bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indicators of response to exercise training: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ardavani Arash , Aziz Hariz , Phillips Bethan E , Doleman Brett , Ramzan Imran , Mozaffar Boshra , Atherton Philip J , Idris Iskandar
Published: July 2021

Background

Means-based analysis of maximal rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max) has traditionally been used as the exercise response indicator to assess the efficacy of endurance (END), high intensity interval (HIIT) and resistance exercise training (RET) for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and whole-body health. However, considerable heterogeneity exists in the interindividual variability response to the same or different training modalities.

Objectives

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate exercise response rates in the context of VO2max: (1) in each training modality (END, HIIT and RET) versus controls, (2) in END versus either HIIT or RET and (3) exercise response rates as measured by VO2maxversus other indicators of positive exercise response in each exercise modality.

Methods

Three databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL) and additional sources were searched. Both individual response rate and population average data were incorporated through continuous data, respectively. Of 3268 identified manuscripts, a total of 29 studies were suitable for qualitative synthesis and a further 22 for quantitative. Stratification based on intervention duration (less than 12 weeks; more than or equal to 12 weeks) was undertaken.

Results

A total of 62 data points were procured. Both END and HIIT training exhibited differential improvements in VO2maxbased on intervention duration. VO2maxdid not adequately differentiate between END and HIIT, irrespective of intervention length. Although none of the other exercise response indicators achieved statistical significance, LT and HRrestdemonstrated common trajectories in pooled and separate analyses between modalities. RET data were highly limited. Heterogeneity was ubiquitous across all analyses.

Conclusions

The potential for LT and HRrestas indicators of exercise response requires further elucidation, in addition to the exploration of interventional and intrinsic sources of heterogeneity.
Development of a primary care pandemic plan informed by in-depth policy analysis and interviews with family physicians across Canada during COVID-19: a qualitative case study protocol
Authors: Mathews Maria , Spencer Sarah , Hedden Lindsay , Marshall Emily Gard , Lukewich Julia , Meredith Leslie , Ryan Dana , Buote Richard , Liu Tiffany , Volpe Emily , Gill Paul S , Ryan Bridget , Schacter Gordon , Wickett Jamie , Freeman Thomas R , Sibbald Shannon L , Wong Eric , McKay Maddi , McCracken Rita , Brown Judith Belle
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Given the recurrent risk of respiratory illness-based pandemics, and the important roles family physicians play during public health emergencies, the development of pandemic plans for primary care is imperative. Existing pandemic plans in Canada, however, do not adequately incorporate family physicians’ roles and perspectives. This policy and planning oversight has become increasingly evident with the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, pandemic. This study is designed to inform the development of pandemic plans for primary care through evidence from four provinces in Canada: British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Methods and analysis

We will employ a multiple-case study of regions in four provinces. Each case consists of a mixed methods design which comprises: (1) a chronology of family physician roles in the COVID-19 pandemic response; (2) a provincial policy analysis; and (3) qualitative interviews with family physicians. Relevant policy and guidance documents will be identified through targeted, snowball and general search strategies. Additionally, these policy documents will be analysed to identify gaps and/or emphases in existing policies and policy responses. Interviews will explore family physicians’ proposed, actual and potential roles during the pandemic, the facilitators and barriers they have encountered throughout and the influence of gender on their professional roles. Data will be thematically analysed using a content analysis framework, first at the regional level and then through cross-case analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval for this study has been granted by the Research Ethics of British Columbia, the Health Research Ethics Board of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Nova Scotia Health Authority Research Ethics Board and the Western University Research Ethics Board. Findings will be disseminated via conferences and peer-reviewed publications. Evidence and lessons learnt will be used to develop tools for government ministries, public health units and family physicians for improved pandemic response plans for primary care.
Prevalence and determinants of potentially inappropriate medication use in Hong Kong older patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Huanyu , Wong Eliza LY , Wong Samuel YS , Chau Patsy YK , Yip Benjamin HK , Chung Roger YN , Lee Eric KP , Lai Francisco TT , Yeoh Eng-Kiong
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in Hong Kong older patients visiting general outpatient clinics (GOPCs) between 2006 and 2014 and to identify factors associated with PIM use among older adults visiting GOPCs in 2014.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

GOPC.

Participants

Two study samples were constructed including a total of 844 910 patients aged 65 and above from 2006 to 2014 and a cohort of 489 301 older patients in 2014.

Measurements

Two subsets of the 2015 American Geriatrics Society Beers criteria—PIMs independent of diagnosis and PIMs due to drug–disease interactions—were used to estimate the prevalence of PIM use over 12 months. PIMs that were not included in the Hospital Authority drug formulary or with any specific restriction or exception in terms of indication, dose or therapy duration were excluded. Characteristics of PIM users and non-PIM users visiting GOPCs in 2014 were compared. Independent associations between patient variables and PIM use were assessed by stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

