bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and application of drilling and expanding integrated bit based on high pressure water jet coal breaking mechanism
Authors: Wang Fan
Published: June 2022

Outburst coal seam and high gas coal seam and using borehole to extract coal seam gas are the main measures to prevent coal and gas outburst, reduce gas emission and reduce air flow gas overrun in working face. Increasing borehole diameter and improving coal seam permeability are one of the common methods to improve the effect of this measure. In this paper, the drilling and expanding integrated bit is developed and designed to improve the construction efficiency. Firstly, the mechanical analysis of high-pressure water jet combined with coal breaking of drilling teeth is carried out to provide the basis for the optimization of drilling and expanding integrated bit. The optimization principles of bit and nozzle are put forward respectively. The bit material is optimized. The hardness is increased by 20 ~ 40 times by using diamond composite chip (PDC) bit. Through numerical simulation analysis, it is determined that when the nozzle l/d value is 2, the jet development can maintain good stability. The nozzle is arranged with 2 ~ 3 nozzles in radial direction and 1 ~ 2 nozzles in axial direction, and the best contraction angle is 13 ° ~ 15 °. The field test shows that the average equivalent diameter of coal 6 after reaming is 720mm, which is 9.6 times that before reaming, and the effect of reaming and pressure relief is remarkable.
Experimental Study on Fluid Elastic Instability of Concentric Circular Arrangement Heat Exchanger Tubes
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Zhang Donghui , Song Guangdong
Published: June 2022

In the industrial production, there exists the phenomenon of structure vibration caused by flow, which will cause the deformation and failure of the structure and lead to the economic loss, and even cause the industrial accident and great danger. In this paper, the one mechanism of fluid-induced vibration, namely fluid elastic instability, of the concentric circle arrangement tube bundles in the sodium-sodium heat exchanger is studied experimentally. According to different central angle positions, three kinds of tubular plates are designed, which are approximately triangle arrangement, approximately square arrangement and transitional arrangement respectively. In the small-size water tunnel non-contact graphic measurement is adopted to obtain the critical flow rate Ucr when the tube bundle is unstable. The experimental results show that the flow induced vibration resistance of the transitional arrangement is better, and the critical flow velocity is about 3.78.
Structural reliability design of liquid oxygen supply pipeline based on fluid-solid-thermal coupling
Authors: Zhou Jingying , Ding Jiawei
Published: June 2022

Liquid oxygen supply pipeline is a key part of liquid oxygen kerosene engine test system. If leakage occurs, it will cause flow measurement error and affect the accuracy of test data. Therefore, in the design of liquid oxygen supply pipeline, the fluid solid thermal coupling simulation analysis method is used to analyze the stress of “Z” bend, vessel bottom elbow and balance device elbow pipeline of the supply pipeline in the process of ultra-low temperature fluid flow, the optimal laying scheme of the “Z” bend route is obtained, and it is verified that the added elbow pipeline fixing support structure can effectively resist the blind plate force and improve the pipeline reliability, which provides an important reference for the structural design of liquid oxygen supply pipeline.
Models and Programs of the Gain and Noise Figure of the Nd-doped Fiber Amplifier in 1.7-1.8μm Band
Authors: Wang Youfei
Published: June 2022

This paper gives an introduction and research results on the Nd-doped fiber amplifier. We have constructed calculation models and programs of the Gain and Noise Figure with changing pump power, signal power, number of doped ions per unit volume, and fiber length using MATLAB. When the pump power or ion concentration increases, or the signal power decreases, the Gain has an increasing trend as presented in the research results. The Gain reaches a maximum when the fiber length is 1.35m. The Noise Figure decreases with increasing signal power or decreasing ion concentration. It reaches a minimum with a high pump power and a fiber length of 1.4m.
The Theoretical Derivation and Exploration of Gravitational Wave
Authors: Wen Xiangyu
Published: June 2022

This paper mainly records the theoretical system of gravitational waves and the mathematical derivation process. At the same time, it also mentions the working principle of the laser interference gravitational wave observatory. It belongs to the learning of the gravitational wave entry-level, and it can also help you understand and learn gravity waves faster from a professional point of view. The end of the article contains some of my discussions on the future development prospects of gravitational waves.
Introduction to the relationship of symmetry and degree of freedom in system
Authors: He Po-shan
Published: June 2022

The symmetry and degree of freedom are two characterastic on object they are different, but they are had some relationship in many particle system, so that they can mutual influence if they are happend the vary. This paper will to be discussion to the relationship of symmetry and degree of freedom on object system in physics.
Interference Coexistence Analysis Between IMT-2020 System and Radar in the Same Frequency Band
Authors: Yang Jian , Chang Zengtian , Yuan Chunxing , Sun Jiwei , Luo Siwei , Li Chenyong , Li Xiaoliang
Published: June 2022

