bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in adult smoking behaviours in ten Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) countries during 2008-2018 - a test of ‘hardening’ hypothesis
Authors: Sreeramare Chandrashekhar T , Aye Saint Nway
Published: May 2021

Background Hardcore smoking behaviours and test of hardening are seldom reported from low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). We report country-wise changes in smoking behaviors between two sequential surveys and explored ecologically the relationship between MPOWER scores and smoking behaviors including hardcore smoking. Methods We analysed sequential Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data done at least at five years interval in 10 countries namely India, Bangladesh, China, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Vietnam. We estimated weighted prevalence rates of smoking behaviors namely current smoking (both daily and non-daily), prevalence of hardcore smoking (HCS) among current smokers (HCSs%) and entire surveyed population (HCSp%), quit ratios (QR), and the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD). We calculated absolute and relative (%) change of rates between two surveys in each country. Using aggregate data, we correlated relative change in current smoking prevalence with relative change in HCSs% and HCSp% as well explored the relationship of MPOWER score with relative change in smoking behaviors using Spearman’ rank correlation test. Results Overall daily smoking has declined in all ten countries lead by a 23% decline in Russia. In India, Bangladesh, and Philippines HCSs% decreased as the smoking rate decreased while HCSs% increase in Turkey (66%), Vietnam (33%) and Ukraine (15%). In most countries, CPD ranged from 15 - 20 sticks except in Mexico (7.8), and India (10.4) where CPD declined by 18% and 22% respectively. MPOWER scores were moderately and significantly correlated with HCSs% in both sexes (r=0.578, p=0.023) and HCSp% (r= 0.489, p=0.057) and among women both HCSs% (r=0.667, p=0.009) and HCSp% (r=0.533, p=0.037) were significantly correlated with MPOWER scores. Conclusion With declining smoking prevalence, HCS had also decreased and quit rates improved. Ecologically, a positive linear relationship between changes in smoking and HCS is a possible evidence against ‘hardening’. Continued monitoring of the changes in quitting and hardcore smoking behaviours is required to plan cessation services.
Synthesis of Magnetic Targeted Cellulose Composite Decorated with Poly(AA-DMC) for Synergistic Adsorption Degradation of Congo Red from Organic Wastewater
Authors: Ling Chen , Yimin Dai , Qi Lu , Chengqian Fang , Zhiheng Wang , Shengyun Wang , Yue-fei Zhang , Yan Li , Li Wan
Published: May 2021

A brand-new environmental-friendly magnetic cellulosic adsorbent MnFe2O4@Cel-g-p(AA-DMC) was synthesized by natural cellulose and easy-recovered magnetic particles MnFe2O4. Magnetic cellulose composites were characterized by SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, BET, VSM, TGA and FTIR. The MnFe2O4NPs could activate the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to produce various reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accordingly, magnetic cellulose composites can synergistic adsorption degradation of dyes from organic wastewater. The Congo red (CR) removal efficiency by MnFe2O4@Cel-g-p(AA-DMC) via PMS activated by MnFe2O4 reached a maximum of 96.9% and only 9% reduction after four adsorption-desorption cycles, indicating the stability and recoverability of adsorbent. It is worth noting that adsorbents can be quickly recovered from aqueous solution by external magnet owing to superior saturation magnetization (35.44 emu·g-1). A possible degradation mechanism of CR on the MnFe2O4@Cel-g-p(AA-DMC) composite was proposed. The results suggest that adsorbent display strong potential for the removal of CR dyes from organic wastewater.
Effects of rTMS and tDCS on neuropathic pain after brachial plexus injury: A randomized placebo-controlled pilot study
Authors: de Assis Erickson Duarte Bonifácio , Martins Wanessa Kallyne Nascimento , de Carvalho Carolina Dias , Ferreira Clarice Martins , Gomes Ruth , Rodrigues Evelyn Thais Almeida , Meira Ussânio Mororó , Morya Edgard , Andrade Suellen Marinho
Published: May 2021

