bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Exposure to PM10 Above WHO Guidelines Exacerbates COVID-19 Severity and Mortality
Authors: Marquès Montse , Correig Eudald , Ibarretxe Daiana , Anoro Eva , Arroyo Juan Antonio , Jericó Carlos , Borrallo Rosa M. , Miret Marcel·la , Näf Silvia , Pardo Anna , Perea Verónica , Pérez-Bernalte Rosa , Ramírez-Montesinos Rafael , Royuela Meritxell , Soler Cristina , Urquizu-Padilla Maria , Zamora Alberto , Pedro-Botet Juan , Masana Lluís , Domingo José L.
Published: June 2021

A retrospective observational study with patients suffering COVID-19 was performed to assess the underlying effect of long-term exposure to NO2 and PM10 on the COVID-19 outcomes. We built multivariate predictive models to assess the relationship between the long-term exposure to NO2 and PM10 and COVID-19 outcomes. The probability of either death or severe COVID-19 outcome and the percentage of dead or severe patients were predicted, while odds ratios and effects estimates were calculated. Whilst the long-term exposure to NO2 is a variable with a rather low importance in the prediction of COVID-19 health outcomes, the long-term exposure to PM10 is a more important variable than some stated comorbidities. PM10 showed the highest effects estimates (1.65, 95% CI 1.32-2.06) on COVID-19 severity. For mortality, the highest effect estimates corresponded to age (3.59, 95% CI 2.94-4.40), followed by PM10 (2.37, 95% CI 1.71-3.32). Finally, an increase of 1 µg/m3 in PM10 concentration causes an increase of 3.06% (95% CI 1.11%-4.25%) and 2.68% (95% CI 0.53%-5.58%) of patients suffering COVID-19 as a severe disease and deaths, respectively. These results demonstrate that long-term PM10 burdens above WHO guidelines exacerbate COVID-19 outcomes, while it must be considered for an accurate medical prognosis of COVID-19.
Fuzzy-Model-Based Robust Control of Markov Jump Nonlinear Systems With Incomplete Transition Probabilities and Uncertain Packet Dropouts
Authors: Xu Zeyuan , Er Meng Joo
Published: June 2021

Interval type-2 fuzzy Markov jump systems (IT2FMJSs) have received much attention because they can better describe complex nonlinear systems with uncertainties and stochastic system mode switching. Over the past decade, many excellent results of fuzzy MJSs (FMJSs) have been reported. However, the transition probabilities which govern the dynamic behaviour of MJSs have been assumed to be completely known, limiting real-world applications of existing results. Different from the previous studies, transition probabilities between system modes switching are partly unknown, and packet dropouts of data transmission are uncertain in this study. The main contributions of this work are: (1) To analyze stochastic stability and reduce conservatism, a novel Lyapunov function which both depends on system mode and fuzzy basis function is constructed; (2) The existence of a mode-dependent and fuzzy-basis-dependent state-feedback controller is investigated; (3) The closedloop system is stochastically stable with a desired H∞ performance, thereby addressing the problem of incomplete transition probabilities and uncertain packet dropouts. An illustrative example of a robot arm is used to demonstrate the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed approach. By virtue of the proposed approach, the effects of incomplete transition probabilities and uncertain packet dropouts on IT2FMJSs are alleviated.
Neonatal Physiological Jaundice and Repertoire of Movements on the Second or Third Days of Life
Authors: Witanowska Jolanta , Doroniewicz Iwona , Affanasowicz Alicja , Jarecka Beata , Bugdol Monika , Ledwoń Daniel , Danch-Wierzchowska Marta , Matyja Małgorzata , Wojcieszczyk-Bacia Joanna , Myśliwiec Andrzej
Published: June 2021

