bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Surveillance in Czech Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review of the Literature from the Past Two Decades
Authors: Materová Eliška , Pelclová Jana , Gába Aleš , Frömel Karel
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to map the available evidence related to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in Czech children and adolescents and suggest future directions and improvements to strengthen surveillance on PA and SB in the Czech Republic. Methods: The search of studies published between January 2000 to December 2020 included the Medline and Medvik databases and a hand search in eight Czech journals related to the topic. This review followed the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews".Results: Out of 350 identified studies, 79 met the selected criteria. The majority of studies were cross-sectional (89%), approximately two-thirds of the studies (61%) examined only PA, and half of the studies (51%) employed device-based assessments. Approximately 47% of studies reported the prevalence of physical inactivity based on inconsistently defined recommendations. Approximately, 14%, 23%, and 10% of studies focused on active transport, organized PA (including physical education or leisure-time PA), and parent-child PA, respectively. Conclusions: Future studies need to focus on longitudinal design and interventions, randomly selected samples, a mix of devised-based and self-reported methods, and recognition of health-related 24-h time-use patterns. This review advocates the governmental-supported development of a national surveillance system helping to the reduction of insufficient PA and excessive SB.
Genetic risk factors for pathogenic IgG4 autoantibodies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of HLA class II associations in patients with IgG4 autoimmune diseases
Authors: Panhuber Anja , Lamorte Giovanni , Bruno Veronica , Cetin Hakan , Bauer Wolfgang , Erber Astrid , Frommlet Florian , Koneczny Inga
Published: October 2021

Autoimmune diseases caused by pathogenic IgG4 subclass autoantibodies (IgG4-AID) include diseases like MuSK myasthenia gravis, pemphigus vulgaris or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Their etiology is still unknown. Polymorphisms in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene locus, particularly in HLA-DRB1, are known genetic susceptibility factors for autoimmune diseases.
We hypothesized a similar role for HLA polymorphisms in IgG4-AID and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with case-control studies on IgG4-AID based on MOOSE and HuGENet guidelines.
Genotype (G) and allele (A) frequencies of HLA-DQB1*05 (G: OR 3.8; 95% CI 2.44-5.9; p < 0.00001; A: OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.82-3.55; p < 0.00001) and HLA-DRB1*14 (G: OR 4.31; 95% CI 2.82-6.59; p < 0.00001; A: OR 4.78; 95% CI 3.52-6.49; p < 0.00001) and the HLA-DRB1*14-DQB1*05 haplotype (OR 6.3; 95% CI 3.28-12.09; p < 0.00001 / OR 4.98; 95% CI 3.8-6.53; p < 0.00001) were increased while HLA-DRB1*13 (G: OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.34-0.68; p < 0.0001; A: OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.34-0.62; p < 0.00001) was decreased in IgG4-AID patients.
In conclusion, the HLA-DQB1*05 , HLA-DRB1*14 alleles and the HLA-DQB1*05-DRB1*14 haplotype could be genetic risk factors that predispose for the production of pathogenic IgG4 autoantibodies and the HLA-DRB1*13 allele may protect from IgG4 autoimmunity.
Effect of magnetic field, size and donor position on the absorption coefficients related a donor within the core/shell/shell quantum dot
Authors: AL Emre Bahadir
Published: October 2021

In this study, linear, nonlinear and total optical absorption coefficients related a single shallow donor atom confined in semiconductor core/shell/shell quantum dot heterostructure are researched in detail within the compact density matrix formalism approximation. For this purpose, firstly, the energies and the wavefunctions are computed by the diagonalization method in the effective mass approach. Moreover, the effects of size modulation, donor position and magnetic field are analyzed. The numerical results indicate that the linear and nonlinear parts of the absorption coefficients related with intersubband 1s-1p and 1p-1d donor transitions undergo significant changes.
Self-reported mental health status of pregnant women in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chung Ho-Fung , Andersson Ewa , Huang Hsuan-Ying , Acharya Ganesh , Schwank Simone
Published: October 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to unprecedented worries and challenges for pregnant women due to social restrictions and changes in maternity care provision. We aimed to investigate the mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women in Sweden and explore factors associated with poor perinatal mental health in this specific context. Method: This was a nation-wide cross-sectional survey of pregnant women living in Sweden. Validated questionnaires were distributed through non-profit organizations´ websites and social media channels from May 2020 to February 2021. Perinatal depression, anxiety, and acute stress reaction were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7) and Impact Event Scale (Revised)(IES-R), respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics and self-perceived mental well-being were also obtained. Factors associated with mental health outcomes were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Among a total of 522 participants, 42.5% (n=222) reported depression (EPDS ≥13), 25.3% (n=132) moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7 score≥10), and 23.4% (n=122) moderate to severe acute stress reaction (IES-R ≥33). 27.4% participants (n=143, 27.4%) expressed concerns regarding their mental well-being during the pandemic. Pregnant mothers who had sick family members reported more severe poor mental health outcomes than those who did not (median [Interquartile range (IQR)] EPDS scores: 14.0 [8.75 – 18.0] vs 10.0 [6.0 – 14.0], p<.001; median [IQR] GAD7 scores: 7.0 [4.0 – 12.25] vs 5.0 [3.0 – 9.0], p<.001; median (IQR) IES-R scores: 20.0 [9.0 – 38.0] vs 15.0 [7.0 – 28.0], p=.008). Logistic regression analyses revealed that risk factors for poor mental health outcomes were having a sick family member with any illness, unemployment, giving birth, and experiencing an exceptional stressful life event. Having a higher educational level, younger age, and changing career during the pandemic were protective. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety were highly prevalent among pregnant women in Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a need for professional mental health support for this vulnerable group of population. Unemployment was an associated risk factor whereas younger age and higher educational level were protective suggesting an important role of socio-economic factors in modulating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health.
Evolution of Pressure-induced Shear Amorphization in Rare-earth Hexaboride
Authors: Karre Rajamallu , Shen Yidi , Song Shuangxi , Hu Yixuan , Lahkar Simanta , Wang Xiaodong , Basu Bikramjit , An Qi , Reddy Kolan
Published: October 2021

