound-derived strain mapping
Authors: Damen Frederick W. , Salvas John P. , Pereyra Andrea S. , Ellis Jessica M. , Goergen Craig J.
Published: June 2021

High-frequency four-dimensional ultrasound can be used in conjunction with standardized analysis procedures to simultaneously extract left-ventricular global function, morphometry, and regional strain metrics. Furthermore, a novel hybrid strain index (HSI) formula demonstrates greater performance compared with all other metrics in characterizing disease progression in a model of metabolic cardiomyopathy.
Long-chain acylcarnitine 18:1 acutely increases human atrial myocardial contractility and arrhythmia susceptibility
Authors: Aitken-Buck Hamish M. , Krause Julia , van Hout Isabelle , Davis Philip J. , Bunton Richard W. , Parry Dominic J. , Williams Michael J. A. , Coffey Sean , Zeller Tanja , Jones Peter P. , Lamberts Regis R.
Published: June 2021

For the first time, the fatty acid metabolite, long-chain acylcarnitine 18:1, is shown to acutely increase the arrhythmia susceptibility and contractility of human atrial myocardium. In vitro, this was linked to an influx of Ca2+ and an enhanced propensity for spontaneous RyR2-mediated Ca2+ release.
[Retracted] Mine Geological Environment Monitoring and Risk Assessment in Arid and Semiarid Areas
Authors: Jin Jiaqi , Yan Chicheng , Tang Yixuan , Yin Yilong
Published: June 2021

Along with the accelerated shift of coal mining to the ecologically fragile west, the contradiction between coal resource development and ecological protection in the western arid and semiarid coal mining areas is rapidly intensifying. Based on the above background, this thesis takes the coal mining area in the arid and semiarid regions as an example; applies the theories of ecology, coal mining subsidence, geodesy, and ecological restoration; uses remote sensing in synthetic aperture radar (SAR), geographic information system (GIS), and mathematical modelling to reveal the ecological evolution law of the mining area; measures the ecological damage of the mining area; and then proposes a reasonable ecological restoration strategy. The surface deformation monitoring study in the study area shows that on the whole, some areas in the study area have different degrees of surface subsidence disasters, and the maximum surface subsidence value exceeds 800 mm. From the distribution of surface subsidence in the study area, surface subsidence disasters mainly occur in the eastern and central mountainous areas rich in coal resources, as well as in the mining areas west of the Yellow River, and the subsidence basins are distributed in a series of irregular concentric ovals. In terms of the scale of surface subsidence in the study area, a total of 230.03 km2 of land in the study area showed surface subsidence hazards during the monitoring period, accounting for 13.78% of the total area of the study area, of which the area of severe subsidence was 44.98 km2 (2.69%). The area of more serious subsidence area is 101.33 km2 (6.07%), and the area affected by subsidence is 83.72 km2 (5.01%).
Silicone and Pyrocarbon Artificial Finger Joints
Authors: Alnaimat F. A. , Owida H. A. , Al Sharah A. , Alhaj M. , Hassan Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Artificial finger joint design has been developed through different stages through the past. PIP (proximal interphalangeal) and MCP (metacarpophalangeal) artificial finger joints have come to replace the amputation and arthrodesis options; although, these artificial joints are still facing challenges related to reactive tissues, reduced range of motion, and flexion and extension deficits. Swanson silicone artificial finger joints are still common due to the physician’s preferability of silicone with the dorsal approach during operation. Nevertheless, other artificial finger joints such as the pyrocarbon implant arthroplasty have also drawn the interests of practitioners. Artificial finger joint has been classified under three major categories which are constrained, unconstrained, and linked design. There are also challenges such as concerns of infections and articular cartilage necrosis associated with attempted retention of vascularity. In addition, one of the main challenges facing the silicone artificial finger joints is the fracture occurring at the distal stem with the hinge. The aim of this paper is to review the different artificial finger joints in one paper as there are few old review papers about them. Further studies need to be done to develop the design and materials of the pyrocarbon and silicone implants to increase the range of motion associated with them and the fatigue life of the silicone implants.
A Comprehensive Prognostic and Immunological Analysis of a New Three-Gene Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jun , Lu Jianjun , Li Wenli
Published: June 2021

