bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal organoids: roadmap to the clinic
Authors: Kasendra Magdalena , Troutt Misty , Broda Taylor , Bacon W. Clark , Wang Timothy C. , Niland Joyce C. , Helmrath Michael A.
Published: May 2021

Recent advances in intestinal organoid research, along with encouraging preclinical proof-of-concept studies, have revealed significant therapeutic potential for induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived organoids in the healing and replacement of severely injured or diseased bowel (Finkbeiner et al. Biol Open 4: 1462–1472, 2015; Kitano et al. Nat Commun 8: 765, 2017; Cruz-Acuna et al. Nat Cell Biol 19: 1326–1335, 2017). To fully realize the tremendous promise of stem cell organoid-based therapies, careful planning aligned with significant resources and efforts must be devoted demonstrating their safety and efficacy to meet critical regulatory requirements. Early recognition of the inherent preclinical and clinical obstacles that occur with the novel use of pluripotent stem cell-derived products will accelerate their bench-to-bedside translation (Neofytou et al. J Clin Invest 125: 2551–2557, 2015; O’Brien et al. Stem Cell Res Ther 6: 146, 2015; Ouseph et al. Cytotherapy 17: 339–343, 2015). To overcome many of these hurdles, a close and effective collaboration is needed between experts from various disciplines, including basic and clinical research, product development and manufacturing, quality assurance and control, and regulatory affairs. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to outline the critical areas and challenges that must be addressed when transitioning laboratory-based discovery, through an investigational new drug (IND) application to first-in-human clinical trial, and to encourage investigators to consider the required regulatory steps from the earliest stage of the translational process. The ultimate goal is to provide readers with a draft roadmap that they could use while navigating this exciting cell therapy space.
Downregulation of DUOX1 function contributes to aging-related impairment of innate airway injury responses and accelerated senile emphysema
Authors: Schiffers Caspar , Lundblad Lennart K. A. , Hristova Milena , Habibovic Aida , Dustin Christopher M. , Daphtary Nirav , Aliyeva Minara , Seward David J. , Janssen-Heininger Yvonne M. W. , Wouters Emiel F. M. , Reynaert Niki L. , Vliet Albert van der
Published: May 2021

Aging is associated with a gradual loss of lung function due to increased cellular senescence, decreased regenerative capacity, and impaired innate host defense. One important aspect of innate airway epithelial host defense to nonmicrobial triggers is the secretion of alarmins such as IL-33 and activation of type 2 inflammation, which were previously found to depend on activation of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) homolog DUOX1, and redox-dependent signaling pathways that promote alarmin secretion. Here, we demonstrate that normal aging of C57BL/6J mice resulted in markedly decreased lung innate epithelial type 2 responses to exogenous triggers such as the airborne allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which was associated with marked downregulation of DUOX1, as well as DUOX1-mediated redox-dependent signaling. DUOX1 deficiency was also found to accelerate age-related airspace enlargement and decline in lung function but did not consistently affect other features of lung aging such as senescence-associated inflammation. Intriguingly, observations of age-related DUOX1 downregulation and enhanced airspace enlargement due to DUOX1 deficiency in C57BL/6J mice, which lack a functional mitochondrial nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT), were much less dramatic in C57BL/6NJ mice with normal NNT function, although the latter mice also displayed impaired innate epithelial injury responses with advancing age. Overall, our findings indicate a marked aging-dependent decline in (DUOX1-dependent) innate airway injury responses to external nonmicrobial triggers, but the impact of aging on DUOX1 downregulation and its significance for age-related senile emphysema development was variable between different C57BL6 substrains, possibly related to metabolic alterations due to differences in NNT function.
Lung metabolomics after ischemic acute kidney injury reveals increased oxidative stress, altered energy production, and ATP depletion
Authors: Ambruso Sophia L. , Gil Hyo-Wook , Fox Benjamin , Park Bryan , Altmann Christopher , Bagchi Rushita A. , Baker Peter R. , Reisz Julie A. , Faubel Sarah
Published: May 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex disease associated with increased mortality that may be due to deleterious distant organ effects. AKI associated with respiratory complications, in particular, has a poor outcome. In murine models, AKI is characterized by increased circulating cytokines, lung chemokine upregulation, and neutrophilic infiltration, similar to other causes of indirect acute lung injury (ALI; e.g., sepsis). Many causes of lung inflammation are associated with a lung metabolic profile characterized by increased oxidative stress, a shift toward the use of other forms of energy production, and/or a depleted energy state. To our knowledge, there are no studies that have evaluated pulmonary energy production and metabolism after AKI. We hypothesized that based on the parallels between inflammatory acute lung injury and AKI-mediated lung injury, a similar metabolic profile would be observed. Lung metabolomics and ATP levels were assessed 4 h, 24 h, and 7 days after ischemic AKI in mice. Numerous novel findings regarding the effect of AKI on the lung were observed including 1) increased oxidative stress, 2) a shift toward alternate methods of energy production, and 3) depleted levels of ATP. The findings in this report bring to light novel characteristics of AKI-mediated lung injury and provide new leads into the mechanisms by which AKI in patients predisposes to pulmonary complications.
ARDS metabolic fingerprints: characterization, benchmarking, and potential mechanistic interpretation
Authors: Metwaly Sayed , Côté Andréanne , Donnelly Sarah J. , Banoei Mohammad M. , Lee Chel H. , Andonegui Graciela , Yipp Bryan G. , Vogel Hans J. , Fiehn Oliver , Winston Brent W.
Published: May 2021

