bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effect of Dihydrokaempferol on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Activating the SIRT1 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Hu Cheng , Li Xiulong , Liang Li , Zhang Mingcai , Chen Bo , Liu Xinhua , Yang Dicheng
Published: March 2021

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the Western world, with limited treatment opportunities. 3,5,7,4[Formula: see text]-Tetrahydroxyflavanone (Dihydrokaempferol, DHK, Aromadendrin) is a flavonoid isolated from Chinese herbs and displays high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. In this study, we investigated the protective effect by DHK against APAP-induced liver injury in vitro and in vivo and the potential mechanism of action. Cell viability assays were used to determine the effects of DHK against APAP-induced liver injury. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferases (ALT/AST), liver myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured and analyzed to evaluate the effects of DHK on APAP-induced liver injury. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR, and Transmission Electron Microscope were carried out to detect the signaling pathways affected by DHK. Here, we found that DHK owned a protective effect on APAP-induced liver injury with a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, Western blotting showed that DHK promoted SIRT1 expression and autophagy, activated the NRF2 pathway, and inhibited the translocation of nuclear p65 (NF-[Formula: see text]B) in the presence of APAP. Furthermore, SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 aggravated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity when treating with DHK. Molecular docking results suggested potential interaction between DHK and SIRT1. Taken together, our study demonstrates that DHK protects against APAP-induced liver injury by activating the SIRT1 pathway, thereby promoting autophagy, reducing oxidative stress injury, and inhibiting inflammatory responses.
A canonical Hamiltonian analysis of Podolsky’s generalized electrodynamics in first-order formalism
Authors: Dai Jialiang
Published: March 2021

We give a canonical Hamiltonian analysis of Podolsky’s generalized electrodynamics by introducing two sets of new variables which help us transform the Lagrangian into an equivalent first-order formalism. After eliminating the unphysical sector, we calculate the physical degrees of freedom of the higher derivative system and obtain the Dirac brackets in the reduced phase space. Then with the aid of the first-class constraints, we construct the independent gauge generator which is closely connected with the BRST charge and the BRST-invariant Hamiltonian. Finally, by choosing appropriate gauge-fixing fermion, we evaluate the path integral of this higher derivative constrained system in BRST quantization scheme with the generalized Lorenz gauge condition.
New Fuzzy Fixed Point Results With Related Applications
Authors: Shagari Mohammed Shehu , Fulatan Aliyu Ibrahim
Published: March 2021

In this paper, two renowned fixed point results which belong to Presic and Heilpern in the context of metric and fuzzy fixed point theory are revisited. To this end, we initiate the study of Heilpern–Presic type fuzzy fixed point results through some generalized weakly contractive conditions in the framework of [Formula: see text]-metric spaces. A few counterparts of our results in the setting of multi-valued and single-valued mappings are noted and discussed. A nontrivial example is provided to validate the assertions of our theorems. Moreover, stability conditions of Presic type fuzzy set-valued maps are introduced and global attractivity result for a class of nonlinear matrix difference equations is also obtained as one of the applications of our results. The presented ideas herein complement and extend several significant results in the comparable literature.
An a-Ideal of BCI-Algebras in Connection with Multipolar Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Takallo M. Mohseni , Borzooei Rajab Ali , Jun Young Bae , Ahn Sun Shin
Published: March 2021

The notion of a [Formula: see text]-polar [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ideal is introduced, and its properties are investigated. The relationship between [Formula: see text]-polar fuzzy subalgebra, [Formula: see text]-polar fuzzy ideal, and [Formula: see text]-polar [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ideal is examined. Conditions for a [Formula: see text]-polar fuzzy ideal to be a [Formula: see text]-polar [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ideal are provided. The relationship between [Formula: see text]-polar [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ideal, [Formula: see text]-polar [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ideal, and [Formula: see text]-polar [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ideal is shown. The normal [Formula: see text]-polar [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ideal is introduced, and its characterizations are considered. Characterizations and extension property of a [Formula: see text]-polar [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-fuzzy [Formula: see text]-ideal are discussed.
Fuzzy Hypotheses Testing in the Framework of Type-2 Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Abbasi F. , Allahviranloo T.
Published: March 2021

The estimation of various components in science always faces with errors and inaccuracies that are presented in the form of an uncertainty in identifying the considered components. This uncertainty can be represented in different shapes, one of which is the representation of estimated components in the form of fuzzy numbers. In a situation where a shortage of information or ambiguity in the studied system can be seen, fuzzy numbers can be used to express the ambiguity available in the components. In this study, we will introduce new approach for the formation of type-2 fuzzy numbers in which the mean and standard deviations of data are used to determine the uncertainty zone. Finally, with proposed type-2 fuzzy numbers, in proportion to any situation we have, we face with the claims related to the mean and assess with the subject of the statistical hypothesis test with fuzzy approach.
Interacting Rényi Holographic Dark Energy in the Brans-Dicke Theory
Authors: Dubey Vipin Chandra , Sharma Umesh Kumar , Mamon Abdulla Al
Published: March 2021

