bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and outcome of myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mohammad Moman A , Koul Sasha , Olivecrona Göran K , Gӧtberg Matthias , Tydén Patrik , Rydberg Erik , Scherstén Fredrik , Alfredsson Joakim , Vasko Peter , Omerovic Elmir , Angerås Oskar , Fröbert Ole , Calais Fredrik , Völz Sebastian , Ulvenstam Anders , Venetsanos Dimitrios , Yndigegn Troels , Oldgren Jonas , Sarno Giovanna , Grimfjärd Per , Persson Jonas , Witt Nils , Ostenfeld Ellen , Lindahl Bertil , James Stefan K , Erlinge David
Published: October 2020

Objective

Most reports on the declining incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) during the COVID-19 have either been anecdotal, survey results or geographically limited to areas with lockdowns. We examined the incidence of MI during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden, which has remained an open society with a different public health approach fighting COVID-19.

Methods

We assessed the incidence rate (IR) as well as the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of all MI referred for coronary angiography in Sweden using the nationwide Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR), during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden (1 March 2020–7 May 2020) in relation to the same days 2015–2019.

Results

A total of 2443 MIs were referred for coronary angiography during the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in an IR 36 MIs/day (204 MIs/100 000 per year) compared with 15 213 MIs during the reference period with an IR of 45 MIs/day (254 MIs/100 000 per year) resulting in IRR of 0.80, 95% CI (0.74 to 0.86), p<0.001. Results were consistent in all investigated patient subgroups, indicating no change in patient category seeking cardiac care. Kaplan-Meier event rates for 7-day case fatality were 439 (2.3%) compared with 37 (2.9%) (HR: 0.81, 95% CI (0.58 to 1.13), p=0.21). Time to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was shorter during the pandemic and PCI was equally performed, indicating no change in quality of care during the pandemic.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the incidence of MI referred for invasive treatment strategy. No differences in overall short-term case fatality or quality of care indicators were observed.
Variability in haemoglobin concentration by measurement tool and blood source: an analysis from seven countries
Authors: Rappaport Aviva I , Karakochuk Crystal D , Hess Sonja Y , Whitehead, Jr. Ralph D , Namaste Sorrel M L , Dary Omar , Parker Megan E , Neufeld Lynnette M , Larson Leila M , Newton Sam , Wegmuller Rita , Moorthy Denish
Published: October 2020

Objective

We explore factors such as the blood sampling site (capillary vs venous), the equipment (HemoCue vs automated haematology analyser) and the model of the HemoCue device (201+ vs 301) that may impact haemoglobin measurements in capillary and venous blood.

Methods

Eleven studies were identified, and bias, concordance and measures of diagnostic performance were assessed within each study.

Findings

Our analysis included 11 studies from seven countries (Cambodia, India, The Gambia, Ghana, Laos, Rwanda and USA). Samples came from children, men, non-pregnant women and pregnant women. Mean bias ranged from −8.7 to 2.5 g/L in Cambodian women, 6.2 g/L in Laotian children, 2.4 g/L in Ghanaian women, 0.8 g/L in Gambian children 6–23 months and 1.4 g/L in Rwandan children 6–59 months when comparing capillary blood on a HemoCue to venous blood on a haematology analyser. Bias was 8.3 g/L in Indian non-pregnant women and 2.6 g/L in Laotian children and women and 1.5 g/L in the US population when comparing capillary to venous blood using a HemoCue. For venous blood measured on the HemoCue compared with the automated haematology analyser, bias was 5.3 g/L in Gambian pregnant women 18–45 years and 11.3 g/L in Laotian children 6–59 months.

Conclusion

Our analysis found large variability in haemoglobin concentration measured on capillary or venous blood and using HemoCue Hb 201+ or Hb 301 or automated haematology analyser. We cannot ascertain whether the variation is due to differences in the equipment, differences in capillary and venous blood, or factors affecting blood collection techniques.
Efficacy of beveled tip aspiration catheter in mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Vargas Jan , Blalock Jonathan , Venkatraman Anand , Anagnostakou Vania , King Robert M , Ewing Joseph A , Gounis Matthew J , Turner Raymond D , Chaudry Imran , Turk Aquilla
Published: October 2020

Background

Direct aspiration thrombectomy techniques use large bore aspiration catheters for mechanical thrombectomy. Several aspiration catheters are now available. We report a bench top exploration of a novel beveled tip catheter and our experience in treating large vessel occlusions (LVOs) using next-generation aspiration catheters.

Methods

A retrospective analysis from a prospectively maintained database comparing the bevel shaped tip aspiration catheter versus non-beveled tip catheters was performed. Patient demographics, periprocedural metrics, and discharge and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were collected. Patients were divided into two groups based on which aspiration catheter was used.

Results

Our data showed no significant difference in age, gender, IV tissue plasminogen activator administration, admission NIH Stroke Scale score, baseline mRS, or LVO location between the beveled tip and flat tip groups. With the beveled tip, Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2C or better recanalization was more frequent overall (93.2% vs 74.2%, p=0.017), stent retriever usage was lower (9.1% vs 29%, p=0.024), and patients had lower mRS on discharge (median 3 vs 4, p<0.001) and at 90 days (median 2 vs 4, p=0.008).

