bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimization Grey Bernoulli Model and Its Application in Forecasting Oil Consumption
Authors: Xu Kai , Pang Xinyu , Duan Huiming
Published: June 2021

Energy consumption in the world is mainly dependent on fossil energy, and oil is one of the main energy sources. Accurate prediction of oil consumption can provide an important basis for national energy security, which can provide reference and early warning for the implementation of the environmental strategy developed by the government. According to the nonlinearity of the energy system, this paper uses the principle of the grey nonlinear prediction model NGBM(1,1) to improve the background value of the model, and by the simulated annealing algorithm, we put forward the optimized grey nonlinear model ONGBM(1,1). At the same time, the model is applied to the oil consumption of China, Chile, Mexico, and Japan. Based on the validity analysis of the existing data of the four countries, the model ONGBM(1,1) is basically superior to the other six grey forecast models. Finally, ONGBM(1,1) is used to predict the oil consumption of the four countries in the next five years, which can provide effective information for energy economic policy.
Functional, Physicochemical, and Antioxidant Properties of Flour and Cookies from Two Different Banana Varieties (Musa acuminata cv. Pisang awak and Musa acuminata cv. Red dacca)
Authors: Amarasinghe Nimesha K. , Wickramasinghe Indira , Wijesekara Isuru , Thilakarathna Gayan , Deyalage Sathsara T.
Published: June 2021

Banana (Musa acuminata) is grown abundantly in tropical and subtropical countries, and it is consumed as raw or processed. Banana is a significant source of nutrients, and it has been found to contain carbohydrates and other nutritional components. The present study was conducted to evaluate the proximate composition, antioxidant composition, and physicochemical properties of flour obtained from two different banana varieties (Musa acuminata cv. Pisang awak and Musa acuminata cv. Red dacca) and to evaluate the proximate composition and antioxidant composition of cookies prepared by incorporating both banana flours. Several sets of cookie samples were prepared separately by incorporating each banana flour where wheat flour and banana flour combinations were 85%-15%, 75%-25%, 70%-30%, and 0-100%. These samples were evaluated for sensory attributes, and two best cookie formulations were selected (70% wheat flour and 30% banana flour) for the analysis. Both Awak and Dacca had obtained similar amount of carbohydrates

p
<
0.05

while Dacca had recorded a higher amount of moisture, fat, protein, ash, and phytonutrients such as polyphenols, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Dacca flour had obtained higher values for physicochemical properties like water holding capacity (WHC) and oil holding capacity (OHC).

L

∗

,

a

∗

, and

b

∗

values were evaluated for banana flour incorporated cookies. Lightness and the redness of cookies were prominent while yellowness was not prominent. There was no significant difference in texture parameters but hardness was higher in banana cookies as they contained a higher content of protein and fiber.
Named Entity Recognition of Traditional Chinese Medicine Patents Based on BiLSTM‐CRF
Authors: Deng Na , Fu Hao , Chen Xu
Published: June 2021

With the growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the world and the increasing awareness of intellectual property protection, the number of TCM patent application is growing year by year. TCM patents contain rich medical, legal, and economic information. Effective text mining of TCM patents is of great theoretical and practical significance (e.g., the R&D of new medicines, patent infringement litigation, and patent acquisition). Named entity recognition (NER) is a fundamental task in natural language processing and a crucial step before indepth analysis of TCM patent. In this paper, a method combining Bidirectional Long Short‐Term Memory neural network with Conditional Random Field (BiLSTM‐CRF) is proposed to automatically recognize entities of interest (i.e., herb names, disease names, symptoms, and therapeutic effects) from the abstract texts of TCM patents. By virtue of the capabilities of deep learning methods, the semantic information in the context can be learned without feature engineering. Experiments show that the BiLSTM‐CRF‐based method provides superior performance in comparison with various baseline methods.
Risk Factors Associated with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study in Damascus, Syria
Authors: Taan Maher , Al Ahmad Farah , Ercksousi Mohammad Karim , Hamza Ghassan
Published: June 2021

Objectives. To assess the probable risk factors associated with Multiple sclerosis among Syrian patients in the city of Damascus. Method. In a case-control study conducted from May to September 2020, 140 MS patients and 140 healthy controls were selected from two main hospitals in Damascus. Data regarding risk factors associated with MS was collected via a structured questionnaire and complementary laboratory tests. The statistical analysis was carried out by the SPSS Statistical Software Version 26. Results. Factors such as smoking, family history of MS, migraine, and vitamin D deficiency were associated with a higher risk of developing MS: Smoking (

OR
=
2.275

95% CI (1.348-3.841)

P
=
0.002

). Family history of MS (

OR
=
3.970

95% CI (1.807-8.719)

P
≤
0.001

). Migraine (

OR
=
3.011

95% CI (1.345-6.741)

P
=
0.005

). Vitamin D deficiency (

OR
=
4.778

95% CI (2.863-7.972)

P
≤
0.001

). However, factors such as diabetes, hypertension, a surgical history of appendectomy, tonsillectomy, and being the first-born in a family were statistically irrelevant: Diabetes (

OR
=
0.652

95% CI (0.226-1.882)

