bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyponatremia Is Associated With Post-thrombolysis Hemorrhagic Transformation and Poor Clinical Outcome in Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: He Ling , Guo Zhen-Ni , Qu Yang , Jin Hang
Published: July 2022

Objective

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in patients with neurological conditions, such as stroke. Studies have shown that it is associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased mortality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the role of hyponatremia has not been elucidated in patients with AIS who received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of serum sodium levels on the clinical outcome and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with AIS who received thrombolytic therapy.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with AIS who received IVT therapy between May 2015 and December 2020 were included in this study. All patients were screened for serum sodium levels immediately after hospital admission, before IVT therapy. The occurrence of HT was evaluated using computed tomography (CT) 24 ± 2 h after thrombolysis. Then, 3-month clinical outcomes were obtained by telephone calls or outpatient visits, and poor 3-month clinical outcomes were defined as modified Rankin Scale scores ≥3. The effects of serum sodium levels on the clinical outcome and HT were assessed using the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 963 included patients, 82 (8.5%) had hyponatremia, 157 (16.3%) developed HT, and 333 (34.6%) had poor 3-month outcomes. Of the 82 patients with hyponatremia, 21 (25.6%) developed HT, and 39 (47.6%) had poor 3-month outcomes. Patients with hyponatremia had a higher incidence of post-thrombolysis HT (25.6 vs. 15.4%, p = 0.017) and worse clinical outcome (47.6 vs. 33.4%, p = 0.01) than those with normal serum sodium levels. Patients had significantly lower serum sodium levels in those with HT [138.4 (136.4–140.3, IQR) vs. 139.0 (137.2–140.7, IQR) mmol/L, p = 0.019] and poor 3 month outcome [139.0 (137.2–140.7) vs. 138.4 (136.7–140.3) mmol/L, p = 0.005] than those without. After adjusting for major covariates, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lower serum sodium levels were independently associated with an increased risk of HT [odds ratio (OR) = 1.804; 95% CI: 1.048–3.105] and poor 3-month outcome (OR = 1.647; 95% CI: 1.012–2.679).

Conclusion

Lower serum sodium level was an independent risk factor for post-thrombolysis HT and poor clinical outcome in patients with AIS who received thrombolytic therapy.
An in vivo Biomarker to Characterize Ototoxic Compounds and Novel Protective Therapeutics
Authors: Bellairs Joseph A. , Redila Van A. , Wu Patricia , Tong Ling , Webster Alyssa , Simon Julian A. , Rubel Edwin W. , Raible David W.
Published: July 2022

There are no approved therapeutics for the prevention of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction from drugs like aminoglycoside antibiotics. While the mechanisms underlying aminoglycoside ototoxicity remain unresolved, there is considerable evidence that aminoglycosides enter inner ear mechanosensory hair cells through the mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channel. Inhibition of MET-dependent uptake with small molecules or modified aminoglycosides is a promising otoprotective strategy. To better characterize mammalian ototoxicity and aid in the translation of emerging therapeutics, a biomarker is needed. In the present study we propose that neonatal mice systemically injected with the aminoglycosides G418 conjugated to Texas Red (G418-TR) can be used as a histologic biomarker to characterize in vivo aminoglycoside toxicity. We demonstrate that postnatal day 5 mice, like older mice with functional hearing, show uptake and retention of G418-TR in cochlear hair cells following systemic injection. When we compare G418-TR uptake in other tissues, we find that kidney proximal tubule cells show similar retention. Using ORC-13661, an investigational hearing protection drug, we demonstrate in vivo inhibition of aminoglycoside uptake in mammalian hair cells. This work establishes how systemically administered fluorescently labeled ototoxins in the neonatal mouse can reveal important details about ototoxic drugs and protective therapeutics.
Effects of Antioxidants in Human Milk on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Prevention and Treatment: A Review
Authors: Yang Xianpeng , Jiang Shanyu , Deng Xianhui , Luo Zichen , Chen Ailing , Yu Renqiang
Published: July 2022

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a severe chronic lung illness that affects neonates, particularly premature infants. It has far-reaching consequences for infant health and their families due to intractable short- and long-term repercussions. Premature infant survival and long-term quality of life are severely harmed by BPD, which is characterized by alveolarization arrest and hypoplasia of pulmonary microvascular cells. BPD can be caused by various factors, with oxidative stress (OS) being the most common. Premature infants frequently require breathing support, which results in a hyperoxic environment in the developing lung and obstructs lung growth. OS can damage the lungs of infants by inducing cell death, inhibiting alveolarization, inducing inflammation, and impairing pulmonary angiogenesis. Therefore, antioxidant therapy for BPD relieves OS and lung injury in preterm newborns. Many antioxidants have been found in human milk, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, vitamins, melatonin, short-chain fatty acids, and phytochemicals. Human milk oligosaccharides, milk fat globule membrane, and lactoferrin, all unique to human milk, also have antioxidant properties. Hence, human milk may help prevent OS injury and improve BPD prognosis in premature infants. In this review, we explored the role of OS in the pathophysiology of BPD and related signaling pathways. Furthermore, we examined antioxidants in human milk and how they could play a role in BPD to understand whether human milk could prevent and treat BPD.
Review of phytochemical and nutritional characteristics and food applications of Citrus L. fruits
Authors: Liu Shuxun , Lou Ying , Li Yixian , Zhang Jiaojiao , Li Ping , Yang Baoru , Gu Qing
Published: July 2022

