bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Segmentation of Mass Regions in DBT Images Using a Dilated DCNN Approach
Authors: Ye Jianming , Yang Weiji , Wang Jianqing , Xu Xiaomei , Li Liuyi , Xie Chun , Chen Gang , Wang Xiangcai , Lai Xiaobo
Published: February 2022

To overcome the limitations of conventional breast screening methods based on digital mammography, a quasi-3D imaging technique, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has been developed in the field of breast cancer screening in recent years. In this work, a computer-aided architecture for mass regions segmentation in DBT images using a dilated deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) is developed. First, to improve the low contrast of breast tumour candidate regions and depress the background tissue noise in the DBT image effectively, the constraint matrix is established after top-hat transformation and multiplied with the DBT image. Second, input image patches are generated, and the data augmentation technique is performed to create the training data set for training a dilated DCNN architecture. Then the mass regions in DBT images are preliminarily segmented; each pixel is divided into two different kinds of labels. Finally, the postprocessing procedure removes all false-positives regions with less than 50 voxels. The final segmentation results are obtained by smoothing the boundaries of the mass regions with a median filter. The testing accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SEN), and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) are adopted as the evaluation metrics, and the ACC, SEN, as well as AUC are 86.3%, 85.6%, and 0.852 for segmenting the mass regions in DBT images on the entire data set, respectively. The experimental results indicate that our proposed approach achieves promising results compared with other classical CAD-based frameworks.
Effect of Silymarin as an Adjunct Therapy in Combination with Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Patients: A Miniature Clinical Trial
Authors: Ahmed Sarfraz , Ullah Najeeb , Parveen Sadia , Javed Ifra , Jalil Nur Asyilla Che , Murtey Mogana Das , Sheikh Irfan Shahzad , Khan Shahroz , Ojha Suvash Chandra , Chen Ke
Published: February 2022

Silymarin is proclaimed to be a blend of flavonolignans or phytochemicals. An era of new generation of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has commenced to have facet effect in swaying of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Nonetheless, this therapy has serious side effects that jeopardize its efficacy. This study is aimed at probing the effects of ribavirin (RBV) and sofosbuvir (SOF) along with silymarin as an adjunct therapy on hematological parameters and markers of obscured oxidative stress. The effect of DAAs along with silymarin was also examined on variable sex hormone level and liver function markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin. The study was followed to determine viral load and viral genotypes. A total of 30 patients were randomly divided into two equal groups comprising the control group (

n
=
15

) and treatment group (

n
=
15

). The control group was solely administered with DAAs (SOF and RBV; 400 mg/800 mg each/day). Conversely, the treatment group was dispensed with DAAs, but with adjunct therapy of silymarin (400 mg/day) along with DAAs (400/800 mg/day) over period of 8 weeks. Sampling of blood was performed at pre- and posttreatment levels for the evaluation of different propound parameters. Our data showed that silymarin adjunct therapy enhances the efficiency of DAAs. A decrease in menace level of liver markers such as ALT, ALP, AST, and bilirubin was observed (

p
>
0.05

). The adjunct therapy concurrently also demonstrated an ameliorative effect on hematological indices and oxidative markers, for instance, SOD, TAS, GSH, GSSG, and MDA (

