bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourism Growth Prediction Based on Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Ren Xiaoling , Li Yanyan , Zhao JuanJuan , Qiang Yan
Published: July 2021

The conventional tourism demand prediction models are currently facing several challenges due to the excess number of search intensity indices that are used as indicators of tourism demand. In this work, the framework for deep learning‐based monthly prediction of the volumes of Macau tourist arrivals was presented. The main objective in this study is to predict the tourism growth via one of the deep learning algorithms of extracting new features. The outcome of this study showed that the performance of the adopted deep learning framework was better than that of artificial neural network and support vector regression models. Practitioners can rely on the identified relevant features from the developed framework to understand the nature of the relationships between the predictive factors of tourist demand and the actual volume of tourist arrival.
A Privacy Protection Scheme for IoT Big Data Based on Time and Frequency Limitation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Huo Yu , Ge Qiang , Ma Yuxiang , Liu Qiqi , Ouyang Wenlei
Published: July 2021

Various applications of the Internet of Things assisted by deep learning such as autonomous driving and smart furniture have gradually penetrated people’s social life. These applications not only provide people with great convenience but also promote the progress and development of society. However, how to ensure that the important personal privacy information in the big data of the Internet of Things will not be leaked when it is stored and shared on the cloud is a challenging issue. The main challenges include (1) the changes in access rights caused by the flow of manufacturers or company personnel while sharing and (2) the lack of limitation on time and frequency. We propose a data privacy protection scheme based on time and decryption frequency limitation that can be applied in the Internet of Things. Legitimate users can obtain the original data, while users without a homomorphic encryption key can perform operation training on the homomorphic ciphertext. On the one hand, this scheme does not affect the training of the neural network model, on the other hand, it improves the confidentiality of data. Besides that, this scheme introduces a secure two‐party agreement to improve security while generating keys. While revoking, each attribute is specified for the validity period in advance. Once the validity period expires, the attribute will be revoked. By using storage lists and setting tokens to limit the number of user accesses, it effectively solves the problem of data leakage that may be caused by multiple accesses in a long time. The theoretical analysis demonstrates that the proposed scheme can not only ensure safety but also improve efficiency.
Reliable Wi-Fi Indoor Localization in Case of AP Loss by Using Integrated Model Based on Signal Anomaly Detector and Signal Distance Corrector
Authors: Yao Zheng , Wu Huaiyu , Chen Yang , Chen Zhihuan , Zheng Xiujuan
Published: July 2021

When developing a Wi-Fi indoor positioning system in a real-world environment, the problems we have to face are that some access points’ signal strength fluctuates extensively or even loses contact due to the cybersecurity threats, leading to the fact that the indoor location system cannot get reliable application in a real-world environment. To solve this problem, we propose a new integrated model based on signal anomaly detector and signal distance corrector to provide reliable position estimation when the access points’ signal is lost under cybersecurity threats. The signal anomaly detector improves recognition capability of the uncertain signal and noise, while the signal distance corrector improves the robustness and fault tolerance of the highly variable Wi-Fi signals. To fully reflect the performance of the proposed method, experiments have been carried out in the real environment of indoor parking lots. The results show that the proposed integrated model successfully provides reliable position estimation when the access points are lost under cybersecurity threats.
Exploring the Mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Efficacy against Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis
Authors: Hou Fanfan , Liu Yang , Cheng YaHsin , Zhang Ni , Yan Wenpeng , Zhang Fang
Published: July 2021

Background. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) has been widely shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit invasion and migration of various cancer cells. Increased evidence shows that SBG may be useful to treat oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the biological activity and possible mechanisms of SBG in the treatment of OSCC have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to clarify the bioactive component and multitarget mechanisms of SBG against OSCC using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database was used to predict the active components in SBG, and putative molecular targets of SBG were identified using the Swiss Target Prediction database. OSCC-related targets were screened by GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). Then, we established protein-protein interaction (PPI), compound-target-disease (C-T-D), and compound-target-pathway (C-T-P) networks by Cytoscape to identify the main components, core targets, and pharmacological pathways of SBG against OSCC via applying data mining techniques and topological parameters. Metascape database was utilized for Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis. The potential interaction of the main components with core targets was revealed by molecular docking simulation, and for the correlation between core targets and OSCC prognosis analysis, the Kaplan–Meier Plotter online database was used. Results. There were 25 active compounds in SBG and 86 genes targeted by OSCC. A total of 141 signaling pathways were identified, and it was found that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway may occupy core status in the anti-OSCC system. GO analysis revealed that the primary biological processes were related to apoptosis, proliferation, and migration. Molecular docking results confirmed that core targets of OSCC had a high affinity with the main compounds of SBG. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway characteristics of SBG in the treatment of OSCC and provided a foundation for further drug development research.
Distributed Typhoon Track Prediction Based on Complex Features and Multitask Learning
Authors: Sun Yongjiao , Song Yaning , Qiao Baiyou , Li Boyang
Published: July 2021

