bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worry and the level of depression among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The mediating role of illness acceptance
Authors: Krawczyk Julia , Ziarko Michał , Zozulińska-Ziółkiewicz Dorota , Mojs Ewa
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The purpose of conducted study was to understand the role of cognitive processes like habitual worry in relation to depressive mood among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and the significance of illness acceptance in the form of personal resource and mediator in relation between worry and depression. Methods: The study involved 229 participants with diagnosed T1DM, who completed a set of self-description questionnaires. Assessment methods included The Anxious Thoughts Inventory (AnTI), The Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Results: The results show that worry is positively correlated with depression. What is more, relationship between habitual worry and depression was mediated through acceptance of illness. Conclusions: Impact of habitual worry on mental health in T1DM cannot be omitted. Moreover, the observed dependence suggests that depressive mood occurring among people with T1DM may persist because overly worried patients do not accept their own illness.  Strengthening patients’ acceptance of illness and raising the topic of worry during diabetes education, can be a valuable direction in preventing depression. Further research is advisable.
The itinerary of circulating miRNAs – implications for cancer progression and diagnosis
Authors: Szałata Przemysław , Guner Anna-Maria , Raczkowska Michalina , Smyrek Julia , Szaj Dominika , Samelak Katarzyna , Rybarczyk Agnieszka , Lehmann Tomasz P.
Published: June 2021

microRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and protect cells from foreign nucleic acids. miRNA is produced in the nucleus and processed in the cytoplasm. These small nucleic acid molecules are released from cells to the extracellular matrix (extracellular miRNA, ex-miRNA) and reach blood plasma (circulating miRNA). Circulating miRNA can also be detected in other biological fluids, such as saliva, cerebrospinal fluid or urine, and it is usually carried by proteins or extracellular vesicles. Argonaute-miRNA, or miRNA-lipoprotein complex, protect miRNA from being degraded. The entrance of extracellular miRNA into a target cell is mediated by endocytosis and membrane fusion of extracellular vesicles. Additionally, miRNA can also be delivered in high-density lipoproteins by means of interactions with scavenger receptors. miRNAs absorbed into a cell can act as tumour promoters (oncomirs), or suppressors by inhibiting the translation process of the target mRNAs, thus, affecting cells in the tumour microenvironment. miRNA can impact other cells by supporting tumour growth, promoting angiogenesis and modulating the immune system. Molecular high-throughput methods are employed to detect circulating miRNA, and a potentially helpful diagnostic test has been designed to characterise the cancer type. In this review, we aim to summarise the itinerary of miRNAs from a source cell to a target cell, as well as to show how this class of small nucleic acids participates in intercellular communication. Finally, we highlight examples of miRNAs usage as potential molecular markers and discuss treatment approaches in clinical trials.
HIOP-Reader: Automated Data Extraction for the Analysis of Manually Recorded Nycthemeral IOPs and Glaucoma Progression
Authors: Agorastou Vaia , Schoen Julian , Verma-Fuehring Raoul , Dakroub Mohamad , Hillenkamp Jost , Puppe Frank , Loewen Nils A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Nycthemeral (24-hour) glaucoma inpatient intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring has been used in Europe for more than 100 years to detect peaks missed during regular office hours. Data supporting this practice is lacking, partially because it is difficult to correlate manually drawn IOP curves to objective glaucoma progression. To address this, we deployed automated IOP data extraction tools and tested for a correlation to a progressive retinal nerve fiber layer loss on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). Methods: We created and deployed a machine-learning image analysis software to extract IOP data from hand-drawn, nycthemeral IOP curves of 225 retrospectively identified glaucoma patients. The relationship between demographic parameters, IOP and mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) data to SDOCT data was analyzed. Sensitivities and specificities for the historical cut-off values of 15 mmHg and 22 mmHg in detecting glaucoma progression were calculated. Results: IOP data could be extracted efficiently. The IOP average was 15.2±4.0 mmHg, nycthemeral IOP variation was 6.9±4.2 mmHg, and MOPP was 59.1±8.9 mmHg. Peak IOP occurred at 10 AM and trough at 9 PM. Disease progression occurred mainly in the temporal-superior and -inferior SDOCT sectors. No correlation could be established between demographic, IOP, or MOPP parameters and SDOCT disease progression. The sensitivity and specificity of both cut-off points (15 and 22 mmHg) were insufficient to be clinically useful. Outpatient IOPs were non-inferior to nycthemeral IOPs. Conclusion: IOP data obtained during a single visit make for a poor diagnostic tool, no matter whether obtained using nycthemeral measurements or during outpatient hours.
High-Resolution Imaging of Bacterial Spatial Organization with Vertical Cell Imaging by Nanostructured Immobilisation (VerCINI)
Authors: Whitley Kevin , Middlemiss Stuart , Jukes Calum , Dekker Cees , Holden Séamus
Published: June 2021

