bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computer-Assisted Analysis of Oral Antifungal Therapy in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Airway Mycosis: a Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Li Evan , Scheurer Michael , Kheradmand Farrah , Luong Amber U. , Corry David B.
Published: September 2021

Environmental fungi are etiologically related to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with airway mycosis, but their infectious role remains uncertain, in part because of potentially inadequate methods of disease quantitation. Our objective was to determine objective radiographic and symptomatic outcomes of oral antifungal therapy in adult patients with CRS and airway mycosis by using computer-assisted analysis. We conducted a retrospective study of 65 patients with CRS and culture-proven airway mycosis in a single-center referral-based academic practice, comparing paired sinus computed tomography (CT) scans and symptom scores prior to and during chronic oral antifungal therapy using computer-assisted analysis of sino-mucosal area (CAASMA).
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Heterogeneity of Infiltrating Immune Cell Profiles in the Hepatic Cystic Echinococcosis Microenvironment
Authors: Yasen Aimaiti , Sun Wujianan , Aini Abudusalamu , Aji Tuerganaili , Shao Yingmei , Wang Hui , Li Kun , Li Wending , Zhang Chuanshan , Ahan Ayifuhan , Jiang Tiemin , Wang Zongding , Zhang Wenbao , Sun Cheng , Qu Kun , Wen Hao
Published: September 2021

Human cystic echinococcosis, caused by the larval stage of
Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato
, has been reported a near-cosmopolitan zoonotic disease. Various infiltrating immune cells gather around the lesion and produce a lesion microenvironment; however, cellular composition and heterogeneity in hepatic cystic echinococcosis lesion microenvironments are incompletely understood.
Carbohydrate Metabolism Affects Macrophage-Mediated Killing of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Wei Lifan , Xia Feng , Wang Jia , Ran Shujun , Liang Yakun , Zhou Wei , Huang Zhengwei , Liang Jingping
Published: September 2021

E. faecalis
has become a major pathogen leading to a variety of infections around the world. The metabolic interaction between
E. faecalis
and its host is important during infection but is rarely investigated.
Testicular-sparing excision for benign paratesticular IgG4-related disease
Authors: Soputro Nicolas Adrianto , Kapoor Jada , Popa Ioana , Katz Darren
Published: September 2021

A 28-year-old male was referred by his local general practitioner due to recurrence of painful right scrotal mass, first noted 8 years prior. The mass was further characterised with ultrasound and then was locally excised via an inguinal approach, sparing the testicle, without any postoperative complication. Immunoperoxidase staining of the excised lesion confirmed paratesticular IgG4-related disease.
Recurrent stridor in an infant
Authors: Ngu Chien Ying Vincent , Saniasiaya Jeyasakthy , Kulasegarah Jeyanthi
Published: September 2021

Paediatric upper airway obstruction is an emergency that requires immediate intervention. Among the myriad factors that leads to upper airway obstruction in paediatric age group, bilateral vocal cord palsy is not commonly encountered in clinical practice. The underlying cause of bilateral vocal cord palsy requires thorough investigation prior to deciding on the appropriate intervention. Herein, we report a 4-month-old baby boy who presented with recurrent inspiratory stridor with bilateral vocal cord palsy secondary to Arnold Chiari II malformation. Immediate intervention to drain the hydrocephalous resulted in complete resolution of stridor without having to perform a tracheostomy. We highlight the importance of meticulous and thorough investigations especially in children, as emergent airway intervention such as tracheostomy may result in detrimental effect to speech, swallowing as well as quality of life.
Reactivation of herpes simplex keratitis following vaccination for COVID-19
Authors: Richardson-May James , Rothwell Alice , Rashid Mohammed
Published: September 2021

An 82-year-old man with a history of herpes simplex keratitis 40 years previously presented with recurrence, 1 day following vaccination for novel COVID-19. His condition worsened despite topical treatment with ganciclovir gel. A diagnosis of herpetic stromal keratitis was made, requiring systemic aciclovir, topical prednisolone, moxifloxacin and atropine, and oral doxycycline. He improved clinically on treatment, with some residual corneal scarring. Visual acuity improved from 6/36 corrected at presentation, to 6/24 following treatment. Clearly, public and personal health benefits from vaccination are hugely important and we would not suggest avoiding vaccination in such patients. It is, however, important for ophthalmic providers to be aware of the rare potential for reactivation of herpetic eye disease following vaccination to enable prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Screening attendance, prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a cohort of patients with diabetes mellitus secondary to chronic pancreatitis (DMsCP) in Northern Ireland
Authors: Jamison Catherine , Peto Tunde , Quinn Nicola , D’Aloisio Rossella , Cushley Laura Nicole , Johnston Philip C
Published: September 2021

Introduction

This study investigated Northern Ireland Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (NIDESP) attendance and diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence/severity in patients with diabetes mellitus secondary to chronic pancreatitis (PwDMsCP).