Since the dietary regimen rich in fruits is being widely recognized and encouraged, Citrus L. fruits have been growing in popularity worldwide due to their high amounts of health-promoting phytonutrients and bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins, carotenoids, pectins, and fatty acids. The diverse physicochemical properties and multiple utilization of citrus fruits in food industry are associated with their unique chemical compositions. Throughout the world, citrus has been used for producing various value-added and nutritionally enhanced products, including juices, wines, jams, canned citrus, and dried citrus. However, the current studies regarding the phytochemical and nutritional characteristics and food applications of citrus are scattered. This review systematically summarizes the existing bibliography on the chemical characteristics, functional and nutraceutical benefits, processing, and potential applications of citrus. A thorough understanding of this information may provide scientific guidance for better utilizing citrus as a functional fruit and benefit the extension of citrus value chain.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Pathological Intussusceptions in Children Prior to Surgical Intervention
Authors: Ting Xu , Xufei Duan , Jiangbin Liu , Weijue Xu , Zhibao Lv , Guogang Ye
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Establish and validate a nomogram to help predict the preoperative risk of a pathological intussusception.

Methods

A primary cohort of patients who underwent surgery for an intussusception were enrolled from one center, while a validation cohort consisted of patients from another center. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the variables to build the nomogram. A calibration curve accompanied by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the calibration of the nomogram. To quantify the discrimination of the nomogram, Harrell’s C-index was calculated. The performance of the validated nomogram was tested in the external validation cohort. The logistic regression formulae created during the analysis of the primary cohort was applied to all patients in the external validation cohort, and the total points for each patient were calculated.

Results

The primary cohort consisted of 368 patients and the validation cohort included 74. The LASSO logistic algorithm identified three (recurrence episodes, mass size, and infection history) out of 11 potential clinical variables as significantly predictive of a pathologic intussusception. The C-index for the predictive nomogram was 0.922 (95% CI, 0.885–0.959) for the primary cohort and 0.886 (95% CI, 0.809–0.962) for the validation cohort. The decision curve showed that if the threshold probability of a patient in the validation cohort was > 7%, then the nomogram was more beneficial than either indiscriminately treating all or none of the patients.

Conclusion

We developed a nomogram based on clinical risk factors that could be used to individually predict pathological intussusceptions in children prior to surgical intervention.
Neuroprotective Effects of Oligosaccharides From Periplaneta Americana on Parkinson’s Disease Models In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Liu Miao-Miao , Zhou Nan , Jiang Na , Lu Kai-Min , Wu Chuan-Fang , Bao Jin-Ku
Published: July 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases that is characterized by obvious motor and some nonmotor symptoms. Various therapeutics failed in the effective treatment of PD because of impaired neurological function in the brain and various complications. Periplaneta Americana oligosaccharides (OPA), the main active ingredients extracted from the medicine residues of Periplaneta Americana (P. Americana), have been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible mechanisms of OPA against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced apotosis in SH-SY5Y cells and its potential neuroprotective effects in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD subacute model mice. The data demonstrated that OPA significantly reversed the MPP+-induced decrease in SH-SY5Y cell viability, reduced the proportion of apoptotic cells, and protected SH-SY5Y cells from apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related genes. Furthermore, OPA also alleviated the motor dysfunction of PD model mice, prevented the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells, suppressed the apoptosis of substantia nigra cells, and improved the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in vivo, suggesting that OPA demonstrated a significantly neuroprotective effect on PD model mice. These results indicated that OPA might be the possibility of PD therapeutics with economic utility and high safety.
Deltamethrin Contact Exposure Mediated Toxicity and Histopathological Aberrations in Tissue Systems of Public Health Importance Cockroach Species Periplaneta americana and Blattella germanica
Authors: Dhiman Sunil , Yadav Kavita , Acharya B. N. , Nagar D. P. , Rao Ghorpade Rama
Published: July 2022

