bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Values and preferences towards medical cannabis among people living with chronic pain: a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Zeng Linan , Lytvyn Lyubov , Wang Xiaoqin , Kithulegoda Natasha , Agterberg Silvana , Shergill Yaad , Esfahani Meisam Abdar , Heen Anja Fog , Agoritsas Thomas , Guyatt Gordon H , Busse Jason W
Published: September 2021

Objective

To explore values and preferences towards medical cannabis among people living with chronic pain.

Design

Mixed-methods systematic review.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO from inception to 17 March 2020.

Study selection

Pairs of reviewers independently screened search results and included quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies reporting values and preferences towards medical cannabis among people living with chronic pain.

Review methods

We analysed data using meta-narrative synthesis (quantitative findings were qualitised) and tabulated review findings according to identified themes. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess certainty of evidence.

Results

Of 1838 initial records, 15 studies proved eligible for review. High to moderate certainty evidence showed that patient’s use of medical cannabis for chronic pain was influenced by both positive (eg, support from friends and family) and negative social factors (eg, stigma surrounding cannabis use). Most patients using medical cannabis favoured products with balanced ratios of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), or high levels of CBD, but not high THC preparations. Many valued the effectiveness of medical cannabis for symptom management even when experiencing adverse events related to concentration, memory or fatigue. Reducing use of prescription medication was a motivating factor for use of medical cannabis, and concerns regarding addiction, losing control or acting strangely were disincentives. Out-of-pocket costs were a barrier, whereas legalisation of medical cannabis improved access and incentivised use.

Low to very low certainty evidence suggested highly variable values towards medical cannabis among people living with chronic pain. Individuals with pain related to life-limiting disease were more willing to use medical cannabis, and preferred oral over inhaled administration.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight factors that clinicians should consider when discussing medical cannabis. The variability of patients’ values and preferences emphasise the need for shared decision making when considering medical cannabis for chronic pain.
R&D SPILLOVER, FIRM SIZE AND IN-HOUSE R&D: PANEL DATA EVIDENCE FROM ELECTRONICS GOODS SECTOR IN INDIA
Authors: SHUKLA RICHA
Published: September 2021

This study examines the impact of R&D spillover and firm size on the R&D intensity of electronic firms operating in India for the time period 2000–2015. The study finds that firms benefitting from R&D spillover in their line of business are spending more on in-house R&D, indicating complementarity between R&D spillover and R&D efforts. When we consider possible R&D spillover with firm size, the positive association between R&D spillover and in-house R&D activity holds after a certain threshold of firm size is reached. A probable implication for the moderating influence of firm size suggests that large-sized firms have financial resources and the capability to assimilate technological knowledge in their product designs and processes. An inverted-U relationship between firm size and R&D suggests that support and assistance with the cost of research and development can spur the innovation incentive of small- and medium-sized firms. The empirical finding indicates that fringe firms in the electronics sector aim at developing new technology. The import of intermediate inputs appears to be negatively associated with in-house R&D. This suggests substitutability between imported intermediaries and R&D activity. In the case of R&D reporting firms, the coefficient of embodied technology and capital intensity turns out to be positive and significant. As it remains, an increase in the import of capital goods promotes in-house R&D of electronic firms. At the same time undertaking R&D activity in a high-tech sector is capital intensive. Hence, firms require capital reserves to engage in innovative activities and remain competitive.
DISPERSION IN INPUT AND OUTPUT PRICES: A FIRM-LEVEL ANALYSIS
Authors: CHOUDHRY SONAM
Published: September 2021

Analyzing representative and rich data on the Indian formal manufacturing sector, this paper tries to establish an empirical relationship between prices of input, output and firm size of the plant. The firm-level data reflect tremendous dispersion in prices that firms pay to purchase material input even within an industry. Price heterogeneity is also observed for prices that firms charge for their output even for narrowly defined products. The paper constructs a model using information on output and input choices by firms to analyze the observed patterns. The paper finds that on average, bigger plants not only pay a premium for the inputs used in the production process, but also charge a premium for their outputs. After documenting the empirical relationship, the paper discusses the possible sources for price dispersion. The paper highlights sectoral variations in the correlation between plant size and prices, which are consistent with the findings in the literature related to the scope for quality differentiation in output as well as inputs. The empirical pattern observed supports the hypothesis that correlation between plant size and price can be driven by market power.
Generalized abelian gauge field theory under rotor model
Authors: Wong B. T. T.
Published: September 2021