Research design and methods

Medical/NIDESP records for all PwDMsCP attending the pancreatic diabetes clinic were analyzed in 2017 (n=78) and 2019 (n=94).

Results

Between 2017 and 2019, those without DR decreased (76% to 63%); mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), severe NPDR and PDR were found in 30%, 2% and 5%, respectively (previously 18%, 4%, 2%); diabetic maculopathy (DMac) was present in 12% (previously 10%). There was no significant difference between worst-eye DR/DMac grade and HbA1c, gender, body mass index, pancreatitis etiology and screening attendance (p>0.05). Patients with proliferative DR had longer diabetes and pancreatitis duration than DR-free patients (both p=0.001).

Conclusions

DR prevalence was similar in PwDMsCP and patients with type 2 diabetes of similar disease duration. This work demonstrates the importance of reaching all patients for establishing DR severity reliably and to provide accessible, equitable care to PwDMsCP.
Longitudinal Outcomes of Gender Identity in Children (LOGIC): protocol for a prospective longitudinal cohort study of children referred to the UK gender identity development service
Authors: Kennedy Eilis , Spinner Lauren , Lane Chloe , Stynes Hannah , Ranieri Veronica , Carmichael Polly , Omar Rumana , Vickerstaff Victoria , Hunter Rachael , Wright Talen , Senior Robert , Butler Gary , Baron-Cohen Simon , Young Bridget , King Michael
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Gender identity development services (GIDS) worldwide have seen a significant increase in referrals in recent years. Many of these referrals consist of children and young people (CYP) who experience gender-related distress. This study aims to improve understanding of outcomes of CYP referred to the UK GIDS, specifically regarding gender identity, mental health, physical health and quality of life. The impact of factors such as co-occurring autism and early social transition on outcomes over time will be explored.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective cohort study of CYP aged 3–14 years when referred to the UK GIDS. Eligible participants will be ≤14 years at the time their referral was accepted and will be on the waitlist for the service when baseline measures are completed. Children aged under 12 years will complete the measures in an interview format with a researcher, while young people aged 12 years and over and their parents/caregivers will complete online or paper-based questionnaires. Participants will complete follow-up measures 12 months and 24 months later. The final sample size is expected to be approximately 500. Logistic regression models will be used to explore associations between prespecified explanatory variables and gender dysphoria. Appropriate regression models will also be used to investigate explanatory variables for other outcomes. Subgroup analyses based on birth-assigned gender, age at referral and co-occurring autistic traits will be explored.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Health Research Authority and London – Hampstead Research Ethics Committee (reference: 19/LO/0857). The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at both conferences and stakeholder events. Findings will be used to inform clinical practice.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Mechanism of Active Labor (SonoLabor Study): observational study protocol regarding the implementation of the sonopartogram
Authors: Dira Laurentiu Mihai , Tudorache Stefania , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Daskalakis George , Themistoklis Dagklis , Belciug Smaranda , Stoean Ruxandra , Novac Marius , Cara Monica Laura , Dragusin Roxana , Florea Maria , Patru Ciprian , Zorila Lucian , Nagy Rodica , Ruican Dan , Iliescu Dominic Gabriel
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Over the last decades, a large body of literature has shown that intrapartum clinical digital pelvic estimations of fetal head position, station and progression in the pelvic canal are less accurate, compared with ultrasound (US) scan. Given the increasing evidence regarding the advantages of using US to evaluate the mechanism of labour, our study protocol aims to develop sonopartograms for fetal cephalic presentations. They will allow for a more objective evaluation of labour progression than the traditional labour monitoring, which could enable more rapid decisions regarding the mode of delivery.

Methods/analysis

This is a prospective observational study performed in three university hospitals, with an unselected population of women admitted in labour at term. Both clinical and US evaluations will be performed assessing fetal head position, descent and rotation. Specific US parameters regarding fetal head position, progression and rotation will be recorded to develop nomograms in a similar way that partograms were developed. The primary outcome is to develop nomograms for the longitudinal US assessment of labour in unselected nulliparous and multiparous women with fetal cephalic presentation. The secondary aims are to assess the sonopartogram differences in occiput anterior and posterior deliveries, to compare the labour trend from our research with the classic and other recent partogram models and to investigate the capability of the US labour monitoring to predict the outcome of spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Ethics and dissemination

All protocols and the informed consent form comply with the Ministry of Health and the professional society ethics guidelines. University ethics committees approved the study protocol. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at the conference presentations. The study will be implemented and reported in line with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT02326077).
Physical activity levels, lifestyle behaviour and musculoskeletal health profiles among seated video gamers during COVID-19
Authors: Harding Nicholas , Noorbhai Habib
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim of this research study was to determine the physical activity levels of non-active video gamers, and to determine how much other time was spent with sedentary behaviours, both in recreational and occupational domains.

