bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eliminating hepatitis C on the Balearic Islands, Spain: a protocol for an intervention study to test and link people who use drugs to treatment and care
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey V , Herranz Andrea , Picchio Camila A , Villota-Rivas Marcela , Rodríguez Antonia , Alonso Juan Manuel , Moratinos Albert , Perrotta Antonella , Tegeo Elisabet , Bibiloni Francisca , Buti Maria , Vilella Àngels
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a highly infectious and deadly disease, affecting some 58 million people worldwide. Of the 1.13 million people living in the Balearic Islands, Spain, about 1350 individuals have untreated HCV. Of these, about 1120 (83%) are estimated to be people who use drugs (PWUD), who are one of the key at-risk groups for HCV infection globally. Carrying out micro-elimination approaches focused on this population is crucial to achieve the WHO goal of eliminating HCV by 2030. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to validate a model of care that simplifies the screening and linkage to HCV care pathways for PWUD on the Balearic Islands.

Methods and analysis

This intervention study will be implemented across 17 sites, in 4 different settings: addiction service centres (n=12), non-governmental organisation centres (n=3), a mobile methadone unit and a prison, with an estimated 3725 participants. Together with the healthcare staff at each centre, the intervention protocols will be adapted, focusing on four phases: recruitment and testing; linkage to care; treatment for those who test positive; and monitoring of sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment and reinfection. The primary outcomes will be the number of tested and treated individuals and the secondary outcomes will include individuals lost at each step in the cascade of care. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression of the data will be undertaken.

Ethics and dissemination

The Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain, Ethics Committee approved this study on 18 February 2021 (HCB/2020/2018). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and social media. The results of this study could provide a model for targeting PWUD for HCV testing and treatment in the rest of Spain and in other settings, helping to achieve the WHO HCV elimination goal.
Telephone triage of young adults with chest pain: population analysis of NHS24 calls in Scottish unscheduled care
Authors: Hodgins Peter , McMinn Megan , Reed Matthew James , Mercer Stewart William , Guthrie Bruce
Published: October 2021

Background

Telephone triage is increasingly used to manage unscheduled care demand. Younger adults are frequent users, and commonly call with chest pain. We compared pathways of care in younger adults calling with chest pain, and associations of patient characteristics and telephone triage recommendation with hospital admission.

Methods

A retrospective study of all triage calls with chest pain to NHS24 advice line by people aged 15–34 years between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017 where chest pain was recorded as the call reason. Recommended outcome and subsequent use of services were determined using the continuous urgent care pathways (CUPs) database which records single episodes of care spanning multiple services. We determined the number of services involved, the proportion of patients with inpatient admission, those with an admission for an ‘acute-and-serious’ diagnosis, and the association between the triage call recommendation and these outcomes.

Results

There were 102 822 CUPs identified, with 1251 different combinations of services. The most common pathway was an NHS24 call then attendance at a primary care out-of-hours (PCOOH) centre, accounting for 38 643 (37.6%) CUPs. 9060 (8.8%) CUPs ended with hospital admission, 3030 (3.0%) the result of an ‘acute-and-serious’ diagnosis. 8453 (8.2%) were given ‘self-care’ advice and not referred further, while 46.9% ended at PCOOH and 15.2% at ED. ‘Asthma, unspecified’ was the most frequent ‘acute-and-serious’ diagnosis. Compared with people given self-care advice, referral to other services had increased odds of inpatient admission (adjusted OR (aOR) for ambulance called 28.7, 95% CI 22.6 to 36.3; for 1-hour in-home general practitioner (GP) visit arranged aOR 36.8, 95% CI 23.2 to 58.5) and for admission with an ‘acute-and-serious’ diagnosis (aOR ambulance called 23.9, 95% CI 16.2 to 35.4; aOR 1-hour GP visit 48.3, 95% CI 25.5 to 91.6).

Conclusion

Chest pain triage by NHS24 appears safe, but care pathways can involve multiple service contacts. While acuity assigned to the call is strongly related to the odds of hospital admission and odds of an ‘acute-and-serious’ diagnosis, ‘overtriage’ means few patients are directed to self-care advice.
A Review of Three Years Experience of Medical Advice to Seafarers by the Casualty Officer, Royal Naval Hospital Plymouth, via Portishead Radio (W/T Medico Portishead)
Authors: Brayley N. F.
Published: October 2021

Since August 1975 successive Casualty Officers at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, have been dealing with medical problems in the Mercantile Marine at sea by telegram and radio-telephone through Portishead radio. Analysis of the medical problems for which Masters have sought advice, the range of drugs prescribed, the medical skills expected of lay seafarers and the problems involved in communicating medical data are reviewed. Diet associated factors such as alcohol and obesity appeared to have a significant aetiological role in many of the diseases reported.
Osteitis pubis as a mimic of prostatic pain
Authors: Jenkins I. L. , Crean D. M. , Buck A. C.
Published: October 2021

Thirty-five patients with pain suggesting a prostatic origin but with no evidence of active prostatic inflammation presented between 1979 and 1982, and were diagnosed as having osteitis pubis.

The clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of osteitis pubis are presented together with the results of treatment.
Testicular tumours—a 15 year study
Authors: Jenkins I. L. , Walker A. J.
Published: October 2021

Sixty-two patients with testicular tumour were managed in the Royal Naval Hospital HASLAR in the 15 year period 1971–1985. Fifty-seven had adult malignant primary tumours and are presented.

Fifty cases are available for survival analysis. No patient with seminoma is dead. Two patients with non-seminomata and two with combined tumours, all servicemen, are dead (8%) and 46 patients (92%) survive 6–175 months after presentation.

The relevance of the condition to the Service is emphasised and the results of treatment are analysed with particular regard to early return to high-category medical fitness for continued service.
Youth-appealing features in popular e-cigarette brand advertising in the USA after heightened scrutiny in 2018
Authors: Liu Jessica , Vázquez-Otero Coralia , Berman Micah L , Stevens Elise M
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Youth electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use remains high in the USA, and advertising is a contributor. The purpose of this study was to identify themes and characteristics of popular e-cigarette companies’ advertising after e-cigarette companies became more highly scrutinised in 2018.

Methods

Using a systematic, quantitative content analysis, three trained coders coded e-cigarette advertisements from JUUL, Puff Bar, Vuse and Blu from 2019 and 2020. Based on previous work, they coded for: type of advertisement, flavours, promotions, product cues, descriptors, claims, imagery, youth-oriented themes and sensational appeals.

Results

Of the 401 e-cigarette advertisements, the majority were emails (38.2%) and Instagram posts (30.9%). Over half (53.6%) showed flavours other than tobacco, with Puff Bar leading the brands (70.2%; p<0.001). The most frequently used product cues were showing the product (51.4%) or packaging (42.4%). The most common claim was being an alternative to smoking (14.2%). The most frequently used imagery was fruit (14.0%), employed most by Puff Bar (p<0.001). The only youth-oriented theme present was humour (4.2%). Positive sensations (eg, good taste, good smell or satisfying; 17.1%) was the most common form of appeal, with Puff Bar using it at the highest frequency (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Even with heightened scrutiny of e-cigarette brands, advertisements still included youth-appealing content such as flavours, fruit imagery and positive sensations. Puff Bar led in all these categories, and it rapidly gained market share after market leader JUUL limited the sales of its flavoured products. Research should continue to monitor the characteristics of e-cigarette advertisements and consider their impact on youth.
Quantum interference in external gravitational fields beyond General Relativity
Authors: Buoninfante Luca , Lambiase Gaetano , Petruzziello Luciano
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the phenomenon of quantum interference in the presence of external gravitational fields described by alternative theories of gravity. We analyze both non-relativistic and relativistic effects induced by the underlying curved background on a superposed quantum system. In the non-relativistic regime, it is possible to come across a gravitational counterpart of the Bohm–Aharonov effect, which results in a phase shift proportional to the derivative of the modified Newtonian potential. On the other hand, beyond the Newtonian approximation, the relativistic nature of gravity plays a crucial rôle. Indeed, the existence of a gravitational time dilation between the two arms of the interferometer causes a loss of coherence that is in principle observable in quantum interference patterns. We work in the context of generalized quadratic theories of gravity to compare their physical predictions with the analogous outcomes in general relativity. In so doing, we show that the decoherence rate strongly depends on the gravitational model under investigation, which means that this approach turns out to be a promising test bench to probe and discriminate among all the extensions of Einstein’s theory in future experiments.
Persuasion process on social networks
Authors: Hu Haibo , Xu Nannan
Published: October 2021

From the Rwandan genocide to the Arab Spring movement, it has been well known that social networks, offline or online, and mass media can collectively change and amplify public opinions, however there are few theoretical models to characterize the persuasion process. In this paper, we propose an opinion dynamics model based on invasion process with media effect and committed agents, and analytically obtain the fraction of each opinion at the steady state. We find that the relative proportion of committed agents plays a vital role in influencing corresponding opinion formation, and social networks can enhance the influence of committed agents through the interaction between individuals. Mass media can affect individuals not only directly due to exposure but indirectly due to social interactions. This paper reveals the influence of mass media and committed agents on the final distribution of opinions through a persuasion process, and lays the foundation for building more general models that consider individual heterogeneity and external influences.
Comparative properties of irradiated Al nanoparticles via vibrational spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction method
Authors: Jabarov S. H. , Abdullayeva T. T. , Huseynli S. , Mirzayev M. N. , Abiyev A. S. , Demir E. , Tashmetov M. Yu. , Abdurakhimov B. A.
Published: October 2021

