bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dengue virus detection in Lao PDR and Colombia: Comparative evaluation of PCR tests
Authors: Kann Simone , Blessmann Joerg , Winkelmann Yvonne , Hansen Jessica , Maya Amaya Leonardo J. , Rivera Salcedo Gadith E. , Halas Hussein El , Schmidt‐Chanasit Jonas , Keoviengkhone Latdamone , Sopraseuth Vatsana , Deschermeier Christina , Mika Angela
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Dengue virus (DENV) detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) facilitates diagnosis of dengue fever, which is the most frequent arboviral disease globally. Two studies were performed in countries with high dengue incidence, to assess the diagnostic performance of different PCR techniques.

Methods/Results

Two hundred and seventy‐nine acute phase blood samples from febrile patients were analyzed for DENV by the RealStar Dengue RT‐PCR kit (Altona Diagnostics) as gold standard in comparison with the Tropical Fever Core multiplex PCR (Fast Track Diagnostics). In total, 102 samples collected in Savannakhet Province (Lao PDR, Southeast Asia) in 2013 and 35 samples from Valledupar (Colombia, South America) tested positive for DENV by RealStar RT‐PCR. In comparison, the Tropical Fever Core multiplex PCR detected 65.0% (65/102) and 68.6% (24/35) of these samples as positive for DENV in Savannakhet and Valledupar, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity of the multiplex PCR strongly correlated with viral load. A subset of DENV PCR‐confirmed samples was additionally tested by BNITM in house Dengue Type RT‐PCR in comparison with two commercial test kits (RealStar Dengue Type RT‐PCR [Altona Diagnostics], Dengue differentiation PCR [Fast Track Diagnostics]). The leading dengue serotype in Savannakhet was DENV‐3 (58% [29/50]), while DENV‐1 (53.8% [14/26]) was the predominant serotype found in samples collected in Valledupar by BNITM‐type PCR. However, three DENV serotypes were circulating in Valledupar and in Savannakhet. In 2015, additional studies found predominantly DENV‐4 (71% [12/17]) in Savannakhet.

Conclusions

Both studies emphasized that routine diagnostics in both regions will benefit from an expanded use of highly sensitive pan‐dengue PCRs.
Hybrid Program Based on Virtual and Real Games Increases Fundamental Movement Skills in Children With Intellectual Disability: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Regaieg Ghada , Sahli Sonia , Kermarrec Gilles
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two pedagogical strategies in adapted physical education (hybrid virtual/real vs. conventional) on fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children with intellectual disability age 7–10 years. Children with intellectual disability (N = 24) were randomly assigned to either the hybrid (experimental group) or the conventional (control group) group and were evaluated across 10 weeks. The hybrid program was based on virtual and real game situations, while the conventional program was based on adapted sports. FMS were evaluated using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 at pre- and postprogram for both groups. Both programs significantly improve locomotor skills, with significantly better improvement in the experimental group. However, a significant improvement was observed only among the experimental group for object-control skills and gross motor quotient. Based on these results, a hybrid program may be considered for FMS improvement.
A Systems Analysis Critique of Sport-Science Research
Authors: McLean Scott , Kerhervé Hugo A. , Stevens Nicholas , Salmon Paul M.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The broad aim of sport-science research is to enhance the performance of coaches and athletes. Despite decades of such research, it is well documented that sport-science research lacks empirical evidence, and critics have questioned its scientific methods. Moreover, many have pointed to a research–practice gap, whereby the work undertaken by researchers is not readily applied by practitioners. The aim of this study was to use a systems thinking analysis method, causal loop diagrams, to understand the systemic issues that interact to influence the quality of sport-science research. Methods: A group model-building process was utilized to develop the causal loop diagram based on data obtained from relevant peer-reviewed literature and subject-matter experts. Results: The findings demonstrate the panoply of systemic influences associated with sport-science research, including the existence of silos, a focus on quantitative research, archaic practices, and an academic system that is incongruous with what it actually purports to achieve. Conclusions: The emergent outcome of the interacting components is the creation of an underperforming sport-science research system, as indicated by a lack of ecological validity, translation to practice, and, ultimately, a research–practice gap.
Estimating Center of Mass Kinematics During Perturbed Human Standing Using Accelerometers
Authors: Hnat Sandra K. , Audu Musa L. , Triolo Ronald J. , Quinn Roger D.
Published: August 2021