Cockroach speciesPeriplaneta americanaandBlattella germanicapotentially survive in locations close to human activity. Besides spoiling food material, cockroaches also transfer pathogens of different diseases among human beings. Since the insecticides have been used extensively to control cockroaches, information on their insecticide susceptibility and toxicity at the cellular level may be crucial. In the study, deltamethrin toxicity as well as the deltamethrin-mediated cytomorphological changes in the brain, ovary and midgut of the two important cockroach species have been assessed. Different concentrations [0.00025% (0.0025 mg/ml), 0.0025% (0.025 mg/ml), 0.025% (0.25 mg/ml), 0.25% (2.5 mg/ml), 0.5% (5 mg/ml), 1% (10 mg/ml)] of deltamethrin in acetone were used to expose test species in WHO bottle assay. Knockdown was recorded after 5 min interval while delayed mortality was observed after 24 h. Brain, ovary and gut were dissected post 1 h exposure and 24 h holding (for 0.25, 0.5 and 1% concentration), and tissues were processed for microscopic analysis. Deltamethrin exposed cockroaches and dissected tissues were used to estimate deltamethrin using HPLC. At 0.00025% (lowest concentration), the percentage knock-down observed was 66.7% forP. americanaand 80%B. germanicarespectively (R2= 0.78;p= 0.0001) in 1 h. KDT50value was found to be 8.7 min (95% CI: 7.3–10.2), while KDT99was 20.7 min (95% CI: 16.0–35.7) inP. americanaat 1% concentration. Whereas, the KDT50and KDT99values forB. germanicawere 7.4 min (95% CI: 5.4–9.1) and 27.4 min (95% CI: 18.2–80.0) at a similar concentration. LD50and LD95values (for 60 min standard exposure) were 0.0006% (95% CI: 0.00–0.001) and 0.034% (95% CI: 0.013–0.49) respectively forP. americana, while these values were 0.0005 (95% CI: 0.00–0.001) and 0.04 (95% CI: 0.01–0.23) forB. germanica.Exposure to 1% deltamethrin induced a considerable toxic effect in the epithelial cells in the midgut. HPLC estimated 0.21 ± 0.05 mg (95% CI: 0.18–0.25; CoV 23.9%) deltamethrin inP. americanapost 1% exposure. Even short term exposure to a low concentration of synthetic pyrethroid deltamethrin displayed immediate knockdown and delayed mortality in both the test species. Considerable histological damage was observed in both the insects at 1% exposure. In India, resistance to deltamethrin may have been reported among different insects due to its extensive use. However, the formulations such as insecticide paints, attractant baits etc. developed using deltamethrin as an active ingredient could be useful in cockroach control operations.
Coprophagy Prevention Decreases the Reproductive Performance and Granulosa Cell Apoptosis via Regulation of CTSB Gene in Rabbits
Authors: Song Guohua , Wang Yadong , Wang Yaling , Jiang Yixuan , Sun Shuaijie , Cai Hanfang , Sun Guirong , Li Ming , Bionaz Massimo , Xu Huifen
Published: July 2022

Coprophagy is an instinctive behavior in rabbit with important effects on growth and reproductive performance. The underlying mechanism of this effect in rabbit is unknown. Here, we used Elizabeth circle as a coprophagy preventing model in female rabbits and assess feed intake, growth, and reproductive performance. We found that preventing coprophagy did not affect feed intake but decreased body weight and weight of several organs and tissues and resulted in complete reproductive failure during the late pregnancy period, accompanied by reduced levels of plasma progesterone. RNA-seq analysis of rabbit ovarian tissues revealed that preventing coprophagy affected significantly 241 genes (DEGs), with the large majority being downregulated. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that those DEGs are mostly involved in apoptosis, immune response, and metabolic pathways. Among DEGs, the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin B (CTSB) was significantly downregulated in the coprophagy prevention group. Further studies using siRNA and adenovirus overexpression systems revealed that CTSB promotes the proliferation of rabbit granulosa cells (GCS) and prevents apoptosis. Measurement of transcripts coding for proteins related to apoptosis revealed a minor transcriptomic effect of CTSB, indicating that its effect is likely post-transcriptional. Overexpression of CTSB increased secretion of progesterone and estradiol, partly via upregulation of CYP19A1 while inhibition of CTSB decreased progesterone secretion partly via downregulation of the StAR gene. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the detrimental effect on reproduction by preventing coprophagy with a main role for this response played by CTSB on the granulosa cells of the ovary.
Soluble Solids Content Binary Classification of Miyagawa Satsuma in Chongming Island Based on Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Yuzhen , Sun Wanxia , Jiu Songtao , Wang Lei , Deng Bohan , Chen Zili , Jiang Fei , Hu Menghan , Zhang Caixi
Published: July 2022

Citrus is one of the most important fruits in China. Miyagawa Satsuma, one kind of citrus, is a nutritious agricultural product with regional characteristics of Chongming Island. Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) is a proper method for studying the quality of fruits, because it is low-cost, efficient, non-destructive, and repeatable. Therefore, the NIR technique is used to detect citrus's soluble solid content (SSC) in this study. After obtaining the original spectral data, the first 70% of them are divided into the training set and 30% into the test set. Then, the Random Frog algorithm is chosen to select characteristic wavelengths, which reduces the dimension of the data and the complexity of the model, and accordingly makes the generalization of the classification model better. After comparing the performance of various classifiers (AdaBoost, KNN, LS-SVM, and Bayes) under different characteristic wavelength numbers, the AdaBoost classifier outperforms using 275 characteristic wavelengths for modeling eventually. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score are 78.3%, 80.5%, 78.3%, and 0.780, respectively and the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve, ROC curve) is close to the upper left corner, suggesting that the classification model is acceptable. The results demonstrate that it is feasible to use the NIR technique to estimate whether the citrus is sweet or not. Furthermore, it is beneficial for us to apply the obtained models for identifying the quality of citrus correctly. For fruit traders, the model helps them to determine the growth cycle of citrus more scientifically, improve the level of citrus cultivation and management and the final fruit quality, and thus increase the economic income of fruit traders.
A Mycorrhizal Bacteria Strain Isolated From Polyporus umbellatus Exhibits Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Activity
Authors: Han Pengjie , Liu Tianrui , Zheng Yuan , Song Ruiqi , Nan Tiegui , Yang Xiaolong , Huang Luqi , Yuan Yuan
Published: July 2022

