bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet and physical activity in pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes: a protocol for an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis on the differential effects of interventions with economic evaluation
Authors: Coomar Dyuti , Hazlehurst Jonathan M , Austin Frances , Foster Charlie , Hitman Graham A , Heslehurst Nicola , Iliodromiti Stamatina , Betran Ana Pilar , Moss Ngawai , Poston Lucilla , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Roberts Tracy , Simpson Sharon A , Teede Helena J , Riley Richard , Allotey John , Thangaratinam Shakila
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of pregnancy-related complications and developing type 2 diabetes after delivery. Diet and physical activity-based interventions may prevent GDM, but variations in populations, interventions and outcomes in primary trials have limited the translation of available evidence into practice. We plan to undertake an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised trials to assess the differential effects and cost-effectiveness of diet and physical activity-based interventions in preventing GDM and its complications.

Methods

The International Weight Management in Pregnancy Collaborative Network database is a living repository of IPD from randomised trials on diet and physical activity in pregnancy identified through a systematic literature search. We shall update our existing search on MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS, LILACS, Pascal, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment Database without language restriction to identify relevant trials until March 2021. Primary researchers will be invited to join the Network and share their IPD. Trials including women with GDM at baseline will be excluded. We shall perform a one and two stage random-effect meta-analysis for each intervention type (all interventions, diet-based, physical activity-based and mixed approach) to obtain summary intervention effects on GDM with 95% CIs and summary treatment–covariate interactions. Heterogeneity will be summarised using I2and tau2statistics with 95% prediction intervals. Publication and availability bias will be assessed by examining small study effects. Study quality of included trials will be assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach will be used to grade the evidence in the results. A model-based economic analysis will be carried out to assess the cost-effectiveness of interventions to prevent GDM and its complications compared with usual care.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. The study is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020212884). Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Phase II trial of the IDO pathway inhibitor indoximod plus pembrolizumab for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma
Authors: Zakharia Yousef , McWilliams Robert R , Rixe Olivier , Drabick Joseph , Shaheen Montaser F , Grossmann Kenneth F , Kolhe Ravindra , Pacholczyk Rafal , Sadek Ramses , Tennant Lucinda L , Smith Christopher M , Kennedy Eugene P , Link Jr Charles J , Vahanian Nicholas N , Yu Jiayi , Shen Steven S , Brincks Erik L , Rossi Gabriela R , Munn David , Milhem Mohammed
Published: June 2021

Background

The indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) pathway is a key counter-regulatory mechanism that, in cancer, is exploited by tumors to evade antitumor immunity. Indoximod is a small-molecule IDO pathway inhibitor that reverses the immunosuppressive effects of low tryptophan (Trp) and high kynurenine (Kyn) that result from IDO activity. In this study, indoximod was used in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) pembrolizumab for the treatment for advanced melanoma.

Methods

Patients with advanced melanoma were enrolled in a single-arm phase II clinical trial evaluating the addition of indoximod to standard of care CPI approved for melanoma. Investigators administered their choice of CPI including pembrolizumab (P), nivolumab (N), or ipilimumab (I). Indoximod was administered continuously (1200 mg orally two times per day), with concurrent CPI dosed per US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved label.

Results

Between July 2014 and July 2017, 131 patients were enrolled. (P) was used more frequently (n=114, 87%) per investigator’s choice. The efficacy evaluable population consisted of 89 patients from the phase II cohort with non-ocular melanoma who received indoximod combined with (P).

The objective response rate (ORR) for the evaluable population was 51% with confirmed complete response of 20% and disease control rate of 70%. Median progression-free survival was 12.4 months (95% CI 6.4 to 24.9). The ORR for Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive patients was 70% compared with 46% for PD-L1-negative patients. The combination was well tolerated, and side effects were similar to what was expected from single agent (P).

Conclusion

In this study, the combination of indoximod and (P) was well tolerated and showed antitumor efficacy that is worth further evaluation in selected patients with advanced melanoma.
COVID-19 in immunocompromised populations: implications for prognosis and repurposing of immunotherapies
Authors: Goldman Jason D , Robinson Philip C , Uldrick Thomas S , Ljungman Per
Published: June 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has highly variable disease severity and a bimodal course characterized by acute respiratory viral infection followed by hyperinflammation in a subset of patients with severe disease. This immune dysregulation is characterized by lymphocytopenia, elevated levels of plasma cytokines and proliferative and exhausted T cells, among other dysfunctional cell types. Immunocompromised persons often fare worse in the context of acute respiratory infections, but preliminary data suggest this may not hold true for COVID-19. In this review, we explore the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on mortality in four populations with distinct forms of immunocompromise: (1) persons with hematological malignancies (HM) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients; (2) solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs); (3) persons with rheumatological diseases; and (4) persons living with HIV (PLWH). For each population, key immunological defects are described and how these relate to the immune dysregulation in COVID-19. Next, outcomes including mortality after SARS-CoV-2 infection are described for each population, giving comparisons to the general population of age-matched and comorbidity-matched controls. In these four populations, iatrogenic or disease-related immunosuppression is not clearly associated with poor prognosis in HM, HCT, SOTR, rheumatological diseases, or HIV. However, certain individual immunosuppressants or disease states may be associated with harmful or beneficial effects, including harm from severe CD4 lymphocytopenia in PLWH and possible benefit to the calcineurin inhibitor ciclosporin in SOTRs, or tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors in persons with rheumatic diseases. Lastly, insights gained from clinical and translational studies are explored as to the relevance for repurposing of immunosuppressive host-directed therapies for the treatment of hyperinflammation in COVID-19 in the general population.
Models of stochastic $$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$ spiking
Authors: Friedhoff Victor Nicolai , Ramlow Lukas , Lindner Benjamin , Falcke Martin
Published: June 2021

