bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key informants’ perspectives on childhood obesity in Vietnam: A qualitative study
Authors: Nguyen Tuyen , Trat Tiffany , Tieu Ngoc Thanh , Vu Linda , Sokal-Gutierrez Karen
Published: March 2021

Background: Vietnam’s postwar globalization, economic development, and urbanization have contributed to a nutrition transition from traditional diets to highly-processed diets, and increased prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. There is a need to understand the attitudes and behaviors driving this epidemic. Methods: This qualitative study focused on the perspectives and practices of Vietnamese parents, schoolteachers and doctors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of twelve regarding the historical, social, and cultural influences contributing to childhood overweight and obesity. Audio-recorded interviews were translated and transcribed, then analyzed using modified ground theory to identify themes and representative quotes. Results: Five themes were identified: 1) Change in diet between generations, 2) Preference for rounder children, 3) Unhealthy feeding practices, 4) Reduced physical activity, and 5) Increasing awareness of childhood obesity. A conceptual map detailed the shift from wartime to postwar economic environment and psycho-social context for raising children to be large, safe and academically-successful. Conclusion: We found globalization, urbanization and economic development—in the context of historical, social and cultural attitudes—may contribute to increasing child obesity in Vietnam. Reduction through public health and educational institutions should involve policies and programs for healthy eating and exercise, tailored to address parental figures’ concerns.
A scoring system combining clinical, radiological, and histopathological examinations for differential diagnosis between lipoma and atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma
Authors: Asano Yohei , Miwa Shinji , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Igarashi Kentaro , Yonezawa Hirotaka , Araki Yoshihiro , Morinaga Sei , Nojima Takayuki , Ikeda Hiroko , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: March 2021

Background: Preoperative differential diagnosis between atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT)/well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) and lipoma is important to determine the appropriate resection margin. However, since their radiological and histopathological findings are similar, it may be difficult to make a differential diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracies of clinical, radiological, and histopathological examinations for diagnosing ALT/WDLS and developed a new combined scoring system.Methods: Eighty-nine ALT/WDLS and 56 lipomas were included and their clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, histological findings by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were investigated, and compared between ALT/WDLS and lipoma. Then, univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for the findings, and a combined scoring system consisted of predictive factors of ALT/WDLS was developed. Results: The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that tumor location (lower extremity), deep site, and size (>11cm), thick septa (>2mm), enhancement of septa or nodular lesions on MRI, and lipoblasts in HE staining were significantly different for the diagnosis of ALT/WDLS. Based on the six predictive factors, we developed a combined scoring system (total 0–16 points, the cutoff was 9 points). The mean score of ALT/WDLS was significantly higher than lipoma (11.9 vs. 5.6, p<0.0001). The area under the curve was 0.945, and sensitivity was 87.6% and specificity was 91.1% by the receiver operating characteristics curve.Conclusions: We developed a new combined scoring system based on comprehensive examinations that excluded examination which requires special equipment and reagents such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and this can be used in many medical institutions. The diagnostic accuracy of ALT/WDLS was high and it may be useful for preoperative diagnosis and surgical plan.
Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening and the Associated Factors Among Women Living With HIV in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Mrema Dorah , Ngocho James , Shirima Beatus T. , Fande Device , Shehoza Rahma , Alloyce Julius Pius , Shayo Benjamin C. , Philemon Rune , Sunguya Bruno F. , Balandya Emmanuel , Mshana Stephen E , Lyamuya Eligius , Bartlett John , Mmbaga Blandina
Published: March 2021

Background: HIV infection is a common risk for developing cervical cancer (CC). Routine screening for CC among women living with Human Immune Deficiency Virus (WLHIV) is recommended for early detection and control of pre-malignancies. Evidence on CC uptake and its associated factors is scanty among WLHIV in Tanzania similar to other sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. This study therefore aimed to assess the uptake of CC screening and its associated factors among WLHIV in Tanzania. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and September 2020 among WLHIV attending Care and Treatment Center (CTC) at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC). Data was collected through face to face interview using a pre-tested standardized questionnaire interviewed in Swahili. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics to establish the CC uptake and using regression analyses to characterize the CC screening uptake and factors associated with the CC uptake through SPSS version 23 software. Associations with P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 341 WLHIV with mean age 45.6 years (SD 10.8) were recruited for interview. Of them, 184 (54%) WLHIV reported ever being screened for cervical cancer. After adjusting for confounders, knowledge of the screening methods was one of the factors associated with uptake of CC screening [AOR=15.61, (95% CI: 7.93-30.72), p<0.0001]. Other factors included living with HIV for at least 10 years since diagnosis [AOR=2.83; (95% CI: 1.11-7.26), P=0.030]; having knowledge of CC [AOR= 1.75, (95% CI: 1.02-3.01), p=0.041]; and having knowledge of the signs or symptoms of CC [AOR=1.95, (95% CI: 1.17-3.27), p=0.011]. Conclusion: More than four in ten WLHIV attending CTC at KCMC have never been screened for cervical cancer. Knowledge of the available screening methods, the disease condition, and duration since fist HIV diagnosis were associated with CC uptake of the screening. Addressing low CC screening uptake in Tanzania call strengthening WLHIV’s knowledge on cervical cancer screening methods, its signs, symptoms and their risk profiles. Moreover, strengthening CC screening capacity through integrated care and strengthening health providers’ capacity for counseling and screening will lead into a sustainable and effective care.
Correlation of Systolic Blood Pressure With the Improvement of Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Admitted in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ke Jun , Chen Yiwei , Wang Xiaoping , Wu Zhiyong , Zhang Qiongyao , Lian Yangpeng , Chen Feng
Published: March 2021

