bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and Quantitative MRI Analysis in IDH1 Genotype Prediction of Lower‐Grade Gliomas: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Cao Mengqiu , Suo Shiteng , Zhang Xiao , Wang Xiaoqing , Xu Jianrong , Yang Wei , Zhou Yan
Published: January 2021

Purpose. Preoperative prediction of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation in lower‐grade gliomas (LGGs) is crucial for clinical decision‐making. This study aimed to examine the predictive value of a machine learning approach using qualitative and quantitative MRI features to identify the IDH1 mutation in LGGs. Materials and Methods. A total of 102 LGG patients were allocated to training (n = 67) and validation (n = 35) cohorts and were subject to Visually Accessible Rembrandt Images (VASARI) feature extraction (23 features) from conventional multimodal MRI and radiomics feature extraction (56 features) from apparent diffusion coefficient maps. Feature selection was conducted using the maximum Relevance Minimum Redundancy method and 0.632+ bootstrap method. A machine learning model to predict IDH1 mutation was then established using a random forest classifier. The predictive performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results. After feature selection, the top 5 VASARI features were enhancement quality, deep white matter invasion, tumor location, proportion of necrosis, and T1/FLAIR ratio, and the top 10 radiomics features included 3 histogram features, 3 gray‐level run‐length matrix features, and 3 gray‐level size zone matrix features and one shape feature. Using the optimal VASARI or radiomics feature sets for IDH1 prediction, the trained model achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.779 ± 0.001 or 0.849 ± 0.008 on the validation cohort, respectively. The fusion model that integrated outputs of both optimal VASARI and radiomics models improved the AUC to 0.879. Conclusion. The proposed machine learning approach using VASARI and radiomics features can predict IDH1 mutation in LGGs.
The Effect of 3-Month Growth Hormone Administration and 12-Month Follow-Up Duration among Heart Failure Patients Four Weeks after Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Amirpour Afshin , Vakhshoori Mehrbod , Zavar Reihaneh , Zarei Hadi , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Yavari Behzad
Published: January 2021

Background. The probable impact of growth hormone (GH) as a heart failure (HF) treatment strategy is still less investigated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relation of 3-month GH prescription on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), interventricular septum (IVS), posterior left ventricle (LV) thickness, end systolic and end diastolic diameters (ESD and EDD), and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) among Iranian individuals suffering from HF due to MI attack. Methods. A total of 16 clinically stable participants with HF diagnosis and

LVEF
<
40

% were selected for enrollment in this pilot randomized double-blinded study. They were randomly assigned equally to groups received 5 IU subcutaneous GH or placebo. Injections were done every other day for a total of 3-month duration. After termination of intervention and nine months afterwards, cardiac outcomes were assessed. Results. Baseline and 12-month posttrial participants’ characteristics were similar. LVEF was increased significantly by three months started from baseline in individuals receiving GH (

32
±
3.80

% to

43.80
±
4.60

%,

P
=
0.002

). During the next 9 months of follow-up concurrent with cessation of injections, LVEF was declined (

43.80
±
4.60

% to

32.20
±
6.97

%,

P
=
0.008

). LVEF and ESD were remarkably higher and lower in GH group compared with controls by the end date of injections (

43.80
±
4.60

% vs.

33.14
±
4.84

%,

P
=
0.02

and

39.43
±
3.45

 mm vs.

33
±
3.16

 mm,

P
=
0.03

, respectively). No other considerable association was found in terms of other predefined variables in neither GH nor placebo groups. Conclusions. GH administration in HF patients was associated with increased LVEF function. Several randomized clinical trials are necessary proving this relation. This trial is registered with IRCT201704083035N1.
On Total Vertex Irregularity Strength of Hexagonal Cluster Graphs
Authors: Hinding Nurdin , Kim Hye Kyung , Sunusi Nurtiti , Mise Riskawati
Published: January 2021

For a simple graph

G

with a vertex set

V

G

and an edge set

E

G

, a labeling

f
:
V

G

∪

​

E

G

⟶

1,2
,
⋯
,
k

is called a vertex irregular total

k
−
labeling

of

G

if for any two different vertices

x

and

y

in

V

G

we have

w
t

x

≠
w
t

y

where

w
t

x

=
f

x

+

∑

u
∈
V

G

f

x
u

.