Light microscopy is indispensable for analysis of bacterial spatial organization. However, imaging in bacteria is difficult due to their small sizes and the fact that most species are non-spherical, meaning they typically lie horizontally on a microscope coverslip. This is especially problematic when considering that many essential bacterial processes—such as cell division—occur along the short axes of these cells, and so are viewed side-on by standard microscopy. We recently developed a pair of methods to overcome this problem by forcing cells to stand vertically during imaging, named VerCINI (Vertical Cell Imaging by Nanostructured Immobilisation) and µVerCINI (Microfluidic VerCINI). The concept behind both methods is that cells are imaged while confined vertically inside cell traps made from a nanofabricated mould. By doing so, the short axes of the cells are rotated parallel to the microscope imaging plane and are imaged with high resolution. μVerCINI combines the vertical cell confinement with microfluidics so that vertical imaging can be done during fluid exchange, such as during antibiotic perturbations. Here, we provide a practical guide to implementing both VerCINI and µVerCINI, with detailed protocols and experience-based tips so that interested researchers can easily use one or both imaging methods to complement their current approaches.
Cellular and humoral immunogenicity of a candidate DNA Vaccine Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Subunit 1
Authors: Alluhaybi Khalid A. , Alharbi Rahaf H. , Alhabbab Rowa Y. , Aljehani Najwa D , Alamri Sawsan S. , Basabrain Mohammad , Alharbi Rehaf , Abdulaal Wesam H. , Alfaleh Mohamed A. , Tamming Levi , Zhang Wanyue , Hassanain Mazen , Algaissi Abdullah , Abuzenadah Adel M. , Li Xuguang , Hashem Anwar M
Published: June 2021

The urgent need for effective, safe and equitably accessible vaccines to tackle the ongoing spread of COVID-19 led researchers to generate vaccine candidates targeting varieties of immunogens of SARS-CoV-2. Because of its crucial role in mediating binding and entry to host cell and its proven safety profile, the subunit 1 (S1) of the spike protein represents an attractive immunogen for vaccine development. Here, we developed and assessed the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine encoding the SARS-CoV-2 S1. Following in vitro confirmation and characterization, the humoral and cellular immune responses of our vaccine candidate (pVAX-S1) was evaluated in BALB/c mice using two different doses, 25 µg and 50 µg. Our data showed high levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies in mice immunized with three doses of pVAX-S1. Analysis of the induced IgG subclasses showed a Th1-polarized immune response as demonstrated by the significant elevation of spike-specific IgG2a and IgG2b compared to IgG1. Furthermore, we found that immunization of mice with three doses of 50 µg of pVAX-S1 could elicit significant memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Taken together, our data indicates that pVAX-S1 is immunogenic and safe in mice and is worthy of further preclinical and clinical evaluation.
Tissue Doppler Imaging: An Overview
Authors: Nashnoush Mohamed , Chopra Chirag , Sheikh Muneeza
Published: June 2021

Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) is a non-invasive, echocardiographic imaging technique that measures myocardial motion velocity throughout the cardiac cycle using Doppler principles. While conventional Doppler techniques assess blood flow velocity by sensing high-frequency, low amplitude signals from small, fast-moving blood cells, TDI uses the same Doppler principles to instead measure high-amplitude, lower-velocity signals of myocardial tissue. Methods A literature review was conducted to survey and review studies investigating the limitations, strengths, physical principles, novel methods, applications in diseased states, and prognostic capabilities of TDI. These articles were further screened for inclusion, and those deemed ineligible or irrelevant to the scope of the review were discarded. In total, 19 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results TDI is shown to be an effective method for detailed quantification of cardiac function. It provides an early means of diagnosing cardiac dysfunction and is a valid prognostic indicator for various forms of heart disease. TDI's versatility and precision allows clinicians to predict the clinical course of disease, leading to early intervention and the selection of targeted care management plans for many cardiac pathologies. Despite imaging limitations like angle dependence and incapacity for passive and active motion differentiation, further investigation continues to reveal novel TDI methodologies that advance the scope of this imaging technique.
PathoBiochemistry-directed Guidelines for COVID-19
Authors: Buinitskaya Yuliya , Wlodaver Clifford , Gurinovich Roman , Kastsiuchenka Siarhei
Published: June 2021

Patients with underlying health conditions are at risk for a poor outcome from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Using machine reasoning by the sci.AI system, we investigated the pathobiochemistry of this observation to generate therapeutic guidelines. Facts were extracted and linked from publications available in nlm.nih.gov and Europe PMC to form the dataset which was validated by medical experts. Previously we described how preexisting chronic inflammation renders the acute inflammatory response to Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) excessive translating the SARS-CoV-2 infection into the clinical COVID-19 syndrome. Herein we focus on therapeutic interventions that mitigate the immune response. In essence, from bench to bedside, as depicted in the Graphical Abstract, the clinical management of COVID-19 should aim at: A. Control of excessive oxidant production. B. Neutralization of excessive oxidants. C. Upregulation of nitric oxide (NO) production.
Sexual Differentiation and Primordial Germ Cell Distribution in the Early Horse Fetus
Authors: Scarlet Dragos , Handschuh Stephan , Reichart Ursula , Podico Giorgia , Ellerbrock Robyn E , Demyda-Peyras Sebastian , Canisso Igor F. , Walter Ingrid , Aurich Christine
Published: June 2021