Gauge field theory with rank-one field [Formula: see text] is a quantum field theory that describes the interaction of elementary spin-1 particles, of which being massless to preserve gauge symmetry. In this paper, we give a generalized, extended study of abelian gauge field theory under successive rotor model in general [Formula: see text]-dimensional flat spacetime for spin-1 particles in the context of higher-order derivatives. We establish a theorem that [Formula: see text] rotor contributes to the [Formula: see text] fields in the integration-by-parts formalism of the action. This corresponds to the transformation of gauge field [Formula: see text] and gauge field strength [Formula: see text] in the action. The [Formula: see text] case restores back to the standard abelian gauge field theory. The equation of motion and Noether’s conserved current of the theory are also studied.
PERIODIC SOLUTIONS FOR A STOCHASTIC CHEMOSTAT MODEL WITH IMPULSIVE PERTURBATION ON THE NUTRIENT
Authors: FENG XIAOMEI , SUN JIANXIA , WANG LEI , ZHANG FENGQIN , SUN SHULIN
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we investigate a stochastic chemostat model with impulsive perturbation on the nutrient. First, the existence and uniqueness of solutions are proved by constructing a pulseless equivalent system. Second, based on Khasminskii’s Markov periodic process theory, we give sufficient conditions for the existence of positive [Formula: see text]-periodic solutions. Third, under certain conditions, the existence and global attractivity of boundary periodic solutions are established by using comparison theorem. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to verify our main results.
The Theory of Uncertaintism
Authors: Sebehela Tumellano
Published: September 2021

The stock jumps of the underlying assets underpinning the Margrabe options have been studied by Cheang and Chiarella [Cheang, GH and Chiarella C (2011). Exchange options under jump-diffusion dynamics. Applied Mathematical Finance, 18(3), 245–276], Cheang and Garces [Cheang, GHL and Garces LPDM (2020). Representation of exchange option prices under stochastic volatility jump-diffusion dynamics. Quantitative Finance, 20(2), 291–310], Cufaro Petroni and Sabino [Cufaro Petroni, N and Sabino P (2020). Pricing exchange options with correlated jump diffusion processes. Quantitate Finance, 20(11), 1811–1823], and Ma et al. [Ma, Y, Pan D and Wang T (2020). Exchange options under clustered jump dynamics. Quantitative Finance, 20(6), 949–967]. Although the authors argue that they explored stock jumps under Hawkes processes, those processes are the Poisson process in their applications. Thus, they studied Hawkes processes in-between two assets while this study explores Hawkes process within any asset. Furthermore, the Poisson process can be flipped into Hawkes process and vice versa. In terms of hedging, this study uses specific Greeks (rho and phi) while some of the mentioned studies used other Greeks (Delta, Theta, Vega, and Gamma). Moreover, hedging is carried out under static and dynamic environments. The results illustrate that the jumpy Margrabe option can be extended to complex barrier option and waiting to invest option. In addition, hedging strategies are robust both under static and dynamic environments.
AN EXECUTABLE METHOD FOR AN INTELLIGENT SPEECH AND CALL RECOGNITION SYSTEM USING A MACHINE LEARNING-BASED APPROACH
Authors: RAJARAJESWARI PEREPI , ANWAR BÉG O.
Published: September 2021

This paper describes a novel call recognizer system based on the machine learning approach. Current trends, intelligence, emotional recognition and other factors are important challenges in the real world. The proposed system provides robustness with high accuracy and adequate response time for the human–computer interaction. Intelligence and emotion recognition from the speech of human–computer interfaces are simulated via multiple classifier systems (MCSs). At a higher-level stage, the acoustic stream phase extracts certain acoustic features based on the pitch and energy of the signal. Here, the feature space is labeled with various emotional types in the training phase. Emotional categories are trained in the acoustic feature space. The semantic stream process converts speech into text in the input speech signal. Text classification algorithms are applied subsequently. The clustering and classification process is performed via a [Formula: see text]-means algorithm. The detection of the Tone of Voice of call recognition system is achieved with the XGBoost model for feature extraction and detection of a particular phrase in the client call phase. Speech expressions are used for understanding the human emotion. The algorithms are tested and demonstrate good performance in the simulation environment.
Riemannian-polarized k-symplectic manifolds
Authors: Benali Ismail , Elamine Souhaila , Awane Azzouz
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we give an analogue of the Hermitian structure in the almost complex case, on an [Formula: see text]-dimensional manifold endowed with an almost [Formula: see text]-complex metric. Also, we study the compatibility between Riemannian metric and polarized [Formula: see text]-symplectic structure. Also, we study some properties of an almost [Formula: see text]-complex structure. Moreover, we give an equivalence between almost [Formula: see text]-complex structures, [Formula: see text]-almost tangent structures and [Formula: see text]-almost cotangent structures.
Optimal trading: The importance of being adaptive
Authors: Bellani Claudio , Brigo Damiano , Done Alex , Neuman Eyal
Published: September 2021

We compare optimal static and dynamic solutions in trade execution. An optimal trade execution problem is considered where a trader is looking at a short-term price predictive signal while trading. When the trader creates an instantaneous market impact, it is shown that transaction costs of optimal adaptive strategies are substantially lower than the corresponding costs of the optimal static strategy. In the same spirit, in the case of transient impact, it is shown that strategies that observe the signal a finite number of times can dramatically reduce the transaction costs and improve the performance of the optimal static strategy.
Malachite Green Removal by Activated Potassium Hydroxide Clove Leaf Agrowaste Biosorbent: Characterization, Kinetic, Isotherm, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Sudarni Dyan Hatining Ayu , Aigbe Uyiosa Osagie , Ukhurebor Kingsley Eghonghon , Onyancha Robert Birundu , Kusuma Heri Septya , Darmokoesoemo Handoko , Osibote Otolorin Adelaja , Balogun Vincent Aizebeoje , Widyaningrum Bernadeta Ayu
Published: September 2021