Research on rare-earth hexaborides mainly focuses on tuning the electronic structure from insulating-to-metallic state and vice versa (referred as exotic phenomena) by high pressure experiments via displacive phase transformations, however, the structural evolution that contributing to this underlying failure mechanism remains not well understood. Herein, we examined the pressure induced structural evolution through a model system of europium hexaboride (EuB6). Transmission electron microscopy reveal that the nanoscale amorphous shear bands mediated by dislocations play a decisive role in deformation failure of EuB6 subjected to high pressure nanoidentation at room temperature. Density functional theory simulations confirm that these amorphous bands evolve by breaking B-B bonds within B6 octahedron of EuB6 during shear deformation. Our results underscore an important damage mechanism in hard and fragile hexaborides at high shear pressures.
A case of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei of an unexpected origin.
Authors: Csanyi-Bastien Marie , Blanchard France , Lamy Aude , Sabourin Jean-Christophe
Published: October 2021

Background:Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a complex and partially understood disease defined by mucin deposits in the peritoneal cavity, mostly of appendiceal origin caused by the rupture of a mucocele often containing Low or High grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasm (LAMN/HAMN). Other origins include primary ovarian mucinous cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma almost always with an associated teratoma, but to our knowledge no case of ovarian teratomatous appendiceal-like mucocele with LAMN has been reported as a cause of PMP.Case presentation:A 25-year old female with infertility was diagnosed with an isolated left ovarian tumor in a context of PMP. Histological examination revealed an ovarian teratoma containing an appendiceal-like structure with mucocele and LAMN, without any associated lesion of the appendix on full histological analysis. Molecular characterization of the ovarian lesion showed co-KRAS and GNAS mutations, as described in PMP of appendiceal origin, while only KRAS mutations are reported in primary ovarian mucinous tumor.Conclusions:Detection of co-KRAS and GNAS mutations in our case of ovarian teratomatous appendiceal-like mucocele with LAMN shows that when PMP derives from a mucinous ovarian lesion (with histological proof of none-appendiceal involvement), it is probably of a digestive teratomatous origin, emphasizing the need to actively search for tetatomatous signs in a context of ovarian PMP.
Occurrence and Distribution of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the Atmosphere of the Andean City of Medellin, Colombia.
Authors: Avila Boris Santiago , Mendoza Diana Pemberthy , Ramírez Andrés , Peñuela Gustavo Antonio
Published: October 2021

Passive air sampling (PAS) was used to evaluate organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the atmosphere of Medellin, Colombia. This was in accordance with a special initiative of the Global Monitoring Plan (GMP), which was implemented to provide information on new and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs).PAS was carried out for three months (four quartiles per year) over two consecutive years (2017 and 2018), and two punctual peaks of contamination in the monitored time were observed. The first peak was related to chlorinated compounds in the quartile 2017-Q3, in which the highest concentration of pentachlorobenzene (PeCB, 755.5 pg·m-3) was observed, and air concentration of PeCB in quartile 2018-Q4 (125.0 pg·m-3) was 3.7 times more than the initial concentration (33.7 pg·m-3). These results may be associated with waste incineration in or near the city. The second peak of contamination was associated with brominated compounds in the quartile 2018-Q1, which could be linked to recycling, incineration, and landfill deposit of these compounds. In this peak, the highest levels of PBDEs and HBCDD-isomers were observed (Σ10PBDEs, 107.2 pg·m-3 and Σ3HBCDDs-isomers, 289.0 pg·m-3). With regard to the concentrations of PBDEs, HBCDDs, PCDDs, and PCDFs, these showed a slight tendency to increase between 2017 and 2018. Finally, constants concentrations of pollutants such as DDT isomers and dieldrin were observed, although these compounds were banned in Colombia many years ago. In contrast, a slight decrease in some pollutants, such as aldrin, and α-endosulfan, was observed.Our study allowed the assessment of air levels of chlorinated, brominated, and fluorinated pollutants in Medellin, Colombia. These results provide an overall view of POPs levels and represent an initial attempt to identify local sources in order to monitor and surveillance the releases of these pollutants in the city and country.
Tuning the Optical Properties Through Bandgap Engineering in Si-Doped YAuPb: ab Initio Study
Authors: Rehman Fida , Dahshan A. , Shariq Muhammad , Ahmed Pervaiz , Saeed Y.
Published: October 2021

