bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Characteristics and Drug Resistance of Fungemia in General Hospitals from 2010 to 2019
Authors: Bai Yanling , Zheng Zhigang , Liu Ting , Yan Zhongqiang , Du Mingmei , Yao Hongwu , Liu Yunxi , Suo Jijiang
Published: November 2021

Objective. This study intends to analyze the data of fungemia in a large tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2019, and is aimed at understanding its epidemic characteristics and drug resistance. Methods. The “Hospital Infection Real‐Time Monitoring System” was used to retrieve the case information of patients who were hospitalized for more than 48 hours from 2010 to 2019. The questionnaire was designed to collect patients’ basic information, infection situation, drug resistance, and other related information. Statistical software was used for analysis. Results. The fungi detection rate was in the range of 0.19%~0.75% in ten years, the average rate was 0.29%, and the rate 0.2%~0.3% since 2013, which was lower than that from 2010 to 2012. Non‐Candida albicans was the main fungus, accounting for 62.50%. The drug resistance of non‐C. albicans was higher than that of C. albicans, among which C. glabrata had the highest resistance rate. Data analysis showed that the patients with more serious basic diseases, combined with infection of other sites, surgery, long hospital stay, combination of antibiotics, and invasive catheterization, were more likely to occur fungemia. Conclusion. We should pay more attention to the patients with high‐risk factors of fungemia and focus on the drug resistance of non‐C. albicans, choose the right antifungal drugs, so as to improve the level of diagnosis and treatment.
Identification of Potential Osteoporosis miRNA Biomarkers Using Bioinformatics Approaches
Authors: Lu Wei , Wang Qiang , Xue Yi , Gu Jie , Yao Ping , Ge Yufan , Miao Yiming , Chen Jun
Published: November 2021

Osteoporosis is a degenerative osteoarthropathy commonly found in old people and postmenopausal women. Many studies showed that microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the expression of osteoporosis-related genes and are abnormally expressed in patients with osteoporosis. miRNAs therefore have the potential to serve as biomarkers of osteoporosis. In this study, the limma package was used for the differential expression analysis of mRNA expression profiles and 357 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Metascape was used for functional enrichment analysis of DEGs. The result revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in signaling pathways like MAPK6/MAPK4. Based on the STRING database, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed. MCODE was used to analyze the functional subsets, and a key functional subset composed of 9 genes was screened out. In addition, the miRNA-mRNA regulatory interaction network (RegIN) was analyzed by the CyTargetLinker plugin, which generated 55 miRNA-mRNA regulatory interactions. Through literature searching, the osteoporosis-related gene FOXO1 in the key functional subset was determined to be the main object of the study. In qRT-PCR assay, the expression of the predicted miRNAs was tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of mice with osteoporosis, in which 13 miRNAs were remarkably highly expressed. All in all, this study, based on bioinformatics analysis and testing assay of miRNA expression, determined the potential biomarkers of osteoporosis.
Periodontal Diseases: Major Exacerbators of Pulmonary Diseases?
Authors: Kouanda Bakey , Sattar Zeeshan , Geraghty Patrick
Published: November 2021

Periodontal diseases are a range of polymicrobial infectious disorders, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which affect tooth-supporting tissues and are linked to playing a role in the exacerbation of several pulmonary diseases. Pulmonary diseases, such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and bronchiectasis, significantly contribute to poor quality of life and mortality. The association between periodontal disease and pulmonary outcomes is an important topic and requires further attention. Numerous resident microorganisms coexist in the oral cavity and lungs. However, changes in the normal microflora due to oral disease, old age, lifestyle habits, or dental intervention may contribute to altered aspiration of oral periodontopathic bacteria into the lungs and changing inflammatory responses. Equally, periodontal diseases are associated with the longitudinal decline in spirometry lung volume. Several studies suggest a possible beneficial effect of periodontal therapy in improving lung function with a decreased frequency of exacerbations and reduced risk of adverse respiratory events and morbidity. Here, we review the current literature outlining the link between the oral cavity and pulmonary outcomes and focus on the microflora of the oral cavity, environmental and genetic factors, and preexisting conditions that can impact oral and pulmonary outcomes.
Proteomics Analysis of Serum Proteins in Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Li Jianhua , Lu Lin , Xie Xinping , Dai Xiaofeng , Zheng Shan , Chen Lihong
Published: November 2021

Objective. The purpose of this study was to screen serum proteins for biomarkers of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to investigate its pathogenesis by analyzing the differences in serum proteomics between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women. Methods. Patients who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from June 2019 to January 2020 were included. According to the medical history and the results of the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), they were divided into the normal pregnant women group and GDM pregnant women group. The serum of two groups of patients was collected. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify differentially expressed serum proteins between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women, and bioinformatics analysis was then performed on the identified proteins. Results. A total of 1152 quantifiable proteins were detected; among them, 15 were upregulated in serum of GDM pregnant women, while 26 were downregulated. The subsequent parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay validated the expression levels of 12 out of 41 differentially expressed proteins. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins are involved in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways related to the lipid metabolism, glycan degradation, immune response, and platelet aggregation. Conclusions. This study identified 41 serum proteins with differential expression between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women, providing new candidate molecules for elucidating GDM pathogenesis and screening therapeutic targets.
Associations of Perilipin 3 with Insulin Resistance in Arab Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Alghamdi Amani , Alhotti Dalal Z. , Sabico Shaun , Al-Attas Omar S. , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: November 2021