Neuropathic pain (NP) after brachial plexus injury (NPBPI) is a highly disabling clinical condition and is increasingly prevalent due to increased motorcycle accidents. Currently, no randomized controlled trials have evaluated the effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS) in patients suffering from NPBPI. In this study, we directly compare the efficacy of 10-Hz rTMS and anodal 2 mA tDCS techniques applied over the motor cortex (5 daily consecutive sessions) in 21 patients with NPBPI, allocated into 2 parallel groups (active or sham). The order of the sessions was randomised for each of these treatment groups according to a crossover design and separated by a 30-day interval. Scores for “continuous” and “paroxysmal” pain (primary outcome) were tabulated after the last stimulation day and 30 days after. Secondary outcomes included the improvement in multidimensional aspects of pain, anxiety state and quality of life. Active rTMS and tDCS were both superior to sham in reducing continuous (p < 0,001) and paroxysmal pain (p = 0.04) as well as in multidimensional aspects of pain and anxiety state. Repetitive TMS was superior to tDCS in reducing continuous (p = 0.01) and paroxysmal pain (p = 0.03), and in improving multidimensional aspects of pain (p = 0.01). Our results suggest rTMS and tDCS are able to treat NPBPI with little distinction in pain and anxiety state, which may promote the use of tDCS in brachial plexus injury pain management, as it constitutes an easier and more available technique.
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Authors: Yu Jian , Sun Shanshan , Tang Qianqian , Wang Chengzhuo , Yu Liangchen , Ren Lulu , Li Jun , Zhang Zhenhua
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Incidence of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting and Antiemetic Guideline Compliance in Chinese Real Clinical Setting: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Survey
Authors: Xue Cong , Li Lu , Xia Qing , An Xin , Li Haifeng , Huang Riqing , Hou Mei , Yuan Xianglin , Chen Xi , Ba Yi , Zhang Yiping , Zhao Lingdi , Shi Yuankai , Hu Xichun , Yang Shune , Cheng Jing , Luo Yi , Liang Hui , Zou Qingfeng , Han Zhengxiang , Gu Kangsheng , Niu Zuoxing , Gao Yuhuan , Xia Li , Yang Runxiang , Xiong Jianping , Bu Qing , Jiang Xiaodong , Xie Xiaodong , Sun Tao , Zhang Qingyuan , Ma Shoucheng , Tan Shisheng , Li Miao , Wang Ningju , Wang Xiumei , Feng Jifeng , Jiang Wenqi , Shi Yanxia
Published: May 2021

Background This survey aims to investigate the incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in Chinese real clinical setting and evaluate the effect of guideline-consistent CINV prophylaxis (GCCP) and guideline-inconsistent CINV prophylaxis (GICP) on incidence of complete response (CR) of CINV.Materials and Methods A cross-sectional nationwide multicenter study assessing the guideline consistency and CINV incidence of patients was conducted at a total of 32 large medical centers from 26 provinces across the west,east༌northeast and middle part of China between April and May 2021.Result Data for 2964 patients were analyzed. Patients treated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) were more prone to experience CINV during the acute phase compared to those receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC); patients receiving low or minimally emetogenic chemotherapy (L/mEC) were least likely to experience CINV during the overall phase among the whole study population. The prevalence of GCCP was 29.2% in the whole study population, and 13.6%, 35.7% and 45.1% for the patients receiving HEC, MEC and L/mEC, respectively. For patients receiving HEC and MEC, GCCP increased incidence of CR during both delayed and overall phases. For those receiving L/mEC and GICP, incidence of CR was not higher than that of patients receiving L/mEC and GCCP.Conclusion This study revealed Chinese CINV status, the prevalence of GCCP in the real clinical setting and the association between GCCP and CR rate for the first time. The findings indicate that prescribing antiemetics in compliance with guidelines for all patients receiving chemotherapy is strongly suggested.
New Type of Solitary Wave Solution With the Coexisting Peak and Valley for a Perturbed Wave Equation
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Wang Jundong , Shchepakina Elena , Sobolev Vladimir
Published: May 2021

The perturbed mK(3,1) equation is restudied to further explore the dynamics of solitary wave solutions by combining the geometric singular perturbation theorem and bifurcation analysis in this paper. Besides the solitary waves presented in literature, we show that this equation possesses a family of solitary waves which decay to some constants determined by their wave speeds and a parameter. It is shown that a portion of the solitary wave solutions to the mK(3,1) equation will persist under small perturbations and the wave speed selection principle is presented as well. In addition to the solitary waves, each of which has only one peak or valley and approximates to a solitary wave of the unperturbed equation as the perturbation parameter tends to zero, we theoretically prove the existence of a new type of solitary waves with the coexisting peak and valley. The numerical simulations are carried out, and the results are in complete agreement with our theoretical analysis.
Optimized Mechanical And Impact Performance Of High Strength Tempo Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibril (TOCNF) - Epoxy Laminates
Authors: Forti Endrina Stefani , Betancourt-Jimenez Daniela , Schueneman Gregory T , Moon Robert J , Youngblood Jeffrey
Published: May 2021

In this work, TEMPO cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF) laminates were fabricated using a layup method. Two different TOCNF layers were tested, a neat TOCNF and a TOCNF with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) strengthening aid with four different epoxy formulations as interlayers for the laminates. Flexural testing showed a correlation between the presence of stronger layers (TOCNF + PVA) in the laminate with a higher flexural strength, bending modulus, and work of failure. Different modes of fracture within the laminates occurred based on epoxy type. A stiffer epoxy generated a reduced mechanical response and substantial interlayer damage. On the other hand, a more ductile epoxy increased the WOF of the laminates, inducing a higher delamination at the interface. The addition of a silane coupling agent (APTES) resulted in a higher compatibility between the TOCNF and epoxy, generating an increased ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and a decreased energy to rupture associated with the reduction of crack digression mechanisms in the system. In general, laminates with stronger TOCNF layers (TOCNF + PVA) and increased adhesion (APTES), showed a flexural strength increase of 61%, a bending modulus increase of 80% and the same WOF when compared with the original laminates. Finally, impact testing of TOCNF materials was performed for the first time in literature, the specific energy to rupture of laminates was comparable to those achieved by acrylic and borosilicate glass, while maintaining a higher or similar specific strength to glass. Laminates showed good transparency and low haziness.
Kiss Flaps to Repair Large Skin Defect After Excision of Giant Malignant Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Luo Yuwei , Zou Chang , Hu Jintao , Zhao Pan , Zhang Yayuan , Liu Jianlan , Zhou Wenbin , Zhou Dongxian
Published: May 2021