In order to probe the band gap engineering to tune optical properties in YAuPb1-xSix (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1) alloys, we used all electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW+lo) method within the frame work of the density functional theory. The optimized structural parameters were in good agreement with other theoretical and experimental results. The calculated results of elastic constant satisfy the condition for mechanical stability at each composition for cubic symmetry. In addition, the study of elastic parameters are summarized for the calculation bulk modulus, Young’s modulus, shear modulus, Kleinman parameters, Poisson’s ratio and Lame’s co-efficient. To predict the brittle (ductile) nature of this composition, the Cauchy pressure, Poisson’s ratio and B/G ratio were also calculated. Using modified Becke and Johnson GGA, the band gap values of each composition were computed precisely. Further, it was observed that for 0.25 < x < 0.75, band gap structure revealed a direct band gap configuration. In order to analyze the electronic structure of each composition, the total and partial densities of states have been investigated in detail. Furthermore, the investigation of optical parameters in terms of dielectric functions revealed the potential of these alloys for optoelectronic devices.
Parameters of Vascular Tone Regulation and Gene Polymorphism Associated With Cardiovascular Risk in Young Subjects
Authors: Elkina Anastasiya , Akimova Natalya , Shvarts Yury , Sokolov Ivan
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Dysregulation of vascular tone (VT) is one of the cardiovascular risk factors that significantly worsens the quality of life, and can be a predictor for persistent hypertension (HTN). The identification of preclinical stages of vascular pathology is the most promising for prevention of hypertension. Therefore, it is important to investigate the polymorphism of genes which end products are involved in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and predispose to VT dysregulation.Objective. To investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of the AGT and AGTR1 polymorphic variants associated with increased cardiovascular risk in young and relatively healthy subjects and patients with HTN. Materials and methods. The study involved 90 young healthy subjects and 62 patients with hypertension. The exclusion criteria for young subjects were as follows: organic cardiovascular and central nervous system disorders and smoking. The exclusion criteria for patients with HTN were identical. Additionally, the patients with uncontrolled HTN were not included. The VT regulation was assessed by the active standing test in which the changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. The polymorphism was identified using DNA pyrosequencing.Results. The relationship between BP and HR and the AGTR1 A1666C A>C and AGT M268T T>C variants was established. Both in young subjects and hypertensive patients was found that the C allele of the AGTR1 A1666C A>C variant was associated with lower HR in supine compared with subjects without this allele. The risk allele C of the M268T T>C polymorphism was associated with lower sBP and dBP during the 1st minute of upright posture. The identified features can probably be explained by the vascular tone increased at baseline in the presence of these polymorphic variants which was manifested by smaller changes in BP and HR during the active standing test compared to subjects without these allelic variants. The C allele of the AGTR1 A1666C A>C variant was associated with earlier onset of HTN.Conclusion. The identification of the AGTR1 A1666C A>C and AGT M268T T>C variants can be informative for clarifying the risk of HTN when the young subjects are examined, as well as the probability of early onset of hypertension.
The Influence Factors of Medical Disputes in Shanghai and Implications - From The Perspective of Doctor, Patient and Disease
Authors: Liu Yu , Bai Yonghai , Wang Pei
Published: October 2021

Background Based on the cases collected in eight hospitals in Shanghai in recent three years, causes of medical disputes in Shanghai and influence factors of medical dispute levels were explored, and targeted suggestions were put forward. Methods Multistage sampling were used to collect 561 cases of medical disputes occurred in two Tertiary hospitals, two Secondary hospitals and four primary hospitals. The causes of medical disputes were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the factors affecting medical dispute were analyzed by means of one-way ANOVA and Logistic regression analysis. Results Factors of doctor and patient are involved in the causes of medical disputes, with 87.1% disputes related to doctors and 13.9% related to patients. The doctor’s factors include lack of communication (28.82%), low technical level (16.91%), lack of sense of responsibility (8.86%), defective case records (6.92%), imperfect operation (6.44%), inadequate experience (6.44%), inadequate condition evaluation (5.8%), irregular management process (4.03%), violation of diagnosis and treatment regulation (4.03%), misdiagnosis and mistreatment (3.54%), belated diagnosis and treatment (2.58%), postoperative complications (2.42%), equipment problems (1.13%), missed diagnosis (0.81%), poor condition monitoring (0.48%), unreasonable charge (0.48%) and poor service attitude (0.32%). The patient's factors include misunderstanding of medical behavior (43.48%), high expectation of prognosis (25%), bad attitude (13.04%), inadequate medical knowledge (7.61%), disturbance (6.52%), poor compliance (3.62%) and mistrust (1.09%). Among all medical disputes, there are 406 cases of level-4 medical disputes (78%), 95 cases of level-3 medical disputes (18%), 19 cases of level-2 medical disputes (4%), and no level-1 medical dispute. Meanwhile, the classification of diseases, treatment effect, doctors' violation of diagnosis and treatment regulation, and low technical level are the reasons for the level differences in medical disputes. Conclusions Factors of doctor in medical disputes in Shanghai mainly include inadequate communication and low technical level while the patient’s factors mainly contain misunderstanding of medical behavior and high expectation of the prognosis. Level-3 and 4 medical disputes take up the major part in all medical disputes. The classification of diseases, treatment effect, doctors' violation of diagnosis and treatment regulation, and doctor’s deficient technical level are high-risk factors requiring critical attention in medical disputes.
When Crop Producers Face Dynamic Climate Risks: Application of Multinomial Logit Model To Explain Adaptation Process
Authors: Bedeke Sisay Belay
Published: October 2021

