bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open chromatin in grapevine marks candidate CREs and with other chromatin features correlates with gene expression
Authors: Schwope Rachel , Magris Gabriele , Miculan Mara , Paparelli Eleonora , Celii Mirko , Tocci Aldo , Marroni Fabio , Fornasiero Alice , De Paoli Emanuele , Morgante Michele
Published: July 2021

Vitis vinifera is an economically important crop and a useful model in which to study chromatin dynamics. In contrast to the small and relatively simple genome of Arabidopsis thaliana, grapevine contains a complex genome of 487 Mb that exhibits extensive colonization by transposable elements. We used Hi‐C, ChIP‐seq and ATAC‐seq to measure how chromatin features correlate to the expression of 31 845 grapevine genes. ATAC‐seq revealed the presence of more than 16 000 open chromatin regions, of which we characterize nearly 5000 as possible distal enhancer candidates that occur in intergenic space > 2 kb from the nearest transcription start site (TSS). A motif search identified more than 480 transcription factor (TF) binding sites in these regions, with those for TCP family proteins in greatest abundance. These open chromatin regions are typically within 15 kb from their nearest promoter, and a gene ontology analysis indicated that their nearest genes are significantly enriched for TF activity. The presence of a candidate cis‐regulatory element (cCRE) > 2 kb upstream of the TSS, location in the active nuclear compartment as determined by Hi‐C, and the enrichment of H3K4me3, H3K4me1 and H3K27ac at the gene are correlated with gene expression. Taken together, these results suggest that regions of intergenic open chromatin identified by ATAC‐seq can be considered potential candidates for cis‐regulatory regions in V. vinifera. Our findings enhance the characterization of a valuable agricultural crop, and help to clarify the understanding of unique plant biology.
Epidemiology and risk factors of scrub typhus in Taiwan: A nationwide database study from 1996 to 2014
Authors: Chang Yi‐Chin , Sun Wu , Lin Jiun‐Nong , Chen Yen‐Hsu , Lai Chung‐Hsu , Lee Chen‐Hsiang
Published: July 2021

Background

Scrub typhus (ST) is one of the most underdiagnosed, potentially fatal febrile diseases in the Asia‐Pacific region. We conducted a comprehensive review of the risk factors of ST over 19 years using data from a nationwide database.

Methods

We used data on ST from the nationwide database of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control from 1996 to 2014 to analyse the incidence rates and relative risks of ST according to different regions. The trends of incidence rates over the study period were also evaluated. The distribution of confirmed ST cases was mapped using geographic information system software. The characteristics of confirmed ST cases and non‐ST cases (cases with suspected ST but negative test findings) were compared.

Results

Among the 38,127 reported cases, there were 6,791 (17.8%) confirmed ST cases. The overall incidence rate of ST in Taiwan was 1.49 per 100,000 residents per year. The trend of incidence rates increased over time. The Island region had the highest incidence rate (56.55 per 100,000 residents per year), followed by the Eastern region (15.13 per 100,000 residents per year). More confirmed ST cases were distributed in mountainous areas of Taiwan Main Island and Island region. Compared to non‐ST cases, individuals with confirmed ST were younger (median [interquartile range] age: 44 [26–57] years versus 45 [30–60] years,p < .001) and more likely to engage in at‐risk occupations (29.4% versus 13.3%,p < .001), including farming and animal husbandry (16.6% versus 9.0%,p < .001) and the armed forces (12.3% versus 3.5%,p < .001); however, they had a lower rate of animal contact (12.8% versus 20.1%,p < .001).

Conclusions

ST is an endemic disease in Taiwan, particularly in the Island region, Eastern region and mountainous areas. Patients engaged in at‐risk occupations and presenting with acute febrile diseases should undergo investigations for ST.
Modeling Fracture in Rate-Dependent Polymer Networks: A Quasicontinuum Approach
Authors: Ghareeb Ahmed , Elbanna Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Soft materials, such as rubber and gels, exhibit rate-dependent response where the stiffness, strength, and fracture patterns depend largely on loading rates. Thus, accurate modeling of the mechanical behavior requires accounting for different sources of rate dependence such as the intrinsic viscoelastic behavior of the polymer chains and the dynamic bond breakage and formation mechanism. In this chapter, we extend the QC approach presented in Ghareeb and Elbanna (2020, An Adaptive Quasi-Continuum Approach for Modeling Fracture in Networked Materials: Application to Modeling of Polymer Networks, J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 137, p. 103819) to include rate-dependent behavior of polymer networks. We propose a homogenization rule for the viscous forces in the polymer chains and update the adaptive mesh refinement algorithm to account for dynamic bond breakage. Then, we use nonlinear finite element framework with predictor–corrector scheme to solve for the nodal displacements and velocities. We demonstrate the accuracy of the method by verifying it against fully discrete simulations for different examples of network structures and loading conditions. We further use the method to investigate the effects of the loading rates on the fracture characteristics of networks with different rate-dependent parameters. Finally, We discuss the implications of the extended method for multiscale analysis of fracture in rate-dependent polymer networks.
Predicting the Rock Sonic Logs While Drilling by Random Forest and Decision Tree-Based Algorithms
Authors: Gamal Hany , Alsaihati Ahmed , Elkatatny Salaheldin
Published: July 2021