In this work, we construct an interacting model of the Rényi holographic dark energy in the Brans-Dicke theory of gravity using Rényi entropy in a spatially flat Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker Universe considering the infrared cut-off as the Hubble horizon. In this setup, we then study the evolutionary history of some important cosmological parameters, in particular, deceleration parameter, Hubble parameter, equation of state parameter, and Rényi holographic dark energy density parameter in both nonflat Universe and flat Universe scenarios and also observe satisfactory behaviors of these parameters in the model. We find that during the evolution, the present model can give rise to a late-time accelerated expansion phase for the Universe preceded by a decelerated expansion phase for both flat and nonflat cases. Moreover, we obtain

ω

D

→
−
1

as

z
→
−
1

, which indicates that this model behaves like the cosmological constant at the future. The stability analysis for the distinct estimations of the Rényi parameter

δ

and coupling coefficient

b

2

has been analyzed. The results indicate that the model is stable at the late time.
Comparison of Autof ms1000 and Bruker Biotyper MALDI‐TOF MS Platforms for Routine Identification of Clinical Microorganisms
Authors: Park Jae Hyeon , Jang Yujin , Yoon Inseon , Kim Taek Soo , Park Hyunwoong
Published: March 2021

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is widely used in clinical microbiology laboratories because it is cost‐effective, reliable, and fast. This study is aimed at comparing the identification performance of the recently developed Autof ms1000 (Autobio, China) with that of the Bruker Biotyper (Bruker Daltonics, Germany). From January to June 2020, 205 preserved strains and 302 clinical isolates were used for comparison. Bacteria were tested with duplicates of the direct transfer method, and formic acid extraction was performed if the results were not at the species level. Fungi were tested with formic acid extraction followed by ethanol extraction methods. 16S rRNA or ITS region sequence analysis was performed on isolates that could not be identified by any of the instruments and on isolates that showed inconsistent results. The time to result of each instrument was also compared. Among preserved strains, species‐level identification results were obtained in 202 (98.5%) strains by the Autof ms1000 and 200 (97.6%) strains by the Bruker Biotyper. Correct identification at the species/complex level was obtained for 200 (97.6%) strains by the Autof ms1000 and for 199 (97.1%) strains by the Bruker Biotyper. Among clinical isolates, species‐level identification results were obtained in 301 (99.7%) strains and 300 (99.3%) strains by the Autof ms1000 and Bruker Biotyper, respectively. Correct identification at the species/complex level was achieved for 299 (99.0%) strains by the Autof ms1000 and for 300 (99.3%) strains by the Bruker Biotyper. The time to analyze 96 spots was approximately 14 min for the Autof ms1000 and approximately 27 min for the Bruker Biotyper. The two instruments showed comparable performance for the routine identification of clinical microorganisms. In addition, the Autof ms1000 has a short test time, making it convenient for use in clinical microbiology laboratories.
Sigmoid Volvulus in Pregnancy Assessed by Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Scanning
Authors: Watanabe Toshiaki , Kinjo Tadatsugu , Kinjyo Yoshino , Nitta Hayase , Masamoto Hitoshi , Mekaru Keiko , Aoki Yoichi
Published: March 2021

Sigmoid volvulus requires urgent treatment, and it is particularly rare among pregnant women without a history of laparotomy. A delay in diagnosis may lead to serious consequences for the mother and fetus, and a rapid diagnosis and treatment in this setting is essential. The patient was a 19-year-old primiparous woman. She complained of repeated exacerbations and remissions of abrupt lower abdominal pain for the past 2 days and was transported to our hospital at 33 weeks of gestation. Ultrasonography revealed no placental thickening, and maternal bowel dilation was difficult to identify. Plain abdominal X-ray showed a dilated colon on the left side of the abdomen. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen revealed a volvulus on the dorsal side of the uterus. The proximal end of the transverse to sigmoid colon was markedly dilated, and the distal end was collapsed. The elevated lactate level on blood gas analysis suggested intestinal ischemia. She was suspected of having a sigmoid volvulus at 33 weeks and 3 days of gestation. We decided to perform a cesarean section to secure the operative field for an intestinal resection following delivery. A male weighing 1840 g with Apgar scores 8/8 was delivered. The sigmoid colon was approximately 80 cm in length. A 360-degree clockwise rotation of was observed with a very distended but viable sigmoid loop. Following reduction of the volvulus, the sigmoid colon was fixed to the left side of the peritoneum. The mother had an uneventful postoperative course, and the infant was discharged without any sequelae. This case demonstrates two important lessons. First, sigmoid volvulus can occur in pregnant women even if they never had a laparotomy. Second, abdominal contrast-enhanced CT is useful for rapid diagnostic and treatment decisions relative to this pathology.
Serum Levels of S100A11 and MMP‐9 in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and Their Clinical Significance
Authors: Li Wenjing , Cui Zhumei , Kong Yan , Liu Xiangyu , Wang Xiangyu
Published: March 2021