Background: Climate change is one of the major environmental challenge particularly affecting crop producers who depend on climate sensitive rainfed system. The contextual nature of farmers’ adaptation and coping strategies to climate change continues to arouse the interest of several researchers. This study contributed to this growing area of research by examining factors and processes explaining the choice of crop producers’ adaptation to dynamic climate change risks. Method and material: Data were collected through household survey and interview. Multistage sampling was employed for selecting 340 household heads for interview. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic models were employed to analysis data collected. Result and discussion: Results indicate that despite perceived increase in current and future climate change risks, farmers are testing and implementing a range of strategies by adjusting sowing date, using late or early maturing varieties, diversifying crop production using legumes and migrating to nearby cities in search of additional jobs as an income source during dry seasons. Contexts-specific factors significantly influencing the choice of adaptation strategies include gender of the household, access to extension services, level of awareness and perceptions, timely access to climate and weather information and size of landholding per household. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the choice of adaptation to climate change is driven by much detailed socio-economic and institutional factors in addition to dynamic climatic factors. The study recommended that continuous financial, policy and technical support in terms of research, extension, innovation and awareness creation on improving behavioural and socio-economic aspects that influence adaptation choice should be provided.
Implementation of a Text Messaging Intervention to Patients on Warfarin Therapy in Brazilian Primary Care Units: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Souza-Silva Maíra Viana Rego , Domingues Mara Luiza Paiva , Chagas Victor Schulthais , Pereira Daniella Nunes , de Sá Laura Caetano , Almeida Mychelle Stefany Santos , Sales Thaís Lorenna Souza , Raposo Magda César , Guimarães Nathalia Sernizon , Oliveira João Antonio de Queiroz , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz Pinho , Cardoso Clareci Silva , Martins Maria Auxiliadora Parreiras , Enes Thais Bueno , Soares Thiago Barbabela de Castro , Baldoni André Oliveira , Marcolino Milena Soriano
Published: October 2021

Background: Warfarin remains the most affordable oral anticoagulant in many countries. However, it may have serious side effects, and the success of the therapy depends on the patient's understanding of the medication and their adherence to treatment. The use of short messages services (SMS) is a strategy that can be used to educate patients, but there are no studies evaluating this intervention in patients taking warfarin. Therefore, our aim was to report the implementation of a text-messaging intervention to primary care patients taking warfarin in a middle-sized Brazilian city. Methods: A bank of 79 SMS was drafted and validated by an expert panel. During six months, three times a week, patients received messages about anticoagulation with warfarin. At baseline and after three months, we assessed their knowledge and adherence with validated instruments. At the end of the follow-up, participants answered a satisfaction questionnaire. Subsequently, a scale-up phase was conducted, with another round of the intervention including 82 participants (29 from the first phase and 53 newly recruited). Seven months after the end of the scale-up, we interviewed the patients for their insights about the long-term effects of this program. All patients signed informed consent. The study was approved by the Research and Ethics committee of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Results: In the pilot, 33 (89.2%) patients completed the follow-up. Among the participants who answered the satisfaction questionnaire, 86.2% considered that the intervention motivated a healthy lifestyle and improved their understanding of warfarin therapy. All patients were willing to continue receiving the messages. Adherence measured by the Measure of Adherence to Treatment (MAT) test was high in the pre-intervention assessment and remained high (96.7% vs. 93.3%; p=1.0000). There was a trend to improve knowledge of warfarin therapy measured by the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge (OAK) test (6.5% to 25.6% of correct answers, p = 0.0703). In the scale-up, 23 patients were interviewed. The main long-term knowledge reported was dietary information. Nine patients received the messages but did not remember their content.Conclusion: The intervention was well-accepted and had a positive impact on patient’s knowledge about oral anticoagulation therapy. The scale-up assessment reinforced the need to constantly monitor digital interventions.
Evaluation of Multiple Imputation Approaches for Handling Missing Covariate Information in a Case-Cohort Study.
Authors: Middleton Melissa , Nguyen Cattram , Moreno-Betancur Margarita , Carlin John B , Lee Katherine J
Published: October 2021