It was the aim of this study to provide a more precise timeframe of development of the gonads and genital ducts in the equine fetus around the time of sexual differentiation. This included the identification and localisation of the primordial germ cell population. Equine fetuses between 45 and 60 days of gestation were evaluated using a combination of micro-computed tomography scanning, immunohistochemistry, and multiplex immunofluorescence. Fetal gonads increased in size by 23-fold from 45 to 60 days of gestation, paralleled by a greater increase in metanephros volume. Signs of mesonephros atrophy were detected during this time. Tubular structures of the fetal testes were present from day 50 onwards, whereas cell clusters dominated in the fetal ovary. The genital ducts were well-differentiated and presented a lumen in all samples. No sign of mesonephric or paramesonephric duct degeneration was detected. Expression of AMH was strong in the fetal testes but absent in ovaries. Irrespective of sex, primordial germ cells selectively expressed LIN28. Migration of primordial germ cells from the mesonephros to the gonad was detected at 45 days, but not at 60 days of development. Their number and distribution within the gonad were influenced (p<0.05) by fetal sex. Most primordial germ cells (86.8 ± 3.2% in females and 84.6 ± 4.7% in males) were characterized as pluripotent according to co-localization with CD117. However, only a very small percentage of primordial germ cells was proliferating (7.5 ± 1.7% in females and 3.2 ± 1.2% in males) based on co-localization with Ki67. It can be concluded that gonadal sexual differentiation in the horse occurs asynchronously with regard to sex but already before 45 days of gestation.
A Role for Heat Therapy in Low Back Pain in Modern Clinical Practice
Authors: Freiwald Jürgen , Magni Alberto , Fanlo-Mazas Pablo , Paulino Ema , Sequeira de Medeiros Luís , Moretti Biagio , Schleip Robert , Solarino Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability. It significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life, limits their daily living activities, and reduces work productivity. To reduce the burden of LBP, several pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options are available. This review summarizes the role of heat therapy in the management of LBP. First, we outline the common causes of LBP, then discuss the general mechanisms of heat therapy on (LB)P, and finally review the published evidence regarding the impact of heat therapy in patients with acute or chronic non-specific LBP. This review demonstrates that continuous, low-level heat therapy provides pain relief, improves muscular strength, and increases flexibility. Therefore, this effective, safe, easy-to-use, and cost-effective non-pharmacological pain relief option is still relevant in modern clinical practice.
Air Quality in the Italian Northwestern Alps during Year 2020: Assessment of the COVID-19 «Lockdown Effect» from Multi-Technique Observations and Models
Authors: Diémoz Henri , Magri Tiziana , Pession Giordano , Tarricone Claudia , Tombolato Ivan Karl Friedrich , Fasano Gabriele , Zublena Manuela
Published: June 2021

The effect of COVID-19 confinement regulations on air quality in the northwestern Alps is here assessed based on measurements at five valley sites in different environmental contexts. Surface concentrations of nitrogen oxides, ozone, particle matter, together with size, chemical, and optical (light absorption) aerosol properties, complemented by observations along the vertical column are considered. The 2020 concentration anomalies relative to previous years’ average are compared with the output of a machine learning algorithm accounting for weather effects and a chemical transport model, their difference being within 10–20 %. Even in the relatively pristine environment of the Alps, the «lockdown effect» is well discernible, both in the early confinement phase and in late 2020, especially in NOx concentrations (NO decreasing by >80 % and NO2 by >50 %). While ozone shows little variation, secondary aerosols increase due to enhanced transport from the neighbouring Po basin and coarse particles decrease due to missing resuspension by traffic and, in the city, to the shutdown of a steel mill. The NO2 vertical column density decreases by >20 %, whereas the aerosol profile is mainly influenced by large-scale dynamics, except a shallow layer about 500 m thick possibly sensitive to curtailed surface emissions.
Nicastrin-like, a Novel Transmembrane Protein from Trypanosoma cruzi Associated to the Flagellar Pocket
Authors: Lechuga Guilherme Curty , Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , Gomes Larissa Rodrigues , Durans Andressa Matta , Provance-Jr David William , De-Simone Salvatore Giovanni
Published: June 2021

Nicastrin (NICT) is a transmembrane protein physically associated with the polytypical aspartyl protease presenilin that plays a vital role in the correct localization and stabilization of presenilin to the membrane-bound γ-secretase complex. This complex is involved in the regulation of a wide range of cellular events including cell signaling and the regulation of endocytosed membrane proteins for their trafficking and protein processing. Mehtods: In Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of the Chagas disease, an NICT-like protein (Tc/NICT) was identified with a short C-terminus orthologous to the human protein, a large ectodomain (ECD) with numerous glycosylation sites and a single core transmembrane domain containing a putative TM-domain (457GSVGA461) important for the γ-secretase complex activity. Results: Using the Spot-synthesis strategy with Chagasic patient sera, five extracellular epitopes were identified and synthetic forms were used to generate rabbit anti-Tc/NICT polyclonal serum that recognized a ~72-kDa molecule in immunoblots of T. cruzi epimastigote extracts. Confocal microscopy suggests that Tc/NICT is localized in the flagellar pocket, which is consistent with data from our previous studies with a T. cruzi presenilin-like protein. Phylogenetically, Tc/NICT was localized within a subgroup with the T. rangeli protein that are clearly detached from the other Trypanosomatidae such as T. brucei. These results, together with a comparative analysis of the selected peptide sequence regions between the T. cruzi and mammalian proteins suggest a divergence from the human NICT that might be relevant to Chagas disease pathology. As a whole, our data show that an NICT-like protein is expressed in the infective and replicative stages of T. cruzi and may be considered further evidence for a γ-secretase complex in trypanosomatids.
Modelling of Powder Removal for Additive Manufacture Postprocessing
Authors: Roberts Andrew , Kahraman Recep , Bacheva Desi , Tabor Gavin
Published: June 2021

