bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative absent bilateral medial recti in syndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Chaurasia Shweta , Sharma Pradeep , Surve Abhidnya , Chaurasia Swati
Published: January 2021

Patients with syndromic craniosynostosis are usually associated with the complexity of the malformation complex. We describe here detailed oculo-motility disorder and a remarkable finding of hypoplastic bilateral media recti on imaging and its intraoperative absence in patients with phenotypic features resembling Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome (SGS). SGS is a rare congenital disorder with craniosynostosis affecting multiple systems including mentation and having a considerable overlap of its phenotypic features with Marfan syndrome. Large A-pattern exotropia found in these patients may be related to the craniofacial features and their bearing on extraocular muscle development and function. In this paper, we aimed to sensitise ophthalmologists and strabismologists concerning the necessity to recognise syndromic associations of patients with craniosynostosis presenting with a large squint, be aware of the intraoperative surprises and consider the challenges in its management.
Sudden painless loss of vision following spine surgery: lessons learnt in darkness
Authors: Nalli Uvaraj R , Aju Bosco , Ramakrishnan Eswar , Muthu Sathish
Published: January 2021

A 26-year-old male driver presented with a history of pain in the neck for the past 1 week following trauma due to a road traffic accident. The patient had no neurological deficit. He had type 1 diabetes and was on regular oral hypoglycemics. After radiological investigations, the patient was diagnosed to have traumatic AO Spine Classification type C translational injury involving anterolisthesis of C6 over C7. After a detailed preoperative assessment, the patient was taken up for surgery. The patient underwent posterior stabilisation with instrumentation from C5 to T2. On extubation from anaesthesia, he immediately complained of complete painless loss of this vision in his left eye. Ophthalmological investigations attributed the cause to be due to central retinal artery occlusion. The patient was discharged with reassurance on the 20th postoperative day with minimal improvement in his vision and at 6-month follow-up, his vision improved to 1/60 and was advised for close follow-up.
Rare cause of cardioembolic stroke and central retinal artery occlusion
Authors: Johari Muhamad Izzad , Ismail Mohd Noor , Mohamad Fadhilah , Yusof Mohd Aizuddin
Published: January 2021

Primary cardiac valve tumours are rare. This is a case report of a 32-year-old non-smoker man with a history of stroke 1 year prior and no other cardiovascular risk factors. The patient was admitted to our acute stroke ward for recurrent left hemiparesis, slurring of speech, facial asymmetry and central retinal artery occlusion. Initial laboratory investigations and ECG were normal. An urgent CT brain showed a large hypodense area at the right frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital region with effaced sulci and right lateral ventricle with midline shift and cerebral oedema in keeping with acute infarction. We proceeded with CT angiography of the cerebral and carotid on the following day, which revealed no evidence of thrombosis, aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation. There were no abnormal beaded vessels to suggest vasculitis. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large mobile mass in the left atrium. Meanwhile, MRI cardiac confirmed a large ill-defined mobile solid mass attached to the mitral valve’s inferoseptal component suggestive of mitral valve myxoma. This case report highlights the significance of considering a cardiogenic source of emboli in patients with large cerebral infarcts and other cardiac embolic phenomena. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography and cardiac MRI will help detect treatable conditions, such as valvular myxoma and prevent further complications.
Budd-Chiari syndrome diagnosed with pregnancy in a patient with inherited thrombophilia
Authors: Elkhateb Islam Tarek , Mousa Abdalla , Hashem Ahmed
Published: January 2021

An 18-year-old primigravida was referred to our high risk pregnancy (HRP) department at 34 weeks of gestation for birth panning as she has Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS). Her history was significant for familial thrombophilia. She had portal hypertension manifestations. Her work-up revealed factor V Leiden gene mutation, hepatic and portal vein thrombosis. A multidisciplinary team of physicians from the gastroenterology and hepatology, haematology and HRP departments puts a management plan; it culminated into safe delivery of the patient at 36 weeks of gestation. The patient was referred to a specialised BCS centre where she had successful liver transplantation done.
Novel SLC12A3 mutation in Gitelman syndrome
Authors: Veríssimo Rita , Leite de Sousa Luís , Carvalho Tiago J , Fidalgo Pedro
Published: January 2021

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is an autosomal recessive disease characterised by the presence of hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis with hypomagnesaemia and hypocalciuria. The prevalence of this disease is 1–10/40 000. GS is usually associated with mild and non-specific symptoms and many patients are only diagnosed in adulthood. The disease is caused by mutations in the SLC12A3 gene. We present the case of a 49-year-old man referred to a nephrology appointment due to persistent hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia. Complementary evaluation revealed hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, metabolic alkalosis, hyperreninaemia, increased chloride and sodium urinary excretion, and reduced urinary calcium excretion. Renal function, remainder serum and urinary ionogram, and renal ultrasound were normal. A diagnosis of GS was established and confirmed with genetic testing which revealed a novel mutation in SLC12A3 (c.1072del, p.(Ala358Profs*12)). This novel mutation extends the spectrum of known SLC12A3 gene mutations and further supports the allelic heterogeneity of GS.
Hydatid disease, hepatic injury and hypertonic saline: a clinical conundrum
Authors: Lane Angus , Wright Hugh
Published: January 2021