Typhoons are common natural phenomena that often have disastrous aftermaths, particularly in coastal areas. Consequently, typhoon track prediction has always been an important research topic. It chiefly involves predicting the movement of a typhoon according to its history. However, the formation and movement of typhoons is a complex process, which in turn makes accurate prediction more complicated; the potential location of typhoons is related to both historical and future factors. Existing works do not fully consider these factors; thus, there is significant room for improving the accuracy of predictions. To this end, we presented a novel typhoon track prediction framework comprising complex historical features—climatic, geographical, and physical features—as well as a deep‐learning network based on multitask learning. We implemented the framework in a distributed system, thereby improving the training efficiency of the network. We verified the efficiency of the proposed framework on real datasets.
Isolation and Identification of Optochin-Resistant Viridans Group Streptococci from the Sputum Samples of Adult Patients in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Paramaiswari Wisiva Tofriska , Sidik Nurma Sumar , Khoeri Miftahuddin Majid , Tafroji Wisnu , Said Wahyu Finasari , Safari Dodi
Published: July 2021

Aim. To investigate optochin-resistant viridans group streptococci (VGS) strains isolated from the sputum sample of adult patients with different clinical symptoms. Materials and Methods. Optochin-resistant VGS isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). recA sequencing was used to confirm identified isolates at the genus level by MALDI-TOF MS. Finding. We identified 79% of tested isolates (148/187) at the species-level identification using the MALDI-TOF MS tool. We identified that the most common species isolated from sputum specimens were S. oralis (44.9%) followed by S. mitis (25.7%), S. infantis (9.1%), S. parasanguinis (7.5%), S. peroris (3.7%), S. anginosus (2.7%), and S. sanguinis (2.1%). Discussion. The S. oralis strains were majority of optochin-resistant VGS isolates obtained from sputum of adult patients in Jakarta, Indonesia. MALDI-TOF MS showed potential for the rapid identification tool to identify optochin-resistant VGS isolates. Although there were discrepancies in identifying isolates at the genus/species level, the performance could be improved by expanding its database.
Effects of Enalapril on TLR2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Inflammatory Factors in Rabbits with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Tang Yanping , Xu Zelin , Chen Xinyu , Wang Nan , Deng Xu , Peng Liqi , Chen Qingyang , Cai Huzhi
Published: July 2021

Chronic heart failure (CHF) refers to the state of persistent heart failure, which is a complex clinical syndrome of various advanced heart diseases. The toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signal transduction pathway is one of the pathological mechanisms of CHF. Adriamycin can significantly induce the upregulation of TLR2 expression. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are commonly used drugs for the treatment of CHF. In our study, the CHF model was established by injection of doxorubicin into the rabbit ear vein. The effect of enalapril on the TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway in CHF rabbits has been analyzed and determined. Our research results showed that enalapril reduced the inflammatory response by inhibiting the activation of the TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby improving cardiac structure, myocardial remodeling, and cardiac function.
Application and Clinical Effectiveness of Antibiotic-Loaded Bone Cement to Promote Soft Tissue Granulation in the Treatment of Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers Complicated by Osteomyelitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mendame Ehya Regis Ernest , Zhang Hao , Qi Baiwen , Yu Aixi
Published: July 2021

This study explored the clinical effectiveness of antibiotic-loaded bone cement on primary treatment of diabetic foot infection. This is a randomized controlled study, including thirty-six patients with diabetic foot ulcer complicated by osteomyelitis who had undergone treatment between May 2018 and December 2019. Patients were randomly divided into control group (group A) and study group (group B). Patients in the intervention group received antibiotic-loaded bone cement repair as primary treatment, while patients in the control group received conventional vacuum sealing draining treatment. Clinical endpoints were assessed and compared between the two groups, including wound healing time, wound bacterial conversion, NRS pain score, number of wound dressing changes, and average hospitalization time. All patients were followed up for a period of 12 months after discharge. Results show that compared with the control group, patients in the study group had significant difference in the number of patients for baseline pathogens eradication, short NRS pain score, hospital length of stay and cost, wound surface reduction, healing time, low rate of complications, and infection recurrence. Based on the findings, we conclude that antibiotic-loaded bone cement can be used for treatment of wound in patient with diabetic foot infection. It can help to control wound infections, shorten hospital length of stay, reduce medical cost, and relieve both doctors’ and patients’ burden. The application of antibiotic-loaded bone cement is suitable for diabetic wound with soft tissue infection or osteomyelitis.
Umbelliprenin Increases the M1/M2 Ratio of Macrophage Polarization and Improves the M1 Macrophage Activity in THP-1 Cells Cocultured with AGS Cells
Authors: Bahrami MohammadTaher , Haji Molla Hoseini Mostafa , Rezaei Mitra , Ziai Seyed Ali
Published: July 2021