p
<
0.05

), diminishing latent viral load. The silymarin administration was also found to revamp the fluster level of sex hormones. Our outcomes provide evidence that systematic administration of silymarin effectively remits deviant levels of hematological, serological, hormonal, and antioxidant markers. This demonstrates a possibly unique role of silymarin in mitigating hepatitis C.
Evidence of Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in a CFA-Induced Chronic Inflammatory Pain Model in Wistar Rats
Authors: Silva Sabrina Pereira , Martins Otávio Garcia , Medeiros Liciane Fernandes , Crespo Priscila Centeno , do Couto Carlus Augustu Tavares , de Freitas Joice Soares , de Souza Andressa , Morastico Amanda , Cruz Luis Augusto Xavier , Sanches Paulo Roberto Stefani , Caumo Wolnei , Gamaro Giovana Duzzo , Torres Iraci Lucena da Silva , de Souza Izabel Cristina Custódio
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Given that chronic inflammatory pain is highly prevalent worldwide, it is important to study new techniques to treat or relieve this type of pain. The present study evaluated the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in rats submitted to a chronic inflammatory model by nociceptive response, biomarker levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-10), and by histological parameters. Methods: Sixty-day-old male Wistar rats were used in this study and randomized by weight into 6 major groups: total control, control + sham-tDCS, control + active tDCS, total CFA, CFA + sham-tDCS, and CFA + active tDCS. After inflammatory pain was established, the animals were submitted to the treatment protocol for 8 consecutive days, according to the experimental group. The nociceptive tests (von Frey and hot plate) were assessed, and euthanasia by decapitation occurred at day 8 after the end of tDCS treatment, and the blood serum and central nervous structures were collected for BDNF and IL measurements. All experiments and procedures were approved by the Institutional Committee for Animal Care and Use (UFPel #4538). Results: The tDCS treatment showed a complete reversal of the mechanical allodynia induced by the pain model 24 h and 8 days after the last tDCS session, and there was partial reversal of the thermal hyperalgesia at all time points. Serum BDNF levels were decreased in CFA + sham-tDCS and CFA + tDCS groups compared to the control + tDCS group. The control group submitted to tDCS exhibited an increase in serum IL-6 levels in relation to the other groups. In addition, there was a significant decrease in IL-10 striatum levels in control + tDCS, CFA, and CFA + sham-tDCS groups in relation to the control group, with a partial tDCS effect on the CFA pain model. Local histology demonstrated tDCS effects in decreasing lymphocytic infiltration and neovascularization and tissue regeneration in animals exposed to CFA. Conclusion: tDCS was able to reverse the mechanical allodynia and decrease thermal hyperalgesia and local inflammation in a chronic inflammatory pain model, with a modest effect on striatum IL-10 levels. As such, we suggest that analgesic tDCS mechanisms may be related to tissue repair by modulating the local inflammatory process.
Genetic Analysis of Consanguineous Pakistani Families with Congenital Stationary Night Blindness
Authors: Azhar Baig Hafiz Muhammad , Ansar Muhammad , Iqbal Afia , Naeem Muhammad Asif , Quinodoz Mathieu , Calzetti Giacomo , Iqbal Muhammad , Rivolta Carlo
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is a rare, largely nonprogressive, inherited retinal disorder that can be clinically classified on the basis of fundus and electroretinogram abnormalities. Methods: We analyzed four large consanguineous families from the Southern Punjab region of Pakistan including multiple individuals affected with CSNB. Exome sequencing was performed in probands of all four families; Sanger sequencing was performed in additional members to test co-segregation of the variants identified. Results: We identified two novel and likely pathogenic variants in two pedigrees, namely, NM_002905.4:c.668A>C (p.Gln223Pro) in RDH5 and NM_022567.2:c.908del (p.Gly303ValfsTer45) in NYX. In the two other families, the variants NM_002905.4:c.319G>C (p.Gly107Arg) in RDH5 and NM_000541.5:c.874C>T (p.Arg292Ter) in SAG were identified. These latter mutations have been reported previously, but not in the Pakistani population. Conclusions: Our findings expand the mutational spectrum of CSNB, in particular within the population of Southern Punjab.
Safety of Intradialytic Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab Administration in Two COVID-19 Dialysis Outpatients
Authors: Gasperoni Lorenzo , Abenavoli Chiara , Donati Gabriele , Scrivo Anna , Zappulo Fulvia , Cingolani Alessandra , Hu Lilio , La Manna Gaetano
Published: February 2022

Chronic hemodialysis patients are at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease and death related to the infection. Anti-spike monoclonal antibodies administration reduces risk of disease progression and hospitalization in high-risk subjects but no clear data on end-stage renal disease are available. We report 2 cases of Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab administration to two not hospitalized chronic hemodialysis patients with SARS-CoV2 infection. Since they are large molecules (human immunoglobulin G1) with molecular weight of 146,000 Da, administration was conducted during the second hour of the dialysis session with no adverse reaction. Conclusions: Intradialytic administration of Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab could be considered safe and may allow adequate clinical observation time without hospital-stay prolongation.
Baseline Levels of Retinol-Binding Protein 4 and Vitamin A in Healthy Subjects, Stargardt Disease, and Geographic Atrophy Patients
Authors: Janeschitz-Kriegl Lucas , Cattaneo Marco , Scholl Hendrik P.N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The accumulation of lipofuscin is a hallmark in the pathogenesis of Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) and geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Limiting lipofuscin accumulation by inhibiting the retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is being explored as a potential treatment target for those diseases. In this study, we aimed to establish the concentration of RBP4 in the systemic circulation in different age cohorts of healthy individuals and to check if patients with STGD1 or GA may show abnormal RBP4 levels. Methods: Forty healthy subjects of various age-groups, 15 Stargardt patients, and 15 GA patients were included in the study. We measured RBP4 levels, serum retinol (SR) levels, complete blood count, and blood chemistry including liver function tests. Results: Mean RBP4 for all cohorts was 26,911.40 ± 6,198.61 ng/mL, and mean SR 1.75 ± 0.36 µmol/L. Age was not found to significantly impact levels neither of RBP4 and SR nor of the RBP4-to-SR ratio. Also, the 2 patient groups showed similar blood levels to their age-matched controls. Conclusion: Serum RBP4 and SR do not appear to be affected by age in healthy individuals and remain within normal limits in both STGD1 and GA.
Pivotal Study Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of the Abre Venous Self-Expanding Stent System in Patients With Symptomatic Iliofemoral Venous Outflow Obstruction
Authors: Murphy Erin , Gibson Kathleen , Sapoval Marc , Dexter David J. , Kolluri Raghu , Razavi Mahmood , Black Stephen
Published: February 2022

Background:

Iliofemoral venous obstruction is recognized with increasing frequency as the underlying cause of lower extremity symptoms including edema, pain, skin changes, and, in advanced cases, ulceration. This study sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Abre venous self-expanding stent system for the treatment of symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction.

