bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories in HbA1c and other risk factors among adults with type 1 diabetes by age at onset
Authors: Edqvist Jon , Rawshani Araz , Rawshani Aidin , Adiels Martin , Franzén Stefan , Bjorck Lena , Svensson Ann-Marie , Lind Marcus , Sattar Naveed , Rosengren Annika
Published: May 2021

Introduction

In type 1 diabetes, potential loss of life-years is greatest in those who are youngest at the time of onset. Using data from a nationwide cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes, we aimed to study risk factor trajectories by age at diagnosis.

Research design and methods

We stratified 30 005 patients with type 1 diabetes aged 18–75 years into categories based on age at onset: 0–10, 11–15, 16–20, 21–25, and 26–30 years. HbA1c, albuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), body mass index (BMI), low-denisty lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure trends were analyzed using mixed models. Variable importance for baseline HbA1c was analyzed using conditional random forest and gradient boosting machine approaches.

Results

Individuals aged ≥16 years at onset displayed a relatively low mean HbA1c level (~55–57 mmol/mol) that gradually increased. In contrast, individuals diagnosed at ≤15 years old entered adulthood with a mean HbA1c of approximately 70 mmol/mol. For all groups, HbA1c levels stabilized at a mean of approximately 65 mmol/mol by about 40 years old. In patients who were young at the time of onset, albuminuria appeared at an earlier age, suggesting a more rapid decrease in eGFR, while there were no distinct differences in BMI, SBP, and LDL-cholesterol trajectories between groups. Low education, higher age, and poor risk factor control were associated with higher HbA1c levels.

Conclusions

Young age at the diabetes onset plays a substantial role in subsequent glycemic control and the presence of albuminuria, where patients with early onset may accrue a substantial glycemic load during this period.
Lack of association between either outpatient or inpatient glycemic control and COVID-19 illness severity or mortality in patients with diabetes
Authors: Mehta Paras B , Kohn Michael A , Koliwad Suneil K , Rushakoff Robert J
Published: May 2021

Introduction

To evaluate whether outpatient insulin treatment, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), glucose on admission, or glycemic control during hospitalization is associated with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) illness severity or mortality in hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in a geographical region with low COVID-19 prevalence.

Research design and methods

A single-center retrospective study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from January 1 through August 31, 2020 to evaluate whether outpatient insulin use, HbA1c, glucose on admission, or average glucose during admission was associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (ventilator) requirement, or mortality.

Results

Among 111 patients with DM, 48 (43.2%) were on outpatient insulin and the average HbA1c was 8.1% (65 mmol/mol). The average glucose on admission was 187.0±102.94 mg/dL and the average glucose during hospitalization was 173.4±39.8 mg/dL. Use of outpatient insulin, level of HbA1c, glucose on admission, or average glucose during hospitalization was not associated with ICU admission, ventilator requirement, or mortality among patients with COVID-19 and DM.

Conclusions

Our findings in a region with relatively low COVID-19 prevalence suggest that neither outpatient glycemic control, glucose on admission, or inpatient glycemic control is predictive of illness severity or mortality in patients with DM hospitalized with COVID-19.
Neonatal mortality in Kenyan hospitals: a multisite, retrospective, cohort study
Authors: Irimu Grace , Aluvaala Jalemba , Malla Lucas , Omoke Sylvia , Ogero Morris , Mbevi George , Waiyego Mary , Mwangi Caroline , Were Fred , Gathara David , Agweyu Ambrose , Akech Samuel , English Mike
Published: May 2021

Background

Most of the deaths among neonates in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) can be prevented through universal access to basic high-quality health services including essential facility-based inpatient care. However, poor routine data undermines data-informed efforts to monitor and promote improvements in the quality of newborn care across hospitals.

Methods

Continuously collected routine patients’ data from structured paper record forms for all admissions to newborn units (NBUs) from 16 purposively selected Kenyan public hospitals that are part of a clinical information network were analysed together with data from all paediatric admissions ages 0–13 years from 14 of these hospitals. Data are used to show the proportion of all admissions and deaths in the neonatal age group and examine morbidity and mortality patterns, stratified by birth weight, and their variation across hospitals.

Findings

During the 354 hospital months study period, 90 222 patients were admitted to the 14 hospitals contributing NBU and general paediatric ward data. 46% of all the admissions were neonates (aged 0–28 days), but they accounted for 66% of the deaths in the age group 0–13 years. 41 657 inborn neonates were admitted in the NBUs across the 16 hospitals during the study period. 4266/41 657 died giving a crude mortality rate of 10.2% (95% CI 9.97% to 10.55%), with 60% of these deaths occurring on the first-day of admission. Intrapartum-related complications was the single most common diagnosis among the neonates with birth weight of 2000 g or more who died. A threefold variation in mortality across hospitals was observed for birth weight categories 1000–1499 g and 1500–1999 g.