The 12-month period prevalence of PIM use decreased from 55.56% (95% CI 55.39% to 55.72%) in 2006 to 47.51% (95% CI 47.37% to 47.65%) in 2014. In the multivariable regression analysis, the strongest factor associated with PIM use was the number of different drugs prescribed (adjusted OR, AOR 23.01, 95% CI 22.36 to 23.67). Being female (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.87 for males vs females) and having a greater number of GOPC visits (AOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.78 to 1.88) as well as more than six diagnoses (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.52) were associated with PIM use.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of PIM use in older adults visiting GOPCs decreased from 2006 to 2014 in Hong Kong although the prevalence of PIM use was still high in 2014. Patients with female gender, a larger number of medications prescribed, more frequent visits to GOPCs, and more than six diagnoses were at higher risk for PIM use.
Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis—health-related quality of life: systematic review plus meta-analysis
Authors: Raoofi Samira , Pashazadeh Kan Fatemeh , Rafiei Sima , Hoseinipalangi Zahra , Rezaei Sepide , Ahmadi Saba , Masoumi Maryam , Noorani Mejareh Zahra , Roohravan Benis Mahshid , Sharifi Alireza , Shabaninejad Hosein , Kiaee Zahra Mansour , Ghashghaee Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis experience a variety of stressors leading to decreased level of quality of life (QoL). Thus, in this study, we aimed to review the current literature and identify factors affecting the health-related QoL (HRQoL) in these patients.

Methods

A total of 147 studies were extracted from databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase published between January 2000 and December 2020. Data were analysed using R software and results were reported with reference to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards.

Results

A total of 623 728 patients undergoing dialysis participated in 147 studies in which QoL was assessed by means of two valid questionnaires, including Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL)-short form V.1.3. Total HRQoL score for patients undergoing dialysis measured by KDQOL was 64.25 (95% CI 55.67 to 72.82). Based on SF-36, the mean score of mental health items was higher than the mean score of physical health condition. Furthermore, meta-regression based on the geographical place of residence revealed that the highest QoL in patients was observed in Japan, 66.96 (95% CI 63.65 to 70.28) and Brazil, 58.03 (95% CI 53.45 to 62.6).

Conclusion

Studies conducted on HRQoL among patients undergoing dialysis recommend useful strategies to clinicians, letting them assess patients’ QoL in terms of a wide range of physical, mental and environmental aspects.
Neutrophils in the era of immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Faget Julien , Peters Solange , Quantin Xavier , Meylan Etienne , Bonnefoy Nathalie
Published: July 2021

The immune checkpoint blockade-based immunotherapies are revolutionizing cancer management. Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) were recently highlighted to have a pivotal role in modulating the tumor microenvironment and the antitumor immune response. However, these cells were largely ignored during the development of therapies based on programmed cell death receptor or ligand-1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Latest evidences of neutrophil functional diversity in tumor raised many questions and suggest that targeting these cells can offer new treatment opportunities in the context of ICI development. Here, we summarized key information on TAN origin, function, and plasticity that should be considered when developing ICIs and provide a detailed review of the ongoing clinical trials that combine ICIs and a second compound that might affect or be affected by TANs. This review article synthetizes important notions from the literature demonstrating that: (1) Cancer development associates with a profound alteration of neutrophil biogenesis and function that can predict and interfere with the response to ICIs, (2) Neutrophil infiltration in tumor is associated with key features of resistance to ICIs, and (3) TANs play an important role in resistance to antiangiogenic drugs reducing their clinical benefit when used in combination with ICIs. Finally, exploring the clinical/translational aspects of neutrophil impact on the response to ICIs offers the opportunity to propose new translational research avenues to better understand TAN biology and treat patients.
What is the impact of head movement on automated CT perfusion mismatch evaluation in acute ischemic stroke?
Authors: Potreck Arne , Seker Fatih , Mutke Matthias Anthony , Weyland Charlotte Sabine , Herweh Christian , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Automated CT perfusion mismatch assessment is an established treatment decision tool in acute ischemic stroke. However, the reliability of this method in patients with head motion is unclear. We therefore sought to evaluate the influence of head movement on automated CT perfusion mismatch evaluation.

Methods

Using a realistic CT brain-perfusion-phantom, 7 perfusion mismatch scenarios were simulated within the left middle cerebral artery territory. Real CT noise and artificial head movement were added. Thereafter, ischemic core, penumbra volumes and mismatch ratios were evaluated using an automated mismatch analysis software (RAPID, iSchemaView) and compared with ground truth simulated values.

Results

While CT scanner noise alone had only a minor impact on mismatch evaluation, a tendency towards smaller infarct core estimates (mean difference of −5.3 (−14 to 3.5) mL for subtle head movement and −7.0 (−14.7 to 0.7) mL for strong head movement), larger penumbral estimates (+9.9 (−25 to 44) mL and +35 (−14 to 85) mL, respectively) and consequently larger mismatch ratios (+0.8 (−1.5 to 3.0) for subtle head movement and +1.9 (−1.3 to 5.1) for strong head movement) were noted in dependence of patient head movement.