Methods:

The ABRE Study (A Multi-Center, Non-Randomized Study to Evaluate the Safety and Effectiveness of the Abre Venous Self-Expanding Stent System in Patients With Symptomatic Iliofemoral Venous Outflow Obstruction) is a single-arm, multicenter, prospective study that included 200 subjects from 24 global sites. The primary end points were 12-month primary patency and major adverse events within 30 days. Secondary end points included lesion and procedure success, primary-assisted and secondary patency, major adverse events, stent migration, stent fracture, and quality of life changes. End point-related adverse events and imaging studies were adjudicated by independent clinical events committee and core laboratories, respectively.

Results:

Venous obstruction cause was classified as acute deep vein thrombosis (16.5%, 33/200), post-thrombotic syndrome (47.5%, 95/200), or nonthrombotic iliac vein lesion (36.0%, 72/200). The common iliac and external iliac veins were stented in 96.0% (192/200), 80.5% (161/200) of subjects, respectively. Stent implant into the common femoral vein was required in 44.0% (88/200). Primary patency at 12 months was 88.0% (162/184). Four (2.0%) major adverse events occurred within 30 days. Twelve-month primary-assisted and secondary patency were 91.8% (169/184) and 92.9% (171/184), respectively. No stent fractures or migrations were reported. Mean target limb Villalta score decreased from 11.2±5.6 at baseline to 4.1±4.8 at 12 months, and the mean target limb revised Venous Clinical Severity Score decreased from 8.8±4.7 at baseline to 4.3±3.6 at 12 months. Clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life and venous functional assessment scores from baseline were demonstrated through 12 months in all measures.

Conclusions:

Symptomatic iliofemoral venous obstruction can be successfully treated with an Abre venous stent. Study outcomes demonstrated a high patency rate with a good safety profile. Patients demonstrated a significant reduction in clinical symptoms and improvement in quality of life that was maintained through 12-month follow-up.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03038438.
Exposure to Neighborhood-Level Racial Residential Segregation in Young Adulthood to Midlife and Incident Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Black Adults: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study
Authors: Reddy Naveen M. , Mayne Stephanie L. , Pool Lindsay R. , Gordon-Larsen Penny , Carr John Jeffrey , Terry James G. , Kershaw Kiarri N.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Neighborhood-level racial residential segregation has been linked to several cardiovascular disease risk factors and outcomes in Black adults, but its impact on subclinical atherosclerosis remains unknown. In addition, although the impact of segregation on health may vary over the life course, most studies have examined segregation exposure at a single point in time. This article takes a life course approach by examining associations of exposure to neighborhood-level racial residential segregation in young adulthood and patterns of exposure from young adulthood to midlife with coronary artery calcification (CAC) incidence.

Methods:

We used data on 1125 Black CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) participants free of CAC. Residential segregation was assessed using the G
i
* statistic and measured when participants were young adults (18–30 years old, in 1985–1986) and as the pattern from young adulthood to midlife (15 years later). Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations models was used to measure CAC incidence.

Results:

We found participants living in low segregation neighborhoods in young adulthood had 0.52 (rate ratio [95% CI: 0.28–0.98]) times lower risk of developing CAC compared with high segregation after adjusting for young adulthood sociodemographic characteristics and neighborhood poverty. Associations were attenuated and no longer statistically significant with adjustment for midlife CAC risk factors hypothesized to be on the causal pathway (rate ratio: 0.56 [95% CI: 0.29–1.09]). Findings for patterns of segregation over time suggest participants living in low segregation neighborhoods in young adulthood were less likely to develop CAC than those who started out in medium/high segregation neighborhoods, regardless of where they lived in midlife (rate ratio for increase from low to medium/high: 0.42 [95% CI: 0.19–0.95]; rate ratio for continuously low versus continuously medium/high segregation neighborhoods: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.31–1.83]).

Conclusions:

We found that participants living in more segregated neighborhoods in young adulthood were more likely to develop CAC due at least in part to differences in CAC risk factor burden accumulated over follow-up.
Cost-Effectiveness of Antibiotic-Eluting Envelope for Prevention of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections in Heart Failure
Authors: Modi Ronuk M. , Liu Chia-Liang , Isaza Nicolas , Raber Inbar , Calvachi Paola , Zimetbaum Peter , Bellows Brandon K. , Kramer Daniel B. , Kazi Dhruv S.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Use of an antibiotic-eluting envelope (AEE) during cardiac implantable electronic device procedures reduces infection risk but increases procedural costs. We aim to estimate the cost-effectiveness of AEE use during cardiac implantable electronic device procedures among patients with heart failure.

Methods:

A state-transition cohort model of heart failure patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device implantation or generator replacement was developed with input parameters estimated from randomized trials, registries, surveys, and claims data. Effectiveness was estimated from the World-Wide Randomized Antibiotic Envelope Infection Prevention Trial. AEE was assumed to cost $953 per unit. The model projected mortality, quality-adjusted life-years, costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of AEE use compared with usual care from a US healthcare sector perspective over a lifetime horizon. We assumed a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained.