Due to the interference coexistence between IMT-2020 system and radio locating radar system in the 3 400 ∼3 600 MHz frequency band, based on the coexistence scenario of this frequency band, this paper sorts out the typical frequency parameters of radar and the key parameters of base station, and establishes a propagation model. The interference between IMT-2020 system and radar system in the same frequency band is analyzed by means of system modeling and Monte Carlo simulation. According to the interference threshold of the system, the interval distance required for the coexistence of the two systems is obtained, and the interference avoidance measures are proposed to realize the coexistence of the two systems.
Research on Scenarios Construction for Automated Driving Functions Field Test
Authors: Xu Zhenhai , Bai Yun , Wang Guanjun , Gan Changhong , Sun Yuxiang
Published: June 2022

To promote the automated driving function field test for intelligent & connected vehicle in vehicle proving ground, a scenario construction method for automated driving functions field test is proposed in this paper. Firstly, through a systematic analysis of the 29 required scenarios and the actual roads situation in vehicle proving ground, 7 clusters of basic road characteristics of scenarios are summarized and taken as the basic items. Then, different special pavement marking, traffic light & sign and target are added in turn on the basic item of a selected scenario by a variable item with layered architecture to complete the scenario configuration flexibly. And the proposed method can clearly show construction difficulty of each scenario, and multiple scenarios can be constructed in the same site, which can realize a reuse of a single site in closed field to improve the test efficiency.
Flight Control System Simulation for Quadcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) based on Matlab Simulink
Authors: Fan Yunxin
Published: June 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are widely used in military and civilian applications due to its advantages of strong maneuverability. Flight control system simulation of a UAV is always a research focus. At present, there are three major algorithms for a UAV flight control: strapdown inertial navigation system, Kalman filter algorithm, flight control Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) algorithm. In this study, UAV flight control system and quadcopter drone flight control principle are discussed. In addition, this research developed a dynamic model based on a thorough examination of the quadcopter drone’s frame construction and features. This dynamic model describes the transformation matrix of UAV coordinate system to ground coordinate system. Matlab Simulink was used to simulate a flight control system. A quadcopter drone’s vertical movement, yaw motion, pitching motion, and roll motion, as well as its flight attitude, were simulated and described. Dynamic modeling is developed based on the drone’s flight principle and force relationship in different motion states, as well as the Newton-Eulerian model. Matlab Simulink was used to simulate the trajectory of a quadcopter drone. The red line denotes the trajectory, while the black x markings denote a change in trajectory or a specific position. Blue lines that reflect the waypoint’s heading accompany specific poses. The results of this study could provide a good reference for the simulation of a UAV flight control system.
Torque Ripple Suppression Strategy of Electromechanical Coupling System of Hybrid Electric Towing Vehicle Based on Feedforward Control
Authors: Zhao Xinqi , Zhai Yong , Zhang Youtong
Published: June 2022

Aiming at the problem of output torque ripple of power split engine motor power system coupled with planetary gear train, based on the dynamic model of the system, the torque ripple suppression algorithm considering coupling device and engine instantaneous torque observer based on engine instantaneous torque are designed. In order to solve the problem that a single control method fails to meet the steady-state performance and response time at the same time, a torque ripple suppression strategy of electromechanical coupling system based on feedforward control is proposed. Combined with the modeling of GT-power and MATLAB / Simulink platform, the rated operating points are simulated in coordinated driving mode and input split mode respectively. The results show that the control strategy can reduce the output torque ripple of the ring gear by 25.46% and 19.34% respectively in coordinated driving mode and input split mode. The control strategy can reduce the output torque ripple by 14.30% and speed ripple by 37.32% in the dynamic condition of PTO intervention.
Facilities in Asia for future accelerator development
Authors: Kando M. , Hosokai T. , Kim K.Y. , Tang C.
Published: June 2022

We introduce and review available and active research
facilities that involve novel acceleration concepts in Asia. Most of
the facilities equip with high-peak-power (>10 TW) lasers with
tens of femtosecond duration for laser wakefield acceleration. The
activities in Asia are growing and several problems on the
realization of high energy frontier accelerators would be accessed
through the existing facilities.
Half-space stationary Kardar–Parisi–Zhang equation beyond the Brownian case
Authors: Barraquand Guillaume , Krajenbrink Alexandre , Le Doussal Pierre
Published: June 2022

We study the Kardar–Parisi–Zhang (KPZ) equation on the half-line x ⩾ 0 with Neumann type boundary condition. Stationary measures of the KPZ dynamics were characterized in recent work: they depend on two parameters, the boundary parameter u of the dynamics, and the drift −v of the initial condition at infinity. We consider the fluctuations of the height field when the initial condition is given by one of these stationary processes. At large time t, it is natural to rescale parameters as (u, v) = t
−1/3(a, b) to study the critical region. In the special case a + b = 0, treated in previous works, the stationary process is simply Brownian. However, these Brownian stationary measures are particularly relevant in the bound phase (a < 0) but not in the unbound phase. For instance, starting from the flat or droplet initial condition, the height field near the boundary converges to the stationary process with a > 0 and b = 0, which is not Brownian. For a + b ⩾ 0, we determine exactly the large time distribution