Conclusion

Patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the beveled tip catheter had a higher proportion of TICI 2C or better and had a significantly lower mRS score on discharge and at 90 days.
Accessing care in multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities continues to be a challenge in Canada
Authors: Choinière Manon , Peng Philip , Gilron Ian , Buckley Norman , Williamson Owen , Janelle-Montcalm Audree , Baerg Krista , Boulanger Aline , Di Renna Tania , Finley Gordon Allen , Intrater Howard , Lau Brenda , Pereira John
Published: October 2020

Background

Multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities (MPTFs) are considered the optimal settings for the management of chronic pain (CP). This study aimed (1) to determine the distribution of MPTFs across Canada, (2) to document time to access and types of services, and (3) to compare the results to those obtained in 2005–2006.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used the same MPTF definition as in 2005–2006—that is, a clinic staffed with professionals from a minimum of three different disciplines (including at least one medical specialty) and whose services were integrated within the facility. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify existing MPTFs across Canada. Administrative leads at each MPTF were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding their facilities.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 104 MPTFs (response rate 79.4%). Few changes were observed in the distribution of MPTFs across Canada compared with 12 years ago. Most (91.3%) are concentrated in large urban cities. Prince Edward Island and the Territories still lack MPTFs. The number of pediatric-only MPTFs has nearly doubled but remains small (n=9). The median wait time for a first appointment in publicly funded MPTFs is about the same as 12 years ago (5.5 vs 6 months). Small but positive changes were also observed.

Conclusion

Accessibility to public MPTFs continues to be limited in Canada, resulting in lengthy wait times for a first appointment. Community-based MPTFs and virtual care initiatives to distribute pain services into regional and remote communities are needed to provide patients with CP with optimal care.
Minimum important difference of the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS in fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Tsai Amy Po Yu , Hur Seo Am , Wong Alyson , Safavi Mohsen , Assayag Deborah , Johannson Kerri A , Morisset Julie , Fell Charlene , Fisher Jolene H , Manganas Hélène , Shapera Shane , Cox Gerard , Gershon Andrea S , Hambly Nathan , Khalil Nasreen , To Teresa , Wilcox Pearce George , Halayko Andrew , Kolb Martin RJ , Ryerson Christopher J
Published: October 2020

Rationale

The European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions 5-Levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) is a multidimensional patient-reported questionnaire that supports calculation of quality-adjusted life-years. Our objectives were to demonstrate feasibility of use and to calculate the minimum important difference (MID) of the EQ-5D-5L and its associated visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods

Patients who completed the EQ-5D-5L were identified from the prospective multicentre CAnadian REgistry for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Validity, internal consistency and responsiveness of the EQ-5D-5L were assessed, followed by calculation of the MID for the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS. Anchor-based methods used an unadjusted linear regression against pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and dyspnoea and other quality of life questionnaires. Distribution-based method used one-half SD and SE measurement (SEM) calculations.

Results

1816 patients were analysed, including 472 (26%) with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. EQ-5D-5L scores were strongly correlated with the dyspnoea and other quality of life questionnaires and weakly associated with PFTs. The estimated MID for EQ-5D-5L ranged from 0.0050 to 0.054 and from 0.078 to 0.095 for the anchor-based and distribution-based methods, respectively. The MID for EQ-VAS ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 and from 8.0 to 9.7 for the anchor-based and distribution-based methods. Findings were similar across ILD subtypes, sex and age.

Conclusion

We used a large and diverse cohort of patients with a variety of fibrotic ILD subtypes to suggest validity and MID of both the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS. These findings will assist in designing future clinical trials and supporting cost-effectiveness analyses of potential treatments for patients with fibrotic ILD.
Synthesis of amino-phenolate manganese complexes and their catalytic activity in carbon dioxide activation and oxidation reactions
Authors: Elkurtehi Ali I. , Kerton Francesca M.
Published: October 2020

Two manganese(III) compounds were studied as catalysts for the reaction of carbon dioxide with propylene oxide, styrene oxide, and cyclohexene oxide, and formed cyclic carbonate products selectively under solvent free conditions in the presence of an ionic co-catalyst such as TBAB or PPNCl. Variable temperature kinetic studies allowed the activation energy for propylene carbonate formation to be determined (64 kJ mol−1). The catalysts showed good stability in these reactions and overall turnover numbers (TON) of up to 6000 were observed. The complexes showed low activity for the aerobic oxidation of 4-methyoxybenzylalcohol to the corresponding aldehyde, achieving up to 40% conversion in 72 h. However, near quantitative conversion of 1,2-diphenyl-2-methoxyethanol to provide up to 90% yield of benzaldehyde could be achieved over the course of 5 days. Both complexes showed similar reactivity in the two catalytic processes, and this is likely due to the weakly coordinating nature of the pendant donor within the tetradentate ligand.
Primordial black holes from modified supergravity
Authors: Aldabergenov Yermek , Addazi Andrea , Ketov Sergei V.
Published: October 2020