Complexity and limited knowledge render it impractical to write down the equations describing a cellular system completely. Cellular biophysics uses hypotheses-based modelling instead. How can we set up models with predictive power beyond the experimental examples used to develop them? The two textbook systems of cellular biophysics,$$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$Ca2+signalling and neuronal membrane potential dynamics, both face this question. Both systems also have a non-equilibrium feature in common: on different time scales and for different observables, they exhibit stochastic spiking, i.e., sequences of stereotypical events that are separated by statistically distributed intervals, the interspike intervals (ISI). Here we review recent progress on the description of$$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$Ca2+spikes in terms of blips, puffs and cellular$$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$Ca2+spikes and focus on stochastic models that can explain the statistics of the single ISIs, in particular its mean and variance and the cell-to-cell variability of these statistics. We also review models of the stochastic integrate-and-fire type and measures like the spike-train power spectrum or the serial correlation coefficient that are used to describe neuronal spike trains. These concepts from computational neuroscience might be applicable for understanding long-term memory effects in$$\hbox {Ca}^{2+}$$Ca2+spiking that extend beyond a single ISI, such as cumulative refractoriness.
Multiple wave solutions for nonlinear burgers equations using the multiple exp-function method
Authors: Gepreel Khaled A. , Zayed E. M. E.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we use the multiple exp-function method to explicity present traveling wave solutions, double-traveling wave (DTW) solutions and triple-traveling wave solutions (TWs) which include one-soliton, double-soliton and triple-soliton solutions for nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) via, the (2+1)-dimensional and (3+1)-dimensional nonlinear Burgers PDEs in mathematical physics. In this work, we build some series of straightforward and new solutions successfully with the help of a computerized symbol computational software package like Maple or Mathematica. We will make some drawings in some cases with specific values for the relevant parameters for each obtained solutions such as the one-traveling wave solutions, double-traveling wave solutions and TWs. This method is efficient and powerful in solving a wide class of NPDEs.
Remarks on the electromagnetic decays of the neutral pion
Authors: Bruce Stanley A.
Published: June 2021

We propose a simple classical electrodynamics model in which a Lorentz pseudoscalar field and a Dirac field are present in the general Lagrangian of the system. The model is constructed by allowing explicit violation of chiral symmetry. This approach is intended to predict possible electromagnetic decays of the neutral pion in effective terms.
Comparison between crystal structure and dielectric properties Nd(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3 (NMT) and Nd(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (NZT)
Authors: Khamoushi Kouros , Mitic Vojislav V. , Manojlovic Jelena , Paunovic Vesna , Cvetkovic Zlata , Lazovic Goran
Published: June 2021

The dielectric properties of Neodymium zinc titanium oxide (NZT) and Neodymium magnesium titanium oxide (NMT) were investigated. The single-phase ceramic was synthesized at various temperatures below 1650[Formula: see text]C.

The result shows that the value of temperature of resonant frequency [Formula: see text] for NMT is higher than NZT.

Our findings also indicate that the rare earth materials produce high property dielectric materials, despite the fact some elements produce lower negative value of temperature of resonant frequency [Formula: see text]. By doping a compound such as CaTiO3which has a very positive temperature of resonant frequency ([Formula: see text] ppm/[Formula: see text]C) and a very high relative permittivity [Formula: see text], it is possible to tune NZT and MNT to achieve an excellent dielectric material. This work is under consideration. The results of this scientific research could be very important for modern advance applications in microelectronic miniaturization.
Non-semi-simple TQFT of the sphere with four punctures
Authors: Martel Jules
Published: June 2021

In this work, we compute the representation of the mapping class group of the sphere with [Formula: see text] punctures arising from the non-semi-simple TQFT [C. Blanchet, F. Costantino, N. Geer and B. Patureau, Non-semi-simple TQFTs, Reidemeister torsion and Kashaev’s invariants, Adv. Math. 301 (2016) 1–78]. We show that it is faithful. Lastly, we compare quantum representations of punctured spheres in general with those of braid groups.
Fluid dynamics in the Ellis wormhole
Authors: Butbaia G. , Osmanov Z. N.
Published: June 2021

