bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status of Patients on Haemodialysis Maintenance Therapy in a Country of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gityamwi Nyangi A. , H. Hart Kathryn , Engel Barbara
Published: May 2021

Malnutrition is common among dialysis patients, but there is insufficient literature on the problem from resource-poor settings of the sub-Saharan region. We conducted a cross-sectional investigation of dietary intake and nutritional status of haemodialysis (HD) patients to inform the current status of this population group in the region. HD patients aged ≥18 years, with dialysis vintage of ≥3 months, at one nephrology unit in Tanzania were assessed for their habitual diet and nutrient intake. Anthropometric measures and biochemistry tests were also performed. The diet was predominantly starchy food based, accompanied by a limited selection of vegetables. Fruits and animal protein were also minimally consumed (1 portion/day each). Fruit consumption was higher in females than males (median (25th, 75th) = 2 (1, 2.3) versus 0.5 (0, 1.7) portions,

p

 = 0.008). More than 70% of participants had suboptimal measures for protein and energy intake, dietary iron, serum albumin, muscle mass, and hand grip strength (HGS). Inadequacies in protein and energy intake and dialysis clearance (URR) increased with the increase in body weight/BMI and other specific components (MAMC and FMI). Consumption of red meats correlated significantly and positively with serum creatinine (r = 0.46,

p

 = 0.01), potassium (r = 0.39,

p

 = 0.03), and HGS (r = 0.43,

p

 = 0.02) and was approaching significance for a correlation with serum iron (r = 0.32,

p

 = 0.07). C-RP correlated negatively with albumin concentration (r = −0.32,

p

 = 0.02), and participants with C-RP within acceptable ranges had significantly higher levels of haemoglobin (

p

 = 0.03, effect size = −0.28). URR correlated negatively with haemoglobin concentration (r = −0.36,

p

 = 0.02). Patients will benefit from improved nutritional services that deliver individually tailored and culturally practical dietary advice to enable them to make informed food choices whilst optimizing disease management.
[Retracted] Application of Improved Interactive Multimodel Algorithm in Player Trajectory Feature Matching
Authors: Du Xi , Ao Qi , Qi Lu
Published: May 2021

The original target tracking algorithm based on a single model has long been unable to meet the complex and changeable characteristics of the target, and then there are problems such as poor tracking accuracy, target loss, and model mismatch. The interactive multimodel algorithm uses multiple motion models to track the target, obtains the degree of adaptation between the actual motion state of the target and each model according to the calculated likelihood function, and then combines the updated weight values of each filter to obtain a weighted sum. Therefore, the interactive multimodel algorithm can achieve better performance. This paper proposes an improved interactive multimodel algorithm that can achieve player tracking and trajectory feature matching. First, this paper proposes an improved Kalman filtering (IKF) algorithm. This method is developed from the unbiased conversion measurement Kalman filter, which can obtain more accurate target state and covariance estimation. Secondly, using the parallel processing mode of the IMM algorithm to efficiently solve the data association between multiple filters, the IMM‐IKF model is proposed. Finally, in order to solve the problem of low computational efficiency and high mismatch rate in image feature point matching, a method of introducing a minimum spanning tree in two‐view matching is proposed. Experimental results show that the improved IMM‐IKF algorithm can quickly respond to changes in the target state and can find the matching path with the lowest matching cost. In the case of ensuring the matching accuracy, the real‐time performance of image matching is ensured.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties and Seepage Characteristics of Red Sandstone with a Single Persistent Joint under Triaxial Compression
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Shifan , Shi Chong , Zheng Shanxi , Zhu Qizhi
Published: May 2021

In this research, the conventional triaxial compression experiments for intact red sandstone specimens and the specimens with a single persistent joint at different inclination angles, i.e., 0°, 30°, 45°, and 90°, were conducted at first. Based on the results of the conventional tests, the effects of the confining pressure and the joint inclination angle on the mechanical properties including deformation behavior and strength parameters were summarized and analyzed, respectively. We find that the strength and deformation of jointed red sandstone are enlarged due to the increment of confining pressure, and the mechanical parameters of specimens show a U-shaped development with the rise of the joint angle. Besides, to investigate the effects of the pore pressure on seepage characteristics of rocks with joint angles at 0°, 45°, and 90°, a series of triaxial compression drainage tests on the jointed red sandstone were performed. The results show that the pore pressure has a weakening effect on the strength of jointed specimens, which can reduce the strengthening effect induced by confining pressure. Meanwhile, the tested specimens mostly present shear failure modes. As a result, the mechanical responses, seepage characteristics, and cracking modes in red sandstone containing a single persistent joint under triaxial compression are revealed.
[Retracted] Intelligent Design of Tennis Player Training Schedule Based on Big Data of Complexity
Authors: Qiu Haiye , Liu Chang , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: May 2021

