bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lagged Covariance and Cross-Covariance Operators of Processes in Cartesian Products of Abstract Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Kühnert Sebastian
Published: May 2021

A major task in Functional Time Series Analysis is measuring the dependence within and between processes, for which lagged covariance and cross-covariance operators have proven to be a practical tool in well-established spaces. This article deduces estimators and asymptotic upper bounds of the estimation errors for lagged covariance and cross-covariance operators of processes in Cartesian products of abstract Hilbert spaces for fixed and increasing lag and Cartesian powers. We allow the processes to be non-centered, and to have values in different spaces when investigating the dependence between processes. Also, we discuss features of estimators for the principle components of our covariance operators.
Kalman filter application for the angular motion estimation by video processing
Authors: Molina Saqui Julio Cesar , Tkachev Stepan Sergeevich
Published: May 2021

This work considers the problem of estimating the orientation and angular velocity of the object by image processing. To solve this problem, an approach based on the Extended Kalman filter (EKF), where the mesurements are the coordinates of the image points. The results showed a significatly accuracy increase for the angular velocity estimation. As for the rotation quaternion, there was no significant improvement with respect to the local methods.
Brunswick Harbor numerical model
Authors: McAlpin Jennifer , Lavecchia Jason
Published: May 2021

The Brunswick area consists of many acres of estuarine and marsh environments. The US Army Corps of Engineers District, Savannah, requested that the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, develop a validated Adaptive Hydraulics model and assist in using it to perform hydrodynamic modeling of proposed navigation channel modifications. The modeling results are necessary to provide data for ship simulation. The model setup and validation are presented here.
Brûler les champs, pour voir ensuite ce qui va repousser
Authors: Pitre Éléonore , Holder Frannie
Published: May 2021

Presented here in conversation, guitarists Frannie Holder (Dear Criminals, Random Recipe) and Éléonore Pitre (Rosier, Star Académie house band) discuss the pandemic as a moment to reflect on their lives as musicians and to focus more on the “why” of their work. Both musicians also describe the singular experience of performing in person during the pandemic..
The Field of Musical Improvisation
Authors: Schwarz Gretchen
Published: May 2021

Marcel CobussenLeiden University Press, 2017ISBN    epub 978 94 0060 263 2            epdf  978 94 0060 301 1            print  978 90 8728 289 9227 pages

Reviewed by Gretchen Schwarz
Good Time to Plant Seed
Authors: Kim Dong-Won
Published: May 2021

Now we all know that the world and music environment won't be the same after the pandemic. Perhaps we have to define it as a crisis for musicians and performers. However, I'd suggest us to pursue the value of improvisation in bigger desperation. It's like when farmers lost their harvest for some reason, they always go back to the stage of planting a seed. I believe that improvisation becomes more valuable in the crisis because it always leads us to the most essential elements of artistry and humanity. We can start over from there. We have each other and technologies to keep us contacted.
The Creative Commons is Starving
Authors: Sorbara Joe
Published: May 2021

Improvising drummer and community organizer Joe Sorbara advocates for the implementation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) that will “provide everyone with the space to hear and recognise a calling, and . . . ensure that we all have the capacity and support to answer the call.”
The Response Shift in Quality of Life Assessment among Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Zheng , Yang Fei , Lin Qian , Feng Xiaoru , Kong Ying
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The remarkable impact of response shift on quality of life (QoL) assessment among patients has been cited. There is an increased emphasis on distinguishing the real change of QOL and the self-regulation of individuals. This study aims to review the evidence of the response shift among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Methods

We conducted searches of five electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO host, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, manual review. Articles published up to 13 May 2020 were selected. Studies meeting the eligibility criteria were reviewed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of included articles was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.
Results

The search of databases yielded 121 articles and articles were included in this review. of them were quantitative prospective cohort studies and one was a qualitative perspective cross-sectional study. The QoL measurements included visual analog scale, time trade-off, standard gamble, individual interviews, the Schedule for Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW) and the ideal scale. A total of individuals was included, and the most common participants enrolled in these studies were patients with dialysis (studies). All of the eligible studies reported the use of then-test methods and of them used individualized measures including interviews, SEIQol-DW and ideal scale to examine response shifts. The existence of response shift was reported in each study and the most common type of response shifts detected was recalibration. The disease trajectory and have-want discrepancy of individuals were revealed as important factors of response shifts.
Conclusions

Our systematic review indicated that the response shift in QoL assessment among patients with ESRD was proved to exist and need more attention. What’s more, making use of response shifts to modify interventions may promote recovery and help patients adapt to illness better. Present studies were limited by the sample size, research design and response shift detection methods. Further work on advanced research design and RS detection methods is needed in the context of ESRD.
Hypothetical Protein Predicted to be Tumor Suppressor: A protein Functional Analysis
Authors: Kader Md. Abdul , Ahmed Md. Akash , Khan Md. Sharif , Ashik Sheikh Abdullah Al , Islam Md Shariful , Hossain Mohammad Uzzal
Published: May 2021