Estimating center of mass (COM) through sensor measurements is done to maintain walking and standing stability with exoskeletons. The authors present a method for estimating COM kinematics through an artificial neural network, which was trained by minimizing the mean squared error between COM displacements measured by a gold-standard motion capture system and recorded acceleration signals from body-mounted accelerometers. A total of 5 able-bodied participants were destabilized during standing through: (1) unexpected perturbations caused by 4 linear actuators pulling on the waist and (2) volitionally moving weighted jars on a shelf. Each movement type was averaged across all participants. The algorithm’s performance was quantified by the root mean square error and coefficient of determination (R2) calculated from both the entire trial and during each perturbation type. Throughout the trials and movement types, the average coefficient of determination was 0.83, with 89% of the movements with R2 > .70, while the average root mean square error ranged between 7.3% and 22.0%, corresponding to 0.5- and 0.94-cm error in both the coronal and sagittal planes. COM can be estimated in real time for balance control of exoskeletons for individuals with a spinal cord injury, and the procedure can be generalized for other gait studies.
Comparing the Effects of Single-Task versus Dual-Task Balance Training on Gait Smoothness and Functional Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Javadpour Samira , Sinaei Ehsan , Salehi Reza , Zahednejad Shahla , Motealleh Alireza
Published: August 2021

To compare the effects of single- versus dual-task balance training on the gait smoothness and balance of community-dwelling older adults, 69 volunteers were randomized to single-, dual-task training, and control (no intervention) groups. Exercises were received in 18 sessions through 6 weeks. The gait smoothness was measured by the harmonic ratio of trunk accelerations using a triaxial accelerometer. Balance performance was assessed through the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, Timed Up and Go test, Activities-specific Balance Confidence, and gait speed. After the trial, all variables improved significantly in the training groups. Moreover, differences in the mean change of all variables, except the Timed Up and Go test, were statistically significant between the interventional groups and the control group, but no significant difference was reported between the two training groups. This study suggests that balance training can improve gait smoothness as well as balance status in healthy older adults.
The Use of Home-Based Nonimmersive Virtual Reality to Encourage Physical and Cognitive Exercise in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sheehy Lisa , Sveistrup Heidi , Knoefel Frank , Taillon-Hobson Anne , Martin Tara , Egan Mary , Bilodeau Martin , Welch Vivian , Yang Christine , Finestone Hillel
Published: August 2021

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment are at risk of cognitive and physical decline. Virtual reality (VR) exercise may provide beneficial physical and cognitive exercise. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility and safety of home-based VR exercise and to provide pilot data for physical and cognitive efficacy. Eleven individuals with mild cognitive impairment (seven males/four females, average 78 years old, and average 3 years since diagnosis) performed a 30-min home-based VR exercise program 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The VR platform was successfully installed in participants’ homes, and all participants were able to learn the VR program and progress. Participants completed 99% of the prescribed exercise. There were no major adverse events. Most participants enjoyed the VR program and reported physical benefits; fewer reported cognitive benefits. No physical or cognitive outcome measures showed change after 6 weeks. Home-based VR exercise is safe and feasible in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
The Making of a College Athlete: High School Experiences, Socioeconomic Advantages, and the Likelihood of Playing College Sports
Authors: Tompsett James , Knoester Chris
Published: August 2021

Understandings of who plays college sports are dominated by assumptions that lack academic scrutiny. Using the Education Longitudinal Study (N = 7,810) and multilevel modeling, this study examines the extent to which high school indicators of family socioeconomic statuses, athletic development and merit, academic expectations and knowledge, and school contexts predict the likelihood of becoming a college athlete. The authors find evidence that supports our understanding of the process of becoming a college athlete being shaped by family socioeconomic status. Still, high school sport participation characteristics, academic expectations and knowledge, and school contexts also seem to offer independent contributions to the odds of becoming a college athlete. Overall, these results suggest that college athletic opportunities are not simply a function of athletic merit, based on unique analyses of quantitative empirical evidence from a large national sample of high school students.
Eclipsing Binary Systems XZ Per and BO Vul with Complex Variations in Orbital Periods
Authors: Khaliullina A. I.
Published: August 2021

The variations in the orbital periods of the eclipsing binary systems XZ Per and BO Vul have been studied. It has been shown that the variations in the orbital period of the eclipsing binary XZ Per are equally well represented as a superposition of the secular decrease and cyclic variations or as a sum of two cyclic variations. In the first case, the monotonic component can be a consequence of the loss of angular momentum by the system due to magnetic braking, while cyclic variations can be explained by the presence of a third body in the system or by the magnetic activity of the secondary component with a convective shell. In the second case, it is possible to assume the presence of two additional bodies in the system, or to attribute one of the period oscillations to the light-time effect, and the other to the magnetic activity of the secondary component. The variations in the orbital period of the eclipsing binary system BO Vul can be represented as a superposition of the secular decrease and cyclic variations. The observed cyclic variations in the period can occur due to the presence of a third body in the system or due to the magnetic activity of the secondary component with a convective shell.
One time a day mometasone/indacaterol fixed-dose combination versus two times a day fluticasone/salmeterol in patients with inadequately controlled asthma: pooled analysis from PALLADIUM and IRIDIUM studies
Authors: Chapman Kenneth , van Zyl-Smit Richard , Maspero Jorge , Kerstjens Huib A M , Gon Yasuhiro , Hosoe Motoi , Tanase Ana-Maria , Pethe Abhijit , Shu Xu , D’Andrea Peter
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite currently available standard-of-care inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2-agonist therapies, a substantial proportion of patients with asthma remain inadequately controlled. This pooled analysis evaluated efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate/indacaterol acetate (MF/IND) versus fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate (FLU/SAL) in patients with inadequately controlled asthma.