Results:

Compared with usual care, AEE use in initial implantations produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $112 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained (39% probability of being cost-effective). In generator replacement procedures, AEE use produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $54 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained (84% probability of being cost-effective). Results were sensitive to the underlying rate of infection, cost of the AEE, and durability of AEE effectiveness.

Conclusions:

Universal AEE use for cardiac implantable electronic device procedures in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is unlikely to be cost-effective, reinforcing the need for individualized risk assessment to guide uptake of the AEE in clinical practice. Selective use in patients at increased risk of infection, such as those undergoing generator replacement procedures, is more likely to meet health system value benchmarks.
Crafting Community-Based Participatory Research Stroke Interventions
Authors: Nichols Michelle , Magwood Gayenell , Woodbury Michelle , Brown Kimberly , Jenkins Carolyn , Owolabi Mayowa
Published: February 2022

Stroke exerts a tremendous burden on individuals, families, communities, and health systems globally. Even more troublesome are the striking disparities faced across diverse populations. These disparities are further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite efforts to advance stroke research, substantial gaps remain in understanding factors that contribute to stroke disparities, including the Social Determinants of Health. Strategically designed studies and tailored interventions are needed to bridge the inequities high-risk populations face and to meet their specific needs. Community-based participatory research offers an approach to equitably partner with community members to understand and work collaboratively to address community-specific health priorities. In this focused update, we highlight the main processes of community-based participatory research studies and share exemplars from our team’s work in stroke research and from the literature. As we continue to face an increasing prevalence of stroke, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing implications of the Social Determinants of Health, partnering with communities to address community-driven health priorities can inform interventions targeted to overcome the disparities faced by certain populations.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Quantification to Predict Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Mismatch Status in Ischemic Stroke With Unknown Onset
Authors: Scheldeman Lauranne , Wouters Anke , Dupont Patrick , Christensen Søren , Boutitie Florent , Cheng Bastian , Ebinger Martin , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. , Gerloff Christian , Muir Keith W. , Nighoghossian Norbert , Pedraza Salvador , Simonsen Claus Z. , Thijs Vincent , Thomalla Götz , Lemmens Robin
Published: February 2022

Background:

Visual rating of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)–fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch can be challenging. We evaluated quantification of DWI and FLAIR to predict DWI-FLAIR mismatch status in ischemic stroke.

Methods:

In screened patients from the WAKE-UP trial (Efficacy and Safety of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Thrombolysis in Wake-Up Stroke), we retrospectively studied relative DWI (rDWI SI) and FLAIR signal intensity (rFLAIR SI). We defined the optimal mean rFLAIR SI and interquartile range of the rDWI SI in the DWI lesion to predict DWI-FLAIR mismatch status. We investigated agreement between each quantitative parameter and the DWI-FLAIR mismatch and the association between both quantitative parameters. We evaluated the predictive value of the quantitative parameters for excellent functional outcome by logistic regression, adjusted for DWI lesion volume, treatment, age, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score.

Results:

In the rFLAIR and rDWI SI analysis, 213/369 and 241/421 subjects respectively had a DWI-FLAIR mismatch. A mean rFLAIR SI cutoff of 1.09 and interquartile range rDWI SI cutoff of 0.47 were optimal to predict the DWI-FLAIR mismatch with a sensitivity and specificity of 77% (95% CI, 71%–83%) and 67% (95% CI, 59%–74%), and 76% (95% CI, 70%–81%) and 72% (95% CI, 65%–79%), respectively. For both quantitative parameters, agreement with the DWI-FLAIR mismatch was fair (73%, κ=0.44 [95% CI, 0.35–0.54] for rFLAIR and 74%, κ=0.48 [95% CI, 0.39–0.56] for rDWI). Both quantitative parameters correlated moderately (Pearson R=0.54 [95% CI, 0.46–0.61];
P
<0.001, n=367). The interquartile range rDWI SI (n=188), but not the mean rFLAIR SI (n=172), was an independent predictor of excellent functional outcome (odds ratio, 0.67 per 0.1 unit increase of interquartile range rDWI SI, 95% CI, 0.51–0.89,
P
=0.01).

