bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSD-95 Involvement in Maturation of Excitatory Synapses
Authors: El-Husseini Alaa El-Din , Schnell Eric , Chetkovich Dane M. , Nicoll Roger A. , Bredt David S.
Published: October 2021

PSD-95 is a neuronal PDZ protein that associates with receptors and cytoskeletal elements at synapses, but whose function is uncertain. We found that overexpression of PSD-95 in hippocampal neurons can drive maturation of glutamatergic synapses. PSD-95 expression enhanced postsynaptic clustering and activity of glutamate receptors. Postsynaptic expression of PSD-95 also enhanced maturation of the presynaptic terminal. These effects required synaptic clustering of PSD-95 but did not rely on its guanylate kinase domain. PSD-95 expression also increased the number and size of dendritic spines. These results demonstrate that PSD-95 can orchestrate synaptic development and are suggestive of roles for PSD-95 in synapse stabilization and plasticity.
Structural and Biochemical Characterization of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Papain-Like Protease 2
Authors: Chu Hsu-Feng , Cheng Shu-Chun , Sun Chiao-Yin , Chou Chi-Yuan , Lin Ta-Hsien , Chen Wei-Yi
Published: October 2021

Current challenges in coronaviruses (CoVs) include a comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic effects of associated enzymes, including the 3C-like and papain-like proteases. We have previously reported that the PEDV PLP2 exhibits a broader substrate preference, superior DUB function, and inferior peptidase activity.
CRISPR-Mediated Transcriptional Repression in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Markus Benedikt M. , Boydston Elizabeth A. , Lourido Sebastian
Published: October 2021

Toxoplasma gondiiis a ubiquitous intracellular parasite of humans and animals that causes life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients, fetal abnormalities when contracted during gestation, and recurrent eye lesions in some patients. Despite its health implications, about half of theToxoplasmagenome still lacks functional annotation.
Transcriptional Profiling of the Candida auris Response to Exogenous Farnesol Exposure
Authors: Jakab Ágnes , Balla Noémi , Ragyák Ágota , Nagy Fruzsina , Kovács Fruzsina , Sajtos Zsófi , Tóth Zoltán , Borman Andrew M. , Pócsi István , Baranyai Edina , Majoros László , Kovács Renátó
Published: October 2021

Candida auris
is a dangerous fungal pathogen that causes outbreaks in health care facilities, with infections associated with a high mortality rate. As conventional antifungal drugs have limited effects against the majority of clinical isolates, new and innovative therapies are urgently needed.
Morel Production Related to Soil Microbial Diversity and Evenness
Authors: Tan Hao , Liu Tianhai , Yu Yang , Tang Jie , Jiang Lin , Martin Francis M. , Peng Weihong
Published: October 2021

Saprotrophic mushrooms cultivated in soils are subject to complex influences from soil microbial communities. Research on growing edible mushrooms has revealed connections between fungi and a few species of growth-promoting bacteria colonizing the mycosphere.
A Heterodimeric Reduced-Ferredoxin-Dependent Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase from Syngas-Fermenting Clostridium ljungdahlii
Authors: Yi Jihong , Huang Haiyan , Liang Jiyu , Wang Rufei , Liu Ziyong , Li Fuli , Wang Shuning
Published: October 2021

Syngas, a mixture of CO, CO
2
, and H
2
, is the main component of steel mill waste gas and also can be generated by the gasification of biomass and urban domestic waste. Its fermentation to biofuels and biocommodities has attracted attention due to the economic and environmental benefits of this process.
Clostridium ljungdahlii
is one of the superior acetogens used in the technology.
Supplemental Material: Oceanic strike-slip faults represent active fluid conduits in the abyssal sub-seafloor
Authors: Hensen Christian , al. et
Published: October 2021

Data tables, description of methods, and numerical model.
Clinical and genetic features of retinoschisis in 120 families withRS1mutations
Authors: Xiao Sainan , Sun Wenmin , Xiao Xueshan , Li Shiqiang , Luo Hualei , Jia Xiaoyun , Ouyang Jiamin , Li Xueqing , Wang Yingwei , Jiang Yi , Wang Panfeng , Zhang Qingjiong
Published: October 2021

Background/aims

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS), associated withRS1, is the most common type of X-linked retinopathy in children. This study aimed to identify clinical and genetic features of retinoschisis in 120 families withRS1variants in China.

Methods

RS1variants were collected from our in-house exome data and were predicted by multiple-step bioinformatics analysis. Clinical data of 122 patients from 120 families with potential pathogenicRS1variants were analysed and summarised, respectively.

Result

Totally, 79 hemizygous variants (53 missense, 25 truncation and 1 indel), were detected. All except one (78/79, 98.7%), including 22 novels, were classified as potential pathogenic and detected exclusively in 120 families with retinoschisis. Clinical data demonstrated an average age of presentation at 5 years (1 month–41 years). Macular changes were classified as macular schisis (87.5%), macular atrophy (10.7%), normal (0.9%) and unclassified (0.9%). Patients with macular atrophy had older age but similar visual acuity compared with macular schisis. Peripheral retinal changes included flat retinoschisis (52.4%), bullous retinoschisis (BRS) (10.7%) and normal-like (36.9%) patients. Spontaneous regression was observed in two patients with BRS on follow-up examination. Visual acuity in the peripheral retinoschisis group was worse than that without peripheral retinoschisis.