Tennis players have more physical training content, and the training items are complex. For athletes, training programs that adapt to their individual characteristics should be formulated according to their physical characteristics. The current development of big data has brought about changes in thinking, management, and business models. The combination of complex systems and big data can also make breakthroughs in the sports field. Based on this, this article proposes a tennis player training schedule intelligent formulation system based on complex system big data. First of all, this article adopts the literature data method, comparative analysis method, experimental analysis method, etc., in‐depth study of the concepts of big data, complex system, and the physical structure characteristics of tennis sports. This paper designs an intelligent system for making tennis players’ training schedule, which collects, transforms, and integrates tennis training data through the characteristics of big data. Then, the dynamic time regulation of tennis is performed through a complex system, and finally, the experimental system is analyzed. This article mainly analyzes the comparison of physical indicators between the experimental group and the control group before and after the experiment, the evaluation indicators of sports events, the strength training effects of tennis events, and the analysis of shoulder joint tests. There is no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in the items before the experiment, P > 0.05, which suggests that the physical fitness of the two groups of athletes is similar; in the posttest data, the experimental group and the control group have significant differences, P < 0.05, indicating an effect from the experiment. In particular, in fan running, forward and backward strokes, and the serve, the scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group, indicating that the use of the formulated training system demonstrated significant results.
Extended Model on Structural Stability and Robustness to Bounded Rationality
Authors: Liao Yi , Miao Lujiang , Wang Lei , Xu Fei , Zhang Chi
Published: May 2021

In this article, we focus on an extended model of bounded rationality. Based on a rationality function with lower semicontinuity, we analyze the relationship between structural stability and robustness of . To further demonstrate the applicability of our theory, we introduce a model containing an abstract rationality function and generalize abstract fuzzy economies. We demonstrate the structural stability of the extended model at . That is to say, is robust to the ‐equilibria.
PD‐L1 and Immune Infiltration of m6A RNA Methylation Regulators and Its miRNA Regulators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yingxue , Yao Yinhui , Wang Ying , Wang Lingdi , Cui Haipeng
Published: May 2021

Background. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the relationship between the expression of m6A RNA methylation regulators and prognosis in HCC. Methods. We compared the expression of m6A methylation modulators and PD‐L1 between HCC and normal in TCGA database. HCC samples were divided into two subtypes by consensus clustering of data from m6A RNA methylation regulators. The differences in PD‐L1, immune infiltration, and prognosis between the two subtypes were further compared. The LASSO regression was used to build a risk score for m6A modulators. In addition, we identified miRNAs that regulate m6A regulators. Results. We found that fourteen m6A regulatory genes were significantly differentially expressed between HCC and normal. HCC samples were divided into two clusters. Of these, there are higher PD‐L1 expression and poorer overall survival (OS) in cluster 1. There was a significant difference in immune cell infiltration between cluster 1 and cluster 2. Through the LASSO model, we obtained 12 m6A methylation regulators to construct a prognostic risk score. Compared with patients with a high‐risk score, patients with a low‐risk score had upregulated PD‐L1 expression and worse prognosis. There was a significant correlation between risk score and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. Finally, we found that miR‐142 may be the important regulator for m6A RNA methylation in HCC. Conclusion. Our results suggest that m6A RNA methylation modulators may affect the prognosis through PD‐L1 and immune cell infiltration in HCC patients. In addition, the two clusters may be beneficial for prognostic stratification and improving immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Screws Fixation for Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OL‐LIF): A Finite Element Study
Authors: Ling Qinjie , Zhang Huanliang , He Erxing
Published: May 2021

