bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transportation Interventions Reshaping NYC Commute: the Probabilistic Simulation Framework Assessing the Impacts of Ridesharing and Manhattan Congestion Surcharge
Authors: Khulbe Devashish , Kang Chaogui , Ukkusuri Satish , Sobolevsky Stanislav
Published: August 2022

Understanding the holistic city-wide impact of planned transportation solutions and interventions is critical for decision making, but challenged by the complexity of the urban systems, as well as the quality of the available urban data. The cornerstone for such impact assessments is estimating the transportation mode-shift resulting from the intervention. Although transportation planning has well-established models for the mode-choice assessment such as a nested multinomial logit model, an individual choice simulation could be better suited for addressing the mode-shift allowing us to consistently account for individual preferences. Moreover, the available ground-truth data on the actual transportation choices is often incomplete or inconsistent. The present paper addresses those challenges by offering an individual mode-choice and mode-shift simulation model and the Bayesian inference framework, and demonstrates how impact assessments can be performed in the events of incomplete mobility data. It accounts for uncertainties in the data as well as the model estimate and translates them into uncertainties of the resulting mode-shift and the impacts. The framework is evaluated on the two intervention cases: introducing ride-sharing for-hire-vehicles in NYC as well the recent introduction of the Manhattan Congestion surcharge. It can be used to assess mode-shift and quantify the resulting economic, social and environmental implications for any urban transportation solutions and policies considered by decision-makers or transportation companies.
MRI-based navigated cryosurgery of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors using skin fiducial markers: a case series of 15 cases
Authors: Segal Ortal , Benady Amit , Pickholz Eliana , Ovadia Joshua , Drukman Ido , Dadia Solomon , Rath Ehud , Albagli Assaf , Efrima Ben
Published: August 2022

Background
Precision surgery is becoming increasingly important in the field of Orthopaedic Oncology. Image-guided percutaneous cryosurgery (CRA) has emerged as a valid treatment modality for extra-abdominal desmoid tumors (EDTs). To date, most CRA procedures use CT-based guidance which fails to properly characterize tumor segments. Computer-guided MRI navigation can address this issue however, the lack of a fixed landmark for registration remains a challenge. Successful CRA correlates directly with precision approaches facilitated by intraoperative imaging guidance. This study presents a novel approach of using skin fiducial markers to overcome the challenge of a MRI-based navigation CRA for symptomatic or progressive EDTs.
Methods
In this retrospective study conducted between 2018–2020, 11 patients at a single center with symptomatic or progressive EDTs were treated with CRA using intraoperative MRI navigation. Fifteen cryosurgery procedures were performed, each adhering to a personalized pre-operative plan. Total tumor size, viable and non-viable portions pre- and post-operation, and SF-36 questionnaire evaluating subjective health were recorded.
Results
All CRAs demonstrated 100% adherence to the predetermined plan. Overall, tumor size decreased significantly (p-value = 0.02) with significant reduction in viable tissue, (p-value = 0.03). Four patients required additional CRAs. Only one patient’s tumor did not reduce in size. According to the SIR adverse event classification guidelines, one participant experienced a mild complication. SF36 physical and mental scores improved significantly (p-value = 0.002, p-value < 0.000, respectively).
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of performing percutaneous cryosurgery using skin fiducial marker registration for MRI-computed navigation to safely treat EDTs. This navigation approach may be implemented in other soft tissue procedures requiring precision navigated surgery.
Sliding mode fault-tolerant control of semi-Markov jump system based on fuzzy logic
Authors: Yu Peng , Huang Xiaojie , Dong Qian , Ma Yuechao
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the problem of fault-tolerant control for uncertain semi-Markov jump systems with time-varying delays is studied. Suppose the system has two types of failures: actuator failure and actuator stuck, which covers a wider range and is closer to the actual industrial background. The nonlinear function is not considered the Lipschitz condition, which is the most commonly used constraint, but adopts the idea of fuzzy logic to linearize the function. The sliding mode surface based on fault model is designed to obtain the equivalent controller, and then to obtain a closed-loop system. By constructing the mode dependent Lyapunov function, a sufficient condition for the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is obtained. Under the above processing method, construct the sliding mode control, which use time-varying multiple adaptive rates to estimate fault, nonlinear function and disturbance, and make the original system reach the sliding mode surface in a finite time. Finally, giving two examples to get the correctness and practicality of the theories.
Double-tract reconstruction is superior in controlling reflux esophagitis and enhancing quality of life after proximal gastrectomy: Results from a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial in China
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Ji Xin , Yan Yan , Ji Ke , Jia Ziyu , Yang Heli , Fan Biao , Wang Anqiang , Wu Xiaojiang , Zhang Ji , Ji Jiafu , Bu Zhaode
Published: August 2022