Although several approaches have been explored for the removal of dyes and other toxic materials from water as well as the entire environment, notwithstanding, researchers/scientists are still pursuing novel, low-cost, and eco-friendly biosorbents for the effective removal of such contaminants. Herein, clove leaves (CL) were utilized as a biosorbent for the sequestration of malachite green (MG) from a water-soluble solution. The CL was subsequently activated using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and characterized using the FTIR and FESEM to determine the functional groups on the activated clove leaves (CL-KOH) and the morphology of the adsorbent. The adsorption of MG was observed to be relatively dependent on the dosage of sorbent utilized, initial MG concentration, and sorption process contact time. The adsorption process of MG to CL was ideally described using the Dubinin–Radushkevich and Elovich models with the determination of maximum sorption capacity of approximately 131.6 mg·g-1. Furthermore, the thermodynamic parameters calculated showed that the adsorption of MG to the adsorbent was exothermic with the process involving physical sorption as well as chemical sorption processes with negligible adsorption energy. In conclusion, the study has revealed that the CL is a cost-effective biosorbent with high adsorption efficiency for the sequestration of MG from a water-soluble solution and can be recycled for further usage.
Nonlinear Jordan Derivable Mappings of Generalized Matrix Algebras by Lie Product Square-Zero Elements
Authors: Fei Xiuhai , Zhang Haifang
Published: September 2021

The aim of the paper is to give a description of nonlinear Jordan derivable mappings of a certain class of generalized matrix algebras by Lie product square-zero elements. We prove that under certain conditions, a nonlinear Jordan derivable mapping

Δ

of a generalized matrix algebra by Lie product square-zero elements is a sum of an additive derivation

δ

and an additive antiderivation

f

. Moreover,

δ

and

f

are uniquely determined.
A Feasible and Facile Method for the Anticounterfeiting of Down Fiber
Authors: Jin Qianpeng , Gao Simeng , Xu Yang
Published: September 2021

In order to prevent counterfeiting of down fiber from consumers, rare earth fluorescent materials are developed in the field of material identification and anticounterfeiting. Herein, the development of verifiable down fiber based on infrared excitation‐infrared emission was described. A novel method was approached to prepare security down fiber, which involved modification of down‐conversion nanoparticles (DCNPs) by sulfonic groups and self‐assembly onto down fiber through electrostatic force. DCNPs were successfully prepared from ytterbium‐deposited NaYF4 nanoparticles using a complexation precipitation approach, in which the trivalent ytterbium ions served as the luminescent center. Sulfonic down‐conversion nanoparticles (SO3‐SiO2@DCNPs) were fabricated by the hydrolysis of 3‐mercaptopropyl triethoxysilane (MPTES) and next oxidation to enhance the combination of the DCNPs with down fiber. The synthesis of DCNPs and SO3‐SiO2@DCNPs and its pendant to down were confirmed by XRD, SEM, XPS, FT‐IR, Zeta potential meter, and PL, which revealed the presence of DCNPs in the size average 86 nm. The obtained DCNPs and security down fiber were launching an invisible red‐shifted emission of 930∼1080 nm (corresponding to the 2F5/2 ⟶ 2F7/2 transitions in Yb3+). After washing, the infrared emission of security down fiber was evaluated and proved to be effective with fine results, which showed its potential application in the field of security.
Safety Analysis of Signal-Coordinated Arterials with Multiple Heterogeneities
Authors: Fan Yingfei , Zhang Guopeng , Jia Zhixuan , Jin Minjie
Published: September 2021

In the corresponding research available, the safety impact remains controversial in implementing signal coordination on arterials, which calls for an in-depth exploration with the appropriate statistical methods. Based on the traffic data from Ann Arbor City (Michigan, USA), the paper proposes a safety evaluation model considering the multiple heterogeneities. In terms of arterials with the coordinated signalization, modeling results imply that (1) the multivariate heterogeneity shows the strongest interaction on crash frequency, followed by the spatiotemporal and structural heterogeneities, and (2) the spatial variation is unrelated to the temporal change among crashes in the denoted traffic analysis zones (TAZs). In an attempt to alleviate the coupled crash risks along the coordinated arterials, the study emphasizes the necessity of dividing the subcontrol traffic areas in real time according to the correlative degree of crash distribution. Meanwhile, the modeling framework with multiple heterogeneities can be applied for the safety analysis of other urban roads.
Generation of Digital Art Composition Using a Multilabel Learning Algorithm
Authors: Li Wei , Gong Xin
Published: September 2021

