bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Chinese Medicine Compound Alleviates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury via Its Antiapoptosis and Anti-Inflammation Effects in Mice
Authors: He Riming , Liu Jiahui , Chen Yulian , Liao Yijiao , Wang Yuzhi , Jin Xiaoming , Li Zhongtang , Liu Siqi , Lu Jiandong , Yang Shudong
Published: June 2022

Cisplatin, also known as cis-diamine dichloroplatinum (CDDP), is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug. However, its application is limited by the occurrence of serious nephrotoxicity. Currently, no effective therapy is available for combating CDDP-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of Jianpi Yishen Tang (JPYST), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound commonly used to treat chronic kidney disease, against CDDP-induced AKI. In the CDDP + JPYST group, male mice were pretreated with JPYST (18.35 g/kg/day) for 5 consecutive days before receiving a single dose of CDDP (20 mg/kg), all mice were sacrificed 72 h after the CDDP injection. Results showed that JPYST suppressed CDDP-induced kidney dysfunction and tubular damage scores in the mice. Mechanistically, JPYST treatment attenuated CDDP-induced renal tubular cell apoptosis in AKI mice, as manifested by a marked decreased in TUNEL-positive cell counts, downregulation of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bad and caspase 3, and upregulation of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in kidney tissues. Meanwhile, JPYST decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the serum and renal tissues of mice following CDDP administration. These factors are involved in suppressing the activation of phospho-NF-κB p65 in tubular epithelial cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that JPYST exerts renoprotective effects against CDDP-induced AKI through antiapoptosis and anti-inflammation effects, and these are associated with downregulation of NF-κB activation. Therefore, JPYST has potential for development of treatment therapies against CDDP-induced AKI.
A Generative Clustering Ensemble Model and Its Application in IoT Data Analysis
Authors: Du Hangyuan , Wang Wenjian , Bai Liang , Feng Jinsong
Published: June 2022

Data analysis is the foundation of Internet of Things (IoT) based applications, and clustering is an effective technology of data analysis. Clustering ensemble integrates multiple base clustering results to obtain a consensus result and thus improves the clustering performance in stability and robustness. However, it is difficult for existing clustering ensemble algorithms to achieve a satisfying ensemble result, when the base clustering results are unreliable. Concerning this problem, we develop a new clustering ensemble model in this paper, which has several advantages compared with traditional algorithms: (i) structure information about the data is effectively extracted from the base clusterings; (ii) data characteristics and structure information are integrated in an elegant fashion, in the production of the consensus clustering result; and (iii) our model has the generative ability that makes the model achieve outstanding performance when training samples are insufficient. In our model, the structural information is extracted by explicating the coupling relationships between base clusterings and between samples in clustering members. Then, data characteristics and structure information are combined in a generative graph representation learning framework. And the objectives of representation learning and consensus clustering are integrated into a unified optimization model, in which the prior distribution of the data is approximated by a Gaussian mixture model (GMM). Extensive experiments are conducted on multiple IoT datasets; the results prove that our model not only performs better than the conventional clustering ensemble algorithms but also outperforms the state-of-the-art deep clustering methods.
Adropin Improves Radiation-Induced Myocardial Injury via VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Li Bingda , Wang Zhenhua , He Yuanqiao , Chen Tianpeng , Zhang Yun , Yuan Xingxing , Li Ping
Published: June 2022

Mediastinal cancer radiotherapy exposes the heart and causes myocardial injury. It is of utmost importance to identify effective prevention and treatment targets. In this study, the regulatory role of adropin (Ad) in radiation-induced myocardial injury (RIMI) was explored in mice. After C57BL/6 mice were administered E0771 cells and received radiotherapy, the effects of exogenous Ad intervention on myocardial fibrosis, apoptosis, microvessel density, oxidative stress, and protein expression levels were observed. The results showed that exogenous Ad effectively improved cardiac function, suppressed oxidative stress, inhibited myocardial fibrosis, reduced myocardial apoptosis, and promoted microangiogenesis in RIMI mice. Ad also downregulated the expression levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and cleaved caspase 3 and upregulated the expression of phosphor-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS). However, the above-mentioned effects of Ad were significantly reversed in Ad-/- mice. Radiotherapy resulted in the downregulation of phosphor-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (p-VEGFR2) and p-Akt in myocardial tissue, which were upregulated by Ad. However, after targeted inhibition of VEGFR2 with apatinib, the effect of Ad on improving RIMI was significantly reversed. Taken together, exogenous Ad significantly ameliorated RIMI by reducing oxidative stress, promoting microangiogenesis, and inhibiting myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis. The underlying molecular mechanism involved may be elucidated by activation of the VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt pathway.
Study on Mechanical Properties of Banana Fiber-Reinforced Materials Poly (Lactic Acid) Composites
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Nguyen Thi Huong
Published: June 2022

