bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Da-Huang-Fu-Zi-Tang Ameliorates Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Elevation of M2 Kupffer Cells in Rats
Authors: Song Yi , Wang Yi , Qi Xin , Kang Xin , Lu Xiaoguang
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a clinical emergency often accompanied by inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which eventually leads to acute lung injury and failure of other organs. The activation of liver Kupffer cells (KCs) plays a major role in the process of SIRS and multiorgan damage caused by SAP. Da-Huang-Fu-Zi-Tang (DHFZT), a traditional Chinese prescription, has been widely used for SAP in the clinic. The present study investigated the activation state of KCs in SAP and the potential mechanism of DHFZT. Methods. A total of 24 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: SH (sham operation group + saline enema), SH-DHFZT (sham operation group + DHFZT enema), SAP (model group + saline enema), and SAP-DHFZT (model group + DHFZT enema). Blood samples were drawn from the abdominal aorta for measuring serum endotoxin, amylase, calcium ion, IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-10. Then, the pancreas, lung, liver, and ileum were harvested for histological observation, and the liver was used to detect the level of F4/80, CD86, and CD163 in KCs with immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results. In the SAP group, the CD86+ KCs were significantly increased with a high level of IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS, and the organs were impaired. In the SAP-DHFZT group, CD163+ KCs were significantly increased with the high level of IL-10, and the damage to organs was alleviated. Conclusion. These phenomena suggested that the SIRS and multiple organ damage in SAP might be related to the excessive activation of M1 KCs, and DHFZT might alleviate the SIRS by inducing the differentiation of KCs into the M2-type and promote the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.
Global Regularity Criterion for the 3D Incompressible Navier–Stokes Equations Involving the Velocity Partial Derivative
Authors: Li TianLi , Wang Wen
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study the regularity of the weak solutions for the incompressible 3D Navier–Stokes equations with the partial derivative of the velocity. By the embedded technology, we prove that the weak solutionuis regular on (0, T] if∂3u∈Lp0,T;LqR3with2/p+3/q=70/37+15/37q,15/4≤q≤∞, or2/p+3/q=34/19+9/19q,9/4≤q≤∞.
The Application Potential and Advance of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Xianyun , Tang Yida , Liu Zhao , Yin Yajuan , Li Quanhai , Liu Gang , Yan Baoyong
Published: June 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality caused by the irreversible loss of functional cardiomyocytes and heart failure (HF) due to the restricted blood supply. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been emerging as lead candidates to treat MI and subsequent HF mainly through secreting multitudinous factors of which exosomes act as the most effective constituent to boost the repair of heart function through carrying noncoding RNAs and proteins. Given the advantages of higher stability in the circulation, lower toxicity, and controllable transplantation dosage, exosomes have been described as a wonderful and promising cell-free treatment method in cardiovascular disease. Nowadays, MSC-derived exosomes have been proposed as a promising therapeutic approach to improve cardiac function and reverse heart remodeling. However, exosomes’ lack of modification cannot result in desired therapeutic effect. Hence, optimized exosomes can be developed via various engineering methods such as pharmacological compound preconditioned MSCs, genetically modified MSCs, or miRNA-loaded exosomes and peptide tagged exosomes to improve the targeting and therapeutic effects of exosomes. The biological characteristics, therapeutic potential, and optimizing strategy of exosomes will be described in our review.
Optimal Design of Cordon Sanitaire for Regular Epidemic Control
Authors: Lin Hongzhi
Published: June 2021

The outbreak of COVID‐19 has disrupted our regular life. Many state and local authorities have enforced a cordon sanitaire for the protection of sensitive areas. Travelers can only travel across the cordon after being qualified. This paper aims to propose a method to determine the optimal deployment of cordon sanitaire in terms of the number of parallel checkpoints at each entry link for regular epidemic control. A bilevel programming model is formulated where the lower‐level is the transport system equilibrium with queueing to predict traffic inflow, and the upper‐level is queueing network optimization, which is an integer nonlinear programming. The objective of this optimization is to minimize the total operation cost of checkpoints with a predetermined maximum waiting time. Note that stochastic queueing theory is used to represent the waiting phenomenon at each entry link. A heuristic algorithm is designed to solve the proposed bilevel model where the method of successive averages (MSA) is adopted for the lower‐level model, and the genetic algorithm (GA) is adopted for the upper‐level model. An experimental study is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and algorithm. The results show that the methods can find a good heuristic optimal solution. These methods are useful for policymakers to determine the optimal deployment of cordon sanitaire for hazard prevention and control.
Recognition of Thyroid Ultrasound Standard Plane Images Based on Residual Network
Authors: Guo Minghui , Wang Kangjian , Liu Shunlan , Du Yongzhao , Liu Peizhong , Su Qichen , Lv Guorong
Published: June 2021