A critical challenge underpinning the adoption of Additive Manufacture (AM) as a technology is the postprocessing of manufactured components. For Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) this can involve the removal of powder from the interior of the component, often by vibrating the component to fluidise the powder to encourage drainage. In this paper we develop and validate a computational model of the flow of metal powder suitable for predicting powder removal from such AM components. The model is a continuum Eulerian multiphase model of the powder including models for the granular temperature; the effect of vibration can be included through appropriate wall boundaries for this granular temperature. We validate the individual sub-models appropriate for AM metal powders by comparison with in-house and literature experimental results, and then apply the full model to a more complex geometry typical of an AM Heat Exchanger. The model is shown to provide valuable and accurate results at a fraction of the computational cost of a particle-based model.
Investigating the Effect of Rater Training on Differential Rater Function in Assessing Academic Writing Skills of Higher Education Students
Authors: ŞATA Mehmet , KARAKAYA İsmail
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to examine the effect of rater training on the differential rater function (rater error) in the process of assessing the academic writing skills of higher education students. The study was conducted with a pre-test and post-test control group quasi-experimental design. The study group of the research consisted of 45 raters, of whom 22 came from experimental, and 23 came from control groups. The raters were pre-service teachers who did not participate in any rater training before, and it was investigated that they had similar experiences in assessment. The data were collected using an analytical rubric developed by the researchers and an opinion-based writing task prepared by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Within the scope of the research, the compositions of 39 students that were written in a foreign language (English) were assessed. Many Facet Rasch Model was used for the analysis of the data, and this analysis was conducted under the Fully Crossed Design. The findings of the study revealed that the given rater training was effective on differential rater function, and suggestions based on these results were presented.
Boletín de Noticias "Entre Patologos" de Alconpat Internacional (V3N2, 2021)
Authors:   Alconpat Internacional, Pérez Mesa Lourdes Bernarda , Zozaya Ortíz Alexia Xiomara ,   Alconpat Internacional, Castro Borges Pedro ,   Alconpat Internacional
Published: June 2021

En este número del boletín de noticias (V3N2) pueden encontrar toda la información de los nuevos eventos que Alconpat Internacional tiene para ustedes. Uno de ellos es la nueva serie de webinarios titulada: “Puentes con la Sociedad”, donde se invitará a intelectuales, filósofos o economistas para que nos adentre en los temas como el cambio climático y las formas de mitigarlo. Otro de los eventos que están en marcha es la 3era y 4ta edición del Seminario Internacional de Jóvenes, que se realizará el 07 y 21 de julio, cada una contará con 2 sesiones magistrales y 6 conferencias de jóvenes investigadores en las áreas afines a la asociación. Las celebraciones en Alconpat no terminan, en este número hacemos alusión a 1er CONPAT realizado en Argentina hace ya 30 años, así como una pequeña reseña de la celebración académica del 10mo aniversario de la Revista Alconpat. También puede encontrar información sobre las Alconpat Nacionales y nuestros socios Mantenedores, como por ejemplo: una nueva directiva en Alconpat Paraguay y mucho más, espero sea de su completo agrado.
Prospective Follow-up Report on Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering for Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Samdani Amer F. , Pahys Joshua M. , Ames Robert J. , Grewal Harsh , Pelletier Glenn J. , Hwang Steven W. , Betz Randal R.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Anterior vertebral body tethering (aVBT) has emerged as a novel treatment option for patients with idiopathic scoliosis. We present the results from the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study on aVBT.

Methods:

In this prospective review of a retrospective data set, eligible patients underwent aVBT at a single center from August 2011 to July 2015. Inclusion criteria included skeletally immature patients with Lenke type-1A or 1B curves between 30° and 65°. Clinical and radiographic parameters were collected, with the latter measured by an independent reviewer.