Interpretation

The high proportion of neonatal deaths in hospitals may reflect changing patterns of childhood mortality. Majority of newborns died of preventable causes (>95%). Despite availability of high-impact low-cost interventions, hospitals have high and very variable mortality proportions after stratification by birth weight.
Is movement variability altered in people with chronic non-specific low back pain: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Alsubaie Amal M , Mazaheri Masood , Martinez-Valdes Eduardo , Falla Deborah
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Motor variability is an important feature when performing repetitive movement, and in asymptomatic people functional tasks are typically performed with variable motor patterns. However, in the presence of chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP), people often present with different motor control strategies than those without pain. Movement variability has been assessed using a wide range of variables, including kinetic and kinematic components of motion. This has resulted in a wide range of findings reported in the literature and some contradicting results. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to investigate whether the amount and structure of motor variability are altered in people with chronic non-specific LBP, during both repetitive non-functional and functional tasks.

Methods and analysis

This protocol for a systematic review is informed by Cochrane guidelines and reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ZETOC, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus will be searched from their inception to December 2020 along with a comprehensive search of grey literature and key journals. Two independent reviewers will conduct the search, extract the data, assess risk of bias (using the Downs and Black Scale) for the included studies and assess overall quality of evidence based on Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Meta-analysis will be conducted if deemed appropriate. Alternatively, a narrative synthesis will be conducted and evidence summarised as an increase, decrease or no change in the motor variability of people with LBP compared with healthy controls.

Ethics and dissemination

This study raises no ethical issues. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer review journal and presented at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020211580.
Hangeshashinto for preventing oral mucositis in patients receiving cancer treatment: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yu-Ting , Ren Yifeng , Xiao Chong , Liu Hong , Fu Xi , You Feng-Ming
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Hangeshashinto has been employed for oral mucositis prevention in patients receiving cancer treatment, but the evidence has not been sufficiently robust to guide clinical decision-making. This study will therefore be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of Hangeshashinto for preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer who are receiving treatment.

Methods and analysis

The databases will include PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Chinese databases and Japanese databases. The literature will be searched from the databases’ inception until May 2021. Other sources, such as potential grey literature, reference lists from included studies and relevant systematic reviews and conference papers, will also be searched. The primary outcome is the incidence of mucositis of any severity, and the secondary outcomes are interruptions to cancer treatment, oral pain and nutritional status. The risk of bias of eligible studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s ‘risk of bias’ tool. Both the Q test and I2statistic will be performed to assess statistical heterogeneity. If I2>50%, sensitivity and subgroup analysis will be conducted. The quality of evidence will be rated according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Egger’s test will be used to assess reporting bias.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review will evaluate only published data; therefore, ethical approval is not required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020216145.
Socioeconomic inequality in oral anticoagulation therapy initiation in patients with atrial fibrillation with high risk of stroke: a register-based observational study
Authors: Lunde Elin Danielsen , Joensen Albert Marni , Fonager Kirsten , Lundbye-Christensen Søren , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Larsen Mogens Lytken , Lip Gregory YH , Riahi Sam
Published: May 2021

Objective

The study aimed to examine the association between socioeconomic factors (SEFs) and oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy and whether it was influenced by changing guidelines. We hypothesised that inequities in initiation of OAC reduced over time as more detailed and explicit clinical guidelines were issued.

Design

Register-based observational study.

Settings

All Danish patients with an incident hospital diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), aged ≥30 years old and with high risk of stroke from 1 May 1999 to 2 October 2015 were included. Absolute risk differences (RD) (95% CI) were used to measure the association.

Participants

154 448 patients (mean age 78.2 years, men 47.3%).

Exposure

Education, family income and cohabiting status were the SEFs used as exposure.

Outcome

A prescription of OAC within −30 to +90 days of baseline (incident AF).

Results

During 2002–2007, the crude RD of initiation of OAC for men with high education was 14.9% (12.8 to 16.9). Inequality reduced when new guidelines were published, and in 2013–2016 the crude RD was 5.6% (3.5 to 7.7). After adjusting for age, the RD substantially reduced. The same pattern was seen for cohabiting status, while inequality was smaller and more constant for income.

Conclusion

Patients with low income, low education and living alone were associated with lower chance of being initiated with OAC. For education and cohabiting status, the crude difference reduced around 2011, when more detailed clinical guidelines were implemented in Denmark. Our results indicate that new guidelines might reduce inequality in OAC initiation and that new, high-cost drugs increase inequality.
Relationship between patient safety culture and patient experience in hospital settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Alabdaly Adel , Debono Deborah , Hinchcliff Reece , Hor Su-yin
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Hospitals commonly examine patient safety culture and other quality indicators to evaluate and improve performance in relation to quality and safety. A growing body of research has separately examined relationships between patient safety culture and patient experience on clinical outcomes and other quality indicators. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the relationship between these two important domains. This article describes the protocol for a scoping review of published literature examining the relationship between patient safety culture and patient experience in hospital settings. The scoping review will provide an overview of research into the relationship between patient safety culture and patient experience in hospital contexts, map key concepts underpinning these domains and identify research gaps for further study.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will be conducted using the five stages of Arksey and O’Malley’s framework: identify the research question; identify relevant studies; study selection; chart data; and collate, summarise and report the results. The inclusion criteria will be applied using the Population, Concept and Context Framework. Searches will be conducted in the CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus and SciELO databases, without applying date range limits. Hand-searching of grey literature will also be performed to find relevant, non-indexed literature. Data will be extracted using a standardised data extraction form developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Both descriptive and thematic analyses will be undertaken to scope key concepts within the body of reviewed literature.