The modified supergravity approach is applied to describe a formation of Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) after Starobinsky inflation. Our approach naturally leads to the two-(scalar)-field attractor-type double inflation, whose first stage is driven by scalaron and whose second stage is driven by another scalar field which belongs to a supergravity multiplet. The scalar potential and the kinetic terms are derived, the vacua are studied, and the inflationary dynamics of those two scalars is investigated. We numerically compute the power spectra and we find the ultra-slow-roll regime leading to an enhancement (peak) in the scalar power spectrum. This leads to an efficient formation of PBHs. We estimate the masses of PBHs and we find their density fraction (as part of Dark Matter). We show that our modified supergravity models are in agreement with inflationary observables, while they predict the PBH masses in a range between $$10^{16}$$

10
16

g and $$10^{20}$$

10
20

g. In this sense, modified supergravity provides a natural top-down approach for explaining and unifying the origin of inflation and the PBHs Dark Matter.
Dendrite P Systems Toolbox: Representation, Algorithms and Simulators
Authors: Orellana-Martín David , Martínez-del-Amor Miguel Á. , Valencia-Cabrera Luis , Pérez-Hurtado Ignacio , Riscos-Núñez Agustín , Pérez-Jiménez Mario J.
Published: October 2020

Dendrite P systems (DeP systems) are a recently introduced neural-like model of computation. They provide an alternative to the more classical spiking neural (SN) P systems. In this paper, we present the first software simulator for DeP systems, and we investigate the key features of the representation of the syntax and semantics of such systems. First, the conceptual design of a simulation algorithm is discussed. This is helpful in order to shade a light on the differences with simulators for SN P systems, and also to identify potential parallelizable parts. Second, a novel simulator implemented within the P-Lingua simulation framework is presented. Moreover, MeCoSim, a GUI tool for abstract representation of problems based on P system models has been extended to support this model. An experimental validation of this simulator is also covered.
FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING PRICE CHANGES UNDER THE CONDITION OF FINANCIAL CONTROL: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: LI XUE , ZHANG RUO-XI
Published: October 2020

The impact of financial development on the real estate industry has increased with the degree of financial control. This research presented in this paper divides China’s area into strong and weak regions based on the degree of financial control, and then it studies the relationship between housing price changes and the level of financial development using panel data from the period 1994 to 2018. We find that the level of national sample financial development plays an important role in promoting the housing prices. In areas with strong financial control, financial resources tend to be allocated to the real estate industry, boosting real estate prices. In areas with weak financial control, the role of financial development in promoting real estate prices is not obvious. The funds accumulated by financial institutions are more marketable and independent. We have confirmed these findings by our analysis of the transformation of certain financial control and financial development variables, the application of Panel-VAR estimation methods, and other robustness tests.
Electronic-Tuning-Facilitated Input Interface-Supported Load-Insensitive Filter with Extended Frequency Range
Authors: Maheshwari Sudhanshu
Published: October 2020

A new filter operating in voltage mode and realizing all-pass function is proposed. The circuit requires a single current conveyor with an extra voltage input buffer stage and a floating capacitor, enjoys electronic tuning, needs input interface for easy connection and benefits by low output impedance, hence is load-insensitive and operable at twice the frequency range in comparison to other related circuits. In-depth theoretical and simulation studies are presented in support of the newly designed circuit.
A Novel Nature-Inspired Improved Grasshopper Optimization-Tuned Dual-Input Controller for Enhancing Stability of Interconnected Systems
Authors: Rangasamy Shivakumar , Kuppusami Yamuna
Published: October 2020

Power system often experiences the problem of low-frequency electromechanical oscillations which leads the system to unstable condition. The problem can be corrected by implementing power system stabilizers (PSSs) in the excitation control system of alternator. This paper provides a novel and efficient approach to design an Improved Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (IGOA)-based dual-input controller to damp the inter-area-mode power system oscillations. A three-fold optimization criterion has been formulated to calculate the optimum values of the controllers required for power system stability. The damping performance of the proposed controller is compared with conventional PSS and genetic algorithm-based controllers to validate the better performance of the proposed IGOA-based controller under various system loading conditions and disturbances.
Nonsingular black holes from charged dust collapse: A concrete mechanism to evade interior singularities in general relativity
Authors: Maier Rodrigo
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we examine the gravitational collapse of a nonrelativistic charged perfect fluid interacting with a dark energy component. Given a simple factor for the energy transfer, we obtain a nonsingular interior solution which naturally matches the Reissner–Nordström–de Sitter exterior geometry. We also show that the interacting parameter is proportional to the overall charge of the final black hole thus formed. For the case of quasi-extremal configurations, we propose a statistical model for the entropy of the collapsed matter. This entropy extends Bekenstein’s geometrical entropy by an additive constant proportional to the area of the extremal black hole.
Performance Prediction by an SVM with a Firefly Optimization Method
Authors: Yan Yongquan
Published: October 2020