P
=
0.426

). Hypertension (

OR
=
1.445

95% CI (0.724-2.885)

P
=
0.295

) Appendectomy (

OR
=
1.269

95% CI (0.486-3.317)

P
=
0.626

) Tonsillectomy (

OR
=
1.280

95% CI (0.576-2.843)

P
=
0.544

). First-born Child (

OR
=
0.933

95% CI (0.558-1.562)

P
=
0.793

). Conclusion. Our study suggests that smoking, vitamin D deficiency, family history of MS, and migraine are probable risk factors for multiple sclerosis. Therefore, engaging in outdoor activities and maintaining a healthy diet—for females in particular—is highly recommended.
Simple One-Step Leaf Extract-Assisted Preparation of α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles, Physicochemical Properties, and Its Sunlight-Driven Photocatalytic Activity on Methylene Blue Dye Degradation
Authors: Archana V. , Joseph Prince J. , Kalainathan S.
Published: June 2021

Hematite nanoparticles have been prepared from Moringa oleifera leaf extracts. Phytochemicals are derived from plant extracts which act as a stabilizing and capping agent as well as a surfactant. This green route protocol is attractive owing to its speed, reliability, and ecofriendly and cost-effective qualities. The synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were subjected to three different calcination temperatures (500, 600, and 700°C). The crystallinity nature and phase purity have been confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Optical properties have been studied by UV-visible (UV-vis) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). A very narrow bandgap was observed, and absorbance was observed at the visible region. Photoluminescence spectra have exhibited a multicolor emission band from the near UV to visible region due to defect centers (F centers). EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectrum) has given information on the stoichiometric ratio of Fe and O. The functional groups which are responsible for nanoparticle formation have been identified by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface morphology transformation has been illustrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies, and VSM measurements have exhibited a hysteresis curve that shows the weak and strong ferromagnetic behavior in nature at RT. TEM micrographs have confirmed that particles are in the nanorange, matching the results from the XRD report. The SAED pattern gives information on the polycrystalline nature of hematite nanoparticles. TG-DSC characterization revealed phase transition, decomposition, and weight loss information. Frequency-dependent electrical properties were studied. Here, we report what the present studies have revealed: that hematite nanopowder prepared from the green route is environmentally friendly, takes a short time to prepare, is an economical and promising candidate material for electromagnetic devices and ferromagnet manufacturing, and is a photocatalyst in water treatment applications without adding additives (H2O2).
Gastrointestinal Motility and Gut Hormone Secretion in response to Shenhuang Plaster in a Postoperative Ileus Rat Model
Authors: Shi Yanan , Zheng Yingsong , Xu Jingming , Ding Bin , Shou Qiyang , Chen Guiping , Liu Ting , Sun Qiuhua , Xu Xiaohong
Published: June 2021

Postoperative ileus (POI), a gastrointestinal function disorder, is a complication that arises from surgery. Shenhuang plaster (SHP) application to the Shenque acupoint (CV8) to promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function has achieved definite curative effects in clinical settings; however, the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SHP using a Sprague Dawley rat POI model. Then, gastrointestinal transit in different rat groups was evaluated by the movement of fluorescein-labelled dextran. Ghrelin, obestatin, motilin (MTL), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) plasma concentrations were measured via a radioimmunoassay. The expression of the ghrelin and obestatin receptors (GHS-R1α and GPR39) in the intestinal muscularis of rats in different groups was comparatively identified via western blotting. The results indicated that SHP application improved gastrointestinal motility in POI model rats. SHP application significantly increased ghrelin concentration and the expression of its receptor and inhibited obestatin concentration and the expression of its receptor in blood. Further, ghrelin concentration and the capability of gastrointestinal transit were positively correlated. Simultaneously, SHP application also promoted the secretion of other gastrointestinal motility hormones, such as MTL and VIP. Hence, these results provide evidence that SHP can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal transmission in POI rat models through regulation of ghrelin and other intestinal hormones.
Optimization Analysis of Tennis Players’ Physical Fitness Index Based on Data Mining and Mobile Computing
Authors: Zhang Shoudong , Mao Huaqing
Published: June 2021

Tennis is a very explosive, continuous, and intense sport, including many continuous short‐term explosive actions. It has the characteristics of short‐term, high‐intensity, high‐density training, and it belongs to the category of purely competitive skills. In the competition, athletes must maintain good physical condition, physical fitness, and long‐term endurance in order to demonstrate outstanding technical and tactical skills. Therefore, this paper proposes a mobile processor performance data mining framework MobilePerfMiner, which uses hardware counters and iteratively uses the XGBoost algorithm to build a performance model, ranks the importance of the microarchitecture events of the big data task, and reduces the performance big data dimension, so as to optimize the big data algorithm according to the performance characteristics described. Undoubtedly, the comprehensive monitoring of the sports training process is complex system engineering. The main monitoring includes three aspects: physical condition, technical and tactical skills, and intelligence. Sports technology is reflected in the ultimate load. According to the convenience and actual needs of the research, this article will discuss the methods of evaluating tennis training load and the actual technical and tactical parameter characteristics that can be obtained by studying the characteristics of tennis, namely, kinematics. Parameters for noncontact testing, the next step is to discuss the appropriateness and necessity of the load, as well as the technical and routine monitoring of tennis training ability. The final experimental results show that it can improve the physical energy of tennis players by more than 17%.
Otherwise Unexplained Transient QTc Prolongation in a Patient Admitted with COVID Disease
Authors: Coyle Mark , Wilkinson Mark , Sheehy Mark
Published: June 2021