Methods

This analysis included patients from PALLADIUM (NCT02554786) and IRIDIUM (NCT02571777) studies who received high-dose MF/IND (320/150 µg) or medium-dose MF/IND (160/150 µg) one time a day or high-dose FLU/SAL (500/50 µg) two times a day for 52 weeks. Reduction in asthma exacerbations, improvement in lung function, asthma control, and safety were evaluated for 52 weeks.

Results

In total, 3154 patients (high-dose MF/IND, n=1054; medium-dose MF/IND, n=1044; high-dose FLU/SAL, n=1056) were included. High-dose MF/IND showed 26%, 22% and 19% reductions in rate of severe, moderate or severe, and all (mild, moderate and severe) exacerbations versus high-dose FLU/SAL, respectively, over 52 weeks (all, p<0.05). High-dose MF/IND improved trough FEV1versus high-dose FLU/SAL at weeks 26 (Δ, 43 mL, p=0.001) and 52 (Δ, 51 mL, p<0.001). Reductions in asthma exacerbation rate and improvement in trough FEV1with medium-dose MF/IND were comparable with high-dose FLU/SAL over 52 weeks. All treatments improved Asthma Control Questionnaire-7 score from baseline to 52 weeks with no difference between treatments. Safety was comparable between high-dose MF/IND and high-dose FLU/SAL.

Conclusions

One time a day, single-inhaler, high-dose MF/IND reduced asthma exacerbations and improved lung function versus two times a day, high-dose FLU/SAL in patients with inadequately controlled asthma. Similarly, improved outcomes were seen with one time a day, medium-dose MF/IND and two times a day, high-dose FLU/SAL, but at a lower ICS dose.
Systemic inflammation induced by exacerbation of COPD or pneumonia in patients with COPD induces cardiac troponin elevation
Authors: Søyseth Vidar , Kononova Natalia , Neukamm Anke , Holmedahl Nils Henrik , Hagve Tor-Arne , Omland Torbjorn , Einvik Gunnar
Published: August 2021

Background

Troponin is a biomarker of myocardial injury. In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), troponin is an important determinant of mortality after acute exacerbation. Whether acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) causes troponin elevation is not known. Here, we investigated whether troponin is increased in AECOPD compared to stable COPD.

Methods

We included 320 patients with COPD in the stable state and 63 random individuals from Akershus University hospital’s catchment area. All participants were ≥40 years old (mean 65·1 years, SD 7·6) and 176 (46%) were females. The geometric mean of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was 6·9 ng/L (geometric-SD 2·6). They were followed regarding hospital admission for the subsequent 5 years.

Results

During the 5-year follow-up, we noted 474 hospitalisations: Totally, 150 and 80 admissions were due to AECOPD or pneumonia, respectively. The geometric mean ratio with geometric SE(GSE) between cTnT at admission and stable state in AECOPD and pneumonia was 1·27 (GSE=1.11, p=0·023) and 1·28 (GSE=1.14, p=0·054), respectively. After inclusion of blood leucocyte count and C reactive protein at hospitalisation, these ratios attenuated to zero. However, we estimated an indirect of AECOPD and pneumonia on the ratio between hs-cTnT at admission and the stable state to 1·16 (p=0·022) and 1·22 (p=0·008), representing 91% (95% CI 82% to 100%) and 95% (95% CI 83% to 100%) of the total effects, respectively.

Conclusion

AECOPD and pneumonia in patients with COPD is associated with higher cTnT levels. This association appears to be mediated by systemic inflammation.
GB1275, a first-in-class CD11b modulator: rationale for immunotherapeutic combinations in solid tumors
Authors: DeNardo David G , Galkin Anna , Dupont Jakob , Zhou Lei , Bendell Johanna
Published: August 2021

Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and other anticancer therapies is often associated with the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, targeting MDSC recruitment or function is of significant interest as a strategy to treat patients with ICI-resistant cancer. The migration and recruitment of MDSCs to the TME is mediated in part by the CD11b/CD18 integrin heterodimer (Mac-1; αMβ2), expressed on both MDSCs and TAMs. However, inhibition or blockade of CD11b/CD18 has had limited success in clinical trials to date, likely since saturation of CD11b requires doses that are not clinically tolerable with the agents tested so far. Interestingly, activation of CD11b with leukadherin-1 was found to reduce macrophage and neutrophil migration in animal models of inflammatory conditions. Preclinical studies with GB1275, a salt form of leukadherin-1, demonstrated that activation of CD11b improves the antitumor immune response and enhances the response to immunotherapy in mouse models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, breast cancer and lung cancer. Based on the promising results from preclinical studies, a phase 1/2 clinical study (NCT04060342) of GB1275 in patients with advanced solid tumor types known to be resistant or less likely responsive to immuno-oncology therapies, including pancreatic, breast, prostate, and microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer, is ongoing. In this review, we examine targeting MDSCs as a therapeutic approach in cancer therapy, with a special focus on GB1275 preclinical studies laying the rationale for the phase 1/2 clinical study.
Addition of intracranial aspiration to balloon guide catheter does not improve outcomes in large vessel occlusion anterior circulation stent retriever based thrombectomy for acute stroke
Authors: Blasco Jordi , Puig Josep , López-Rueda Antonio , Daunis-i-Estadella Pepus , Llull Laura , Zarco Federico , Macias Napoleon , Macho Juan , González Eva , Labayen Ion , Vega Pedro , Murias Eduardo , Jimenez-Gomez Elvira , Bravo Rey Isabel , Moreu Manuel , Pérez-García Carlos , Chirife Chaparro Oscar , Aixut Sonia , Terceño Mikel , Werner Mariano , Pumar José Manuel , Aguilar Tejedor Yeray , Mendez Jose Carlos , Moliner Sarai , Nogueira Raul G , San Roman Luis
Published: August 2021

Background

Balloon guide catheter (BGC) in stent retriever based thrombectomy (BGC+SR) for patients with large vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS) improves outcomes. It is conceivable that the addition of a large bore distal access catheter (DAC) to BGC+SR leads to higher efficacy. We aimed to investigate whether the combined BGC+DAC+SR approach improves angiographic and clinical outcomes compared with BGC+SR alone for thrombectomy in anterior circulation LVOS.

Methods

Consecutive patients with anterior circulation LVOS from June 2019 to November 2020 were recruited from the ROSSETTI registry. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, and outcome data were compared between patients treated with BGC+SR alone versus BGC+DAC+SR. The primary outcome was first pass effect (FPE) rate, defined as near complete/complete revascularization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2c–3) after single device pass.

Results

We included 401 patients (BGC+SR alone, 273 (66.6%) patients). Patients treated with BGC+SR alone were older (median age 79 (IQR 68–85) vs 73.5 (65–82) years; p=0.033) and had shorter procedural times (puncture to revascularization 24 (14–46) vs 37 (24.5–63.5) min, p<0.001) than the BGC+DAC+SR group. Both approaches had a similar FPE rate (52% in BGC+SR alone vs 46.9% in BGC+DAC+SR, p=0.337). Although the BGC+SR alone group showed higher rates for final successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥2b (86.8% vs 74.2%, p=0.002) and excellent reperfusion, mTICI ≥2 c (76.2% vs 55.5%, p<0.001)), there were no significant differences in 24 hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score or rates of good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) at 3 months across these techniques.

Conclusions

Our data showed that addition of distal intracranial aspiration catheters to BGC+SR based thrombectomy in patients with acute anterior circulation LVO did not provide higher rates of FPE or improved clinical outcomes.
Machine learning applications in tobacco research: a scoping review
Authors: Fu Rui , Kundu Anasua , Mitsakakis Nicholas , Elton-Marshall Tara , Wang Wei , Hill Sean , Bondy Susan J , Hamilton Hayley , Selby Peter , Schwartz Robert , Chaiton Michael Oliver
Published: August 2021

Objective

Identify and review the body of tobacco research literature that self-identified as using machine learning (ML) in the analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMABSE, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, APA PsycINFO and IEEE Xplore databases were searched up to September 2020. Studies were restricted to peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles, dissertations and conference papers comprising an empirical analysis where ML was identified to be the method used to examine human experience of tobacco. Studies of genomics and diagnostic imaging were excluded.

Study selection

Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts. The reference list of articles was also searched. In an iterative process, eligible studies were classified into domains based on their objectives and types of data used in the analysis.

Data extraction

Using data charting forms, two reviewers independently extracted data from all studies. A narrative synthesis method was used to describe findings from each domain such as study design, objective, ML classes/algorithms, knowledge users and the presence of a data sharing statement. Trends of publication were visually depicted.

Data synthesis

74 studies were grouped into four domains: ML-powered technology to assist smoking cessation (n=22); content analysis of tobacco on social media (n=32); smoker status classification from narrative clinical texts (n=6) and tobacco-related outcome prediction using administrative, survey or clinical trial data (n=14). Implications of these studies and future directions for ML researchers in tobacco control were discussed.

