bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roseomonas mucosa-Induced Peritonitis in a Patient Undergoing Continuous Cycler Peritoneal Dialysis: Case Report and Literature Analysis
Authors: Roy Sasmit , Patel Sumit , Kummamuru Hardhik , Garcha Amarinder Singh , Gupta Rohan , Adapa Sreedhar
Published: November 2021

Roseomonas species, a rare Gram-negative microorganism, has seldom been reported to cause peritonitis in end-stage renal disease patients on peritoneal dialysis. Only seven cases of peritonitis by this rare microorganism have been reported worldwide. Treatment options can be challenging if not detected early and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality along with the switching of the dialysis modality to hemodialysis which is highly undesirable. Our patient is a 65-year-old Caucasian female who needed to be changed to emergency hemodialysis due to inability to perform peritoneal dialysis from suspected peritonitis and was subsequently discovered to have peritonitis from Roseomonas mucosa. She recovered with a prolonged antibiotics course and returned to peritoneal dialysis in 3 months following her treatment completion. Prompt diagnosis and prolonged antibiotics are a cornerstone in the management of this rare microorganism to prevent mortality and morbidity from peritonitis.
Asymptotic Portfolio Strategy Based on the CEV Model with General Utility Function
Authors: Jia Yu , Su Liyun , He Yong , Huang Qi
Published: November 2021

The optimal investment problem is a hot field of financial risk control. The analytical solution of investment strategy can be obtained with the power function utility and exponential function utility when the stock price obeys the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model. However, different investors have different risk preferences; it means that different investors have different utility functions. In this paper, we propose an asymptotic analysis method to obtain the asymptotic solution of investment strategy with the general utility function. The value function is expanded in the form of series, the expressions of the zero-order term and first-order term of the series expansion are derived, respectively, and the error between the asymptotic approximation and the optimal value function is calculated. Finally, the numerical examples provide comparative analysis between the analytical solution and the asymptotic solution to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Na+/H+-Exchanger Family as Novel Prognostic Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhou Xin , Jiang Manman , Liu Zhihong , Xu Mengmeng , Chen Nannan , Wu Ziyu , Gu Changji , Chin Eugene , Yang Xiaodong
Published: November 2021

Background. The acidic characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are attributed to cancer cells’ needs of metabolism which produce a large amount of H+. In order not to affect its own life activities, it needs to release H+ into the intercellular space through an efficient Na+/H+ exchanger. On account of the intestine whose physiological function is highly dependent on intestinal pH value, NHE family members may play a critical role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. TCGA, GEPIA2, ONCOMINE, UALCAN, STRING, TIMER, Cytoscape, TargetScan, ENCORI, LncBase v.2, DNMIVD, HPA, and CellMinerTM databases were used in our study. Results. The mRNA expressions of SLC9A1, SLC9A2, SLC9A3, and SLC9A9 were evidently lower in COAD than in normal samples; however, the mRNA expressions of SLC9A5, SLC9A8, and SLC9B2 were higher. Besides, mRNA expressions of NHE family were extremely associated with clinicopathological features, tumor immune microenvironment and stemness score, DNA methylation, and patient prognosis in COAD. Moreover, we conjectured that NHE family may play a role through MAPK or ErbB signaling pathway according to the results of GO/KEGG enrichment analysis. At last, we found that NHE family members were key factors of various kinds of cancers. Conclusion. Our study indicated that NHE family represented new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CRC, which could have important significance for the clinical treatment of CRC.
[Retracted] Optimizing the Characteristics of the Laser Hardfacing Process Parameters to Maximize the Wear Resistance of Ni‐Based Hard‐Faced Deposits Using the RSM Technique
Authors: Gnanasekaran S. , Chelladurai Samson Jerold Samuel , Ramakrishnan T. , Sivananthan S , Padmanaban G. , Arthanari Ramesh , Balasubramanian V.
Published: November 2021

The nickel‐based Colmonoy‐5 hardfacing alloy is used to hard‐face 316LN austenitic stainless steel components in fast reactors. The nominal composition (in wt%) was listed as follows: 0.01 C, 0.49 Si, 0.87 Mn, 17.09 Cr, 14.04 Ni, 2.56 Mo, 0.14 N, and balance Fe. Hardfacing is a technique of applying hard and wear‐resistant materials to substrates that need abrasion resistance. The thickness of hardfacing deposit varies between 0.8 mm and 2 mm based on parameter combinations. In this study, laser hardfacing process parameters including laser power, powder feed rate, travel speed, and defocusing distance were optimized to reduce weight loss of laser hard‐faced Ni‐based deposit. The tribological characteristics of reactor‐grade NiCr‐B hard‐faced deposits were investigated. The RSM technique was used to identify the most important control variables resulting in the least weight loss of the nickel‐based alloy placed on AISI 316LN austenitic stainless steel. Statistical techniques like DoE and ANOVA are utilized. Changing the laser settings may efficiently track the weight loss of laser hard‐faced nickel alloy surfaces. These are created using the response surface technique. The deposit produced with a laser power of 1314 W, powder feed rate of 9 g/min, travel speed of 366 mm/min, and defocusing distance of 32 mm had the lowest weight loss of 16.4 mg. Based on the F value, the powder feed rate is the major influencing factor to predict the hardness followed by power, travel speed, and defocusing distance.
A New Moth-Flame Optimization Algorithm for Discounted {0-1} Knapsack Problem
Authors: Truong Tung Khac
Published: November 2021