Background. Several cardiovascular manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been previously described. QT prolongation has been reported in COVID-19 infection in association with medications such as azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, and chloroquine but has not previously been reported as a direct result of COVID-19 infection. Case summary. We report the case of a 65-year-old female who developed a prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) during a hospital admission with COVID-19. This patient was not on any QT prolonging treatment, serum electrolytes were normal, and there was no identifiable reversible cause for the QTc lengthening. Daily serial ECGs during admission showed resolution of the ventricular repolarization abnormality in synchronization with resolution of her COVID-19 viral illness. Discussions. Although there have been reports of QTc prolongation in COVID-19 patients, previous reports of this are for patients receiving medication that causes QT prolongation. This case uniquely demonstrates the development and resolution of this temporary ventricular repolarization abnormality in a patient with a structurally normal heart with no evidence of myocardial fibrosis or edema on cardiac MRI, that is unexplained by other confounding factors, such as medication. This suggests there may be a direct association between COVID-19 and temporary QTc prolongation.
Simplified Assessment of the Index of Microvascular Resistance
Authors: Kodeboina Monika , Nagumo Sakura , Munhoz Daniel , Sonck Jeroen , Mileva Niya , Gallinoro Emanuele , Candreva Alessandro , Mizukami Takuya , Van Durme Frederik , Heyse Alex , Wyffels Eric , Vanderheyden Marc , Barbato Emanuele , Bartunek Jozef , De Bruyne Bernard , Collet Carlos
Published: June 2021

Background. To validate a simplified invasive method for the calculation of the index of microvascular resistance (IMR). Methods. This is a prospective, single-center study of patients with chronic coronary syndromes presenting with nonobstructive coronary artery disease. IMR was obtained using both intravenous (IV) adenosine and intracoronary (IC) papaverine. Each IMR measurement was obtained in duplicate. The primary objective was the agreement between IMR acquired using adenosine and papaverine. Secondary objectives include reproducibility of IMR and time required for the IMR measurement. Results. One hundred and sixteen IMR measurements were performed in 29 patients. The mean age was 68.8 ± 7.24 years, and 27.6% was diabetics. IMR values were similar between papaverine and adenosine (17.7 ± 7.26 and 20.1 ± 8.6,

p
=
0.25

; Passing-Bablok coefficient A 0.58, 95% CI −2.42 to 3.53; coefficient B 0.90, 95% CI −0.74 to 1.07). The reproducibility of IMR was excellent with both adenosine and papaverine (ICC 0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.88 and ICC 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97). The time needed for microvascular assessment was significantly shortened by the use of IC papaverine (3.23 (2.84, 3.78) mins vs. 5.48 (4.94, 7.09) mins,

p
<
0.0001

). Conclusion. IMR can be reliably measured using IC papaverine with similar results compared to intravenous infusion of adenosine with increased reproducibility and reduced procedural time. This approach simplifies the invasive assessment of the coronary microcirculation in the catheterization laboratory.
To Go or Not to Go?—Targeting Tregs Traveling in Tumors
Authors: Chakraborty Sanjukta , Zappasodi Roberta
Published: June 2021

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are one of the major impediments to effective antitumor immunity and successful immunotherapy. Elevated intratumoral Treg frequencies, observed in a variety of malignancies, have been associated with poor prognosis. In this issue of Cancer Research, two studies underscore the potential of harnessing the unique migratory profile of tumor-infiltrating Tregs to selectively eliminate these cells without compromising peripheral tolerance. Both studies identify surface migratory receptors, CCR8 by Campbell and colleagues and GPR15 by Adamczyk and colleagues, as selective markers of intratumoral Tregs in tumor-bearing mice and patients with cancer. Genetic deletion of GPR15 or antibody-mediated depletion of CCR8 was found to preferentially decrease tumor-infiltrating Tregs and substantially delayed tumor progression. Together, these two studies highlight the significance of migratory molecules in intratumoral Tregs and propose two potential selective targets for preferential elimination of tumor-associated “pathogenic” Tregs, which can be hijacked to enhance the response to immunotherapy.

See related articles by Adamczyk et al., p. 2970 and Campbell et al., p. 2983
Cytokine Levels at Birth in Children Who Developed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Whitehead Todd P. , Wiemels Joseph L. , Zhou Mi , Kang Alice Y. , McCoy Lucie S. , Wang Rong , Fitch Briana , Petrick Lauren M. , Yano Yukiko , Imani Partow , Rappaport Stephen M. , Dahl Gary V. , Kogan Scott C. , Ma Xiaomei , Metayer Catherine
Published: June 2021

Background:

Prenatal immune development may play an important role in the etiology of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods:

Seven cytokines, IL1β, IL4, IL6, IL8, GM-CSF, TNFα, and VEGF, were analyzed in blood spots collected at birth from 1,020 ALL cases and 1,003 controls participating in the California Childhood Leukemia Study. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) associated with an interquartile range increment in cytokine levels were calculated using logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic and birth characteristics.