In this research work, the effects on the structural and optical properties of e-beam irradiated Al nanoparticles (Al-NPs) by three field sizes, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] fluence were studied. As a result of systematic observations, it has been possible to study the effect of electron beam on X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy and Raman band modifications and, consequently, on the crystal structure and atomic dynamics of Al-NPs. The XRD method determined that Al-NPs are combined with water molecules in the air to form aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) groups. The Al(OH)3 formation was not observed in any of the samples irradiated with three different fluences, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. Confirmation of these results was also shown in the method of IR spectroscopy. While 12 vibrational modes were observed in the non-irradiated samples, only the vibrational modes corresponding to Al–Al bonds were observed in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] fluence irradiated samples. It was determined by the Raman spectroscopy method that a low concentration of Al(OH)3 remains in the samples irradiated with [Formula: see text] fluence. Only [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] fluence irradiated samples were found to correspond to the XRD and IR spectra, and Raman vibrational modes corresponding to Al–Al bonds were observed. In addition, electron irradiation is a suitable technique to increase the optical properties of nanoparticles by controlling the size of the particles.
Dynamic Simulation of a Dual-Cable Parallel Winding Hoisting System with Flexible Guides
Authors: Wang Yandong , Zhu W. D. , Kou Ziming
Published: October 2021

A dual-cable parallel winding hoisting system (DCPWHS) is a feasible system for ultra-deep vertical shaft hoists. In this system, two hoisting cables are winded on two separate drums, and their lower ends are connected to a conveyance. Two guiding cables are installed in the shaft to provide guidance for the conveyance; thereby, transverse vibrations of the cables and the conveyance interact with each other. A mathematical model of the DCPWHS with flexible guides that constitute two guiding cables is presented to analyze its coupled vibrations in out-of-plane transverse and torsional directions. Lagrange’s equations with constraints in combination with the continuous vibration theory are used to derive equations of motion of the system, and coupling relations among hoisting cables, guiding cables, and the conveyance are described by geometric matching conditions. Numerical simulation results are in good agreement with those calculated by MSC.ADAMS. Natural frequencies (NFs) of the stationary system at different positions of the conveyance are also obtained, and a graphic approach is presented to distinguish and extract hoisting cable transverse NFs and guiding cable NFs from system NFs. Numerical results show that transverse vibrations of hoisting cables cause the conveyance to vibrate in both transverse and torsional directions. However, due to restrictions of guiding cables, the rotation of the conveyance is small and negligible. The influence of the guiding cable tension on the dynamic response of the system is also investigated, which can be used for selection of the guiding cable tension in the design of the DCPWHS.
EFFECT OF LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETICS (LFE) ON MUSCLE SATELLITE CELLS DIFFERENTIATION AND IMMUNE SYSTEM IN RAT
Authors: BI JIAQI , JING HONG , ZHOU CHENLIANG , GAO PENG , HAN FUJUN , LI GANG , SHI DONGFANG
Published: October 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe neurological disease. Although surgery within 8[Formula: see text]h after SCI can substantially reduce paraplegia, most patients still suffer from hypomusculariasis after neuron recovery, which results in insufficient lower limb muscles to support bodyweight. Currently, there is no effective method to prevent muscle atrophy. Previous studies have shown that low-frequency electromagnetics (LFE) can stimulate the differentiation, proliferation and fusion of muscle satellite cells, however, the optimal electromagnetic strength and effects on the immune system have not been established. Here, we investigated the influence of LFE at different electromagnetic strengths on muscle cell recovery and assessed the impact of chronic LFE on the immune system of SCI rats. The rat immune system was rapidly activated after SCI. High-energy LFE provoked intensive immune responses, while low-energy LFE did not affect immune responses. Simultaneously, LFE effectively prevented myotube reduction and atrophy in SCI rats. The mRNA and protein levels of Pax7 and MyoD were increased after LFE at both high and low electromagnetic strengths, with the latter leading to more robust increases. Indeed, LFE remarkably induced muscle cell fusion. Together, our results demonstrated that LFE activates muscle satellite cells via stimulating myogenic factors. Chronic low-energy LFE is a safe therapy with no adverse impact on the immune system of SCI rats. LFE with 1.5 mT energy should be considered as an optimal therapeutic strategy.
INFLUENCE OF RISK-TAKING AND PROACTIVITY BEHAVIOURS ON FRUGAL PRODUCT INNOVATION: THE MODERATING ROLE OF EXTERNAL SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE
Authors: DOST MIR , KHAN MOHAMMAD SAUD
Published: October 2021

Growing changes in the present global environment is compelling firms to seek and exploit opportunities for market growth. Among others, an innovation that is cost-effective, functional, and sustainable (frugal) is one of the important factors for such growth. To validate this link empirically, we investigate the influence of risk-taking and proactivity behaviours (dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation (EO)) on frugal innovation (FI), and moderation of external knowledge. We nested the data from Small and Medium Entreprises that were engaged in frugal product innovation in Pakistan. The findings reveal that the behaviours of taking the risk and being ahead of competitors (proactiveness) have a significantly positive influence on FI. However, moderation of external knowledge strengthens the influence of risk-taking behaviour while weakens the influence of proactivity behaviour on FI. The authors also discuss some important theoretical and managerial contributions of this research.
Mechanical Properties and Electrical Behavior of Neuroblastoma Cells Characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Xie Ying , Qu Yingmin , Wang Ying , Wang Jiajia , Tian Liguo , Wang Lu , Li Li , Wang Zuobin
Published: October 2021