The sonic data provide significant rock properties that are commonly used for designing the operational programs for drilling, rock fracturing, and development operations. The conventional methods for acquiring the rock sonic data in terms of compressional and shear slowness (ΔTc and ΔTs) are considered costly and time-consuming operations. The target of this paper is to propose machine learning models for predicting the sonic logs from the drilling data in real-time. Decision tree (DT) and random forest (RF) were employed as train-based algorithms for building the sonic prediction models for drilling complex lithology rocks that have limestone, sandstone, shale, and carbonate formations. The input data for the models include the surface drilling parameters to predict the shear and compressional slowness. The study employed data set of 2888 data points for building and testing the model, while another collected 2863 data set was utilized for further validation of the sonic models. Sensitivity investigations were performed for DT and RF models to confirm optimal accuracy. The correlation of coefficient (R) and average absolute percentage error (AAPE) were used to check the models’ accuracy between the actual values and models’ outputs, in addition to the sonic log profiles. The results indicated that the developed sonic models have a high capability for the sonic prediction from the drilling data as the DT model recorded R higher than 0.967 and AAPE less than 2.76% for ΔTc and ΔTs models, while RF showed R higher than 0.991 with AAPE less than 1.07%. The further validation process for the developed models indicated the great results for the sonic prediction and the RF model outperformed DT models as RF showed R higher than 0.986 with AAPE less than 1.12% while DT prediction recorded R greater than 0.93 with AAPE less than 1.95%. The sonic prediction through the developed models will save the cost and time for acquiring the sonic data through the conventional methods and will provide real-time estimation from the drilling parameters.
Case of a huge recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Li Ryle Siegfrid O , Maglangit Sittie Aneza Camille A , Cartagena-Lim Jemimah T , Dofitas Rodney B
Published: July 2021

We document a case of a 24-year-old gravida 2, para 1 (1001), on her second trimester, who was referred to the surgical oncology service for a palpable right hemiabdominal mass. She previously underwent wide excision of a retroperitoneal atypical lipomatous tumour 2 years ago. Her current case was successfully managed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors from the preoperative phase, the actual surgery up to the adjuvant treatment. She had a two-staged surgery: an elective lower-segment caesarean section at 34 weeks age of gestation for which she delivered a healthy baby girl and, 2 weeks after, she had excision of the huge retroperitoneal tumour recurrence. Histopathology revealed a 35 cm×25 cm×22 cm dedifferentiated liposarcoma, for which she was started on adjuvant systemic chemotherapy.
Acute longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis secondary to asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Lee Gabriel
Published: July 2021

A 35-year-old woman, 6 months post partum, presented with acute onset back pain at the T8 level progressing to bilateral lower limb weakness and sensory loss with urinary retention and constipation. This patient had a pre-existing inflammatory disease, having recently developed ulcerative colitis antenatally. Five days prior to admission, she had tested positive asymptomatically on a SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcriptase PCR nasopharyngeal swab. The positive swab result was confirmed on admission. Clinical examination revealed bilaterally exaggerated knee reflexes, lower limb weakness and positive Babinski’s sign. Sensation was impaired at L4 and L5 dermatomes and absent at S1 and S2. MRI findings suggested longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis, with multiple regions of patchy hyperintensity seen in the thoracic region of the spinal cord both centrally and peripherally. She was started on a course of intravenous corticosteroids and improvement was seen both clinically and on repeat imaging. This case demonstrates a rare complication to an asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and explores the potential neurotropic properties of COVID-19.
Management of social isolation and loneliness in community-dwelling older adults: protocol for a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lee Ahreum , McArthur Caitlin , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Kastner Monika , Ioannidis George , Griffith Lauren E , Thabane Lehana , Adachi Jonathan D , Papaioannou Alexandra
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are significant public health issues. Various interventions such as exercise programmes or social activities are used in the management of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Network meta-analysis (NMA) provides effect estimates for all comparisons by considering the relative efficacy of multiple intervention alternatives. Therefore, this study will determine the comparative efficacy of intervention to alleviate social isolation and loneliness of older adults in community dwelling by comparing direct and indirect interventions through systematic review and NMA.

