bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-frequency electrical stimulation of cutaneous nociceptors differentially affects pain perception elicited by homotopic and heterotopic electrical stimuli
Authors: van den Broeke Emanuel N. , Urdí Marta , Mouraux André , Biurrun Manresa José Alberto , Torta Diana M. E.
Published: August 2021

High-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of cutaneous nociceptors can reduce pain perception to single electrical stimuli delivered through the same electrode. Moreover, single electrical stimuli delivered to the skin next to the site at which HFS was applied are perceived as more intense compared with that at the contralateral control site, indicating the presence of heterosynaptic effects for electrical stimuli.
Halogen-Induced Chemical Injury to the Mammalian Cardiopulmonary Systems
Authors: Addis Dylan R. , Aggarwal Saurabh , Lazrak Ahmed , Jilling Tamas , Matalon Sadis
Published: August 2021

The halogens chlorine (Cl2) and bromine (Br2) are highly reactive oxidizing elements with widespread industrial applications and a history of development and use as chemical weapons. When inhaled, depending on the dose and duration of exposure, they cause acute and chronic injury to both the lungs and systemic organs that may result in the development of chronic changes (such as fibrosis) and death from cardiopulmonary failure. A number of conditions, such as viral infections, coexposure to other toxic gases, and pregnancy increase susceptibility to halogens significantly. Herein we review their danger to public health, their mechanisms of action, and the development of pharmacological agents that when administered post-exposure decrease morbidity and mortality.
What Evolutionary Evidence Implies About the Identity of the Mechanoelectrical Couplers in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Drummond Heather A.
Published: August 2021

Loss of pressure-induced vasoconstriction increases susceptibility to renal and cerebral vascular injury. Favored paradigms underlying initiation of the response include transient receptor potential channels coupled to G protein-coupled receptors or integrins as transducers. Degenerin channels may also mediate the response. This review addresses the 1) evolutionary role of these molecules in mechanosensing, 2) limitations to identifying mechanosensitive molecules, and 3) paradigm shifting molecular model for a VSMC mechanosensor.
More than Breathing Air: Evolutionary Drivers and Physiological Implications of an Amphibious Lifestyle in Fishes
Authors: Turko Andy J. , Rossi Giulia S. , Wright Patricia A.
Published: August 2021

Amphibious and aquatic air-breathing fishes both exchange respiratory gasses with the atmosphere, but these fishes differ in physiology, ecology, and possibly evolutionary origins. We introduce a scoring system to characterize interspecific variation in amphibiousness and use this system to highlight important unanswered questions about the evolutionary physiology of amphibious fishes.
Medical Interns’ Perceptions about Disclosing Medical Errors
Authors: Ebrahimi Sedigheh , Tabei Seyed Ziaedin , Kalantari Fatemeh , Ebrahimi Alireza
Published: August 2021

Background. Honest and timely reporting of medical errors is the professional and ethical duty of any physician as it can help the patients and their families to understand the condition and enable the practitioners to prevent the consequences of the error. This study aims to investigate the viewpoints of medical interns regarding medical error disclosure in educational hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Methods. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. The survey consisted of questions about the medical error disclosure, the willingness to disclose an error, the interns’ experiences and intentions of reporting the medical error, and two scenarios to assess the students’ response to a medical error. Results. Medical interns believed that a medical error must be reported for the sake of conscience and commitment and prevention of further consequences. The most important cause of not reporting an error was found to be inappropriate communication skills among the students. The results indicated that the willingness to disclose the hypothetical error among females was more than males (R < 0.005), but in practice, there was no difference between males and females (R > 0.005). The willingness to disclose minor and major hypothetical errors had a positive correlation (

P
<
0.001

, R = 0.848). Conclusion. More ethical training and education of communication skills would be helpful to persuade physicians to disclose medical errors.
On the Feasibility of Fast Fourier Transform Separability Property for Distributed Image Processing
Authors: Téllez-Velázquez Arturo , Cruz-Barbosa Raúl
Published: August 2021

Given the high algorithmic complexity of applied-to-images Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT), computational-resource-usage efficiency has been a challenge in several engineering fields. Accelerator devices such as Graphics Processing Units are very attractive solutions that greatly improve processing times. However, when the number of images to be processed is large, having a limited amount of memory is a serious problem. This can be faced by using more accelerators or using higher-capability accelerators, which implies higher costs. The separability property is a resource in hardware approaches that is frequently used to divide the two-dimensional FFT work into several one-dimensional FFTs, which can be simultaneously processed by several computing units. Then, a feasible alternative to address this problem is distributed computing through an Apache Spark cluster. However, determining the separability-property feasibility in distributed systems, when migrating from hardware implementations, is not evident. For this reason, in this paper a comparative study is presented between distributed versions of two-dimensional FFTs using the separability property to determine the suitable way to process large image sets using both Spark RRDs and DataFrame APIs.
[Retracted] Automatic Detection Method of Technical and Tactical Indicators for Table Tennis Based on Trajectory Prediction Using Compensation Fuzzy Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Jin
Published: August 2021