Results:

Fifty-seven patients (49 girls and 8 boys), with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 12.4 ± 1.3 years (range, 10.1 to 15.0 years), were enrolled in the study. The patients had a mean of 7.5 ± 0.6 levels tethered, the mean operative time was 223 ± 79 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 106 ± 86 mL. The patients were followed for an average of 55.2 ± 12.5 months and had a mean Risser grade of 4.2 ± 0.9 at the time of the latest follow-up. The main thoracic Cobb angle was a mean of 40.4° ± 6.8° preoperatively and was corrected to 18.7° ± 13.4° at the most recent follow-up. In the sagittal plane, T5-T12 kyphosis measured 15.5° ± 10.0° preoperatively, 17.0° ± 10.1° postoperatively, and 19.6° ± 12.7° at the most recent follow-up. Eighty percent of patients had curves of <30° at the most recent follow-up. The most recent Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) scores averaged 4.5 ± 0.4, and scores on the self-image questionnaire averaged 4.4 ± 0.7. No major neurologic or pulmonary complications occurred. Seven (12.3%) of 57 patients had a revision: 5 were done for overcorrection and 2, for adding-on.

Conclusions:

Anterior VBT is a promising technique that has emerged as a treatment option for patients with immature idiopathic scoliosis. We present the results from the first FDA-approved IDE study on aVBT, which formed the basis for the eventual Humanitarian Device Exemption approval. The findings affirm the safety and efficacy of this technique and suggest opportunities for improvement, particularly with respect to reoperation rates.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Analysis On Spatial Distribution And Influencing Factors Of China National Forest Villages Based on GIS
Authors: Wei Zhen , Zhang Fengtai , Li Yuzhen , An Youzhi , Sun Changcheng , Yang Qing , Wu Jianfeng
Published: June 2021

As a carrier to promote rural greening and beautification and further implement the rural revitalization strategy, it is of great significance to study the spatial distribution characteristics of China national forest villages and its influencing factors. Taking 7586 China national forest villages as examples, the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of China national forest villages were studied by using such methods as nearest neighbor index, Tyson polygon, cold hot spot analysis, standard deviation ellipse and kernel density index. The results showed that: (1) the overall clustering distribution characteristics of China national forest villages were significant, and the distribution type was agglomeration. There was no breakthrough in the Hu Huanyong Line, and the southeast of the line was the main concentration area. (2) From the perspective of spatial clustering, it shows the distribution characteristics of "hot spots in the south and cold spots in the north". Hot spots are mostly located in the south, represented by Sichuan, Guangdong, Hunan, etc., while cold spots are mostly in the north, mainly in Xinjiang, Xizang, etc.(3) From the perspective of spatial distribution direction, the standard deviation ellipse coincidence degree of the two batches is relatively high. The two batches are distributed in a dense direction from northeast to southwest with Suizhou city, Hubei as the geometric center. The concentration degree of the second batch increases on the basis of the first batch, showing a trend of migration and distribution in the southwest.(4) From the perspective of the distribution characteristics of kernel density, the distribution of kernel density has a strong correlation with two factors, one is the forest vegetation coverage, the other is the distribution location of urban agglomeration;(5) Elevation, slope direction, river basin, traffic are important factors affecting the distribution of China national forest villages, which show the spatial distribution characteristics of "low altitude, positive, near water and convenient transportation". Based on the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors, the paper puts forward policy Suggestions for the evaluation and construction of China national forest villages in the future.
Effect of Tai Chi Versus Aerobic Exercise On Blood Pressure In Prehypertension Patients (TCOBPP): A Study Protocol For A 12-Month Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Xinye , Gao Yonghong , Wu Min , Wei Dawei , Xiong Xingjiang , Yang Yan , Jiang Yuchen , Pan Xiandu , Zhao Ran , Yang Fan , Sun Jiahao , Yang Shengjie , Tian Li , Ban Linqiang , Li Xingye , Chang Peifen , Xing Yanwei
Published: June 2021

Background: Compared with optimal blood pressure (BP), the prehypertension increases the risk of incident hypertension, cardiovascular (CV) events and death. Moderate intensity of regular physical activity can reduce BP. However, aerobic exercise has some limitations. As a safe, low-impact, enjoyable, and inexpensive form of exercise, that requires minimal equipment and space, Tai Chi is expected as a viable alternative to aerobic exercise. The study aimed to assess the effect of Tai Chi intervention program, compared with aerobic exercise, on the BP in prehypertension patients. Methods: This study is a 12-month, two-center, single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial. 340 patients with prehypertension [with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the range of 120 mmHg to 139 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the range of 80 mmHg to 89 mmHg] are randomized to one of two intervention groups in a 1:1 ratio: Tai Chi or aerobic exercise. BP monitoring methods of office blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) are used at the same time to detect BP in multiple dimensions. The primary outcome is the comparison of SBP change from baseline to 12 months in Tai Chi group and SBP change from baseline to 12 months in aerobic exercise group. The secondary endpoints are as following: (1) the comparison of DBP of office blood pressure change from baseline to 12 months between Tai Chi group and aerobic exercise group; (2) the comparison of BP and the variability of BP assessed through ABPM change from baseline to 12 months between Tai Chi group and aerobic exercise group; (3) the comparison of BP assessed through HBPM change from baseline to 12 months between Tai Chi group and aerobic exercise group.Discussion: This will be the first randomized controlled trial to specifically study the benefits of Tai Chi on the blood pressure control in patients with prehypertension. The successful completion of this study will help to provide evidence for whether Tai Chi is more desirable than aerobic exercise.Trial Registration Number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024368. Registered on 7 July 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=39478&htm=4
COVID-19 and Mental Health: a Longitudinal Population Study from Norway
Authors: Hvide Hans , Johnsen Julian
Published: June 2021