The microbes in the rhizosphere (or mycorrhizosphere) could promote plant growth, however, it is unclear whether mycorrhizosphere microbes could fight multiple fungal pathogens. In this study, twenty-one bacterial strains distributed in 6 genera, including 5 Pseudomonas strains, were isolated from mycorrhizal samples of Polyporus umbellatus that rely on other fungi during their life cycles. Further screening and pot experiments showed that the Pseudomonas strain ZL8 not only inhibited the growth of phytopathogenic fungi, but also promoted the growth of Salvia miltiorrhiza through inhibiting its wilting. In addition, strain ZL8 was found to have the ability to dissolve phosphate, produce IAA and siderophore. Nineteen compounds were identified from the fermentation broth of strain ZL8, of which 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) had a significant inhibitory effect on phytopathogenic fungi with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.12–25 μg/mL. Molecular docking predicted that DAPG could bind to myosin I at two unique sites, which may be responsible to the inhibition of fungal growth. The evaluation results showed that strain ZL8 can be used to develop a dual-purpose biocontrol agents and biofertilizer. These results also provide new insights into the discovery and utilization of new resources for biocontrol agents and biolfertilizers.
Fine mapping and target gene identification of qSE4, a QTL for stigma exsertion rate in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Guo Naihui , Wang Yakun , Chen Wei , Tang Shengjia , An Ruihu , Wei Xiangjin , Hu Shikai , Tang Shaoqing , Shao Gaoneng , Jiao Guiai , Xie Lihong , Wang Ling , Sheng Zhonghua , Hu Peisong
Published: July 2022

The stigma exsertion rate (SER) is a complex agronomy phenotype controlled by multiple genes and climate and a key trait affecting the efficiency of hybrid rice seed production. Using a japonica two-line male sterile line (DaS) with a high SER as the donor and a tropical japonica rice (D50) with a low SER as the acceptor to construct a near-isogenic line [NIL (qSE4DaS)]. Populations were segregated into 2,143 individuals of BC3F2 and BC4F2, and the stigma exsertion quantitative trait locus (QTL) qSE4 was determined to be located within 410.4 Kb between markers RM17157 and RM17227 on chromosome 4. Bioinformatic analysis revealed 13 candidate genes in this region. Sequencing and haplotype analysis indicated that the promoter region of LOC_Os04g43910 (ARF10) had a one-base substitution between the two parents. Further Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression level of ARF10 in DaS was significantly higher than in D50. After knocking out ARF10 in the DaS background, it was found that the SER of arf10 (the total SER of the arf10-1 and the arf10-2 were 62.54 and 66.68%, respectively) was significantly lower than that of the wild type (the total SER was 80.97%). Transcriptome and hormone assay analysis showed that arf10 had significantly higher auxin synthesis genes and contents than the wild type and the expression of auxin signaling-related genes was significantly different, Similar results were observed for abscisic acid and jasmonic acid. These results indicate that LOC_Os04g43910 is mostly likely the target gene of qSE4, and the study of its gene function is of great significance for understanding the molecular mechanisms of SER and improving the efficiency of hybrid seed production.
Are Your Employees Hopeful at Work? The Influence of Female Leadership, Gender Diversity and Inclusion Climate on Japanese Employees’ Hope
Authors: Kim Soyeon
Published: July 2022

There are two well-known truths about Japan: one is that Japan is one of the most advanced economies, which takes pride in its highly advanced technology, social infrastructure and system; the other is that Japan ranks lowest at women’s social participation among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. Even though the Japanese government has initiated programs to promote female participation and advancement in society, these initiatives have not yet borne remarkable fruit. This study intends to address this issue by investigating the effectiveness of female leadership in Japan, specifically its effect on organizations’ gender diversity and inclusion (D&I) climate and employees’ task-related positive attitudes. Synthesizing social information processing theory and social identity theory, the study examines 306 Japanese employees working with their female supervisors in medium- and large-sized manufacturing companies. The findings show that female ambidextrous leadership contributes to shape and strengthen a gender D&I climate and ultimately enhances employees’ hope on their work. In addition, the positive effect of a gender D&I climate on employees’ hope is the same for all employees regardless of gender. The findings clarify the role of female leadership and the underlying psychological mechanism through which female leadership influences employees’ positive work attitudes. This first empirical study in Japan contributes to the research on female leadership and D&I management.
Sleep and behavioral problems in preschool-age children with Down syndrome
Authors: Fucà Elisa , Costanzo Floriana , Ursumando Luciana , Celestini Laura , Scoppola Vittorio , Mancini Silvia , Valentini Diletta , Villani Alberto , Vicari Stefano
Published: July 2022