Synthetic materials reinforced with natural fibers are attracting great attention of scientists and researchers. Sustainability and eco-friendly nature along with easy availability and low cost are the key reasons. In this work, a natural fiber such as a banana fiber was investigated to create bioavailable materials while enhancing mechanical properties. The banana fiber was extracted from banana sheath by the mechanical method combined with chemical treatment with NaOH 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%. Treatment of the banana fiber with NaOH effectively removes other impurities from the fiber surface and the fiber surface becomes rough, increasing the compatibility and bonding between banana fiber and PLA. The reported optimum NaOH concentration was 5% banana fiber used for the material polylactic acid (PLA) composite/banana fiber. The composites (BF) were prepared by the hot melt mixing method. The results showed that 20% by weight of banana fiber gave good results and the mechanical strength values kept at the specified level (tensile strength: 52.57 MPa, flexural strength: 70.35 MPa, impact strength: 155.45 J/m and hardness: 23.8 Hv). SEM observations showed visual evidence that surface impurities were removed from the fiber by NaOH treatment.
TNFRSF9 Suppressed the Progression of Breast Cancer via the p38MAPK/PAX6 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaorong , Zhou Yehui , Qin Chenglin , Zhu Xun
Published: June 2022

Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer in females. Endocrine therapy can effectively treat 85% of breast cancer patients, but 15% of patients could only be treated with chemotherapy and surgery, and the prognosis is much worse. Immunotherapy is the novel treatment for breast cancer, where PD-1 and CTLA-4 antibodies have shown evidence of immune modulation in breast cancer drug trials. In this study, we report that TNFRSF9 regulates the cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of breast cancer cells through regulating the phosphorylation of p38, thus further regulating the expression of PAX6. In both breast cancer tissues and cell lines, the levels of TNFRSF9 are significantly decreased, and breast cancer cell development will be promoted with knockdown of TNFRSF9. Moreover, we identify that downregulation of TNFRSF9 can upregulate the phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) and PAX6. We further elucidate that p-p38 is essential for PAX6 expression as p38 phosphorylation inhibitor can reverse the upregulation of PAX6 and suppress cell proliferation and invasion and promote apoptosis in breast cancer cells. In summary, this study proposed a novel TNFRSF9/p38/PAX6 axis that contributes to tumor suppression, which suggests a potential immunotherapy target for breast cancer.
Serum Cystatin C Level Monitoring for Intervention Opportunity of CBP in Children with Severe Sepsis
Authors: Wang Weikai , Qiang Yi , Tao Zhongbin , Yang Baowang , Yan Bin , Chen Xilong , Xu Ruifeng
Published: June 2022

Objective. The aim of this study is to investigate the instruction value of the serum cystatin C (Cys C) level monitoring for intervention opportunity of continuous blood purification technology (CBP) in children with severe sepsis. Methods. 67 children with severe sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with CBP treatment were retrospectively selected from May 2016 to April 2020. According to the time intervals between the time point of serum Cys C level began to increase (>15 mg/L) and the time point of CBP began, all children were divided into group A (<24 h, 29 cases), group B (24–48 h, 22 cases), and group C (>48 h, 16 cases). The children’s general characteristics, vital signs, biochemical parameters, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores were evaluated. The influence factors of prognosis of children with severe sepsis were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. Results. The intervals between the time point of PICU hospitalization and the time point of CBP began and the times of CBP in group A were significantly more than those in group B and C

P
<
0.05

. There was no statistically significant duration of CBP among three groups

P
>
0.05

. After follow-up of 28 d, there was no significant difference on the occurrence of coagulation disorders and hypovolemic shock induced by CBP among three groups

P
>
0.05

. However, the mortality of children in group A was lower than that in group C

P

<

0.05

. Children in group A had lower APACHE II scores, SOFA scores, serum K+, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatine (SCr), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), and higher partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) than those of children in group C after CBP.

P
<
0.05

. SOFA scores ≥5 after CBP treatment and the time intervals between the time point of serum Cys C level began to increase (>15 mg/L) and the time point of CBP began ≥24 h were the independent influence factors on the prognosis by multivariate regression analysis. Conclusion. There are significant evidences that continuous blood purification technology within 24 h of serum Cys C level may better control the condition of children with severe sepsis.
Classification of Transgenic Mice by Retinal Imaging Using SVMS
Authors: Sayeed Farrukh , Rafeeq Ahmed K. , Vinmathi M. S. , Priyadarsini A. Indira , Gundupalli Charles Babu , Tripathi Vikas , Shishah Wesam , Sundramurthy Venkatesa Prabhu
Published: June 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is the neuro disorder which characterized by means of Amyloid–

 
β

(A

 
β

) in brain. However, accurate detection of this disease is a challenging task since the pathological issues of brain are complex in identification. In this paper, the changes associated with the retinal imaging for Alzheimer’s disease are classified into two classes such as wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice model (TMM). For testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT) images are used to classify into two groups. The classification is implemented by support vector machines with the optimum kernel selection using a genetic algorithm. Among several kernel functions of SVM, the radial basis kernel function provides the better classification result. In order to deal with an effective classification using SVM, texture features of retinal images are extracted and selected. The overall accuracy reached 92% and 91% of precision for the classification of transgenic mice.
RFDPC: Density Peaks Clustering Algorithm Based on Resultant Force
Authors: Zhang Yongzhong , Huang Hexiao , Du Jie , Ma Yan
Published: June 2022