In this study, we aimed to identify acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) metabolic fingerprints in selected patient cohorts and compare the metabolic profiles of direct versus indirect ARDS and hypoinflammatory versus hyperinflammatory ARDS. We hypothesized that the biological and inflammatory processes in ARDS would manifest as unique metabolomic fingerprints that set ARDS apart from other intensive care unit (ICU) conditions and could help examine ARDS subphenotypes and clinical subgroups. Patients with ARDS ( n = 108) and ICU ventilated controls ( n = 27) were included. Samples were randomly divided into 2/3 training and 1/3 test sets. Samples were analyzed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twelve proteins/cytokines were also measured. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to select the most differentiating ARDS metabolites and protein/cytokines. Predictive performance of OPLS-DA models was measured in the test set. Temporal changes of metabolites were examined as patients progressed through ARDS until clinical recovery. Metabolic profiles of direct versus indirect ARDS subgroups and hypoinflammatory versus hyperinflammatory ARDS subgroups were compared. Serum metabolomics and proteins/cytokines had similar area under receiver operator curves when distinguishing ARDS from ICU controls. Pathway analysis of ARDS differentiating metabolites identified a dominant involvement of serine-glycine metabolism. In longitudinal tracking, the identified pathway metabolites generally exhibited correction by 7−14 days, coinciding with clinical improvement. ARDS subphenotypes and clinical subgroups were metabolically distinct. However, our identified metabolic fingerprints are not ARDS diagnostic biomarkers, and further research is required to ascertain generalizability. In conclusion, patients with ARDS are metabolically different from ICU controls. ARDS subphenotypes and clinical subgroups are metabolically distinct.
Gene transcription changes in a locust model of noise-induced deafness
Authors: French Andrew S. , Warren Ben
Published: May 2021

Locust ears have functional and genetic similarities to human ears, including loss of hearing from age or noise exposure. We measured transcript abundances in transcriptomes of noise-exposed and control locust ears. The data indicate remodeling of the ear tympanum and profound reductions in metabolism that may explain reduced sound transduction. These findings advance our understanding of this useful model and suggest further experiments to elucidate mechanisms that ears use to cope with excessive stimulation.
Acute intrathecal BDNF enhances functional recovery after cervical spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Sieck Gary C. , Gransee Heather M. , Zhan Wen-Zhi , Mantilla Carlos B.
Published: May 2021

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in promoting neuroplasticity following unilateral C2 spinal hemisection (C2SH). BDNF was administered intrathecally in rats displaying lack of ipsilateral inspiratory-related diaphragm (DIAm) EMG activity after C2SH. Acute BDNF treatment (30 min) restored eupneic DIAm EMG activity in all treated animals to 78% ± 9% of pre-C2SH level. In addition, acute BDNF treatment increased DIAm EMG amplitude during hypoxia-hypercapnia but had no effect on EMG amplitude during sighs.
Development of Simple Analytical Method for B-Group Vitamins in Nutritional Products: Enzymatic Digestion and UPLC-MS/MS Quantification
Authors: Nguyen Quang Huy , Hoang Anh Quoc , Truong Thi My Hanh , Dinh Thi Diu , Le Thi Thuy , Luu Thi Huyen Trang , Dinh Viet Chien , Nguyen Thi Minh Thu , Vu Thi Trang , Nguyen Thi Anh Huong
Published: May 2021

A method for the simultaneous determination of seven B-group vitamers including thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinamide, niacin, pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine in nutritional products by using enzymatic digestion followed by LC-MS/MS quantification was studied. The LC-MS/MS conditions such as MS transitions, mobile phase programs, and ammonium formate buffer concentrations, and sample treatment procedures (e.g., concentrations of buffer solution, digestion temperature, and digestion time) were investigated. The analytical method performance was evaluated by multiple criteria such as selectivity, linearity, detection and quantification limits, repeatability, reproducibility, and recovery by using real sample matrices. The validated method was successfully applied to analyze vitamin B concentrations in different nutritional products like ultra-heat-treated milk, powdered milk, and nutritional powder. Vitamin B concentrations varied over a wide range from lower than detection limits to about 9000 µg/100 g, depending on vitamin groups, compound forms, and sample types. The measured concentrations of B-group vitamins in our samples were generally in good agreement with values of label claims.
Design of a Dynamic Simulator for a Biped Robot
Authors: Bravo M Diego A. , Rengifo Rodas Carlos F.
Published: May 2021