Background:

Blood pressure affects the clinical outcome of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. However, it is not clear what level of blood pressure is beneficial to the improvement of ACS patients in emergency department. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of systolic blood pressure (SBP) on ACS patient’ improvement and transfer of patient from emergency department
Methods:

A total of 2667 patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Chest Pain Center, Fujian Provincial Hospital due to chest pain from January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020 were included in the study. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between SBP and ACS patients’ improvement in the emergency department, and the predictive effect on the disease improvement was evaluated. The study also analyzed the impact of SBP on the improvement of different subgroups of patients in the emergency department.
Results:

In total, 592 (22.20%) out of 2667 patients were improved and transferred to the general ward. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that SBP = 120–140 mmHg (OR = 0.700; 95% CI: 0.510–0.961; P = 0.027) was an independent predictor for the decreased likelihood of improvement of ACS patients from the emergency department; SBP > 140 mmHg (OR = 1.348; 95% CI: 1.000-1.817; P = 0.049), use of clopidogrel (OR = 1.924; 95% CI: 1.247–2.971; P = 0.003), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (OR = 2.683; 95% CI: 1.645–4.375; P < 0.001) and unstable angina (OR = 23.654; 95% CI: 15.415–36.297; P < 0.001) were all independent predictors for the increased likelihood of improvement of ACS patients in the emergency department. The area under curve (AUC) of the predictive efficacy of SBP, combined with ticagrelor, NSTEMI and unstable angina (UA) was 0.814 (95% CI: 0.795–0.833, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:

The study found that SBP = 120–140 mmHg was an independent predictor for the decreased likelihood of improvement of ACS patients from the emergency department, but SBP > 140 mmHg was an independent predictor for the increased likelihood of improvement of ACS patients. This correlation may be useful for doctors to make clinical decisions for ACS patients.
A New CAM6+DART Reanalysis with Surface Forcing from CAM6 to Other CESM Models
Authors: Raeder Kevin , Hoar Timothy J. , Gharamti Mohamad El , Johnson Benjamin K. , Collins Nancy , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Steward Jeff , Coady Mick
Published: March 2021

An ensemble Kalman filter reanalysis has been archived in the Research Data Archive at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. It used a CAM6 configuration of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), several million observations per day, and the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART). The data saved from this global, ∼ 1◦ resolution, 80 member ensemble span 2011-2019. They include ensembles of: sub-daily, real world, atmospheric forcing for use by all of the nonatmospheric models of CESM; weekly, CAM6, restart file sets; 6 hourly, prior hindcast estimates of the assimilated observations; 6 hourly, land model, plant growth variables, and 6 hourly, ensemble mean, gridded, atmospheric analyses. This data can be used for hindcast studies and data assimilation using component models of CESM; CAM6, CLM5, CICE5, POP2. MOM6, MOSART, and CISM; and non-CESM Earth system models. This large dataset (∼120 Tb) has a unique combination of a large ensemble, high frequency, and multiyear time span, which provides opportunities for robust statistical analysis and use as a machine learning training dataset.
Robust storage qubits in ultracold polar molecules
Authors: Gregory Philip , Blackmore Jacob , Bromley Sarah , Hutson Jeremy , Cornish Simon
Published: March 2021