Background: Malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast are fairly rare and fast-growing tumors. They do not respond to chemotherapy or hormonal therapy except in malignant phyllodes tumors. Therefore, the primary treatment for malignant phyllodes tumors is wide surgical excision. Case presentation: Herein, we report a case study which featured a 26-year-old woman presented with a giant malignant phyllodes tumor measuring 20 × 17 × 13 cm. In order to reduce the chance of local recurrence, treatment for these types of tumors usually involves extensive excision with at least 1 cm of surgical margins. The patient underwent extended lumpectomy with 1-3 cm surgical margins, which left a large skin defect of 25 × 15 cm. Repair of such a large skin defect is a challenge to breast surgeons. This is the first reported case in which a “kiss” flap was successfully used to repair the skin defect created after resection of a giant malignant phyllodes tumor.Conclusions: The kiss flap could be considered as an effective method to repair large chest wall defects after resection of giant phyllodes tumors.
The True Infection Mortality Rate of COVID-19 During the Spring 2020 Wave
Authors: De Visscher Alex , Patricio Paolla Pinheiro
Published: May 2021

Estimations of the infection mortality rate of COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, are prone to biases due to underdiagnosis, false positives, false negatives, and time lag between diagnosis and death. With a systematic analysis that combines epidemiological modeling of COVID-19 in Spain and in the state of New York, and results of random immunological testing in the spring of 2020 in both locations, most of the bias is eliminated and any remaining bias is evaluated and reported as an uncertainty estimate. A true infection mortality rate of 1.45 ± 0.45 % is obtained, representing an average for the two locations, and obtained with a different technique to minimize the effect of potential biases. In the absence of specific local data, this number can be used for the first wave of COVID-19 in OECD countries. This mortality rate estimate of the new coronavirus is sufficiently accurate to be used as a basis for policy decisions. When differences in age distribution between Spain and the state of New York are accounted for, tentative infection mortality rates of 1.18 ± 0.26 % and 1.94 ± 0.43 % are put forward for New York and Spain, respectively.
Quantum Key Secure Communication Protocol via Enhanced Superdense Coding
Authors: Mastriani Mario
Published: May 2021

In the last decades, Quantum Cryptography has become one of the most important branches of Quantum Communications with a particular projection over the future Quantum Internet. It is precisely in Quantum Cryptography where two techniques stand out above all others: Quantum key Distribution (QKD), and Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC). The first one has four loopholes relating to the exposure of the key at all points in the communication system, while the second has clear practical implementation problems in all its variants currently in use. Here, we present an alternative to QKD and QSDC techniques called quantum key secure communication (QKSC) protocol with a successful implementation on two free access quantum platforms.
Distinct Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors in Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Minyue , Gao Fei , Peng Ling , Shen Lijing , Zhao Peng , Ni Beiwen , Hou Jian , Huang Honghui
Published: May 2021

Background: Increasing evidence suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was associated with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). However, no clear consensus has been reached about the clinical features and the effective treatment in HCV-associated NHL patients. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the clinical characteristics and effect of antiviral treatment or rituximab administration in NHL patients with HCV infection.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and OVID database were searched for eligible studies up to Feb 28, 2021. Hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) corresponding to 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate outcomes. Publication biases were assessed by Egger's test and Begg's test. Statistical analysis was performed by software RevMan 5.4 and Stata version 15.Results: There were 27 shortlisted articles out of a total of 13368 NHL patients included in the current meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that NHL patients with HCV infection showed significantly shorter overall survival (OS: HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.42-2.51, P<0.0001) and progress-free survival (PFS: HR 1.58; 95% CI 1.26-1.98, P<0.0001), lower overall response rate (ORR: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.46-0.73, P<0.00001) and higher incidence of hepatic dysfunction during chemotherapy (OR 5.96; 95% CI 2.61-13.62, P<0.0001) compared with NHL patients without HCV infection. HCV-positive NHL patients exhibited advanced disease stage, elevated level of LDH, high-intermediate and high IPI/FLIPI risk as well as higher incidence of spleen and liver involvement. Moreover, antiviral treatment could prolong survivals (OS: HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.24-0.60, P<0.0001), reduce disease progression [PFS/DFS (disease-free survival): HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.46-0.86, P=0.003] and reinforce treatment response (ORR: OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.34-5.11, P=0.005) in HCV-infected NHL patients. Finally, rituximab administration was associated with a favorable OS while liver cirrhosis and low levels of albumin were inferior prognostic factors of OS for HCV-positive NHL patients. Conclusions: The current study provided the compelling evidence about an inferior prognosis and distinct clinical characteristics in HCV-associated NHL patients. Antiviral treatment and rituximab-containing regimes were shown to be efficacious to improve clinical outcomes of NHL patients with HCV infection.
The Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation as an Adjuvant Therapy on the Abundance of Treg Cells in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Payandeh Payam , Rastin Maryam , Iravani Farzaneh , Khoshkhui Maryam , Layegh pouran , salehi Maryam , Jabbari Farahzad
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory, and severely Pruritus cutaneous disease that has an immunologic base. The most common treatments are topical steroids, which bring many adverse side effects. Vitamin D can adjust the immune system; therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of vitamin D on the abundance of Treg cells in AD patients. MethodsIn this interventional study, 40 subjects who completed the intervention were enrolled, including 20 AD patients (as the experimental group) and 20 healthy subjects (as the control group). Accordingly, the subjects whose vitamin D levels was less than 30 ng/ml were assigned to receive vitamin D (1000 IU) daily for a 2-month duration. The severity of AD was evaluated based on SCORAD (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis) and the amount of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg cells was also assessed using Flow cytometry. ResultsAverage serum level of vitamin D before performing the treatment in the experimental (14/90±4/5) and control groups (15/95±5/0) was lower than that of after the treatment (experimental group 24/60±5/2 and control group 23/60±7/3) (P<0.001). As well, there was a significant difference between the average scores of SCORAD after the vitamin D intervention (P<0.001). The amount of Treg cells significantly increased in the experimental group (P=0.002, Diff=0.35) after performing the intervention.Conclusionit was found that besides conventional medicines, Vitamin D can be adjusted as an effective complementary therapy by modulating the immune system.Trial registration: IRCT20150716023235N13, Registered 11 Feb 2018, https://www.irct.ir
The effect of SORT1 rs: 599839 polymorphism on lipid profiles in Turkish population Runing Title: Relationship of rs599839 and lipid profiles
Authors: akadam-teker başak , TEKER Erhan
Published: May 2021

