bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O5B.6 Occupational contact dermatitis and how the community responses in developing country
Authors: Joshi Shambhu
Published: May 2020

Background

Dermatologic disorders generally have a major impact on patients daily activities, psychological and emotional state and social relationships in a resource poor setting. Country with different climate zones and environment as well as traditional use of herbal and increasing use of pesticides contact dermatitis is one of the important occupational hazards in construction workers, nearby people and it often leads to poor quality of life of the workers with substantial financial loss.

Methods

This study was conducted in three different geographic population. Free health camp was organized with total 310 cases of dermatologic problems were registered in Skin OPD last two years. Patients includes children to geriatric population both male and female groups.

Results

Out of the total 42% were male and 58% were female patients. Contact dermatitis were found among 28% of the patients, age and sex had no significant role on prevalence of Contactdermatitis. Urban area patients have tendency due to hair dye, industrial cement and detergents, however rural area patients have causation due to herbal plants (Parthenium dermatitis) and traditional occupational works. Both have nickel, atopic and unknown cause. Foot was the most commonly involved site (25.7% of patients). Atopy was present in 18 patients (25.7%). A total of 22 irritant reactions were noted in 13 patients. Most of the patients neglect the contact dermatitis due to lack of health information and use of irrational medication also seen.

Conclusion

Most of the contact dermatitis is preventative and manageable in time. Due to Climate, geographical areas, literacy difference community preventive health program plays important role, it. Prick-Patch testing, Teledermatology and Geographical information system is another future perspective for dermatology disease mapping in Nepal so that the government can make essential policy, programs for communities so that we can prevent and treat the contact-dermatitis on time.
O5C.3 The mental health impact of deployment to iraq and afghanistan: what does the current data show?
Authors: Stevelink Sharon , Jones Margaret , Hull Lisa , Pernet David , MacCrimmon Shirlee , Goodwin Laura , MacManus Deirdre , Murphy Dominic , Jones Norman , Greenberg Neil , Rona Roberto J , Fear Nicola T , Wessely Sir Simon
Published: May 2020

The longer term mental health outcomes of UK serving and ex-serving personnel have been the subject of much speculation. The latest research findings from the third phase of a longitudinal study will be presented, which is the only military cohort study of its kind in the UK. Data was collected among 8093 personnel between 2014 and 2016. The study examined the prevalence of mental disorders and alcohol misuse, whether rates differed between serving and ex-serving regular personnel and the impact of various deployment exposures. The prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder was 6.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5–6.9), 21.9% (95% CI 20.8–23.0) for common mental disorders and 10.0% (95% CI 9.2–10.9) for alcohol misuse. Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan and self-reported role during deployment were associated with significantly worse mental health outcomes and alcohol misuse in ex-serving regular personnel but not in currently serving regular personnel. There was no association with number of deployments for any outcome. The findings highlight the importance of the continued monitoring of following personnel throughout their military career and beyond. The implications of the study outcomes will be discussed in the light of the mental health provision for serving and ex-serving personnel.
O6B.7 Aristolochic acid and the risk of cancers in patients with diabetes
Authors: Chen Chi-Jen , Chiu Wei-Che , Tseng Yao-Hsien , Yang Yao-Hsu , Lin Chien-Mu , Yang Hsiao-Yu , Doyle Pat , Chen Pau-Chung
Published: May 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the use of herbal medicine containing aristolochic acid (AA) and the risk of cancers among patients with diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cohort study on patients older than 18 years who had a diagnosis of diabetes (ICD-9 codes 250) between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2010. To ensure comparability, we included only patients with diabetes who had visited traditional Chinese medicine clinics between January 1, 1997 and one year before the diagnosis of cancer or the censor dates. The use of herbal medicine containing AA was identified from January 1, 1997 to October 31, 2003 (the ban of herbs containing AA in November 2003). Each patient was individually tracked to identify incident cases of cancer (140–208) between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2013.

Findings

A total of 4 30 377 male and 4 31 956 female patients with diabetes were identified by using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. There were 37 554 and 31 535 cancers during the follow-up period. AA use increased the risks of incident liver (155.0), kidney (189.0), pelvis and ureter (189.1, 189.2), and bladder (188) cancer in male patients with diabetes in a dose-dependent relationship. Similarly, there were increased risks of incident liver, pelvis and ureter, and bladder cancer in female diabetic patients in a dose-dependent manner.

Interpretation

Our study suggests that AA exposure plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of liver, kidney, pelvis, ureter, and bladder cancers in patients with diabetes.
O6C.2 Differences in cardiovascular risk factor profiles across occupational groups
Authors: Barnes Lucy A , Corbin Marine , Denison Hayley J , Eng Amanda , Mannetje Andrea ‘t , Haslett Stephen , McLean David , Ellison-Loschmann Lis , Jackson Rod , Douwes Jeroen
Published: May 2020

Background

Differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk between occupations have been observed, but what specific risk factors underlie these patterns remains unclear. This study assessed how established CVD risk factors differ across occupational groups in New Zealand, and whether patterns differ by gender and ethnicity.