The traditional methods for generating digital art composition have the disadvantage of capturing incomplete geometric information, which leads to obvious defects in the generation results. Therefore, a digital art composition generation method based on the multilabel learning algorithm is proposed in this research. Firstly, a preset series of grids are prepared to generate sampling and fractal pixels on the drawing base. Then, the preset grid construction is constructed by the interactive program of the preset grid library. After the stroke is drawn by the user, the actual motion trajectory of the pen is sampled by the digital panel, and the stroke information in the motion trajectory is obtained by the multilabel learning algorithm. Next, the steps of generating art composition are designed, including generating the skeleton of art composition, generating the geometric network structure of the skeleton, generating the sampling pixel and connecting the fractal pixel, and initializing other attributes of the mesh. Experimental results show that the proposed method has higher sampling rate and geometric information capture rate and has better application performance and prospect.
Reproduction-Associated Hormones and Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Authors: Wan Lily , Huang Rou-Jie , Luo Zhao-Hui , Gong Jiao-e , Pan Aihua , Manavis Jim , Yan Xiao-Xin , Xiao Bo
Published: September 2021

The levels of reproduction-associated hormones in females, such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin, change dramatically during pregnancy and postpartum. Reproduction-associated hormones can affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), thereby regulating mothers' behavior after delivery. In this review, we first briefly introduce the overall functional significance of AHN and the methods commonly used to explore this front. Then, we attempt to reconcile the changes of reproduction-associated hormones during pregnancy. We further update the findings on how reproduction-related hormones influence adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This review is aimed at emphasizing a potential role of AHN in reproduction-related brain plasticity and its neurobiological relevance to motherhood behavior.
HOTAIR Contributes to Stemness Acquisition of Cervical Cancer through Regulating miR-203 Interaction with ZEB1 on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Wenying , Liu Jing , Wu Qiongwei , Liu Yu , Ma Chengbin
Published: September 2021

Cervical cancer stem cells contribute respond to considerable recurrence and metastasis of patients with cervical cancer. The stemness properties were partly regulated by the interaction of lncRNAs and miRNAs. HOTAIR functions as an oncogenic lncRNA. Previous research studies revealed its role in regulating stemness properties in various cancers. However, the role of HOTAIR in cervical cancer stem cells is still unknown. Here, cisplatin-resistant and serum-free cultured cells exhibited stem cells properties. Cervical cancer stem cells exhibited greater invasion and migration compared with their parental cells, which was similar to cells overexpressing HOTAIR. HOTAIR was significantly overexpressed in cervical cancer stem cells, and knockdown of HOTAIR generated statistical downregulation of stemness markers. Additionally, HOTAIR expression was negatively correlated with the level of miR-203, which was found to be an inhibitory miRNA in regulating the expressions of stemness markers. Also, miR-203 expression was negatively correlated with ZEB1. These findings suggested that HOTAIR should be a positive contributor in stemness acquisition of cervical cancer cells, and this effect should correlate with the interaction with miR-203, which can be suppressed by ZEB1.
Gender Differences in Sleep and Mental Health among Saudi Adolescents
Authors: Rajab Ahmad Mamoun , Rajab Tawfik Mamoun , Basha Amjad Chamsi , Al-Khani Abdullah Murhaf , Ali Mohamed Abdelghafour , Enabi Saed , Zaghloul Mohamed Saddik , Almazrou Abdulrahman , Saquib Juliann , Saquib Nazmus
Published: September 2021

Among adolescents, mental health issues (i.e., stress and depressive symptoms) negatively affect sleep. We assessed whether the association between mental health and sleep varied between genders among Saudi adolescents. A total of 2206 school students (grades 7-12) from 40 randomly selected schools in four cities of Al-Qassim province in Saudi Arabia participated in this cross-sectional study. The survey assessed demography, lifestyle, sleep (12-item Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale), depression (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21)) and stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale). Adjusted associations with sleep were tested with linear and logistic regressions. Of the sample, 55% were girls, and their average sleep score was lower than that of the boys (58.7 vs. 63.4,

p
<
0.001

). Girls had worse mental health than boys; the proportion of girls with both severe stress and severe depressive symptoms was three times higher than that of the boys (12% vs. 4%,

p
<
0.001

). For both boys and girls, those with severe depressive symptoms only or both severe depressive symptoms and severe stress had significantly lower sleep scores than those who had neither of the two conditions (reference group). On the other hand, among those who had severe stress only, the sleep score was significantly lower for the girls (

p
=
0.002

) than for the boys (

p
=
0.19

). Overall, girls had a significantly lower sleep score and worse mental health than boys. The association between mental health and sleep significantly differed between the sexes. Severe stress was negatively associated with sleep in girls but not in boys.
Preparation and Characterization of Nickel and Aluminum-Codoped SnO2 Thin Films for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Bouabdalli El Mahdi , El Jouad Mohamed , Garmim Taoufik , Touhtouh Samira , Louardi Ahmed , Monkade Mohamed , Hartiti Bouchaib
Published: September 2021