The smallest positive integer

k

such that

G

has a vertex irregular total

k
−
labeling

is called the total vertex irregularity strength of

G

, denoted by

tvs

G

. The lower bound of

tvs

G

for any graph

G

have been found by Baca et. al. In this paper, we determined the exact value of the total vertex irregularity strength of the hexagonal cluster graph on

n

cluster for

n
≥
2

. Moreover, we show that the total vertex irregularity strength of the hexagonal cluster graph on

n

cluster is

3

n

2

+
1

/
2

.
Risk Factors in Patients with Diabetes Hospitalized for COVID-19: Findings from a Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Yili , Wang Juan , Tan Nannan , Du KangJia , Gao Kuo , Zuo Jiacheng , Lu Xiaoguang , Ma Yan , Hou Yong , Li Quntang , Xu Hongming , Huang Jin , Huang Qiuhua , Na Hui , Wang Jingwei , Wang Xiaoyan , Xiao Yanhua , Zhu Junteng , Chen Hong , Liu Zhang , Wang Mingxuan , Zhang Linsong , Guo Shuzhen , Wang Wei
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose. Diabetes is common in COVID-19 patients and associated with unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to describe the characteristics and identify the risk factors for COVID-19 patients complicated with diabetes. Methods. In this multicenter retrospective study, patients with COVID-19 in China were included and classified into two groups according to whether they were complicated with diabetes or not. Demographic symptoms and laboratory data were extracted from medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to explore the risk factors. Results. 538 COVID-19 patients were finally included in this study, of whom 492 were nondiabetes and 46 were diabetes. The median age was 47 years (IQR 35.0-56.0). And the elderly patients with diabetes were more likely to have dry cough, and the alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, Ca, and mean hemoglobin recovery rate were higher than the other groups. Furthermore, we also found the liver and kidney function of male patients was worse than that of female patients, while female cases should be paid more attention to the occurrence of bleeding and electrolyte disorders. Moreover, advance age, blood glucose, gender, prothrombin time, and total cholesterol could be considered as risk factors for COVID-19 patients with diabetes through the multivariable logistic regression model in our study. Conclusion. The potential risk factors found in our study showed a major piece of the complex puzzle linking diabetes and COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, focusing on gender and age factors in COVID-19 patients with or without diabetes, specific clinical characteristics, and risk factors should be paid more attention by clinicians to figure out a targeted intervention to improve clinical efficacy worldwide.
Assessment of Brushing Techniques in School Children and Its Association with Dental Caries, Omdurman, 2019
Authors: Ibrahim Rugaia Eltayeb Hag Maki , Helaly Maha O. , Ahmed Ehab Mohamed Abdelhlim
Published: January 2021

Background. Dental caries are a common infectious disease of childhood. It is a highly prevalent disease among children. Aim. The goal of this study was to assess the different brushing techniques used by school children and to identify if there is an association between brushing techniques and dental caries. Materials and Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 396 school children (9–12 years old) chosen by convenience sampling technique from schools located in Omdurman locality, Sudan. After consent was taken, students were asked in an interview-based questionnaire about their brushing habits. Consequently, they were examined in an upright position using a sterile mouth mirror and a probe. The examination was carried out by a single examiner to investigate the presence of dental caries. The diagnosis was done based on the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria 2013. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and comparison between values using the chi-square test with aPvalue <0.05. Results. The present study found that the prevalence of dental caries is 70.9%. The combined brushing technique was the most used technique (42.9%). There was no statistical significance between brushing techniques and dental caries (Pvalue ≤0.330). There was a statistical significance between the periodic change of the toothbrush and dental caries (Pvalue ≤0.001). There was statistical significance between the level of education of the mother (Pvalue ≤0.001) and father (Pvalue ≤0.012) to the brushing technique used by the child as well. Conclusion. Due to a lack of awareness consequent of lower socioeconomic status, only a few percentage of the Sudanese population knows how to implement the correct oral hygiene practices to combat dental caries. It is important to design a specific public health program that particularly targets families of low socioeconomic status, which represents the majority. Dental caries persist as a widespread condition in Sudan as a result of a deficit in these kinds of programs.
Analysis of Service-Oriented Architecture and Scrum Software Development Approach for IIoT
Authors: Cui Yanqing , Zada Islam , Shahzad Sara , Nazir Shah , Khan Shafi Ullah , Hussain Naveed , Asshad Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Flexibility and change adoption are key attributes for service-oriented architecture (SOA) and agile software development processes. Although the notion of agility is quite visible on both sides, still the integration of the two diverse concepts (architectural framework and development process) should be well thought of before employing them for a software development project. For this purpose, this study is designed to analyze the two diverse software architectural framework and development approaches, that is, SOA and Scrum process model, respectively, and their integrated environment in software project development setup perspective for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This study also analyzes commonalities among Scrum process model and SOA architectural framework to identify compatibility between Scrum and SOA so that the Scrum process can be constructively used for SOA based projects. This study also examines the proper design and setup of Scrum process suitable for large-scale SOA based projects. For this purpose, an SOA based research and development project is selected as a case study using Scrum as the software development process. The project development and deployment perspective include eight core modules that constitute the overall project framework.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Disseminated Histoplasmosis in Rheumatologic Disease
Authors: Kusne Yael , Christiansen Michael , Conley Christopher , Gea-Banacloche Juan , Sen Ayan
Published: January 2021

Background. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) was originally described in pediatric patients presenting with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and blood cell abnormalities. Later, HLH was recognized to occur in adults, often associated with hematologic malignancies or serious infections. Conclusion. Patients presenting with HLH are critically ill, and rapid diagnosis is key. In adults, the search for the trigger must begin promptly as time to diagnosis effects survival. The underlying trigger in our patients was Histoplasma capsulatum infection, which is rare in the southwestern United States. Prompt diagnosis led to recovery in one patient, while the other did not survive.
Experimental Investigations on Rheological Properties of Mudstone in Kilometer‐Deep Mine
Authors: Jia Jinglong , Yu Fenghai , Tan Yunliang , Gao Xuepeng
Published: January 2021