Methods

Two probability-based sample surveys of the general New Zealand adult population (2004–2006; n=3003) and of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand (M&_x0101;ori; 2009–2010; n=2107), for which occupational histories and lifestyle factors were collected, were linked with routinely collected health data. For males and females in each cohort, smoking, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol were dichotomised and compared between occupational groups using age-adjusted logistic regression. In addition, two way tables and chi-squared tests were used to compare the distribution of risk factors between white and blue-collar workers.

Results

The prevalence of ever smoking was greater in blue-collar compared to white-collar workers of both cohorts, i.e. general population male (56%; 47%), general population female (62%; 47%), M&_x0101;ori male (68%; 55%) and M&_x0101;ori female (84%; 64%). For diabetes and high cholesterol, differences were statistically significant only for general population females (11%; 6% and 26%; 16% respectively). Hypertension prevalence was higher in blue versus white-collar workers for general population females (36%; 29%), M&_x0101;ori males (43%; 36%) and M&_x0101;ori females (44%; 37%), but not for general population males (35%; 34%). Results by occupational group revealed the same patterns with some noteworthy exceptions. In both cohorts, clerks had an increased risk of hypertension, particularly among males. Male agricultural workers in the general population cohort had a reduced risk of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, but this pattern was not observed for females or among M&_x0101;ori.

Conclusion

This study showed differences in profiles of known CVD risk factors across occupations, with some notable ethnic and gender differences.
O7E.2 Risk factors for heat strain – comparing indoor and outdoor workers in the changing climate scenario
Authors: Venugopal Vidhya , Latha PK , Rekha S , Manikandan K , Kjellstrom Tord
Published: May 2020

Background

Predicted rise in global mean temperatures of 2°C–3°C and much larger increases in some regions due to Climate Change is expected to impact workers’ health because of physiological limits due to the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). Such temperatures rise implies increasingly large increases in regions where outdoor and indoor work is restricted due to physiological decrements and reduced work capacity.

Aim

We compare the potential health and productivity risks for indoor and outdoor workers in select Indian workplaces.

Methods

The study population was a random sample of ∼1300 outdoor and indoor workers from various occupations in Indian workplaces. We conducted seasonal WBGT exposures, quantitative physiological heat-strain measurements and captured self-reported health symptoms through questionnaires. The risk definition included symptoms of heat-strain, self-reported heat-illness, and reduced work capacity/productivity loss.

Results

WBGT exceeded threshold limit values for moderate/heavy work for 73% outdoor workers (28.9°C±2.4°C) and 67% indoor workers (28.8°C±3.5°C). Heat stress and heat-strain indicators were significantly associated (p=0.0001) and outdoor workers had 2.2 times greater risk of heat-strain during hot seasons (95% CI: 1.695–2.937). Compared to indoor workers, the outdoor workers ran a higher risk of self-reported health decrements (OR: 6.4; 95% CI: 3.884–10.350; p=0.0001), dehydration (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 2.352–3.999) and productivity losses (OR: 8.0; 95% CI: 4.911–13.382). In select occupations, while indoor workers exposed to chronic high-heat had a higher percentage of kidney stones (9%), the outdoor workers with long years of heat exposures had the higher risk of reduced kidney function (14%) due to repeated dehydration, volume depletion, and Acute Kidney Injury.

Conclusion

We discuss implications for workers’ health and productivity as climate modeling shows seriously increasing outdoor and indoor heat problems without suitable control measures for cooling. Strong protective labor policies and research are imperative to avoid serious health impacts and to maintain productivity.
O8A.4 Asbestos exposure and prostate cancer, really?
Authors: Parent Marie-Elise , Hugues Richard M
Published: May 2020

Background

General population exposure to asbestos from residential insulation and from environmental sources during childhood have recently been associated with prostate cancer. While asbestos fibers can be found in the prostate of workplace-exposed men at autopsy, few occupational studies have reported on asbestos exposure and prostate cancer incidence. We examined the association between lifetime occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos and prostate cancer risk in a large population-based case-control study.

Methods

Cases were 1933 men with histologically-confirmed incident prostate cancer, aged ≤75 years, diagnosed in 2005–2009 in Montreal. Concurrently, 1994 population controls from the same residential area and age distribution were randomly selected from electoral lists. In-person interviews elicited detailed socio-demographics, lifestyle and work histories. Industrial hygienists used job-specific information to provide semi-quantitative evaluations of intensity and frequency of exposure to 345 chemical agents, including asbestos, and a measure of confidence in the evaluation. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for prostate cancer risk associated with exposure to chrysotile asbestos.

Results

After restriction to probable and definite exposure, and application of a 5 year lag, 12.5% of cases and 11.8% of controls were ever exposed to asbestos (OR=1.1, 95% CI 0.9–1.3). For duration of exposure, there was no increase in risk of overall prostate cancer in the lower tertiles of exposure but risk was elevated in the upper tertile (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.2). Similarly, for cumulative exposure, risk was elevated in the upper tertile only (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1). Analyses considering tumor grades also showed a higher risk in the upper tertile of cumulative exposure for non-aggressive (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.2) and especially aggressive (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.0) cancers.