The discounted {0–1} knapsack problem may be a kind of backpack issue with gathering structure and rebate connections among things. A moth-flame optimization algorithm has shown good searchability combined with an effective solution presentation designed for the discounted {0-1} knapsack problem. A new encoding scheme used a shorter length binary vector to help reduce the search domain and speed up the computing time. A greedy repair procedure is used to help the algorithm have fast convergence and reduce the gap between the best-found solution and the optimal solution. The experience results of 30 discounted {0-1} knapsack problem instances are used to evaluate the proposed algorithm. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the two binary PSO algorithms and the genetic algorithm in solving 30 DKP01 instances. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test is used to support the proposed declarations.
Construction, Validation, and Visualization of Two Web-Based Nomograms to Predict Overall and Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients with Gastric Cancer and Lung Metastases
Authors: Zheng Honghong , Li Zhehong , Li Jianjun , Zheng Shuai , Zhao Enhong
Published: November 2021

Background. The lung is one of the most common sites of metastasis in gastric cancer. Our study developed two nomograms to achieve individualized prediction of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with gastric cancer and lung metastasis (GCLM) to better guide follow-up and planning of subsequent treatment. Methods. We reviewed data of patients diagnosed with GCLM in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015. The endpoints of the study were the OS and CSS. We used the “caret” package to randomly divide patients into training and validation cohorts in a 7 : 3 ratio. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed using univariate Cox regression analysis to confirm the independent prognostic factors. Afterward, we built the OS and CSS nomograms with the “rms” package. Subsequently, we evaluated the two nomograms through calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Finally, two web-based nomograms were built on the basis of effective nomograms. Results. The OS analysis included 640 patients, and the results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that grade, chemotherapy, and liver metastasis were independent prognostic factors for patients with GCLM. The CSS analysis included 524 patients, and the results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the independent prognostic factors for patients with GCLM were chemotherapy, liver metastasis, marital status, and tumor site. The ROC curves, calibration curves, and DCA revealed favorable predictive power in the OS and CSS nomograms. We created web-based nomograms for OS (https://zhenghh.shinyapps.io/aclmos/) and CSS (https://zhenghh.shinyapps.io/aslmcss/). Conclusions. We created two web-based nomograms to predict OS and CSS in patients with GCLM. Both web-based nomograms had satisfactory accuracy and clinical usefulness and may help clinicians make individualized treatment decisions for patients.
Risk Spillover: A New Perspective on the Study of Financing Difficulties for SMEs—Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Jinghong , Lian Dong , Yang Daguang
Published: November 2021

Existing studies on the financing difficulties of middle- and small-sized enterprises (SMEs) have neglected the quantitative analysis of SMEs’ risk spillovers to banks. Therefore, taking China as an example, we have analyzed the financing difficulties of SMEs from the perspective of risk spillover. The GARCH time-varying copula-CoVaR model based on the skewed-t distribution was used to measure the risk spillover effects of SMEs on banks. Furthermore, the heterogeneous impacts of risk spillovers on different scale banks were analyzed, including state-owned banks, joint-stock banks, and city commercial banks. The study found that SMEs always have obvious risk spillover effects on banks; it is particularly difficult for SMEs to obtain loans from the largest state-owned banks because in extreme cases, SMEs have the highest risk spillover effects on state-owned banks. The changes in risk spillover effects are attributed to two reasons. One is that the degree of association between SMEs and various banks is different, and the other is that there are varying degrees of risk spillover effects among various banks.
Personalized Federated Learning for ECG Classification Based on Feature Alignment
Authors: Tang Renjie , Luo Junzhou , Qian Junbo , Jin Jiahui
Published: November 2021

Electrocardiogram (ECG) data classification is a hot research area for its application in medical information processing. However, insufficient data, privacy preserve, and local deployment are still challenging difficulties. To address these problems, a novel personalized federated learning method for ECG classification is proposed in this paper. First, a global model is trained with federated learning framework on multiple local data clients. Then, we use the global model and private data to train the local model. To reduce the feature inconsistency between global and private local data and for better fitting the private local data, a novel ”feature alignment” module is devised to guarantee the uniformity, which contains two parts, global alignment and local alignment, respectively. For global alignment, the graph metric of batch data is used to constrain the dissimilarity between features generated by the global model and local model. For local alignment, triplet loss is adopted to increase discriminative ability for local private data. Comprehensive experiments on our collected dataset are evaluated. The results show that the proposed method can be better adapted to local data and exhibit superior ability of generalization.
Computer-Based Fuzzy Numerical Method for Solving Engineering and Real-World Applications
Authors: Rafiq Naila , Yaqoob Naveed , Kausar Nasreen , Shams Mudassir , Mir Nazir Ahmad , Gaba Yaé Ulrich , Khan Naveed
Published: November 2021