Density peaks clustering (DPC) is an efficient and effective algorithm due to its outstanding performance in discovering clusters with varying densities. However, the quality of this method is highly dependent on the cutoff distance. To improve the performance of DPC, the gravitation-based clustering (GDPC) algorithm is proposed. However, it cannot identify the clusters of varying densities. We developed a novel density peaks clustering algorithm based on the magnitude and direction of the resultant force acting on a data point (RFDPC). RFDPC is based on the idea that the resultant forces acting on the data points in the same cluster are more likely to point towards the cluster center. The cluster centers are selected based on the force directional factor and distance in the decision graph. Experimental results indicate superior performance of the proposed algorithm in detecting clusters of different densities, irregular shapes, and numbers of clusters.
MicroRNA-1224-5p Aggravates Sepsis-Related Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Liu Bing , Chen Feng , Cheng Ni-Tao , Tang Zheng , Wang Xian-Guo , Xu Ming
Published: June 2022

Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the development of sepsis-related acute lung injury (ALI). MicroRNA-1224-5p (miR-1224-5p) plays critical roles in regulating inflammatory response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The present study is aimed at investigating the role and underlying mechanisms of miR-1224-5p in sepsis-related ALI. Mice were intratracheally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 mg/kg) for 12 h to induce sepsis-related ALI. To manipulate miR-1224-5p level, mice were intravenously injected with the agomir, antagomir, or matched controls for 3 consecutive days. Murine peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/mL) for 6 h to further validate the role of miR-1224-5p in vitro. To inhibit adenosine 5

′

-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) or peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), compound C or GW9662 was used in vivo and in vitro. We found that miR-1224-5p levels in lungs were elevated by LPS injection, and that the miR-1224-5p antagomir significantly alleviated LPS-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and ALI in mice. Conversely, the miR-1224-5p agomir aggravated inflammatory response, ROS generation, and pulmonary dysfunction in LPS-treated mice. In addition, the miR-1224-5p antagomir reduced, while the miR-1224-5p agomir aggravated LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in murine peritoneal macrophages. Further findings revealed that miR-1224-5p is directly bound to the 3

′

-untranslated regions of PPAR-γ and subsequently suppressed PPAR-γ/AMPKα axis, thereby aggravating LPS-induced ALI in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrate for the first time that endogenous miR-1224-5p is a critical pathogenic factor for inflammation and oxidative damage during LPS-induced ALI through inactivating PPAR-γ/AMPKα axis. Targeting miR-1224-5p may help to develop novel approaches to treat sepsis-related ALI.
Caspase-3–Induced Activation of SREBP2 Drives Drug Resistance via Promotion of Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Mok Etienne Ho Kit , Leung Carmen Oi Ning , Zhou Lei , Lei Martina Mang Leng , Leung Hoi Wing , Tong Man , Wong Tin Lok , Lau Eunice Yuen Ting , Ng Irene Oi Lin , Ding Jin , Yun Jing Ping , Yu Jun , Zhu Hui Lian , Lin Chi Ho , Lindholm Dan , Leung Kit Sum , Cybulski Jonathan D. , Baker David M. , Ma Stephanie , Lee Terence Kin Wah
Published: June 2022

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that drug resistance can be acquired in cancer through the repopulation of tumors by cancer stem cell (CSC) expansion. Here, we investigated mechanisms driving resistance and CSC repopulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a cancer model using two drug-resistant, patient-derived tumor xenografts that mimicked the development of acquired resistance to sorafenib or lenvatinib treatment observed in patients with HCC. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that cholesterol biosynthesis was most commonly enriched in the drug-resistant xenografts. Comparison of the genetic profiles of CD133+ stem cells and CD133− bulk cells from liver regeneration and HCC mouse models showed that the cholesterol pathway was preferentially upregulated in liver CSCs compared with normal liver stem cells. Consistently, SREBP2-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis was crucial for the augmentation of liver CSCs, and loss of SREBP2 conferred sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, suggesting a role in regulation of acquired drug resistance in HCC. Similarly, exogenous cholesterol-treated HCC cells showed enhanced cancer stemness abilities and drug resistance. Mechanistically, caspase-3 (CASP3) mediated cleavage of SREBP2 from the endoplasmic reticulum to promote cholesterol biosynthesis, which consequently caused resistance to sorafenib/lenvatinib treatment by driving activation of the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. Simvastatin, an FDA-approved cholesterol-lowering drug, not only suppressed HCC tumor growth but also sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib. These findings demonstrate that CSC populations in HCC expand via CASP3-dependent, SREBP2-mediated cholesterol biosynthesis in response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy and that targeting cholesterol biosynthesis can overcome acquired drug resistance.