Sleep is a major concern, especially in people with Down Syndrome (DS). Beyond Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a number of other sleep difficulties have been reported in children with DS, such as delayed sleep onset, night-time awakenings, and early morning awakenings. The detrimental effect of sleep difficulties seems to contribute to and exacerbate the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of DS. Although the screening for sleep disorders is recommended early in age in DS, only a few studies have evaluated the sleep profile in preschool-age children with DS. The aim of the current study was to assess the association between sleep disturbances and behavioral problems in a group of preschool-age children with DS, by means of a feasible and easy-to-administer parent-report questionnaires. Seventy-one preschool-age children with DS, ranging in age from 3 to 5.11 years, were included in this retrospective study. Sleep disturbances were evaluated by means of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, while emotional and behavioral problems by means of the Child Behavior Checklist. Sleep breathing disorders were the most frequent sleep difficulties reported by parents. Moreover, children with clinical scores in total sleep problems exhibited elevation of psychopathological symptoms, namely Total problems, Affective problems, Anxiety problems, Pervasive Developmental Problems, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems. The identification of the broader connection between sleep difficulties and emotional and behavioral problems in preschool-age children with DS leads to important considerations for intervention.
Case Report: Anomalous Experience in a Dissociative Identity and Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Martins Hugo André de Lima , Ribas Valdenilson Ribeiro , dos Santos Ribas Ketlin Helenise , da Fonseca Lins Luciano , Mainieri Alessandra Ghinato
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Dissociative identity disorder, formerly called multiple personality disorder, is a rupture of identity characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states, described in some cultures as an experience of possession.

Objective

The case of a 30-year-old woman with dissociative identity disorder and borderline personality disorder associated with a previous history of anomalous experience was reported.

Case Report

A 30-year-old woman who fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria for dissociative identity disorder and borderline personality disorder reported the presence of unusual sensory experiences (clairvoyance, premonitory dreams, clairaudience) since she was 5 years old. The patient told that for 12 months she presented episodes in which a “second self” took charge of her actions: she would then speak with a male voice, become aggressive, and require several people to contain her desire for destruction. After 3 months of religious follow-up, and accepting her unusual experiences and trance possessions as normal and natural, she had significant improvement.

Conclusion

When approaching DID and BPD patients, it is necessary to observe the anomalous phenomena (in the light of) closer to their cultural and religious contexts, to promote better results in the treatment of their disorders, which has not been explored in the treatment guide.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on birth outcomes: A retrospective cohort study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Wen Juan
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have significantly affected health care systems and daily wellbeing. However, the indirect impacts of the pandemic on birth outcomes are not fully understood. We aimed to examine whether the pandemic altered risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all singleton births during 2016–2020 identified in Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. We compared birth outcomes during COVID-19 pandemic (January–December 2020) with before the pandemic (January–December 2016–2019) using Logstic regression adjusted for confounders.

Results

A total of 19,792 and 92,750 births occurred during and before the pandemic, respectively. Maternal characteristics were similar between groups, except maternal age was higher in pandemic cohort. We observed a reduction in preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks) during the pandemic [5.9 vs. 5.1%, OR (95%CI) = 0.86 (0.80, 0.92)], but the difference disappeared after multivariable adjustment [adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.02 (0.94, 1.11)]. Moreover, full term infants born during the pandemic had lower birth weights than those born before the pandemic [adjusted β (95% CI) = −17.4 (−23.9, −10.8)]. Consistently, the risks of low birthweight (LBW, <2,500 g) and small for gestational age (SGA, < P10) were increased [LBW: adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.13 (1.02, 1.24); SGA: adjusted OR (95%CI) = 1.11 (1.02, 1.21)], and the risks of macrosomia (≥4,000 g) and large for gestational age (LGA, ≥P90) were decreased in the pandemic cohort [macrosomia: adjusted OR (95%CI) = 0.82 (0.77, 0.88); LGA: adjusted OR (95%CI) = 0.73 (0.69, 0.77)].

Conclusion

In this study, we observed no change in preterm birth and a decrease in birth weight of full term infants during the pandemic in Nanjing, China.
Changes and Trend Disparities in Life Expectancy and Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy Attributed to Disability and Mortality From 1990 to 2019 in China
Authors: Chen Lijun , Wang Lu , Qian Yun , Chen Hai
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate sex, age, and cause-specific contributions to changes and trend disparities in life expectancy (LE) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) attributed to disability and mortality from 1990 to 2019 in China, which provides insight into policy-making, health systems planning, and resource allocation.