Background. The combination of screw fixation and cage can provide stability in lumbar interbody fusion (LIF), which is an important technique to treat lumbar degeneration diseases. As the narrow surface cage is developed in oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OL‐LIF), screw fixation should be improved at the same time. We used the finite element (FE) method to investigate the biomechanics response by three different ways of screw fixation in OL‐LIF. Methods. Using a validated FE model, OL‐LIF with 3 different screw fixations was simulated, including percutaneous transverterbral screw (PTVS) fixation, percutaneous cortical bone trajectory screw (PCBTS) fixation, and percutaneous transpedical screw (PPS) fixation. Range of motion (ROM), vertebral body displacement, cage displacement, cage stress, cortical bone stress, and screw stress were compared. Results. ROM in FE models significantly decreased by 84‐89% in flexion, 91‐93% in extension, 78‐89% in right and left lateral bending, and 73‐82% in right and left axial rotation compared to the original model. The maximum displacement of the vertebral body and the cage in six motions except for the extension of model PTVS was the smallest among models. Meanwhile, the model PTVS had the higher stress of screw‐rods system and also the lowest stress of cage. In all moments, the maximum stresses of the cages were lower than their yield stress. Conclusions. Three screw fixations can highly restrict the surgical functional spinal unit (FSU). PTVS provided the better stability than the other two screw fixations. It may be a good choice for OL‐LIF.
Accuracy of Microcomputed Tomography in Detecting Dentinal Cracks: A Correlative Study with Scanning Electron and Operative Microscopy
Authors: Campello Andrea F. , Marceliano-Alves Marília F. , Provenzano José C. , Loyola Simone C. , Siqueira José F. , Machado André G. , Machado André L. , Lopes Ricardo T. , Paiva Maurício M. , Alves Flávio R. F.
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of microcomputed tomography (mCT) to detect dentinal cracks when compared with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and operating microscopy (OM). Different conditions of pixel size (10 or 17 μm), sample moisture (dry/moist), and transillumination (with/without) were evaluated. Additionally, the influence of the dentinal defect width on its detection was analyzed. The root canals of human mandibular incisors were prepared with the Reciproc R40 instrument (VDW, Munich, Germany). The roots were sectioned 5 and 10 mm from the apex, and mCT scans of middle and apical segments were performed at two pixel sizes: 10 μm and 17 μm, under dry and moist conditions (groups: 10dry, 10moist, 17dry, and 17moist). The operating microscope was used with and without transillumination (groups: OMTrans and OM). Findings showed that accuracy was moderate for the 10dry, 10moist, and OMTrans groups, poor for OM and very poor for 17dry and 17moist. The thickness of the dentin crack significantly influenced its detection by mCT using the resolution of 10 μm in both dry and wet conditions (

P
=
.002

), 17 μm in the dry condition (

P
=
.002

), and by the operating microscope using transillumination (

P
=
.009

). Some cracks visualized in SEM were not detected by mCT and an operating microscope. Not only the mCT resolution but also the sample moisture condition and the dentinal crack width can significantly influence its detection.
Screening and Identifying m6A Regulators as an Independent Prognostic Biomarker in Pancreatic Cancer Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas Database
Authors: Lin Bi , Pan Yangyang , Yu Dinglai , Dai Shengjie , Sun Hongwei , Chen Shengchuan , Zhang Jie , Xiang Yukai , Huang Chaohao
Published: May 2021

Background. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumors of the digestive system, and its treatment has rarely progressed for the last two decades. Studies on m6A regulators for the past few years have seemingly provided a novel approach for malignant tumor therapy. m6A‐related factors may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This research is focused on the gene characteristics and clinical values of m6A regulators in predicting prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Methods. In our study, we obtained gene expression profiles with copy number variation (CNV) data and clinical characteristic data of 186 patients with pancreatic cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) portal. Then, we determined the alteration of m6a regulators and their correlation with clinicopathological features using the log‐rank tests, Cox regression model, and chi‐square test. Additionally, we validated the prognostic value of m6A regulators in the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Results. The results suggested that pancreatic cancer patients with ALKBH5 CNV were associated with worse overall survival and disease‐free survival than those with diploid genes. Additionally, upregulation of the writer gene ALKBH5 had a positive correlation with the activation of AKT pathways in the TCGA database. Conclusion. Our study not only demonstrated genetic characteristic changes of m6A‐related genes in pancreatic cancer and found a strong relationship between the changes of ALKBH5 and poor prognosis but also provided a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer therapy.
Comprehensive Medical System for Early Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Autoimmune Antibodies
Authors: Liu Sha
Published: May 2021

With the development of understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, it has led to the development of new treatment targets and new treatment guidelines. In the past 10 years, the treatment effect of RA patients has improved significantly. Due to the special clinical symptoms of RA, it is very important to have a clear assessment of the overall activity of the patient’s disease and timely adjustment of treatment through joint monitoring of symptoms and laboratory indicators. Clinicians have always relied on clinical manifestations and imaging progress as the key basis for diagnosis. In addition, some markers that reflect disease activity are used to aid the diagnosis of RA, but in other autoimmune diseases, these markers are usually increased. The emergence of specific autoantibodies makes it easier for clinicians to distinguish RA from other autoimmune diseases and osteoarthritis. This study collected a large number of medical records through retrospective analysis, analyzed the epidemiological data, clinical characteristics, and laboratory indicators of RA patients, and analyzed the characteristics and laboratory indicators of patients in the stable disease group and active disease group. In order to further understand the clinical features, disease activity and related factors of RA in our country, and some new biomarkers for early rheumatoid arthritis, for example, the study found that the specificity of RF for the diagnosis of RA was 71.1%, the sensitivity was 73.3%, the combined detection of anti‐CCP antibody + RF increased the specificity to 97.8%, and anti‐CCP the combined diagnosis of antibody+RF + GPI antigen increases the specificity of diagnosis to 100%, which significantly reduces the sensitivity compared with all tests. These autoimmune antibodies can more effectively prevent the progression of the disease in the early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, achieve long‐term remission, and obtain very effective therapeutic effects.
[Retracted] Student Physical Fitness Test System and Test Data Analysis System Based on Computer Vision
Authors: Wang Ling , Chen Sitong
Published: May 2021