Objective. To investigate the serum levels of calgizzarin (S100A11) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9) in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and determine their clinical significance. Methods. Serum levels of S100A11 and MMP9 were detected in patients with EOC, patients with benign ovarian tumor, and healthy women. The correlation between the two markers and clinicopathological characteristics of ovarian cancer was analysed. Results. The serum levels of S100A11 and MMP‐9 in patients with EOC were higher than those in patients with benign ovarian tumor and in healthy women, and the expression levels of S100A11 and MMP‐9 were positively correlated. S100A11 and MMP‐9 were correlated with tumor staging, postoperative residual foci, ascites volume, serum CA125 level, chemotherapy response, and lymph node metastasis, while S100A11 and MMP‐9 were not associated with the bilevel classification, histological type, age, and degree of differentiation. Conclusion. S100A11 and MMP‐9 were both highly expressed in the serum of patients with EOC and were associated with cancer development, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, they can be used as an important reference maker in the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Focal Vibration Alters Human Digital Sensory Nerve Action Potentials: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhu Dong Qing , Liu Fang , Zhu Yu , Lei Duan , Jin Xiang , Xu Lan , Zheng Chao Jun , Weber Robert , Chen Xiang Jun
Published: March 2021

Introduction. We studied the impact of vibratory stimulation on the electrophysiological features of digital sensory nerve action potential (SNAP). Methods. The antidromic digit 3 SNAP was recorded in 19 healthy adults before, during, and after applying a vibration to either 3rd or 5th metacarpal phalangeal joint (MCPJ) at 60 Hz and amplitude of 2 mm. 100% supramaximal stimulus intensity was performed in 5 subjects (randomly selected from the 19 subjects) where the SNAP sizes were recorded. Results. The amplitude of digit 3 SNAP declined to

58.9
±
8.6
%

when a vibration was applied to MCPJ digit 3. These impacts did not change by increasing the electrical stimulus intensity. The SNAP regained its baseline value immediately after the cessation of vibration stimulation. The magnitude of size reduction of digit 3 SNAP was less when vibration was moved to from MCPJ of digit 3 to MCPJ of digit 5. Discussion. The marked drop of the SNAP size during vibratory stimulation reflects the decreased responsiveness of Aβ afferents to electrical stimulation, which deserve further investigation in the study of focal vibration in neurorehabilitation.
Isolation and Antimicrobial Activities of Phytochemicals from Parinari curatellifolia (Chrysobalanaceae)
Authors: Mawire Phillip , Mozirandi Winnie , Heydenreich Matthias , Chi Godloves Fru , Mukanganyama Stanley
Published: March 2021

The widespread use of antimicrobial agents to treat infectious diseases has led to the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens. Plants have played a central role in combating many ailments in humans, and Parinari curatellifolia has been used for medicinal purposes. Seven extracts from P. curatellifolia leaves were prepared using serial exhaustive extraction of nonpolar to polar solvents. The microbroth dilution method was used to evaluate antimicrobial bioactivities of extracts. Five of the extracts were significantly active against at least one test microbe. Mycobacterium smegmatis was the most susceptible to most extracts. The methanol and ethanol extracts were the most active against M. smegmatis with an MIC of 25 µg/mL. The hexane extract was the most active against Candida krusei with an MIC of 25 µg/mL. None of the extracts significantly inhibited growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Active extracts were selected for fractionation and isolation of pure compounds using gradient elution column chromatography. TLC analyses was carried out for pooling fractions of similar profiles. A total of 43 pools were obtained from 428 fractions. Pools 7 and 10 were selected for further isolation of single compounds. Four compounds, Pc4963r, Pc4962w, Pc6978p, and Pc6978o, were isolated. Evaluation of antimicrobial activities of Pc4963r, Pc4962w, and Pc6978p showed that the compounds were most active against C. krusei with MFC values ranging from 50 to 100 µg/mL. Only Pc6978p was shown to be pure. Using spectroscopic analyses, the structure of Pc6978p was determined to be β-sitosterol. The antifungal effects of β-sitosterol were evaluated against C. krusei in vitro and on fabrics. Results showed that β-sitosterol reduced the growth of C. krusei attached to Mendy fabric by 83%. Therefore, P. curatellifolia can be a source of lead compounds for prospective development of novel antimicrobial agents. Further work needs to be done to improve the antifungal activity of the isolated compound using quantitative structure-activity relationships.
Second order noise shaping for data-weighted averaging technique to improve sigma-delta DAC performance
Authors: Nahar Ali Kerem , Jaddar Ansam Subhi , Khleaf Hussain K. , Mobarek Mohmmed Jawad Mortada
Published: March 2021