Conclusion

Almost all rareRS1variants were potential pathogenic. All patients withRS1pathogenic variants showed detectable characteristics in the macula and/or peripheral retina. Our data onRS1variants and associated clinical phenotypes may be of value for clinical diagnosis and genetic test of retinoschisis.
Improving the management of early colorectal cancers (eCRC) by using quantitative markers to predict lymph node involvement and thus the need for major resection of pT1 cancers
Authors: Brockmoeller Scarlet , Toh Eu-Wing , Kouvidi Katerina , Hepworth Sarah , Morris Eva , Quirke Philip
Published: October 2021

Background

Since implementing the NHS bowel cancer screening programme, the rate of early colorectal cancer (eCRC; pT1) has increased threefold to 17%, but how these lesions should be managed is currently unclear.

Aim

To improve risk stratification of eCRC by developing reproducible quantitative markers to build a multivariate model to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM).

Methods

Our retrospective cohort of 207 symptomatic pT1 eCRC was assessed for quantitative markers. Associations between categorical data and LNM were performed using χ2 test and Fisher’s exact test. Multivariable modelling was performed using logistic regression. Youden’s rule gave the cut-point for LNM.

Results

All significant parameters in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model; tumour stroma (95% CI 2.3 to 41.0; p=0.002), area of submucosal invasion (95% CI 2.1 to 284.6; p=0.011), poor tumour differentiation (95% CI 2.0 to 358.3; p=0.003) and lymphatic invasion (95% CI 1.3 to 192.6; p=0.028) were predictive of LNM. Youden’s rule gave a cut-off of p>5%, capturing 18/19 LNM (94.7%) cases and leading to a resection recommendation for 34% of cases. The model that only included quantitative factors were also significant, capturing 17/19 LNM cases (90%) and leading to resection rate of 35% of cases (72/206).

Conclusions

In this study, we were able to reduce the potential resection rate of pT1 with the multivariate qualitative and/or quantitative model to 34% or 35% while detecting 95% or 90% of all LNM cases, respectively. While these findings need to be validated, this model could lead to a reduction of the major resection rate in eCRC.
Assessment of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK HbA1c testing: implications for diabetes management and diagnosis
Authors: Holland David , Heald Adrian H , Stedman Mike , Hanna Fahmy , Wu Pensee , Duff Christopher , Green Lewis , Robinson Sarah , Halsall Ian , Gaskell Neil , Pemberton John , Bloor Christine , Fryer Anthony A
Published: October 2021

Aims

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the focus on mitigating its effects, has disrupted diabetes healthcare services worldwide. We aimed to quantify the effect of the pandemic on diabetes diagnosis/management, using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as surrogate, across six UK centres.

Methods

Using routinely collected laboratory data, we estimated the number of missed HbA1c tests for ‘diagnostic’/‘screening’/‘management’ purposes during the COVID-19 impact period (CIP; 23 March 2020 to 30 September 2020). We examined potential impact in terms of: (1) diabetes control in people with diabetes and (2) detection of new diabetes and prediabetes cases.

Results

In April 2020, HbA1c test numbers fell by ~80%. Overall, across six centres, 369 871 tests were missed during the 6.28 months of the CIP, equivalent to >6.6 million tests nationwide. We identified 79 131 missed ‘monitoring’ tests in people with diabetes. In those 28 564 people with suboptimal control, this delayed monitoring was associated with a 2–3 mmol/mol HbA1c increase. Overall, 149 455 ‘screening’ and 141 285 ‘diagnostic’ tests were also missed. Across the UK, our findings equate to 1.41 million missed/delayed diabetes monitoring tests (including 0.51 million in people with suboptimal control), 2.67 million screening tests in high-risk groups (0.48 million within the prediabetes range) and 2.52 million tests for diagnosis (0.21 million in the pre-diabetes range; ~70 000 in the diabetes range).

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate the widespread collateral impact of implementing measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in people with, or being investigated for, diabetes. For people with diabetes, missed tests will result in further deterioration in diabetes control, especially in those whose HbA1c levels are already high.
Deprivation and exposure to public activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in England and Wales
Authors: Beale Sarah , Braithwaite Isobel , Navaratnam Annalan MD , Hardelid Pia , Rodger Alison , Aryee Anna , Byrne Thomas E , Fong Erica Wing Lam , Fragaszy Ellen , Geismar Cyril , Kovar Jana , Nguyen Vincent , Patel Parth , Shrotri Madhumita , Aldridge Robert , Hayward Andrew
Published: October 2021

Background

Differential exposure to public activities may contribute to stark deprivation-related inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcomes but has not been directly investigated. We set out to investigate whether participants in Virus Watch—a large community cohort study based in England and Wales—reported differential exposure to public activities and non-household contacts during the autumn–winter phase of the COVID-19 pandemic according to postcode-level socioeconomic deprivation.