Since software system is becoming more and more complex than before, performance degradation and even abrupt download, which are called software aging phenomena, bring about a great deal of economic loss. To counter these problems, some methods are used. Support vector machine is an effective method to tackle software aging problems, but its performance is influenced by the selection of hyper-parameters. A method is proposed to optimize the hyper-parameter selection of support vector machine in this work. The proposed method which is used as a training algorithm to optimize the parameter selection of support vector machine, utilizes the global exploration power of firefly method to achieve faster convergence and also a better accuracy. In the experiment, we use two metrics to test the effect of the proposed method. The results indicate that the presented method owns the highest accuracy in both the available memory prediction and heap memory prediction of Web server for software aging predictions.
Risk-Based Threshold on Intensity Function of Repairable Systems: A Case Study on Aero Engines
Authors: Sharma Garima , Rai Rajiv Nandan
Published: October 2020

Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities deal with situations where repairable systems and its components are required to be designated as high failure rate components (HFRCs). The shortlisted HFRCs are then selected for reliability improvement. The procedure of short listing components as HFRCs is commonly based on experts’ field experience or number of failures. In case of organizations dealing with complex and critical repairable systems like military aviation (MA) and nuclear industries, the subjectivity in the short listing of HFRCs can lead to prolonged unavailability of equipment and may incur financial loss. Thus, a scientific methodology is required to be developed for HFRC designation. The paper develops a methodology for HFRC designation through risk-based threshold on intensity function by considering combat aircraft engines as a case. To develop the threshold methodology, the paper uses generalized renewal process (GRP) for multiple repairable systems (MRS) considering both corrective and preventive maintenance as imperfect. The proposed methodology is duly validated with the help of field failure data of two variants of the same aero engine of a particular combat aircraft. The developed methodology in this paper is highly inspired by the problems faced by the various industries while operating the repairable systems and can be extended for systems which undergo periodic maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Equivariant one-parameter formal deformations of Hom-Leibniz algebras
Authors: Mukherjee Goutam , Saha Ripan
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is to define a new type of cohomology for multiplicative Hom-Leibniz algebras which control deformations of Hom-Leibniz algebras. The cohomology and the associated deformation theory for Hom-Leibniz algebras as developed here are also extended to equivariant context, under the presence of finite group actions on Hom-Leibniz algebras.
Deformation quantization and the tomographic representation of quantum fields
Authors: Berra-Montiel Jasel , Cartas-Fuentevilla Roberto
Published: October 2020

The tomographic representation of quantum fields within the deformation quantization formalism is constructed. By employing the Wigner functional we obtain the symplectic tomogram associated with quantum fields. In addition, the tomographic version of the Wigner map allows us to compute the symbols corresponding to field operators. Finally, the functional integral representation of the tomographic star product is determined. Some possible applications of the formalism to loop quantum cosmology and loop quantum gravity are briefly discussed.
Stick-slip nonuniform rotation distortion correction in distal scanning optical coherence tomography catheters
Authors: Mavadia-Shukla Jessica , Zhang Jianlin , Li Kaiyan , Li Xingde
Published: October 2020

We present a robust and fiducial-marker-free algorithm that can identify and correct stick-slip distortion caused by nonuniform rotation (or beam scanning) in distally scanned catheters for endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. This algorithm employs spatial frequency analysis to select and remove distortions. We demonstrate the feasibility of this algorithm on images acquired from ex vivo rat colon with a distally scanned DC motor-based endoscope. The proposed algorithm can be applied to general endoscopic OCT images for correcting nonuniform rotation distortion.
Synthesis of monodisperse SnCo nanoparticles in triethylene glycol and its carbon composites for advanced lithium-ion batteries
Authors: He Yang , Sun Wanting
Published: October 2020

The tin-based materials are one kind of the most promising high-capacity anode candidates for advanced Li-ion energy storage systems. However, they still face the problem of large volume expansion during charge–discharge processes, which causes rapid capacity decay and thus largely limit their serving life in practical application. In this work, ultra-fined SnCo alloy particles were successfully synthesized by a facile reduction of metal salts in triethylene glycol (TEG) solution, and then SnCo-anchored carbon composites were obtained through the calcination of SnCo-doped poly-(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) clusters. The microstructure, morphology, chemical composition and phase constitution are systematically analyzed. It is found that the as-prepared SnCo alloy particles exhibit a uniformly dispersed spherical morphology with a small average grain size of 20 nm and also a high reversible capacity of 459.1 mAh g[Formula: see text] after 100 cycles. More significantly, the SnCo/C nanocomposites present an excellent capacity retention ratio of 91.1% over 200 cycles at 100 mA g[Formula: see text] as well as good rate capability, suggesting that due to the accelerated electrons and Li[Formula: see text] transportation, the introduction of carbon matrix could significantly improve the stability of the active SnCo nanoparticles and inhibit the occurrence of their volume expansion during cycling.
An Attention-based Deep Relevance Model for Few-shot Document Filtering
Authors: Liu Bulou , Li Chenliang , Zhou Wei , Ji Feng , Duan Yu , Chen Haiqing
Published: October 2020