Objective

The SORT1 gene encoding Sortilin-1 (SORT1), a receptor of the VPS10p family, is localized at 1p13.3. SORT1 has been associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in genome wide association studies (GWAS) due to its association with hepatic lipid metabolism and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Various variations on the SORT1 gene region cause different effects on lipid profiles. Our aim in this study; To determine whether the SORT1 (599839) gene variants have an effect on CHD development and lipid parameters in Turkish population.
Materials and Method

In this case-control study, the study group consisting of 396 men (209 CHD/187 controls) was genotyped in terms of SORT1 rs: 599839 polymorphism using TaqMan 5 'Allelic Discrimination Test.
Results

There is no statistically significant difference between the patient and control groups in terms of SORT1 rs599839 genotypes (p = 0.81). The presence of the G allele caused lower Total-C (p = 0.005, p = 0.032, respectively) and LDL-C (respectively; p = 0.005, p = 0.040) levels in both patient and control groups, while higher HDL-Cholesterol (p = 0.001, p = 0.006) levels were observed, respectively.
Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the SORT1 rs599839 polymorphism does not contribute directly to the pathogenesis of CHD. However, the presence of the minor G allele lowered Total-cholesterol and LDL-C levels and caused an increase in HDL-cholesterol levels. This situation gave the impression that the presence of the minor G allele has a positive effect on the lipid profile and is protective against CHD.
Fully-Automated Identification of Brain Abnormality From Whole Body FDG PET Imaging by Deep-Learning Based Brain Extraction
Authors: Whi Wonseok , Choi Hongyoon , Paeng Jin Chul , Kang Keon Wook , Lee Dong Soo , Cheon Gi Jeong
Published: May 2021

Background: The whole brain is often covered in [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron emission tomography ([18F]FDG-PET) in oncology patients, but the covered brain abnormality is typically screened by visual interpretation without quantitative analysis in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to develop a fully automated quantitative interpretation pipeline of brain volume from an oncology PET image.Method: We retrospectively collected five hundred oncologic [18F]FDG-PET scans for training and validation of the automated brain extractor. We trained the model for extracting brain volume with two manually drawn bounding boxes on maximal intensity projection (MIP) images. ResNet-50, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was used for the model training. The brain volume was automatically extracted using the CNN model and spatially normalized. As an application of this automated analytic method, we enrolled twenty-four subjects with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and performed voxelwise two-sample T-test for automatic detection of metastatic lesions.Result: The deep learning-based brain extractor successfully identified the existence of whole-brain volume, with the accuracy of 98% for the validation set. The performance of extracting the brain measured by the intersection-over-union (IOU) of 3-D bounding boxes was 72.9±12.5% for the validation set. As an example of the application to automatically identify brain abnormality, this approach successfully identified the metastatic lesions in three of the four cases of SCLC patients with brain metastasis. Conclusion: Based on the deep-learning based model, the brain volume was successfully extracted from whole-body FDG PET. We suggest this fully automated approach could be used for the quantitative analysis of brain metabolic pattern to identify abnormality during clinical interpretation of oncologic PET studies.
Sliding Mode Observer-based Control of Teleoperation System With Uncertain Dynamics and Kinematics
Authors: Zhang Jianing , Wang Fujie , Wen Guilin
Published: May 2021