Ultrasound is one of the critical methods for diagnosis and treatment in thyroid examination. In clinical application, many reasons, such as large outpatient traffic, time‐consuming training of sonographers, and uneven professional level of physicians, often cause irregularities during the ultrasonic examination, leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. In order to standardize the thyroid ultrasound examination process, this paper proposes using a deep learning method based on residual network to recognize the Thyroid Ultrasound Standard Plane (TUSP). At first, referring to multiple relevant guidelines, eight TUSP were determined with the advice of clinical ultrasound experts. A total of 5,500 TUSP images of 8 categories were collected with the approval and review of the Ethics Committee and the patient’s informed consent. Then, after desensitizing and filling the images, the 18‐layer residual network model (ResNet‐18) was trained for TUSP image recognition, and five‐fold cross‐validation was performed. Finally, through indicators like accuracy rate, we compared the recognition effect of other mainstream deep convolutional neural network models. Experimental results showed that ResNet‐18 has the best recognition effect on TUSP images with an average accuracy rate of 91.07%. The average macro precision, average macro recall, and average macro F1‐score are 91.39%, 91.34%, and 91.30%, respectively. It proves that the deep learning method based on residual network can effectively recognize TUSP images, which is expected to standardize clinical thyroid ultrasound examination and reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.
Mesoporous LaFeO3: Synergistic Effect of Adsorption and Visible Light Photo-Fenton Processes for Phenol Removal from Refinery Wastewater
Authors: Phan Thi To Nga , Nguyen Hong Lien , Le Van Tuyen , Phan Chi Nhan , Pham Thanh Huyen
Published: June 2021

Mesoporous LaFeO3 as a visible light-driven photocatalyst was prepared by a nanocasting method using mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as a hard template. The as-prepared LaFeO3 photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and optical absorption spectra. The characterization studies and experimental results showed that LaFeO3 with porous structure caused by the removal of SBA-15 hard template could enhance the specific surface area of the resulting photocatalyst, which improves the phenol adsorption ability of the photocatalyst and in turn enhances its photo-Fenton catalytic activity. The photo-Fenton catalytic activity of the photocatalyst was investigated by photo-Fenton degradation of aqueous phenol under visible light irradiation. The effects of catalyst dosage, H2O2 concentration, and solution pH on the photo-Fenton catalytic degradation of phenol using mesoporous LaFeO3 were studied and optimized. Under the optimal conditions of 20 mg L−1 phenol, 1.0 g L−1 catalyst, and 10 mM H2O2 at pH = 5, the photo-Fenton degradation of phenol (93.47%) was achieved in 180 min under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, our results proved the stability and reusability of mesoporous LaFeO3 and revealed its catalytic mechanism for the photo-Fenton degradation of phenol.
Multiclass Pesticide Residue Analysis in Fruit and Vegetable Samples by Combining Acetone-Based Salting-Out Assisted Extraction with Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction
Authors: Negussie Bezuayehu Tadesse , Dube Simiso , Nindi Mathew Muzi
Published: June 2021

Isolation and enrichment of multiclass pesticides’ residue, namely, fungicides (benalaxyl), herbicides (atrazine), carbamate insecticides (carbofuran), organophosphate insecticides (chlorpyrifos), organochlorine insecticides (4,4′-DDT), and pyrethroid insecticides (bifenthrin), were made by combining acetone-based salting-out assisted extraction with the dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (SADLLME) method, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The effect of the type and volume of the extraction solvent in the pretreatment step, the volume of the disperser solvent (acetone extract), the type and volume of the extraction solvent, pH, and salt addition in the DLLME procedure was studied. Good coefficient of determination (R2 ≥ 0.9964) was obtained for all the target analytes. The limits of detection and quantification limits were between 2.1 and 4.5 and 5.7 and 12.9 µg/kg, respectively, with adequate enrichment factors ranging from 37.6 to 191. The recoveries of spiked blank tomato ranged from 86.8 to 109.5%. The limit of quantification of the proposed method was lower than the maximum residue limits set by the European Union. The repeatability and reproducibility of precisions ranged between 2.9 and 8.0 and 4.9 and 9.5%, respectively. The optimized and validated method was applied to quantify pesticides in tomato, pear, apple, and melon obtained from different markets. However, all target compounds studied in this work were not detected in any real samples applied. Overall, the work results revealed that the proposed method is useful for the sample extraction and preconcentration of the target analytes from fruits and vegetables.
Long-Term Effects of Adjuvant Intravitreal Treatment with Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Lineage-Negative Cells in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Wiącek Marta P. , Gosławski Wojciech , Grabowicz Aleksandra , Sobuś Anna , Kawa Miłosz P. , Baumert Bartłomiej , Paczkowska Edyta , Milczarek Sławomir , Osękowska Bogumiła , Safranow Krzysztof , Zawiślak Alicja , Lubiński Wojciech , Machaliński Bogusław , Machalińska Anna
Published: June 2021

Background. Autologous bone marrow-derived lineage-negative (Lin−) cells present antiapoptotic and neuroprotective activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel autologous Lin− cell therapy during a 12-month follow-up period. Methods. Intravitreal injection of Lin− cells in 30 eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) was performed. The fellow eyes (FEs) were considered control eyes. Functional and morphological eye examinations were performed before and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the injection. Results. Patients whose symptoms started less than 10 years ago gained