With the large quantity of textual information produced on the Internet, a critical necessity is to filter out the irrelevant information and organize the rest into categories of interest (e.g., an emerging event). However, supervised-learning document filtering methods heavily rely on a large number of labeled documents for model training. Manually identifying plenty of positive examples for each category is expensive and time-consuming. Also, it is unrealistic to cover all the categories from an evolving text source that covers diverse kinds of events, user opinions, and daily life activities. In this article, we propose a novel attention-based deep relevance model for few-shot document filtering (named ADRM), inspired by the relevance feedback methodology proposed for ad hoc retrieval. ADRM calculates the relevance score between a document and a category by taking a set of seed words and a few seed documents relevant to the category. It constructs the category-specific conceptual representation of the document based on the corresponding seed words and seed documents. Specifically, to filter irrelevant yet noisy information in the seed documents, ADRM employs two types of attention mechanisms (namely
whole-match attention
and
max-match attention
) and generates category-specific representations for them. Then ADRM is devised to extract the relevance signals by modeling the hidden feature interactions in the word embedding space. The relevance signals are extracted through a gated convolutional process, a self-attention layer, and a relevance aggregation layer. Extensive experiments on three real-world datasets show that ADRM consistently outperforms the existing technical alternatives, including the conventional classification and retrieval baselines, and the state-of-the-art deep relevance ranking models for few-shot document filtering. We also perform an ablation study to demonstrate that each component in ADRM is effective for enhancing filtering performance. Further analysis shows that ADRM is robust under varying parameter settings.
Protein Quality Control and Lipid Droplet Metabolism
Authors: Roberts Melissa A. , Olzmann James A.
Published: October 2020

Lipid droplets (LDs) are endoplasmic reticulum–derived organelles that consist of a core of neutral lipids encircled by a phospholipid monolayer decorated with proteins. As hubs of cellular lipid and energy metabolism, LDs are inherently involved in the etiology of prevalent metabolic diseases such as obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The functions of LDs are regulated by a unique set of associated proteins, the LD proteome, which includes integral membrane and peripheral proteins. These proteins control key activities of LDs such as triacylglycerol synthesis and breakdown, nutrient sensing and signal integration, and interactions with other organelles. Here we review the mechanisms that regulate the composition of the LD proteome, such as pathways that mediate selective and bulk LD protein degradation and potential connections between LDs and cellular protein quality control.
The Lineage Before Time: Circadian and Nonclassical Clock Influences on Development
Authors: Bedont Joseph Lewis , Iascone Daniel Maxim , Sehgal Amita
Published: October 2020

Diverse factors including metabolism, chromatin remodeling, and mitotic kinetics influence development at the cellular level. These factors are well known to interact with the circadian transcriptional-translational feedback loop (TTFL) after its emergence. What is only recently becoming clear, however, is how metabolism, mitosis, and epigenetics may become organized in a coordinated cyclical precursor signaling module in pluripotent cells prior to the onset of TTFL cycling. We propose that both the precursor module and the TTFL module constrain cellular identity when they are active during development, and that the emergence of these modules themselves is a key lineage marker. Here we review the component pathways underlying these ideas; how proliferation, specification, and differentiation decisions in both developmental and adult stem cell populations are or are not regulated by the classical TTFL; and emerging evidence that we propose implies a primordial clock that precedes the classical TTFL and influences early developmental decisions.
The Use of a Novel Quantitative Marker of Echogenicity of Pleural Fluid in Parapneumonic Pleural Effusions
Authors: Varsamas Charalampos , Kalkanis Alexandros , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Malli Foteini
Published: October 2020

Background. Thoracic ultrasound is an essential tool in the daily clinical care of pleural effusions and especially parapneumonic pleural effusions (PPEs), in terms of diagnosis, management, and follow-up. Hypoechogenicity index (HI) is a quantitative marker of pleural fluid echogenicity. We aimed to examine associations of HI with pleural inflammation in patients with PPE. Methods. All patients included underwent a thoracic ultrasound with HI determination at the first day of their admission for a PPE. Thoracentesis was performed in all patients. Demographics, laboratory measurements, and clinical data were collected prospectively and recorded in all subjects. Results. Twenty-four patients with PPE were included in the study. HI was statistically significantly correlated with intensity of inflammation as suggested by pleural fluid LDH (

p
<
0.001

, r = −0.831), pleural fluid glucose (

p
=
0.022

, r = 0.474), and pleural fluid pH (

p
<
0.001

, r = 0.811). HI was correlated with ADA levels (

p
=
0.005

, r = −0.552). We observed a statistically significant correlation of HI with pleural fluid total cell number (

p
<
0.001

, r = −0.657) and polymorphonuclears percentage (

p
=
0.02

, r = −0.590), as well as days to afebrile (

p
=
0.046

, r = −0.411), duration of chest tube placement (

p
<
0.001

, r = −0.806), and days of hospitalization (

p
=
0.013

, r = −0.501). Discussion. HI presents a fast, easily applicable, objective, and quantitative marker of pleural inflammation that reliably reflects the intensity of pleural inflammation and could potentially guide therapeutic management of PPE.
A New Approach for Reconstruction of IMFs of Decomposition and Ensemble Model for Forecasting Crude Oil Prices
Authors: Xu Peng , Aamir Muhammad , Shabri Ani , Ishaq Muhammad , Aslam Adnan , Li Li
Published: October 2020