Conclusions

ML represents a powerful tool that could advance the research and policy decision-making of tobacco control. Further opportunities should be explored.
Emergent needle thoracostomy in prehospital trauma patients: a review of procedural execution through computed tomography scans
Authors: Neeki Michael M , Cheung Christina , Dong Fanglong , Pham Nam , Shafer Dylan , Neeki Arianna , Hajjafar Keeyon , Borger Rodney , Woodward Brandon , Tran Louis
Published: August 2021

Background

Traumatic tension pneumothoraces (TPT) are among the most serious causes of death in traumatic injuries, requiring immediate treatment with a needle thoracostomy (NT). Improperly placed NT insertion into the pleural cavity may fail to treat a life-threatening TPT. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of prehospital NT placements by paramedics in adult trauma patients.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on 84 consecutive trauma patients who had received NT by prehospital personnel. The primary outcome was the accuracy of NT placement by prehospital personnel. Comparisons of various variables were conducted between those who survived and those who died, and proper versus improper needle insertion separately.

Results

Proper NT placement into the pleural cavity was noted in 27.4% of adult trauma patients. In addition, more than 19% of the procedures performed by the prehospital providers appeared to have not been medically indicated.

Discussion

Long-term strategies may be needed to improve the capabilities and performance of prehospital providers’ capabilities in this delicate life-saving procedure.

Level of evidence

IV.
An ethnobotanical meta-analysis of North American medicinal Asteraceae
Authors: Kachura Alexandra , Harris Cory S.
Published: August 2021

The Asteraceae is the largest family of plants in North America and is widely used as medicine by Indigenous peoples. This study investigated the medicinal ethnobotany of North American Asteraceae to identify taxa that appear preferentially selected or avoided for general and specific medicinal uses. Asteraceae-specific ethnobotanical reports recorded in the Native American Ethnobotany database were compiled and, using residual and binomial analyses, 14 tribes were compared and ranked as either over- or under-selected for medicine, food, or technology, and for different categories of medicinal applications. Statistical analysis supported the hypothesis that the selection of species for ethnobotanical purposes is non-random and does not depend on the size of the flora. The Anthemideae tribe was identified as over-selected for all types of applications, including most therapeutic categories, most significantly as pulmonary and orthopedic aids. Subsequent analysis revealed that the over-representation of this tribe was attributed mainly to Achillea millefolium L. and Artemisia spp. The significance of Anthemideae, particularly of Achillea and Artemisia species as highly selected medicinal taxa, emphasizes their cultural importance to Indigenous North Americans. Residual and binomial statistics generally provided parallel results, but supplementary statistical methods, further in-depth investigation of other use categories, and inclusion of plant distribution data may provide greater insight into traditional uses of Asteraceae in North America.
CAN INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ALLEVIATE MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY? — EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: GE YONGBO , ZHU YUEXIAO , ZHANG WENQIANG , KONG XIAORAN
Published: August 2021

We investigate the impact of the construction of large-scale high-speed railways (HSRs) on regional multidimensional poverty in China. We find that the opening of HSRs can reduce this poverty indicator. This association is robust to a series of checks. Regarding the mechanisms, the opening of HSRs can improve regional accessibility, enhance local tourism, increase labor mobility and promote human capital accumulation, which alleviates multidimensional poverty. Further research indicates the regional heterogeneity of the effect. This research supplements poverty alleviation theory from the perspective of public infrastructure and offers insight into how multidimensional poverty arises and how it can be alleviated.
TARGETED POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND STOCK PRICE CRASH RISK: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: CHEN SHOUDONG , LI YUESHAN
Published: August 2021

Using manually collected samples on voluntary targeted poverty alleviation of 3418 Chinese firms for the period 2016–2019, we explore the impact of targeted poverty alleviation actions of listed companies on the stock price crash risk. Results show that listed companies participating in targeted poverty alleviation exhibited a lower risk of stock price crash risk; this conclusion is still valid after a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. This paper further explored its internal transmission routes. We found that the response of a public company to the targeted poverty alleviation policy will increase its positive coverages and plays the role of information intermediary and public supervision of media. Thus, the company’s behavior of hiding bad news is curtailed, and its future stock price crash risk is significantly reduced. For the government, China’s targeted poverty alleviation strategy is worthy of reference, while getting rid of poverty, the stock price crash risk of participating companies has also been effectively suppressed.
Different kinds of generalized rough sets based on neighborhoods with a medical application
Authors: El-Bably Mostafa K. , Al-Shami Tareq M.
Published: August 2021

Approximation space can be said to play a critical role in the accuracy of the set’s approximations. The idea of “approximation space” was introduced by Pawlak in 1982 as a core to describe information or knowledge induced from the relationships between objects of the universe. The main objective of this paper is to create new types of rough set models through the use of different neighborhoods generated by a binary relation. New approximations are proposed representing an extension of Pawlak’s rough sets and some of their generalizations, where the precision of these approximations is substantially improved. To elucidate the effectiveness of our approaches, we provide some comparisons between the proposed methods and the previous ones. Finally, we give a medical application of lung cancer disease as well as provide an algorithm which is tested on the basis of hypothetical data in order to compare it with current methods.
Beware the Kindleberger Trap in Global Health Governance
Authors: Jin Jiyong
Published: August 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic is both a public health crisis and a stress test for global health governance. Effective health governance hinges on the provision of global public goods for health. Generally, the hegemon underwrites the operation and stability of the global public health architecture by ensuring the sustained supply of global public goods for health. But when the hegemon is unable or unwilling to shoulder this responsibility, global health governance may run the risk of falling into a Kindleberger Trap. The leadership vacuum that is opening up amid the coronavirus pandemic is accelerating the process. At present, China should adopt a three-pronged approach to promote bilateral health cooperation with leading countries like the United States, strengthen regional institution-building with ASEAN, South Korea, Japan, and Belt and Road countries, and improve the performance, credibility, and integrity of global organizations like the WHO and G-20. The Kindleberger Trap in global health governance can be overcome by adapting regional health coordination to make it more agile and effective.
Trilateral Cooperation
Authors: Armel Kaze
Published: August 2021