This paper concentrates on the control issue of nonlinear teleoperators in the presence of uncertain dynamics and kinematics. An observer-based control framework is introduced to compensate for the unfavorable effects arising from the uncertainties. The employment of the proposed sliding mode observers provide control system with the ability of finite-time estimation errors convergence, upon which, it is demonstrated that the bilateral teleoperators are stable and both of position and velocity tracking can be achieved with uncertain dynamics in joint space. Due to the practical requirement of driving the end-effectors to perform specific tasks, the control law which can ensure position coordination with uncertain dynamics and kinematics in task space is subsequently developed. The Lyapunov method is applied to demonstrate the stability of the closed-loop system. Simulation results are provided to testify the performance of the suggested algorithm.
Artificial Lightning Strike Tests and Coupled Electrical–Thermal Analysis on Roofing Glazed Tiles of Ancient Buildings
Authors: Li Jingxiao , Fang Zhiling , Fu Lin , Fu Shangchen , Shi Lihua , Li Yun , Huo Peidong
Published: May 2021

Lightning strike is one of the natural disasters to the roof components of ancient buildings. To investigate the causes and damage effects of lightning strikes on the roofing glazed tiles of ancient buildings, artificial lightning strike tests were carried out on glazed tiles. Based on the experiment results, a coupled electrical–thermal finite element model of mortar-containing glazed tiles was established and the Joule heat effect of lightning current was further investigated. The results show that when the lightning channel is attached to the surface of the enamel and body with a low electrical conductivity, the lightning current is mainly released in the form of surface flashover, and a minor damage is induced along the flashover path; when the lightning channel is attached to the mortar with a high electrical conductivity, the lightning current is injected into the mortar, resulting in significant tile damage. The spatial distributions of the temperature present clear gradient characteristics. The high-temperature area appears in the mortar while the high–thermal–stress area appears in the body connected to the grounding rail. As the peak of the lightning current increases, both the high-temperature and high–thermal–stress areas of the glazed tiles expand. The combination of the experiments and the numerical analysis results demonstrate that the damage mechanism of lightning Joule heat effect to glazed tiles may include two aspects. One is the internal explosive force generated from the sharp vaporization and expansion of the moisture inside the tiles due to rapid temperature increase, and the other is the thermal stress caused by the uneven temperature distribution.
Treatment and Outcome of Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (AICA) Aneurysms: Helsinki Series of 15 Consecutive Patients.
Authors: Muhammad Sajjad , Hafez Ahmad , Kaukovalta Hanna , Jahromi Behnam , Kivisaari Riku , Hänggi Daniel , Niemelä Mika
Published: May 2021

Background: Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysms are rare posterior circulation lesions that are challenging to treat.Objectives: To present the treatment and clinical outcome of AICA aneurysms in an unselected cohort of patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis of patient record files, DSA and CT angiography images of 15 consecutive patients harboring AICA aneurysms treated between 1968 to 2017. Results: Eighty percent of the AICA aneurysm patients were females. Twenty percent presented with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and 40% had intraventricular hemorrhage. Eleven (73%) patients suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH); a good-grade SAH (Hunt and Hess grade 1-3) was observed in 82 % SAH patients. Surgery was performed in 73 % patients. Coil embolization was done in 7% patients and 20 % patients were treated conservatively. In 73 % patients retrosigmoid approach was used and in 27 % patients a sub-temporal approach with anterior petrosectomy was applied. A parent vessel occlusion was needed to occlude the aneurysm in 18 % patients.Conclusion: Surgical treatment of AICA aneurysms has a high rate of cranial nerve deficits but most of patients have a good long-term clinical outcome. Surgical treatment may be an option only in selected cases of AICA aneurysms.
Quantification of Early Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis Through 7.0 T Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance T1 Mapping in a Type 1 Diabetic Mellitus Mouse Model
Authors: Zhang Hongkai , Shi Chun-Yan , Yang Lin , Zhang Nan , Li Guo-qi , Zhou Zhen , Gao Yi-feng , Liu Dong-ting , Xu Lei , Fan Zhan-ming
Published: May 2021

Background Diffuse myocardial interstitial fibrosis (DMIF) is a key factor for heart failure (HF) in diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study examined the accuracy of the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of early DMIF in a type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) mouse model through 7.0 T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-based T1 mapping.Methods Eight-week-old C57Bl/6J male mice were randomly divided into control (n = 20) and T1DM (n = 30, induced by a low dose streptozotocin dose of 60 mg/kg) groups. The progression of DMIF was examined every 4 weeks until 24 weeks after successful establishment of the model. Cardiac functional and morphological parameters were evaluated through echocardiography by using a high-resolution ultrasound cardiovascular system. A 7.0 T CMR scan was performed using the pre- and post-contrast GRE Look–Locker inversion recovery T1 mapping sequence. The extracellular volume fraction (ECV) was calculated from CMR and hematocrit data. Sirius Red staining was simultaneously performed in each group to detect DMIF and calculate the collagen volume fraction (CVF). Differences in ECV and CVF values between two groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The correlation between ECV and CVF values was assessed using the Pearson test.Results Six mice were included every 4 weeks in the control and T1DM groups for statistical analysis. Compared with the control group, a progressive decrease in FS, EF, and E/A ratio was observed in the T1DM group. In the T1DM group, both ECV and CVF values were gradually increased during diabetes progression. A marked increase in ECV and CVF values was observed at 12 weeks in the T1DM group than in the control group (ECV: 32.5% ± 1.6% vs 28.1% ± 1.8%, P = 0.002; CVF: 6.9% ± 1.8% vs 3.3% ± 1.1%, P < 0.01). ECV values showed a strong correlation with CVF in the T1DM group (r = 0.856, P < 0.001).Conclusion ECV is a reliable and feasible imaging marker that can be used to quantitatively assess dynamic DMIF changes in T1DM mice. In addition, ECV could accurately detect DMIF in the early stage and thus can be used as an imaging tool for early intervention in T1DM mice in the future.
Self-Creation of Chemical Structures. Experimental Study.
Authors: Maselko Jerzy
Published: May 2021

