bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical closing pressure of the pharyngeal airway during routine drug-induced sleep endoscopy: feasibility and protocol
Authors: Kazemeini Elahe , Van de Perck Eli , Dieltjens Marijke , Willemen Marc , Verbraecken Johan , Sands Scott A. , Vanderveken Olivier M. , Op de Beeck Sara
Published: February 2022

The protocol of this study was successful in concomitant measurement of Pcrit during routine clinical endoscopy. Comparison of two calculation methods for Pcrit showed that the inspiratory ventilation method is more successful in assessment of Pcrit in subjects with epiglottic collapse, associated with high negative effort dependence. Subjects with palatal complete concentric collapse during DISE had a wide Pcrit range suggesting no close correlation between Pcrit and this collapse pattern.
Research on the Training Strategy of Aerobic Physical Education Talents under the Background of Artificial Intelligence Era
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Wang Hong
Published: February 2022

Aerobic is loved by the public, especially the young people, through the combination of the art and power of dance. With people’s attention to health, the demand for aerobic professionals is increasing. As an important training base for aerobic professionals, the level and teaching ability of aerobic professionals have a great influence on students. The gradual maturity and rapid popularization of artificial intelligence bring many opportunities and challenges to the teaching of physical education in colleges and universities. Only by seizing the opportunities and facing the challenges, excavating their own existing problems, and transforming with the help of artificial intelligence can we adapt to the development trend of educational modernization in China. In order to increase the standardization and standardization of aerobics and provide executable standards for aerobic learning, performance, and adjudication, through the research on the training strategy of aerobic sports talents under the background of artificial intelligence era, capture aerobic performance actions with artificial intelligence awareness, standardize and standardize aerobics, and discuss the teaching effect of school intelligent aerobics, it is found that this study not only has important physical education teaching value but also relates to the application prospect of artificial intelligence technology in aerobic physical education talent training strategy.
Apolipoprotein E ε4 Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qiao Su-Ya , Shang Ke , Chu Yun-Hui , Yu Hai-Han , Chen Xin , Qin Chuan , Pan Deng-Ji , Tian Dai-Shi
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Rising studies indicate that the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is related to the susceptibility of ischemic stroke (IS). However, certain consensus is limited by the lack of a large sample size of researches. This meta-analysis was performed to explore the potential association between the APOE gene and IS. Methods. To identify relevant case control studies in English publications by October 2020, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with fixed- or random-effect models and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to analyze potential associations. Results. A total of 55 researches from 32 countries containing 12207 IS cases and 27742 controls were included. The association between APOE gene ε4 mutation and IS was confirmed (ε4 vs. ε3 allele: pooled

OR
=
1.374

, 95% CI, 1.214-1.556; ε2/ε4 vs. ε3/ε3: pooled

OR
=
1.233

, 95% CI, 1.056-1.440; ε3/ε4 vs. ε3/ε3: pooled

OR
=
1.340

, 95% CI, 1.165-1.542; ε4/ε4 vs. ε3/ε3: pooled

OR
=
1.833

, 95% CI, 1.542-2.179; and APOE ε4 carriers vs. non-ε4 carriers: pooled

OR
=
1.377

; 95% CI, 1.203-1.576). Interestingly, APOE ε4 mutation showed a dose-response correlation with IS risk (ε4/ε4 vs. ε2/ε4: pooled

OR
=
1.625

; 95% CI, 1.281-2.060; ε4/ε4 vs. ε3/ε4: pooled

OR
=
1.301

; 95% CI, 1.077-1.571). Similar conclusions were drawn in the small artery disease (SAD) subtype, but not in large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) or in cardioaortic embolism (CE), by subgroup analysis. Conclusions. These observations reveal that specific APOE ε4 mutation was significantly associated with the risk of IS in a dose-dependent manner, while APOE ε4 mutation was related to SAD subtype onset without a cumulative effect.
Predicting Parkinson’s Disease Progression: Evaluation of Ensemble Methods in Machine Learning
Authors: Nilashi Mehrbakhsh , Abumalloh Rabab Ali , Minaei-Bidgoli Behrouz , Samad Sarminah , Yousoof Ismail Muhammed , Alhargan Ashwaq , Abdu Zogaan Waleed
Published: February 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease. Accurate diagnosis of this disease in the early stages is crucial for its initial treatment. This paper aims to present a comparative study on the methods developed by machine learning techniques in PD diagnosis. We rely on clustering and prediction learning approaches to perform the comparative study. Specifically, we use different clustering techniques for PD data clustering and support vector regression ensembles to predict Motor-UPDRS and Total-UPDRS. The results are then compared with the other prediction learning approaches, multiple linear regression, neurofuzzy, and support vector regression techniques. The comparative study is performed on a real-world PD dataset. The prediction results of data analysis on a PD real-world dataset revealed that expectation-maximization with the aid of SVR ensembles can provide better prediction accuracy in relation to decision trees, deep belief network, neurofuzzy, and support vector regression combined with other clustering techniques in the prediction of Motor-UPDRS and Total-UPDRS.
Variation in Anti-icing Power of Superhydrophobic Electrothermal Film under Different Temperatures and Wind Speeds
Authors: Xue Shijie , Liu Yihua , Wang Yu , Xiao Bing , Shi Xiaoxin , Yao Jingchun , Lv Xianglian , Yuan Weizheng , He Yang
Published: February 2022