The nonlinear equation is a fundamentally important area of study in mathematics, and the numerical solutions of the nonlinear equations are also an important part of it. Fuzzy sets introduced by Zedeh are an extension of classical sets, which have several applications in engineering, medicine, economics, finance, artificial intelligence, decision-making, and so on. The most special types of fuzzy sets are fuzzy numbers. The important fuzzy numbers are trapezoidal fuzzy and triangular fuzzy numbers, which have several applications. In this research article, we propose an efficient numerical iterative method for estimating roots of fuzzy nonlinear equations, which are based on the special type of fuzzy number called triangular fuzzy number. Convergence analysis proves that the order of convergence of the numerical method is three. Some real-life applications are considered as numerical test problems from engineering, which contain fuzzy quantities in the parametric form. Engineering models include fractional conversion of nitrogen-hydrogen feed into ammonia and Van der Waal’s equation for calculating the volume and pressure of a gas and motion of the object under constant force of gravity. Numerical illustrations are given to show the dominance efficiency of the newly constructed iterative schemes as compared to existing methods in the literature.
Preparation and Performance of Vanadium Tailings-Reservoir Sediment-Phosphogypsum-Based Foamed Concrete
Authors: Cui Xiaowei , Di Yanqing , Wang Changlong , Wang Yongbo , Zhang Suhua , Zhai Yuxin , Zheng Yongchao , Wang Shaoxi , Li Xin , Chen Jingliang , Ren Zhenzhen
Published: November 2021

Foamed concrete (FC) was prepared from raw materials of vanadium tailings (VTs), reservoir sediment (RS), and phosphogypsum (PG). The physicochemical properties of the raw materials were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The preparation and properties of FC were investigated by particle size analysis and strength test. The hydration products and microstructure of FC were analyzed by XRD and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results show that when the specific surface area (SSA) of VTs is 768 m2·kg−1 and the content is 40%, the products with a compressive strength of 3.56 MPa and density of 619.1 kg·m−3 meet the requirements of JG/T 266-2011 standard on FC of grades A06 and C3.0; the main mineral phases in the products are calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, ettringite (AFt), and calcite, as well as the residual mineral phases after the system reaction include quartz, orthoclase, mullite, pyrite, and PG.
Motion Modeling and Control of Lower Limb Exoskeleton Based on Max-Plus Algebra
Authors: Qin Cuifeng , Liu Zuojun
Published: November 2021

Max-plus algebra is a special method to describe the discrete event system. In this paper, it is introduced to describe the motion of lower limb exoskeleton. Based on the max-plus algebra and the timed event graph, the walking process of exoskeleton is modelled. The max-plus algebra approach can describe the logical sequence and safety condition in the walking process, which cannot be achieved via other conventional modelling approaches. The autonomous control of lower limb exoskeleton system is studied via the model based on max-plus algebra. In the end, an FSM (finite state machine) controller embedded with the max-plus algebra model is proposed, and the experiments show ideal speed and gait/phase period control effect, as well as the good safety and stable performance.
Chemical Composition, Protective Effects, and Mechanisms of Volatile Oil from Fructus Gleditsiae Abnormalis with Nasal Administration against Ischemic Injury in HFD and MCAO-Induced Rats
Authors: Luo Chengyue , Wu Yumei , Chen Xiaolan , Han Wei , Wan Jing , Dong Nana , Deng Bili , Kebebe Dereje
Published: November 2021

Fructus Gleditsiae Abnormalis (FGA) has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of stroke caused by phlegm and blood stasis. However, its substance basis and mechanism of action are currently unknown. This study is aimed to analyze the constituents of the volatile oil in FGA (VOFGA) using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and explore the underlying effects and mechanisms of VOFGA in the prevention and treatment of ischemia stroke. An in vivo ischemia model was constructed by combination treatment of high-fat diet (HFD) and middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method. After administration, the cerebral infarction volume, the brain water content, hemorheology, blood lipids, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indicators, Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 and histological examination (HE) were determined and observed to explore the underlying effects and mechanisms of VOFGA against ischemia stroke. The results showed that forty components were determined after analyzed by GC-MS, and the percentage content of palmitate, paeonol, violetone, linalool, salpinol, citral, and methyleugenol were 4.69%, 5.2%, 3.56%, 3.31%, 2.42%, 2.65%, and 1.67%, respectively. The high dose of VOFGA could inhibit neurological damage; reduce the cerebral infarction volume and brain water content; improve whole blood viscosity and red blood cell aggregation index at various shear rates; reduce the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, and NO; increase the contents of HDL-C, IL-10, and SOD; downregulate the expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in the ischemic regions; and upregulate the expressions of Bcl-2. These effects implied that VOFGA may exert neuroprotective effects via inhibiting ischemia-triggered oxidative damage-regulating blood lipid factors and reducing the production of proinflammatory mediators against cerebral I/R injury and neuronal apoptosis. The VOFGA presents a potential treatment value for cerebral ischemic stroke, and it may offer insights into discovering new active compounds for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Correlation between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, sFlt-1, PLGF, and Hypertension in Pregnancy
Authors: Wang Wei , Du Ting , Jiang Xiaoqi
Published: November 2021