In the system design of table tennis robot, the important influencing factors of automatic detection of technical and tactical indicators for table tennis are table tennis rotation state, trajectory, and rebound force. But the general prediction algorithm cannot process the time series data and give the corresponding rotation state. Therefore, this paper studies the automatic detection method of technical and tactical indicators for table tennis based on the trajectory prediction using the compensation fuzzy neural network. In this paper, the compensation fuzzy neural network algorithm which combines the compensation fuzzy algorithm and recurrent neural network is selected to construct the automatic detection of technical and tactical indicators for table tennis. The experimental results show that the convergence time of the compensation fuzzy neural network is shorter, the training time is shortened, and the prediction accuracy is improved. At the same time, in terms of performance testing, the model can accurately distinguish the influence of table tennis rotation state and rebound on table tennis motion estimation, so as to improve the accuracy of motion trajectory prediction. In addition, the accuracy of trajectory prediction will be improved with the increase of input data. When the number of data reaches 30, the trajectory prediction error is within the actual acceptable error range.
The Coupling Coordination Evaluation of Sustainable Development between Urbanization, Housing Prices, and Affordable Housing in China
Authors: Wang Lida , Rong Xian , Mu Lingling
Published: August 2021

For the past few years, China’s urbanization process has been in a state of rapid and variable development. With many migrants flowing from rural to urban area, the change in the urban structure and the trend of the economic development has led to a rapid development of the real estate market. However, the conflict between the migrants and the local low- and middle-income groups in respect of demand for basic housing has become a concern. Based on Chinese time-series data from 2008 to 2018, this study establishes an evaluation indicator system to consider the influence of urbanization, housing prices, and affordable housing and analyzes the comprehensive development level and coordination relationship using the methods of range standardization, entropy weight model, and coupling coordination. The results show that the comprehensive development levels of housing prices and affordable housing are both in a state of fluctuating growth. From 2008 to 2018, the coupling degree between urbanization, housing prices, and affordable housing was high, while the coupling coordination degree between the three subsystems increased from reluctant coordination to satisfactory coordination; this clearly shows that the relationships between urbanization, housing prices, and affordable housing are mutually coupled and promoted. Furthermore, based on the coupling coordination relationships between the three subsystems, this study discusses the sustainable development of urbanization and provides some suggestions for regional government. The conclusions have practical significance for China and other developing countries to coordinate housing prices and affordable housing in the process of rapid urbanization.
Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin Supplement on Improvement of Insulin Resistance in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Tianqing , He Qi , Liu Yao , Chen Zhenrong , Hu Hengjing
Published: August 2021

Background. Diabetes is a major public health concern. In addition, there is some evidence to support curcumin as part of a diabetes treatment program. Methods. Data from randomized controlled trials were obtained to assess the effects of curcumin versus placebo or western medicine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study’s registration number is CRD42018089528. The primary outcomes included homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). Results. Four trials involving 453 patients were included. The HOMA-IR of curcumin group is lower in Asia (WMD: −2.41, 95% CI: −4.44 to −0.39,

P
=
0.02

) and the Middle East subgroups (WMD: −0.60, 95% CI: −0.74 to −0.46,

P
<
0.00001

). The HbAlc in the curcumin group is lower than that in the control group (WMD: −0.69; 95% CI: −0.91, −0.48;

P
<
0.0001

). The TC and TG levels of the curcumin group are lower in the Asia subgroup (TC: WMD: −23.45, 95% CI: −40.04 to −6.84,

P
=
0.006

; TG: WMD: −54.14, 95% CI: −95.71 to −12.57,

P
=
0.01

), while in the Middle East the difference was of not statistically significant (TC: WMD: 22.91, 95% CI: −16.94 to 62.75,

P
=
0.26

; TG: WMD: −4.56, 95% CI: −19.28 to 10.16,

P
=
0.54

). Conclusion. Based on the current evidence, curcumin may assist in improving the insulin resistance, glycemic control, and decreased TG and TC in patients with T2DM.
Simultaneous Quantification of Four Ginsenosides in Rat Plasma and Its Application to a Comparative Pharmacokinetic Study in Normal and Depression Rats Using UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Du Lian-yun , Jiang Tao , Wei Kun , Zhu Shuang , Shen Yan-long , Ye Ping , Zhang Hui-e , Chen Chang-bao , Wang En-peng
Published: August 2021