14
±
10

letters, while those with a longer disease duration gained

2.86
±
8.54

letters compared to baseline at the 12-month follow-up (

p
=
0.021

). There were significantly higher differences in response densities of

P
1

-wave amplitudes in the first ring of multifocal ERGs in treated eyes than FE recordings in all follow-up points were detected. Accordingly, the mean deviation in 10-2 static perimetry improved significantly in the treated eyes compared with fellow eyes 12 months after the procedure. The QoL scores improved significantly and lasted until the 9-month visit. Conclusion. Lin− cell-based therapy is safe and effective, especially for a well-selected group of RP patients who still maintained good function of the foveal cones.
Seven Mathematical Models of Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Curcio Luciano , D'Orsi Laura , De Gaetano Andrea
Published: June 2021

Although mathematical modelling of pressure-flow dynamics in the cardiocirculatory system has a lengthy history, readily finding the appropriate model for the experimental situation at hand is often a challenge in and of itself. An ideal model would be relatively easy to use and reliable, besides being ethically acceptable. Furthermore, it would address the pathogenic features of the cardiovascular disease that one seeks to investigate. No universally valid model has been identified, even though a host of models have been developed. The object of this review is to describe several of the most relevant mathematical models of the cardiovascular system: the physiological features of circulatory dynamics are explained, and their mathematical formulations are compared. The focus is on the whole-body scale mathematical models that portray the subject’s responses to hypovolemic shock. The models contained in this review differ from one another, both in the mathematical methodology adopted and in the physiological or pathological aspects described. Each model, in fact, mimics different aspects of cardiocirculatory physiology and pathophysiology to varying degrees: some of these models are geared to better understand the mechanisms of vascular hemodynamics, whereas others focus more on disease states so as to develop therapeutic standards of care or to test novel approaches. We will elucidate key issues involved in the modeling of cardiovascular system and its control by reviewing seven of these models developed to address these specific purposes.
Single-Trial EEG Classification via Common Spatial Patterns with Mixed Lp- and Lq-Norms
Authors: Cai Qian , Gong Weiqiang , Deng Yue , Wang Haixian
Published: June 2021

As a multichannel spatial filtering technique, common spatial patterns (CSP) have been successfully applied in brain-computer interfaces (BCI) community based on electroencephalogram (EEG). However, it is sensitive to outliers because of the employment of the L2-norm in its formulation. It is beneficial to perform robust modelling for CSP. In this paper, we propose a robust framework, called CSP-Lp/q, by formulating the variances of two EEG classes with Lp- and Lq-norms (0<p and q<2) separately. The method CSP-Lp/q with mixed Lp- and Lq-norms takes the class-wise difference into account in formulating the sample dispersion. We develop an iterative algorithm to optimize the objective function of CSP-Lp/q and show its monotonity theoretically. The superiority of the proposed CSP-Lp/q technique is experimentally demonstrated on three real EEG datasets of BCI competitions.
Numerical Simulations and Control of Offshore Energy Harvesting Using Piezoelectric Materials in a Portal Frame Structure
Authors: Lenz Wagner B. , Ribeiro Mauricio A. , Rocha Rodrigo T. , Balthazar Jose M. , Tusset Angelo M.
Published: June 2021

Buoy systems are an alternative for micropowering small devices in remote locations. Portal frames are very useful to harvest the energy of the waves into usable energy. Thus, using the current models for a portal frame in the literature and the spectrum of available energy in sea waves, a nonlinear mathematical model accounting for the coupling of a nonlinear piezoelectric material is considered. The neighbour of selected variables is analyzed and then optimized by a process utilizing the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Furthermore, an optimal control using the linear‐quadratic regulator (LQR) controller is applied to control the load resistance of the piezoelectric circuit. The optimization process and the LQR show to be effective. The results show a general gain due to optimization and a relatively small gain using the controller.
Tabu Genetic Cat Swarm Algorithm Analysis of Optimization Arrangement on Mistuned Blades Based on CUDA
Authors: Cai Yi , Gu Junjie , Pan Honggang , Zhang Hongyuan , Zhao Tianyu
Published: June 2021

Tabu genetic cat swarm optimization algorithm is proposed for optimization arrangement on mistuned blades. Furthermore, it is improved to be an innovative parallel algorithm based on Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA), whose performance is analyzed both in continuous and discrete solution space. The lumped parameter model and finite element model of the bladed‐disk system are established for dynamics analysis and optimization verification. The complete mistuned parameter identification method and the improved mixed‐interface prestressed substructure modal synthesis method are two other highlights. The results indicate that the algorithm in this paper has the advantages of low cost and high efficiency. The vibration localization and amplitude of the mistuned bladed‐disk system are both reduced significantly. The optimization analysis method is proved to be applicable to the mistuned bladed‐disk system of the aeroengine in engineering practice.
Continuum Damage Mechanics Approach for Modeling Cumulative-Damage Model
Authors: Li Haoran , Wang Jiadong , Wang Juncheng , Hu Ming , Peng Yan
Published: June 2021