Methods

Contributions of disability and mortality to changes and trend disparities in LE and HALE were estimated with standard abridged life table, Sullivan's method, and decomposition method, using retrospective demographic analysis based on mortality and years lived with disability (YLD) rates extracted from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019).

Results

From 1990 to 2019, LE and HALE increased by 10.49 and 8.71 years for both sexes, mainly due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (5.83 years, 55.58% for LE and 6.28 years, 72.10% for HALE). However, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections had negative effects on changes in LE (−0.03 years, −0.29%) and HALE (−0.05 years, −0.57%). Lung cancer and ischemic heart disease caused the biggest reduction in LE (−0.14 years, −1.33%) and HALE (−0.42 years, −4.82%). Also, cardiovascular diseases (−0.08 years, −0.92%), neurological disorders (−0.08 years, −0.92%), diabetes and kidney diseases (−0.06 years, −0.69%), and transport injuries (−0.06 years, −0.69%) had main negative disability effects in HALE. Moreover, life expectancy lived with disability (LED) increased by 1.78 years, mainly attributed to respiratory infections and tuberculosis (1.04 years, 58.43%) and maternal and neonatal disorders (0.78 years, 43.82%).

Conclusion

The LE and HALE in China have grown rapidly over the past few decades, mainly attributed to NCDs. It is necessary to further reduce the negative mortality effect of HIV/AIDS, lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ischemic heart disease and the negative disability effect of stroke, diabetes mellitus, and road injuries. In addition, the signs of disparities in mortality and disability of different sexes and ages call for targeted and precise interventions for key groups such as males and the elderly. According to the decomposition results, we may better determine the key objects of health policies that take into account substantial cause-specific variations to facilitate the realization of “healthy China 2030” plan.
Lessons for Robotics From the Control Architecture of the Octopus
Authors: Sivitilli Dominic M. , Smith Joshua R. , Gire David H.
Published: July 2022

Biological and artificial agents are faced with many of the same computational and mechanical problems, thus strategies evolved in the biological realm can serve as inspiration for robotic development. The octopus in particular represents an attractive model for biologically-inspired robotic design, as has been recognized for the emerging field of soft robotics. Conventional global planning-based approaches to controlling the large number of degrees of freedom in an octopus arm would be computationally intractable. Instead, the octopus appears to exploit a distributed control architecture that enables effective and computationally efficient arm control. Here we will describe the neuroanatomical organization of the octopus peripheral nervous system and discuss how this distributed neural network is specialized for effectively mediating decisions made by the central brain and the continuous actuation of limbs possessing an extremely large number of degrees of freedom. We propose top-down and bottom-up control strategies that we hypothesize the octopus employs in the control of its soft body. We suggest that these strategies can serve as useful elements in the design and development of soft-bodied robotics.
Human Right to Water and Sanitation: Water for All vs. Full Cost Recovery
Authors: Sereno Amparo
Published: July 2022

The present work starts from the definition of the concept “human right to water and sanitation” (HRWS). Then, it delimits its content, in a strict sense, to finally argue that it is an autonomous and subjective right. In other words, it is a right of immediate applicability, which means that it binds both the State and the private sector—that is, public or private supply and sanitation companies. Therefore, there is a minimum that cannot be denied to anyone, especially to individuals or families who cannot afford to pay their water bills. Next, I propose possible solutions for water and sanitation companies to ensure HRWS—avoiding water cuff-off—without compromising their economic and financial sustainability. Finally, I conclude that to comply with the principle of full cost recovery (FCR)—established by the EU Water Framework Directive (FWD)—the water bill will have to progressively increase—especially in regions where water is scarce and (due to the effects of climate change) will become an increasingly precious good. But, for those who cannot afford to pay the water bill, State will have to subsidize to guarantee the minimum service, per person and per day, which is a human right.
Plastics in soil description and surveys – practical considerations and field guide
Authors: Weber Collin J.
Published: July 2022

A growing evidence base has shown that plastics are widely distributed in soils and could have negative effects on soil functions. However, within international standards for soil description, plastics are handled so far as one part of human-made artefacts. With the ongoing plastic crisis, such a simple classification may no longer be sufficient to provide a satisfactory description of plastics in soils. Based on the latest research on plastics in soils, these foreign components can no longer be understood as relevant only for soils in urban, industrial, traffic, mining and military areas. This perspective therefore aims to suggest a possible approach towards a future and more comprehensive description of plastics in soil characterization. Based on the existing definitions within the international soil description standards, a description concept and a corresponding field guide are proposed. The proposed approach comprises a recent definition of plastics and guidelines for the description of visible plastic residues in soils during field work. Classification approaches are developed for plastics abundance and distribution as well as plastic characteristics. Furthermore, pitfalls during the description, as well as during the extraction of plastics from soils in the field, and further limitations are discussed. Basic soil description during soil surveys or soil mapping, are a strong tool of soil science to derive environmental data sets. The perspective and the field guide presented in this paper are intended to change this circumstance and enable soil scientists to describe plastic residues in soils simple, comparable and adapted to existing standards in future.
The position of entry point in total knee arthroplasty is associate with femoral bowing both in coronal and sagittal planes
Authors: Zeng Xianli , Yang Yiming , Jia Zhenyu , Chen Jiarong , Shen Hongyuan , Jin Yan , Lu Yao , Li Pingyue
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate the femoral entry point of the intramedullary (IM) guiding rod applied to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Chinese subjects and the relationship with femoral bowing in the coronal and sagittal planes through three-dimensional (3D) validation methods.