BackgroundLitorilituus sediminis is a Gram-negative, aerobic, novel bacterium under the family of Colwelliaceae, has a stunning hypothetical protein containing domain called von Hippel–Lindau (pVHL) that has significant tumor suppressor activity. Therefore, this study was designed to elucidate the structure and function of the biologically important hypothetical protein EMK97_00595 (QBG34344.1) using several bioinformatics tools. ResultsThe functional annotation exposed that the hypothetical protein is an extracellular secretory soluble signal peptide and containing the VHL (VHL beta) domain that has a significant role in tumor suppression. This domain is conserved throughout evolution, as its homologs are available in various types of the organism like mammals, insects, and nematode. The gene product of VHL has a critical regulatory activity in the ubiquitous oxygen-sensing pathway. This domain has a significant role to inhibit cell proliferation, angiogenesis progression, kidney cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. ConclusionAt last, the current study depicts that the annotated hypothetical protein is linked with tumor suppressor activity which might be of great interest to future research in the higher organism.
Application of Fuzzy Cluster Analysis and Decision Making Algorithms for Choosing the Optimal Water Distribution Network Design
Authors: Arunachalam Vasan , R K Srinivasa , Naidu M Naveen
Published: May 2021

Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) is employed to facilitate multi-objective optimization in Water Distribution Network(s) (WDN) framework for a benchmark problem of Hanoi Network and a real-world problem, Pamapur Network, Telangana, India. Maximization of resilience, minimization of cost and minimization of leakages are considered in a multiobjective context which result in generation of Non-dominated WDN Strategies (NWDNS). In order to simplify the decision making process of engineers, Fuzzy Cluster Analysis (FCA) is employed to categorize NWDNS into groups. Thereafter, Dunn’s Cluster Validity Index (DCVI) is used for identification of optimal cluster size. Representative NWDNS i.e. RNWDNS for each sub-cluster is based on the maximum membership of NWDNS in the respective sub-cluster. Ranking of RNWDNS is performed with three decision making algorithms, namely, Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment of Evaluations-2 (PROMETHEE-2), Multicriterion Q-analysis-2 (MCQA-2) and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR). Additive ranking rule is also applied to facilitate obtained ranks in group decision making environment to arrive at the optimal WDN. It is observed that 1020 NWDNS generated for Hanoi network are optimally classified into 18 clusters based on DCVI, and A13 representing RNWDNS 37 is found preferable. Whereas 272 NWDNS generated for Pamapur network are classified into 9 clusters where S6 is preferred (representing RNWDNS 203).
Investigating the Performance of Sewn Seams from Woven Fabrics
Authors: Shamsuzzaman Md.
Published: May 2021

Seam performance ensures the durability, attractiveness, strength etc. of the sewn garments. Fabric types, fabric densities, fabric strength, seam types, sewing thread count, thread strength, stitch densities and stitch types influence the performance of a sewn seam. This paper investigates the performance of sewn seam of various structure of woven fabric. The variables of this research are stitch densities (SPI), sewing thread count, seam types and woven structures. We conduct our research over plain, twill 2/1, twill 2/2, oxford and poplin woven structure. Firstly, we apply lockstitch (301) to produce superimposed, lapped and bound seam on the woven sample by using thread count 27 Tex, 30 Tex, 20/2 Tex, 40 Tex, 40/2 Tex, 40/3 Tex having stitch densities (SPI) 8, 10 and 12. Then according to ASTM D1683 standard, we measured the tensile strength test and recorded the seam breaking strength (N). We apply error bars over each diagram to investigate the standard deviation. Finally, we discuss four hypothesis to conclude our research work. We found higher seam breaking strength with the increase of thread count and SPI. The bound seam samples has shown superior seam breaking strength than superimposed and lapped seam; poplin structure surpassed to others. The seam efficiency of the samples varies from 60–90% and do not exceeds 100%. Finally, we found some significant alternatives hypothesis of the population since F values exceeded F critical values for the sewn seam.
A Case Study for Lightning Scenario and Awareness Building in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Ferdous
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Field Measurement and Numerical Simulation of the Relationship Between Vertical Wind Environment and Building Morphology in Residential Areas in Xi’an, China
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhen Meng , Ding Wei , Zou Qishu
Published: May 2021

The inadequate consideration of the impact of building morphology on ventilation efficiency in many urban residential areas has resulted in a series of environmental problems that threaten human health. The purpose of this paper is to establish a prediction model between ventilation efficiency and building forms in residential areas. Firstly, the characteristics of vertical wind profile in residential areas are measured through unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); secondly, the wind speed ratio (WSR) at different height levels under the impact of morphological index (floor area ratio, building density, average building height, enclosure degree, height fall and maximum building height) in the residential area is simulated by ENVI-met; finally, two kinds of prediction formulas are obtained: (1) the average ventilation efficiency at the pedestrian level and (2) the prediction formula of WSR at different heights. The results show that the wind speed (WS) in residential area below 35 m is about 0.6 m/s lower than that in park. The results of numerical simulation show that the mean WSR at the pedestrian level is negatively correlated with each index and the height fall morphological index has the greatest impact on the WSR at different heights. The research can provide a reference for the optimal planning and design of ventilation efficiency of residential buildings, especially those in static wind areas.
Experimental investigation of an active inclined solar panel absorber solar still - Energy and Exergy analysis
Authors: Rafeek Mohamed Thalib Mohamed , Muthu Vimala , Athikesavan Muthu Manokar , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar , Kabeel Abd Elnaby
Published: May 2021

