bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular risk factors and COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalised patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Collard Didier , Nurmohamed Nick S , Kaiser Yannick , Reeskamp Laurens F , Dormans Tom , Moeniralam Hazra , Simsek Suat , Douma Renee , Eerens Annet , Reidinga Auke C , Elbers Paul W G , Beudel Martijn , Vogt Liffert , Stroes Erik S G , van den Born Bert-Jan H
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Recent reports suggest a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in COVID-19 patients, but the role of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the clinical course of COVID-19 is unknown. We evaluated the time-to-event relationship between hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and COVID-19 outcomes.

Design

We analysed data from the prospective Dutch CovidPredict cohort, an ongoing prospective study of patients admitted for COVID-19 infection.

Setting

Patients from eight participating hospitals, including two university hospitals from the CovidPredict cohort were included.

Participants

Admitted, adult patients with a positive COVID-19 PCR or high suspicion based on CT-imaging of the thorax. Patients were followed for major outcomes during the hospitalisation. CVD risk factors were established via home medication lists and divided in antihypertensives, lipid-lowering therapy and antidiabetics.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures

The primary outcome was mortality during the first 21 days following admission, secondary outcomes consisted of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and ICU mortality. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the association with CVD risk factors.

Results

We included 1604 patients with a mean age of 66±15 of whom 60.5% were men. Antihypertensives, lipid-lowering therapy and antidiabetics were used by 45%, 34.7% and 22.1% of patients. After 21-days of follow-up; 19.2% of the patients had died or were discharged for palliative care. Cox regression analysis after adjustment for age and sex showed that the presence of ≥2 risk factors was associated with increased mortality risk (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.02), but not with ICU admission. Moreover, the use of ≥2 antidiabetics and ≥2 antihypertensives was associated with mortality independent of age and sex with HRs of, respectively, 2.09 (95% CI 1.55 to 2.80) and 1.46 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.91).

Conclusions

The accumulation of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes leads to a stepwise increased risk for short-term mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients independent of age and sex. Further studies investigating how these risk factors disproportionately affect COVID-19 patients are warranted.
Does cranberry extract reduce antibiotic use for symptoms of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections (CUTI)? A feasibility randomised trial
Authors: Gbinigie Oghenekome , Allen Julie , Williams Nicola , Moore Michael , Hay Alastair D , Heneghan Carl , Boylan Anne-Marie , Butler Christopher C
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To determine the feasibility of conducting a randomised trial of the effectiveness of cranberry extract in reducing antibiotic use by women with symptoms of acute, uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).

Design

Open-label feasibility randomised parallel group trial.

Setting

Four general practices in Oxfordshire.

Participants

Women aged 18 years and above presenting to general practice with symptoms of acute, uncomplicated UTI.

Interventions

Women were randomly assigned using Research Electronic Data Capture in a 1:1:1 ratio to: (1) immediate antibiotics alone (n=15); (2) immediate antibiotics and immediate cranberry capsules for up to 7 days (n=15); or (3) immediate cranberry capsules and delayed antibiotics for self-initiation in case of non-improvement or worsening of symptoms (n=16).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measures were: rate of recruitment of participants; numbers lost to follow-up; proportion of electronic diaries completed by participants; and acceptability of the intervention and study procedures to participants and recruiters. Secondary outcomes included an exploration of differences in symptom burden and antibiotic use between groups.

Results

Four general practitioner practices (100%) were opened and recruited participants between 1 July and 2 December 2019, with nine study participants recruited per month on average. 68.7% (46/67) of eligible participants were randomised (target 45) with a mean age of 48.4 years (SD 19.9, range 18–81). 89.1% (41/46) of diaries contained some participant entered data and 69.6% (32/46) were fully complete. Three participants (6.5%) were lost to follow-up and two (4.4%) withdrew. Of women randomly assigned to take antibiotics alone (controls), one-third of respondents reported consuming cranberry products (33.3%, 4/12). There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

It appears feasible to conduct a randomised trial of the use of cranberry extract in the treatment of acute, uncomplicated UTI in general practice.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN Registry (ID: 10399299).
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG among healthcare workers of a large university hospital in Milan, Lombardy, Italy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lombardi Andrea , Mangioni Davide , Consonni Dario , Cariani Lisa , Bono Patrizia , Cantù Anna Paola , Tiso Basilio , Carugno Michele , Muscatello Antonio , Lunghi Giovanna , Pesatori Angela Cecilia , Riboldi Luciano , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Bandera Alessandra , Gori Andrea
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To assess the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG among health careworkers (HCWs) in our university hospital and verify the risk of acquiring the infection according to work area.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Monocentric, Italian, third-level university hospital.

Participants

All the employees of the hospital on a voluntary base, for a total of 4055 participants among 4572 HCWs (88.7%).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Number of anti-SARS-CoV-2 positive serology according to working area. Association of anti-SARS-CoV-2 positive serology to selected variables (age, gender, country of origin, body mass index, smoking, symptoms and contact with confirmed cases).