There are few reports on the role of genes associated with the mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) in the prognosis and immune regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study is aimed at analyzing the expression profile and prognostic significance of a new mRNAsi-based three-gene signature in HCC. This three-gene signature was identified by analyzing mRNAsi data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HCC dataset. The prognostic value of the risk score based on the three-gene signature was evaluated by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis and then verified in the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. Meanwhile, the correlations between the risk score and immune cell infiltration patterns, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutation burden (TMB), immune checkpoint molecules, hypoxia-related genes, immunotherapy response, and compounds targeting the gene signature were explored, respectively. The results showed that compared with normal liver tissues, the mRNAsi score of HCC tissues was significantly increased. PTDSS2, MRPL9, and SOCS were the genes most related to mRNAsi in HCC tissues. Survival analysis results suggested the risk score based on the three-gene signature was an independent predictor of the prognosis for patients with HCC. The nomogram combining the risk score and pathological stage showed a good predictive ability for the overall survival of patients with HCC patients. Meanwhile, the risk score was significantly related to immune cell infiltration patterns, MSI, TMB, several immune checkpoint molecules, and hypoxia-related genes. In addition, the risk score was associated with the immunotherapy response, and fifteen potential therapeutic drugs targeting the three-gene signature were identified. Therefore, we propose to use this three-gene signature including PTDSS2, MRPL9, and SOCS as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Encapsulation of Moringa oleifera Extract in Ca-Alginate Chocolate Beads: Physical and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Kaltsa Olga , Alibade Aggeliki , Bozinou Eleni , Makris Dimitris P. , Lalas Stavros I.
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physical and antioxidant properties of chocolate alginate beads containing Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) produced with ecofriendly solvent extraction technology (Deep Eutectic Solvents). The concentration of MLE incorporated was 0, 2, 4, and 6%w/w, and hardening time for ionotropic gelation with CaCl2 solution was 2, 8, or 20 min. Freshly prepared beads were evaluated for their geometric (area, perimeter, ferret diameter, circularity, roundness), color (CIE L∗, a∗, and b∗and chroma), and antioxidant properties (total phenolic content and percentage inhibition of DPPH• radical). Increasing the MLE concentration resulted in beads smaller in size and more spherical, whereas hardening time only affected their circularity. MLE concentration had also a profound effect on color and antioxidant properties of the beads. As the concentration of MLE increased, the beads appeared lighter and their chroma increased. The radical scavenging activity was ameliorated by the MLE concentration increase for samples hardened for 8 and 20 min, whereas it was unaffected for those at 2 min. The hardening time on the contrary did not affect the inhibition of DPPH• values, regardless of the amount of extract added.
Genetic Variation in Taste Receptor Genes (SCNN1B, TRPV1) and Its Correlation with the Perception of Saltiness in Normotensive and Hypertensive Adults
Authors: Tapanee Pradtana , Tidwell Diane K. , Schilling M. Wes , Peterson Daniel G. , Tolar-Peterson Terezie
Published: June 2021

Background. Different taste preferences correlated with genetic variations may lead to food consumption patterns that contribute to nutrient-related health outcomes such as hypertension. Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the salt taste receptor genes SCNN1B and TRPV1 affect salt taste perception among normotensive and hypertensive people. Materials and Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional case control study by design consisting of a normotensive and hypertensive group. Participants were 253 adults with age range of 20–82 residing in Mississippi, USA. For each of 128 normotensives and 125 hypertensives, the salt taste recognition threshold and salt taste receptor genotype were determined. Results. The hypertensive group had a higher salt taste recognition threshold than the normotensive group (

P
<
0.001

). The polymorphism of TRPV1, rs4790522, with the AA genotype was associated with a higher salt recognition threshold (lower salt taste sensitivity) in people with hypertension and obesity. Moreover, the polymorphism of TRPV1, rs8065080, and SCNN1B, rs239345, genes were associated with a risk of hypertension (