The objective of the current study is to investigate the performance of the Inclined Solar Panel Basin Still (ISPBS) incorporated with a Spiral Tube Collector (STC) for various mass flow rates of water (mf). The maximum potable water yield of 8.1, 6.9 and 6.1 kg is obtained for different mass flow rates of 1.8, 3.2 and 4.7 kg/hr in each instance. Also, for mf values of 1.8, 3.2 and 4.7 kg per hour, the daily average energy and exergy efficiency of the ISPBS is recorded to be 47.9, 39.3 and 31.02 % and 9.8, 7.9 and 5.6 % in each instance. The average electrical, energy and exergy efficiency of the PV panel is noted to be 6.5, 7.1 and 7.5 %, 15.67, 17.1 and 18.04 % and 20.03, 22.21 and 23.36 % for mf values of 1.8, 3.2 and 4.7 kg/hr in each instance. The rise in mf causes a drop in the fresh water production yield, thermal, exergy and overall thermal effectiveness and an enhancement in the power production of the panel, electrical, thermal, exergy and overall exergy efficiency of the system.
Large evanescently-induced Brillouin scattering at the surrounding of a nanofibre
Authors: Yang Fan , Gyger Flavien , Godet Adrien , Chretien Jacques , Zhang Li , Pang Meng , Beugnot Jean-Charles , Thévenaz Luc
Published: May 2021

Brillouin scattering has been widely exploited for advanced photonics functionalities such as microwave photonics, signal processing, sensing, lasing, and more recently in micro- and nano-photonic waveguides. So far, all the works have focused on the opto-acoustic interaction driven from the core region of micro- and nano-waveguides. Here we observe, for the first time, an efficient Brillouin scattering generated by an evanescent field nearby a sub-wavelength waveguide embedded in a pressurised gas cell, with a maximum gain coefficient of 18.90 ± 0.17 m^(-1)W^(-1). This gain is 11 times larger than the highest Brillouin gain obtained in a hollow-core fibre and 79 times larger than in a standard single-mode fibre. The realisation of strong free-space Brillouin scattering from a waveguide benefits from the flexibility of confined light while providing a direct access to the opto-acoustic interaction, as required in free-space optoacoustics such as Brillouin spectroscopy and microscopy. Therefore, our work creates an important bridge between Brillouin scattering in waveguides, Brillouin spectroscopy and microscopy, and opens new avenues in light-sound interactions, optomechanics, sensing, lasing and imaging.
The impact of air pollution on COVID-19 pandemic varied within different cities in South America using different models
Authors: Huang Haining , Lin Congtian , Liu Xiaobo , Zhu Liting , Avellán-Llaguno Ricardo David , Lazo Mauricio Manuel Llaguno , Ai Xiaoyan , Huang Qiansheng
Published: May 2021

There is a rising concern that air pollution plays an important role in the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the results weren’t consistent on the association between air pollution and the spread of COVID-19. In the study, air pollution data and the confirmed cases of COVID-19 were both gathered from five severe cities across three countries in South America. Daily real-time population regeneration (Rt) were calculated to assess the spread of COVID-19. Two frequently used model, generalized additive models (GAM) and multiple linear regression, were both used to explore the impact of environmental pollutants on the epidemic. Wide ranges of all the six air pollutants were detected across the five cities. Spearman's correlation analysis confirmed the positive correlation within six pollutants. Rt value showed a gradual decline in all the five cities. Further analysis showed that the association between air pollution and COVID-19 varied across five cities. Multiple linear regression and GAM did not give the same trend in a specific city. For example, in Sao Paulo, the GAM model shows that PM10 has a nonlinear negative correlation with Rt, while PM10 has no significant correlation in the multiple linear model. According to our research results, even for the same region, varied models gave inconsistent results. Moreover, in the case of multiple regions, current used models should be selected according to local conditions.
Detection of antinuclear antibodies targeting intracellular signal transduction, metabolism, apoptotic processes and cell death in critical COVID-19 patients
Authors: Fakhroo Aisha D. , Nasarallah Gheyath K. , Khan Taushif , Cyprian Farhan S. , Ali Fatima Al , Ata Manar M.A. , Taleb Sara , Hssain Ali A. , Eid Ali H. , Abu-Raddad Laith J. , Al-Khal Abdullatif , Thani Asmaa A. Al , Marr Nico , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: May 2021