A sensitive method has been developed for simultaneous determination of ginsenoside Rh1 (G-Rh1), ginsenoside Rb1 (G-Rb1), ginsenoside Rc (G-Rc), and ginsenoside Rd (G-Rd) in rat plasma of normal and depression model group after oral administration of their solutions by using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS). The biological samples were prepared by protein precipitation. Ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) was used as an internal standard (IS). MS analysis was performed under the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with electron spray ionization (ESI) operated in the negative mode. The method showed good linearity over a wide concentration range (R2 > 0.999) and obtained lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) of 5 ng/mL. The whole analysis procedure could be completed in as short as 16.5 min. The intraday precisions, interday precisions, and stabilities were less than 10%. The extraction recoveries from rat plasma were exceeded 86.0%. The results indicated that there were significant differences between the two groups on pharmacokinetics parameters; the absorptions of four analytes in the depression group were higher than those in the normal group because the liver metabolism and internal environment of the model rats had been affected.
The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Incident Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Aged Population: A Cohort Study
Authors: Tang M. L. , Zhou Y. Q. , Song A. Q. , Wang J. L. , Wan Y. P. , Xu R. Y.
Published: August 2021

Objectives. Previous studies reported that overweight older adults had a lower mortality after cardiovascular diseases attack, indicating being thinner might not always be better. However, there is an ongoing debate about what is the optimal range of body mass index (BMI) for the aged population. We aimed to evaluate the value of BMI for the prediction of incident diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Chinese elderly population. Methods. A total number of 6,911 Chinese elderly people (4,110 men and 2,801 women, aged

71
±
6.0

years) were included in this cohort study. BMI was measured at baseline (Jan 1, 2014, to Dec 31, 2014). All the participants were further classified into six groups: <18.5 kg/m2, 18.5 to <22.5 kg/m2, 22.5 to <25.0 kg/m2, 25.0 to <27.5 kg/m2, 27.5 to <30.0 kg/m2, and ≥30.0 kg/m2. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were annually measured during follow-up (Jan 1, 2015-May 31, 2019). DM was confirmed if either

FBG
≥
7.0
 
mmol
/
L

or

HbA
1
c
≥
6.5
%

. We used the Cox proportional hazard regression model to evaluate the association between BMI and the prediction of incident DM. Results. Comparing individuals with a BMI range of 18.5 to <22.5 kg/m2 (reference), the hazard ratio for incident DM was 2.13 (95% CI: 1.54~2.95), 2.14 (95% CI: 1.53~3.00), 3.17 (95% CI: 2.19~4.59), 3.15 (95% CI: 1.94~5.09), and 3.14 (95% CI: 1.94~5.09) for the group with a BMI range of 22.5 to <25.0 kg/m2, 25.0 to <27.5 kg/m2, 27.5 to <30.0 kg/m2, and ≥30.0 kg/m2 after adjusting for baseline age, sex, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and eGFR (

P

trend < 0.001), after adjusting for the abovementioned confounders. The association tended to be closer in men and young participants, compared with their counterparts. Conclusions. High BMI was associated with a high risk of developing DM in the Chinese aged population. Thus, it is optimal for the aged population to maintain their body weight within a reasonable range to prevent chronic diseases.
Evaluation of Variable Parameter Active Demons Algorithm-Based Diffusion Tensor Imaging on Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction and Nursing
Authors: Liu Yanhua , Wu Xiaojie , Zhang Yu , Li Na , Luan Hua
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to explore the effect of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) image registration algorithm in the evaluation of ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction and the therapeutic effect of cross-theoretical model rehabilitation exercise care. The dynamic balance coefficient k was introduced to construct the DTI image registration algorithm k-AD based on the variable parameter AD algorithm. Then, it was compared with demons algorithm and AD algorithm and was applied in 110 patients with acute myocardial infarction. All patients were divided into the 55 cases of experimental group (cross-theoretical model rehabilitation exercise nursing) and 55 cases of control group (routine nursing). The myocardial tissue was labelled as infarction zone (IZ), infarction border zone (IBZ), and noninfarcted zone (NIZ). Finally, the fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were calculated. The results showed that the mean square error (MSE) of k-AD algorithm reduced to 0 after 35 iterations. The descent speed was obviously faster than AD and demons algorithms. The overlap of eigenvalue-eigenvector pairs (OVL-EEP) value of k-AD algorithm (0.25) was smaller than demons (0.81) and AD algorithms (0.56) (P<0.05). The FA value in IZ was notably smaller than IBZ and NIZ, while the MD value was greater than those (P<0.05). After nursing intervention, the FA value of myocardial infarction area in the experimental group was notably higher in contrast to control group, but the MD value was notably lower in contrast to it (P<0.05). In short, the DTI image registration algorithm k-AD based on the variable parameter AD algorithm was remarkably better than the demons and AD algorithms in convergence and DTI image registration. FA and MD values obtained by DTI registration image based on k-AD algorithm could clearly indicate the ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction and the rehabilitation effect of cross-theoretical model rehabilitation exercise nursing intervention.
The Clinical Value of 3D Ultrasonic Measurement of the Ratio of Gestational Sac Volume to Embryo Volume in IoT-Based Prediction of Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Tiantian , Zhang Lichun , Li Jing , Zou Bo , Singh Bhupesh Kumar
Published: August 2021