Background In case-cohort studies a random subcohort is selected from the inception cohort and acts as the sample of controls for several outcome investigations. Analysis is conducted using only the cases and the subcohort, with inverse probability weighting (IPW) used to account for the unequal sampling probabilities resulting from the study design. Like all epidemiological studies, case-cohort studies are susceptible to missing data. Multiple imputation (MI) has become increasingly popular for addressing missing data in epidemiological studies. It is currently unclear how best to incorporate the weights from a case-cohort analysis in MI procedures used to address missing covariate data.Method A simulation study was conducted with missingness in two covariates, motivated by a case study within the Barwon Infant Study. MI methods considered were: using the outcome, a proxy for weights in the simple case-cohort design considered, as a predictor in the imputation model, with and without exposure and covariate interactions; imputing separately within each weight category; and using a weighted imputation model. These methods were compared to a complete case analysis (CCA) within the context of a standard IPW analysis model estimating either the risk or odds ratio. The strength of associations, missing data mechanism, proportion of observations with incomplete covariate data, and subcohort selection probability varied across the simulation scenarios. Methods were also applied to the case study.Results There was similar performance in terms of relative bias and precision with all MI methods across the scenarios considered, with expected improvements compared with the CCA. Slight underestimation of the standard error was seen throughout but the nominal level of coverage (95%) was generally achieved. All MI methods showed a similar increase in precision as the subcohort selection probability increased, irrespective of the scenario. A similar pattern of results was seen in the case study.Conclusions How weights were incorporated into the imputation model had minimal effect on the performance of MI; this may be due to case-cohort studies only having two weight categories. In this context, inclusion of the outcome in the imputation model was sufficient to account for the unequal sampling probabilities in the analysis model.
Investigation on Potential Effect of Cell Shape and Size on the Residual Stress in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: azari khaled , Abdoli Hamid , Torabi Morteza , Bozorgmehri Shahriar
Published: October 2021

In the manufacturing process of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), the residual stresses and curvature are developed in components due to the differences in material properties of cell layers. Significant residual stress may lead to the formation of cracks in the cell layers and facilitates cell fracture. In this work, the changes of the residual stress in the electrolyte of the anode-supported planar solid oxide fuel cells are experimentally determined at room temperature. The “sin2ψ” technique of X-ray diffraction method is employed to measure the residual stress in the half-cell samples. Several cells with different sizes and shapes are investigated to evaluate the potential impact of cell size and cell shape on the thermal residual stress. Because investigation on the changes of the residual stress and curvature state in the scaling up process of cell is crucial for commercial use. Values of about − 610 MPa are determined for an electrolyte layer on an oxidized ∼400µm thick anode substrate. The results reveal that in spite of the effect of size and shape on the radius of curvature, these parameters have no significant effect on the residual stress level.
Cardiovascular Imaging Following Perioperative Myocardial Infarction/Injury
Authors: Arslani Ketina , Gualandro Danielle M , Puelacher Christian , Buse Giovanna Lurati , Lampart Andreas , Bolliger Daniel , Schulthess David , Glarner Noemi , Hidvegi Reka , Kindler Christoph , Blum Steffen , Cardozo Francisco A , Caramelli Bruno , Gürke Lorenz , Wolff Thomas , Mujagic Edin , Schaeren Stefan , Rikli Daniel , Campos Carlos A , Fahrni Gregor , Kaufmann Beat A , Haaf Philip , Zellweger Michael J , Kaiser Christoph , Osswald Stefan , Steiner Luzius A , Mueller Christian
Published: October 2021

Background: Patients developing perioperative myocardial infarction/injury(PMI) have high mortality. PMI work-up and therapy remain poorly defined.Methods: In a prospective multicenter study enrolling high-risk patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery within a systematic PMI screening and clinical response program, the frequency of cardiovascular imaging during PMI work-up and its yield for possible type 1 myocardial infarction(T1MI) was assessed. Automated PMI detection triggered evaluation by the treating physician/ cardiologist on service, who determined selection/timing of cardiovascular imaging. In transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) a new wall motion abnormality within 30days, in myocardial perfusion imaging(MPI) a new scar or ischemia within 90days, and in coronary angiography(CA) Ambrose-Type II or complex lesions within 7days of PMI detection were considered indicative of T1MI. Results: In patients with PMI, 21%(268/1269) underwent at least one cardiac imaging modality. TTE was used in 13%(163/1269), MPI in 3%(37/1269), and CA in 5%(68/1269). Consultation by a cardiologist, was associated with higher use of cardiaovascular imaging(27% versus 13%). Signs indicative of T1MI were found in 8% of TTE, 46% of MPI, and in 63% of CA. Conclusion: Most patients with PMI did not receive any cardiovascular imaging within their PMI work-up. If performed, MPI and CA have high yield for signs indicative of T1MI. Study registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02573532
An Automatic Modulation Classification Network for IoT Terminal Spectrum Monitoring under Zero-sample Situations
Authors: Zhou Quan , Zhang Ronghui , Zhang Fangpei , Jing Xiaojun
Published: October 2021