Simulation is a virtual representation of a dynamic system. For the case of mechanical systems, the simulator is used to calculate the reaction forces between its base and the ground and other constraints. The intermittent nature of these forces and the mathematical inequalities that they must satisfy lead to models described by hybrid algebraic differential equations. In this paper, a simulator was developed for a seven degrees of freedom planar biped robot, which was modeled using the Euler-Lagrange formulation. This model allowed the design and implementation of a control strategy for balance management, and the monitoring of articular reference paths are tested in the simulator before proceeding to implementation on the actual prototype.
Expansion Mechanism and Properties of Magnesium Oxide Expansive Hydraulic Cement for Engineering Applications
Authors: Li Siqi , Feng Yecheng , Yang Jinbo
Published: May 2021

The expansion mechanism of magnesium oxide expansive hydraulic cement as a novel expansive hydraulic cement was reviewed. Anisotropic crystallization results in crystal growth pressure, causing volume expansion while also increasing the porosity of the whole system. The theoretical relationship between porosity and expansion was analyzed. A basic method is given for predicting the expansion rate considering the expansive agent content in MgO expansive hydraulic cement. A concise equation is proposed for calculating the ultimate expansion. A theoretical relationship between porosity and expansion is presented. The compressive strength and durability of magnesium oxide expansive hydraulic cement were analyzed considering porosity changes and compared with hydraulic cement. If the expansion rate exceeds 0.8%, the mechanical properties and durability changes caused by porosity should be considered. If magnesium oxide expansive concrete is used with restraining in real structure, extra compressive stress is generated and the porosity decreases, compared with that during free expansion. In particular, for strain‐hardening cementitious composites, expansion confined with the fibers present in the composite is beneficial for refining cracks and improving the self‐healing ability of these materials whenever exposed to humid environments. This paper describes the expansion mechanism and properties of magnesium oxide expansive hydraulic cement for engineering applications.
Mixed ℋ‐Infinity and Passive Synchronization of Markovian Jumping Neutral‐Type Complex Dynamical Networks with Randomly Occurring Distributed Coupling Time‐Varying Delays and Actuator Faults
Authors: Boonsatit N. , Sugumar R. , Ajay D. , Rajchakit G. , Lim C. P. , Hammachukiattikul P. , Usha M. , Agarwal P.
Published: May 2021

This article examines mixed ℋ‐infinity and passivity synchronization of Markovian jumping neutral‐type complex dynamical network (MJNTCDN) models with randomly occurring coupling delays and actuator faults. The randomly occurring coupling delays are considered to design the complex dynamical networks in practice. These delays complied with certain Bernoulli distributed white noise sequences. The relevant data including limits of actuator faults, bounds of the nonlinear terms, and external disturbances are available for designing the controller structure. Novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) is constructed to verify the stability of the error model and performance level. Jensen’s inequality and a new integral inequality are applied to derive the outcomes. Sufficient conditions for the synchronization error system (SES) are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which can be analyzed easily by utilizing general numerical programming. Numerical illustrations are given to exhibit the usefulness of the obtained results.
Bovine Hydroxyapatite-Based Bone Scaffold with Gentamicin Accelerates Vascularization and Remodeling of Bone Defect
Authors: Budiatin Aniek S. , Gani Maria A. , Samirah  , Ardianto Chrismawan , Raharjanti Aulia M. , Septiani Indah , Putri Ni Putu K. P. , Khotib Junaidi
Published: May 2021

Osteomyelitis is an infectious disease which is also a major complication of bone defects. This study aims to determine the effect of bovine hydroxyapatite-gelatin-based bone implants with gentamicin as an antibiotic (BHA-GEL-GEN implant) on the regeneration of bone defects in vivo. The BHA-GEL-GEN and BHA-GEL implants were made by direct compression. In vivo study was carried out with Wistar rats. The rats were divided into three groups: negative control, BHA-GEL implant, and BHA-GEL-GEN implants. The defect model used was the burr hole defect model with diameter 2.2 mm and 2 mm deep. After 2, 7, 14, and 28 days, the rats were sacrificed. Bone integrity was carried out using X-ray radiography. Radiological examination was performed using haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical techniques with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti-alkaline phosphatase (ALP) antibodies. Based on the radiograph, the implanted group had accelerated bone growth in the defect area. Semiquantitative data from HE staining showed that the implanted group had accelerated migration of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes in the defect area. The immunoreactive score showed that the BHA-GEL-GEN group had higher VEGF expression compared to two other groups. The three groups did not provide a significant difference in ALP expression. In conclusion, the BHA-GEL-GEN implant causes accelerated bone defects repair by accelerating tissue vascularity and does not interfere with the bone remodeling process. Therefore, the BHA-GEL-GEN implant is potentially a biomedical material for osteomyelitis therapy.
Monitoring Unfractionated Heparin in Adult Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): ACT, APTT, or ANTI-XA?
Authors: Nguyen Tung Phi , Phan Xuan Thi , Huynh Dai Quang , Viet Truong Ha Thi , Hai Le Yen Nguyen , Nguyen Tuan Manh , Minh Du Quan Quoc , Le Thao Phuong , Truong Hai Ngoc , Ho Thi Thi , Ngoc Pham Thao Thi
Published: May 2021