In this study, the coating technique was used to prepare thin layers of nickel and aluminum-codoped tin oxide (SnO2: Ni; Al). This study is aimed at exploring the influence of aluminum (Al) dopant on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the elaborated films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies discovered that all deposited films (Ni-doped and Al-Ni-codoped SnO2) were polycrystalline with tetragonal (quadratic) structure and exhibited [110] preferential orientation. The optical measurements exposed that all prepared films have presented good transparency. The transmittance of Ni-Al-codoped SnO2 thin films in the visible and near-infrared regions varied between 80% and 90%; this was dependent on the concentration of dopant. The band gap was determined via the equation related to the absorption coefficient. It was deduced that the optical band gap values of thin films gradually decreased from 4.084 eV to 3.991 eV, as an effect of Al content. In addition, it was concluded that the thickness values of the films pass from 571.374 nm to 694.036 nm as an effect of Al content. Moreover, the extinction coefficient decreases with the wavelength in the UV region and then varies slightly towards longer wavelengths. Moreover, the electrical resistivity was determined using the four-point probe; it was determined that the electrical resistivity decreases from

1.35
×

10

3

Ω
·
cm

to

0.14
×

10

3

Ω
·
cm

with aluminum concentration increasing from 0 at. % to 7 at. %. The elaborated films of SnO2 codoped with Ni and Al present were highly transparent; therefore, these thin layers look promising in the use of the window layer in PV solar cells.
A Robust Panel Based on Mitochondrial Localized Proteins for Prognostic Prediction of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Weifeng , Wang Jingyao , Zhao Qiumei , Liu Dandan , Sun Donglin , Xie Ningxia , Zhang Haohao , Ye Deji , Li Chaoyang , Liu Yongzhong , Zhang Xiaoren
Published: September 2021

Due to high energy and material metabolism requirements, mitochondria are frequently active in tumor cells. Our study found that the high energy metabolism status is positively correlated with the poor prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. We constructed a scoring system (mitoRiskscore) based on the gene expression of specific mitochondrial localized proteins through univariate and LASSO cox regression. It has been shown that high mitoRiskscore was correlated with a shorter survival time after surgery in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Compared with the typical TNM grading system, the mitoRiskscore gene panel had higher prediction accuracy. A vast number of external verification results ensured its universality. Additionally, the mitoRiskscore could evaluate the metabolic pattern and chemotherapy sensitivity of the tumor samples. Lung adenocarcinoma with higher mitoRiskscore was more active in glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation expression of proliferation‐related pathway genes was also significantly upregulated. In contrast, patients with low mitoRiskscore had similar metabolic patterns to normal tissues. In order to improve the accuracy of prediction ability and promote clinical usage, we developed a nomogram that combined mitoRiskscore and clinical prognostic factors to predict the 3‐year, 5‐year, and 10‐year survival rates of patients. We also performed in vitro experiments to verify the function of the key genes in the mitoRiskscore panel. In conclusion, the mitoRiskscore scoring system may assist clinicians to judge the postoperative survival rate and chemotherapy of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Supplementation with Branched-Chain Amino Acids Induces Unexpected Deleterious Effects on Astrocyte Survival and Intracellular Metabolism with or without Hyperammonemia: A Preliminary In Vitro Study
Authors: Wang Ting , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Chiba Toshimi , Kakisaka Keisuke , Takikawa Yasuhiro
Published: September 2021

Introduction. Ammonia is a key component in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) have been reported to improve the symptoms of HE induced by hyperammonemia; however, we recently reported that ammonia increases intracellular levels of BCAA and exerts toxic effects on astrocytes. Objectives. This follow-up study was designed to confirm the direct effects of BCAA on human astrocytes and clarify their underlying mechanisms using metabolome analysis and evaluation of associated signaling. Methods. We performed cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests on astrocytes following BCAA treatment with and without ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and then compared the results with the effects of BCAA on hepatocytes and neurons. Subsequently, we used metabolomic analysis to investigate intracellular metabolite levels in astrocytes with and without BCAA treatment. Results. The astrocytes showed increased leakage of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase and reduced proliferation rate upon BCAA treatment. Interestingly, our analysis showed a BCAA-induced impairment of intracellular glycolysis/glyconeogenesis as well as amino acid and butyric acid metabolism. Furthermore, BCAA treatment was found to cause decreased levels of Glut-1 and phosphorylated GSK-3β and mTOR in astrocytes. Conclusions. Although further investigations of the effect of BCAA on human astrocytes with hyperammonemia are needed, our work demonstrates that BCAA supplementation has direct negative effects on astrocyte survival and intracellular metabolism.
Observation of Efficacy of Internet-Based Chronic Disease Management Model Combined with Modified Therapy of Bushenyiliu Decoction in Treating Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prostate Cancer and Its Effect on Disease Control Rate
Authors: Wang Yi , Yin Ankang , Bian Tingting , Zhao Xiangyu , Zheng Shijun , Hou Weihua , Wang Yan , Liu Yuan
Published: September 2021