Results:

We found that patients with ALL were born with higher levels of a group of correlated cytokines than controls [IL1β: OR of 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.35); IL8: 1.19 (1.03–1.38); TNFα: 1.15 (1.01–1.30); VEGF: 1.16 (1.01–1.33)], especially among children of Latina mothers (ORs from 1.31 to 1.40) and for ALL with high hyperdiploidy (ORs as high as 1.27). We found that neonatal cytokine levels were correlated with neonatal levels of endogenous metabolites which had been previously associated with ALL risk; however, there was no evidence that the cytokines were mediating the relationship between these metabolites and ALL risk.

Conclusions:

We posit that children born with altered cytokine levels are set on a trajectory towards an increased risk for subsequent aberrant immune reactions that can initiate ALL.

Impact:

This is the first study to evaluate the interplay between levels of immunomodulatory cytokines at birth, prenatal exposures, and the risk of childhood ALL.
A Hopeful Leap Forward by Multicentric Cooperation for Precision-Based Therapy for Very Resistant, Relapsed, or Refractory Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Bornhauser Beat C. , Bourquin Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2021

Pikman and colleagues report the results of a multicentric prospective clinical trial of the leukemia precision-based therapy (LEAP) consortium that combines identification of targetable lesions in drug-resistant childhood leukemia, tiered based on evidence for genomic lesions and drug target, validation of matching small-molecule targeted agents, and treatment of individual patients. The study demonstrates the impact of genomic information on disease classification, treatment guidance, and translational research, but also illustrates the challenges for target prediction and trial design for increasingly heterogeneous and smaller subgroups of patients.

See related article by Pikman et al., p. 1424.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Hakim Christopher , Mendelson Avery , Patel Jalpa , Greer Julia , Sorser Serge
Published: June 2021

Approximately 85% of kidney tumors are renal cell carcinoma (RCC). RCC commonly metastasizes to the lung, bone, and lymph nodes; however, gastric metastasis is exceedingly rare. We present an 86-year-old woman with left-sided RCC with known metastatic disease to the lungs, lymph nodes, and bone, who presented with acute blood loss anemia. After hemodynamic stabilization, esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a large infiltrative, polypoid, and ulcerated polyp in the gastric body. After complete polypectomy, histological examination demonstrated gastric mucosa ulcerated by clear-cell carcinoma, compatible with metastatic RCC. Our patient was successfully treated with palliative radiation to the gastric body.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Discovered following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Patil Arvind D. , Kulkarni Shrihari L. , Balikai Girish
Published: June 2021

Total knee arthroplasty is performed routinely for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. We report a case of high-grade diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as an unexpected diagnosis after histopathological examination of unusual-looking synovium during total knee arthroplasty in a 68-year-old patient without any systemic symptoms.
Complement in Renal Disease as a Potential Contributor to Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Fischer Lisa-Maren , Fichte Laura A. , Büttner-Herold Maike , Ferrazzi Fulvia , Amann Kerstin , Benz Kerstin , Daniel Christoph
Published: June 2021

Objective: Complement deposition is prevalent in kidney biopsies of patients with arterial hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy, but an association of hypertension and complement deposition or involvement of complement in the pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy has not been shown to date. Methods: In this study, we analyzed complement C1q and C3c deposition in a rat model of overload and hypertension by subtotal nephrectomy (SNX) and in archival human renal biopsies from 217 patients with known hypertension and 91 control patients with no history of hypertension using semiquantitative scoring of C1q and C3c immunohistochemistry and correlation with parameters of renal function. To address whether complement was only passively deposited or actively expressed by renal cells, C1q and C3 mRNA expression were additionally analyzed. Results: Glomerular C1q and C3c complement deposition were significantly higher in kidneys of hypertensive SNX rats and hypertensive compared to nonhypertensive patients. Mean arterial blood pressure (BP) in SNX rats correlated well with the amount of glomerular C1q and C3c deposition and with left ventricular weight, as an indirect parameter of high BP. Quantitative mRNA analysis showed that C3 was not only deposited but also actively produced by glomerular cells of hypertensive SNX rats and in human renal biopsies. Of note, in patients CKD-stage correlated significantly with the intensity of glomerular C3c staining, but not with that of C1q. Conclusion: Renal complement deposition correlated with experimental hypertension as well as the presence of hypertension in a variety of renal diseases. To answer the question, if and how exactly renal complement is causative for the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension in men, further studies are needed.
The Use of Somatex Shunt for Fetal Pleural Effusion: A Cohort of 8 Procedures
Authors: Chung Man Yan , Leung Wing Cheong , Tse Wing Ting , Ting Yuen Ha , Law Kwok Ming , Hui Annie Shuk Yi , Wah Yi Man , Lam Hugh Simon , Poon Liona Chiu Yee , Leung Tak Yeung
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Fetal pleural effusion may require in utero shunting which is associated with procedure-related complications. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of the newly designed Somatex shunt in treating fetal pleural effusion. Methods: Consecutive cases with primary fetal pleural effusion who were treated with the Somatex shunt between 2018 and 2019 were evaluated. Perinatal outcomes and complications were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 6 cases of unilateral and 1 case of bilateral pleural effusion, and hence a total of 8 pleuroamniotic shunting procedures were performed. The median gestational age at diagnosis and shunting was 20.7 and 22.6 weeks, respectively. All 8 procedures were successful, achieving complete in utero drainage. All but one were live births (85.7%) with a median gestational age of 38 weeks. The single case of in utero death occurred 4.7 weeks after successful shunting, and no cause could be identified after autopsy. The rates of preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes were 33.3% (2/6) and 16.7% (1/6), respectively. Four of the 8 procedures (50%) had minor shunt-related complications such as dislodgement and entrapment, occurring at a median of 7.7 weeks after shunting. None of the shunts became blocked. Conclusions: The Somatex shunt is effective in relieving fetal pleural effusions with good survival rate. Overall, it was a safe instrument, though minor shunt complications occurred.
Endovascular Management of Type III Perimedullary Spinal Arteriovenous Malformations in Pediatric Population
Authors: Khalid Syed Hassan , Khan Yakoot , Bashir Sanaullah , Awan Saba Iqbal , Mustafa Saleem , Bari Muhammad Ehsan
Published: June 2021