Results

From 27 April 2020 to 12 June 2020, 4055 HCWs were tested and 309 (7.6%) had a serological positive test. No relevant difference was found between men and women (8.3% vs 7.3%, p=0.3), whereas a higher prevalence was observed among foreign-born workers (27/186, 14.5%, p<0.001), employees younger than 30 (64/668, 9.6%, p=0.02) or older than 60 years (38/383, 9.9%, p=0.02) and among healthcare assistants (40/320, 12.5%, p=0.06). Working as frontline HCWs was not associated with an increased frequency of positive serology (p=0.42). A positive association was found with presence and number of symptoms (p<0.001). The symptoms most frequently associated with a positive serology were taste and smell alterations (OR 4.62, 95% CI: 2.99 to 7.15) and fever (OR 4.37, 95% CI: 3.11 to 6.13). No symptoms were reported in 84/309 (27.2%) HCWs with positive IgG levels. Declared exposure to a suspected/confirmed case was more frequently associated (p<0.001) with positive serology when the contact was a family member (19/94, 20.2%) than a patient or colleague (78/888, 8.8%).

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred undetected in a large fraction of HCWs and it was not associated with working in COVID-19 frontline areas. Beyond the hospital setting, exposure within the community represents an additional source of infection for HCWs.
Current provision of general practitioner services in or alongside emergency departments in England
Authors: Brant Heather , Voss Sarah , Morton Katherine , Cooper Alison , Edwards Michelle , Price Delyth , Gaughan James , Edwards Adrian , Benger Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Background

In 2017, general practitioners in or alongside the emergency department (GPED), an approach that employs GPs in or alongside the ED to address increasing ED demand, was advocated by the National Health Service in England and supported by capital funding. However, little is known about the models of GPED that have been implemented.

Methods

Data were collected at two time points: September 2017 and December 2019, on the GPED model in use (if any) at 163/177 (92%) type 1 EDs in England. Models were categorised according to a taxonomy as ‘inside/integrated’, ‘inside/parallel’, ‘outside/onsite’ or ‘outside/offsite’. Multiple data sources used included: on-line surveys, interviews, case study data and publicly available information.

Results

An increase of EDs using GPED was observed from 81% to 95% over the study period. ‘Inside/parallel’ was the most frequently used model: 30% (44/149) in 2017, rising to 49% (78/159) in 2019. The adoption of ‘inside/integrated’ models fell from 26% (38/149) to 9% (15/159). Capital funding was received by 87% (142/163) of the EDs sampled. We identified no significant difference between the GPED model adopted and observable characteristics of EDs of annual attendance, 4-hour wait, rurality and deprivation within the population served.

Conclusion

The majority of EDs in England have now adopted GPED. The availability of capital funding to finance structural changes so that separate GP services can be provided may explain the rise in parallel models and the decrease in integrated models. Further research is required to understand the relative effectiveness of the various models of GPED identified.
Endoscopy training in the UK pre-COVID–19 environment: a multidisciplinary survey of endoscopy training and the experience of reciprocal feedback
Authors: Ratcliffe Elizabeth , Subramaniam Sharmila , Ngu Wee Sing , McConnell Susan , Beales Ian L P , McCrudden Raymond , Smith Geoff V , Wells Christopher
Published: February 2021

Objective

Training in gastrointestinal endoscopy in the UK occurs predominantly in a real world one-to-one trainer to trainee interaction. Previous surveys have shown surgical and gastroenterology trainees have had mixed experiences of supervision and training, and no surveys have explored specifically the role of trainee to trainer feedback. This study aimed to explore the experience of training and of providing trainer feedback for all disciplines of endoscopy trainees.

Design/method

An online survey designed in collaboration with Joint Advisory Committee training committee and trainee representatives was distributed from January 2020 but was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and hence terminated early.

Results

There were 129 responses, including trainees from all disciplines and regions, of which 86/129 (66.7%) rated the culture in their endoscopy units favourably—either good or excellent. 65/129 (50.4%) trainees reported having one or more training lists allocated per week, with 41/129 (31.8%) reporting only ad hoc lists. 100/129 (77.5%) respondents were given feedback and 97/129 (75.2%) were provided with learning points from the list. 65/129 (50.4%) respondents reported their trainer completed a direct observation of procedure or direct observation of polypectomies. 73/129 (56.6%) respondents reported that they felt able to give feedback to their trainer, with 88/129 (68.2%) feeling they could do this accurately. Barriers to trainer feedback cited included time constraints, lack of anonymity and concerns about affecting the trainer–trainee relationship.