Conclusions

Motion during CT perfusion acquisition influences automated mismatch evaluation. Potentially treatment-relevant changes in mismatch classifications in dependence of head movement were observed and occurred in favor of mechanical thrombectomy.
Longitudinal assessment of lung clearance index to monitor disease progression in children and adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Horsley Alex R , Belcher John , Bayfield Katie , Bianco Brooke , Cunningham Steve , Fullwood Catherine , Jones Andrew , Shawcross Anna , Smith Jaclyn A , Maitra Anirban , Gilchrist Francis J
Published: July 2021

Background

Lung clearance index (LCI) is a valuable research tool in cystic fibrosis (CF) but clinical application has been limited by technical challenges and uncertainty about how to interpret longitudinal change. In order to help inform clinical practice, this study aimed to assess feasibility, repeatability and longitudinal LCI change in children and adults with CF with predominantly mild baseline disease.

Methods

Prospective, 3-year, multicentre, observational study of repeated LCI measurement at time of clinical review in patients with CF >5 years, delivered using a rapid wash-in system.

Results

112 patients completed at least one LCI assessment and 98 (90%) were still under follow-up at study end. The median (IQR) age was 14.7 (8.6–22.2) years and the mean (SD) FEV1 z-score was −1.2 (1.3). Of 81 subjects with normal FEV1 (>−2 z-scores), 63% had raised LCI (indicating worse lung function). For repeat stable measurements within 6 months, the mean (limits of agreement) change in LCI was 0.9% (−18.8% to 20.7%). A latent class growth model analysis identified four discrete clusters with high accuracy, differentiated by baseline LCI and FEV1. Baseline LCI was the strongest factor associated with longitudinal change. The median total test time was under 19 min.

Conclusions

Most patients with CF with well-preserved lung function show stable LCI over time. Cluster behaviours can be identified and baseline LCI is a risk factor for future progression. These results support the use of LCI in clinical practice in identifying patients at risk of lung function decline.
Price promotion receipt and use progression of any tobacco, cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars among US youth between 2016 and 2018
Authors: Chen-Sankey Julia , Unger Jennifer B , Bernat Edward , Niederdeppe Jeff , Bansal-Travers Maansi , Choi Kelvin
Published: July 2021

Background

Tobacco price promotions may prompt tobacco trials among youth. We assessed whether receiving price promotions for any tobacco, cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars was associated with product use progression.

Methods

The analysis included a nationally representative sample of youth never tobacco users (aged 12–16; n=9405) from wave 4 (2016–2018) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. We assessed past-year receipt of price promotions and use progression (initiation, current use and ever regular use) for any tobacco, cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars 1 year later at wave 4.5 (2017–2018). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between receiving price promotions and use progression by product type, controlling for covariates.

Results

At wave 4.5, 9.4% of youth initiated any tobacco (1.8%, 7.8% and 0.9% for cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars), and 5.4% received any price promotions (3.8%, 3.1% and 0.9% for cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars). Receiving any tobacco price promotions was associated with any tobacco initiation (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.77; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.41), current use (AOR=1.54; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.23) and ever regular use (AOR=1.76; 95% CI 1.04 to 3.10). Receiving e-cigarette price promotions was associated with e-cigarette initiation (AOR=1.78; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.26), current use (AOR=1.88; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.02) and ever regular use (AOR=2.10; 95% CI 1.02 to 4.40). The associations specific to cigarettes and cigars were only found for product initiation.

Discussion

Receiving price promotions for any tobacco and e-cigarettes was respectively associated with the use progression of any tobacco and e-cigarettes. Continuous monitoring of tobacco marketing activities is needed to identify youth-appealing price promotion tactics.
Improved extrapolation methods of data-driven background estimations in high energy physics
Authors: Choi Suyong , Oh Hayoung
Published: July 2021

Data-driven methods of background estimations are often used to obtain more reliable descriptions of backgrounds. In hadron collider experiments, data-driven techniques are used to estimate backgrounds due to multi-jet events, which are difficult to model accurately. In this article, we propose an improvement on one of the most widely used data-driven methods in the hadron collision environment, the “ABCD” method of extrapolation. We describe the mathematical background behind the data-driven methods and extend the idea to propose improved general methods.
The generalized second law of thermodynamics with Barrow entropy
Authors: Saridakis Emmanuel N. , Basilakos Spyros
Published: July 2021

We investigate the validity of the generalized second law of thermodynamics, applying Barrow entropy for the horizon entropy. The former arises from the fact that the black-hole surface may be deformed due to quantum-gravitational effects, quantified by a new exponent $$\Delta $$
Δ
. We calculate the entropy time-variation in a universe filled with the matter and dark energy fluids, as well as the corresponding quantity for the apparent horizon. We show that although in the case $$\Delta =0$$

Δ
=
0

, which corresponds to usual entropy, the sum of the entropy enclosed by the apparent horizon plus the entropy of the horizon itself is always a non-decreasing function of time and thus the generalized second law of thermodynamics is valid, in the case of Barrow entropy this is not true anymore, and the generalized second law of thermodynamics may be violated, depending on the universe evolution. Hence, in order not to have violation, the deformation from standard Bekenstein–Hawking expression should be small as expected.
Rotating stealth black holes with a cohomogeneity$$-1$$ metric
Authors: Baake Olaf , Hassaine Mokhtar
Published: July 2021