First Law of Thermodynamics states that every cannot be self-created or destroyed in an isolated system. Chemical systems spontaneously move to steady state. However chemical systems that are open, will create new systems and moving far and far from equilibrium. The simple compounds will spontaneously create unusually complex structures and behaviors. Surprising, general theory of these systems has not been well understanding. Chemical simplest compounds can spontaneously produce complex arrangements, including chemical structures and dynamical behavior. They are building chemical cells that take chemical compounds from outside, next move to the cell, react, and new compounds move outside. Two other compounds may form more tubes that will create tower and next create metropolis. Machines can switch from one system to another. It can move like a snail. It is basic Law of chemical self-creation. We present simple chemical systems that will spontaneously create very complex structured and machines that may be on level of biology and above. In this paper, simple experiments will show that evolution in Universe is simple and create incredible chemical processes. Universal Chemical Machine can produce an infinite number of entities. Chemical organisms are self-created. It is the most important property of matter.
Light Extraction Efficiency Analysis of Phosphorescent OLED Device with Microlens Array on the Glass Substrate
Authors: Sharma Arvind , Das T. D.
Published: May 2021

The Computational simulation is based on the desired packing type of microlens array, either hexagonal or rectangular, onto the planar dual scheme OLED device's light-emitting surface. Both active layers here acted as a phosphorescent emission layer studied to improve device efficiency. The microlens array (MLAs) with hexagonal packing can increase the external quantum efficiency by 35%, which is more than the literature mentioned earlier. It significantly enhances the outcoupling efficiency below the critical angle observation concerning the substrate surface normal. Besides, a broad spectrum is observed with a slight shoulder band around 650 nm in the E.L. (Electroluminance) emission curve. From the CIE x and CIE y index studied, the OLED device connected with either hexagonal or rectangular microlens arrays are more sensitive than the OLED device without microlens arrays to the viewing angle range. The effect of outcoupled efficiency as a function of ETL-TPBi thickness is studied under different polarization modes. Hence, the study suggested that a microlens array with a hexagonal or rectangular packing type on the OLED device's top significantly enhanced light extraction efficiency and provided better device fabrication results.
The Novel Application of Asphalt in Cross-Linked Polyethylene Composite
Authors: Liao Yi , Lai Shuangxin , Yang Shuangqiao , Liu Jinjing , bai shibing
Published: May 2021

The cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables are widely used as an important basic material for power transportation. However, the cross-linked network structure caused challenge in the recycling of waste XLPE, which usually be treated by incineration and landfilling. In this research, XLPE was de-crosslinked via solid-state shear milling (S3M) and the asphalt was used as plasticizer during the thermoplastic processing. To deeply understand the influence of asphalt on the matrix, the compatibility, dispersion, and rheological properties of composites were characterized. Due to the good compatibility between de-crosslinked XLPE and asphalt, the viscosity of the composites decreased significantly. Some sea-island structure also formed in composites, which increased the toughness of the composites and the elongation at break reach as high as 322%. The use of asphalt to achieve the processing performance of de-crosslinked XLPE powder was highly effective and composites can be processed by ordinary polymer processing equipment. Furthermore, the prepared composites show potential application in the field of waterproofing which could recycle of waste XLPE cables in large-scale.
Microvirga Jeongseonensis Sp. Nov., New Species Isolated From Soil in South Korea
Authors: Maeng Soohyun , Park Yuna , Oh Hyejin , Bang Minji , Baigalmaa Jigden , Bai Jaewoo , Kim Myung Kyum
Published: May 2021

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, convex, and light pink-colored strain BT688T was isolated from a soil sample collected in Jeongseon city, South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain BT688T belongs to a distinct lineage within the genus Microvirga (family Methylobacteriaceae, order Rhizobiales, class Alpha Proteobacteria, phylum Proteobacteria). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain BT688T and Microvirga aerilata 5420S-16T was 98.5%. Strain BT688T had Q-10 as a major respiratory quinone and the major polar lipids of strain BT688T was diphosphatidilglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylcholine (PC). The major cellular fatty acids of strain BT688T were C18:1 ω7c (76.0%) and summed feature 3 (9.6%).Based on the polyphasic characteristics, strain BT688T can be suggested as a novel bacterial species within the genus Microvirga and the proposed name is Microvirga jeongseonensis. The type strain of Microvirga jeongseonensis is BT688T (= KCTC XXXXT=NBRC 114857 T).
Systemic Analysis of the DNA Replication Regulators Origin Recognition Complex in Lung Adenocarcinomas Identifies Prognostic and Expression Significance
Authors: Chen Juan , Zou Juan , Zeng Juan , Zeng Tian , Hu Qi-hao , Bai Jun-hui , Tang Min , Li Yu-kun
Published: May 2021