Objective. To explore the efficacy of Internet-based chronic disease management model combined with the modified therapy of Bushenyiliu decoction in treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prostate cancer and its effect on disease control rate (DCR). Methods. 120 patients with T2DM and prostate cancer admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou First People’s Hospital, from February 2019 to February 2020, were retrospectively analyzed and equally divided into the experimental group and the control group according to their admission order. Conventional treatment combined with the modified therapy of Bushenyiliu decoction was performed on all patients for 3 months, and the Internet-based chronic disease management model was adopted for patients in the experimental group additionally, so as to compare their short-term effect, survival time, disease progression, blood glucose indicators, immune function indicators, and type 2 Diabetes Self-Care Scale (2-DSCS) scores. Results. Compared with the control group, the experimental group obtained significantly higher DCR and objective remission rate (ORR) (

P
<
0.05

), higher survival time and disease progression (

P
<
0.001

), better blood glucose indicators and immune function indicators (

P
<
0.001

), and higher 2-DSCS scores (

P
<
0.001

) after treatment. Conclusion. Combining the Internet-based chronic disease management model with the modified therapy of Bushenyiliu decoction can effectively enhance the self-care ability of patients with T2DM and prostate cancer, improve their blood glucose level, promote their body immunity, and comprehensively optimize the cancer control effect, which should be promoted in practice.
Design of an Ultrawideband Circularly Polarized Printed Crossed-Dipole Antenna Based on Genetic Algorithms for S-Band CubeSat Applications
Authors: Simon Jorge , Perez-Guerrero Hugo , Sosa-Pedroza Jorge , Martínez-Zúñiga Fabiola , Villanueva-Maldonado Juvenal , Flores-Troncoso Jorge , Cardenas-Juarez Marco
Published: September 2021

As in any satellite, onboard antennas for CubeSats are crucial to establish communication with ground stations or other satellites. According to its application, antennas must comply with standardized requirements related to size, bandwidth, operating frequency, polarization, and gain. This paper presents an ultrawideband circularly polarized two-layer crossed-dipole microstrip antenna for S-band CubeSat applications using genetic algorithms optimization tools included in the 3D electromagnetic simulation software Ansys HFSS. The antenna is constructed on a 10 × 10 cm Cuclad-250 substrate with a back copper flat plane, located at λ/4 at 2.25 GHz operating frequency. The backplane with the exact substrate dimensions improves gain and reduces inside satellite radiation. Measured bandwidth defined by S11 at a −10 dB was higher than 1835 MHz with S11 = −24.68 dB at the central frequency of 2.25 GHz, while measured VSWR at the same frequency was 1.124. At 2.25 GHz, the maximum measured gain and the minimum measured axial ratio in the broadside direction were found to be 6 dBi and 0.22 dB, respectively. There are antenna simulations and measurements, as long as its fabrication guarantees application requirements that make it ready for prespace testing.
Xiaoyu Xiezhuo Drink Protects against Ischemia‐Reperfusion Acute Kidney Injury in Aged Mice through Inhibiting the TGF‐β1/Smad3 and HIF1 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Ye Qingqing , Chen Hongbo , Ma Hongzhen , Xiang Xiaojun , Hu Shouci , Xia Cong , Fu Lanjun
Published: September 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is responsible for significant mortality among hospitalized patients that is especially troubling aged people. An effective self‐made Chinese medicine formula, Xiaoyu Xiezhuo Drink (XXD), displayed therapeutic effects on AKI. However, the compositions and underlying mechanisms of XXD remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used the ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography method coupled with hybrid triple quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS) to investigate the chemical components in XXD. Then, the absorbable components of XXD were identified based on the five principles and inputted into the SwissTargetPrediction and STITCH databases to identify the drug targets. AKI‐related targets were collected from the GenCLiP 3, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases. The crossover genes of XXD and AKI were identified for functional enrichment analysis. The protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network of crossover genes was constructed, followed by the identification of hub genes. Subsequently, the effects and potential mechanisms of XXD on AKI predicted by the network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses were experimentally validated in ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury‐induced AKI aged mouse models. A total of 122 components in XXD were obtained; among them, 58 components were found that could be absorbed in the blood. There were 800 potential drug targets predicted from the 58 absorbable components in AKI which shared 36 crossover genes with AKI‐related targets. The results of functional enrichment analysis indicated that crossover genes mostly associated with the response to oxidative stress and the HIF1 signaling pathway. In the PPI network analysis, 12 hub genes were identified, including ALB, IL‐6, TNF, TP53, VEGFA, PTGS2, TLR4, NOS3, EGFR, PPARG, HIF1A, and HMOX1. In AKI aged mice, XXD prominently alleviated I/R injury‐induced renal dysfunction, abnormal renal pathological changes, and cellular senescence, inflammation, and oxidative damage with a reduction in the expression level of the inflammatory mediator, α‐SMA, collagen‐1, F4/80, TP53, VEGFA, PTGS2, TLR4, NOS3, EGFR, PPARG, HIF1A, ICAM‐1, TGF‐β1, Smad3, and p‐Smad3 and an increase of nephridial tissue p‐H3, Ki67, HMOX1, MMP‐9, and Smad7 levels. In summary, our findings suggest that XXD has renoprotective effects against AKI in aged mice via inhibiting the TGF‐β1/Smad3 and HIF1 signaling pathways.
Generic Noninteger Order Controller for Time-Delay Systems
Authors: Hafsi Sami , Ghrab Sadem , Laabidi Kaouther
Published: September 2021