Background. Gastric adenocarcinoma is the fifth most diagnosed malignancy in the world. The immune system consists of a heterogeneous mixture of macrophages that defense the body through phagocytosis and the production of different cytokines and chemokines. Tumors cause macrophages to polarize differently in the manner of their favorite growth and angiogenesis. Umbelliprenin, a natural sesquiterpene coumarin, has been shown to have anticancer properties against some tumors, including gastric adenocarcinoma. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of umbelliprenin on the polarization of macrophages in addition to the measurement of some of the soluble factors they produce. Method. The values of IC5 and IC50 for umbelliprenin in the AGS and THP-1 cells were estimated using the MTT assay. THP-1 cells were treated with 10 μM umbelliprenin, either alone or cocultured with AGS cells. Flow cytometry analysis of treated THP-1 cells was performed for CD68, CD86, and CD206 markers to evaluate M0, M1, and M2 macrophages polarization, respectively. AGS cells were assessed for apoptosis and necrosis by flow cytometry after labeling with Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide. Interleukin- (IL-) 10 and IL-12 contents were measured in the supernatant by the ELISA method. Griess Reaction assay technique was used to determine nitric oxide (NO) concentration. Results. The results of the MTT showed lower toxicity of umbelliprenin in THP-1 (IC50 = 75.79) compared to the AGS cell line (IC50 = 48.81). Umbelliprenin significantly increased the M1/M2 ratio. IL-10 content decreased significantly in the supernatant of M1 and M2 cells after umbelliprenin treatment, while IL-12 increased in the supernatant of M1 cells and decreased in the supernatant of the M2 cells. Umbelliprenin caused an increase in the NO in the supernatant of the M1 cells. Conclusion. Umbelliprenin alters the macrophage’s secretions and its phenotypes in favor of tumor suppression.
Comparisons of Vitreal Angiogenic, Inflammatory, Profibrotic Cytokines, and Chemokines Profile between Patients with Epiretinal Membrane and Macular Hole
Authors: Chen Lu , Zhang Weiwei , Xie Ping , Ji Jiangdong , Qian Huiming , Yuan Songtao , Liu Qinghuai , Hu Zizhong
Published: July 2021

Objectives. Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) or idiopathic macular hole (iMH) is frequently used as a “healthy” control in comparison of vitreous cytokines with other vitreoretinal diseases. This study aimed to investigate if there is a difference in vitreal cytokines expression between patients with iERM and iMH. Methods. In this prospective study, all subjects received standard pars plana vitrectomy surgery, and 0.5 ml of native vitreous sample was extracted during the vitrectomy. Luminex technology and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to profile the concentration of 52 classic angiogenic, inflammatory, and profibrotic cytokines and chemokines. Statistical analyses were performed by the Mann–Whitney U test, followed by multiple comparisons by the Bonferroni correction. Results. Vitreal samples from 13 iERM and 24 iMH were studied. Of the 52 tested cytokines, 41 were similar in expression, and 5 were under the detection limit, while 6 cytokines (MMP-8, Eotaxin, MIP-1a, RANTES, TGF-β2, and IL-4) were differently expressed between two groups (

p
<
0.05

). Nevertheless, these significances disappeared after the adjustment of Bonferroni correction. Conclusion. The tested cytokines showed similar expression between iERM and iMH patients. This indicates that eyes with iERM or iMH can be together served as “healthy” controls.
Performance Prediction for Higher Education Students Using Deep Learning
Authors: Li Shuping , Liu Taotang
Published: July 2021

Predicting students’ performance is very important in matters related to higher education as well as with regard to deep learning and its relationship to educational data. Prediction of students’ performance provides support in selecting courses and designing appropriate future study plans for students. In addition to predicting the performance of students, it helps teachers and managers to monitor students in order to provide support to them and to integrate the training programs to obtain the best results. One of the benefits of student’s prediction is that it reduces the official warning signs as well as expelling students because of their inefficiency. Prediction provides support to the students themselves through their choice of courses and study plans appropriate to their abilities. The proposed method used deep neural network in prediction by extracting informative data as a feature with corresponding weights. Multiple updated hidden layers are used to design neural network automatically; number of nodes and hidden layers controlled by feed forwarding and backpropagation data are produced by previous cases. The training mode is used to train the system with labeled data from dataset and the testing mode is used for evaluating the system. Mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) with accuracy used for evolution of the proposed method. The proposed system has proven its worth in terms of efficiency through the achieved results in MAE (0.593) and RMSE (0.785) to get the best prediction.
Optimal Surrender Policy of Guaranteed Minimum Maturity Benefits in Variable Annuities with Regime-Switching Volatility
Authors: Luo Xiankang , Xing Jie
Published: July 2021