Background. During ECMO, anticoagulants, in particular, unfractionated heparin (UFH), are commonly used and monitored by laboratory tests, including ACT, APTT, and anti-Xa level. Method. A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted on adult patients undergoing ECMO between January 2019 and January 2020 at a tertiary hospital. The correlations between ACT, APTT, anti-Xa, antithrombin, and UFH dose were assessed. Results. 129 sets of measurements from 37 patients were obtained including ACT, APTT, anti-Xa, antithrombin, and UFH dose measured simultaneously. 102 out of 129 sets of values were interpreted as antithrombin deficiencies. The correlation coefficient between APTT and anti-Xa; ACT and anti-Xa are 0.72 and 0.33, respectively,

p
<
0.001

. The patients with normal antithrombin levels exhibited a significant correlation between APTT and anti-Xa (r = 0.80,

p
<
0.001

). ACT, on the other hand, was poorly correlated with UFH dose, whether there is AT deficiency or not. Anti-Xa and APTT are only moderately correlated with UFH dose in the group without antithrombin deficiency, with correlation coefficients of 0.62 and 0.57, respectively,

p
<
0.05

. Conclusion. APTT value is strongly correlated with anti-Xa value, particularly in patients with normal antithrombin levels. However, the ACT value was poorly correlated with anti-Xa and not with the UFH dose. In groups without antithrombin deficiency, APTT and anti-Xa values only moderately correlated with UFH dose.
Blockchain-Based Efficient Device Authentication Protocol for Medical Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Chen Fulong , Tang Yuqing , Cheng Xu , Xie Dong , Wang Taochun , Zhao Chuanxin
Published: May 2021

As the background of application in the field of smart health care, the flexible interaction between patients and medical system is provided by medical cyber-physical systems (MCPSs) to realize all-round three-dimensional medical service. According to the controllable and credible requirements of MCPS, it needs a secure and reliable device identity authentication mechanism to build the security barrier. Based on the blockchain technology, a lightweight authentication scheme is designed for sensor/execution devices, users, and gateway nodes in MCPS. The security analysis and experimental results show that the scheme can resist the existing attacks with better efficiency; thus, our proposed scheme can be efficiently applied to the medical field.
Three‐Point Bending Behaviour of a Fabricated Concrete Connection with Steel Plate Hoop and Bolts
Authors: Yuan Dawei , Li Qingning , Sun Jianpeng , Zhang Jiaolei , Jiang Weishan
Published: May 2021

As the development of building industrialization and housing industrialization is speeding up in China, the application of precast concrete structure has been the research focus. The connection of prefabricated components is one of the key technologies in prefabricated concrete structure. So, a new type of column–column connection with steel plate hoop and bolts is proposed in this paper to promote the application of precast concrete structure. In order to reveal the flexural behavior and force transfer mechanism about this new type connection, six precast concrete beams and one integral casting beam were tested by the three‐point bending under loading and unloading cycle. The comparative analysis is made between the new type connection and traditional integral cast‐in‐place member from the aspects of test phenomenon, failure mode, and load‐deflection relationship. The analysis results show that the new type connection has the same bending bearing capacity as the integral casting member. Based on the analysis of the load‐strain relationship of longitudinal reinforcement, bolts, and steel plate hoop, the moment transmission mechanism and theoretical calculation formula of the new type connection are proposed, and the theoretical calculation results are consistent with the experimental results.
Effect of Temperature on the Thermal Conductivity of Rocks and Its Implication for In Situ Correction
Authors: Chen Chi , Zhu Chuanqing , Zhang Baoshou , Tang Boning , Li Kunyu , Li Wenzheng , Fu Xiaodong
Published: May 2021

Detailed knowledge of the effects of temperature on the thermal conductivity (

λ

) of rocks is essential for investigating the geothermal regime of basins and their thermal evolution. In this study, the

λ

of four rock types (carbonate, clastic, intrusive, and volcanic rocks) were measured at temperatures of 25°C, 50°C, 100°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, and 300°C using the Transient Plane Source (TPS) approach, which is accurate to ±3%. Experimental results demonstrate that the

λ

of carbonate and clastic specimens decrease strongly with increasing temperature. In contrast, the

λ

of intrusive and volcanic rocks are relatively insensitive to temperature. The temperature (

T

) dependence of

λ

can be classified into three groups in terms of the value of

λ

at 25°C. The first group is composed of rocks characterized by high

λ

(>4.5 W/m·K) at room temperature, for which the curves of

λ
−
T

exhibit a concave pattern. The second group consists of rocks with a moderate

λ

(2.5~3.5 W/m·K), in which the curves tend to be a straight line. The last group comprises rocks with a low

λ

(<2.5 W/m·K), exhibiting convex curves. There exists a close relationship between the