Ethics and dissemination

This type of study does not require an ethics review. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.
Ethics of selective restriction of liberty in a pandemic
Authors: Cameron James , Williams Bridget , Ragonnet Romain , Marais Ben , Trauer James , Savulescu Julian
Published: May 2021

Liberty-restricting measures have been implemented for centuries to limit the spread of infectious diseases. This article considers if and when it may be ethically acceptable to impose selective liberty-restricting measures in order to reduce the negative impacts of a pandemic by preventing particularly vulnerable groups of the community from contracting the disease. We argue that the commonly accepted explanation—that liberty restrictions may be justified to prevent harm to others when this is the least restrictive option—fails to adequately accommodate the complexity of the issue or the difficult choices that must be made, as illustrated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We introduce a dualist consequentialist approach, weighing utility at both a population and individual level, which may provide a better framework for considering the justification for liberty restrictions. While liberty-restricting measures may be justified on the basis of significant benefits to the population and small costs for overall utility to individuals, the question of whether it is acceptable to discriminate should be considered separately. This is because the consequentialist approach does not adequately account for the value of equality. This value may be protected through the application of an additional proportionality test. An algorithm for making decisions is proposed. Ultimately whether selective liberty-restricting measures are imposed will depend on a range of factors, including how widespread infection is in the community, the level of risk and harm a society is willing to accept, and the efficacy and cost of other mitigation options.
Physiochemical characterization and energy contents of novel corn ethanol co-product streams, with and without inclusion of a multi-carbohydrase enzyme blend, for growing pigs
Authors: Boucher Melanie , Zhu Cuilan , Holt Sheena , Huber Lee-Anne
Published: May 2021

The physiochemical properties and digestible, metabolizable, and predicted net energy contents in high-protein dried distillers’ grain (HiPro) were determined to assess the nutritive value for growing pigs. Twelve Yorkshire × Landrace barrows (initial body weight 25 ± 0.5 kg) were used in a partially replicated Latin square design over three periods (n = 7 or 8) and assigned to one of five experimental diets. In each period, pigs were adapted to diets for 7 d, followed by 5 d of total urine collection and fecal grab sampling. The experimental diets included a corn- and soybean-meal-based diet (CON) or diets containing dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) or HiPro to partially replace corn and soybean meal, without or with (i.e., DDGS+ and Hipro+) a multi-carbohydrase enzyme blend (0.05% inclusion). The HiPro ingredient contained half as much starch (2.6% vs. 5.2%; DM-basis), 20% more protein (32.5% vs. 27.1%), and had 14% greater water binding capacity versus DDGS. The digestible, metabolizable, and predicted net energy contents of the HiPro co-product were greater than DDGS for growing pigs (P < 0.05), but fibre-degrading enzymes were ineffective at improving energy values. The greater (available) energy and protein contents of HiPro make it a promising feed ingredient for inclusion in swine diets.
Genome-wide identification of bZIP transcription factor genes related to starch synthesis in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Zhong Xiaojuan , Feng Xiuqin , Li Yulong , Guzmán Carlos , Lin Na , Xu Qiang , Zhang Yazhou , Tang Huaping , Qi Pengfei , Deng Mei , Ma Jian , Wang Jirui , Chen Guoyue , Lan Xiujin , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Jiang Qiantao
Published: May 2021

The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of genes encode transcription factors that play key roles in plant growth and development. In this study, a total of 92 HvbZIP genes were identified and compared with previous studies using recently released barley genome data. Two novel genes were characterized in this study, and some misannotated and duplicated genes from previous studies have been corrected. Phylogenetic analysis results showed that 92 HvbZIP genes were classified into 10 groups and three unknown groups. The gene structure and motif distribution of the three unknown groups implied that the genes of the three groups may be functionally different. Expression profiling indicated that the HvbZIP genes exhibited different patterns of spatial and temporal expression. Using qRT-PCR, more than 10 HvbZIP genes were identified with expression patterns similar to those of starch synthase genes in barley. Yeast one-hybrid analysis revealed that two of the HvbZIP genes exhibited in vitro binding activity to the promoter of HvAGP-S. The two HvbZIP genes may be candidate genes for further study to explore the mechanism by which they regulate the synthesis of barley starch.
Erratum to: Search for PeVatrons at the Galactic Center using a radio air-shower array at the South Pole
Authors: V. A. Balagopal , Haungs A. , Huege T. , Schröder F. G.
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-018-5537-2
Can f(R) gravity relieve $$H_0$$ and $$\sigma _8$$ tensions?
Authors: Wang Deng
Published: May 2021