Significance:

This study finds that cholesterol biosynthesis supports the expansion of cancer stem cell populations to drive resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma, identifying potential therapeutic approaches for improving cancer treatment.
Frame-by-Frame Analysis of a Commercially Available Artificial Intelligence Polyp Detection System in Full-Length Colonoscopies
Authors: Brand Markus , Troya Joel , Krenzer Adrian , De Maria Costanza , Mehlhase Niklas , Götze Sebastian , Walter Benjamin , Meining Alexander , Hann Alexander
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Computer-aided detection (CADe) helps increase colonoscopic polyp detection. However, little is known about other performance metrics like the number and duration of false-positive (FP) activations or how stable the detection of a polyp is. Methods: 111 colonoscopy videos with total 1,793,371 frames were analyzed on a frame-by-frame basis using a commercially available CADe system (GI-Genius, Medtronic Inc.). Primary endpoint was the number and duration of FP activations per colonoscopy. Additionally, we analyzed other CADe performance parameters, including per-polyp sensitivity, per-frame sensitivity, and first detection time of a polyp. We additionally investigated whether a threshold for withholding CADe activations can be set to suppress short FP activations and how this threshold alters the CADe performance parameters. Results: A mean of 101 ± 88 FPs per colonoscopy were found. Most of the FPs consisted of less than three frames with a maximal 66-ms duration. The CADe system detected all 118 polyps and achieved a mean per-frame sensitivity of 46.6 ± 26.6%, with the lowest value for flat polyps (37.6 ± 24.8%). Withholding CADe detections up to 6 frames length would reduce the number of FPs by 87.97% (p < 0.001) without a significant impact on CADe performance metrics. Conclusions: The CADe system works reliable but generates many FPs as a side effect. Since most FPs are very short, withholding short-term CADe activations could substantially reduce the number of FPs without impact on other performance metrics. Clinical practice would benefit from the implementation of customizable CADe thresholds.
Factors Associated with Caregiver Burden and Depressive States among Family Caregivers of Patients Admitted due to Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Authors: Kai Aoi , Ishii Shinya , Ishii Tomoyuki , Fuchino Katsuhiro , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Among those caring for people with dementia (PwD) at home, more than 60% feel a caregiver burden (CB), and one in three are depressed. Reducing feelings of burden and depressive states in caregiving families will improve the living environment for PwD. However, very few studies have focused on effective methods and reducing feelings of burden and depressive states of caregivers. Thus, using data from a previous study, we aimed to determine the factors associated with perceived CB and depressive states experienced by caregivers for PwD with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) at home. Methods: We performed single regression analysis on 285 participants’ data to determine the association between each item and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview and Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale scores. We performed multiple regression analysis with variables considered in the single regression analysis as independent variables. Results: Severity of BPSD, caregivers’ subjective health status (SHS), time of caregiving, and depressive states were related to CB, and caregivers’ SHS and CB were related to depressive states. Conclusions: Similar to previous studies, we identified an association between family caregivers’ perceived CB and BPSD in PwD. Additionally, we found that caregivers’ SHS is commonly associated with both perceived CB and depressive states. This is a new finding. Our results suggest that interventions focusing on family caregivers’ health status can help not only to reduce family caregivers’ CB and depressive states but also stabilize patients’ symptoms and provide home-based care for a longer time.
Late Outcomes of Patients With Prehospital ST‐Segment Elevation and Appropriate Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Nonactivation
Authors: Faour Amir , Pahn Reece , Cherrett Callum , Gibbs Oliver , Lintern Karen , Mussap Christian J. , Rajaratnam Rohan , Leung Dominic Y. , Taylor David A. , Faddy Steven C. , Lo Sidney , Juergens Craig P. , French John K.
Published: June 2022

Background

Patients with suspected ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and cardiac catheterization laboratory nonactivation (CCL‐NA) or cancellation have reportedly similar crude and higher adjusted risks of death compared with those with CCL activation, though reasons for these poor outcomes are not clear. We determined late clinical outcomes among patients with prehospital ECG STEMI criteria who had CCL‐NA compared with those who had CCL activation.

Methods and Results

We identified consecutive prehospital ECG transmissions between June 2, 2010 to October 6, 2016. Diagnoses according to the Fourth Universal Definition of myocardial infarction (MI), particularly rates of myocardial injury, were adjudicated. The primary outcome was all‐cause death. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular death/MI/stroke and noncardiovascular death. To explore competing risks, cause‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) were obtained. Among 1033 included ECG transmissions, there were 569 (55%) CCL activations and 464 (45%) CCL‐NAs (1.8% were inappropriate CCL‐NAs). In the CCL activation group, adjudicated index diagnoses included MI (n=534, 94%, of which 99.6% were STEMI and 0.4% non‐STEMI), acute myocardial injury (n=15, 2.6%), and chronic myocardial injury (n=6, 1.1%). In the CCL‐NA group, diagnoses included MI (n=173, 37%, of which 61% were non‐STEMI and 39% STEMI), chronic myocardial injury (n=107, 23%), and acute myocardial injury (n=47, 10%). At 2 years, the risk of all‐cause death was higher in patients who had CCL‐NA compared with CCL activation (23% versus 7.9%, adjusted risk ratio, 1.58, 95% CI, 1.24–2.00), primarily because of an excess in noncardiovascular deaths (adjusted HR, 3.56, 95% CI, 2.07–6.13). There was no significant difference in the adjusted risk for cardiovascular death/MI/stroke between the 2 groups (HR, 1.23, 95% CI, 0.87–1.73).