In this study, we propose a novel cumulative-damage model based on continuum damage mechanics under situations where the mechanical components are subjected to variable loading. The equivalent completely reversed stress amplitude accounting for the effect of mean stress, stress gradients, loading history, and additional hardening behavior related to nonproportional loading paths on high-cycle fatigue under variable loading is elaborated. The effect of mean stress, stress gradients, loading history, and additional hardening behavior related to nonproportional loading paths is considered by averaging the superior limit of the intrinsic damage dissipation work in the critical domain. We developed a novel cumulative-damage model by introducing the equivalent completely reversed stress amplitude into the damage-evolution model. For better comparison, existing cumulative-damage models, including the Palmgren–Miner law, corrected Palmgren–Miner law, Morrow’s plastic work interaction rule, and Wang’s rule, were employed to predict the fatigue life under variable loading. The proposed model performed better, considering the error scatter band obtained by plotting the predicted and experimental fatigue life on the same coordinate system. The model precisely predicts fatigue life under variable loading and easily identifies its material constants.
Research on Influence of Attribute Frame Effect on Loan Decision of Undergraduate and Risk Assessment Model of Undergraduate Loan Behavior
Authors: Luan Jinsong
Published: June 2021

The article uses virtual lending scenarios to study the influence of attribute frame effect on undergraduates’ loan decisions. The results show that undergraduates have attribute frame effects in the three major areas of electronic products, life entertainment, and learning and training. There is a significant difference between the positive frame and the negative frame; that is, they are more inclined to make loan decisions under the positive frame. According to the research results, the article designs a loan risk assessment model based on Kohonen neural network and conducts simulation experiments. The experimental results show that the model’ classification accuracy is 72.65%.
A Multipulse Radar Signal Recognition Approach via HRF‐Net Deep Learning Models
Authors: Li Ji , Zhang Huiqiang , Ou Jianping , Wang Wei
Published: June 2021

In the field of electronic countermeasure, the recognition of radar signals is extremely important. This paper uses GNU Radio and Universal Software Radio Peripherals to generate 10 classes of close‐to‐real multipulse radar signals, namely, Barker, Chaotic, EQFM, Frank, FSK, LFM, LOFM, OFDM, P1, and P2. In order to obtain the time‐frequency image (TFI) of the multipulse radar signal, the signal is Choi–Williams distribution (CWD) transformed. Aiming at the features of the multipulse radar signal TFI, we designed a distinguishing feature fusion extraction module (DFFE) and proposed a new HRF‐Net deep learning model based on this module. The model has relatively few parameters and calculations. The experiments were carried out at the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of −14 ∼ 4 dB. In the case of −6 dB, the recognition result of HRF‐Net reached 99.583% and the recognition result of the network still reached 97.500% under −14 dB. Compared with other methods, HRF‐Nets have relatively better generalization and robustness.
Areca Nut Chewing: Initiation, Addiction, and Harmful Effects Emphasizing the Barriers and Importance of Cessation
Authors: Athukorala I. A. , Tilakaratne W. M. , Jayasinghe R. D.
Published: June 2021

Areca nut is a highly addictive substance with carcinogenic properties and causes many harmful effects to the human body. Alkaloids are the major chemicals found in areca nut, and their mechanism of action has been studied for several years. About 600 million people around the world use areca nut, and its usage is higher in Asian countries. Areca nut chewers get used to the habit mainly due to social influence, stress, or lack of awareness. Some studies have reported a dependence syndrome related to areca nut chewing. Even though there are many ongoing research studies regarding tobacco addiction, less concern has been given to the areca nut addiction. There are only few studies related to areca nut cessation, and even those few cessation programs are mainly designed using tobacco cessation methodology. Sociocultural influence, behavioral factors, and accessibility are the main barriers to cessation. Behavior changing interventions proved to be more effective in areca nut cessation, but recently studies on pharmacological therapies are also emerging.
Diet Alters Entero-Mammary Signaling to Regulate the Breast Microbiome and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Soto-Pantoja David R. , Gaber Mohamed , Arnone Alana A. , Bronson Steven M. , Cruz-Diaz Nildris , Wilson Adam S. , Clear Kenysha Y.J. , Ramirez Manuel U. , Kucera Gregory L. , Levine Edward A. , Lelièvre Sophie A. , Chaboub Lesley , Chiba Akiko , Yadav Hariom , Vidi Pierre-Alexandre , Cook Katherine L.
Published: June 2021

Obesity and poor diet often go hand-in-hand, altering metabolic signaling and thereby impacting breast cancer risk and outcomes. We have recently demonstrated that dietary patterns modulate mammary microbiota populations. An important and largely open question is whether the microbiome of the gut and mammary gland mediates the dietary effects on breast cancer. To address this, we performed fecal transplants between mice on control or high-fat diets (HFD) and recorded mammary tumor outcomes in a chemical carcinogenesis model. HFD induced protumorigenic effects, which could be mimicked in animals fed a control diet by transplanting HFD-derived microbiota. Fecal transplants altered both the gut and mammary tumor microbiota populations, suggesting a link between the gut and breast microbiomes. HFD increased serum levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and control diet–derived fecal transplant reduced LPS bioavailability in HFD-fed animals. In vitro models of the normal breast epithelium showed that LPS disrupts tight junctions (TJ) and compromises epithelial permeability. In mice, HFD or fecal transplant from animals on HFD reduced expression of TJ-associated genes in the gut and mammary gland. Furthermore, infecting breast cancer cells with an HFD-derived microbiome increased proliferation, implicating tumor-associated bacteria in cancer signaling. In a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with breast cancer administered fish oil supplements before primary tumor resection, dietary intervention modulated the microbiota in tumors and normal breast tissue. This study demonstrates a link between the gut and breast that mediates the effect of diet on cancer.