In general, the noise shaping responses, a cyclic second order response is delivered by the method of data weighted averaging (DWA) in which the output of the digital-to-analog convertor (DAC) is restricted to one of two states. DWA works efficiently for rather low levels of quantizing; it begins presenting considerable difficulties when internal levels of quantizing are extended further. Though, each added bit of internal quantizing causes an exponentially increasing in power dissipation, complexity and size of the DWA logic and the DAC. This gives a controlled seconnd order response accounting for the mismatch of the elements of DAC. The multi-bit DAC is made up of numerous single-bit DACs having values thereof chosen via a digital encoder. This research presents a discussion of the influence of mismatching between unit elements of the Delta-Sigma DAC. This results in a constrained second order response accounting for mismatch of DAC elements. The results of the simulation showed how the effectiveness of DWA method is in reducing band tones. Furthermore, DWA method has proved its efficiency in solving the mismatching of DAC unit elements. The noise of the mismatching elements is enhanced 11 dB at 0.01 with the proposed DWA, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the DAC in comparison to the efficiency of the DAC with no use of the circuit of DWA
Deep learning model for glioma, meningioma and pituitary classification
Authors: Sadoon Toqa A. , Ali Mohammed H.
Published: March 2021

One of the common causes of death is a brain tumor. Because of the above mentioned, early detection of a brain tumor is critical for faster treatment, and therefore there are many techniques used to visualize a brain tumor. One of these techniques is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On the other hand, machine learning, deep learning, and convolutional neural network (CNN) are the state of art technologies in the recent years used in solving many medical image-related problems such as classification. In this research, three types of brain tumors were classified using magnetic resonance imaging namely glioma, meningioma, and pituitary gland on the based of CNN. The dataset used in this work includes 233 patients for a total of 3,064 contrast-enhanced T1 images. In this paper, a comparison is presented between the presented model and other models to demonstrate the superiority of our model over the others. Moreover, the difference in outcome between pre- and post-data preprocessing and augmentation was discussed. The highest accuracy metrics extracted from confusion matrices are; precision of 99.1% for pituitary, sensitivity of 98.7% for glioma, specificity of 99.1%, and accuracy of 99.1% for pituitary. The overall accuracy obtained is 96.1%.
Distinct Body Mass Index Trajectories to Young-Adulthood Obesity and Their Different Cardiometabolic Consequences
Authors: Norris Tom , Mansukoski Liina , Gilthorpe Mark S. , Hamer Mark , Hardy Rebecca , Howe Laura D. , Hughes Alun D. , Li Leah , O’Donnell Emma , Ong Ken K. , Ploubidis George B. , Silverwood Richard J. , Viner Russell M. , Johnson William
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Different body mass index (BMI) trajectories that result in obesity may have diverse health consequences, yet this heterogeneity is poorly understood. We aimed to identify distinct classes of individuals who share similar BMI trajectories and examine associations with cardiometabolic health.

Approach and Results:

Using data on 3549 participants in ALSPAC (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children), a growth mixture model was developed to capture heterogeneity in BMI trajectories between 7.5 and 24.5 years. Differences between identified classes in height growth curves, body composition trajectories, early-life characteristics, and a panel of cardiometabolic health measures at 24.5 years were investigated. The best mixture model had 6 classes. There were 2 normal-weight classes: normal weight (nonlinear; 35% of sample) and normal weight (linear; 21%). Two classes resulted in young-adulthood overweight: normal weight increasing to overweight (18%) and normal weight or overweight (16%). Two classes resulted in young-adulthood obesity: normal weight increasing to obesity (6%) and overweight or obesity (4%). The normal-weight-increasing-to-overweight class had more unfavorable levels of trunk fat, blood pressure, insulin, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, left ventricular mass, and E/e′ ratio compared with the always-normal-weight-or-overweight class, despite the average BMI trajectories for both classes converging at ≈26 kg/m
2
at 24.5 years. Similarly, the normal-weight-increasing-to-obesity class had a worse cardiometabolic profile than the always-overweight-or-obese class.

Conclusions:

Individuals with high and stable BMI across childhood may have lower cardiometabolic disease risk than individuals who do not become overweight or obese until late adolescence.
Epidemiological Surveillance of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Care Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Nogueira Raul G. , Davies Jason M. , Gupta Rishi , Hassan Ameer E. , Devlin Thomas , Haussen Diogo C. , Mohammaden Mahmoud H. , Kellner Christopher P. , Arthur Adam , Elijovich Lucas , Owada Kumiko , Begun Dina , Narayan Mukund , Mordenfeld Nadia , Tekle Wondwossen G. , Nahab Fadi , Jovin Tudor G. , Frei Don , Siddiqui Adnan H. , Frankel Michael R. , Mocco J
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:

The degree to which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected systems of care, in particular, those for time-sensitive conditions such as stroke, remains poorly quantified. We sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in the overall screening for acute stroke utilizing a commercial clinical artificial intelligence platform.

Methods:

Data were derived from the Viz Platform, an artificial intelligence application designed to optimize the workflow of patients with acute stroke. Neuroimaging data on suspected patients with stroke across 97 hospitals in 20 US states were collected in real time and retrospectively analyzed with the number of patients undergoing imaging screening serving as a surrogate for the amount of stroke care. The main outcome measures were the number of computed tomography (CT) angiography, CT perfusion, large vessel occlusions (defined according to the automated software detection), and severe strokes on CT perfusion (defined as those with hypoperfusion volumes >70 mL) normalized as number of patients per day per hospital. Data from the prepandemic (November 4, 2019 to February 29, 2020) and pandemic (March 1 to May 10, 2020) periods were compared at national and state levels. Correlations were made between the inter-period changes in imaging screening, stroke hospitalizations, and thrombectomy procedures using state-specific sampling.