Gestational hypertension is a common disease in clinical practice, which does great harm to the mother and infant. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D, sFlt-1, and PLGF and hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy. Specimen preparation: after delivery or placental caesarean section, in order to avoid calcification and necrosis in the middle of the placenta, an area of about 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm should be separated immediately. After dehydration, use a Citadel 2000 dryer to dry it and place it in a block of saline for xylene immunohistochemical staining. Statistical processing was performed according to the proportion of positive cells in each part and the depth of staining. Placental tissue collection and treatment: within 20 minutes after the delivery of the placenta, two pieces of the placental tissue (about 1.0 cm × 1.0 cm × 1.0 cm) were taken from the central zone of the placental maternal surface without obvious bleeding and calcification. They were rinsed repeatedly in normal saline, fixed in 10% neutral formaldehyde solution for 24 hours, dehydrated using an automatic dehydrator, and embedded in paraffin for detection. Before the study, 20 ml of distilled water was added to the sample to stand for 20 minutes; the Cobas E610 immunoanalyzer was turned on, and sFlt-1 and PLGF (placental growth factor) were selected. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of pregnant women was detected in the fasting state at 24–28 weeks of gestation, and the best collection time was 8 : 00–11 : 00 in the morning. 5 ml of the whole blood sample without anticoagulant was collected and stored at 0–4°C in a cold storage and dark environment. The serum was obtained by high-speed centrifugation within 24 hours after collection. The method is suitable for the quantitative determination of 25-OH-vitamin D in human serum. In the hypertensive pregnancy group, the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 18.44 ± 3.48 ng/ml, and the sFlt-1/PLGF level was highest at 0–5 weeks followed by 5–10 weeks, 10–15 weeks, and 15–20 weeks. This study provides new ideas and experimental clues for the prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia.
Macrophage Regulation of the Development of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Al-Janabi Haider , Lewis Claire E.
Published: November 2021

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the front-line treatment for early and metastatic prostate cancer, and the development of tumor resistance to it has major clinical consequences. Cancer cells start to proliferate and tumors begin to regrow, requiring the administration of more generic anticancer treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. Tumor-associated macrophages are known to drive tumor resistance to a number of anti-cancer therapies. El-Kenawi and colleagues now demonstrate a novel mechanism underpinning their ability to do so in prostate tumors during ADT. This involves the accumulation of cholesterol by macrophages in tumors and its transfer to cancer cells, where it acts as a precursor for androgen biosynthesis and results in the activation of androgen receptors.

See related article by El-Kenawi and colleagues, p. 5477
Optimize Initial Freezing Time of Transbronchial Cryobiopsy for the Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease: A Prospective Randomized Parallel Group Study
Authors: Chen Xiaobo , Ye Yongshun , Han Qian , Liang Zhenyu , Xiao Weiquan , Chen Difei , Lu Liya , Gu Yingying , Zhong Nanshan , Li Shiyue
Published: November 2021

Background: Transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) is increasingly being identified as a potential alternative for the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD). The specimen size of TBCB is positively related to the freezing time. However, the proper initial freezing time for the clinical application of TBCB in ILD remains unknown. Methods: A prospective randomized parallel group study was employed to investigate ILD patients with unclear diagnosis, who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from May 2019 to October 2020 and required TBCB. All patients were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the different freezing times of TBCB: 3 s, 4 s, 5 s, and 6 s groups. All operations were performed under intravenous anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, 60–65 bar pressure of freezing gas source, and 1.9-mm cryoprobe. Compare differences among groups in specimen size, complications, pathological diagnosis efficiency, and multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) diagnostic efficiency. Results: A total of 100 patients were recruited and randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 25 each group). The specimen sizes of TBCB in ILD were positively correlated with the freezing time (r = 0.639, p < 0.05). None of the patients experienced Grade 3 severe bleeding. Pneumothorax occurred in 1 patient in the 4 s, 5 s, and 6 s groups, respectively. The diagnostic yield of MDD in the 3 s, 4 s, 5 s, and 6 s groups were 64%, 88%, 88%, and 96%, respectively (p < 0.05), but showing no significant differences among 4 s, 5 s, and 6 s groups. Conclusions: The specimen size and diagnostic efficiency of TBCB in ILD increased with a longer freezing time. When the freezing gas pressure is 60–65 bar, we recommended 4 s as the initial freezing time of TBCB, and this time is associated with high diagnostic efficiency and low incidence of complications.
Identification of Prodromal Presentations of Parkinson’s Disease among Primary Care Outpatients in Germany
Authors: Bohlken Jens , Schrag Anette , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Kostev Karel
Published: November 2021