Objective. The role of lipid metabolism disorders in the pathogenesis of T2DM has been recognized. Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic organelles that store lipids. Perilipin 3 (PLIN3) is one of the five LD coat proteins that is relatively understudied as compared to other LDs. This study is aimed at determining levels of PLIN3 among adults with varying levels of obesity and insulin resistance to determine metabolic associations of PLIN3. Methodology. A total of 280 Saudi adults (

n
=
127
 
males

;

n
=
153
 
females

) were randomly recruited and divided into three groups according to their body mass index (BMI) and fasting glucose levels: healthy and lean (HL), obese and T2DM (OD), or obese and nondiabetic (OND). Lipid profiles, fasting glucose levels, insulin, and perilipin 3 levels were measured. Results. Circulating PLIN3 was significantly lower in the OD group [8.3 ng/mL (1.2–22.5;

p
<
0.001

)] than the HL group [23.1 ng/mL (6.2–39.1;

p
<
0.001

)]. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and insulin levels were inversely correlated with PLIN3 in all subjects. Lastly, glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol cumulatively predict circulating levels of PLIN3 by as much as 11% of the variances perceived (

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Circulating PLIN3 is significantly associated with insulin resistance markers and maybe a promising candidate as a protective biomarker for T2DM.
YQHX Alleviates H/R-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis by Downregulating miR-1
Authors: Ge Luandie , Fan Yaqi , Fu Lin , Guo Mengjiao , Cao Panxia , Peng Chaojie , Wu Linke , Han Lihua , Wu Hong
Published: November 2021

Yiqi Huoxue granule (YQHX) inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI); however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) models were established using rat myocardial primary cells and H9c2 cells, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) levels and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were determined. LDH release, CK activity, caspase-3 activation, mRNA and protein ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and miR-1 expression were significantly higher (

p
<
0.01

) in the H/R model of rat myocardial primary cells and H9c2 cells compared with the control group and was inhibited by YQHX treatment (

p
<
0.01

or

p
<
0.05

). We also found that miR-1 overexpression could enhance apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, whereas apoptosis could be reduced by YQHX treatment (

p
<
0.01

). In conclusion, YQHX alleviates H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting miR-1 expression, suggesting the potential of YQHX in preventing MIRI.
Research on Public Adoption Willingness of “Internet + Government Affairs” in Blockchain Industry
Authors: Qian Li
Published: November 2021

In view of the low utilization rate of “Internet + government” service users and the weak awareness of public participation, the paper analyzes the influencing factors of “Internet + government” public adoption in the context of the blockchain industry. The empirical research is carried out from three dimensions: perceived trust, environmental characteristics, and public satisfaction; combined with the advantages of application blockchain technology in “Internet + government affairs,” it analyzes the characteristics of public adoption behavior at different stages, builds a process‐based “Internet + government affairs” public adoption model, and utilizes methods of factor analysis and structural equations to verify the models, and finally recommendations are provided to boost the public adoption. The research shows that government trust, big data security trust, and blockchain technology advantages have a significant impact on the public’s initial willingness to participate; perceived ease of use, usefulness, and quality of perception directly and positively affect public satisfaction and indirectly affect public continuous willingness to use. The results of the research provide a theoretical basis and data support for continuously improving “Internet + government affairs” quality, to fully realize the value of government affairs services in the blockchain industry.
Multiple Organ Failure Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Child with Down Syndrome: Is Trisomy 21 Associated with an Unfavourable Clinical Course?
Authors: Vazquez-Hernández Perla Idalia , Cárdenas-Conejo Alan , Catalán-Ruiz Manuel Alejandro , Navar-Gallegos Karla , Zenteno-Salazar Emilio , Rafael-Parra-Bravo Jose , Aragon-Nogales Ranferi , Ibarra-Sarlat Maribel , Núñez-Enríquez Juan Carlos
Published: November 2021

Introduction. Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most frequent genomic disorders around the globe (∼1:700 births). During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been recognized that children with DS are patients with a greater risk of presenting SARS-CoV-2 infection-related poor outcomes. Nonetheless, a few cases with DS and SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported. Our aim is to describe the unfavorable clinical course of a child with DS infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Case. Female, 2 years old, karyotype 47,XX,+21[30], previously diagnosed with a cyanotic congenital heart disease (tricuspid atresia and infundibular pulmonary stenosis, type Ib) who started with diarrhea, developed shortness of breath, and cyanosis and was admitted to the hospital presenting low-oxygen saturation (33%) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation support. The patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. During hospitalization, the patient presented hypotension, anuria, retarded capillary filling, and metabolic acidosis; management with vasoactive drugs was needed. Nonetheless, the patient developed respiratory and cardiac failure, acute renal injury (AKIN-III), and septic shock. After 24 days of hospitalization, the patient died. Conclusions. Multiple organ failure observed in the patient presented could be related to the triple gene dose of four interferon receptors (IFNAR1, IFNAR2, IFNGR2, and IL10RB) located at 21q22.11. Additionally, overexpression of TMPRSS2 at the pulmonary level, located also at 21q22.3, could be related with an increased susceptibility for the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection in DS patients.
Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Properties of TiAlN Thin Films Deposited by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Natrayan L. , Balaji S. , Bharathiraja G. , Kaliappan S. , Veeman Dhinakaran , Mammo Wubishet Degife
Published: November 2021