λ

at 25°C and its rate of decrease (

α

). The absolute value of

α

increases with the

λ

at 25°C rising. The relationship between the two values can be fitted by the equation

y
=
a
x
+
b

1
/
x

+
c

to derive the fitting parameters

a

,

b

, and

c

; by this equation with known fitting parameters, the

λ

of the deep carbonate rocks of the Tarim Basin have been estimated.
Economic Dependence Relationship and Spatial Stratified Heterogeneity in the Eastern Coastal Economic Belt of China
Authors: Wu Xianbo , Hui Xiaofeng
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the method of mutual information is used to study the economic dependence among the provinces in Chinaʼs Eastern Coastal Economic Belt from 2015 to 2020, and the core structure of the dependence is depicted. The results show that, first of all, there is a wide range of economic dependence among the provinces in the Eastern Coastal Economic Belt, and the dependence changes with the different states of economic development. Secondly, the phenomenon of geographical clustering is not obvious. Most provinces maintain a strong economic dependence relationship with the economically developed provinces, and this dependence relationship is relatively stable, while the economically underdeveloped provinces are often on the edge of the dependence structure. Finally, the economically developed provinces maintain strong economic dependence with each other, such as Jiangsu (No. 7), Shandong (No. 9), and Zhejiang (No. 12), and Beijing (No. 1), Guangdong (No. 3), and Shanghai (No. 10). However, the former three provinces are more in the core position of this structure, that is, the other provinces maintain the stronger dependence relationship with these three provinces.
The Influence of Hydraulic Conditions on the Stability of Dual Circular Tunnels in Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Du Jingna , Ye Fei
Published: May 2021

The performance of geotechnical structures in unsaturated soils is affected significantly by the hydraulic conditions. In the present paper, a unified computational upper bound limit analysis method is applied to study the stability of dual circular tunnels located in unsaturated soils. The linings are substituted by an equivalent uniform pressure exerted on the periphery of the tunnel. The main focus is put on the effect of ground water table and surface water infiltration on the required supporting pressure and collapse mechanisms of dual tunnels. The critical center-to-center spacing above which the interaction of the tunnels disappears is also discussed.
Effectiveness of Mobilization with Movement on the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Weleslassie Gidey Gomera , Temesgen Melaku Hailu , Alamer Abayneh , Tsegay Gebrerufael Solomon , Hailemariam Teklehaimanot Tekle , Melese Haimanot
Published: May 2021

Background. Osteoarthritis is becoming a global major cause of pain and functional disability worldwide, especially in the elderly population. Nowadays, evidence shows that mobilization with movement (MWM) has a beneficial effect on knee osteoarthritis subjects. However, its adequacy remains unclear. Objective. To review the best available evidence for the effectiveness of MWMs on pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods. A comprehensive search of literature was conducted using the following electronic databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, and the methodological quality of the studies was appraised using the PEDro scale. It was reported according to the guideline of the PRISMA statement. Results. A total of 15 RCTs having 704 participants were included. The present systematic review suggests that there were significant differences between MWM groups and control groups in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale, and flexion range of motion. Conclusions. This systematic review demonstrated that MWM was effective to improve pain, range of motion, and functional activities in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.
Coupled Effects of Water and Low Temperature on Quasistatic and Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of Sandstone
Authors: Zhou Zilong , E Yude , Cai Xin , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2021

The mechanical behavior of rock materials is critically affected by water and temperature. To comprehensively study the coupled effects of water saturation and low temperature on the mechanical properties of sandstone, both quasistatic and dynamic compressive tests were performed on dry and water-saturated specimens under room temperature and -60°C. The results indicated that under the same strain rate, at room temperature, the compression strength and elastic modulus of the sandstone specimen are significantly reduced when the specimen becomes water-saturated. However, at -60°C, the compression strength and elastic modulus of the dry specimen notably increase compared to that at room temperature. Interestingly, these mechanical parameters of the saturated-frozen specimen are lower than that of the dry one but slightly higher than that of the saturated specimen under room temperature. Moreover, regardless of temperature, the saturated specimens have a higher strain rate dependence in terms of strength. The dual effects of water and subzero temperature of the mechanical behavior of rock are discussed.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Static Poisson’s Ratio Prediction While Drilling
Authors: Ahmed Ashraf , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Alsaihati Ahmed
Published: May 2021