Methods

Participants (n=20 120–25 228 across surveys) reported their daily activities during 3 weekly periods in late November 2020, late December 2020 and mid-February 2021. Deprivation was quantified based on participants’ residential postcode using English or Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles. We used Poisson mixed-effect models with robust standard errors to estimate the relationship between deprivation and risk of exposure to public activities during each survey period.

Results

Relative to participants in the least deprived areas, participants in the most deprived areas exhibited elevated risk of exposure to vehicle sharing (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) range across time points: 1.73–8.52), public transport (aRR: 3.13–5.73), work or education outside of the household (aRR: 1.09–1.21), essential shops (aRR: 1.09–1.13) and non-household contacts (aRR: 1.15–1.19) across multiple survey periods.

Conclusion

Differential exposure to essential public activities—such as attending workplaces and visiting essential shops—is likely to contribute to inequalities in infection risk and outcomes. Public health interventions to reduce exposure during essential activities and financial and practical support to enable low-paid workers to stay at home during periods of intense transmission may reduce COVID-related inequalities.
Accessing unproven interventions in the COVID-19 pandemic: discussion on the ethics of ‘compassionate therapies’ in times of catastrophic pandemics
Authors: Zuckerman Shlomit , Barlavie Yaron , Niv Yaron , Arad Dana , Lev Shaul
Published: October 2021

Since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, an array of off-label interventions has been used to treat patients, either provided as compassionate care or tested in clinical trials. There is a challenge in determining the justification for conducting randomised controlled trials over providing compassionate use in an emergency setting. A rapid and more accurate evaluation tool is needed to assess the effect of these treatments. Given the similarity to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) pandemic in Africa in 2014, we suggest using a tool designed by the WHO committee in the aftermath of the EVD pandemic: Monitored Emergency Use of Unregistered and Investigational Interventions (MEURI). Considering the uncertainty around SARS-CoV-2, we propose using an improved MEURI including the Plan–Do–Study–Act tool. This combined tool may facilitate dynamic monitoring, analysing, re-evaluating and re-authorising emergency use of unproven treatments and repeat it in cycles. It will enable adjustment and application of outcomes to clinical practice according to changing circumstances and increase the production of valuable data to promote the best standard of care and high-quality research—even during a pandemic.
Public justification and expert disagreement over non-pharmaceutical interventions for the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dahlquist Marcus , Kugelberg Henrik D
Published: October 2021

A wide range of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been introduced to stop or slow down the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples include school closures, environmental cleaning and disinfection, mask mandates, restrictions on freedom of assembly and lockdowns. These NPIs depend on coercion for their effectiveness, either directly or indirectly. A widely held view is that coercive policies need to be publicly justified—justified to each citizen—to be legitimate. Standardly, this is thought to entail that there is a scientific consensus on the factual propositions that are used to support the policies. In this paper, we argue that such a consensus has been lacking on the factual propositions justifying most NPIs. Consequently, they would on the standard view be illegitimate. This is regrettable since there are good reasons for granting the state the legitimate authority to enact NPIs under conditions of uncertainty. The upshot of our argument is that it is impossible to have both the standard interpretation of the permissibility of empirical claims in public justification and an effective pandemic response. We provide an alternative view that allows the state sufficient room for action while precluding the possibility of it acting without empirical support.
Revisiting the cosmic distance duality relation with machine learning reconstruction methods: the combination of HII galaxies and ultra-compact radio quasars
Authors: Liu Tonghua , Cao Shuo , Zhang Sixuan , Gong Xiaolong , Guo Wuzheng , Zheng Chenfa
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we carry out an assessment of cosmic distance duality relation (CDDR) based on the latest observations of HII galaxies acting as standard candles and ultra-compact structure in radio quasars acting as standard rulers. Particularly, two machine learning reconstruction methods [Gaussian Process (GP) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)] are applied to reconstruct the Hubble diagrams from observational data. We show that both approaches are capable of reconstructing the current constraints on possible deviations from the CDDR in the redshift range $$z\sim 2.3$$

z
∼
2.3

. Considering four different parametric methods of CDDR, which quantify deviations from the CDDR and the standard cosmological model, we compare the results of the two different machine learning approaches. It is observed that the validity of CDDR is in well agreement with the current observational data within $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

based on the reconstructed distances through GP in the overlapping redshift domain. Moreover, we find that ultra-compact radio quasars could provide $$10^{-3}$$

10

-
3

-level constraints on the violation parameter at high redshifts, when combined with the observations of HII galaxies. In the framework of ANN, one could derive robust constraints on the violation parameter at a precision of $$10^{-2}$$