BackgroundProximal gastrectomy (PG) is an alternative function preserving surgery. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare double-tract reconstruction (DTR) and esophagogastrostomy (EG) after PG regarding the incidence of reflux esophagitis, quality of life (QOL), nutritional status and surgical safety.MethodThis study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted in a single institute. Patients eligible for PG were enrolled and randomly assigned to the EG group and DTR group. The characteristic of patients, parameters of surgical safety, the incidence of reflux esophagitis, nutrition status and the QOL were compared between the EG and the DTR group. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the significant factor affecting the incidence of reflux esophagitis after PG.Results73 patients eligible for PG were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to the EG group (37 patients) and DTR group (36 patients). The incidence of reflux esophagitis after PG was significantly lower in the DTR group than that of the EG group (8.3% vs. 32.4%, P = 0.019). In multivariate analysis, reconstruction method was the only significant factor affecting the incidence of reflux esophagitis. The DTR group demonstrated a more favorable QOL than the EG group after PG in the global health status, emotional functioning and symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, insomnia, appetite loss, dysphagia, reflux, eating restrictions, anxiety, dry mouth and taste change were more severe in the EG group patients. Nutritional status was balanced within the EG group and the DTR group after PG including BMI, levels of hemoglobin, serum albumin and serum total protein. The operation time was longer in the DTR group than in the EG group (191min vs. 221min, P = 0.001) while surgical safety was similar in the two groups regarding blood loss volume, postoperative complications and hospital stays.ConclusionOur research demonstrated that DTR was superior to EG after PG in terms of the incidence of reflux esophagitis and provided a more satisfied QOL without increasing surgical complications or sacrificing nutritional status, thus making DTR a better reconstruction method after PG.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 03613142, registered on August 2, 2018.Mini-abstractDouble-tract reconstruction is superior to esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy regarding the incidence of reflux esophagitis and provides a more satisfactory quality of life.
Problematic Gambling and Associated Factors Among Sports Bettors in Jimma Town Betting Centers, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Abu Haji , Tesfaye Yonas , Alenko Arefayne
Published: August 2022

Background: problematic gambling is a silent epidemic that is ruining the mental health of many individuals with far-reaching consequences on mental health, economical and overall wellbeing. It is now an issue of growing concern in developing countries. Over the last three years, sports betting has expanded rapidly in Ethiopia. However, there is a scarcity of studies conducted on problematic gambling among sports bettors in Ethiopia. So, the aim of this study was to assess problematic gambling and its associated factors among sports bettors in Jimma town betting center, Ethiopia,2021Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 422 sports bettors. A consecutive sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Problematic gambling was assessed by South Oaks Gambling Screening tool. Data were collected using pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires. The collected data were coded and entered into EPI data Version 4.6 and exported to SPSS Version 26.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Statistical significance of association was declared at P-values less than 0.05 with 95%CI in the final model.Result: A total of 414 participants were involved in the study with a response rate of 98.1%. The overall prevalence of problematic gambling among the study participants was 53.9%.Age between (25-31) years (AOR=4.89(1.42-16.87)),unemployed(AOR=3.56(1.99-6.41)),current alcohol use (AOR =3.89,95%CI (2.25-6.72)), positive attitude towards sports betting(AOR =2.57,95%CI (1.49-4.44)), easily availability of betting center (AOR= 2.23,95%CI (1.23-4.00)), accessibility of internet service (AOR=4.51,95%CI (1.84-11.06)), media advertising such as DSTV (AOR= 3.15,95%CI (1.78-5.56)) and Facebook/telegram use (AOR= 3.59,95%CI (1.46-8.83)) were significantly associated with problematic gambling.Conclusion: The finding of this study showed that the prevalence of problematic gambling among sports bettors was high. Age between (25-31) years old, unemployment, current alcohol use, positive attitude towards sports betting, easily availability of betting center, accessibility of internet service, media advertising such as Dstv and social media like Facebook/telegram were associated with problematic gambling. Problematic gambling is a public health issue that requires great emphasis. Concerted actions from governmental and non-governmental organization are needed to mitigate the problem.
Prevalence of myopia and associated risk factors among key schools in Xi’an, China
Authors: Zhao Xingxing , Lu Xin , Yu Lu , Zhang Yiping , Li Jian , Liu Yingyao , Yang Geqiang , Wang Yuan , Zhang Wen , Du Zhaojiang
Published: August 2022

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of myopia and high myopia and the associated risk factors in key schools in Xi'an, China.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2021. A total of 11,011 students from 10 key primary schools, five key junior high schools and five key high schools in Xi'an were randomly selected to receive visual acuity and diopter tests. The questionnaire was completed by the students and their parents together.Results: The prevalence of myopia and high myopia in key schools were 75.7% and 9.7%, respectively. The prevalence of myopia and high myopia rose significantly as grade or age increased (all P < 0.001), and the prevalence of myopia and high myopia in females was higher than that in males (P < 0.001, P < 0.5). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, older age (OR=1.42), female compared with male (OR=1.43), parental history of myopia (OR=1.64,2.30) and often taking extracurricular tuition (OR=1.35) were more likely to develop myopia (P < 0.001). Older age (OR=1.39), parental history of myopia (OR=2.29,3.69), and often take extracurricular tuition (OR=1.48) were more likely to lead to high myopia (P < 0.001).Conclusions: The overall rate of myopia and high myopia in key schools in Xi'an, China, is extremely high. Myopia and high myopia are related to increasing age, parents’ myopia, few outdoor exercises, and extracurricular tuition. Myopia is also related to female students and the inability to do ‘one punch, one foot, one inch’.
Automation Security and Safety System For Smart Home
Authors: Elnour Khalifa Dai
Published: August 2022