The prediction of continued profile for static Poisson’s ratio is quite expensive and requires huge experimental works, and the discontinuity in the measurement and the limited applicability and accuracy of the present empirical correlations necessitated the utilization of artificial intelligence with its prosperous application in oil and gas industry. This work aims to construct different artificial intelligence models for predicting static Poisson’s ratio of complex lithology at real time during drilling. The functional networks (FN) and random forest (RF) approaches were utilized using the mechanical drilling parameters as inputs. This study uses a vertical well with 1775 records from complex lithology containing shale, sand, and carbonate for model building. Besides, a different dataset from another well was used to check the models’ validity. The results demonstrated that both FN‐ and RF‐based models predicted static Poisson’s ratio with significant matching accuracy. The FN technique results’ correlation coefficient (R) value of 0.89 and average absolute percentage error (AAPE) values of 10.23% and 10.28% in training and testing processes. While the RF technique is outperformed, as illustrated by the highest R values of 0.99 and 0.94 and the lowest AAPE values of 1.89% and 5.19% for training and testing processes, the robustness and reliability of the developed models were confirmed in the validation process with R values of 0.94 and 0.86 and AAPE values of 11.23% and 5.12% for FN‐ and RF‐based models, respectively. The constructed models developed a basis for inexpensive static Poisson’s ratio prediction in real time with significant accuracy.
Influence Factors of Sexual Intercourse Frequency in Infertile Couples without Sexual Dysfunction in Southwest China: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Yutao , Liu Siqiao , Yao Juncheng , Dou Ke , Lv Qun
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) of infertile couples without sexual dysfunction and analyze its related influencing factors. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of a total number of 4,923 infertile couples without sexual dysfunction who received treatment in our assisted reproductive center from October 2016 to October 2018. Both partners of couples were inquired about their information of demographic statistics, occupations, lifestyles, education backgrounds, psychological characteristics, and testostrone levels of male patients. The multivariable linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate the influence of various variables on SIF. Results: The median (interquartile range) SIF of infertile couples without sexual dysfunction was 7 (6.5–8) times per month. Lower academic qualification and younger age were predictive of increased SIF in both partners. The SIF of Chinese Han women and Chinese Zang women is higher than that of other ethnic groups. Men with lower testosterone (<10 nmol/L) were associated with lower SIF. The BMI, occupation, alcohol consumption, races of both partners of couples, and smoking status of males were not associated with SIF. Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that only the age and the education level of men played an important role in SIF, and educational level of men had the greatest impact, followed by men’s age. Conclusion: In our study, we analyzed demographics data, occupational characteristics, and lifestyle behaviors of both partners, as well as men’s testosterone levels; we also reported the related SIF. According to our research, men’s education level was the most important factor in predicting SIF, followed by men’s age. Testosterone levels of men do not appear to play a substantial role in predicting SIF in infertile couples.
Dynamic Study of Oesophageal Function during Phonation: Simple but Effective
Authors: Santoro Giovanni Paolo , Maniaci Antonino , Luparello Paolo , Ferlito Salvatore , Cocuzza Salvatore
Published: May 2021

Secondary aphonia significantly affects the quality of life of the laryngectomy patient despite the excellent success of the operation. Vocal rehabilitation often does not achieve the desired results, given the innumerable prognostic variables. Tracheo-oesophageal speech is considered the standard gold method of voice restoration, but a possible spasm of pharyngo-oesophageal segment is the prominent cause of rehabilitation failure. However, the phenomenon is difficult to identify and underestimated, and diagnostic methods are inquisitive or expensive. To propose a phonatory and swallowing evaluation essay of pharynx-oesophageal segment disorders, we conducted a retrospective study from 2012 to 2017 by selecting 6 patients who underwent total laryngectomy and voice prosthesis implantation that suffered from aphonia after surgery. All patients underwent dynamic phonation videofluoroscopy and plexus bath control test with lidocaine hydrochloride. All patients were then referred for treatment with neurotoxin blocker. In all cases, the analysed patients presented an air-trapping phenomenon with the formation of a spasmodic block upstream of an interrupted aerial column. The control test with lidocaine hydrochloride resulted in a transient improvement in speech performance. The neurotoxin block therapy subsequently performed ultimately led to an improvement in the patient’s rehabilitation process with a recovery of the phonatory performance. We describe the new use of a barium bolus as a diagnostic tool for identifying neopharynx disorders. Appropriately selected patients with pharynx-oesophageal segment disorders could benefit from a neurotoxin-blocking treatment to improve oesophageal speech.
Preoperative Parameters to Predict the Development of Symptomatic Lymphoceles after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Mahjoub Samy , Hennecken Marius , Pfister David , Hartmann Florian , John Patricia , Schmautz Maximilian , Heidenreich Axel
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Symptomatic lymphoceles (SLs) represent the most common complication after radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). To date, preoperative risk factors are missing. Methods: Clinical and pathological data of 592 patients who underwent RP and PLND were evaluated. Included parameters were age, BMI, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA ratio, PSA density, number of resected and/or positive lymph nodes, previous abdominal surgery/pelvic radiotherapy, anticoagulation, and surgical approach. Results: Fifty-nine patients (10%) developed an SL, of which 57 underwent open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) and 2 underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following parameters as statistically significant risk factors: PSA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23; 95% CI [1.25; 5.04], p = 0.04), number of resected lymph nodes (OR = 1.47; 95% CI [1.10; 1.97], p < 0.01), previous abdominal surgery (OR = 2.58; 95% CI [1.38; 4.91], p < 0.01), and surgical approach (OR = 0.08; 95% CI [0.01; 0.27], p < 0.01). Previous oral anticoagulation showed almost statistically significant results (OR = 2.39 [0.92; 5.51], p = 0.05). Conclusion: The risk for SL might be predictable considering preoperative risk factors such as PSA, previous abdominal surgery and anticoagulation. To avoid SL, RARP should be the procedure of choice. If RRP is considered, patients at risk for SL may benefit from peritoneal fenestration during RP.
Activation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-2 Ameliorates Retinal Cell Damage and Exerts Protection in in vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhao Yantao , Xiong Zhaohui , Chen Yuping , Wang Guoqiang , Zhao Yan
Published: May 2021