Conclusion

Overall, the training environment has improved since previous surveys. There are still issues around interdisciplinary differences with some surgical trainees finding the training environment less welcoming, and trainee perceptions of hierarchical barriers and trainer responsiveness to feedback limiting the accuracy of their feedback.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy for cardiovascular health: the evolving data
Authors: Gersh Felice L , O’Keefe James H , Lavie Carl J
Published: February 2021

Postmenopausal (PM) hormone therapy (HT) was extremely popular for years as a treatment for many conditions, including cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) prevention. The adverse results from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) ended the widespread prescriptive use of HT for nearly 20 years. The WHI findings have been broadly and unfairly applied to all hormone formulations, including modern treatments using human-identical hormones. Although CV health is indisputably linked to oestrogen status, HT involving any combination of hormones currently is not recommended for primary or secondary prevention of CVD. In the wake of more positive results from recent studies and re-evaluation of the WHI, HT has re-emerged as an issue for specialists in CVD to discuss with their patients. Rigorous scientific analysis is needed to explain the paradox of cardioprotection conferred by endogenous ovarian hormones with apparent cardiotoxicity inflicted by HT. This review will cover the origins of HT, hormone terminology and function, and key studies that contribute to our current understanding. Based on evolving evidence, if HT is to be used, we propose it be initiated immediately after cessation of ovarian hormone production and dosed as transdermal oestradiol combined with cyclic dosing of human-identical progesterone (P4).
Leadership through crisis: fighting the fatigue pandemic in healthcare during COVID-19
Authors: Whelehan Dale F , Algeo Naomi , Brown Darren A
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 presents many challenges to healthcare systems internationally, none more so than the significant reporting among healthcare workers (HCWs) of occupational fatigue and burnout or Long COVID related symptoms. Consensus on the extent of HCW fatigue during the pandemic remains largely unknown, as levels of Long COVID related fatigue in HCWs appears to be on the rise. What is known is that, among current levels, impacts of fatigue on HCW well-being and performance is likely. Developing strategies to mitigate fatigue are the responsibilities of all healthcare system stakeholders. Leadership that goes beyond organisational efforts of mitigating fatigue through mandated working hour limits alone are needed. A process to facilitate identification, mitigation and prevention of fatigue is likely to be best suited in this regard. This might involve development of operational systems modelled off successful industries, such as aviation, for performance optimisation. These system-based designs provide the foundation for systematic yet innovative approaches to enable effective design of macro-level to micro-level interventions for fatigue mitigation. Shifts in organisational culture have occurred in healthcare since the onset of the pandemic, with increasing agility and embracing of innovation. Creating a culture whereby we recognise and support people in being malleable through a pandemic and beyond is at the level of leadership. Leveraging this cultural shift allows an opportunity for organisational change. One focus of such a leverage within systems could be the incorporation of the evidence-based practical recommendations informed by the authors of this paper.
Awareness and prevalence of e-cigarette use among Chinese adults: policy implications
Authors: Xiao Lin , Yin Xi , Di Xinbo , Nan Yi , Lyu Tianchu , Wu Yiqun , Li Xinhua
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess the awareness and prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and associated factors among Chinese adults (15 years and older).

Method

This study examined data from Global Adults Tobacco Survey China Project, which was nationally representative and used stratified multiphase cluster randomised sampling design. Data were collected in 2018 through a household survey with in-person interviews using tablet computers. Complex sampling weighted analysis method was used.

Results

48.5% of Chinese adults had heard of e-cigarettes. The proportions of Chinese adults who had ever used, had used in the last 12 months, and currently used e-cigarettes were 5.0%, 2.2% and 0.9%, respectively; people in the 15–24 years group showed the highest rates of ever use, last 12-month use and current use at 7.6%, 4.4%, and 1.5%, respectively. Among males, higher e-cigarette use was associated with 15–24 years age group, college/university or above education, and daily use of combustible cigarettes. Among all e-cigarette users, 90.6% also used combustible cigarettes. The most common reason for e-cigarette use was smoking cessation (46.2%) while among ever smokers, 9.5% of ever e-cigarette users had quit smoking and 21.8% of never e-cigarette users had quit smoking (adjusted OR 0.454, 95% CI 0.290 to 0.712).

Conclusion

Prevalence of e-cigarettes among Chinese adults had increased since 2015, especially among young people aged 15–24. The high level of dual use and lower quit rate among e-cigarette users indicated e-cigarettes had not shown cessation utility at the population level in China. Regulation of e-cigarettes is needed to protect youth and minimise health risks.
Balloons up: shorter time to angioembolization is associated with reduced mortality in patients with shock and complex pelvic fractures (original study)
Authors: O'Connell Kathleen M , Kolnik Sarah , Arif Khalida , Qiu Qian , Jones Sean , Ingraham Christopher , Rivara Frederick , Vavilala Monica S , Maier Ronald , Bulger Eileen M
Published: February 2021

Background

Angioembolization has been the gold standard for management of pelvic arterial bleeding, but applicability has been limited by delays in access at many trauma centers. We hypothesized that a quality improvement program to reduce time to start of angiography would be associated with lower in-hospital mortality in patients with pelvic fractures and shock.