Automation security and safety system is a technique, method, or system for manipulating or controlling a process through an electronic device with minimal human involvement to make home secure and safety. The system collects data from the surrounding environment through sensors that are inserted into the controller to make the appropriate decision. There is also a web server page to enter data into the system for control and monitoring. In this paper, the components of the project were been explained and linked to each other. An electrical circuit that reads a set of data was designed so that it is analyzed according to specific commands to perform certain tasks. The system was equipped with sensors that reduce the risks resulting from direct dealing with sockets and electrical appliances. The system contained gas leak detection sensors, which reduce the risk of fires in the house and equipped with sensors that balance the temperature inside the room.
Key circRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs of ShenQi Compound in protecting vascular endothelial cells from high glucose identified by whole transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Yang Chan , Liu Hanyu , Peng Xixi , Li Xinqiong , Rao Guocheng , Xie Ziyan , Yang Qiangfei , Du Lian , Xie Chunguang
Published: August 2022

Background: Vascular endothelial cell (VEC), which make up the inner wall of blood arteries, are susceptible to damage from oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by hyperglycemia. According to certain reports, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in controlling oxidative stress and apoptosis. Shen Qi Compound (SQC), a traditional herbal remedy, has been successfully treating diabetic vascular disease in China for more than 20 years. Although it is well established that SQC protects the vascular endothelium, the molecular mechanism remain unknown.Methods:GK rats that consistently consume a high-fat diet were chosen as model animals. Six groups (control group, model group, metformin group, and 7.2 g/kg/d SQC group, 14.4 g/kg/d SQC group, and 28.8 g/kg/d SQC group) were included in this work, 15 rats each group. The approach of administration was gavage and the same volume (5.0 ml/kg/d) was given in each group, once a day, 12 weeks. The thoracic aortas were removed after the rats were sacrificed. Oxidative reduction profile in thoracic aorta, histopathological observation of thoracic aorta, endothelial cell apoptosis in thoracic aorta, whole transcriptome sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, and qRT-PCR were carried out.Results：As a result, SQC prevented the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by a high glucose concentration. Under hyperglycemia condition, ncRNAs, including one downregulated novel circRNA (circRNA.3121), three downregulated lncRNAs (Skil.cSep08, Shawso.aSep08-unspliced, and MSTRG.164.2), and one upregulated mRNA (Pcdh17), were clearly reverse-regulate by SQC.Conclusion：SQC plays a role in protecting VEC from high glucose mainly by mediating ncRNA to inhibit cell apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Chemoenzymatic Cascade Synthesis of Phenol Diarylamine Using Non-Heme Diiron N-Oxygenase
Authors: Guo Yuanyang , Tian Ze-Hua , Wang Luying , Lai Zheng-De , Li Lingjun , Li Yong-Quan
Published: August 2022

Diarylamines are important moieties in organic materials and bioactive molecules. The traditional synthetic approach to diarylamines is metal catalysis in organic solvents. Herein, we report the chemoenzymatic cascade synthesis of phenol diarylamines. Non-heme diiron N-oxygenase AzoC, which catalyzes the oxidization of amines to nitroso groups for azoxymycins biosynthesis in Streptomyces chattanoogensis, is engineered as a catalyst. This synthetic method bears a broad range of phenol and aniline substrates. Mechanistic study indicates that the enzymatically formed nitroso intermediate couple to phenoxide facilitates the non-enzymatic diarylamine synthesis. Our study suggests that diarylamines can be enzymatic synthesized in aqueous solutions and highlights the synthetic potential of non-heme diiron N-oxygenases.
Comparison of generalized estimating equations and Gaussian copula regression results using data from the randomized control trial
Authors: Karuppusami Reka , Sudhakar Gomathi , Johnson Juliya Pearl Joseph , Premkumar Prasanna S. , Rani Jansi , Mariappan Ramamani
Published: August 2022