Conclusions

CCL‐NA was not primarily attributable to missed STEMI, but attributable to “masquerading” with high rates of non‐STEMI and myocardial injury. These patients had worse late outcomes than patients who had CCL activation, mainly because of higher rates of noncardiovascular deaths.
Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With Postablation Recurrence but Not Changes in Atrial Substrate in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Insight from a High‐Density Mapping Study
Authors: Sagawa Yuichiro , Nagata Yasutoshi , Miwa Naoyuki , Yamaguchi Takanori , Watanabe Keita , Kaneko Masakazu , Nakamura Tomofumi , Nozato Toshihiro , Ashikaga Takashi , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: June 2022

Background

The association between alcohol consumption, atrial substrate, and outcomes after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation remains controversial. This study evaluated the impacts of drinking on left atrial substrate and AF recurrence after ablation.

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled 110 patients with AF without structural heart disease (64±12 years) from 2 institutions. High‐density left atrial electroanatomic mapping was performed using a high‐density grid multipolar catheter. We investigated the impact of alcohol consumption on left atrial voltage, left atrial conduction velocity, and AF ablation outcome. Patients were classified as abstainers (<1 drink/wk), mild drinkers (1–7 drinks/wk), or moderate‐heavy drinkers (>7 drinks/wk). High‐density mapping (mean 2287±600 points/patient) was performed on 49 abstainers, 27 mild drinkers, and 34 moderate‐heavy drinkers. Low‐voltage zone and slow‐conduction zone were identified in 39 (35%) and 54 (49%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in the proportions of low‐voltage zone and slow‐conduction zone among the 3 groups. The success rate after a single ablation was significantly lower in drinkers than in abstainers (79.3% versus 95.9% at 12 months; mean follow‐up, 18±8 months;
P
=0.013). The success rate after a single or multiple ablations was not significantly different among abstainers and drinkers. In multivariate analysis, alcohol consumption (
P
=0.02) and the presence of a low‐voltage zone (
P
=0.032) and slow‐conduction zone (
P
=0.02) were associated with AF recurrence after a single ablation, while low‐voltage zone (
P
=0.023) and slow‐conduction zone (
P
=0.024) were associated with AF recurrence after a single or multiple ablations.

Conclusions

Alcohol consumption was associated with AF recurrence after a single ablation but not changes in atrial substrate.
Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: Analysis of KNOW‐CKD Data
Authors: Kang Eunjeong , Lee Sung Woo , Ryu Hyunjin , Kang Minjung , Kim Seonmi , Park Sue K. , Jung Ji Yong , Lee Kyu‐Beck , Han Seung Hyeok , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook‐Hwan
Published: June 2022

Background

Few studies have examined the association between the early diastolic mitral inflow velocity/early diastolic mitral annulus velocity ratio (E/e’) and chronic kidney disease progression.

Methods and Results

We reviewed data from 2238 patients with nondialysis chronic kidney disease from the KNOW‐CKD (Korean Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease); data from 163 patients were excluded because of missing content. A >50% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline, doubling of serum creatinine, or dialysis initiation and/or kidney transplantation were considered renal events. At baseline, median (interquartile range) ejection fraction and E/e’ were 64.0% (60.0%–68.0%) and 9.1 (7.4–11.9), respectively. Proportions of ejection fraction <50% and E/e’ ≥15 were 1.3% and 9.6%, respectively. More than one quarter of patients (27.2%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
. During the mean 59.1‐month follow‐up period, 724 patients (34.9%) experienced renal events. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the hazard ratio with 95% CI per 1‐unit increase in E/e’ was 1.027 (1.005–1.050;
P
=0.016). Penalized spline curve analysis yielded a suggested threshold of E/e’ for renal events of 12; in our data set, the proportion of E/e’ ≥12 was 4.1%.

Conclusions

Increased E/e’ was associated with an increased hazard of renal events, suggesting that diastolic heart dysfunction is a novel risk factor for chronic kidney disease progression.
The oldest crown representative of the family Aulacidae (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) from the Paleocene of Menat (France)
Authors: JOUAULT CORENTIN , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: June 2022

Pristaulacus jarzembowskii sp. nov., oldest fossil of the crown group Aulacidae, is described from the Paleocene of Menat (France). The previously oldest fossil crown-aulacid was known from the Lowermost Eocene amber of Oise (France). The inferences of parasitoidism on Cerambycidae or Buprestidae together with the preferences of warm evergreen forest with wildfires are in accordance with the known data on the Menat paleobiota.
Seventeen new Species of Hypoxys Amyot & Serville, 1843 (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae: Edessinae)
Authors: NUNES BENEDITO MENDES , DA SILVA MENDONÇA MARIA THAYANE , FERNANDES JOSE ANTONIO MARIN
Published: June 2022