Background: The major event in the development of diabetes-related blindness and vision impairment is the onset of retinal cell damage. Overall awareness of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2) mechanisms emphasizes its protective behavior in retinal cells that help to provide new information about the development of treatment for retinal complications. Objectives: This study analyzes the effect of in vitro changes associated with the cell survival and rescue mechanism in IGF2 inhibition and activation using chromeceptin and IGF2 peptides in ARPE-19 cells cultured in high glucose conditions. Method: Cell death was induced using high glucose (15 mmol/L), IGF2 inhibition was done using chromeceptin (1 µM) (Sigma Aldrich, Saint Louis, MO, USA), and IGF2 activation was done using IGF2 peptide (10 ng/mL). The cells were analyzed for changes in cell proliferation, apoptosis markers, antioxidant molecules, and alteration of cytokines. Results: The study demonstrated that cells lacking IGF2 exhibited a significant increase in reactive oxygen levels with apoptosis patterns. Also, gene expression analysis by qRT-PCR demonstrated a significant increase in Yes-associated protein 1, CDK2, TNF-α, and BIRC5 genes in cells under high glucose stress and IGF inhibition compared to control. Further, the cytokine analysis also revealed that cells devoid of IGF2 activated an increase in cytokines such as IL-8, CX43, ICAM-1, IL-17, CCL3, and MCP-1 and decreased paraoxonase compared to normal control cells. On the other hand, ARPE-19 cells grown in high glucose shows that IGF2 increases the survival genes with reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: The finding of the investigation, therefore, shows that the use of IGF2 activators may prevent the progression of ocular dysfunction in the control of diabetes-related complications.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a One-Week Multimodal Prevention Program for Slowing down and Stress Reduction Performed in a German Health Resort: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kus Sandra , Immich Gisela , Oberhauser Cornelia , Frisch Dieter , Schuh Angela
Published: May 2021

Background: Effective concepts are required to overcome the negative impact of daily stressful overwhelming. We investigated the effectiveness of a 1-week multimodal program for stress reduction. Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial including adults with above-average stress level. The intervention consisted of health coaching, relaxation, physical activity, and balneotherapeutic elements. Individuals were randomized either to the intervention group (IG) or to one of the two control groups B and C. The main outcome was change in stress (Perceived Stress Questionnaire [PSQ], Screening Scale of Chronic Stress of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress [TICS-SSCS]) at 6 months post intervention; further outcomes were well-being (World Health Organization 5-Item Well-Being Index [WHO-5]) and health status (EuroQol visual analog scale [EQ-5D VAS]). Data were collected pre/post intervention as well as after 1, 3, and 6 months. Results: Data of 96 individuals (mean age 48.0 years, 74% female) were available for analyses. The IG improved overtime with –13.45 points for the PSQ and –6.44 points for the TICS-SSCS after 6 months. At 6-month follow-up the IG did not significantly differ from group B (PSQ: p = 0.2332; TICS-SSCS: p = 0.0805) or group C (PSQ: p = 0.0950; TICS-SSCS: p = 0.0607) when controlling for baseline (ANCOVA). Compared to group C, ANCOVA revealed significant differences in WHO-5 (p = 0.0292) and EQ-5D VAS (p = 0.0177) post intervention. At the 3- and 6-month follow-up and compared to group B, no substantial differences could be found for WHO-5 and EQ-5D VAS. Conclusion: The results indicate that even a short-term multimodal program for stress reduction appears to set a positive trend towards less perceived and chronic stress.
Bee- and Wasp-Venom Sensitization in Schoolchildren of High- and Low-Socioeconomic Status Living in an Urban Area of Indonesia
Authors: Amaruddin Aldian I. , Koopman Jan Pieter R. , Muhammad Munawir , Versteeg Serge A. , Wahyuni Sitti , van Ree Ronald , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Hamid Firdaus , Sartono Erliyani
Published: May 2021

Background: There is not much known about venom allergy in tropical regions. Here, we studied the prevalence of specific IgE (sIgE) and skin prick test (SPT) reactivity and reported sting-related symptoms, in high- and low-socioeconomic status (SES) schoolchildren living in urban city of Makassar in Indonesia. Methods: Children from high- (n = 160) and low- (n = 165) SES schools were recruited. Standardized questionnaires were used to record information on allergic disorders as well as sting-related symptoms. Parasitic infection, SPT reactivity, and sIgE to Apis mellifera (bee-venom) as well as Vespula spp. (wasp-venom) were assessed. Results: SPT reactivity to bee- and wasp-venom was 14.3 and 12.7%, while the prevalence of sIgE was 26.5 and 28.5%, respectively. When SES was considered, prevalence of SPT to bee- and wasp-venom was higher in high-SES than in low-SES schoolchildren (bee: 22.8 vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001; and wasp: 19.6 vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001). Conversely, sIgE to both venoms was lower in high-SES than in low-SES (bee: 19 vs. 34%, p = 0.016; and wasp: 19 vs. 38%, p = 0.003). Furthermore, among SPT positive subjects, considerable proportion had no detectable sIgE to bee- (65.85%) or wasp-venom (66.67%). Altogether the sensitizations were rarely translated into clinical reaction, as only 1 child reported significant local reaction after being stung. No association with parasitic infections was found. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Sensitization against bee- or wasp-venom is quite prevalent among schoolchildren in Indonesia. The discordance between SPT and sIgE might suggest the direct (non-IgE) effect of venoms in skin reactivity. Recorded sensitizations had poor clinical relevance as they rarely translated into clinical symptoms.
Research Note: An Investigation of Cybercrime Victims’ Reporting Behavior
Authors: De Kimpe Lies , Walrave Michel , Snaphaan Thom , Pauwels Lieven , Hardyns Wim , Ponnet Koen
Published: May 2021