Methods

Computed tomography (CT) images of 80 femurs in Chinese subjects were imported into Mimics 19.0 to construct 3D models. All operations were conducted by Rhinoceros software 5.0. The position of the IM rod entry point was assessed by calculating the distance between the entry point and the apex of the intercondylar notch (AIN) in the coronal and sagittal planes. The coronal femoral bowing angle (cFBA) and sagittal femoral bowing angle (sFBA) were also measured.

Results

The average optimal entry point was 0.17 mm medial and 12.37 mm anterior to the AIN in males, while it was 0.02 mm lateral and 16.13 mm anterior to the AIN in females. There was a significant difference between males and females in the sagittal plane (t = -6.570, p = 0.000). The mean cFBA was 1.68 ± 2.29°, and the mean sFBA was 12.66 ± 1.98°. The sFBA was strongly correlated with the anterior distance of the proper entry point, and the cFBA was moderately correlated with the lateral distance of the proper entry point.

Conclusions

There was a strong correlation between the position of the entry point and the femoral bowing angle in both the coronal and sagittal planes. Thus, to achieve better alignment, the position of the entry point should be measured individually based on femoral bowing.
Semi-Automatic Multiparametric MR Imaging Classification Using Novel Image Input Sequences and 3D Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Li Bochong , Oka Ryo , Xuan Ping , Yoshimura Yuichiro , Nakaguchi Toshiya
Published: July 2022

The role of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) is becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of the clinical severity of prostate cancer (PCa). However, mp-MRI images usually contain several unaligned 3D sequences, such as DWI image sequences and T2-weighted image sequences, and there are many images among the entirety of 3D sequence images that do not contain cancerous tissue, which affects the accuracy of large-scale prostate cancer detection. Therefore, there is a great need for a method that uses accurate computer-aided detection of mp-MRI images and minimizes the influence of useless features. Our proposed PCa detection method is divided into three stages: (i) multimodal image alignment, (ii) automatic cropping of the sequence images to the entire prostate region, and, finally, (iii) combining multiple modal images of each patient into novel 3D sequences and using 3D convolutional neural networks to learn the newly composed 3D sequences with different modal alignments. We arrange the different modal methods to make the model fully learn the cancerous tissue features; then, we predict the clinical severity of PCa and generate a 3D cancer response map for the 3D sequence images from the last convolution layer of the network. The prediction results and 3D response map help to understand the features that the model focuses on during the process of 3D-CNN feature learning. We applied our method to Toho hospital prostate cancer patient data; the AUC (=0.85) results were significantly higher than those of other methods.
The Overall Design of Variable Diameter Ducted Fan in the Aircraft
Authors: Gao Yadong , Xu Yang
Published: July 2022

Variable diameter rotor can improve the flight performance of the aircraft both in hovering and forward flying and a duct can improve the rotor performance further both in force and efficiency. In previous studies, those two parts are always studied in the one-factor-at-a-time method, and the duct is lack diameter change so that it cannot cooperate with the variable diameter rotor. In this paper, the Chinese utility helicopter Z9 is taken as the prototype, and the structural parameters of the variable diameter ducted fan (VDDF) are selected by an orthogonal experiment method. Based on the momentum-element theory, the aerodynamic theoretical model of the disk is established, and the structural parameters that can achieve the best efficiency in hover/propulsion and the best lift/thrust force ratio under different modes are obtained in the orthogonal range by computational fluid dynamics method. The structural parameters of the VDDF under the set working conditions are obtained by a technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) evaluation and the flight performance of the aircraft equipped with the VDDF is superior to the prototype: The max takeoff weight raises 25%; the hover ceiling raises 90%; the cruise altitude raises 11%; the cruise speed raises 23% and the max speed raises further. However, a better engine may be needed to provide greater power.
Simulation and Experimental Study of a Split High-Speed Precision Seeding System
Authors: Lu Bo , Ni Xiangdong , Li Shufeng , Li Kezhi , Qi Qingzheng
Published: July 2022