The objective of the research study is to investigate the use of three-dimensional ultrasonic measurement technology, to determine the size of gestational sac and embryo volume, and to use the ratio of gestational sac volume to embryo volume in IoT-based prediction of pregnancy outcome. The abnormal and normal pregnancy identifiers are there, which assists in prediction of pregnancy outcomes: whether the pregnancy is normal or may suffer pregnancy loss during first trimester. For the observational study, 500 singleton pregnant women who made an appointment for delivery in Qiqihar Hospital from January 2015 to June 2019 were considered. The 500 pregnant women received transvaginal ultrasound at 6+0 ∼ 8+0 weeks of gestational age to measure gestational sac volume (GSV), yolk sac volume (YSV), and germ volume (GV). According to pregnancy outcome, they were divided into fine group (n = 435) and abortion group (n = 65). Among the 500 cases, 435 had normal delivery and 65 had abortions. According to the results of gestational age (GA) analysis, the pregnancy success rates at 6 (n = 268), 7 (n = 184), and 8 weeks (n = 48) were 85.8%, 87.5%, and 91.7%, respectively. Comparison of pregnancy failure rate among the three groups shows statistically significant difference. The morphology of germ, yolk sac, and gestational sac cannot be used as a predictor of pregnancy outcome in various degrees. The results of multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis show the following: the ratio of germ volume (GV) to gestational sac volume (GSV) (

P
=
0.008

) has an impact on the prediction of spontaneous abortion prognosis, showing statistically significant difference; yolk sac volume (YSV), germ volume (GV), and gestational sac volume (GSV) have no effect on the prediction of spontaneous abortion prognosis (

P
>
0.05

). The ratio of GSV to germ volume has a strong prognostic value for pregnancy results. To a certain extent, the ratio of gestational sac volume to germ volume can predict spontaneous pregnancy abortion at 6th week of gestation, providing a theoretical basis for clinical ultrasound pregnancy examination indicators.
Evaluation of Neuraminidase Inhibitory Activity of Compounds and Extracts from Traditional Medicines by HPLC-FLD
Authors: Yu Guangying , Fang Dan
Published: August 2021

A simple and effective method was established and validated to determine 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) for screening the natural neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) from traditional medicines (TMs) by high performance liquid chromatography combined with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). 4-MU and TMs compounds were separated on a Hedera TM ODS column (5 μm, 4.6 × 250 mm) using an isocratic elution of 55% methanol at 35°C. The flow rate was 1 mL min−1. The excitation and emission wavelength were performed at 320 nm and 480 nm. Some extracts of TMs and compounds were selected as examples to demonstrate the feasibility of the new HPLC-FLD method. It was found that the results of most compounds except for the auto fluorescence substances determined by HPLC-FLD were in good agreement with NA enzyme-based inhibitory assays. Comparing to traditional NA enzyme-based inhibitory assays, the HPLC-FLD method could prevent interference from fluorescence pigments of compounds. It was considered a simple, effective, and economical technique for the screening the natural neuraminidase inhibitors from traditional medicines.
Linear Positional and Speed Control of Servo Carts Using Inverse Dynamic Control
Authors: Mehedi Ibrahim M. , Mohd Shah Mohd Heidir , Jannat Rahtul
Published: August 2021

Dynamic inverse- (DI-) based control technique has been utilized in many applications and proven to be effective. Recently, the inverse dynamic control (IDC), an expansion to the classical DI technique, has been trending with implementation in many areas. It has been proved that IDC is capable of overcoming some limitations in DI-based techniques, particularly in cancellation of useful nonlinearities. This paper extends the implementation of IDC on the positional and speed control of the linear servo cart system. Simulation results further proves that IDC is an effective and robust controller evidently when comparing it with the proportional velocity and lead compensator controller.
The Effect of Angelica sinensis Polysaccharide on Neuronal Apoptosis in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Xu Haibo , Chen Jing , Liu Wenbing , Li Hui , Yu Zhenghong , Zeng Chao
Published: August 2021

In the present study, the protective effects and mechanism of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) were investigated in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Rats were randomly divided into sham group, CIRI group, ASP treatment group, and ASP and LY294002 treatment group. H&E results confirmed the successful induction of CIRI in Sprague-Dawley rats. Compared with the sham group, the neurological function score, percentage of myocardial infarction area, neuronal apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the CIRI group were significantly increased. Compared with the CIRI group, the ASP group’s neurological function score, percentage of myocardial infarction area, neuronal apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation were significantly reduced. However, compared with the ASP group, LY294002 inhibited the effect of ASP in CIRI rats. CIRI downregulated the PI3K/AKT pathway and upregulated the apoptosis level. And ASP activated the PI3K/AKT pathway and Bcl-2 protein expression, while it inhibited caspase-3 and Bax expression. LY294002 could significantly inhibit the protective effect of ASP on nerve injury and the expression and phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt protein in CIRI rats. ASP could effectively improve nerve function and nerve cell apoptosis of CIRI rats by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Research on Human Resource Recommendation Algorithm Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Zhu Hong
Published: August 2021