F

a
,
b

stat

of the height function h(0, t). As an application, we obtain the exact covariance of the height field in a half-line at two times 1 ≪ t
1 ≪ t
2 starting from stationary initial condition, as well as estimates, when starting from droplet initial condition, in the limit t
1/t
2 → 1.
PIWI-interacting RNAs in human diseases: databases and computational models
Authors: Zhang Tianjiao , Chen Liang , Li Rongzhen , Liu Ning , Huang Xiaobing , Wong Garry
Published: June 2022

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are short 21–35 nucleotide molecules that comprise the largest class of non-coding RNAs and found in a large diversity of species including yeast, worms, flies, plants and mammals including humans. The most well-understood function of piRNAs is to monitor and protect the genome from transposons particularly in germline cells. Recent data suggest that piRNAs may have additional functions in somatic cells although they are expressed there in far lower abundance. Compared with microRNAs (miRNAs), piRNAs have more limited bioinformatics resources available. This review collates 39 piRNA specific and non-specific databases and bioinformatics resources, describes and compares their utility and attributes and provides an overview of their place in the field. In addition, we review 33 computational models based upon function: piRNA prediction, transposon element and mRNA-related piRNA prediction, cluster prediction, signature detection, target prediction and disease association. Based on the collection of databases and computational models, we identify trends and potential gaps in tool development. We further analyze the breadth and depth of piRNA data available in public sources, their contribution to specific human diseases, particularly in cancer and neurodegenerative conditions, and highlight a few specific piRNAs that appear to be associated with these diseases. This briefing presents the most recent and comprehensive mapping of piRNA bioinformatics resources including databases, models and tools for disease associations to date. Such a mapping should facilitate and stimulate further research on piRNAs.
Constraints on fluid flow pathways from shear wave splitting in and around an active fluid-escape structure: Scanner Pockmark, North Sea
Authors: Robinson A H , Bayrakci G , Macdonald C , Minshull T A , Bull J M , Chapman M , Henstock T J , Callow B
Published: June 2022

Vertical fluid-escape structures observed in seismic reflection data represent an important class of potentially active fluid flow pathways. An understanding of the mechanism of fluid flow in these types of structures is needed to assess the risk of natural gas venting from potential subsurface carbon dioxide storage operations. The Scanner Pockmark Complex is a 22 m deep, 900 × 450 m seabed depression in the North Sea, which actively vents methane, and is underlain by a seismic chimney structure with horizontal dimensions of ∼300 × 600 m. Gas accumulation is evidenced by the presence of bright reflectors at the top of this seismic chimney, at a depth of ∼50 m below the seabed. Here, we analyse seismic anisotropy in these shallow sediments using shear wave splitting observed on ocean bottom seismographs (OBS). Anisotropy varies spatially, with a strength of ∼1–4 per cent, on several OBS located in and around the pockmark complex. By correlating these observations with calculated subsurface P- and S-wave velocities, we show that there is anisotropy present throughout the sediments through which the chimney passes, which are interpreted as relating to syn- and post-depositional glaciomarine processes. However, within the chimney itself the orientation of the fast direction is different to that outside the chimney and the degree of anisotropy is lower. We attribute this difference as indicating that the anisotropy observed within the chimney is associated with the formation and continued presence of the gas migration system, which overprints the background depositional anisotropy.
Testing Morphological Relationships between Female and Male Copulatory Structures in Bats
Authors: Orr Teri J , Lukitsch Theresa , Eiting Thomas P , Brennan Patricia L R
Published: June 2022

Synopsis

The lower reproductive tract of female mammals has several competing functions including mating, tract health maintenance, and parturition. Diverse vaginal anatomy suggests interactions between natural and sexual selection, yet despite its importance, female copulatory morphology remains under-studied. We undertook a comparative study across the species-rich mammalian order Chiroptera (bats) with a focus on the suborder Yangochiroptera (Vespertilioniformes) to examine how female vaginal features may have coevolved with male penis morphology to minimize mechanical damage to their tissues during copulation. The penis morphology is diverse, presenting great potential for post-copulatory sexual selection and coevolution with the female morphology, but vaginas have not been carefully examined. Here we test the hypotheses that vaginal thickness and collagen density have coevolved with features of the male penis, including the presence of spines and a baculum. We present histological data from females of 24 species from 7 families of bats, and corresponding data on male penis anatomy. We also examine the role of phylogenetic history in the morphological patterns we observe. We found evidence that female vaginal thickness has coevolved with the presence of penile spines, but not with baculum presence or width. Collagen density did not appear to covary with male penile features. Our findings highlight the importance of considering interactions between the sexes in influencing functional reproductive structures and examine how these structures have been under selection in bats.
Breast Density: Current Knowledge, Assessment Methods, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Chalfant James S , Hoyt Anne C
Published: June 2022