Background:
In repeated measures data the observations tend to be correlated within each subject and such data are often analysed using Generalized Estimating Equations which is robust to assumptions that many methods hold. Correlation within-subject can be accounted for in working correlation structures. The main limitation of GEE is that its method of estimation is quasi-likelihood. The latest framework of the copula is very popular for handling correlated data. The likelihood-based analysis for correlated data can be obtained using Gaussian copula regression. The main advantage of copula regression model is that there are no boundaries on the probability distributions that can be used. The purpose of this study is to compare the findings of GEE and Gaussian copula regression using randomized controlled trial data for a continuous outcome along with different correlation structures.
Methods:
The prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial data for this study was obtained from the Department of Anaesthesia, Christian Medical College, Vellore. ASA I and II patients were randomized into three groups. Hemodynamic parameters were obtained for 88 patients at thirteen time points. The outcome of interest was mean arterial pressure. Both GEE and Gaussian copula regression were compared assuming four different correlation structures. The optimal correlation structures were selected with the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Correlation Information Criterion (CIC) goodness of fit criteria according to the method of estimation of Gaussian copula regression and GEE respectively.
Results:
The correlation structures unstructured and autoregressive were found to be optimal using simulation studies for Gaussian copula regression and GEE based on AIC and CIC criteria values respectively. Comparison between the estimated values of the selected models showed no major differences, except that Gaussian copula regression identifies interaction term, intrathecal morphine over time having significant association with MAP, this significance is considered to be important as the study uses a randomized controlled trial data.
Conclusions:
Both methods have almost similar results, but Gaussian copula regression provides better results by identifying significant variables associated with the outcome variable using maximum likelihood estimation that GEE fails to identify using quasi-likelihood estimation.
CLIP-based Cycle Alignment Hashing for unsupervised vision-text retrieval
Authors: Ma Longfei , Li Yewen , Ge Mingyuan , Li Mingyong
Published: August 2022

Thanks to the short storage cost and fast retrieval efficiency of hashing methods, deep hashing models are now widely used in cross-modal retrieval. However, the images are often accompanied by correspondingtextual descriptions rather than labels about the vision. So unsupervised cross-modal hash retrieval has received continued widespreadattention. In this paper, we propose CLIP-based Cycle AlignmentHashing for unsupervised vision-text retrieval (CCAH), which aimsto exploit the semantic link between the original features of modalities and the reconstructed features. Firstly we design a modal cyclicinteraction method that aligns semantically within a modality, whereone modal feature reconstructs another modal feature, thus taking full account of the semantic similarity between intra-modal andinter-modal relationships. Secondly, introducing GAT into cross-modalretrieval tasks. Consider the influence of text neighbour nodes and addattention mechanisms to capture the global features of text modalities.Thirdly, Fine-grained extraction of image features using the CLIP visual coder. Finally, hash encoding is learning through hash functions.The experiments demonstrate on three widely used datasets that ourproposed CCAH achieves satisfactory results in total retrieval accuracy.
A Mobilization Poster stimulates Early In-Hospital Rehabilitation after Cardiac Surgery: A prospective sequential-group study
Authors: Halfwerk Frank R. , Wielens Nicole , Hulskotte Stephanie , Brusse-Keizer Marjolein , Grandjean Jan G.
Published: August 2022

Background Patients infrequently mobilize at the surgical ward after cardiac surgery. Inactivity results in prolonged hospital stay, readmissions and increased cardiovascular mortality. Next, the course of in-hospital mobilization activities for patients is unclear. The aim was to evaluate early mobilization after heart surgery with a mobilization poster on the Activity Classification Guide for Inpatient Activities score from the American College for Sports Medicine (ACSM). Second, to develop a Thorax Centrum Twente (TCT) score with actual activities. Methods A poster was developed for the Moving is Improving! study to stimulate hospital mobilization after heart surgery. In this sequential-group study at a cardiothoracic surgery ward, 32 patients were included in the usual care group and 209 patients in the poster mobilization group. Change of ACSM and TCT scores over time were both defined as primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints included length of stay and survival. A subgroup analysis for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed. Results ACSM score increased during hospital stay (p < 0.001). No significant increase of ACSM score was observed with a mobilization poster (p = 0.27), nor in the CABG subgroup (p = 0.15). The poster increased mobility to chair, toilet, corridor (all p < 0.01) and home trainer (p = 0.02) as measured by the activity-specific TCT scores, without differences in length of stay or survival. Conclusions ACSM score measured day-to-day functional changes, without significant differences between the poster mobilization and usual care group. Actual activities measured with the TCT score did improve. The mobilization poster is now new standard care, and effects in other centers and other departments should be assessed. Trial registration: This study does not fall under the ICMJE trial definition and was not registered.
Can Clean Heating Policy reduce carbon emission? Evidence from Northern China
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhou Yaodong
Published: August 2022

The Clean Heating Policy aims to solve the problems of excessive energy consumption and severe air pollution caused by heating in winter in northern China. Whether it can effectively reduce carbon emissions remains underexplored. Using the panel data of 65 cities in Northern China from 2010 to 2019, this paper constructs a dynamic spatial DID model to empirically study the carbon reduction effect of Clean Heating Policy and its influence channels. The results are as follows: Firstly, Clean Heating Policy can significantly reduce carbon emissions, which still holds after multiple robustness tests. The policy has a lag effect, but its spatial spillover effect and long-term effect are not significant. Secondly, the carbon reduction effect of Clean Heating Policy is mainly achieved through optimizing the energy structure and improving the thermal efficiency of heat consumer terminals. Thirdly, the carbon reduction effect varies by city and emission fields. It’s only significantly established in low-subsidy cities, high-carbon cities and household fields. Fourthly, there is a synergistic reduction relationship between Clean Heating Policy and Low-carbon City policy. Based on the results, this paper puts forward policy implications such as promoting policies in multiple ways and improving subsidy efficiency, which can provide reference for other countries.
Perspectives of Family Medicine Residents in Riyadh on Leadership Training: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alluhaymid Yousef , Alalwan Abdulaziz , Alruwaitea Abdulmajeed
Published: August 2022