This study investigates valuation of guaranteed minimum maturity benefits (GMMB) in variable annuity contract in the case where the guarantees can be surrendered at any time prior to the maturity. In the event of the option being exercised early, early surrender charges will be applied. We model the underlying mutual fund dynamics under regime-switching volatility. The valuation problem can be reduced to an American option pricing problem, which is essentially an optimal stopping problem. Then, we obtain the pricing partial differential equation by a standard Markovian argument. A detailed discussion shows that the solution of the problem involves an optimal surrender boundary. The properties of the optimal surrender boundary are given. The regime-switching Volterra-type integral equation of the optimal surrender boundary is derived by probabilistic methods. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed for the optimal surrender decision. In the end, we adopt the trinomial tree method to determine the optimal strategy.
An Insight into the Current Understanding of Status Epilepticus: From Concept to Management
Authors: Al-Sofyani Khouloud Abdulrhman
Published: July 2021

Status epilepticus (SE), a subset of epilepsy, represents a debilitating neurological disorder often associated with alarming mortality and morbidity numbers. Even though SE is one of the extensively researched topics with conspicuous data available in the literature, a scientific gap exists in understanding the heterogeneous facets of the disorder like occurrence, definition, classification, causes, molecular mechanisms, etc., thereby providing a defined management program. Cognizance of this heterogeneity and scientific limitation with its subsequent correlation to the recent advancements in medical and scientific domains would serve not only in bridging the gap but also in developing holistic and prompt management programs. Keeping this as an objective, an extensive literature survey was performed during this study, and key findings have been shared. The present study provides a semantic and perspective synopsis toward acknowledging the diversified nature of SE and its variants with respect to their definition, classification, etiology, diagnosis, and management.
Study on the Effect of Sample Temperature on the Uniaxial Compressive Mechanical Properties of the Brain Tissue
Authors: Guan Fengjiao , Zhang Guanjun , Jia Xiaohang , Deng Xiaopeng
Published: July 2021

Craniocerebral injury has been a research focus in the field of injury biomechanics. Although experimental endeavors have made certain progress in characterizing the material behavior of the brain, the temperature dependency of brain mechanics appears to be inconclusive thus far. To partially address this knowledge gap, the current study measured the brain material behavior via unconstrained uniaxial compression tests under low strain rate (0.0083 s-1) and high strain rate (0.83 s-1) at four different sample temperatures (13°C, 20°C, 27°C, and 37°C). Each group has 9~12 samples. One-way analysis of variance method was used to study the influence of sample temperature on engineering stress. The results show that the effect of sample temperature on the mechanical properties of brain tissue is significant under the high strain rate, especially at low temperature (13°C), in which the hardening of the brain tissue is very obvious. At the low strain rate, no temperature dependency of brain mechanics is noted. Therefore, the current results highlight that the temperature of the brain sample should be ensured to be in accordance with the living subject when studying the biomechanical response of living tissue.
Effects of Dingchuan Decoction on Lung Function and Clinical Effectiveness Rate in Children with Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Sheng-Nan , Yan Jia-Li , Wu Shao-Xing , Wu Lei , Zheng Yan-Chan , Shou Jian-Shun , Xu Yin-Ji
Published: July 2021

Dingchuan decoction (DCD) is a traditional Chinese prescription for asthma that remains popular today. To systematically evaluate the effect of DCD on lung function, clinical effectiveness rate, and safety in children with asthma, significant databases were searched for randomized controlled trials from their inception to September 9, 2019. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of DCD on lung function and clinical effectiveness rate in children with asthma were included in this meta-analysis. The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RevMan 5.3 was used for data analysis. Fourteen studies with 1,384 children were reviewed. FEV1 improvement rate (mean difference [MD] 12.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.72–16.29), PEF improvement rate (MD 14.28, 95% CI 11.08–17.49), and clinical effectiveness rate (relative risk 1.19, 95% CI 1.14–1.25) significantly increased in the DCD group when compared to simple conventional medication. Four trials suggest that DCD is safe for children. In conclusion, the use of DCD combined with conventional medication improves lung function and clinical effectiveness rate better than simple conventional medication. However, the selected trials lack blinding and large-scale studies. Therefore, to better manage DCD in clinical practice, more randomized controlled trials and large-scale studies are required for further evaluation.
The Role of Hippo Signaling Pathway in the Development of the Nervous System
Authors: Li Xifan , Li Kaixuan , Chen Yu , Fang Fang
Published: July 2021