Conclusion

Our findings are consistent with an increased risk of prostate cancer with prolonged and high cumulative exposure to chrysotile asbestos, and particularly for the aggressive form of the disease.
O1C.5 Assessment and assignment of exposure to asbestos for an industrial cohort of chrysotile miners and processors
Authors: Kromhout Hans , Feletto Eleonora , Moissonnier Monika , Schonfeld Sara J , Olsson Ann , Kovalevskiy Evgeny V , Bukhtiyarov Igor V , Kashanskiy Sergey V , Schüz Joachim
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Historical dust concentrations are available for an occupational cohort study of workers active for 12 months or more between 1975 and 2010 in a chrysotile mine and processing factories in Asbest, Russian Federation. Their occupational histories were ascertained back to as early as the 1930s. A cohort specific job-exposure matrix (JEM) to estimate exposure to asbestos dust and fibre was elaborated.

Methods

Almost 1 00 000 recorded dust concentrations were used to develop an asbestos dust JEM and previously derived conversion factors were applied to estimate an asbestos fibre JEM. Where dust concentrations were not available, linear mixed models were used to impute missing data. Both JEMs were applied to the occupational histories of over 30 000 individual workers (over 35% female workers) based on job title and year worked.

Results

Assigned exposures varied over time with higher levels in the earlier years of activity. Approximately 97% of 2 00 000 person-years in the factories and 89% of 3 15 000 person-years in the mine had exposure assigned based on actual measurements. The median cumulative dust exposure for the exposed cohort was almost 50 mg/m3-years, with women slightly lower than men. The median cumulative fibre exposure for was 37 fibres/cm3-years for both men and women.

Discussion and conclusion

A key strength of this study is the availability of high-quality measurement data covering workers’ occupational histories. The dust and fibre JEMs enable estimation of annual profession-specific exposure levels that will form the basis of quantitative exposure estimates in the study and consequently quantitative exposure-response analyses.
P.1.07 A study of blood multi-element concentrations in lead-exposed and non-exposed workers
Authors: Chuang Hung-Yi , Shen Ya-Han
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Although the leaded gasoline has been phased out, lead (Pb) continues to be a public health concern due to its widely industrial uses. During the lead industrial processes, these workers exposed to the other non-essential elements, which can induce adverse effects including the imbalance of essential elements. The aim of this study is to compare with Pb, cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) in human whole blood between lead-exposed and non-exposed workers.

Method

There were 109 lead workers and 329 individuals of non-exposed group, received the health examination in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan. The whole blood concentration of Pb was determined by graphite atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), while the others (Cd, As, Se, Co, Cu and Zn) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS). We analyzed the associations between the seven elements and the worker health examination data. Finally, multiple linear regressions were used to analyze interaction between elements.

Results

For all workers, the average of age was 40.13 years and mean BMI was 24.81. The other health examination results showed the well status of health and nutrition. Mean concentrations of seven blood elements in Pb-exposed workers were Pb=143.5, Cd=1.28, As=9.45, Se=251.46, Co=0.57, Cu=1044.4, and Zn=9706.92 (ug/L). On the other hand, the blood concentrations of these elements in non-exposed workers were Pb=26.18, Cd=0.98, As=5.28, Se=255.40, Co=0.42, Cu=880.07, and Zn=6891.52 (ug/L). Using the interaction variables, the results showed that there were interactions between Cd and As, As and Co, As and Cu.

Conclusions

The positive effect of essential elements to health examination values were not clear, little does the influence to the other non-essential elements. However, the damage from occupational non-essential elements exposure still needs to be concerned. Interaction to multi-elements also needs further research.
O1C.6 Is adjustment for smoking needed in a cohort study of cancer mortality among chrysotile asbestos factory and mine workers?
Authors: Olsson Ann , Talibov Madar , Kovalevskiy Evgeny V , Byrnes Graham , Schonfeld Sara , Feletto Eleonora , Kashanskiy Sergey V , Moissonnier Monika , Ostroumova Evgenia , Straif Kurt , Kromhout Hans , Bukhtiyarov Igor V , Schüz Joachim
Published: May 2020

Introduction

A retrospective cohort study of 35 840 employees is currently being conducted in a chrysotile mine and its processing facilities in Asbest, the Russian Federation. The primary aim is to quantify exposure-response relationships for cancers potentially associated with chrysotile exposure. Some of those cancers are also tobacco-related; however individual-level information on tobacco use is not available for the full cohort. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study of current and retired workers from JSC Uralasbest was conducted to assess the relationship between smoking status and workers’ exposure to chrysotile.

Methods

Self-administered questionnaires were completed by current workers during meetings organized by occupational safety specialists. Retired workers filled in questionnaires during Veterans’ meetings or were interviewed via telephone or at home. Estimates of exposure to chrysotile were available for 999 current and 3795 retired workers who were linked to the cohort study.