Existing research has found negative short-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health problems, but longer-term effects have been less documented. Using newly released register data on all general practitioner consultations in Norway through 2020 (about 14 million consultations in total), we find that during the spring and early summer 2020, the number of psychological cases initially increased relative to prior years, but then fell back towards the level of prior years during the summer 2020. In early September 2020, the number of cases accelerated, a pattern that held up through December 2020, so that the gap between 2020 and prior years became largest end-of-year. Our findings suggest that the accumulated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health far exceeds the short-term effects. The effects were particularly strong for females and for residents in urban areas.
Does Preoperative Serum Neutrophil To Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet To Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) And Lymphocyte To Monocyte Ratio (LMR) Predict Prognosis Following Radical Surgery For Pancreatic Adenocarcinomas? - Results of A Retrospective Study.
Authors: Gupta Vikas Bachelal , Chaudhari Vikram , Shrikhande Shailesh V. , Bhandare Manish S.
Published: June 2021

Background:Pretherapy serum neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) have been shown to predict prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the published literature is conflicting, hence we aimed to evaluate their role in predicting survival outcomes in operated patients of PDAC.Methods: A retrospective analysis was done of all operated cases of PDAC who underwent curative resection between 2011 to 2018. The pretherapy NLR, PLR and LMR were calculated and analyzed with respect to pathological and survival outcomes Results:134 operated patients were included. The median overall survival for NLR of less than 2, 2.7 and 5 was 30.8, 27.2 and 27.5 months and for NLR more than 2, 2.7 and 5 was 22.9, 21.6 and 21.5 months respectively and was statistically insignificant (p-value- 0.32, 0.91, 0.34 respectively). Similarly, the PLR was not significant for a cut off of 150 (p-value- 0.27) and LMR was not significant for a cut off of 2.8 (p-value- 0.13) and 4.8( p-value -0.11). On Univariate analysis age, CA 19-9, perineural invasion, margin positivity, lymph node positivity and TNM stage were found to have significant correlation with overall survival. However, on multivariate analysis, only TNM stage was found to be significant. Conclusion:The NLR, PLR and LMR do not correlate with overall survival in operated patients with PDAC in this study. A combination of inflammatory markers or their dynamic testing might probably achieve prognostic significance.
Joint Transmit and Receive Antenna Selection in MIMO Systems Based on Swarm Intelligence Algorithm
Authors: Yiwen Zhang , Sunqing Su , Wenliang Liao , Guowei Lei , Guangsong Yang
Published: June 2021

In multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems, the selection of receive and transmit antennas is not just effective in increasing system capacity, but also in reducing RF link costs and system complexity. The exhaustive algorithm, i.e. the joint transmit and receive antenna selection (JTRAS) with the best accuracy, can search all the subsets of both transmit and receive antennas in order to find the optimal solution. However, with the increase of the number of antennas, the computational complexity is too large and its applicability is limited. In this paper, the antennas are coded by fractional coding with the maximization of channel capacity as the basic criterion, and three intelligent algorithms, namely genetic algorithm, cat swarm algorithm and particle swarm algorithm, are applied for antenna selection. The simulation results demonstrate that all three algorithms can efficiently accomplish the antenna selection. In the end, we compare them in terms of speed, accuracy and complexity of the search in MIMO systems.
Deep Learning Method for Building Image Localization in Smart City
Authors: Long Yuanpeng , zhang guo , Pang Yu , Wang Huiqian
Published: June 2021

In recent years, with the construction and development of smart cities, the rapid popularization of the Internet of Things and the sharp increase of Internet users, a large amount of multimedia data with geo-location information shared by users has emerged.However, only a small part of the image data is used correctly.Therefore, building detection can not only realize geographic positioning, but also has guiding significance for GIS mapping and automatic updating.With the extensive application of convolutional neural network and cyclic neural network in image processing, this paper proposes that the BFPN-RCNN algorithm can be used to recognize the curved buildings in the image.By comparing with other image detection algorithms on different data sets, it is proved that the proposed algorithm can effectively locate curved images in natural scene images.
The Response Relationship between Land Use/Land Cover and Watershed Lagged Effect based on Different Time Scales--A Case Study in Central Guizhou of China*
Authors: he Zhonghua , Zhao Cuiwei , Liang Hong , Yang Zhaohui
Published: June 2021

