bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coulostatic Perturbation Measurements and the Corresponding Time-to-Frequency Transform Data Analysis for Micro-Electrochemical Study
Authors: Cai Shuangyu , Wen Lei , Yao Xiuquan , Huang Feifei , Yu Zhigang , Jin Ying
Published: January 2021

Traditional micro-electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement using a capillary cell presents problems such as high ohmic resistance, long test duration and the subsequent possible tip blocking by corrosion products. In comparison, coulostatic perturbation measurements can avoid these issues due to its unique test principle and much shorter test duration. In this work, the coulostatic perturbation tests were performed on microregions of duplex stainless steel (DSS) 2205 immersed in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The micro-electrochemical parameters were estimated by linear fitting the time-domain curve (LFTC), and subsequently by fitting the frequency-domain curve (FFC) obtained through Fast Fourier Transform (FFC-FFT) for comparison. It is shown that FFC-FFT method minimizes the problem of manual error in slope and intercept evaluation during LFTC. In comparison to the traditional EIS tests, FFC-FFT method causes less perturbation to the tested system, less interference of ohmic resistance with shorter test duration, thus can obtain valid low frequency data more efficiently, which is particularly favorable in studying high polarization resistance system or unstable systems. The micro-electrochemical experimental tests of DSS 2205 show that the polarization resistance of the microregion gradually increases with the increase of austenite phase, while the double-layer capacitance shows a decreasing trend.
Cardiopulmonary and metabolic physiology during hemodialysis and inter/intradialytic exercise
Authors: McGuire S. , Horton E. J. , Renshaw D. , Chan K. , Krishnan N. , McGregor G.
Published: January 2021

This study is the first, to our knowledge, to directly compare cardiopulmonary and metabolic physiology during hemodialysis, intradialytic exercise, and interdialytic exercise. Hemodialysis was associated with increased respiratory exchange ratio, blunted minute ventilation, and impaired O2 uptake and extraction. We also identified a reduced ventilatory response during intradialytic exercise compared with interdialytic exercise. Impaired arterial-venous O2 difference during hemodialysis was partly restored by intradialytic exercise. Despite dysregulated cardiopulmonary and metabolic physiology during hemodialysis, intradialytic exercise was well tolerated.
Development and physiological functions of the lymphatic system: insights from human genetic studies of primary lymphedema
Authors: Martin-Almedina Silvia , Mortimer Peter S. , Ostergaard Pia
Published: January 2021

Primary lymphedema is a long-term (chronic) condition characterized by tissue lymph retention and swelling that can affect any part of the body, although it usually develops in the arms or legs. Due to the relevant contribution of the lymphatic system to human physiology, while this review mainly focuses on the clinical and physiological aspects related to the regulation of fluid homeostasis and edema, clinicians need to know that the impact of lymphatic dysfunction with a genetic origin can be wide ranging. Lymphatic dysfunction can affect immune function so leading to infection; it can influence cancer development and spread, and it can determine fat transport so impacting on nutrition and obesity. Genetic studies and the development of imaging techniques for the assessment of lymphatic function have enabled the recognition of primary lymphedema as a heterogenic condition in terms of genetic causes and disease mechanisms. In this review, the known biological functions of several genes crucial to the development and function of the lymphatic system are used as a basis for understanding normal lymphatic biology. The disease conditions originating from mutations in these genes are discussed together with a detailed clinical description of the phenotype and the up-to-date knowledge in terms of disease mechanisms acquired from in vitro and in vivo research models.
The Characteristics of Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Who Received PEGylated‐Interferon versus Entecavir Therapy
Authors: Cao Weihua , Li Minghui , Zhang Lu , Lu Yao , Wu Shuling , Shen Ge , Chang Min , Liu Ruyu , Gao Yuanjiao , Hao Hongxiao , Hu Leiping , Yi Wei , Pan Calvin Q. , Xie Yao
Published: January 2021

Background. To explore the role of natural killer (NK) cells in the process of hepatitis B virus (HBV) clearance and whether their phenotype is related to antiviral treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Method. We performed a single‐center prospective cohort study to analyze changes of NK cells at weeks 12 and 24 from baseline in CHB patients who received PEGylated‐interferon‐ (PEG‐IFN‐) α‐2a versus entecavir. The frequencies of NK, CD56bright, CD56dim, IFNAR2+, NKp46+, NKp46bright, and NKp46dim NK cells and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of receptors NKp46 and IFNAR2 on the surface of NK cells were measured. Subgroup analyses were performed by comparing treatment responders versus nonresponders with aforementioned parameters in each group. Results. In PEG‐IFN‐α‐treated patients, posttreatment CD56bright NK cell frequency increased, but CD56dim NK cell frequency decreased. Additionally, receptor NKp46 and IFNAR2 expression enhanced. In entecavir‐treated patients, although NK cell frequency increased, CD56bright and CD56dim NK cell frequencies and IFNAR2 expression did not differ between baseline and posttreatment. In subgroup analyses, posttreatment CD56bright NK cell frequency and IFNAR2 expression significantly increased in PEG‐IFN‐α responders from baseline, while changes were absent in PEG‐IFN‐α nonresponders and entecavir treatment responders. Among patients with HBV viremia after entecavir therapy, NK cell frequency significantly increased, whereas NKp46bright and IFNAR2+ NK frequency and IFNAR2 MFI significantly decreased at 12 and 24 weeks from baseline. Conclusions. In CHB patients, PEG‐IFN‐α treatment significantly enhanced NK cell frequency and function when compared to entacavir. Positive treatment responses to either interferon or entecavir were associated with NK cell function improvement. This trial is registered with clinical trial registration no. NCT03208998.
The Predictive Value of Interleukin‐6 and Neutrophil‐Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Severe and Extremely Severe Oral and Maxillofacial Space Infections
Authors: Xiaojie Li , Hui Liu , Zhongcheng Gong , Chenggang Wang , Yaqi Niu
Published: January 2021