Background: Origin recognition complex (ORC) 1, ORC2, ORC3, ORC4, ORC5 and ORC6, form a replication-initiator complex to mediate DNA replication, which play a key role in carcinogenesis, while their role in lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) remains poorly understood.Methods: We confirmed the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, DNA alteration, DNA methylation, miRNA network, protein structure, PPI network, functional enrichment, immune infiltration and prognostic value of ORCs in LUAD based on Oncomine, GEPIA, HPA, cBioportal, TCGA, GeneMANIA, Metascape, KM-plot, GENT2, and TIMER database. Results: ORC mRNA and protein were both enhanced obviously based on Oncomine, Ualcan, GEPIA, TCGA and HPA database. Furthermore, ORC1 and ORC6 have significant prognostic values for LUAD patients based on GEPIA database. Protein structure, PPI network, functional enrichment and immune infiltration analysis indicated that ORC complex cooperatively accelerate the LUAD development by promoting DNA replication, cellular senescence and metabolic process. Conclusion: the ORC complex has an important prognostic and expression significance for LUAD patients.
Novel Immune-Related Gene Signature for Risk Stratification and Prognosis of Survival in Estrogen Receptor (ER) or Progesterone Receptor (PR) Positive and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , Jiang Hongnan , Gao Yanrong
Published: May 2021

Background: Although intrinsic molecular subtype has been extensively used, the risk stratification have not been fully elucidated in estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR) positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative breast cancer. Methods: RNA transcriptional data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), METABRIC and GEO were used. Immune-related genes were obtained from the datasets and literature search. Univariate, lasso regression and multivariate cox regression were employed to identify prognostic immune-related genes and establish the risk signature. Relationships between the risk signature and clinical parameters, tumor-infiltrating immune cell abundances and cancer phenotypes were further evaluated.Results: Noted, 102 immune-related prognostic genes were identified in METABRIC dataset by univariate cox analysis. Consecutively, 7 immune genes (SHMT2, AGA, COL17A1, FLT3, SLC7A2, ATP6AP1 and CCL19) were selected as risk signature by lasso regression and multivariate cox analysis. Its performance was further verified in TCGA,GSE20685 and GSE9195 datasets. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that the risk signature was an independent predictor. The prognostic signature showed significant correlation with intrinsic molecular subtypes, 70-gene signature and tamoxifen resistance signature. The CIBERSORT algorithm revealed that CD4+ memory T cells were significant higher in low-risk group. Conversely, M0-type macrophages were significant higher in high-risk group in both TCGA and METABRIC cohorts, which may have effect on the prognosis. Furthermore, we found that low-risk group may be associated with immune-related pathway and high-risk group was with cell cycle-related pathway, which also showed impact on the prognosis.Conclusion: The present study constructed a robust seven immune-related gene signature and established an effective method in risk stratification and prediction of clinical outcome in ER or PR positive and HER2 negative breast cancer.
Intergenerational Effects of Violence on Women’s Perinatal Wellbeing and Infant Health Outcomes: Evidence from a Birth Cohort Study in Central Vietnam
Authors: Do Phuc Huyen , Baker Philip RA , Vo Van Thang , Murray Aja , Murray Linda , Valdebenito Sara , Eisner Manuel , Tran Bach Xuan , Dunne Michael P
Published: May 2021

Background: This study examined the intergenerational effects of being exposed to childhood maltreatment (CM) and prenatal intimate partner violence (p-IPV) on perinatal mental distress and birth outcomes in central Vietnam. Methods: A birth cohort study in Hue City, Vietnam was conducted with 150 women in the third trimester of pregnancy (Wave 1) and three months after childbirth (Wave 2). Using multivariable logistic regression models, augmented inverse-probability-weighted estimators and structural equation modelling (SEM), we analyzed a theoretical model by evaluating adjusted risk differences and pathways between CM, p-IPV and subsequent perinatal adversity and indicators of infant health problems. Results: One in two pregnant women experienced at least one form of CM (55.03%) and one in ten pregnant women experienced both CM and p-IPV (10.67%). Mothers who experienced p-IPV or witnessed IPV as a child were approximately twice as likely to experience poor mental health during pregnancy [ARR 1.94, 95% CI (1.20-3.15)]. Infants had a two-fold higher risk of adverse birth outcomes (low birth weight, preterm birth, admission to neonatal intensive care) [ARR 2.45 95% CI (1.42, 4.25)] if their mothers experienced any form of p-IPV, with greater risk if their mothers were exposed to both CM and p-IPV [ARR 3.45 95% CI (1.40, 8.53)]. Notably, significant pathways to p-IPV were found via adverse childhood experience (ACE) events (β = 0.13), neighborhood disorder (β = 0.14) and partner support (β = -1.3). Conclusion: These results emphasize the detrimental and prolonged nature of the effect of violence during childhood and pregnancy. Exposure to childhood maltreatment and violence during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal mental health difficulties and adverse birth outcomes. Antenatal care systems need to be responsive to women’s previous experiences of violence and maternal mental health. The significant protective role of partner support and social support should also be considered when designing tailored interventions to address violence during pregnancy.
A Trending Study On The Neutrosophication Of Transform
Authors: R Poornima
Published: May 2021