This paper focuses on the problem of fractional controller

P
I

stabilization for a first-order time-delay systems. For this reason, we utilize the Hermite–Biehler and Pontryagin theorems to compute the complete set of the stabilizing

P

I

λ

parameters. The widespread industrial utilization of PID controllers and the potentiality of their noninteger order representation justify a timely interest in

P

I

λ

tuning techniques. Step responses are calculated through

K

p

,

K

i

,
l
a
m
b
d
a

parameters inside and outside stability region to prove the method efficiency.
Efficacy of Sublingual Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis Children during Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Zeng Qingxiang , Tang Yiquan , Yan Shengbao , Li Yan , Gao Shengli , Luo Xi , Luo Renzhong
Published: September 2021

Background: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) had good effectiveness for children with allergic rhinitis (AR). However, no studies explored the effect of persistent allergen exposure on SLIT treatment. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restricts outdoor activities of children significantly. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SLIT during this special period. Methods: A total of 335 AR children who sensitize to house dust mite (HDM) undergoing SLIT were recruited in this study. The clinical effectiveness and safety were evaluated at different time points using symptom and medication scores. The serum total IgE and specific IgE (sIgE) at different time points were detected by using the Unicap system. Results: The total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) and total medication score (TMS) during the epidemic of COVID-19 increased significantly compared with the same period last year (p < 0.05), despite that they were still significantly lower than baseline levels (p < 0.05). The occurrence of adverse reactions at different time points had no significant differences. We also found that the family of the good response group had more frequent bedding cleaning. Both the tIgE and sIgE levels had no significant changes during SLIT treatment. Conclusion: Our results suggest that continuous HDM exposure reduced the effectiveness of SLIT, whereas effective reduction of HDM levels by frequent bed cleaning will be helpful during the SLIT treatment.
Higher Intercellular Variation in Genome-Wide Recombination Rate in Female Mice
Authors: Peterson April L. , Payseur Bret A.
Published: September 2021

Meiotic recombination affects fertility, shuffles genomes, and modulates the effectiveness of natural selection. Despite conservation of the recombination pathway, the rate of recombination varies among individuals and along chromosomes. Recombination rate also differs among cells from the same organism, but this form of variation has received less attention. To identify patterns that characterize intercellular variation in the genome-wide recombination rate, we counted foci of the MLH1 recombination-associated protein in oocytes and spermatocytes from a panel of wild-derived inbred strains of house mice. Females show higher intercellular variation in MLH1 focus count than males from the same inbred strains. This pattern is consistent across strains from multiple subspecies, including 2 strains in which the average MLH1 focus count is higher in males. The sex difference in genome-wide recombination rate we report suggests that selection targeting recombination rate will be more efficient in males than in females.
Stroke in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Plecash Alyson R. , Byrne Danielle , Flexman Alana , Toma Mustafa , Field Thalia S.
Published: September 2021