Background

The heterogeneity of COVID-19 lies within its diverse symptoms and severity, ranging from mild to lethal. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been shown to be the leading cause of mortality in COVID-19 patients, characterized by a hyper cytokine storm. Autoimmunity is proposed to occur as a result of COVID-19, given the high similarity of the immune responses observed in COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases.
Results

Here, we investigate the level of autoimmune antibodies in COVID-19 patients with different severities. Initial screening for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) IgG revealed that 1.6% (2/126) and 4% (5/126) of ICU COVID-19 cases developed strong and moderate ANA levels, respectively. However, all the non-ICU cases (n = 273) were ANA negative. The high ANA level was confirmed by immunofluorescence (IFA) and large-scale autoantibody screening by phage immunoprecipitation-sequencing (PhIP-Seq). Indeed, the majority of the samples showed "speckled" ANA pattern by microscopy, and we demonstrate that samples of ICU patients with strong and moderate ANA levels contain autoantibody specificities that predominantly targeted proteins involved in intracellular signal transduction, metabolism, apoptotic processes, and cell death; further denoting reactivity to nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens.
Conclusion

Our results further support the notion of routine screening for autoimmune responses in COVID-19 patients, which might help improve disease prognosis and patient management. Further, results provide compelling evidence that ANA-positive individuals should be excluded from being donors for convalescent plasma therapy in the context of Covid-19.
PCDD/F removal at low temperatures over Vanadium-based catalyst: insight into the superiority of mechanochemical method
Authors: Tang Minghui , Ye Qiulin , Du Cuicui , Peng Yaqi , Makwarimba Chengetai Portia , He Yao , Lu Shengyong
Published: May 2021

The high toxicity and low volatility of PCDD/Fs prevent detailed study of their catalytic degradation removal characteristics. In this study, firstly, 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCBz) was initially used as a model to investigate the catalytic characteristics of various vanadium-based catalysts prepared by different methods. Then, the optimized catalyst was used for catalytic degradation of real PCDD/Fs at low-temperatures based on a self-made stable source. The VOx/TiO2 catalysts synthesized by the mechanochemical method (VTi-MC2) had a higher 1,2-DCBz removal efficiency (> 85%) and stability (> 420 min) at low temperatures (< 200 oC) compared to VTi-SG (sol-gol method) and VTi-WI (wetness impregnation method). The physico-chemical properties of catalysts were studied using comprehensive characterization. It was found that the VTi-MC2 has better VOx species distribution and possesses the highest V5+ species and surface adsorbed oxygen content, which are the key factors contributed to the higher removal efficiency. Accordingly, the mechanochemical method can be used to control the physico-chemical properties of catalyst by adjusting the milling parameters. The optimum ball-milling time is 2 h and the suitable precursor is NH4VO3 for VOx/TiO2. Moreover, the removal efficiency of gas phase PCDD/Fs catalyzed by VTi-MC2 is 97% within a temperature range below 200 ℃, and the catalytic degradation of PCDD/Fs surges to 50%, which is higher than those reported research. In general, the mechanochemical strategy reported provides a means for seeking more efficient catalysts used for low-temperature degradation of various trace organic pollutants.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST): an emerging complication of SARS CoV-2 infection
Authors: Maggialetti Nicola , ALESSANDRA GUALANO , Russo Roberto , Accogli Rocco Umberto , Ianora Amato Antonio Stabile
Published: May 2021

Background: During Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, SARS CoV-2 infection has been documented to be associated with thrombotic complications, especially pulmonary embolism, which are triggered by virus binding to ACE-2 receptors and consequent activation of a cascade leading to a hypercoagulable pathway, however Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) is emerging as a further thrombotic complication of COVID-19.Case presentation: We report our experience of a patient affected by SARS CoV-2 infection, who presented to our emergency department with neurological symptoms such as confusion and headache and was diagnosed with CVST at imaging exams.Conclusion: As neurological symptoms such as confusion and headache are aspecific and shared with patients affected by SARS CoV-2 infection in absence of CVST, clinicians should be aware of this emerging hematologic complication in order to recognize it as soon as possible and provide the best patient care.
Effect of brominated flame retardant on the pyrolysis products of polymers originating in WEEE
Authors: Charitopoulou Maria Anna , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Achilias Dimitrios S.
Published: May 2021