Objective. To investigate the correlation between clinical manifestation and neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the patients with severe and extremely severe oral and maxillofacial space infection (OMSI). Methods. In this retrospective study, we included 18 patients with severe and extremely severe OMSI from November 2012 to October 2018. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the association between the number of complications and locations and the number and percentage of lymphocyte, leukocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, CRP, and IL‐6. A multivariable regression model was used to predict the number of complications and locations from these measures. Results. IL‐6 was positively correlated with neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (rs = 0.773, P = 0.005), percentage of neutrophil (rs = 0.927, P = 0.001), and the number of neutrophil (rs = 0.627, P = 0.039). It was negatively correlated with percentage of monocyte (rs = −0.773, P = 0.005). CRP was positively correlated with neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (rs = 0.556, P = 0.020) and percentage of neutrophil (rs = 0.515, P = 0.035). It was negatively correlated with the number of lymphocyte (rs = −0.517, P = 0.017), percentage of lymphocyte (rs = −0.578, P = 0.015), number of eosinophil (rs = −0.560, P = 0.020), percentage of eosinophil (rs = −0.504, P = 0.039), number of basophil (rs = −0.504, P = 0.039), and percentage of basophil (rs = −0.548, P = 0.023). The number of the involved organs was positively correlated with neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (rs = 0.511, P = 0.030). The number of complications was positively correlated with the percentage of neutrophils (r = 0.738, P = 0.001), the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.576, P = 0.012), IL‐6 (rs = 0.907, P = 0.001), and CRP (rs = 0.599, P = 0.011). Multivariable regression analysis showed that the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (β = 0.080) was a significant predictor of the number of the involved organs and the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (β = 0.099). In addition, IL‐6 (β = 0.002) was a significant predictor of the number of complications. Conclusions. The neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio and IL‐6 contributed to the assessment of general condition in severe and profound OMSI patients. These parameters can be used as predictors to evaluate the severity of OMSI.
Association between Frailty and Mortality, Falls, and Hospitalization among Patients with Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hu Kaiyan , Zhou Qi , Jiang Yanbiao , Shang Zhizhong , Mei Fan , Gao Qianqian , Chen Fei , Zhao Li , Jiang Mengyao , Ma Bin
Published: January 2021

Objective. Chronological age alone does not adequately reflect the difference in health status of a patient with hypertension. Frailty is closely associated with biological age, and its assessment is clinically useful in addressing the heterogeneity of health status. The purpose of our study is to comprehensively examine the predictive value of frailty for negative health outcomes in hypertensive patients through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Methods. Multiple English and Chinese databases were searched from inception to 04.11.2020. All cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies that examined the association between frailty and relevant clinical outcomes among hypertensive patients were included. The NOS was used to assess the risk of bias of studies included in the analysis. Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled for outcomes associated with frailty. Results. Six longitudinal studies and one cross‐sectional study involving 17403 patients with hypertension were included in the meta‐analysis. The risk of bias of all included studies was rated as low or moderate. The pooled HR of frailty related to mortality was 2.45 (95% CI: 2.08‐2.88). The pooled HR of prefrailty and frailty‐related injurious falls was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.83‐1.37) and 1.89 (95% CI: 1.56‐2.27), respectively. The pooled HR of prefrailty and frailty‐related hospitalization was 1.54 (95% CI: 1.38‐1.71) and 1.94 (95% CI: 1.17‐3.24), respectively. Conclusions. This systematic review suggests that frailty was a strong predictor of mortality, hospitalization, and injurious falls among patients with hypertension. Our findings indicate that assessment of frailty in patients with hypertension to guide their management may be necessary in clinical setting. However, our finding was based on very limited amount studies; thus, future studies are required to further validate the role of frailty in prediction of negative health outcomes in hypertensive patients as well as pay more attention to the following knowledge gaps: (1) the association between frailty and hypertension‐related outcomes, (2) the significance of the association between different frailty models and relevant clinical outcomes, and (3) the predictive value of prefrailty for the negative health outcomes in people with hypertension.
Serum Cytokine Profiles of Melanoma Patients and Their Association with Tumor Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Wang Xu , Montoyo-Pujol Yoel Genaro , Bermudez Sandra , Corpas Gonzalo , Martin Aurelio , Almazan Francisco , Cabrera Teresa , López-Nevot Miguel Angel
Published: January 2021