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are artificial pumps used in end-stage heart failure to support the circulatory system. These cardiac assist devices work in parallel to the heart, diverting blood from the left ventricle through an outflow graft and into the ascending aorta. LVADs have allowed patients with end-stage heart failure to live longer and with improved quality of life compared to best medical therapy alone. However, they are associated with significant risks related to both thrombosis and bleeding in this medically complex patient population. As LVADs continue to be used more widely, stroke neurologists need to become familiar with the unique physical exam and vascular imaging findings associated with this population. Summary: Reported rates of LVAD-associated stroke at 2 years post-implantation range from 10 to 30%, which is significantly higher than in age-matched controls. There are approximately equal rates of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and rates are highest during the peri-implantation period and in the first year of therapy. Risk factors associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in this cohort can be grouped into treatment-related factors, including specific devices and antithrombotic/anticoagulation strategy, and patient-related factors. Evidence for reperfusion therapy for acute stroke in this population is limited. Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) is often contraindicated as events may occur in the perioperative setting, or in the context of therapeutic anticoagulation. Endovascular therapy with successful recanalization is reported, but there is little experience documented in the published literature. Key messages: LVAD use is increasingly common. Given the high associated risks of stroke, neurologists will need to become increasingly familiar with an approach to assessment and therapy for LVAD patients with cerebrovascular issues.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Markers among Patients of the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center (Rabat, Morocco)
Authors: Feindiri Mourad , Kabbaj Hakima , El Mzibri Mohammed , Belkadi Bouchra , Bouihat Najat , Filali-Maltouf Abdelkarim , Seffar Myriam
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is a global scourge affecting millions of people worldwide. In Morocco, hepatitis B is considered a public health problem, and available data converge to consider Morocco as a country with intermediate endemicity. In the present study, we have planned to evaluate the HBV prevalence in Morocco on a large scale and to assess the prevalence of different serological markers for better management of this infection in Morocco. Methods: This study was conducted on 18,877 patients referring to the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center of Rabat, Morocco. HBV serological markers including HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and total HBcAb were assessed by immune-enzymatic assays. The quantification of HBV DNA was performed by real-time PCR. Results: The overall prevalence of positive cases for HBsAg, HBsAb, and total HBcAb was 2.47%, 27.66%, and 21.2%, respectively. From 141 patients with an isolated HBcAb serological profile (HBcAb+/HBsAb−/HBsAg−), HBV DNA was detected in 10 patients, representing a rate of 7.09%. In the present study, up to 95.78% of HBV chronic carriers were negative for HBeAg. Conclusion: This study highlights a higher prevalence of HBsAg in the hospital-based population than the general population reported previously in Morocco and a very low HBV immunization coverage. Of particular interest, detectable HBV DNA levels in isolated HBcAb patients show that exclusive HBsAg screening cannot eliminate the risk of HBV transmission in certain cases. Many efforts are then mandatory to promote serological testing and increase the vaccination rate to limit viral dissemination for better management of this disease in Morocco.
The Relationship between Mindful Eating and Body Mass Index and Body Compositions in Adults
Authors: Demirbas Nur , Kutlu Ruhusen , Kurnaz Aysel
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are important public health problems. Mindfulness can promote healthier living and dietary habits, which might support weight loss. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between eating awareness and body mass index (BMI) and body composition in adults. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 446 volunteers. The heights, weights, and waist circumferences of the participants were measured, and bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed. A sociodemographic information form prepared by the researchers and the Turkish version of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) were administered to the volunteers. Results: In this study, 31.2% (n = 139) of the participants were overweight and 46.9% (n = 209) were obese. There was no statistically significant relationship between gender and BMI. The total mean MEQ score was found to be 88.26 ± 13.3 (53–144). The awareness scores of women of normal weight were statistically significantly higher than those of women with obesity (p = 0.001). There was no difference between BMI categories and awareness scores among male participants. While participants with obesity had higher scores for eating disinhibition, their eating control, eating discipline, and interference scores were lower than those of participants with normal weight (p < 0.001). A weak statistically significant correlation was found between the awareness subdimension of the scale and the ages, BMIs, waist circumferences, and body fat rates of the participants. Conclusion: It was observed that mindful eating was lower in women with overweight and obesity than that in women with normal weight. We believe that it is important to increase awareness of eating in order to protect against the diseases caused by obesity and for a healthy life.
Early Experiences in Switching between Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients with Nonresponsive Migraine in Spain: A Case Series
Authors: Patier Ruiz Ignacio , Sánchez-Rubio Ferrández Javier , Cárcamo Fonfría Alba , Molina García Teresa
Published: September 2021

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide have been introduced into the therapeutic arsenal of migraine prophylaxis. Clinical trials report similar efficacy between them, and there is no evidence of switching to another one after failure. We aim to describe our experience in switching from erenumab to galcanezumab after therapeutic failure. We retrospectively reviewed 30 migraine patients who received monoclonal antibodies, with 15 of them switched after failure to achieve reduction in migraine days per month ≥30%. A ≥30% reduction in migraine days per month compared to baseline was observed in 8/15 (4/15 ≥ 50%) patients after switch. Some nonresponsive patients may benefit from switching between monoclonal antibodies with different therapeutic targets.
O judô adaptado como ferramenta para a reabilitação do equilíbrio de crianças com deficiência visual
Authors: Pinto Ana Carolina Pereira Nunes , Lima Josiane de Oliveira , Nogueira Fernanda Gabriella de Siqueira Barros , Kalif Said Kalume
Published: September 2021

Crianças com deficiência visual podem apresentar atrasos no desenvolvimento do equilíbrio. O Judô é um esporte adaptado aos deficientes visuais, porém, pouco se sabe sobre seus efeitos em crianças com deficiência visual. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se o judô pode melhorar o equilíbrio de crianças com deficiência visual. Neste estudo, nove crianças com deficiência visual, com idade entre 6 e 12 anos, que nunca haviam praticado judô, participaram de um protocolo de treinamento deste esporte durante 8 semanas. Para avaliação do equilíbrio, aplicamos a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB), o Teste de Alcance Funcional (TAF) e a Estabilometria, analisando as oscilações dos pés esquerdo e direito e do corpo. Para rejeição da hipótese nula foi previamente fixado o nível alfa= 0.05. Registramos diferença estatisticamente significativa para a EEB (p-valor = 0,0069*) entre as avaliações antes (42,2+8,7) e após (54,1+2,4) o treinamento. Também encontramos diferença entre os valores anteriores (11,6±6,5cm) e posteriores (25,6±7,6 cm) ao treinamento para o TAF (p-valor <0,001), para as oscilações do pé esquerdo (0,9±0.6cm – 0,4±0,2cm) (p-valor 0,031), pé direito (1,5+1,5 – 0,8+0,6). (p-valor 0,038) e do corpo (2,8±1,1cm – 1,6±0,7 cm). (p-valor 0,015). A prática do judô pode ser uma ferramenta importante na estratégia de reabilitação do equilíbrio de crianças com deficiência visual.