In five dimensions we consider a general shift symmetric and parity preserving scalar tensor action that contains up to second order covariant derivatives of the scalar field. A rotating stealth black hole solution is constructed where the metric is given by the Myers–Perry spacetime with equal momenta and the scalar field is identified with the Hamilton–Jacobi potential. This nontrivial scalar field has an extra hair associated with the rest mass of the test particle, and the solution does not require any fine tuning of the coupling functions of the theory. Interestingly enough, we show that the disformal transformation, generated by this scalar field, and with a constant degree of disformality, leaves invariant (up to diffeomorphisms) the Myers–Perry metric with equal momenta. This means that the hair of the scalar field, along with the constant disformality parameter, can be consistently absorbed into further redefinitions of the mass and of the single angular parameter of the disformed metric. These results are extended in higher odd dimensions with a Myers–Perry metric for which all the momenta are equal. The key of the invariance under disformal transformation of the metric is mainly the cohomogeneity$$-1$$

-
1

character of the Myers–Perry metric with equal momenta. Starting from this observation, we consider a general class of cohomogeneity$$-1$$

-
1

metrics in arbitrary dimension, and we list the conditions ensuring that this class of metrics remain invariant (up to diffeomorphisms) under a disformal transformation with a constant degree of disformality and with a scalar field with constant kinetic term. The extension to the Kerr+-de Sitter case is also considered where it is shown that rotating stealth solutions may exist provided some fine tuning of the coupling functions of the scalar tensor theory.
A new method for predicting future links in temporal networks based on node influence
Authors: Li Cong , Ji Xinsheng , Liu Shuxin , Li Haitao
Published: July 2021

Link prediction in temporal networks has always been a hot topic in both statistical physics and network science. Most existing works fail to consider the inner relationship between nodes, leading to poor prediction accuracy. Even though a wide range of realistic networks are temporal ones, few existing works investigated the properties of realistic and temporal networks. In this paper, we address the problem of abstracting individual attributes and propose a adaptive link prediction method for temporal networks based on [Formula: see text]-index to predict future links. The matching degree of nodes is first defined considering both the native influence and the secondary influence of local structure. Then a similarity index is designed using a decaying parameter to punish the snapshots with their occurring time. Experimental results on five realistic temporal networks observing consistent gains of 2–9% AUC in comparison to the best baseline in four networks show that our proposed method outperforms several benchmarks under two standard evaluation metrics: AUC and Ranking score. We also investigate the influence of the free parameter and the definition of matching degree on the prediction performance.
异国他乡的温病
Authors: 王 尊旺 , 张 孙彪
Published: July 2021

论文以温病学为切入口，以近代南洋地区为例，观察从中国南来的中医学知识在进入异域之后，展现出气候、疾病、医学知识的跨域流通图景。南洋中医师群体结合该区域气候风土人情，援引西方科学话语、医学知识，对温病经典理论进行再阐释、再改造，逐步推动医学知识的 “在地化”。伤寒学说中与南洋气候风土不适宜的部分被弱化或替代，而与当地病证密切相关的温病知识被不断地开拓和深化，最终形成了与最初传入的温病学说有所差异、别具特色的以南洋为主体的温病知识。
清末汕头通商口岸与跨国贸易网络
Authors: 蔡 志祥
Published: July 2021

谷米贸易时常被认为是19世纪中叶以来，潮汕商人建立的 “香、叻、暹、汕”贸易网络的主要元素。本文利用驻汕头英国领事的报告，指出从长期的生产、土地利用、价格和运销的角度来看，19世纪末以前的谷米并非稳定的高利润商品。因此，从事谷米进出口的潮汕商人，必须调整其商业策略，从事整合性的贸易以减低成本、增加利润。这样的整合贸易，需要有效而紧密的跨国网络关系来支持。因此， “香、叻、暹、汕”不仅是联系汕头和东南亚的贸易网络，它也是链接流动人群活动的跨国网络。
Screw Slot Quality Inspection System Based on Tactile Network
Authors: Chen Yan-Chun , Hwang Ren-Hung , Chen Mu-Yen , Wen Chih-Chin , Hsu Chih-Ping
Published: July 2021

The popularity of 5G networks has made smart manufacturing not limited to high-tech industries such as semiconductors due to its high speed, ultra-high reliability, and low latency. With the advance of system on chip (SoC) design and manufacturing, 5G is also suitable for data transmission in harsh manufacturing environments such as high temperatures, dust, and extreme vibration. The defect of the screw head is caused by the wear and deformation of the die forming the head after mass production. Therefore, the screw quality inspection system based on the tactile network in this article monitors the production quality of the screw; the system will send a warning signal through the router to remind the technician to solve the production problem when the machine produces a defective product. Sensors are embedded into the traditional screw heading machine, and sensing data are transmitted through a gateway to the voluntary computing node for screw slot quality inspection. The anomaly detection data set collected by the screw heading machine has a ratio of anomaly to normal data of 0.006; thus, we propose a time-series deep AutoEncoder architecture for anomaly detection of screw slots. Our experimental results show that the proposed solution outperforms existing works in terms of efficiency and that the specificity and accuracy can reach 97% through the framework proposed in this article.
Two-channel Attention Mechanism Fusion Model of Stock Price Prediction Based on CNN-LSTM
Authors: Sun Lin , Xu Wenzheng , Liu Jimin
Published: July 2021