Significance:

This study demonstrates that diet shifts the microbiome in the gut and the breast tumor microenvironment to affect tumorigenesis, and oral dietary interventions can modulate the tumor microbiota in patients with breast cancer.
Long-term Follow-up of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Non–Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated with Venetoclax in a Phase I, First-in-Human Study
Authors: Davids Matthew S. , Roberts Andrew W. , Kenkre Vaishalee P. , Wierda William G. , Kumar Abhijeet , Kipps Thomas J. , Boyer Michelle , Salem Ahmed Hamed , Pesko John C. , Arzt Jennifer A. , Mantas Margaret , Kim Su Y. , Seymour John F.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

We previously reported a 44% overall response rate (ORR) with the oral BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in a phase I study of relapsed/refractory non–Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Complete response (CR) was observed in patients with mantle cell lymphoma [(MCL), 21%, n = 6/28] and follicular lymphoma [(FL), 17%, n = 5/29], and partial response (PR) noted in several patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). Here, we report the long-term outcomes of these four cohorts.

Patients and Methods:

All patients (n = 106) received venetoclax monotherapy in dose cohorts of 200 to 1,200 mg daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. ORR, progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DoR), and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated.

Results:

At a median follow-up of 38.5 months (range, 30.0–46.5), the median PFS for all 106 patients was 5.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.5–8.4] months (FL, 10.8; MCL, 11.3; MZL, 21.2; and WM, 30.4). The median DoR was 14.9 (95% CI, 9.7–27.6) months (FL, 26.6; MCL, 15.7; MZL, 20.1; and WM, 25.3). Achievement of CR versus PR predicted longer DoR in both MCL (31.5 vs. 10.1 months) and FL (37.6 vs. 9.7 months). All grade hematologic AEs were infrequent: neutropenia (19%), anemia (19%), and thrombocytopenia (17%), with no new cytopenias after 2 years on therapy. Nonhematologic AEs included nausea (49%), diarrhea (46%), fatigue (44%), with decreased incidence after 1 year.

Conclusions:

Venetoclax monotherapy has a manageable safety profile and achieves durable responses in a subset of patients with FL, MCL, WM, and MZL, particularly in those who achieve CR. Further research is warranted on combination strategies to enhance the durability of response to venetoclax.
Comparing Axillary and Rectal Temperature Measurements in Very Preterm Infants: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Cho Mikyoung , Kim Chae Young , Lee JungBok , Lee Yumi , Park Minhwa , Bae Soohyun , Kim Yuri , Kim Yongjoo , Lee Byong Sop , Kim Ellen Ai-Rhan , Kim Ki-Soo , Jung Euiseok
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The agreement between axillary temperature (AT) and rectal temperature (RT) measurements has not been well established in preterm infants. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the agreement between AT and RT measurements in very preterm infants. Methods: Preterm infants <32 weeks of gestational age were prospectively included. The infants’ body temperature (BT) was measured twice a day from day 1 to day 6. A paired t-test and the Bland-Altman method were used to analyze the difference between the AT and RT. A linear regression model was used to explore the effects of environmental factors on the differences of BT between the axillary and rectal measurements and to calibrate the RT according to the AT. Results: Eighty infants each underwent 6 paired axillary and rectal measurements. The gestational age varied from 22 to 31 weeks (mean 28 weeks). The birth weight varied from 302 to 1,770 g (mean 1,025 g). The AT was significantly lower than the RT. The difference between the RT and AT significantly increased with increasing RT. The AT and RT demonstrated poor agreement overall; however, the RT can be estimated using the AT with the following equation: RT = −4.033 + 1.116 × AT. Environmental factors, including the incubator temperature, incubator humidity, phototherapy, and application of invasive mechanical ventilation did not affect the differences between the AT and RT measurements. Conclusion: AT measurements cannot be interchangeably used with RT measurements in very preterm infants.
Visible Blood Flow in a Case of Rubeosis Iridis
Authors: Tanito Masaki , Ichioka Sho , Takayanagi Yuji , Ishida Akiko
Published: June 2021

A 72-year-old Japanese woman presented to our hospital with decreased vision. At the initial visit, her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in her right eye (OD) were 0.02 and 36 mm Hg, respectively. By slit lamp examination, rubeosis iridis was observed on the iris surface. With higher magnification observation, movement of clustered RBCs were clearly observed; the blood drained into episcleral vessels that were connected with the main trunk of rubeosis iridis. She was diagnosed with the neovascular glaucoma secondary to central retinal vein occlusion OD. She underwent panretinal photocoagulation, intravitreal injection of aflibercept, and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implantation. At 2 weeks postoperatively, the BCVA and IOP OD were 0.2 and 7 mm Hg, respectively; rubeosis iridis was partially regressed and movement of RBCs was not observed. Acquisition of directional flow by the connection of the main trunk of neovessels with the episcleral vessels and reduction of flow speed by the high IOP could explain the reason for visible blood flow in our case.
Environmental Exposure and Childhood Atopic Dermatitis in Shanghai: A Season-Stratified Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Hu Yabin , Jiang Fan , Tan Jianguo , Liu Shijian , Li Shenghui , Wu Meiqin , Yan Chonghuai , Yu Guangjun , Hu Yi , Yin Yong , Tong Shilu
Published: June 2021