The soft rock roadway in deep high‐stress environment has the problems of strong rheology and large deformation. Based on the analysis of the stress distribution of the surrounding rock of the roadway in a kilometer‐deep mine, rheological tests under different stress paths are carried out for mudstone in a kilometer‐deep mine. The rheological deformation curve, damage characteristics, and change rule of the main mechanical parameters of mudstone under different stress conditions are studied. The results show the following: (1) the peak strength of the triaxial compression of mudstone is closely related to confining pressure, and, with increasing confining pressure, the confining pressure effect decreases gradually; (2) the strain increases slowly under uniaxial loading, and, with increasing axial pressure, the velocity of rheological deformation increases nonlinearly, and the amount of mudstone deformation increases with time; (3) under the condition of unloading confining pressure with constant axial pressure, with decreasing confining pressure, the instantaneous axial and radial strains of mudstone specimen increase nonlinearly, the rheological strain and velocity of mudstone increase gradually, and the lateral rheological strain is close to the axial rheological strain; and, (4) in the unloading confining pressure with axial compression triaxial test, with increasing deviating stress, the axial and radial instantaneous strain increments of mudstone decrease gradually, the lateral strain and rheological velocity of mudstone increase gradually, and the lateral strain is approximately 2.05 times the axial strain. These conclusions reveal the rheological characteristics of the mudstone under different surrounding rock conditions and provide a theoretical basis for the excavation deformation and support control of roadways.
The Safety and Efficacy of the Repeated PRRT with [90Y]Y/[177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE in Patients with NET
Authors: Zemczak Anna , Gut Paweł , Pawlak Dariusz , Kołodziej Maciej , Królicki Leszek , Kos-Kudła Beata , Ruchała Marek , Kamiński Grzegorz , Kunikowska Jolanta
Published: January 2021

Purpose. The peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a treatment option for patients with disseminated, inoperable G1 and G2 neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). The study aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients after retreatment (R-PRRT) and re-retreatment (RR-PRRT) with tandem isotopes [90Y]Y/[177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE. Material and Methods. Out of 99 treated patients with G1 and G2 NETs, 26 were included in the study and treated with the repeated PRRT (with 5 undergoing the re-repeated PRRT treatment) after an initial positive response to four PRRT cycles and later progression of the disease. [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and CT/MRI procedures were performed before and after the treatment. Patients were treated with [90Y]Y/[177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE (1 : 1) with mixed amino acid infusion for kidney protection. Toxicity was evaluated using the CTCAE 3.0 criteria. Results. The median follow-up was 88 months (the range: 42–164). The median cumulative administered activity was 22.2 GBq (the range: 17.8–30.7 GBq). Myelodysplastic syndrome occurred in one patient (3.8%), and grade 4 renal toxicity was also detected in one patient (3.8%). No other cases of grade 3 or 4 bone marrow and renal toxicity were observed. The median PFS rate was 31 months after the PRRT and 23 months following the R-PRRT. The OS rate from the diagnosis (OS-d) was 109 months and from the start of the PRRT (OS-t)-92.4 months. During the restaging, 3–6 months after the PRRT, PR, SD, and PD were observed in 19.2%, 80.8%, and 0% of the patients, respectively. After the R-PRRT, PR, SD, and PD were observed in 50%, 42.3%, and 7.7% of the patients, respectively. Conclusions. The repeated therapy with [90Y]Y/[177Lu]Lu-DOTATATE is safe and effective for patients with disseminated, inoperable G1 and G2 neuroendocrine tumours.
Risk Factors of Composite Attachment Loss in Orthodontic Patients during Orthodontic Clear Aligner Therapy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Yaosen Chen , Mohamed A. M. , Jinbo Wang , Ziwei Zheng , Al-balaa Maher , Yan Yang
Published: January 2021