Breast density is an accepted independent risk factor for the future development of breast cancer, and greater breast density has the potential to mask malignancies on mammography, thus lowering the sensitivity of screening mammography. The risk associated with dense breast tissue has been shown to be modifiable with changes in breast density. Numerous studies have sought to identify factors that influence breast density, including age, genetic, racial/ethnic, prepubertal, adolescent, lifestyle, environmental, hormonal, and reproductive history factors. Qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative methods of breast density assessment have been developed, but to date there is no consensus assessment method or reference standard for breast density. Breast density has been incorporated into breast cancer risk models, and there is growing consciousness of the clinical implications of dense breast tissue in both the medical community and public arena. Efforts to improve breast cancer screening sensitivity for women with dense breasts have led to increased attention to supplemental screening methods in recent years, prompting the American College of Radiology to publish Appropriateness Criteria for supplemental screening based on breast density.
Moderate Colitis Not Requiring Intravenous Steroids Is Associated with Improved Survival in Stage IV Melanoma after Anti-CTLA4 Monotherapy, But Not Combination Therapy
Authors: Anstadt Emily J , Chu Brian , Yegya-Raman Nikhil , Han Xiaoyan , Doucette Abigail , Poirier Kendra , Mohiuddin Jahan J , Maity Amit , Facciabene Andrea , Amaravadi Ravi K , Karakousis Giorgos C , Cohen Justine V , Mitchell Tara C , Schuchter Lynn M , Lukens John N
Published: June 2022

Background

For patients with melanoma, gastrointestinal immune-related adverse events are common after receipt of anti-CTLA4 therapy. These present difficult decision points regarding whether to discontinue therapy. Detailing the situations in which colitis might predict for improved survival and how this is affected by discontinuation or resumption of therapy can help guide clinical decision-making.

Materials and Methods

Patients with stage IV melanoma receiving anti-CTLA4 therapy from 2008 to 2019 were analyzed. Immune-related colitis treated with ≥50 mg prednisone or equivalent daily or secondary immunosuppression was included. Moderate colitis was defined as receipt of oral glucocorticoids only; severe colitis was defined as requiring intravenous glucocorticoids or secondary immunosuppression. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS).

Results

In total, 171 patients received monotherapy, and 91 received dual checkpoint therapy. In the monotherapy group, 25 patients developed colitis and a nonsignificant trend toward improved OS was observed in this group. Notably, when colitis was categorized as none, moderate or severe, OS was significantly improved for moderate colitis only. This survival difference was not present after dual checkpoint therapy. There were no differences in known prognostic variables between groups, and on multivariable analysis neither completion of all ipilimumab cycles nor resumption of immunotherapy correlated with OS, while the development of moderate colitis did significantly affect OS.

Conclusion

This single-institution retrospective series suggests moderate colitis correlates with improved OS for patients with stage IV melanoma treated with single-agent anti-CTLA4, but not dual agent, and that this is true regardless of whether the immune-checkpoint blockade is permanently discontinued.
Molecular mechanisms underlying host-induced gene silencing
Authors: Zand Karimi Hana , Innes Roger W
Published: June 2022

Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) refers to the silencing of genes in pathogens and pests by expressing homologous double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) or artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) in the host plant. The discovery of such trans-kingdom RNA silencing has enabled the development of RNA interference-based approaches for controlling diverse crop pathogens and pests. Although HIGS is a promising strategy, the mechanisms by which these regulatory RNAs translocate from plants to pathogens, and how they induce gene silencing in pathogens, are poorly understood. This lack of understanding has led to large variability in the efficacy of various HIGS treatments. This variability is likely due to multiple factors, such as the ability of the target pathogen or pest to take up and/or process RNA from the host, the specific genes and target sequences selected in the pathogen or pest for silencing, and where, when, and how the dsRNAs or amiRNAs are produced and translocated. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the molecular mechanisms underlying HIGS, identify key unanswered questions, and explore strategies for improving the efficacy and reproducibility of HIGS treatments in the control of crop diseases.
Risk of COPD exacerbation is increased by poor sleep quality and modified by social adversity
Authors: Baugh Aaron , Buhr Russell G , Quibrera Pedro , Barjaktarevic Igor , Barr R Graham , Bowler Russell , Han Meilan King , Kaufman Joel D , Koch Abigail L , Krishnan Jerry , Labaki Wassim , Martinez Fernando J , Mkorombindo Takudzwa , Namen Andrew , Ortega Victor , Paine Robert , Peters Stephen P , Schotland Helena , Sundar Krishna , Zeidler Michelle R , Hansel Nadia N , Woodruff Prescott G , Thakur Neeta
Published: June 2022

Study Objectives

Sleep is an important dimension in the care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its relevance to exacerbations is unclear. We wanted to assess whether sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is associated with an increased risk of COPD exacerbations and does this differ by socio-environmental exposures.