Background: Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a cause of 20–30 of all spinal vascular malformation. The treatment option for the AVM depends upon the type of AVM. Here, we present a case series to discuss the type, management, and post-operative conclusion of the spinal AVMs. Method: Four patients with spinal AVMs were retrospectively reviewed. All 4 patients were with a nidus-type AVM. Treatment for all patients required embolization. Clinical features, imaging, treatment, and clinical results were observed. All 4 patient’s clinical outcome was assessed using the Modified Ranked Scale. Result: The follow-up after management showed that all four-patient recovered without any residual deficit. All four-patient scored zero (0) on the Modified Ranked Scale. Conclusion: Pediatric spinal AVMs are rare and require complex multimodal approach to achieve favorable outcomes.
Combination of Treadmill Aerobic Exercise with Biﬁdobacterium longum OLP-01 Supplementation for Treatment of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Murine Model
Authors: Hsu Yi-Ju , Chiu Chien-Chao , Lee Mon-Chien , Huang Wen-Ching
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Obesity, which can result from disease, genetics, nutrition, lifestyle, and insufficient physical activity, substantially increases an individual’s risk of complications and comorbidities. Exercise can be an effective strategy for achieving an energy balance and physiological fitness as part of obesity management. Additionally, probiotics, which are isolated from food and the environment, are being rapidly developed and have functional benefits for mitigating various metabolic dysfunctions associated with obesity. The potentially positive physiological and functional effects of exercise, probiotics, and exercise combined with probiotics should be elucidated in a model of diet-induced obesity. Methods: Biﬁdobacterium longum subsp. longum OLP-01 (OLP-01) was isolated from an elite Olympic-level athlete who exhibited physiological adaptations to peripheral fatigue caused by exercise training. In this current study, ICR strain mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks to replicate an obesity model. The mice were divided into 5 groups according to the diet administered: control with normal diet, only HFD, HFD + exercise, HFD + OLP, and HFD + exercise + OLP groups. They were administered the probiotic and/or treadmill exercise training for 5 weeks, and their growth curve, physical activity, physiological adaptation, biochemical parameters, body composition, and glucose tolerance were assessed. Results: Compared with only exercise or only probiotics, a combination of probiotics and exercise significantly improved the weight, glucose tolerance, fat composition, and exercise-related oxidative stress of mice. Regular and programmed exercise with sufficient rest may be crucial to obesity improvement, and a combination of probiotics and exercise may synergistically assist obesity management and health promotion. Conclusion: OLP-01 probiotics combined with exercise training can be employed as a strategy for treating obesity. However, the exact regulatory mechanisms underlying this effect, possibly involving microbiota and associated metabolites, warrant further investigation.
Correlation and Comparison of Somatostatin Receptor Type 2 Immunohistochemical Scoring Systems with 68Ga-DOTATATE Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Imaging in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Yu Jiangyuan , Cao Fang , Zhao Xinya , Xie Qing , Lu Ming , Li Jie , Yang Zhi , Sun Yu
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The overexpression of somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) is a unique characteristic of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs), which establishes the basis for both diagnosis and therapy. The SSTR status can be evaluated by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. This study attempted to determine the relationship between IHC and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging and to explore the optimal cutoff value for SSTR IHC reading. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 GEP-NENs with SSTR PET/CT and pathological data were retrospectively analyzed, which consisted of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) G1 (n = 9), NET G2 (n = 64), NET G3 (n = 13), neuroendocrine carcinoma ( n = 10), and mixed neuroendocrine-non-NENs ( n = 4). SSTR2-IHC results were interpreted by 4 well-established semiquantitative scoring systems, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) score, Volante score, H score, and immunoreactive score. Results: In the homogeneous SSTR2 expression group (accounting for 57% of all cases), the 4 scoring systems were highly concordant with each other (Kendall’s Tau-b coefficient range: 0.80–0.96, p < 0.001) and also highly correlated with the 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging results (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients: 0.71, 0.86, 0.80, and 0.71, p < 0.001). In the heterogeneous group (43%), the 4 scoring systems revealed a lower level of concordance (the Kendall Tau-b coefficient range: 0.40–0.75, p < 0.01), and the correlation with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging was also lower, albeit statistically significant (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients: 0.53, 0.38, 0.36, and 0.33, p < 0.05). Heterogeneous SSTR2 expression was mainly observed in the HER2 2+ cases, for which the combination with H score could help identify positive cases with increased sensitivity and specificity. The highest sensitivity and specificity of H scores in predicting the imaging results were achieved at 86.10 and 89.30% when defining the cutoff value as 160, indicating that 80% of the tumor cells were moderately positive or 55% were strongly positive. Conclusions: SSTR2 IHC was found to predict 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging accurately, especially in the homogeneous expression group. According to the positive 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT outcomes, 80% of the tumor cells moderately positive or 55% strongly positive was the cutoff values for SSTR2-IHC reading.
Troponin Elevation in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Akkus Nuri I. , Rajpal Saurabh , Hilbun Jeffrey , Dwary Ashish , Smith Thomas R. , Mina George , Reddy Pratap C.
Published: June 2021