As a model of neurodegenerative disease, the study on SH-SY5Y cells is of great significance due to the complexity of cause and difficulty in cure. Based on this reality, we studied the influence of culture duration on the morphology and mechanical properties of living SH-SY5Y cells by atomic force microscopy (AFM). A comparative analysis was made to characterize the cell size and tip-cell adhesion, and their increased trends with the increase of cell culture duration were obtained, providing a guideline for the physiological characteristics of the cells. As the culture time increased from 24[Formula: see text]h to 48[Formula: see text]h, the measured average height and width of cells were increased by 0.59[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and 1.38[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, respectively. As for cell elasticity, statistical analysis showed that the difference between different parts of the cell was obvious. Additionally, the electrophysiological characteristic as an important indicator for measuring the functional activities of SH-SY5Y cells was investigated. Here, a homemade conductive atomic force microscope (C-AFM) provided an effective way for membrane potential recordings. It was successfully used to study the real-time responses of living SH-SY5Y cells to mechanical insertions, and a membrane potential with an amplitude of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V was obtained without losing cell viability.
MXene for aqueous zinc-based energy storage devices
Authors: Chen Ye , Yin Xinyu , Lei Shuyuan , Dai Xiaojing , Xu Xilian , Shi Wenhui , Liu Wenxian , Wu Fangfang , Cao Xiehong
Published: October 2021

MXene, a class of 2D transition metal carbide/nitride materials, has attracted widespread attention since its first discovery in 2011. Due to its high electronic conductivity, large specific surface area, good mechanical stability, and adjustable surface functional groups, MXene-based nanomaterials have shown great potential in energy storage devices. Meanwhile, zinc-based aqueous energy storage devices became a hotspot recently in energy storage field on account of their high security and low cost. In this review, the research progress on the preparation routes, preserving method, related structure and properties of MXene is first summarized. Followed by is an introduction of the recent state-of-the-art development of MXene-based electrodes for zinc-based aqueous energy storage devices, including zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), zinc-air batteries (ZABs), and zinc-halide batteries (ZHBs). Finally, the major bottleneck and perspectives for MXene-based nanomaterials in zinc-based aqueous energy storage devices are pointed out.
A pilot study investigating the rapid estimation of intact dry density of chalk using low impact energy hardness measurements taken with an Equotip Leeb hardness tester
Authors: Thrower Andrew , Barlow John , Moore Roger , Cane Tim
Published: October 2021

Intact dry density (IDD) is a key parameter for characterizing the rock mass behaviour of chalk and is often the main classification property reported for engineering design. The role of IDD in coastal chalk settings has been discussed in the literature as an important rock control for coastal cliff recession behaviour. This study demonstrates a tool that can reliably estimate the IDD of chalk samples. Originally developed for testing sheet steel materials, the Equotip has been shown to be adaptable for geological applications and the results of this study show that the Equotip can be used to derive a surface hardness value of dry chalk samples that has a positive correlation with IDD. Furthermore, the results show that the device is sensitive to the anisotropy of chalk and that testing undertaken in the diametral orientation gives more accurate correlations. The results of this study also show that the Equotip is sensitive to environmental setting and the effects of weathering, giving a separate correlation for samples collected along the Sussex coastline from those obtained inland. A statistical assessment of the results shows that a characteristic hardness within an acceptable margin of error can be achieved from an optimal number of single impacts.
Syndemics: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach to Complex Epidemic Events Like COVID-19
Authors: Singer Merrill , Bulled Nicola , Ostrach Bayla , Lerman Ginzburg Shir
Published: October 2021

In this review, we trace the origins and dissemination of syndemics, a concept developed within critical medical anthropology that rapidly diffused to other fields. The goal is to provide a review of the literature, with a focus on key debates. After a brief discussion of the nature and significance of syndemic theory and its applications, we trace the history and development of the syndemic framework within anthropology and the contributions of anthropologists who use it. We also look beyond anthropology to the adoption and use of syndemics in other health-related disciplines, including biomedicine, nursing, public health, and psychology, and discuss controversies in syndemics, particularly the perception that existing syndemics research focuses on methodologies at the individual level rather than at the population level and fails to provide evidence of synergistic interactions. Finally, we discuss emerging syndemics research on COVID-19 and provide an overview of the application of syndemics research.
Pidgins and Creoles: Debates and Issues
Authors: Jourdan Christine
Published: October 2021