To investigate whetherf(R) gravity can relieve current$$H_0$$H0and$$\sigma _8$$σ8tensions, we constrain the Hu-Sawickif(R) gravity with Planck-2018 cosmic microwave background and redshift space distortions observations. We find that this model fails to relieve both$$H_0$$H0and$$\sigma _8$$σ8tensions, and that its two typical parameters$$\log _{10}f_{R0}$$log10fR0andnare insensitive to other cosmological parameters. Combining the cosmic microwave background, baryon acoustic oscillations, Type Ia supernovae, cosmic chronometers with redshift space distortions observations, we give our best constraint$$\log _{10}f_{R0}<-6.75$$log10fR0<-6.75at the$$2\sigma $$2σconfidence level.
An interacting molecular cloud scenario for production of gamma-rays and neutrinos from MAGIC J1835-069, and MAGIC J1837-073
Authors: Banik Prabir , Bhadra Arunava
Published: May 2021

Recently the MAGIC telescope observed three TeV gamma-ray extended sources in the galactic plane in the neighborhood of radio SNR G24.7+0.6. Among them, the PWN HESS J1837-069 was detected earlier by the HESS observatory during its first galactic plane survey. The other two sources, MAGIC J1835-069 and MAGIC J1837-073 are detected for the first time at such high energies. Here we shall show that the observed gamma-rays from the SNR G24.7+0.6 and the HESS J1837-069 can be explained in terms of hadronic interactions of the PWN/SNR accelerated cosmic rays with the ambient matter. We shall further demonstrate that the observed gamma-rays from the MAGIC J1837-073 can be interpreted through hadronic interactions of runaway cosmic-rays from PWN HESS J1837-069 with the molecular cloud at the location of MAGIC J1837-073. No such association has been found between MAGIC J1835-069 and SNR G24.7+0.6 or PWN HESS J1837-069. We have examined the maximum energy attainable by cosmic-ray particles in the SNR G24.7+0.6/ PWN HESS J1837-069 and the possibility of their detection with future gamma-ray telescopes. The study of TeV neutrino emissions from the stated sources suggests that the HESS J1837-069 should be detected by IceCube Gen-2 neutrino telescope in a few years of observation.
Anisotropic compact stars in f(R) gravity
Authors: Nashed G. G. L. , Capozziello S.
Published: May 2021

We derive a new interior solution for stellar compact objects in $$f\mathcal {(R)}$$

f

(
R
)

gravity assuming a differential relation to constrain the Ricci curvature scalar. To this aim, we consider specific forms for the radial component of the metric and the first derivative of $$f\mathcal {(R)}$$

f

(
R
)

. After, the time component of the metric potential and the form of $$f({\mathcal {R}})$$

f
(
R
)

function are derived. From these results, it is possible to obtain the radial and tangential components of pressure and the density. The resulting interior solution represents a physically motivated anisotropic neutron star model. It is possible to match it with a boundary exterior solution. From this matching, the components of metric potentials can be rewritten in terms of a compactness parameter C which has to be $$C=2GM/Rc^2<<0.5$$

C
=
2
G
M
/
R

c
2

<
<
0.5

for physical consistency. Other physical conditions for real stellar objects are taken into account according to the solution. We show that the model accurately bypasses conditions like the finiteness of radial and tangential pressures, and energy density at the center of the star, the positivity of these components through the stellar structure, and the negativity of the gradients. These conditions are satisfied if the energy-conditions hold. Moreover, we study the stability of the model by showing that Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation is at hydrostatic equilibrium. The solution is matched with observational data of millisecond pulsars with a withe dwarf companion and pulsars presenting thermonuclear bursts.
Coefficient-Scaling-Based Fair Power Allocation for Multi-User Power-Domain Nonorthogonal Multiple Access Network
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh , Dash Prajna Parimita
Published: May 2021