Echinococcosis or human hydatid disease is a helminthic infection is caused byEchinococcusspecies. Classically, cystic echinococcosis is caused byEchinococcus granulosus sensu stricto,E. equinus,E. ortleppiandE. canadensis,though several other species have been implicated in hydatid disease. Echinococcus infection may lead to cystic disease of the liver, lungs and potentially other organs. Here we present a patient who had cystic disease of the lungs and liver. The patient initially experienced right upper quadrant pain and nausea, and later went on to develop a fever, cough and dyspnoea in the setting of hydropneumothorax. CT scan of the chest and abdomen revealed a large fluid collection at the left lung base and a large lobular complex fluid mass within the right lobe of the liver. Echinococcus titres were positive. The patient was commenced on albendazole; however, experienced significant derangement of liver enzymes within the following month. In light of this, the albendazole was ceased, and a hemi-hepatectomy was performed. During the hemi-hepatectomy there was some cyst content spillage, and subsequently a washout with hypertonic saline 3% was performed. This was followed by a course of praziquantel 1200 mg two times per day for 14 days. Repeat CT 6 months later demonstrated no evidence of recurrence.
Paediatric case of group A streptococcal pharyngitis, arthritis and osteomyelitis associated with dental neglect
Authors: Hiraoka Tomohiro , Chujo Taro , Tsuge Mitsuru , Kondo Yoichi
Published: January 2021

Group A streptococcus (GAS) causes a wide variety of infections in the paediatric population, ranging from pharyngitis to rare but severe invasive diseases, such as bacterial arthritis and osteomyelitis. Dental neglect is a type of child neglect in which caregivers fail to provide adequate care and treatment for dental diseases. This results in poor oral hygiene and can lead to complications including sepsis. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy, suffering from child neglect, presenting with GAS pharyngitis and subsequent bacterial arthritis in the right ankle, osteomyelitis in the right talus and abscess in the right calcaneus. He was first treated with penicillin, which was changed to clindamycin because of a suspected drug-induced rash. He was discharged after 6 weeks of intravenous therapy when symptoms had resolved and inflammatory markers were within the normal range. The case highlights that dental neglect may present a risk for subsequent invasive infections.
Unusual presentation of a septate hymen leading to a retained vaginal tampon in the urinary bladder
Authors: Parton Julia Rhian , O'Mahony Fidelma
Published: January 2021

There is a wide range of hymenal variants which exist and usually become apparent to women during puberty. Our case describes a 16-year-old woman with a previously undiagnosed hymenal septum who presented with a retained tampon within the urinary bladder. This case report discusses a rare presentation of a hymenal variant and highlights the importance of understanding the difference in pelvic examinations in children and adolescents when compared with adults and awareness of the different hymenal variants.
Strange case of biventricular heart failure
Authors: Biolè Carloalberto , Bianco Matteo , Parente Antonella , Montagna Laura
Published: January 2021

Acute heart failure (HF) is commonly caused by a cardiomyopathy with one or more precipitating factor. Here, a case in which a cardiomyopathy is precipitated by pulmonary embolism (PE). A 77-year-old man is admitted for breathlessness and leg swelling. A mild reduction of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction is found, with moderately increased LV wall thickness and pulmonary hypertension; clinical examination revealed signs of congestion with bilateral leg swelling, and mild signs of left HF with the absence of pulmonary congestion on chest X-ray. The ECG showed Mobitz I second-degree atrioventricular block. The clinical scenario led us to the diagnosis of infiltrative cardiomyopathy due to cardiac amyloidosis (CA) precipitated by PE. Pulmonary embolism is an overlooked precipitant of HF and can be the first manifestation of an underlying misdiagnosed cardiomyopathy, especially CA. 3,3-Diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid scan is a cornerstone in the diagnosis of Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis.
Severe acute mitral valve regurgitation in a COVID-19-infected patient
Authors: Khanduri Ayesha , Anand Usha , Doss Maged , Lovett Louis
Published: January 2021