In the Ellis wormhole metrics, we study the characteristics of fluid dynamics and the properties of linear sound waves. By implying the energy–momentum equation and the continuity equation in the general relativistic manner, we examine the flow dynamics and solve the corresponding equations for a relatively simple case — radial flow. To study the linear sound waves, the equations governing the mentioned physical system are linearized and solved and interesting characteristic properties are found.
Stationary distribution and extinction for a stochastic two-compartment model of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Gao Miaomiao , Jiang Daqing , Wen Xiangdan
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study the dynamical behavior of a stochastic two-compartment model of [Formula: see text]-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is perturbed by white noise. Firstly, by constructing suitable Lyapunov functions, we establish sufficient conditions for the existence of a unique ergodic stationary distribution. Then, conditions for extinction of the disease are derived. Furthermore, numerical simulations are presented for supporting the theoretical results. Our results show that large noise intensity may contribute to extinction of the disease.
Relaxor ferroelectric behavior: An approach considering both the dipolar and electrical conductivity contributions
Authors: Carreras-Casas C. , García-Zaldívar O. , Peláiz-Barranco A. , González-Abreu Y. , Calderón-Piñar F. , Guerra J. D. S.
Published: June 2021

The relaxor behavior of PLZT ferroelectric ceramics has been analyzed in a wide frequency and temperature ranges, below and above the temperature for the formation of the so-called polar nano-regions (PNRs). An approximation to the dynamical behavior of the PNRs has been discussed using Cole–Cole’s relaxation model and Jonscher’s Universal Relaxation Law. The analysis considers both the dipolar contribution and those ones associated with DC and AC electric conductivities, this latter not being previously reported in the literature for relaxor materials. The effectiveness of the developed model has been verified from the agreement between the experimental data and the theoretical calculations. This study also offers an indirect method to predict the DC component of the electrical conductivity.
Impedance and Electrical Evaluation of Rare Earth-Based Perovskite: BiYbO3
Authors: Padhy Minakshi , Choudhary R. N. P. , Ganga Raju Achary P.
Published: June 2021

The rare earth element ytterbium based lead-free perovskite BiYbO3was successfully synthesized by cost effective solid-state reaction technique. The analysis of the XRD reflection peaks revealed that BiYbO3crystallizes with cubic [Formula: see text] single phase crystal system having cell parameter [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Å. The decrease in the dielectric permittivity with frequency was found to follow the accepted Maxwell–Wagner model of interfacial polarization. The reported perovskite was found to be stable up to [Formula: see text]C as evident from the low [Formula: see text] values. The bulk capacitance of BiYbO3decreases from 1.619[Formula: see text]nF/cm2to 0.173[Formula: see text]nF/cm2with the rise in temperature from [Formula: see text]C to [Formula: see text]C. The dielectric data shows that BiYbO3perovskite follows a negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) trend. The information obtained from the Nyquist plot and the Cole–Cole electric modulus plot is complementary to each other. The effect of bulk and grain boundary is clearly visible in the Cole–Cole electric modulus plot, whereas a good fit of the equivalent circuit [Formula: see text] in the Nyquist plot gave important bulk and grain boundary (capacitance and resistance) parameters. The AC-conductive study for this rare earth perovskite is used to obtain the activation energies to understand the semiconducting behavior of BiYbO3.
Informal institution and corporate innovation: From the perspective of social trust
Authors: Zhao Ling , Hao Huang
Published: June 2021

Purpose: This study examines how social trust, as an informal institution, creates a cooperative and honest atmosphere to improve managers’ willingness for firm innovation. This study also addresses that the informal system may substitute for the formal institutions in promoting corporate innovation. Design/methodology/approach: This study opts a sample of Chinese listed firms over the period of 2007–2014. We obtain the detailed patent application information from the official website of China Patent and Intellectual Property Office. The social trust information is based on the results of Chinese Enterprise Survey System. Findings: The results indicate that firms located in regions of high social trust tend to have more innovation output, and is robust to a battery of sensitivity tests. The authors further document that this effect is more pronounced for firms with poor short-term financial performance, which are located in regions with weak legal environments and firms having lower information transparency. In addition, the authors also demonstrate that social trust can help firms to get adequate funds to reduce financial pressure and encourage firms to pay more attention to long-term benefits, alleviating investors as well as management myopia. Research limitations/implications: Limited by the data sources, when measuring innovation activity, the authors only use patent numbers represent for innovation output. Then, this study measures the patent quality through classifying patent categories (invention patent or others), since in China, the citation data are imperfect and inadequate. Practical implications: The results suggest that social trust means a good culture of honesty and cooperation can promote firm’s innovation engagement. Especially, in emerging markets, where formal mechanisms are relatively less effective, informal institutions can serve as an alternative system for alleviating information asymmetry. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, this study finds the positive effect of social trust on corporate innovation, which provides a new perspective for deepening the understanding of the influence factors of innovation. Second, this study further clarifies the mechanism of social trust promoting firm innovation, indicating that social trust can effectively alleviate outsiders’ concern about moral hazard risk. Then the stakeholders are more willing to provide financial support and pay more attention to the firm’s long-term performance.
Vitamin A and Vitamin E: Will the Real Antioxidant Please Stand Up?
Authors: Blaner William S. , Shmarakov Igor O. , Traber Maret G.
Published: June 2021