Conclusions:

Agreement between the quantitative and qualitative approach may be insufficient to advocate DWI or FLAIR quantification as alternative for visual rating.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds with Nano-TiO2: Recent Advances and Future Trends
Authors: Xu Jin , Xu Feng , Hu Zi-Ang , Han Shuang-Yi , Ge Yan-Hui
Published: February 2022

As an emerging contaminant in water environments, pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) can be traced in pharmaceuticals, domestic wastewater and waste disposal, and biological metabolism etc. However, there are technical deficiencies in terms of removing PhACs in traditional wastewater treatment plants. Photocatalytic degradation of PhACs with nano-TiO2has proved to be an effective means to solve these problems, but there are two intrinsic drawbacks: low visible-light utilization and easily-recombined electron-holes. The paper introduces five modification methods of nano-TiO2: metal ion doping, non-metal doping, noble metal deposition, composite of semiconductor materials and immobilization. Then, the literature review summarizes the recent advances and breakthroughs made in nano-TiO2for PhACs’ removal, with an emphasis on the modifications for enhancing the efficiency of treatment methods using nano-TiO2. Finally, it proposes a number of possible further research orientations.
In-Situ Optical Monitoring of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma During Organic Surface Removal
Authors: Lee Sujin , Kwon Hyuk Jun , Hong Sang Jeen
Published: February 2022

A real-time In-Situ optical monitoring of atmospheric pressure plasma process during the removal of organic substances is presented. Two optical monitoring methods of optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and optical plasma monitoring system (OPMS) are employed. OES is used for
the analysis plasma chemistry associated with the injected process gas and by product, and it is useful for the endpoint detection of the strip of organic materials. OPMS is useful for the detection of abnormal discharge, known as arc. We presented not only the chemical analysis of the plasma,
but also the physical understanding of the monitored plasma using OES data. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of optical monitoring of plasma and plasma process for atmospheric plasma.
Effect of Cold Rolling and Hot Rolling on Recrystallization Texture and Superelastic Properties of Ti–30Zr–10Nb–2Sn Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Lee Won-Tae , Li Shuanglei , Nam Tae-Hyun
Published: February 2022

A comparative study on the microstructure, texture evolution, and superelasticity of cold-rolled and hot-rolled Ti–30Zr–10Nb–2Sn (at.%) alloys was performed using electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and tensile test. The cold-rolled
sheet was solution-treated at 1173 K after a 98.0% cold rolling at room temperature. Hot rolling was carried out at 1273 K. Both cold-rolled and hot-rolled sheets were solution-treated at 1173 K for 1.8 ks. Both solution-treated alloy specimens consisted of a single β-phase
at room temperature. A very high (200)β peak was observed for the cold-rolled specimen, and a high (110)β peak was observed for the hot-rolled specimen after the solution treatment at 1173 K for 1.8 ks. The {001}β 〈110〉
β recrystallization texture was obtained in the 1173 K solution-treated alloy specimen owing to grain growth after recrystallization. The {001}β 〈110〉 β recrystallization texture was not observed in the hot-rolled
specimen; instead, a (221)β[¯1¯14]β recrystallization texture was observed. The 1173 K solution-treated alloy specimen exhibited superelasticity with complete recovery resulting from the {001}β 〈110〉 β
recrystallization texture. Superelasticity was also observed for the hot-rolled specimen, but was not complete, probably because of the low critical stress for slip.
Nanoparticle-Encapsulated miR-27-Mediated Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Inhibits Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yang Huichun , Ye Liya , Ma Xuejuan , Chai Zeying
Published: February 2022

Non-viral carrier nanomaterials are commonly used for molecular targeted therapy. This study explored the effects of miR-27 on cervical cancer using nanoparticles as a carrier. Hela cells were used to build cervical cancer tumor model. 20 nude mice were randomly assigned into control
group, empty vector group (treated with glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant-human serum albumin (GLA-HSA), miR-27 group (treated with GLA-HSAencapsulated miR-27), and 17-AAG group (treated with GLA-HSA-encapsulated miR-27 and 17-AAG mixed culture medium), followed by analysis of tumor morphology,
apoptosis and expression of Wnt/β-catenin and apoptosis factors (Bcl-2, caspase-3). The size of transplanted tumor was smallest in 17-AAG group on 7th day, followed by miR-27 group (P < 0.05) compared to control group and empty carrier group without different between
them (P > 0.05). The miR-27 group and 17-AAG group had highest tumor inhibition rate and apoptotic cell number and apoptosis index compared to other two groups without difference between them (P > 0.05). miR-27 group and 17-AAG group showed lowest expression of CA125, CEA,
Wnt, β-catenin, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 with lower level in 17-AAG group than miR-27 group (P > 0.05). Loading miR-27 small molecule substance inhibited cervical cancer tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis with decreased CA125 and CEA expression, indicating that
the miR-27 coated with nanoparticles may inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway, thereby up-regulating Bcl-2 and caspase-3, and finally exerting an anti-tumor effect.
Development of a Polyaluminum Ferric Titanium Chloride for Phosphorous Removal in Water
Authors: Li Xiu-Ling , Liang Yan-Ling , Li Meng-Xi , Xin Lei
Published: February 2022