Rely on powerful computing resources, a large number of internet of things (IoT) sensors are placed in various locations to sense the environment around where we live and improve the service. The proliferation of IoT end devices has led to the misuse of spectrum resources, making spectrum regulation an important task. Automatic modulation classification (AMC) is a task in spectrum monitoring, which senses the electromagnetic space and is carried out under non-cooperative communication. However, DL-based methods are data-driven and require large amounts of training data. In fact, under some non-cooperative communication scenarios, it is challenging to collect the wireless signal data directly. How can the DL-based algorithm complete the inference task under zero-sample conditions? In this paper, a signal zero-shot learning network (SigZSLNet) is proposed for AMC under the zero-sample situations firstly. Specifically, for the complexity of the original signal data, SigZSLNet generates the convolutional layer output feature vector instead of directly generating the original data of the signal. The semantic descriptions and the corresponding semantic vectors are designed to generate the feature vectors of the modulated signals. The generated feature vectors act as the training data of zero-sample classes, and the recognition accuracy of AMC is greatly improved in zero-sample cases as a consequence. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed SigZSLNet. Simultaneously, we show the generated feature vectors and the intermediate layer output of the model.
Long-Lasting Exendin-4-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles Ameliorate Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Evoked Brain Injury and Voiding Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Chung Cheng-Hsun , Chung Shiu-Dong , Cheng Yu-Hsiuan , Wang Wei-Hsiang , Jiang Pei-hsun , Yang Chun-Pai , Chien Chiang-Ting
Published: October 2021

Exendin-4 (Ex-4) is an incretin mimetic agent approved for diabetes treatment and neuronal protection. However, the required frequent injections restrict its clinical application. We prepared Ex-4-loaded poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (PEx-4) and investigated the effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury associated with cystopathy in diabetic rats. Using ten minutes of bilateral carotid artery occlusion combined with hemorrhage-induced hypotension of IR model in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic (T1DM) Wistar rats, we compared Ex-4 and PEx-4 effect on prefrontal cortex edema, voiding function and oxidative stress including cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) reference H2O2 (RH2O2) and HOCl (RHOCl) levels, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, autophagy and pyroptosis signaling in brain and bladder by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Single injection of PEx-4 displayed higher CSF antioxidant activity and long-lasting hypoglycemic effect than Ex-4 in rats. T1DM enhanced CSF RH2O2, and pIRE-1/cleaved caspase-12/pJNK/ATF4/ATF6/CHOP-mediated ER stress, caspase 3/PARP mediated apoptosis, Beclin-1/LC3-II mediated autophagy and caspase 1/IL-1β mediated pyroptosis signaling in the prefrontal cortex and bladders. IR led to prefrontal cortex edema, impairment in micturition center and further increased CSF RH2O2 and HOCl level, ER stress, apoptosis, autophagy and pyroptosis signaling in the T1DM brains and bladders. PEx-4 were more efficient than Ex-4 in attenuating IR-evoked prefrontal cortex edema and oxidative stress in brains and improving voiding dysfunction in bladders of T1DM rats. In summary, PEx-4 with stronger antioxidant activity and long-lasting bioavailability confer efficiently therapeutic efficacy to ameliorate IR-evoked brain and bladder injury through inhibiting oxidative stress, ER stress, apoptosis, autophagy and pyroptosis signaling in diabetic rats.
Genetic Architecture and QTL Selection Response For Kernza Perennial Grain Domestication Traits
Authors: Crain Jared , Larson Steve , Dorn Kevin , DeHaan Lee , Poland Jesse
Published: October 2021

Perennial grains have the potential to provide food for humans as well as decrease the negative impacts of annual agriculture. Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG, Thinopyrum intermedium, Kernza®) is a promising perennial grain candidate that The Land Institute has been breeding since 2001. We evaluated four consecutive breeding cycles of IWG from 2016-2020 with each cycle containing approximately 1100 unique genets. Using genotyping-by-sequencing markers, quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped for 34 different traits using genome-wide association analysis Combining data across cycles and years, we found 93 marker-trait associations (MTA) for 16 different traits, with each association explaining 0.8-5.2% of the observed phenotypic variance. Across the four cycles, only three QTL showed an FST differentiation > 0.15 with two corresponding to a decrease in floret shattering. Additionally, one marker associated with brittle rachis was 216 bp from an ortholog of the btr2 gene. Power analysis and quantitative genetic theory was used to estimate the effective number of QTL, which ranged from a minimum of 33 up to 558 QTL for individual traits. This study suggests that key agronomic and domestication traits are under polygenic control, and that molecular methods like genomic selection are needed to accelerate domestication and improvement of this new crop.
Polygenic enrichment distinguishes disease associations of individual cells in single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Zhang Martin , Hou Kangcheng , Pasaniuc Bogdan , Price Alkes L. , Dey Kushal , Jagadeesh Karthik , weinand Kathryn , Sakaue Saori , Taychameekiatchai Aris , Rao Poorvi , Pisco Angela Oliveira , Zou James , Wang Bruce , Gandal Michael , Raychaudhuri Soumya
Published: October 2021