Hippo signaling pathway is a highly conserved and crucial signaling pathway that controls the size of tissues and organs by regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of cells. The nervous system is a complicated system that participates in information collection, integration, and procession. The balance of various aspects of the nervous system is vital for the normal regulation of physiological conditions of the body, like the population and distribution of nerve cells, nerve connections, and so on. Defects in these aspects may lead to cognitive, behavioral, and neurological dysfunction, resulting in various nervous system diseases. Recently, accumulating evidence proposes that Hippo pathway maintains numerous biological functions in the nervous system development, including modulating the proliferation and differentiation of nerve cells and promoting the development of synapse, corpus callosum, and cortex. In this review, we will summarize recent findings of Hippo pathway in the nervous system to improve our understanding on its function and to provide potential therapeutic strategies of nervous system diseases in the future.
Machine Learning Models for Predicting Neonatal Mortality: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mangold Cheyenne , Zoretic Sarah , Thallapureddy Keerthi , Moreira Axel , Chorath Kevin , Moreira Alvaro
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Approximately 7,000 newborns die every day, accounting for almost half of child deaths under 5 years of age. Deciphering which neonates are at increased risk for mortality can have an important global impact. As such, integrating high computational technology (e.g., artificial intelligence [AI]) may help identify the early and potentially modifiable predictors of neonatal mortality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to collate, critically appraise, and analyze neonatal prediction studies that included AI. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, OVID, and Google Scholar. We included studies that used AI (e.g., machine learning (ML) and deep learning) to formulate prediction models for neonatal death. We excluded small studies (n < 500 individuals) and studies using only antenatal factors to predict mortality. Two independent investigators screened all articles for inclusion. The data collection consisted of study design, number of models, features used per model, feature importance, internal and/or external validation, and calibration analysis. Our primary outcome was the average area under the receiving characteristic curve (AUC) or sensitivity and specificity for all models included in each study. Results: Of 434 articles, 11 studies were included. The total number of participants was 1.26 M with gestational ages ranging from 22 weeks to term. Number of features ranged from 3 to 66 with timing of prediction as early as 5 min of life to a maximum of 7 days of age. The average number of models per study was 4, with neural network, random forest, and logistic regression comprising the most used models (58.3%). Five studies (45.5%) reported calibration plots and 2 (18.2%) conducted external validation. Eight studies reported results by AUC and 5 studies reported the sensitivity and specificity. The AUC varied from 58.3% to 97.0%. The mean sensitivities ranged from 63% to 80% and specificities from 78% to 99%. The best overall model was linear discriminant analysis, but it also had a high number of features (n = 17). Discussion/Conclusion: ML models can accurately predict death in neonates. This analysis demonstrates the most commonly used predictors and metrics for AI prediction models for neonatal mortality. Future studies should focus on external validation, calibration, as well as deployment of applications that can be readily accessible to health-care providers.
Identification of Disability Risk in Addition to Slow Walking Speed in Older Adults
Authors: Shimada Hiroyuki , Doi Takehiko , Lee Sangyoon , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Bae Seongryu , Makino Keitaro , Nakakubo Sho , Arai Hidenori
Published: July 2021

Introduction: A cutoff speed of 1.0 m/s for walking at a comfortable pace is critical for predicting future functional decline. However, some older adults with walking speeds below the cutoff point maintain an independent living. We aimed to identify specific predictors of disability development in older adults with slow walking speeds in contrast to those with a normal walking speed. Methods: This prospective cohort study on 11,987 community-dwelling independent Japanese older adults (mean age, 73.6±5.4 years) was conducted between 2011 and 2015. Participants were classified into slow walking speed (comfortable walking speed slower than 1.0 m/s) and normal walking speed (speed of 1.0 m/s or faster) groups and followed up to assess disability incidence for 24 months after baseline assessments. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify predictors of disability development in the slow and normal walking groups. Results: Overall, 26.7% of participants had a slow walking speed. At follow-up, 11.3% and 2.7% of participants in the slow and normal walking groups, respectively, developed disability (p < 0.01). Cox regression models revealed that age (hazard ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.11), walking speed (0.10, 0.05–0.20), grip strength (0.97, 0.95–0.99), Parkinson’s disease (4.16, 2.05–8.44), and Symbol Digit Substitution Test (SDST) score (0.98, 0.96–1.00) were significantly associated with disability incidence in the slow walking group. In the normal walking group, age, grip strength, cognition, 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score, and reduced participation in outdoor activity were significantly associated with disability incidence; however, there was no significant association with walking speed. Conclusions: Decreased walking speeds have considerably greater impact on disability development in older adults with a slow walking speed than in those with a normal walking speed. Health-care providers should explore modifiable factors for reducing walking speed; they should also encourage improvement of risk factors such as muscle weakness and depression to reduce disability risk in older adults with slow walking speeds.
Does Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Improve Wound Healing and Pain Perception after Cesarean Section in High-Risk Patients?
Authors: Elkhouly Nabih I. , Elkilani Osama A. , Kolaib Hend A. , Elkhouly Reem M. , Morsi Dalia I.
Published: July 2021