P
=
0.016

and

P
=
0.024

). Conclusion. Correlations between SNPs, salt taste sensitivity, and hypertension risk were observed. People with hypertension had a higher salt taste threshold than those with normotension.
Encephalopathy Associated with Severe Cytomegalovirus Infection in an Immunocompetent Young Woman
Authors: Tetsuka Syuichi , Suzuki Tomohiro , Ogawa Tomoko , Hashimoto Ritsuo , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in healthy young adults is usually an asymptomatic or mononucleosis-like syndrome, whereas in immunocompromised patients, CMV can cause significant disease. In this study, we report an unusual case of primary CMV infection wherein the patient, an immunocompetent 21-year-old woman, presented severe encephalopathy, acute hepatitis, retinitis, and reactivation of latent Epstein–Barr virus. She developed confusion, high fever, headache, and tonic-clonic seizures. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed high-intensity lesions in the medial temporal lobe and basal ganglia. Liver dysfunction was observed, and abdominal computed tomography revealed splenohepatomegaly. After fundus findings, the patient was diagnosed with CMV retinitis. Upon admission, she was treated with intravenous acyclovir and steroid pulse therapy. Considering both her serious clinical condition and elevated serum levels of interleukin-6, we speculated that her condition was similar to cytokine-storm-induced encephalopathy. On day 2 after admission, she showed prompt recovery from these clinical manifestations. Since blood CMV pp65 antigenemia was found to be positive, we administered ganciclovir for 2 weeks. On the basis of her clinical manifestations and the presence of blood CMV DNA and CMV pp65 antigenemia along with IgM kinetics, we finally diagnosed this patient with severe primary CMV infection. She left our hospital without sequelae 20 days after admission. The incidence of severe CMV disease in immunocompetent young adults might be higher than previously recognized. Noninvasive testing for CMV (such as CMV pp65 antigenemia and CMV DNAemia) is widely available and can help early diagnosis. Short-term glucocorticoid therapy might be beneficial in the treatment of encephalopathy in the early stages of primary CMV infection. Considering such a background, clinicians should keep severe primary CMV infection in mind as a differential diagnosis in the clinical setting.
Quality Index Evaluation Model of MPP Sold under the E-Commerce Platform
Authors: Li Chen , Zeng Junjie , Jin Xinfeng , Chu Wenwen
Published: June 2021

The paper was intended to address the deficiencies of quality and safety appraisement methods for mobile power pack (MPP) sold on e-commerce platforms. Based on the comprehensive index method, the quality index evaluation model of MPP under e-commerce platform was constructed by combining principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The index system firstly analyzed the factors related to the quality and safety of MPP and determined the original index. Then, the original index was optimized by combining PCA and clustering analysis, and the index system of the index evaluation model was determined. Finally, the weights of various indexes were determined by AHP, to complete the quality index evaluation model for MPP sold under the e-commerce platform.
ARTP Mutagenesis to Improve Mycelial Polysaccharide Production of Grifola frondosa Using a Mixture of Wheat Bran and Rice Bran as Substrate
Authors: Liu Weimin , Yang Weiwei , Wu Juan , Cheng Yu , Wei Zhencheng , Wang Tao , Ampofo Kwame Attafuah , Ma Haile , Cui Fengjie , Yang Xiaoming , Yan Jingkun , Yang Liuqing , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2021