Physiological jaundice appears after the first day of life and has a mild form in most cases. High bilirubin levels can lead to jaundice of the basal ganglia and cause severe movement disorders in the form of extrapyramidal forms of cerebral palsy. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of bilirubin levels on the motor activity of infants and the relationship between bilirubin levels and selected sociometric and biometric characteristics. The study included a group of 77 newborns of both sexes. Medical records were analyzed to determine their socio- and biometric characteristics. Bilirubin levels were evaluated using transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement with a Minolta JM-103 jaundice meter according to Kramer’s method consisting in bilirubin measurements in different parts of the body. The head measurement was considered the most important for infants on the second or third day of life, and it was considered a reference for other variables. Analysis of neonatal activity was performed using video recording with a Sony camera with Full HD 1080p resolution (1920x1080, 60 fps). Each infant was assessed independently by three experts qualified in Prechtel's General Movements Assessment diagnosis. No statistically significant differences in quantitative movement characteristics were observed between infants with normal and elevated bilirubin levels. The relationships were found between sociometric and biometric characteristics and bilirubin levels measured on the head. The analyses indicated that in the course of physiological jaundice, the bilirubin levels had no effect on their qualitative and quantitative movement parameters in the group of infants studied.
Cryoprotective Effect of Pentoxifylline on Spermatogonial Stem Cell During Transplantation Into Azoospermic Torsion Mouse Model
Authors: Malekzadeh Mehrnoush , Takzaree Nasrin , Toolee Heidar , Kazemzadeh Shokoofeh , Khanmohammadi Nasrin , Solhjoo Somayeh , Sadeghiani Ghazaleh , Shabani Maryam , Rastegar Tayebeh
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPreserving the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in long periods of time during the treatment of male infertility using stem cell banking systems and transplantation is an important issue. Therefore, this study was conducted to develop an optimal cryopreservation protocol for SSCs using 10 mM pentoxifylline (PTX) as an antioxidant in basal freezing medium.MethodsTesticular torsion - a mouse model for long-term infertility- was used to transplant fresh SSCs (n=6), fresh SSCs treated with PTX (n=6), cryopreserved SSCs with basal freezing medium (n=6) and cryopreserved SSCs treated with PTX (n=6). Eight weeks after germ cell transplantation, samples were assessed for proliferation, through evaluation of Ddx4 and Id4 markers, and differentiation via evaluation of C‐Kit and Sycp3, Tnp1, Tnp2, and Prm1 markers.ResultsAccording to morphological and flow cytometry results, SSCs are able to form colonies and express Gfra1, ID4, α6‐integrin and β1‐integrin markers. We found positive influence from PTX on proliferative and differentiative markers in SSCs transplanted to azoospermic mice. In the recipient testis, donor SSCs formed spermatogenic colonies and sperm. ConclusionRespecting these data, adding pentoxifylline is a practical way to precisely cryopreserve germ cells enriched for SSCs in cryopreservation, and this procedure could become an efficient method to restore fertility in a clinical setup. However, more studies are needed to ensure its safety in the long term.
Prognostic Significance of Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Middle-Low Rectal Cancer Patients with Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Metastasis: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Zhou Sicheng , Jiang Yujuan , Pei Wei , Liang Jianwei , Zhou Zhixiang
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThere is still controversy regarding whether the addition of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) to total mesorectal excision (TME) confers survival benefits to rectal cancer patients with clinical lateral pelvic node metastasis (LPNM). MethodsPatients who underwent TME+LPND were systematically reviewed and divided into the LPNM group (n=29) and the non-LPNM group (n=112). The LPNM group were further subdivided into a high-risk LPNM group (n=14) and a low-risk LPNM group (n=15). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize selection bias.ResultsOf the 141 patients undergoing LPND, the local recurrence rate of patients with LPNM was significantly higher than that of patients without LPNM both before (27.6% vs. 4.5%, P=0.001) and after (27.6% vs 3.4%, P=0.025) PSM. Multivariate analysis revealed that LPNM was an independent risk factor for not only OS (HR: 3.06; 95% CI, 1.15–8.17; P=0.025) but also DFS (HR: 2.39; 95% CI, 1.18–4.87; P=0.016) in patients with LPNM after TME+LPND. When the LPNM group was further subdivided, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that OS and DFS were significantly better in the low-risk group (obturator/internal iliac artery region and < 2 positive LPNs).ConclusionEven after LPND, LPNM patients have a high local recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Moreover, LPNM is an independent poor prognostic factor affecting OS and DFS after TME+LPND. However, LPND appears to confer survival benefits to specific patients with single LPN involvement in the obturator region or internal iliac vessel region.
Independent control of amplitude and period in the synthetic repressilator
Authors: Zhang Fengyu , Sun Yanhong , Zhang Yihao , Shen Wenting , Wang Shujing , Ouyang Qi , Luo Chunxiong
Published: June 2021

Synthetic Biology aims to create predictable biological circuits and fully operational biological systems. Although there are methods to create more stable oscillators, such as repressilators, orthogonally controlling the oscillation of reporter genes in terms of their amplitude and period is only on theoretical level. Here, we introduce a new oscillator circuit that can be orthogonally controlled by two inducers in Escherichia coli. Some control components, including σECF11 and NahR, were added to the circuit. By systematically tuning the concentration of the inducers, salicylate and IPTG, the amplitude and period can be modulated independently. Furthermore, we constructed a quantitative model to forecast the regulation results. Under the guidance of the model, the expected oscillation can be regulated by choosing the proper concentration combinations of inducers. In summary, our work achieved orthogonal control of the oscillator circuit, which allows the oscillator to be modularized and used in more complex circuit designs.
Callicarpa Nudiflora Extract Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effect on H. Pylori-Associated Gastritis Through Repression of ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β Signaling Axis
Authors: Li Lili , Zhu Xiaohui , Chai Xingxing , Chen Xiaoyu , Su Xiaohua , Bao Bo , Feng Shixiu
Published: June 2021

Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) is a major pathogenic factor for the development of gastric diseases including chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. Callicarpa nudiflora (CN), an air-dried leaves extract of Callicarpa nudiflora Hook. & Arn., has been found to exhibit a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect. In our study, we extracted the active ingredient from air-dried leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora, detected the effect of CN against H. pylori -infected GES-1 cells in vitro , and elucidated the underlying mechanism. GES-1 cells were cocultured with HPSS1 at MOI = 100:1 and treated with different concentrations of CN. Results indicated that CN not only significantly decreased cellular lactate dehydrogenase leakage, but also markedly attenuated H. pylori -induced cell apoptosis and ROS production in GSE-1 cells, therefore protecting gastric epithelial cells against injuries caused by H. pylori . CN also inhibited the secretions of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Furthermore, CN remarkably decreased the expression levels of NLRP3, PYCARD, active Caspase-1. In conclusion, CN exhibited highly efficient protective effect against H. pylori -induced gastritis and cell damage; Mechanismly, CN suppressed H. pylori -triggered inflammatory response and pyroptosis through depressing ROS production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via ROS/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling axis.
Prevalence and Forms of Sexual Violence Among Women Seeking HIV Services At Selected Health Facilities in Buhweju District, Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Agaba Kenneth , Sikon Ebenezer Felex , Nakaweesa Scarlet J. , Sanyu Nabatanzi Esther , Rukundo Godfrey , Mwebembezi Gerald , Tusiime Beneth Kaginda
Published: June 2021