Methods

We included 1647 current and former smokers with spirometrically confirmed COPD from the SPIROMICS cohort. We assessed incidence rate ratios for exacerbation using zero-inflated negative binomial regression adjusting for demographics, medical comorbidities, and multiple metrics of disease severity, including respiratory medications, airflow obstruction, and symptom burden. Our final model adjusted for socio-environmental exposures using the Area Deprivation Index, a composite measure of contemporary neighborhood quality, and Adversity–Opportunity Index, a composite measure of individual-level historic and current socioeconomic indicators. We used a pre-determined threshold of 20% missingness to undertake multiple imputation by chained equations. As sensitivity analyses, we repeated models in those with complete data and after controlling for prior exacerbations. As an exploratory analysis, we considered an interaction between socio-environmental condition and sleep quality.

Results

After adjustment for all co-variates, increasing PSQI scores (range 0–21) were associated with a 5% increased risk for exacerbation per point (p = .001) in the imputed dataset. Sensitivity analyses using complete cases and after controlling for prior exacerbation history were similar. Exploratory analysis suggested less effect among those who lived in poor-quality neighborhoods (p-for-interaction = .035).

Conclusions

Poor sleep quality may contribute to future exacerbations among patients with COPD. This represents one target for improving disease control.

Clinical Trial Registration

Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier# NCT01969344. Registry URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/.
Sex moderates the effects of total sleep deprivation and sleep restriction on risk preference
Authors: Lim Jeryl Y L , Boardman Johanna , Dyche Jeff , Anderson Clare , Dickinson David L , Drummond Sean P A
Published: June 2022

Sleep loss has been shown to alter risk preference during decision-making. However, research in this area has largely focussed on the effects of total sleep deprivation (TSD), while evidence on the effects of sleep restriction (SR) or the potentially moderating role of sex on risk preference remains scarce and unclear. The present study investigated risky decision-making in 47 healthy young adults who were assigned to either of two counterbalanced protocols: well-rested (WR) and TSD, or WR and SR. Participants were assessed on the Lottery Choice Task (LCT), which requires a series of choices between two risky gambles with varying risk levels. Analyses on the pooled dataset indicated across all sleep conditions, participants were generally more risk-seeking when trying to minimise financial loss (LOSSES) than while trying to maximise financial gain (GAINS). On GAINS trials, female participants were more risk-averse during TSD and SR, whereas male participants remained unchanged. On LOSSES trials, female participants remained unchanged during TSD and SR, whereas male participants became more risk-seeking during TSD. Our findings suggest the relationship between sleep loss and risk preference is moderated by sex, whereby changes in risk preference after TSD or SR differ in men and women depending on whether the decision is framed in terms of gains or losses.
A randomized study of food pantry environment-level change following the SuperShelf intervention
Authors: Caspi Caitlin , Gordon Nora , Bliss Barsness Christina , Bohen Laura , Canterbury Marna , Peterson Hikaru , Wolfson Julian , Pratt Rebekah
Published: June 2022

The charitable food system is rapidly evolving. Interventions that target the food pantry environment and use behavioral economics are in high demand, but can be difficult to implement in a low-resource setting. This is an analysis of secondary, environment-level outcomes in a food pantry intervention (SuperShelf); the study evaluates whether the intervention resulted in measurable changes to the food pantry environment and improved diet quality of the food available to clients, compared with a control group of food pantries. Eleven food pantries were randomized to an intervention (n = 5) or control (n = 6) condition and completed baseline and one-year follow-up measures between 2018 and 2020. The intervention addressed healthy food supply and the appeal of healthy foods using behavioral economics. Assessments included manager surveys, intervention fidelity, food inventory, and food supply tracked over 5 days. Measures included change in intervention fidelity (range 0–100) with four subcomponents; Healthy Eating Index scores (HEI-2015, range 0–100) with 13 subcomponents; and Food Assortment Scoring Tool scores (FAST, range 0–100). Descriptive analyses and t-tests examined pre–post changes within and between intervention arms. Average fidelity scores increased from baseline to follow-up in the intervention group compared with the control group (p < .001), as did FAST scores (p = .02). Average HEI-2015 Total scores increased in the intervention group by 6.3 points and by 1.6 points in the control group, but the difference in change between groups was not statistically significant (p = .56). The intervention was implemented with high fidelity at five sites, with some evidence of change in the nutritional quality of the food available on the shelf to clients.
COVID-19 Infection in Well-Appearing 30- to 90-Day-Old Infants with Fever without a Source
Authors: Güngör Ali , Bodur İlknur , Göktuğ Aytaç , Güneylioğlu Muhammed Mustafa , Öztürk Betül , Yaradılmış Raziye Merve , Yalçınkaya Rumeysa , Karacan Can Demir , Tuygun Nilden
Published: June 2022