This article identifies and presents the main debates and issues that are generating interest in the field of creole studies. It is composed of two main sections. The first one presents the debates currently stimulating creolistics: the nature of pidgins and creoles and the relation between the two, the sociological and typological distinction between pidgins and creoles, the various theories explaining their origin, and their transformation through time. The second part raises issues linked to the social life of these languages, an area of research that, though present since the beginning of creolistics, has remained limited. Using the framework of linguistic ideology, this review surveys the social status of pidgins and creoles, the prejudices that exclude them from being used at schools, and their lack of linguistic legitimacy. It concludes with a discussion of pidgins and creoles on social media.
Pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea in people living with HIV
Authors: Orr Jeremy E. , Edwards Bradley A. , Schmickl Christopher N. , Karris Maile , DeYoung Pamela N. , Darquenne Chantal , Theilmann Rebecca , Jain Sonia , Malhotra Atul , Hicks Charles B. , Owens Robert L.
Published: October 2021

Clinical data suggest an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people living with HIV (PLWH), while OSA might account for chronic health issues in this population. We characterized the anatomical and nonanatomical OSA traits in PLWH + OSA compared with OSA controls, using detailed physiological measurements obtained during sleep. Our data suggest against a major impact of HIV on OSA pathogenesis. Available OSA management strategies should be effective to address this potentially important comorbidity in PLWH.
EM Algorithm for Estimating the Parameters of Weibull Competing Risk Model
Authors: Kayid Mohamed
Published: October 2021

One of the most commonly used models in survival analysis is the additive Weibull model and its generalizations. They are well suited for modeling bathtub-shaped hazard rates that are a natural form of the hazard rate. Although they have some advantages, the maximum likelihood and the least square estimators are biased and have poor performance when the data set contains a large number of parameters. As an alternative, the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm was applied to estimate the parameters of the additive Weibull model. The accuracy of the parameter estimates and the simulation study confirmed the advantages of the EM algorithm.
Numerical Analysis of the Fractional-Order Nonlinear System of Volterra Integro-Differential Equations
Authors: Sunthrayuth Pongsakorn , Ullah Roman , Khan Adnan , Shah Rasool , Kafle Jeevan , Mahariq Ibrahim , Jarad Fahd
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the nonlinear systems of Volterra-type fractional integro-differential equation solutions through a Chebyshev pseudospectral method. The proposed method is based on the Caputo fractional derivative. The results that we get show the accuracy and reliability of the present method. Different nonlinear systems have been solved; the solutions that we get are compared with other methods and the exact solution. Also, from the presented figures, it is easy to conclude that the CPM error converges quickly as compared to other methods. Comparing the exact solution and other techniques reveals that the Chebyshev pseudospectral method has a higher degree of accuracy and converges quickly towards the exact solution. Moreover, it is easy to implement the suggested method for solving fractional-order linear and nonlinear physical problems related to science and engineering.
Research on the Prewarning Model of Relationship Risk Levels in Industry Collaborative Innovation Alliances across Provinces in China
Authors: Yu Liufang , Chen Caiyun
Published: October 2021

The governments need beforehand to perceive the innovative relationship risk because they are one of the innovation subjects in those industry collaborative innovation alliances. However, it is difficult for innovation subjects to quantify the risks for industry collaborative innovation alliances due to the complexity, nonlinear, and dynamic condition. This paper firstly constructs an ordered logistic model, uses the following as independent variables: the collaborative degree, the ratio of science technology expenditure to GDP, the ratio of education expenditure to GDP, the ratio of finances to GDP, and uses the levels of risk as the dependent variable. Then, this paper uses the panel data of 30 provinces in China (Hainan is not included) from 2010 to 2018 to fit the model. Based on the fitting results, the research has gained the relationship risk prewarning model in industry collaborative innovation alliances by using the collaborative degree as an independent variable. The governments at all levels can use this relationship risk prewarning model to percept risk levels and reckon the corresponding probability which exists in industry collaborative innovation alliances. Furthermore, there are regional influences existing in the prewarning relationship risk levels in industry collaborative alliances. The east and middle areas have significant regional influence, but it does not exist among west areas and others. The governments at all levels may consider the regional differences.
Dynamics of a Breast Cancer Model for Neutropenia Case due to Chemotherapy Effects
Authors: Fathoni M. Ivan Ariful , Adi-Kusumo Fajar , Gunardi Gunardi , Hutajulu Susanna Hilda
Published: October 2021

Breast cancer is a type of carcinoma with a high prevalence. The treatment of breast cancer through chemotherapy can cause a risk to healthy cells throughout the body. The neutrophil is one of the cells that is influenced by chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is one of the most common toxic effects experienced by patients and often threatens chemotherapy to use efficiency. In this paper, we introduce an interaction model between blood components, i.e., neutrophil, lymphocytes, and albumin, with chemotherapy drugs. The model is important to understand the neutropenia effect due to chemotherapy in mathematical perspective and to calculate breast cancer patients’ survival level. Our model is a four-dimensional system of the first-order ODE with 13-dimensional parameter space. We focus our study for understanding the steady-state conditions and the bifurcations when the parameter values are varied. Here, we also study the role of albumin for reducing the neutropenia effects for breast cancer patients mathematically, where the results can be used as an alternative solution for treating neutropenia in a breast cancer case.
Value of Lumbar MRI Parameters in the Evaluation of Postoperative Curative Effect on Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Analysis of Risk Factors
Authors: Chen Danguo , He Shengquan
Published: October 2021