Background. The composite attachment loss during orthodontic clear aligner therapy is an adverse event that commonly happens in our daily practice. However, there is a lack of related statistical analysis and studies analyzing the related risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the incidence of attachment loss during orthodontic clear aligner therapy and to identify rick factors that may predict such event. Materials and Methods. The demographics and clinical variables of 94 patients undergoing clear aligner therapy (27 males and 67 females; average age: 27.60 ± 0.86 years) were recorded. Both patient‐related and tooth‐related attachment loss was recorded. The chi‐squared test and logistic regressive analysis were applied to identify the potential risk factors. SPSS for Mac (version 23.0, IBM, USA) was used for statistical analyses. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Our study suggested that the risk factors for attachment loss include frequent aligner removal (≥ 5 times a day) (losing rate = 60.0%, P = 0.005), aligner wear time less than 18 hours a day (losing rate = 50.8%, P = 0.014), eating without aligners inserted (losing rate = 47.9%, P = 0.034), utilizing aligner tray seaters (losing rate = 48.2%, P = 0.006), and unilateral mastication (losing rate = 52.1%, P = 0.002). The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicates that aligner wear time less than 18 hours a day (P = 0.020, B = 0.925), using aligner tray seaters (P = 0.007, B = 1.168), and unilateral mastication (P = 0.034, B = −0.458) were considered independent factors that can predict the composite attachment loss in orthodontic clear aligner therapy. Conclusion. Wearing aligner less than 18 hours a day, using aligner tray seaters, and unilateral mastication may contribute to increased incidence of composite attachment loss during orthodontic clear aligner therapy.
[Retracted] Natural Antioxidants Improve the Vulnerability of Cardiomyocytes and Vascular Endothelial Cells under Stress Conditions: A Focus on Mitochondrial Quality Control
Authors: Chang Xing , Zhao Zhenyu , Zhang Wenjin , Liu Dong , Ma Chunxia , Zhang Tian , Meng Qingyan , Yan Peizheng , Zou Longqiong , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2021

Cardiovascular disease has become one of the main causes of human death. In addition, many cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by a series of irreversible damages that lead to organ and vascular complications. In recent years, the potential therapeutic strategy of natural antioxidants in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases through mitochondrial quality control has received extensive attention. Mitochondria are the main site of energy metabolism in eukaryotic cells, including myocardial and vascular endothelial cells. Mitochondrial quality control processes ensure normal activities of mitochondria and cells by maintaining stable mitochondrial quantity and quality, thus protecting myocardial and endothelial cells against stress. Various stresses can affect mitochondrial morphology and function. Natural antioxidants extracted from plants and natural medicines are becoming increasingly common in the clinical treatment of diseases, especially in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Natural antioxidants can effectively protect myocardial and endothelial cells from stress‐induced injury by regulating mitochondrial quality control, and their safety and effectiveness have been preliminarily verified. This review summarises the damage mechanisms of various stresses in cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelial cells and the mechanisms of natural antioxidants in improving the vulnerability of these cell types to stress by regulating mitochondrial quality control. This review is aimed at paving the way for novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases and the development of natural antioxidant drugs.
Multicriteria‐Based Crowd Selection Using Ant Colony Optimization
Authors: Wang Guan , Ali Farhad , Yang Jonghoon , Nazir Shah , Yang Ting , Khan Abdullah , Imtiaz Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Internet‐enabled technologies have provided a way for people to communicate and collaborate with each other. The collaboration and communication made crowdsourcing an efficient and effective activity. Crowdsourcing is a modern paradigm that employs cheap labors (crowd) for accomplishing different types of tasks. The task is usually posted online as an open call, and members of the crowd self‐select a task to be carried out. Crowdsourcing involves initiators or crowdsourcers (an entity usually a person or an organization who initiate the crowdsourcing process and seek out the ability of crowd for a task), the crowd (online participant who is a having a particular background, qualification, and experience for accomplishing task in crowdsourcing activity), crowdsourcing task (the activity in which the crowd contribute), the process (how the activity is carried out), and the crowdsourcing platform (software or market place) where requesters offer various tasks and crowd workers complete these tasks. As the crowdsourcing is carried out in the online environment, it gives rise to certain challenges. The major problem is the selection of crowd that is becoming a challenging issue with the growth in crowdsourcing popularity. Crowd selection has been significantly investigated in crowdsourcing processes. Nonetheless, it has observed that the selection is based only on a single feature of the crowd worker which was not sufficient for appropriate crowd selection. For addressing the problem of crowd selection, a novel “ant colony optimization‐based crowd selection method” (ACO‐CS) is presented in this paper that selects a crowd worker based on multicriteria features. By utilizing the proposed model, the efficiency and effectiveness of crowdsourcing activity will be increased.
A Coupled RBF Method for the Solution of Elastostatic Problems
Authors: Chen Ying-Ting , Cao Yang
Published: January 2021

Radial basis function (RBF) has been widely used in many scientific computing and engineering applications, for instance, multidimensional scattered data interpolation and solving partial differential equations. However, the accuracy and stability of the RBF methods often strongly depend on the shape parameter. A coupled RBF (CRBF) method was proposed recently and successfully applied to solve the Poisson equation and the heat transfer equation (Appl. Math. Lett., 2019, 97: 93–98). Numerical results show that the CRBF method completely overcomes the troublesome issue of the optimal shape parameter that is a formidable obstacle to global schemes. In this paper, we further extend the CRBF method to solve the elastostatic problems. Discretization schemes are present in detail. With two elastostatic numerical examples, it is found that both numerical solutions of the CRBF method and the condition numbers of the discretized matrices are almost independent of the shape parameter. In addition, even if the traditional RBF methods take the optimal shape parameter, the CRBF method achieves better accuracy.
[Retracted] Clinical Correlation Analysis of Complications in Elderly Patients with Sequelae of Stroke with Different Barthel Index in Tianjin Emergency Department
Authors: Zheng Xingzhen , Wang Haidong , Bian Xiaolin
Published: January 2021