Vitamin A, acting through its metabolite, all- trans-retinoic acid, is a potent transcriptional regulator affecting expression levels of hundreds of genes through retinoic acid response elements present within these genes. However, the literature is replete with claims that consider vitamin A to be an antioxidant vitamin, like vitamins C and E. This apparent contradiction in the understanding of how vitamin A acts mechanistically within the body is a major focus of this review. Vitamin E, which is generally understood to act as a lipophilic antioxidant protecting polyunsaturated fatty acids present in membranes, is often proposed to be a transcriptional regulator. The evaluation of this claim is another focus of the review. We conclude that vitamin A is an indirect antioxidant, whose indirect function is to transcriptionally regulate a number of genes involved in mediating the body's canonical antioxidant responses. Vitamin E, in addition to being a direct antioxidant, prevents the increase of peroxidized lipids that alter both metabolic pathways and gene expression profiles within tissues and cells. However, there is little compelling evidence that vitamin E has a direct transcriptional mechanism like that of vitamin A. Thus, we propose that the term antioxidant not be applied to vitamin A, and we discourage the use of the term transcriptional mediator when discussing vitamin E.
Combined Low-Level Light Therapy and Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for the Treatment of Dry Eye in Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Di Marino Matteo , Conigliaro Paola , Aiello Francesco , Valeri Claudia , Giannini Clarissa , Mancino Raffaele , Modica Stella , Nucci Carlo , Perricone Roberto , Cesareo Massimo
Published: June 2021

Purpose. To evaluate the effects of combined intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT) in dry eye disease (DED) in patients affected by Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients and Methods. This is a monocentric, prospective, interventional study. At baseline, all the study patients (n = 20) were on tear substitute therapy and underwent Schirmer type-1 test and breakup time (BUT) test. After baseline measurements, tear substitute therapy was suspended, and patients underwent IPL and LLLT. The same investigations were carried out at one (T1) and at three (T3) months after treatment. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) survey was used to measure the severity of DED. Results. BUT test showed an increase in tear film breakup time in patients with DED 1 month after the beginning of the treatment (T0 vs T1:

p
=
0,01

). This increase was even more statistically significant after 3 months of the IPL and LLLT treatment (T0 vs T3:

p
<
0.0001

). Schirmer test values increased too, but there was not statistically significance between values at T0 and T1 or T3. The patients perceived an improvement in their condition, which resulted in a lower score on the OSDI survey. The OSDI score was lower at T1 than T0 (T0 vs T1:

p
=
0.0003

), while it tended to increase again after 3 months although it was still lower than baseline (T0 vs T3:

p
=
0.02

). No facial or ocular side effects were reported. Conclusions. The use of combined IPL/LLLT for the treatment of DED in patients affected by Sjögren’s syndrome appears to be beneficial.
Design of Bionic Buffering and Vibration Reduction Foot for Legged Robots
Authors: Cong Qian , Shi Xiaojie , Wang Ju , Xiong Yu , Su Bo , Jiang Lei , Li Ming , Tian Weijun
Published: June 2021

When legged robots walk on rugged roads, they would suffer from strong impact from the ground. The impact would cause the legged robots to vibrate, which would affect their normal operation. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to absorb impact energy and reduce vibration. As an important part of a goat’s foot, the hoof capsule can effectively buffer the impact from the ground in the goat’s running and jumping. The structure of the hoof capsules and its principle of buffering and vibration reduction were studied. Inspired by the unique shape and internal structure of the hoof capsules, a bionic foot was designed. Experimental results displayed that the bionic foot could effectively use friction to consume impact energy and ensured the stability of legged robot walking. In addition, the bionic foot had a lower natural vibration frequency, which was beneficial to a wide range of vibration reduction. This work brings a new solution to the legged robot to deal with the ground impact, which helps it adapt to a variety of complex terrain.
Investigation of the Mechanisms of Chuankezhi Injection in the Treatment of Asthma Based on the Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Zhu Hao , Shi Yuhuan , Jiang Shanshan , Jiao Xiuxiu , Zhu Hui , Wang Rong , Yuan Yongfang
Published: June 2021