Background: This study aimed to identify clinical features that predate the diagnosis of PD in a primary care setting. Methods: This retrospective case-control study was based on data from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA) and included 17,702 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 17,702 non-PD controls matched for age, sex, and index year. We analyzed the prevalence of 15 defined diagnoses and symptoms documented within 2 years, ≥2 to <5 years, and ≥5 to <10 years prior to the index date in patients with and without PD. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between PD and the predefined diagnoses. Results: The prevalence of motor, neuropsychiatric, and autonomic features was higher in those with a later diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease than controls for all 3 periods except for rigidity in the ≥2 to <5- and ≥5 to <10-year periods and erectile dysfunction in the most recent period before diagnosis. The clinical presentation recorded in the greatest percentage of patients was depression, followed by dizziness, insomnia, and constipation, but these were also common in the control population. The odds ratios were highest for increase in tremor, followed by gait impairment and memory problems, particularly in the latest period before diagnosis, and by constipation particularly in the earliest period examined. Conclusion: The prodromal features of PD could be identified in this large primary care database in Germany with similar results to those found in previous database studies despite differences in methodologies and systems.
Sex Differences in Ablation Strategy, Lesion Sets, and Complications of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: An Analysis From the GWTG-AFIB Registry
Authors: Yunus Fahd N. , Perino Alexander C. , Holmes DaJuanicia N. , Matsouaka Roland A. , Curtis Anne B. , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Frankel David S. , Knight Bradley P. , Russo Andrea M. , Lewis William R. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Turakhia Mintu P. , Day John , Desai Nihar , Feld Gregory K. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Hurwitz Jodie L. , Joglar Jose , Sheth Kevin , Sidhu Mandeep
Published: November 2021

Background:

When presenting for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, women, compared with men, tend to have more nonpulmonary vein triggers and advanced atrial disease. Whether this informs differences in AF ablation strategy is not well described. We aimed to characterize ablation strategy and complications by sex, using the Get With The Guidelines-AF registry.

Methods:

From the Get With The Guidelines-AF registry ablation feature, we included patients who underwent initial AF ablation procedure between January 7, 2016, and December 27, 2019. Patients were stratified based on AF type (paroxysmal versus nonparoxysmal) and sex. We compared patient demographics, ablation strategy, and complications by sex.

Results:

Among 5356 patients from 31 sites who underwent AF ablation, 1969 were women (36.8%). Women, compared with men, were older (66.8±9.6 versus 63.4±10.6,
P
<0.0001) and were more likely to have paroxysmal AF (59.4% versus 49.5%,
P
<0.0001). In women with nonparoxysmal AF, left atrial linear ablation was more frequent (roof line: 53.9% versus 45.3%,
P
=0.0002; inferior mitral isthmus line: 10.2% versus 7.0%,
P
=0.01; floor line: 46.1% versus 40.6%,
P
=0.02) than in men. In multivariable analysis, the association between patient sex and complications from ablation was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

In this US wide AF ablation quality improvement registry, women with nonparoxysmal AF were more likely to receive adjunctive lesion sets compared with men. These findings suggest that patient sex may inform ablation strategy in ways that may not be strongly supported by evidence and emphasize the need to clarify optimal ablation strategies by sex.
Understanding Circadian Mechanisms of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Report From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop, Part 1: Basic and Translational Aspects
Authors: Delisle Brian P. , George Alfred L. , Nerbonne Jeanne M. , Bass Joseph T. , Ripplinger Crystal M. , Jain Mukesh K. , Hermanstyne Tracey O. , Young Martin E. , Kannankeril Prince J. , Duffy Jeanne F. , Goldhaber Joshua I. , Hall Martica H. , Somers Virend K. , Smolensky Michael H. , Garnett Christine E. , Anafi Ron C. , Scheer Frank A.J.L. , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Shea Steven A. , Balijepalli Ravi C.
Published: November 2021

Sudden cardiac death (SCD), the unexpected death due to acquired or genetic cardiovascular disease, follows distinct 24-hour patterns in occurrence. These 24-hour patterns likely reflect daily changes in arrhythmogenic triggers and the myocardial substrate caused by day/night rhythms in behavior, the environment, and endogenous circadian mechanisms. To better address fundamental questions regarding the circadian mechanisms, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a workshop, Understanding Circadian Mechanisms of Sudden Cardiac Death. We present a 2-part report of findings from this workshop. Part 1 summarizes the workshop and serves to identify research gaps and opportunities in the areas of basic and translational research. Among the gaps was the lack of standardization in animal studies for reporting environmental conditions (eg, timing of experiments relative to the light dark cycle or animal housing temperatures) that can impair rigor and reproducibility. Workshop participants also pointed to uncertainty regarding the importance of maintaining normal circadian rhythmic synchrony and the potential pathological impact of desynchrony on SCD risk. One related question raised was whether circadian mechanisms can be targeted to reduce SCD risk. Finally, the experts underscored the need for studies aimed at determining the physiological importance of circadian clocks in the many different cell types important to normal heart function and SCD. Addressing these gaps could lead to new therapeutic approaches/molecular targets that can mitigate the risk of SCD not only at certain times but over the entire 24-hour period.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Blood Pressure Among US Adults, 1999–2018
Authors: Hardy Shakia T. , Chen Ligong , Cherrington Andrea L. , Moise Nathalie , Jaeger Byron C. , Foti Kathryn , Sakhuja Swati , Wozniak Gregory , Abdalla Marwah , Muntner Paul
Published: November 2021