BackgroundMedical educators in academia have faced challenges incorporating leadership training into curricula while minimizing redundancy and assuring value and relevance for all learners. This study aims to assess the status of leadership training as perceived by family medicine residents in Riyadh to advise the development of a formal leadership training curriculum.MethodThe research is cross-sectional and quantitative. Participants were asked via an electronic questionnaire about their leadership attitudes, perceived degree of training in various leadership domains, and where they could find additional training.ResultsThe survey was completed by 270 family medicine residents in Riyadh. Residents rated the importance of physician leadership in their communities as high (6 out of 7 on a Likert scale). In contrast, agreement with the statement 'I am a leader' obtained the lowest grade (4.4 of 7 on a Likert scale). Overall, most of the residents participating in the study (50% or more) voiced a desire for more training in all leadership domains. Over 50% of residents indicated that leadership electives or selective lectures, workshops, or seminars as well as WADAs (Weekly Academic Day Activities), leadership mentors or coaches teaching junior learners (with training), and leadership courses could be incorporated into the curriculum to foster leadership skills.ConclusionResidents were enthusiastic about family physicians being leaders, aligning with the current educational philosophy but requiring formal training. They also indicated areas where leadership training might be improved and developed in the current curriculum. This poll's results could be used to help residents build leadership skills by incorporating them into a formal leadership curriculum.
Effects of thermophoresis and mixed convection on generalized Newtonian flow with gold nanoparticles
Authors: Abou-zeid Mohamed Y. , Ouaf Mahmoud E.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, non-Newtonian nanofluid flow with heat transfer through a non-Darcy porous medium has been studied, in the presence of effects. Moreover, The heat source, viscous and Ohmic dissipation, chemical reaction, elctromagnetic field, and biot number effects are taken into consideration. Suitable similarity transformations simplify the system of non-linear equations which govern the flow. Then, the Rung-Kutta-Merson method in a shooting and matching technique is used to obtain the numerical solutions of the velocity, temperature, and nanoparticles concentration as functions of the physical parameters of the problem. Moreover, the effects of these parameters on these solutions are discussed numerically and depicted graphically. It is found that both tangential and normal velocities increase or decrease as the Biot number increases. While as both the pressure gradient and radiation parameters increase, the temperature increases or decreases, and both Schmidt numbers and magnetic field parameter lead to increase the nanoparticles concentration.
A novel method by microwave cutting ceramics based on thermal crack and trajectory control
Authors: lu yao , he zongyang , Xu Jianan , Wang Yang , Yang LiJun
Published: August 2022

Herein, microwave thermal crack method is innovatively employed in cutting Al2O3 ceramics. Different from the conventional cutting technology, thermal controlled fracture method is progressive and environmentally friendly, which adopts tensile stress to peel off the brittle material into two parts. The heat source induces tensile stress as thermal stress. Additionally, based on Fourier heat transfer equation and thermo-elasticity, the physical model of microwave thermal crack cutting Al2O3 ceramics is established and calculated. The thickness of the graphite coating, the width of the graphite coating and the prefabricated crack in the process of microwave thermal crack cutting Al2O3 were studied. The effect of graphite coating width on crack trajectory was also investigated by simulation combined with test. From the result, it can be seen that the narrower the width of graphite coating, the weaker the processing ability and the better the trajectory control ability. The microscope is adopted to evaluate the surface and cross section morphologies detailly. This study elaborates briefly the interaction mechanism of microwave thermal crack cutting Al2O3 ceramic surface and provides practical guidance for aerospace industries applications.
Association between Children Living with Obesity and Mental Health Problems: a Data Analysis of the Welsh Health Survey, UK
Authors: Beynon Claire
Published: August 2022

Background
Obesity and mental health problems in children are both significant and growing public health issues. There is mixed evidence on the relationship between obesity and mental health in children. This study examines the association between obesity and mental health problems in a nationally representative sample of children using the Welsh Health Survey for Children (n = 11,279 aged 4–15 years).
Methods
The Chi-square test assessed the difference in the proportion of children reporting abnormal mental health scores (strengths and difficulties score ≥ 20) in children living with obesity (≥ 95 centile for age and sex). Then, a multivarible logistic regression was used to assess any association after accounting for confounding.
Results
There were 1,582 children living with obesity in the study (19.6%). The Chi-square test indicated a significant difference in the proportion of children with abnormal mental health scores in children living with obesity (p = 0.001). This study found a very small but highly significant positive association between mental health and childhood obesity after accounting for confounding, Odds Ratio 1.02 (95%CI: 1.01 to 1.02, p = 0.001). However, socio-economic status was more of a driver.
Conclusion
The findings of this study show a very small but highly significant association between childhood obesity and mental health problems. The multivariable logistic regression indicates that the focus must remain on reducing health inequalities as this is a more important driver of child health and well-being. However, as a precautionary measure it may be worth considering if children living with obesity who present for weight-management services may benefit from a review of their mental health status to identify if further support is needed, if capacity allows, and this can be done in a supportive way.
NEURO-COVAX: An Italian Population-Based Study of Neurological Complications After COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Salsone Maria , Signorelli Carlo , Oldani Alessandro , Patone Martina , Alberti Valerio Fabio , Castronovo Vincenza , Mazzitelli Salvatore , Minerva Massimo , Ferini-Strambi Luigi
Published: August 2022