Computer vision technology is one of the main research directions of artificial intelligence. With the rapid growth of image or video data scale and the improvement of computing power, computer vision technology has achieved unprecedented development in recent years and is widely used in a variety of scenes. This study mainly discusses the design of student physical fitness test system and test data analysis system based on computer vision. This study is mainly based on the motion attitude determination algorithm to identify the motion. In hardware configuration, the key is CPU and GPU. The model realizes large‐scale matrix computation based on the parallel computing power provided by GPU and uses CPU to realize data reading and preprocessing. The assessment controller is responsible for the transmission of instructions and status information and controls the operation of the entire pitch assessment system. It is the control center of the entire system. ZigBee wireless communication technology is adopted as the communication method of human posture measurement terminal and assessment controller. The input image is preprocessed through scaling and standardization. The image is scaled to the resolution of 224 × 224 when input, which is performed to realize data parallel training. The image was changed by means of random horizontal flip, random rotation, and color change to achieve the effect of expanding the dataset. Then, the test evaluation module was used to evaluate various test indexes of the body. During the sit‐up test, nine out of 10 sit‐ups can be accurately counted and the recognition rate reaches 90 percent. The results show that the system designed in this study has high accuracy and good performance, which can be used for the physical fitness test and test data analysis of students.
Factors Associated with Promoted Proliferation of Osteosarcoma by Peptidylarginine Deiminase 4
Authors: Guo Jianping , Yin Lei , Zhang Xuezhong , Su Peng , Zhai Qiaoli
Published: May 2021

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone malignancy, and the pathogenesis has not been entirely elucidated yet. An important deimination modification enzyme PADI4 (peptidylarginine deiminase 4) has attracted much attention in recent years for its important function in several kinds of human tumors. However, the role of PADI4 on osteosarcoma tumorigenesis remains largely unrevealed. Here, we first assessed the effect of PADI4 on osteosarcoma proliferation by the CCK8 method and colony formation assay. Ectopically expressing PADI4 positively regulates the colony formation capacity of both U2OS and Saos‐2 cells. Furthermore, we explored the related mechanism and showed that PADI4 could stimulate Wnt/β‐catenin and MEK/ERK signaling in both U2OS and Saos‐2 cells. Then, we detected expression of PADI4 in human tissues of osteosarcoma and revealed that differential expression of PADI4 was associated with tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma. Last, we performed the in vivo experiment in nude mice and results also showed PADI4 could affect the tumor growth. In conclusion, this work revealed that PADI4 could upregulate the proliferation of osteosarcoma, mainly via the Wnt/β‐catenin and MEK/ERK signaling pathway. This study gives us new insight into the regulation mechanism of osteosarcoma proliferation and highlights PADI4 as a promising target for osteosarcoma diagnosis and treatment.
[Retracted] Modeling and Simulation of Cultural Communication Based on Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Chen Wenting , Jin Bopeng
Published: May 2021

In the process of cultural dissemination, the dissemination of false information will have a negative impact on the entire environment. In this case, it is an effective method to regulate the behavior of cultural dissemination participants. Based on the community network structure and the improved classic network communication model, this paper constructs the susceptible‐infected‐recovered (SIR) model for the grassroots communication of engineering safety culture and discusses the law of grassroots transmission of engineering safety culture. The communication process is simulated, and it is concluded that a good engineering safety culture will be the first to be covered by low‐level engineering safety culture in the process of dissemination. With a modularity coefficient of 0.5 as the boundary, it will affect the scale of good safety culture in different directions; the dissemination infection rate of low‐level engineering safety culture changes in the same direction with the speed and scale of transmission; the maximum transmission scale of low‐level engineering safety culture does not decrease with the increase of the initial value of the susceptible state. When the initial value of the immune state is 15%, the low‐level safety culture scale is the lowest value of 0.135, which is the low initial value of employees with low‐level engineering safety culture and is more conducive to control its maximum spread. It also puts forward management recommendations for the subjects and objects of the grassroots dissemination of engineering safety culture. This paper transforms cultural communication into an evolutionary game model, uses a game tree to describe it, and analyzes that the model has a Nash equilibrium point by adding a penalty function to the income matrix. This model can encourage cultural communication participants to take honest behaviors, effectively restrain the transmission of false information, and promote a virtuous circle of cultural communication.
[Retracted] mir‐126‐5p Promotes Cisplatin Sensitivity of Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer by Inhibiting ADAM9
Authors: Liu Bo , Wang Rui , Liu Hongyan
Published: May 2021