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented many difficult and unique challenges to the medical community. We describe a case of a middle-aged COVID-19-positive man who presented with pulmonary oedema and acute respiratory failure. He was initially diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Later in the hospital course, his pulmonary oedema and respiratory failure worsened as result of severe acute mitral valve regurgitation secondary to direct valvular damage from COVID-19 infection. The patient underwent emergent surgical mitral valve replacement. Pathological evaluation of the damaged valve was confirmed to be secondary to COVID-19 infection. The histopathological findings were consistent with prior cardiopulmonary autopsy sections of patients with COVID-19 described in the literature as well as proposed theories regarding ACE2 receptor activity. This case highlights the potential of SARS-CoV-2 causing direct mitral valve damage resulting in severe mitral valve insufficiency with subsequent pulmonary oedema and respiratory failure.
Defence Medical Services telemedicine now: a successful pilot of video consultations and instant messaging support to firm base training
Authors: Sandhu Amritpal , Bartels O , Booker R J , Aye Maung N
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Telemedicine was pioneered in the Defence Medical Services (DMS) in 1998, since then the capabilities within the DMS have not advanced in step with advances in technology. We present our findings of a pilot of remote video consultation via Skype for MODNET during an arduous course held in the UK. Method: Combat medical technician sick parades were live streamed via Skype to a Defence Primary Healthcare Medical Centre and medical officer (MO) support was delivered remotely. This process was augmented by the use of Pando for still images of wounds and infection sites in order to enhance decision making and situational awareness. Results: Over a 3-week period, 34 consultations carried out during sick parade required the input from a remote MO, of those 34% required a prescription from an MO. None of the presentations required a face-to-face consultation, and all patients received MO-led care remotely. Conclusion: We have successfully demonstrated that video telemedicine consultations are safe, while simultaneously improving patient care, augmenting the distribution of medical assets and reducing costs.
Impact of price and non-price policies on household cigarette consumption and nutrient intake in smoking-tolerant Indonesia
Authors: Djutaharta Triasih , Nachrowi Nachrowi Djalal , Ananta Aris , Martianto Drajat
Published: January 2021

Objective

To examine the impact of cigarette price and smoking environment on allocation of household expenditure and its implication on nutrition consumption.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2014 National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS), the 2014 Village Potential Survey (PODES) and the 2013 Basic National Health Survey (RISKESDAS). SUSENAS and PODES data were collected by the Central Bureau of Statistics. RISKESDAS was conducted by National Institute of Health Research and Development (Balitbangkes), Indonesian Ministry of Health (MOH).

Setting and participants

The sample covered all districts in Indonesia; with sample size of 285 400 households. These households are grouped into low, medium and high smoking prevalence districts.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The impact of cigarette price and smoking environment on household consumption of cigarette, share of eight food groups, as well as calorie and protein intake.

Result

1% increase in cigarette price will increase the cigarette budget share by 0.0737 points and reduce the budget share for eggs/milk, prepared food, staple food, nuts, fish/meat and fruit, from 0.0200 points (eggs/milk) up to 0.0033 points (fruit). Reallocation of household expenditure brings changes in food composition, resulting in declining calorie and protein intake. A 1% cigarette price increase reduces calorie and protein intake as much as 0.0885% and 0.1052%, respectively. On the other hand, existence of smoke-free areas and low smoking prevalence areas reduces the household budget for cigarettes.

Conclusion

A pricing policy must be accompanied by non-pricing policies to reduce cigarette budget share.
Developing an evidence assessment framework and appraising the academic literature on migrant health in Malaysia: a scoping review
Authors: de Smalen Allard Willem , Chan Zhie X , Abreu Lopes Claudia , Vanore Michaella , Loganathan Tharani , Pocock Nicola S
Published: January 2021

Background

A large number of international migrants in Malaysia face challenges in obtaining good health, the extent of which is still relatively unknown. This study aims to map the existing academic literature on migrant health in Malaysia and to provide an overview of the topical coverage, quality and level of evidence of these scientific studies.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using six databases, including Econlit, Embase, Global Health, Medline, PsycINFO and Social Policy and Practice. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were conducted in Malaysia, peer-reviewed, focused on a health dimension according to the Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative (BARHII) framework, and targeted the vulnerable international migrant population. Data were extracted by using the BARHII framework and a newly developed decision tree to identify the type of study design and corresponding level of evidence. Modified Joanna Briggs Institute checklists were used to assess study quality, and a multiple-correspondence analysis (MCA) was conducted to identify associations between different variables.

Results

67 publications met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The majority (n=41) of studies included foreign workers. Over two-thirds (n=46) focused on disease and injury, and a similar number (n=46) had descriptive designs. The average quality of the papers was low, yet quality differed significantly among them. The MCA showed that high-quality studies were mostly qualitative designs that included refugees and focused on living conditions, while prevalence and analytical cross-sectional studies were mostly of low quality.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview of the scientific literature on migrant health in Malaysia published between 1965 and 2019. In general, the quality of these studies is low, and various health dimensions have not been thoroughly researched. Therefore, researchers should address these issues to improve the evidence base to support policy-makers with high-quality evidence for decision-making.
In situ desaturation tests by electrolysis for liquefaction mitigation
Authors: Chen Runze , Chen Yumin , Liu Hanlong , Zhang Kunxian , Zhou Ying , Xu Shengming , Wu Kang
Published: January 2021