Anti-icing with low-energy consumption has important research value for unmanned aerial vehicles. In this study, a superhydrophobic electrothermal film for anti-icing applications was designed and prepared, and power consumption experiments were conducted at different temperatures and wind speeds in an icing wind tunnel. The anti-icing power consumption of the superhydrophobic electrothermal film was lower than that of a traditional electrothermal film. As the temperature decreased or the wind speed increased, the anti-icing power consumption of the two types of electrothermal films increased. A heat flux model was used to analyse the experimental results. It can be concluded that the water collection rate per unit area

W

and wetting coefficient

ξ

w

are the main factors affecting the power consumption of the superhydrophobic electrothermal film. When the temperature decreased and the wind speed increased, the contact time and contact area between the droplet and the surface affected

W

and

ξ

w

. Thus, this study is of considerable significance for the design of superhydrophobic electrothermal films for novel anti-icing applications in the future.
A New Method to Improve the Measurement Accuracy of Autonomous Astronomical Navigation
Authors: Yang Yu-Feng , Han Xiang , Song Ning-Ning , Wang Zi-Chen
Published: February 2022

Based on the theory of atmospheric refraction, combined with the atmospheric parameter data of NCEP (National Centers for environmental prediction), the Fourier interpolation fitting algorithm is used to model and analyze the parameters affecting atmospheric refraction on a global scale. The atmospheric temperature and density model with space‐time variation is constructed. The spacecraft state equation and the measurement equation with the starlight apparent height as the observation quantity are established. Moreover, the Unscented Kalman filter is applied to the indirect sensitive horizon autonomous astronomical navigation of starlight refraction. The relative error of fitting the measured data with the spatiotemporal atmospheric temperature model established in this paper is less than 2%. The position estimation error of the navigation system is 94 m, and the velocity estimation error is 0.16 m/s. Compared with the traditional model, the navigation and positioning considering complex atmospheric changes are more accurate.
Impregnation of Silver Nanoparticles onto Polymers Based on Sugarcane Bagasse for the Remediation of Endocrine Disruptor–Bisphenol A from Water
Authors: Mpatani Farid Mzee , Kombo Ussi Makame , Kheir Khamis Rashid , Nassor Nahya Khamis , Joshua Daniel , Mussa Salma Saleh , Mohamed Salama Abubakar , Mbarak Saide Abdulla , Hamad Ali Shehe , Ahmada Salum Ali
Published: February 2022

This present study introduces a contemporary innovation of synthesized polymer–silver nanoparticle nanocomposite adsorbent based on sugarcane bagasse (AgNP-SB- βCD) for the sequestration of emerging micropollutant–bisphenol A from water matrix. Batch adsorption mode was carried out to assess the effectiveness of AgNP-SB- βCD nanocomposites towards eliminating bisphenol A (BPA). Characterization techniques including SEM, FTIR, and XRD have confirmed the successful incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto bagasse–polymer. At 25°C, pH 7, and contact time of 120 min, the nanocomposites had a maximum uptake capacity of 158.4 mg g-1on BPA. The equilibrium isotherm of BPA on AgNPs-SB- βCD has fitted effectively with Langmuir model while the adsorption kinetics conformed to pseudo-second order. The adsorption phenomenon was controlled mainly by physisorption (via host–guest inclusion van der Waals bonding and pore filling effect). In addition, oxidative degradation of BPA by AgNPs-SB- βCD could marginally contribute the removal of BPA due to oxidative dissolution of AgNPs at pH 7. The thermodynamic results substantiate the spontaneity and exothermic behaviors of the adsorption phenomenon. The polymeric nanocomposite adsorbent was regenerated five times (using 75% ethanol) without considerable loss of its adsorption capacity. This authenticates its reusability and consistency performances; accordingly, it can be a market competitor adsorbent for the treatment of water contaminated with BPA.
Comparison of ZETA Fast (PTS) (Optopol Technology) and Humphrey SITA Fast (SFA) (Carl Zeiss Meditec) Perimetric Strategies
Authors: Mathews Basil , Laux Jeff , Barnhart Cassandra , Fleischman David
Published: February 2022