Quantum states with long-lived coherence are essential for quantum computation, simulation and metrology. The nuclear spin states of ultracold molecules prepared in the singlet rovibrational ground state are an excellent candidate for encoding and storing quantum information. However, it is important to understand all sources of decoherence for these qubits, and then eliminate them, in order to reach the longest possible coherence times. Here, we fully characterise the dominant mechanisms for decoherence of a storage qubit in an optically trapped ultracold gas of RbCs molecules using high-resolution Ramsey spectroscopy. Guided by a detailed understanding of the hyperfine structure of the molecule, we tune the magnetic field to where a pair of hyperfine states have the same magnetic moment. These states form a qubit, which is insensitive to variations in magnetic field. Our experiments reveal an unexpected differential tensor light shift between the states, caused by weak mixing of rotational states. We demonstrate how this light shift can be eliminated by setting the angle between the linearly polarised trap light and the applied magnetic field to a magic angle of arccos(1/√3)≈55°. This leads to a coherence time exceeding 6.9 s (90% confidence level). Our results unlock the potential of ultracold molecules as a platform for quantum computation.
Effects of mobility restrictions on mental health among young adults in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Arias Tannia Valeria Carpio , Santiago Piedra , Cifuentes Tomás Marcelo Nicolalde , Arias Diana Carolina Mogrovejo , Samaniego María Victoria Padilla , Veloz Estephany Carolina Tapia , Veloz María Fernanda Vinueza
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To explore the effects of mobility restriction on the mental health of Ecuadorian young adults. Methods: The current is a cross-sectional study that included 8426 young adults. Socio-demographic and mental health data were collected through an online survey during May-June 2020 in Ecuador. Data on mobility was extracted from Google Mobility Reports. Four aspects of the participants’ mental health were evaluated: eating behavior (emotional eating), depression, sleep quality and sense of coherence using previously validated instruments. Data were analyzed using linear regression using R. Results: Mean age of the participants was 22.85 (SD = 4.43), most of whom were women (n = 5943, 70.53%). During mandatory confinement, mobility due to retail and recreation, to groceries and pharmacies, to parks, to transit stations, to workplaces were reduced by nearly 50%. In contrast, mobility to places of residence increased by nearly 20%. Less healthy eating behavior was associated with lower mobility to retail/recreation, residential or workplaces. Depression was associated with lower mobility to residential and workplaces. Worse quality of sleep was associated with lower mobility to retail/recreation, residential and workplaces. Higher sense of coherence was associated with higher mobility to residential and to workplaces. Women and youngsters more often showed depression, less healthy eating behavior, worse quality of sleep and lower sense of coherence. Conclusion: Mobility restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic has negative effects on people's mental health. Prevention and health promotion measures directed to ameliorate the effects of confinement on mental health should target risk populations including women and youngsters.
Metallic Reflector-Based X-Band Circularly Polarized Hollow Dielectric Resonator Antenna for High Gain in UWB Applications
Authors: YADAV SACHIN KUMAR , Kaur Amanpreet , Khanna Rajesh
Published: March 2021

A circularly polarized hollow dielectric resonator antenna (CPHDRA) is designed for X-band applications. Rectangular dielectric resonator (RDR) is used as a radiator element, fed by a quarter-wave transformer (QWT) feedline. By performance of the RDR antenna, an air cylindrical rod structure is extracted from RDR to enhance the gain and impedance bandwidth. Two parasitic strips are placed on the top of the RDR to achieve circular polarization with reported ≤ 3-dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth for X-band applications. In this article, UWB antenna covers range from 2.74 to 10.4GHz by using asymmetrical defective ground structure (DGS). In near field of the dielectric resonator, three different radiating modes namely HE11δ, HE21δ, HE23δ, and HE32δ are at 4.4, 6, 8.8, and 9.9 GHz. For the generation of circular polarization (CP), two orthogonal modes are generated at 8.8 and 9.9 GHz as per XZ and YZ planes. It has reported 23.8 % (8 to 10.1 GHz) of 3-dB AR bandwidth. The simulated and measured impedance bandwidths are 118.46 % and 121.12 % along with a peak gain of 6.55 dB without the use of a metallic reflector. By using a metallic reflector suspended in the bottom side of the substrate with a distance of 13.1mm is reported along with the peak gain of 9.8 dBi.
High Vitamin K Status is Prospectively Associated with Decreased Left Ventricular Mass in Women: The Hoorn Study
Authors: Beulens Joline W.J. , Canto Elisa Dal , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Rennenberg Roger J.M.W. , Elders Petra J.M , Ballegooijen Adriana Johanne van
Published: March 2021

Background: Vitamin K is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk such as heart failure, possibly by carboxylation of matrix-gla protein (MGP), a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification. The relationship of vitamin K intake or status with cardiac structure and function is largely unknown. Therefore this study aims to investigate the prospective association of vitamin K status and intake with echocardiographic measures. Methods: This study included 427 participants from the Hoorn Study, a population-based cohort. Vitamin K status was assessed at baseline by plasma desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP) with higher concentrations reflecting lower vitamin K status. Vitamin K intake was assessed at baseline with a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and after 7.6 years follow-up. We used linear regression for the association of vitamin K status and intake with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial volume index (LAVI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), adjusted for potential confounders.Results: The mean age was 66.8±6.1 years (51% were male). A high vitamin K status was prospectively associated with decreased LVMI -5.0 (-10.5;0.4) g/m2.7 for the highest quartile compared to the lowest in women (P-interaction sex=0.07). No association was found in men. Vitamin K status was not associated with LVEF or LAVI. Intakes of vitamin K were not associated with any of the echocardiographic measures.Conclusions: This study indicates that a high vitamin K status is associated with decreased LVMI only in women. These results extend previous findings for a role of vitamin K status to decrease heart failure risk.
Examining Land Surface Temperature Relations with Major Air Pollutant: A Remote Sensing Research in Case of Tehran
Authors: Fuladlu Kamyar , Altan Hasim
Published: March 2021