Fever without a source (FWS) is common clinical status in the young infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory findings of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection in well-appearing infants with FWS. Well-appearing febrile infants between 30 and 90 days who were evaluated as FWS in the pediatric emergency department and tested for COVID-19 were divided into two groups: COVID-19 (+) and (−). The clinical and laboratory findings of the patients were compared. The study included 95 febrile infants with FWS, and the mean age was 59.62 ± 16.82 days. The nasopharyngeal COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test results of 29/95 (30.5%) patients were positive, while 66/95 (69.5%) were negative. The complaints of irritability and nasal congestion were found to be significantly more common in COVID-19-positive patients (p = 0.04 and p = 0.041, respectively). The hospitalization rate (p = 0.009), length of hospital stay (p = 0.026), initiation of antibiotic treatment (p < 0.001) and duration of antibiotic treatment (p = 0.036) were significantly lower in the COVID-19 (+) patients. The C-reactive protein (CRP, p < 0.001), absolute neutrophil count (ANC, p < 0.001), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC, p = 0.015), white blood cell (WBC, p < 0.001) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII, p < 0.001) were found to be significantly lower in the COVID-19 (+) patient group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of neutropenia, lymphopenia or leukopenia.

 

COVID-19 infection may present as an FWS. During the pandemic period, testing for COVID-19 among infants who were evaluated as FWS may reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and antibiotic treatments, and shorten hospital stays and duration of antibiotics.
Genetic Analysis ofColletotrichum siamensePopulations from Different Hosts and Counties in Hainan, China, Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Cao Xueren , Zhang Qun , He Yongxiang , Che Haiyan , Lin Yating , Luo Daquan , West Jonathan S. , Xu Xiangming
Published: June 2022

Colletotrichum siamense was demonstrated as the dominant species among Colletotrichum spp. that infected rubber tree, areca palm, and coffee in Hainan, China. However, the extent of genetic differentiation within the species C. siamense in relation to geographical regions and host species is not known. In this study, 112 C. siamense isolates were genotyped with 12 microsatellite markers. In total, there were 99 multilocus genotypes. Results from permutational multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of molecular variance indicated that there was no significant genetic differentiation between fungal populations with respect to host, location (county), and year. Discriminant analysis of principal components and STRUCTURE analysis showed that C. siamense isolates grouped into three clusters; further analysis confirmed that there were significant (P < 0.001) genetic differences among the three clusters. However, each cluster had isolates from different hosts, counties, or years, supporting the lack of genetic differentiation with respect to host, county, and year. Statistical analyses of allelic associations indicated some evidence for recombination within the populations defined on the basis of host or county. The present findings provide insights into the genetic structure of C. siamense on the three perennial host species in Hainan and suggest that the disease on these three crops can be effectively considered as one disease and, hence, needs to be controlled simultaneously in mixed plantations.
De-escalation of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Updated Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of 21 Studies and 38,741 Patients
Authors: Hu Meng-Jin , Tan Jiang-Shan , Gao Xiao-Jin , Yang Jin-Gang , Yang Yue-Jin
Published: June 2022

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is recommended among patients with established acute coronary syndrome. In this meta-analysis, we sought to compare the clinical outcomes between de-escalation versus unchanged DAPT based on both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events for observational studies and net clinical events for RCTs. Four RCTs and 17 observational studies with a total of 38,741 patients were included. Net clinical events were more common with unchanged DAPT than with de-escalation in RCTs [odd ratio (OR): 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–2.43; I2 = 69.4%], which was mainly due to higher risks of any bleeding (OR: 1.81; 95% CI, 1.14–2.88; I2 = 75.5%) and major bleeding (OR: 1.58; 95% CI, 1.02–2.46; I2 = 0), without significant differences in ischaemic events. However, trial sequential analysis revealed that sufficient information was obtained just for net clinical events, not for respective ischaemic or bleeding events in RCTs. In the analysis based on real-world observational studies, the risks of myocardial infarction (OR: 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61–0.98; I2 = 0) and stroke (OR: 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.81; I2 = 0) were lower with the unchanged DAPT group. Therefore, de-escalation of DAPT led to a marked reduction in net clinical events compared with unchanged DAPT in RCTs, which was mainly due to reduced bleeding events. However, sufficient information for ischaemic events was not obtained. In the analysis based on real-world observational studies, myocardial infarction and stroke were more common with de-escalation, which should arise our attention.
Metformin Protects Against Sunitinib-induced Cardiotoxicity: Investigating the Role of AMPK
Authors: Kuburas Refik , Gharanei Mayel , Haussmann Irmgard , Maddock Helen , Sandhu Hardip
Published: June 2022