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on wound healing and pain perception after cesarean section in high-risk patients. Design: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Participants/Materials, Settings, and Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial of 200 patients who came to the outpatient clinic of Menoufia University Hospital for elective cesarean surgery. The women were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups. The intervention group received PRP subcutaneous injection in the wound after surgery; however, the control group received the usual care. Outcome variables included the redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation (REEDA) scale, Vancouver scar scale (VSS), and in addition to the visual analog scale (VAS). Results: From April 2018 to July 2020, the PRP group showed a greater reduction in the REEDA score compared to the control group on day 1, day 7, and this was continued till 6 months (1.51 ± 0.90 vs. 2.49 ± 1.12, p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the PRP group had a significantly greater reduction in the VSS and VAS scores beginning on the seventh day (3.71 ± 0.99 vs. 4.67 ± 1.25, p < 0.001) and (5.06 ± 1.10 vs. 6.02 ± 1.15, p < 0.001), respectively, and continued till 6 months. Limitations: Pain was not measured by the use of analgesics, and we did not investigate the effects of varying platelet concentrations, centrifuge duration, or speed. Conclusions: PRP has positive effects on wound healing and pain reduction in high-risk patients undergoing cesarean section in low-resource settings.
Prevalence of Health Problems and Health-Care Use in Partners of People with Dementia: Longitudinal Analysis with Routinely Recorded Health and Administrative Data
Authors: van der Heide Iris , Heins Marianne , Verheij Robert , van Hout Hein P.J. , Francke Anneke , Joling Karlijn
Published: July 2021

Introduction: This study aims to provide insight into the prevalence of health problems and the frequency of general practitioner (GP) contacts in cohabiting partners of persons with dementia, during the year prior to the dementia diagnosis and up to 3 years after the diagnosis. Methods: Partners of persons with dementia and a matched control group of partners of persons without dementia were identified in the routinely recorded electronic health records of 451 Dutch general practices in 2008–2015. These data were used to examine the prevalence of the partners’ health problems. Differences between these partners and comparison partners in the prevalence of 16 groups of health problems (diagnostic chapters) and in the frequency of GP contacts were examined using generalized estimating equation models. Results: 1,711 partners of persons with dementia and 6,201 comparison partners were included in the analyses. Social problems, more specifically problems related to the illness and/or the loss of the partner, were significantly more prevalent in partners than in comparison partners across the years (p < 0.01), as were musculoskeletal problems (p < 0.01). Respiratory and psychological problems increased over time in partners and remained stable in comparison partners. Across the years, partners contacted their GP more often than comparison partners (p < 0.01). Discussion/Conclusion: Having a cohabiting partner with dementia has consequences for caregiver’s physical and psychosocial health. The specific health problems found in this study and the increase in GP contacts might be relevant indicators of overburdening in partners of persons with dementia.
Rhizomelia and Impaired Linear Growth in a Girl with Juvenile Paget Disease: The Natural History of the Condition
Authors: Höppner Jakob , Steff Katja , Lobert Felix , Heyer Christoph M. , Hauffa Berthold P. , Grasemann Corinna
Published: July 2021

In ultra-rare bone diseases, information on growth during childhood is sparse. Juvenile Paget disease (JPD) is an ultra-rare disease, characterized by loss of function of osteoprotegerin (OPG). OPG inhibits osteoclast activation via the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) pathway. In JPD, overactive osteoclasts result in inflammatory-like bone disease due to grossly elevated bone resorption. Knowledge on the natural history of JPD, including final height and growth, is limited. Most affected children receive long-term antiresorptive treatment, mostly with bisphosphonates, to contain bone resorption, which may affect growth. In this study, we report the follow-up of height, growth velocity, and skeletal maturation in a 16-year-old female patient with JPD. The patient was treated with cyclic doses of pamidronate starting at 2.5 years of age and with 2 doses of denosumab at the age of 8 years, when pamidronate was paused. In the following years, a sustainable decline in a height z-score and a stunted pubertal growth spurt; despite appropriate maturation of the epiphyseal plates of the left hand, the proximal right humerus and both femora were observed. Whether this reflects the growth pattern in JPD or might be associated to the antiresorptive treatments is unclear, since there is very limited information available on the effect of bisphosphonates and denosumab on growth and the growth plate in pediatric patients. Studies are needed to understand the natural history of an ultra-rare bone disease and to assess the effects of antiresorptive treatment on the growing skeleton.
Prognostic Impact and Clinicopathological Features of Multiple Colorectal Cancers and Extracolorectal Malignancies: A Nationwide Retrospective Study
Authors: Ochiai Kentaro , Kawai Kazushige , Nozawa Hiroaki , Sasaki Kazuhito , Kaneko Manabu , Murono Koji , Emoto Shigenobu , Ishii Hiroaki , Sonoda Hirofumi , Yamauchi Shinichi , Sugihara Kenichi , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) are likely to develop in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC); however, their prognoses are unclear. This study aims to investigate the prognostic impacts and clinicopathological features of multiple CRCs and extracolorectal malignancies (EMs) with CRC. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a total of 22,628 patients with stage I–III CRC who underwent curative resection at 24 referral institutes in Japan between January 2004 and December 2012. MPMs were classified as synchronous CRCs (SCRCs), metachronous CRCs, synchronous EMs (SEMs), and metachronous EMs. Results: The presence of SCRCs (odds ratio 1.54, p < 0.001) was independently associated with SEMs in the multivariate analyses. SEMs were the strongest poor prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.21, p < 0.001) and RFS (HR 1.69, p < 0.001) compared with age, sex, and primary T and N factors. The incidence of stomach cancer was the highest in EMs, followed by lung, breast, and prostate cancers. Multiple CRCs were evenly distributed throughout the right-side colon to the rectum. Discussion/Conclusion: SEMs were a strong poor prognostic factor for patients with stage I–III CRC. Patients with CRC, particularly those with SCRCs, should be surveyed for SEMs, especially for stomach and lung cancers.
Factors Associated with Coronary In-Stent Restenosis after Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Sugita Hiroshi , Motohiro Masayuki , Morishita Syun , Tanaka Masami , Tsujimoto Satoshi , Shiojima Ichiro
Published: July 2021