10

-
2

, with the validity of such distance duality relation within $$2\sigma $$

2
σ

confidence level.
Holographic heat engines coupled with logarithmic U(1) gauge theory
Authors: Zarepour Soodeh
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study a new class of holographic heat engines via charged AdS black hole solutions of Einstein gravity coupled with logarithmic nonlinear [Formula: see text] gauge theory. So, logarithmic [Formula: see text] AdS black holes with a horizon of positive, zero and negative constant curvatures are considered as a working substance of a holographic heat engine and the corrections to the usual Maxwell field are controlled by nonlinearity parameter [Formula: see text]. The efficiency of an ideal cycle ([Formula: see text]), consisting of a sequence of isobaric [Formula: see text] isochoric [Formula: see text] isobaric [Formula: see text] isochoric processes, is computed using the exact efficiency formula. It is shown that [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] the Carnot efficiency (the maximum efficiency available between two fixed temperatures), decreases as we move from the strong coupling regime ([Formula: see text]) to the weak coupling domain ([Formula: see text]). We also obtain analytic relations for the efficiency in the weak and strong coupling regimes in both low and high temperature limits. The efficiency for planar and hyperbolic logarithmic [Formula: see text] AdS black holes is computed and it is observed that efficiency versus [Formula: see text] behaves in the same qualitative manner as the spherical black holes.
Complexity-Entropy Causality Plane Analysis of Air Pollution Series
Authors: Ma Fang , Fan Qingju , Ling Guang
Published: October 2021

In this study, we explore the subtle temporal structure of environmental data using symbolic information-theory approach. The newly developed multivariate multiscale permutation entropy and complexity-entropy causality plane methodology are applied to the six pollutants data recorded in Beijing during 2013–2016, which is a powerful tool to discriminate nonlinear deterministic and stochastic dynamics. The obtained results showed that pollutant series exhibit significant randomness and a lower level of predictability in spring and summer, and more temporal correlations in winter and fall. In addition, surrogate analysis is implemented to avoid biased conclusion. We also define the relative complexity measure of multivariate series to reflect the complexity of a system. The highest relative complexity in winter is in line with the physical behavior of the pollution phenomenon.
An Empirical Study on the Countermeasures of Implementing 5G Multimedia Network Technology in College Education
Authors: Li Ke , Tsai Sang-Bing
Published: October 2021

Aiming at the problem of 5G multimedia heterogeneous multimodal network representation learning, this paper proposes a collaborative multimodal heterogeneous network representation learning method based on attention mechanism. This method learns different representations for nodes based on heterogeneous network structure information and multimodal content and designs an attention mechanism to learn weights for different representations to fuse them to obtain robust node representations. Combining the general process of exploring the college physical education model and the characteristics of the multimedia network classroom environment, this article constructs the process of exploring the college physical education teaching model of the multimedia network classroom. Through the research and practice of the inquiry college physical education teaching model in the multimedia network classroom, it is verified that the implementation of the inquiry college physical education teaching in the multimedia network classroom can effectively influence and increase the students’ interest in learning and stimulate the students’ inner learning motivation. Through the guidance and training of teachers, a variety of disciplines can be used to carry out college physical education in multimedia network classrooms, so that the integration between courses can be truly realized, with the aim that all courses can share the excellent results brought by the development of modern education technology. More educators understand, accept, and participate in the practice of college physical education based on multimedia network classrooms and better serve the education of college physical education. The construction of the college physical education evaluation system should be combined with the characteristics of the 5G multimedia network era. The evaluation process includes data collection, data analysis, result output, and result feedback. Each link is an indispensable part of the college physical education evaluation process. Based on the relevant knowledge of the 5G multimedia network, the evaluation indicators determined in this study can basically reflect the various elements of the physical education process in colleges and universities. The distribution of index weight coefficients is more scientific and reasonable. Compared with the current system, the college physical education evaluation system constructed by exploration has a certain degree of objectivity and scientificity. Therefore, it is feasible to apply the 5G multimedia network to the evaluation of college physical education.
Research on Control Mechanism of Surrounding Rock of Deep Gob-Side Entry Retaining
Authors: Liu Jianxiong , Wu Jingke , Dong Yun , Gao Yanyan , Zhang Jihua , He Weizhong , Chen Jiarui
Published: October 2021