The economic environment has changed dramatically around the world in recent years, generating favorable conditions for the growth of small- and medium-sized firms. The socioeconomic development and international integration of China are greatly influenced by the growth in both quality and quantity, the scale of operations, and the internal force of small- and medium-sized businesses. Moreover, in comparison with other developed countries around the world, Chinese small- and medium-sized enterprises continue to face many limitations in terms of size and contribution levels and have not yet fully realized their potentials due to difficulties and poor quality; human resources in this field are still lacking. This study defines the current state of human resources in small and medium firms, the factors that impede development, and the steps that can be taken to overcome these obstacles in order to assist human resource development in this sector during the current period. This study uses machine learning (ML) techniques to manage and analyze human resource data in modern enterprises. The ML techniques realize the functions of the human resource system and reduce the business volume in human resource in order to improve the efficiency and management of the human resource work. In this paper, we designed and implemented the wage forecasting model in human resources that uses a gradient descent algorithm, its types, and backpropagation (BP) neural network to improve the accuracy of the forecasting model. We performed multiple experiments by using a various number of neurons in the hidden layers, different number of iterations, and several types of gradient descent algorithms. The BP neural network model was performed brilliantly by attaining the training accuracy of 89.98% and validation accuracy of 84.05%. The experimental results show the significance and importance of the proposed work.
Exploring the Main Effect of e-Banking on the Banking Industry Concentration Degree on Predicting the Future of the Banking Industry: A Case Study
Authors: Ghasemi Zohreh , Afshar Kermani Mozhdeh , Allahviranloo Tofigh
Published: August 2021

Today, regarding the rapid growth of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), e-commerce, and the subsequent expansion of electronic banking, the banking market structure is also expected to dramatically be changed. This paper aims to explore the main effect of electronic banking on the structure of the Iranian banking industry by investigating the banking market concentration degree. To accomplish this aim, an intelligent hybrid model is developed based on multilayer perceptron neural network and fuzzy regression of the effects of banking on the relative electronic share of banks. In the developed method, the neural network parameters such as weights and errors have been considered as the fuzzy parameters to model it under uncertainty. Ultimately, the descriptive statistics are utilized to evaluate how the difference in relative size of banks concerning e-banking has changed, in addition to exploring the main effect of e-banking on the bank’s contribution described as a neural network-fuzzy regression model. Moreover, it shows how the concentration degree in the Iranian banking sector has been reduced. The implemented analysis of the reasons for this decrease reveals that the share of banks has decreased due to an increase in the share of the small banks. Furthermore, model estimation confirms that there exists a positive relationship between banks’ share and the use of electronic banking. Besides, the small banks have strongly been shown to utilize the e-banking so that it would lead to an increase in their share and a decrease in the concentration degree. As such, it can be concluded that e-banking has reduced the concentration degree in Iran. The descriptive statistics are employed to prove it.
The Impact of Private Standards on Corporate Social Responsibility Compliance and Rural Workers’ Motivation in Developing Countries: A Study of Mango Farms in Pakistan
Authors: Tang Honglei , Rasool Zeeshan , Khan Ahmad Imran , Khan Anum Afzal , Khan Mohsin Ali , Azaz Ghulam Ahmad
Published: August 2021

This study examines the role of a private standard on corporate social responsibility (CSR) compliance in the Pakistani mango industry and how this compliance affects rural workers’ motivation. Pakistan is the fifth largest mango producer in the world and the fourth largest exporter in global mango trade; also, mango is the biggest fruit crop within the country. Mango trade is subject to trade terms, where buyers decide the conditions of trade agreements by means of codes of conduct. The key dimensions of the codes involved in agrofood trade are food safety, traceability, worker welfare, and environmental consideration, issues which are all connected with CSR. Private standards ensure compliance with these codes of conduct. This study draws on interviews and a questionnaire survey with certified mango producers and farm workers in Pakistan. The mango industry also involves other stakeholders such as government institutes and NGOs; interviews were also conducted with their representatives. Given that this study is an impact assessment research, the researcher designed a theoretical framework using a mixed method approach to investigate the rationale behind acquiring the standard by the mango growers in Pakistan and what impact (if any) this shift has generated with regard to the farm workers’ job satisfaction and motivation. This study is the first to empirically examine good agricultural practices in Pakistan and evaluate their impact. This study shows that private standards play a significant role in ensuring compliance, and CSR practices implemented through them were found to be positively related to the rural workers’ job satisfaction and motivation. Furthermore, this study has made separate contributions to theory, methodology, and practice. The production of the synergistic model for improving compliance is among the key highlights of the study. The findings of this study can extend to other agriculture and primary production industry workers in Pakistan and even beyond to other developing countries’ rural agriculture workers.
Fam20C Regulates Bone Resorption and Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis through Osteopontin and BMP4
Authors: Zuo Hao , Yang Dengbao , Wan Yihong
Published: August 2021