Racial and ethnic differences in blood pressure (BP), regardless of antihypertensive medication use, contribute to cardiovascular disease disparities. We analyzed systolic BP (SBP) data from US adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2002 through 2015 to 2018 (n=51 743) to determine if racial and ethnicity disparities have changed over time. Among US adults not taking antihypertensive medication, the mean age-adjusted SBP (95% CI), mm Hg, in 1999 to 2002 and 2015 to 2018 was 119.6 (118.7–120.5) and 119.4 (118.7–120.1) for non-Hispanic White adults, 124.7 (123.7–125.7) and 124.9 (123.8–125.9) for non-Hispanic Black adults and 120.4 (118.6–122.2) and 120.4 (119.7–121.2) for Hispanic adults. The mean multivariable-adjusted SBP was 4.1 mm Hg (2.7–5.4) higher in 1999 to 2002 and 3.8 mm Hg (2.6–5.0) higher in 2015 to 2018 among non-Hispanic Black adults compared with non-Hispanic White adults, while there was no evidence of a difference between Hispanic adults and non-Hispanic White adults in 1999 to 2002 (−0.2 mm Hg [95% CI, −1.9 to 1.5]) or 2015 to 2018 (−0.8 mm Hg [95% CI, −1.8 to 0.1]). Among US adults taking antihypertensive medication, the mean age-adjusted SBP (95% CI), mm Hg, in 1999 to 2002 and 2015 to 2018 was 129.6 (126.7–132.4) and 127.1 (125.6–128.6) for non-Hispanic White adults, 136.9 (133.8–140.0) and 135.3 (132.5–138.1) for non-Hispanic Black adults and 133.9 (128.0–139.7) and 131.8 (127.6–136.0) for Hispanic adults. After multivariable adjustment, in 1999 to 2002 and 2015 to 2018, mean SBP was 4.8 mm Hg (1.8–7.8) and 6.5 mm Hg (4.5–8.4) higher, respectively, among non-Hispanic Black adults versus White adults, and 2.4 mm Hg (−2.6 to 7.3) and 3.6 mm Hg (0.8 to 6.4) higher, respectively, among Hispanic adults versus non-Hispanic White adults. In the United States, non-Hispanic Black adults continue to have higher SBP levels compared with non-Hispanic White adults.
Investigation of Sea Spray Effect on the Vertical Momentum Transport Using an Eulerian Multifluid-Type Model
Authors: Rastigejev Yevgenii , Suslov Sergey A.
Published: November 2021

The Eulerian multifluid mathematical model is developed to describe the marine atmospheric boundary layer laden with sea spray under the high-wind condition of a hurricane. The model considers spray and air as separate continuous interacting turbulent media and employs the multifluidE–ϵ closure. Each phase is described by its own set of coupled conservation equations and characterized by its own velocity. Such an approach enables us to accurately quantify the interaction between spray and air and pinpoint the effect of spray on the vertical momentum transport much more precisely than could be done with traditional mixture-type approaches. The model consistently quantifies the effect of spray inertia and the suppression of air turbulence due to two different mechanisms: the turbulence attenuation, which results from the inability of spray droplets to fully follow turbulent fluctuations, and the vertical transport of spray against the gravity by turbulent eddies. The results of numerical and asymptotic analyses show that the turbulence suppression by spray overpowers its inertia several meters above wave crests, resulting in a noticeable wind acceleration and the corresponding reduction of the drag coefficient from the reference values for a spray-free atmosphere. This occurs at much lower than predicted previously spray volume fraction values of ∼10−5. The falloff of the drag coefficient from its reference values is more strongly pronounced at higher altitudes. The drag coefficient reaches its maximum at spray volume fraction values of ∼10−4, which is several times smaller than predicted by mixture-type models.
Estimating PM2.5 Concentrations in Contiguous Eastern Coastal Zone of China Using MODIS AOD and a Two-Stage Random Forest Model
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Xu Hanqiu , Yu Shaode
Published: November 2021