Accurate forecasting for the crude oil price is important for government agencies, investors, and researchers. To cope with this issue, in this paper, a new paradigm is designed for the reconstruction of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) of decomposition and ensemble models to reduce the complexity in computation and to enhance the forecasting accuracy. Decomposition and ensemble methodologies significantly enhance the forecasting accuracy under the framework of “divide and conquer” with the proposed reconstruction of IMFs method. The proposed approach used the autocorrelation at lag 1 of all IMFs for the reconstruction. The ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) technique is employed to decompose the data into different IMFs. Models that utilized the decomposed data relatively perform well, as compared to its application to the undecomposed data. However, sometimes, the decomposition may produce poor results due to the error accumulation at the end. Thus, in this study, the reconstruction of IMFs is proposed for minimizing the aforementioned error, thereby increasing the forecasting accuracy. The Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) datasets (daily and weekly) are exploited to compare the forecasting performance of autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) along with artificial neural network (ANN) models with the decomposed data. The results have proven that the new paradigm of reconstruction of IMFs through autocorrelation was a better and simple strategy that significantly improved the performance of single models including ARIMA and ANN. Hence, it is concluded that the proposed model takes less computational time and achieved higher forecasting accuracy with the reconstruction of IMFs as opposed to using all IMFs.
Preoperative Risk Factors for Short-Term Postoperative Mortality of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia after Laparotomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Wenhan , Liu Jianbo , Zhou Zongguang
Published: October 2020

Objective. Our objective was to comprehensively present the evidence of preoperative risk factors for short-term postoperative mortality of acute mesenteric ischemia after laparotomy. Methods. PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to January 2020. Studies evaluating the postoperative risk factors for short-term postoperative mortality of acute mesenteric ischemia after laparotomy were included. The outcome extracted were patients’ demographics, medical history, and preoperative laboratory tests. Results. Twenty studies (5011 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Studies were of high quality, with a median Newcastle-Ottawa Scale Score of 7. Summary short-term postoperative mortality was 44.38% (range, 18.80%–67.80%). Across included studies, 49 potential risk factors were examined, at least two studies. Meta-analysis of predictors based on more than three studies identified the following preoperative risk factors for higher short-term postoperative mortality risk: old age (odds ratio [OR], 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–2.30), arterial occlusive mesenteric ischemia versus mesenteric venous thrombosis (OR, 2.45, 95% CI 1.12–5.33), heart failure (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.03–1.72), renal disorders (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.24–2.07), and peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.00–1.91). Nonsurvivors were older (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.32, 95% CI 0.24–0.40), had higher creatinine levels (SMD 0.50, 95% CI 0.25–0.75), and had lower platelet counts (SMD −0.32, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.14). Conclusion. The short-term postoperative mortality of acute mesenteric ischemia who underwent laparotomy is still high. A better understanding of these risk factors may help in the early identification of high-risk patients, optimization of surgical procedure, and improvement of perioperative management.
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability
Authors: Li Tiewei , Li Xiaojuan , Feng Yichuan , Dong Geng , Wang Yuewu , Yang Junmei
Published: October 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) belongs to the MMP family and has been widely investigated. Excessive MMP-9 expression can enhance extracellular matrix degradation and promote plaque instability. Studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 levels are higher in vulnerable plaques than in stable plaques. Additionally, several human studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 may be a predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability and a risk factor for future adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. MMP-9 deficiency or blocking MMP-9 expression can inhibit plaque inflammation and prevent atherosclerotic plaque instability. All of these results suggest that MMP-9 may be a useful predictive biomarker for vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, as well as a therapeutic target for preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability. In this review, we describe the structure, function, and regulation of MMP-9. We also discuss the role of MMP-9 in predicting and preventing atherosclerotic plaque instability.
An Iteration-Time Combination Method to Reduce the Dynamic Degradation of Digital Chaotic Maps
Authors: Wu Yao , Liu Lingfeng
Published: October 2020

A new and improved method based on the number of iterations is proposed to reduce the dynamical degradation of the digital chaotic map in this study. We construct a control function by introducing iteration time instead of external systems, thereby replacing the control parameters in the original chaotic map. Experimental results show that the chaotic map based on the iteration-time combination method is more complicated and effective. The period is extended without completely destroying the phase space, which indicates that our method is effective and can compete with other proposed techniques. A type of pseudorandom bit generator based on the iteration-time combination method is proposed to demonstrate its simple application.
A Text Emotion Analysis Method Using the Dual-Channel Convolution Neural Network in Social Networks
Authors: Wu Di , Zhang Jianpei , Zhao Qingchao
Published: October 2020