Fam20C is a kinase that generates the majority of secreted phosphoproteins and regulates biomineralization. However, its potential roles in bone resorption and breast cancer bone metastasis are unknown. Here we show that Fam20C in the myeloid lineage suppresses osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, during which, osteopontin (OPN) is the most abundant phosphoprotein secreted in a Fam20C-dependent manner. OPN phosphorylation by Fam20C decreased OPN secretion, and OPN neutralization reduced Fam20C deficiency–induced osteoclast differentiation and bone metastasis. In contrast, Fam20C in breast cancer cells promoted bone metastasis by facilitating the phosphorylation and secretion of BMP4, which in turn enhanced osteoclastogenesis. Mutation of the BMP4 phosphorylation site elevated BMP4 lysosomal degradation and reduced BMP4 secretion. In breast cancer cells, BMP4 depletion or treatment with a BMP4 signaling inhibitor diminished osteoclast differentiation and bone metastasis and abolished Fam20C-mediated regulation of these processes. Collectively, this study discovers distinct roles for Fam20C in myeloid cells and breast cancer cells and highlights OPN and BMP4 as potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer bone metastasis.

Significance:

Osteoclastogenesis and bone metastasis are suppressed by myeloid-derived Fam20C, but enhanced by breast cancer–associated Fam20C, uncovering novel Fam20C functions and new therapeutic strategies via targeting Fam20C substrates OPN and BMP4.
Postinfectious Inflammatory Syndrome following Cryptosporidium Infection
Authors: Agnew Matthew , Kottapalli Anita , Kottapalli Ven
Published: August 2021

A 38-year-old woman with a history of Crohn’s disease, multiple bowel resections, and ileostomy placement presented to the hospital with symptoms of increased ileostomy output for 1 week. She reported that she was emptying her bag fifteen times a day as opposed to her normal 3–4 times a day. Upon workup, she was found to have an acute kidney injury (AKI), and stool studies were positive for Cryptosporidium. She was treated with nitazoxanide 500 mg p.o. BID for 3 days along with continued rehydration. The patient was discharged after creatinine (Cr) and electrolytes returned to baseline. She continued to have elevated ileostomy output, and 1 week later, she was readmitted for another AKI and worsening of symptoms. At this hospitalization, stool studies were negative for Cryptosporidium, and the gastroenterologist consult recommended evaluation for active Crohn’s and Lomotil for possible short bowel syndrome. Eventually, her laboratory results improved, and she was discharged again before the full workup was completed. The patient’s ileostomy output continued to remain high following the second hospital discharge, and she eventually returned with another AKI, her third visit in a month. The workup for active Crohn’s was completed, with fecal calprotectin, serum cortisol, and small bowel follow-through all returning to normal. At this time, postinfectious inflammatory syndrome was suspected, and she was started on 60 mg of prednisone for 2 weeks. Steroid therapy elicited a significant response with normalization of her ileostomy output and return of laboratory results to baseline. The patient was discharged without return of symptoms at follow-up.
Clinical, Pathological, and Prognostic Analysis of Urachal Carcinoma
Authors: Shao Guangjun , Xu Chunru , Liu Jikai , Li Xuesong , Li Luchao , Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Xiaoqing , Fan Yidong , Zhou Liqun
Published: August 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve understanding the clinical, pathologic, and prognostic features of urachal carcinoma (UrC), a retrospectively descriptive study was done in 2 clinical centers. Methods: After excluding the 2 missed patients, the clinical and pathological data of 59 patients with UrC, who were diagnosed or treated at 2 clinical centers between 1986 and 2019, was retrospectively analyzed. SPSS 22.0 (IBM) and GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 were used for statistics and data visualization. Survival data were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards regression were performed for find risk factors on predicting the prognosis. Results: Of all 59 patients, 47 were male and 12 were female. The median age at diagnosis was 51.6 years (range: 22–84 years). Gross hematuria was the most common symptom (79.66%). The majority of urachal neoplasms were adenocarcinomas (94.92%). Forty-two patients (72.41%) underwent extended partial cystectomy with en bloc resection of the entire urachus. The mean follow-up was 52 months (3–277 months). Median overall survival was 52.8 months (4–93 months). The 3-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate and 5-year CSS rate were 69.1% and 61.2%. There was no significant difference among localized T stage, tumor histologic grade and surgical procedures in determining prognosis by survival analyze. While patients with high-risk TNM stage (local abdominal metastasis, lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis) (p = 0.003) and positive surgical margin (p < 0.001) had significantly worse prognosis. Conclusions: The results indicate that high-risk TNM stage and positive surgical margin are risk predictors of prognosis. Localized T stage, histologic grade, and surgical procedure cause no significant effect on patient prognosis. The extended partial cystectomy is the recommended surgical approach for patients with UrC. Active multimodal treatments may improve the survival of patients with recurrent and metastatic disease.
Impact of Preoperative Stenting on the Outcome of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for Upper Urinary Tract Urolithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fahmy Omar , SHSM Hadi , Lee CKS , Khairul-Asri Mohd Ghani
Published: August 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative stenting (POS) on the perioperative outcomes of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS). Materials and Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the PRISMA statement. From the initially retrieved 609 reports, we excluded the ineligible studies at 2 stages. We only included studies that contained fURS patients with and without POS in the same report. Data of patients who underwent semirigid ureteroscope only were excluded from the analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) system was applied for risk of bias assessment. Results: A total of 20 studies including 5,852 patients were involved. 48.5% of the patients had preoperative stent. Stone-free rate was significantly higher with prestenting; odds ratio (OR) was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.51–2.58) (Z = 5.02; p = 0.00001). It also displayed tendency toward lower complications; OR was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.52–1.05) (Z = 1.67; p = 0.09). POS significantly increased the use of ureteral access sheath; OR was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.05–2.13) (Z = 2.22; p = 0.03). Risk of bias assessment showed 13 and 7 studies with low and moderate risk, respectively. Conclusions: POS clearly improves the stone-free rates after fURS. It might reduce the complications, especially ureteral injury. These findings might help solve the current debate and can be useful for urologists during patient counselling for a proper decision-making.
Quality Analysis of YouTube Videos Presenting Shoulder Exercises after Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Rodriguez Rodriguez Alvaro Manuel , Blanco-Diaz María , Lopez Diaz Pedro , de la Fuente Costa Marta , Dueñas Lirios , Escobio Prieto Isabel , Calatayud Joaquin , Casaña Jose
Published: August 2021