Methods

The study used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and investigated physical activity levels and health data of seated gamers. Typical weekly gaming habits, self-reported musculoskeletal pain and physical activity levels experienced by participants while gaming was also obtained.

Results

Out of a total of 102 participants, 69.6% stated that they game for 3 hours or more on a typical weekday. Most participants video game seated or reclined (96.1%, p=0.01), with only four participants engaging in some form of active video gaming. In relation to physical activity levels, despite the high frequency and duration of gameplay, 87.3% of participants stated they engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity (p=0.02). There was an association with video gaming and musculoskeletal pain, with over half of the participants stating they experienced pain while gaming. There was also a link between seated video gaming and musculoskeletal pain among participants.

Conclusion

Findings from this study show that the high frequency and duration of video gaming among gamers does not affect physical activity for moderate and vigorous intensities, but does affect musculoskeletal pain. Further research is required to determine whether video gaming has a significant effect on lifestyle, sedentary habits and musculoskeletal health, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic where sedentary behaviour has likely increased.
IS DISTRIBUTION OF PAIN RELATED WITH CENTRAL SENSITIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH LOWER LIMB OSTEOARTHRITIS?
Authors: Koufogianni Andriana , Kanellopoulos Asimakis K. , Vassis Konstantinos , Poulis Ioannis A.
Published: September 2021

Design: Cross-sectional study. Background: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions in our society. A growing number of studies suggest the existence of central sensitization (CS) in a subgroup of osteoarthritic patients. One of the criteria included for the classification of CS pain is the expanded distribution of pain. As this criterion is a well-recognized sign of CS, a digital pain drawing (DPD) analysis would be useful to easily identify possible extended areas of pain distribution (PD) in patients with OA. Objective: To study the relationship between the percentage of distribution of pain in the lower limb for both knee and hip, in patients before hip or knee arthroplasty, and the Central Sensitization Inventory Questionnaire. Methods: Twenty women (mean [Formula: see text] years) with diagnosed chronic (over 3 months) knee ([Formula: see text]) and hip ([Formula: see text]) OA participated in the study, with intensity of pain from mild to severe, meaning pain [Formula: see text]/10 using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). The PD was analyzed via software created for this research, called “Pain Distribution Application”. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation between CSI and PD to the lower extremity OA (hip and knee) ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) was found. The distribution of pain has a linear correlation with the results in CSI, of patients who tested positive for CS, i.e. with a score of [Formula: see text]. Conclusions: As the distribution of pain on the surface of the body (diffusion) increases, so does the score of people who test positive for CSI. Our results showed that calculating the distribution of pain with our application may have a utility as a CS screening tool. The PD threshold of 10% of the body area is an index for CS for chronic pain lower limb OA patients.
GRANGER CAUSALITY ANALYSIS BETWEEN INTRA-OSSEOUS PRESSURE AND ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE IN AFRICAN GREY PARROTS (PSITTACUS ERITHACUS)
Authors: Hsiao Yi-Tse , Peng Yun-Wen , Yu Pin Huan
Published: September 2021

Monitoring blood pressure helps a clinical veterinarian assess various conditions in birds. Blood pressure is not only a bio-indicator of renal or cardiovascular disease but is also a vital indicator for anesthesia. Anesthetic- and sedation-related mortality is higher in birds than dogs or cats. The traditional method of blood pressure measurement in mammals mainly relies on indirect methods. However, indirect blood pressure measurement is not reliable in birds, making the direct method the only gold standard. Although an arterial catheter can provide continuous real-time arterial pressure in birds, the method requires technical skill and is limited by bird size, and is thus not practical in birds with circulatory collapse. Intra-osseous (IO) blood pressure is potentially related to arterial pressure and may be a much easier and safer technique that is less limited by animal size. However, the relationship between IO pressure and arterial blood pressure has not been established. This study used mathematical methods to determine the relationship between IO pressure and arterial blood pressure. The Granger causality (G.C.) theory was applied in the study and used to analyze which pressure signal was leading the other. Our findings suggest that IO pressure is G.C. by arterial blood pressure; thus, the use of IO pressure measurements as an alternative to arterial blood pressure measurement is a rational approach.
Finite Element Analysis and Life Prediction of Pre-stressed Composed Dies in Cold Extrusion Process
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Yang Feng , Shao Xiawei , Gu Jiayuan , Zha Guangcheng , Tu Haoyun , Xie Bin
Published: September 2021