Results:

A total of 23 223 patients were included. The incidence of large vessel occlusion on CT angiography and severe strokes on CT perfusion were 11.2% (n=2602) and 14.7% (n=1229/8328), respectively. There were significant declines in the overall number of CT angiographies (−22.8%; 1.39–1.07 patients/day per hospital,
P
<0.001) and CT perfusion (−26.1%; 0.50–0.37 patients/day per hospital,
P
<0.001) as well as in the incidence of large vessel occlusion (−17.1%; 0.15–0.13 patients/day per hospital,
P
<0.001) and severe strokes on CT perfusion (−16.7%; 0.12–0.10 patients/day per hospital,
P
<0.005). The sampled cohort showed similar declines in the rates of large vessel occlusions versus thrombectomy (18.8% versus 19.5%,
P
=0.9) and comprehensive stroke center hospitalizations (18.8% versus 11.0%,
P
=0.4).

Conclusions:

A significant decline in stroke imaging screening has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis underscores the broader application of artificial intelligence neuroimaging platforms for the real-time monitoring of stroke systems of care.
Silva, I.C.C., Moura, T.M., Gissi, D.S. & Fortuna-Perez, A.P. (2021) A new species of Nissolia Jacq. (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) from Northern Brazil, recording a new gland type for the genus. Phytotaxa 482 (1): 80–86.
Authors: CASTRO SILVA ISABELLA CRISTINA DE , DE MOURA TÂNIA MARIA , GISSI DANILO SOARES , FORTUNA PEREZ ANA PAULA
Published: March 2021

N/A
Micromorphology of seeds of three Mexican species of Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) show autofluorescence using confocal laser scanning microscopy

Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-RENDÓN JULIÁN , FLORES-RODRÍGUEZ PAOLA , VILLANUEVA-FIERRO IGNACIO , CASTRO-CASTRO ARTURO , RUIZ-SANCHEZ EDUARDO
Published: March 2021

Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) includes around 110 described species, 51 of which are distributed in Mexico. Recently, P. casperi was described and its authors observed that it has intermediate morphological characters between P. oblongiloba and P. parvifolia, its putative parents. The micromorphological study of seeds has previously defined the identity of some species, and this can provide evidence of hybridization. The objectives of the present study were 1) to describe the seed micromorphology of P. casperi, P. oblongiloba and P. parvifolia and 2) to provide an economical, easy, and practical method for observing seed micromorphology using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Seed micromorphology was considerably different between P. casperi, P. oblongiloba, and P. parvifolia. Therefore, no evidence of hybridization was found. The seeds of the three species were autofluorescent. The process of obtaining the images of the seeds with CLSM was harmless, low cost, and practical. Additionally, the images obtained were high quality and had a high resolution, making it possible to observe and compare the microstructures on the seed surfaces. CLSM is a useful, practical alternative for future taxonomic studies of the genus Pinguicula.
Conical SNA using fuzzy k-medoids based on user experience
Authors: Rani Poonam , Bhatia MPS , Tayal Devendra K
Published: March 2021

The paper presents an intelligent approach for the comparison of social networks through a cone model by using the fuzzy k-medoids clustering method. It makes use of a geometrical three-dimensional conical model, which astutely represents the user experience views. It uses both the static as well as the dynamic parameters of social networks. In this, we propose an algorithm that investigates which social network is more fruitful. For the experimental results, the proposed work is employed on the data collected from students from different universities through the Google forms, where students are required to rate their experience of using different social networks on different scales.
Development of a pyrolysis model for oriented strand board. Part I: Kinetics and thermodynamics of the thermal decomposition
Authors: Gong Junhui , Zhu Hong , Zhou Hongen , Stoliarov Stanislav I
Published: March 2021

Oriented strand board is a widely used construction material responsible for a substantial portion of the fire load of many buildings. To accurately model the response of oriented strand board to fire, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and microscale combustion calorimetry tests were carried out to construct a thermal decomposition model using a numerical solver, ThermaKin, and a hill climbing optimization algorithm. The model included a single-step water vaporization reaction and four consecutive reactions representing thermal decomposition of organic constituents of oriented strand board. The experiments and modeling revealed that the first two of the four reactions are endothermic, while the last two are exothermic. The net heat of decomposition was found to be near zero. The heat capacities of condensed-phase species and heats of combustion of evolved gases were also determined. The heats of combustion were found to vary over the course of decomposition—the trend captured by the model. Development of a complete pyrolysis model for this material will be a subject of Part II of this work.
Mechanical, thermal and ablative behavior of organo nanoclay added carbon fiber/cyanate ester resin composites and effect of heat flux on its ablative performance
Authors: Rao Golla Rama , Srikanth Ivautri , Reddy K Laxma
Published: March 2021