Background: The prolonged immobilization suggested after breast cancer (BC) surgery causes morbidity. Patients search the Internet, especially social networks, for recommended exercises. Objective: The aim of this observational study was to assess the quality of YouTube videos, accessible for any patient, about exercises after BC surgery. Methods: A systematic search was performed on YouTube. One hundred and fifty videos were selected and analyzed. Two statistical analyses were conducted based on machine-learning techniques. Videos were classified as “Relevant” and “Non-Relevant” using principal component analysis models. Popularity was evaluated by Video Power Index (VPI), informational quality and accuracy were measured using the DISCERN Scale and Global Quality Scale (GQS). Scoring criteria for exercises were established according to the exercises recommended by the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Interobserver agreement and individual correlations were statistically examined. Results: DISCERN scored a mean of 50.97 (standard deviation [SD] 19.19). HONcode scored 78.30 (11.02) and GQS scored 3.49 (0.74). Average number of views was 53,963 (SD 67,376), mean duration was 9:42 min (9:15), mean days online was 2,158 (922), mean view ratio was 27.14 (30.24), mean likes was 245 (320.5), mean dislikes was 13.4 (14.2), and mean VPI was 93.48 (5.42). Conclusion: The quality of YouTube videos of recommended exercises post-BC surgery is high and can be a translational activity to improve patients’ behavior. Health institutions and NGOs, with higher popularity levels than academic institutions, should consider this information when implementing new policies focused on video quality which can contribute to adaptive behavior in patients.
Epigenetic Age Acceleration Reflects Long-Term Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Joyce Brian T. , Gao Tao , Zheng Yinan , Ma Jiantao , Hwang Shih-Jen , Liu Lei , Nannini Drew , Horvath Steve , Lu Ake T. , Bai Allen Norrina , Jacobs David R. , Gross Myron , Krefman Amy , Ning Hongyan , Liu Kiang , Lewis Cora E. , Schreiner Pamela J. , Sidney Stephen , Shikany James M. , Levy Daniel , Greenland Philip , Hou Lifang , Lloyd-Jones Donald
Published: August 2021

Rationale:

Epigenetic aging is a novel measure of biological age, reflecting exposures and disease risks independent of chronological age. It may serve as a useful biomarker of cardiovascular health (CVH) or cardiovascular disease risk for early detection or prevention.

Objective:

To examine associations between GrimAge acceleration (GrimAA), a measure of epigenetic aging calculated from the residuals of GrimAge regressed on chronological age, and 2 repeated CVH measures: a full score for the AHA Life’s Simple 7 (diet, smoking, physical activity, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and glucose) and a clinical CVH score (body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose).

Methods and Results:

We used Illumina array DNA methylation data from 2 prospective cohort studies, the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) and FHS (Framingham Heart Study), to calculate GrimAA and model associations with CVH. CARDIA randomly selected 1118 participants for assays at Y15 (2000–2001; mean age, 40 years) and Y20 (2005–2006); in FHS, 2106 Offspring participants had DNA methylation measured at exam 8 (2005–2008; mean age, 66 years). We examined multiple cross-sectional and longitudinal models of GrimAA and each CVH score measured at CARDIA Y0 to Y20 and FHS exams 7 to 8. In CARDIA, clinical CVH score from Y0 to Y20 was associated with Y15 and Y20 GrimAA (β range, −0.41 to −0.21 years per 1-point increase in CVH;
P
range, <0.01–0.01), as was full score (β range, −0.65 to −0.67 years;
P
<0.01 for all). These findings were validated in FHS (clinical score β range, −0.51 to −0.54 years; full score β range, −0.76 to −0.83 years;
P
<0.01 for all).