Pyrolysis is an environmentally friendly method, which is often used for the recycling of the plastics included in waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE); since secondary valuable materials can be produced. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are usually added into these plastics to reduce their flammability; but they are toxic substances. The aim of this work is to examine the thermal behaviour and the products obtained after pyrolysis of polymer blends that consist of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polycarbonate (PC) and polypropylene (PP) with composition that simulates real WEEE; in the absence and presence of a common BFR, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), in order to investigate its effect on pyrolysis products. Blends were prepared via the solvent casting method and the melt-mixing in an extruder; it was revealed that the latter method may be a better choice for blends preparation, since it didn’t affect the products obtained. The chemical structure of each polymeric blend was identified by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal degradation of the blends was evaluated by thermogravimetric (TG) experiments performed using a thermal analyser (TGA) and a pyrolyser for evolved gas analysis (EGA). It was observed that blends had a similar behaviour during their thermal degradation; and in most cases, they followed a one-step mechanism. Pyrolysis products were identified by the pyrolyser combined with a Gas Chromatographer/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS); and comprised various useful compounds, such as monomers, aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, etc. that could be used as chemical feedstock. Furthermore, it was found that TBBPA affected products’ distribution by enhancing the formation of phenolic compounds and on the other hand by resulting in brominated compounds, such as dibromophenol.
Facile synthesis of Cu/Ls MOF for laccase-like oxidative decomposition of phenols and identification of toxicity effects for C. elegans
Authors: Li Hui , Guo Feng , Fu Zhendong , Wang Liping
Published: May 2021

Certain compounds in chemical products adsorb heavy metals co-occurring in surface waters and thereby modulate their toxicity for invertebrates. Sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate salt (Ls) is widely used as a medium additive in detergents and can chelated with certain metal ions. In this study, we constructed metal-organic framework by the co-assembly of Ls and Cu (Cu/Ls MOF), which has laccase like activity. The morphology of Cu/Ls appeared spherical or ellipsoidal with a diameter in the range of 50–500 nm. Cu/Ls MOF followed the typical Michaelis-Menten model and showed laccase-like activity and oxidizes phenol-containing substrates, such as phenol, 4-iodophenol, and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol. To understand the toxicity of Cu/Ls exposure, the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was exposed to various concentrations of Cu/Ls, and the impact on physiological level was determined. High dose of Cu/Ls increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased the exercise activity of the C. elegans and inhibited the growth of their larvae. Cu/Ls had strong binding interaction and the ability of Cu/Ls to oxidize pollutants may be a form of self-regulation by nature. The biological toxicity of Cu/Ls is low under high concentration conditions, and the dose of MOF that may be formed by the discharge of daily washing is less harmful to the environment.
Role of Lung Ultrasound in the Management of Patients with Suspected SARS-Cov-2 Infection in the Emergency Department
Authors: Boccatonda Andrea , Grignaschi Alice , Lanotte Antonella , Giostra Fabrizio , Schiavone Cosima , Guagnano Maria Teresa , Frisone Alessio , Cocco Giulio
Published: May 2021

Background: the LUS score has been proposed as an optimal scheme for the ultrasound study of the patient with suspected / confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of lung ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, and to examine the validity of LUS score for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, and to correlate with hospitalization rate and 30-days mortality.Material & methods: a retrospective analysis was performed on all patients who were referred to the General Emergency Department of the S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital from April 2020 to May 2020 for symptoms suspected for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ultrasound examination was based on a common execution scheme called LUS score, as previously described.Results & Conclusions: LUS score correlates with the degree of clinical severity and respiratory failure (P/F ratio, Delta (A-a), Delta (A-a) increase). COVID-19 patients with a LUS score > 7 require the use of oxygen support; a value > 10 is associated with an increased risk of oro-tracheal intubation. The LUS score presents higher values in hospitalized patients, increasing according to the degree of care intensity. COVID-19 died patients were characterized by a mean LUS score of 11 at presentation to the emergency department. A LUS score value > 7.5 displays a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 89% against 30-days mortality in COVID-19 patients. Lung ultrasound seems to be an optimal first level method for pneumonia detection in patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Integrated Health Care System Application in Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yan , Ma Yue , Zhao Chongbo , Lu Jiahong , Jiang Hong , Cao Yanpei , Xu Yafang
Published: May 2021

【Background】Integrated health care provide patients with comprehensive and continuous care, but it still no consequence whether it could improve the illness condition of patients who suffer from chronic disease, such as hypertension and diabetes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the integrated health care system in patients with hypertension and diabetes. 【Methods】Randomised controlled trials testing the effect of integrated health care system in patients with hypertension and diabetes were be included. We search in GIN, NICE, Cochrane, JBI, CINAHL, EMBASE, PUBMED, Web of Science, SINOMED, CNKI (Chinese database), WANFANG (Chinese database) and VIP (Chinese database) databases from the building date of database to 31/Oct/2020. The articles must meet the following inclusion criteria: research objects are patients who have been clearly diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes, all of the articles should use Integrated Health Care as intervention, the study type of article is randomized clinical trials, the articles should be published in Chinese or English. Risk of bias were assessed regarding randomisation, allocation sequence concealment, blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting, and other biases. 【Results】. 16 randomized controlled trials (seven hypertension, nine diabetes) involving 5,231 patients (2,593 with diabetes and 2,638 with hypertension) with intervention duration ranging from 6 to 24 months. Meta-analysis showed that integrated health care significantly improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension, it also significantly declined the level of glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetes. After using the integrated health care for 12 months, glycosylated hemoglobin was significantly decreased which compared to the 6-month intervention in patients with diabetes. 【Discussion】In this study, we undertook a meta-analysis of the published work that systematically evaluated the effects of integrated health care. Integrated Health Care could be beneficial to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin, and control blood pressure in patients with diabetes and hypertension. The diabetes management based on integrated health care is a long-term care process, and it would be effective over time.
High Dose IL-17A Enhances the Antiosteoarthritic Effect of Dental Pulp Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Reducing Inflammatory Response and Promoting Chondrocyte Proliferation
Authors: qi Fu Bi , Yao Zhou , Wei Long , Fen Cai , Qiang Xia , Ren Liu , Rui Wu
Published: May 2021

Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have promising potential in regenerative therapy, partially through their potent immune modulation. The inflammatory cytokine IL-17A has been suggested to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs. Herein, we determined whether pretreatment of dental pulp MSCs (DPMSCs) with IL-17A enhances the therapeutic potency of DPMSCs for osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: DPMSCs pretreated with IL-17A (0-75 ng/ml) were co-cultured with T lymphocytes for cytokine assay. In a rat OA model, DPMSCs pretreated with IL-17A were evaluated for antiosteoarthritic activity. Rat knee joints were harvested for color Doppler ultrasonography and histological staining, and synovial fluid was collected for cytokine assay. Additionally, chondrocytes isolated form joint cartilage of OA rats were co-cultured with IL-17A-pretreated DPMSCs for cell proliferation assay.Results: DPMSCs demonstrated a pluripotent capacity to differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. For in vitro co-culture, although DPMSCs pretreated with low dose of IL-17A (25 ng/ml) had inflammation-promoting effect, indicated by increased IL-2 and TNF-α secretion and decreased IL-4 release, high dose IL-17A (75 ng/ml) pretreatment enhanced the anti-inflammatory activity of DPMSCs. In vivo, high dose IL-17A-pretreated DPMSCs showed a stronger antiosteoarthritic activity than untreated DPMSCs, indicated by significantly reducing joint swelling, synovial fluid formation, the OARSI scores, and the production of inflammatory cytokines in synovial fluid. Besides, high dose IL-17A- pretreated DPMSCs enhanced the stimulatory activity of DPMSCs in chondrocyte proliferation in vitro.Conclusion: high dose IL-17A enhances the immunosuppressive property of DPMSCs, which helps alleviate osteoarthritis by inhibiting inflammatory response and promoting chondrocyte proliferation in the affected joints.
Dapagliflozin Attenuates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Through Erythropoietin Up-Regulation of AKT/JAK/MAPK Pathways in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: El-Sayed Nora , Mostafa Yasser M. , AboGresha Noha M , Ahmed Amal A.M. , Mahmoud Islam Z. , El-Sayed Norhan M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the mechanism of Dapagliflozin (Dapa) cardioprotection against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Structural and functional changes in the heart as well as decrease of Erythropoietin (EPO) levels were reported in DCM. EPO simultaneously activates three pathways: the Janus-activated kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK2/STAT5), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-Akt (PI3K/Akt), and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK/MAPK) cascades, that result in proliferation and differentiation of cardiac cells.Methods and Results: DCM was induced by a high fat diet for 10 weeks followed by administration of streptozotocin. After confirmation of diabetes, rats were divided randomly to 5 groups: Group 1; normal control group, Group 2; untreated diabetic group and Groups (3-5); diabetic groups received Dapa daily (0.75 mg, 1.5 or 3 mg /Kg, p.o) respectively for a month. At the end of the experiment, full anaesthesia was induced in all rats using ether inhalation and ECG was recorded. Blood samples were collected then rats were sacrificed and their heart were dissected out and processed for biochemical and histopathological studies. Untreated diabetic rats showed abnormal ECG pattern, elevation of serum cardiac enzymes, decrease EPO levels, downregulation of P-Akt, P-JAK2 and pMAPK pathways, abnormal histological structure of the heart and increase immunostaining intensity of P53 and TNF α in the cardiomyocytes. Dapa in a dose dependent manner attenuated the alterations in the previously mentioned parameters. Conclusion: The cardioprotective effect of Dapa could be mediated by increasing EPO levels and activation of P-Akt, P-JAK2 and pMAPK signalling cascades which in turn decrease apoptosis.
WITHDRAWN: Comparative study of the effect of sliver and selenium nanoparticles on bacterial and viral hepatic infection via modulating oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation
Authors: Gad Sameh S. , ibrahim sherine , Ismail Sameh H. , Abdelrahim Dina S.
Published: May 2021