Improving and stabilizing the life of the die has always been the key to increasing the output of cold precision forging products and reducing the production cost of forgings. The stress state in pre-stressed composed dies during cold extrusion process is investigated in this paper, it shows that the combined die can greatly reduce the tangential tensile stress of the inner wall of the die and reduce the strain energy density of the die, thereby improving the strength of the die and extending the life of the die. By increasing the number of pre-stressed rings, the amount of interference can be changed, which indirectly changes the pre-stress applied to the die. The relationship between the die fatigue life and the number of pre-stressed rings indicates that the design of the pre-stressed composed structure above the inflection point is an excess design, and the optimal design should be near the inflection point.
On Artin’s conjecture for pairs of diagonal forms
Authors: Campos Vargas João
Published: September 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be an odd prime and [Formula: see text]. In the spirit of Artin’s conjecture, consider the system of two diagonal forms of degree [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] variables given by [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text], this paper shows that this system has a non-trivial [Formula: see text]-adic solution for every [Formula: see text], and for every [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. Moreover, for [Formula: see text], this system will have a non-trivial [Formula: see text]-adic solution for every [Formula: see text].
Figure-of-Merit for a Long-Term Survivorship of a Species Determined from the Short-Term Mortality Rate of Its Individual Organisms
Authors: Suhir E.
Published: September 2021

The two analytical (“mathematical”) probabilistic predictive models considered in this analysis suggest that (1) the nonrandom time-derivative of the long-term mortality rate at a rather arbitrary initial moment of time for a particular type of species of interest can be viewed as a suitable physical or biological criterion, a sort of a figure of merit (FoM), of its long-term viability/survivorship and that (2) this derivative can be determined as the variance of the random mortality rate for the significantly shorter, of course, lifespan of the individual organisms that the type of species as a whole, addressed by the first model, is comprised of. This suggestion is obtained as a modification and extension of and as an “analogy” to a concept that the author developed earlier in application to microelectronics products. So, it is assumed in our approach that the long-term survivorship of a species comprised of numerous individual organisms is analogous to the long-term performance of an electronic product comprised of numerous mass-produced components. In the original research, it was shown that the time-derivative at the initial moment of time of the nonrandom infant mortality portion (IMP) of the bathtub curve (BTC) for an electronic product is, in effect, the variance of the random failure rate (RFR) of the mass-produced components that this product is comprised of, and it is assumed that such an analogy is applicable also to the long-term survivorship of a species comprised of numerous individual organisms. The larger this variance, the shorter is the expected long-term lifetime (survivorship) of the species as a whole. Future work should be focused, first of all, on the verification of the trustworthiness of our basic assumption for different species, including humans, and on the accumulation of statistical data for long-term survivorship of various species and their existing or future habitats, with consideration of the roles of gravity, temperature, level of radiation, attributes of the atmosphere, if any, etc., as well as on calculating lifespan variances for the organisms that the species of interest are comprised of.
Expression and Validation of Online Bus Headways considering Passenger Crowding
Authors: Yan Shengyu , Zhou Jibiao , Zhao Zhuanzhuan
Published: September 2021

Passenger crowding in a city bus is uneven and the most crowded area always appears in the wheelbase of the carriage. The present study aimed to provide a sensitive indicator of the most crowded area to schedule bus headways online using a binocular camera sensor. The algorithm of standee density in the wheelbase area (SDWA) was given by a nonlinear regression model considering standees’ preferences for the standing area, and its goodness of fit and continuity were tested. Considering the characteristics of city bus operation, the proportion of the number of interstops determined from the SDWA was used as a judgment index for passenger crowding. Based on the SDWA algorithm and the judgment index, an online headway model of city buses was proposed, and the feasibility of such a model was verified through a case study in Xi’an city. The proposed model might be beneficial to bus scheduling, seating provision, and bus design.
Benign Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Pregnancy: Fetal Death at 36 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Ayyash Mariam , Smith Nicolina , Keerthy Madhurima , Singh Ashina , Shaman Majid
Published: September 2021

Introduction. Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis is a rare hepatologic disorder characterized by recurrent, self-limited episodes of severe pruritus, jaundice, and elevated bile acids. While there are guidelines for the management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, the literature regarding benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis and pregnancy is limited. Case. A 29-year-old G1P0 woman, with history of liver toxicity, had elevated total serum bile acid levels and liver enzymes documented at 8 weeks of gestation and throughout her pregnancy. She had a reactive nonstress test just 3 days prior to her induction. Fetal demise was noted when she presented at 36 weeks for her induction. Conclusion. We recommend that women with elevated total serum bile acid early in pregnancy due to a separate entity relative to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy be managed in a more individualized approach.
Association between Oral Pathology, Carotid Stenosis, and Oral Bacterial DNA in Cerebral Thrombi of Patients with Stroke
Authors: Patrakka Olli , Mehtonen Helena , Tuomisto Sari , Pienimäki Juha-Pekka , Ollikainen Jyrki , Huhtala Heini , Pessi Tanja , Oksala Niku , Lehtimäki Terho , Järnstedt Jorma , Martiskainen Mika , Karhunen Pekka J.
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose. Risk of acute ischemic stroke has been associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis as well as with periodontal disease. We studied whether oral pathology or carotid atherosclerosis was associated with the presence and quantity of bacterial DNA in their aspirated thrombi. Methods. Thrombus aspirates and control arterial blood were taken from 71 patients (70.4% male; mean age, 67.4 years) with acute ischemic stroke. Tooth pathology was registered using CT scans. Carotid stenosis was estimated with CTA and ultrasonography. The presence of bacterial DNA from aspirated thrombi was determined using quantitative PCR. We also analyzed the presence of these bacterial DNAs in carotid endarterectomies from patients with peripheral arterial disease. Results. Bacterial DNA was found in 59 (83.1%) of the thrombus aspirates (median, 8.6-fold). Oral streptococcal DNA was found in 56 (78.9%) of the thrombus aspirates (median, 5.1-fold). DNA from A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis was not found. Most patients suffered from poor oral health and had in median 19.0 teeth left. Paradoxically, patients with better oral health had more oral streptococcal DNA in their thrombus than the group with the worst pathology (