Fair power allocation to the users in a power domain nonorthogonal multiple access (PD-NOMA) networks is an essential aspect. In this paper, we have proposed a coefficient-scaling-based fair power allocation scheme, for a single cell multi-user PD-NOMA network. First, we have developed a model for two users with a fixed power allocation scheme, and proposed a modified strong user fair-power allocation scheme. Furthermore, this two-user scheme is extended for an ad-hoc multi-user PD-NOMA network and a coefficient-scaling-based approach for fair power allocation is proposed to address the outage issue. The performance of the proposed schemes is evaluated through bit-error-rate, sum-rate, outage, and fairness index. The simulation results reveal a remarkable increase in fairness performance of the proposed scheme, in comparison with a state-of-the-art method.
ANALYSIS OF BOGDANOV–TAKENS BIFURCATION OF CODIMENSION 2 IN A GAUSE-TYPE MODEL WITH CONSTANT HARVESTING OF BOTH SPECIES AND DELAY EFFECT
Authors: SARIF NAWAJ , SARWARDI SAHABUDDIN
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of a system in which both prey and predator are harvested with constant rate. Our main objective is to find the effects of harvesting on equilibria, stability, and bifurcations in the system, which may be useful for biological management. The existence and stability of equilibrium points of the model are further investigated. A thorough qualitative analysis has been carried out based on bifurcation theory in dynamical systems and to validate our analytical findings, a large scale numerical simulation has been performed by using plausible values of parameters involved. It is shown that the model can exhibit Hopf bifurcation. The first Lyapunov coefficient is calculated to determine the direction of limit cycle of Hopf bifurcation. Also, it has been proven analytically that the system exhibits Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation of codimension 2. Moreover, discrete-time delay effect has been included due to gestation of the predator species on the same system and observed Hopf bifurcation with respect to the delay parameter. This study renders important tools for investigations of the dynamics of biotic organisms for the management and control of over harvesting. Some phase plane analysis has been carried out to support our analytical results.
DYNAMICAL ANALYSIS OF A NOVEL DISCRETE FRACTIONAL SITRS MODEL FOR COVID-19
Authors: ELSONBATY AMR , SABIR ZULQURNAIN , RAMASWAMY RAJAGOPALAN , ADEL WALEED
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a discrete fractional Susceptible-Infected-Treatment-Recovered-Susceptible (SITRS) model for simulating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is presented. The model is a modification to a recent continuous-time SITR model by taking into account the possibility that people who have been infected before can lose their temporary immunity and get reinfected. Moreover, a modification is suggested in the present model to correct the improper assumption that the infection rates of both normal susceptible and old aged/seriously diseased people are equal. This modification complies with experimental data. The equilibrium points for the proposed model are found and results of thorough stability analysis are discussed. A full numerical simulation is carried out and gives a better analysis of the disease spread, influences of model’s parameters, and how to control the virus. Comparisons with clinical data are also provided.
Multiscale Analysis of High Damping Composites Using the Finite Cell and the Mortar Method
Authors: Paolini Alexander , Korshunova Nina , Kollmannsberger Stefan , Rank Ernst
Published: May 2021

Metal lattice structures filled with a damping material such as polymer can exhibit high stiffness and good damping properties. Mechanical simulations of parts made from these composites can however require a large modeling and computational effort because relevant features such as complex geometries need to be represented on multiple scales. The finite cell method (FCM) and numerical homogenization are potential remedies for this problem. Moreover, if the microstructures are placed in between the components of assemblies for vibration reduction, a modified mortar technique can further increase the efficiency of the complete simulation process. With this method, it is possible to discretize the components separately and to integrate the viscoelastic behavior of the composite damping layer into their weak coupling. This paper provides a multiscale computational material design framework for such layers, based on FCM and the modified mortar technique. Its efficiency even in the case of complex microstructures is demonstrated in numerical studies. Therein, computational homogenization is first performed on various microstructures before the resulting effective material parameters are used in larger-scale simulation models to investigate their effect and to verify the employed methods.
On quasi Steinberg characters of symmetric and alternating groups and their double covers
Authors: Paul Digjoy , Singla Pooja
Published: May 2021

An irreducible character of a finite group [Formula: see text] is called quasi [Formula: see text]-Steinberg character for a prime [Formula: see text] if it takes a nonzero value on every [Formula: see text]-regular element of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we classify the quasi [Formula: see text]-Steinberg characters of Symmetric ([Formula: see text]) and Alternating ([Formula: see text]) groups and their double covers. In particular, an existence of a nonlinear quasi [Formula: see text]-Steinberg character of [Formula: see text] implies [Formula: see text] and of [Formula: see text] implies [Formula: see text].
A LUNG IMAGE CLASSIFICATION METHOD: A CLASSIFIER CONSTRUCTED BY COMBINING IMPROVED VGG16 AND GRADIENT BOOSTING DECISION TREE
Authors: WANG MONAN , LI DONGHUI , TANG LI
Published: May 2021

Early classification and diagnosis of lung diseases is essential to increase the best chance of patient recovery and survival. Using deep learning to make it possible, the key is how to improve the robustness of the deep learning model and the accuracy of lung image classification. In order to classify the five lung diseases, we used transfer learning to improve and fine-tune the fully connected layer of VGG16, and improve the cross entropy loss function, combined with the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), to establish a deep learning model called a classifier. The model was trained using the ChestX-ray14 dataset. On the test set, the classification accuracy of our model for the five lung diseases was 82.43%, 95.37%, 82.11%, 79.81%, 78.13%, which is better than the best published results. The F1 value is 0.456 (95% CI 0.415, 0.496). The robustness of the model exceeds CheXNet and average performance of doctors. This study clarified that the model has strong robustness and effectiveness in classifying five lung diseases.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Platinum Nanoparticles by Plasma Jet Method
Authors: Adil Ban H. , Aadim Kadhim A. , Khalaf Madyan A.
Published: May 2021