Purpose. Previous studies have shown that melanoma cells produce excessive levels of cytokines, which have various biological roles during melanoma development. The aim of this study was to expand the profile of serum cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and angiogenic factors that are associated with melanoma, to find more cytokines with abnormal concentrations in melanoma patients, to identify whether the level of cytokines correlated with prognostic variants, such as Breslow thickness and BRAF mutation, and, finally, to find out the cytokines that play important roles during melanoma development. Materials and Methods. Multiplex immunobead assay technology and 45-plex immunoassays ProcartaPlex™ kits were used to simultaneously compare the levels of cytokines, growth factors, angiogenic factors, and chemokines between the serum of healthy patients (n = 30) and those with melanoma (n = 72). Data were analyzed according to the clinical characteristics of the designated patient subgroups. Results. Compared to the control group, melanoma patients had higher levels of VEGF-A, PDGF-BB, IL-1RA, PIGF-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MIP-1α, and SCF, but lower levels of BDNF, SDF-1α, MCP-1, Eotaxin, EGF, and IL-7. Furthermore, the levels of TNF-α (

P
=
0.320

, r = 0.019), IFN-γ (

P
=
0.311

, r = 0.023), VEGF-A (

P
=
0.014

, r = 0.337), and BDNF (0.004, r = −0.391) showed a significant correlation with Breslow thickness. IL-7 was of lower levels in patients harboring BRAF mutants. Melanoma patients with high levels of MIP-1α and MCP-1 showed the poorest overall survival. Conclusions. We found that the levels of VEGF-A and PDGF-BB in the serum of both primary and metastatic melanoma patients are elevated. TNF-α, IFN-γ, and VEGF-A presented a positive correlation with Breslow thickness, whereas BDNF showed a negative association. MIP-1α and MCP-1 correlated negatively with survival. In addition, lower levels of IL-7 were found in patients harboring BRAF mutants. These findings indicate that these cytokines may play critical roles in the progression of melanoma.
Sharp Bound of the Number of Zeros for a Liénard System with a Heteroclinic Loop
Authors: Cai Junning , Wei Minzhi , Pang Guoping
Published: January 2021

In the presented paper, the Abelian integral

I

h

of a Liénard system is investigated, with a heteroclinic loop passing through a nilpotent saddle. By using a new algebraic criterion, we try to find the least upper bound of the number of limit cycles bifurcating from periodic annulus.
Targeting the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore to Prevent Age‐Associated Cell Damage and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Kent Andrew C. , El Baradie Khairat Bahgat Youssef , Hamrick Mark W.
Published: January 2021

The aging process is associated with significant alterations in mitochondrial function. These changes in mitochondrial function are thought to involve increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which over time contribute to cell death, senescence, tissue degeneration, and impaired tissue repair. The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is likely to play a critical role in these processes, as increased ROS activates mPTP opening, which further increases ROS production. Injury and inflammation are also thought to increase mPTP opening, and chronic, low‐grade inflammation is a hallmark of aging. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) can suppress the frequency and duration of mPTP opening; however, NAD+ levels are known to decline with age, further stimulating mPTP opening and increasing ROS release. Research on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly on Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), has uncovered significant findings regarding mPTP openings and aging. Parkinson’s disease is associated with a reduction in mitochondrial complex I activity and increased oxidative damage of DNA, both of which are linked to mPTP opening and subsequent ROS release. Similarly, AD is associated with increased mPTP openings, as evidenced by amyloid‐beta (Aβ) interaction with the pore regulator cyclophilin D (CypD). Targeted therapies that can reduce the frequency and duration of mPTP opening may therefore have the potential to prevent age‐related declines in cell and tissue function in various systems including the central nervous system.
Research on the Human Rights and Cultural Protection of Environmentally Displaced Persons under Rising Sea Levels
Authors: Xie Rui , Li Wen-Bo , Lin Meng-Chun , Lu Di , Zhu Jia-Ming
Published: January 2021

In recent years, due to factors such as rising sea levels, several island nations such as Maldives, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands are in danger of disappearing completely. When the land of an island country disappeared, the human rights protection of Environmentally Displaced Persons in the migration process and the possible loss of their unique culture, language, and lifestyle have aroused great concern. We call such Environmentally Displaced Persons as EDPs. This study selects the EDPs’ data of 241 countries or regions from 2008 to 2018, establishes an ARIMA model, and predicts the future population of EDPs. By combining the influencing factors of cultural loss, the risk assessment model of cultural loss is established to evaluate the possibility of cultural loss during the migration process of EDPs. We have established a Bayesian Network and a Fault Tree Model to demonstrate the improvement brought about by the implementation of policy recommendations from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives and use the method of fault tree analysis to illustrate the importance of policies from the degree of probability reduction after policy changes. Finally, based on the above model establishment and data analysis, corresponding countermeasures are proposed to protect EDPs’ human rights from being violated and their culture will not be lost.
Quantum Integral Inequalities with Respect to Raina’s Function via Coordinated GeneralizedΨ-Convex Functions with Applications
Authors: Rashid Saima , Butt Saad Ihsan , Kanwal Shazia , Ahmad Hijaz , Wang Miao-Kun
Published: January 2021