Mycelial polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa have shown potential for the prevention of chronic diseases. Atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) technology was used to enhance the ability of G. frondosa to efficiently utilize a mixture of rice bran and wheat bran in the production of mycelial polysaccharides. The ARTP-mutant G. frondosa GFA2 had an improved growth rate of 6.0 mm/d and polysaccharide yield of 2.65 g/L and showed stable genetic characteristics. Uniform design experiments showed that polysaccharide yield could be increased to 5.90 g/L using the optimized conditions of 10.0 g/L rice bran and 110.0 g/L wheat bran while omitting KH2PO4 and MgSO4·7H2O. Gas chromatography demonstrated that GFA2 polysaccharides were composed of the monosaccharides rhamnose, arabinose, fucose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose. This study provides an effective strategy for improving polysaccharide production in edible fungi while proposing the added-value utilization of rice and wheat brans.
SHANK3 Genotype Mediates Speech and Language Phenotypes in a Nonclinical Population
Authors: Manning Christina , Hurd Peter L. , Read Silven , Crespi Bernard
Published: June 2021

Mutations affecting the synaptic-scaffold gene SHANK3 represent the most common genetic causes of autism with intellectual disability, accounting for about 1-2% of cases. Rare variants of this gene have also been associated with schizophrenia, and its deletion results in the autistic condition known as Phelan–McDermid syndrome. Despite the importance of SHANK3 as a paradigmatic gene mediating neurodevelopmental disorders, its psychological effects in nonclinical populations have yet to be studied. We genotyped the nonsynonymous, functional SHANK3 SNP rs9616915 in a large population of typical individuals scored for autism spectrum traits (the Autism Quotient, AQ) and schizotypy spectrum traits (the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, SPQ-BR). Males, but not females, showed significant genotypic effects for the SPQ-BR subscale associated with speech and language: Odd Speech. These findings, in conjunction with animal model studies showing vocalization and auditory effects of SHANK3 mutations, and studies indicating severe language alterations and speech-associated white matter tract abnormalities in Phelan–McDermid syndrome, suggest that SHANK3 differentially affects the development and expression of human language and speech. Imaging genetic and speech-language studies of typical individuals carrying different genotypes of rs9616915 should provide novel insights into the neurological and psychological bases of speech and language alterations among individuals with SHANK3 mutations and Phelan–McDermid syndrome.
Staphylococcus aureus Infections in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit: Illustrated Cases
Authors: Hon Kam Lun , Fung Ronald C. M. , Leung Karen K. Y. , Leung Alexander K.C. , Hui Wun Fung , Cheung Wing Lum
Published: June 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is known to be one of the most common gram-positive microorganisms and an important pathogen associated with sepsis and toxic shock. We present four anonymized consecutive cases in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to illustrate the different clinical manifestations of staphylococcal infections, including local infection versus systemic infection, toxic shock versus septic shock, and osteomyelitis. Eczema, short gut syndrome, and scald injury may be associated. Haematologic and coagulopathic abnormalities may be present. Prompt diagnosis and use of appropriate antimicrobial treatments is essential to reducing mortality and morbidity associated with staphylococcal infections.
Analysis of Network Robustness in Weighted and Unweighted Approaches: A Case Study of the Air Transport Network in the Belt and Road Region
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhao Yannan , Chen Dongli , Zhang Xinhuan
Published: June 2021

Aviation transport is one of the most important and critical infrastructures in today’s global economy. Failure in its proper operations can seriously impact regional economic development, which is why it is important to evaluate network robustness. Previous analyses of robustness have mainly been conducted with an unweighted approach. In the development of air transport, however, the demand for route configuration has gradually decreased, while the demand for flight adjustments has increased. Consequently, the aviation network has developed unevenly, so adhering to a uniform approach for evaluating network robustness may lead to inaccurate results. Therefore, we examined which centrality sequence is the most sensitive to network robustness in both unweighted and weighted approaches. The air transport network selected for the case study comprised the six subregions of the Eurasian landmass of the Belt and Road region. The study results showed the following: (a) in the network constructed as an unweighted one, betweenness, and degree centrality had higher priorities in preserving network functionalities than eigenvector and closeness centrality; (b) in the network constructed as a weighted one, recursive power had a higher priority in preserving network functionalities than recursive centrality; and (c) no particular centrality measurement had a significant advantage in representing the totality of robustness. The betweenness centrality sequence was sensitive to the average shortest path length and global efficiency; the recursive power sequence was sensitive to the clustering coefficient, while degree centrality was sensitive to graph diversity. The findings of this study support the decisions about managing air transportation in the Belt and Road region.
Interorganizational Knowledge Networks, R&D Alliance Networks, and Innovation Capability: A Multilevel Network Perspective
Authors: Zhao Yan , Han Xiao , Yang Xiaoran , Li Zheng
Published: June 2021