Nanoclay added cyanate ester resin (Type I) composites were fabricated by adding different weight percentages (0,1,2,4 & 6 wt%) of organo-modified Montmorillonite (o-MMT) and tested for dispersion by Small angle X-ray scattering(SAXS), thermal stability using Thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) and curing behavior using Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). This data was correlated with the thermomechanical properties of nanoclay added carbon fiber reinforced cyanate ester resin composites (C-CE composites /Type II). Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength of type II composites increased by about17%, 21% respectively at 2 wt% addition of nanoclay although at this loading nanoclay was found to show intercalation.Thermal stability of type II composites got reduced whereas the ablation rate has increased for type II composites with increased loading of nanoclay. However, percentage increase in ablation rate was found to be lower when type II composites were tested at 5000 kWm−2as compared to the ablation testing carried out at 1250 kWm−2. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicates significant melting of nanoclay at high flux resulting in additional protection mechanisms for the composites at high flux. Present study indicates the possibility of using o-MMT nanoclay for improved mechanical properties of C-CE composites used in thermal protection systems (TPS).
Knowledge of a Drug-Related Good Samaritan Law Among People Who Use Drugs, Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Moallef Soroush , DeBeck Kora , Milloy M. J. , Somers Julian , Kerr Thomas , Hayashi Kanna
Published: March 2021

Background

Across the United States and Canada drug-related Good Samaritan laws (GSLs) have been enacted to encourage observers of acute drug overdose events to contact emergency medical services (EMS) without fear of legal repercussions. However, little is known about the working knowledge of GSLs among people who use illicit drugs (PWUD). We sought to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with accurate knowledge of a GSL among PWUD in Vancouver, Canada, 1 year after the GSL was enacted.

Method

We used data from participants in three community-recruited prospective cohort studies of PWUD interviewed between June and November 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with accurate knowledge of the GSL.

Results

Among 1,258 participants, including 760 males (60%), 358 (28%) had accurate knowledge of the GSL. In multivariable analyses, participants who reported ever having a negative police encounter (defined as being stopped, searched, or detained by the police) were less likely to have accurate knowledge of the GSL (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.70; 95% CI [0.54, 0.90]), while those involved in drug dealing were more likely to have accurate knowledge of the GSL (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI [1.06, 2.06]).

Discussion

Despite having been enacted for a full year, approximately three quarters of participants did not have accurate GSL knowledge, warranting urgent educational efforts among PWUD. Additional research is needed to understand whether GSLs can mitigate the fears of legal repercussions among those engaged in drug dealing and with past negative experiences with the police.
Initial Clinical Experience With a New Conformable Abdominal Aortic Endograft: Aortic Neck Coverage and Curvature Analysis in Challenging Aortic Necks
Authors: Finotello Alice , Schuurmann Richte , Di Gregorio Sara , Boschetti Gian Antonio , Chakfé Nabil , Pane Bianca , Spinella Giovanni , de Vries Jean-Paul , Palombo Domenico , Pratesi Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Aim of this work was to investigate precision of deployment and conformability of a new generation GORE EXCLUDER Conformable Endoprosthesis with active control system (CEXC Device, W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) by analyzing aortic neck coverage and curvature.

Methods:

All consecutive elective patients affected by abdominal aortic aneurysm or aortoiliac aneurysm treated at our institution between November 2018 and June 2019 with the new CEXC Device were enrolled. Validated software was adopted to determine the available apposition surface area into the aortic neck, apposition of the endograft to the aortic wall, shortest apposition length (SAL), shortest distance between the endograft fabric and the lowest renal arteries (SFD) and between the endograft fabric and the contralateral renal artery (CFD). Pointwise centerline curvature was also computed.

Results:

Twelve patients (10 men, median age 78 years (71.75, 81.0)) with available pre- and postoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) were included. Technical success was obtained in all the cases. Preoperative median length of the proximal aortic neck was 16.1 mm (10.7, 21.7) and suprarenal (α) and infrarenal (β) neck angulation were, respectively, 28.9° (15.7°, 47.5°) and 75.0° (66.9°, 81.4°). Postoperative median apposition surface coverage was 79% (69.25%, 90.75%) of the available apposition surface. SFD and CFD were 1.5 mm (0.75, 5.25) and 7 mm (4.5, 21.5), respectively. Average curvature over the infrarenal aorta decreased from 25 m−1 (21.75, 29.0) to 22.5 m−1 (18.75, 24.5) postoperatively (p=0.02). Maximum curvature did not decrease significantly from 64.5 m−1 (54.25, 92.0) to 62 m−1 (41.75, 71.5) (p=0.1).