Hypoxys was recently raised from a subgenus of Edessa to a genus. In the same work Hypoxys was divided in four groups of species: H. quadridens; H. triangularis; H. oxyacanthus and H. balteatus, gathering 17 species transferred from Edessa. The H. balteatus group was recently revised and 15 species were added to this originally monotypic group. Several new species await description in other groups. The H. quadridens group is composed by very similar species; therefore, their main diagnostic features are found in the male genitalia. In this work we describe 17 new species belonging to H. quadridens group: H. angulatus sp. n., H. bitumidus sp. n., H. clavatum sp. n., H. crassimarginatum sp. n., H. cristatus sp. n., H. dorsocarinatus sp. n., H. excavatus sp. n., H. flexuosus sp. n., H. nigrosinuatus sp. n., H. omegoides sp. n., H. pentagonalis sp. n., H. rugulosus sp. n., H. runcinatus sp. n., H. similis sp. n., H. trilobulatus sp. n., H. unguiculatus sp. n., H. ventrotuberculatus sp. n.. Diagnosis, photographs of the external genitalia, body in dorsal and ventral view, and distribution map are provided, including a key to the species of the group.
Computational Analysis of the Dynamics of Generalized-Viscoelastic-Fluid-Based Nanofluids Subject to Exothermic-Reaction in Shear-Flow
Authors: Khan Idrees , Chinyoka Tiri , Gill Andrew
Published: June 2022

A novel problem that describes laminar simple shear-flow of generalized-viscoelastic-fluid-based nanofluids (GVFBN) containing spherical shaped nano-particles under non-isothermal conditions but with isothermal walltemperature boundary-conditions is investigated. The GVFBN model is
an extension of the VFBN to include shear-rate dependent viscosity effects. The Generalized non-isothermal Giesekus constitutive model (which is reducible to generalized Oldroyd-B model) with essential modifications for thermodynamics is used to account for the viscoelastic effects. Spherical
shaped nano-particles are homogeneously mixed to the viscoelastic base fluid. To characterize the shear-thinning-viscosity, a viscosity-constitutive-model of the Carreau-type is employed. A temperature-dependent thermal conductivity is also considered. Additionally, empirical models are employed
to account for to the nano-particle effects on the thermal conductivity. We use an efficient, semi-implicit, numerical scheme, based on finite difference methods (FDM), to obtain the numerical solutions of the model equations. The numerical scheme is computationally implemented in MATLAB.
Results are graphically presented in both a qualitative and quantitative sense with regards to the various embedded parameters. Specifically, the thermodynamic and fluid-dynamical impacts of variations in the volume fraction of nano-particles are explored. In summary, we notice enhanced thermal
conductivity and hence also increased temperature with increasing nano-particle volume fraction. The GVFBN model accounts for all four nanofluid types, Generalized-Newtonian-fluid-based nanofluids (GNFBN), Newtonian-fluid-based nanofluids (NFBN), Generalized-viscoelastic-fluid-based nanofluids
(GNFBN), and viscoelastic-fluid-based nanofluids (VFBN). The comparative thermal runaway susceptibility of the four nanofluid types is presented and we demonstrate that the order of susceptibility from the most to the least susceptible is GNFBN, NFBN, GVFBN, VFBN.
Magneto Chemically Reacting Micropolar Nanofluid Flow in Existence of Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Das Kalidas , Acharya Nilangshu , Kundu Prabir Kumar , Duari Pinaki Ranjan
Published: June 2022

The purpose of the current study is to focus on magneto hydrodynamic micropolar nanofluid flow together with heat source/sink towards a linearly stretching sheet that has been investigated numerically. The whole analysis has been carried out considering the influence of the Brownian
motion and thermophoresis in existence of a chemical reaction of order one between base fluid and nanoparticles. A similarity transformation technique has been imposed to convert non-linear leading system of partial differential equations toward system of ordinary ones and then they are solved
with the help of Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method with shooting procedure. The physical traits of the problem like dimensionless temperature profiles, concentration profiles, and rate of heat and mass transfers are demonstrated using tabular and graphical outlines.
Research on velocity measurement and relative positioning method of maglev train based on multi-sensor information fusion
Authors: Peng Zengde , Dou Fengshan , Long Zhiqiang
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on the optimal method of the non-contact velocity measurement and relative positioning system for medium and low speed maglev trains. By analyzing the working principle of the velocity measurement method based on counting sleepers and analyzing the speed system error and random error model, it is shown that the velocity measurement accuracy based on the counting sleeper speed measurement method needs to be further improved. Therefore, a method of using multi-sensor information fusion is proposed to improve the accuracy of velocity measurement and relative positioning. Firstly, aiming at the disturbance problem of traction, braking and suspension vibration in the attitude angle calculation and the cumulative error problem of attitude angle, a posture solution method combining the optimized second-order complementary filter and the velocity adaptation Unscented Kalman filter with maximum noise reduction is proposed; Then, in order to further reduce the accumulated error of the attitude angle and the high performance requirements of the gyroscope, the bias instability of the gyroscope is analyzed, and an adaptive wavelet de-noising algorithm based on threshold optimization is proposed; Finally, to weaken the colored noise interference caused by the suspension vibration and to weaken the velocity accumulation error, a fusion velocity measurement and positioning algorithm of multi-loop Kalman filter with acceleration fusion correction and velocity accumulation error correction is researched. The effectiveness of the proposed fusion method is verified through simulation comparison analysis and on-board engineering test. Compared with the velocity measurement method based on counting sleepers, the velocity measurement accuracy is improved by an order of magnitude, and its accuracy is comparable to the high-precision velocity measurement method based on the induction loop and GPS/INS. It has certain engineering applicability and application value.
A novel rat model for the study of postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Utria Alan F , Labadie Kevin P , Abbasi Arezou , Gui Xianyong , Pillarisetty Venu G , Park James O , Sham Jonathan G
Published: June 2022