Background: Nanoparticles are recently playing a potential role in improving drug uptake and the and treatment of diseases. A variety of nanoparticles, such as selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used as drug carriers in various ways for treatment of cancers and liver diseases. Our aim in this study is to investigate the ability of AgNPs and SeNPs to target and treat the viral and bacterial infection of liver in rats and cell lines.Methods: For assessment of antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles, six adult male albino rats were included in this study, liver slices were taken and assigned to 6 groups. Markers of hepatic functions, oxidative stress and inflammation in liver slices are carried out. While for assessment of antiviral activity of SeNPs, HBV-replicating human cell line HepG2 and normal human cell lines were used, hepatic and inflammatory alterations are determined through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and comet assay techniques.Results: The effect of Ag-NPs on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were reduced in different treated groups with Ag-NPs compared with the control and diseased groups. On the other hand, SeNPs revealed significant alterations in the inflammatory markers as well as DNA damage in the treated HBV- human cell line HepG2 compared to the diseased ones.Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles have the ability for producing various hepatic alterations and can inhibit the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in a dose and size dependent manner. On the other hand, SeNPs showed excellent selectivity towards viral cells in the HepG2 cell lines. Both Ag-NPs and SeNPs might be a promising drug design for treating viral and bacterial liver diseases.
Clinical and CT scan findings in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: A comparison based on disease severity
Authors: Hesam-Shariati Sonia , Mohammadi Susan , Abouzaripour Morteza , Mohsenpour Behzad , Zareie Bushra , Fathi Fardin , Sheikholeslomzadeh Hana , Rajabi Fahimeh , Shariati Mohammad Bakhtiar Hesam
Published: May 2021

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe pneumonia and highly impact general health. We aimed to investigate different clinical features and CT scan findings of patients with COVID-19 based on disease severity to have a better understanding of this disease.
Methods

90 patients with coronavirus were divided into three categories based on the severity of the disease: mild/moderate, severe, and very severe. Clinical, laboratory and CT scan findings of the patients were examined retrospectively. Any association between these features and disease severity were assessed.
Results

The mean age and duration of hospitalization of patients increased with increasing the severity of disease. The most common clinical symptoms were shortness of breath, cough, and fever. As the severity of the disease increased from mild/moderate to very severe, there was an increase in neutrophile counts and a decrease in lymphocytes and white blood cells (WBC) showing excessive inflammation associated with severe forms of COVID-19. Subpleural changes (81%) and ground-glass opacification/opacity (GGO) lesions (73%) of the lung were the most common features among CT images of COVID-19 patients, and interlobular septal thickening (10%) was the lowest CT feature among patients. Regarding the affected parts of the lung in COVID-19 patients, bilaterial, peripheral and multiple lesions had the highest prevalence.
Conclusions

It has been shown that clinical, laboratory and CT scan findings varied in COVID-19 patients based on disease severity, which need to be considered carefully in timely diagnosis and treatment of this illness.
Effects of medication knowledge on medication adherence among hypertensive patients at Matero level one hospital, Lusaka City, Zambia: A cross sectional study
Authors: Kampamba Martin , Abanur Farhiyyah , Hikaambo Christabel Nang’andu , Mudenda Steward , Saini Kennedy , Kaonga Patrick
Published: May 2021

Background: Medication adherence is the mainstay to good treatment outcomes. Failure to adhere to medication in hypertensive patients may lead to considerable deterioration of the disease resulting in increased costs of healthcare and mortality. Knowledge about the name of the drug, indications and side effects may enhance medication adherence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess effects of medication knowledge on medication adherence among hypertensive patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 120 hypertensive patients. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics. Adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale while patient’s medication knowledge was assessed using a 7-item scale. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with medication adherence. Results: The mean age of participants was 59 years (SD ±14.9) and 10 (8.3%), 42 (35%) and 68(56.7%) had adequate, average and poor medication knowledge respectively. The prevalence of adherence in this study was 37.5%. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) (AOR: 0.38, CI: 0.16-0.90) was associated with lower likelihood of adhering to medication.Conclusion: The adherence level to treatment was low and medication knowledge of hypertensive patients was generally poor. Uncontrolled BP was associated with non-adherence. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension should be given health education and counselling regarding their condition to improve medication adherence.
Evaluating the Potential of Respiratory-sinus-arrhythmia Biofeedback for Reducing Physiological Stress in Adolescents With Autism: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Thoen Anoushka , Steyaert Jean , Alaerts Kaat , Damme Tine Van
Published: May 2021