Phosphorus removal is a promising means to effectively prevent and control the eutrophication of natural waters. Coagulation can achieve phosphorus removal with high efficiency, and therefore the preparation of coagulants has recently garnered increasing attention. Ferric chloride,
aluminum chloride, and titanium tetrachloride were used to prepare polyaluminium ferric titanium chloride (i.e., PCAFT) by changing the molar ratio of trivalent iron, trivalent aluminum, and tetravalent titanium and adjusting the alkalization degree. The resulting compounds were characterized
via X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to clarify their phosphorus removal mechanisms. Single-factor and orthogonal tests were conducted to determine the optimum conditions for phosphorus removal, after which
the phosphorus-removing properties of the proposed material were assessed in actual wastewater. The optimum conditions for phosphorus removal were the following: coagulant dosage of 40 mg, wastewater pH of 9, and phosphorus wastewater concentration of 2 mg · L−1. Our
proposed method could reduce the total phosphorus concentration of the secondary sedimentation tank effluent to below the detection limit. Moreover, the characterization results indicated that the synthesized PCAFT was a complex hydroxyl polymer of aluminum, iron, and titanium bridged by a
hydroxyl group with good crystallinity and a cluster structure on its crystal surface, which enhanced the coagulation and phosphorus removal properties of the material.
Preparation of Nano-Cerium Dioxide and Its Auxiliary Protection on Rats with Pulmonary Fibrosis via Notch/Jagged Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Rong , Wang Xu
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the auxiliary protection of Notch/Jagged signaling pathway based on nano-cerium dioxide (nano-CeO2) on rats with pulmonary fibrosis. Nano-CeO2 was prepared by detonation method, and the nano-particles were detected in terms
of the average particle size, Zeta potential, and purity. 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected as the research objects, and they were grouped randomly into a blank control group (1 mL/kg normal saline injection) and a pulmonary fibrosis model group (intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL/kg
2 g/L nano-CeO2 suspension). Rats were sacrificed at the 5th day, 10th day, 15th day, 20th day, 40th day, and 50th day in turn, and their lung tissues were collected. The differences in messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression of Notch-1, Jagged-1, and transforming
growth factor (TGF)-β1 genes were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Lung tissue sections of rats were treated with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining for 50 days to observe the pathological changes of lung tissues. The results showed
that the shape of nano-CeO2 was similar to a circle under the transmission electron microscope, the average particle size was 25.17±10.33 nm, and the average Zeta potential was −27.26±9.72 mV. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) map of nano-CeO2 presented
5 obvious characteristic peaks that were featured with good purity characteristics. After intraperitoneal injection of nano-CeO2 suspension into rats, the lung tissues of the pulmonary fibrosis model group showed marked congestion and fibrosis compared with the blank group. The
mRNA and protein expressions of Notch-1, Jagged-1, and TGF-β1 in lung tissues of the pulmonary fibrosis model group increased gradually over time. Moreover, the expression levels of Notch-1, Jagged-1, and TGF-β1 of the pulmonary fibrosis model group were greater hugely
than the levels of the black control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, nano-CeO2 can induce pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the Notch/Jagged pathway.
Nano-Silicon Dioxide-Optimized Cementitious Composite Material in the Restoration of Concrete Cracks in House Building
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Guangjun , Yuan Min
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to investigate the restoration performance of nanocomposite materials used in house building. The ethyl orthosilicate was used as raw material, the sol–gel method was adopted to synthesize nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2), and the doped nano-SiO2
cementitious composite material was prepared. Then, the mechanical properties of the cementitious composite material based on different nano-SiO2 content was analysed through the characterization and performance test. The results showed that the nano-SiO2 prepared this
time had regular crystal phases, small particle size, and certain thermal stability, with fully developed crystal grains. By analysing the mechanical properties of nano-SiO2 doped cementitious composites, it was found that the initial setting time and final setting time both showed
an upward trend when the doped content of nano-SiO2 was less than 3%. Besides, the initial setting time and final setting time of cementitious composites decreased when the content was 3%–5%. The fluidity analysis indicated that the fluidity of cementified composites gradually
dropped with the growth of nano-SiO2 content. The test results of mechanical properties of cementitious composites doped with nano-SiO2 revealed that the flexural strength and compressive strength of cementitious composites presented a trend of first rising and then falling,
as the nano-SiO2 content rose. Shrinkage test results showed that the shrinkage rate of the gel composites increased with the growth of duration. The specific surface area and pore ratio measurement results indicated that the specific surface area of the cementitious composite doped
with nano-SiO2 was 33.42 m2/g, and the porosity was small. In conclusion, the nano-SiO2-doped cementitious composite material synthesized in this study had good mechanical properties and could be applied in the repair of concrete cracks in house building.
Clinical Study of Hydroxyapatite-Based Eye Socket Filler in Surgery
Authors: Su Fanfan , Chen Yao , Xu Xiaohong
Published: February 2022