Background. Chuankezhi injection (CKZI) was an effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injection in adjuvant bronchial asthma therapy. In this report, we used a network pharmacology method to reveal the mechanisms of CKZI for the treatment of asthma. Methods. The candidate compounds in CKZI were determined by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure website (CNKI). The targets of candidate compounds were searched in the TCMSP, DrugBank 5.0, and SwissTargetPrediction. The disease targets were screened from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and GeneCards. The overlapping gene symbols between candidate compounds and disease were filtered via a Venn diagram and were considered as potential targets. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and disease-related candidate compound-target-pathway (DC-T-P) network were visualized by Cytoscape 3.6.1. Gene Ontology (GO) functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed by metascape to determine the pathways related to asthma. Results. A total of 70 overlapping gene symbols were recognized as potential targets. Cytokines (IL6, TNF, and IL1B) and chemokines (CXCL8 and CCL2) could be recognized as hub genes. Asthma-related candidate compounds were mainly flavonoids, such as quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. The cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, cytokine receptor binding, and membrane craft were the most significant biological process (BP), molecular function (MF), and cellular component (CC) of GO function results, respectively. The relevant pathways of CKZI against asthma mainly include IL-17, NF-kappa B, HIF-1, calcium, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Conclusion. Our research provided a theoretical basis for further investigating the mechanisms of CKZI in the treatment of asthma.
Bias Evaluation of the Accuracy of Two Extraoral Scanners and an Intraoral Scanner Based on ADA Standards
Authors: Cui Naiyu , Wang Jiayin , Hou Xingyu , Sun Shixun , Huang Qixuan , Lim Ho-Kyung , Cai HongXin , Jia Qi , Lee Eui-Seok , Jiang Heng Bo
Published: June 2021

The spread and application of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology have contributed to the rapid development of digitalization in dentistry. The accuracy of scan results is closely related to the devising subsequent treatment plans and outcomes. Professional standards for evaluating scanners are specified in the American National Standard/American Dental Association Standard 132 (ANSI/ADA No. 132). The aims of this study were to use the three samples mentioned in ANSI/ADA No. 132 and evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of two extraoral scanners and an intraoral scanner based on the inspection standards recommended by ANSI/ADA No. 132. In this study, two trained operators used two extraoral scanners (E4, 3Shape, Denmark & SHINING DS100+, Shining, China) and an intraoral scanner (TRIOS SERIES3, 3Shape, Denmark) to perform 30 scans of each of the three samples at a temperature of

25
±

2

°

C

and export standard tessellation language files and used reverse engineering software to perform measurements and iterative nearest point matching experiments. The measured values obtained were compared with the reference values measured by a coordinate measuring machine (NC8107, Leader Metrology, USA). We performed a normal distribution test (Shapiro-Wilk test), the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, and an independent-samples

t

-test to analyze the reproducibility of each scan for different models. The experimental results indicate that the trueness and precision of the two extraoral scanners and the intraoral scanner had a slight mean deviation. The trueness and precision of the three scanners on the curved surface and groove areas are poor. The accuracy and reproducibility of E4 outperformed SHINING and TRIOS. The iterative closest point matching experiment also showed good matching results. The two extraoral scanners and the intraoral scanner in this study can meet the basic clinical requirements in terms of accuracy, and we hope that digital technology will be more widely used in dentistry in the future.
The Social Consequences of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak in Iran: Is Social Capital at Risk? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Motamed-Jahromi Mohadeseh , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2021

As well as causing a global health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has also generated multilevel social changes by damaging psychosocial and economic resources across Iranian society. Therefore, this qualitative study was conducted to examine and explain these social consequences and their impact on the social capital of Iran during the COVID-19 outbreak. Using a content analysis approach, nine experts participated in semistructured, in-depth interviews. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Lundman and Graneheim’s method. The social impacts of COVID-19 can be summarized into six categories and 32 subcategories. Three positive-negative categories emerged from the data analysis: “formation of new patterns of social communications; formation of new patterns of behavior; creation of economic changes.” Three entirely negative categories included “creating a climate of distrust; disruption of cultural, social, and religious values; psychosocial disorders.” Overall, most findings (27 out of 32 subcategories) indicated the destructive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on social capital. Therefore, this raises concerns about social capital endangerment in Iran. However, positive social impacts can guide policies that strengthen social action and improve social capital.
A Functionalized Paper Strip‐Based Platform for Rapid Detection of Anticancer Drug Concentrations
Authors: Stojanović Goran M. , Kojić Tijana , Simić Mitar , Radovanović Milan , Panić Sanja , Srdić Vladimir V. , Vukmirović Saša , Ellison Gaewyn , Al-Salami Hani
Published: June 2021