BackgroundUrban air pollution is a multifaceted and dynamic mixture of Land Surface Temperature (LST), gaseous pollutants, and particulate matter with daily and seasonal changes due to anthropogenic activities, land-cover transformation, and climatic conditions. Today, the relationship between urban biophysical and thermal conditions and their relationship with land-cover is well-known. However, the absence of a dense network of land-based meteorological stations was an obstacle to the study of LST in comparison to the Major Air Pollutant (MAP).MethodThe current research proposes an integration of LST derived by Sentinel-3 SLSTR, to investigate LST relationships to the MAP derived by Sentinel-5 Precursor, and air pollution monitoring system station of Iran in the case of Tehran province. The method of research is designed in a time-series manner with the use of a Python application programming interface, geographical information system, and remote sensing.ResultBased on the mean concentration of the Particular Matter (PM), Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are mainly in the Tehran metropolis and the core of the urban area. A negative correlation was noted between the PM₂₅, SO₂, NO₂, and altitude, additionally, increasing the altitude negatively affects the concentration of the LST, Carbon monoxide (CO), and Ozone (O₃) values in Tehran province. Unlike, CO and O₃ have positive correlations with LST, which stand for the mutual impacts of the LST, CO, and O₃ values in Tehran province.
A high-dynamic-range visual sensing method for feature extraction of welding pool based on adaptive image fusion
Authors: Zhang Baori , Shi Yonghua , Cui Yanxin , Wang Zishun , Chen Xiyin
Published: March 2021

The high dynamic range existing in arc welding with high energy density challenges most of the industrial cameras, causing badly exposed pixels in the captured images and bringing difficulty to the feature detection from internal weld pool. This paper proposes a novel monitoring method called adaptive image fusion, which increases the amount of information contained in the welding image and can be realized on the common industrial camera with low cost. It combines original images captured rapidly by the camera into one fused image and the setting of these images is based on the real time analysis of realistic scene irradiance during the welding. Experiments are carried out to find out the operating window for the adaptive image fusion method, providing the rules for getting a fused image with as much as information as possible. The comparison between the imaging with or without the proposed method proves that the fused image has a wider dynamic range and includes more useful features from the weld pool. The improvement is also verified by extracting both the internal and external features of weld pool within a same fused image with proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can adaptively expand the dynamic range of visual monitoring system with low cost, which benefits the feature extraction from the internal weld pool.
The role of diversity in mediating microbiota structural and functional responses in two sympatric species of abalone under stressed withering syndrome conditions
Authors: Cicala Francesco , Cisterna-Céliz José Alejandro , Paolinelli Marcos , Moore James D. , Sevigni Joseph , Rocha-Olivares Axayacatl
Published: March 2021