The present study focuses on the neutrosophication of Z-Transform , it is developed and various properties like neutrosophic Z-Transform linearity, neutrosophic Z-Transform damping rule, neutrosophic Z-Transform shifting theorem, neutrosophic Z-Transform’s initial and final value theorem are discussed under this method. The results of the properties are proposed and numerical example have been illustrated.
Function Of Surfactants In Immobilization of Cellulase And Multiphase Hydrolysis: A Review
Authors: Wang Zhiquan , Wu Deyi , Wang Xinze , Kong Hainan
Published: May 2021

Surfactants, especially non-ionic surfactants, play an important role in the preparation of nanocarriers and can also promote the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose. A broad overview of the current status of surfactants on the immobilization of cellulase is provided in this review. In addition, the restricting factors in cellulase immobilization in the complex multiphase hydrolysis system are discussed, including the carrier structure characteristics, solid-solid contact obstacles, external diffusion resistance, limited recycling frequency, and invalid combination of enzyme active centers. Furthermore, promising prospects of cellulase-oriented immobilization are proposed, including the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interaction of surfactants and cellulase in the oil-water reaction system, the reversed micelle system of surfactants, and the possible oriented immobilization mechanism.
Maternal Psoriasis Magnitude The Risk Of Pregnancy Complications In Women: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kupwiwat Rosalyn , Deewongkij Poonnapa , Wannigama Dhammika Leshan , Hurst Cameron , Chakkavitthumrong Panlop
Published: May 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with significant physical and psychological distress. As there are conflicting data from published literatures on the relationship between psoriasis and pregnancy. We hypothesized that the dysregulation of the immune system in psoriasis, will result in negative impact regarding to fetomaternal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effect of maternal psoriasis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library for published articles from January 1980 to December 2020. Total 1592 citations and identified studies examining outcomes of pregnancies complicated by psoriasis. Seventeen studies were included with a total of 44,249 pregnancies in women with psoriasis and 47,807,880 pregnancies in women without the disease. Random-effect models were used to generate pool odds ratios. We found a higher odd of pregnancy-related complication in women with psoriasis compared with non-disease controls; 1.47 for pregnancy-related hypertension (9 studies; 95%CI 1.16–1.87), 1.70 for gestational diabetes (7 studies; 95%CI 1.34–2.15), 1.28 for preterm (10 studies; 95%CI 1.14–1.44), and 1.35 for cesarean section (10 studies; 95%CI 1.22–1.50). The results of this meta-analysis confirm that psoriasis is a risk factor for pregnancy-related hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm labor.
Abdominal Obesity Affects Short-Term After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang xiang , Yang Ze , Zhang Yang , Ge Qinwen , Shen Jing , Ji Wei-feng
Published: May 2021

Background: At present, there are many clinical studies on the impact of obesity on postoperative function following total hip arthroplasty, but their conclusions are different and even contradictory. As abdominal obesity (AO), which is closely related to obesity, we know very little about its impact on postoperative function following total hip arthroplasty.Methods: Sixty-four patients were included in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Divided them into AO group (WC ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 85 cm for women) and non-AO group (WC ≤ 90 cm for men and ≤ 85 cm for women). Preoperative assessment included numerical pain rating, the Oxford Hip Score, 6-minute walk test and repeated at 6,12 months postoperatively. Postoperative assessment included the anteversion and inclination of the acetabular prosthesis, satisfaction at 12 months.Results：The hip joint function of both groups has been significantly improved at 1 year postoperatively. No significant differences were found in hip pain or function between the AO and non-AO groups. However, AO patients had poorer walking capacity (p=0.001).Conclusion: AO does not increase the complications after THA, nor does it have a significant impact on the function after THA, but it seems to have a negative effect on the improvement of walking ability.
Toll-Like Receptors in InflammAging at Ocular Surface.
Authors: Zazzo Antonio , Piano Maria , Micera Alessandra , Mori Tommaso , Coassin Marco
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To evaluate changes in Toll Like Receptors expression at the ocular surface of healthy control volunteers within age. Methods: 51 volunteers were enrolled in a pilot observational study. Clinical (OSDI questionnaire, Schirmer test and BUT) and Biomolecular (ICAM1, Goblet cells) biomarkers were assessed in all subjects. Temporal Conjunctival imprints were used for molecular analysis while nasal ones were harvested for epifluorescence microscopy. Results: Within the age in our sample OSDI score increases, T-BUT values decrease, and goblet cells showed a decreasing trend. Relative real time PCR detected up-regulation of TLR2 and down-regulation of TLR7, TLR8 and MyD88 transcripts. Immunofluorescence data corroborated the PCR results reporting increased TLR2 and decreased TLR7 and TLR8 expression in elder population. A direct correlation was showed between increasing ICAM and increasing TLR2 changes with age. Conclusion: Changes in TLR expression are associated with aging, suggesting physiological role of TLRs in modulating innate and adaptive ocular surface immunity. TLRs age related changes may participate to the failure of ocular surface homeostatic mechanisms with inflammAging.