Purpose. To compare two threshold strategies for visual field assessment, ZETA Fast (Optopol Technology) and Humphrey SITA Fast (Carl Zeiss Meditec), in controls and subjects with glaucoma. Patients and Methods. A prospective case-control study was carried out in which the clinical practice study included 26 controls and 26 glaucoma subjects. Testing for each strategy was monocular. Quantitative comparisons of mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), visual field index (VFI), and test duration were made using two one-sided t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Confusion matrices were constructed to assess Optopol’s detection as a proxy for Zeiss’s detection of early glaucomatous defects. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess MD and PSD’s discriminability. Results. The difference in MD values (Optopol-Zeiss) was within the margin for controls (difference = 0.36,

p
=
0.06

), but not for glaucomatous subjects (difference = 2.16,

p
=
1.0

). The Optopol strategy took longer than the Zeiss strategy in both controls (difference = 23 seconds,

p
=
0.001

) and glaucomatous subjects (difference = 49 seconds,

p
<
0.001

). PSD values were higher and VFI values were lower from Optopol in glaucomatous subjects (

p
<
0.001

and

p
=
0.002

). Optopol was 92% sensitive in capturing early glaucomatous defects with MD <−2 when compared to Zeiss (

p
<
0.001

). ROC analysis shows Optopol yields higher discriminability than Zeiss for MD/PSD indices. Conclusions. Both strategies enable effective identification of glaucomatous defects within 6 minutes; they also offer high sensitivity with a high correlation in global indices between the two strategies. The Optopol strategy is an alternative to the Zeiss counterpart with the limitation of a marginally longer testing protocol but a higher sensitivity of detecting glaucomatous defects.
Evaluation of Effect of Acupoint Sticking Therapy on Idiopathic Edema by Ultrasound Imaging Based on Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Wang Jiao , Zhao Wenxia , Wang Pei , Li Min
Published: February 2022

This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupoint application therapy on specific edema by using denoising convolutional neural network (DnCNN) ultrasound images. 144 patients with idiopathic edema were selected as the research objects, and they were randomly divided into the conventional treatment group and the acupoint application group. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, quality-of-life score, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Ultrasound images based on the deep learning algorithm were used to evaluate the efficacy. The results showed that compared with conventional ultrasound, ultrasound based on DnCNN was more accurate in the diagnosis of idiopathic edema. The total effective rate of edema treatment in the acupoint application group was higher than that in the conventional treatment group (45% vs 93%,

P
<
0.01

). After treatment, the scores of TCM symptoms in the acupoint application group were lower than those in the conventional treatment group, and the quality-of-life score in the acupoint application group was higher than that in the conventional treatment group

P
<
0.05

. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups

P
>
0.05

. In summary, ultrasound-assisted examination based on the algorithm is accurate in the diagnosis of idiopathic edema. Acupoint application therapy has a significant effect on idiopathic edema and does not increase the incidence of adverse reactions, which has a guiding role in clinical treatment.
The Different Effects of Direct Bilirubin on Portopulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Li Yuan , Qiu Hongling , Zhao Qinhua , He Jing , Jiang Rong , Wu Wenhui , Luo Cijun , Li Huiting , Wang Lan , Liu Jinming , Gong Sugang
Published: February 2022

Background. To observe different roles of direct bilirubin (Dbil) on portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Methods. Thirty incident patients with POPH and 180 with IPAH (matched by the WHO functional classification in a 1 : 6 ratio) between March 2010 and December 2020 were included. The receiver operating curve and Kaplan–Meier method were applied to estimate the ability to distinguish between the two and survival, respectively. Univariate and forward multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to access the relationship between pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and clinical indices. Results. Compared to IPAH, the POPH group had better hemodynamics including PVR (7.08 ± 3.95 vs. 14.89 ± 7.11,

P
<
0.001

) and higher total bilirubin (Tbil) and Dbil. Tbil and Dbil had a negative correlation with PVR in the POPH group (r = −0.394,

P
=
0.031

; r = −0.364,

P
=
0.048

, respectively) but positive correlation in the IPAH group (r = 0.218,

P
=
0.003

; r = 0.178,

P
=
0.018

, respectively). Increased neutrophil counts (r = 0.394,

P
=
0.031

) and elevated NT-proBNP (r = 0.433,

P
<
0.001

) would help predict the elevation of PVR in POPH and IPAH groups independent of Dbil, respectively. Dbil could distinguish POPH from IPAH (AUC = 0.799,

P
=
0.009

), and the ability was elevated when taking aspartate aminotransferase together (AUC = 0.835,

P
<
0.001

). The overall survival was better in POPH than in IPAH (7 dead cases of POPH and 96 of IPAH,

P
=
0.002

). Survival was better in POPH than in IPAH in the group of Dbil ≥7 μmol/L (

P
=
0.001

) but showed no significant difference between POPH and IPAH in the group of Dbil <7 μmol/L (