Background: Prior evidence points towards lower cardiac vagal modulation in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as compared to control groups. A cross-sectional phase in this study will gather more evidence concerning this topic. A longitudinal phase will explore the efficacy of a biofeedback intervention based on Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) in adolescents with ASD. Finally, a feasibility study will focus on a non-supervised RSA biofeedback intervention in this population.Methods: The cross-sectional phase includes the comparison of adolescents with ASD (n=38) and age and gender matched typically developing peers. A standardized assessment will be used which contains physiological, cortisol and behavioral measurements. The longitudinal phase contains a randomized, single-blinded and sham-controlled design to determine the efficacy of supervised RSA biofeedback in adolescents with ASD (n=128). A follow-up phase of 5 weeks is included to evaluate the presence of retention effects. During the latter, a feasibility study will focus on a non-supervised intervention (n=64). Assessments as described previously are scheduled after the intervention and the follow-up phase. Discussion: First, more conclusive evidence will be provided for the presence of lower cardiac vagal modulation in adolescents with ASD as well as the association between these lower values and physiological and behavioral indices. Second, the supervised intervention in adolescents with ASD is hypothesized to upregulate this cardiac vagal modulation and positively change behavioral and physiological parameters. Third, evidence regarding the feasibility and acceptability of a non-supervised intervention may open novel avenues for home-based interventions in this population. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04628715. Registered on 13 November 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04628715
Influence of Extrusion Temperature on Property of Graphene Oxide-carbon Fiber Hybrid Reinforced Resin Matrix Composites
Authors: Ma Yuqin , Li Fei , Xu Wei , Yan Long , Guo Haiyin , Li Yatao , Cui Mingtao , Jin Hao
Published: May 2021

The graphene oxide-carbon fiber hybrid reinforced resin matrix (GO-CF/EP) composites were prepared by vacuum infiltration hot-pressing molding process. The effects of extrusion temperature on the microstructure, fracture mechanism and mechanical properties of GO-CF/EP composites were investigated by setting different extrusion temperatures. In the experiments, the extrusion temperature was controlled as 30℃, 40℃, 50℃, 60℃ and 70℃ respectively. It was found that the best mechanical property of composites and infiltration effect of matrix in the fiber gap were obtained at the temperature of 50℃. The bending strength of the material reached 977 MPa through the performance test. The results showed the matrix viscosity was high and the fluidity was poor when the extrusion temperature was low. Poor penetration of the matrix resulted in a large number of fibers failing to bond together. The stress was difficult to transfer to other fibers through the matrix and the strengthening effect of graphene oxide (GO) was weak when the composite was subjected to external force. This phenomenon led to poor mechanical properties of composites. Under the condition of higher temperature, the flow speed of the matrix and the curing speed of composites could be improved. As a result, some of the matrix was solidified in advance while being pressed out, which led to cracks and other defects in the process of loading and affects the mechanical properties of the composites. However, the mechanical properties of the composites with higher extrusion temperature were better than those with lower extrusion temperature due to the existence of graphene oxide in the fiber gap.
Synchrotron mechanism of X-ray and gamma-ray emissions in lightning and spark discharges
Authors: Petrov Nikolai
Published: May 2021

X-ray and γ-ray emissions observed in lightning and long sparks are usually connected with the bremsstrahlung of high-energy runaway electrons. Here, an alternative physical mechanism for producing X-ray and gamma-ray emissions caused by the polarization current and associated electromagnetic field moving with relativistic velocity along a curved discharge channel has been proposed. The existence of fast electromagnetic surface waves propagating along the lightning discharge channel at a speed close to the speed of light in vacuum is shown. The possibility of the production of microwave, X-ray and gamma-ray emissions by a polarization current pulse moving along a curved path via synchrotron radiation mechanism is pointed out. The existence of long tails in the power spectrum is shown, which explains observations of photon energies in the range of 10-100 MeV in the TGF, as well as measured power spectrum of laboratory spark discharge.
Application of Variance Components Modelling Approach to Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey Data; Identifying Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Uptake
Authors: Safari Oliva , Bishanga Dunstan R. , Sailon Isambi
Published: May 2021

Background: Over time, Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data remain valuable to examine variables relating to nationally representative population for low- and middle-income countries. In Tanzania, there are very limited DHS-based studies on the uptake of Modern Contraceptive Use (MCU). Present studies were focused on individuals’ levels measurements, yet research have shown the MCU variations still exists to other levels of populations. In this study, we aimed to use the variance component modelling approach to explore variation on MCU at PSU and region levels while considering survey sample weighting. Methods: Using DHS 2016-2017 in Tanzania, we study various variance structure and the respective variation on MCU to more than 5174 Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) 15-49 years. Firstly, a single variance component was used, followed by its extension to random coefficient model and we tracked changes in the models. Results: There was an influence of random variations on MCU on the levels of populations much explained by PSU-level clustering than region. On the fixed part, age of a woman, education level, husband education level, desire to have children, exposure to media and wealth index were the important determinant for MCU among WRA in Tanzania. For example, the odds of MCU among middle ages women (20-29 and 30-39) were 29% and 90%. Also, odds of MCU increases with an increase to media exposure and primary and secondary school women had higher chances for MCU. We also found assessing effects of covariates at two different nested levels eventually resulted in different estimates.Conclusion: This study highlighted on utility of accounting for variance structures in addressing various sources of variations on MCU while using DHS national level data. Apart from MCU, the TDHS data has been widely applied to examined other variables pertaining to public health issue. Thus, this approach could be considered a better modelling technique for the DHS studies.
Investigation of The Moderator Effect Of The Fear Of Covid-19 In The Relation Between Communication Anxiety And Self-Efficacy
Authors: Okan Nesrullah
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.