Objective: Sickle cell disease is associated with cardiovascular abnormalities. Troponin is not typically measured in this population, and thus the significance of abnormal levels of troponin is unknown. We wanted to evaluate the use of troponin and factors that predispose troponin elevation in patients admitted with sickle cell pain crisis (SCPC). Methods: We reviewed data of consecutive patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital between 2006 and 2011 with a diagnosis of SCPC. Subjects with elevated troponin (ET) (troponin I >0.04 ng/mL) were compared with those with normal troponin (NT) for demographics, risk factors, presence of echocardiography-derived tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) ≥3 m/s suggesting pulmonary hypertension, and laboratory tests. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare groups. Results: Two hundred eighty-three of 724 patients admitted with SCPC had chest pain. Troponin I was measured in 63 patients: 51 had NT and 12 had ET ranging from 0.06 to 3.42 ng/ml. ET was associated lower hemoglobin (p = 0.02), lower hematocrit (p = 0.02), lower platelet number (p < 0.001), higher LDH (p = 0.012), higher AST levels (p = 0.004), higher bilirubin levels (p = 0.006), and TRV ≥3 m/s (p = 0.028). Conclusions: Troponin was measured in <10% of patients with SCPC, and 1 out of 5 of them had ET. Troponin elevation was not associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors but was associated with lower hematocrit, elevated LDH, bilirubin levels, and TRV ≥3 m/s.
Extent of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Stenotic Bicuspid Versus Tricuspid Aortic Valves
Authors: Dolmaci Onur B. , Legué Juno , Lindeman Jan H. N. , Driessen Antoine H. G. , Klautz Robert J. M. , Van Brakel Thomas J. , Siebelink Hans‐Marc J. , Mertens Bart J. A. , Poelmann Robert E. , Gittenberger‐de Groot Adriana C. , Grewal Nimrat
Published: June 2021

Background

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital cardiac malformation, which is often complicated by aortic valve stenosis (AoS). In tricuspid aortic valve (TAV), AoS strongly associates with coronary artery disease (CAD) with common pathophysiological factors. Yet, it remains unclear whether AoS in patients with BAV is also associated with CAD. This study investigated the association between the aortic valve morphological features and the extent of CAD.

Methods and Results

A single‐center study was performed, including all patients who underwent an aortic valve replacement attributable to AoS between 2006 and 2019. Coronary sclerosis was graded on preoperative coronary angiographies using the coronary artery greater even than scoring method, which divides the coronaries in 28 segments and scores nonobstructive (20%–49% sclerosis) and obstructive coronary sclerosis (>49% sclerosis) in each segment. Multivariate analyses were performed, controlling for age, sex, and CAD risk factors. A total of 1296 patients (931 TAV and 365 BAV) were included, resulting in 548 matched patients. Patients with TAV exhibited more CAD risk factors (odds ratio [OR], 2.66; 95% CI, 1.79–3.96;
P
<0.001). Patients with BAV had lower coronary artery greater even than 20 (1.61±2.35 versus 3.60±2.79) and coronary artery greater even than 50 (1.24±2.43 versus 3.37±3.49) scores (
P
<0.001), even after correcting for CAD risk factors (
P
<0.001). Patients with TAV more often needed concomitant coronary revascularization (OR, 3.50; 95% CI, 2.42–5.06;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with BAV who are undergoing surgery for AoS carry a lower cardiovascular risk profile, correlating with less coronary sclerosis and a lower incidence of concomitant coronary revascularization compared with patients with TAV.
Magnetic Interference on Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices From Apple iPhone MagSafe Technology
Authors: Nadeem Fahd , Nunez Garcia Arismendy , Thach Tran Cao , Wu Michael
Published: June 2021

Background

Magnet wireless charging is being utilized increasingly in current generation smartphones. Apple's MagSafe is a proprietary wireless charging technology with an array of magnets that has the capacity to generate magnet fieldstrength >50 gauss (G). We hypothesize that there is clinically significant magnet interference caused by Apple's MagSafe technology on cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED).