Electrolytic desaturation is a potential method for improving the liquefaction resistance of liquefiable foundations by reducing the soil saturation. In this study, in situ desaturation tests were performed to investigate the resistivity of soil at different depth and water level of the foundation under different currents. The test results show that at constant currents of 1, 2, and 3 A (ampere, unit of the direct current), the saturation of the treated foundation reached 87%, 83%, and 80%, respectively. During the electrolysis process, the generated gas migrates vertically and horizontally under the influence of buoyancy and gas pressure. In the end of electrolysis, the gas inside the sand foundation basically migrates vertically only. The higher current intensity employed for electrolysis will affect the uniformity and stability of the gas. At constant currents of 1, 2, and 3 A, the difference between the maximum and minimum degree of saturation in the treated foundation was 14%, 18%, and 19%, respectively; and after electrolysis had been halted for 144 h, the saturation in the treated foundation was 90%, 85%, and 87%, respectively. The electricity consumption analysis indicates that the desaturation method has excellent economic benefits in the treatment of saturated sand foundations.
State-dependent graviton noise in the equation of geodesic deviation
Authors: Haba Z.
Published: January 2021

We consider an equation of the geodesic deviation appearing in the problem of gravitational wave detection in an environment of gravitons. We investigate a state-dependent graviton noise (as discussed in a recent paper by Parikh,Wilczek and Zahariade) from the point of view of the Feynman integral and stochastic differential equations. The evolution of the density matrix and the transition probability in an environment of gravitons is obtained. We express the time evolution by a solution of a stochastic geodesic deviation equation with a noise dependent on the quantum state of the gravitational field.
Deuteron uncertainties in the determination of proton PDFs
Authors: Ball Richard D. , Nocera Emanuele R. , Pearson Rosalyn L.
Published: January 2021

We evaluate the uncertainties due to nuclear effects in global fits of proton parton distribution functions (PDFs) that utilise deep-inelastic scattering and Drell–Yan data on deuterium targets. To do this we use an iterative procedure to determine proton and deuteron PDFs simultaneously, each including the uncertainties in the other. We apply this procedure to determine the nuclear uncertainties in the SLAC, BCDMS, NMC and DYE866/NuSea fixed target deuteron data included in the NNPDF3.1 global fit. We show that the effect of the nuclear uncertainty on the proton PDFs is small, and that the increase in overall uncertainties is insignificant once we correct for nuclear effects.
Non-parametric reconstruction of the cosmological jerk parameter
Authors: Mukherjee Purba , Banerjee Narayan
Published: January 2021

The cosmological jerk parameter j is reconstructed in a non-parametric way from observational data independent of a fiducial cosmological model. The Cosmic Chronometer data as well as the Supernovae data (the Pantheon compilation) are used for the purpose. The reconstructed values are found to be consistent with the standard $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model within the $$2\sigma $$

2
σ

confidence level. The model dependent sets like Baryon Acoustic Oscillation and the CMB Shift data are also included thereafter, which does not significantly help in improving or de-proving the confidence level in favour of $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM. The deceleration parameter q is also reconstructed from the same data sets. This is used to find the effective equation of state parameter for the model independent datasets only. $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model is excluded for some part of the evolution in $$1\sigma $$

1
σ

, but is definitely included in $$2\sigma $$

2
σ

in the domain ($$0 \le z \le 2.36$$

0
≤
z
≤
2.36

) of all the reconstructions.
Algorithmic Aspects of Outer-Independent Total Roman Domination in Graphs
Authors: Sharma Amit , Venkata Subba Reddy P.
Published: January 2021

For a simple, undirected graph [Formula: see text], a function [Formula: see text] which satisfies the following conditions is called an outer-independent total Roman dominating function (OITRDF) of [Formula: see text] with weight [Formula: see text].

(C1) For all [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] there exists a vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text],

(C2) The induced subgraph with vertex set [Formula: see text] has no isolated vertices and

(C3) The induced subgraph with vertex set [Formula: see text] is independent.

For a graph [Formula: see text], the smallest possible weight of an OITRDF of [Formula: see text] which is denoted by [Formula: see text], is known as the outer-independent total Roman domination number of [Formula: see text]. The problem of determining [Formula: see text] of a graph [Formula: see text] is called minimum outer-independent total Roman domination problem (MOITRDP). In this article, we show that the problem of deciding if [Formula: see text] has an OITRDF of weight at most [Formula: see text] for bipartite graphs and split graphs, a subclass of chordal graphs is NP-complete. We also show that MOITRDP is linear time solvable for connected threshold graphs and bounded treewidth graphs. Finally, we show that the domination and outer-independent total Roman domination problems are not equivalent in computational complexity aspects.
Spectral theory of first-order systems: From crystals to Dirac operators
Authors: Ben-Artzi Matania , Umeda Tomio
Published: January 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a constant coefficient first-order partial differential system, where the matrices [Formula: see text] are Hermitian. It is assumed that the homogeneous part is strongly propagative. In the non-homogeneous case it is assumed that the operator is isotropic. The spectral theory of such systems and their potential perturbations is expounded, and a Limiting Absorption Principle is obtained up to thresholds. Special attention is given to a detailed study of the Dirac and Maxwell operators.