Objective. The Barthel index (BI) is the most commonly used measure of poststroke disability. The purpose of this article is to explore the different complications and severity of the sequelae of elderly stroke patients with different BI in the emergency department, so as to provide a theoretical basis for strengthening the treatment of elderly patients with stroke sequelae. Methods. A retrospective study was adopted, and 1896 patients were divided into two groups according to the BI: 823 patients in the bedridden group (BI ≤ 40 points) and 1073 patients in the nonbedridden group (BI > 40 points). The type and number of complications and APACHE II score were compared between the two groups. Results. Compared with the two groups, pneumonia, renal insufficiency, respiratory failure, and decubitus ulcer in the bedridden group had a higher incidence, but the incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and fractures in the nonbedridden group was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The APACHE II score of the patients in the bedridden group was higher than that of the nonbedridden group, and they were critical (P < 0.001). And the number of complications was higher than that in the nonbedridden group. Moreover, the BI was negatively correlated with the APACHE‐II score and the number of complications, and the APACHE II score was positively correlated with the number of complications (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Different complications and severity of illness occur in elderly patients with sequelae of stroke after different BI in the emergency department.
Design and Analysis of Propeller for High-Altitude Search and Rescue Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Dahal Chiranjivi , Dura Hari Bahadur , Poudel Laxman
Published: January 2021

The commercially available unmanned aerial vehicles are not good enough for search and rescue flight at high altitudes. This is because as the altitude increases, the density of air decreases which affects the thrust generation of the UAV. The objective of this research work is to design thrust optimized blade for an altitude range of 3,000–5,000 m with a density of air 0.7364 kg/m3, respectively, and perform thrust analysis. The property of aluminum alloy 1,060 being lightweight is chosen for designing and testing of blade. The blade element theory-based design and analysis code was developed, and user-friendly aerodynamic inputs were used to obtain the desired outputs. The geometry designed for an altitude range of 3,000-5,000 m faced the total stress of 6.0 MPa which was at 70% of the blade span. This stress is within the limit of yield strength of the aluminum alloy, 28 MPa. The modal analysis shows the first natural frequency occurs at around 12,000 RPM which is safe for operating the blade at 0-5,000 RPM. Experimental analysis of the blade gave a thrust of 0.92 N at 2,697 RPM at 1,400 m. The analytical solution for thrust with the same conditions was 1.7 N with 85.6% efficiency. The validation of experimental results has been done by the CFD analysis. The CFD analysis was performed in ANSYS CFX which gave a thrust value of 2.27 N for the same boundary conditions. Thus, the blade designed for high altitude SAR UAV is structurally safe to operate in 0-5,000 RPM range, and its use in search missions could save many lives in the Himalayas.
Prevalence and Traits of Mobile Colistin Resistance Gene Harbouring Isolates from Different Ecosystems in Africa
Authors: Anyanwu Madubuike Umunna , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Chah Kennedy Foinkfu , Shoyinka Vincent Shodeinde
Published: January 2021

The mobile colistin resistance (mcr) gene threatens the efficacy of colistin (COL), a last‐line antibiotic used in treating deadly infections. For more than six decades, COL is used in livestock around the globe, including Africa. The use of critically important antimicrobial agents, like COL, is largely unregulated in Africa, and many other factors militate against effective antimicrobial stewardship in the continent. Currently, ten mcr genes (mcr‐1 to mcr‐10) have been described. In Africa, mcr‐1, mcr‐2, mcr‐3, mcr‐5, mcr‐8, and mcr‐9 have been detected in isolates from humans, animals, foods of animal origin, and the environment. These genes are harboured by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Alcaligenes, and Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. Different conjugative and nonconjugative plasmids form the backbone for mcr in these isolates; however, mcr‐1 and mcr‐3 have also been integrated into the chromosome of some African strains. Insertion sequences (ISs) (especially ISApl1), either located upstream or downstream of mcr, class 1 integrons, and transposons, are drivers of mcr in Africa. Genes coding multi/extensive drug resistance and virulence are colocated with mcr on plasmids in African strains. Transmission of mcr to/among African strains is nonclonal. Contact with mcr‐habouring reservoirs, the consumption of contaminated foods of animal/plant origin or fluid, animal‐/plant‐based food trade and travel serve as exportation, importation, and transmission routes of mcr gene‐containing bacteria in Africa. Herein, the current status of plasmid‐mediated COL resistance in humans, food‐producing animals, foods of animal origin, and environment in Africa is discussed.
Influence of Channel Regulating Structures on the Transportation and Dissipation of Supersaturated Total Dissolved Gas
Authors: Qing Yun , Ma Qian , Li Ran , Shen Xia , Zhang XuJin , Han LinFeng
Published: January 2021