Methods and analysis

We will include all relevant randomised controlled trials for interventions of social isolation and loneliness in older adults written in English without any limitation of publication date through electronic databases: MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO and CINAHL. Independent teams of reviewers will screen trial eligibility, collect data, identify duplication and assess risk of bias, by using the Cochrane revised risk of bias tool. The interventions for the management of social isolation and loneliness will be included. The primary outcome is social isolation. The secondary outcomes are loneliness and health-related quality of life. We will conduct an NMA through a Bayesian hierarchical model, by testing assumption (ie, transitivity) for NMA. We will also estimate the ranking probabilities for all interventions at each possible rank for each intervention. For estimation of each intervention efficacy, we will assess the certainty and credibility using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be obtained for this systematic review as it will be conducted with published papers. The review results will be presented at a field-specific conference and published in a relevant peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020155789.
Patterns of peritoneal dissemination and response to systemic chemotherapy in common and rare peritoneal tumours treated by cytoreductive surgery: study protocol of a prospective, multicentre, observational study
Authors: Bhatt Aditi , Rousset Pascal , Baratti Dario , Biacchi Daniele , Benzerdjeb Nazim , H J T de Hingh Ignace , Deraco Marcello , Gushchin Vadim , Kammar Praveen , Labow Daniel , Levine Edward , Moran Brendan , Mohamed Faheez , Morris David , Mehta Sanket , Nissan Aviram , Alyami Mohammad , Adileh Mohammad , Barat Shoma , Ben Yacov Almog , Campbell Kurtis , Cummins-Perry Kathleen , Cortes-Guiral Delia , Cohen Noah , Parikh Loma , Alammari Samer , Bashanfer Galal , Alshukami Anwar , Kundalia Kaushal , Goswami Gaurav , de Vlasakker Vincent van , Sittig Michelle , Sammartino Paolo , Sardi Armando , Villeneuve Laurent , Turaga Kiran , Yonemura Yutaka , Glehen Olivier
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Despite optimal patient selection and surgical effort, recurrence is seen in over 70% of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal metastases (PM). Apart from the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction and tumour grade, there are other factors like disease distribution in the peritoneal cavity, pathological response to systemic chemotherapy (SC), lymph node metastases and morphology of PM which may have prognostic value. One reason for the underutilisation of these factors is that they are known only after surgery. Identifying clinical predictors, specifically radiological predictors, could lead to better utilisation of these factors in clinical decision making and the extent of peritoneal resection performed for different tumours. This study aims to study these factors, their impact on survival and identify clinical and radiological predictors.

Methods and analysis

There is no therapeutic intervention in the study. All patients with biopsy-proven PM from colorectal, appendiceal, gastric and ovarian cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma undergoing CRS will be included. The demographic, clinical, radiological, surgical and pathological details will be collected according to a prespecified format that includes details regarding distribution of disease, morphology of PM, regional node involvement and pathological response to SC. In addition to the absolute value of PCI, the structures bearing the largest tumour nodules and a description of the morphology in each region will be recorded. A correlation between the surgical, radiological and pathological findings will be performed and the impact of these potential prognostic factors on progression-free and overall survival determined. The practices pertaining to radiological and pathological reporting at different centres will be studied.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Zydus Hospital ethics committee (27 July, 2020) and Lyon-Sud ethics committee (A15-128).

Trial registration number

CTRI/2020/09/027709; Pre-results.
Incentive preferences for community health volunteers in Kenya: findings from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Abuya Timothy , Mwanga Daniel , Obadha Melvin , Ndwiga Charity , Odwe George , Kavoo Daniel , Wanyugu John , Warren Charlotte , Agarwal Smisha
Published: July 2021

Background

Community health volunteers (CHVs) play crucial roles in enabling access to healthcare at the community levels. Although CHVs are considered volunteers, programmes provide financial and non-financial incentives. However, there is limited evidence on which bundle of financial and non-financial incentives are most effective for their improved performance.

Methods

We used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to understand incentive preferences of CHVs with the aim to improve their motivation, performance and retention. Relevant incentive attributes were identified through qualitative interviews with CHVs and with their supervisors. We then deployed a nominal group technique to generate and rank preferred attributes among CHVs. We developed a DCE based on the five attributes and administered it to 211 CHVs in Kilifi and Bungoma counties in Kenya. We used mixed multinomial logit models to estimate the utility of each incentive attribute and calculated the trade-offs the CHWs were willing to make for a change in stipend.

Results

Transport was considered the incentive attribute with most relative importance followed by tools of trade then monthly stipend. CHVs preferred job incentives that offered higher monthly stipends even though it was not the most important. They had negative preference for job incentives that provided award mechanisms for the best performing CHVs as compared with jobs that provided recognition at the community level and preferred job incentives that provided more tools of trade compared with those that provided limited tools.

Conclusion

A bundled incentive of both financial and non-financial packages is necessary to provide a conducive working environment for CHVs. The menu of options relevant for CHVs in Kenya include transport, tools of trade and monthly stipend. Policy decisions should be contextualised to include these attributes to facilitate CHW satisfaction and performance.
Costing interventions in the field: preliminary cost estimates and lessons learned from an evaluation of community-wide mass drug administration for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths in the DeWorm3 trial
Authors: Galactionova Katya , Sahu Maitreyi , Gideon Samuel Paul , Puthupalayam Kaliappan Saravanakumar , Morozoff Chloe , Ajjampur Sitara Swarna Rao , Walson Judd , Rubin Means Arianna , Tediosi Fabrizio
Published: July 2021

Objective

To present a costing study integrated within the DeWorm3 multi-country field trial of community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths.

Design

Tailored data collection instruments covering resource use, expenditure and operational details were developed for each site. These were populated alongside field activities by on-site staff. Data quality control and validation processes were established. Programmed routines were used to clean, standardise and analyse data to derive costs of cMDA and supportive activities.

Setting

Field site and collaborating research institutions.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

A strategy for costing interventions in parallel with field activities was discussed. Interim estimates of cMDA costs obtained with the strategy were presented for one of the trial sites.

Results

The study demonstrated that it was both feasible and advantageous to collect data alongside field activities. Practical decisions on implementing the strategy and the trade-offs involved varied by site; trialists and local partners were key to tailoring data collection to the technical and operational realities in the field. The strategy capitalised on the established processes for routine financial reporting at sites, benefitted from high recall and gathered operational insight that facilitated interpretation of the estimates derived. The methodology produced granular costs that aligned with the literature and allowed exploration of relevant scenarios. In the first year of the trial, net of drugs, the incremental financial cost of extending deworming of school-aged children to the whole community in India site averaged US$1.14 (USD, 2018) per person per round. A hypothesised at-scale routine implementation scenario yielded a much lower estimate of US$0.11 per person treated per round.

Conclusions

We showed that costing interventions alongside field activities offers unique opportunities for collecting rich data to inform policy toward optimising health interventions and for facilitating transfer of economic evidence from the field to the programme.

Trial registration number

NCT03014167; Pre-results.
Trends in the pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation in UK general practice 2008–2018
Authors: Phillips Katherine , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Thomas G Neil , Khan Nazish , Chandan Joht Singh , Brady Paul , Marshall Tom , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Fabritz Larissa , Adderley Nicola Jaime
Published: July 2021

Objective

The pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation (AF) comprises anticoagulation, for stroke prophylaxis, and rate or rhythm control drugs to alleviate symptoms and prevent heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in the proportion of patients with AF prescribed pharmacological therapies in the UK between 2008 and 2018.

Methods

Eleven sequential cross-sectional analyses were performed yearly from 2008 to 2018. Data were derived from an anonymised UK primary care database. Outcomes were the proportion of patients with AF prescribed anticoagulants, rhythm and rate control drugs in the whole cohort, those at high risk of stroke and those with coexisting heart failure.

Results

Between 2008 and 2018, the proportion of patients prescribed anticoagulants increased from 45.3% (95% CI 45.0% to 45.7%) to 71.1% (95% CI 70.7% to 71.5%) driven by increased prescription of non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants. The proportion of patients prescribed rate control drugs remained constant between 2008 and 2018 (69.3% (95% CI 68.9% to 69.6%) to 71.6% (95% CI 71.2% to 71.9%)). The proportion of patients prescribed rhythm control therapy by general practitioners (GPs) decreased from 9.5% (95% CI 9.3% to 9.7%) to 5.4% (95% CI 5.2% to 5.6%).

Conclusions

There has been an increase in the proportion of patients with AF appropriately prescribed anticoagulants following National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and European Society of Cardiology guidelines, which correlates with improvements in mortality and stroke outcomes. Beta-blockers appear increasingly favoured over digoxin for rate control. There has been a steady decline in GP prescribing rates for rhythm control drugs, possibly related to concerns over efficacy and safety and increased availability of AF ablation.
Mechanical thrombectomy beyond the circle of Willis: efficacy and safety of different techniques for M2 occlusions
Authors: Renieri Leonardo , Valente Iacopo , Dmytriw Adam A , Puri Ajit S , Singh Jasmeet , Nappini Sergio , Nencini Patrizia , Kaliaev Artem , Abdalkader Mohamad , Alexandre Andrea , Garignano Giuseppe , Vivekanandan Sheela , Fong Reginald P , Parra-Fariñas Carmen , Spears Julian , Gomez-Paz Santiago , Ogilvy Christopher , Regenhardt Robert W , Alotaibi Naif , Beer-Furlan André , Joshi Krishna C , Walker Melanie , Vicenty-Padilla Juan , Darcourt Jean , Foreman Paul , Kuhn Anna L , Nguyen Thanh N , Griessenauer Christoph J , Marotta Thomas R , Thomas Ajith , Patel Aman B , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M , Chen Michael , Levitt Michael R , Chen Karen , Cognard Christophe , Pedicelli Alessandro , Limbucci Nicola
Published: July 2021

Background

M2 segment occlusions represent approximately one-third of non-lacunar ischemic stroke and can lead to permanent neurological deficits. Various techniques are available for mechanical thrombectomy beyond the circle of Willis, but data evaluating their effectiveness and safety are lacking.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with ischemic stroke undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusions from 13 centers in North American and Europe was performed. Tandem or multiple-territory occlusions were excluded. The primary outcome was 90-day modified Rankin Scale and reperfusion rates across stent-retriever, direct aspiration and combined techniques.

Results

There were 465 patients (mean age 71.48±14.03 years, 53.1% female) with M2 occlusions who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Stent-retriever alone was used in 133 (28.6%), direct aspiration alone in 93 (20.0%) and the combined technique in 239 (51.4%) patients. Successful reperfusion was achieved with the combined technique in 198 (82.2%; OR 2.6 (1.1–6.9)), with stent-retriever alone in 112 (84.2%; OR 9.2 (1.9–44.6)) and with direct aspiration alone in 62 (66.7%; referencecategory). Intraprocedural subarachnoid hemorrhages (iSAH) were 36 (7.7%) and were more likely to occur in patients treated with the stent-retrievers (OR 5.0 (1.1–24.3)) and combined technique (OR 4.6 (1.1–20.9)). Good clinical outcome was achieved in 260 (61.8%) patients, while 59 (14.0%) patients died. Older age, higher baseline NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), parenchymal hemorrhage and iSAH were associated with poor outcome while successful recanalization and higher baseline ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score) were associated with good outcome. No differences were found among the three techniques in terms of clinical outcome.

Conclusion

Stent-retrievers and a combined approach for M2 occlusions seem more effective than direct aspiration, but with higher rates of iSAH. This leads to no detectable difference in clinical outcome at 3 months.
Potential for inhibition of checkpoint kinases 1/2 in pulmonary fibrosis and secondary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wu Wen-Hui , Bonnet Sébastien , Shimauchi Tsukasa , Toro Victoria , Grobs Yann , Romanet Charlotte , Bourgeois Alice , Vitry Geraldine , Omura Junichi , Tremblay Eve , Nadeau Valerie , Orcholski Mark , Breuils-Bonnet Sandra , Martineau Sandra , Ferraro Pasquale , Potus Francois , Paulin Roxane , Provencher Steeve , Boucherat Olivier
Published: July 2021

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease characterised by exuberant tissue remodelling and associated with high unmet medical needs. Outcomes are even worse when IPF results in secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH). Importantly, exaggerated resistance to cell death, excessive proliferation and enhanced synthetic capacity are key endophenotypes of both fibroblasts and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, suggesting shared molecular pathways. Under persistent injury, sustained activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) is integral to the preservation of cells survival and their capacity to proliferate. Checkpoint kinases 1 and 2 (CHK1/2) are key components of the DDR. The objective of this study was to assess the role of CHK1/2 in the development and progression of IPF and IPF+PH.

Methods and results

Increased expression of DNA damage markers and CHK1/2 were observed in lungs, remodelled pulmonary arteries and isolated fibroblasts from IPF patients and animal models. Blockade of CHK1/2 expression or activity-induced DNA damage overload and reverted the apoptosis-resistant and fibroproliferative phenotype of disease cells. Moreover, inhibition of CHK1/2 was sufficient to interfere with transforming growth factor beta 1-mediated fibroblast activation. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of CHK1/2 using LY2606368 attenuated fibrosis and pulmonary vascular remodelling leading to improvement in respiratory mechanics and haemodynamic parameters in two animal models mimicking IPF and IPF+PH.

Conclusion

This study identifies CHK1/2 as key regulators of lung fibrosis and provides a proof of principle for CHK1/2 inhibition as a potential novel therapeutic option for IPF and IPF+PH.
Winter road surface condition classification using convolutional neural network (CNN): visible light and thermal image fusion
Authors: Zhang Ce , Nateghinia Ehsan , Miranda-Moreno Luis F. , Sun Lijun
Published: July 2021

During winter, road conditions play a crucial role in traffic flow efficiency and road safety. Icy, snowy, slushy, and wet road conditions reduce tire friction and affect vehicle stability which could lead to dangerous crashes. To keep traffic operations safe, cities spend a significant budget on winter maintenance operations such as snow plowing and spreading of salt and sand. This paper proposes a methodology for automated winter road surface condition classification using convolutional neural network (CNN) and the combination of thermal and visible light cameras. As part of this research, 4244 pairs of visible light and thermal images are captured from pavement surfaces and classified into snowy, icy, wet, and slushy surface conditions. Two single-stream CNN models (visible light and thermal streams) and one dual-stream CNN model are developed. The average F1-Score of dual-stream model is 0.866, 0.935, 0.985, and 0.888 on snowy, icy, wet, and slushy, respectively. The weighted average F1-Score is 0.94.
Nonlinear surface waves propagating along composite waveguide consisting of nonlinear defocusing media separated by interfaces with nonlinear response
Authors: Savotchenko S. E.
Published: July 2021

The nonlinear surface waves propagating along the ultra-thin-film layers with nonlinear properties separating three nonlinear media layers are considered. The model based on a stationary nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a nonlinear potential modeling the interaction of a wave with the interface in a short-range approximation is proposed. We concentrated on effects induced by the difference of characteristics of the layers and their two interfaces. The surface waves of three types exist in the system considered. The dispersion relations determining the dependence of surface waves energy on interface intensities and medium layer characteristics are obtained and analyzed. The localization energy is calculated in explicit form for many difference cases. The conditions of the wave localization on dependence of the layer and interface characteristics are derived. The surface waves with definite energies in specific cases existing only in the presence of the interface nonlinear response are found. All results are obtained in an explicit analytical form.
Decagonal random tilings and their quasi-unit cell cluster coverings
Authors: Escudero Juan García
Published: July 2021

Electron microscopy images of decagonal quasicrystals obtained recently have been shown to be related to cluster coverings with a Hexagon–Bow–Tie decagon as single structural unit. Most decagonal phases show more complex structural orderings than models based on deterministic tilings like the Penrose tiling. We analyze different types of decagonal random tilings and their coverings by a Hexagon–Bow–Tie decagon.
Some new common fixed point theorems for contractive selfmappings with applications
Authors: Touail Youssef , El Moutawakil Driss
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we first prove a new common fixed point in general topological spaces with a [Formula: see text]-distance. From this result, we establish two common fixed points for two new classes of contractive selfmappings in complete bounded metric spaces. Furthermore, an application to a system of differential equations and another to a system of functional equations arising in dynamic programming are given.
Hospital-Acquired Blood Stream Infection in an Adult Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Harte Jeffrey , Soothill Germander , Samuel John Glynn David , Sharifi Laurence , White Mary
Published: July 2021

Background. Hospital-acquired blood stream infections are a common and serious complication in critically ill patients. Methods. A retrospective case series was undertaken investigating the incidence and causes of bacteraemia in an adult intensive care unit with a high proportion of postoperative cardiothoracic surgical and oncology patients. Results. 405 eligible patients were admitted to the intensive care unit over the course of nine months. 12 of these patients developed a unit-acquired blood stream infection. The average Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score of patients who developed bacteraemia was greater than that of those who did not (19.8 versus 16.8, respectively). The risk of developing bacteraemia was associated with intubation and higher rates of invasive procedures. The mortality rate amongst the group of patients that developed bacteraemia was 33%; this is in contrast to the mortality rate in our unit as 27.2%. There was a higher proportion of Gram-negative bacteria isolated on blood cultures (9 out of 13 isolates) than in intensive care units reported in other studies. Conclusion. Critical-care patients are at risk of secondary bloodstream infection. This study highlights the importance of measures to reduce the risk of infection in the intensive-care setting, particularly in patients who have undergone invasive procedures.
Oridonin Promotes Apoptosis and Restrains the Viability and Migration of Bladder Cancer by Impeding TRPM7 Expression via the ERK and AKT Signaling Pathways
Authors: Che Xianping , Zhan Jiangtao , Zhao Fan , Zhong Zunhe , Chen Mianchuan , Han Ruifa , Wang Yi
Published: July 2021

Background. Oridonin is a powerful anticancer compound found in Rabdosia rubescens. However, its potential impact on bladder cancer remains uninvestigated. In this work, we aimed to detect the anticancer effect of oridonin on bladder cancer and explore the molecular mechanisms involved. Methods. The anticancer activity of oridonin was assessed in vitro with a CCK8 assay, an annexin V‐FITC apoptosis analysis, and colony formation and Transwell migration assays which were performed with the human bladder cancer cell line T24. Levels of apoptosis‐related proteins, melastatin transient receptor potential channel 7 (TRPM7), and signaling molecules were examined in oridonin‐treated T24 cells by western blotting or RT‐PCR. Oridonin anticancer efficacy was further validated in vivo with a T24 xenograft mouse model. Results. Oridonin repressed the proliferative, colony‐forming, and migratory capacities of T24 cells, triggered extensive apoptosis in vitro, and retarded tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, oridonin treatment significantly increased expression levels of p53 and cleaved caspase‐3 and reduced expression of TRPM7, p‐AKT, and p‐ERK. Conclusion. Oridonin exhibited outstanding antiproliferative and antimigratory effects on bladder cancer, and these effects were at least partially associated with targeting of TRPM7 through inactivation of the ERK and AKT signaling pathways. These findings provide insight for the clinical application of oridonin in bladder cancer prevention.
Adaptive Chaotic Ant Colony Optimization for Energy Optimization in Smart Sensor Networks
Authors: Jia Wenxian , Liu Menghan , Zhou Jie
Published: July 2021

Smart sensor network has the characteristics of low cost, low power consumption, real time, strong adaptability, etc., and it has a wide range of application prospects in the agricultural field. However, the smart sensor node is limited by its own energy; it also faces many bottlenecks in agricultural applications. Therefore, balancing the energy consumption of nodes and extending the life of the network are important considerations in the design of efficient routing for smart sensor networks. Aiming at the problem of energy constraints, this paper proposes an intelligent sensor network clustering algorithm based on adaptive chaotic ant colony optimization (ACACO). ACACO introduces logical chaotic mapping to interfere with the pheromone on the initial path and uses the adaptive strategy to improve the transition probability formula. After selecting the best next hop node, the advancing ants are released to update the local pheromone, and the current pheromone content is adjusted by the chaos factor. When the ants determine the path, they release subsequent ants to update the global pheromone. The simulation results show that ACACO has obvious advantages over genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO).
Examining the Effector Mechanisms of the Feishu Acupoint (BL13) in the Treatment of Pneumonia Based on Systematic Acupuncture and Moxibustion Research
Authors: Xu Yan , Cai Jiali , Li Weibin , Miao Jingkun , Mei Yan , Wang Xinna , Xu Hanying , Chen Qixiong , Liu Fang , Cui Hongtao
Published: July 2021

Background. Pneumonia is a serious global health problem. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture or moxibustion is used to directly stimulate select acupoints on the surface of the human body and produce physical stimulation to further stimulate regulatory functions in the body, strengthening bodily resistance, eliminating disease, and adjusting the viscera. However, this Chinese medicine knowledge does not include the specific mechanisms of action or targets of acupoints. Therefore, an in-depth research is needed. Methods. An acupoint-element database was constructed, and the target elements of the Feishu point were screened. The UniProt-Swiss-Prot sublibrary was used to obtain correct gene name information. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and GEO2R were used to analyze differentially expressed genes in pneumonia. The STRING database was used to analyze interactions, construct a network of the Feishu point efficacy system in pneumonia, and elucidate the mechanisms of action. Results. The Feishu point comprises 34 elements in total. The protein interaction analysis has 38 nodes and 115 edges. The Feishu point efficacy system-pneumonia system network shows that cytokine signaling in the immune system, signaling by interleukins (ILs), IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, and the immune system may be related to immunity and inflammation. The Feishu point efficacy system regulating pneumonia showed that FCER2, IL4R, FASLG, TGFB1, IL6R, STAT6, IL1B, CASP3, IL5RA, IL2RB, MYD88, SQSTM1, IL12RB1, IFNGR1, ADAM17, and CDH1 are the main targets. Conclusion. From the perspective of systematic acupuncture and moxibustion, the Feishu point regulates cytokine signaling in the immune system, signaling by ILs, IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, and the immune system by targeting FCER2, IL4R, FASLG, TGFB1, IL6R, STAT6, IL1B, CASP3, IL5RA, IL2RB, MYD88, SQSTM1, IL12RB1, IFNGR1, ADAM17, and CDH1, thereby regulating pneumonia.
Crosstalk between RNA-Binding Proteins and Immune Microenvironment Revealed Two RBP Regulatory Patterns with Distinct Immunophenotypes in Periodontitis
Authors: Xing Lu , Meng Guanqun , Chen Tian , Zhang Xiaoqi , Bai Ding , Xu Hui
Published: July 2021

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease whose pathogenesis is closely related with immunology. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) were found to play crucial roles in immunity. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential impact of RBPs in the immune microenvironment in periodontitis. The differential expressions of RBPs in periodontitis and healthy samples were determined and were used to construct an RBP-based classifier for periodontitis using logistic regression. The correlations between RBPs and immune characteristics were investigated by the Spearman correlation. Unsupervised clustering was conducted to identify the RBP regulatory patterns. RBP-related genes were identified by WGCNA, while biological distinctions were revealed by GSVA and GO. 24 dysregulated RBPs were identified, from which a 12-RBP classifier was established to distinguish periodontitis with AUC of 0.942. Close protein-protein interactions and expression correlations were observed especially between SPATS2 and ISG20. ISG20 and ESRP1 were found to be highly correlated with immunocyte infiltration, immune signaling activation, and HLA expressions in periodontitis. Two distinct RBP regulatory patterns were identified with different immune and other biological characteristics in periodontitis. Our findings indicate a significant impact of RBPs in shaping the immune microenvironment in periodontitis, which might bring new insights into the understanding of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
A Systematic Review of the Patterns of Associative Multimorbidity in Asia
Authors: Rajoo Shawn S. , Wee Zhi Jie , Lee Poay Sian Sabrina , Wong Fang Yan , Lee Eng Sing
Published: July 2021

Patients with multimorbidity are commonly seen in primary care. An increasing number of multimorbidity patterns are being reported in the Western literature with a few from Asia. The main objective of this systematic review was to describe patterns of associative multimorbidity, defined as associations beyond chance or patterns of diseases, in the Asian population. We searched Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE (Ovid)), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), and Scopus (Elsevier) databases from their inception to April 22, 2019 using medical subject headings, keywords in titles, abstracts, and text. We used the Modified Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale for risk‐of‐bias assessment. Eight articles from China, India, Indonesia, and Japan met the inclusion criteria. Patterns of associative multimorbidity were reported as dyadic/triadic disease combinations or disease clusters. The most common multimorbidity pattern, “cardiovascular and metabolic diseases,” was identified in six of eight articles. The other four multimorbidity patterns are comprised of “mental health problems,” “degenerative diseases,” pulmonary diseases,” and “cancer diseases.” The eight articles showed methodological heterogeneity in terms of the list of chronic diseases, ascertainment of multimorbidity, statistical methods, and study populations. This systematic review identified five common patterns of associative multimorbidity in Asia. “Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases” and “mental diseases” were two patterns that were similarly reported in the Western world. Alignment of the definition of multimorbidity and the statistical methodology are needed to identify the unique patterns of multimorbidity in Asia so that clinical practice guidelines on multimorbidity can be developed for the Asian population.
Clinical Feature-Based Machine Learning Model for 1-Year Mortality Risk Prediction of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Hyperuricemia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bai Zhixun , Lu Jing , Li Ting , Ma Yi , Liu Zhijiang , Zhao Ranzun , Wang Zhenglong , Shi Bei
Published: July 2021

Accurate risk assessment of high-risk patients is essential in clinical practice. However, there is no practical method to predict or monitor the prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by hyperuricemia. We aimed to evaluate the performance of different machine learning models for the prediction of 1-year mortality in STEMI patients with hyperuricemia. We compared five machine learning models (logistic regression,

k

-nearest neighbor, CatBoost, random forest, and XGBoost) with the traditional global (GRACE) risk score for acute coronary event registrations. We registered patients aged >18 years diagnosed with STEMI and hyperuricemia at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University between January 2016 and January 2020. Overall, 656 patients were enrolled (average age,

62.5
±
13.6
 
years

; 83.6%, male). All patients underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the performance of five machine learning classifiers and the GRACE risk model in predicting 1-year mortality. The area under the curve (AUC) of the six models, including the GRACE risk model, ranged from 0.75 to 0.88. Among all the models, CatBoost had the highest predictive accuracy (0.89), AUC (0.87), precision (0.84), and F1 value (0.44). After hybrid sampling technique optimization, CatBoost had the highest accuracy (0.96), AUC (0.99), precision (0.95), and F1 value (0.97). Machine learning algorithms, especially the CatBoost model, can accurately predict the mortality associated with STEMI complicated by hyperuricemia after a 1-year follow-up.
Analysis of the Creeping Phenomenon of Linear Feed System Based on the Rigid‐Flexible Coupling Model
Authors: Liang Ruijun , Hao Wenlong , Ran Wenfeng , Ye Wenhua
Published: July 2021

A mathematical model of the creeping phenomenon based on the mechanical model of the linear feed system was established. The dynamic characteristic parameters of each fixed joint were obtained by Yoshimura’s integral. Using the method, only the dynamic characteristic parameters of the joint surface per unit area with simple structure need to be studied, and then, the dynamic characteristic parameters of the whole joint surface can be obtained by integration. Based on the principle of the half‐power bandwidth method and the frequency response function identification, the dynamic parameters of each moving joint were solved by the method of experimental modal analysis. Through the parameters of the fixed and moving joints, a rigid body model of the feed system and a flexible body model including the power transmission parts (ball screw pair) and the motion guide parts (guide slide pair and rolling bearing) were, respectively, established. And then, a rigid‐flexible coupling dynamic model of the feed system was obtained through the constraint relationships between joints. The influence of both the external load and the feed rate on the fluctuation of motion speed of the system was analyzed from this model. The difference between the experimental results and the simulation results on a feed system platform is not greater than 10%, which verifies the creeping phenomenon. This conclusion can provide a basis for the optimization of the dynamic performance of the ball screw linear‐feeding workbench.
Dynamics of a Predator‐Prey Population in the Presence of Resource Subsidy under the Influence of Nonlinear Prey Refuge and Fear Effect
Authors: Mondal Sudeshna , Samanta G. P. , Nieto Juan J.
Published: July 2021

In this work, our aim is to investigate the impact of a non‐Kolmogorov predator‐prey‐subsidy model incorporating nonlinear prey refuge and the effect of fear with Holling type II functional response. The model arises from the study of a biological system involving arctic foxes (predator), lemmings (prey), and seal carcasses (subsidy). The positivity and asymptotically uniform boundedness of the solutions of the system have been derived. Analytically, we have studied the criteria for the feasibility and stability of different equilibrium points. In addition, we have derived sufficient conditions for the existence of local bifurcations of codimension 1 (transcritical and Hopf bifurcation). It is also observed that there is some time lag between the time of perceiving predator signals through vocal cues and the reduction of prey’s birth rate. So, we have analyzed the dynamical behaviour of the delayed predator‐prey‐subsidy model. Numerical computations have been performed using MATLAB to validate all the analytical findings. Numerically, it has been observed that the predator, prey, and subsidy can always exist at a nonzero subsidy input rate. But, at a high subsidy input rate, the prey population cannot persist and the predator population has a huge growth due to the availability of food sources.