The mechanical properties of TiAlN deposited on the steel are explained in this study. Thin films are deposited by RF magnetron sputtering on the steel substrates to improve the wear resistance and hardness of the samples. Due to their improved microstructure and nanograins, the nanofilms have improved the mechanical properties of the steel substrate surface. The thin film deposited has improved the wear resistance by 80% and has improved the hardness by 95%. The deposited thin films are tested for hardness by nanoindentation and wear test by the pin-on-disk test. SEM has tested films for their microstructure and adhesion by nanoscratch test.
MicroRNA-139-5p Suppresses Cell Malignant Behaviors in Breast Cancer through Targeting MEX3A
Authors: Chu Jian , Li Tangya , Li Lei , Fan Huiwen
Published: November 2021

Objective. The study was designed to evaluate the underlying mechanism of microRNA-139-5p in breast cancer (BC). Methods. Expression statuses of microRNA-139-5p and MEX3A were measured by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The anticancer effect of microRNA-139-5p in vitro was tested by a set of assays. Interaction between microRNA-139-5p and MEX3A was validated by dual-luciferase detection. Results. MicroRNA-139-5p expression in BC cells was obviously low, while MEX3A was significantly overexpressed. MicroRNA-139-5p restrained proliferative, invasive, and migratory abilities of BC cells and increased apoptosis level of BC cells, while MEX3A exerted a promoting effect on BC cell growth. Dual-luciferase reporter detection confirmed that microRNA-139-5p bound to MEX3A 3

′

-UTR. Conclusions. MicroRNA-139-5p inhibited the development of BC by targeting MEX3A. MicroRNA-139-5p/MEX3A may be a target for BC therapy.
Hyperheuristic Based Migrating Birds Optimization Algorithm for a Fairness Oriented Shift Scheduling Problem
Authors: Alp Gözde , Alkaya Ali Fuat
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it introduces a new hybrid computational intelligence algorithm to the optimization community. This novel hybrid algorithm has hyperheuristic (HH) neighborhood search movements embedded into a recently introduced migrating birds optimization (MBO) algorithm. Therefore, it is called HHMBO. Second, it gives the necessary mathematical model for a shift scheduling problem of a manufacturing company defined by including the fairness perspective, which is typically ignored especially in manufacturing industry. Therefore, we call this complex optimization problem fairness oriented integrated shift scheduling problem (FOSSP). HHMBO is applied on FOSSP and is compared with the well-known simulated annealing, hyperheuristics, and classical MBO algorithms through extended computational experiments on several synthetic datasets. Experiments demonstrate that the new hybrid computational intelligence algorithm is promising especially for large sized instances of the specific problem defined here. HHMBO has a high exploration capability and is a promising technique for all optimization problems. To justify this assertion, we applied HHMBO to the well-known quadratic assignment problem (QAP) instances from the QAPLIB. HHMBO was up to 14.6% better than MBO on converging to the best known solutions for QAP benchmark instances with different densities. We believe that the novel hybrid method and the fairness oriented model presented in this study will give new insights to the decision-makers in the industry as well as to the researchers from several disciplines.
Analysis of Proteomic Characteristics of Peripheral Blood in Preeclampsia and Study of Changes in Fetal Arterial Doppler Parameters Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Xundan , Qu Lei , Zhang Wenting , Yang Fang , Hou Xiaoxia , Wang Shaoli
Published: November 2021

Background. Traditional mass spectrometry detection methods have low detection efficiency for low-abundance proteins, thus limiting the application of proteomic analysis in the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Magnetic nanomaterials have good superparamagnetism and have obvious advantages in the field of biological separation and enrichment. Aim. The objective of this study is to explore the value of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the proteomic analysis of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods. 42 patients and 40 normal pregnant women were selected in this study for analysis. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed to evaluate the function of these differential proteins. Proteomic analysis was used to analyze the differential proteins. Color Doppler ultrasound technology was used to detect changes in the blood flow of the fetal umbilical artery and cerebral artery. Results. 16 differential proteins in the serum of pregnant women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women were detected. The 16 proteins are mainly related to angiogenesis and endothelial function proteins, coagulation cascade proteins, placental growth factor, and so on. Biological function analysis revealed that these proteins are mainly enriched in the nuclear factor kB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Moreover, our data suggested that compared with the fetus in the uterus of normal pregnant women, the umbilical artery S/D, PI, and RI of the fetus in preeclampsia were greatly increased, and the cerebral artery S/D, PI, and RI were greatly decreased. Conclusion. Biological function analysis revealed that 16 proteins are mainly enriched in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Compared with the normal group, the umbilical artery S/D, PI, and RI of the preeclampsia group were greatly increased, and the cerebral artery S/D, PI, and RI were all greatly reduced. Our findings provided a more comprehensive reference for us to study the mechanism of preeclampsia at the molecular level and also provide data support for the screening of relevant markers for early diagnosis of preeclampsia.
Risk Assessment of Shield Tunnel Construction in Karst Strata Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process and Cloud Model
Authors: Meng Guowang , Ye Yangchun , Wu Bo , Luo Guijun , Zhang Xu , Zhou Zhiqiang , Sun Wentao
Published: November 2021