Bubble dissolution during the flood discharge creates high total dissolved gas (TDG) concentration zones downstream of the dams. The dissipation of supersaturated TDG is a very slow process. Thus, the elevated TDG may remain through the water body for hundreds of kilometers downstream and lead to gas bubble disease (GBD) and even mortality in fish. To improve the navigation conditions of waterways, dikes (i.e., a solid structure) of varied sizes and shapes are commonly constructed. However, this would affect the dissipation and transportation of the supersaturated TDG. It would significantly change the turbulence intensity and hydropressure of the flow, which dominates the dissipation of TDG. Therefore, TDG distribution in the waterway differs from that in the natural river. In this study, a numerical simulation of the TDG at the Yangtze River’s upper reaches (one of the inland waterways in China) was conducted with the establishment of a two‐dimensional TDG dissipation model. The effect of the dikes’ size and shape was analyzed to assess the influence of the regulation structures on the dissipation and transportation of the supersaturated TDG. Meanwhile, simulation in the study area with the natural topography was also set as blank control. Based on that, impact evaluation of TDG supersaturation on fish under different simulation scenarios was made. This study can provide a scientific basis for reducing the adverse effect of supersaturated TDG in fish and the construction of ecological waterway therefore.
Reliability Test Rig of the Motorized Spindle and Improvements on Its Ability for High‐Speed and Long‐Term Tests
Authors: Yang Zheng , Chen Fei , Luo Wei , Xu Binbin , Wang Song
Published: January 2021

To realize the accurate performance test under high‐speed operation and the long‐term stable reliability test of the motorized spindle, a reliability test rig (RTR) which can simulate the cutting force in the actual machining process is presented. Firstly, a reasonable prototype integrating dynamic force loading devices and torque loading devices is designed and established based on the load analysis of the spindle, and a complete and explicit control strategy of the reliability loading test is designed. Secondly, the effects of misalignment of the diaphragm coupling caused by assembling are analyzed, and experiments are conducted to test the axis orbit of the motorized spindle. The experimental results illustrate that the axis orbit can identify the occurrence of misalignment, which ensures timely adjustment of misalignment and the accurate performance test under high‐speed operation. Lastly, a damper is added in the mechanical structure of the electrohydraulic servo loading system (EHSLS), and the comparison of Bode maps before and after optimization is analyzed by the Nyquist criterion. After the optimization, the gain and phase margin of the Bode diagram are 12.9 dB and 57.2°, respectively, which are both within the stable range and validate the improvements on the ability of long‐term reliability tests of the motorized spindle. The presented RTR is able to simulate the actual cutting force and provides an efficient loading approach to guarantee the accuracy and stability of motorized spindle tests.
Cotard and Capgras Syndrome in a Patient with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: Revilla Joshep , Aliaga Stephanie , Lozano-Vargas Antonio
Published: January 2021

The presentation of both Cotard and Capgras syndromes is uncommon in schizophrenia. We present a case of a 23-year-old male with the diagnosis of schizophrenia with Cotard syndrome who later developed Capgras syndrome. By persisting significant symptoms despite the use of two antipsychotics, he was given the diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, and his symptoms improved with clozapine. This is one of the few cases of Cotard and Capgras syndromes in a patient with schizophrenia.
Evaluation of Inflammatory and Calcification after Implantation of Bioabsorbable Poly-L-Lactic Acid/Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds in Porcine Coronary Arteries
Authors: Feng Gaoke , Qin Chaoshi , Sha Fei , Lyu Yongnan , Xia Jinggang , Jiang Xuejun
Published: January 2021

Purpose. Our previous research has confirmed that the addition of nano-amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) materials can improve the support of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) vascular scaffolds. Based on this, we continued to explore the effect of novel bioresorbable scaffold composed of PLLA and ACP nanoparticles on inflammation and calcification of surrounding tissues after scaffold implantation in porcine coronary artery. Methods. PLLA/ACP scaffolds in the experimental group and PLLA scaffolds in the control group were implanted into the coronary arteries of small pigs. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), calcium (Ca), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured before implantation and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after operation. Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) was performed to evaluate the vascular calcification score. The scaffold and surrounding tissues were hematoxylin-eosin staining for inflammation score. The scaffold and surrounding tissues were stained with NF-κB and ALP, and the positive expression index was calculated. Western blot was used to detect the expression of IL-6 and BMP-2 in the tissues around the scaffold. Results. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in CRP, calcium, and ALP at preimplant, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months (

P
>
0.05

). The inflammation score, NF-κB positive expression index, and calcification score in the PLLA/ACP group were lower than that in the PLLA group at 12 months and 24 months (

P
<
0
 
05

). The ALP positive expression index in the PLLA/ACP group was lower than that in the PLLA group at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months (

P
<
0
 
05

). Western blot results showed that the IL-6 expression level in the PLLA/ACP group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months (