Background: Sexual violence is a global health concern affecting more than a third of women especially those in low and middle income countries. HIV is one of the consequences of sexual violence but it can also be a risk factor. Different forms and contexts of sexual violence exist and have a negative impact on the psychological wellbeing and health care seeking behaviour and of the victims and their families. This study determined the prevalence and forms of sexual violence among women seeking HIV services at selected health facilities in Buhweju district, southwestern Uganda.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 324 HIV positive women in four health facilities in Buhweju district, southwestern Uganda. We used a researcher administered questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, burden and forms of sexual violence, services sought by the victims and sexual violence screening by health workers. Data were analyzed with Chi square and logistic regression using SPSS version 20 at 95% level of significance Results: A total of 324 women participated in the study with a mean age of 35.05 ± 12.212 years and majority had primary level of education. The prevalence of sexual violence among the study participants was 32.7% (106/324). The most common forms of sexual violence were sexual humiliation, forced genital touching and insertion of an object into genitalia. Husbands of the victims were the most common perpetrators, less than a quarter of the victims of sexual violence disclosed the incidents and only 15% of the victims sought medical help. The common medical help sought included post-exposure prophylaxis (4.9%), HIV test (9.3%) and emergency contraception (5.6%). Being married (p = 0.035, 95%CI 0.069-0.905) was protective against sexual violence.Conclusion and recommendation: A third of HIV women seeking care from health facilities in Buhweju district experience sexual violence, more than three quarters of the victims do not disclose the incidents to other people and very few seek medical help. The most common forms of sexual violence include sexual humiliation, forced genital touching and insertion of an object into genitalia.
LncRNA CRYM-AS1 Inhibits Gastric Cancer Progression via Epigenetically Regulating CRYM
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Chen Changyu , Zhang Jiajia , Yu Xin
Published: June 2021

Objective: To study the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CRYM-AS1 in human gastric cancer. Methods: Expression levels of CRYM-AS1 in cell lines and clinical tissues were examined by RT-qPCR. The association between CRYM-AS1 levels and clinicopathological parameters / survival rates of gastric cancer patients was analyzed.Cell functional experiments including MTT assay, glucose consumption / lactate production / ATP production detection were performed to examine the role of CRYM-AS1 in cell aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Subcellular fractionation location detection, western blot, RIP (RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation) assay, CHIP (Chromatin immunoprecipitation) assay and BSP (Bisulfite sequencing PCR) assay were carried out to explore the molecular mechanism of CRYM-AS1 in gastric cancer cells.Results: CRYM-AS1 was low expressed in gastric cancer cells and tissues compared with normal gastric cells and tissues respectively. CRYM-AS1 was negatively correlated with TNM staging, tumor size and overall survival (OS) rate in gastric cancer patients. CRYM-AS1 inhibited gastric cancer cell aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation. CRYM-AS1 directly bound to EZH2 and mediated the CRYM promoter methylation and consequently negatively regulated the expression of CRYM. Forced expression of CRYM rescued the decreased aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation induced by CRYM-AS1 in gastric cancer cells.Conclusion: CRYM-AS1 was an important biomarker and could be used for human gastric cancer treatment.
Segmental Strain for Myocardial Scar Detection in Acute Infarcts and Follow-Up CMR Using Non-Contrast Cine Images
Authors: Polacin Malgorzata , Karolyi Mihaly , Eberhard Matthias , Gotschy Alexander , Matziris Ioannis , Alkadhi Hatem , Kozerke Sebastian , Manka Robert
Published: June 2021