Sunitinib is associated with cardiotoxicity through inhibition of AMP-protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. By contrast, the common antidiabetic agent metformin has demonstrated cardioprotection through indirect AMPK activation. In this study, we investigate the effects of metformin during sunitinib-induced cytotoxicity. Left ventricular developed pressure, coronary flow, heart rate, and infarct size were measured in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts treated with 1 µM sunitinib ±50 µM metformin ±1 µM human equilibrative nucleoside transporter inhibitor S-(4-Nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI). Western blot analysis was performed for p-AMPKα levels. Primary isolated cardiac myocytes from the left ventricular tissue were used to measure live cell population levels. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess adjunctive treatment of and metformin in human hepatoma G2 and promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells treated with 0.1–100 µM sunitinib ±50 µM metformin. In the perfused hearts, coadministration of metformin attenuated the sunitinib-induced changes to left ventricular developed pressure, infarct size, and cardiac myocyte population. Western blot analysis revealed a significant decrease in p-AMPKα during sunitinib treatment, which was attenuated after coadministration with metformin. All metformin-induced effects were attenuated, and NBTI was coadministered. The MTT assay demonstrated an increase in the EC50 value during coadministration of metformin with sunitinib compared with sunitinib monotherapy in hepatoma G2 and HL-60 cell lines, demonstrating the impact and complexity of metformin coadministration and the possible role of AMPK signaling. This study highlights the novel cardioprotective properties of metformin and AMPK activation during sunitinib-induced cardiotoxicity when administered together in the Langendorff heart model.
CFTR Suppresses Neointimal Formation Through Attenuating Proliferation and Migration of Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Lu Liu-Yi , Pan Ni , Huang Ze-Han , Wang Jing-Song , Tang Yong-Bo , Sun Hong-Shuo , Han Hui , Yang Han-Yan , Zhu Jun-Zhen , Guan Yong-Yuan , Zhang Bin , Li Dong-Zhi , Wang Guan-Lei
Published: June 2022

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) plays important roles in arterial functions and the fate of cells. To further understand its function in vascular remodeling, we examined whether CFTR directly regulates platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and migration, as well as the balloon injury–induced neointimal formation. The CFTR adenoviral gene delivery was used to evaluate the effects of CFTR on neointimal formation in a rat model of carotid artery balloon injury. The roles of CFTR in PDGF-BB–stimulated VSMC proliferation and migration were detected by mitochondrial tetrazolium assay, wound healing assay, transwell chamber method, western blot, and qPCR. We found that CFTR expression was declined in injured rat carotid arteries, while adenoviral overexpression of CFTR in vivo attenuated neointimal formation in carotid arteries. CFTR overexpression inhibited PDGF-BB–induced VSMC proliferation and migration, whereas CFTR silencing caused the opposite results. Mechanistically, CFTR suppressed the phosphorylation of PDGF receptor β, serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1, JNK, p38 and ERK induced by PDGF-BB, and the increased mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and MMP2 induced by PDGF-BB. In conclusion, our results indicated that CFTR may attenuate neointimal formation by suppressing PDGF-BB–induced activation of serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 and the JNK/p38/ERK signaling pathway.
Intrascleral haptic needle fixation of 20+-year-old dislocated intraocular lenses using trailing-haptic-first modification
Authors: Kim Madeleine E. , Kim Dooho B.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Repositioning and scleral fixation of 20+-year-old dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs) was performed using the trailing-haptic-first modification of the Yamane technique.

Patient and Clinical Findings:

2 separate patients presented with late dislocation of their 3-piece IOLs, and the original surgeries were performed over 20 years ago. 1 patient had a Rezoom IOL and the other had an SI30 IOL.

Diagnosis, Intervention, and Outcomes:

The 2 patients underwent successful repositioning of the existing IOLs using the trailing-haptic-first modification of the Yamane technique. Both had good refractive outcomes without complication.

Conclusions:

To the authors' knowledge, these are the first cases reported of using 20+-year-old dislocated IOLs for successful intrascleral haptic needle fixation with the trailing-haptic-first modification of the Yamane technique. Surgeons should consider IOL repositioning with intrascleral haptic needle fixation instead of explantation for an easier and less-invasive approach.
Effects of a Novel High-Quality Protein Infant Formula on Energetic Efficiency and Tolerance: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Kuehn Devon , Zeisel Steven H. , Orenstein Diana F. , German J. Bruce , Field Catherine J. , Teerdhala Shiva , Knezevic Andrea , Patil Sujata , Donovan Sharon M. , Lönnerdal Bo
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

Protein overfeeding in infants can have negative effects, such as diabetes and childhood obesity; key to reducing protein intake from formula is improving protein quality. The impact of a new infant formula [study formula (SF)] containing alpha-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, partially hydrolyzed whey, and whole milk on growth and tolerance compared to a commercial formula (CF) and a human milk reference arm was evaluated.

Methods:

This randomized, double-blind trial included healthy, singleton, term infants, enrollment age ≤14 days. Primary outcome was mean daily weight gain. Secondary outcomes were anthropometrics, formula intake, serum amino acids, adverse events, gastrointestinal characteristics, and general disposition.

Results:

Non-inferiority was demonstrated. There were no differences between the formula groups for z scores over time. Formula intake [−0.33 oz/kg/day, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.66 to −0.01, P = 0.05] and mean protein intake (−0.13 g/kg/day, 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.00, P = 0.05) were lower in the SF infants, with higher serum essential amino acid concentrations (including tryptophan) compared to the CF infants. Energetic efficiency was 14.0% (95% CI: 8.3%, 19.7%), 13.0% (95% CI: 6.0%, 20.0%), and 18.1% (95% CI: 9.4%, 26.8%) higher for weight, length, and head circumference, respectively, in SF infants compared to the CF infants. SF infants had significantly fewer spit-ups and softer stool consistency than CF infants.