Methods and Results

This study has an in vivo and an ex vivo component. The in vivo component consists of consecutive patients who presented to the electrophysiology laboratory with previously implanted CIEDs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was directly placed on the skin over the pocket of these patients and the effect was studied by device interrogation. For the ex vivo component of the study, CIEDs from major device companies were tested for magnetic interference caused by iPhone 12 Pro Max through unopened packages. We found that iPhone 12 Pro Max resulted in clinically identifiable magnet interference in 3/3 (100%) participants in vivo and in 8/11 (72.7%) devices ex vivo.

Conclusions

Apple's iPhone 12 Pro Max MagSafe technology can cause magnet interference on CIEDs and has the potential to inhibit lifesaving therapy.
Herpetological higher taxa nomina. 5. Anura, Urodela, Batrachia: addenda and corrigenda

Authors: DUBOIS ALAIN , FRÉTEY THIERRY
Published: June 2021

The nomenclatural status of 17 class-series nomina (13 diplorhizonyms and 4 haplorhizonyms), based on the single or primary stems Anura, Urodela and Batrachia that had been set aside in our previous papers of this series is examined. None of them is currently valid under the Duplostensional Nomenclatural System, four of them are unavailable (including "Batrachoidaria" Betancur-R. et al., 2017), and the status of four of them, based on fossil nucleogenera, is still unsettled because of missing information concerning the phylogenetic relationships of some of these genera.
It is high time that taxonomists follow the Code. 2. The Virgotyphlops case (Serpentes, Typhlopidae

Authors: FRÉTEY THIERRY , DUBOIS ALAIN
Published: June 2021

Wallach (2020a: 10) erected a new genus Virgotyphlops for the typhlopid snake species Eryx braminus Daudin, 1803, which had previously been referred by Hedges et al. (2014) to their genus Indotyphlops. Unfortunately, this new generic nomen is nomenclaturally unavailable, and should therefore not be used as valid as long as it has not been properly published.
Preparation of a New Nanobody and Its Usage in Treatment of Spontaneous Hypertension
Authors: Wu Zonghu
Published: June 2021

In order to improve the controllability of spontaneous hypertension, it was necessary to study a new nanobody that can inhibit calcium flow and reduce hypertension by considering the specificity and long half-life of antibody. Firstly, the antibody epitope screening technology was adopted
to select a short peptide (CN8) in the E3 region of the first domain of Cav1.2 α1c subunit, the full-length complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (cDNA) clone of which was undertaken as a template. The gene fragment in extracellular region of CN8 was
amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the pET30a-CN8 recombinant plasmid was constructed. Ribose nucleic acids (RNAs) in peripheral lymphocytes of 5 camels were extracted, and the reverse transcribed cDNA was taken as a template to realize the amplification of VHH gene fragment.
After the double enzyme digestion, the pMECS vector was connected and TG1 was transformed to form a natural VHH antibody library. The phage display library was screened by CN8 protein to obtain the new nanobody (VHH-CN8). Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to analyze
the specific binding of antibody, and the calcium flux test was adopted to test the effect of antibody on calcium channels. A rat model of spontaneous hypertension and a mice model of spontaneous hypertension induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) were constructed to verify the antihypertensive
effect of the prepared nanobody materials. In vitro, the VHH-CN8 antibody could realize specific binding to the Cav1.2 channel, inhibit the transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, and prevent the increase in intracellular calcium concentration of arterial smooth
muscle by adjusting the concentration and potential; in vivo, the VHH-CN8 antibody could reduce the blood pressure level of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and mice in Ang II model, which was 196±3/186±4 mmHg (P < 0.05) and 187±5/158±3 mmHg
(P < 0.01), respectively. Thus, it proved that the prepared nanobody could reduce the blood pressure level of spontaneous hypertension.
Enlightenment Strikes! Broadening Graduate School Training through Field Campaign Participation
Authors: Rasmussen Kristen L. , Burt Melissa A. , Rowe Angela , Haacker Rebecca , Hence Deanna , Luna Lorena Medina , Nesbitt Stephen W. , Maertens Julie
Published: June 2021

This article provides an overview of the Advanced Study Institute: Field Studies of Convection in Argentina (ASI-FSCA) program, a 3-week dynamic and collaborative hands-on experience that allowed 16 highly motivated and diverse graduate students from the United States to participate in the 2018–19 Remote Sensing of Electrification, Lightning, and Mesoscale/Microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) field campaign. This program is unique as it represents the first effort to integrate an intensive Advanced Study Institute with a field campaign in atmospheric science. ASI-FSCA activities and successful program outcomes for five key elements are described: 1) intensive field research with field campaign instrumentation platforms; 2) recruitment of diverse graduate students who would not otherwise have opportunities to participate in intensive field research; 3) tailored curriculum focused on scientific understanding of cloud and mesoscale processes and professional/academic development topics; 4) outreach to local K–12 schools and the general public; and 5) building a collaborative international research network to promote weather and climate research. These five elements served to increase motivation and improve confidence and self-efficacy of students to participate in scientific research and field work with goals of increasing retention and a sense of belonging in STEM graduate programs and advancing the careers of students from underrepresented groups as evidenced by a formal program evaluation effort. Given the success of the ASI-FSCA program, our team strongly recommends considering this model for expanding the opportunities for a broader and more diverse student community to participate in dynamic and intensive field work in atmospheric science.
Post-Operative Dysphagia in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Haller Leonard , Mehul Kharidia Khush , Bertelsen Caitlin , Wang Jeffrey , O’Dell Karla
Published: June 2021

Objective:

We sought to identify risk factors associated with long-term dysphagia, characterize changes in dysphagia over time, and evaluate the incidence of otolaryngology referrals for patients with long-term dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF).