Background: The withering syndrome (WS) is an infectious disease initially affecting the gastro-intestinal tract (GI) of wild abalone populations of the coasts of Baja California. In spite of its high incidence, structural and functional changes in abalone GI microbiotas under WS-stressed conditions remain poorly investigated. Moreover, it is equally uncertain if interspecific microbiota features, such as the presence or absence of certain bacterial species, their abundances, and their functional capabilities, may prevent or at least lead to different microbiota responses. Healthy Haliotis fulgens and Haliotis corrugata from Baja California Sur (Mexico) harbor species-specific structural and functional microbiota profiles; hence, we hypothesize a distinctive microbiota response under WS-stressed conditions. Here, we compared both the structural arrangements and functional capabilities of healthy and dysbiotic microbiotas using 454 pyrosequencing high throughput sequencing technologies and PICRUSt v.2 outputs, respectively.Results: Our findings suggest that the extent to which WS may involve structural and functional changes in GI microbiotas is contingent on the microbiota diversity itself. Indeed, we report significant structual alterations in the less complex microbiotas of H. fulgens, which in turn led to a significant downregulation of several metabolic activities conducted by GI bacteria. Conversely, the effects of WS were marginal in more complex bacterial communities, as in H. corrugata, in which no significant structural and functional changes were detected. Conclusions: Our results provide new insights concerning the role of microbiome diversity in abalone health and the etiology of WS. Notably, complex bacterial communities appear to be less affected by WS than less complex microbiotas. Moreover, our insights suggest that structural changes observed under WS-stressed conditions may be considered stochastic, as predicted by the Anna Karenina principle, and result in the downregulation of several ecological functions conducted by GI bacteria. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that the occurrence of WS may be associated with shifts in GI microbiotas. Moreover, we propose that the susceptibility to WS that has been reported among abalone species may reflect the natural degree of complexity of the GI microbiomes harbored by each species.
Protective Effect of Acmella Ciliata Extract and Spilanthol in Streptozotocin-induced Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model: Possible Involvement of the of Decreased Oxidative Stress by Activating TRPV1 Receptors
Authors: Goncalves Ana Elisa , Silveira Narjara , Oliveira Luana de , Lima Marihá Gonzaga , Biavatti Maique , Cazarin Camila , Souza Marcia
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the effect of Acmella ciliata extract on memory impairment and oxidative stress dysfunction in the brain after intracerebral (i.c.v.) administration of 0.5 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) twice within 48 h in mice. Animals received orally treatment with ethanolic extract (50–150 mg/kg), hexane fraction (100 mg/kg) galantamine (40 mg/kg) and spilanthol (10 mg/kg), an alkamide isolated from the hexane fraction for 15 days. They were subjected to memory tests, inhibitory prevention (IAT) and the new object recognition tests (NOR). Experiments were performed with the animals' brains to evaluate the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes and to estimate malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. We found that the treatments prevented STZ-induced memory loss, assessed by the IAT and NOR. Biochemical analysis revealed that STZ significantly increased levels of MDA and depleted (GSH) in mice’s brain. The extract decreased oxidation, as evidenced by a significant decrease in MDA and an increase in the antioxidant markers levels in mice treated with STZ. The positive effects of plant extract and fraction on STZ-induced memory deficits appear to be related to spilanthol and its activity on TRPV1 receptors, since pretreatment with capsazapine promotes the reversal of these effects. The results together demonstrate the beneficial effects of A. ciliata and spilanthol in preventing memory impairment, oxidative stress and dysfunction caused by STZ in mice. Therefore, there is a potential of this plant and its main compound spilanthol in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Synoptic Conditions Controlling the Seasonal Onset and Days of Heatwaves Over Korea
Authors: Choi Woosuk , Ho Chang-Hoi , Jung Jiyoung , Chang Minhee , Ha Kyung-Ja
Published: March 2021

As global warming gets worse, the extreme heat exposure time is expected to increase. Considering that the heatwave damages increased by the accumulation of heat stress, it is important to understand the heatwave onset and number of heatwave days (HWDs). Here, we show that the end of East Asian summer monsoon activity (i.e., Changma retreat date, CRD) could be an indicator in determining the onset of the heatwave, and the barotropic structure induced by the circumglobal and Pacific–Japan teleconnections is a key factor in lengthening the number of HWDs in Korea. The onset of the heatwave is delayed when CRD belated than the climatology late over Korea due to sufficient moisture transportation between the edge of western North Pacific subtropical high and cold polar air mass in July. The number of HWDs from July through August over Korea shows a positive linear relationship with the synoptic stagnation index because the upper-layer anticyclone associated with stagnation is formed around Korea by zonal wave activity. Barotropic anticyclone stabilizes the atmosphere and increases the number of clear sky days, which possibly leads to hot days. Fewer HWDs are observed when there is baroclinic instability due to strong upper-level jet stream and synoptic-scale weather systems move smoothly. By identifying the meteorological mechanism of heatwave occurrence and favorable conditions for sustained hot days over Korea, our results are eventually able to contribute to reducing damages caused by heatwaves.
Prognostic Impact of Immune-Related Adverse Events on Patients with and Without Cardiovascular Disease: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Kazama Shingo , Morimoto Ryota , Kimura Yuki , Shibata Naoki , Ozaki Reina , Araki Takashi , Mizutani Takashi , Oishi Hideo , Arao Yoshihito , Kuwayama Tasuku , Hiraiwa Hiroaki , Kondo Toru , Furusawa Kenji , Shimokata Tomoya , Okumura Takahiro , Bando Yasuko K , Ando Yuichi , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: March 2021

Background: The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has brought about a paradigm shift in cancer treatment as the use of these drugs has become more frequent and for a longer duration. As a result of T-cell-mediated inflammation at the programmed cell death-1, programmed death-ligand-1, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 pathways, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occur in various organs and can cause a rare but potentially induced cardiotoxicity. Although irAEs are associated with the efficacy of ICI therapy and better prognosis, there is limited information about the correlation between irAEs and cardiotoxicity and whether the benefits of irAEs apply to patients with underlying cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association of irAEs and treatment efficacy in patients undergoing ICI therapy with and without a cardiovascular history.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of 409 consecutive patients who received ICI therapy from September 2014 to October 2019.Results: Median patient age was 69 years (29.6% were female). The median follow-up period was 278 days. In total, 69 (16.9%) patients had a history of any cardiovascular disease and 14 (3.4%) patients experienced cardiovascular irAEs after ICI administration. The rate of cardiovascular irAEs was higher in patients with prior non-cardiovascular irAEs than without. The prognosis of patients with irAEs (+) was significantly better than that of the patients without irAEs (P < 0.001); additionally, this tendency did not depend on the presence or absence of a cardiovascular history. Furthermore, the Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that irAEs were an independent predictor of mortality.Conclusions: Occurrence of irAEs had a prognostic impact regardless of cardiovascular history. Although non-cardiovascular irAEs may be related to cardiovascular irAEs under ICI therapy, occurrence of this cardiotoxicity had little impact on prognosis.
Multi-source and Multi-fault Condition Monitoring Based on Parallel Factor Analysis and Sequential Probability Ratio Test
Authors: Yang Liu , Chen Hanxin , Ke Yao , Li Menglong , Huang Lang , Miao Yuzhuo
Published: March 2021