Karst is an unfavorable geology that is very undesirable in tunnel construction. It is extremely risky due to the complexity and fuzziness of shield excavation in karst strata. To reduce the construction risk of shield tunneling in karst strata, a risk assessment method based on cloud model and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is proposed. A risk assessment index system is established, including four first‐level indices of karst geological conditions, hydrogeological conditions, tunnel design, and shield construction, as well as seventeen second‐level indices. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the evaluation indices weights. The numerical characteristics of each index and the risk cloud diagram are obtained via the backward cloud generator and forward cloud generator, respectively. The certainty degrees of the assessment indices corresponding to each risk level are calculated, and the final risk level is determined based on the comparison of the risk cloud diagram and the principle of maximum certainty. The proposed model is applied to the risk analysis and calculation of shield tunnel engineering, and the risk assessment results indicate that the comprehensive risk level of shield tunnel construction in karst strata is level II, which is consistent with the actual project. It demonstrates that the proposed method can provide a reference for the risk assessment of shield tunnels construction in karst strata.
Analysis of Clinical Manifestations, Imaging Features, and Gene Mutation Characteristics of 6 Children with Cystic Fibrosis in China
Authors: Chu Yajuan , Shuai Jinfeng , Huang Kunling , Liu Jianhua , Lv Wenshan , Li Baochi
Published: November 2021

Objective. To explore the clinical manifestations, imaging features, and gene mutation characteristics of 6 children with cystic fibrosis (CF) so as to improve the understanding and diagnosis awareness of CF in children and reduce the missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Methods. The clinical manifestations, imaging, and gene mutation data of six children with CF were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results. Among the 6 cases of CF, there were 4 males and 2 females. Among the 6 children with CF, 5 cases presented with recurrent respiratory tract infection. Etiology suggested 3 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 2 cases of Staphylococcus aureus. 3 cases had pancreatic exocrine dysfunction, manifested as diarrhea and aliphatic diarrhea, of which 1 case had high lipase in blood examination, and pancreatic ultrasound showed rough and enhanced pancreatic echo, considering pancreatic cystic fibrosis. 2 cases of CF combined with pseudo-Bartter syndrome (PBS); 1 case involved only the biliary tract and started with cholestasis without other systemic involvement. In 2 cases of sweat test, sweat chloride ions were all >60 mmol/L. 3 cases underwent fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and a large number of sticky secretions were visible under the bronchoscopy. CT of the chest revealed thickening of the bronchial wall (3 cases), bronchiectasis (1 case), atelectasis (1 case), and thin bronchial lumen (2 cases). 1 patient was found to have small airway lesions and mosaic perfusion during follow-up. All 6 children with CF underwent genetic testing. A total of 12 CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations were found, of which 4 mutations were not reported in the literature. Conclusion. CF is a disease caused by CFTR mutation. The incidence of this disease in China is low, and the clinical manifestations have great differences. The main symptoms are respiratory symptoms. Some children have gastrointestinal symptoms and/or PBS, and some children only show a single systemic lesion.
New One‐Dimensional Search Iteration Algorithm and Engineering Application
Authors: Luo Yiping , Meng Jinhao , Wang Defa , Xue Guobin
Published: November 2021

In structural optimization design, obtaining the optimal solution of the objective function is the key to optimal design, and one‐dimensional search is one of the important methods for function optimization. The Golden Section method is the main method of one‐dimensional search, which has better convergence and stability. Based on the solution of the Golden Section method, this paper proposes an efficient one‐dimensional search algorithm, which has the advantages of fast convergence and good stability. An objective function calculation formula is introduced to compare and analyse this method with the Golden Section method, Newton method, and Fibonacci method. It is concluded that when the accuracy is set to 0.1, the new algorithm needs 3 iterations to obtain the target value. The Golden Section method takes 11 iterations, and the Fibonacci method requires 11 iterations. The Newton method cannot obtain the target value. When the accuracy is set to 0.01, the number of iterations of the new method is still the least. The optimized design of the T‐section beam is introduced for engineering application research. When the accuracy is set to 0.1, the new method needs 3 iterations to obtain the target value and the Golden Section method requires 13 iterations. When the accuracy is set to 0.01, the new method requires 4 iterations and the Golden Section method requires 18 iterations. The new method has significant advantages in the one‐dimensional search optimization problem.
Application of the Big Data Analysis Model in Higher Education Talent Training Quality Evaluation
Authors: Li Lijun , Wang Wentao , Bian Fei
Published: November 2021