In accordance with the quantum calculus, we introduced the two variable forms of Hermite-Hadamard- (HH-) type inequality over finite rectangles for generalizedΨ-convex functions. This novel framework is the convolution of quantum calculus, convexity, and special functions. Taking into account theq^1q^2-integral identity, we demonstrate the novel generalizations of theHH-type inequality forq^1q^2-differentiable function by acquainting Raina’s functions. Additionally, we present a different approach that can be used to characterizeHH-type variants with respect to Raina’s function of coordinated generalizedΨ-convex functions within the quantum techniques. This new study has the ability to generate certain novel bounds and some well-known consequences in the relative literature. As application viewpoint, the proposed study for changing parametric values associated with Raina’s functions exhibits interesting results in order to show the applicability and supremacy of the obtained results. It is expected that this method which is very useful, accurate, and versatile will open a new venue for the real-world phenomena of special relativity and quantum theory.
Investigation on Gas-Soot Flow Distribution Characteristic of Soot Capture Process in the Wall-Flow Diesel Particulate Filter
Authors: Li Jianyu , Lu Chunping , Tan Dongli
Published: January 2021

In order to investigate the distribution characteristics of gas-particle two-phase flow in the diesel particulate filter in the capture process, a mathematical model of gas-particle two-phase flow for inside-and-outside filter had been established in the capture process according to the mass conservation equation, momentum conservation equation, and k-ε turbulence equation. The model verification was carried out with the experimental and simulated of flow distribution characteristics of gas-particle two-phase. The obtained results showed that the static pressure gradient along the radial distribution was greater at the inlet of the filter in capture process in the diesel particulate filter, which could easily lead to causing eventual fatigue damage due to stress concentration in the front-end of filter; moreover, the weaker the vortex strength of gas-particle formed in expansion pipe was, the better uniformity of flow velocity and soot concentration distribution were. Therefore, the established mathematical model can be used for predicting gas-particle flow velocity distribution in the diesel particulate filter.
Clinical, Parasitological, and Serological Follow-Up of Dogs with Sarcoptic Mange Treated Orally with Lotilaner
Authors: Moog F. , Brun J. , Bourdeau P. , Cadiergues M. C.
Published: January 2021

Canine sarcoptic mange is a highly pruritic and contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis. This case series describes the clinical, parasitological, and serological follow-up of a cohort of eight adult Saint Bernard dogs with confirmed sarcoptic mange, treated orally with lotilaner. Dogs were evaluated initially and after 14 days and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 months for skin lesions, pruritus severity, presence of parasites, and Sarcoptes-IgG levels. A serological indoor allergy panel (IgE) was obtained for seven dogs at day 0 and repeated 12 months later in five dogs to assess potential cross-reactivity between S. scabiei and environmental allergens. Lotilaner was administered to each dog according to the manufacturer’s instructions and was repeated after one and two months without any concurrent therapeutic measure or modification of the husbandry conditions. Pruritus ceased after two weeks. The cutaneous score was reduced by 47%, and skin scrapings were negative for all but three animals. All skin scrapings were negative after one month. Lesions were absent after two months. Serological levels decreased gradually, but more slowly than the skin lesions, and two dogs out of six remained positive in the absence of skin lesions or symptoms. All dogs initially tested positive for dust mites and/or storage mites. The IgE titres remained unchanged 12 months later in the five tested dogs. This case report demonstrates the efficacy of lotilaner on scabies in a cohort of infested dogs under natural conditions and the potential antigenic cross-reaction of S. scabiei with house dust and storage mites.
Social Capital and Digital Divide: Implications for Mobile Health Policy in Developing Countries
Authors: Wang Teng , Guo Xitong , Wu Tianshi
Published: January 2021

Digital divide has been a major obstacle for mobile health services for the elderly in developing countries; to assess the potential solution to narrow digital divide among the elderly, we use data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and test for a causal role of social capital in digital access among elderly individuals in China. To handle endogenous problems associated with social capital, we introduce instrumental variable (IV) estimates in our models. Our data analysis shows that social capital facilitates increased digital access. We distinguish between two digital access patterns, an infrastructure pattern and a personal device pattern, and find that the causal effect of social capital is determined by the personal device pattern. Therefore, since family members and relatives increase digital access among elderly people, we propose a family-centered mobile health policy in developing countries.
Breast Cancer Identification from Patients’ Tweet Streaming Using Machine Learning Solution on Spark
Authors: Omran Nahla F. , Abd-el Ghany Sara F. , Saleh Hager , Nabil Ayman
Published: January 2021