Objective
In this Italian population-based study, we aimed to evaluate neurological complications after first and/or second dose of COVID-19 vaccines and factors potentially associated with adverse effects.
Methods
Our study included adults aged-18 years and older, receiving two vaccine doses in vaccination Hub Novegro (Lombardy) between July 7–16 2021. NEURO-COVAX questionnaire was able to capture neurological events, onset and duration. Data digitized centrally by Lombardy-Region were used to match demographic/clinical characteristics and identify a vulnerable profile. Associations between vaccine-lines and development of complications were assessed.
Results
NEURO-COVAX-cohort included 19.108 vaccinated-people: 15.368 mRNA BNT162b2, 2077 mRNA-1273, 1651 ChAdOx1nCov-19 and 12 Ad26.COV2, subsequently excluded. About 31.3% of sample developed post-vaccination neurological complications, particularly ChAdOx1nCov-19. Vulnerable clinical profile emerged, over 40% of symptomatic people showed comorbidities in clinical history. Defining neurological risk profile, we found increased risk for ChAdOx1nCov-19 of tremor (OR:5.12, 95% CI:3.51–7.48), insomnia (OR:1.87, 95% CI:1.02–3.39); muscle spasms (OR:1.62, 95% CI:1.08–2.46) and headache (OR:1.49, 95% CI:0.96–1.57); for mRNA-1273 of parethesias (OR:2.37, 95% CI:1.48–3.79), vertigo (OR:1.68, 95% CI:1.20–2.35), diplopia (OR:1.55, 95% CI:0.67–3.57), daytime sleepiness (OR:1.28, 95% CI:0.98–1.67).
Discussion
This study estimates prevalence and risk of neurological complications associated to COVID-19 vaccines, improving vaccination guidelines and loading in future to personalized preventive medicine.
TGF-β mRNA levels in circulating extracellular vesicles are associated with response to anti-PD1 treatment in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Crucitta Stefania , Cucchiara Federico , Marconcini Riccardo , Bulleri Alessandra , Manacorda Simona , Cioni Dania , Nuzzo Amedeo , de Jonge Evert , Mathjissen Ron H.J. , Neri Emanuele , Schaik Ron H.N. van , Fogli Stefano , Danesi Romano , Re Marzia Del
Published: August 2022

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent the standard therapy for malignant melanoma. However, a number of patients do not respond to ICIs and biomarker development remains challenging. Methods: This single cohort observational study investigates the association between mRNA levels of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) ligand 1 (PD-L1), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) in 30 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with first line anti-PD-1 antibodies. Blood samples were collected at baseline and RNA extracted from EVs. The RNA levels of PD-L1, IFN-γ, and TGF-β were analysed by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). A biomarker-radiomic analysis was performed in a subset of patients.Results: Patients with high TGF-β expression (cut-off fractional abundance [FA] >0.19) at baseline had longer median progression-free survival (8.4 vs 1.8 months; p=0.006) and overall survival (17.9 vs 2.63 months; p=0.0009). Moreover, radiomic analysis demonstrated that patients with high TGF-β expression at baseline had smaller lesions (2.41 ± 3.27 ml vs 42.79 ± 101.08 ml, p<0.001) and higher dissimilarity (12.01 ± 28.23 vs 5.65 ± 8.4; p=0.018).Conclusions: These results provide evidence that high TGF-β expression in extracellular vesicles at baseline is associated with a better response to immunotherapy. Further investigation on a larger patient population is needed to validate the predictive power of this potential biomarker of response to ICIs.
RETRACTED: The Moderating Role of Social Support on Adverse Childhood Experiences During Adulthood
Authors: Alghamdi Muath , Lee Jerry W. , Nelson Anna , Hwang Rhonda Spencer , Morton Kelly R.
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Competitive formation of molecular inclusion complexes of chlordecone and β- hexachlorocyclohexane with natural cyclodextrins: DFT and Molecular Dynamics study
Authors: Ferino-Pérez Anthuan , Portorreal Queiroz , Gamboa-Carballo Juan J. , Minofar Babak , Gaspard Sarra , Jauregui-Haza Ulises J.
Published: August 2022