p
=
0.028

). There was a trend (OR 7.122;

p
=
0.083

) in the association of ≥50% carotid artery stenosis with more severe dental pathology. Oral streptococcal DNA was detected in 2/6 of carotid endarterectomies. Conclusions. Stroke patients had poor oral health which tended to associate with their carotid artery stenosis. Although oral streptococcal DNA was found in thrombus aspirates and carotid endarterectomy samples, the amount of oral streptococcal DNA in thrombus aspirates was the lowest among those with the most severe oral pathology. These results suggest that the association between poor oral health and acute ischemic stroke is linked to carotid artery atherosclerosis.
Multivariable Model Reference Adaptive Control of an Industrial Power Boiler Using Recurrent RBFN
Authors: Tavoosi Jafar , Azarakhsh Yavar , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Mobayen Saleh , Asad Jihad H. , Safdar Rabia
Published: September 2021

In industrial steam systems, the process requires a specific pressure, and the maximum permissible operating pressure is different. If the inlet steam pressure to the steam consuming equipment exceeds the operating pressure, it may cause hazards. Therefore, the more precise control of the boiler pressure is important. Since we are dealing with a nonlinear, time‐varying, and multivariable system, the control method must be designed to handle this system well. Most of the methods proposed so far are either not physically feasible or the system has considered very simple. Therefore, in this paper, while modeling the boiler and its pressure relations more precisely, we will introduce a recurrent type‐2 fuzzy RBFN‐based model reference adaptive control system with various uncertainties so that the uncertainty and inaccuracy of the model can be compensated. The experimental results prove the efficiency of the proposed method in boiler control.
Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in Radiology: How to Recognize and Address Potential Sources of Bias
Authors: Pavlou Athanasios , Kurtz Robert M. , Song Jae W.
Published: September 2021

Accuracy is an important parameter of a diagnostic test. Studies that attempt to determine a test’s accuracy can suffer from various forms of bias. As radiology is a diagnostic specialty, many radiologists may design a diagnostic accuracy study or review one to understand how it may apply to their practice. Radiologists also frequently serve as consultants to other physicians regarding the selection of the most appropriate diagnostic exams. In these roles, understanding how to critically appraise the literature is important for all radiologists. The purpose of this review is to provide a framework for evaluating potential sources of study design biases that are found in diagnostic accuracy studies and to explain their impact on sensitivity and specificity estimates. To help the reader understand these biases, we also present examples from the radiology literature.
The Role of Polyphenols in Regulation of Heat Shock Proteins and Gut Microbiota in Weaning Stress
Authors: Hussain Tarique , Wang Jing , Murtaza Ghulam , Metwally Elsayed , Yang Huansheng , Kalhoro Muhammad Saleem , Kalhoro Dildar Hussain , Rahu Baban Ali , Tan Bie , Sahito Raja Ghazanfar Ali , Chughtai Muhammad Ismail , Yin Yulong
Published: September 2021

Gut microbiota is the natural residents of the intestinal ecosystem which display multiple functions that provide beneficial effects on host physiology. Disturbances in gut microbiota in weaning stress are regulated by the immune system and oxidative stress‐related protein pathways. Weaning stress also alters gut microbiota response, limits digestibility, and influences animal productive performance through the production of inflammatory molecules. Heat shock proteins are the molecular chaperones that perform array functions from physiological to pathological point of view and remodeling cellular stress response. As it is involved in the defense mechanism, polyphenols ensure cellular tolerance against enormous stimuli. Polyphenols are nature‐blessed compounds that show their existence in plenty of amounts. Due to their wider availability and popularity, they can exert strong immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and anti‐inflammatory activities. Their promising health‐promoting effects have been demonstrated in different cellular and animal studies. Dietary interventions with polyphenols may alter the gut microbiome response and attenuate the weaning stress related to inflammation. Further, polyphenols elicit health‐favored effects through ameliorating inflammatory processes to improve digestibility and thereby exert a protective effect on animal production. Here, in this article, we will expand the role of dietary polyphenol intervention strategies in weaning stress which perturbs gut microbiota function and also paid emphasis to heat shock proteins in gut health. This review article gives new direction to the feed industry to formulate diet containing polyphenols which would have a significant impact on animal health.
The Role of Patiromer in Delaying the Onset of Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients with Advanced Renal Failure
Authors: Wadhwa Nand K. , Kline Jason A. , Adapa Sreedhar R.
Published: September 2021