Aims Scar tissue from myocardial infarction is best visualized with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Gadolinium-free alternatives for detection of myocardial scars are limited. This study investigated the feasibility of myocardial scar detection in acute infarcts and follow-up CMR using non-contrast cine images. Methods Fifty-seven patients with acute infarcts (15 female, mean age 61 ± 12 years, CMR 2.8 ± 2 days after infarction) were retrospectively evaluated with follow-up CMR exams available in thirty-two patients (9 female, 35 ± 14 days after infarction). Twenty-eight patients with normal CMR scans (2 female, mean age 47 ± 8 years) served as controls. Global and segmental strain parameters (global peak circumferential [GPCS], global peak longitudinal [GPLS], global peak radial strain [GPRS], segmental peak circumferential [SPCS], segmental peak longitudinal [SPLS], and segmental peak radial strain [SPRS]) were calculated from standard non-contrast balanced SSFP cine sequences using commercially available software (Segment CMR, Medviso, Sweden). Visual assessment of wall motion abnormalities on short axis cine images, as well as segmental circumferential strain calculations (endo-/epicardially contoured short axis cine and resulting polar plot strain map) of every patient (acute imaging and follow-up CMR) and control were presented for two blinded readers in random order, who were advised to localize potentially infarcted segments, blinded to LGE images and clinical information.Results While global strain values were impaired in patients with acute infarcts compared to controls (GPCS p= 0.01; GPLS p= 0.04; GPRS p= 0.01), global strain was similar between first CMR and follow-up imaging in the subgroup of 32 patients (GPCS p= 0.7; GPLS p=0.8; GPRS p=0.2). In acute infarcts and in follow-up CMR, patients had reduced mean SPCS in infarcted segments compared to remote myocardium (acute p= 0.03, follow-up exams p= 0.02). SPCS values in infarcted areas were similar in acute infarcts and in follow-up exams (p=0.8). In acute infarcts 74.6% of all in LGE infarcted segments (141/189) were correctly localized in polar plot strain maps compared to 44.4% (84/189) of infarcted segments detected by visual wall motion assessment only (p < 0.01). In follow-up exams, 81.5% of all in LGE infarcted segments (93/114 segments) were correctly localized in polar plot strain maps compared to 51.8% (59/114) of infarcted segments detected by visual wall motion assessment (p < 0.01).Conclusion Segmental circumferential strain derived from routinely acquired cine sequences detects nearly 75% acute infarcts and about 80% of infarcts in follow-up CMR and can potentially be used for scar identification based on non-contrast cine images, when gadolinium cant not be applied or LGE images are not available.
Surface Defects Inspection of Cylindrical Metal Workpieces Based on Weakly Supervised Learning
Authors: Ye Mu , Zhang Weiwei , Cui Guohua , Wang Xiaolan
Published: June 2021

In industrial vision system, metal surface is anisotropic under light in all directions and it is inevitable to cause local overexposure due to the natural reflection of active strong light, especially on the cylindrical metal surface. In this paper, injector valve is taken as the representative of cylindrical metal workpieces. Since the variety and complexity of cylindrical metal workpieces defects, and its contrast with the background of workpieces fluctuates, making samples annotating time-consuming and be of high cost. In order to solve the above challenges, this paper proposes an end-to-end weakly supervised learning framework to classify and segment defects. Firstly, a deep integrated residual attention convolutional neural network (IRA-CNN) is designed. IRA-CNN is composed of multiple IRA-Block. Two residual maps are included in IRA-Block to improve its bilateral nonlinearity and the robustness. IRA-block adds integrated attention module (IAM) which includes channel attention submodule and spatial attention submodule. The channel attention submodule adaptively extracts information from the global average pool layer and the global maximum pool layer to obtain the channel attention feature map. IAM can be well integrated into the IRA-CNN makes the neural network suppress the interference of useless background area and highlight the defect area. Finally, the weakly supervised segmentation method relies on Grad-CAM++ to generate saliency map to improve segmentation accuracy. The experimental results show that the accuracy of defect classification reaches 97.7\% and the segmentation accuracy is significantly improved compared with the benchmark method in the injector valve dataset which include 6747 images.
Tridimensional Study of the Vertebral Body in Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures Treated with Percutaneous Vertebroplasty.
Authors: Payo-Ollero Jesús , Llombart-Blanco Rafael , Villas Carlos , Alfonso Matías
Published: June 2021

Many studies analyze the increase in vertebral body height after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the sagittal plane. However, the vertebral body is a three-dimensional structure. The aim of this study is to determine if there is a volume change in the vertebral body after PVP, and to determine possible differences according to the spine segment treated. This prospective study included 25 patients (51 vertebrae, BMI 26.4kg/m2, T-score − 2.6) treated with PVP. The volumetric study was performed with MRI pre and post-surgery. We studied the amount of injected cement, the volume of cement inside the vertebral body, the fractured vertebra volume, percentage of volume loss, percentage of volume restoration and percentage of bone filling. Thoracolumbar fractures predominated. The average volume of injected cement was 3.6ml (range, 0.9–6.5). The volume loss was 4.1±3.3ml (16.2%). In the vertebral body, there was an increase in volume after PVP (difference + 1.6±1.6ml, 95% CI 1.1–2.03). Volume restoration was 1.6±1.6ml. Percentage of bone cement filling was 13.3%±4.5. There were no differences between the spine segments treated (P > 0.05). PVP increases the volume of the fractured vertebra approximately 40% of the volume loss. The volumetric changes after PVP were similar in the different spine segments treated.
Highly Hydrated Paramagnetic Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Nanoclusters as a Superior MRI Contrast Agent
Authors: Dong Liang , Xu Yun-Jun , Sui Cong , Zhao Yang , Mao Li-Bo , Gebauer Denis , Rosenberg Rose , Avaro Jonathan , Wu Ya-Dong , Gao Huai-Ling , Pan Zhao , Wen Hui-Qin , Yan Xu , Li Fei , Lu Yang , Coelfen Helmut , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: June 2021

Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) plays a key role as transient precursor in the early stages of biogenic calcium carbonate formation in nature. However, due to its instability in aqueous solution, there is still rare success to utilize ACC in biomedicine. Here, we report the mutual effect between paramagnetic gadolinium ions and ACC, resulting in ultrafine paramagnetic amorphous carbonate nanoclusters (ACNC) in the presence of both gadolinium occluded highly hydrated ACC-like environment and poly(acrylic acid). Gadolinium is confirmed to enhance the water content in ACC, and the high water content of ACNC (23 molecules H2O per 1 Gd) contributes to the much enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast efficiency compared with commercially available gadolinium-based contrast agents. Furthermore, the enhanced T1 weighted MRI performance and biocompatibility of ACNC are further evaluated in various animals including rat, rabbit and beagle dog, in combination with promising safety in vivo. Overall, exceptionally facile mass-productive ACNC exhibits superb imaging performance and impressive stability, which provides a promising strategy to design MR contrast agents.
Abemaciclib Plus Fulvestrant in Hormone Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer in Premenopausal Women: Subgroup Analysis From the MONARCH 2 Trial
Authors: Neven Patrick , Rugo Hope S , Tolaney Sara M , Iwata Hiroji , Toi Masakazu , Goetz Matthew P , Kaufman Peter A , Lu Yi , Haddad Nadine , Hurt Karla C , Sledge George W
Published: June 2021

Background: In MONARCH 2, abemaciclib plus fulvestrant significantly improved median progression-free survival (PFS, 16.4 vs 9.3 months, hazard ratio [HR], 0.553) and overall survival (OS, 46.7 vs 37.3 months; HR, 0.757) compared with placebo plus fulvestrant in hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-negative) advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients who were endocrine therapy (ET) resistant, regardless of menopausal status. Here, we report findings in the premenopausal subgroup of the MONARCH 2 trial. Methods: The premenopausal subgroup included patients with natural menstrual bleeding who received a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist at least 4 weeks prior to study treatment start date and for the entire study duration. Of the 669 patients enrolled in the MONARCH 2 trial, 114 were premenopausal (abemaciclib plus fulvestrant, n=72; placebo plus fulvestrant, n=42), and were included in this analysis. The primary objective was investigator-assessed PFS and secondary objectives were OS, objective response rate, and safety and tolerability. Exploratory analyses included time to second disease progression (PFS2), time to chemotherapy (TTC), and chemotherapy-free survival (CFS). Results: At the primary objective cutoff (14 February, 2017), median PFS was not reached for the abemaciclib plus fulvestrant arm versus 10.52 months for the placebo plus fulvestrant arm (HR, 0.415; 95% CI, 0.246-0.698). At the pre-specified OS interim cutoff (20 June, 2019), median PFS was 28.6 months in the abemaciclib plus fulvestrant arm compared with 10.26 months in the placebo plus fulvestrant arm (HR, 0.477; 95% CI, 0.302-0.755). OS benefit was observed in the abemaciclib plus fulvestrant compared to fulvestrant alone (HR, 0.689; 95% CI, 0.379-1.252, median, not reached vs 47.3 months). Improvements were also observed for the exploratory outcomes of PFS2 (HR, 0.599), TTC (HR, 0.674), and CFS (HR, 0.642) with the addition of abemaciclib to fulvestrant. The safety profile was generally consistent with results disclosed previously. Conclusions: Results of the premenopausal subgroup in the MONARCH 2 trial were consistent with the improved clinical outcomes observed in the intent-to-treat population. The analysis provides support for the use of abemaciclib plus fulvestrant (with ovarian suppression) as an effective treatment option for premenopausal patients with HR+, HER2- ABC who are ET-resistant. Clinical trial registration: NCT02107703. Registered 08 April 2014- Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02107703
Simulation Research and Application on Response Characteristics of Detecting Water-filled Goaf by Transient Electromagnetic Method
Authors: Qi Tingye , Pei Xiaoming , Feng Guorui , Wei Huiru
Published: June 2021

Water inrush disasters poses a great threat to the safe exploitation of coal resources. To solve this problem, the transient electromagnetic method(TEM) was proposed to accurately detect the water accumulation in the goaf. The electromagnetic response characteristics of different water-filled goaves were studied by electromagnetic field theory, numerical simulation and field verification. Through the models of 100% water accumulation, 50% water accumulation, 0% water accumulation, 100% water accumulation with collapsed rock, 50% water accumulation with collapsed rock and 0% water accumulation with collapsed rock goaf, the characteristics of induced voltage attenuation curves were studied. Meanwhile, the relationship between the attenuation voltage value and area of the transmitting coil and the depth of the goaf were also simulated. The results illustrate that the attenuation curve of induced voltage presented a regular exponential decay form in the 0% water accumulation model but existed abnormal exaltation for voltage in water-filled model. Through the linear fitting curve, it can be seen that the abnormal intensity of the induced voltage becomes stronger as the distance between the measuring point and the center of the target decrement. Moreover, the abnormal amplitude of the induced voltage increases with the rise of the water accumulation and collapsed rock will weakly reduce the low-resistance anomalous effect on the water-accumulated goaf. In addition, the response value of the attenuation voltage increased in second-order as the area of the transmitting coil increases, but decreased in third-order as the depth of the target body increases. The field detection results of the Majiliang coal mine also confirmed the theoretical analysis and the numerical simulation. The conclusions had important guiding significance for accurate detection of coal mine goaf.
Ruxolitinib Versus Dexamethasone in Hospitalized Adults With COVID-19: Multicenter Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Stanevich Oksana Vladimirovna , Fomina Daria S. , Bakulin Igor G. , Galeev Shamil I. , Bakin Evgeny A. , Belash Vasilii A. , Kulikov Alexandr N. , Lebedeva Alexandra A. , Lioznov Dmitry A. , Polushin Yury S. , Shlyk Irina V. , Vorobyev Evgeny A. , Vorobyeva Snezhana V. , Surovceva Tatyana V. , Bakulina Natalya V. , Lysenko Mar'yana A. , Moiseev Ivan Sergeevich
Published: June 2021