The monitoring of mechanical equipment systems contains an increasing number of complex content, expanding from traditional time and frequency information to three-dimensional data of the time, space and frequency information, and even higher-dimensional data containing subjects , experimental conditions. For high-dimensional data analysis, traditional decomposition methods such as Hilbert Transform, Fast Fourier Transformation and Gabor transformation not only lose the integrity of the data, but also increase the amount of calculation and introduce a lot of redundant information. The phenomenon of feature coupling, aliasing and redundancy between the mechanical multi-source data signals will cause the inaccuracy of the evaluation, diagnosis and prediction of industrial production operation status. The analysis of the three-way tensor composed of channel, frequency and time is called Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC). The properties between the parallel factor analysis results and the input signals are studied through simulation experiments. Parallel factor analysis is used to decompose the third-order tensor composed of channel-time-frequency after continuous wavelet transformation of vibration signal into channel, time and frequency characteristics. Multi-scale parallel factor analysis successfully extracted nonlinear multi-dimensional dynamic fault characteristics by generating the spatial, spectral, time-domain signal loading value and three-dimensional fault characteristic expression. In order to verify the effectiveness of the space, frequency and time domain signal loading values of the fault characteristic factors generated by the centrifugal pump system after parallel factor analysis, the characteristic factors obtained after parallel factor analysis are used as the SPRT test sequence for identification and verification. The results indicate that the method proposed in this article improves the measurement accuracy and intelligence of mechanical fault detection.
Study on the influencing factors of the deformation in the process of gear shaping
Authors: Zhao Xiuxu , Liu Qingzhuang , Fu Yu , Chen Peng
Published: March 2021

Ring gear is an important part of high-power transmission system. Because of its thin wall and low stiffness, it is easy to produce deformation in the process of gear shaping, which affects its accuracy. In order to ensure the machining quality of gear shaper, this research focuses on the typical material 42CrMo, which is used in the gear ring of automobile gearbox. Through the finite element simulation and actual test, the influence of gear shaper cutting parameters on the deformation of gear ring is studied. The results show that the influence of the main cutting parameters on the deformation of the ring gear is in the order of radial feed, circumferential feed, stroke speed and cutting depth. In the actual gear shaping process, the cutting parameters can be adjusted according to the deformation law of 42CrMo workpiece in the gear shaping process, so as to control the deformation of gear ring.
Effect of Oxygen Vacancy Concentration on the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance of Anatase TiO2: DFT and Experimental Studies
Authors: Jia Shufang , Gao Jiaqi , Shen Qianqian , Xue Jinbo , Zhang Zhuxia , Liu Xuguang , Jia Husheng
Published: March 2021

Oxygen vacancies (OVs) are important for changing the geometric and electronic structure as well as the chemical properties of anatase TiO2. In this work, we performed a DFT calculation on the electronic structure and catalytic performance of anatase TiO2 (101) with different numbers of OVs. A comparison of the measured XRD results with the simulated ones of TiO2 demonstrates that OVs can cause changes in the crystal structure. The changes in the electronic structure (Mulliken charges, band structure, and partial density of states) and water splitting on TiO2 (101) surfaces were investigated as a function of oxygen vacancy concentration. The results show that the introduction of oxygen vacancy forms impurity levels below the conduction band of Ti 3d orbitals, and electrons can gradually transit from VB to CB through the impurity levels. However, when oxygen vacancy concentration is too high, the maximum electron transition energy increases and the promotion effect of oxygen vacancy on water splitting is weakened. This work would provide more enlightenment and information for the design of defective TiO2 with higher photocatalytic activity.
Construction of a Prognostic Signature of Autophagy-Related lncRNAs in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xinyang , Cao Yu , Chen Li
Published: March 2021