The coarse Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical depth (AOD) product (spatial resolution: 3 km) retrieved by the dark-target algorithm always generates the missing values when being adopted to estimate the ground-level PM2.5 concentrations. In this study, we developed a two-stage random forest using MODIS 3-km AOD to obtain the PM2.5 concentrations with full coverage in a contiguous coastal developed region, i.e., Yangtze River delta–Fujian–Pearl River delta (YRD–FJ–PRD) region of China. A first-stage random forest–integrated six meteorological fields was employed to predict the missing values of AOD product, and the combined AOD (i.e., random forest–derived AOD and MODIS 3-km AOD) incorporated with other ancillary variables were developed for predicting PM2.5 concentrations within a second-stage random forest model. The results showed that the first-stage random forest could explain 94% of the AOD variability over YRD–FJ–PRD region, and we achieved a site-based cross validation (CV) R2 of 0.87 and a time-based CV R2 of 0.85. The full-coverage PM2.5 concentrations illustrated a spatial pattern with annual-mean PM2.5 of 46, 40, and 35 μg m−3 in YRD, PRD, and FJ, respectively, sharing the same trend with previous studies. Our results indicated that the proposed two-stage random forest model could be effectively used for PM2.5 estimation in different areas.
The Effects of Environmental Wind Shear Direction on Tropical Cyclone Boundary Layer Thermodynamics and Intensity Change from Multiple Observational Datasets
Authors: Wadler Joshua B. , Cione Joseph J. , Zhang Jun A. , Kalina Evan A. , Kaplan John
Published: November 2021

The relationship between deep-layer environmental wind shear direction and tropical cyclone (TC) boundary layer thermodynamic structures is explored in multiple independent databases. Analyses derived from the tropical cyclone buoy database (TCBD) show that when TCs experience northerly component shear, the 10-m equivalent potential temperature θe tends to be more symmetric than when shear has a southerly component. The primary asymmetry in θe in TCs experiencing southerly component shear is radially outward from 2 times the radius of maximum wind speed, with the left-of-shear quadrants having lower θe by 4–6 K than the right-of-shear quadrants. As with the TCBD, an asymmetric distribution of 10-m θe for TCs experiencing southerly component shear and a symmetric distribution of 10-m θe for TCs experiencing northerly component shear was found using composite observations from dropsondes. These analyses show that differences in the degree of symmetry near the sea surface extend through the depth of the boundary layer. Additionally, mean dropsonde profiles illustrate that TCs experiencing northerly component shear are more potentially unstable between 500- and 1000-m altitude, signaling a more favorable environment for the development of surface-based convection in rainband regions. Analyses from the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) database show that subsequent strengthening for TCs in the Atlantic Ocean basin preferentially occurs in northerly component deep-layer environmental wind shear environments whereas subsequent weakening preferentially occurs in southerly component wind shear environments, which further illustrates that the asymmetric distribution of boundary layer thermodynamics is unfavorable for TC intensification. These differences emphasize the impact of deep-layer wind shear direction on TC intensity changes that likely result from the superposition of large-scale advection with the shear-relative asymmetries in TC structure.

Significance Statement

This research investigates how the direction of the winds surrounding the storm impacts the strength of a tropical cyclone. Analyses from this study illustrate that when the winds come from the south the atmospheric boundary layer has a cool and dry side along with a warm and moist side. When the large-scale winds come from the north, temperature and moisture conditions are more uniform throughout the boundary layer. Consequently, results from tropical cyclone climatology show that winds observed to come from the north favor subsequent intensification. These relationships illustrate that tropical cyclone structure and intensity are directly influenced by their surrounding environments and that knowledge of the wind environment could help to improve future forecasts of tropical cyclone intensity change.
Optimism Amid Despair: How to Avoid a Net-Zero Debacle
Authors: Panwar Rajat
Published: November 2021

Corporate net-zero carbon emission pledges abound and so does skepticism about the results they could deliver. Three approaches proposed here can ensure these pledges alleviate, rather than aggravate, the climate crisis.
Trem1 Induces Periodontal Inflammation via Regulating M1 Polarization
Authors: Wu D. , Weng Y. , Feng Y. , Liang B. , Wang H. , Li L. , Wang Z.
Published: November 2021

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by destruction of nonmineralized and mineralized connective tissues. This study evaluated the role of Trem1 (triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 1) in periodontitis by influencing polarization of M1 macrophages through the STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway. Trem1 was significantly upregulated in the gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis, as identified by high-throughput RNA sequencing, and positively correlated with levels of M1 macrophage–associated genes. The results of flow cytometry, Western blotting, and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that knockdown of Trem1 in RAW 264.7 cells decreased polarization of M1 macrophages and increased polarization of M2 macrophages, while overexpression of Trem1 exerted an opposite effect. Furthermore, a mouse model of Trem1 knockout periodontitis exhibited limited infiltration of macrophages and decreased expression levels of M1 macrophage–associated genes in periodontitis lesions and bone marrow–derived macrophages. Importantly, we found that Trem1 could regulate polarization of M1 macrophages through STAT3/HIF-1α signaling as evidenced by RNA sequencing. Moreover, inhibition of Trem1 and HIF-1α could suppress the expression level of proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin 1β) and upregulate the expression level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin 10) in periodontitis. Collectively, we identified that the Trem1/STAT3/HIF-1α axis could regulate polarization of M1 macrophages and is a potential candidate in the treatment of periodontitis.
Autopsy findings of suicidal hanging in Mugla, Turkey
Authors: Balcı Yasemin , Göçeoğlu Ümit Ünüvar , Kıymet M. Elçin , Seçkin Çetin
Published: November 2021