R&D alliances and knowledge networks are vital to the innovation process. Based on the multilevel network approach, our study comprehensively investigates several knowledge attributes of interorganizational knowledge networks and explores how R&D alliance networks are relevant for the relationship between knowledge attributes and organizational innovation capability. Samples in our research include 86 cliques from 2010 to 2015 in five Chinese high‐tech industries’ R&D alliance networks. Results from the negative binomial regression model show that different knowledge attributes show a distinct effect on organizational innovation capability, including linear relationship, inverted U‐shaped curve relationship, and inverted S‐shaped curve relationship. Besides, our results identify that the central position within R&D alliance networks plays a limited role in the relationship between knowledge attributes and organizational innovation capability. Our findings could be used to help organizations sort out their knowledge attributes of knowledge bases, come to understand the impact of the interaction between the interorganizational knowledge network and R&D alliance network on the organizational innovation capability, and then make a targeted strategy to carry out innovation activities.
Predicting Tipping Points in Chaotic Maps with Period‐Doubling Bifurcations
Authors: Li Changzhi , Ramachandran Dhanagopal , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Jafari Sajad , Liu Yongjian
Published: June 2021

In this paper, bifurcation points of two chaotic maps are studied: symmetric sine map and Gaussian map. Investigating the properties of these maps shows that they have a variety of dynamical solutions by changing the bifurcation parameter. Sine map has symmetry with respect to the origin, which causes multistability in its dynamics. The systems’ bifurcation diagrams show various dynamics and bifurcation points. Predicting bifurcation points of dynamical systems is vital. Any bifurcation can cause a huge wanted/unwanted change in the states of a system. Thus, their predictions are essential in order to be prepared for the changes. Here, the systems’ bifurcations are studied using three indicators of critical slowing down: modified autocorrelation method, modified variance method, and Lyapunov exponent. The results present the efficiency of these indicators in predicting bifurcation points.
Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Scutellariae radix-Coptidis rhizoma Drug Pair for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Niu Kai , Li Qifang , Liu Yuan , Qiao Yi , Li Bingbing , Wei Chao , Wang Kunrui , Cui Lu’an , Zheng Canlei , Wang Rong , Zhang Li , Zhang Honghua , Sun Bing , Yu Bin
Published: June 2021

This study aims to analyze the targets of the effective active ingredients of Scutellariae radix-Coptidis rhizoma drug pair (SCDP) in ulcerative colitis (UC) by network pharmacology and molecular docking and to explore the associated therapeutic mechanism. The effective active ingredients and targets of SCDP were determined from the TCMSP database, and the drug ingredient-target network was constructed using the Cytoscape software. The disease targets related to UC were searched in GeneCards, DisGeNET, OMIM, and DrugBank databases. Then, the drug ingredient and disease targets were intersected to construct a protein-protein interaction network through the STRING database. The Metascape database was used for the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the predicted targets of SCDP for UC. The Autodock software was used for molecular docking between the main active ingredient and the core target to evaluate the binding ability. SCDP has 43 effective active ingredients and 134 intersection targets. Core targets included AKT1, TP53, IL-6, VEGFA, CASP3, JUN, TNF, MYC, EGFR, and PTGS2. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that biological process was mainly associated with a cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, response to an inorganic substance, response to a toxic substance, response to lipopolysaccharide, reactive oxygen species metabolic process, positive regulation of cell death, apoptotic signaling pathway, and response to wounding. KEGG enrichment analysis showed main pathway concentrations were related to pathways in cancer, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, bladder cancer, IL-17 signaling pathway, apoptosis, p53 signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The drug active ingredient-core target-key pathway network contains 41 nodes and 108 edges, of which quercetin, wogonin, baicalein, acacetin, oroxylin A, and beta-sitosterol are important active ingredients; PTGS2, CASP3, TP53, IL-6, TNF, and AKT1 are important targets; and the pathways involved in UC treatment include pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic, apoptosis, IL-17 signaling pathway and herpes simplex infection. The active ingredient has a good binding capacity to the core target. SCDP key active ingredients are mainly quercetin, wogonin, baicalein, acacetin, oroxylin A, and beta-sitosterol, which function mainly by regulating targets, such as PTGS2, CASP3, TP53, IL-6, TNF, and AKT1, and are associated with multiple signaling pathways as pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, apoptosis, IL-17 signaling pathways.
Research and Performance Test of New Full‐Length Anchorage Material
Authors: Huang Shunjie , Meng Xiangrui , Zhao Guangming , Li Yingming , Cheng Xiang , Xu Wensong , Liu Gang
Published: June 2021