With the increasing demand for applied and professional talents, the talent market has been in short supply. Although there are many talents in the talent market, the quality of talents cannot keep up with the development of quantity. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to establish a visual evaluation system of personnel training quality in the field of higher education. In view of the unreasonable evaluation and unclear weight relationship in the evaluation of educational indicators, this paper puts forward a big data analysis model to comprehensively evaluate teaching evaluation indicators, which has more scientific significance. In this paper, different systems in the index system are used as the analysis objects and the first‐level weight relationship is normalized, which can distribute the weights more reasonably. Through the big data analysis method, the teaching quality evaluation system is more reasonable and scientific. In this paper, the quality index system for higher education background is designed and constructed and the weight relationship of different educational indicators is analyzed through big data, and four main indicators are obtained; then, the weight relationship of secondary indicators is analyzed, and finally, the weight relationship of all indicators is formed. The results show that the weight relationship of four indexes is 0.3285, 0.1973, 0.2967, and 0.1755, and the evaluation model of education quality is given.
Alternative Definitions of Complexity for Practical Applications of Model Selection Criteria
Authors: Andrea Murari , Rossi Riccardo , Craciunescu Teddy
Published: November 2021

Defining and quantifying complexity is one of the major challenges of modern science and contemporary societies. This task is particularly critical for model selection, which is aimed at properly identifying the most adequate equations to interpret the available data. The traditional solution of equating the complexity of the models to the number of their parameters is clearly unsatisfactory. Three alternative approaches are proposed in this work. The first one estimates the flexibility of the proposed models to quantify their potential to overfit. The second interprets complexity as lack of stability and is implemented by computing the variations in the predictions due to uncertainties in their parameters. The third alternative is focused on assessing the consistency of extrapolation of the candidate models. All the upgrades are easy to implement and typically outperform the traditional versions of model selection criteria and constitute a good set of alternatives to be deployed, depending on the priorities of the investigators and the characteristics of the application.
Dissolution Behavior of Simulated Spent Nuclear Fuel in LiCl-KCl-UCl3 Molten Salt
Authors: Lee Sang-Kwon , Kim Sung-Wook , Jang Jun-Hyuk , Jeon Min Ku , Choi Eun-Young
Published: November 2021

Considering the necessity of the development of methods to reduce the burden of storage and disposal of high-level radioactive waste, in this study, we propose a nuclide separation technique using molten salt immersion. The dissolution behavior of simulated spent nuclear fuels (SSFs) immersed in a LiCl-KCl-UCl3 (LKU) molten salt at 500°C was investigated using a combination of thermodynamic and experimental studies. Surrogates of transuranic elements (TRUs), that is, rare earth elements (REs), in the SSFs were dissolved into the molten salt without any damage to the UO2 structure of the SSFs. The results suggest that the LKU salt technique can be used to separate REs and, potentially, TRUs from actual spent nuclear fuels (SNFs). It is thought that this technique is advantageous over the conventional TRU recovery techniques because the majority of the SNFs (i.e., UO2) remained stable, thus reducing the process burden. Several SNF treatment process options using this technique were suggested. This study will serve as a guide for future studies on the management of high-level waste discharged from nuclear reactors.
A Study on the Relationship between Postural Control and Pain-Related Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Yu Qiuhua , Huo Yunxia , Chen Min , Zhang Zhou , Li Zhicheng , Luo Haizhen , Liang Zhenwen , Wang Chuhuai , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose
Published: November 2021

Objectives. To explore the relationship between postural control and pain-related clinical outcomes in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (cNLBP). Methods. Participants with cNLBP and healthy individuals were recruited. Muscle activities were recorded during internal and external perturbation tasks. Postural control capacity was assessed by muscle onset time and integrals of electromyography (iEMGs) of postural muscles during the phases of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and compensatory postural adjustments (CPAs). Correlation analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between postural control capacity, pain, and disability. Results. Twenty-seven patients with cNLBP and 27 healthy participants were recruited. Gastrocnemius (GA) muscle onset time was earlier in the cNLBP group than in the control group in the internal perturbation task. The onset time of GA and erector spinae (ES) of the cNLBP group was later than that of the controls in the external perturbation task. Disability level moderately correlated with the iEMGs of rectus abdominis (RA), GA, and external oblique (EO) during APAs. Pain score moderately correlated with the iEMGs of RA, EO, and ES during CPAs of perturbation tasks. Conclusion. cNLBP participants had altered muscle activation strategy to maintain postural stability in response to perturbation. This study further discovered that pain-related disabilities of cNLBP participants were likely related to the APAs capacity, whereas the pain intensity may relate to the CPAs capacity. Pain and disability may therefore be related to the control process of the posture-related muscles.
Topical Administration of 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2 Using a Nonionic Cream: Effect on UVB-Induced Skin Oxidative, Inflammatory, and Histopathological Modifications in Mice
Authors: Kumagai Clovis M. , Martinez Renata M. , Colombo Barbara B. , Saito Priscila , Pinto Ingrid C. , Rodrigues Camilla C. A. , Vale David L. , Matos Ricardo L. N. , Bracarense Ana P. F. R. L. , Baracat Marcela M. , Georgetti Sandra R. , Clemente-Napimoga Juliana T. , Napimoga Marcelo H. , Fattori Victor , Verri Waldiceu A. , Casagrande Rúbia
Published: November 2021