Over the years, China has forged and mastered its own distinctive foreign aid practices as an emerging aid donor. China’s approach to foreign assistance has become highly appreciated as the country’s stature as a provider of economic assistance has matured. In 2013, under President Xi Jinping, Beijing introduced the Belt and Road Initiative, which has become a leading component of China’s foreign policy and triggered a new round of policy reform in its foreign aid agenda. In Africa, China’s foreign assistance has kept in line with the policy of equal treatment. It has shared its development experience, helped many African countries to transition from “poor” to “developing”, from “aid recipients” to “wealth creators,” and many African countries are thus turning their interests from the West to the East. Certainly, the European Union as a traditional aid donor, remains the largest aid distributor in the world, especially in Africa. In other words, the EU’s foreign assistance has become an indispensable source of funding for many African countries. However, foreign aid effectiveness remains low on the African continent because of the absence of native African policymakers in aid programs designed and implemented by Beijing and Brussels. Some critics argue that Chinese and European assistance to Africa is not bringing about the best results as expected. This article argues that a new international architecture of foreign assistance through trilateral cooperation is needed to increase Chinese and European aid effectiveness in Africa. Trilateral cooperation will not only increase foreign assistance efficiency in Africa, but also give a chance to African countries to strengthen their own development capacity through assistance and guidance, reduce Africa’s aid dependence, and hopefully guarantee a smooth “graduation” of African countries from official development assistance.
Overview of acute kidney manifestations and management of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Menez Steven , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: August 2021

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, several manifestations of kidney involvement associated with infection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus have been described, including proteinuria, hematuria, and acute kidney injury. A growing body of literature has explored the risk factors and pathogenesis of COVID-19-associated acute kidney injury (AKI), including direct and indirect mechanisms, as well as early postdischarge outcomes that may result from various manifestations of kidney involvement. In this review, we explore the current state of knowledge of the epidemiology of COVID-19-associated AKI, potential mechanisms and pathogenesis of AKI, and various management strategies for patients in the acute setting. We highlight how kidney replacement therapy for patients with COVID-19-associated AKI has been affected by the increasing demand for dialysis and how the postacute management of patients, including outpatient follow-up, is vitally important. We also review what is presently known about long-term kidney outcomes after the initial recovery from COVID-19. We provide some guidance as to the management of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who are at risk for AKI as well as for future clinical research in the setting of COVID-19 and the significance of early identification of patients at highest risk for adverse kidney outcomes.
Computer Vision‐Driven Evaluation System for Assisted Decision‐Making in Sports Training
Authors: Zhu Lijin
Published: August 2021

Computer vision has become a fast‐developing technology in the field of artificial intelligence, and its application fields are also expanding, thanks to the rapid development of deep learning. It will be of great practical value if it is combined with sports. When a traditional exercise assistance system is introduced into sports training, the athlete’s training information can be obtained by monitoring the exercise process through sensors and other equipment, which can assist the athlete in retrospectively analyzing the technical actions. However, the traditional system must be equipped with multiple sensor devices, and the exercise information provided must be accurate. This paper proposes a motion assistance evaluation system based on deep learning algorithms for human posture recognition. The system is divided into three sections: a standard motion database, auxiliary instruction, and overall evaluation. The standard motion database can be customized by the system user, and the auxiliary teaching system can be integrated. The user’s actions are compared to the standard actions and intuitively displayed to the trainers as data. The system’s overall evaluation component can recognize and display video files, giving trainers an intelligent training platform. Simulator tests are also available. It also demonstrates the efficacy of the algorithm used in this paper.
[Retracted] Downregulation of LHPP Expression Associated with AFP Acts as a Good Prognostic Factor in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chao Xu , Zhang Wei , Wu Jieqiong , Feng Xuesong , Shi Hailong , Zhao Luyan , Shen Haiyu , Jiang Chao
Published: August 2021