Objective. For exploring the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in the evaluation of postoperative curative effect on patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and analyzing risk factors. Methods. Totally 60 patients confirmed with LDH in our hospital between Jan. 2018 and Jan. 2020 were enrolled into the observation group (Obs group) given transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (TED). In addition, 60 individuals with low back pain but no LDH over the same time span were enrolled into the control group (Con group). The two groups were given lumbar MRI, and the cross-sectional area differences of bilateral psoas major muscle (BPMM) and multifidus muscle of the patients before and after therapy were evaluated. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores of the two groups before and after therapy were compared, and the associations of the cross-sectional area differences of BPMM and multifidus muscle with efficacy, VAS score, and JOA score were analyzed. According to MacNab criteria, the clinical efficacy on the patients was evaluated, on which the patients were grouped. In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed for analyzing risk factors of clinical efficacy, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn for analyzing the value of risk factors with differences in clinical efficacy evaluation. Results. The Obs group presented larger cross-sectional area differences of BPMM and multifidus muscle than the Con group (bothP<0.05). At 6 months after surgery, the Obs group showed a superior rate of 83.33%. In this group, patients with a superior efficacy showed smaller cross-sectional area differences of BPMM and multifidus muscle before surgery and at 6 months after surgery and got lower VAS scores and higher JOA scores than those without a superior efficacy (allP<0.05). According to Pearson’s correlation analysis, the cross-sectional area differences of BPMM and multifidus muscle before surgery and at 6 months after surgery were positively associated with VAS score and negatively associated with JOA score (bothP<0.05). According to logistic regression analysis, the cross-sectional area differences of BPMM and multifidus muscle were risk factors impacting the patients’ prognosis. ROC curve-based analysis revealed that the cross-sectional area differences could be adopted as evaluation indexes for clinical efficacy on patients. Conclusion. The cross-sectional area differences of BPMM and multifidus muscle can serve as reference indexes for evaluating the postoperative efficacy on patients with LDH.
Levodopa Challenge Test Predicts STN-DBS Outcomes in Various Parkinson’s Disease Motor Subtypes: A More Accurate Judgment
Authors: Zheng Zijian , Yin Zixiao , Zhang Bohan , Fan Houyou , Liu Dan , Zhou Yuancheng , Duan Jian , Zhou Dongwei , Wu Xi , Lu Guohui
Published: October 2021

Background. The relationship between the levodopa challenge test (LDCT) and postoperative subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) benefits is controversial in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). We aim to evaluate the value of total levodopa response (TLR) and symptom levodopa response (SLR) in predicting postoperative improvement in different PD motor subtypes. Methods. Studies were split into a training set (147 patients) and a validation set (304 patients). We retrospectively collected data from 147 patients who received the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale- (UPDRS-) III and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire- (PDQ-) 39 evaluation. Patients were classified into tremor-dominant (TD), akinetic-rigid-dominant (AR), and mixed (MX) groups. Clinically important difference (CID) was employed to dichotomize DBS effects. For patients in each subtype group from the training set, we used the correlation and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses to explore the strength of their relations. Areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated and compared through the DeLong test. Results developed from the training set were applied into the validation set to predict postoperative improvement in different PD motor subtypes. Results. In the validation cohort, TLR significantly correlated with postoperative motor (

p
<
0.001

) and quality of life (QOL) (

p
<
0.001

) improvement in the MX group. The AUC between TLR and UPDRS-III (TU) is 0.800. The AUC between TLR and PDQ-39 (TP) is 0.770. An associated criterion in both TU and TP is around 50%. In the AR group, strong correlation was only found in SLR and PDQ-39 (SP) (

p
<
0.001

). And the AUC of SP is significantly larger than that in TLR and PDQ-39 (TP) (

p
=
0.034

). An associated criterion in SP is around 37%. No significant correlation was found in the TD group. Conclusions. We provide a more accurate judgment for LDCT. TLR strongly correlated with postoperative UPDRS-III and PDQ-39 improvement in MX patients. A

TLR
>
50
%

may indicate a higher possibility of clinically meaningful benefits from STN-DBS comparing to medication only. SLR can well predict QOL improvement in AR patients. Similarly, a