Gene expression at the individual cell-level resolution, as quantified by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), can provide unique insights into the pathology and cellular origin of diseases and complex traits. Here, we introduce single-cell Disease Relevance Score (scDRS), an approach that links scRNA-seq with polygenic risk of disease at individual cell resolution; scDRS identifies individual cells that show excess expression levels for genes in a disease-specific gene set constructed from GWAS data. We determined via simulations that scDRS is well-calibrated and powerful in identifying individual cells associated to disease. We applied scDRS to GWAS data from 74 diseases and complex traits (average N=341K) in conjunction with 16 scRNA-seq data sets spanning 1.3 million cells from 31 tissues and organs. At the cell type level, scDRS broadly recapitulated known links between classical cell types and disease, and also produced novel biologically plausible findings. At the individual cell level, scDRS identified subpopulations of disease-associated cells that are not captured by existing cell type labels, including subpopulations of CD4+ T cells associated with inflammatory bowel disease, partially characterized by their effector-like states; subpopulations of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons associated with schizophrenia, partially characterized by their spatial location at the proximal part of the hippocampal CA1 region; and subpopulations of hepatocytes associated with triglyceride levels, partially characterized by their higher ploidy levels. At the gene level, we determined that genes whose expression across individual cells was correlated with the scDRS score (thus reflecting co-expression with GWAS disease genes) were strongly enriched for gold-standard drug target and Mendelian disease genes.
Development of the Paternal Brain in Humans throughout Pregnancy
Authors: Diaz-Rojas Françoise , Matsunaga Michiko , Tanaka Yukari , Kikusui Takefumi , Mogi Kazutaka , Nagasawa Miho , Asano Kohei , Abe Nobuhito , Myowa Masako
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated that paternal caregiving behaviours are reliant on neural pathways similar to those supporting maternal care. Interestingly, a greater variability exists in parental phenotypes in males than in females among individuals and mammalian species. However, less is known about when or how such variability emerges in human males. We investigated the longitudinal changes in the neural, hormonal and psychological bases of expression of paternal caregiving in humans throughout pregnancy and the first four months postpartum. We measured oxytocin and testosterone, paternity-related psychological traits and neural response to infant-interaction videos using fMRI in first-time fathers and childless men at three time points (early–mid-pregnancy, late-pregnancy and postpartum). We found that paternal-specific brain activity in prefrontal areas distinctly develops during middle-to-late pregnancy and is enhanced postpartum. Additionally, among fathers, the timing of the development of prefrontal brain activity was associated with specific parenting phenotypes.
Advances in dielectric performance of atomically engineered perovskite nanosheet thin films
Authors: Yim Haena , Yoo So Yeon , Choi Haneul , Chang Hye Jung , Hwang Seong-Ju , Nahm Sahn , Osada Minoru , Choi Ji-Won
Published: October 2021

The search for new high-performance dielectric material receives continued research interest. Several mechanisms for high permittivity have been proposed such as BaTiO3-based perovskites or CaCu3Ti4O12. Nevertheless, developing thin films with such high performance remains a highly challenging task. However, reducing the BaTiO3-based film thickness raises the leakage current and suppresses dielectric responses because of a low-permittivity interfacial ‘dead-layer’. Here, we propose a new materials design route to great permittivity behavior in atomically-thin films, where charge engineering of layered perovskites generates giant polarizability and results in 2-dimensional materials with colossal permittivity. Firstly, we present a concrete example Dion-Jacobson type KSr2 − xBixNb3O10 and its cation-exchanged form HSr2 − xBixNb3O10, which exhibit a stable colossal permittivity and a low dielectric loss. Also, Sr2(1−x)Bi2xNb3O10 (x = 0.1) nanosheets attain by chemical exfoliation method with a high dielectric permittivity of over 500, the highest among all known dielectrics in the ultrathin films (< 20 nm). As Bi-substitution of Sr2Nb3O10, the dielectric permittivity exhibits two times higher value due to higher polarizability of Bi ions and leads larger dielectric permittivity. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the substitution of high-valent Bi ions with lone pairs are responsible for the colossal permittivity. Our results provide a strategy for achieving new high-k nanodielectrics for use in nano-scaled electronics.
Applying Task Scheduling For IOMT-Cloud Business Optimisation Using AI
Authors: HUSSAIN ADEDOYIN , Al-Turjman Fadi
Published: October 2021

The IoMT-cloud enables a surplus extent of customers to get disseminated, versatile, and virtualized gear just as programming structure over the Internet. The IoMT-cloud is one of the principal headway used recently, it grants customers to get cloud resources over the internet remotely. Hence, we need to complete a reasonable task scheduling estimation to tolerably and viably meet these requests. The scheduling of task issue is perhaps the most essential issue in the IoMT-cloud since cloud execution depends prevalently upon it. Capable task scheduling administration should meet customer's requirements and improve the resources used to overhaul the introduction of the IoMT-cloud framework. To deal with this issue, in this investigation, we attempt to show the two most notable static and one dynamic task scheduling execution separately, short job first (SJF), first come first serve (FCFS), and round-robin (RR). Likewise, it was advanced using the AI technique known as genetic algorithm (GA). The CloudSim simulation framework is used to measure their impact on total execution time (TET), algorithm complexity, throughput, resource utilization, total waiting time (TWT), availability of assets, total finish time (TFT), cost, and resource utilization. The model proposed is to improve the viability of task scheduling for the IoMT-cloud stage with the best execution rate of 32.47ms. The exploratory results show that GA cuts down the cost of planning and reduces the total time, which is a convincing computation for the IoMT-cloud task scheduling.
An Application-Driven Modular Traffic Light Control System Using Lean Supply Chain
Authors: Rajesh Sudha , R Sonia , P Amudhavalli , S Karthikeyan , Jackson Beulah , B Kiran Bala
Published: October 2021