The estimates of the spectral derivative near the thresholds are based on detailed trace estimates on the slowness surfaces. Two applications of these estimates are presented:

Global spacetime estimates of the associated evolution unitary groups, that are also commonly viewed as decay estimates. In particular, the Dirac and Maxwell systems are explicitly treated. The finiteness of the eigenvalues (in the spectral gap) of the perturbed Dirac operator is studied, under suitable decay assumptions on the potential perturbation.
Dynamics of spherical collapse in energy–momentum squared gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Zeeshan Gul M.
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates the dynamics of spherical collapse in the framework of energy–momentum squared gravity. This theory overcomes the big-bang singularity and provides viable cosmological consequences in the early time universe. We proceed our work by considering the nonstatic spherically symmetric space–time in the interior and static spherically symmetric metric in the exterior regions of the star. The Darmois junction conditions between interior and exterior geometries are derived. We construct dynamical equations through the Misner–Sharp technique to analyze the impact of matter variables and dark source terms on the collapsing phenomenon. A correlation among dark source terms, Weyl scalar and matter variables is also established. Due to the presence of multivariate function and its derivatives, space–time is no longer considered to be conformally flat. To obtain conformally flat space–time, we have considered a particular model of this gravity which yields conformally flat space–time and homogeneity of the energy density through the entire system. We conclude that positive dark source terms as well as negative pressure gradient provide the anti-gravitational behavior leading to the stability of self-gravitating objects and hence prevent the collapsing process.
Solution of the Dirac equation with exponential-type potential under the GUP
Authors: Deng Lin-Fang , Zhang He-Yao , Long Chao-Yun
Published: January 2021

In quantum gravity theories, when the scattering energy is comparable to the Planck energy, the usual Heisenberg uncertainty principle breaks down and is replaced by generalized uncertainty principle (GUP). In this paper, the Dirac equation is studied for a single particle with spin and pseudospin symmetry in the presence of GUP, in [Formula: see text] dimensions. For arbitrary wave [Formula: see text], the Dirac equation with multiparameter exponential-type potential is solved by applying the approximation of the centrifugal term and the Nikiforov–Uvarov method. The corresponding energy spectra and eigenvalue function are obtained in the closed form and depend on the GUP parameter. In addition, several interesting cases have been discussed.
Technical Note Alternative Theorem: Equilibrium in Abstract Economies
Authors: Nessah Rabia
Published: January 2021

We prove a new theorem for the existence of equilibrium in discontinuous games in which the players’ preferences are neither complete nor transitive. Our result is an alternative version of Shafer and Sonnenschein ([1975] J. Math. Econ. 2, 345–348), He and Yannelis ([2016] Econ. Theory 61, 497–513), Reny ([2016] Econ. Theory Bull.) and Carmona and Prodczeck ([2016] Econ. Theory 61, 457–478).
Deterministic and Stochastic Research of Cubic Population Model with Harvesting
Authors: Gültekin Özgür , Eskin Çağatay , Yazicioğlu Esra
Published: January 2021

A detailed examination of the effect of harvesting on a population has been carried out by extending the standard cubic deterministic model by considering a population under Allee effect with a quadratic function representing harvesting. Weak and strong Allee effect transitions, carrying capacity, and Allee threshold change according to harvesting are first discussed in the deterministic model. A Fokker–Planck equation has been obtained starting from a Langevin equation subject to correlated Gaussian white noise with zero mean, and an Approximate Fokker–Planck Equation has been obtained from a Langevin equation subject to correlated Gaussian colored noise with zero mean. This allowed to calculate the stationary probability distributions of populations, and thus to discuss the effects of linear and nonlinear (Holling type-II) harvesting for populations under Allee effect and subject to white and colored noises, respectively.
Study of cosmological evolution via GGPDE f(R) models
Authors: Nawazish Iqra , Javed Wajiha , Güdekli Ertan , Abbas G.
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the cosmic evolution and current expansion for flat FRW universe through generalized ghost pilgrim dark energy model in [Formula: see text] gravity. For this purpose, we reconstruct the models in terms of red-shift parameter with respect to three scale factors, i.e. power-law, intermediate and a scale factor defining two unified phases. We study compatibility of reconstructed [Formula: see text] models through [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] planes whereas graphical analysis of squared speed of sound leads to investigate their stability. We also explore the behavior of cosmological parameters such as equation of state and deceleration parameters. Moreover, we study the existence of freezing/thawing regions via [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] planes. We conclude that squared speed of sound identifies both stability/instability of reconstructed [Formula: see text] models while equation of state and deceleration parameters specifies transition from decelerated to accelerated expanding cosmos. The [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] planes discover thawing as well as freezing regions for particular values of pilgrim parameter.
Quantum Cognition and the Mind
Authors: Wichert Andreas
Published: January 2021