Methods

Retrospective study of adults with a pelvic fracture and vital signs consistent with shock admitted to a level I trauma center after the initiation of a quality improvement project to reduce the time to angioembolization (2012 to 2016). Time from admission to procedure start for hemorrhage control was examined based on destination and time of day. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome and was compared with US benchmarks in the literature.

Results

The study group included 424 patients with a mean Injury Severity Score of 41±14. Of these, 212 (50%) responded to resuscitation and were admitted to the intensive care unit; 143 (34%) patients went directly to interventional radiology (IR) with a median time to start of angiography of 86 minutes (IQR 66 to 116); and 69 (16%) patients went directly to the OR with a median time to start of operation of 52 minutes (IQR 37 to 73). There were no significant differences in time to procedures based on time of day or transfer status. In-hospital mortality for patients in shock on admission was 15%.

Discussion

Patients with pelvic fracture and hemorrhagic shock, with a median time to angioembolization of <90 min, had a lower in-hospital mortality compared with published US benchmarks. These times were achieved by protocolization of pelvic fracture management that includes expeditious mobilization of the IR team, bypassing the CT scanner, and institutional quality metrics for compliance.

Study type

Case series.

Level of evidence

IV.
Genomic DNA methylation analysis reveals that BLNK is a key potential gene in the regulation of autophagy-related thyroid cancer progression
Authors: Zhang Shengchi , Zheng Yongzhe , Zhang Guimin , Lin Peng , Wang Wei
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between autophagy and DNA methylation, and to identify key genes for autophagy-regulated thyroid cancer progression. We divided patients with thyroid cancer into high-autophagy score (AS) group and low-AS group based on their AS values. The results found that AS was associated with the distant metastasis of thyroid cancer, and adversely affected prognosis. Then, we screened 359 differently expressed genes (DEGs) with DNA methylation status consistent with gene expression change. Functional classification analysis demonstrated that the 359 DEGs consistent with DNA methylation status were significantly involved in adhesion, migration, and differentiation of immune cells. To further screen the key genes in the autophagy-related thyroid cancer progression, we constructed a protein–protein interactions (PPI) network and performed prognostic analysis. B cell linker (BLNK) was identified as the key potential gene affecting autophagy-related thyroid cancer progression. Finally, we verified that BLNK promoted the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells, and BLNK expression was regulated by DNA methylation. Our research provides a new perspective for exploring the relationship between autophagy and DNA methylation during the progression of thyroid cancer and provides a new target for the treatment of metastatic thyroid cancer.
Ridge energy for thin nematic polymer networks
Authors: Pedrini Andrea , Virga Epifanio G.
Published: February 2021

Minimizing the elastic free energy of a thin sheet of nematic polymer network among smooth isometric immersions is the strategy purported by the mainstream theory. In this paper, we broaden the class of admissible spontaneous deformations: we considerridgedisometric immersions, which can cause a sharp ridge in the immersed surfaces. We propose a model to compute the extra energy distributed along such ridges. This energy comes from bending; it is shown under what circumstances it scales quadratically with the sheet’s thickness, falling just in between stretching and bending energies. We put our theory to the test by studying the spontaneous deformation of a disk on which a radial hedgehog was imprinted at the time of crosslinking. We predict the number of folds that develop in terms of the degree of order induced in the material by external agents (such as heat and illumination).

Graphic Abstract
Multi-Modality Non-rigid Image Registration Using Local Similarity Estimations
Authors: Rogelj Peter , El-Hajj-Chehade Wassim
Published: February 2021

In this study, we focus on improving the efficiency and accuracy of nonrigid multi-modality registration of medical images. In this regard, we analyze the potentials of using the point similarity measurement approach as an alternative to global computation of mutual information (MI), which is still the most renown multi-modality similarity measure. The improvement capabilities are illustrated using the popular B-spline transformation model. The proposed solution is a combination of three related improvements of the most straightforward implementation, i.e., efficient computation of the voxel displacement field, local estimation of similarity and usage of a static image intensity dependence estimate. Five image registration prototypes were implemented to show contribution and dependence of the proposed improvements. When all the proposed improvements are applied, a significant reduction of computational cost and increased accuracy are obtained. The concept offers additional improvement opportunities by incorporating prior knowledge and machine learning techniques into the static intensity dependence estimation.
Design and Implementation of Attitude and Heading Reference System with Extended Kalman Filter Based on MEMS Multi-Sensor Fusion
Authors: Gu Hongyan , Jin Cancan , Yuan Huayan , Chen Yalin
Published: February 2021