Results

Among the 7451 respondents (n=3698 men and n=3753 women), 66% of men and 9% of women were ever-smokers. Smoking prevalence was stable across birth decades in men, but increased from <10% in women born before 1960 to 30% in women born after 1980. Among ever-smokers, men smoked more cigarettes per day than women. The smoking prevalence was similar in exposed and non-exposed men, and did not increase with exposure category. The greatest difference in the proportion of smokers among women was observed between non-exposed (4%) and all exposed categories combined (7.5%), whereas there was little variation across categories of exposure (7%–8%). Overall, the self-reported smoking prevalence may have been underestimated, especially in the older age categories due to survivor bias.

Conclusion

While no adjustments for smoking among men appear necessary in the future analyses, including smoking propensity by birth cohort for women may be useful.
O1D.1 Dermal PAH exposure in swedish firefighters and police forensic investigators – preliminary results from tape stripping on wrist and collarbone
Authors: Sjöström Mattias , Julander Anneli , Strandberg Bo , Lewné Marie , Bigert Carolina
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Firefighters (FFs) and police forensic investigators (PFI) may be exposed to a wide range of particles and combustion products, such as the carcinogenic benzo(a)pyrene and other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the dermal exposure to 32 different PAHs for FFs and PFIs.

Methods

The skin was sampled by tape stripping (three consecutive tapes) on lower wrist and collarbone area after end of work shift of 7 FFs (fire starters; team leaders inside the burning house; team leaders outside the burning house) during training fires (14 samples), 9 PFIs investigating the aftermath of fire events (10 samples) and 7 office workers/control persons (7 samples). We used semipermeable membrane dialysis for clean-up of the tape strip exctracts and analysed the PAHs by gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

Results

The median sum 32 PAH dermal exposure of the measured groups was in the range of 2 to 16 ng/cm2on the wrist and 2 to 4.6 ng/cm2on the collarbone area. Both gaseous and particle-associated PAHs were present on skin with large variability in levels between specific PAHs. The most abundant PAHs were phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and chrysene. For sum 32 PAHs the exposure of the wrist was statistically significantly higher for FF fire starters and PFIs than for controls. FF fire starters had the highest exposure for benzo(a)pyrene. For the collarbone area, the FFs and PFIs had lower exposures than on the wrist and similar to the levels for control persons.

Conclusions

The dermal occupational PAH exposure for FFs and PFIs was generally higher on the wrist than on the collarbone area. Thus, the wrists seem to be less well protected by personal protective equipment than the collarbone area. On the collarbone area, the dermal PAH exposure levels were similar between FFs, PFIs and control persons.
Tetramethylpyrazine ameliorates hepatic fibrosis through autophagy-mediated inflammation
Authors: Hu Zhigao , Su Huizhao , Zeng Yonglian , Lin Chengjie , Guo Zhenya , Zhong Fudi , Jiang Keqing , Yuan Guandou , He Songqing
Published: May 2020

Background: Imbalanced immune response and hepatic fibrosis are key factors related to the progression of chronic liver diseases. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a natural alkaloid, has been widely used for treating liver injury. In this study, we explored the effect of TMP on hepatic fibrosis and the related mechanisms regulating autophagy. Methods: A rat model of hepatic fibrosis and a model using an hepatic stellate cell line (HSC-T6) were created using CCl4 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Staining with haematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson’s stain, and TUNEL were performed for pathological diagnosis. ELISA, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses were conducted to determine the expression levels of the specific markers for fibrosis, autophagy, inflammation, and signalling pathways. Results: TMP treatment significantly rescued pathological injury and hepatic fibrosis. It also alleviated imbalances in the immune system, accumulation of extracellular matrix, and autophagy signals in hepatic fibrosis. At the same time, we found that application of the autophagy inducer rapamycin enhanced the therapeutic effect of TMP, whereas the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine, PI3K pathway inhibitor LY294002, and AKT pathway agonist SC79 did the opposite. Conclusions: TMP exerts therapeutic effects in hepatic fibrosis mainly through promoting autophagy to ameliorate inflammation by inhibiting the AKT–mTOR signalling pathway, providing a new perspective for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
A new species ofBolitoglossa(Amphibia: Plethodontidae) from the central highlands of Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: Palacios-Aguilar Ricardo , Cisneros-Bernal Antonio Yolocalli , Arias-Montiel J. Diego , Parra-Olea Gabriela
Published: May 2020

We describe a new species of salamander of Bolitoglossa (Oaxakia) Parra-Olea, García-París and Wake, 2004 from the cloud forests of the central portion of the Sierra Madre del Sur highlands in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Bolitoglossa coaxtlahuacana sp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality and can be differentiated from other members of the group by morphological, coloration, and molecular evidence. With the description of this new taxon, the number of species in the subgenus Oaxakia increases to six.
Duality for compact group actions on operator algebras and applications: Irreducible inclusions and Galois correspondence
Authors: Peligrad Costel
Published: May 2020