P
<
0.05

). The expression of BMP-2 in the PLLA/ACP group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 12 months and 24 months (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The PLLA/ACP composite scaffold has good biocompatibility. The incorporation of nanoscale ACP can reduce the inflammatory response caused by the acid metabolites of PLLA scaffolds, reduce the expression of procalcification factors in the body, and inhibit tissue calcification. The PLLA/ACP composite scaffold provides reliable guidance for the application and development of degradable vascular scaffold.
Therapeutic Effects of Conditioned Medium of Neural Differentiated Human Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells on Rotenone-Induced Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation and Apoptosis
Authors: Ramalingam Mahesh , Jang Sujeong , Jeong Han-Seong
Published: January 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used against several diseases. Their potential mainly appears from its secreted biomolecules. Human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hBMSC) displayed neuronal functional characteristics after differentiation by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and forskolin. PD is a chronic age-related neurodegenerative disease (NDD) characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregations. In this present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of neural differentiated hBMSC (NI-hBMSC) conditioned medium (NI-hBMSC-CM) to a rotenone- (ROT-) induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) model in SH-SY5Y cells. NI-hBMSC-CM treatment (50% diluted) in the last 24 h of 48 h ROT (0.5 μM) toxicity showed a significant increase in cell survival. The decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression as a hallmark of PD was increased by NI-hBMSC-CM. The Triton X-100-soluble and Triton X-100-insoluble cell lysate fractions were used in Western blotting. The oligomeric, dimeric, and monomeric phosphorylated serine129 (p-S129) α-syn and total monomeric α-syn were decreased during ROT toxicity in the Triton X-100-soluble fraction. The Triton X-100-insoluble fraction revealed that ROT toxicity significantly increased the oligomeric but decreased the dimeric and monomeric p-S129 α-syn expressions while all forms of total α-syn were increased in SH-SY5Y cells. NI-hBMSC-CM stabilized the physiological α-syn monomers and reduced aggregated insoluble p-S129 α-syn against ROT. The cytoskeletal proteins, neurofilament-H (NF-H), β3-tubulin (Tuj1), neuronal nuclei (NeuN), and synaptophysin (SYP) were significantly decreased during ROT toxicity. In addition, proapoptotic Bax was increased by ROT with decreased antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 as well as proforms of caspase-9, caspase-3, caspase-7, and PARP-1. NI-hBMSC-CM ameliorated the neurotrophic protein expressions, controlled the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, upregulated procaspases, and inactivated PARP-1. From our results, we conclude that NI-hBMSC-CM containing released biomolecules during neural differentiation employs regenerative effects on the ROT model of PD in SH-SY5Y cells.
Effects of Implant Surface Debridement and Systemic Antibiotics on the Clinical and Microbiological Variables of Periimplantitis
Authors: Irshad Muhammad , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Ali Sajid , Alawneh Ahmad , Alhadi Mohammed , Alhadi Ahmed , Alfawzan Ahmed Ali
Published: January 2021

Objective. To investigate the role of implant surface debridement alone and in conjunction with systemic antibiotics on the clinical and microbiological variables of periimplantitis. Materials and Methods. Data of forty‐six patients with at least one dental implant having bleeding‐on‐probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD) of more than 5 mm, and radiographic bone loss of more than 3 mm were retrieved from clinical records. Data was recorded for dental implant with the deepest PPD, BoP, and bone loss from each patient. “Group‐A” received implant surface debridement alone, while “group‐B” additionally received systemic antibiotics. Clinical and microbiological data of patients were compared before and after the treatment. Results. At the implant level, a significant reduction of PPD, mucosal recession (MR), and BoP was achieved for all patients. Group B achieved significant improvement in MR and BoP compared to group A at implant level. PPD, MR, and plaque scores showed improvement at implant site level. At 3 months recall visit, 44% of group A and 52% of group B implants required surgical treatment. The presence and proportions of studied bacteria of both groups did not differ significantly at the recall visit when compared to the initial visit. However, P. intermedia and P. micros showed a significant reduction in group A at the recall visit. Conclusions. Implant surface debridement improved the clinical parameters of periimplantitis. In addition, adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics increased mucosal recession and improved bleeding on probing in periimplantitis.
Influences of Analog-to-Digital Conversion Accuracy and Response Uniformity of CCD on Small-Scale Laser Focal Spot Measurements
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Ba Dexin , Jiao Deqiang , Shao Xiangxin , Mu Xin , Wang Ying
Published: January 2021

The two-dimensional snake scanning of the CCD method provides an effective solution to measure small-scale light spots which are smaller than one CCD pixel. The influences of the A/D conversion digits and response uniformity of the CCD on the measurement error are studied. When the A/D conversion digit is 20, the measurement error can be ignored. The maximum error value of the nonuniform response of the CCD pixel when the order of the super-Gaussian function is 10 is 0.7 μm. The research results can be used to guide the experiment.
Geometric Regularized Hopfield Neural Network for Medical Image Enhancement
Authors: Alenezi Fayadh , Santosh K. C.
Published: January 2021