It is difficult to support roadway with anchor cable in view of impact tendency in impinging liability roadway; a new material of inorganic and high‐performance full‐length anchoring material for anchoring cable is developed by adding several modifiers with ultrafine cement as the main material. The purpose is to improve the mechanical properties and durability of cement‐based materials, improve the coordination of anchor cable support system, and ensure the stability of surrounding rock of mining roadway. The new full‐length anchoring material is developed by optimizing the proportion of different components of the material, and the mechanical properties of the new material were studied. The anchoring force of resin anchoring agent, ordinary Portland cement, blank ultrafine cement, and new full‐length anchoring material are tested. Based on SEM microscopic characterization, the fracture types and failure characteristics of resin anchoring agent and full‐length anchoring material are researched. The results show that the optimal content of each component of the new inorganic high‐performance full‐length anchorage material is as follows: the content of component A is 15%, the content of component B is 3%, the content of component C is 0.2%, the content of component D is 1%, and the content of component E is 1%; the tensile test shows that the full‐length anchoring material has good bonding property, high anchoring strength, strong stability, and good rock coupling. SEM microstructure and morphology analysis have showed that the new anchorage materials can fully hydrate each other, resulting in a relatively dense stone body. The new full‐length anchoring material can effectively improve the anchoring force and improve the stability of the anchor cable and has significant performance advantages and good engineering applicability, and it has the advantages of lower cost and safer to use. The new material is a very good supporting material for roadway.
Active Power Management for PV Systems under High Penetration Scenario
Authors: Medina Fernando , Vazquez Nimrod , Vaquero Joaquín , Arau Jaime , Estrada Leonel , Rodriguez Elso
Published: June 2021

Although PV systems are one of the most widely used alternatives as a renewable energy source due to their well-known advantages, there are significant challenges to address related to voltage fluctuations and reverse power flow caused by high PV penetration scenarios. As a potential solution to this problem, an active power management strategy is proposed in this work using a residential cluster as a benchmark. The proposed strategy is analyzed and experimentally verified, offering a simple way to reduce the voltage fluctuations by regulating the active power delivered by the PV system, achieving also relevant functionalities for the system, such as the regulation of the DC bus voltage, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), synchronization with the grid voltage, detection of high penetration conditions, and a simple strategy for the main controller with an effective performance. The proposal system shows satisfactory results being able to maintain grid voltage fluctuations within the voltage standard specifications.
Credit Behaviors of Rural Households in the Perspective of Complex Social Networks
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Shen Yue , Li Chaoqian
Published: June 2021