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at an increased risk of developing hyperkalemia, which can be potentially life threatening. Hyperkalemia is frequently encountered with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) therapy use in patients with CKD and often results in the underdosing or discontinuation of these drugs. RAASi therapy has been proven to delay the progression of CKD, ameliorate proteinuria, and reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Patiromer is a sodium-free, potassium-binding polymer used for the treatment of hyperkalemia. We present a case series of four patients with Stage 4 or 5 CKD in whom the initiation of dialysis was delayed with the use of patiromer. For one patient, dialysis was delayed by 18 months, whereas the remaining three patients, in whom hyperkalemia was one of the main complications, remain dialysis independent to date.
Enterprise Financial Risk Identification and Information Security Management and Control in Big Data Environment
Authors: Wei Ran , Yao Sheng
Published: September 2021

With the deepening of business informatization, all kinds of business application data are rapidly gathering, which promotes enterprises to enter the era of big data. Enterprises begin to build the concept of big data, deepen the understanding of big data, extract potential data value, and improve the operation ability of enterprises and information systems. At the same time, big data brings internal control information to the system, which is becoming more and more challenging, so enterprises pay more and more attention to the security of the information system. This paper aims to introduce the enterprise financial risk identification and information security management and control under the big data environment and master the enterprise financial risk identification method so that the enterprise can adapt to the needs of the times competition faster and better. This paper introduces the method of identifying financial risk in the background of big data by classifying the methods of financial risk identification and designing the factor model. Through the experimental investigation of the company's financial asset rate, the enterprise financial risk situation is displayed, and the enterprise can improve the internal management to control the financial risk within a certain range. The experimental results show that from 2016 to 2020, the internal control and asset rate of the enterprise affect the financial risk of the enterprise, 82% of the operators only have a reasonable debt structure and sufficient solvency, the operator can operate in a safe state and then maintain a low financial risk, and the operator should also take measures to prevent the occurrence of risk in advance and realize the business goal of maximizing benefits.
Time-Frequency Characteristics of Fluctuating Pressure on the Bottom of the Stilling Basin with Step-Down Floor Based on Hilbert–Huang Transform
Authors: Jia Wang , Diao Mingjun , Jiang Lei , Huang Guibing
Published: September 2021

Fluctuating pressure is an important feature of the bottom of a stilling basin with step-down floor. To analyze the frequency domain characteristics and energy distribution of this fluctuating pressure, the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) method is used. First, empirical mode decomposition is performed on the pressure fluctuation signal to obtain a number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), and then the Hilbert transformation is performed on each IMF to obtain the Hilbert spectrum and marginal spectrum for characterizing the pressure fluctuation signal. The results show that the fluctuating pressure signal of the stilling basin with step-down floor has obvious characteristics of low frequency and large amplitude. The dominant frequencies of the head and tail of the stilling basin are very prominent, and most of the energy is concentrated below 5.0 Hz; with the increase in the relative position of the measuring point, the energy distribution in stilling basin with step-down floor changes from high-frequency component to low-frequency component. The fluctuating pressure signal of the stilling basin with step-down floor has random amplitude modulation and frequency modulation. The marginal spectrum obtained by the HHT method can obtain the local characteristics of the signal more accurately and is more suitable for processing nonlinear and nonstationary signals.
A Feature Weighted Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm Based on Multistrategy Grey Wolf Optimization
Authors: Liu Yongli , Wang Zhonghui , Chao Hao
Published: September 2021

Traditional fuzzy clustering is sensitive to initialization and ignores the importance difference between features, so the performance is not satisfactory. In order to improve clustering robustness and accuracy, in this paper, a feature-weighted fuzzy clustering algorithm based on multistrategy grey wolf optimization is proposed. This algorithm cannot only improve clustering accuracy by considering the different importance of features and assigning each feature different weight but also can easily obtain the global optimal solution and avoid the impact of the initialization process by implementing multistrategy grey wolf optimization. This multistrategy optimization includes three components, a population diversity initialization strategy, a nonlinear adjustment strategy of the convergence factor, and a generalized opposition-based learning strategy. They can enhance the population diversity, better balance exploration and exploitation, and further enhance the global search capability, respectively. In order to evaluate the clustering performance of our clustering algorithm, UCI datasets are selected for experiments. Experimental results show that this algorithm can achieve higher accuracy and stronger robustness.
Effect of Lubricant Starvation on the Tribo‐Dynamic Behavior of Linear Roller Guideway
Authors: Soleimanian Parivash , Mohammadpour Mahdi , Ahmadian Hamid
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an experimentally validated numerical approach linear roller guideways considering coupled vertical and horizontal (feed) motions and taking into account lubricant starvation. The inlet starvation is considered by incorporating potential flow method. Results show that starvation has pronounced effect on the lubricant film thickness, friction, and applied load on contact by up to 32%. Localised pressure values may vary by up to 100%. The severity of starvation effect is frequency dependent. It is also revealed that the starvation effect can be controlled by the amount of preload on linear guideway.
Hypertension as a Risk Factor for Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Meta-Analysis Including 2,830,338 Patients
Authors: Lun Zhubin , Mai Ziling , Liu Liwei , Chen Guanzhong , Li Huanqiang , Ying Ming , Wang Bo , Chen Shiqun , Yang Yongquan , Liu Jin , Chen Jiyan , Ye Jianfeng , Liu Yong
Published: September 2021