One of the major shortcomings of Hopfield neural network (HNN) is that the network may not always converge to a fixed point. HNN, predominantly, is limited to local optimization during training to achieve network stability. In this paper, the convergence problem is addressed using two approaches: (a) by sequencing the activation of a continuous modified HNN (MHNN) based on the geometric correlation of features within various image hyperplanes via pixel gradient vectors and (b) by regulating geometric pixel gradient vectors. These are achieved by regularizing proposed MHNNs under cohomology, which enables them to act as an unconventional filter for pixel spectral sequences. It shifts the focus to both local and global optimizations in order to strengthen feature correlations within each image subspace. As a result, it enhances edges, information content, contrast, and resolution. The proposed algorithm was tested on fifteen different medical images, where evaluations were made based on entropy, visual information fidelity (VIF), weighted peak signal-to-noise ratio (WPSNR), contrast, and homogeneity. Our results confirmed superiority as compared to four existing benchmark enhancement methods.
Structural Characteristics Analysis of Overlying Rocks and Prevention Measures with a Long‐Wall Face Passing Across Abandoned Roadways: A Case Study
Authors: Yang Zeng-Qiang , Liu Chang , Wang Guo-An , Li Gang-Wei , Li Feng-Shuo
Published: January 2021

In order to study the occurrence mechanism of advanced coal pillar instability failure and support crushing accidents during a long‐wall face passing across abandoned roadways period, the Panel LW3101 in Shenghua Colliery was taken as a typical engineering background. By means of in situ investigation, physical simulation experiment, theoretical analysis, in situ tests, and relevant monitoring methods, the occurrence mechanism and prevention measures are studied. The results show that the bearing stress in advanced coal pillar is accumulated larger and larger with the width of advanced coal pillar gradually decreasing, and meanwhile, the key stratum in overlying strata would also be sliding instability under some minimum critical width condition; the sudden failure of advanced coal pillar which leads to a sharp increase of bending moment is the key factor that induces fracture of the main roof in front of long‐wall face, and the advanced fracture of the main roof can be prevented by changing the stress state of the advanced coal pillar from a two‐dimensional state to a three‐dimensional state; the method of backfilling abandoned roadway is used to improve the stability of advanced coal pillar and the corresponding monitoring results verify that this method is effective. The research conclusions provide a theoretical foundation and new guidance for preventing advanced coal pillar instability failure and support crushing accidents under a long‐wall face passing across abandoned roadways condition.
Dosimetry and Comparison between Different CT Protocols (Low Dose, Ultralow Dose, and Conventional CT) for Lung Nodules’ Detection in a Phantom
Authors: Leitão Cleverson Alex , Salvador Gabriel Lucca de Oliveira , Tazoniero Priscilla , Warszawiak Danny , Saievicz Cristian , Jakubiak Rosangela Requi , Escuissato Dante Luiz
Published: January 2021

Background. The effects of dose reduction in lung nodule detection need better understanding. Purpose. To compare the detection rate of simulated lung nodules in a chest phantom using different computed tomography protocols, low dose (LD), ultralow dose (ULD), and conventional (CCT), and to quantify their respective amount of radiation. Materials and Methods. A chest phantom containing 93 simulated lung nodules was scanned using five different protocols: ULD (80 kVp/30 mA), LD A (120 kVp/20 mA), LD B (100 kVp/30 mA), LD C (120 kVp/30 mA), and CCT (120 kVp/automatic mA). Four chest radiologists analyzed a selected image from each protocol and registered in diagrams the nodules they detected. Kruskal–Wallis and McNemar’s tests were performed to determine the difference in nodule detection. Equivalent doses were estimated by placing thermoluminescent dosimeters on the surface and inside the phantom. Results. There was no significant difference in lung nodules’ detection when comparing ULD and LD protocols (

p
=
0.208

to

p
=
1.000

), but there was a significant difference when comparing each one of those against CCT (

p
<
0.001

). The detection rate of nodules with CT attenuation values lower than −600 HU was also different when comparing all protocols against CCT (

p
<
0.001

to

p
=
0.007

). There was at least moderate agreement between observers in all protocols (κ-value >0.41). Equivalent dose values ranged from 0.5 to 9 mSv. Conclusion. There is no significant difference in simulated lung nodules’ detection when comparing ULD and LD protocols, but both differ from CCT, especially when considering lower-attenuating nodules.
Advance of Electroconductive Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications in Orthopedics
Authors: Cao Jian , Liu Zhongxing , Zhang Limin , Li Jinlong , Wang Haiming , Li Xiuhui
Published: January 2021

Electroconductive hydrogels (EHs) are promising composite biomaterials of hydrogels and conductive electroactive polymers, incorporating bionic physicochemical properties of hydrogels and conductivity, electrochemistry, and electrical stimulation (ES) responsiveness of conductive electroactive polymers. The biomedical domain has increasingly seen EHs’ application to imitating the biological and electrical properties of human tissues, acclaimed as one of the most effective biomaterials. Bone’s complex bioelectrochemical properties and the corresponding stem cell differentiation affected by electrical signal elevate EHs’ application value in repairing and treating bone, cartilage, and skeletal muscle. Noteworthily, the latest orthopedic biological applications require broader information of EHs. Except for presenting the classification and synthesis of EHs, this review recapitulates the advance of EHs application to orthopedics in the past five years and discusses the pertinent development tendency and challenge, aiming to provide a reference for EHs application direction and prospect in orthopedic therapy.