Clues from psychology indicate that human cognition are not only based on classical probability theory as explained by Kolmogorov’s axioms but additionally on quantum probability. Quantum probabilities lead to the conclusion that our brain adapted to the Everett many-worlds reality trough the evolutionary process. The Everett many-worlds theory views reality as a many-branched tree in which every possible quantum outcome is realized. In this context, one of the cognitive brain functions is to provide a causally consistent explanation of events to maintain self-identity over time. Causality is related to a meaningful explanation. For impossible explanations, causality does not exist, and the identity of the self breaks. Only in meaningful causal worlds may personal identities exist.
Blockchain in eCommerce
Authors: Mohammed Sabah , Fiaidhi Jinan , Ramos Carlos , Kim Tai-Hoon , Fang Wai Chi , Abdelzaher Tarek
Published: January 2021

As blockchain technology is becoming a driving force in the global economy, it is also gaining critical acclaim in the e-commerce industry. Both the blockchain and e-commerce are inseparable as they involve transactions. Blockchain protect transactions and e-commerce activities rely on them. Blockchain technology enables a decentralized marketplace to support important business activities like secure payments, managing the supply chain and reducing the fraud to mention few. In this special issue editorial we are introducing 11 research articles in this hot area of research that were selected by our reviewers from over than 250 submissions.

As blockchain technology is becoming a driving force in the global economy, it is also gaining critical acclaim in the e-commerce industry. Both the blockchain and e-commerce are inseparable as they involve transactions. Blockchain protect transactions and e-commerce activities rely on them. Blockchain technology enables a decentralized marketplace to support important business activities like secure payments, managing the supply chain and reducing the fraud to mention few. In this special issue editorial we are introducing 11 research articles in this hot area of research that were selected by our reviewers from over than 250 submissions.
Dynamic Spatiotemporal Causality Analysis for Network Traffic Flow Based on Transfer Entropy and Sliding Window Approach
Authors: Yang Senyan , Ning Lianju , Cai Xilong , Liu Mingyu
Published: January 2021

With the rapid development of sensor and communication technologies, a large amount of spatiotemporal traffic data has been accumulated, presenting the characteristics of big data. The potential information and regularity of traffic state evolution can be extracted from the huge traffic flow time series data and applied to intelligent transportation systems. This study proposes a dynamic spatiotemporal causality modeling approach to analyze traffic causal relationships for the large-scale road network. Transfer entropy algorithm is utilized to detect the spatiotemporal causality of network traffic states based on the extensive traffic time series data, which could measure the amount and direction of information transmission. A combination of Gaussian kernel density estimation and sliding window approach is proposed to calculate the transfer entropy and construct dynamic spatiotemporal causality graphs based on the causality significance test. The indexes of affected coefficient, influence coefficient, input degree, and output degree are defined to evaluate the causal interaction of traffic states among different road segments and identify the critical roads and potential bottlenecks of the existing road network. Experimental results based on real-world traffic sensor data indicate that the structures of traffic causality graphs are time-varying; the traffic cause-effect interaction among different road segments during the peak time is more significant than that during the nonpeak time; and the critical road segments can be identified, which are mainly located at the intersections of arterial roads, undertaking the convergence and dispersion of large traffic flows.
A New Class of
ψ
-Caputo Fractional Differential Equations and Inclusion
Authors: Shammakh Wafa , Alzumi Hadeel Z. , AlQahtani Bushra A.
Published: January 2021

In the present research work, we investigate the existence of a solution for new boundary value problems involving fractional differential equations with

ψ

-Caputo fractional derivative supplemented with nonlocal multipoint, Riemann–Stieltjes integral and

ψ

-Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operator of order

γ

boundary conditions. Also, we study the existence result for the inclusion case. Our results are based on the modern tools of the fixed-point theory. To illustrate our results, we provide examples.
A Critical Review of the Effect of Dietary Fiber Intake on the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer in Eastern Asian Countries
Authors: Yang Yunfan , Yang Li , Zhou Liping , Tang Siyuan
Published: January 2021