Using hierarchical CNN, the company's multiple news is characterized as three levels: sentence vectors, chapter vectors, and enterprise sentiment vectors. By combining the stock price data with the news lyric data at the same time, the influence of news on price is used to achieve correlation analysis of news information and stock prices. A two-channel attention mechanism fusion model based on CNN-LSTM is proposed. After the dual-channel feature extraction, the attention layer fusion layer is used to convert the weighted values of LSTM hidden variables, so the stock price can be predicted with the news text.
Search trajectories illuminated
Authors: Ochoa Gabriela , Malan Katherine M. , Blum Christian
Published: July 2021

This article summarizes our recent journal paper entitled "Search trajectory networks: A tool for analysing and visualising the behaviour of metaheuristics", where we propose a graph-based, data-driven modeling tool (STNs) to visualize and analyze the dynamics of any type of metaheuristic (evolutionary, swarm-based or single-point).
Optimum Height and Tilt Angle of the Solar Receiver for a 30 kWe Solar Tower Power Plant for the Electricity Production in the Sahelian Zone
Authors: Faye Kory , Thiam Ababacar , Faye Mactar
Published: July 2021

This work investigated the prediction of the optimum height and tilt angle of the solar receiver of a 30 kWe solar tower power plant for the electricity production in the Sahelian zone. Initially, the solar field is sized to determine the total reflecting surface area of the mirrors and the number of heliostats. A PS10-like radially staggered heliostat field is used to design the heliostat layout in the field using a Matlab code. The concentrated solar flux at the input of the receiver was determined using Soltrace software by the Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) method. The sizing results show that the total reflecting surface area is 350 m2 for an optical efficiency of 76.4% and a reference DNI of 600 W/m2. The solar field layout indicates 175 heliostats of 2 m2 surface area and 1.5 m height each. The simulation results show that the optimum height and tilt angle of the solar receiver are 26 m and 65°, respectively.
Bridge-Ship Collision Avoidance Control Based on AFSMC with a FRNN Estimator
Authors: Fang Qionglin , Cao Enguang
Published: July 2021

For collision avoidance and maneuvering control in bridge areas, an adaptive fractional sliding mode control with fractional recurrent neural network (FRNN-AFSMC) is proposed. The uncertainties are estimated by FRNN, and the fractional gradient is adopted to improve the recurrent neural network (RNN). Its convergence has been proven. The influence of fractional order on algorithm performance is analyzed, and the simulation platform of ship collision avoidance control is built. Dynamic collision avoidance of multiple ships is simulated and verified. The results show the feasibility and effectiveness of dynamic autonomous collision avoidance motion control in a dynamic ocean environment.
Some Density Results on Sets of Primes for Hecke Eigenvalues
Authors: Zou Aiyue , Lao Huixue , Luo Shu
Published: July 2021

Let

f

and

g

be two distinct holomorphic cusp forms for

S

L

2

ℤ

, and we write

λ

f

n

and

λ

g

n

for their corresponding Hecke eigenvalues. Firstly, we study the behavior of the signs of the sequences

λ

f

p

λ

f

p

j

for any even positive integer

j

. Moreover, we obtain the analytic density for the set of primes where the product

λ

f

p

i

λ

f

p

j

is strictly less than

λ

g

p

i

λ

g

p

j

. Finally, we investigate the distribution of linear combinations of

λ

f

p

j

and

λ

g

p

j

in a given interval. These results generalize previous ones.
Full Genomic Sequences of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Human Autopsy Specimens Reveal Genetic Variability and Adaptive Changes for Growth in MDCK Cell Cultures
Authors: Sangsiriwut Kantima , Noisumdaeng Pirom , Uiprasertkul Mongkol , Prasertsopon Jarunee , Payungporn Sunchai , Auewarakul Prasert , Ungchusak Kumnuan , Puthavathana Pilaipan
Published: July 2021

The entire H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viral genomes were identified in the frozen autopsy specimens: the trachea, lung, colon, and intestinal feces from a patient who died of the disease in 2006. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral genomes showed that these viruses belonged to clade 1 and were the reassortants generated from the reassortment of the viruses within the same clade. The sequencing data from the autopsy specimens revealed at least 8 quasispecies of the H5N1 viruses across all 4 specimen types. These sequences were compared to those derived from the virus isolates grown in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The virus isolates from the trachea, lung, and fecal specimens showed 27 nucleotide substitutions, leading to the changes of 18 amino acid residues. However, there was no change in the amino acid residues that determined the viral virulence. The changes were more commonly observed in the lung, particularly in the HA and NA genes. Our study suggested that the adaptation changes for the viral fitness to survive in a new host species (MDCK cells) might involve many genes, for example, the amino acid substitution 177G or 177W adjacent to the receptor‐binding residues in the HA1 globular head and the substitution M315I in PB2. However, a mutation changes near the receptor binding domain may play an important role in determining the cell tropism and is needed to be further explored.
Clostridium butyricum Protects IPEC‐J2 Cells from ETEC K88‐Induced Oxidative Damage by Activating the Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway
Authors: Dou Caixia , Shang Zhiyuan , Qiao Jiayun , Wang Yimeng , Li Haihua
Published: July 2021