We consider compact group actions on C*- and W*-algebras. We prove results that relate the duality property of the action (as defined in the Introduction) with other relevant properties of the system such as the relative commutant of the fixed point algebras being trivial (called the irreducibility of the inclusion) and also to the Galois correspondence between invariant C*-subalgebras containing the fixed point algebra and the class of closed normal subgroups of the compact group.
Two single-state semi-quantum secure direct communication protocols based on single photons
Authors: Rong Zhenbang , Qiu Daowen , Zou Xiangfu
Published: May 2020

Semi-quantum protocol is a hot topic in quantum cryptography. One of the original motivational reasons to study semi-quantum protocol is to better understand “how quantum” a protocol needs to be in order to gain an advantage over its classical counterpart. Semi-quantum secure direct communication (SQSDC) is an important branch of the semi-quantum protocol, which makes it possible to directly transfer large amounts of data between quantum participant and classical participant without need to share the secret key in advance. In this paper, we propose two new SQSDC protocols based on single photons to study how to reduce the quantum resource requirements of both quantum participant and classical participant. In both protocols, the classical participant requires neither quantum memory or quantum delay lines. We first propose in the first protocol that the quantum participant only need to prepare single-state qubits in the preparation phase, which is different from previous SQSDC protocols. Then we propose in the second protocol that quantum participant can accomplish the same work as the first one even without quantum memory. Efficiency analysis shows that the first protocol is more efficient than some protocol, and the second one can save more quantum resources at the expense of some efficiency. Compared with the existing SQSDC protocols based on single photons, both protocols can use fewer quantum states or quantum resource requirements than other protocols. Finally, we analyze the security of both protocols.
Impacts of Multiple Time Delays on a Gene Regulatory Network Mediated by Small Noncoding RNA
Authors: Liu Ming , Meng Fanwei , Hu Dongpo
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the impacts of multiple time delays on a gene regulatory network mediated by small noncoding RNA is studied. By analyzing the associated characteristic equation of the corresponding linearized system, the asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium is investigated and Hopf bifurcation is demonstrated. Furthermore, the explicit formulae for determining the direction of the Hopf bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are given by the center manifold theorem and the normal form theory for functional differential equations. Finally, some numerical simulations are demonstrated for supporting the theoretical results.
Patterns in a Modified Leslie–Gower Model with Beddington–DeAngelis Functional Response and Nonlocal Prey Competition
Authors: Gao Jianping , Guo Shangjiang
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present the theoretical results on the pattern formation of a modified Leslie–Gower diffusive predator–prey system with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response and nonlocal prey competition under Neumann boundary conditions. First, we investigate the local stability of homogeneous steady-state solutions and describe the effect of the nonlocal term on the stability of the positive homogeneous steady-state solution. Lyapunov–Schmidt method is applied to the study of steady-state bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation at the interior of constant steady state. In particular, we investigate the existence, stability and multiplicity of spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state solutions and spatially nonhomogeneous periodic solutions. Furthermore, we present a simple description of the dynamical behaviors of the system around the interaction of steady-state bifurcation curve and Hopf bifurcation curve. Finally, a numerical simulation is provided to show that the nonlocal competition term can destabilize the constant positive steady-state solution and lead to the occurrence of spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state solutions and spatially nonhomogeneous time-periodic solutions.
Design and Virtex-7-Based Implementation of Video Chaotic Secure Communications
Authors: Chen Baoju , Yu Simin , Chen Ping , Xiao Liangshan , Lü Jinhu
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a Virtex-7-based video chaotic secure communication scheme is investigated. First, the network sending and receiving controller Intellectual Property (IP) cores are designed. Next, the chaotic encryption and decryption IP cores are implemented using fixed-point algorithm, pipeline operation, and state machine control. Thus, video capturing, video displaying, network sending, network receiving, chaotic encrypting, and chaotic decrypting can be achieved via IP core integration design. An improved 7D chaotic stream cipher algorithm for resisting divide-and-conquer attack is then designed and realized on a Virtex-7 high-end FPGA platform. Hardware experimental results are also given to verify the feasibility of the scheme.
Estimation of Personalized Heterogeneous Treatment Effects Using Concatenation and Augmentation of Feature Vectors
Authors: Utkin Lev V. , Kots Mikhail V. , Chukanov Viacheslav S. , Konstantinov Andrei V. , Meldo Anna A.
Published: May 2020

A new meta-algorithm for estimating the conditional average treatment effects is pro-posed in the paper. The basic idea behind the algorithm is to consider a new dataset consisting of feature vectors produced by means of concatenation of examples from control and treatment groups, which are close to each other. Outcomes of new data are defined as the difference between outcomes of the corresponding examples comprising new feature vectors. The second idea is based on the assumption that the number of controls is rather large and the control outcome function is precisely determined. This assumption allows us to augment treatments by generating feature vectors which are closed to available treatments. The outcome regression function constructed on the augmented set of concatenated feature vectors can be viewed as an estimator of the conditional average treatment effects. A simple modification of the Co-learner based on the random subspace method or the feature bagging is also proposed. Various numerical simulation experiments illustrate the proposed algorithm and show its outperformance in comparison with the well-known T-learner and X-learner for several types of the control and treatment outcome functions.
Cuspidal edges with the same first fundamental forms along a knot
Authors: Honda Atsufumi , Naokawa Kosuke , Saji Kentaro , Umehara Masaaki , Yamada Kotaro
Published: May 2020