Background. Phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) serves as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the correlation between the expression of LHPP and the clinical parameters of oncogenic progression is still not well defined. This study is to reveal the correlation between the expression of LHPP in HCC and their clinical parameters. Methods. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to assess the correlation between the expression of LHPP and the clinical parameters of HCC. Expressions of LHPP in HCC tissues and cultured HCC cells were detected by Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). LHPP, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) expression levels in blood or HCC tissues were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation of the expression of LHPP and the clinical index of HCC. Correlation of survival and expression of LHPP were analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and the log‐rank test. Results. Expressions of LHPP in HCC tissues were significantly downregulated than their paired adjacent normal tissues. A significant positive correlation was found between the cytoplasm and nuclear expression of LHPP in both HCC and their paired adjacent normal tissues. The expression of LHPP negatively correlated with the levels of GGT in the cytoplasm of adjacent tissues and with the AFP level in the nucleus of HCC cells. Relative levels of LHPP in HCC tissues were markedly lower than those of the paired adjacent normal tissues. Relative levels of LHPP in LO‐2 cells were higher than those of HepG2, BEL‐7404, and SMMC‐7721 cell lines. The overall survival and DSF survival of patients with the high expression of LHPP were much higher than those with the low expression of LHPP in paired adjacent normal tissue. Conclusions. LHPP is associated with the AFP level and acts as a good prognostic factor in HCC.
Extracellular Vesicle-Encapsulated miR-183-5p from Rhynchophylline-Treated H9c2 Cells Protect against Methamphetamine-Induced Dependence in Mouse Brain by Targeting NRG1
Authors: Zhou Yuting , Xiao Shilin , Li Chan , Chen Zhijie , Zhu Chen , Zhou Qichun , Ou Jinying , Li Jing , Chen Yifei , Luo Chaohua , Mo Zhixian
Published: August 2021

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a highly addictive substance and the largest drug threat across the globe. There is evidence to indicate that Meth use has serious damage on central nervous system (CNS) and heart in several animal and human studies. However, the connection in the process of Meth addiction between these two systems has not been determined. Emerging data suggest that extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying behavior-altering microRNA (miRNAs) play a crucial role in cell communication between CNS and peripheral system. Rhynchophylline (Rhy), an antiaddictive alkaloid, was used to protect the brain and heart from Meth-induced damage, which has caught our attention. Here, we used Meth-dependent conditioned place preference (CPP) animal model and cell model to verify the protective effect of Rhy-treated EVs. Further, small RNA sequencing analysis, qPCR, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and transfection test were used to identify the key EVs-encapsulated miRNAs, isolated from cultured H9c2 cells with different treatments, involved in the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanisms of Rhy. The results demonstrate that Rhy-treated EVs exert protective effects against Meth dependence through the pathway of miR-183-5p-neuregulin-1 (NRG1). Our collective findings provide novel insights into the roles of EVs miRNAs in Meth addiction and support their potential application in the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Losartan and Eprosartan Induce a Similar Effect on the Acute Rise in Serum Uric Acid Concentration after an Oral Fructose Load in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Masajtis-Zagajewska Anna , Majer Jacek , Nowicki Michał
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Excessive intake of fructose increases serum uric acid concentration. Hyperuricemia induces a negative effect on atherosclerosis and inflammation. Hyperuricemia is common in patients with arterial hypertension. Several antihypertensive drugs including diuretics increase serum uric acid concentration. In contrast, the angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) losartan was found to lower serum uric acid though it may increase renal excretion while other ARBs showed mostly a neutral effect. In this study, effects of two AT1 receptor antagonists losartan and eprosartan on serum uric acid changes induced by oral fructose load were directly compared. Methods. The randomized, crossover, head-to-head comparative study comprised 16 ambulatory patients (mean age [Formula: see text] years). The patients fulfilled AHA/NHLBI 2005 criteria of metabolic syndrome. A daily single morning dose of each study drug (50 mg of losartan or 600 mg of eprosartan) was given during two 3-month periods in a random order separated by 2-week washout time. The oral fructose tolerance test (OFTT) was performed at baseline and after each two 3-onth treatment periods. Before and during OFTT, urine excretion of uric acid and creatinine was assessed in the first morning portion of urine. Blood samples for the measurement of serum uric acid and lipids were taken at baseline and 30, 60, and 120 minutes after oral intake of 75 g of fructose. Results. After 3-month treatment with eprosartan and losartan, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly and to a similar extent. After the treatment, serum uric acid and its baseline and postfructose urine excretion were unchanged. No significant changes of plasma lipids before and after OFTT were observed throughout the study. Conclusions. The study showed that in patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome, both losartan and eprosartan have a neutral effect on fasting and postfructose load serum uric acid concentration and its urinary excretion. This trial is registered with NCT04954560 .
Sharing Pandemic Vaccination Certificates through Blockchain: Case Study and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Hernández-Ramos José L. , Karopoulos Georgios , Geneiatakis Dimitris , Martin Tania , Kambourakis Georgios , Fovino Igor Nai
Published: August 2021