Even though the dark number is especially high for cybercrimes, it is unclear by whom and to whom cybercrime is reported. Therefore, this study will answer the following questions: (1) who reports cybercrime incidents, and (2) to whom do victims report cybercrime? Analyses based on survey data including 334 recent cybercrime victims, indicate that 73.4% of victims do not report the incident. Cybercrime victims who do report are significantly older. In addition, 40.4% of the reporting victims notified the police, while others contacted a wide diversity of organizations. Based on these results, awareness raising campaigns should especially encourage young victims to report cybercrime incidents to the police. It would moreover be useful to appoint and promote a more centralized reporting channel.
The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Ethical Considerations
Authors: Meers Lieve Lucia , Contalbrigo Laura , Stevens Vicky Antoinette , Ulitina Oksana Michailovna , Laufer Stephan Jens , Samuels William Ellery
Published: May 2021

Although animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) share specific characteristics, their differences can be quite significant (Lajoie, 2003). Most research on AAIs focuses on the human side (Muñoz Lasa et al., 2011). The autonomy and well-being of the animals involved are seldom studied, as well as the possible values of conflict between humans and animals (Glenk, 2017). The COVID-19 pandemic that gripped the world starting in 2019–2020, greatly affected human-animal interaction projects, such as animal-assisted interventions (Kumar et al., 2020). To control the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, several (inter)national organisations, came up with new safety protocols. We focus on scientific insights and anecdotal observations, as well as the ethical implications of the COVID-19 safety protocols on AAIs in Belgium and Italy. The paper aims to give the reader an insight into the complexity of AAIs and its future relevance for developing protocols to handle the current and maybe future pandemics.
The National and the Popular
Authors: Peña Richard
Published: May 2021

The national and the popular have been an intertwined and ever-thorny topic of the relationship in cinema. So what is “national cinema?” How can national character be expressed in the cinema? When looking at, for example, the history of Brazilian cinema critics rarely felt the need to the question of what constituted a “Brazilian” film; perhaps, it seemed obvious, not worth discussing. As in so many cultures in Asia, Africa and Latin America, the cinema began as something imported for many decades, something brought to the country by foreigners. Turkey also has its own problematic relationship to colonialism: the encounter with the West is not the imposition of something external, but the liberation of something that was always internal. In Chinese culture, the cinema itself was seen as a modernizing element with far less historical baggage than any of the traditional artistic disciplines.

The term popular, as in popular cinema, has its true force, perhaps, in its blurred contours and cultural contradictions; in the supposed opposition of two paradigms, one based on the market, the other drawn from anthropology. One can define the popular simply by focusing on the commercial success of individual works or by studying those things that claim for themselves or are claimed to be expressions of the thoughts, values and the feelings of the “people,” however defined. Many of the formulations of popular cinema, however construed, often imagine it as a kind of alternative practice to some kind of other, official or better produced cinema—popular cinema as oppositional cinema. The films offered a free zone, a space in which “official” or promoted values could be questioned or even refused. Yet in the end, they truly do not dislodge that imposed modernization; instead, they offer examples of how one can accommodate oneself to it.
World Cinema in a Global Frame
Authors: Jeong Seung-hoon
Published: May 2021

The “world” in film studies has been the “other” of the world’s empire, with Hollywood taking American exceptionalism. It unfolds as the stage of identity politics representing all the rest of the world as postcolonial, peripheral, or merely different than Hollywood. However, this “political” model becomes challengeable as the world’s ongoing homogenization blurs old boundaries while causing “ethical” deadlocks such as the vicious interlocking between (neo)liberal multiculturalism and fundamentalist terrorism. The notions of subjectivity and society also undergo new crises and changes permeating the entire world beyond the established national or transnational frames of the world. Against this backdrop, world cinema can be reframed not for a world tour of territorialized national cinemas or transnational deterritorialization but a critical remapping of many contemporary films reflecting global phenomena even in localized narrative space. Locality functions here less as the basis of identity, referring to a unique reality that both resists and requires the center’s endorsement, than as a contingent springboard for addressing the concrete universality of the world system, including the center. This approach brings a global frame of world cinema.
Something in common?
Authors: Robbins Anna M.
Published: May 2021

The relationship between the group and the individual poses an enduring challenge to our understanding of Christian social ethics. While some believe that individual moral responsibility is derivative of a collective personality, others suggest that the group is comprised of individual moral persons. The way that such dynamics work out in the ethics of Walter Rauschenbusch’s social gospel and Reinhold Niebuhr’s realist ethic is explored with reference to the philosophical and theological dynamics of the individual and corporate person. Insights gained are applied in a discussion of the corporate and individual person in more recent approaches, particularly as manifested in the World Council of Churches. The argument is made that although corporate personality must be acknowledged, when common consciousness is given primary emphasis, the responsibility of the self as moral agent is compromised.