Aims: Recently, drug-eluting stents (DESs) have been widely adopted for patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD). However, whether DES implantation is associated with a reduced rate of in-stent restenosis (ISR) is unclear. We investigated the incidence of ISR and its predictors in patients on HD after DES implantation. Methods and Results: We analyzed 194 consecutive patients (331 lesions) on HD who underwent follow-up angiography after DES implantation. ISR was observed in 74 lesions (22.4%). Angiographically, the relative incidence of AHA/ACC type C lesion was increased (47 vs. 32%; p = 0.043), the minimal lumen diameter (MLD) before DES implantation was smaller (0.82 ± 0.49 vs. 0.97 ± 0.45 mm; p < 0.01), and the lesion length (LL) was increased (30.2 ± 16.1 vs. 24.4 ± 12.1 mm; p = 0.023) in lesions with ISR compared to those without ISR. The rate of rotational atherectomy use was also increased in lesions with ISR compared to those without ISR (50% vs. 25%; p < 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, the MLD before DES implantation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–0.91, p = 0.024), LL (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04, p = 0.030) and the use of rotational atherectomy (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.55–4.72, p < 0.01) were independent predictors of ISR. The incidence of ISR was similar between lesions treated with the first-generation (25.8%) and the second-generation DESs (20.4%). Conclusions: ISR was observed in 74 lesions (22.4%). A small MLD, long LL, and the use of rotational atherectomy were independent predictors of ISR after DES implantation in patients on HD. There was no significant difference in the ISR rate between the first- and the second-generation DESs.
Understudied G Protein-Coupled Receptors in the Kidney
Authors: Zaidman Nathan A. , Pluznick Jennifer L.
Published: July 2021

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface proteins which play a key role in allowing cells, tissues, and organs to respond to changes in the external environment in order to maintain homeostasis. Despite the fact that GPCRs are known to play key roles in a variety of tissues, there are a large subset of GPCRs that remain poorly studied. In this minireview, we will summarize what is known regarding the “understudied” GPCRs with respect to renal function, and in so doing will highlight the promise represented by studying this gene family.
The Impact of Stress on Health in Childhood and Adolescence in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cianfarani Stefano , Pampanini Valentina
Published: July 2021

Background: The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is posing many challenges to global health. Efforts from the whole scientific community have shed light on the pathogenetic mechanisms and the clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as on potential therapeutic strategies. Summary: The consequences of stress related to social isolation and anxiety generated by the pandemic on mental and physical health are collateral effects that are yet poorly investigated.
Association of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Stroke and Cardiac Wall Motion Abnormalities
Authors: Kamran Saadat , Akhtar Naveed , Singh Rajvir , Imam Yahya , Haroon Khawaja H. , Amir Noman , Hussain Suhail , Al Jerdi Salman , Ojha Laxmi , Own Ahmed , Muhammad Ahmad , Perkins Jonathan D.
Published: July 2021

Background

The association of cardiac wall motion abnormalities (CWMAs) in patients with stroke who have major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to estimate the 50‐month risk of MACE, including stroke recurrence, acute coronary events, and vascular death in patients with stroke who have CWMAs.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected acute stroke data (acute stroke and transient ischemic attack) over 50 months by electronic medical records. Data included demographic and clinical information, vascular imaging, and echocardiography data including CWMAs and MACE. Of a total of 2653 patients with acute stroke/transient ischemic attack, CWMA was observed in 355 (13.4%). In patients with CWMAs, the embolic stroke of undetermined source (50.7%) was the most frequent index stroke subtype and stroke recurrences (
P
=0.001). In multivariate Cox regression after adjustment for demographics, traditional risk, and confounding factors, CWMA was independently associated with a higher risk of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.74; 95% CI, 1.37–2.21 [
P
=0.001]). Similarly, CWMA independently conferred an increased risk for ischemic stroke recurrence (adjusted HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.01–2.17 [
P
=0.04]), risk of acute coronary events (aHR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.83–3.40 [
P
=0.001]) and vascular death (adjusted HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.04–2.40 [
P
=0.03]), in comparison to the patients with stroke without CWMA.