During 2021, different worldwide initiatives have been established for the development of digital vaccination certificates to alleviate the restrictions associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic to vaccinated individuals. Although diverse technologies can be considered for the deployment of such certificates, the use of blockchain has been suggested as a promising approach due to its decentralization and transparency features. However, the proposed solutions often lack realistic experimental evaluation that could help to determine possible practical challenges for the deployment of a blockchain platform for this purpose. To fill this gap, this work introduces a scalable, blockchain‐based platform for the secure sharing of COVID‐19 or other disease vaccination certificates. As an indicative use case, we emulate a large‐scale deployment by considering the countries of the European Union. The platform is evaluated through extensive experiments measuring computing resource usage, network response time, and bandwidth. Based on the results, the proposed scheme shows satisfactory performance across all major evaluation criteria, suggesting that it can set the pace for real implementations. Vis‐à‐vis the related work, the proposed platform is novel, especially through the prism of a large‐scale, full‐fledged implementation and its assessment.
Empirical Study on Theories and Techniques of Adolescent Physical Health Promotion under the Background of Big Data
Authors: Xu Haolun
Published: August 2021

In order to make my country’s youth health management more scientific, more standardized, and more effective, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on the management of youth physical health promotion. Through the investigation and analysis of the physical health data of adolescents in my country, this paper proposes that the results of health intervention training as part of the empirical research on the construction of adolescent health big data management service system can effectively improve the relationship hypothesis of the physical health of adolescents and by selecting the example of our country’s “Adolescent Physical Health Data Analysis in 2020” for regression analysis. The research results show that the theory of adolescent physical health promotion can improve the physical health of adolescents by interfering with students’ physical exercise. In the processing of data, GBDT is suitable when the training set is relatively large, and as the sample size increases, the accuracy rate can reach 79.79%. In terms of the classification accuracy of male sitting forward bending promotion, the accuracy of the RF method is higher than that of GBDT. In terms of the promotion classification effect of boys’ 1000 m running, the RF method achieved the highest promotion accuracy rate of 77.62%. In the male pull-ups to promote the classification effect, when the proportion of the training set is 60%, the RF method gets the highest accuracy rate, which is 92.04%. The results of the classification effect for girls standing long jump promotion show that the classification accuracy rate for girls standing long jump promotion is between 51% and 56%. When the training set is less than 60%, the RF method is the best, the highest is 53.93%, and the rest is the GBDT method, the highest is 55.46%; in Macro-F1, the RF and GBDT indicators have their own advantages. In the promotion of the classification effect on the final fitness level of girls, the accuracy rates of RF and GBDT methods range from 90% to 96%, and the accuracy rates of the NN method range from 80% to 87%; when the practice rate reaches 80%, the GBDT method achieves the highest accuracy rate of 95.06%; on the Macro-F1 index, the GBDT method is obviously the best.
Dynamic Behavior and Constitutive Relationship of Mudstone Slip Zone of Landslide with Weak Interlayer
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Zhao Fasuo , Zhu Yanbo , Dong Wenqi , He Ziguang
Published: August 2021

Sliding zone dynamics in the Qinling‐Daba mountain area under different dynamic parameters have not been studied extensively. In this study, we investigated the dynamic behavior of the sliding zones of a high‐steep rock landslide in the Qinling‐Daba mountain area under the influence of dynamic stress amplitude and frequency and proposed an empirical model of the dynamic constitutive relationship. The dynamic behavior was studied based on a cyclic triaxial test system. The results indicated that an increase in the dynamic stress amplitude decreased the dynamic elastic modulus linearly, increased the damping ratio, and increased the axial strain exponentially. Among these properties, the elastic strain was found to be more sensitive to the increase in the dynamic stress amplitude than the plastic strain. As the loading frequency increased, the dynamic elastic modulus increased, whereas the damping ratio decreased. Furthermore, the proposed empirical model of the dynamic constitutive relationship between the vibration number and loading frequency based on the dynamic elastic modulus could satisfactorily describe the dynamic stress‐strain relationships of the samples from test stability and failure zones. These findings are expected to make a significant contribution toward further revealing the sliding mechanism of such landslides.
Symbolic Encoding of Periodic Orbits and Chaos in the Rucklidge System
Authors: Dong Chengwei , Jia Lian , Jie Qi , Li Hantao
Published: August 2021

To describe and analyze the unstable periodic orbits of the Rucklidge system, a so‐called symbolic encoding method is introduced, which has been proven to be an efficient tool to explore the topological properties concealed in these periodic orbits. In this work, the unstable periodic orbits up to a certain topological length in the Rucklidge system are systematically investigated via a proposed variational method. The dynamics in the Rucklidge system are explored by using phase portrait analysis, Lyapunov exponents, and Poincaré first return maps. Symbolic encodings of the periodic orbits with two and four letters based on the trajectory topology in the phase space are implemented under two sets of parameter values. Meanwhile, the bifurcations of the periodic orbits are explored, significantly improving the understanding of the dynamics of the Rucklidge system. The multiple‐letter symbolic encoding method could also be applicable to other nonlinear dynamical systems.