In order to solve the problem that the existing deep learning method has insufficient ability in feature extraction in the text emotion classification task, this paper proposes a text emotion analysis using the dual-channel convolution neural network in the social network. First, a double-channel convolutional neural network is constructed. Combined with emotion words, parts of speech, degree adverbs, negative words, punctuation, and other word features that affect the text’s emotional tendency, an extended text feature is formed. Then, using the CNN’s multichannel mechanism, the extended text features based on the word vector features and the semantic features based on the word vectors are, respectively, input into the CNN model. After each convolution operation of the convolution channel, the BN technology is used to normalize the internal data of the network and the padding technology is used to improve the ability of the model to extract edge features of the data and the speed of the model. Finally, a dynamic k-max continuous pooling strategy is adopted to realize the dimensionality reduction of features and enhance the model’s ability to extract features. The experimental results show that the accuracy and F1 values obtained by the proposed method can be as high as 94.16% and 92.61%, respectively, which are better than several comparison algorithms.
An Existence Result for a Generalized Quasilinear Schrödinger Equation with Nonlocal Term
Authors: Li Quanqing , Teng Kaimin , Zhang Jian , Nie Jianjun
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we consider the following generalized quasilinear Schrödinger equation with nonlocal term−divg2u∇u+gug′u∇u2+Vxu=λx−μ∗upup−2u,x∈ℝN,whereN≥3,g:ℝ→ℝ+is aC1even function,g0=1,g′s≥0is for alls≥0,lim∣s∣→+∞gs/sα−1≔β>0is for someα>1, andα−1gs≥g′ssis for alls≥0,2α≤p≤2αN−μ/N−2, and0<μ<N. We prove that the equation admits a solution by using a constrained minimization argument.
Optimal Scheduling of a Microgrid Using Multiobjective Biogeography-Based Optimization Model and Algorithm with Adaptive Migration
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Jue , Xia Nan
Published: October 2020

Aiming at the important research topic of optimal scheduling in the microgrid field, the general model for multiobjective dynamic optimal scheduling of a microgrid is established with the objective of minimizing economic and environmental costs. On this basis, the model is organically integrated with constraint handling technology, multiobjective optimization, and biogeography-based optimization algorithm, and then a constrained multiobjective evolutionary model suitable for biogeography-based optimization is further established. The corresponding constraint handling mechanism, the determination method of habitat suitability index, and migration strategy are improved, and the convergence performance and the distribution uniformity of Pareto frontier for multiobjective evolutionary algorithm are effectively enhanced. Applied to the optimal scheduling of typical microgrid systems, the effectiveness of the proposed model and method is verified.
Effect of Football on Fatigue of Patients with Breast Cancer Treated with Nano-Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yu , Niu Haonan , Peng Zhiwei
Published: October 2020

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and uncontrollable subjective and persistent fatigue feelings in patients after breast cancer surgery, which seriously affects the rehabilitation effect and quality of life of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of football intervention on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life in patients with breast cancer after nano-chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to explore the exercise program that can make patients actively carry out rehabilitation exercise and achieve good rehabilitation effect, so as to provide a theoretical and empirical basis for the study of cancer fatigue and quality of life of patients after breast cancer surgery. In this study, a quasi-experimental study method was used to conveniently select 60 breast cancer outpatients with tumor-related fatigue symptoms in a tertiary hospital in Liaoning Province. According to the convenience group, they were divided into a control group and an intervention group, 30 cases in each group. The control group received routine hospital nursing, while the intervention group received football intervention for 6 months on the basis of routine hospital nursing. The intervention measures include explaining the related knowledge of cancer-related fatigue, helping patients develop football projects, guiding patients to record football sports diaries, checking patients’ football sports diary records at the beginning of each chemotherapy cycle, and discussing football sports feelings with patients. After six months of intervention, the researchers assessed cancer-related fatigue symptoms and quality of life. Football can improve the fatigue, physiological, psychological, and psychological states of breast cancer patients after nano-chemotherapy; reduce fatigue, anxiety, and depression; improve sleep; and ultimately improve the quality of life.
Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Novel Prognostic Genes in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Chen Junfeng , Guo Xiaojun , Zeng Guangjun , Liu Jianhua , Zhao Bin
Published: October 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS), a malignant primary bone tumor often seen in young adults, is highly aggressive. The improvements in high-throughput technologies have accelerated the identification of various prognostic biomarkers for cancer survival prediction. However, only few studies focus on the prediction of prognosis in OS patients using gene expression data due to small sample size and the lack of public datasets. In the present study, the RNA-seq data of 82 OS samples, along with their clinical information, were collected from the TARGET database. To identify the prognostic genes for the OS survival prediction, we selected the top 50 genes of contribution as the initial candidate genes of the prognostic risk model, which were ranked by random forest model, and found that the prognostic model with five predictors including CD180, MYC, PROSER2, DNAI1, and FATE1 was the optimal multivariable Cox regression model. Moreover, based on a multivariable Cox regression model, we also developed a scoring method and stratified the OS patients into groups of different risks. The stratification for OS patients in the validation set further demonstrated that our model has a robust performance. In addition, we also investigated the biological function of differentially expressed genes between two risk groups and found that those genes were mainly involved with biological pathways and processes regarding immunity. In summary, the identification of novel prognostic biomarkers in OS would greatly assist the prediction of OS survival and development of molecularly targeted therapies, which in turn benefit patients’ survival.
Lycium Berry Polysaccharides Strengthen Gut Microenvironment and Modulate Gut Microbiota of the Mice
Authors: Xia Wenrui , Li Xiaoang , Khan Imran , Yin Lin , Su Lu , Leong Wai Kit , Bian Xiqing , Su Jiyan , Hsiao W. L. Wendy , Huang Guoxin
Published: October 2020