Background. Colorectal cancer has become the second most common type of cancer in females and the third most common type of cancer in males. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer is increasing along with the change of lifestyle and dietary habits in East Asia. The cause of colorectal cancer is complex; environmental factors and genetic factors affect each other. Dietary fiber is considered as the prevention of colorectal cancer. Epidemiological data in Europe and America have suggested that dietary fiber intake is negatively correlated with colorectal cancer incidence rate. However, the evidence among different populations is inconsistent, and little is known about these associations in Eastern Asian areas. Objectives. To critically review all available human epidemiological data on the relationship between dietary fiber intake and colorectal cancer in Eastern Asian countries and make recommendations for these populations. Methodology. PubMed and Embase were used to search online research papers regarding the relationship between dietary fiber intake and the risk of colorectal cancer in Eastern Asian. We located 9 publications, of which the sample size ranged from 266 to 78, 326. Results. Five case-control studies, as well as one prospective study, have examined significant preventive effects of dietary fiber intake on the risk of colorectal cancer while evidence from three prospective cohorts suggested no preventive effects of dietary fiber intake on colorectal cancer among these populations. There is no consistent conclusion on the protective effect of dietary fiber from different sources and types. Conclusion. The association between dietary fiber intake and colorectal cancer risk in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean is considered to be plausible by the available literature. This current review cannot substantiate the preventive effect of dietary fiber intake on colorectal cancer due to the limited available evidence analyzed.
Numerical Research on Performance of High‐Speed Partial Emission Pump
Authors: Shui Qingjiao , Jiang Ting , Pan Binghui , Yang Tianxing , Pan Wei
Published: January 2021

The high‐speed partial emission pump is a small flow and high‐head pump, which has been widely used. To study the main factors affecting the performance of high‐speed partial emission pumps, numerical simulation methods were used to calculate the performance parameters of high‐speed partial emission pumps with and without inducers, and the external characteristic parameters were verified through comparison test values. The results show that the head of the high‐speed partial emission pump with inducer is nearly 15 m higher than that of the high‐speed partial emission pump without inducer. Considering the influence of air in the high‐speed partial emission pump on the working performance, the two‐phase flow with different flow rates, different particle sizes, and different concentrations was calculated, and the different liquid phase distributions, liquid phase velocity vector diagrams, and external characteristic curve were compared. The results show that under the same flow condition, the gas‐phase particle diameter has the most severe influence on the external characteristic.
Roadway Support in Deep “Three‐Soft” Coal Seam: A Case Study in Yili Mining Area, China
Authors: Li Wenxin , Liu Jinxiao , Chen Lianjun , Zhong Zhilu , Liu Yongle
Published: January 2021

This paper analyzes the large deformation of roadway in three‐soft coal seam under the influence of tectonic stress. Taking the auxiliary conveying uphill roadway in Yili No. 1 Coal Mine as the engineering background, the deformation and failure mechanism of the surrounding rock and the supporting technology were studied. First, the characteristics of stress field and the surrounding rock properties of deep mining area were investigated through geostress measurement and rock mechanical test. Then, the roadway deformation and the loose circle of the supporting structure were obtained. Based on the results from measurement and theoretical analysis, we proposed a concept, i.e., “Stress adjustment‐Strengthening‐Grouting‐Secondary support.” A numerical model was established to analyze the stress distribution and the state of plasticity in the surrounding rock. According to the results of the geostress measurement and the numerical simulation, a combined support scheme was proposed, i.e., “Yielding bolt & Shotcreting” as the primary support and “Prestressed grouting anchor cable & U‐shaped shed” as the secondary support. Finally, the underground practice showed that the proposed support scheme can effectively control the large deformation and maintain the long‐term stability of the roadway in deep and three‐soft coal seam. The proposed technology has guiding significance for the support design under similar mining conditions.
Luteolin Regulates the Differentiation of Regulatory T Cells and Activates IL-10-Dependent Macrophage Polarization against Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Xie Ke , Chai Yu-sen , Lin Shi-hui , Xu Fang , Wang Chuan-jiang
Published: January 2021

Objectives. Inflammatory disease characterized by clinical destructive respiratory disorder is called acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). Studies have shown that luteolin exerts anti-inflammatory effects by increasing regulatory T cells (Tregs). In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of luteolin on ALI/ARDS and Treg differentiation. Methods. In this paper, we used cecal ligation puncture (CLP) to generate an ALI mouse model to determine the effects of luteolin on ALI/ARDS. Lung tissues were stained for interleukin- (IL-) 17A and myeloperoxidase (MPO) by immunohistochemical analysis. The levels of Treg-related cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice were detected. The protein levels of NF-κB p65 in lung tissues were measured. Macrophage phenotypes in lung tissues were measured using immunofluorescence. The proportion of Tregs in splenic mononuclear cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was quantified. Furthermore, in vitro, we evaluated the effects of luteolin on Treg differentiation, and the effects of IL-10 immune regulation on macrophage polarization were examined. Results. Luteolin alleviated lung injury and suppressed uncontrolled inflammation and downregulated IL-17A, MPO, and NF-κB in the lungs of CLP-induced mouse models. At this time, luteolin upregulated the level of IL-10 in serum and BALF and the frequency of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs in PBMCs and splenic mononuclear cells of CLP mice. Luteolin treatment decreased the proportion of M1 macrophages and increased the proportion of M2 macrophages in lungs of CLP-induced mouse models. In vitro, administration of luteolin significantly induced Treg differentiation, and IL-10 promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages but reduced the polarization of M1 macrophages. Conclusions. Luteolin alleviated lung injury and suppressed uncontrolled inflammation by inducing the differentiation of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs and upregulating the expression of IL-10. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 promoted polarization of M2 macrophages in vitro. Luteolin-induced Treg differentiation from naïve CD4+ T cells may be a potential mechanism for regulating IL-10 production.
Modes of Regulated Cell Death in Cancer
Authors: Koren Elle , Fuchs Yaron
Published: January 2021

Cell suicide pathways, termed regulated cell death (RCD), play a critical role in organismal development, homeostasis, and pathogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of key RCD modalities, namely apoptosis, entosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. We explore how various RCD modules serve as a defense mechanism against the emergence of cancer as well as the manner in which they can be exploited to drive oncogenesis. Furthermore, we outline current therapeutic agents that activate RCD and consider novel RCD-based strategies for tumor elimination.