This article presents a compact, low‐cost, robust, and flexible test platform for determining the concentration of drugs in fluids. This device is based on a PVC foil card containing copper conductive foils in which disposable paper test strips are inserted. The paper test strips are overlaid with deposition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) acting as a sensing layer. When a paper test strip is inserted into the test card, the conductive path between two copper lines is established. A drop of test fluid on the sensing MWCNT layer changes the conductivity in a concentration‐dependent manner, enabling calculation of the drug concentration after measurement of the electrical resistance at the copper terminals. An equivalent electrical circuit was also proposed to model the response of the fabricated sensor. It was shown that model parameters are dependent on the concentration of the cytostatic drug methotrexate. Additionally, the fabricated sensor demonstrated the ability to differentiate the same concentration of methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. The complete readout electronics and polynomial transfer function for calculating drug concentrations were also developed and are presented.
Terahertz Characteristics of Magnetic Fluid Based on Microfluidic Technology
Authors: Zhao Xinyuan , Wang Guoyang , Shao Siyu , Meng Qinghao , Wang Jiahui , Zhang Sijia , Su Bo , Zhang Cunlin
Published: June 2021

Magnetic fluid is a new functional material with both liquid fluidity and solid magnetism, which has important application value in medicine, biology, and so on. In this study, terahertz technology and microfluidic technology were combined to investigate the terahertz transmission characteristics of a magnetic fluid in different magnetic fields and different electric fields. In the external magnetic field, the intensity of the terahertz spectrum increased with an increase in the magnetic field intensity, and the response to the magnetic field in different directions was different. Under the applied electric field, the intensity of the terahertz spectrum decreased with an increase in the electric field intensity. This method is convenient for studying the terahertz characteristics of magnetic fluid and provides technical support for in-depth studies of magnetic fluid.
Privacy‐Aware Online Task Offloading for Mobile‐Edge Computing
Authors: Zhu Dali , Li Ting , Liu Haitao , Sun Jiyan , Geng Liru , Liu Yinlong
Published: June 2021

Mobile edge computing (MEC) has been envisaged as one of the most promising technologies in the fifth generation (5G) mobile networks. It allows mobile devices to offload their computation‐demanding and latency‐critical tasks to the resource‐rich MEC servers. Accordingly, MEC can significantly improve the latency performance and reduce energy consumption for mobile devices. Nonetheless, privacy leakage may occur during the task offloading process. Most existing works ignored these issues or just investigated the system‐level solution for MEC. Privacy‐aware and user‐level task offloading optimization problems receive much less attention. In order to tackle these challenges, a privacy‐preserving and device‐managed task offloading scheme is proposed in this paper for MEC. This scheme can achieve near‐optimal latency and energy performance while protecting the location privacy and usage pattern privacy of users. Firstly, we formulate the joint optimization problem of task offloading and privacy preservation as a semiparametric contextual multi‐armed bandit (MAB) problem, which has a relaxed reward model. Then, we propose a privacy‐aware online task offloading (PAOTO) algorithm based on the transformed Thompson sampling (TS) architecture, through which we can (1) receive the best possible delay and energy consumption performance, (2) achieve the goal of preserving privacy, and (3) obtain an online device‐managed task offloading policy without requiring any system‐level information. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme outperforms the existing methods in terms of minimizing the system cost and preserving the privacy of users.
Comparison of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Nursing and Medical Students in Kermanshah, Iran, about Toothbrush Maintenance and Use
Authors: Janatolmakan Maryam , Kakazadeh Saber , Andayeshgar Bahare , Jafari Faranak , Khatony Alireza
Published: June 2021

Background. To promote oral health in society, medical and nursing students are required to have acceptable knowledge, attitude, and practice with respect to correct maintenance and use of a toothbrush. This study explored the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Iranian medical and nursing students about the correct maintenance and use of a toothbrush. Methods. A total of 260 nursing students and 320 medical students were randomly recruited. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire on the knowledge, attitude, and practice about toothbrush maintenance and use. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 54.53 ± 17.18, 49.67 ± 19.17, and 19 ± 51.50 in the nursing students and 54.17 ± 21.42, 51.18 ± 87.28, and 49.87 ± 17.52 out of 100 in the medical students, respectively. There was no significant difference between the medical and nursing students in the mean score of knowledge. The medical and nursing students had a similar attitude and practice in most items of toothbrush maintenance and use. Conclusion. The medical and nursing students had average knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding toothbrush maintenance and use, which is not acceptable considering their job nature. Hence, interventional measures should be taken to enhance their knowledge, attitude, and practice.
Human Intestinal Parasites: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Grade School Children in Maksegnit, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Shiferaw Kefale , Tesfay Teklemichael , Kalayu Girmay , Kiros Gebrehiwot
Published: June 2021