Clostridium butyricum (CB) is a naturally occurring probiotic compound that can alleviate the oxidative damage induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC K88) in porcine intestinal epithelial (IPEC‐J2) cells. In this study, we investigate the molecular mechanism underlying this effect. Based on cell viability, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) assessments, the optimal concentration of ETEC K88 was determined to be 1 × 103 cfu/mL. Viable bacteria counts in cells pretreated with CB and then infected with ETEC K88 show that CB can adhere to IPEC‐J2 cells and that optimal adhesion is achieved at the multiple infection index (MOI) of 50 at 3 h of pretreatment. The results of qPCR indicate that although ETEC significantly decreases the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes regulated by NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) compared to the control group, CB reverses this effect. To confirm that Nrf2 is directly involved in the mechanism by which CB alleviates oxidative stress, siRNA was used to silence the expression of Nrf2 gene in IPEC‐J2 cells. Compared to the NC+ETEC and siRNA+ETEC groups, the expressions of SOD1, SOD2, GPX1, and GPX2 in the NC+CB+ETEC and siRNA+CB+ETEC groups are significantly increased at 12 h and 24 h. This shows that CB can reduce ETEC K88‐induced oxidative damage in IPEC‐J2 cells by activating the expression of antioxidant enzymes implicated in the Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein‐1‐ (Keap1‐) Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway.
Application of PET Imaging in the Brain Regions of the Emotional Control Loop in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Li Jing , Ouyang Wenjun
Published: July 2021

Objective. This study uses PET imaging to observe the uptake and metabolism of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) in the multibrain areas of the emotional control loop in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and investigate the brain of GAD patient’s functional abnormality mechanism. Methods. The thesis clinically collected 20 GAD patients and 20 healthy subjects. Dynamic PET-CT scans were used. At the same time, 18F-FDG whole-brain uptake and metabolism data were collected. Image fusion and semiquantitative analysis were used to measure emotional control loops. The maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) and dynamic uptake and metabolic changes of 11 time points in the brain area at 150 min were measured. Results. Compared with the healthy control group, the peak uptake of the bilateral prefrontal cortex and the average uptake rate before the peak in GAD patients were significantly reduced (

P
<
0.05

), and the average metabolic rate after the peak was significantly increased (

P
<
0.05

). The peak uptake of the left striatum and the left hippocampus, the average uptake rate before the peak, and the average metabolic rate after the peak were all significantly reduced (

P
<
0.05

); There were no obvious changes in the three indexes of the right striatum and the right hippocampus. Conclusion. There are 18F-FDG uptake and metabolic disorders in multiple brain areas of the affective control loop of GAD patients. The abnormal peak and rate of uptake may be related to the pathogenesis of GAD.
Fast Independent Component Analysis Algorithm-Based Diagnosis of L5 Nerve Root Compression and Changes of Brain Functional Areas Using 3D Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhao Bofeng , Yang Fuxia , Guan Lan , Li Xinbei , Hu Yuanming , Zhang Chunlei , Liu Yang , Li Xiutao , Wen Wucheng , Lyu Hanqing
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the application of 3-dimensional (3D) functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) in the diagnosis of the 5th lumbar (L5) nerve root compression and brain functional areas in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) was analyzed. The traditional fast independent component analysis (Fast ICA) algorithm was optimized based on the modified whitening matrix to establish a new type of Modified-Fast ICA (M-Fast ICA) algorithm that was compared with the introduced traditional Fast ICA and ICA. M-Fast ICA was applied to the 3D FMRI diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) evaluation of 65 patients with L5 nerve root pain due to LDH (group A) and 50 healthy volunteers (group B). The values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the lumbar nerve roots (L3, L4, L5, and the 1st sacral vertebra (S1)) were recorded among subjects from the two groups. Besides, the score of edema degree in the lumbar nerve roots (L5 and S1) and activity of brain functional areas were also recorded among all subjects of the two groups. The results showed that the mean square error of M-Fast ICA was smaller than that of traditional Fast ICA and ICA, while its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was greater than that of Fast ICA and ICA (

P
<
0.05

). The FA of L5 and S1 nerve roots in patients of group A was sharply lower than the values of group B, while the ADC of patients in group A was greater than that of the control group (

P
<
0.05

). Besides, the score of edema in L5 and S1 nerve roots of patients in group A increased in contrast to group B (

P
<
0.05

). The brain areas were activated after surgery including bilateral temporal lobe, left thalamus, splenium of corpus callosum, and right internal capsule. In conclusion, the 3D image denoising performance of M-Fast ICA optimized and constructed in this study was superior to that of the traditional Fast ICA and ICA. The FA of patients with L5 nerve root pain due to LDH decreased steeply, while the ADC increased dramatically. L5 nerve root pain caused by LDH resulted in changes in brain functional areas of the patients to inhibit the resting state default network activity, and the corresponding brain functional areas could be activated through treatment.
Use of a Modified Nance Appliance for Esthetic Rehabilitation of a Child Patient with Rare Nonfamilial and Nonsyndromic Oligodontia
Authors: Al-Ahmadi Abbas O. , Assiry Ali A. , Khan Siraj D. A. A. , Marya Anand , Venugopal Adith , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali
Published: July 2021