Significance:

A variety of antitumor therapeutics eliminate cancer cells by harnessing the devastating potential of cellular suicide pathways, emphasizing the critical importance of RCD in battling cancer. This review supplies a mechanistic perspective of distinct RCD modalities and explores the important role they play in tumorigenesis. We discuss how RCD modules serve as a double-edged sword as well as novel approaches aimed at selectively manipulating RCD for tumor eradication.
Improvement of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome with Outpatient Ketamine Infusions
Authors: Carpenter Anna , Levinthal David J. , Binion David G. , Emerick Trent
Published: January 2021

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder characterized by recurrent flares of nausea and vomiting, often with significant abdominal pain, of several days duration. Although traditional prophylactic and abortive treatments for CVS are often successful, a subset of CVS patients with chronic abdominal pain may not respond as well to standard therapies. This report is the first, to our knowledge, to describe the use of outpatient ketamine infusions as therapy for refractory CVS. We describe a 63-year-old woman with history of CVS who presented with abdominal pain and recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting. She first received ketamine during an inpatient admission for a CVS flare, with the aim of treating the abdominal pain. Given her improvement, she was offered a series of outpatient ketamine infusions, which led to a significant reduction in her symptoms. Thus, ketamine may be useful as both an abortive and prophylactic therapy in CVS. Prior reports have noted the anti-emetic effects of ketamine in the perioperative setting, and there is emerging evidence for the use of ketamine infusions for the treatment of chronic pain. However, this report is the first to describe ketamine as a potential prophylactic treatment for CVS.
The Effects of Paired versus Sequential Stimulation on Speech Recognition Outcomes of Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Holcomb Meredith A. , Dornhoffer James R. , McRackan Theodore R
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Cochlear implant (CI) sound-processing strategies are important to the overall success of a CI recipient. This study aimed to determine the effects of 2 Advanced Bionics (AB) CI-processing strategies, Optima-S and Optima-P, on speech recognition outcomes in adult CI users. Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed at a tertiary academic medical center. Seventeen post-lingually deafened adult CI users (median age = 58.6 years; age range: 23.5–78.9 years) with long-term use of a paired sound-processing strategy (Optima-P) were reprogrammed with a sequential strategy (Optima-S). Demographic data and speech recognition scores with pre- and post-intervention analyses were collected and compared with respect to the 95% confidence interval for common CI word and sentence recognition tests. Results: Using Optima-S sound-processing strategy, all patients (100%) performed equivalent or better on word and sentence testing than with Optima-P. More specifically, 17.6, 41.2, and 58.8% of the patients performed above the 95% confidence interval for speech recognition conditions of monosyllabic words, sentences in quiet, and sentences in noise, respectively. All patients (100%) selected Optima-S as their preferred strategy for future CI use. Conclusion: Speech recognition performance with Optima-S processing strategy was stable or improved compared to results with Optima-P in all tested conditions, and subjective preference of Optima-S was selected by all patients. Given these results, CI clinicians should consider programming AB CI users with Optima-S sound-processing strategy to optimize overall speech recognition performance.
Targeting EZH2 Ameliorates the LPS-Inhibited PDLSC Osteogenesis via Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Cheng Mosha , Zhou Qing
Published: January 2021

As a histone methyltransferase, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), suppresses osteoblast maturation and is involved in inflammation. However, the role of EZH2 in human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) under inflammation still needs to be further investigated. This study aimed to identify the underlying mechanisms and explore the function of EZH2 in PDLSC osteogenesis under inflammation. PDLSCs were treated with sh-EZH2, DZNep or DKK1 under inflammation. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining, and osteogenesis-related protein levels were analyzed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation restrained osteogenic differentiation. Under inflammation, the upregulation of EZH2 suppressed the expression of osteogenic markers, including osteocalcin, runt-related transcription factor 2, and bone morphogenetic protein-2, the activity of ALP, and the accumulation of mineralization through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. EZH2 knockdown inhibited the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. These results suggested that LPS-induced overexpression of EZH2 suppressed PDLSC osteogenesis under inflammatory conditions through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These findings give new insights into the physiological differentiation and pathological inflammation of PDLSC osteogenesis, and provide an underlying therapeutic target for periodontitis.