UVB radiation is certainly one of the most important environmental threats to which we are subjected to. This fact highlights the crucial protective role of the skin. However, the skin itself may not be capable of protecting against UVB depending on irradiation intensity and time of exposition. Sun blockers are used to protect our skin, but they fail to fully protect it against oxidative and inflammatory injuries initiated by UVB. To solve this issue, topical administration of active molecules is an option. 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is an arachidonic acid-derived lipid with proresolution and anti-inflammatory actions. However, as far as we are aware, there is no evidence of its therapeutic use in a topical formulation to treat the deleterious events initiated by UVB, which was the aim of the present study. We used a nonionic cream to vehiculate 15d-PGJ2 (30, 90, and 300 ng/mouse) (TFcPGJ2) in the skin of hairless mice. UVB increased skin edema, myeloperoxidase activity, metalloproteinase-9 activity, lipid peroxidation, superoxide anion production, gp91phox and COX-2 mRNA expression, cytokine production, sunburn and mast cells, thickening of the epidermis, and collagen degradation. UVB also diminished skin ability to reduce iron and scavenge free radicals, reduced glutathione (GSH), sulfhydryl proteins, and catalase activity. TFcPGJ2 inhibited all these pathological alterations in the skin caused by UVB. No activity was observed with the unloaded topical formulation. The protective outcome of TFcPGJ2 indicates it is a promising therapeutic approach against cutaneous inflammatory and oxidative pathological alterations.
Design of a Novel 60 GHz Millimeter Wave Q-Slot Antenna for Body-Centric Communications
Authors: Khan Mohammad Monirujjaman , Islam Kaisarul , Alam Shovon Md. Nakib , Baz Mohammed , Masud Mehedi
Published: November 2021

The 60 GHz band is a great prospect to meet the future demand for short-range indoor communication requiring wide bandwidth and high data rates. This paper presents the design of a 60 GHz printed Q-slot patch antenna for body-centric communication. The Q-slot has a slot gap of 0.2 mm and is etched on a 6.5 mm × 11 mm rectangular patch. The slotted patch is mounted on an FR-4 (Flame Retardant) substrate that is 1.6 mm thick and has a relative permittivity of 4.3. With a partial ground plane of length of 2.2 mm, the antenna’s overall dimension is 12.9 mm × 14 mm × 1.6 mm. Computer Simulation Technology (CST) microwave studio was used to design and simulate the antenna. In free space, the antenna is resonant at 60.06 GHz with an impedance bandwidth of 12.11 GHz. At 60 GHz, the antenna’s radiation efficiency is 82.15%, with a maximum gain of 8.62 dBi. For further analysis, parametric changes were made to observe the effect on return loss, radiation efficiency, and gain. The antenna was simulated on a three-layer human torso phantom for the on-body scenario. The antenna’s resonant frequency shifted slightly to the right at 2 mm distant from the phantom while maintaining a very wide impedance bandwidth. At this point, the antenna’s radiation efficiency dropped to 56.68% and gradually increased to 74.04% at 10 mm. The maximum gain remained largely unaffected, but some grated radiation patterns were observed.
Identifying the Profile of Helicobacter pylori–Negative Gastric Cancers: A Case-Only Analysis within the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project
Authors: Morais Samantha , Peleteiro Bárbara , Araújo Natália , Malekzadeh Reza , Ye Weimin , Plymoth Amelie , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hidaka Akihisa , Hamada Gerson Shigueaki , López-Carrillo Lizbeth , Zaridze David , Maximovich Dmitry , Aragonés Nuria , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Pakseresht Mohammadreza , Hernández-Ramírez Raúl Ulises , López-Cervantes Malaquias , Leja Marcis , Gasenko Evita , Pourfarzi Farhad , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Yu Guo-Pei , Derakhshan Mohammad H. , Pelucchi Claudio , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo , Lunet Nuno
Published: November 2021

Background:

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori–negative gastric cancer (HpNGC) can be as low as 1%, when infection is assessed using more sensitive tests or considering the presence of gastric atrophy. HpNGC may share a high-risk profile contributing to the occurrence of cancer in the absence of infection. We estimated the proportion of HpNGC, using different criteria to define infection status, and compared HpNGC and positive cases regarding gastric cancer risk factors.

Methods:

Cases from 12 studies from the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project providing data on H. pylori infection status determined by serologic test were included. HpNGC was reclassified as positive (eight studies) when cases presented CagA markers (four studies), gastric atrophy (six studies), or advanced stage at diagnosis (three studies), and were compared with positive cases. A two-stage approach (random-effects models) was used to pool study-specific prevalence and adjusted odds ratios (OR).