As we all know, the drought occurrence indicates that there is no rainfall or little rainfall in a certain period. However, the no or little rainfall does not mean that the droughts must be occur, and the occurrence of droughts shows a certain lag in the different areas. This paper analyzes the characteristics of watershed lagged effects and human activities in Central Guizhou of China (CGC) by the Lagged Index (LI) and Landscape Index (LI) based on the land use data, rainfall and runoff data during the periods of 1971–2016.The results show that ①the influence difference of the same land use type on the lagged intensity was particularly significant(P < 0.001)in the different ages (1970s-2010s). Among them, it gradually increased for the impacts of the wood land, grass land and cultivated land on the lagged intensity with the increasing of ages, and reached the maximum in the 2000s, and reached the maximum in the 2000s, while it did not change significantly for the water land and construction land.②The impact of land use type transfer on watershed lagged effects is particularly significant (P < 0.001).Among them, it gradually increases for the wood land transfer with the prolongation of lagged periods, and reaches the maximum for the construction land transfer in the lag-1 period (Xt−1), and is not significant for the rest type transfer.③The impact differences of the principal components (Zs) on watershed lagged effects are particularly significant for the morphological characteristics of land use types in different lagged periods (Xt−0-Xt−3), and different ages (1970s-2010s), as well as the different time scales (1–12 months). Among them, it is the largest for the impact of grass land and water land on watershed lagged intensity, and gradually increases with the increasing of time scales (the maximum in the 9-month scale), followed by the wood land and cultivated land with the maximum in the 9- and 6- month scales, respectively. And it is the smallest for the construction land, and gradually increases with the increasing of time scales (the maximum in the 9-month scale).
Diversity and Host Plants of Tephritidae From Two Islands of the Comoro Archipelago (Grande-Comore and Moheli).
Authors: Bakar KASSIM , ÜSTÜNER Turgay
Published: June 2021

This paper summarizes the different host plants and fruit flies present in two islands (Grande-Comore and Mohéli) of the Comoros Archipelago. Different exotic and wild fruit plants were sampled. Eighty plant species, potential hosts, belonging to thirty-four families were collected and incubated for the emergence of fruit flies from December 2019 to September 2020. Twenty-five plant hosts from ten families comprising cultivated and wild fruits have been identified. Fruit fly infestation rates per kilogram of fruit (T.Kg-1 ) varied from plant to plant. Exotic fruit plants, which accounted for more than half of infested plants, including Cucumis melo, Cucurbita pepo, Prunus persica, Coffea arabica and Capsicum frutescens had high infestation rates. For wild plants, the highest infestation rates have been observed in some families including Combretaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae and Vitaceae. The highest infestation rate per kilogram of fruit was observed in a wild plant: Cyphostemma lageniflorum. Thirteen new host plants infested by Tephritidae are reported and/or listed for the first time in Comoros. In total, eight species of fruit flies identified. However, the species Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel, 1912 (47.5%) and Dacus bivittatus (Bigot, 1858) (37.6%) were the most representative of the Tephritidae that emerged.
Differences in above-ground resource acquisition and niche overlap between a model invader (Phragmites australis) and resident plant species: Measuring the role of fitness and niche differences in the field
Authors: Robichaud C. D. , Rooney R.C
Published: June 2021

Identifying the mechanisms that result in a “high impact” invasive species can be difficult. Coexistence theory suggests that detrimental invasive species can be better predicted by incorporating both niche differences and fitness differences than examining niche overlap alone. Specifically, detrimental invasive species should take up shared limited resources more efficiently than their neighbouring resident species. While there is clear evidence that invasive Phragmites australis is successfully displacing resident species, there remains few field studies that attempt to quantify the niche overlap and fitness difference between P. australis and the species it is displacing in the field. Using P. australis we measured differences in photosynthetic performance (carbon assimilation rates, δ 13 C, photosynthetic water use efficiency, biomass), the effects of competition for photosynthetically active radiation, and niche overlap between P. australis and three resident freshwater wetland species ( Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex aquatilis, and Typha spp.) growing with or without interspecific competition . Invasive P. australis intercepted more photosynthetically active radiation, assimilated more carbon more efficiently, and had a larger niche region compared to resident species. Resident plant species showed a significant decrease in photosynthetic performance when growing in competition with P. australis and had a high probability of overlap onto the niche space of P. australis. These results provide evidence that the ability of P. australis to reduce the availability of a required resource and more efficiently use it over the growing season, while exhibiting high niche overlap with resident species, likely contributes directly to its success in North American freshwater wetlands.
Quantitative Methods for Predicting Underground Construction Waste Considering Reuse and Recycling
Authors: Chen Rui , Li Lanxin , Yang Kai , Ren Fumin , Xi Chenggang , Lin Yang , Zheng Hai
Published: June 2021

The construction industry has been greatly developed in the past few decades, especially in the extensive use of underground space. The increasing amount of waste (e.g., soil, sludge, and rock) generated in the underground construction constitutes an important part of construction and demolition waste (CDW) but the related problems are rarely addressed in an independent quantitative study. In order to facilitate recycling of underground construction waste (UCW), quantitative methods for predicting UCW are proposed based on mass conservation in this study. Through on-site investigation and literature review, the source characteristics of UCW and corresponding recycling potential are firstly analyzed. Secondly, the corresponding quantitative mothed is proposed for predicting each type of UCW according to the principle of mass conservation. Finally, the proposed quantitative methods are applied in two real underground infrastructure projects to verify the accuracy. The results show that the accuracy of quantitative methods for predicting shield sludge and engineering soil is 82.03%-95.79% and 94.49% respectively. In addition, detailed geological and geotechnical analysis is the key to accurate management of waste generated in underground civil and infrastructure projects. In both cases, underground construction produced a large amount of construction waste with great recycling potential. UCW can theoretically reach 100% recycling, and full reuse and recycling of UCW will bring huge economic value and be conducive to the sustainable development of the construction industry.
When hot meets cold: post-flare coronal rain
Authors: Ruan Wenzhi , Zhou Yuhao , Keppens Rony
Published: June 2021