In this research, Argon gas was used to generate atmospheric plasma in the manufacture of platinum nanomaterials, to study the resultant plasma spectrum and to calculate the cellular toxicity of those manufactured nanomaterials. This research is keen on the generation of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma using aqueous platinum salts (H2PtCl6 6H2O) with different concentrations and exposure of cold plasma with a different time period used to produce platinum nanoparticles, to ensure typical preparation of nanoparticles. Visible UV and X-rays were performed for this purpose, and the diameter of the system probe was (1[Formula: see text]mm) with the Argon gas flow of 2.5[Formula: see text]min/L to prepare the platinum nanoparticles, and spectroscopic study of plasma parameter including, electron temperature, electron density, Debye length and plasma frequency, were computed using spectral analysis techniques. The effect of nanoparticles on natural lymphocytes was studied to calculate cytotoxicity and the greatest proportion was at the concentration of 100% nanoparticle platinum is 37.4%. The study results revealed that cold in the atmosphere is a promising technology when used in the production of nanoparticle materials which can be used for many industrial and medical applications.
Automatic Adaptive Recovery Stress ES-FEM for Lower-Bound Limit Load Analysis of Structures
Authors: Le Vu Hoang , Tangaramvong Sawekchai , Tran Loc Vinh
Published: May 2021

The paper proposes a novel automatic adaptive recovery stress edge-smoothed finite element method (ES-FEM) that determines the maximum load capacity of inelastic structures at plastic collapse. This approach performs solely a series of elastic ES-FEM analyses with systematic modulus variations (considering the influences of stress singularity) to converge the collapse load solutions. The smoothed [Formula: see text]-continuous recovery stress field ensures the satisfaction of static admissible stress and yield conformity conditions underpinning lower-bound limit analysis theorems. A modified modulus error function within the newest node bisection algorithm enables automatic mesh refining and coarsening constructions, and fast convergence to the lower-bound collapse limit.
Exploring conformal vector fields of Bianchi type-I perfect fluid solutions in f(T) gravity
Authors: Qazi Sabiha , Hussain Fiaz , Shabbir Ghulam
Published: May 2021

In this paper, first, we deduce various classes of Bianchi type-I perfect fluid solutions in the [Formula: see text] gravity. In order to obtain the above-mentioned classes, we use some algebraic techniques that help to formulate 18 cases. As an application, we bifurcate the obtained classes according to their conformal vector fields (CVFs). Inspecting each class using the process of direct integration, we come to know that in one case, the space-time admits proper CVFs whereas in rest of the cases, obtained metrics either become conformally flat or admit underlying symmetries of the CVFs i.e. homothetic vector fields (HVFs) or Killing vector fields (KVFs). The overall dimension of CVFs for the Bianchi type-I perfect fluid space-times in [Formula: see text] gravity turns out to be three, four, five, six and fifteen.
Synthesis and UV-irradiation of photocaged nitrobenzyl-BODIPY derivatives
Authors: Ragab Sherif Shaban
Published: May 2021

Two different photocaged 2-nitrobenzyl-BODIPY derivatives were designed and synthesized, where the 2-nitrobenzyl phototrigger is either directly attached to the meso position of BODIPY or through a phenoxy linker. The photochemical and photophysical properties of the two constructs were studied and their fluorescence quantum yields were determined. The ultraviolet irradiation of the two photocaged BODIPYs demonstrated a twofold fluorescence enhancement accompanying the uncaging of the BODIPY with the directly attached phototrigger, while the second switchable dyad with the phenoxy linker retains its essentially unaltered emissive behavior.
Dynamics of an SIRS model with age structure and two delays
Authors: Sun Hongquan , Li Hong , Li Jin , Zhu Zhangsheng
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we propose and investigate an SIRS model with age structure and two delays. Both the infected and the recovered individuals have age structure, the infection rate (from the infective to the susceptible) and the immune loss rate (from the recovered to the susceptible) are related to two independent time delays, respectively. We prove that the proposed age structured SIRS model is well-posed by using the [Formula: see text]-semigroup theory. The basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] is given, and the unique endemic equilibrium exists when [Formula: see text], while the disease-free equilibrium always exists. A rigorous mathematical analysis for the stability of two equilibria is provided. The disease-free equilibrium is local asymptotically stable if [Formula: see text], and the endemic equilibrium is local asymptotically stable if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Finally, we give numerical simulations to verify our results.
Exercise and estrogen: common pathways in Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Authors: Bagit Ahmed , Hayward Grant C. , MacPherson Rebecca E. K.
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by progressive declines in cognitive function. Current epidemiological data indicate significant sex-linked disparities, where females have a higher risk of developing AD compared with male counterparts. This disparity necessitates further investigations to uncover the pathological and molecular factors influencing these sex differences. Although the underlying pathways behind this observed disparity remain elusive, recent research points to menopausal estrogen loss as a potential factor. Estrogen holds a significant role in amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and overall neuronal health through the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a factor that is also reduced in postmenopausal women. BDNF is a known contributor to neuronal health and its reduced expression is typically linked to AD disorders. Exercise is known to increase BDNF and may provide an accessible activity for postmenopausal women to reduce their risk of AD. This review aims to discuss the relationship between estrogen, exercise, and BDNF in AD pathology.
Fight against fibrosis in adipose tissue remodeling
Authors: Li Siqi , Gao Hongxia , Hasegawa Yutaka , Lu Xiaodan
Published: May 2021