While over the past several decades mortality after pancreatic surgery has decreased to <5%, postoperative morbidity remains remarkably high, ranging from 15% to 65%. The development of a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a significant contributor to morbidity in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. POPF can lead to life-threatening conditions such as intra-abdominal abscess, uncontrolled hemorrhage, sepsis, and death. Rates of POPF have not significantly changed over time, despite the introduction of multiple technical and pharmacologic interventions aimed at their treatment and prevention. Unfortunately, there are few POPF experimental models that have been described in the literature and existing models are unable to reliably reproduce the clinical sequelae of POPF, limiting the development of new methods to prevent and treat POPF. Herein, we describe a new rat experimental model that reliably creates a POPF via transection of the common pancreatic duct.
Deformation behavior of auxetic laminated fabrics with rotating square geometry
Authors: Yuping Chang , Liu Yanping , Hong Hu
Published: June 2022

Auxetic fabrics are becoming a tempting option for many modern textile products due to their unusual deformation behavior under tensile load. In spite of the developments that have been made, it remains difficult to produce auxetic fabrics more efficiently using existing technologies. In this research, a novel type of auxetic fabrics is proposed based on rotating square geometry and manufactured using commercially available raw materials and lamination technique. Rotating square structures with different parameters are firstly produced through laser cutting a frame fabric, and then bonded to a base fabric using a hot-melt adhesive membrane. Tensile tests are conducted on various two-layer and three-layer laminated fabrics to investigate their deformation behaviors and auxetic effects. Results show that the auxetic behavior of the laminated fabrics mainly depends on initial modulus difference between the base material and the laminated frame material and can be affected by the initial intersection angle and size of square units. It is also found that three-layer laminated fabrics are more desirable than two-layer laminated fabrics when it comes to avoiding out-of-plane deformation and extending tensile strain range of auxeticity.
The learning experiences and musical proficiencies of formal and informal popular musicians in Malaysia
Authors: Choong Hueyuen
Published: June 2022

This article explored the relationships between the learning experiences and musical proficiencies of a formal and an informal popular musician in Malaysia. The presence and impact of formal popular music education within popular music culture is become increasingly harder to ignore, and while this phenomenon had been examined by numerous popular music scholars, there is a lack of attention towards the implications of learning experience on acquired musical proficiencies. In this study, participants took part in semi-structured interviews that enquired about their music learning histories and musical skills tests that examined their sight-reading, play by ear, and improvisation proficiencies. The aim was to compare and ascertain the disparities between both musicians’ learning histories and musical proficiencies, as well as to identify any potential relationships between learning methods and musical proficiencies. The findings showed that the musicians developed contrasting habitual music-making practices, attitudes and dispositions and musical proficiencies. Furthermore, the informal musician outdid the formal musician in almost all aspects examined in the musical skills tests. Implications from this article include the need for providers of formal popular music education to approach the study of popular music on its own terms, and develop methods of structured learning that enhances the development of virtuosity within the culture of popular music.
Static and dynamic topological organization of brain functional connectome in acute mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Li Weigang , Ding Shaohua , Zhao Guoqian
Published: June 2022

Background

Prior studies have detected topological changes of brain functional networks in patients with acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). However, the alterations of dynamic topological characteristics in mTBI have been scarcely elucidated.

Purpose

To evaluate static and dynamic functional connectivity topological networks in patients with acute mTBI using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Material and Methods

A total of 55 patients with acute mTBI and 55 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. All participants underwent resting-state fMRI scans, and data were analyzed using graph-theory methods and a sliding window approach. Post-traumatic cognitive performance and resting-state fMRI data were collected within one week after injury. Static and dynamic functional connectivity patterns were determined by independent component analysis. Spearman’s correlation analysis was further performed between fMRI changes and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scores.