The accuracy of attitude and heading measurement, as well as the system real-time performance are basic indicators used to evaluate an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS). In order to improve the attitude and heading measurement accuracy under dynamic complex environment, the AHRS system should also have numerical stability and calculation robustness. The AHRS system based on MEMS multi-sensor fusion can realize fusion processing of data measured by multiple sensors, so as to calculate and obtain the optimal carrier attitude and heading information, conduct real-time output, and improve the accuracy and reliability of attitude and heading measurement. For the AHRS system consisting of MEMS gyroscope, accelerometer and triaxial magnetometer, attitude and heading detection principle and algorithm based on MEMS multi-sensor fusion were proposed in this study: The information of the system itself was firstly used to discriminate motion state of the carrier within the filtering cycle, and then Kalman filtering was conducted using different measured information according to motion state to correct the attitude error angle caused by gyroscopic drift. On this basis, an attitude fusion algorithm based on extended Kalman filtering technology was designed for time update process of Kalman filtering, output information of accelerometer was taken as observed quantity under certain conditions to realize measurement updating process of Kalman filtering, and then attitude angle was calculated. In an optical fiber attitude and heading system project in practical engineering, a vehicle field test analysis was carried out simultaneously with the system using ordinary attitude algorithm, and the results showed that the extended Kalman filtering algorithm designed according to the simulation results could realize multi-sensor information fusion, improve measurement accuracy and realize accurate attitude positioning, so as to provide simpler and more flexible criteria for carrier motion status. The results have verified the accuracy and reliability of the algorithm, so it is feasible in practical engineering.
Monotonicity and symmetry of positive solutions to fractional p-Laplacian equation
Authors: Dai Wei , Liu Zhao , Wang Pengyan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we are concerned with the following Dirichlet problem for nonlinear equations involving the fractional [Formula: see text]-Laplacian: [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a bounded or an unbounded domain which is convex in [Formula: see text]-direction, and [Formula: see text] is the fractional [Formula: see text]-Laplacian operator defined by [Formula: see text] Under some mild assumptions on the nonlinearity [Formula: see text], we establish the monotonicity and symmetry of positive solutions to the nonlinear equations involving the fractional [Formula: see text]-Laplacian in both bounded and unbounded domains. Our results are extensions of Chen and Li [Maximum principles for the fractional p-Laplacian and symmetry of solutions, Adv. Math.  335 (2018) 735–758] and Cheng et al. [The maximum principles for fractional Laplacian equations and their applications, Commun. Contemp. Math.  19(6) (2017) 1750018].
Local-Coordinate Representation for Spatial Revolute Clearance Joints Based on a Vector-Form Particle-Element Method
Authors: Zheng Yanfeng , Wan Hua-Ping , Zhang Jingyao , Yang Chao , Luo Yaozhi , Ohsaki Makoto
Published: February 2021

Previously, the contact states between the bearing and journal of a spatial revolute joint (SRJ) with both axial and radial clearances were solved in the global coordinate system (GCS), which is complex and requires iterations. In this paper, a local-coordinate representation for the SRJs with clearance is combined with a vector-form particle-element method, i.e. finite particle method (FPM), to provide a more practical means for evaluation of the dynamic effects due to clearance. Firstly, the fundamentals of the FPM for analysis of spatial mechanisms are briefed. Then, a local-coordinate representation based on the revolution axis of the bearing is proposed. Specifically, the geometry of the journal and bearing is explicitly expressed using the coordinate transformation. The axial and radial contact states are evaluated by substituting the parametric equations and transforming them to quadratic and quartic equations, respectively, which can be analytically solved without iterations. The contact forces are evaluated in the local-coordinate representation and then transformed into the GCS representation. Two numerical examples, i.e. a spatial slider-crank mechanism and a spatial double pendulum, are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, by which the effects of joint-joint interaction and joint-flexible component interaction are fully discussed.
On the Random Non-Autonomous Logistic Equation with Time-Dependent Coefficients
Authors: Calatayud J. , Cortés J.-C. , Dorini F. A.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we deal with the non-autonomous logistic growth model with time-dependent intrinsic growth rate and carrying capacity. Accounting for errors in recorded data, randomness is incorporated into the equation by assuming that the input parameters are random variables. The uncertainty of the model output is quantified by approximations of the first probability density function via the random variable transformation method. A numerical example illustrates the results.
Fisher Information and Uncertainty Principle for Skew-Gaussian Random Variables
Authors: Contreras-Reyes Javier E.
Published: February 2021

Fisher information is a measure to quantify information and estimate system-defining parameters. The scaling and uncertainty properties of this measure, linked with Shannon entropy, are useful to characterize signals through the Fisher–Shannon plane. In addition, several non-gaussian distributions have been exemplified, given that assuming gaussianity in evolving systems is unrealistic, and the derivation of distributions that addressed asymmetry and heavy–tails is more suitable. The latter has motivated studying Fisher information and the uncertainty principle for skew-gaussian random variables for this paper. We describe the skew-gaussian distribution effect on uncertainty principle, from which the Fisher information, the Shannon entropy power, and the Fisher divergence are derived. Results indicate that flexibility of skew-gaussian distribution with a shape parameter allows deriving explicit expressions of these measures and define a new Fisher–Shannon information plane. Performance of the proposed methodology is illustrated by numerical results and applications to condition factor time series.
Synthesis of novel PANI-based Ti(IV) phosphosulphosalicylate composite cation exchanger — structural, electrical, and impedance properties
Authors: Amutha T. , Mispa K. Jacinth
Published: February 2021