Letting [Formula: see text] be a compact [Formula: see text]-curve embedded in the Euclidean [Formula: see text]-space ([Formula: see text] means real analyticity), we consider a [Formula: see text]-cuspidal edge [Formula: see text] along [Formula: see text]. When [Formula: see text] is non-closed, in the authors’ previous works, the local existence of three distinct cuspidal edges along [Formula: see text] whose first fundamental forms coincide with that of [Formula: see text] was shown, under a certain reasonable assumption on [Formula: see text]. In this paper, if [Formula: see text] is closed, that is, [Formula: see text] is a knot, we show that there exist infinitely many cuspidal edges along [Formula: see text] having the same first fundamental form as that of [Formula: see text] such that their images are non-congruent to each other, in general.
Some new examples of links with the same polynomials
Authors: Tao Zhi-Xiong
Published: May 2020

We call a link (knot) [Formula: see text] to be strongly Jones (respectively, Homfly) undetectable, if there are infinitely many links which are not isotopic to [Formula: see text] but share the same Jones (respectively, Homfly) polynomial as [Formula: see text]. We reconstruct Kanenobu’s knot [Kanenobu, Infinitely many knots with the same polynomial invariant, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 97(1) (1986), 158–162] and give two new constructions. Using these constructions, we give some examples of strongly Jones undetectable: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is the mirror image of [Formula: see text]) and etc. For some special cases, these constructions will be shown to be strongly Jones undetectable and strongly Homfly undetectable.
A classification of (1,1)-positions
Authors: Kwon Bo-Hyun , Lee Jung Hoon
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we describe the equivalence classes of simple arcs between the two punctures on a 2-punctured torus [Formula: see text] up to isotopy by using the given four generators [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Actually, we show that a class of simple arcs is represented by an ordered sequence of four integers. Also, we introduce an algorithm to check whether or not an ordered sequence of four integers represents a class of simple arcs in [Formula: see text] We want to point out that this result classifies the [Formula: see text]-positions.
A note on classification of static plane symmetric perfect fluid space-times via proper conformal vector fields in f(G) theory of gravity
Authors: Hussain Fiaz , Shabbir Ghulam , Ramzan M. , Malik Shabeela , Mahomed F. M.
Published: May 2020

In the [Formula: see text] theory of gravity, we classify static plane symmetric perfect fluid space-times via proper conformal vector fields (CVFs) using algebraic and direct integration approaches. During this classification, we found eight cases. Studying each case in detail, we found that the dimensions of CVFs are 4, 5, 6 or 15. In the cases when the space-time admits 15 independent CVFs it becomes conformally flat.
Rip brane cosmology from a viscous holographic dark fluid
Authors: Brevik I. , Timoshkin A. V.
Published: May 2020

This paper is devoted to the application of the holographic principle to describe Rip brane cosmological models in the presence of a bulk viscosity. We make use of the generalized infrared-cutoff holographic dark energy, introduced by Nojiri and Odintsov. We consider various examples: Rip brane cosmology corresponding to the Little Rip case, asymptotic de Sitter theory, and the so-called Big Freeze theory leading to a singularity. Analytical expressions for infrared cutoffs, as well as the particle and the future horizons at the brane, are obtained. The equations for energy conservation on the brane within the holographic theory are obtained in each case. The correspondence between viscous cosmology and holographic cosmology on the brane is shown.
Insight into physicochemical properties of Nd2CuO4±δ and the A-site cation deficient Nd1.9CuO4±δ layered oxides
Authors: Gȩdziorowski Bartłomiej , Niemczyk Anna , Olszewska Anna , Cichy Kacper , Świerczek Konrad
Published: May 2020

Nd2CuO[Formula: see text] is known to possess either oxygen vacancies or interstitial oxygen defects, depending on the synthesis route, as well as may exhibit the A-site deficiency. In this work, insight into physicochemical properties of Nd2CuO[Formula: see text] and Nd[Formula: see text]CuO[Formula: see text] layered oxides is given, focusing on the crystal structure, electrical conductivity, and oxygen permeation, as well as on numerical density functional theory (DFT) simulations concerning ionic defects formation and their possible movement in the crystal structure. The results indicate that in oxidizing conditions at low temperatures, interstitial oxygen defects are stable, but with the increase of temperature, the release of oxygen is observed, leading to formation of the oxygen vacancies. Both materials are stable at elevated temperatures in air and Ar. Larger oxygen nonstoichiometry and improved electrical conductivity at high temperatures for Nd[Formula: see text]CuO[Formula: see text] compound are accompanied by the recorded oxygen flux of ca. 0.2[Formula: see text]mL[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] at 880∘C for 0.8[Formula: see text]mm thick ceramic membrane.
Reduced Na+ current in Purkinje fibers explains cardiac conduction defects and arrhythmias in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ebner Janine , Uhrin Pavel , Szabo Petra L. , Kiss Attila , Podesser Bruno K. , Todt Hannes , Hilber Karlheinz , Koenig Xaver
Published: May 2020