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying the role of miR‐126‐5p in cisplatin (DDP) sensitivity of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. The expression of miR‐126‐5p and ADAM9 in NSCLC cancer tissues and adjacent tissues, cisplatin‐sensitive and drug‐resistant NSCLC patient tissues, human normal lung epithelial cells (BESA‐2B), human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and H1560, and cisplatin‐resistant mutant cell lines A549/DDP and H1560/DDP was detected by qRT‐PCR. After overexpression of miR‐126‐5p or ADAM9 in A549/DDP and H1560/DDP, MTT and clone formation were used to detect the cell proliferation ability of each treatment group. Flow cytometry was used to detect changes in cell apoptosis. The protein expression of ADAM9 and key molecules of PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathways in cells was measured by western blot. Results. Compared with NSCLC adjacent tissues and NSCLC cisplatin‐sensitive tissues, miR‐126‐5p expression was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cisplatin‐resistant NSCLC tissues and ADAM9 was upregulated. qRT‐PCR further detected that miR‐126‐5p was downregulated in A549, H1560, and their cisplatin‐resistant strains A549/DDP and H1560/DDP, while ADAM9 was upregulated. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐126‐5p inhibited A549/DDP and H1560/DDP cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. The results of dual luciferase showed that miR‐126‐5p targeted and negatively regulated ADAM9. We also found that overexpression of ADAM9 could reverse the effects of miR‐126‐5p on NSCLC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cisplatin sensitivity, and this effect may be achieved by inhibiting the activity of the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion. Our data indicated that miR‐126‐5p may negatively regulate ADAM9 to promote the sensitivity of clinical DDP treatment of NSCLC and be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.
Research on Cold Chain Logistics Distribution Route Based on Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Xiong Haiou
Published: May 2021

The cold chain logistics distribution industry not only demands all goods can be timely distribution but also requires to reduce the entire logistics transportation cost as far as possible, and distribution vehicle route optimization is the key problem of cold chain logistics transportation cost calculation. The traditional optimization method spends a lot of time to search so that it is tough to find the globally optimal path approach, which results in higher distribution costs and lower efficiency. To solve the abovementioned problems, a cold logistics distribution path optimization solution, ground on an improved ant colony optimization algorithm (IACO) is formulated. Specially, other constraints, e.g., the transport time factor, transport cooling factor, and mean road patency factor, can be added to the unified IACO. Meanwhile, the updating mode of traditional pheromone is improved to limit the maximum and minimum pheromone concentration on the road and change the path selection transfer probability. The simulation results and experiment make clear that the IACO algorithm is lower than the chaotic-simulated annealing ant colony algorithm (CSAACO) and the traditional ACO algorithm in terms of convergence speed, logistics transportation distance, and logistics delivery time. At the same time, we have successfully obtained the optimal logistics distribution path, which can provide valuable reference information for improving the economic benefits of cold chain logistics enterprises.
Prognostic Models for Nonmetastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Based on the Pretreatment Serum Tumor Markers with Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Huihui , Wu Shijie , Hu Jun , Zhang Kun , Hu Kaimin , Lu Yuexin , He Jiapan , Pan Tao , Chen Yiding
Published: May 2021

Purpose. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive disease with poorer prognosis than other subtypes. We aimed to investigate the prognostic efficacy of multiple tumor markers and constructed a prognostic model for stage I-III TNBC patients. Patients and Methods. We included stage I-III TNBC patients whose serum tumor markers levels were measured prior to the treatment. The optimal cut-off value of each tumor marker was determined by X-tile. Then, we adopted two survival models (lasso Cox model and random survival forest model) to build the prognostic model and AUC values of the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curves and the log-rank test was used to test whether there was a significant difference between the predicted high-risk and low-risk groups. We used univariable and multivariable Cox analysis to identify independent prognostic factors and did subgroup analysis further for the lasso Cox model. Results. We included 258 stage I-III TNBC patients. CEA, CA125, and CA211 showed independent prognostic value for DFS when using the optimal cut-off values; their HRs and 95% CI were as follows: 1.787 (1.056–3.226), 2.684 (1.200–3.931), and 2.513 (1.567–4.877). AUC values of lasso Cox model and random survival forest model were 0.740 and 0.663 for DFS at 60 months, respectively. Both the lasso Cox model and random survival forest model demonstrated excellent prognostic value. According to tumor marker risk scores (TMRS) computed by the lasso Cox model, the high TMRS group had worse DFS (HR = 3.138, 95% CI: 1.711–5.033,

p
<
0.0001

) and OS (3.983, 1.637–7.214,

p
=
0.0011

) than low TMRS group. Furthermore, subgroup analysis of N0-N1 patients in the lasso Cox model indicated that TMRS still had a significant prognostic effect on DFS (2.278, 1.189–4.346) and OS (2.982, 1.110–7.519). Conclusions. Our study indicated that pretreatment levels of serum CEA, CA125, and CA211 had independent prognostic significance for TNBC patients. Both lasso Cox model and random survival forest model that we constructed based on tumor markers could strongly predict the survival risk. Higher TMRS was associated with worse DFS and OS both in stage I-III and N0-N1 TNBC patients.
In Vitro and In Vivo Survey of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag) Rhizome on Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Nikkhoo Maryam , Asgari Qasem , Moein Mahmood Reza , Yaghoobi Kambiz , Gholipour Abbas
Published: May 2021