In order to combine the properties of inorganic ion exchanger and conducting organic polymer, a new class of organic–inorganic composite cation exchanger PANI–Ti(IV) phosphosulphosalicylate (PTPSS) was synthesized by intercalating polyaniline (PANI) into Ti(IV) phosphosulphosalicylate (Ti(IV) PSS) using sol–gel chemical route with enhanced properties. PTPSS has been characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Ac electrical conductivity studies were also performed. This material possessed electrical conductivity of [Formula: see text] – [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]which falls in the semiconducting range. The frequency (2 × 105– 1 × 106Hz) dependent Ac conductivity at room temperature suggests the evidence for the transport mechanism for the conductivity in PTPSS. The structure of the composite cation exchanger extremely supports its conducting behavior.
3D localization for subcentimeter-sized devices
Authors: Nandakumar Rajalakshmi , Iyer Vikram , Gollakota Shyamnath
Published: February 2021

The vision of tracking small IoT devices runs into the reality of localization technologies---today it is difficult to continuously track objects through walls in homes and warehouses on a coin cell battery. Although Wi-Fi and ultra-wideband radios can provide tracking through walls, they do not last more than a month on small coin and button cell batteries because they consume tens of milliwatts of power. We present the first localization system that consumes microwatts of power at a mobile device and can be localized across multiple rooms in settings such as homes and hospitals. To this end, we introduce a multiband backscatter prototype that operates across 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5 GHz and can extract the backscatter phase information from signals that are below the noise floor. We build subcentimeter-sized prototypes that consume 93 μW and could last five to ten years on button cell batteries. We achieved ranges of up to 60 m away from the AP and accuracies of 2, 12, 50, and 145 cm at 1, 5, 30, and 60 m, respectively. To demonstrate the potential of our design, we deploy it in two real-world scenarios: five homes in a metropolitan area and the surgery wing of a hospital in patient pre-op and post-op rooms as well as storage facilities.
Disputing Dijkstra, and birthdays in base 2
Authors: Guzdial Mark , Adams Joel C.
Published: February 2021

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Mark Guzdial takes issue with Dijkstra's metaphors, while Joel C. Adams considers how birthdays might differ if based on binary numbers.
What can the maker movement teach us about the digitization of creativity?
Authors: Friesike Sascha , Thiesse Frédéric , Kuk George
Published: February 2021

Experimenting with the creative process.
Determinants of Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Uptake among Women Delivering in Public Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019: An Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Assefaw Mandefro , Azanew Getnet , Engida Ayenew , Tefera Zenebe , Gashaw Wondimnew
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Integrated use of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices with delivery service during the immediate postpartum period is ideal for both women and health-care providers. However, utilization of intrauterine contraceptive devices during the postpartum period was rare and in Ethiopia, with information regarding uptake of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices limited. Objective. Identify determinants of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices uptake among women delivering in public hospitals of South Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods. An unmatched case-control study was conducted in public hospitals of South Gondar, Ethiopia, from August 1, 2019, to November 10, 2019. A total of 140 cases and 280 controls have actively participated in the study. Five hospitals were selected by simple random sampling. Cases were selected consecutively, whereas two controls for each case were recruited by the lottery method. Pretested questionnaires were used to collect data and it was entered into Epidata version 4.4.2. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with the use of outcome and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to determine the association between independent and outcome variables. Results. Completing secondary education (AOR = 4.5, 95%CI 2.3–8.85), having a total number of children of 3–4 (AOR = 3.6, 95%CI 1.25–10.2), having  ≥ 5 (AOR = 4.7, 95%CI 1.5–15.3), attending 3 antenatal care (AOR = 2.8, 95%CI 1.44–5.6), ever hearing about postpartum IUCD (AOR = 6.6, 95%CI 2.7–16.1), and having counseling from health-care provider about a postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (AOR = 6.2, 95%CI 2.99–12.8) were significantly associated with uptake of the postpartum intrauterine contraceptive. Conclusion and Recommendation. Completing secondary education, having 3–4 and ≥5 children, attending three antenatal care, ever hearing about postpartum IUCD, and having counseling from health-care providers about the postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device among women were significantly associated with uptake of an intrauterine contraceptive device after birth. Therefore, it is better to advise women to strictly follow their antenatal care, access to information, and provide counseling.
Utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Korean Elite Athletes: Current Status and Future Implications
Authors: Youn Bo-Young , Ju Seongwan , Joo Shinhyoung , Kang Hoseok , Jeon Kiyoung , Cheon Chunhoo , Go Ho-Yeon , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: February 2021