Introduction: External and internal autopsy findings of suicidal hanging were evaluated retrospectively in Muğla, Turkey. The relations between macroscopic autopsy findings and age, gender, nature of the ligature, position of the knot, and the ligature marks were assessed. The aim of this study was to describe autopsy findings of the hangings and discuss the regional differences. Method: The reports of 175 hanging autopsies between 2013 to 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Macroscopic external and internal findings were evaluated and compared statistically. Results: Among the 2534 autopsies, the cause of death was suicide by hanging in 175 cases (6.9%). The male-to-female ratio was 3:1, 76%(n = 133) of the cases were male, 24% (n = 42) were female, the mean age was 44.9(SD = 19.3) years. Suicide by hanging was most prevalent in the 25–44 age group and among men. Complete hanging was more common than incomplete hanging, and softer materials were more commonly used in incomplete hangings. Females utilized soft materials more than males. Males used atypical hanging more than females. Bilateral hemorrhage in the neck muscles was more common with typical hanging. There was a significant relationship between tongue protrusion and hemorrhage at the clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle. Conclusion: In this study, which includes a large series, some regional and gender differences were observed. Careful and detailed macroscopic examination was important to diagnose antemortem vitality findings.
Social Displacement of Rural Labour in Pandemic Times: Data from Indian States
Authors: Deb Surajit
Published: November 2021

The present contribution is the twelfth part of the Social Change Indicators series. Over the past four issues, we have deliberated on the social and economic challenges arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. The topics that were covered previously have included aspects of vulnerable households across social classes, poverty and migration, living conditions for social distancing and social protection networks. In this issue, we examine the displacement of rural labour in various states of India. We examine aspects, such as the labour force participation rate in rural India, according to the usual status, age group of 15–59 years, the unemployment rate in rural India, according to the usual status, age group of 15–59 years, the percentage distribution of workers in the usual status by broad status in employment in rural India, and the percentage of workers engaged in informal sector enterprises among workers in usual status engaged in the agriculture sector.
Histopathologic Evaluation of Ecballium Elaterium Applied Nasal Mucosa in Rat Rhinosinusitis Model
Authors: Eti Can Mehmet , Vayιsoǧlu Yusuf , Kardaş Berkan , Arpacι Rabia Bozdoǧan , Horasan Elif Sahin , Kanιk Arzu , Eti Neslihan , Yalιn Serap , Talas Derya Ümit
Published: November 2021

This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of Ecballium Elaterium (E.E) that is topically applied for treatment of rhinosinusitis as a traditional medicine. Pure and extract forms of E.E are applied to the nasal cavity of rats for rhinosinusitis. Nasal mucosa, soft palate and trachea of rats were harvested in the first hour, 3rd day and 3rd week for histopathological evaluation. This experimental study revealed antiinflammatory effects of E.E. It has also been shown that E.E reduced fibrosis. The antiinflammatory effect of all forms of E.E has been found to be at their maximum level in the 3rd day with a decreasing manner to 3rd week. Additionally, pure form of E.E caused severe epithelial loss in hyperacute stage. E.E also reduced fibrosis besides its antiinflammatory effect. The action mechanism of antiinflammatory effect of different levels of extract forms need to be further analysed through related enzymatic pathways by different dose and time studies.
Food Insecurity and International Migration Flows
Authors: Smith Michael D. , Wesselbaum Dennis
Published: November 2021

The driving forces of international migration are increasingly complex and interrelated. This article examines the relationship between food insecurity and regular, permanent international migration. The analysis draws on data from the first global measure of individual-level food insecurity combined with data on migration flows from 198 origin countries to 16 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development destination countries for 2014 and 2015. Using a fixed-effects regression model that resembles an augmented gravity equation controlling for various confounding factors, we show both a significant positive correlation between food insecurity at origin and out-migration and a positive correlation between out-migration and within-country inequality in food insecurity at origin. Our findings imply that people may react not only to the average prevalence of food insecurity but also to their relative position in the distribution of food insecurity within their origin country. This finding may help inform policymakers about potential threshold effects and guide the design of migration policies and aid programs. It also contributes to the study of international migration flows by presenting novel evidence for the role of food insecurity and within-country inequality in food insecurity as drivers of migration flows.
Promoting access to indigenous information in Africa: Challenges and requirements
Authors: Chowdhury Gobinda , McLeod Julie , Lihoma Paul , Teferra Solomon , Wato Richard
Published: November 2021

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal SDG16.10 advocates for ensuring public access to information, yet knowledge access and sharing are some of the key challenges in many countries, especially in Africa. The African Union Agenda 2063 strongly recommends access to African indigenous, cultural information to promote sustainable development but how might this be achieved? This paper shares findings from a project - NetDiploma - that built an international multi-stakeholder network of experts, professionals and various user communities to mobilize and share knowledge to explore the requirements for promoting access to cultural heritage and government information held in memory institutions, such as archives, for everyone in Africa. It identifies the key enablers and challenges associated with the long-term goal of making African government, indigenous and cultural heritage information accessible online in the form of a Digital Public Library of Africa (DPLAf) and the research and development required to realise this vision.