Congenital absence of more than 6 teeth except the third molar is known as oligodontia. It can affect both primary and permanent dentitions. The affected individuals usually demonstrate esthetic, functional, and psychological concerns. The present case report is about a 4-year-old female patient with multiple missing (both primary and permanent) teeth with esthetic and social problems. On extraoral examination, the patient demonstrated upper lip relapse due to missing anterior teeth. On physical examination, no other abnormality was detected in relation to the hair, appendages, or presence of a cleft. On intraoral and radiographic examination, 21 teeth were missing, which included both the primary and the permanent tooth buds. To encourage a positive behavioral change, it was decided to carry out prosthetic intervention using a modified fixed Nance appliance and acrylic teeth. After the replacement of the missing teeth, a marked improvement in the profile and esthetics was seen.
Distal Transradial Access in Anatomical Snuffbox for Coronary Angiography and Intervention: An Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Chendi , Han Qinghua , Jia Yongping , Fan Chunyu , Qin Gang
Published: July 2021

Objective. The previous meta-analysis has assessed that distal transradial access (dTRA) in anatomical snuffbox is safe and effective for coronary angiography and intervention and can reduce radial artery occlusion. However, since the publication of the previous meta-analysis, several observational studies have been added, so we performed an updated meta-analysis to include more eligible studies to compare distal transradial access in anatomical snuffbox with conventional transradial access (cTRA). Method. Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies from the literature published until 5 January 2021 to evaluate catheterization/puncture failure, hematoma, radial artery spasm, radial artery occlusion (RAO), access time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose area product, total procedure time, and hemostatic device removal time. The pooled odds ratio (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated for dichotomous and continuous variables, respectively. Results. A total of 9,054 patients from 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and we found no significant difference in catheterization/puncture failure (OR = 1.94, 95CI [0.97, 3.86],

P
=
0.06

), hematoma (OR = 0.97, 95CI [0.55, 1.73],

P
=
0.926

), radial artery spasm (OR = 0.76, 95CI [0.43, 1.36],

P
=
0.354

), total procedure time (SMD = 0.23, 95CI [−0.21, 0.68],

P
=
0.308

), or radiation dose area product (WMD = 216.88 Gy/cm2, 95CI [−126.24, 560.00],

P
=
0.215

), but dTRA had a lower incidence of RAO (OR = 0.39, 95CI [0.23, 0.66],

P
<
0.001

), shorter hemostatic device removal time (WMD = −66.62 min, 95CI [−76.68, −56.56],

P
<
0.001

), longer access time (SMD = 0.32, 95CI [0.08, 0.56],

P
=
0.008

), and longer fluoroscopy time (SMD = 0.16, 95CI [−0.00, 0.33],

P
=
0.05

) than cTRA. Conclusion. Compared with the cTRA, the dTRA has a lower incidence of radial artery occlusion and shorter hemostatic device removal time, which is worthy of further evaluation in clinical practice.
A Study on Fucosyltransferase 2 Gene Polymorphism and Secretion Status Related to Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Ye Qing , Yu Jialin
Published: July 2021

Objective. To detect the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of alpha-(1,2) fucosyltransferase 2 gene (FUT2) and the secretion status in the newborns of Chongqing China and explore the relationship between genotype or phenotype of FUT2 and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Methods. Newborns who were hospitalized in Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from August 2014 to December 2015 and in line with the inclusion criteria were chosen as the research subjects; 34 cases of them in accordance with the diagnostic criteria of NEC stage II or III were NEC group, and 36 other cases of them were the control group. Total DNA was extracted from oral epithelial cells of patients which were collected with cotton buds. FUT2 SNP genotype was detected by gene sequencing. H antigen was detected with saliva samples by saliva agglutination inhibition test. Related clinical data were collected for analysis. Results. There are three genotypes on the rs1047781 (A385T) allele of the FUT2 encoding sequence: AA, AT, and TT. The number of genotypes AA, AT, and TT in the NEC group was 9 (26.47%), 12 (35.29%), and 13 (38.24%), respectively. In the control group, the number of genotypes AA, AT, and TT was 12 (33.33%), 17 (47.23%), and 7 (19.44%). There were no differences in genotypes between the two groups according to the chi-square test (

P
>
0.05

). There were 22 cases of secretors (64.7%) and 12 cases of nonsecretors (35.3%) in the NEC group. The number of secretors and nonsecretors in the control group was 31 (88.89%) and 5 (11.11%). Statistical difference was found in the phenotype between two groups through the chi-square test (

P
<
0.05

). In addition, no G428A homozygous mutation, which causes nonsecretor phenotype in Caucasians, was seen in all the subjects of this study. Conclusions. These findings indicate that secretion status (nonsecretor) was significantly associated with NEC in Chongqing, China.
Artificial Intelligence Algorithm-Based Ultrasound Image Segmentation Technology in the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Lianhua , Jia Zhiying , Leng Xiaoling , Ma Fucheng
Published: July 2021