To address the large deformation of the surrounding rock of deep gob-side entry retaining under high stress, lithological characteristics of the surrounding rock and failure model of support body and their evolutionary processes are analyzed through field investigation and theoretical analysis. Failure mechanisms of surrounding rock and the technology to control it are studied systematically. The results show that the causes of the large deformation of the surrounding rock are weak thick mudstones with softening property and water absorption behavior, as well as its fragmentation, dilatancy, and long-term creep during strong disturbance and highly centralized stress states. The cross-section shape of the roadway after deformation and failure of the surrounding rock is obviously asymmetric in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Since the original system supporting the surrounding rock is unable to completely bear the load, each part of the supporting system is destroyed one after the other. The failure sequences of the surrounding rock are as follows: (1) roadway roof fracture in the filling area, (2) filling body fracture under eccentric load, (3) rapid subsidence of the roadway roof, and (4) external crack drum and rib spalling at the solid coal side. Due to this failure sequence, the entire surrounding rock becomes unstable. A partitioned coupling support and a quaternity control technology to support the surrounding rock are proposed, in which the roof of the filling area plays a key role. The technology can improve the overall stability of gob-side entry retaining, prevent support structure instability caused by local failure of the surrounding rock, and ensure the safety and smoothness of roadways.
A Smart Surveillance System for Uncooperative Gait Recognition Using Cycle Consistent Generative Adversarial Networks (CCGANs)
Authors: Alsaggaf Wafaa Adnan , Mehmood Irfan , Khairullah Enas Fawai , Alhuraiji Samar , Sabir Maha Farouk S. , Alghamdi Ahmed S. , Abd El-Latif Ahmed A.
Published: October 2021

Surveillance remains an important research area, and it has many applications. Smart surveillance requires a high level of accuracy even when persons are uncooperative. Gait Recognition is the study of recognizing people by the way they walk even when they are unwilling to cooperate. It is another form of a behavioral biometric system in which unique attributes of an individual’s gait are analyzed to determine their identity. On the other hand, one of the big limitations of the gait recognition system is uncooperative environments in which both gallery and probe sets are made under different and unknown walking conditions. In order to tackle this problem, we propose a deep learning‐based method that is trained on individuals with the normal walking condition, and to deal with an uncooperative environment and recognize the individual with any dynamic walking conditions, a cycle consistent generative adversarial network is used. This method translates a GEI disturbed from different covariate factors to a normal GEI. It works like unsupervised learning, and during its training, a GEI disrupts from different covariate factors of each individual and acts as a source domain while the normal walking conditions of individuals are our target domain to which translation is required. The cycle consistent GANs automatically find an individual pair with the help of the Cycle Loss function and generate the required GEI, which is tested by the CNN model to predict the person ID. The proposed system is evaluated over a publicly available data set named CASIA‐B, and it achieved excellent results. Moreover, this system can be implemented in sensitive areas, like banks, seminar halls (events), airports, embassies, shopping malls, police stations, military areas, and other public service areas for security purposes.
Resveratrol Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation via the Hippo Pathway
Authors: Li Chunxue , Zhang Rongrong , Zhan Yating , Zheng Jianjian
Published: October 2021

Liver fibrosis, which results from chronic liver injury due to factors such as chronic alcohol consumption, hepatitis virus infections, and immune attacks, is marked by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Resveratrol (Res), a polyphenol phytoalexin, has been demonstrated to show anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiproliferative, and chemopreventive activities. In recent years, Res has been found to inhibit liver fibrosis. Enhanced Hippo pathway activation has also been reported to inhibit tumor progression and liver fibrosis. In the present study, the role of the Hippo pathway in mediating the effects of Res on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was examined. We found that Res significantly suppresses HSC proliferation, reducing the cell index. Res induced HSC inactivation, reducing collagen deposition and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. In addition, Res contributed to HSC apoptosis, upregulating Bax and downregulating Bcl-2 expression. Notably, the Hippo pathway was involved in the Res-mediated suppression of HSC activation. Res enhanced the activation of the Hippo pathway and reduced yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with the PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression. Interestingly, the YAP overexpression inhibited Res-induced HSC inactivation and apoptosis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Res inhibits HSC activation, at least in part, via the Hippo pathway. The present study indicates a new antifibrotic mechanism of Res and provides novel insights into Hippo-mediated HSC apoptosis and HSC activation in liver fibrosis.
Value of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System in Initial Bethesda Category III Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Yan Caoxin , Luo Zhiyan , Lin Zimei , Xu Shouxing , Luo Yunkai , Chen Jian
Published: October 2021

Background. To evaluate the role of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) in predicting malignancy for cytological Bethesda system III nodules. Method. The study included 188 thyroid nodules with first Bethesda system III cytology on surgery or repeat FNA. Patients' clinicopathologic parameters and ultrasonographic (US) nodule characteristics were evaluated according to benignity and malignancy. Using the TI-RADS classification system, thyroid nodules were categorized. Results. The size of malignant nodules was significantly lower than that of benign nodules (

P

 < 0.001). Thyroid nodules associated with concomitant thyroid carcinoma had a significantly increased risk of malignancy (

P

 < 0.001). Univariate analysis indicated that there were significant differences in the images of benign and malignant nodules in terms of solid composition, hypoechogenicity or marked hypoechogenicity, a taller-than-wide or irregular shape, ill-defined margins, and microcalcifications presence (

P

 < 0.05). TI-RADS categories 4c (OR = 8.3, 95% CI 3.8–18.1;

P

 = 0.043) and 5 (OR = 9.4; 95% CI 1.2–74.2;