Conclusions:

Our early experience showed that deployment of the CEXC Device is safe and effective for patients with challenging proximal aortic necks. Absence of significant changes between pre- and postoperative proximal aortic neck angulations and curvature confirms the high conformability of this endograft.
Care to Quit: a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial to implement best practice smoking cessation care in cancer centres
Authors: Paul Christine L. , Warren Graham , Vinod Shalini , Meiser Bettina , Stone Emily , Barker Daniel , White Kate , McLennan James , Day Fiona , McCarter Kristen , McEnallay Melissa , Tait Jordan , Canfell Karen , Weber Marianne , Segan Catherine
Published: March 2021

Background

Cigarette smoking in people with cancer is associated with negative treatment-related outcomes including increased treatment toxicity and complications, medication side effects, decreased performance status and morbidity. Evidence-based smoking cessation care is not routinely provided to patients with cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a smoking cessation implementation intervention on abstinence from smoking in people diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

A stepped wedge cluster randomised design will be used. All sites begin in the control condition providing treatment as usual. In a randomly generated order, sites will move to the intervention condition. Based on the Theoretical Domains Framework, implementation of Care to Quit will include (i) building the capability and motivation of a critical mass of key clinical staff and identifying champions; and (ii) identifying and implementing cessation care models/pathways. Two thousand one hundred sixty patients with cancer (diagnosed in the prior six months), aged 18+, who report recent combustible tobacco use (past 90 days or in the 30 days prior to cancer diagnosis) and are accessing anti-cancer therapy, will be recruited at nine sites. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and 7-month follow-up. The primary outcome will be 6-month abstinence from smoking. Secondary outcomes include biochemical verification of abstinence from smoking, duration of quit attempts, tobacco consumption, nicotine dependence, provision and receipt of smoking cessation care, mental health and quality of life and cost effectiveness of the intervention.

Discussion

This study will implement best practice smoking cessation care in cancer centres and has the potential for wide dissemination.

Trial registration

The trial is registered with ANZCTR (www.anzctr.org.au): ACTRN (ACTRN12621000154808) prior to the accrual of the first participant and will be updated regularly as per registry guidelines.
TKR after posttraumatic and primary knee osteoarthritis: a comparative study
Authors: Phruetthiphat Ong-art , Zampogna Biagio , Vasta Sebastiano , Tassanawipas Benyapa , Gao Yubo , Callaghan John J.
Published: March 2021

Background

A few literatures reported that the outcomes of total knee replacement (TKR) in posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) were lower compared to TKR in primary osteoarthritis (primary OA). The study’s purpose was to compare the comorbidity and outcome of TKR among fracture PTOA, ligamentous PTOA, and primary OA. The secondary aim was to identify the effect of postoperatively lower limb mechanical axis on an 8-year survivorship after TKR between PTOA and primary OA.

Methods

Seven hundred sixteen patients with primary OA, 32 patients with PTOA (knee fracture subgroup), and 104 PTOA (knee ligamentous injury subgroup) were recruited. Demography, comorbidities, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), operative parameters, mechanical axis, functional outcome assessed by WOMAC, and complications were compared among the three groups.

Results

PTOA group was significantly younger (p<0.0001) with a higher proportion of men (p=0.001) while the primary OA group had higher comorbidities than the PTOA group, including anticoagulant usage (p=0.0002), ASA class ≥3 (p<0.0001), number of diseases ≥ 4 (p<0.0001), and CCI (p<0.0001). Both the fracture PTOA group (p<0.0001) and ligamentous PTOA group (p = 0.009) had a significantly longer operative time than the primary OA group. The fracture PTOA group had significantly lower pain components and stiffness components than the primary OA group. There was no significant difference in the rate of an aligned group, outlier group, and an 8-year survivorship in both groups.

Conclusion

The outcome following TKR in the fracture PTOA was poorer compared to primary knee OA in the midterm follow-up. However, no difference was detected between the ligamentous PTOA and primary knee OA. The mechanical axis alignment within the neutral axis did not affect the 8-year survivorship after TKR in both groups.

Level of evidence

Level III; retrospective cohort study
HINT1 neuropathy in Norway: clinical, genetic and functional profiling
Authors: Amor-Barris Silvia , Høyer Helle , Brauteset Lin V. , De Vriendt Els , Strand Linda , Jordanova Albena , Braathen Geir J. , Peeters Kristien
Published: March 2021

Background

Autosomal recessive axonal neuropathy with neuromyotonia has been linked to loss of functional HINT1. The disease is particularly prevalent in Central and South-East Europe, Turkey and Russia due to the high carrier frequency of the c.110G > C (p.Arg37Pro) founder variant.

Results

In a cohort of 748 Norwegian patients with suspected peripheral neuropathy, we identified two seemingly unrelated individuals, compound heterozygous for a new variant (c.284G > A, p.Arg95Gln) and the most common pathogenic founder variant (c.110G > C, p.Arg37Pro) in the HINT1 gene. Probands presented with motor greater than sensory neuropathy of various onset, accompanied by muscle stiffness and cramps in the limbs. Furthermore, they displayed non-classical symptoms, including pain in the extremities and signs of central nervous system involvement. Haplotype analysis in both patients revealed a common chromosomal background for p.Arg95Gln; moreover, the variant was identified in Swedish carriers. Functional characterization in HINT1-knockout and patient-derived cellular models, and in HNT1-knockout yeast, suggested that the new variant is deleterious for the function of HINT1 and provided mechanistic insights allowing patient stratification for future treatment strategies.