Background. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis disease that can cause a variety range of manifestations in human specially fetus duration and immunodeficiency conditions. Due to toxicity and side effects of current treatment, we evaluated in vivo and in vitro effects of ethyl acetate extract of Acorus calamus rhizomes (rootstocks) on Toxoplasma gondii. Methods. The plant, Acorus calamus, was collected from Sari, North of Iran in spring season. Ethyl acetate extract was provided from plant rhizomes using Soxhlet apparatus. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The mortality effect of different concentrations (1-256 μg/ml) of the extract on Toxoplasma tachyzoites was assessed by flowcytometry and propidium iodide staining. For the therapeutic effect assessment, the tachyzoites were inoculated intraperitoneally to mice, and then these mice were orally and intraperitoneally administered different concentrations (32, 64, 128, and 256 mg/kg) of the extract. Also, an infected group received PBS including DMSO 1% as negative control, and an infected group administered sulfadiazine as positive control. For toxicity evaluation of this extract, a group only received dose 256 mg/kg. Results. The plant extract was rich of phenolic compounds (

41.27
±
0.21
 
mg
/
g

), whereas it contained fewer amounts of flavonoids (

4.79
±
0.01
 
mg
/
g

). Results of in vitro experiments showed that there is an inverse relationship between the concentrations and the mortality of the parasites (

I

C

50

=
200.01
±
7.74
 
μ
g
/
ml

). The highest percentage (62%) of dead tachyzoites was seen at maximum concentration of the extract. A significant longevity (8.9 days) was belonged to mice orally administered extract dose (256 mg/kg/day).Conclusion. The ethyl acetate extract of A. calamus rhizomes had significant anti-Toxoplasma activities either in vitro or in vivo. It may be connected to high amount of phenolic compounds. We suggest that the effects of different fractions and the admin types of the extract will be evaluated on the parasite.
Clinical Outcomes of Self-Made Polyurethane-Covered Stent Implantation for the Treatment of Coronary Artery Perforations
Authors: Song Xiaoyue , Qin Qing , Chang Shufu , Xu Rende , Fu Mingqiang , Lu Hao , Ge Lei , Qian Juying , Ma Jianying , Ge Junbo
Published: May 2021

Objectives. The present study aimed to investigate the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of self-made polyurethane-covered stents (PU-CS) in patients for the management of coronary artery perforation (CAP) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background. Coronary artery perforation is reckoned as a serious complication in PCI and associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Covered stents have been used for treating the life-threatening CAP during PCI. But in some catheterization laboratories, no commercial CS is immediately available when there is an urgent need for CS to rescue the coronary rupture site. Methods. We retrospectively identified 24 patients who underwent 31 self-made PU-CS implantations due to CAP in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from June 2015 to January 2020. Results. The total procedural success rate of CS to seal the perforation was 79.2%. Nine patients (37.5%) developed cardiac tamponade, of which 8 patients (33.3%) underwent pericardiocentesis and 4 patients (16.7%) underwent cardiac surgeries. Except for 4 cardiac death cases (16.7%), none of myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and stent thrombosis (ST) was reported during hospital stay. Data from 22 patients (91.7%) were available at 610.4 ± 420.9 days of follow-up. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) occurred in 6 patients (27.3%), including 5 cases of cardiac death and one TLR case. Conclusions. Self-made PU-CS demonstrates high rates of successful delivery and sealing of severe CAP during PCI. Although the in-hospital mortality remains high after PU-CS implantation, the long-term follow-up shows favorable clinical outcomes, indicating the feasibility of PU-CS in treating CAP.
Case Report of Spontaneous Bilateral Ovarian Pregnancy in a Nulliparous Lady
Authors: Mahroofi Abdulrahman D. , Alsaqer Jawaher K. , Alabdulla Nawal Saad , Ismael Rihab , Hsu Stephanie , Ismail M. Samy
Published: May 2021

Nontubal ectopic pregnancies, especially ovarian ones, are rare. Here, we report a case of spontaneous bilateral ovarian pregnancy in a 23-year-old nulliparous lady who presented with a three-day history of abdominal pain localized to the right iliac fossa. Laboratory investigations and pelvic US and transvaginal US findings were suggestive of a right ovarian ectopic pregnancy and left ovarian cyst. Following the patient’s consent, the gynaecologist laparoscopically removed the right ovarian ectopic pregnancy and performed a left ovarian cystectomy. Histopathology revealed findings of trophoblastic tissue and chorionic villi with products of conception in both ovaries leading to the diagnosis of bilateral spontaneous ectopic pregnancy. Physicians must be mindful in cases that have a similar clinical presentation because an early diagnosis leads to a reduction in the morbidity and mortality of this specific patient population and helps to improve their overall prognosis.
Frequency, Severity, Rate, and Causes of Moral Distress among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Janatolmakan Maryam , Dabiry Amirabbas , Rezaeian Shahab , khatony Alireza
Published: May 2021