Background
Several anti-cytokine therapies were tested in the randomized trials in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (COVID-19). Previously, dexamethasone demonstrated the reduction of mortality in hospitalized patients with a respiratory failure. In this matched control study we compared dexamethasone to a Janus kinase inhibitor, ruxolitinib.
Methods
The study included 146 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and oxygen support requirement. The control group was selected 1:1 from 1355 dexamethasone-treated patients and was matched by 29 clinical and laboratory parameters predicting survival.
Results
Ruxolitinib treatment in the general cohort of patients was associated with equivalent to dexamethasone mortality rate: 9,6% (95% CI 4,6–14,6%) vs 13,0% (95% CI 7,5–18,5%, superiority p = 0.35, non-inferiority p = 0.0137), respectively. Median time to discharge without oxygen support requirement was also not different between these groups: 13 vs. 11 days (p = 0.13). Subgroup analysis without adjustment for multiple comparisons demonstrated reduced mortality in ruxolitnib-treated patients with febrile fever (OR 0.33, 95%CI 0.11-1.00). Except higher incidence of grade 1 thrombocytopenia (37% vs 23%, p = 0.042), ruxolitinib therapy was associated with better safety profile due to reduced rate of severe cardiovascular adverse events (6.8% vs 15%, p = 0.025).
Conclusions
Ruxolitinib may be an alternative anti-cytokine therapy with comparable efficacy in patients with potential risks of steroid administration. Patients with febrile fever at admission may benefit from ruxolitinib administration.
Hydrazine-nitrate combustion synthesis of BaCeO3 preceramic powders: structure, morphology and thermophysical properties
Authors: Tenevich Maksim , Shevchik Andrey Pavlovich , Popkov Vadim Igorevich
Published: June 2021

In the present work, preceramic nanocrystallite barium cerate (BaCeO3) was successfully synthesized using the hydrazine-nitrate combustion method. Using carbon-free hydrazine (N2H4) as fuel significantly reduced the formation of carbon by-products. Characterization of the as-received powders was performed by XRD, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), simultaneous thermal analysis (DTA-TGA) and adsorption-structural analysis (N2, 77 K). Thermophysical properties of the sample annealed at 1000 °С were investigated using laser flash analysis (LFA) in the temperature interval of 1000 °С. As a result of a comprehensive study, the sequence of chemical and phase transformations that lead to the formation of BaCeO3 with a rhombic structure (Pnma, a = 6.2145 Å, b = 8.7776 Å, c = 6.2337 Å) during the thermal processing of combustion products was investigated. It was established that the average size of the obtained nanocrystals is 38 ± 3 nm and that they form micron-sized agglomerates with a specific surface area of the powder of 4.8 m2/g. It was shown that the sintered sample of BaCeO3 is characterized by thermal diffusivity values of 0.28 to 0.20 mm2/s and thermal conductivity values of 0.41 to 0.35 W/mK, depending on temperature. These results, given the impact of porosity on the sample (~ 40%), show very good agreement with the thermophysical characteristics of densely sintered ceramics based on BaCeO3 – a solid oxide electrolyte SOFC. Consequently, the proposed method of hydrazine-nitrate synthesis of BaCeO3 presents itself as a promising approach to obtaining preceramic powders and ceramics in the area of SOFC.
Gold speciation in hydrothermal fluids revealed by in situ high energy resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Pokrovski Gleb S. , Desmaele Elsa , Laskar Clément , Bazarkina Elena F. , Testemale Denis , Hazemann Jean-Louis , Vuilleumier Rodolphe , Seitsonen Ari Paavo , Ferlat Guillaume , Saitta Antonino Marco
Published: June 2021

Gold mobilization, transfer, and concentration in the Earth’s crust are controlled by hydrothermal sulfur- and chloride-bearing fluids. Yet the exact chemical identity, structure, and stability of Au-bearing species and, in particular, the respective contributions of the sulfide (HS−) and trisulfur ion (S3⋅−) ligands to Au transport lack direct in situ evidence. Here we employed high energy resolution fluorescence detection X-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD-XAS) on aqueous sulfate/sulfide/S3⋅−-bearing solutions at typical hydrothermal temperatures and pressures (T = 350 °C, P = 600 bar) to reveal differences in dissolved Au spectral signatures indicative of contrasting fluid-phase Au speciation as a function of acidity and redox conditions. Combined with in situ Au solubility measurements and quantum-chemical and thermodynamic modeling, our spectroscopic data provide direct evidence for the Au(HS)S3− and Au(HS)2− complexes predominant at acidic-to-neutral and alkaline conditions, respectively. Our findings thus directly confirm a recent speciation scheme for Au in aqueous S-bearing fluids established using less direct methods, and highlight an important role of the trisulfur ion in gold mobilization and concentration in hydrothermal-magmatic deposits associated with subduction zones. More generally, our results show that HERFD-XAS enables the identification of structural and coordination features in metal complexes virtually unresolvable using classical XAS techniques. By avoiding limitations of less direct techniques, our integrated high-resolution spectroscopic approach opens perspectives for studies of the speciation and solubility of gold and other metals in high T-P fluids, and potentially silicate melts, inaccessible to direct observation in nature.
Modeling the relationships among gold price, oil price, foreign exchange, and the stock market index in Thailand
Authors: Thakolsri Supachok
Published: June 2021