Background: Childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease which sometimes predisposes to allergies. Environmental factors (low humidity, irritants, etc.) are prominent causative triggers of AD. Objectives: This study aims to explore the effects of both meteorological factors and air pollutants on childhood AD, and the modification effects by season in Shanghai, China. Methods: Quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression model, combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model was used to examine the nonlinear and lagged effects of environmental factors on childhood AD from 2009 to 2017 in Shanghai. We also performed a season-stratified analysis to determine the modification effects of environmental exposure by season on childhood AD. Results: There were 1,043,240 outpatient visits for childhood AD in total, at 3 major pediatric hospitals. Low temperature and relative humidity (RH), and high daily temperature difference (DTD) and air pollutants (i.e., NO2) increased the relative risks (RRs) of outpatient visits for childhood AD in the whole year. In the cold season, an increased risk of outpatient visits for childhood AD was associated with low RH (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.69–3.02) and high NO2 (1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.17). In the warm season, outpatient visits for childhood AD were associated with low temperature (3.49, 95% CI 3.22–3.77), low RH (1.89, 95% CI 1.74–2.06), high DTD (1.41, 95% CI 1.31–1.53), and high NO2 (1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.06). Conclusions: This study suggests that environmental exposure may be a key trigger for outpatient visits for childhood AD with apparent seasonal effects. Tailored preventive strategies to avoid environmental triggers of childhood AD should be developed.
Advances in Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Hydrogels to Guide Stem Cell Fate
Authors: Stowers Ryan S.
Published: June 2021

In the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, stem cells offer vast potential for treating or replacing diseased and damaged tissue. Much progress has been made in understanding stem cell biology, yielding protocols for directing stem cell differentiation toward the cell type of interest for a specific application. One particularly interesting and powerful signaling cue is the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding stem cells, a network of biopolymers that, along with cells, makes up what we define as a tissue. The composition, structure, biochemical features, and mechanical properties of the ECM are varied in different tissues and developmental stages, and serve to instruct stem cells toward a specific lineage. By understanding and recapitulating some of these ECM signaling cues through engineered ECM-mimicking hydrogels, stem cell fate can be directed in vitro. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in material systems to guide stem cell fate, highlighting innovative methods to capture ECM functionalities and how these material systems can be used to provide basic insight into stem cell biology or make progress toward therapeutic objectives.
Exosomes Transport Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Factors from Human Cervical Epithelial Cells to Macrophages
Authors: Xu Xi-Qiu , Zhang Biao , Guo Le , Liu Yu , Meng Feng-Zhen , Wang Xu , Hu Wen-Hui , Khan Adil I. , Ho Wen-Zhe
Published: June 2021

The female reproductive tract (FRT) is a major site of HIV sexual transmission. As the outermost layer of cells in the FRT, the human cervical epithelial cells (HCEs) have direct contact with HIV or infected cells. Our early work showed that supernatant (SN) from TLR3-activated HCEs contain the antiviral factors that could potently inhibit HIV replication in macrophages. However, it remains to be determined how HCEs transport the anti-HIV factors to macrophages. This follow-up study examined the role of exosomes in HCE-mediated anti-HIV activity. We found that TLR3 activation of HCEs resulted in the release of exosomes that contained multiple IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs: ISG56, OAS1, MxA, and Mx2) and the HIV restriction microRNAs (miR-28, miR-29 family members, miR-125b, miR-150, miR-382, miR-223, miR-20a, and miR-198). The depletion of exosomes from SN of TLR3-activated HCEs diminished HCE-mediated anti-HIV activity in macrophages, indicating that HCE-derived exosomes are responsible for transporting the antiviral molecules to macrophages. These in vitro findings suggest a novel antiviral mechanism by which HCEs participate in the FRT innate immunity against HIV infection. Further in vivo studies are necessary in order to develop an exosome-based delivery system for prevention and treatment of HIV infection through sexual transmission.
Atypical and Rare Forms of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: The Importance of the Diagnosis for the Best Management of Patients
Authors: Herzum Astrid , Gasparini Giulia , Cozzani Emanuele , Burlando Martina , Parodi Aurora
Published: June 2021