SLR
>
37
%

may indicate a higher possibility of clinically significant benefits from STN-DBS. LDCT provides limited information for TD patients.
Investigation on the Responses of Overburden Stress and Water Pressure to Mining under the Reverse Fault
Authors: Chu Chengcheng
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses on the responses of overburden stress and pore water pressure in confined aquifer to mining under the Ordovician limestone aquifer and the reverse fault. Taking 32 coal seam mining in the first eastern mining area of Qianyingzi coalmine in China as engineering background, on the basis of the mining hydrogeological and engineering geological model of the study area, a numerical calculation model considering the fluid-solid interaction is established. Simulation results indicate that the variation characteristics of pore water pressure in confined aquifer and overburden stress are affected by both mining effect and geological tectonics and are closely related to the shear failure of the reverse fault plane caused by mining effect and the failure characteristics of the overburden strata in the stope. According to the variation of pore water pressure before and after the roof water inrush, the reduction range of pore water pressure can be used as one of the early warning indicators for water inrush accidents. These new understandings are of reference value to the mining water inrush under the combined action of reverse faults and confined aquifers and to the establishment of corresponding forecasting and early warning systems.
IFI44L as a Forward Regulator Enhancing Host Antituberculosis Responses
Authors: Jiang Haiqin , Tsang Lemuel , Wang Hongsheng , Liu Changhong
Published: October 2021

Interferon-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) gene is a type I interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) that plays a critical role in antiviral activity and constitutes a promising diagnostic marker. However, its precise role and function in tuberculosis have not been unveiled. This study showed that IFI44L acts as an antimicrobial target and positive modulator in human macrophages. Knockdown of IFI44L led to increased Mycobacterium tuberculosis intracellular survival. Moreover, IFI44L was significantly upregulated, and it restricted the intracellular survival of M. tuberculosis H37Rv strains at 72 h after rifampicin treatment. Individuals with cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) were found to have significantly higher IFI44L expression after 6 months of rifampicin therapy than after only 1 month. These results demonstrated that IFI44L induced positive regulation and clearance of M. tuberculosis from human macrophages. This antimicrobial activity of IFI44L makes it a possible target for therapeutic applications against M. tuberculosis.
Spinal Cord Stimulation and Treatment of Peripheral or Central Neuropathic Pain: Mechanisms and Clinical Application
Authors: Sun Liting , Peng Changgeng , Joosten Elbert , Cheung Chi Wai , Tan Fei , Jiang Wencheng , Shen Xiafeng
Published: October 2021

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as an evidence-based interventional treatment has been used and approved for clinical use in a variety of pathological states including peripheral neuropathic pain; however, until now, it has not been used for the treatment of spinal cord injury- (SCI-) induced central neuropathic pain. This paper reviews the underlying mechanisms of SCS-induced analgesia and its clinical application in the management of peripheral and central neuropathic pain. Evidence from recent research publications indicates that nociceptive processing at peripheral and central sensory systems is thought to be modulated by SCS through (i) inhibition of the ascending nociceptive transmission by the release of analgesic neurotransmitters such as GABA and endocannabinoids at the spinal dorsal horn; (ii) facilitation of the descending inhibition by release of noradrenalin, dopamine, and serotonin acting on their receptors in the spinal cord; and (iii) activation of a variety of supraspinal brain areas related to pain perception and emotion. These insights into the mechanisms have resulted in the clinically approved use of SCS in peripheral neuropathic pain states like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). However, the mechanisms underlying SCS-induced pain relief in central neuropathic pain are only partly understood, and more research is needed before this therapy can be implemented in SCI patients with central neuropathic pain.
Pursuer Navigation Based on Proportional Navigation and Optimal Information Fusion
Authors: Feng Shulin , Li Zhanxin , Liu Li , Yang Hongyong , Yang Yuanhua , Lv Gaohuan , Yang Liang
Published: October 2021

Pursuer navigation is proposed based on the three‐dimensional proportional navigation law, and this method presents a family of navigation laws resulting in a rich behavior for different parameters. Firstly, the kinematics model for the pursuer and the target is established. Secondly, the proportional navigation law is deduced through the kinematics model. Based on point‐to‐point navigation, obstacle avoidance is implemented by adjusting the control parameters, and the combination can enrich the application range of obstacle avoidance and guidance laws. Thirdly, information fusion weighted by diagonal matrices is used for decreasing the tracking precision. Finally, simulations are conducted in the MATLAB environment. Simulation results verify the availability of the proposed navigation law.
Strength of Vegetated Coal-Bearing Soil under Dry-Wet Cycles: An Experimental Study
Authors: Huang Gang , Zheng Mingxin
Published: October 2021

Strength of vegetated coal-bearing soil is of great significance to evaluate the shallow stability of vegetated slopes in coal-bearing soil regions. This paper takes D-W cycles, dry density, water content, and vegetation root (VR) content as four factors and carries out the triaxial test for the orthogonal design of vegetated coal-bearing soil in southern China. The strength curves of vegetated coal-bearing soil under four factors were obtained. The Taguchi method was used to quantitatively analyse the effects of four factors. The microstructure of coal-bearing soil under D-W cycles and the theory of soil reinforcement by VR were discussed. The results indicated that D-W cycles had a significant effect on the cohesion and internal friction angle (