The chlordecone (CLD) and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) are chlorinated pesticides that coexist as persistent organic pollutants in the groundwater of several countries in the Caribbean, being an environmental issue. This work theoretically evaluates the competitive formation of host-guest complexes pesticides@cyclodextrines (CDs) as an alternative for water purification and selective separation of pesticides. Quantum mechanical calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) and classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to achieve information on geometries, energies, structure, and dynamics of guest-host complexes in the gas phase, implicit solvent medium, and in aqueous solutions. DFT studies showed that interactions of both pesticides with CDs are mediated by steric factors and guided by maximization of the hydrophobic interactions either with the other pesticide or with the CD cavity’s inner atoms. MD results corroborate the formation of stable complexes of both pesticides with the studied CDs. α-CD exhibited a preference for the smaller β-HCH molecule over the CLD that could not perturb the formed complex. The simulation of competitive formation with γ-CD illustrated that this molecule could accommodate both pesticides inside its cavity. These results suggest that CDs with smaller cavity sizes such as α-CD could be used for selective separation of β-HCH from CLD in water bodies while γ-CD could be used for methods that aim to remove both pesticides at the same time.
Dynamical behavior for the approximate solutions and different wave profiles nonlinear fractional generalised Pochhammer-Chree equation in mathematical physics
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Fartyal Prachi
Published: August 2022

In this Paper, fractional homotopy perturbation transform method (FHPTM) is used to obtain a variety of approximate solutions for the nonlinear fractional generalized Pochhammer-Chree equation which describes certain interesting higher-dimensional waves in harmonic studies, electrical, fluid mechanics, and other fields. By apply the caputo fabrizio derivative via laplace transform technique, we investigate all concerned wave models that have been used in the examination for the propagation of harmonic waves in a cylindrical rod and several problems in fluid mechanics and wave theory in physics. Banach’s fixed point hypothesis is tested for governing fractional-order model in order to establish the existence and uniqueness of the achieved solution. We considered the model in terms of arbitrary order with three cases and introduced corresponding numerical simulations to demonstrate and validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. By assigning appropriate values to free parameters, dynamical wave structures of some approximate solutions are graphically demonstrated using 2D and 3D fig. This method can also be used to approximate the solutions of other well-known equations in engineering physics, quantum field , and other applied sciences. Furthermore, various simulations are used to demonstrate the physical behaviors of the acquired solution with respect to fractional integer order.
Arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients with nonsustained atrial tachycardia
Authors: Lage João Gabriel Batista , Bortolotto Alexandre L. , Bortolotto Luiz A. , Verardino Renata G.S. , Pessente Gabrielle D. , Bihan David C.S. Le , Hachul Denise T. , Sacilotto Luciana , Wu Tan C. , Bueno Sávia C. P. , Rivarola Esteban W.R. , Gruppi César J. , Barbosa Silvio A. , Alves Juliana B. S. , Mathias Wilson , Scanavacca Maurício I. , Darrieux Francisco C.C.
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The pathophysiological mechanisms of increased arterial stiffness, currently an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation, remain poorly understood. This study investigated the association of arterial stiffness with the presence of nonsustained atrial tachycardia (NSAT) in hypertensive patients.Methods: We included sixty participants from a single centre without evident cardiovascular disease who underwent extensive cardiovascular examination. Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and Augmentation Index corrected for a heart rate of 75 bpm (Aix@75). Speckle-tracking echocardiography assessed left atrial (LA) function. A 24-hour ECG was used to identify patients with NSAT.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in arterial stiffness between groups. Compared to the control group, NSAT group was older (69.82 ± 6.92 vs. 63.32 ± 6.98, p value 0.001), with more men (43.3% vs. 16.7%, p=0.047), higher prevalence of interatrial block (43.3% vs. 16.7%, p=0.047), lower use of ACEIs/ARBs (73.3% vs. 96.7%, p=0.026) and higher proportion of patients with high BNP levels (31.0% vs. 0.0%, p< 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference for LA strain parameters.Conclusion: In this small pilot study, in hypertensive individuals without major cardiovascular comorbidities arterial stiffness was not associated with an increased presence of NSAT on 24-hour ECG.
Using a Genre-Based Approach to Raise College Students’ Awareness and Use of Discourse Markers to Improve Discourse Competence in Oral Communication
Authors: Pan Wei-chi
Published: August 2022

This study explored college students’ knowledge of discourse markers (DMs hereinafter) and the development in raising their awareness of discourse competence by adopting a genre-based approach (GBA hereinafter) to eliminate students’ inappropriate use of certain DMs. The participants were 28 freshman students with an English proficiency at the CEFR B2 level. A pre- and post-test design was employed to measure students’ use of DMs in speaking before and after the GBA intervention in written and spoken discourse. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the students’ frequencies and varieties of DMs in the post-test. The study concluded that teaching DMs through GBA raised the students’ metalinguistic awareness of using DMs in different genres and enhanced their ability to engage in coherent and cohesive discourse. The outcomes suggested that applying GBA to teach DMs helps students transfer receptive skills into productive skills used to express their thoughts orally.
Design a new strategy for evaluating biodegradation mechanisms between plant tape and industrial tapes
Authors: Tang Dongping , Yu Houyong , Abdalkarim Somia Yassin Hussain , Wang Mingxin , Chen Xiang , Zhu Jingli , jin Meijin
Published: August 2022