Dystrophic cardiac Purkinje fibers have abnormally reduced Na+ current densities. This explains impaired ventricular conduction in the dystrophic heart.
Atypical ALPK2 kinase is not essential for cardiac development and function
Authors: Bogomolovas Julius , Feng Wei , Yu Matthew Daniel , Huang Serena , Zhang Lunfeng , Trexler Christa , Gu Yusu , Spinozzi Simone , Chen Ju
Published: May 2020

Several studies indicated the importance of ALPK2 for cardiac function and development. A recent study in zebrafish report that loss of ALPK2 leads to severe cardiac defects. In contrast, murine Alpk2-gKO models developed in this work display no overt cardiac phenotype. Our results suggest ALPK2, as a rapidly evolving gene, lost its essential cardiac functions in mammals.
Tripterygium Glycosides Combined with Leflunomide for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yang Yi-Jing , Deng Ying , Liao Lin-Li , Peng Jun , Peng Qing-Hua , Qin Yu-Hui
Published: May 2020

Objective. To undertake an overview on the overall effects of Tripterygium glycosides (TG) combined with Leflunomide (LEF) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. We searched electronic databases from database establishment time to December 1, 2019. The clinical trial data of TG combined with LEF (trial group) and control group in the treatment of RA were collected. The Cochrane system was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. RevMan 5.3 software was used to conduct a meta‐analysis of the eligible studies. Results. A total of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 834 patients with RA were included in this study. The meta‐analysis results showed that morning stiffness (mean difference (MD) = −0.29, 95% confidential interval (CI) (−0.45, −0.12), P = 0.0005), tender joint count (MD = −1.51, 95% CI (−2.20, −0.83), P = 0.0001), swollen joint count (MD = ‐1.24, 95% CI (−1.59, −0.88), P = 0.0001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (MD = −7.26, 95% CI (−9.92, −4.61), P = 0.0001), C‐reactive protein (MD = −4.04, 95% CI (−4.93, −3.14), P = 0.0001), and rheumatoid factor (MD = −50.88, 95% CI (−72.30, −29.45), P  =  0.0001) in the trial groups were lower than those in the control groups. The total effective rate in the trial group was better than that in the control group (risk ratio (RR) = 1.20, 95% CI (1.13, 1.28), P = 0.00001). However, there was no significant difference of adverse events (RR = 0.83, 95% CI (0.61, 1.13), P = 0.23) while comparing the trial groups with the control groups. Conclusion. Our results were found to be superior but limited evidence on the effectiveness of TG combined with LEF in the treatment of RA is available.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Telephone-Based Telephysiotherapy for Treatment of Pain in Low-Resource Setting: A Retrospective Pre-Post Design
Authors: Adhikari Shambhu P. , Shrestha Pragya , Dev Rubee
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Telephysiotherapy (TPT) is a provision of physiotherapy services at a distance, using telecommunication technology when an in-person visit is not a feasible option. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of TPT in management of pain caused due to various problems among patients living in rural areas of a developing country. Methods. This retrospective study conducted in rural areas of Nepal recruited all patients who met the eligibility criteria during a day campaign. Two physiotherapists, one for assessment and another for treatment, were involved. Based on pretraining assessment finding, evidence-based individualized physiotherapy was prescribed. Pamphlets containing pictures of the prescribed exercises and instructions in the Nepali language were distributed. The treating physiotherapist made telephone calls to every patient each week to give necessary information, correction, modification, and progression of the exercise whatever required. At the end of the second and fourth weeks, pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) through telephone calls. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures followed by pairwise comparisons. Results. Fifteen patients having pain due to various conditions participated in the study. The NPRS demonstrated significantly decreased pain (at rest: F = 3.5, p=0.04, when worst: F = 26.4, p<0.001, during activities of daily living: F = 16.6, p<0.001, and during occupation: F = 15.6, p=0.001) across time. The result met the minimal clinically important difference of NPRS, which is 2. Conclusions. The telephone-based TPT interventions demonstrated significant reduction in pain caused by various musculoskeletal problems. It could be a feasible and effective treatment option for the patients living in rural areas. However, we recommend for large-scale trials to establish effectiveness of the intervention and for its implication into routine clinical practice.
Experimental Study of the Shear Performance of Scrap Tire‐Granular Material Composite Columns
Authors: Wang Fengchi , Nie Xiaomei , Zhao Hanyu , Hu Haiming
Published: May 2020