Objective: Previous studies have shown that the relationship between hypertension (HT) and contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) is not clear. We apply a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between HT and CA-AKI. Methods: We searched for articles on the study of risk factors for CA-AKI in the Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (by March 25, 2021). Two authors independently performed quality assessment and extracted data such as the studies’ clinical setting, the definition of CA-AKI, and the number of patients. The CA-AKI was defined as a serum creatinine (SCr) increase ≥25% or ≥0.5 mg/dL from baseline within 72 h. We used fixed or random models to pool adjusted OR (aOR) by STATA. Results: A total of 45 studies (2,830,338 patients) were identified, and the average incidence of CA-AKI was 6.48%. There was an increased risk of CA-AKI associated with HT (aOR: 1.378, 95% CI: 1.211–1.567, I2 = 67.9%). In CA-AKI with a SCr increase ≥50% or ≥0.3 mg/dL from baseline within 72 h, an increased risk of CA-AKI was associated with HT (aOR: 1.414, 95% CI: 1.152–1.736, I2 = 0%). In CA-AKI with a Scr increase ≥50% or ≥0.3 mg/dL from baseline within 7 days, HT increases the risk of CA-AKI (aOR: 1.317, 95% CI: 1.049–1.654, I2 = 51.5%). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis confirmed that HT is an independent risk factor for CA-AKI and can be used to identify risk stratification. Physicians should pay more attention toward prevention and treatment of patients with HT in clinical practice.
Epidemiological Trends and Future Perspectives of Gastric Cancer in Eastern Asia
Authors: Sekiguchi Masau , Oda Ichiro , Matsuda Takahisa , Saito Yutaka
Published: September 2021

Background: The global epidemiological situation of gastric cancer has changed considerably over time, and it is essential to understand the epidemiological trends and future perspectives of gastric cancer. Summary: Although gastric cancer was common in the United States less than a century previously, it is no longer common in this country. Currently, over 60% of gastric cancers are found in Eastern Asia. In some Eastern Asian countries such as Japan and Korea, population-based gastric cancer screening has been conducted using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or radiography to lower gastric cancer mortality. Due to earlier detection of gastric cancer, the survival of patients with gastric cancer is more favorable in these countries than in other Western countries. Even in Eastern Asia, a remarkable decrease in the age-standardized incidence and mortality of gastric cancer has been observed. This downward trend is mainly due to the reduced Helicobacter pylori infection, and this trend is considered to continue. Nevertheless, both the absolute number of incident cases and deaths of gastric cancer are still increasing at present due to the aging population. For the time being, the management of gastric cancer in elderly population is a critical issue in Eastern Asia. The absolute numbers of gastric cancer cases and deaths are believed to peak in the near future, following the decreasing age-standardized incidence and mortality. Key Messages: After a long period, gastric cancer may become a rare cancer even in Eastern Asia, and new efficient approaches for its prevention, screening, and treatment are warranted.
Community Intent to Activate Emergency Medical Services May Be Associated with Regional tPA Treatment
Authors: Springer Mellanie V. , Bi Ran , Skolarus Lesli E. , Lin Chun Chieh , Burke James F.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Acute stroke treatments are underutilized in the USA. Enhancing stroke preparedness, the recognition of stroke symptoms, and intent to call emergency medical services (EMS) could reduce delay in hospital arrival thereby increasing eligibility for time-sensitive stroke treatments. Whether higher stroke preparedness is associated with higher tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment rates is however uncertain. We therefore set out to determine the contribution of stroke preparedness to regional variation in tPA treatment. Methods: The region was defined by hospital service area (HSA). Stroke preparedness was determined by using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey questions assessing stroke symptom recognition and intent to call 911 in response to a stroke. We used Medicare data to determine the percentage of tPA-treated hospitalized stroke patients in 2007, 2009, and 2011, adjusting for number of stroke hospitalizations in each HSA (primary outcome). We performed multivariate linear regression to estimate the association of regional stroke preparedness on log-transformed tPA treatment rates controlling for demographic, EMS, and hospital characteristics. Results: The adjusted percentage of stroke patients receiving tPA ranged from 1.4% (MIN) to 11.3% (MAX) of stroke/TIA hospitalizations. Across HSAs, a median (IQR) of 86% (81–90%) of responses to a witnessed stroke indicated intent to call 911, and a median (IQR) of 4.4 (4.2–4.6) out of 6 stroke symptoms was recognized. Every 1% increase in an HSA’s intent to call 911 was associated with a 0.44% increase in adjusted tPA treatment rate (p = 0.05). Lower accuracy of recognition of stroke symptoms was associated with higher adjusted tPA treatment rates (p = 0.05). Conclusions: There was little regional variation in intent to call EMS and stroke symptom recognition. Intent to call EMS and stroke symptom recognition are modest contributors to regional variation in tPA treatment.
Exploring Minds: Modes of Modeling and Simulation in Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Greif Hajo
Published: September 2021