Background. One of the most important psychosocial issues related to the nursing profession is moral distress (MD), which has devastating effects on student performance as well as patient care. The current study was conducted to determine the frequency, severity, rate, and causes of MD in nursing students. Methods. During this cross-sectional study, 86 samples were last year undergraduate nursing students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, who were entered into the study by the census method. Data gathering instruments were personal information form, Moral Distress Scale-revised (MDS-r), and Moral Distress Thermometer (MDT). Results. The mean frequency, severity, and rate of MD, according to the MDS-r questionnaire, were 1.3 ± 0.7 out of 4, 1.8 ± 0.8 out of 4, and 3.3 ± 2.3 out of 16, respectively. The average MDT score was 2.6 ± 2.5 out of 10. The most common causes of MD were working in unsafe conditions (6.8 ± 6.0), observing impaired patients health servicing (5.4 ± 5.6), and the low quality of patient care (5.1 ± 4.6). There was a statistically significant relationship between the gender, work experience, and participation in the professional ethics workshop variables and mean MDS-total and MDT. Conclusion. The rate and mean severity of MD were reported at a moderate level. Also, the MDT average was reported at a mild to an uncomfortable level, and the overall MD was equal to moderate. Therefore, student administrators should take steps to eliminate or reduce the causes of MD. In this regard, the need for teaching preventive methods against MD to nursing students before their clinical courses seems crucial. Also, students with MD must be referred to the psychiatric/psychologist.
Neuroophthalmic Manifestations of Intracranial Tumours in Children
Authors: Kotecha Megha , Gotecha Sarang , Chugh Ashish , Punia Prashant
Published: May 2021

Background. All children between 0 and 16 years presenting with brain tumours confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and treated surgically in our institute were included in this study. Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate the neuroophthalmic and clinical characteristics of intracranial space occupying lesions in children. Methods. Neuroophthalmic manifestations along with location of the tumour by contrast-enhanced MRI, type of surgical intervention, and postoperative histopathological diagnosis were evaluated. Results. In pediatric brain tumours, male preponderance was seen and supratentorial location was more common in general, while in older children, infratentorial tumours were more common than supratentorial tumours. Headache, vomiting, and cerebellar signs were the commonest neurological features. Diminution of vision, diplopia, and strabismus were the commonest ophthalmic symptoms. Papilledema, ophthalmoparesis, and nystagmus were the most frequent ophthalmological signs. Neurological manifestations of seizures, altered sensorium and motor deficits were more frequently seen in supratentorial tumours, while cranial nerve involvement and ataxia were seen in infratentorial tumours. Ophthalmological manifestations including diplopia, strabismus, ophthalmoparesis, and nystagmus were more frequently seen in infratentorial tumours. Astrocytoma was the most frequent histopathological diagnosis followed by medulloblastoma. Conclusion. Diagnosis of pediatric intracranial tumours is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach for prompt management. An ophthalmologist should have a high index of suspicion for brain tumours especially in patients presenting with common ocular symptoms like diminution of vision, diplopia, and strabismus without any neurological symptoms.
Research on Wireless Sensor Network Coverage Path Optimization Based on Biogeography‐Based Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chen Guojun , Qin Xiangdong , Fang Ningsheng , Xu Wenbo
Published: May 2021

Path selection is one of the key technologies of wireless sensor network (WSN). A reasonable choice of coverage path can improve the service quality of WSN and extend the life cycle of WSN. Biogeography‐based optimization (BBO) is widely used in the field of cluster intelligent optimization because its search method has a better incentive mechanism for population evolution. In this paper, the move‐in and move‐out operation and mutation operation of the BBO algorithm enable WSN to find an efficient routing path. In this paper, simulation experiments are carried out in two scenarios of regular deployment and random deployment of WSN nodes. The experimental results show that the quality of the WSN coverage path solution optimized by the BBO algorithm in the two scenarios is better than that of the particle swarm algorithm and genetic algorithm.
Observation and Simulation of Wind Speed and Wind Power Density over Bac Lieu Region
Authors: Nguyen Hiep Van , Xuan Thanh Pham , Nam Nguyen Duc , Xuan Anh Nguyen , Khuong Pham Le , Son Hoang Hai , Manh Nguyen Tien , Cong Pham Chi
Published: May 2021