An irreversible injury of the eyeball requires patients to undergo enucleation or enucleation of the contents of the eyeball. Due to the absence of organs in the eye socket, its collapse, the drooping of the upper eyelid, and possibility of an eyeball excision syndrome make severe facial deformity frequently occurs. To analyze the effect of applying hydroxyapatite (HA) materials in an eye socket filling surgery, patients requiring the surgery were recruited in this study and divided into two groups according to different eye prostheses selected by patients. Nano-HA orbital implantation was selected in the HA group, and porous high-density polyethylene was selected in the PE group. The activity of the artificial eye platform and Visual Analogue Scale scores were significant difference in both groups. Nevertheless, in the HA group, the total complication rate was lower, and the postoperative facial satisfaction was higher, allP< 0.05. Therefore, it is speculated that the use of nano-HA as an eye socket filling material in an eye socket filling surgery reduces postoperative complications, improves the appearance to a certain extent, and has clinical application value.
Global Snowmelt Onset Reflects Climate Variability: Insights from Spaceborne Radiometer Observations
Authors: Zheng Lei , Cheng Xiao , Chen Zhuoqi , Wang Shaoyin , Liang Qi , Wang Kang
Published: February 2022

Snowmelt is a critical component in the cryosphere and has a direct impact on Earth’s energy and water budget. Here, a 40-yr integrated melt onset (MO) dataset over sea ice, ice sheets, and terrestrial snow is compiled from spaceborne microwave radiometers and ERA5, allowing an overall assessment of the cryosphere. Results suggest that MO in both hemispheres shows latitudinal and vertical zonalities. The global cryosphere presented a trend toward earlier MO (−2 days decade−1) with hotpots distributed at the Northern Hemisphere high latitudes where the warming rate is much higher than that at lower latitudes. Overall, variations in MO showed a similar pattern to that in near-surface temperature. The advance of MO has been slowing down since the 1990s and no significant trend was observed during the so-called warming hiatus period (1998–2012). Regionally, climatic linkage analyses suggest the local MO variations were associated with different climate indices. MO in the pan-Arctic region is related with the Arctic Oscillation and North Atlantic Oscillation, while that in the pan-Antarctic region is associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the southern annular mode. Occasionally, abnormal MO occurs as a result of extreme weather conditions. In February 2018, abnormal early melt events that occurred in the Arctic Ocean are found to be linked with the warm southerly flow due to sudden stratospheric warming. These findings suggest the satellite-based MO allows examining the dynamics and extremes in the climate system, both regionally and globally.
Deep Lagrangian Connectivity in the Global Ocean Inferred from Argo Floats
Authors: Abernathey Ryan , Bladwell Christopher , Froyland Gary , Sakellariou Konstantinos
Published: February 2022

The connectivity between ocean basins and subbasin regions strongly influences the transport of ocean tracers and thus plays a role in regulating climate and ocean ecosystems. We describe the application of a new technique from nonlinear dynamical systems to infer the Lagrangian connectivity of the deep global ocean. We approximate the dynamic Laplacian using Argo trajectories from January 2011 to January 2017 and extract the eight dominant coherent (or dynamically self-connected) regions at 1500 m depth. Our approach overcomes issues such as sparsity of observed data and floats continually leaving and entering the dataset; only 10% of floats record continuously for the full six years. The identified coherent regions maximally trap water within them over the six-year time frame, providing a distinct analysis of the deep global ocean and relevant information for planning future float deployment. A key result is that the coherent regions are highly stationary, showing minimal displacement over the six-year period. Although our study is concerned with ocean circulation at a multiyear, global scale, the dynamic Laplacian approach may be applied at any temporal or spatial scale to identify coherent structures in ocean flow from positional time series information arising from observations or models.
Nursing Homes and COVID-19: A Crisis on Top of a Crisis
Authors: McGarry Brian E. , Grabowski David C.
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a staggering number of deaths and a great deal of suffering in U.S. nursing homes. The spread of the virus across the country introduced a new emergency to a long-term care sector that had already been in a state of crisis for multiple decades. Nursing homes have been underfunded and understaffed for years, often delivering inadequate care to their vulnerable residents, and they are financed and regulated separately from the rest of the U.S. health care system. During the pandemic, policy responses at both the federal and state levels were often slow and inadequate, partly due to a frayed infrastructure that is the result of years of inattention from policy-makers. We review the state of nursing home care in the United States and the impacts of the pandemic, and we argue that a package of broader policy and delivery reforms should be implemented to improve the care of older adults that could help to prevent future tragedy.
Extrinsic toughening of recycled carbon fibers in polypropylene composites in the absence of plasticity penalty
Authors: Ghanbari Abbas , Jalali Amirjalal , Nofar Mohammadreza , Mamun Al , Arjmand Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Advanced composite materials used in high-tech fields are widely reinforced with carbon fibers. One of the growing application areas for carbon fibers is their reinforced composites which are used to replace metallic automotive parts. This reduces carbon footprint through weight reduction, which is a strategy pursued globally to reduce the environmental impacts of passenger vehicles. In this study, we assess the reinforcement potential of recycled carbon fibers in a polypropylene (PP) homopolymer with high strength and flowability. The highly crystalline PP homopolymer with low impact properties was used to minimize intrinsic plasticity penalty associated with fiber reinforcement and ascribe the impact strength enhancement solely to extrinsic toughening mechanisms. The reinforced composites are manufactured through extrusion compounding followed by injection molding. Modification of the transition phase connecting the bulk matrix with the bulk carbon fibers led to 78% enhancement in the strength of the composites, compared to the unmodified composites, without any loss in other properties. Compared to a commercial steel bonnet, the compatibilized composites reinforced with recycled carbon fibers exhibited superior specific strength accompanied by ∼87% weight reduction. Morphological analysis showed that all the extrinsic toughening mechanisms are effectively used by the recycled fibers in the reinforced composites.
Association Between Negative Affectivity and Craving in Substance-Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Direct and Indirect Relationships
Authors: Cyr Laura , Bernard Laura , Pedinielli Jean-Louis , Cutarella Christophe , Bréjard Vincent
Published: February 2022

Background

A sizeable literature highlighted that negative affectivity and craving are both known to be implicated in relapses.