This study examines the relationship among the price variables in the Thailand stock market, the foreign exchange market, the international gold market, and the crude oil market. Specifically, the study investigates whether (1) there exists a long-run equilibrium among oil price, gold price, foreign exchange, and the stock market index in Thailand, and (2) there is any dynamic effect of each asset market on other asset markets. All asset price series have shown both upward and downward trends over the study period. All monthly series in four markets from January 2000 to December 2018 are nonstationary and are integrated of order one. Then, the Johansen cointegration test is employed. The normalized cointegrating coefficients are negative. Such empirical result reveals that a significant long-run relationship exists among price variables in all asset markets, so that each asset class acts as a hedge against each other. The Granger causality test shows that the causations run from the stock price to the foreign exchange rate and the international gold price to the foreign exchange rate. Other short-run relationships have no significant causal links.
Metabolic Syndrome and Myocardial Infarction in Women
Authors: Macut Djuro , Ognjanović Sanja , Ašanin Milika , Krljanać Gordana , Milenković Tatjana
Published: June 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of metabolic disorders that arise from insulin resistance
(IR) and adipose tissue dysfunction. As a consequence, there is an increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus
and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). MetS is associated with a 2-fold increase in cardiovascular
outcomes. Earlier population analyses showed a lower prevalence of MetS in women (23.9%) in comparison
to men (27.8%), while later analyses suggest significantly reduced difference due to an increase in the prevalence
in women aged between 20 and 39. However, the prevalence of MetS in specific populations of women,
such as in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, ranges from 16% to almost 50% in some geographical regions.
Abdominal fat accumulation and IR syndrome are recognized as the most important factors in the pathogenesis
of MetS. After menopause, a decline in insulin sensitivity corresponds to an increase in fat mass, circulating
fatty acids, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides. Prevalence of MetS in acute coronary syndrome
(ACS) is significantly more present in women (55.9%-66.3%) than in men (40.2%-47.3%) in different cohorts.
Younger women with ACS had a higher mortality rate than younger men. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
remains a leading cause of death in aging women. Women with AMI had significantly higher rates of prior congestive
heart failure, hypertension history, and diabetes. The role of androgens in CVD pathogenesis in women
has not yet been clarified. The current review aims to provide an insight into the role of MetS components and
inflammation for the development of atherosclerosis, CVD, and AMI in women.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Isatin Schiff Bases Against Plant Pathogens Validated Through Aspartyl Protease and Acetylcholine Binding Proteins Docked Studies
Authors: Loomba Shivani , Utreja Divya , Kaur Komalpreet , Kaur Jaspal , Sharma Shivali , Dhillon Narpinderjit K. , Pathak Rajesh K.
Published: June 2021

Schiff bases of isatin were synthesized by reacting isatin with substituted aromatic
amines and were characterized by UV-Visible, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR and micro analytical data.
All the synthesized isatin Schiff bases were screened in vitro against wheat pathogenic fungi Bipolaris
sorokiniana, Alternaria triticina using spore inhibition technique and brinjal parasite-
Meloidogyne incognita by egg hatch inhibition and J2 mortality. The in vitro study and docking
simulation studies revealed that the 3-(2, 4, 5-trichlorophenylimino) indolin-2-one 6f and 3-(2, 4-
dinitrophenylimino) indolin-2-one 6c substituted with tri-halogen and dinitro electron withdrawing
groups were found to be promising antipathogenic candidates. The possible binding interactions of
tested compounds with Aspartyl protease and Acetylcholine binding proteins were analyzed
through molecular docking.
Synthesis of Amidoalkyl Naphthols in PEG-400 as a Green and Efficient
Solvent and Theoretical Study of their Spectroscopic Properties
Authors: Rezaeipour Marjan , Tikdari Ahmad Momeni , Khabazzadeh Hojatollah , Saheb Vahid
Published: June 2021

An efficient synthesis of amidoalkyl naphthols from the multicomponent reaction of 2-
naphthol, aromatic aldehydes, and benzamide derivatives using PEG-400 as an environmentally
friendly solvent is described. The main advantage of this protocol is that the benzamide derivatives
with low reactivity, such as 4-nitro benzamide, can react effectively.
Also, the molecular structure, IR, and 13C NMR spectra of the synthesized compounds are also investigated
theoretically. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP level of theory
are carried out to locate optimized geometries and calculate vibrational normal modes and 13C
NMR chemical shifts. These calculations enable us to assign the observed FT-IR and 13C NMR
peaks to the corresponding vibrational motions and 13C atoms, respectively.
Skateboarding in Seoul: A Sensory Ethnography
Authors: Hölsgens Sander
Published: June 2021