The objective of the study was to explore the status of usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among Korean elite athletes. A survey was emailed to all Korean national sports federations recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia. A total of 705 Korean elite athletes participated in this study. The athletes had to be any of the following to participate in this survey: elite intercollegiate athletes, professional athletes, and national team athletes. 83.3% of the participants stated that they have previously experienced Korean medicine (KM). Compared to the general population in Korea, athletes had more experience (general population = 73.8%). The participants without experience mentioned that they either did not need any KM treatments (39.8%) or lacked information (39.8%) regarding KM treatments. The primary reason for the utilization of KM was the effectiveness of treatments. Therefore, 70.8% of the participants have mentioned recommending KM to others. Generally, athletes are worrisome that the consumption of herbal medicine may not be doping-free; however, it is vital to note that 62% of the participants expressed that prescribed herbal medicine is safe. Overall, this research demonstrates a high prevalence of KM usage by intercollegiate, professional, and national team athletes in Korea. Hence, this study’s results may serve as the foundation in future research directions for promoting KM among Korean elite athletes.
Further Study on Dynamics for a Fractional‐Order Competitor‐Competitor‐Mutualist Lotka–Volterra System
Authors: Tang Bingnan
Published: February 2021

On the basis of the previous publications, a new fractional‐order prey‐predator model is set up. Firstly, we discuss the existence, uniqueness, and nonnegativity for the involved fractional‐order prey‐predator model. Secondly, by analyzing the characteristic equation of the considered fractional‐order Lotka–Volterra model and regarding the delay as bifurcation variable, we set up a new sufficient criterion to guarantee the stability behavior and the appearance of Hopf bifurcation for the addressed fractional‐order Lotka–Volterra system. Thirdly, we perform the computer simulations with Matlab software to substantiate the rationalisation of the analysis conclusions. The obtained results play an important role in maintaining the balance of population in natural world.
Phillips-Type
q
-Bernstein Operators on Triangles
Authors: Khan Asif , Mansoori M. S. , Khan Khalid , Mursaleen M.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the paper is to introduce a new analogue of Phillips-type Bernstein operators

B

m
,
q

u

f

u
,
v

and

B

n
,
q

v

f

u
,
v

, their products

P

m
n
,
q

f

u
,
v

and

Q

n
m
,
q

f

u
,
v

, their Boolean sums

S

m
n
,
q

f

u
,
v

and

T

n
m
,
q

f

u
,
v

on triangle

T

h

, which interpolate a given function on the edges, respectively, at the vertices of triangle using quantum analogue. Based on Peano’s theorem and using modulus of continuity, the remainders of the approximation formula of corresponding operators are evaluated. Graphical representations are added to demonstrate consistency to theoretical findings. It has been shown that parameter

q

provides flexibility for approximation and reduces to its classical case for

q
=
1

.
Distribution Network Topology Identification Based on IEC 61850 Logical Nodes
Authors: Chen Yu , Sun Lingyan , Wang Zonghui , Wang Jinghua
Published: February 2021

Distributed control has good real-time performance and can better meet the control requirements of active distribution networks with a large number of distributed generations. Some distributed applications require real-time feeder topology to achieve control. In this paper, the demand for distributed control applications for feeder real-time topology is analyzed. Based on IEC 61850 modeling method, a new cell topology logic node and a new topology slice node are built to express feeder topology. Using the topology information of smart terminal unit (STU) configuration and the current status information of switchgear, based on the depth-first search, the feeder real-time topology identification can be realized, which meets the application requirements of distributed control. The study case verified the effectiveness of the method.
A Source Number Estimation Algorithm Based on Data Local Density and Fuzzy C‐Means Clustering
Authors: Wu Na , Wang Ke , Wan Liangtian , Liu Ning
Published: February 2021

An advanced source number estimation (SNE) algorithm based on both fuzzy C‐means clustering (FCM) and data local density (DLD) is proposed in this paper. The DLD of an eigenvalue refers to the number of eigenvalues within a specific neighborhood of this eigenvalue belonging to the data covariance matrix. This local density essentially as the one‐dimensional sample feature of the FCM is extracted into the SNE algorithm based on FCM and can enable to improve the probability of correct detection (PCD) of the SNE algorithm based on the FCM especially for low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) environment. Comparison experiment results demonstrate that compared to the SNE algorithm based on the FCM and other similar algorithms, our proposed algorithm can achieve highest PCD of the incident source number in both cases of spatial white noise and spatial correlation noise.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in Marathon Runners
Authors: Wu Bao , Chen Chang-Cheng , Wang Juan , Wang Xue-Qiang
Published: February 2021