Results:

Among non-cardia cases, the pooled prevalence of HpNGC was 22.4% (n = 166/853) and decreased to 7.0% (n = 55) when considering CagA status; estimates for all criteria were 21.8% (n = 276/1,325) and 6.6% (n = 97), respectively. HpNGC had a family history of gastric cancer more often [OR = 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–4.61] and were current smokers (OR = 2.16; 95% CI, 0.52–9.02).

Conclusion:

This study found a low prevalence of HpNGC, who are more likely to have a family history of gastric cancer in first-degree relatives.

Impact:

Our results support that H. pylori infection is present in most non-cardia gastric cancers, and suggest that HpNGC may have distinct patterns of exposure to other risk factors.
Revision Chiari Surgery in Young Children: Predictors and Outcomes
Authors: Chae John K. , Greenfield Jeffrey P.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Children aged 0–6 years with Chiari malformation (CM) often present with atypical symptoms and require revision surgery more often than older children. We studied characteristics and outcomes of CM patients in this age-group who underwent one or more revision surgeries to assess how often revision surgery is necessary and successful in this age-group. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who were diagnosed with CM 1 or CM 1.5 and surgically treated with posterior fossa decompression (PFD) with or without duraplasty before their 7th birthday. Basic demographics, preoperative presentation, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: Forty patients (mean age 3.2 ± 1.7 years, 35% female) were reviewed. The most common presenting symptoms were headache, dysphagia, and respiratory problems. Eight patients required one or more revision surgeries 11.6 ± 7.6 months on average after their initial surgery. Comparing the revision and no revision groups, dysautonomia was significantly more common prior to initial surgery in the children requiring revision (37.5 vs. 3.1%, p = 0.02). The revision group also trended toward more dysphagia (75.0 vs. 46.9%, p = 0.24) and respiratory problems (75.0 vs. 40.6%, p = 0.12). The most frequent reasons for reoperation were symptom recurrence (6/8), residual posterior fossa compression (3/8), significant scar tissue formation (2/8), ventral brainstem compression (1/8), and suspected craniocervical instability (1/8). Of the 8 children undergoing reoperation, surgery achieved symptom resolution or improvement in 5, while 3 had unchanged symptoms. Two patients underwent a third surgery, after which 1 showed improvement and the other did not. This last patient showed short-term improvement after a fourth surgery but had symptom recurrence 12 months later. Discussion/Conclusion: Oropharyngeal and respiratory problems are particularly common in children aged 0–6 years with CM. Presentation with dysautonomia or other signs of brainstem compression will often predict an additional surgery will be needed after an initial PFD. Symptom recurrence is the most frequent reason for reoperation, and revision surgeries lead to improved clinical outcomes in the majority but not all of these young patients. Surgery in very young children is successful, but reoperation should be integrated into an up-front discussion algorithm particularly in children with severe symptoms.
The Effect of Cannabidiol Coated by Nano-Chitosan on Learning and Memory, Hippocampal CB1 and CB2 Levels, and Amyloid Plaques in an Alzheimer’s Disease Rat Model
Authors: Amini Mohammadali , Abdolmaleki Zohreh
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Using nanoparticle (NP) drugs can have better effects on the target tissue in various diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the degenerative neurological diseases that due to its high prevalence, requires the use of more appropriate treatments. Therefore, the aim of this study was consideration of the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) coated by nano-chitosan on learning and memory, hippocampal cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB2) levels, and amyloid plaques in an AD rat model. Material and Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 7 in each): control, Alzheimer’s disease model that received the beta-amyloid (Aβ) peptide (Alz), Alz + nano-chitosan (NP) Alz + CBD, and Alz + NP + CBD. Alz was induced by injection of the Aβ1-42 peptide into the hippocampal area cornu ammonis1. After confirmation of Alz, 1 μL of CBD and NP + CBD were administered by oral gavage daily in rats for 1 month. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to assess learning and memory of animals. Cresyl violet staining was used for consideration of dead cells. Gene and protein expression of CB1 and CB2 was performed by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry methods. Results: Induction of Alz significantly increased Aβ plaques and dead cells compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Results of MWM in the day test show that Alz + NP + CBD significantly decrease escape latency (p < 0.01), travelled distance (p < 0.001), and significantly increased spending time (p < 0.001) compared to the Alz group. Protein expression of CB1 and CB2 significantly increased in Alz + CBD and Alz + NP + CBD compared to the Alz group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that CBD coated by nano-chitosan has good potential for reducing Aβ plaques, increasing brain CB1 and levels CB2, and improving learning and memory in Alz rats.
Reduced Growth in Non-Small for Gestational Age Fetuses from 35 Weeks of Gestation to Birth and Perinatal Outcomes
Authors: Dieste Pérez Peña , Esteban Luis M. , Savirón-Cornudella Ricardo , Pérez-López Faustino R. , Castán-Mateo Sergio , Sanz Gerardo , Tajada-Duaso Mauricio
Published: November 2021