P
=
0.192

). Conclusions. The POPH group had a better hemodynamic profile than IPAH. Dbil was associated oppositely with the elevation of PVR in POPH and IPAH. Patients with POPH had better survival than those with IPAH in the total cohort and in the group of Dbil ≥7 μmol/L, but limited dead cases of POPH should be noted.
MRI-Based Radiotherapy Planning to Reduce Rectal Dose in Excess of Tolerance
Authors: Schmidt Daniel R. , Bhagwat Mandar , Glazer Daniel I. , Chen Ming-Hui , Moteabbed Maryam , McMahon Elizabeth , Loffredo Marian J. , Tempany Clare M. , D’Amico Anthony V.
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose. Chronic rectal toxicity significantly decreases the quality of life for men who receive radiotherapy for prostate cancer. The most significant predictor of rectal toxicity is rectal dose-volume exceeding tolerance. To minimize the volume of rectum in the high dose field, it is essential to accurately define the prostate-rectum interface. This can be challenging to do by computed tomography (CT) imaging alone. The current study was undertaken to formally demonstrate in a clinical trial setting that image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT) planning using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reduce the volume of rectum exceeding 70 Gy, a validated metric that predicts the risk of late rectal toxicity. Materials and Methods. This prospective single-arm study enrolled 15 men treated with IG-IMRT for localized prostate cancer. All participants received a dedicated 3 Tesla MRI examination of the prostate in addition to a pelvic CT examination for treatment planning. Two volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans with a prescription dose of 79.2 Gy were designed using identical constraints based on CT- and MRI-defined consensus volumes. The volume of rectum exposed to 70 Gy or more was compared using the Wilcoxon paired signed rank test. Results. For CT-based treatment plans, the median volume of rectum receiving 70 Gy or more was 9.3 cubic centimeters (cc) (IQR 7.0 to 10.2) compared with 4.9 cc (IQR 4.1 to 7.8) for MRI-based plans. This resulted in a median volume reduction of 2.1 cc (IQR 0.5 to 5.3,

P

 < .001). Conclusions. Using MRI to plan prostate IG-IMRT to a dose of 79.2 Gy reduces the volume of rectum receiving radiation dose in excess of tolerance (70 Gy or more) and should be considered in men who are at high risk for late rectal toxicity and are not good candidates for other rectal sparing techniques such as hydrogel spacer. This trial is registered with NCT02470910.
Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight among Adults in the Middle East Countries from 2000 to 2020: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Okati-Aliabad Hassan , Ansari-Moghaddam Alireza , Kargar Shiva , Jabbari Neda
Published: February 2022

Background. Obesity has become a significant public health issue worldwide, and it is a major risk factor for many noncommunicable diseases. This systematic review aimed to identify the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the Middle East region and different countries in this region. Materials and Methods. PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE databases were searched from 2000–2020 to identify relevant studies in the Middle East area. The survey was carried out using combinations of Medical Subject Headings (Mesh) keywords like “body mass index”, “obesity”, “overweight”, “prevalence”, “Middle-East”, and “Countries in the Middle East area”. Analysis of the data was done using STATA-14, and a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Results. A total of 101 studies with 698905 participants have been identified that met inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the Middle East area were 21.17 (95% CI: 17.05–26.29) and 33.14 (95% CI: 26.87–40.87), respectively. The findings showed that obesity prevalence increased with age so that the highest prevalence of obesity and overweight was observed in people >40 years old. Obesity prevalence in the Middle East area remained steady between 2000–2006 and 2014–2020 (23%). During these time intervals, the prevalence of overweight decreased from 34.83 (95% CI: 32.40–37.45) to 32.85 (95% CI: 31.39–34.38). Conclusions. Despite the relative stabilization of the overweight and obesity trend in the Middle East, current interventions to combat the overweight epidemic need to be maintained and strengthened because the prevalence of overweight and obesity in this region is still very high. The prevalence of obesity increases with age so that people over 40 have the highest percentage of obesity and overweight. Therefore, implementing intervention programs to prevent and control obesity and overweight in the Middle East is essential.
Changes in the Prevalence of Natural Paramphistomum Cercariae Infection in Indoplanorbis and Lymnaea Intermediate Hosts Influenced by Meteorological Factors
Authors: Rafiq Naseem , Ayaz Sultan , Niaz Sadaf , Haleem Sumbal , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Bourhia Mohammed , Ali Essam A.
Published: February 2022

Paramphistomosis is a neglected ruminant parasitic disease caused by trematodes known as Paramphistomum, which has a diheteroxenic life cycle involving freshwater snail genera, i.e., Planorbis and Lymnaea as the intermediate host and mammals as the definitive host. Snail vector distribution, infection with Paramphistomum spp. cercariae, preferred habitat, and their relationship with certain meteorological factors were not investigated in the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate the effects of meteorological factors on the occurrence and severity of Paramphistomum spp. cercariae in Indoplanorbis and Lymnaea intermediate snail hosts. For this purpose, a cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2018 to September 2019, and snails were collected and then identified using snail shell morphology; their infection with Paramphistomum spp. cercariae was determined through microscopy; and descriptive statistics were used to estimate the prevalence of infection and evaluate their occurrence relationship with a certain meteorological factors including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and pan evaporation in different districts of the above-mentioned province of Pakistan, i.e., adjacent areas of Bara and Kabul rivers in district Nowshehra, Kabul River (Sardaryab) of district Charsadda, Kalpani River of district Mardan, and Indus River (Hund) of district Swabi. A total of 2,706 Indoplanorbis (1539) and Lymnaea (1167) snails were collected, in which overall 10.30% shed Paramphistomum spp. cercariae. The highest infection rate was found in the river of district Swabi (13.20%), while the lowest in adjacent rivers of district Nowshehra (8.19%). Meteorological factors play an essential role in the causation of Paramphistomum spp. infection, parasitic reproduction, vector growth, and survival. Due to these factors, high significant prevalence was found in the summer season (11.83), followed by autumn (11.25), which might be due to optimum temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall (

p
<
0.05

). It was concluded from the study that meteorological factors contribute to the prevalence of Paramphistomum species in the Indoplanorbis and Lymnaea, which act as vectors for the disease paramphistomosis, which may lead to the increased intensity of infection outbreaks of the parasite population in humans and domestic animals.
Application and Development of Digital Enhancement of Traditional Sculpture Art
Authors: Yang Zeyin
Published: February 2022