Conclusions:

The SF resulted in improved parent-reported gastrointestinal tolerance and more efficient growth with less daily formula and protein intake supporting that this novel formula may potentially reduce the metabolic burden of protein overfeeding associated with infant formula.
Coping Style, Insomnia, and Psychological Distress Among Persons With Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Lv Gaorong , Zhao Di , Li Guopeng , Wang Qing , Zhou Miao , Gao Yiming , Zhao Xiangyu , Li Ping
Published: June 2022

Background

Although insomnia has been shown to play an important role in psychological distress among gastrointestinal cancer patients, little is known about the internal mechanisms underlying this relation. Coping styles have been shown to moderate the effect of sleep on emotion, and this moderating effect may be age-dependent.

Objective

To test how age and coping styles moderate the role of insomnia on psychological distress among gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. A total of 352 patients with gastrointestinal cancer from two tertiary hospitals were recruited to participate in this study. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used to assess patients’ psychological distress, insomnia, and coping styles. We performed hierarchical multiple regression and Johnson-Neyman statistical analysis to probe the moderating effect of coping styles and age.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 58.32 years. Nearly half of the participants reported psychological distress, and many reported insomnia. Insomnia was significantly positively associated with psychological distress. Coping styles and age moderated the relationship between insomnia and distress. Specifically, positive coping buffered the effect of insomnia on psychological distress only for subjects aged 34 and younger; negative coping exacerbated the above relationship in patients aged 68 years and older while weakening the relationship in participants aged 51 years and younger.

Discussion

There are age differences in the moderating role of coping styles on the relationship between insomnia and distress among gastrointestinal cancer patients. This study provides preliminary evidence to inform tailored guidance on coping styles by age groups to attenuate the risk for psychological distress related to insomnia in the cancer population.
Overcoming Challenges of Online Research: Measures to Ensure Enrollment of Eligible Participants
Authors: Campbell Chadwick K. , Ndukwe Samuel , Dubé Karine , Sauceda John A. , Saberi Parya
Published: June 2022

Background:

Internet-based surveys are increasingly used for health research because they offer several advantages including greater geographic reach, increased participant anonymity, and reduced financial/time burden. However, there is also a need to address inherent challenges, such as the likelihood of fraudulent responses and greater difficulty in determining eligibility.

Methods:

We conducted an online nationwide survey of 18–29 year olds living with HIV in the United States, to assess willingness to participate in HIV cure research. To ensure that respondents met age and HIV serostatus inclusion criteria, we instituted screening procedures to identify ineligible respondents using tools that were built into the survey platform (eg, reCAPTCHA, geolocation) and required documentation of age and serostatus before providing access to the incentivized study survey.

Results:

Of 1308 eligibility surveys, 569 were incomplete or ineligible because of reported age or serostatus. Of the remaining 739 potentially eligible respondents, we determined that 413 were from fraudulent, bot, or ineligible respondents. We sent individual study survey links to 326 participants (25% of all eligibility survey respondents) whose eligibility was reviewed and confirmed by our study team.

Conclusion:

Our multicomponent strategy was effective for identifying ineligible and fraudulent responses to our eligibility survey, allowing us to send the study survey link only to those whose eligibility we were able to confirm. Our findings suggest that proactive fraud prevention can be built into the screening phase of the study to prevent wasted resources related to data cleaning and unretrievable study incentives and ultimately improve the quality of data.
Impact of Perceived Stress During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients' Disease Activity
Authors: Pham Angela , Brook Jenny , Elashoff David A. , Ranganath Veena K.
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Objectives

Psychological stress worsens rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity, and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress/anxiety in rheumatic patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if stress during the COVID-19 pandemic specifically impacts RA disease activity as reported by the patient.

Method

This was a cross-sectional COVID-19 RA survey study. University of California, Los Angeles rheumatology clinic patients were emailed a link to a survey in July and November 2020. The 30-question survey pertained to COVID-19–related stress, RA disease activity, and demographics. For the survey responders, anti–cyclic citrullinated antibody, rheumatoid factor, and age were extracted from the electronic health record. Analyses were performed to examine the association between the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) and other COVID-19–related stress measures with the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3).

Results

A total of 1138/5037 subjects completed the emailed survey (22.6% response rate). When examining responses across RAPID3 categories (near remission, low, moderate, and high disease severity), there were significant increases in PSS-4 and other stress variables. Multiple linear regression models showed that PSS-4, financial stress, age, seropositivity, disease duration, and Black race were independently associated with worsened RAPID3 scores, when controlling for other confounding factors.

Conclusions

This study suggests that stress overall negatively impacts RAPID3, and Black RA patients had a higher RAPID3 scores during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite colossal efforts to combat the pandemic, RA patients currently suffer from stress/anxiety, and methods to mitigate these psychological effects are needed.