P

 = 0.026) were predictive for malignancy. Conclusions. The TI-RADS US evaluation may assist the physician in deciding whether to proceed with follow-up, repeating FNA, or surgical intervention.
An Action Recognition Method for Volleyball Players Using Deep Learning
Authors: Tang JinGen
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the extraction of volleyball players’ skeleton information and provides a deep learning-based solution for recognizing the players’ actions. For this purpose, the convolutional neural network-based approach for recognizing volleyball players’ actions is used. The Lie group skeleton has a large data dimension since it is used to represent the features retrieved from the model. The convolutional neural network is used for feature learning and classification in order to process high-dimensional data, minimize the complexity of the recognition process, and speed up the calculation. This paper uses the Lie group skeleton representation model to extract the geometric feature of the skeleton information in the feature extraction stage and the geometric transformation (rotation and translation) between different limbs to represent the volleyball players’ movements in the feature representation stage. The approach is evaluated using the datasets Florence3D actions, MSR action pairs, and UTKinect action. The average recognition rate of our method is 93.00%, which is higher than that of the existing literature with high attention and reflects better accuracy and robustness.
Bond Financing, Research and Development Input, and Total Factor Productivity
Authors: He Xing , Wang Mancang
Published: October 2021

From the angle of research and development (R&D) input, this paper analyzes how bond financing affects corporate total factor productivity (TFP). Based on the 2007–2019 data on listed enterprises, the influence and action mechanism of bond financing on corporate TFP were empirically examined. The results show that bond financing significantly boosts corporate TFP. The mechanism analysis reveals that bond financing promotes TFP by stimulating corporate R&D input. The research sheds new light on the relationship between finance and TFP from the perspective of bond financing and provides a reference for policymakers to boost corporate TFP by promoting bond financing.
Shoulder Arthrodesis versus Upper Trapezius Transfer for Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury: A Proportional Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Dafang , Garg Rohit , Earp Brandon E. , Blazar Philip , Dyer George S. M.
Published: October 2021

Shoulder arthrodesis and upper trapezius transfer are two surgical options for secondary shoulder reconstruction for traumatic brachial plexus injury (BPI). There is a lack of comparative evidence to guide the choice for one procedure over the other. The objectives of this study were to compare (1) rates of complications and reoperation and (2) shoulder range of motion and functional outcome scores following shoulder arthrodesis versus upper trapezius transfer for traumatic BPI. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by a search of four databases of studies assessing shoulder arthrodesis and/or upper trapezius transfer for shoulder reconstruction following adult traumatic BPI. A proportional meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model in anticipation of unobserved heterogeneity. The final meta-analysis included 374 patients from 17 studies, including 232 patients from 11 studies on shoulder arthrodesis and 142 patients from 6 studies on upper trapezius transfer. Shoulder arthrodesis had higher rates of complications and reoperations than upper trapezius transfer for traumatic BPI, but these differences did not reach a statistical significance. Due to the limited sample size, variations in reporting, and study heterogeneity in the published literature, we were not able to draw conclusions regarding shoulder range of motion and functional outcome scores between these two procedures. Shoulder arthrodesis and upper trapezius transfer are both viable options for secondary shoulder reconstruction for traumatic BPI, but with different complications and reoperation profiles. Patients should be counseled on the risk of nonunion and humerus fracture following shoulder arthrodesis.
Protective Effects of Low‐Dose Alcohol against Acute Stress‐Induced Renal Injury in Rats: Involvement of CYP4A/20‐HETE and LTB4/BLT1 Pathways
Authors: Chen Yongping , Yang Haotian , Yang Tianyuan , Zhang Haiyang , Zhao Yuan , Li Lin , Fan Honggang
Published: October 2021

Low‐dose alcohol possesses multiple bioactivities. Accordingly, we investigated the protective effect and related molecular mechanism of low‐dose alcohol against acute stress‐ (AS‐) induced renal injury. Herein, exhaustive swimming for 15 min combined with restraint stress for 3 h was performed to establish a rat acute stress model, which was verified by an open field test. Evaluation of renal function (blood creatinine and urea nitrogen), urine test (urine leukocyte esterase and urine occult blood), renal histopathology, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis was performed. The key indicators of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 4A1/20‐hydroxystilbenetetraenoic acid (20‐HETE) pathway, cyclooxygenase (COX)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) pathway, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4)/leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1) pathway were measured by real‐time PCR and ELISA. We found that low‐dose alcohol (0.05 g/kg, i.p.) ameliorated AS‐induced renal dysfunction and histological damage. Low‐dose alcohol also attenuated AS‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation, presenting as reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide formation, increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione activity, and decreased myeloperoxidase, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐1β, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, low‐dose alcohol alleviated AS‐induced apoptosis by downregulating Bax and cleaved caspase 3 protein expression and reduced numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end label‐positive cells (P < 0.01). Correlation analysis indicated that 20‐HETE was strongly correlated with oxidative stress, while LTB4 was strongly correlated with inflammation. Low‐dose alcohol inhibited AS‐induced increases in CYP4A1, CYP4A2, CYP4A3, CYP4A8, and BLT1 mRNA levels and LTB4 and 20‐HETE content (P < 0.01). Interestingly, low‐dose alcohol had no effect on COX1 or COX2 mRNA expression or the concentration of PGE2. Furthermore, low‐dose alcohol reduced calcium‐independent phospholipase A2 mRNA expression, but did not affect secreted phospholipase A2 or cytosolic phospholipase A2 mRNA expression. Together, these results indicate that low‐dose alcohol ameliorated AS‐induced renal injury by inhibiting CYP4A/20‐HETE and LTB4/BLT1 pathways, but not the COX/PGE2 pathway.
Subsidence Control Design Method and Application to Backfill‐Strip Mining Technology
Authors: Zhu Xiaojun , Zha Feng , Guo Guangli , Zhang Pengfei , Cheng Hua , Liu Hui , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: October 2021