According to the agronomic requirements of cotton precision seeding, the researchers designed a split seeding system to achieve high-speed precision seeding on the membrane. The 3D models used in the simulation process were created using Solidworks. They used the built-in Flow Simulation plug-in in SolidWorks to simulate the flow field in the drum and to grasp the air velocity and pressure changes. The CFD-DEM (computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method) coupling method was used to simulate the positive pressure airflow to transport the seeds, so as to grasp the movement of the seeds in the seed tube. EDEM (engineering discrete element modeling) was used to simulate the seeding process of the hole seeder, to understand the movement speed and trajectory of the seeds inside the hole seeder, and to analyze the reasons for missed seeding and reseeding. A three-factor, five-stage quadratic rotation orthogonal combination test was designed using Design-expert 13.0 software. This test evaluates the performance of a split seeding system by establishing a response surface for the seed rate, using the hole seeder speed, negative pressure, and hole diameter as test factors. The optimal parameter combination is obtained by optimizing the regression equation, which is further verified by bench tests. Under the hole seeding speed of 47.98 r/min, the negative pressure of 1.96 kPa and the hole diameter of 3.5 mm, the precision seeding system achieved a single seed rate of 90.9% and a missed seed rate of 4.3%. The verification test results are consistent with the optimization results, which meet the agronomic requirements of high-speed precision film seeding. This research provides a better technical solution for the application development of a precision seeder.
Experimental Study on Optimal Recycling Mechanical Parameters of Cotton Field Mulch film based on Small Soil Trough System
Authors: Hu Can , Xu Zhengxin , Wang Xufeng , Wang Long , Xing Jianfei , Guo Wensong
Published: July 2022

Film mulching agriculture in arid areas is faced with pollution caused by film mulching, and currently mainly adopts the mechanized recycling of mulch film. However, residual mulch film in the soil will bind with soil under the farming environment, which affects the recycling effect. The main factors affecting the recycling of mulch film in the soil are not clear. In order to find out the specific factors, the actual dry-wet cycle water environment was simulated by using a small soil trough system based on the film lifting, separation and recycling problem of residual mulch film in the soil. The film lifting force and recycling efficiency of the residual mulch film under the action of wet-dry cycle were studied. The following results were obtained: soil compaction, film lifting angle, and the dry-wet cycle had a significant influence on the film lifting force value, indicating that the dry-wet cycle including water fertilizer had an impact on the soil structure. After mechanical loosening, the film lifting force decreased and the recycling rate of residual mulch film increased obviously. The optimal film recycling effect could be obtained under the following conditions, namely, a film lifting angle of 21.37–45.37°, the number of dry-wet cycles <3.8, a soil moisture of 22.43–23.18%, a soil compaction of 132.51–144.06 KPa, and a residual mulch film area of 45.85–64.5 cm2. The experimental results can provide technical reference for residual mulch film pollution control and mechanized recycling.
Combined Application of Organic Amendments and Gypsum to Reclaim Saline–Alkali Soil
Authors: Andrade Foronda Demis , Colinet Gilles
Published: July 2022

Saline–alkali soils have high sodicity, high pH, and high levels of soluble salts, as well as carbonates. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cattle manure and chicken manure combined with gypsum at three levels on reclaiming a saline–alkali soil, through a soil column experiment. Combined treatments were more effective than those of sole gypsum in reducing the initial exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) below 5%. Electrical conductivity (ECe) was lowered below 1.6 dS m−1 by all treatments, except the control. The higher effectiveness of manures combined with gypsum can be explained by their synergistic effect on Na+ displacement and subsequent soil structure improvement, leading to an enhancement in the leaching process, and then the salinity/sodicity reduction. Soluble salts and Na+ were considerably reduced in all treatments at the first leaching. Soil ESP and ECe threshold values from the US Salinity Lab classification were reached by any treatment, except the control. The addition of cattle manure or chicken manure might enhance the reclamation effect of gypsum with leaching for some saline–alkali soils.
A Dynamic Load Simulation Algorithm Based on an Inertia Simulation Predictive Model
Authors: Lin Kuizhi , Wang Wei , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Xinmin , Zhang Huang
Published: July 2022

In this study, an electric dynamic load simulation system (EDLSS) algorithm was proposed based on an inertia simulation predictive model to mitigate strong-coupling torque disturbance and load torque fluctuation caused by the change in the motion state of a bearing system. First, the inertia simulation model was proposed by combining the dynamic equations of both the EDLSS and the target system. The aforementioned inertia simulation model converted the conventional realisation method of the inertia simulation into the tracking of the motion characteristics for the target system under the same working conditions. Next, based on the aforementioned inertia simulation model while considering the strong-coupling torque effect and motor braking state disturbance as two influential factors, an inertia simulation predictive model and a load simulation algorithm were proposed. The predicted speed calculated by the predictive model was consistent with the dynamic characteristics of the target system under the same working conditions and input into the control loop. Based on the analysis of the braking state and power model of the permanent magnet synchronous motor, an energy feedback control method was proposed to improve EDLSS stability caused by the braking state of the loading motor. Finally, the experimental data revealed that the maximum speed fluctuation range of the loading motor was approximately 7.5, which was 84% lower than the range before the application of the aforementioned algorithm, which was about 46.8. Furthermore, the maximum range of the torque ripple was close to 1.5, which was 75% lower than before, which was roughly 6. All experimental data were consistent with simulation data.