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) are the main active components of Lycium barbarum with many cited health effects. We hypothesize that gut microbiota and their metabolites might contribute to the health benefits of LBP. To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6J mice were gavaged with LBP, and the impact on the gut microbiota was investigated. The results showed that LBP facilitates the shifting of the epithelial immunity from the pro‐ to the anti‐inflammatory microenvironment. We further showed a significant reduction of the potentially pathogenic bacteria in mice treated with LBP based on the 16S sequencing of mouse fecal DNAs. Importantly, LBP treatment enriched the xylan/fiber degrading bacteria and the short‐chain fatty acids– (SCFAs‐) producing bacteria. Associated with the treatment was the increase of serum SCFAs detected by UHPLC‐QTOF/MS analysis as well as the upregulation of the SCFA‐sensing receptors, GPRs 41, 43, and 109a. These findings strongly suggest that the health benefits of LBP might act through the modulation of gut microbiota.
Research on Optimization of Improved Gray Wolf Optimization-Extreme Learning Machine Algorithm in Vehicle Route Planning
Authors: Li Shijin , Wang Fucai
Published: October 2020

With the rapid development of intelligent transportation, intelligent algorithms and path planning have become effective methods to relieve traffic pressure. Intelligent algorithm can realize the priority selection mode in realizing traffic optimization efficiency. However, there is local optimization in intelligence and it is difficult to realize global optimization. In this paper, the antilearning model is used to solve the problem that the gray wolf algorithm falls into local optimization. The positions of different wolves are updated. When falling into local optimization, the current position is optimized to realize global optimization. Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) algorithm model is introduced to accelerate Improved Gray Wolf Optimization (IGWO) optimization and improve convergence speed. Finally, the experiment proves that IGWO-ELM algorithm is compared in path planning, and the algorithm has an ideal effect and high efficiency.
Reporting of Safety Events during Anti-VEGF Treatment: Pharmacovigilance in a Noninterventional Trial
Authors: Ziemssen Focke , Hammer Thomas , Grueb Matthias , Mueller Bettina , Berk Hüsnü , Gamulescu Maria-Andreea , Voegeler Jessica , Wachtlin Joachim , OCEAN Study Group
Published: October 2020

Aim. The prospective, noninterventional OCEAN study assessed the safety of intravitreal ranibizumab injections for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion under real-world conditions in Germany. Methods. Adults receiving ≥1 ranibizumab (0.5 mg) injections were recruited by 369 ophthalmologists and followed for 24 months. Information on adverse events (AEs) was reported by the treating physician or detected by the data management team. Collected information included observed AE, AE start and end date, intensity, causal relationship, outcome, severity, suspected drug, and actions taken. Results. 2,687 AEs were reported for 1,176 of the 5,781 patients who had received a total of 32,621 injections: 27.4% nonserious AEs, 30.3% serious AEs, 27.3% nonserious adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and 15.0% serious ADRs. Most patients reported no AEs (79.7%) or only 1 AE (10.3%). AEs were most commonly reported in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) System Organ Class (SOC) Eye disorders (9.4% of patients) and General disorders and administration site conditions (5.8%). The most frequent AEs by MedDRA preferred term (PT) were visual acuity reduced (3.5% of patients), intraocular pressure increased (2.5%), and drug ineffective (2.1%). AEs occurred most frequently after 3 or 4 injections (1,129 of 2,687 AEs). The proportion of AEs in the SOC Eye disorders decreased slightly with increasing number of injections, from 39.8% of events after 1 or 2 injections to 29.1% after 5 or more injections. Rates of the most frequently reported PTs did not show any consistent increase with increasing number of injections. A decrease in overall AE rates was observed over the study course. Conclusions. The results did not raise any new safety concerns for ranibizumab. The findings allow conclusions to be drawn on how pharmacovigilance data can be collected even more effectively in real-world studies to facilitate discussion on benefit-risk ratio.