Background: Autophagy inhibits tumorigenesis by limiting inflammation, LncRNA regulates gene expression levels in the form of RNA at various levels, so both of them are closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors.Methods: 232 autophagy-related genes were used to construct a co-expression network to extract autophagy-related lncRNAs. A prognostic signature was constructed by multivariate regression analysis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was applied to analyze pathway enrichment in cancer pathways. Immunoinfiltration analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the prognostic model and the tumor.Results: Nine autophagy-related lncRNAs were used to construct a prognostic model for non-small cell lung cancer. The median value of the value at risk was used to distinguish between the high and low risk groups, and the low-risk group had better survival. Because the KEGG pathway analysis showed that the prognostic model was enriched in some immune pathways, further exploration of immune infiltration was conducted and it was found that the prognostic model did play a unique role in the immune microenvironment. And the prognostic model was associated with clinical factors.Conclusion: The prognostic model of autophagy-related lncRNAs constructed by us can predict the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer.
Association between Serum Anti-glycopeptidolipid-core IgA Antibody Titers and Clinical Characteristics of Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kodaka Norio , Nakano Chihiro , Oshio Takeshi , Watanabe Kayo , Niitsuma Kumiko , Imaizumi Chisato , Shimada Nagashige , Morita Hirotsugu , Matsuse Hiroto
Published: March 2021

Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) can be serologically diagnosed according to the presence of anti-glycopeptidolipid (GPL)-core IgA antibodies. However, few studies have examined the association between serum anti-GPL-core IgA antibody titers and the clinical characteristics of patients with MAC-PD. From April 2014 to June 2019, we determined the level of anti-GPL-core IgA antibodies in 489 MAC-PD patients at our institute. Of them, 89 patients fulfilled the criteria of the American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America statement on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases. These patients were divided into antibody-positive (n = 59) or -negative (n = 30) groups according to their serum anti-GPL-core IgA antibody results. Additionally, the positive antibody group was further divided into a strong positive group (n = 27) and a weak positive group (n = 32), and their clinical characteristics were retrospectively compared. Disease progression requiring treatment during the 12 months following diagnosis and extensive radiological findings were significantly abundant in the strong positive group compared with the weak positive group. Our findings revealed that serum anti-GPL-core IgA antibody titers are useful not only for diagnosing MAC-PD but also for predicting the risk of exacerbation.
Analysis and Farmers Perception of Climate Change Trends in Kashmir Region of Union Territory-Jammu & Kashmir, India: North Western Himalayas
Authors: Mahdi S. Sheraz , Dhekale Bhagyashree Shankarao , Hussain Ashaq , Jehangir Intikhab Aalum , Jan Rukhsana , Bhat M. Anwar , Sofi Najeebul Rehman , Ahmed Latief , Qureshi Asif M. Iqbal , Aezum Aziz Mujtaba , Bangroo Shabir A. , Wani Owais Ali , Bahar F.A.
Published: March 2021

Analysis of climatic variables is important for detection and attribution of climate change trends and has received a considerable attention from researchers across the globe including India. Kashmir valley of newly formed Union Territory Jammu & Kashmir situated in north western part of India is having a rich repository of glaciers, a small change in the precipitation and temperature management could introduce about environmental, agricultural and economic penalties. To this end, current study aims to analyse changing patterns in precipitation and temperature variables over the various elevation zones of the Kashmir Valley using long term precipitation and temperature data obtained from National Data Centre, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune for the period of 40 years (1980–2019). The results revealed that average mean minimum and maximum temperature of the Kashmir valley has increased substantially at a rate of 0.02oC/year. Warming trends has been observed in all seasons, however, winter and spring season temperatures have shown statistically significant increasing trends. In addition, mean maximum and minimum temperature in plain and mountain areas have reported higher rates of increase in comparison to Karewah’s and foothill areas of Kashmir. Study of annual precipitation results for the same period indicates a diminishing pattern with a rate of -5.01 mm/year. Seasonal precipitation was also found decreasing at rate of -4.95, -0.30, -0.28 and − 0.06 mm/year for the spring, winter, autumn and summer seasons respectively and at different elevation zones, higher rates of precipitation decline have been observed in the mountainous area, which can be very detrimental to the agricultural crops of the Kashmir valley through water supply, climate regulation and ground water recharge. Further, the above statistical test results of increase in temperature and decrease in precipitation over different topographical zones of Kashmir were corroborated with the information attained from interview and involvement of the small farmer holders of 06 different locations representing the whole Kashmir and has been discussed in this paper to get a clearer understanding of climate change related instability and patterns in weather variables in the Kashmir Valley.
Active Components from Lagotis Brachystachya Maintain Uric Acid Homeostasis by Inhibiting Renal TLR4-NLRP3 Signaling in Hyperuricemic Mice
Authors: Zhu Ji-Xiao , Yang Hai-Yan , Hu Wei-Qiong , Cheng Jie , Liu Yang , Yi Li-Tao , Cheng Hong-Yu
Published: March 2021