Conclusions

In a multiethnic cohort of ischemic stroke with CWMA, CWMA was associated with 1.7‐fold higher risks of MACE independent of established risk factors. Embolic stroke of undetermined source was the most common stroke association with CWMA. Patients with stroke should be screened for CWMA to identify those at higher risk of MACE.
Capital and Labor: The Factor Income Composition of Top Incomes in the United States, 1962–2006
Authors: Atkinson Anthony B. , Lakner Christoph
Published: July 2021

This paper finds that capital and labor incomes in the United States have become more closely associated since the 1980s. This has contributed to the well-known increase in the top 1% share of total income, exacerbating rising inequality in capital incomes and earnings. We show that the trend in the association is U-shaped as the recent increase contrasts with a tendency toward a weakening association until the 1980s. The paper, using data derived from tax records, studies the asymmetries in the association and tests for robustness to alternative income definitions, including the role of income from closely held businesses at the top.
MPCs, MPEs, and Multipliers: A Trilemma for New Keynesian Models
Authors: Auclert Adrien , Bardóczy Bence , Rognlie Matthew
Published: July 2021

We show that New Keynesian models with frictionless labor supply face a challenge: given standard parameters, they cannot simultaneously match plausible estimates of marginal propensities to consume (MPCs), marginal propensities to earn (MPEs), and fiscal multipliers. A HANK model with sticky wages provides a solution to this trilemma.
Inflation Expectations and the Pass-Through of Oil Prices
Authors: Aastveit Knut Are , Bjørnland Hilde C. , Cross Jamie L.
Published: July 2021

Inflation expectations and the associated pass-through of oil price shocks depend on demand and supply conditions underlying the global oil market. We establish this result using a structural VAR model of the global oil market that jointly identifies transmissions of oil demand and supply shocks through real oil prices to both expected and actual inflation. We demonstrate that economic activity shocks have a significantly longer-lasting effect on inflation expectations and actual inflation than other types of real oil price shocks, and resolve disagreements around the role of oil prices in explaining the missing deflation puzzle of the Great Recession.
The Effect of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic on Income Inequality: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Galletta Sergio , Giommoni Tommaso
Published: July 2021

We estimate the effect of the 1918 influenza pandemic on income inequality in Italian municipalities. Our identification strategy exploits the exogenous diffusion of influenza across municipalities due to the presence of infected soldiers on leave from World War I operations. The measures of income inequality come from newly digitized historical administrative records on taxpayer incomes. We show that in the short and medium run, income inequality is higher in municipalities more afflicted by the pandemic. The effect is mostly explained by an increase in the share of income held by the rich to the detriment of the other strata of the population.
New species of deep-sea Antipatharians from the North Pacific (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Antipatharia), Part 2
Authors: OPRESKO DENNIS M. , MOLODTSOVA TINA N.
Published: July 2021

Five new species of deep-sea antipatharian corals are described from the North Pacific primarily collected off the coast of Alaska and on adjacent seamounts. All the species are referred to the family Schizopathidae. Described as new are: Alternatipathes mirabilis, Bathypathes ptiloides, Bathypathes tiburonae, Bathypathes alaskensis, and Parantipathes pluma. Illustrations of the type material of Bathypathes patula, B. patula var. plenispina and B. tenuis are provided for comparative proposes. Bathypathes patula var. plenispina is here recognized as a species distinct from B. patula, and B. tenuis is considered incertae sedis due to the poor condition of the type material.
Lemyra witti, a new species from southern Gansu Province, China (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Arctiini)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , SALDAITIS AIDAS
Published: July 2021

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Progress outside of paradise: Old and new comparative approaches to contentious politics
Authors: Tarrow Sidney
Published: July 2021

Descriptive or ethnographic studies were once the stock-in-trade of the comparative politics of non-Western areas and illiberal states. The last few decades have seen a dramatic growth in quantitative—or at least systematic—studies of these systems. This marks real progress, but, in the process, some of the advantages of ethnographic and “unit-contextual” studies have been lost. The contributors to this symposium have used ethnographic methods—often in combination with other methods—to examine and compare episodes of contentious politics in a number of these countries. Drawing on some of the “classics” of comparative politics, this article emphasizes both the continuities and the departures of the new generation of “ethnography plus” research efforts represented in this symposium.