Twitter integrates with streaming data technologies and machine learning to add new value to healthcare. This paper presented a real‐time system to predict breast cancer based on streaming patient’s health data from Twitter. The proposed system consists of two major components: developing an offline building model and an online prediction pipeline. For the first component, we made a correlation between the features to determine the correlation between features and reduce the number of features from the Breast Cancer Wisconsin Diagnostic dataset. Two feature selection algorithms are recursive feature elimination and univariate feature selection algorithms which are applied to features after correlation to select the essential features. Four decision trees, logistic regression, support vector machine, and random forest classifier have been used on features after correlation and feature selection. Also, hyperparameter tuning and cross‐validation have been applied with machine learning to optimize models and enhance accuracy. Apache Spark, Apache Kafka, and Twitter Streaming API are used to develop the second component. The best model with the highest accuracy obtained from the first component predicts breast cancer in real time from tweets’ streaming. The results showed that the best model is the random forest classifier which achieved the best accuracy.
Corrosion and Hardness Behaviour of Al/GO Nanocomposites Processed by the Ultrasonic Gravitational Stir Casting Method
Authors: Narayanan S. , Sozhamannan G. G. , Hemalatha K. , Velmurugan K. , Venkatachalapathy V. S. K.
Published: January 2021

The objective of this work is to evaluate the corrosion behaviour of nanographene oxide reinforced aluminium (Al/GO) metal matrix composites with different immersion time periods using the immersion corrosion technique. The Al/GO composites were fabricated by the ultrasonic gravitational stir casting process. The corrosions of Al/GO were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope. The experimental results revealed that the corrosion rate decreased and weight losses increased with increasing immersion time periods. The nonimmersed Al/GO composites exhibited higher microhardness values compared to the immersed Al/GO composites.
Evaluation of Different Anthropometric Indicators for Screening for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Elderly Individuals
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Bo , Liu Nan , Wang Peixi , He Jinghua
Published: January 2021

Objective. To explore the anthropometric indicators suitable for screening for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the elderly population. Methods. This cross-sectional study screened subjects over 65 years, who had undergone a physical examination in 2019. Their height, weight, waist circumference, and fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels were measured. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumstance (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), relative fat mass (RFM), ponderal index (PI), conicity index (CI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and body shape index (ABSI) were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square test, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Subjects. Of a total of 4985 subjects, 1173 diagnosed with NAFLD and 3812 without NAFLD were included. Results. The NAFLD group had increased BMI, WC, WHtR, RFM, PI, CI, and LAP. ABSI was only significantly different in males between the groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that RFM was an effective prognostic factor for males with NAFLD, and LAP, BMI, and WC were effective prognostic factors for females. ROC curve analysis showed that LAP played a significant role in the prediction of NAFLD. Conclusion. LAP is closely related to the occurrence of NAFLD and could be an efficient screening and treatment tool for NAFLD in the elderly people. Lay Summary. We conducted a screening and study of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the elderly population by determining the association between obesity indexes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We found that LAP is practical, easy-to-measure tool for screening and studying NAFLD in the high-risk community elderly population, making it a valuable indicator in research.
[Retracted] Bioinformatics Analyses Reveals a Comprehensive Landscape of CXC Chemokine Family Functions in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tian He , Wang Liyu , Liu Yu , Wang Yalong , Zheng Yujia , Fan Tao , Zheng Bo , Tan Fengwei , Xue Qi , Gao Shugeng , Li Chunxiang , He Jie
Published: January 2021

Backgrounds. Lung cancer is a major source of tumor‐related death each year with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being a prevalent subtype. The metastasis from NSCLC to the brain usually imposes many neuron disorders. Previous studies have suggested that communications among cancer cells and interstitial cells are essential in tumorigenesis and are influenced by chemokines. In the tumor microenvironment, CXC chemokines can participate in the shifting of immune cells and manage tumor cell condition, thus affecting the progression of cancer and patient destinies. However, the expression and values of CXC chemokine family in NSCLC have not been systematically illustrated using public databases. Methods. UALCAN, STRING, ONCOMINE, GeneMANIA, cBioPortal, GEPIA, TISIDB, TRRUST, TIMER, Kaplan‐Meier Plotter, and R software were utilized in this study. Results. Based on the TIMER and UACLCAN databases, in LUAD patients, the expression levels of CXCL10, CXCL13, and CXCL14 were significantly elevated while the transcriptional levels of CXCL2/3/4/7/12/16 were significantly reduced; in LUSC patients, the expression levels of CXCL6/10/13/14 were significantly elevated while the expression levels of CXCL2/3/4/5/7/11/12/16/17 were significantly reduced. We found remarkable relevance between the pathological stages of LUAD patients and the expressions of CXCL8 (positive) and CXCL17 (negative). Similarly, there are significant correlations between the pathological stages of LUSC patients and the expressions of CXCL1/2/6/17. In LUAD, patients with low expression levels of CXCL1/4/7/8 and patients with high expression levels of CXCL12/14/16 were associated with a significantly better prognosis. But in LUSC, all correlations between chemokines and prognosis are statistically insignificant. Pairwise expression correlation analysis among CXC chemokines shows that there are 7 significant correlations (between CXCL1 and CXCL2, between CXCL1 and CXCL3, between CXCL1 and CXCL8, between CXCL2 and CXCL3, between CXCL4 and CXCL7, between CXCL9 and CXCL10, and between CXCL9 and CXCL11) in LUAD and 4 significant correlations (between CXCL1 and CXCL8, between CXCL2 and CXCL3, between CXCL4 and CXCL7, and between CXCL10 and CXCL11) in LUSC. Significant correlations between the expressions of CXC chemokines and the infiltration of six common types of immune cells were also discovered in both LUAD and LUSC. Conclusions. We provided a comprehensive landscape of the CXC chemokine family in LUAD and LUSC using the bioinformatics method and found differences between LUSC and LUAD in the field of CXC chemokines. Our study may help validate and identify known novel immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers.
An Evaluation Method of Mode Switching Quality for Double-Belt Continuously Variable Transmission
Authors: Zhang Lanchun , Zhu Zhongwei , Huang Bin , Wang Tianbo
Published: January 2021