Conclusion

Our findings broaden the genetic epidemiology of HINT1-neuropathy and have implications for molecular diagnostics of inherited peripheral neuropathies in Scandinavia.
Breast tuberculosis presenting with intractable mastitis: a case report
Authors: Sagara Yuka , Hatakeyama Shuji , Kumabe Ayako , Sakuragi Masako , Matsumura Masami
Published: March 2021

Background

Breast tuberculosis, also known as tuberculous mastitis, is an extremely rare form of tuberculosis. It accounts for <0.1% of all breast diseases and <2% of all cases of tuberculosis. It is often misdiagnosed as breast cancer, which can potentially lead to a delayed diagnosis.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old Japanese woman presented with a tumor-mimicking lesion in her right breast, followed by intractable mastitis with a fistula formation. The time until the correct diagnosis of tuberculosis of the breast and sternal bone was 14 months.

Conclusions

Although rare, it is important to recognize that tuberculous mastitis can present as refractory abscesses/mastitis or mass lesions that mimic carcinomas in women of reproductive age and elderly people. Breast tuberculosis should always be considered in the differential diagnoses, particularly in patients with a history of tuberculosis and those living in areas where tuberculosis is endemic.
Differential transcriptional regulation of the NANOG gene in chicken primordial germ cells and embryonic stem cells
Authors: Choi Hee Jung , Jin So Dam , Rengaraj Deivendran , Kim Jin Hwa , Pain Bertrand , Han Jae Yong
Published: March 2021

Background

NANOG is a core transcription factor (TF) in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and primordial germ cells (PGCs). Regulation of the NANOG gene by TFs, epigenetic factors, and autoregulatory factors is well characterized in ESCs, and transcriptional regulation of NANOG is well established in these cells. Although NANOG plays a key role in germ cells, the molecular mechanism underlying its transcriptional regulation in PGCs has not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism that regulates transcription of the chicken NANOG (cNANOG) gene in PGCs and ESCs.

Results

We first identified the transcription start site of cNANOG by 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR analysis. Then, we measured the promoter activity of various 5′ flanking regions of cNANOG in chicken PGCs and ESCs using the luciferase reporter assay. cNANOG expression required transcriptional regulatory elements, which were positively regulated by POU5F3 (OCT4) and SOX2 and negatively regulated by TP53 in PGCs. The proximal region of the cNANOG promoter contains a positive transcriptional regulatory element (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (CEBP)-binding site) in ESCs. Furthermore, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown demonstrated that POU5F3, SOX2, and CEBP played a role in cell type-specific transcription of cNANOG.

Conclusions

We show for the first time that different trans-regulatory elements control transcription of cNANOG in a cell type-specific manner. This finding might help to elucidate the mechanism that regulates cNANOG expression in PGCs and ESCs.
Targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinases and histone deacetylases in multiple myeloma
Authors: Okabe Seiichi , Tanaka Yuko , Gotoh Akihiko
Published: March 2021

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a type of hematological malignancy affecting the functions of plasma cells. The treatment of MM patients has changed dramatically with the use of new agents. However, unfortunately, it is still incurable. Therefore, a new approach for treating MM is still needed to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

Because the histone deacetylase (HDAC) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is a key signal in cancer cell biology, we investigated whether dual HDAC and PI3K inhibitors could suppress the myeloma cells.

Results

Gene expression of HDACs is high in myeloma cells. CUDC-907, a dual inhibitor of PI3K and HDAC, inhibits HDAC activity. Akt activity and expression of BCL-XL, MCL-1, and NF-κB p65 were reduced by CUDC-907 in a dose-dependent manner. The number of apoptotic and caspase 3/7-positive cells also increased in the myeloma cells. Combined treatment of myeloma cells with carfilzomib and CUDC-907 increased cytotoxicity compared to that observed with each drug alone.

Conclusions

Data from this study suggested that the administration of CUDC-907 might be a powerful strategy against myeloma cells, to enhance the cytotoxic effects of proteasome inhibitors.
Network analysis of internal migration in Croatia
Authors: Pitoski Dino , Lampoltshammer Thomas J. , Parycek Peter
Published: March 2021

Migration, and urbanization as its consequence, is among the most intricate political and scientific topics, predicted to have huge effects on human lives in the near future. Thus being said, previous works have mainly focused on international migration, and the research on internal migration outside of the US is scarce, and in the case of Europe—the ubiquitous center of migration affairs—only in its infancy. Observing migration between settlements, especially using network analysis indicators and models, can help to explain and predict migration, as well as urbanization originating from internal migration. We therefore conducted a network analysis of internal migration in Croatia, providing insights into the size of internal migration in population, and relative sizes between intra-settlement migration, inter-settlement migration and population. Through centrality analysis, we provide insights into hierarchy of importance, especially, in terms of the overall flow and overall attractiveness of particular settlements in the network. The analysis of the network structure reveals high presence of reciprocity and thus the importance of internal migration to urbanization, as well as the systematic abandonment of large cities in the east of the country. The application of three different community detection algorithms provides insights for the policy domain in terms of the compatibility of the current country administrative subdivision schemes and the subdivision implied by migration patterns. For network scholars, the analysis at hand reveals the status quo in applied network analysis to migration, the works published, the measures used, and potential metrics outside those applied which may be used to better explain and predict the intricate phenomenon of human migration.