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in grade school children in Maksegnit, Northwest Ethiopia. Five species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 155 (40.4%). Among these, Ascaris lumbricoides 122 (31.8%) and Entamoeba histolytica 18 (4.7%) were predominant. Of the total 155 (40.4%) positive individuals, 149 (39%) had a single infection and the rest 6 (1.6%) had double parasitic infections. Of the different variables assessed, age, gender, shoe wearing, and eating raw or undercooked vegetables were not significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites (

P
>
0.05

). However, a statistically significant association (

P
<
0.05

) was observed between infected children and variables including defecation habit (AOR = 0.216), cleanliness of fingernails (AOR = 0.146), drinking river water (AOR = 0.124), and hand washing habit after defecation (AOR = 0.236) (

P
<
0.05

). Regular deworming, education on personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation to both students and their parents shall be implemented to reduce the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections in the study area.
Evaluation of Month of Birth in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMSOD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Authors: Mirmosayyeb Omid , Barzegar Mahdi , Afshari-Safavi Alireza , Nehzat Nasim , Heidari Afshin , Emami Parisa , Shaygannejad Vahid
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMO) are chronic immune-mediated diseases in the central nervous system (CNS). Environmental factors such as month of birth can be a trigger for these diseases. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare the months of birth in MS and NMOSD patients with the control group. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 2345 patients with MS, 220 NMOSD patients, and 2174 healthy subjects were enrolled. Demographic information such as age, sex, month of birth, and education in three groups was extracted from the database. The associations between month of birth and MS were studied by binary logistic regression with adjusting for the year of birth. Results. There was a reduced birth rate in September-October in NMOSD (

OR
=
0.309

, 95% CI: 0.150-0.636;

p
<
0.001

) and MS patients (

OR
=
0.470

, 95% CI: 0.374-0.591;

p
<
0.001

) compared to the general population. The birth rate in March-April in MS was higher than the control group (

OR
=
1.613

, 95% CI: 1.324-1.964;

p
<
0.001

). There was no difference in the birth month distribution between the NMOSD and MS patients. No significant difference in MOB among different MS types was found. Conclusion. Our findings showed a decreasing risk of NMOSD and MS in individuals born in the autumn months and an increasing MS risk in spring. More studies are required to elucidate the association between the month of birth and risk of MS and NMOSD and the seasonality factors.
Characterizing the Validity of the Inverted Pendulum Model for Quiet Standing
Authors: Sung Jia-Li , Hong Chih-Yuan , Liu Chin-Hsuan , Lee Posen , Guo Lan-Yuen , Lin Nan-Hung , Yen Chen-Wen , Liaw Lih-Jiun
Published: June 2021

By assuming that the human body rotates primarily around the ankle joint in the sagittal plane, the human body has been modelled as a single inverted pendulum (IP) to simulate the human quiet stance. Despite its popularity, the validity of the IP model has been challenged in many studies. Rather than testing the validity of the IP model as a true or false question, this work proposes a feature to quantify the degree of validity of the IP model. The development of the proposed feature is based on the fact that the IP model predicts that the horizontal acceleration of COM is proportional to the COP error which is defined as the difference between the center of pressure (COP) and the vertical projection of the center of mass (COM). Since the horizontal components of the acceleration of COM and the ground reaction force (GRF) are always proportional, the proposed feature is the correlation coefficient between the anterior-posterior (AP) components of GRF and the COP error. The efficacy of the proposed feature is demonstrated by comparing its differences for individuals in two age groups (18–24 and 65–73 years) in quiet standing. The experimental results show that the IP model is more suited for predicting the motion of the older group than the younger group. Our results also show that the proposed feature is more sensitive to aging effects than one of the most reliable and accurate COP-based postural stability features.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of Human Populations towards Malaria Control in Four Ecoepidemiological Settings in Cameroon
Authors: Kala Chouakeu Nelly Armanda , Ngingahi Laura Gilberine , Bamou Roland , Talipouo Abdou , Ngadjeu Carmen Sandra , Mayi Marie Paul Audrey , Kopya Edmond , Awono-Ambene Parfait , Tchuinkam Timoléon , Antonio Nkondjio Christophe
Published: June 2021

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Cameroon. Critical steps to improve disease control include assessing human population adherence to vector control interventions, especially in areas with different cultural backgrounds. The present study seeks to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of populations towards malaria prevention in four ecoepidemiological settings in Cameroon. A cross-sectional malaria KAP survey was conducted from August to September 2019 in households of the localities of Kaélé, Tibati, Bertoua, and Santchou. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to randomly selected households in the localities. Data recorded were analysed using SPSS v. 20 and MedCalc v14.8.1. A total of 739 households were surveyed. The majority of participants had a secondary level of education (48.71%). A substantial number of participants (over 90%) in all the localities were able to make an accurate association between malaria and mosquito bites. The main sources of information for community members were television sets in Santchou and Tibati and interpersonal conversations in Bertoua and Kaélé. Mosquito nets were the most commonly used protective measure against malaria, and the majority of nets in households came from the free-of-charge mass distribution campaigns organized by the government. Participants with secondary and higher levels of education were more aware of good practices towards malaria control compared to those with a primary level of education. The study revealed that populations’ KAP differed according to localities and culture. More sensitization and education need to be done to improve adherence to prevention programs.
Singularity Analysis and Representation of 6DOF Parallel Robot Using Natural Coordinates
Authors: Zou Shangyuan , Liu Hairui , Liu Yanli , Yao Jiafeng , Wu Hongtao
Published: June 2021