All solar flares demonstrate a prolonged, hourlong post-flare (or gradual) phase, characterized by arcade-like, post-flare loops (PFLs) visible in many extreme ultraviolet (EUV) passbands. These coronal loops are filled with hot – ~30MK – and dense plasma, evaporated from the chromosphere during the impulsive phase of the flare, and they very gradually recover to normal coronal density and temperature conditions. During this gradual cooling down to ~1MK regimes, much cooler – ~0.01MK – and denser coronal rain is frequently observed inside PFLs. Understanding PFL dynamics in this long-duration, gradual phase is crucial to the entire corona-chromosphere mass and energy cycle. Here we report the first simulation in which a solar flare evolves from pre-flare, over impulsive phase all the way into its gradual phase, which successfully reproduces post-flare coronal rain. This rain results from catastrophic cooling caused by thermal instability, and we analyse the entire mass and energy budget evolution driving this sudden condensation phenomenon. We find that the runaway cooling and rain formation also induces the appearance of dark post-flare loop systems, as observed in EUV channels. We confirm and augment earlier observational findings, suggesting that thermal conduction and radiative losses alternately dominate the cooling of PFLs. Since reconnection-driven flares occur in many astrophysical settings (stellar flares, accretion disks, galactic winds and jets), our study suggests a new and natural pathway to introduce multi-thermal structuring.
Longitudinal Change of Postoperative Serum Anti-thyroglobulin Antibody Levels in Patients Without Total Thyroidectomy and Remnant Ablation
Authors: Tanaka Katsuhiro , Mikami Tsuyoshi , Kawano Shiori , Sasaki Azusa , Sohda Mai , Ogata Ryohei , Saito Wataru , Kishino Emi , Koike Yoshikazu , Yamamoto Yutaka
Published: June 2021

Background: There is little information regarding postoperative thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) changes in patients without a total thyroidectomy and ablation. This study aimed to analyze the longitudinal change of TgAb levels in patients with remnant thyroid.Methods: The study group were patients who had undergone a non-total thyroidectomy for a thyroid tumor from 1996 to 2018. The median follow-up period was 3.5 years (1–7.5 years). Eligible patients had a combined serum Tg and TgAb measurement at least three times biannually. We excluded patients with thyroid dysfunction at the initial diagnosis or with papillary carcinoma who had persistent or any recurrence of disease. Results: A total of 222 patients were enrolled. In the preoperative analysis, 42 (30%) patients had positive TgAb values, and 98 were negative (70%). Seventeen years after the operation, a TgAb value over 1000 IU/ml was not seen. The positive TgAb ratio was stable for 12 years (20%–30%); however, its positivity gradually increased from 13 years onward to 53.8%. The number of patients with consistently negative and positive TgAb values was 151 (68.0%) and 48 (21.6%), respectively. The number of patients with a mixture of positive and negative TgAb values was 10 (4.5%). The number of patients who changed from positive to negative values was six (2.7%) and, inversely, seven (3.2%). Conclusions: We found positivity of TgAb after surgery gradually increases over about 10 years in patients with normal remnant thyroid. We should measure both serum Tg and TgAb values concurrently for the patients with remnant thyroid tissue throughout.
Synthesis of Large Pore LTL and MOR Zeolites and Use as Adsorbent for The Removal of Heavy Metal and Radioactive Metal Ions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nguyen Duy Hoai-Phuong , Le Quang Thanh , Pham Tung Cao Thanh , Le Thanh Tu
Published: June 2021

Heavy metal and radioactive ions can cause serious environmental problems if they are not completely removed from wastewater as well as in groundwater. In this study, large pore LTL and MOR zeolites were successfully synthesized and used as adsorbent to remove Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cs+ and Sr2+ ions in aqueous solution. At low initial concentration (10 ppm), LTL and MOR zeolites effectively removed above metal ions with removal efficiency in the range of 95–99%. Both zeolites showed high affinity to Cs+ and Pb2+ ions with the adsorption capacity of LTL zeolite to Cs+ and Pb2+ were 278.8 mg/g and 141.4 mg/g, and that of MOR zeolite were 238.8 mg/g and 178.9 mg/g, respectively. The EDS results showed that Pb2+ ions from the aqueous solution were exchanged with exchangeable Na+ ions in MOR zeolite and K+ ions in LTL zeolite. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model fitted better to experiment data on the adsorption of metal ions on both LTL and MOR zeolite. This result revealed that the adsorption of these metal ions on LTL and MOR zeolite was monolayer chemisorption. The equilibrium adsorption results showed that the microstructure of zeolite significantly affected the adsorption capacity of LTL and MOR zeolite on removal of tested metal ions.