The aim of this paper is to grasp the relevant distinctions between various ways in which models and simulations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) relate to cognitive phenomena. In order to get a systematic picture, a taxonomy is developed that is based on the coordinates of formal versus material analogies and theory-guided versus pre-theoretic models in science. These distinctions have parallels in the computational versus mimetic aspects and in analytic versus exploratory types of computer simulation. The proposed taxonomy cuts across the traditional dichotomies between symbolic and embodied AI, general intelligence and symbol and intelligence and cognitive simulation and human/non-human-like AI.

According to the taxonomy proposed here, one can distinguish between four distinct general approaches that figured prominently in early and classical AI, and that have partly developed into distinct research programs: first, phenomenal simulations (e.g., Turing’s “imitation game”); second, simulations that explore general-level formal isomorphisms in pursuit of a general theory of intelligence (e.g., logic-based AI); third, simulations as exploratory material models that serve to develop theoretical accounts of cognitive processes (e.g., Marr’s stages of visual processing and classical connectionism); and fourth, simulations as strictly formal models of a theory of computation that postulates cognitive processes to be isomorphic with computational processes (strong symbolic AI).

In continuation of pragmatic views of the modes of modeling and simulating world affairs, this taxonomy of approaches to modeling in AI helps to elucidate how available computational concepts and simulational resources contribute to the modes of representation and theory development in AI research—and what made that research program uniquely dependent on them.
Two Exploratory Uses for General Circulation Models in Climate Science
Authors: Wilson Joseph
Published: September 2021

In this paper I present two ways in which climate modelers use general circulation models for exploratory purposes. The complexity of Earth’s climate system makes it difficult to predict precisely how lower-order climate dynamics will interact over time to drive higher-order dynamics. The same issues arise for complex models built to simulate climate behavior like the Community Earth Systems Model (CESM). I argue that as a result of system complexity, climate modelers use general circulation models to perform model dynamic exploration (MDE) and climate dynamic exploration (CDE). MDE and CDE help climate modelers to better understand the dynamic structure of the general circulation model system and the actual climate system, respectively.
Roger Williams and the Indian Business
Authors: Fisher Julie A.
Published: September 2021

Exploring Roger Williams business on the borderlands of New England is as central to explaining his life as his theological and political debates. As in other corners of Early America, Williams's daily activities involved regular and sustained interactions with his Indigenous neighbors in his home, trading business, and colonial politics.
Derivation of Necessary Items for Implementation of Gardens in Urban Agricultural Parks
Authors: Hong In-Kyoung , Jung Young-Bin , Yun Hyung Kwon , Lee Sang-Mi
Published: September 2021

Background and objective This study was conducted to obtain empirical data for deriving necessary items for the creation and management of gardens in urban agricultural parks while maintaining the publicness of the place by examining the difference in perception among park visitors about the gardens in the public parks. Methods A survey was conducted on users of urban agricultural parks in 6 locations and 113 copies of the questionnaire were collected. After understanding the demographic characteristics and the current use of the garden, we identified the importance of the necessary items for the public gardens. Results 108 subjects(95.6%) responded that gardens are needed in urban parks, for psychological and emotional health (26.2%) and for interaction and friendship with family and neighbors(23.2%). For use of garden crops, most were private sales(96 subjects, 64.4%), and both sales preferred to partially donate their crops. Most used communal gardens operated by public institutions(30.1%). It was found that 96.4% of the respondents were satisfied with gardening activities, and 107(94.7%) of them showed their intention to participate in the gardening in the future. The Kaiser Meyer Olkin value was .848 and the significance level was .001, proving the validity of factor analysis. The factors were named composition elements(Factor 1), management items(Factor 2), convenience elements(Factor 3), and operational facilities(Factor 4). In the survey on the creation and management of gardens in urban agricultural parks, there were no statistically significant differences, but all items had correlations. Conclusion The results have reflected the needs of actual users in establishing the plans to operate urban gardens, thereby having great utility value as the basic data for continuous garden management. Further research can be conducted to derive detailed elements that can guarantee sustainability of urban gardens and suggest high-quality data for management of gardens in urban agricultural parks.