Purpose. The occurrence of low back pain (LBP) in marathon runners has been poorly understood. This study aimed to describe the risk factors and identify whether these factors can cause LBP in these athletes. Methods. A self-developed questionnaire was randomly distributed to 850 runners of running a half or a full marathon. Participants responded with the questionnaire focusing on previous training and running conditions after their competitions. Results. On the basis of the remaining 800 valid questionnaires, the incidence of LBP was 4.50% (n = 36). A total of 572 (71.5%) males and 228 (28.5%) females, with an average age range of 33.9 ± 9.0 years, came from different occupations with different physical activity characteristics. However, no significant associations between occupation and runners with LBP (

p
>
0.05

) were found. In the final models, risk factors, including warm-up activities (

p
=
0.012

, OR = 2.617), fatigue (p = 0.008, OR = 2.680), running gait posture (

p
=
0.041

, OR = 2.273), and environmental temperature (

p
=
0.020

, OR = 6.584), were significantly associated with LBP in marathoners. Conclusion. Although LBP was uncommon in marathoners, it was linked to the factors such as insufficient warm-up activities, fatigue, poor running gait posture, and uncomfortable environmental temperature. Future studies need to validate these results. Nevertheless, these findings could still be useful for protecting the lower back area of runners clinically.
Potential Effects of Immunosuppression on Oxidative Stress and Atherosclerosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Kwiatkowska Marlena , Oldakowska-Jedynak Urszula , Wojtaszek Ewa , Glogowski Tomasz , Malyszko Jolanta
Published: February 2021

Chronic kidney disease is a public health problem that, depending on the country, affects approximately 8–13% of the population, involving both males and females of all ages. Renal replacement therapy remains one of the most costly procedures. It is assumed that one of the factors influencing the course of chronic kidney disease might be oxidative stress. It is believed that the main mediators of oxidative stress are reactive oxygen species (ROS). Transiently increased concentrations of ROS play a significant role in maintaining an organism’s homeostasis, as they are part of the redox‐related signaling, and in the immune defense system, as they are produced in high amounts in inflammation. Systemic oxidative stress can significantly contribute to endothelial dysfunction along with exaggeration of atherosclerosis and development of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in patients with kidney disease. Moreover, the progression of chronic kidney disease is strictly associated with the atherosclerotic process. Transplantation is the optimal method for renal replacement therapy. It improves better quality of life and prolongs survival compared with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis; however, even a successful transplantation does not correct the abnormalities found in chronic kidney disease. As transplantation reduces the concentration of uremic toxins, which are a factor of inflammation per se, both the procedure itself and the subsequent immunosuppressive treatment may be a factor that increases oxidative stress and hence vascular sclerosis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In the current work, we review the effect of several risk factors in kidney transplant recipients as well as immunosuppressive therapy on oxidative stress.
Graphene Oxide-Gold Star Construct on Triangular Electrodes for Alzheimer’s Disease Identification
Authors: Chang Wenlong , Zhao Jing , Liu Lu , Xing Xiaoming , Zhang Chao , Meng Huihong , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Liu Yonggang
Published: February 2021

Nanotechnology is playing a major role in the field of medical diagnosis, in particular with the biosensor and bioimaging. It improves the performance of the desired system dramatically by displaying higher selectivity and sensitivity. Carbon nanomaterial, gold nanostructure, magnetite nanoparticle, and silica substrate are the most popular nanomaterials greatly contributed to make the affordable and effective biosensor at low-cost. This research work is introducing a new sensing strategy with graphene oxide-constructed triangular electrodes to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease (AD). MicroRNA-137 (miRNA-137) was found as a suitable biomarker for AD, and the sensing method was established here to detect miRNA-137 on the complementary sequence. To enhance the immobilization of capture miRNA-137, gold nanostar (GNS) was conjugated with capture miRNA and immobilized on the GO-modified surface through an amine linker. This immobilization process enhanced the hybridization of the target and reaches the detection limit at 10 fM with the sensitivity of 1 fM on the linear curve with a regression coefficient of 0.9038. Further control sequences of miRNA-21 and single and triple base mismatched miRNA-137 did not show a significant response in current changes, indicating the specific miRNA-137 detection for diagnosing AD.
Lin28 Inhibits the Differentiation from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells to Glial Lineage Cells through Upregulation of Yap1
Authors: Luo Juan , Zou Hailin , Deng Liang , Sun Xiang , Yuan Ping , Li Peng
Published: February 2021

The RNA-binding protein Lin28 regulates neurogliogenesis in mammals, independently of the let-7 microRNA. However, the detailed regulatory mechanism remains obscured. Here, we established Lin28a or Lin28b overexpression mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and found that these cells expressed similar levels of the core pluripotent factors, such as Oct4 and Sox2, and increased Yap1 but decreased lineage-specific markers compared to the control ESCs. Further differentiation of these ESCs to neuronal and glial lineage cells revealed that Lin28a/b overexpression did not affect the expression of neuronal marker βIII-tubulin, but dramatically inhibited the glial lineage markers, such as Gfap and Mbp. Interestingly, overexpression of Yap1 in mouse ESCs phenocopied Lin28a/b overexpression ESCs by showing defect in glial cell differentiation. Inhibition of Yap1/Tead-mediated transcription with verteporfin partially rescued the differentiation defect of Lin28a/b overexpression ESCs. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Lin28 can directly bind to Yap1 mRNA, and the induction of Yap1 by Lin28a in mESCs is independent of Let7. Taken together, our results unravel a novel Lin28-Yap1 regulatory axis during mESC to glial lineage cell differentiation, which may shed light on glial cell generation in vitro.