Singularity research is carried out. The problem, which is about six-dimensional parameters of position and orientation can not realize three-dimensional visualization for 6DOF parallel robot, has been solved. Firstly, according to the structural characteristics of the 6DOF parallel robot with the planar platform, the position and orientation of the mobile platform are described, respectively, and the six equations of forward kinematics are established by choosing the natural coordinates of three representative points as parameters. Then, the singularities of the 6DOF parallel robot with a planar platform are divided into input singularity and output singularity. Aiming at the output singularity, in combination with six constraint equations among the position vectors of three representative points, an analytical algorithm is proposed to express the coupling singularity of position and orientation and the analytical expression is derived. In further research, three kinds of output singularities are found, the spatial distribution of the output singular trajectory is determined, and a unified three-dimensional fully visualized description of six-dimensional coupling variables is realized for the first time. The problems of finding the singular orientation at a given position or the singular position at a given orientation are solved. The analysis of the singularity lays a solid foundation for the description of the three-dimensional complete visualization of a six-dimensional singularity-free workspace based on forward kinematics. What is more, it has great significance for both trajectory planning and control design of the parallel robot.
Direct Ultrasonic Aspiration for Orbito-Temporal Neurofibromas
Authors: Kono Shinjiro , Kakizaki Hirohiko , Lee Patricia Ann L. , Takahashi Yasuhiro
Published: June 2021

Ultrasonic surgical devices are powerful new tools that can debulk soft tissue tumors with little damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerve fibers. We used such a device to remove orbito-temporal neurofibromas, which are usually associated with a rich network of vessels and nerves. Three patients with masses in the upper and lower eyelids and the temporal area of the face were included in this study. The masses were debulked safely using an ultrasonic aspirator, resulting in satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Associated with Oxaliplatin Use for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Symeonidis David G. , Liatsos Alexandros D. , Mazlimoglou Evridiki K. , Geraki Eleni C. , Kosmas Christos
Published: June 2021

The posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) was first described by Hinchey’s group in 1996 as a reversible vasogenic brain edema on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hypertension represents the most frequent manifestation associated with PRES. In the present report, we present a patient diagnosed with locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received 3 cycles of a 5-fluoruracil plus oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen and developed PRES after the third cycle. Several days after receiving the second cycle of FOLFOX chemotherapy, the patient started having episodes of hypertensive crisis (systolic pressure = 180, diastolic pressure = 100), that was controlled with amlodipine, irbesartan, and hydrochlorothiazide. After the administration of the third cycle, this time with the FOLFIRINOX regimen, he appeared lethargic and disoriented in place and time. MRI revealed bilateral areas of signal hyperintensity in the thalamus, hypothalamus, fibers of reticular formation, anterior section of cerebral vermis and a mild edema of left parahippocampal gyrus, with no signs of brain metastases. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with PRES syndrome, and he was treated with glucose, 5% saline, thiamine supplementation, levetiracetam (Keppra®), and i.v. dexamethasone. Three weeks later, he gradually became conscious, with cognitive function recovery, and capable of executing movements.
Venipuncture-Related Median Nerve Palsy Disguised as Intraoperative Brachial Plexus Injury
Authors: Shields Lisa B.E. , Sutton Brandon , Iyer Vasudeva G. , Shields Christopher B. , Rao Abigail J.
Published: June 2021

Iatrogenic peripheral nerve injuries may result from transection, stretch, compression, injections, ligature, heat, anticoagulant use, and radiation. Iatrogenic median nerve palsy has been reported rarely. We report a case of a woman who underwent craniectomy for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Intraoperatively, a transient decline in the amplitude of the left upper extremity somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) was noted. This finding was presumed to be due to the traction on the brachial plexus as it improved with repositioning. Immediately upon waking from anesthesia, the patient experienced sensorimotor deficits in the left median nerve distribution. Ecchymoses from venipuncture were observed in this area. Electrodiagnostic studies confirmed a left median nerve neuropathy localized in the antebrachial area. Neurosurgeons and neurologists should be alert to potential iatrogenic median nerve palsy following vascular access at the antebrachial region. Vascular access could be performed under the ultrasound guidance when a patient is under anesthesia or unable to give sensory feedback. Furthermore, placing an additional recording electrode over the proximal upper arm during intraoperative SSEP monitoring aids in distinguishing between brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries.