bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Precompetitive Training on Metabolites in Modern Pentathletes
Authors: Loureiro Luiz L. , Ferreira Tathiany J. , da Costa Camila S.C. , Fidalgo Tatiana K.S. , Valente Ana Paula , Pierucci Anna Paola T.R.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Modern pentathlon is a multidisciplinary sport that involves exhaustive training which can cause tissue damage and metabolic changes. However, few studies have evaluated the metabolic changes that occur in pentathletes. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the metabolomic profile of pentathletes during a 3-week training period before competition using nuclear magnetic resonance. Methods: Blood samples from 6 members of a Brazilian modern pentathlon team were collected at the beginning (Pre1, Pre2, and Pre3) and end (Post1, Post2, and Post3) of each week. Low molecular-weight metabolite profiles were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and biochemical markers were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Data were assessed using partial least-squares discriminant analysis and univariate statistical model. Results: Metabolic changes were observed between pre- and postdata of each week and over the 3 weeks before the competition in the partial least-squares discriminant analysis. Creatine kinase concentration increased in the first 2 weeks (P = .045 and P = .039), but there was no difference in the last week (P > .05). Lactate levels increased significantly after training in each week (P < .001). Cortisol levels at Post3 were different from all other time points (P < .05) and the concentrations of peroxides increased over the weeks (P < .05). Among all metabolites, sarcosine showed the greatest differences (P = .004) in the pretraining and posttraining periods of the 3 weeks. Conclusion: Serum analysis of athletes using nuclear magnetic resonance showed metabolic changes depending on the intensity of the training performed each week.
Karate Training Improves Metabolic Health in Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: de Souza Fabricio , da Silva Luciano Acordi , Ferreira Gisele Santinoni , de Souza Márcia Mendonça Marcos , Bobinski Franciane , Palandi Juliete , Marcon Chaiana Esmeraldino Mendes , Martins Daniel Fernandes , Schuelter-Trevisol Fabiana , Trevisol Daisson José
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study evaluated the effects of 12 weeks of karate training on cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Method: Seventy adolescents were randomized into 2 groups: control received nutritional and psychological interventions once a week for 12 weeks, and treatment received nutritional and psychological interventions once a week, plus 3 karate sessions per week, for 12 weeks. The main outcome measure was improvement in cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Results: After the intervention period, the treatment group showed a reduction in resting heart rate (77.86 [10.89]), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (40.86 [8.31]), and triglycerides (75.18 [32.29]) and an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95.64 [42.53]) in relation to pretraining. Regarding oxidative stress markers, there was a reduction in protein carbonylation (0.07 [0.06]) and nitric oxide (1.39 [1.11]) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (0.68 [0.31]) and glutathione (0.11 [0.08]) compared with pretraining. With respect to inflammation, adiponectin increased (14.54 [5.36]) after the intervention when compared with preintervention. Conclusion: The study concluded that the intervention may improve cardiometabolic parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammation in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Long-term effects need to be evaluated.
Helminth-Induced Human Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Reveals Insights into Altered Taxon Diversity and Microbial Gradient Collapse
Authors: Kupritz Jonah , Angelova Angelina , Nutman Thomas B. , Gazzinelli-Guimaraes Pedro H.
Published: December 2021

The gut microbiome has established importance in regulating many aspects of human health, including nutrition and immunity. While many internal and environmental factors are known to influence the microbiome, less is known about the effects of intestinal helminth parasites (worms), which together affect one-sixth of the world's population.
Bioisobutanol as a Promising Feedstock for Production of “Green” Hydrocarbons and Petrochemicals (A Review)
Authors: Dedov A. G. , Karavaev A. A. , Loktev A. S. , Osipov A. K.
Published: December 2021

The existing approaches to bioisobutanol synthesis and commercial production are considered. Ways of using bioisobutanol as a component of motor fuel and as a promising feedstock for the production of “green” hydrocarbons and other petrochemicals that favor the progress of low-carbon economy are discussed. Particular attention is paid to catalytic processes of isobutanol conversion to isobutylene and butenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, C2–С4 olefins, and hydrogen-containing gases. Data on the mechanism of isobutanol transformations on zeolite catalysts are given.
Risks of infection, hospital and ICU admission, and death from COVID-19 in people with asthma: systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Otunla Afolarin , Rees Karen , Dennison Paddy , Hobbs Richard , Suklan Jana , Schofield Ella , Gunnell James , Mighiu Alexandra , Hartmann-Boyce Jamie
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To determine if and to what degree asthma may predispose to worse COVID-19 outcomes in order to inform treatment and prevention decisions, including shielding and vaccine prioritisation.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting

Electronic databases were searched (October 2020) for clinical studies reporting at least one of the following stratified by asthma status: risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2; hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission or mortality with COVID-19.

Participants

Adults and children who tested positive for or were suspected to have COVID-19.

Main outcome measures

Main outcome measures were the following stratified by asthma status: risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2; hospitalisation, ICU admission or mortality with COVID-19. We pooled odds ratios (ORs) and presented these with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Certainty was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations).

Results

30 (n=112 420) studies were included (12 judged high quality, 15 medium, 3 low). Few provided indication of asthma severity. Point estimates indicated reduced risks in people with asthma for all outcomes, but in all cases the evidence was judged to be of very low certainty and 95% CIs all included no difference and the possibility of increased risk (death: OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.13, I2=58%; hospitalisation: OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.26; ICU admission: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.24). Findings on hospitalisation are also limited by substantial unexplained statistical heterogeneity. Within people with asthma, allergic asthma was associated with less COVID-19 risk and concurrent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was associated with increased risk. In some studies, corticosteroids were associated with increased risk, but this may reflect increased risk in people with more severe asthma.

Conclusions

Though absence of evidence of a clear association between asthma and worse outcomes from COVID-19 should not be interpreted as evidence of absence, the data reviewed indicate that risks from COVID-19 in people with asthma, as a whole, may be less than originally anticipated.
Evaluating the impact of an enhanced triage process on the performance and diagnostic yield of oesophageal physiology studies post COVID-19
Authors: Doyle Rebecca , Bate Sebastian , Devenney Jade , Agwaonye Sophia , Hastings Margaret , Wych Jane , Archbold Sharon , Vasant Dipesh H
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted on the provision of oesophageal physiology investigations. During the recovery phase, triaging tools were empirically recommended by national bodies for prioritisation of referrals amidst rising waiting lists and reduced capacity. We evaluated the performance of an enhanced triage process (ETP) consisting of telephone triage combined with the hierarchical ‘traffic light system’ recommended in the UK for prioritising oesophageal physiology referrals.

Design

In a cross-sectional study of patients referred for oesophageal physiology studies at a tertiary centre, data were compared between patients who underwent oesophageal physiology studies 6 months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and those who were investigated within 6 months after service resumption with implementation of the ETP.

Outcome measures

Adjusted time from referral to investigation; non-attendance rates; the detection of Chicago Classification (CC) oesophageal motility disorders on oesophageal manometry and severity of acid reflux on 24 hours pH/impedance monitoring.

Results

Following service resumption, the ETP reduced non-attendance rates from 9.1% to 2.8% (p=0.021). Use of the ‘traffic light system’ identified a higher proportion of patients with CC oesophageal motility disorders in the ‘amber’ and ‘red’ triage categories, compared with the ‘green’ category (p=0.011). ETP also reduced the time to test for those who were subsequently found to have a major CC oesophageal motility diagnosis compared with those with minor CC disorders and normal motility (p=0.004). The ETP did not affect the yield or timing of acid reflux studies.

Conclusion

ETPs can effectively prioritise patients with oesophageal motility disorders and may therefore have a role beyond the current pandemic.
Peer support for youth suicide prevention: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hilario Carla T , Kamanzi Joyce , Kennedy Megan , Gilchrist Lisa , Richter Solina
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Youth suicide is a significant public health priority, and is the second leading cause of death among young people between 15 and 29 years of age. An emerging intervention in suicide prevention programming with youth is peer support. Although increasingly used in other settings, the evidence for peer support interventions in youth suicide prevention remains nascent. This article presents a protocol for a scoping review aimed at systematically mapping the current evidence on peer support for youth suicide prevention.

Methods and analysis

Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework will guide the review methods. The search strategy will be developed with guidance from a health sciences librarian. Multiple databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and grey literature will be identified using terms related to peer support and youth suicide prevention. Publication date restrictions will not be applied. All identified records of published literature will be collated and uploaded to a systematic review management software, Covidence, for review and selection. Screening will be completed in duplicate by two reviewers using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conflicts during screening will be resolved by a third reviewer. The title and abstract screening and full-text review will be completed in Covidence. Two reviewers will complete data extraction from the selected records, using a tailored extraction form. Screening and data extraction will be completed between January and April 2021. A narrative summary will be completed to synthesise key findings as well as contextual information about the use of peer support interventions in youth suicide prevention programming.

Ethics and dissemination

The results will be disseminated through a community research report, presentations of findings at relevant conferences and academic publications of the scoping review protocol and results. The data used for this scoping review will be derived from published resources; therefore, ethics approval is not required for this study.
Everyday lives of middle-aged persons living with multimorbidity: protocol of a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Gonzalez-Gonzalez Ana Isabel , Brünn Robin , Nothacker Julia , Dinh Truc Sophia , Brueckle Maria-Sophie , Dieckelmann Mirjam , Müller Beate S , van den Akker Marjan
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Multimorbidity is the simultaneous occurrence of several (chronic) diseases. Persons living with multimorbidity not only have complex care needs, but the burden of care often has a negative impact on their family lives, leisure time and professional activities. The aim of this project is to systematically review the literature to assess how multimorbidity affects the everyday lives of middle-aged persons, and to find out what abilities and resources help in the development of coping strategies to overcome the challenges of living with it.

Methods and analysis

We will systematically search for studies reporting on the everyday life experiences of middle-aged persons (30–60 years) with multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Sciences Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index Expanded, PSYNDEX and The Cochrane Library from inception. We will include all primary studies that use quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodologies, irrespective of publication date/study setting.

Two independent reviewers will screen titles/abstracts/full texts, extract data from the selected studies and present evidence in terms of study/population characteristics, data collection method and the phenomenon of interest, that is, everyday life experiences of middle-aged persons with multimorbidity. Risk of bias will be independently assessed by two reviewers using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We will use a convergent integrated approach on qualitative/quantitative studies, whereby information will be synthesised narratively and, if possible, quantitatively.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required due to the nature of the proposed systematic review. Results from this research will be disseminated at relevant (inter)national conferences and via publication in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021226699.
Vitamin D deficiency, impaired lung function and total and respiratory mortality in a cohort of older men: cross-sectional and prospective findings from The British Regional Heart Study
Authors: Wannamethee S Goya , Welsh Paul , Papacosta Olia , Lennon Lucy , Whincup Peter
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We examined the cross-sectional association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and lung function impairment and assessed whether vitamin D deficiency is related to long-term mortality in those with impaired lung function.

Design

Prospective study

Setting

General practices in the UK.

Participants

3575 men aged 60–79 years with no prevalent heart failure.

Outcome measures

Airway obstruction and mortality. The Global Initiative on Obstructive Lu

ng diseases (GOLD) spirometry criteria was used to define airway obstruction.

Results

During the follow-up period of 20 years, there were 2327 deaths (114 COPD deaths). Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D levels<10 ng/mL; insufficiency as 25(OH)D 10–19 ng/mL; sufficient as 25(OH)D>20 ng/mL. In cross-sectional analysis, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in those with moderate COPD (FEV/FVC <70% and FEV150 to <80%; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 s and FVC, forced vital capacity) and severe COPD (FEV/FVC <70% and FEV1<50%) but not in those with mild COPD (FEV/FVC <70% and FEV1>80%) or restrictive lung disease (FEV1/FVC>70% and FVC <80%) compared with men with normal lung function . Vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased risk of total and respiratory mortality in both men with COPD and men with restrictive lung disease after adjustment for confounders and inflammation. The adjusted HRs (95% CI) for total mortality comparing levels of 25(OH)D<10 ng/mL to 25(OH)D>=20 ng/mL were 1.39 (1.10 to 1.75), 1.52 (1.17 to 1.98), 1.58 (1.17 to 2.14) and 1.39 (0.83 to 2.33) for those with no lung impairment, restrictive lung function, mild/moderate COPD and severe COPD, respectively.

Conclusion

Men with COPD were more likely to be vitamin D deficient than those with normal lung function. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased all-cause mortality in older men with no lung impairment as well as in those with restrictive or obstructive lung impairment.
Consultation patterns and frequent attenders in UK primary care from 2000 to 2019: a retrospective cohort analysis of consultation events across 845 general practices
Authors: Kontopantelis Evangelos , Panagioti Maria , Farragher Tracey , Munford Luke A , Parisi Rosa , Planner Claire , Spooner Sharon , Tse Alice , Ashcroft Darren M , Esmail Aneez
Published: December 2021

Objective

To describe the distribution of consultations at the practice level and examine whether increases are uniform or driven by people who consult more frequently.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

UK general practice data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD database.

Participants

1 699 709 314 consultation events from 12 330 545 patients, in 845 general practices (1 April 2000 to 31 March 2019).

Methods

Consultation information was aggregated by financial year into: all consultations/all staff; all consultations/general practitioners (GPs); face-to-face consultations/all staff; face-to-face consultations/GPs. Patients with a number of consultations above the 90th centile, within each year, were classified as frequent attenders. Negative binomial regressions examined the association between available practice characteristics and consultation distribution.

Results

Among frequent attenders, all consultations by GPs increased from a median (25th and 75th centile) of 13 (10 and 16) to 21 (18 and 25) and all consultations by all staff increased from 27 (23–30) to 60 (51–69) over the study period. Approximately four out of ten consultations of any type concerned frequent attenders and the proportion of consultations attributed to them increased over time, particularly for face-to-face consultations with GPs, from a median of 38.0% (35.9%–40.3%) in 2000–2001 to 43.0% (40.6%–46.4%) in 2018–2019. Regression analyses indicated decreasing trends over time for face-to-face consultations and increasing trends for all consultation types, for both GPs and all staff. Frequent attenders consulted approximately five times more than the rest of the practice population, on average, with adjusted incidence rate ratios ranging between 4.992 (95% CI 4.917 to 5.068) for face-to-face consultations with all staff and 5.603 (95% CI 5.560 to 5.647) for all consultations with GPs.

Conclusions

Frequent attenders progressively contributed to increased workload in general practices across the UK from 2000 to 2019. Important knowledge gaps remain in terms of the demographic, social and health characteristics of frequent attenders and how UK general practices can be prepared to meet the needs of these patients.
Newer generation antidepressants and withdrawal effects: reconsidering the role of antidepressants and helping patients to stop
Authors: Horowitz Mark , Wilcock Michael
Published: December 2021

In England, the prescribing of antidepressants, primarily the newer generation antidepressant classes, has steadily increased over recent years. There is ongoing debate about how the efficacy of these drugs is viewed, their place in therapy and the harms associated with stopping them. Much of the evidence of their efficacy comes from short-term placebo-controlled trials which tend not to include outcomes that are of greatest relevance to patients, such as social functioning or quality of life, but rather restrict outcomes narrowly to symptom measures. On such measures these studies do not demonstrate clinically significant differences from placebo for depression. A range of adverse effects are also recognised, often greater in naturalistic studies of long-term antidepressants users than those measured in short-term efficacy studies, including emotional numbing, sexual difficulties, fatigue and weight gain. There is increasing recognition that withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are common and that these symptoms can be severe and long-lasting in some patients. Recent guidance on how to stop antidepressants in a tolerable way has been presented by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. We believe that increasing awareness about the difficulty that some patients have in stopping antidepressants should lead to more cautious prescribing practice, with antidepressants given to fewer patients and for shorter periods of time. This article discusses the perceived benefits and harms of antidepressant use.
Early disappearance of tumor antigen-reactive T cells from peripheral blood correlates with superior clinical outcomes in melanoma under anti-PD-1 therapy
Authors: Bochem Jonas , Zelba Henning , Spreuer Janine , Amaral Teresa , Wagner Nikolaus B , Gaissler Andrea , Pop Oltin T , Thiel Karolin , Yurttas Can , Soffel Daniel , Forchhammer Stephan , Sinnberg Tobias , Niessner Heike , Meier Friedegund , Terheyden Patrick , Königsrainer Alfred , Garbe Claus , Flatz Lukas , Pawelec Graham , Eigentler Thomas K , Löffler Markus W , Weide Benjamin , Wistuba-Hamprecht Kilian
Published: December 2021

Background

Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibodies are now routinely administered for metastatic melanoma and for increasing numbers of other cancers, but still only a fraction of patients respond. Better understanding of the modes of action and predictive biomarkers for clinical outcome is urgently required. Cancer rejection is mostly T cell-mediated. We previously showed that the presence of NY-ESO-1-reactive and/or Melan-A-reactive T cells in the blood correlated with prolonged overall survival (OS) of patients with melanoma with a heterogeneous treatment background. Here, we investigated whether such reactive T cells can also be informative for clinical outcomes in metastatic melanoma under PD-1 immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB).

Methods

Peripheral blood T cell stimulation by NY-ESO-1 and Melan-A overlapping peptide libraries was assessed before and during ICB in two independent cohorts of a total of 111 patients with stage IV melanoma. In certain cases, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes could also be assessed for such responses. These were characterized using intracellular cytokine staining for interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor negrosis factor (TNF) and CD107a. Digital pathology analysis was performed to quantify NY-ESO-1 and Melan-A expression by tumors. Endpoints were OS and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

The initial presence in the circulation of NY-ESO-1- or Melan-A-reactive T cells which became no longer detectable during ICB correlated with validated, prolonged PFS (HR:0.1; p>0.0001) and OS (HR:0.2; p=0.021). An evaluation of melanoma tissue from selected cases suggested a correlation between tumor-resident NY-ESO-1- and Melan-A-reactive T cells and disease control, supporting the notion of a therapy-associated sequestration of cells from the periphery to the tumor predominantly in those patients benefitting from ICB.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a PD-1 blockade-dependent infiltration of melanoma-reactive T cells from the periphery into the tumor and imply that this seminally contributes to effective treatment.
Impaired right ventricular function in long-term survivors of allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation
Authors: Massey Richard John , Diep Phoi Phoi , Burman Marta Maria , Kvaslerud Anette Borger , Brinch Lorentz , Aakhus Svend , Gullestad Lars , Ruud Ellen , Beitnes Jan Otto
Published: December 2021

Aims

Survivors of allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to describe right ventricular (RV) systolic function and risk factors for RV dysfunction in long-term survivors of allo-HSCT performed in their youth.

Methods and results

This cohort included 103 survivors (53% female), aged (mean±SD) 17.6±9.5 years at allo-HSCT, with a follow-up time of 17.2±5.5 years. Anthracyclines were used as first-line therapy for 44.7% of the survivors. The RV was evaluated with echocardiography, and found survivors to have reduced RV function in comparison to a group of healthy control subjects: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, (TAPSE, 20.8±3.7 mm vs 24.6±3.8 mm, p<0.001), RV peak systolic velocity (RV-s’, 11.2±2.3 cm/s vs 12.3±2.3 cm/s, p=0.001), fractional area change (FAC, 41.0±5.2% vs 42.2±5.1%, p=0.047) and RV free-wall strain (RVFWS, −27.1±4.2% vs −28.5±3.3%, p=0.043). RV systolic dysfunction (RVSD) was diagnosed in 14 (13.6%), and was strongly associated with progressive left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). High dosages of anthracyclines were associated with greater reductions in RV and LV function. Multivariable linear regressions confirmed global longitudinal strain to be a significant independent predictor for reduced RV function.

Conclusion

Impaired RV function was found in long-term survivors of allo-HSCT who were treated in their youth. This was associated with progressive left ventricle dysfunction, and pretransplant therapies with anthracyclines. The occurrence of RVSD was less frequent and was milder than coexisting LVSD in this cohort.
Comparison of six zero-till seed drill openers for establishment and persistence of sod-seeded alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in a cool-season perennial grass pasture
Authors: Jefferson Paul G. , Gregg Nathan , Hill Les , Lardner H.A. (Bart)
Published: December 2021

Zero-till seed drills are readily available for crop seeding in the prairie region of western Canada but have not been evaluated for sod-seeding in perennial forage. Sod-seeding a legume, such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), into the existing perennial grass vegetation improves forage yield and quality for ruminant livestock grazing and production. Suppression of the existing vegetation with herbicide has been reported to increase alfalfa seedling establishment. We evaluated six commercially available zero-till seed drill openers by sod-seeding alfalfa into a crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.] pasture with or without glyphosate suppression of the existing vegetation in Lanigan Saskatchewan. Alfalfa seedling establishment (52.2 vs. 21.9 seedlings m−1 ± 6.8), alfalfa composition (42.5% vs. 0.2% ± 8.6), and alfalfa yield (1105 kg·ha−1 vs. 12 kg·ha−1 ± 206) in 2011 were increased by the application of herbicide. Seed drill openers performed similarly for all three variables. Nine years later, in June 2020, there was greater alfalfa composition (13.3% vs. 0% ± 2.3) and forage yield (1325 vs. 957 kg·ha−1 ± 127) in the sod-seeded plots than in the unseeded controls but the alfalfa plant cover, alfalfa composition, alfalfa yield and forage yield were similar among seed drill openers. There was also no difference in these variables due to herbicide application nine years prior. Livestock producers can utilize currently available zero-till seeding equipment for sod-seeding alfalfa to rejuvenate grass pastures in the thin Black soil zone of western Canada with the expectation of persistence of alfalfa for nine years.
Effects of Crocin on CCL2/CCR2 Inflammatory Pathway in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Rats
Authors: Sheng Yanling , Gong Xiaowei , Zhao Jing , Liu Yan , Yuan Yadong
Published: December 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a malignant cardiopulmonary disease, in which pulmonary arterial remodeling is regarded as the prominent pathological feature. So far, the mechanism of PAH is still unclear, so its treatment remains a challenge. However, inflammation plays an important part in the occurrence and progression of PAH. It is well known that crocin has anti-inflammatory properties, so we investigated whether crocin could be a potential drug for the treatment of PAH rat models. Rats injected subcutaneously with monocrotaline (MCT) were treated with crocin via a gastric tube daily for four weeks. The results showed that crocin treatment significantly reduced the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) in the PAH rat models. Moreover, crocin treatment reduced the proliferation of pulmonary arteriole smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). In addition, crocin treatment not only relieved inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber hyperplasia in the lung and right ventricle, but also decreased the expression of the CCL2/CCR2 inflammatory pathway in the lung of PAH rat models. Furthermore, crocin treatment reduced the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress responses. In summary, crocin may play a protective role in MCT-induced PAH rats by alleviating inflammatory response, improving pulmonary arterial remodeling, and preventing PAH. Therefore, crocin as a new treatment for PAH may be quite worthy of consideration.
Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Predator–Prey Model with Allee Effect and Constant Stocking Rate for Predator
Authors: Tian Xuan , Guo Shangjiang
Published: December 2021

A diffusive predator–prey model with Allee effect and constant stocking rate for predator is investigated and it is shown that Allee effect is the decisive factor driving the formation of Turing pattern. Furthermore, it is observed that Turing pattern appears only when the diffusion rate of the prey is faster than that of the predator, which is just opposite to the condition of Turing pattern in the classical predator–prey system. Some sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the asymptotical stability of a spatially homogeneous steady-state solution. The existence and nonexistence of positive nonconstant steady-state solutions are investigated to understand the mechanisms of generating spatiotemporal patterns. Furthermore, Hopf and steady-state bifurcations are analyzed in detail by using Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction.
THE EFFECT OF THE WEYL FRACTIONAL INTEGRAL ON FUNCTIONS
Authors: TING XIA , LEI CHEN , LING LUO , YONG WANG
Published: December 2021

This paper mainly discusses the influence of the Weyl fractional integrals on continuous functions and proves that the Weyl fractional integrals can retain good properties of many functions. For example, a bounded variation function is still a bounded variation function after the Weyl fractional integral. Continuous functions that satisfy the Holder condition after the Weyl fractional integral still satisfy the Holder condition, furthermore, there is a linear relationship between the order of the Holder conditions of the two functions. At the end of this paper, the classical Weierstrass function is used as an example to prove the above conclusion.
Detection Power of Separability Criteria Based on a Correlation Tensor: A Case Study
Authors: Sarbicki Gniewomir , Scala Giovanni , Chruściński Dariusz
Published: December 2021

Detection power of separability criteria based on a correlation tensor is tested within a family of generalized isotropic states in [Formula: see text]. For [Formula: see text] all these criteria are weaker than the positive partial transposition (PPT) criterion. Interestingly, our analysis supports the recent conjecture that a criterion based on symmetrically informationally complete positive operator-valued measure (SIC-POVMs) is stronger than realignment criterion.
Hot pressing process ameliorates internal defects of PBZ/PVDF composite film for a high electrocaloric effect near room temperature
Authors: Qian Guoming , Zhu Kongjun , Yan Kang , Wang Jing , Liu Jinsong , Yang Zhong , Huang Weiqing , Zhang Chuanxiang , Bian Kan
Published: December 2021

The poor interface compatibility between inorganic fillers and organic polymer matrix in nanocomposite has presented considerable challenges, which limit the applicable electric field ranges and reduce the interface polarization interaction. In this paper, Pb[Formula: see text]Ba[Formula: see text]ZrO3(PBZ) nanofibers were introduced into the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix to prepare composite film, and the effect of hot pressing on interface compatibility was investigated at volume composite ratios of 3% and 4%. For the untreated film, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the 3 vol.% composite film are 9.68 [Formula: see text]C/cm2and 401 MV/m, respectively, and those for the 4 vol.% composite film are 9.15 [Formula: see text]C/cm2and 408 MV/m, respectively. These differences are mainly due to the impact of internal defects. After hot pressing, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the 3 vol.% composite film became 10.22 [Formula: see text]C/cm2and 490 MV/m, respectively. Those for the 4 vol.% composite film are 9.85 [Formula: see text]C/cm2and 485 MV/m. Experiment and simulation results showed the beneficial effect of hot pressing, which ameliorated poor interfacial compatibility, reduced internal defects, and improved the crystallinity of the composite film. A high electrocaloric effect (ECE) was obtained by using the direct measure method. At −30[Formula: see text]C, the [Formula: see text] values of hot-pressed PBZ/PVDF film at 3[Formula: see text] and 4[Formula: see text] vol.% were 23.81 and 19.73 K, respectively. When temperature increased to 70[Formula: see text]C, the [Formula: see text] values were 9.44 and 7.01 K, respectively, which were 1.58 times of the values of a non-hot-pressed film. These results indicated that hot pressing alleviated the interface problem and resulted in high EC performance under a high-strength electric field.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative with ASEAN Countries: Examining the Trade Cooperation and Impact of Coronavirus
Authors: Jedin Mohd Haniff , Zhang Meng Di
Published: December 2021

The rising US-China tension in the global trade war increased the trade cooperation between China and the ASEAN. Consequently, China’s total import and export volume with ASEAN increased tremendously to 684.60 billion USD in 2020, up by 6.7% year on year. This trend is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which promotes China’s infrastructure building program in the neighboring ASEAN countries and exports China’s technical know-how and engineering standards. However, the recent coronavirus outbreak that stormed China and the rest of the world caused delays to many BRI projects. Subsequently, this outbreak also hit the ASEAN countries and halted many of their mega-projects under the BRI framework. Thus, this study attempts to highlight the trade cooperation and project developments of BRI in the ASEAN countries. In addition, the study features the landscape of BRI projects that were affected by the coronavirus amongst the ASEAN countries.
Enabling Cross-technology Communication from LoRa to ZigBee in the 2.4 GHz Band
Authors: Shi Junyang , Chen Xingjian , Sha Mo
Published: December 2021

IEEE 802.15.4-based wireless sensor-actuator networks have been widely adopted by process industries in recent years because of their significant role in improving industrial efficiency and reducing operating costs. Today, industrial wireless sensor-actuator networks are becoming tremendously larger and more complex than before. However, a large, complex mesh network is hard to manage and inelastic to change once the network is deployed. In addition, flooding-based time synchronization and information dissemination introduce significant communication overhead to the network. More importantly, the deliveries of urgent and critical information such as emergency alarms suffer long delays, because those messages must go through the hop-by-hop transport. A promising solution to overcome those limitations is to enable the direct messaging from a long-range radio to an IEEE 802.15.4 radio. Then messages can be delivered to all field devices in a single-hop fashion. This article presents our study on enabling the cross-technology communication from LoRa to ZigBee using the energy emission of the LoRa radio as the carrier to deliver information. Experimental results show that our cross-technology communication approach provides reliable communication from LoRa to ZigBee with the throughput of up to 576.80 bps and the bit error rate of up to 5.23% in the 2.4 GHz band.
Mapping Enzyme Landscapes by Time-Resolved Crystallography with Synchrotron and X-Ray Free Electron Laser Light
Authors: Wilson Mark A.
Published: December 2021

Directly observing enzyme catalysis in real time at the molecular level has been a long-standing goal of structural enzymology. Time-resolved serial crystallography methods at synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) sources have enabled researchers to follow enzyme catalysis and other nonequilibrium events at ambient conditions with unprecedented time resolution. X-ray crystallography provides detailed information about conformational heterogeneity and protein dynamics, which is enhanced when time-resolved approaches are used. This review outlines the ways in which information about the underlying energy landscape of a protein can be extracted from X-ray crystallographic data, with an emphasis on new developments in XFEL and synchrotron time-resolved crystallography. The emerging view of enzyme catalysis afforded by these techniques can be interpreted as enzymes moving on a time-dependent energy landscape. Some consequences of this view are discussed, including the proposal that irreversible enzymes or enzymes that use covalent catalytic mechanisms may commonly exhibit catalysis-activated motions.
Diagnostic Pitfalls in Papillary Muscle Rupture-Associated Acute Mitral Regurgitation after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kameyama Akiko , Imamura Hiroshi , Kamijo Hiroshi , Takeshige Kanako , Mochizuki Katsunori , Nitta Kenichi
Published: December 2021

Papillary muscle rupture (PMR) is a rare and fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We report a case of acute mitral regurgitation (MR) due to PMR with pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock following AMI with small myocardial necrosis. An 88-year-old woman was brought to our emergency department in acute respiratory distress, shock, and coma. She had no systolic murmur, and transthoracic echocardiography was inconclusive. Coronary angiography showed obstruction of the posterior descending branch of the right coronary artery. Although the infarction was small, the hemodynamics did not improve. Transesophageal echocardiography established papillary muscle rupture with severe mitral regurgitation 5 days after admission. Thereafter, the patient and her family did not consent to heart surgery, and she eventually died of progressive heart failure. Physicians should be aware of papillary muscle rupture with acute mitral regurgitation following AMI in patients with unstable hemodynamics, no systolic murmur, and no abnormalities revealed on transthoracic echocardiography.
Sizing of the Propulsion System for a Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Commercial Vehicle
Authors: Zheng Weiguang , Xin Weiwei , Xu Enyong , He Shuilong , Qin Jirong , Wang Heng
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a methodology for the sizing of a heavy-duty fuel cell commercial vehicle. The parameters scanning model and the long-term stochastic drive cycle are adopted for this proposed sizing framework. The dynamic programming algorithm is employed as the energy management strategy to assess the performance of sizing. The efficacy of this framework is evaluated, and a detailed analysis for the hydrogen consumption is given in the results. In addition, a prediction analysis based on the price performance of the next decade is also given in this work.
Digital Twin‐Assisted Simulation of Complex Assembly Models in Descending Process and Implementation of Key Link Characterization
Authors: Ma Zhuqiao , Tong Yifei , Liu Linyan , Huang Lei , Yuan Juntang
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the simulation and key link characterization of the complex assembly model step‐down process are studied and analysed in depth using the digital twin approach, and the method is used in the practical process. The physical model step‐down method MORA algorithm and its physical interpretation in various simplified cases are given, and the MORA method is improved on this basis. The concept of local activeness based on knot structure is introduced, and the process of model transformation and downscaling and decomposition based on local activeness is explained in detail. The high‐fidelity mapping of solid equipment is completed in virtual space, which can accurately reproduce and predict the health state of engineering equipment throughout its life cycle, effectively avoiding the huge property losses and safety risks caused by early failure of vulnerable structures and providing a safe and stable working environment for offshore oil and gas production. With the prototype monitoring data as reference, the response surface method is used to identify the parameters of the finite element model of the hinge node, which improves the fidelity of the virtual model of the hinge node. Considering the friction coefficient changes and load characteristics during the degradation of the hinge node, the dynamics simulation conditions are set, and the operating states of the hinge node at different stages of its whole life cycle are simulated by using the high‐fidelity virtual model of the hinge node, and the prediction model of the hot spot stress of the hinge node is established to monitor its in‐position state in real time, and the operation and maintenance overhaul method based on the health state of the hinge node is proposed. The system is divided into four modules: multilevel inverse modelling of the assembly twin, statistical shape characterization and analysis of batch parts, optimization of fixture positioning and flexible assembly of thin‐walled parts, and optimization of low‐stress assembly of bolted joint structure, which verifies the feasibility of the method and provides guidance for the actual product forming process.
X-Ray CT Investigation on Fractal Characteristics of Fine-Grained Tailing Sand in Fujian’s Makeng: Insight into the Mesoscopic Seepage Failure
Authors: Long Dayu , Li Changhong , Wang Yu , Shi Yueqi
Published: December 2021

This work is aimed at revealing the mesophysical process and mechanical behaviors of fine-grained tailing sand during seepage failure. The macroscopic seepage tests combined with posttest X-ray computed tomography (CT) were employed to study the fractal characteristics of mesostructure. Results show that before and after the seepage failure of fine-grained tailing sand, fractal of pore distribution (

D

pd

) and fractal dimension of pore size (

D

ps

) show a relatively obvious positive correlation with porosity. Tailing particles migrate along the seepage direction during the seepage process, resulting in the gradual decrease of

D

pd

and pore distribution area. The

D

ps

reflects the variation characteristics of pore number distribution with different pore sizes. The increase in

D

ps

leads to a decrease in the uniformity of pore size and an increase in the size difference between pores. The mass fractal dimension (

D

m

) of fine-grained tailing sand samples ranges from 1.6472 to 1.8256. With the increase of

D

m

, the coefficient of uniformity (

C

u

) of tailing sand tends to increase. The

D

m

method can discern the seepage failure type of fine-grained tailing sand, and it is more accurate than the traditional method. This study provides a reference for the prevention and control of the seepage failure of tailing dam.
Response Surface Approach to Optimize the Conditions of Foam Mat Drying of Plum in relation to the Physical-Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of Plum Powder
Authors: Sifat Saad A. D. , Trisha Anuva T. , Huda Nurul , Zzaman Wahidu , Julmohammad Norliza
Published: December 2021

This research was done to optimize the influence of various egg albumin (EA) concentrations of 2, 4, and 6% as a foaming agent and whipping times of 5, 10, and 15 minutes, on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of plum powder produced using response surface methodology (RSM). Physical properties of the foam such as density, porosity, and expansion were determined. After drying and powder manufacturing, physical properties, namely, the water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI), as well as chemical characteristics such as pH, titratable acidity, and browning index, were assessed. Finally, antioxidant capabilities such as the total phenol content (TPC), DPPH scavenging activity, beta carotene, and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured. According to the findings, both whipping duration and EA concentration had a substantial effect on the foam forming characteristics. Foam expansion increased significantly with EA concentration and whipping time increase, but foam density exhibited an inverse relationship as expected. Increases in EA concentration and whipping duration both raised pH values whereas titratable acidity exhibited an inverse tendency as variable quantity rose. The browning index dropped as EA concentration increased. Antioxidant qualities were retained in dried sample powder as compared with the fresh sample, and they were also altered by variable changes. Overall, a 4% EA concentration for 10 to 15 minutes produced the best dehydration effects with the most antioxidant retention.
TAS-102 Monotherapy and Combination Therapy with Bevacizumab for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Cheng-Jiang , Hu Ting , Shao Ping , Chu Wu-Yang , Cao Yu , Zhang Feng
Published: December 2021

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TAS-102 monotherapy and combination therapy with bevacizumab in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods. The PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for the literature on TAS-102 treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Extracted data include median overall survival (mOS), median progression-free survival (mPFS), and the incidence of adverse events for meta-analysis. Results. Our study found that the mOS of patients treated with TAS-102 monotherapy was 6.95 (95% CI: 6.26-7.72) months and the mPFS was 2.53 (95% CI: 2.31-2.78) months. The mOS in patients treated by TAS-102 combined with bevacizumab was 10.41 (95% CI: 8.40-12.89) months, and the mPFS is 4.35 (95% CI: 3.05-6.20) months. In the control experiment, the patients’ mOS and mPFS were improved. TAS-102+B vs. TAS-102 (

OR
=
0.41

, 95% CI: 0.18-0.93;

OR
=
0.72

, 95% CI: 0.63-0.83) and TAS-102 vs. placebo (

OR
=
0.44

, 95% CI: 0.29-0.67;

OR
=
0.51

, 95% CI: 0.42-0.62) were studied to actively prevent the occurrence of neutropenia, leukopenia, febrile neutropenia, anemia, and vomiting. Conclusion. TAS-102 monotherapy and combination therapy with bevacizumab can significantly improve the survival of patients and prevent specific adverse events from happening.
Fractional Metric Dimension of Generalized Sunlet Networks
Authors: Javaid Muhammad , Zafar Hassan , Bonyah Ebenezer
Published: December 2021

Let

N
=

V

N

,
E

N

be a connected network with vertex

V

N

and edge set

E

N

⊆

V

N

,
E

N

. For any two vertices

a

and

b

, the distance

d

a
,
b

is the length of the shortest path between them. The local resolving neighbourhood (LRN) set for any edge

e
=
ab

of

N

is a set of all those vertices whose distance varies from the end vertices

a

and

b

of the edge

e

. A real-valued function

Φ

from

V

N

to

0,1

is called a local resolving function (LRF) if the sum of all the labels of the elements of each LRN set remains greater or equal to 1. Thus, the local fractional metric dimension (LFMD) of a connected network

N

is

dim

lf

N

=
min

Φ

:
Φ
 
is minimal LRF of
 
N

. In this study, LFMD of various types of sunlet-related networks such as sunlet network (

S

m

), middle sunlet network (

MS

m

), and total sunlet network (

TS

m

) are studied in the form of exact values and sharp bounds under certain conditions. Furthermore, the unboundedness and boundedness of all the obtained results of LFMD of the sunlet networks are also checked.