Intensive and massive coal mining causes a series of geological hazards and environmental problems, especially surface subsidence. At present, two major types of subsidence control technology are applied: backfilling technology and partial mining technology. However, the cost of backfill mining is high and partial mining has a low recovery ratio. Therefore, the backfill‐strip mining is used to solve the problems of high cost and shortage of filling materials in coal mines at present. A subsidence control design method of backfill‐strip mining was proposed in this paper based on the subsidence control effects and economic benefits. First, the stability of the composite support pillar of the filling body and coal pillars in the backfill‐strip mining is analyzed, and the values of the main subsidence influencing factors that include the filling material, the size of the backfilling working face, caving mining face, and residual coal pillar are preliminarily determined. Then, the surface movement and deformation are predicted based on the equivalent superposition probability integral method (PIM). The subsidence influencing factors are optimized and determined by comparing the requirements of the safety fortification index of the antideformation ability of surface buildings, resource recovery rate, and coal mining cost. Finally, the mining scheme design parameters of the backfill‐strip mining technology are determined. This method is applied in the subsidence control design of backfill‐strip mining in the Ezhuang coal mine. Research results show that backfill‐strip mining can ensure the safety of surface buildings, increase the resource recovery rate, and reduce coal mining costs through the reasonable design of this method. This study can provide scientific guidance for subsidence disaster control, prevention, and engineering design in backfill‐strip mining.
Assessment of RHIS Quality Assurance Practices in Tarkwa Submunicipal Health Directorate, Ghana
Authors: Boadu Richard Okyere , Obiri-Yeboah Judith , Okyere Boadu Kwame Adu , Kumasenu Mensah Nathan , Amoh-Agyei Grace
Published: October 2021

Background. Routine health information system (RHIS) quality assurance has become an important issue, not only because of its significance in promoting high standard of patient care, but also because of its impact on government budgets for the maintenance of health services. Routine health information system comprises healthcare data collection, compilation, storage, analysis, report generation, and dissemination on routine basis at the various healthcare settings. The data from RHIS give a representation of health status, health services, and health resources. The sources of RHIS data are normally individual health records, records of services delivered, and records of health resources. Using reliable information from routine health information systems is fundamental in the healthcare delivery system. Quality assurance practices are measures that are put in places to ensure the health data that are collected meet required quality standards. Routine health information system quality assurance practices ensure that data that are generated from the system are fit for use. This study considered quality assurance practices in the RHIS processes. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight health facilities in Tarkwa Submunicipal health service in the western region of Ghana. The study involved routine quality assurance practices among the 90-health staff and management selected from facilities in Tarkwa Submunicipal who collect or use data routinely from 24th December, 2019, to 20th January, 2020. Results. Generally, Tarkwa Submunicipal health service appears to practice quality assurance during data collection, compilation, storage, analysis, and dissemination. The results show some achievement in quality control performance in report dissemination (77.6%), data analysis (68.0%), data compilation (67.4%), report compilation (66.3%), data storage (66.3%), and collection (61.1%). Conclusions. Even though Tarkwa Submunicipal health directorate engages some control measures to ensure data quality, there is the need to strengthen the process to achieve the targeted percentage of performance (90.0%). There was significant shortfall in quality assurance practices performance especially during data collection, with respect to the expected performance.
Research Progress of Coal Damage under Unsteady Load in China
Authors: Chen Xi , Ma Guoliang , Fan Chaonan , Ge Shaocheng
Published: October 2021

Coalbed methane mining, suppression of coal dust, and elimination of dynamic disasters are closely related to the expansion of coal body cracks and internal damage. Understanding the expansion mechanism of pore-cracks is critical to investigate coal body damage. In this study, research from 2016 to 2021 conducted on the coal damage mechanism in China was sorted and the progress in this field was analysed to systematically investigate coal body damage. Critical topics of research in this field in recent years were identified, and load types were classified into static and dynamic loads. Dynamic loads with obvious characteristics and considerable damage-increasing effects were classified into impacting, cyclic, pulsating, and other dynamic load types. The current load-generating devices, various detection techniques and methods, research results, and the future research directions under various load types were discussed. The current coal damage research is primarily based on macrocharacteristic analysis and the stage characteristics of characterisation variables. The use of scanning electron microscopy, computerised tomography three-dimensional reconstruction technology, and acoustic emission technology can reveal the pore propagation mechanism at the micro level.
Corticosteroid Management of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Patients with Bilateral Adrenalectomy
Authors: Lim William , Lim Frederick
Published: October 2021