Methods:

About 56 patients who underwent ACDF between May 2017 to February 2019 were included in the study. All patients were assessed for dysphagia using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) survey preoperatively and late postoperatively (≥1 year). Additionally, 28 patients were assessed for dysphagia early postoperatively (2 weeks—3 months). Demographic data, medical comorbidities, intraoperative details, and post-operative otolaryngology referral rates were collected from electronic medical records.

Results:

Of the 56 patients enrolled, 21 patients (38%) had EAT-10 scores of 3 or more at long-term follow-up. None of the demographics, comorbidities, or surgical factors assessed were associated with long-term dysphagia. Patients who reported no long-term dysphagia had a mean EAT-10 score of 6.9 early postoperatively, while patients with long-term symptoms had a mean score of 18.1 ( P = .006). Of the 21 patients who reported persistent dysphagia symptoms, 3 (14%) received dysphagia testing or otolaryngology referrals post-operatively.

Conclusion:

Dysphagia is a notable side effect of ACDF surgery, but there are no significant demographics, comorbidities, or surgical risk factors that predict long-term dysphagia. Early postoperative characterization of dysphagia using the EAT-10 questionnaire can help predict long-term symptoms. There is inadequate screening and otolaryngology follow-up for patients with post-ACDF dysphagia.
Decolonizing Cultural Probes in Ethnographic Research: Perspective of African Scholars
Authors: Oduaran Akpovire , Chukwudeh Okechukwu S.
Published: June 2021

The epistemological positioning that frequently validates the application of cultural probes in eliciting detailed exploration of phenomenon has not been sufficiently interrogated. Yet the epistemological assumptions behind the value of cultural probes continue to be drummed up and foisted on Africa’s emerging ethnographic researchers who actually need to be a bit more critical in its adoption and application. This conceptual paper explores the extant literature on data collection based essentially on cultural probes as espoused in habitus. It is proposed that profound amounts of decolonization of the spirit, content, and process of data gathering is urgent and critical at this stage. Until this is done objectively, African ethnographic researchers should “look at the gift horse in the mouth” before they can properly configure what is right or wrong for the people of Africa who should be in the hot pursuit of the ownership, production and utilization of relevant and sacrosanct knowledge aimed at rapid socio-economic and political development of the continent.
Designing Inclusion: Using 3D Printing to Maximize Adapted Physical Education Participation
Authors: Simpson A. Chloe , Taliaferro Andrea Ruth
Published: June 2021

While assistive technology is often suggested as a way to increase, maintain, or improve functional ability for individuals with disabilities within physical activity (PA) settings, cost and availability of such items are often noted as barriers. In recent years, 3D printing has become available to the general public through the adoption of 3D printers in schools, libraries, and universities. Through individual design and rapid prototyping, 3D printing can support physical educators in accommodating student need for assistive technology through a multitude of modification possibilities. This article will highlight the capacity for 3D printed assistive technology within educational settings, and will illustrate how teachers, APE specialists, and other related service personnel can utilize this technology to support student success in PE and PA settings. This article will also assist practitioners with locating, uploading, and utilizing existing collections of 3D assistive technology models from open-source websites, such as Thingiverse.
A correction to van Wyk’s model of the compressibility of fibrous materials
Authors: Rawal Amit
Published: June 2021

van Wyk put forward a compression model of fibrous materials utilizing a library of analytical approaches, including the continuum mechanics, stereological, geometrical probability, least square method, and excluded area concept. In this letter, we wish to point out a key error noted in van Wyk’s work with the objective of correcting misconceptions that are held by the majority of us. Through this contribution, we question the “inverse cube” pressure-volume relationship of random fibrous materials. The pressure-volume relationship has been revisited by modifying the formulation of the mean length of a fiber element between consecutive contacts projected on the compression direction.
Tourism Firms’ Vulnerability to Risk: The Role of Organizational Slack in Performance and Failure
Authors: Zheng Chen , Li Zezeng , (Snow) Wu Jialin
Published: June 2021

This study explores the influence of political risk on firms in the tourism industry. It addresses a research gap regarding the impact of political risk on firm-level performance and failure and uncovers the role of organizational slack in this relationship. Firm-level political risk is estimated from 2002 to 2019 financial data for firms across six tourism sectors in a developed economy, the United States. Such risk is found to be significantly associated with firm performance and business failure. From the perspectives of the resource-based view and the threat-rigidity hypothesis, the results support the moderating effects of absorbed and unabsorbed slack on links between risk, performance, and business failure. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the tourism industry’s vulnerability, this study will be of interest to tourism firms seeking to improve business sustainability and resilience.