Objective: This study aimed to assess reduced fetal growth between 35 weeks of gestation and birth in non-small for gestational age fetuses associated with adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). Material and Method: It is a retrospective cohort study of 9,164 non-small for gestational age fetuses estimated by ultrasound at 35 weeks. The difference between the birth weight percentile and the estimated percentile weight (EPW) at 35 weeks of gestation was calculated, and we studied the relationship of this difference with the appearance of APO. APOs were defined as cesarean or instrumental delivery rates for nonreassuring fetal status, 5-min Apgar score <7, arterial cord blood pH <7.10, and stillbirth. Fetuses that exhibited a percentile decrease between both moments were classified into 6 categories according to the amount of percentile decrease (0.01–10.0, 10.01–20.0, 20.01–30.0, 30.01–40.0, 40.01–50.0, and >50.0 percentiles). It was evaluated whether the appearance of APO was related to the amount of this percentile decrease. Relative risk (RR) was calculated in these subgroups to predict APOs in general and for each APO in particular. Receiver operating characteristic and area under curves (AUC) for the difference in the percentile was calculated, used as a continuous parameter in the entire study population. Results: The median gestational age at delivery in uncomplicated pregnancies was 40.0 (39.1–40.7) and in pregnancies with APOs 40.3 (49.4–41.0), p < 0.001. The prevalence of APOs was greater in the group of fetuses with a decrease in percentile (7.6%) compared to those with increased percentile (4.8%) (p < 0.001). The RR was 1.63 (95% CI: 1.365–1.944, p < 0.001). Although the differences were significant in all decreased percentile groups, RRs were significantly higher when decreased growth values were >40 points (RR: 2.036, 95% CI: 1.581–2.623, p < 0.001). The estimated value of the AUC for percentile decrease was 0.58 (0.56–0.61, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Fetuses with a decrease in the EPW between the ultrasound at 35 weeks of gestation and birth have a higher risk of APOs, being double in fetuses with a decrease of >40 percentile points.
A Test of Foraging Models Using Dietary Diversity Indices for the Lomako Forest Bonobos
Authors: Hickmott Alexana J. , Waller Michel T. , Wakefield Monica L. , Malone Nicholas , Brand Colin M. , White Frances J.
Published: November 2021

Optimal diet and functional response models are used to understand the evolution of primate foraging strategies. The predictions of these models can be tested by examining the geographic and seasonal variation in dietary diversity. Dietary diversity is a useful tool that allows dietary comparisons across differing sampling locations and time periods. Bonobos (Pan paniscus) are considered primarily frugivorous and consume fruits, leaves, insects, vertebrates, terrestrial herbaceous vegetation, and flowers. Frugivores, like bonobos, are valuable for examining dietary diversity and testing foraging models because they eat a variety of species and are subject to seasonal shifts in fruit availability. Frugivorous primate species thus allow for tests of how variation in dietary diversity is correlated with variation in ecological factors. We investigated measures of dietary diversity in bonobos at two research camps across field seasons within the same protected area (N’dele and Iyema) in Lomako Forest, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We compared the results of behavioral observation (1984/1985, 1991, 1995, 2014, and 2017) and fecal washing analysis (2007 and 2009) between seasons and study period using three diversity indices (Shannon’s, Simpson’s, and SW evenness). The average yearly dietary diversity indices at N’dele were Shannon’s Hʹ = 2.04, Simpson’s D = 0.82, and SW evenness = 0.88 while at Iyema, the indices were Shannon’s Hʹ = 2.02, Simpson’s D = 0.82, and SW evenness = 0.88. Behavioral observation data sets yielded significantly higher dietary diversity indices than fecal washing data sets. We found that food item (fruit, leaf, and flower) consumption was not associated with seasonal food availability for the 2017 behavioral observation data set. Shannon’s index was lower during periods when fewer bonobo dietary items were available to consume and higher when fruit was abundant. Finally, we found that optimal diet models best-explained patterns of seasonal food availability and dietary diversity. Dietary diversity is an essential factor to consider when understanding primate diets and can be a tool in understanding variation in primate diets, particularly among frugivores. Dietary diversity varies across populations of the same species and across time, and it is critical in establishing a complete understanding of how primate diets change over time.
Aphakic Pupillary Block by an Intact Anterior Vitreous Membrane after Total Lens Extraction by Phacoemulsification
Authors: Kono Michihiro , Ishida Akiko , Ichioka Sho , Matsuo Masato , Shimizu Hiroshi , Tanito Masaki
Published: November 2021

An 85-year-old Japanese woman with acute primary angle closure in her right eye underwent cataract extraction. Because of the weakness of the Zinn’s zonules, all of the lens tissue including the lens capsule was removed by phacoemulsification. Because of the absence of vitreous prolapse into the anterior chamber, vitrectomy was not performed. Nine days postoperatively, acute angle closure due to pupillary block by an anterior vitreous membrane developed. To resolve the pupillary block, anterior vitrectomy was performed on the same day. Postoperatively, her symptoms resolved, the anterior chamber deepened, and the intraocular pressure normalized. Although rare, acute angle closure due to pupillary block by an anterior vitreous membrane can occur after total lens extraction with phacoemulsification. If no vitreous prolapse occurs with total lens extraction, an intentional hyaloidotomy using an anterior vitreous cutter or iridectomy should be considered to avoid secondary angle closure.