Sculpture art, as an important carrier of spiritual civilization, also portrays a prosperous scene as an industry with urban and cultural development. Three-dimensional technology offers a new platform for sculpture creation, allowing for the digitization of sculpture works via electronic information technology, and the display of sculpture works in front of people via displays, facilitating the exchange and dissemination of information and promoting the growth and progress of the entire sculpture creation industry. We plan to use digital enhancement technology to conduct small-scale creation experiments on traditional sculpture works, discuss the method of GA (Genetic Algorithm) in image restoration processing, investigate the method of image segmentation processing based on the genetic algorithm, and propose the method of image segmentation processing based on the fuzzy membership surface genetic algorithm, in order to verify and solve the creation difficulties of traditional sculpture works.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of Genes Associated with Metabolic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Mu Tong , Peng Linrui , Xie Xinglei , He He , Shao Qing , Wang Xiran , Zhang Yuwei
Published: February 2022

Aims. The present study aimed to reveal the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, GATAD2A, and STAT3 genes and metabolism-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD), so as to provide a research basis for further exploring the diagnosis and treatment of diseases at the molecular level. Methods. A total of 564 patients were included in the physical examination center of Xinjiang Karamay People’s Hospital. They were divided into an MAFLD case group and a healthy control group. The whole blood DNA of each sample was extracted by a whole blood genomic DNA extraction kit, and the genotypes of PNPLA3 rs738409, MBOAT7 rs64173, STAT3 rs744166, TM6SF2 rs58542926, and GATAD2A rs4808199 were performed; after adjusting for confounding factors, the additive model, dominant model, and recessive model of each gene were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results. The CC genotype of the PNPLA3 gene rs738409 and the TT genotype of the MBOAT7 gene rs64173 are risk factors in the occurrence of MAFLD. The AA genotype of the STAT3 gene rs744166 is a protective factor of MAFLD, while TM6SF2 rs58542926 and GATAD2A rs4808199 show no significant correlation with MAFLD.
Ocular Distribution of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in the Context of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Abid Ali , Khan Muhammad Azaan , Lee Brendon , White Andrew , Carnt Nicole , Arshad Sana , Samarawickrama Chameen
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented impact on global health, economy, and way of life. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the disease, utilizes the ACE2 receptor found on host cells to mediate entry, replication, and infection. Numerous studies have elucidated the presence of many components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the eye, including the ACE2 receptor. Considering this, and the anatomical vulnerability that the exposed ocular surface offers with its interconnectedness to the respiratory system, there is a theoretical risk of pathogen entry from the ocular route as well as the development of COVID-19-associated eye disease. Despite this, the actual epidemiological data demonstrates low ocular symptoms, possibly due to differing ACE2 receptor expression across age, ethnicity, and sex coupled with the protective properties of tears. We summarize the current literature on ocular RAAS with specific focus on the ACE2 receptor and its interplay with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Dentists Knowledge and Attitude about Confidentiality and Privacy of the Patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alkhalifah Alya Fahad , Alsadiq Sarah Muhammad , Elsid Omnia Ata , Alsadiq Belal Mohamad , Agarwal Poonam
Published: February 2022

Background: Privacy and confidentiality are critical elements of patient care. Dentists are ethically obliged to protect patient confidentiality and ensure discretion. Confidentiality is significant to patients’ well-being and establishes confidence in relationships between the doctor and patient. The aim of our study was to determine the level of knowledge about patient confidentiality, actuate the proper attitude when breaching patient confidentiality, and highlight the importance of consent forms for each patient’s release of confidential information. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 411 dentists in Saudi Arabia, using an anonymous self-administrated questionnaire that consisted of three parts: sociodemographic data, knowledge, and the third part was the attitude. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS. Results: Results show a significant relationship between knowledge and age (r = 0.470, p < 0.05), qualification (r = 0.453, p < 0.06), and experience (r = 0.430, p < 0.05), whereas a less significant relationship occurred between gender and knowledge (r = −0.177, p < 0.05). There were also significant relationships between qualification and attitudes in terms of commenting on a patient to colleagues (r = −0.138, p < 0.05), friends, or general discussion of confidential information in the waiting room (r = −0.210, <0.05, r = −0.161, p < 0.05); however, these aforementioned correlations were conflicted among the answers of the respondents. Conclusion: Dental programs should address issues concerning confidentiality in order to increase sensitivity of healthcare professionals toward respecting confidentiality of each and every patient.
Die Nutzung des suprachorioidalen Raums zur pharmakologischen Therapie
Authors: Strauß Olaf
Published: February 2022