As skaters increasingly engage with and respond to socio-political surges across the globe, skateboarding begins to refract into a multiplicity of situated practices. This includes a new wave of collectives and communities who re-imagine what cities could sound, feel, and be like. Combining filmmaking with ethnographic writing, Sander Hölsgens traces the lived experience of a small group of skaters in South Korea. As a skater among skaters, he unravels the site-specific nuances and relational meanings of skateboarding in Seoul – working towards an intimate portrait of a growing community.
Исследование свойств солнечных элементов на основе селективного контакта MoO-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-/Si с помощью спектроскопии полной проводимости
Authors: Баранов А.И. , Кудряшов Д.А. , Уваров А.В. , Морозов И.А. , Максимова А.А. , Вячеславова Е.А. , Гудовских А.С.
Published: June 2021

The possibility of using admittance spectroscopy to characterization the quality of ITO/MoOx/n-Si structures is shown. It has been demonstrated that magnetron sputtering of ITO layer at room temperature leads to radiation defects formation in the near-surface region of Si near the MoOx/Si interface with a depth of 0.13 and 0.26 eV below the conduction band with a capture cross-sectional area of (1–5)∙10^-19 and (5–10)∙10^-19 cm^-2, respectively. An increase in the deposition temperature of the ITO layer to 130 °C allows to reduce the concentration below the sensitivity leading to a significant improvement of solar cells characteristic.
Clinical Utility and Functionality of an Artificial Intelligence–Based App to Predict Mortality in COVID-19: Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Abdulaal Ahmed , Patel Aatish , Al-Hindawi Ahmed , Charani Esmita , Alqahtani Saleh A , Davies Gary W , Mughal Nabeela , Moore Luke Stephen Prockter
Published: June 2021

Background

The artificial neural network (ANN) is an increasingly important tool in the context of solving complex medical classification problems. However, one of the principal challenges in leveraging artificial intelligence technology in the health care setting has been the relative inability to translate models into clinician workflow.

Objective

Here we demonstrate the development of a COVID-19 outcome prediction app that utilizes an ANN and assesses its usability in the clinical setting.

Methods

Usability assessment was conducted using the app, followed by a semistructured end-user interview. Usability was specified by effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction measures. These data were reported with descriptive statistics. The end-user interview data were analyzed using the thematic framework method, which allowed for the development of themes from the interview narratives. In total, 31 National Health Service physicians at a West London teaching hospital, including foundation physicians, senior house officers, registrars, and consultants, were included in this study.

Results

All participants were able to complete the assessment, with a mean time to complete separate patient vignettes of 59.35 (SD 10.35) seconds. The mean system usability scale score was 91.94 (SD 8.54), which corresponds to a qualitative rating of “excellent.” The clinicians found the app intuitive and easy to use, with the majority describing its predictions as a useful adjunct to their clinical practice. The main concern was related to the use of the app in isolation rather than in conjunction with other clinical parameters. However, most clinicians speculated that the app could positively reinforce or validate their clinical decision-making.

Conclusions

Translating artificial intelligence technologies into the clinical setting remains an important but challenging task. We demonstrate the effectiveness, efficiency, and system usability of a web-based app designed to predict the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 from an ANN.
Implementing Home Office Work at a Large Psychiatric University Hospital in Switzerland During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Field Report
Authors: Krückl Jana Sophia , Moeller Julian , Gaupp Rainer , Meier Christoph E , Roth Carl Bénédict , Lang Undine Emmi , Huber Christian G
Published: June 2021

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, psychiatric hospitals all over the world had to adapt their services to the prevailing governmental regulations. As a consequence, home office use and telepsychiatry boomed.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of home office use, its adoption, and the association of home office use with employees’ mental health in a large psychiatric university hospital in Switzerland.

Methods

We obtained and analyzed home office implementation and use data from the psychiatric university hospital’s information technology services. We also conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey to assess the employees’ attitudes toward the clinic’s crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Part of this web-based survey consisted of questions about home office use between March and June 2020, attitudes toward home office implementation, and mental health. Three mental health measures assessed depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]–2), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder [GAD]–2), and stress factors (stress module of the PHQ-D); a cut-off score ≥3 was used for the PHQ-2 and GAD-2.

Results

Of the 200 participating employees, 69 reported that they had worked from home at least partially (34.5%). Home office use differed significantly across professional groups (χ162=72.72, P≤.001, n=200). Employees experienced neither depressive symptoms (mean 0.76, SD 1.14) nor anxiety (mean 0.70, SD 1.03). The employees reported minor psychosocial stressors (mean 2.83, SD 2.92). The number of reported stress factors varied significantly across groups with different levels of home office use (χ42=9.72, P=.04).

Conclusions

In general, home office implementation appears to be feasible for large psychiatric hospitals, however, it is not equally feasible for all professional groups. Professional groups that require personal contact with patients and technical or manual tasks must work onsite. Further evaluation of home office use in psychiatric hospitals up to the development of clinics that function merely online will follow in future research. The situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic served as a stepping stone to promote home office use and should be used to improve employees’ work–life balance, to save employers costs and foster other benefits.