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that faster GrimAA is associated with the loss of CVH from young age. Epigenetic age may be a useful biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk and provides biological insight into the role of epigenetic mechanisms linking age-related CVH loss and cardiovascular disease.
Hemoglobin and Clinical Outcomes in the Vericiguat Global Study in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (VICTORIA)
Authors: Ezekowitz Justin A. , Zheng Yinggan , Cohen-Solal Alain , Melenovský Vojtěch , Escobedo Jorge , Butler Javed , Hernandez Adrian F. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , O’Connor Christopher M. , Pieske Burkert , Ponikowski Piotr , Voors Adriaan A. , deFilippi Christopher , Westerhout Cynthia M. , McMullan Ciaran , Roessig Lothar , Armstrong Paul W. ,   for the VICTORIA Study Group
Published: August 2021

Background:

In the VICTORIA trial (Vericiguat Global Study in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction), anemia occurred more often in patients treated with vericiguat (7.6%) than with placebo (5.7%). We explored the association between vericiguat, randomization hemoglobin, development of anemia, and whether the benefit of vericiguat related to baseline hemoglobin.

Methods:

Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <13.0 g/dL in men and <12.0 g/dL in women (World Health Organization Anemia). Adverse events reported as anemia were also evaluated. We assessed the risk-adjusted relationship between hemoglobin and hematocrit with the primary outcome (composite of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization) and the time-updated hemoglobin relationship to outcomes.

Results:

At baseline, 1719 (35.7%) patients had World Health Organization anemia; median hemoglobin was 13.4 g/L (25th, 75th percentile: 12.1, 14.7 g/dL). At 16 weeks from randomization, 1643 patients had World Health Organization anemia (284 new for vericiguat and 219 for placebo), which occurred more often with vericiguat than placebo (
P
<0.001). After 16 weeks, no further decline in hemoglobin occurred over 96 weeks of follow-up and the ratio of hemoglobin/hematocrit remained constant. Overall, adverse event anemia occurred in 342 patients (7.1%). A lower hemoglobin was unrelated to the treatment benefit of vericiguat (versus placebo) on the primary outcome. In addition, analysis of time-updated hemoglobin revealed no association with the treatment effect of vericiguat (versus placebo) on the primary outcome.

Conclusions:

Anemia was common at randomization and lower hemoglobin was associated with a greater frequency of clinical events. Although vericiguat modestly lowered hemoglobin by 16 weeks, this effect did not further progress nor was it related to the treatment benefit of vericiguat.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
: Unique identifier: NCT02861534.
Trends in Prepregnancy Obesity and Association With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the United States, 2013 to 2018
Authors: Wang Michael C. , Freaney Priya M. , Perak Amanda M. , Greenland Philip , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Grobman William A. , Khan Sadiya S.
Published: August 2021

Background

The prevalence of obesity in the population has increased in parallel with increasing rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Quantifying contemporary trends in prepregnancy obesity and associations with interrelated APOs (preterm birth, low birth weight, and pregnancy‐associated hypertension) together and individually can inform prevention strategies to optimize cardiometabolic health in women and offspring.

Methods and Results

We performed a serial, cross‐sectional study using National Center for Health Statistics birth certificate data including women aged 15 to 44 years with live singleton births between 2013 and 2018, stratified by race/ethnicity (non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non‐Hispanic Asian). We quantified the annual prevalence of prepregnancy obesity (body mass index ≥30.0 kg/m
2
; body mass index ≥27.5 kg/m
2
if non‐Hispanic Asian). We then estimated adjusted associations using multivariable logistic regression (odds ratios and population attributable fractions) for obesity‐related APOs compared with normal body mass index (18.5–24.9 kg/m
2
; 18.5–22.9 kg/m
2
if non‐Hispanic Asian). Among 20 139 891 women, the prevalence of prepregnancy obesity increased between 2013 and 2018: non‐Hispanic White (21.6%–24.8%), non‐Hispanic Black (32.5%–36.2%), Hispanic (26.0%–30.5%), and non‐Hispanic Asian (15.3%–18.6%) women (
P
‐trend < 0.001 for all). Adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for APOs associated with obesity increased between 2013 and 2018, and by 2018, ranged from 1.27 (1.25–1.29) in non‐Hispanic Black to 1.94 (1.92–1.96) in non‐Hispanic White women. Obesity was most strongly associated with pregnancy‐associated hypertension and inconsistently associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Population attributable fractions of obesity‐related APOs increased over the study period: non‐Hispanic White (10.6%–14.7%), non‐Hispanic Black (3.7%–6.9%), Hispanic (7.0%–10.4%), and non‐Hispanic Asian (7.4%–9.7%) women (
P
‐trend < 0.01 for all).

Conclusions

The prevalence of prepregnancy obesity and burden of obesity‐related APOs have increased, driven primarily by pregnancy‐associated hypertension, and vary across racial/ethnic subgroups.