Objectives

The present study synthetized the existing litterature to determine strength of the interaction between negative affectivity and craving for substance-related disorders including illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines followed by a meta-analysis. Online computer databases PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched systematically and thoroughly. Jamovi 1.8.1 Current version was used to conduct meta-analysis.

Results

Thirty studies were included in the review, and 14 of these, including 2257 subjects, were used for meta-analysis. The raw correlation ranged from 0.17 to 0.58, which indicated weak to moderate association between negative affects and craving. In total, approximately 90% of the selection revealed a positive correlation between negative affects and craving. Alcohol and tobacco use disorders have received the most attention. Additionally, negative affectivity was often defined as a transient state rather than a stable personality trait.

Conclusions

In both of our meta-analyses and in the narratively reported studies, we found that negative affectivity is an important component related to craving, but individual differences in craving reactivity existed.
Towards a modest imaginary? Sanitation in Kampala beyond the modern infrastructure ideal
Authors: Lawhon Mary , Nsangi Nakyagaba Gloria , Karpouzoglou Timos
Published: February 2022

The idea of the modern city continues to inform urban policies and practices, shaping ideas of what infrastructure is and how it ought to work. While there has long been conflict over its meaning and relevance, particularly in southern cities, alternatives remain difficult to identify. In this paper, we ‘read for difference’ in the policies and practices of sanitation in Kampala, purposefully looking for evidence of an alternative imaginary. We find increasing acceptance of and support for heterogeneous technological artefacts and a shift to consider these as part of wider infrastructures. These sanitation configurations are, at times, no longer framed as temporary placeholders while ‘waiting for modernity’, but instead as pathways towards a not yet predetermined end. What this technological change means for policies, permissions and socio-economic relations is also as yet unclear: the roles and responsibilities of the modern infrastructure ideal have limited significance, but new patterns remain in the making. Further, while we find increased attention to limits and uncertainty, we also see efforts to weave modernist practices (creating legible populations, knowing and controlling nature) into emergent infrastructural configurations. In this context, we consider Kampala not as a complete instantiation of a ‘modest’ approach to infrastructure, but as a place where struggles over infrastructure are rooted in competing, dynamic imaginaries about how the world is and what this means for the cities we build. It is also a place from which we might begin articulating a ‘modest imaginary’ that enables rethinking what infrastructure is and ought to be.
Theorising democratic space with and beyond Henri Lefebvre
Authors: Purcell Mark
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this article is to theorise space in a way that resonates with democracy. It develops a radical understanding of democracy, as an affirmative project undertaken by people to directly manage their affairs themselves. To theorise space, the article takes up Henri Lefebvre’s concept of ‘differential space’, which it conceives as an autonomous force that produces itself through the operation of desire. This self-production, Lefebvre argues, takes place in and through everyday acts of survival of those who inhabit space. The article then situates this abstract discussion of space, again following Lefebvre, in the context of ongoing worldwide urbanisation. The urban, Lefebvre argues, has agglomerated not only capitalist productive power but also the differences that exist outside of capitalist logic, and so it is where we should be looking for revolutionary difference in the world today. Taking all these insights together, we can see the project of democracy as an affirmative project undertaken by people to directly manage the production of urban space themselves. Lastly, the article argues that the project of democracy must extend beyond Lefebvre’s thought. It thinks through one example, which is the question of the ‘we’ of democracy. It argues that to properly understand the question of difference in democratic community, we are very well served in turning to the work of Judith Butler.
Recruiting international students: Analysing the imaginative geographies of three urban encounters
Authors: Beech Suzanne E.
Published: February 2022

International students are a critical source of income for UK universities, and yet reports indicate that their numbers have been in decline since academic year 2010–2011. Consequently, UK universities need to work harder to attract international students than ever before. This paper uses qualitative interviews with international office staff based at UK higher education institutions together with observational research at recruitment events which took place in Hong Kong in 2017 to demonstrate how the urban has a critical role to play in the international student migration industry. The paper showcases three urban encounters in the recruitment process: the higher education recruitment fair; the connections universities draw between themselves and other urban locations; and by considering how predeparture events mobilise the urban landscape to communicate dynamic learning experiences. The retelling and analysis of these encounters demonstrate how universities, and the UK, create, foster and embed the geographical imaginary in their recruitment processes in order to entice and encourage brand loyalty from prospective students.