Adipose is a key tissue regulating energy homeostasis. In states of obesity, caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure, thereby accelerating lipid accumulation with ongoing extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Excess deposition of lipids and expansion of adipocytes potentially decrease ECM flexibility with local hypoxia and inflammation. Hypoxia and chronic low-grade inflammation accelerate the development of adipose tissue fibrosis and related metabolic dysfunctions. Recent research investigated that some cytokines and proteins are functional in regulating energy homeostasis, meanwhile, are potential targets to fight against adipose tissue fibrosis and insulin resistance. In this review, we focused on the regulatory mechanisms and mediators in remodeling of adipose tissue fibrosis, along with their relevance to clinical manifestations.
Asialoglycoprotein Receptor-Targeted Superparamagnetic Perfluorooctylbromide Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Chao Feng , Zuo Hui , Li Ao , Das Sushant Kumar , Yu Jin Hong
Published: May 2021

Background. The decrease in asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) levels is observed in patients with chronic liver disease and liver tumor. The aim of our study was to develop ASGPR-targeted superparamagnetic perfluorooctylbromide nanoparticles (M-PFONP) and wonder whether this composite agent could target buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells in vitro and could improve R2

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value of the rat liver parenchyma after its injection in vivo. Methods. GalPLL, a ligand of ASGPR, was synthesized by reductive amination. ASGPR-targeted M-PFOBNP was prepared by a film hydration method coupled with sonication. Several analytical methods were used to investigate the characterization and safety of the contrast agent in vitro. The in vivo MR T2

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mapping was performed to evaluate the enhancement effect in rat liver. Results. The optimum concentration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles inclusion in GalPLL/M-PFOBNP was about 52.79 µg/mL, and the mean size was 285.6 ± 4.6 nm. The specificity of GalPLL/M-PFOBNP for ASGPR was confirmed by incubation experiment with fluorescence microscopy. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) test showed that there was no significant difference in the optical density (OD) of cells incubated with all GalPLL/M-PFOBNP concentrations. Compared with M-PFOBNP, the increase in R2

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value of the rat liver parenchyma after GalPLL/M-PFOBNP injection was higher. Conclusions. GalPLL/M-PFOBNP may potentially serve as a liver-targeted contrast agent for MR receptor imaging.
Crossover Analysis of the Astringent, Antimicrobial, and Anti‐inflammatory Effects of Illicium verum/Star Anise in the Oral Cavity
Authors: Assiry Ali A. , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Bhavikatti Shaeesta Khaleelahmed , Marya Anand
Published: May 2021

Introduction. Illicium verum commonly known as star anise has been widely used in many Asian countries for pharmaceutical treatment for many diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties of an Illicium verum mouthwash. Methods. The present double blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on fifty subjects, divided into groups A and B. Illicium verum mouthwash (group A) and placebo (group B) were provided to subjects for 21 days; after 14 days, washout period mouthwashes were switched as per crossover design between groups for 21 days. The gingival index (GI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), and oral microbial count were recorded at each stage of study. Results. The significant intragroup difference was observed, before crossover in group A and after crossover in group B for GI, PBI, and oral microbial count at different stages of study. On comparing both group A and group B at the first and second follow‐up for GI, PBI, and oral microbial count, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed. A statistically highly significant mean intergroup and intragroup difference was seen for all the clinical parameters at different stages of study. Conclusion. The study revealed that the Illicium verum/star anise has potent antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and astringent properties.
Rare Contents of an Internal Hernia through a Defect of the Broad Ligament of the Uterus
Authors: Takahashi Masafumi , Yoshimitsu Masanori , Yano Takuya , Idani Hitoshi , Shiozaki Shigehiro , Okajima Masazumi
Published: May 2021

Herniation through a defect of the uterine broad ligament is a rare internal hernia that is difficult to diagnose definitively. Common hernia contents contain ileal loops. Herein, we report a rare case of internal herniation of both the ileum and fallopian tube through a defect of the broad ligament. A 52-year-old woman presented to our hospital with suprapubic pain and vomiting. She had a history of bowel obstruction following cesarean section. On abdominopelvic computed tomography, we suspected a closed-loop obstruction associated with bowel herniation in the right broad ligament. However, we could not identify an area of poor enhancement adjacent to distended small intestines. Emergency laparoscopic exploration revealed a viable ileal loop and incarcerated organ. Therefore, we switched to laparotomy that revealed the right fallopian tube as the ischemic organ. We reduced the hernia, resected necrotic right fallopian tube, and closed the defect of the broad ligament. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. Rare hernia contents might complicate preoperative clinical diagnosis. Laparoscopy is useful for establishing a definitive diagnosis and treating broad ligament hernias.
A Vs‐Based Logistic Regression Method for Liquefaction Evaluation
Authors: Yao Xiaofei , Liu Lu , Wang Zhihua , Shen Zhifu , Gao Hongmei
Published: May 2021