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) announced coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic in March 2020, it has been wreaking havoc across countries, affecting people’s lives. Corticosteroids have proven to provide a mortality benefit in patients with COVID-19. Although dexamethasone is the most commonly used glucocorticoid and have shown to have mortality benefit in COVID-19 patients, it cannot be used in patients with adrenal insufficiency due to its lack of mineralocorticoid activity. Herein, we discuss a case of challenging corticosteroid management in a patient with COVID-19 complicated by her medical history of bilateral adrenalectomy.
Sodium Butyrate Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation in Mice with Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Sun Qian , Ji Yan-Chun , Wang Zheng-Li , She Xiang , He Yu , Ai Qing , Li Lu-Quan
Published: October 2021

Objective. To determine the role of sodium butyrate in intestinal inflammation via regulation of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), we analyzed the potential mechanism in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a neonatal mouse model. Methods. A NEC model was created with hypoxia and cold exposure and artificial overfeeding. C57BL/6 neonatal mice were randomized into three groups: the control, untreated NEC, and sodium butyrate (150 mM)-pretreated NEC groups. Pathological variations in ileocecal intestinal tissue were observed by HE staining and scored in a double-blind manner. The mRNA expression levels of HMGB1, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and inflammatory cytokines in intestinal tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The protein levels of HMGB1 and associated cytokines in intestinal tissues were evaluated using ELISA. The relative protein expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB in intestinal tissues were quantified by western blot. Results. Sodium butyrate administration improved the body weight and survival rate of NEC mice; relieved intestinal pathological injury; reduced the intestinal expression of HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α; and increased the intestinal expression of IL-10 (

P
<
0.05

). Treatment with butyrate decreased the proportion of opportunistic Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Enterococcus and increased the proportion of beneficial Firmicutes and Lactobacillus in the NEC model. Conclusions. Sodium butyrate intervention relieves intestinal inflammation and partially corrects the disrupted intestinal flora in mice with NEC.
Synthesis of Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Capped Gold Nanoparticles by Gamma Irradiation with Novel Potential Applications as Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, and Anticancer Substance
Authors: Linh Do Thi Phuong , Nghia Nguyen Trong , Vu Nguyen Thanh , Ha Tran Le Truc , Luan Le Quang
Published: October 2021

Gold nanoparticles capped by carboxymethyl chitosan (AuNPs/CM-chitosan) with particle sizes of 5.2–7.3 nm were successfully synthesized by the γ-irradiation of Au3+ solutions. Their characteristics were analysed by transmission electron microscope images, powder X-ray diffraction patterns, UV-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The antioxidant activity of AuNP/CM-chitosan was time dependent and much higher than that of ascorbic acid at the same concentration. On the other hand, the results of tail vein injection of AuNP/CM-chitosan in mice indicated that this product was not toxic to mice and that AuNPs were mainly distributed in liver tissue, at approximately 77.5%, 6 h after injection. The hepatoprotective activity of AuNP/CM-chitosan was also tested in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxic mice by oral administration at daily doses of 0.5–2 mg/head. The results indicated that compared to the control, supplementation with 2 mg of AuNPs/head strongly reduced the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase indexes in the blood of the tested mice by approximately 66.5 and 69.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the MTT (3[4,5 dimetylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazol bromide) assay on a liver cancer cell line (HepG2) clearly confirmed strong anticancer activity on HepG2 cells treated with 0.05–0.5 mM AuNPs and the tested cells did not survive after treatment with 0.5 mM AuNPs, while the growth of the normal cell line (L929) has no significant effect at the same treated concentration of AuNPs. The AuNP/CM-chitosan in the present study was synthesized by the γ-irradiation method without using any toxic-reducing chemical and stabilized in a natural biocompatible polymer. The strong antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer effects of this product may be supported to be used in the biomedical field.
Preoperative Planning Using 3D Printing Technology in Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Alemayehu Dereje Gobena , Zhang Zhi , Tahir Elena , Gateau Djovensky , Zhang Dang-Feng , Ma Xing
Published: October 2021

The applications of 3D printing technology in health care, particularly orthopedics, continue to broaden as the technology becomes more advanced, accessible, and affordable worldwide. 3D printed models of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans can reproduce a replica of anatomical parts that enable surgeons to get a detailed understanding of the underlying anatomy that he/she experiences intraoperatively. The 3D printed anatomic models are particularly useful for preoperative planning, simulation of complex orthopedic procedures, development of patient‐specific instruments, and implants that can be used intraoperatively. This paper reviews the role of 3D printing technology in orthopedic surgery, specifically focusing on the role it plays in assisting surgeons to have a better preoperative evaluation and surgical planning.