With the increasing number of social networks emerging and evolving, the influence of social networks on human behavior is now again a subject of discussion in academe. Dynamics in social networks, such as opinion formation and information sharing, are restricting or proliferating members’ behavior on social networks, while new social network dynamics are created by interpersonal contacts and interactions. Based on this and against the backdrop of unfavourable rural credit development, this article uses CHFS data to discuss the whole and heterogeneous impact of social networks on rural household credit behavior. The results show that (1) social networks can effectively promote rural household credit behavior; (2) social networks have a significant positive impact on both formal credit and informal credit, but the influence of the latter is stronger; (3) both emotional networks and instrumental networks have a positive impact on formal credit and informal credit, and their influences are stronger on informal credit; (4) the influence of emotional network is stronger than instrumental networks on either formal credit or informal credit.
Predictors of Palliative Care Knowledge: Findings from the Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Ogunsanya Motolani E. , Goetzinger Elizabeth A. , Owopetu Oluwatomi F. , Chandler Paulette D. , O'Connor Lauren E.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Palliative care plays an important role in improving the quality of life for patients with cancer and their caregivers and has been associated with increased patient satisfaction. However, palliative care knowledge in the general population is limited, and often physician referral occurs late in prognosis. The objective of this analysis was to examine factors associated with palliative care knowledge.

Method:

Using data from the 2018 NCI's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5 Cycle 2, descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with respondents' palliative care knowledge using ORs and 95% confidence intervals as measures of association. The outcome of interest was measured with the item “How would you describe your level of knowledge about palliative care?” Possible response selections were “I've never heard of it,” “I know a little bit about palliative care,” and “I know what palliative care is and could explain it to someone else.” To reduce the risk of type 1 error, jackknife variance estimations with repeated replications were used. All analyses were conducted with the SURVEYLOGISTIC command using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.), and the statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 3,450 respondents (weighted sample size: 249,489,772) met the inclusion criteria. About 89% (n = 3,000) of all respondents had inadequate knowledge of palliative care. Multivariable analyses indicated that frequent health care utilization as defined as ≥ 2 times per year [OR, 3.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.65–3.58], female gender (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.31–3.59), being married (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.14–3.59), having a college degree or higher (OR, 13.83; 95% CI, 1.71–12.04), and having a regular source of care (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.37–1.90) had greater odds of adequate palliative care knowledge. Those without a cancer diagnosis were less likely to have adequate knowledge of palliative care (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.41–0.89).

Conclusions:

Knowledge of palliative care in the United States is low, particularly for those not already actively using their available healthcare system. Public health education efforts are needed to target subgroups of the U.S. population identified by this analysis to increase palliative care knowledge.

Impact:

Healthcare providers have a major role to play in improving palliative care knowledge.
Screening for Colorectal Cancer in the United States: Correlates and Time Trends by Type of Test
Authors: Shapiro Jean A. , Soman Ashwini V. , Berkowitz Zahava , Fedewa Stacey A. , Sabatino Susan A. , de Moor Janet S. , Clarke Tainya C. , Doria-Rose V. Paul , Breslau Erica S. , Jemal Ahmedin , Nadel Marion R.
Published: June 2021

Background:

It is strongly recommended that adults aged 50–75 years be screened for colorectal cancer. Recommended screening options include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, guaiac fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), or the more recently introduced FIT-DNA (FIT in combination with a stool DNA test). Colorectal cancer screening programs can benefit from knowledge of patterns of use by test type and within population subgroups.

Methods:

Using 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data, we examined colorectal cancer screening test use for adults aged 50–75 years (N = 10,595). We also examined time trends in colorectal cancer screening test use from 2010–2018.

Results:

In 2018, an estimated 66.9% of U.S. adults aged 50–75 years had a colorectal cancer screening test within recommended time intervals. However, the prevalence was less than 50% among those aged 50–54 years, those without a usual source of health care, those with no doctor visits in the past year, and those who were uninsured. The test types most commonly used within recommended time intervals were colonoscopy within 10 years (61.1%), FOBT or FIT in the past year (8.8%), and FIT-DNA within 3 years (2.7%). After age-standardization to the 2010 census population, the percentage up-to-date with CRC screening increased from 61.2% in 2015 to 65.3% in 2018, driven by increased use of stool testing, including FIT-DNA.

Conclusions:

These results show some progress, driven by a modest increase in stool testing. However, colorectal cancer testing remains low in many population subgroups.

Impact:

These results can inform efforts to achieve population colorectal cancer screening goals.