Results

Global efficiency was lower ( P = 0.02), and local efficiency ( P < 0.001) and mean Cp ( P < 0.001) were higher in patients with acute mTBI than in HCs. Local efficiency was correlated with visuospatial/executive performance ( r = −0.421; P = 0.002) in patients with acute mTBI. Significant differences in nodal efficiency and node degree centrality ( P < 0.01) were found between the mTBI and HC groups. For dynamic properties, patients with mTBI showed higher variance ( P = 0.016) in global efficiency than HCs.

Conclusions

The present study shows that patients with mTBI have abnormal brain functional connectome topology, especially the dynamic graph theory characteristics, which provide new insights into the role of topological network properties in patients with acute mTBI.
Rehabilitation in atypical neurological disease: a case report
Authors: Corallo Francesco , Rifici Carmela , Lo Buono Viviana
Published: June 2022

The rehabilitative management of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) is complex; drug treatment alone is generally insufficient. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs can fundamentally contribute to the management of neurological patients and have important positive repercussions on their quality of life. We describe the unusual case of a 70-year-old man with a diagnosis of both MS and PD, who presented with motor and cognitive impairments. He was admitted to our institute for a rehabilitation program. Motor, cognitive, and linguistic abilities were evaluated at admission and 60 days after the multidisciplinary rehabilitation, which included motor exercises, speech therapy, and cognitive interventions. The multidisciplinary rehabilitation improved the patient’s functional status and exerted positive effects on his mood, autonomy in activities of daily life, perception of quality of life, cognitive performance, and speech skills. It is important to find new methods for treating neurological patients to better manage the social and economic implications of neurological disease, and to ensure a long course of treatment and rehabilitation.
The history of seed banking and the hazards of backup
Authors: Curry Helen Anne
Published: June 2022

Seeds and other plant materials in seed and gene bank collections are rarely considered adequately conserved today unless genetically identical duplicate samples have been created and safely stored elsewhere. This paper explores the history of seed banking to understand how, why and with what consequences copying collections came to occupy this central place. It highlights a shift in the guiding metaphor for long-term preservation of seed collections, from banking to backup. To understand the causes and consequences of this shift in metaphor, the paper traces the intertwined histories of the central long-term seed storage facility of the United States (opened in 1958) and the international seed conservation system into which that facility was integrated in the 1970s. This account reveals how changing conceptions of security, linked to changing economic, political and technological circumstances, transformed both the guiding metaphors and the practices of seed conservation in these institutions. Early instantiations of long-term cold storage facilities vested security in robust infrastructures and the capacities of professional staff; between the 1960s and 1990s, this configuration gave way to one in which security was situated in copies rather than capacities. This observation ultimately raises questions about the security promised and achieved through present-day infrastructures for crop genetic resources conservation.
A scoping review of interventions using occupation to improve mental health or mental wellbeing in adolescent populations
Authors: Parsonage-Harrison Jackie , Birken Mary , Harley David , Dawes Helen , Eklund Mona
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Occupation-based interventions could help to address a growing mental health crisis among young people and adolescents. To develop new interventions and avoid research waste, a review of the academic literature is needed that systematically identifies and describes interventions designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of 11–25 year-olds.

Aim

The scoping review aims to systematically review the academic, literature to identify and describe key characteristics of intervention studies using occupation to improve adolescents’ and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, exploring the range of interventions, reviewing reporting quality and illuminating gaps for further research.

Method

An iteratively developed scoping review protocol informs a systematic database search and review of the literature. Core characteristics are extracted and described, using the TIDIER guidelines and the CASP assessment tool.

Results

Five occupational therapy-based interventions, and 69 other occupation-based studies representing a wide breadth of approaches, outcomes and settings were identified.

Conclusions

Robust development, testing and reporting of occupation-based and occupation-focused intervention studies to promote and support mental health and wellbeing in adolescents and young people are needed. Interventions should be co-designed, developmentally appropriate and scaffold development. However, better agreement is needed about core outcomes measurement in this area.
The development of recycling methods for bio-based materials – A challenge in the implementation of a circular economy: A review
Authors: Zaborowska Magdalena , Bernat Katarzyna
Published: June 2022

This review focuses on the characteristics of the most widely used biopolymers that contain starch, polylactic acid, cellulose and/or polybutylene succinate. Because worldwide production of bio-based materials has grown dynamically, their waste is increasingly found in the existing waste treatment plants. The development of recycling methods for bio-based materials remains a challenge in the implementation of a circular economy. This article summarizes the recycling methods for bio-based materials, which, in the hierarchy of waste management, is much more desirable than landfilling. Several methods of recycling are available for the end-of-life management of bio-based products, which include mechanical (reuse of waste as a valuable raw material for further processing), chemical (feedstock recycling) and organic (anaerobic digestion or composting) ones. The use of chemical or mechanical recycling is less favourable, more costly and requires the improvement of systems for separation of bio-based materials from the rest of the waste stream. Organic recycling can be a sustainable alternative to those two methods. In organic recycling, bio-based materials can be biologically treated under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, depending on the characteristics of the materials. The choice of the recycling method to be implemented depends on the economic situation and on the properties of the bio-based products and their susceptibility to degradation. Thus, it is necessary to label the products to indicate which method of recycling is most appropriate.