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical and cutaneous manifestations. Along with the well-known typical cutaneous manifestations of LE, some cutaneous manifestations are rarer, but still characteristic, enabling the dermatologist and the general practitioner who know them to suspect cutaneous LE (CLE) and investigate a possible underlying systemic involvement. Indeed, not infrequently a skin manifestation is the first presentation of systemic LE (SLE), and >75% of SLE patients show signs of skin disease during the course of the illness. Especially, SLE involvement occurs in cases of acute CLE, while it is uncommon in subacute CLE and rare in chronic CLE. This review aims to concentrate especially on atypical cutaneous manifestations of LE to enable the clinician to diagnose even the rarest forms of CLE.
Novel Equations to Estimate Resting Energy Expenditure during Sitting and Sleeping
Authors: Uchizawa Akiko , Hibi Masanobu , Sagayama Hiroyuki , Zhang Simeng , Osumi Haruka , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Park Insung , Tokuyama Kumpei , Omi Naomi
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Young and early middle-aged office workers spend most of the day sitting or sleeping. Few studies have used a metabolic chamber to report sitting resting energy expenditure (REE) or sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) estimation equations. This study aimed to develop novel equations for estimating sitting REE and SMR, and previously published equations for SMR were compared against measured values. Methods: The relationships among sitting REE, SMR, and body composition measured in clinical trials were analyzed. The body composition (fat-free mass [FFM] and fat mass) and energy metabolism of 85 healthy young and early middle-aged Japanese individuals were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a metabolic chamber, respectively. Novel estimate equations were developed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. Estimates of SMR using a new equation and 2 published equations were compared against measured SMR. Results: The sitting mREE and mSMR were highly correlated (r = 0.756, p < 0.01). The new FFM-based estimate accounted for 50.4% of the variance in measured sitting REE (mREE) and 82.3% of the variance in measured SMR (mSMR). The new body weight-based estimate accounted for 49.3% of the variance in sitting mREE and 82.2% of the variance in mSMR. Compared with mSMR, the SMR estimate using an FFM-based published equation was slightly underestimated. Conclusion: These novel body weight- and FFM-based equations may help estimate sitting REE and SMR in young and early middle-aged adults. Previous SMR estimated FFM-based equations were slightly underestimated against measured SMR; however, we confirmed the previous SMR estimate equations could be useful. This finding suggests that sitting REE and SMR can be easily estimated from individual characteristics and applied in clinical settings.
Incidence of Uncommon Clinical Events in USA Patients with Dialysis-Dependent and Nondialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease: Analysis of Electronic Health Records from TriNetX
Authors: Sultan Alyshah Abdul , James Glen , Wang Xia , Kuranz Seth , Hedman Katarina , Houser Mark , Haque Syed Asif , Little Dustin
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Further understanding of adverse clinical events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is needed. This study aimed to describe characteristics of patients with nondialysis-dependent (NDD) and dialysis-dependent (DD) CKD and to assess incidence rates of uncommon adverse clinical events of interest in these patients. Methods: This retrospective study used electronic medical record data from USA CKD patients (≥18 years) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, obtained from the USA-based TriNetX database. NDD-CKD and DD-CKD were diagnosed and staged from ≥2 consecutive eGFR readings, recorded ≥90 days apart. Dialysis was identified using procedure codes for renal replacement therapy. Outcomes assessed were select uncommon adverse clinical events, defined by International Classification of Disease, 9th and 10th Revision codes. Results: Incidence rates of adverse clinical events per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval) were generally higher in patients with DD-CKD versus NDD-CKD. Differences were particularly pronounced for hyperkalemia (26.9 [26.2–27.6] vs. 4.5 [4.5–4.6]), acidosis (15.1 [14.7–15.6] vs. 3.4 [3.4–3.4]), and sepsis (14.6 [14.2–15.1] vs. 3.3 [3.3–3.4]). Among DD-CKD patients, incidence rates of adverse events were particularly high during the first 3 months following dialysis initiation. Incidence of adverse clinical events generally increased with decreasing eGFR among patients with NDD-CKD and with hemoglobin <10 g/dL in both NDD- and DD-CKD patients. Conclusions: Our results help establish baseline rates of uncommon adverse clinical events and provide additional evidence of increased morbidity for patients with DD-CKD versus NDD-CKD.
Clinical Profile of Mortality and Treatment Profile of Survival in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia Admitted to Dubai Hospital
Authors: Nadeem Rashid , Aijazi Ishma , Elhoufi Ashraf , Danthi Crystal , Azaza Nouha , Khan Mohd Kafeel , Alheraki Mohannad , Jamshaid Muhammed , Nawazani Asadullah , Tariq Sadia , Siddiq Sobia , Hafeez Muzammil , Kumar Mukesh , Bon Islam , Elsousi Ahmed , Salama Lamiaa , Kamat Sahish , Abdalla Rami
Published: June 2021