China’s express delivery industry is developing rapidly, but the degradation and non-degradability of packaging tapes have been tremendously controversial and the degradation mechanism is not clear. In this work, the biodegradation behavior/mechanism and mechanical property of the polypropylene-based tape (BOPP tape), polypropylene doped with calcium carbonate (BOPP/CaCO3 tape), and Plant-based tape (Plant tape) are discussed. It is found that the degradability ability and breaking strength of Plant tape are better than BOPP and BOPP/CaCO3 tapes. Simultaneously, the possible degradation mechanisms of three tapes under three degradation ways were presented, providing a theoretical basis for developing their potential uses in the green packaging, express, and electronic industries.
Variability of trunk muscle synergies underlying the multidirectional movements and stability trunk motor tasks in healthy individuals
Authors: Saito Hiroki , Yokoyama Hikaru , Sasaki Atsushi , Matsushita Kazuya , Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: August 2022

Muscle synergy analysis is a useful approach for investigating the nature of trunk coordination patterns based on the assumption that the central nervous system reduces the dimensionality of muscle activation to simplify movement. This study aimed to quantify the variability in trunk muscle synergy during 11 trunk motor tasks in healthy participants to provide reference data for evaluating trunk control strategies in patients and athletes. Even in a highly variable task context, the five trunk muscle synergies with their temporal patterns presented well-reconstructed original electromyography data. While the variability in trunk synergies between participants and sessions were comparable to those for other body parts in previous studies, these metrics had a broad range, reflecting some level of redundancy of the musculoskeletal system in healthy individuals. Furthermore, the significant differences in the degree of variability between the trunk synergies may reflect the different neural features of trunk synergy organization and strategies to overcome the various mechanical demands of a motor task. The quantification of the variability of trunk muscle synergy may guide the assessment of stereotypes or diverse features of trunk control strategies and the interpretation of adaptability in the presence of diseases or the process of motor training in future research.
Social Vulnerability in Chile: Challenges for multi-scale analysis and disaster risk reduction
Authors: Guerrero Nikole , Contreras Marta , Chamorro Alondra , Martínez Carolina , Echaveguren Tomás
Published: August 2022

Socio-natural disasters have a deep impact on exposed countries; hence, management for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and the development of methods to measure social vulnerability, such as the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI), have become crucial for better understanding and reducing pre-existing risk conditions. Still, little is known about the effects of different Spatio-temporal scales on social vulnerability. The objective of this research is to identify the factors that determine social vulnerability in Chile, the implications of using four different territorial scales, differentiating for urban/rural territory, and the implications in DRR. The research considers the SoVI method, using the national census and the socio-economic household survey to construct 25 variables at the zone/locality levels, and the use of a GIS platform. On average, eight vulnerability components are defined per model, with an average explanatory variance of 71%. Our analysis shows that social vulnerability in Chile is highly conditioned by access to basic services, low educational level, quality of housing, and income levels. Furthermore, the use of SoVI has made it possible to determine that the use of different scales is an opportunity and a tool for decision-makers that should be investigated for planning purposes and the design of DRR policies.
Elucidate the potential mechanism of Eucommiae Cortex against osteoporosis by network pharmacology and RNA-sequencing
Authors: Liu Yun , Tan Jianbin , Xie Chengliang , Huang Weiling , Lu Zhi , Lin Hong , Luo Mansi , Jiang Ying , Wang Hongxia , Wang Kexin , Yang Xingfen , Zhao Min
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Eucommiae Cortex (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., cortex) had possessed multiple curative effect since ancient time. Nevertheless, the mechanism of EC serves as anti-osteoporotic herb remains further investigated.
Methods
Cytotoxicity assay and osteogenesis assay were adopted to filtrate the TCMs and osteoporosis model rats of was utilized to verify the anti-osteoporosis ability of EC. Network pharmacology was used to investigate the potential mechanisms of the EC against osteoporosis. The database including TCMSP, BATMAN TCM and TCMID were utilized to obtain the active compounds of EC, and their potential targets were predicted by SwissTarget-Prediction. Osteoporosis related targets were found by OMIM, DisGeNET and Gene Cards databases. The target interaction network was analyzed by STRING, GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were carried out by DAVID database.
Results
Results of in vitro and in vivo experiments illustrated that EC showed no cytotoxicity and exhibited anti osteoporosis effect. A total number of 19 active components and 124 osteoporosis related targets of the EC were selected. KEGG pathway enrichment from bioinformatics suggested that EC prevented osteoporosis through the HIF-1 signaling pathway and estrogen signaling pathway, while results of RNA- sequencing suggesting HIF-1 signaling pathway. Moreover, genes Akt1, MAPK3 and EGFR may serve as the critical targets regulated by EC.
Conclusion
Our results showed that HIF-1 signaling pathway was vital pathway in EC against osteoporosis, with the participation of gene AkT1, MAPK3 and EGFR. Estrogen and VEGF signaling pathway were synergetic pathway of anti-osteoporosis