Scrap tires filled with granular materials can be used for geotechnical engineering. However, when subjected to earthquakes and other conditions, shear failure occurs between the tires. In this paper, eight groups of tire‐sand composite columns are prepared and tested under shear strength tests. Different vertical forces, sand densities, and loading modes are considered to investigate the shear performance. The failure patterns, load‐displacement curves, and stress‐strain curves are observed. The results show that the shear failure of composite undergoes three typical stages: overall flexural lateral displacement, transverse compression, and relative interfacial slip. Under monotonic loading, the restriction of the transverse deformation of the composite column is enhanced with increasing vertical force. The overall antidisturbance ability of the composite is enhanced with increasing sand density. The cyclic loading mode can improve the lateral stiffness of the tire‐sand composite. The relative motion between the tire‐sand interfaces has two forms: elastic creep and interface sliding. Under the hoop effect of the tire, the pores between the particles produce a pseudocohesive force, which causes the shear strength of the tire‐sand composite to be higher than that of common sand. A formula is obtained to describe the stress‐strain variations in the composite under different vertical forces.
Retrospective Descriptive Analysis of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) in Northwest Louisiana
Authors: Mada Pradeep Kumar , Sneed Philip , Castano Gabriel , Moore Maureen , Joel Chandranesan Andrew Stevenson
Published: May 2020

Context. West Nile virus (WNV) has become endemic in many states in the United States in recent years. One in 150 individuals with West Nile virus infection develops the West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and can cause permanent and sometimes fatal neurological damage. Aims. The aim of the study was to describe the presentation characteristics and epidemiology of WNND in Louisiana to improve future recognition of cases and decrease inappropriate antibiotic use. Settings and Design. It was a retrospective descriptive-analytic cohort study. A total of 23 patients with WNND were identified at one tertiary care hospital center in Northwest Louisiana from a retrospective chart review from January 1, 2012 to October 31, 2017. Results. The median age was 49 years (range: 15–75) for patients with WNND. Of 23 patients diagnosed with WNND, twelve (52%) were diagnosed with encephalitis (WNE), six (26%) were diagnosed with meningitis (WNM), and five (22%) with myelitis (WNME). The common symptoms with WNND were fever in 65%, altered mental status in 61%, headache in 52%, fatigue in 43%, gastrointestinal symptoms in 43%, rigors in 30%, imbalance in 26%, rash in 9%, and seizures in 26% of patients. Most patients presented in the late summer season. The average duration of antibiotics given was six days. The average number of days from the admission to the diagnosis of WNND was nine days (3 to 16 days). Twenty-one (91%) patients survived the infection. Conclusions. Identifying WNV infection early in its clinical course would help in decreasing inappropriate antibiotic use when patients presented with fever and meningeal symptoms. Performing WNV serology in CSF studies is critical in making the diagnosis.
Tetanus Toxoid Vaccination Uptake and Associated Factors among Mothers Who Gave Birth in the Last 12 Months in Errer District, Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhin Tsige Shushay , Welay Fissaha Tekulu , Mengesha Meresa Berwo , Assefa Natnael Etsay , Werid Weldu Mammo
Published: May 2020

Background. Maternal tetanus is defined as tetanus acquired during pregnancy or within 6 weeks after the end of conception. As tetanus is a vaccine‐preventable disease, immunization of pregnant mothers with a TT (tetanus toxoid) dose is one of the most effective ways to protect against the disease. Some studies showed that 94% of neonatal mortality reduction could be achieved through immunization of pregnant and childbearing‐age mothers with at least two doses of TT vaccination. Objective. To assess the uptake of tetanus toxoid vaccine and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in Errer district, Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia, 2017. Methods and Materials. A community‐based cross‐sectional study design was implemented to study 440 mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months. Participants were selected using the strata and systematic sampling technique after conducting a preliminary survey. Data were collected through a face‐to‐face interviewer‐administered questionnaire. The collected data was entered into EpiData version 3.02 and then exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were carried out to see the association between variables at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Finally, the information was presented by using frequencies, summary measures, and tables. Result. The overall tetanus vaccination uptake (≥TT2) doses was found to be 51.8%, 95% CI (47.7%, 56.4%). The total number of mothers who complete the five TT doses was 31 (14.8%). Urban residence [AOR = 6.1, 95% CI: (2.33, 10.43)], multiparity [AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: (1.7, 6.4)], and traveling less than 30 minutes from the home to a health facility [AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: (1.34, 6.72)] were some the factors that were significantly associated with tetanus toxoid vaccination uptake. Conclusion and Recommendation. Although TT immunization is a scientifically proven mechanism to protect against maternal and neonatal tetanus, only half of the district mothers received ≥TT2 doses. Besides, our study revealed that the low vaccine uptake is attributed to long distance travel to reach a health facility, maternal illiteracy, and pastoralist lifestyle of mothers in the district. Thus, the regional stakeholders are required to scale up efforts on mother’s awareness creation towards the importance of the vaccine through health education and to arrange outreach TT vaccination campaigns in distant pastoralist communities within the region.