P
<
0.05

). The internal friction angle was little affected by the water content and VR content, which had considerable influence on the cohesion. The cohesion could be improved with less than 2% VR content. The cohesion was the largest for no D-W cycles, 10% water content, and 2% VR content. The links between mineral particles go from a stable layered structure to unsteadiness chain structure with the increase in the number of D-W cycles.
Impact of HSP90α, CEA, NSE, SCC, and CYFRA21-1 on Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhou Wenwen , Yang Yanhong , Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Yan , Lari Najafi Moslem
Published: October 2021

Lung cancer is a lethal disease, and early diagnosis with the aid of biomarkers such as HSP90α protein can certainly assist the doctors to start treatment of patient at the earliest and can save their lives. To analyse the diagnostic value of HSP90α expression in lung cancer patients by collecting data of patients through IoT devices to avoid delay in treatments, a study has been presented in this paper where the significance of HSP90α biomarker is highlighted in early diagnosis of patients suffering from lung cancer. The second objective of the research study is to examine the correlation between the appearance level of HSP90α biomarker and the clinicopathological features of lung cancer. It is also evaluated whether the changes in HSP90α index are indicative or noteworthy before and after surgery of lung cancer patients. An observatory study of 78 patients with lung cancer in Qinhuangdao Hospital is presented in this paper where the samples were collected from June 2018 to March 2020. Their data were collected through IoT devices used in the latest healthcare facilities of the hospital. The ELISA method was utilized to identify the level of plasma HSP90 and to analyse HSP90 levels between the lung cancer group and healthy group of people. The relationship between HSP90 and the clinical pathological features of 78 patients suffering from lung cancer was analysed. An electrochemical luminescence method was used to detect CEA, NSE, SCC, and CYFRA21-1 levels. ROC curve and box plots were used to determine the analytic value of HSP90 and other biomarkers used in lung cancer diagnosis. Forty-two patients with moderate to early stage lung cancer with surgical correction were selected, and paired sample T test was used to analyse HSP90 levels before and after surgery. The plasma HSP90 level of lung cancer patients was quite higher as compared to the group of healthy people as per the values depicted in the research study. Second, HSP90 levels are substantially higher in pathologic type, differentiation degree, stage, and the existence of the lung, liver, and bone metastases (

P

 < 0.05). The level of HSP90 expression was largely impacted by a few factors such as sex, age, smoking, and tumour location (

P

 > 0.05). The ROC value for HSP90 was 0.599, while the area under the curve of HSP90 combined with other four tumour markers was 0.915 in the presented case study, indicating the presence of lung cancer. Patients with lung cancer had statistically significant differences in HSP90 expression levels before and after surgery (

P

 < 0.05). It is concluded that the expression level of plasma HSP90α in lung cancer patients increases remarkably; therefore, HSP90 can be used to monitor presence of lung cancer before and after surgery in the patients.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Yifag Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Damtie Destaw , Liyih Minichil
Published: October 2021

Background. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Yifag Health Center. Methods. The data were collected by a questionnaire interview technique and collecting the stool samples from each pregnant woman. Wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques were applied to identify the IPIs. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 25, and

P

-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. Out of the total 280 pregnant women who were selected using a simple random sampling technique, 277 participated in the questionnaire survey and gave stool samples (a response rate of 98.9%). The prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women was 53.4% (95% CI: 47.37, 59.42). Taenia species (18.1%) was the predominant parasite followed by Giardia lamblia (12.6%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9.4%), hookworms (9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4%), Schistosoma mansoni (3.2%), Hymenolepis nana (0.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%). Eating raw vegetables (AOR = 2.721; 95% CI: 1.266, 5.849;

P
=
0.010

) and poor personal hygiene (AOR = 4.015; 95% CI: 1.456, 11.07;

P
=
0.007

) were associated risk factors for G. lamblia, while eating raw meat (AOR = 2.477; 95% CI: 1.252, 4.902;

P
=
0.009

) for Taenia species infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high and still a health burden to the pregnant women in the study area. We recommend avoiding eating raw meat, strengthening sanitation and hygiene programs, and routine deworming of pregnant mothers to reduce the burden of IPIs among pregnant women.
ImReMuDF: Redundant Mutants Identification Method Based on Definition and Reference of Variables
Authors: Liu Zhenpeng , Yang Xianwei , Liu Yi , Zhao Yonggang , Li Xiaofei
Published: October 2021

Mutation testing is an effective defect-based software testing method, but a large number of mutants lead to expensive testing costs, which hinders the application of variation testing in industrial engineering. To solve this problem and enable mutation testing to be applied in industrial engineering, this paper improves the method of identifying redundant mutants based on data flow analysis and proposes the inclusion relationship between redundant mutants, so that the redundancy rate of mutants is reduced. In turn, the cost of mutation testing can be reduced. The redundant mutants identification method based on definition and reference of variables (ImReMuDF) was validated and evaluated using 8 C programs. The minimum improvement in redundant mutant identification rate was 34.0%, and the maximum improvement was 71.3% in the 8 C programs tested, and the verification results showed that the method is feasible and effective and has been improved in reducing redundant mutants and effectively reducing the execution time of mutation testing.