Lagotis brachystachya Maxim is an herb widely used in traditional Tibet medicine. Our previous study indicated that total extracts from Lagotis brachystachya could lower uric acid levels. This study aimed to further elucidate the active components (luteolin, luteoloside and apigenin) isolated from Lagotis brachystachya and the underlying mechanism in vitro and vivo. The results showed that treatment with luteolin and luteoloside reversed the reduction of organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) levels, while apigenin attenuated the elevation of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) levels in uric acid-treated HK-2 cells, which were consistent with the finding in the kidney of potassium oxonate (PO)-induced mice. On the other hand, hepatic xanthine oxidase activity was inhibited by the components. In addition, all of these active components improved the morphology of the kidney in hyperuricemic mice. Moreover, molecular docking showed that luteolin, luteoloside and apigenin could bind TLR4 and NLRP3. Consistently, western blot showed that the components inhibited TLR4/MyD88/NLRP3 signaling. In conclusion, these results indicated that luteolin, luteoloside and apigenin could attenuate hyperuricemia by decreasing the production and increasing the excretion of uric acid, which were mediated by the inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways.
Effects of different vasopressors on the contraction of the superior mesenteric artery and uterine artery in rats during late pregnancy
Authors: Wang Tingting , Liao Limei , Tang Xiaohui , Li Bin , Huang Shaoqiang
Published: March 2021

Background：Hypotension after neuraxial anaesthesia is one of the most common complications during caesarean section. Vasopressors are generally agreed to be the most effective way to improve hypotension, but it is unclear which of these drugs is best for caesarean section. We assessed the effects of vasopressors on the contractile response of uterine arteries and superior mesenteric arteries in pregnant rats, with the goal of identifying a drug that raises the blood pressure of the systemic circulation while minimally affecting the uterine and placental circulation. Methods： Isolated ring segments from the uterine and superior mesenteric arteries of pregnant rats were mounted in organ baths, and their contractile responses to several vasopressor agents were studied. Concentration-response curves for norepinephrine, phenylephrine, metaraminol and vasopressin were constructed. Results：The experimental results showed that the contractile response of the mesenteric artery to norepinephrine, as measured by the pEC50 of the drug, was stronger than that of the uterine artery (5.617 ± 0.11 vs. 4.493 ± 1.35, p=0.009), and the contractile response of the uterine artery to metaraminol was stronger than that of the mesenteric artery (pEC50: 5.084±0.17 vs 4.92±0.10, p=0.007). There was no statistically significant difference in the pEC50 of phenylephrine or vasopressin between the two blood vessels. Conclusion： In vitro experiments show that compared with phenylephrine, metaraminol , vasopressin, norepinephrine can contract peripheral blood vessel more strongly, while having the least effect on the contraction of uterine artery. These findings provide some support for the use of norepinephrine in mothers between the time of neuraxial anaesthesia and the delivery of the foetus.
WITHDRAWN: Apigenin neutralizes the inhibitory effect of inflammation on the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Asadi Azita , Goudarzi Farjam , Ghanadian Mustafa , Mohammadalipour Adel
Published: March 2021

Background: The stimulating effects of apigenin on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) osteogenesis, as well as the anti-inflammatory effect of this flavonoid, have been identified. In this study, osteogenic differentiation was investigated under inflammatory conditions and treatment with apigenin. Methods and Results: Along with osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, they became inflamed with LPS/PA, and treated simultaneously with apigenin. The degree of differentiation was assessed by alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Also, gene expression of NLRP3 and RUNX2 was performed along with protein expression of IL-1β. Significant increase in NLRP3 and IL-1β were observed in MSCs when exposed to LPS/PA (p<0.01). Also, the osteogenesis was significantly decreased (p<0.01). Apigenin treatment induced significantly higher gene expression of RUNX2, the activity of ALP, and cell staining (p<0.01) which were also associated with reduced inflammation in these cells. Conclusions: The effectiveness of apigenin on osteogenesis under inflammatory conditions was cautiously observed.
Orthorexia Nervosa and Substance Use for the Purposes of Weight Control, Conformity, and Emotional Coping
Authors: Oberle Crystal D. , Marcell Haley S. , Noebel Natalie A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Orthorexia nervosa (ON), characterized by extreme behaviors driven by the goal of eating only healthy and pure foods, could plausibly be associated with avoidance of nicotine, alcohol, and illicit drugs. However, findings from the limited research on these relationships are mixed, and other eating disorders are associated with greater substance abuse. Method: An online survey was completed by 471 participants (86% women, mean age = 20) recruited from undergraduate courses and through an Instagram advertisement. The questionnaires assessed ON symptomatology; frequency of smoking, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use; abuse of these substances; and motivations for using these substances. Results: ON scores were not significantly related to the level of use or abuse of nicotine, alcohol, or most illicit drugs. Yet, ON scores were positively correlated with frequency of using illicit depressant drugs. Further, among substance users, ON scores were positively associated with smoking or vaping for the purpose of weight control, and with consuming alcohol and using illicit drugs for the purposes of conformity and coping with such negative emotions as anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Although people who are high in ON symptomatology may be at least partly driven by a strong desire to be as healthy as possible, they are not less likely to use potentially harmful drugs. Instead, many of them may even turn to certain drugs for the same weight-control and emotional-coping motives that guide the behaviors of individuals with other eating disorders.Level of evidence: Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study