Lean is an endless journey to develop and excel the business. Any company would like to build and deal with the whole world pace should adopt lean. Though, in the vast majority of the companies the management philosophy or mentality of people is not so great to adopt change. Lean typically deals with superior quality, lowest cost and quicker lead time. Lean Supply chain technology in the traffic control system has supplied intelligent green interval responses to control the incapability of standard fixed traffic controllers. The researchers have implemented the technology of lean supply chain to boost up the performance of traffic light and control the traffic jam. The limitations of traditional passing vehicles have been solved by the set of rules. The two set of guidance have been monitored the traffic light system by dynamic system; the vehicle, upstream and downstream lane follows red light and the number of vehicles have passed through a green light. These kinds of vehicles have dynamically controlled the timing of red and green. The dynamic traffic controller and a fixed time controller have shown the differences in performance through the Lean supply chain theory. The researchers have compared and stimulate the data of the performance of their algorithm with the undeveloped one. The results have shown that the algorithm has much better than undeveloped one, because it increases the traffic efficiency and decreases the waiting time by 45 minutes.
Case Report: Hypercoagulopathy as a Severe Long-term Complication of Post SARS-CoV-19 Infection, Autopsy Findings in Three Patients
Authors: Zhang Xinhai Robert , Agarwal Indu , Jing Jian , Cheng Lin , Scaria Gladson , Latef Mamoor , Gattuso Paolo
Published: October 2021

Background: It has been less than two years since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are plenty of publications describing the clinical and pathological features of this severe infectious disease, damaging not only lung but also other vital organs. However, the pathologic findings of long-term complications post virus infection have rarely been described. Case presentation: We are reporting three autopsy cases from patients who had COVID-19 one to six months before death. The patients were all SARS-CoV-2 negative at admission but expired shortly. At autopsy, the first patient showed subacute diffuse myocardial ischemic injury with microthrombi in pericardial small vessels, whereas the second patient showed catastrophic acute and subacute pulmonary infarctions with hemothorax leading to respiratory failure. The third patient showed subacute severe cerebral infarcts in the left middle cerebral artery region. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the hypercoagulopathy and subsequent vital organ damage may persist beyond the active phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is essential to evaluate and continue monitoring the COVID-19 patients after recovery, so as to identify the ones with vital organ injury in a timely manner and to take the steps to prevent severe consequence of COVID-19 complications.
Use of a Suspended and Straightened Knee Joint Position When Fixing Steel Plates Can Prevent the Increase in Postoperative Posterior Tibial Slope After Open‑wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Ma Wenru , Han Zengshuai , Sun Shengnan , Chen Jinli , Zhang Yi , Yu Tengbo
Published: October 2021

Background: Posterior tibial slope (PTS) increases after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is challenging for patients. This study aims to determine whether use of a suspended and straightened knee joint position during the fixing of steel plates can prevent an increase in the posterior tibial slope after OWHTO.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 112 subjects (122 knees) [34 males, 78 females; mean age 59.1±6.6 (range 48–76) years; mean body mass index (BMI) 28.06±3.61 kg/m²] who underwent OWHTO. A total of 78 knees that were suspended and extended by placing a sterile cloth ball under the ipsilateral ankle during the fixing of steel plates comprised the suspended and straightened knee joint position (SSP) group, and 44 knees that were kept naturally straightened without placing a sterile cloth ball under the ipsilateral ankle during the fixing of steel plates comprised the naturally straightened knee joint position (NSP) group. Patients were clinically assessed according to the visual analog pain scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index. Radiological assessment was performed according to the changes in the posterior tibial slope between preoperation, 1-day postoperation, and the final follow-up periods. Ultimately, the difference in postoperative PTS changes between the two groups was statistically analyzed. The median follow-up period was 2.2 years (range 1.6–3.7 years).Results: In the final follow-up period, significant improvements were observed in the clinical VAS and WOMAC scores in both groups (P < 0.001), and no difference was found between the two groups. Radiological assessment showed that there was no statistical difference in the preoperative PTS between the two groups. The 1-day post-operative PTS and the most recent follow-up PTS were significantly greater than the preoperative PTS in the NSP group (t=-3.213, -6.406, all P < 0.001), but no significant increase was seen in the SSP group (P >0.05). The increase in PTS in the NSP group was significantly greater than that in the SSP group at the 1-day postoperative (t=2.243, P=0.030) and final follow-up periods (t=6.501, P<0.001).Conclusion: For OWHTO, the use of a suspended and straightened knee joint position rather than a naturally straightened knee joint position during the fixing of steel plates could effectively prevent the increase in postoperative PTS.Level of Evidence: Retrospective Study Level III