The suprachoroidal space (SCS), a potential space between the sclera and choroid, is becoming an applicable method to deliver therapeutics to the back of the eye. In recent years, a vast amount of research in the field has been carried out, with new discoveries in different areas of interest, such as imaging, drug delivery methods, pharmacokinetics, pharmacotherapies in preclinical and clinical trials and advanced therapies. The SCS can be visualized via advanced techniques of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in eyes with different pathologies, and even in healthy eyes. Drugs can be delivered easily and safely via hollow microneedles fitted to the length of the approximate thickness of the sclera. SCS injections were found to reach greater baseline concentrations in the target layers compared to intravitreal (IVT) injection, while agent clearance was faster with highly aqueous soluble molecules. Clinical trials with SCS injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) were executed with promising findings for patients with noninfectious uveitis (NIU), NIU implicated with macular edema and diabetic macular edema (DME). Gene therapy is evolving rapidly with viral and non-viral vectors that were found to be safe and efficient in preclinical trials. Here, we review these novel different aspects and new developments in clinical treatment of the posterior segment of the eye.
Emerging Concepts of Vascular Cell Clonal Expansion in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Misra Ashish , Rehan Rajan , Lin Alexander , Patel Sanjay , Fisher Edward A.
Published: February 2022

Clonal expansion is a process that can drive pathogenesis in human diseases, with atherosclerosis being a prominent example. Despite advances in understanding the etiology of atherosclerosis, clonality studies of vascular cells remain in an early stage. Recently, several paradigm-shifting preclinical studies have identified clonal expansion of progenitor cells in the vasculature in response to atherosclerosis. This review provides an overview of cell clonality in atherosclerotic progression, focusing particularly on smooth muscle cells and macrophages. We discuss key findings from the latest research that give insight into the mechanisms by which clonal expansion of vascular cells contributes to disease pathology. The further probing of these mechanisms will provide innovative directions for future progress in the understanding and therapy of atherosclerosis and its associated cardiovascular diseases.
Digital Health in Primordial and Primary Stroke Prevention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Feigin Valery L. , Owolabi Mayowa , Hankey Graeme J. , Pandian Jeyaraj , Martins Sheila C.
Published: February 2022

The stroke burden continues to grow across the globe, disproportionally affecting developing countries. This burden cannot be effectively halted and reversed without effective and widely implemented primordial and primary stroke prevention measures, including those on the individual level. The unprecedented growth of smartphone and other digital technologies with digital solutions are now being used in almost every area of health, offering a unique opportunity to improve primordial and primary stroke prevention on the individual level. However, there are several issues that need to be considered to advance development and use this important digital strategy for primordial and primary stroke prevention. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines we provide a systematic review of the current knowledge, challenges, and opportunities of digital health in primordial and primary stroke prevention.
Disparities in Internet Use Among US Stroke Survivors: Implications for Telerehabilitation During COVID-19 and Beyond
Authors: Zhu Cenjing , Tran Phoebe M. , Dreyer Rachel P. , Goldstein Larry B. , Lichtman Judith H.
Published: February 2022

Despite evidence-based guidelines,

1

stroke rehabilitation remains underutilized, particularly among women and minorities.

2

Telerehabilitation is a promising alternative to traditional in-person rehabilitation and offers a novel strategy to overcome access barriers,

3

which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

4

A broadband connection is a prerequisite for its wide adoption but its availability varies across the United States (
https://broadbandnow.com/national-broadband-map
). Little is known about demographic and geographic variation in internet use among stroke survivors. In this study, we sought to compare internet use in a nationally representative sample of individuals with and without stroke.
Trichoderma spp. promote root growth and high populations of Meloidogyne enterolobii on tomato crop
Authors: Almeida Sheila F. , Mello Sueli C.M. , Cardoso Ana L.B. , Santos Jansen R.P. , Carneiro Regina M.D.G.
Published: February 2022

Meloidogyne enterolobii is an emerging pathogen in Brazil, considered highly destructive to tomato. Due to the lack of cultivars resistant to this nematode, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma spp. strains on the promotion of tomato growth and biological control of M. enterolobii populations. The use of eight strains from the CENARGEN collection and three formulated products at a concentration of 1.43 × 106 conidia ml−1 significantly increased the fresh weight of roots compared to control plants inoculated only with nematodes. These Trichoderma strains, except CEN316, also promoted a significant increase in the number of nematodes and in the reproduction factor (RF). With the increase of spore concentration (1 × 108 conidia ml−1) in the second assay, the inoculation of nematode or fungi plus nematode promoted an increase in the fresh weight of roots, except in treatments CEN162, CEN287, UFT 201, and CEN287 + nematodes, which maintained the fresh weight of roots equal to the control without nematodes. None of the spore concentrations (1.43 × 106 and 1 × 108 ml−1) of different Trichoderma spp. strains influenced the plant height (45 and 90 days after nematode inoculation) or the dry plant weight 90 and 110 days after nematode inoculation, respectively. However, there was a positive and significant correlation between RF and fresh root weight, eggs (g root)−1 and total eggs, in the two doses. Furthermore, the Trichoderma spp. strains did not result in control of M. enterolobii under glasshouse conditions after a complete life cycle of the tomato plant: high nematode infection was observed in both doses of the fungi, including in treatments with the commercial formulations.
Hearing God’s Voice
Authors: Harris Tania M.
Published: February 2022