In order to improve the transmission efficiency and carrying capacity of conventional single-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT), one new type of dual-belt CVT is proposed in this paper. Under the situation that this new dual-belt CVT should be switched between single- and dual-belt modes frequently according to driver’s intention and road conditions, so five objective evaluation indexes of mode switching quality for the dual-belt CVT are proposed, considering the aspects of vehicle power, comfort, and transmission durability comprehensively. Then, the objective evaluation model of mode switching quality is established by the BP neural network optimized by the genetic algorithm. It is found that the prediction results are consistent with the subjective evaluation. After analyzing the influence of the selected five evaluation indexes on the prediction results, it is obvious that these five evaluation indexes of mode switching quality for dual-belt CVT are reasonable.
Effectiveness of Hospital‐Based Systemic Rehabilitation in Improving Ankle Function after Surgery in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients
Authors: Kong Da Hye , Lee Gun Sang , Park So Hee , Joo Min Cheol , Lee Sung Hyun , Kim Min Su
Published: January 2021

We investigated the therapeutic effect of a postoperative hospital‐based systemic rehabilitation protocol on ankle function in chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. Thirty‐five patients who underwent a modified Broström procedure for CAI were recruited in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Fifty‐minute sessions of hospital‐based rehabilitation were performed three times weekly for 12 weeks in the intervention group. Education‐based rehabilitation was conducted at home in the control group. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline (T0), 12 weeks (T1), and 16 weeks (T2). The primary outcome was the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS). Ankle motor strength and spatiotemporal gait metrics were assessed as secondary outcomes. There were significant time and group interaction effects on the pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports activities, and quality of life (QOL) domains of the FAOS (P < 0.05, all). The patients in the intervention group showed larger improvements in all domains of the FAOS than did the control group at both T1 and T2 (P < 0.05, all). The time and group interaction effects on invertor and evertor strength were also significant (P = 0.047 and P = 0.044). Invertor and evertor strength improved significantly more in the intervention group than in the control group at T1 and T2 (P < 0.05, all). The preferred walking velocity, cadence, step length on the affected side, and double stance phase duration tended to improve over time. Postoperative hospital‐based rehabilitation helped improve CAI pain, symptoms, independence in activities of daily living, sports activity levels, and QOL more effectively than did conventional rehabilitation at home.
Microbial Quality of Sliced Pawpaw (Carica papaya) and Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Sold on Some Streets of Accra Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Olu-Taiwo Michael , De-Graft Baakwa Miah , Forson Akua Obeng
Published: January 2021

In most African countries, street vending of fruits is prevalent and the likelihood of predisposing consumers to microbial contamination is very high. This study aimed to determine various bacteria and risk factors that are associated with fruits sold by street vendors in Accra. Sliced watermelons and pawpaws were randomly purchased from selected suburbs in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One gram (1 g) of each watermelon and pawpaw was homogenized in 9 ml of sterile peptone water, and 0.1 ml from each serial dilutions of each fruit was spread on plate count agar, blood agar, and MacConkey agar plates for total aerobic counts and coliform counts. Agar plates were incubated at 33–37°C for 18–24 h. Bacterial identification was done by standard bacteriological methods. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to the vendors to gather data on food hygiene and knowledge on foodborne illness. The study revealed that although some of the fruit vendors were educated on food hygiene, most sold fruits were contaminated with mean total aerobic plate counts of 2.6 × 105–8.1 × 105 CFU g−1 and 3.7 × 104–7.1 × 104 CFU g−1 for watermelon and pawpaw. The mean coliform counts for pawpaw and watermelon ranged between 1.2 × 103–8.1 × 103 CFU g−1 and 1.6 × 104–3.1 × 104 CFU g−1, respectively. Overall, mean aerobic counts and mean coliform counts were not significantly different among vendors in selected locations

p
>
0.05

. However, predominant bacteria isolated included Enterobacter species (33.3%), Citrobacter sp. (20.0%), and Klebsiella sp. (15.9%). The study revealed that watermelon and pawpaw sold on the streets in Accra could be possible source of foodborne illness. Therefore, street food vendors must be educated on food hygiene protocols and measures to improve microbial quality of street vended fruits.
Checkrein Deformity of the Hallux and Second Toe after Soft-Tissue Injury
Authors: Rodriguez-Collell J. R. , Mifsut-Miedes D.
Published: January 2021