The current liquefaction evaluation methods mainly focus on the success rate for liquefied sites so that the evaluation result tends to be conservative at different seismic intensities. Therefore, a new formula about liquefaction evaluation by introducing logistic regression theory is proposed to solve the deficiencies of the current evaluation method, which is based on 225 sets of shear wave velocity data reported by Andrus. The reliability of the new formula is verified based on 336 sets of Vs data collected from the Kayen database. The performance of the new formula on liquefaction evaluation is compared with existing liquefaction evaluation methods including the Andrus method and the Chinese code method. Compared with the Andrus method and Chinese code method, the success rates of liquefaction evaluation given by the new formula under different seismic intensities are more balanced between liquefied site and nonliquefied site. The new formula at 50% probability of liquefaction is more adaptable for a wide range of seismic intensities, ground water table, and sand buried depth. In addition, the new formula at different probabilistic levels of liquefaction can be adopted based on the importance of the engineering site in risk analysis.
Detection of Selenium and Nickel Metal Ion in Water Using Mn3O4-Cn-Modified Electrode
Authors: John Neetha , Abraham K. E.
Published: May 2021

The present study reports the design of the Mn3O4-Cn electrode and its use for simultaneous detection of selenium and nickel in water. The designed electrode can be used as a convenient electrochemical device for on-site testing of Se (IV) and Ni (II) levels in affected regions. The best responses are obtained with 0.1 M phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and 5 mM Fe (CN)6 as supporting electrolyte. The scan rate and the number of cyclic repetitions have a great effect on peak shape and intensity. It is seen from our study that peak intensity is directly proportional to Se (IV) and Ni (II) concentrations in the range of 5 to 250 µg/L (correlation coefficients 0.952 and 0.984) when the optimized parameters are used. The detection limit of 0.533 µg/L Se (IV) and 0.718 µg/L for Ni (VI) with a response time of 18 s for 5–250 µg/L concentration is obtained, respectively. Enhanced analytical results for different water samples establish that the proposed method is appropriate for Se (IV) and Ni (II) detection. FESEM images confirm the Mn3O4-Cn nanocomposite formation on the electrode.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Authors: Xiao Jianping , Li Zeying , Song Yutong , Sun Yujie , Shi Hanfei , Chen Daozhen , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2021

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disease. The maternal symptoms are characterized by skin pruritus and elevated bile acids, causing several adverse outcomes for fetuses, including an increased risk of preterm birth, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, neonatal depression, respiratory distress syndrome, and stillbirth. Genetic, hormonal, immunological, and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of ICP, and the estrogen-bile acid axis is thought to play a dominant role. The advances in the past 10 years uncover more details of this axis. Moreover, dysregulation of extracellular matrix and oxygen supply, organelle dysfunction, and epigenetic changes are also found to cause ICP, illuminating more potential drug targets for interfering with. Here, we summarize the molecular pathogenesis of ICP with an emphasis on the advancement in the past 10 years, aiming to give an updated full view of this field.
A Survey on the Noncooperative Environment in Smart Nodes-Based Ad Hoc Networks: Motivations and Solutions
Authors: Khan Muhammad Altaf , Nasralla Moustafa M. , Umar Muhammad Muneer , Iqbal Zeeshan , Rehman Ghani Ur , Sarfraz Muhammad Shahzad , Choudhury Nikumani
Published: May 2021

In ad hoc networks, the communication is usually made through multiple hops by establishing an environment of cooperation and coordination among self-operated nodes. Such nodes typically operate with a set of finite and scarce energy, processing, bandwidth, and storage resources. Due to the cooperative environment in such networks, nodes may consume additional resources by giving relaying services to other nodes. This aspect in such networks coined the situation of noncooperative behavior by some or all the nodes. Moreover, nodes sometimes do not cooperate with others due to their social likeness or their mobility. Noncooperative or selfish nodes can last for a longer time by preserving their resources for their own operations. However, such nodes can degrade the network's overall performance in terms of lower data gathering and information exchange rates, unbalanced work distribution, and higher end-to-end delays. This work surveys the main roots for motivating nodes to adapt selfish behavior and the solutions for handling such nodes. Different schemes are introduced to handle selfish nodes in wireless ad hoc networks. Various types of routing techniques have been introduced to target different types of ad hoc networks having support for keeping misbehaving or selfish nodes. The major solutions for such scenarios can be trust-, punishment-, and stimulation-based mechanisms. Some key protocols are simulated and analyzed for getting their performance metrics to compare their effectiveness.