The extra-biblical revelatory experience or, in common parlance, ‘hearing God’s voice’, is frequent among Pentecostals. These experiences involve the possibility of direct contact with God by the Holy Spirit apart from Scripture or human intermediaries. This article draws on the findings of an Australian PhD study to show that the theological approach of Pentecostals in the sample correlates more closely with the Catholic tradition than with the formal theology of their own tradition. This is largely because the Catholics share the Pentecostal position of experiential continuity with the biblical characters rather than the discontinuous framework of the Protestant tradition. Alignment occurs at all facets of the experience, including its content and function, and in the hearing, recognising, and response phases. The study highlights the deficits that have arisen as a result of the misalignment with Protestant theology and offers several helpful correctives for Pentecostal theology and practice.
The works on echinoids by Klein and Leske, the confusion concerning the authorship of Klein (1778), and the problem of citation of some species
Authors: STOKES ROBERT B.
Published: February 2022

The three most important eighteenth century works on echinoids were by Klein (1734, 1778) and Leske (1778). Confusion about the authorship of Klein’s 1778 publication has led many subsequent, and most current, workers to attribute both 1778 works to Leske. It is clear that Leske himself recognised Klein as the author of the volume published first. Following the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN, 1999), the names for taxa in Klein (1734) are unavailable because they are pre-1758 (as are those in the French translation of 1754); the names in Klein (1778) are unavailable because of the lack of consistency in binominal nomenclature; only the names adopted by Leske (1778) are available for species and genera.
Radiation Effects and Mechanisms on Switching Characteristics of Silicon Carbide Power MOSFETs
Authors: Feng Haonan , Yang Sheng , Liang Xiaowen , Zhang Dan , Pu Xiaojuan , Cui Xu , Wang Haiyang , Sun Jing , Yu Xuefeng , Guo Qi
Published: February 2022

This paper presents an experimental study of the dynamic and static characteristics of SiC Power MOSFETs in a total ionizing dose radiation environment. Their relationship has also been studied. Furthermore, the factors and mechanisms that affect the switching characteristics of SiC
Power MOSFET in a total dose radiation environment are discussed. The change of switching characteristics of SiC VDMOS induced by radiation depends not only on the trapped charge accumulated at the interface and gate oxide above the channel but is also strongly dependent on the parasitic capacitance
of the device. The former causes the negative shift of the threshold voltage to decrease the turn-on time and increase the turn-off time, while the latter increases both the turn-on time and turn-off time. The results of the study show that the static and dynamic performance of SiC power MOSFET
must be considered simultaneously in the total dose radiation damage assessment and radiation hardening. Namely, the static characteristic represented by the threshold voltage and the dynamic characteristic represented by the turn-off time.
Photoelectric Conversion Performance of Composite Perovskite Solar Cell Device and Its Application in Photovoltaic Building
Authors: Yuan Min , Wang Zheng , Zhang Guangjun
Published: February 2022

A new generation of photosensitive materials, namely perovskite inorganic or organic hybrid halides, is regarded as photoelectric conversion materials. Many researchers focus on the related research. Improving the photovoltaic performance of perovskite materials and optoelectronic devices based on this material has become an important research topic. Firstly, polyoxometalate (PW12) and perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) were combined to form polyoxometalate modified perovskite precursor solution by solution chemistry. Photoconductivity test showed that the photocurrent intensity of the composite perovskite material was three times higher than that of the pure perovskite material. Monochromatic light detection results showed that the addition of polyoxometalates increased the sensitivity of the perovskite material at 365 nm, from 0.637 A/W to 1.168 A/W, and at 420 nm, from 0.238 A/W to 0.625 A/W. Based on the above test results, the analysis of the separation and recombination process of photogenerated carriers in the polyoxometalate modified perovskite composites showed that the introduction of polyoxometalate promoted the separation of carriers and accelerated their migration, thereby weakening the recombination ability of photogenerated electrons and holes. HOOC(CH2)4NH3I was combined with CH3NH3PbI3, and polyacid was introduced to prepare perovskite solar cells. The photovoltaic cells with the composite perovskite materials were used in photovoltaic buildings. The cells’ photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) changed from 9.26% to 11.37%, and the efficiency was increased by 23%. Compared with the open circuit voltage of perovskite solar cells before and after adding polyoxometalates, polyoxometalates doping significantly increased the short circuit current of building solar cells (from 17.88 mA/cm2to 22.28 mA/cm2).
The Influence of Cd and Ba Incorporation on Microstructure and Photovoltaic Properties in Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Film
Authors: Guo Jie , Liu Huimin , Wang Lu , Hao Ruiting , Sun Licun , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2022