We report the case of a patient who developed a checkrein deformity of the hallux and of the second toe following a direct soft tissue trauma to his right leg, with no associated fracture. This dynamic deformity caused the patient significant trouble walking and prevented him from playing any sport as in the stance phase of gait the toes were forced into maximum plantar flexion and ended up trapped under the foot. An MRI study did not show any bone injury or tendinous tethering. So the cause could be a subclinical compartment syndrome. Treatment consisted of a z-plasty and application of a pulvertaft suture to the flexor hallucis longus. Following a short rehabilitation program (2 weeks), the patient made a full recovery.
Heartbeat Classification Based on Multifeature Combination and Stacking-DWKNN Algorithm
Authors: Ji Shasha , Li Runchuan , Shen Shengya , Li Bicao , Zhou Bing , Wang Zongmin
Published: January 2021

Arrhythmia is one of the most common abnormal symptoms that can threaten human life. In order to distinguish arrhythmia more accurately, the classification strategy of the multifeature combination and Stacking-DWKNN algorithm is proposed in this paper. The method consists of four modules. In the preprocessing module, the signal is denoised and segmented. Then, multiple different features are extracted based on single heartbeat morphology, P length, QRS length, T length, PR interval, ST segment, QT interval, RR interval, R amplitude, and T amplitude. Subsequently, the features are combined and normalized, and the effect of different feature combinations on heartbeat classification is analyzed to select the optimal feature combination. Finally, the four types of normal and abnormal heartbeats were identified using the Stacking-DWKNN algorithm. This method is performed on the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The result shows a sensitivity of 89.42% and a positive predictive value of 94.90% of S-type beats and a sensitivity of 97.21% and a positive predictive value of 97.07% of V-type beats. The obtained average accuracy is 99.01%. Compared to other models with the same features, this method can improve accuracy and has a higher positive predictive value and sensitivity, which is important for clinical decision-making.
Research on the Precession Characteristics of Hemispherical Resonator Gyro
Authors: Song Li-Jun , Yang Rui , Zhao Wang-Liang , He Xing , Li Shaoliang , Ding You-Jun
Published: January 2021

Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG) is a new type gyro with high precision, high reliability, shock resistance, no need of preheating, short start time, and long life. It is a kind of vibrating gyro with standing wave rotating along the sensitive base of annular precession, has a unique application prospect in the field of high precision inertial sensors, and is widely used in unmanned aerial vehicle control in complex environments. Based on the theory of the structure characteristics of the hemispherical resonator, the mathematical model of energy of the resonator is established to research the rule of resonant frequency when the hemispherical resonator is rotated around the central axis. In this paper, the influence of precession factor, which are the top angle, the bottom angle, and wall unevenness of the hemispherical resonator, are analyzed. A series of hemispherical resonator models are constructed by ANSYS software to prove the results of theoretical research. The simulation results show that precession factor of the hemispherical resonator is more sensitive of the top angle than the bottom angle, and the error of angular velocity which is caused by the change of the top angle is larger than that which is caused by the change of the bottom angle.
Nagashima‐Type Palmoplantar Keratosis: Clinical Characteristics, Genetic Characterization, and Clinical Management
Authors: Huang Chao , Yang Yali , Huang Xingyu , Zhou Zongke
Published: January 2021

Nagashima‐type palmoplantar keratosis (NPPK) is the most prevalent palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK) in East Asia. Homozygous or compound heterozygous loss‐of‐function mutations in serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade B (ovalbumin), and member 70 (SERPINB7), which encodes members of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily, have been identified as the cause of NPPK. Clinical manifestations of NPPK include well‐demarcated erythema, mild to moderate hyperkeratosis on the whole palm, and sole with transgrediens, extending to the dorsal surfaces of the hands and feet, inner wrists, ankles, and the Achilles tendon areas. In this study, we perform a review of relevant clinical cases aimed at elucidating the clinical characteristics, genetic characterization, differential diagnoses, and clinical management of NPPK. A better understanding of the clinical characteristics and pathogenic gene characterization of NPPK will enhance the diagnosis of NPPK, identify related diseases, and inform on the precise therapy and prognosis. Moreover, it will promote the awareness of NPPK in non‐Asian regions.
Graduating from Medical School amid a Pandemic: A Study of Graduates’ Mental Health and Concerns
Authors: Alkwai Hend M.
Published: January 2021

The corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has vastly impacted individuals worldwide. Millions have contracted the disease thus far; however, the ramifications of containment measures such as quarantine and lockdown have affected many more. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of self-reported anxiety and depression among a cohort of Saudi medical students, as well as graduating medical students’ concerns, during this pandemic. This cross-sectional study utilized an online survey that collected demographic data, scores on validated anxiety, and depression scales, as well as the graduates’ concerns. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and the Public Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) scales were used. Cutoff scores for anxiety symptoms were (GAD-7 ≥ 8) and for depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10). Out of 83 graduates, 55 completed the online survey. Anxiety symptoms were present in 34%, depression was present in 26%, and 19% had both depression and anxiety symptoms. Female graduates experienced higher anxiety symptoms (54 vs. 15%,

p
=
0.004

). The highest-ranked concerns were the possible effect of the pandemic on the forthcoming internship year and on the impact on the current academic course. We found high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms during the pandemic among our cohort of medical students in their final year of study. Our findings suggest that medical students in their final years may be negatively affected by the pandemic, where high levels of depression and anxiety coincide with concerns about the effect of the pandemic on the next phase of their vocation.
Pyrogallol‐Phloroglucinol‐6 6‐Bieckol on Attenuates High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Hypertension by Modulating Endothelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition in the Aorta of Mice
Authors: Son Myeongjoo , Oh Seyeon , Jang Ji Tae , Son Kuk Hui , Byun Kyunghee
Published: January 2021

Endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT), which is involved in the development of various cardiovascular diseases, is induced by dyslipidemia or obesity. In dyslipidemia, the increased levels of oxidized low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDL) upregulated the lectin‐type oxidized LDL receptor 1 (Lox‐1), which then upregulated the down signaling pathways of PKC‐α/MMPs/TGF‐β/SMAD2 or 3 and increased the EndMT. In this study, we investigated the effect of pyrogallol‐phloroglucinol‐6,6‐bieckol (PPB), which is a compound of Ecklonia cava (E. cava), on decreased blood pressure (BP) by attenuating the EndMT in a high‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) fed animal model. We also investigated PPB’s attenuation effect on EndMT in oxLDL‐treated mouse endothelial cells as an in vitro model. The results indicated that, in the aorta or endothelial cells of mice, the HFD or oxLDL treatment significantly increased the expression of Lox‐1/PKC‐α/MMP9/TGF‐β/SMAD2/SMAD3. The PPB treatment significantly decreased its expression. In contrast, the HFD or oxLDL treatment significantly decreased the expression of the EC markers (PECAM‐1 and vWF) while the PPB treatment significantly increased them. Moreover, the HFD or oxLDL treatment significantly increased the expression of the mesenchymal cell markers (α‐SMA and vimentin) while PPB treatment significantly decreased them. PPB decreased the intima‐media thickness and extracellular matrix amount of the aorta and attenuated the BP, which was increased by the HFD. In conclusion, PPB attenuated the upregulation of Lox‐1/PKC‐α/MMP9/TGF‐β/SMAD2 and 3 and restored the EndMT in HFD‐fed animals. Moreover, PPB showed a restoring effect on HFD‐induced hypertension.
Safety Assessment of the Reconfigurable Integrated Modular Avionics Based on STPA
Authors: Zhao Changxiao , Dong Lei , Li Hao , Wang Peng
Published: January 2021

The reconfiguration technology, which is the significant feature of the newly designed Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) system, enables the transfer of avionics functions from the failed module to the residual normal module, thereby enhancing the robustness of the whole system. The basic target of the IMA reconfiguration is to ensure the safe flight and correct execution of the mission. To solve the problem of lack of effective management mechanism for the IMA system development and safety assessment, a safety analysis method based on STAMP/STPA and UPPAAL for IMA reconfiguration is proposed. The method focuses mainly on system characteristics and multiparty interactions. On the basis of this approach, some studies and analyses have been carried out. Firstly, the STAMP/STPA principle is studied and used to identify unsafe control actions in the reconfiguration process. Secondly, a formal model of IMA reconfiguration is developed using UPPAAL. Finally, the accessibility analysis of the formal model is used to analyze UCAs and the corresponding loss scenarios. The method enables a detailed description of the interactions between the components and a rigorous mathematical analysis of the system, thereby diluting the effect of human factors while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the safety constraints.
A New Mathematical Model for Controlling Tumor Growth Based on Microenvironment Acidity and Oxygen Concentration
Authors: Pourhasanzade F. , Sabzpoushan S. H.
Published: January 2021

Hypoxia and the pH level of the tumor microenvironment have a great impact on the treatment of tumors. Here, the tumor growth is controlled by regulating the oxygen concentration and the acidity of the tumor microenvironment by introducing a two‐dimensional multiscale cellular automata model of avascular tumor growth. The spatiotemporal evolution of tumor growth and metabolic variations is modeled based on biological assumptions, physical structure, states of cells, and transition rules. Each cell is allocated to one of the following states: proliferating cancer, nonproliferating cancer, necrotic, and normal cells. According to the response of the microenvironmental conditions, each cell consumes/produces metabolic factors and updates its state based on some stochastic rules. The input parameters are compatible with cancer biology using experimental data. The effect of neighborhoods during mitosis and simulating spatial heterogeneity is studied by considering multicellular layer structure of tumor. A simple Darwinist mutation is considered by introducing a critical parameter (Nmm) that affects division probability of the proliferative tumor cells based on the microenvironmental conditions and cancer hallmarks. The results show that Nmm regulation has a significant influence on the dynamics of tumor growth, the growth fraction, necrotic fraction, and the concentration levels of the metabolic factors. The model not only is able to simulate the in vivo tumor growth quantitatively and qualitatively but also can simulate the concentration of metabolic factors, oxygen, and acidity graphically. The results show the spatial heterogeneity effects on the proliferation of cancer cells and the rest of the system. By increasing Nmm, tumor shrinkage and significant increasing in the oxygen concentration and the pH value of the tumor microenvironment are observed. The results demonstrate the model’s ability, providing an essential tool for simulating different tumor evolution scenarios of a patient and reliable prediction of spatiotemporal progression of tumors for utilizing in personalized therapy.