This paper aimed to investigate the application of ultrasound image segmentation technology based on the back propagation neural network (BPNN) artificial intelligence algorithm in the diagnosis of breast cancer axillary lymph node metastasis, thereby providing a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis. In this study, 90 breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastasis were selected as the research objects and rolled randomly into an experimental group and a control group. Besides, all of them were examined by ultrasound. The BPNN algorithm for the ultrasound image segmentation diagnosis method was applied to the patiens from the experimental group, while the control group was given routine ultrasound diagnosis. Thus, the value of this algorithm in ultrasonic diagnosis was compared and explored. The results showed that when the number of hidden layer nodes based on the BPNN artificial intelligence algorithm was 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, the corresponding segmentation accuracy was 97.3%, 96.5%, 94.8%, 94.8%, and 94.1% in turn. Among them, the segmentation accuracy was the highest when the number of hidden layer nodes was 2. The correlation of independent variable bubble plot analysis showed that the presence or absence of capsules, the presence of crab feet or burrs in breast cancer lesions was critical influencing factors for the occurrence of axillary lymph node metastasis, and the standardized importance was 99.7% and 70.8%, respectively. Besides, the area under the two-dimensional receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the BPNN artificial intelligence algorithm model classification was always greater than the area under the curve of manual segmentation, and the segmentation accuracy was 90.31%, 94.88%, 95.48%, 95.44%, and 97.65% in sequence. In addition, the segmentation specificity of different running times was higher than that of manual segmentation. In conclusion, the BPNN artificial intelligence algorithm had high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for ultrasound image segmentation, with a better segmentation effect. Therefore, it had a better diagnostic effect for breast cancer axillary lymph node metastasis.
Analysis of PICC Based on Dysfunction Module Personalized Nursing Treatment in Chemotherapy of Advanced Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Qixin , Qian Aili , Chen Weifen
Published: July 2021

Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor in some countries and regions in the world, which threatens the health of people all over the world. Due to esophageal cancer, about 400,000 people die every year. Among them, the number of cases and deaths of esophageal cancer in our country accounts for about 50% of the world. This article aims to study the clinical efficacy of PICC catheterization in the chemotherapy of advanced esophageal cancer based on the dysfunction module. For patients with advanced esophageal cancer, traditional surgery is still difficult to achieve satisfactory results. Therefore, in order to improve the therapeutic effect of esophageal cancer and obtain a higher clinical effective rate and pathological complete remission rate, it is necessary to explore a new comprehensive treatment model. In this paper, the theoretical knowledge of PICC is described in detail from the concept, advantages, and indications of PICC, and the SPSS statistical method is proposed. The SPSS statistical model, mean test, two-independent sample t-test, and regression analysis jointly explain the application principles and methods of SPSS statistical methods. After selecting the experimental subjects, the 180 eligible patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were divided into two groups, each with 30 patients with stage II esophageal cancer, 30 patients with stage III esophageal cancer, and 30 patients with stage IV esophageal cancer. Grouping according to different variables, real-time recording of data, and SPSS statistical method to analyze the experimental data, the experimental results of this article show that the nursing satisfaction of the observation group is 92.2%, which is significantly higher than the 56.7% of the control group, so it can be seen that PICC plays an important role in the personalized care and treatment of advanced esophageal cancer.
Abdominal Self-Stabbing: An Uncommon Type of Sharp Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Karačić Andrija , Vojvodić Borna
Published: July 2021

Abdominal self-stabbing, a type of sharp abdominal trauma, is a rare form of attempted suicide. Such cases are not commonly seen in the emergency department, but a prompt and well-reasoned decision is essential in the management of these patients. We report a case of a SI-ASW and a literature review to show the management of the aforementioned condition.
Introduction to the New Copolymer of Chloroprene and Acrylonitrile with Differentiated Properties
Authors: De Sarkar Mousumi , Nishino Wataru , Ishigaki Yuhei , Sunada Takashi
Published: July 2021

The random copolymer of chloroprene and acrylonitrile is a newly developed rubber whose features and value propositions are not scientifically explored yet. This article focuses on the basic characterizations and properties of acrylonitrile-chloroprene rubber. Qualitative analyses through infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra confirm the presence of both the -Cl and -CN groups in the new rubber. As evidenced through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), the single glass transition temperature of acrylonitrile-chloroprene rubber reflects its monophasic random microstructure. While compared against commercial grades of chloroprene rubber (CR) and nitrile rubber (NBR), the new rubber provides a distinctive combination of properties that are not available with either of the elastomer alone. Acrylonitrile-chloroprene rubber demonstrates slightly lower specific gravity, an improved low-temperature compression set, higher flex-fatigue resistance, and lower volume swelling in IRM 903 and Fuel C to chloroprene rubber. As compared to nitrile rubber, the new copolymer shows appreciably better heat aging and ozone resistance. Good abrasion resistance, low heat buildup, and remarkably high flex-fatigue resistance indicate excellent durability of the acrylonitrile-chloroprene rubber under dynamic loading. Based on the preliminary results, it is apparent that the new copolymer can be a candidate elastomer for various industrial applications which demand good fluid resistance, high heat and low-temperature tolerances, good weatherability, and durability under static and dynamic conditions.