Cd-doping and Ba-doping Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films solar cells were fabricated and compared. Precursors of Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2(CdZn)SnS4 (CCZTS) and Cu2(BaZn)SnS4 (CBZTS) absorber layer were prepared
by the spin coating method and annealed in a powdered sulfur atmosphere. The theoretical Cd or Ba composition was 0.3 according to the element ratio in the solution. The microstructure, morphology, photovoltaic performance of Cd/Ba doping CZTS were analyzed. Ba and Cd oxidation states can
be found in the doping samples by XPS. The preferred (112) diffraction peak in CCZTS shifted to low angle apparently due to the increase of the lattice constant with the larger Cd2+ cations. The actual Ba-doping amount was low because Ba alkaline-earth metal easily reacts with H2O
in the solution method. Raman spectra showed that the major peaks of CCZTS appeared a red-shift because of Cd-substitution for Zn, while CBZST displayed a blue-shift which could be related to the trigonal structure of CBTS. The stacks structure ZnO/ITO/CdS/CZTS/Mo with Cd/Ba doping solar cells
were investigated. Through Cd incorporation the short-circuit current improved from 10.64 to 14.86 mA/cm−2 which is relate to the reduction of the grain boundary defects states, thus achieved conversion efficiency of 3.65%. CBZTS solar cells with Ba incorporation demonstrated
the worst performance with inferior short circuit current and open circuit voltage, which originated from optical absorption losses and rough CBZTS/CdS interface with a great deal of recombination centers.
Reduction Smelting Experiment of Copper Dross with Low Copper Content
Authors: Zhai Zhongbiao , Yang Yacong , Miao Yingchun , Xu Xiaolin , Wang Yaqin
Published: February 2022

Copper dross with less copper content was used as raw material for reduction smelting experiment, and the effects of the amount of coke fines dosage, the reduction smelting temperature, and the reduction smelting time on the distribution of the main elements in the copper dross between
the various layers were investigated by the bath smelting process during the reduction smelting process. The optimum experiment conditions were as follows: the number of coke fines was 0.1% of the mass of copper dross, the smelting temperature was 1250 °C, and the smelting time was 90
min. Under this condition, the medium frequency furnace was used to carry out the pilot experiment of copper dross, and the experiment results were similar to the laboratory results. Copper dross achieved the separation of valuable metals through reduction and smelting, and obtains four kinds
of materials such as crude lead, matte, slag, and smoke dust. Metal lead, silver, and arsenic were mainly concentrated in the crude lead, sulfides such as lead sulfide, cuprous sulfide, and ferrous sulfide were mainly concentrated in matte copper, lead oxide, and slag-forming elements were
mainly concentrated in slag, and lead oxide was mainly concentrated in smoke dust.
Dietary Betaine Attenuates Obesity: Involvement of Hepatic MicroRNAs
Authors: Jin Lili , Duan Beibei , Liu Jiaxin , Zhang Xiaopeng , Li Xuanjing , Zhu Xiaoyu , Xin Yi , Li Yiling , Alsareii Saeed Ali , Wang Qiuyu , Zhang Dianbao
Published: February 2022

Obesity affects more than one people in three and reduces life expectancy by 5–20 years globally. Dietary intervention is a preferred strategy for prevention and treatment of obesity. Betaine is a derivative of glycine widely distributed in food, and it functions as a methyl donor
and osmolyte. Recent studies revealed betaine as a metabolism modulator, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, high energy diet-induced obesity mice were administrated with betaine at 120 mg/kg bodyweight daily by gavage for 4 weeks. By histology, biochemistry and
hormones analysis, dietary betaine was revealed to attenuate obesity by normalizing glucose and lipid metabolism significantly. Subsequently, the hepatic microRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR. It was found that betaine treatment reversed the elevated miR-27a, miR-27b, miR-34a,
miR-200b and miR-223 in obese mice. These data confirmed the anti-obesity effect of dietary betaine and provided a novel perspective for understanding its underlying mechanisms.
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensing Combined with Nano-Photocatalyst for Structural Safety of Bridges and Prevention of Environmental Pollution
Authors: Xie Qimiao
Published: February 2022

The photocatalytic oxidation technology of nanomaterials has the potential of treating gaseous pollutants. Therefore, the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) macro strain sensor is applied to monitor the health of the bridge. Then, a mesoporous SiO2 adsorbent is taken as the carrier
to prepare SiO2@TiO2 nanocomposites with adsorptionphotocatalytic ability, which is utilized in the adsorption test of gas phase toluene pollutants. The results show that FBG macro strain sensors can effectively detect the changes in bridge T beam cracks, curvature, bending
stiffness, and deflection. The difference between the deflection value calculated by the conjugate beam method and the measured value of LVDT is small. In addition, the prepared SiO2@TiO2 nanomaterials present a core–shell space structure, and have excellent toluene
adsorption and photocatalytic degradation efficiency. In short, the FBG macro strain sensor can be used to monitor the progression of bridge cracks, and the SiO2@TiO2 nanomaterials can realize the enrichment and continuous degradation of gas phase pollutants.