Background: Most COVID-19 studies conclude old age and coexisting illnesses as mortality determinants owing to different populations or methodologies, or omitting factors affecting outcomes. Methods: We analyzed COVID-19 patients’ data (N = 391) of Dubai Hospital between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Results: Only 19 patients (4.8%) were UAE nationals, while 372 (95.2%) were expatriates. Median age was 48 (interquartile range, 40–56) years; 22% were <40 years, and only 16.6% were female. Cough was the most common symptom (78.7%), fever was 77.4%, and gastrointestinal symptoms were least common (13.8%). Approximately 95% had elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimers (79%), lymphocytopenia 47.3%, and thrombocytopenia 13.8%. Mortality was 30% for the total sample and 50% in ICU patients. ICU patients were older than non-ICU (age; 49.6 ± 10.9 vs. 46.7 ± 12.7 years, p = 0.04). Eighty-five percent of ICU patients required invasive mechanical ventilation, 78% vasopressors, 88% sedation, 84% muscle paralysis, while none require any of these in the medical group. Survivors had fewer patients with sedatives (p = 0.01). The median length of stay in the hospital was 19 days, ICU stays 14 days, and ventilator 11 days. The Mann-Whitney test showed that survivors spent more days in the ICU (median [IQR] 18 [6.5–29.5] vs. 11 [4–18], p value 0.003) and the hospital (32 [14.5–49.5] vs. 14 [7–21], p value 0.001) than nonsurvivors. Ferritin and D-dimers were higher in nonsurvivors, but CRP was lower in nonsurvivors (ferritin (ng/mL) median (IQR) 1,434 (661.5–2206.5) versus 1,362 (630–2,094), p value = 0.017, CRP (mg/L) 118.7 (53.4–184) versus 134.9 (66.5–203.2), p value 0.001 and D-dimer (µg/mL) 1.54 (0–3.13) versus 1.09 (0–2.51), p value = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis determined age, fever on admission, use of oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and steroids as predictors of survival. Conclusions: COVID-19 patients were young males with pre-existing conditions. Ferritin, CRP, and D-dimers were higher in nonsurvivors. Treatment with chloroquine, antivirals, and anticoagulation was not different between survivors and nonsurvivors. Steroid use was a survival predictor.
Cardio-Pulmonary-Renal Consequences of Severe COVID-19
Authors: Guven Goksel , Ince Can , Topeli Arzu , Caliskan Kadir
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has rapidly spread worldwide and resulted in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The disease raised an unprecedented demand for intensive care support due to severe pulmonary dysfunction and multiorgan failure. Although the pulmonary system is the potential target of the COVID-19, recent reports have demonstrated that COVID-19 profoundly influences the cardiovascular system and the kidneys. Research studies on cadavers have shown that direct heart and kidney injury can be frequently seen in patients deceased due to COVID-19 infection. On the other hand, functional or structural dysfunction of the heart may deteriorate the renal function and vice versa. This concept is already known as the cardiorenal syndrome and may play a role in COVID-19. Proactive monitoring of micro- and macrohemodynamics could allow prompt correction of circulatory dysfunction and can be of pivotal importance in the prevention of acute kidney injury. Moreover, type and amount of fluid therapy and vasoactive drug support could help manage these patients either with or without mechanical ventilator support. This brief review outlines the current evidence regarding the COVID-19-related renal and cardiorenal complications and discusses potential hemodynamic management strategies.
Sarcopenic Obesity in Chronic Kidney Disease: Challenges in Diagnosis Using Different Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Bellafronte Natália Tomborelli , de Queirós Mattoso Ono Amanda , Chiarello Paula Garcia
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Obesity, muscle impairment (low muscle mass or strength), and sarcopenic obesity are present in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are associated with worse clinical prognosis. However, the various existing definitions for these conditions make the diagnosis variable. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the agreement between diagnostic criteria for sarcopenic obesity and its components in CKD. Subject and Methods: 267 patients with CKD were included in the study. We assessed body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and muscle function by handgrip strength (HGS) and adiposity by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass index (FMI), and percentage of FM. Diagnosis of muscle impairment was made by HGS, appendicular lean mass (ALM), and ALM index; obesity by BMI, WC, FMI, and %FM, and sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed by concomitant presence of muscle impairment and obesity. Results: Prevalence of muscle impairment varied from 11 to 50%, higher when low muscle mass criteria were used. Prevalence of obesity varied from 26 to 62%, higher when WC and %FM criteria were used. Prevalence of sarcopenic obesity varied from 2 to 23%. Women were more affected by sarcopenic obesity. Muscle impairment and sarcopenic obesity were more prevalent among patients on hemodialysis and obesity among nondialysis-dependent and kidney transplant patients. The agreement was poor between muscle mass and strength criteria; substantial between FMI, BMI, and %FM and fair between WC and the other measures; for sarcopenic obesity, it varied from poor to almost perfect. Conclusion: Significant differences were found among the various diagnostic criteria that are used in the diagnosis of sarcopenic obesity. Our results highlight the need for standardization in the diagnosis of sarcopenic obesity.
Analyzing impact of number of features on efficiency of hybrid model of lexicon and stack based ensemble classifier for twitter sentiment analysis using WEKA tool
Authors: Rani Sangeeta , Singh Gill Nasib , Gulia Preeti
Published: June 2021

Twitter is used by millions of people across the world, so the data collected from Twitter can be highly valuable for research and helpful in decision support. Here in this paper ‘Twitter US Airline data’ from Kaggle data repository is used for sentiment classification of customers’ reviews. The current research aims to implement various machine learning classifiers, Stack-based ensemble classifiers and hybrid of lexicon classifier with other classifiers. 11 different classification models are implemented for different sized feature sets. Also, all the 11 models are re-implemented by adding sentiment score of lexicon based classifier as one of the features in the feature set. Results are analyzed by varying number of input feature variables used in the classification. Four different size feature sets having 301,501, 701, and 1301 number of features are used to analyze the variations in the final findings. Chi-Square and Information gain techniques are used for feature selection. The results show that an increase in the number of features increases the accuracy up to 701 features. After that, accuracy is stable or decreases with increase in feature set size. Also, the cost of adding sentiment score of lexicon classifier to the input feature set is nominal, but the results are improved consistently. WEKA and R Studio tools are used for analysis and implementation. Accuracy and Kappa are used for representing and comparing the efficiency of models.