In this study, the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model was used to simulate and investigate diurnal and annual variations of wind speed and wind power density over Southern Vietnam at 2‐km horizontal resolution for two years (2016 and 2017). The model initial and boundary conditions are from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Final Analyses (FNL). Observation data for two years at 20 m height at Bac Lieu station were used for model bias correction and investigating diurnal and annual variation of wind speeds. The results show that the WRF model overestimates wind speeds. After bias correction, the model reasonably well simulates wind speeds over the research area. Wind speed and wind power density show much higher values at levels of 50–200 m above ground levels than near ground (20 m) level and significantly higher near the coastal regions than inland. Wind speed has significant annual and diurnal cycles. Both annual and diurnal cycles of wind speeds were well simulated by the model. Wind speed is much stronger during daytime than at nighttime. Low-level wind speed reaches the maximum at about 14 LT to 15 LT when the vertical momentum mixing is highly active. Wind speeds over the eastern coastal region of Southern Vietnam are much stronger in winter than in summer due to two main reasons, including (1) stronger large-scale wind speed in winter than in summer and (2) funnel effect creating a local maximum wind speed over the nearshore ocean which then transports high-momentum air inland in winter.
Value CMR: Towards a Comprehensive, Rapid, Cost-Effective Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ibrahim El-Sayed H. , Frank Luba , Baruah Dhiraj , Arpinar V. Emre , Nencka Andrew S. , Koch Kevin M. , Muftuler L. Tugan , Unal Orhan , Stojanovska Jadranka , Rubenstein Jason C. , Brown Sherry-Ann , Charlson John , Gore Elizabeth M. , Bergom Carmen
Published: May 2021

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is considered the gold standard for measuring cardiac function. Further, in a single CMR exam, information about cardiac structure, tissue composition, and blood flow could be obtained. Nevertheless, CMR is underutilized due to long scanning times, the need for multiple breath-holds, use of a contrast agent, and relatively high cost. In this work, we propose a rapid, comprehensive, contrast-free CMR exam that does not require repeated breath-holds, based on recent developments in imaging sequences. Time-consuming conventional sequences have been replaced by advanced sequences in the proposed CMR exam. Specifically, conventional 2D cine and phase-contrast (PC) sequences have been replaced by optimized 3D-cine and 4D-flow sequences, respectively. Furthermore, conventional myocardial tagging has been replaced by fast strain-encoding (SENC) imaging. Finally, T1 and T2 mapping sequences are included in the proposed exam, which allows for myocardial tissue characterization. The proposed rapid exam has been tested in vivo. The proposed exam reduced the scan time from >1 hour with conventional sequences to <20 minutes. Corresponding cardiovascular measurements from the proposed rapid CMR exam showed good agreement with those from conventional sequences and showed that they can differentiate between healthy volunteers and patients. Compared to 2D cine imaging that requires 12-16 separate breath-holds, the implemented 3D-cine sequence allows for whole heart coverage in 1-2 breath-holds. The 4D-flow sequence allows for whole-chest coverage in less than 10 minutes. Finally, SENC imaging reduces scan time to only one slice per heartbeat. In conclusion, the proposed rapid, contrast-free, and comprehensive cardiovascular exam does not require repeated breath-holds or to be supervised by a cardiac imager. These improvements make it tolerable by patients and would help improve cost effectiveness of CMR and increase its adoption in clinical practice.
Identification of Disease-Specific Hub Biomarkers and Immune Infiltration in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Tissues by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Sun Fei , Zhou Jian lin , Peng Pu ji , Qiu Chen , Cao Jia rui , Peng Hao
Published: May 2021

Background. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are well-known cause of joint disability. Although they have shown the analogous clinical features involving chronic synovitis that progresses to cartilage and bone destruction, the pathogenesis that initiates and perpetuates synovial lesions between RA and OA remains elusive. Objective. This study is aimed at identifying disease-specific hub genes, exploring immune cell infiltration, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms associated with RA and OA synovial lesion. Methods. Gene expression profiles (GSE55235, GSE55457, GSE55584, and GSE12021) were selected from Gene Expression Omnibus for analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the “LIMMA” package in Bioconductor. The DEGs were identified by Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to identify candidate hub genes by using STRING and Cytoscape. Hub genes were identified by validating from GSE12021. Furthermore, we employed the CIBERSORT website to assess immune cell infiltration between OA and RA. Finally, we explored the correlation between the levels of hub genes and relative proportion of immune cells in OA and RA. Results. We identified 68 DEGs which were mainly enriched in immune response and chemokine signaling pathway. Six hub genes with a cutoff of

AUC
>
0.80

by ROC analysis and relative expression of

P
<
0.05

were identified successfully. Compared with OA, the RA synovial tissues consisted of a higher proportion of 7 immune cells, whereas 4 immune cells were found in relatively lower proportion (

P
<
0.05

). In addition, the levels of 6 hub genes were closely associated with relative proportion of 11 immune cells in OA and RA. Conclusions. We used bioinformatics analysis to identify hub genes and explored immune cell infiltration of immune microenvironment in synovial tissues. Our results should offer insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of synovial lesion and provide potential target for immune-based therapies of OA and RA.