bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large anastomotic leak: endoscopic treatment using combined fibrin glue and polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets
Authors: Choi Soo In , Park Ji Young
Published: August 2021

Anastomotic leak after gastrectomy is a major complication and various endoscopic methods have been suggested. However, the treatment of large-sized leaks remains a challenge. Here, we present a case of a large anastomotic leak successfully treated endoscopically using a combination of fibrin glue and polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets. A 68-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy and oesophagojejunal anastomosis presented with abdominal pain and fever. In the endoscopic examination, two fistulas were observed at the anastomosis site. One was small (0.6 cm) while the other measured 2.5 cm. For the large leak, endoscopic treatment using endoclip and detachable snare was attempted, but failed. Subsequently, fibrin glue was injected into the large fistula through an endoscope. After 28 days, the size of the fistula was reduced and PGA sheets were inserted into the remaining fistula. After about 4 weeks, leaks were observed to be completely healed.
Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2): two cases of multisystem vasculitis managed in a South Indian tertiary care centre
Authors: Jha Avanish , Doley Daisy , Mathew John , Hegde Arvind G
Published: August 2021

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is a newly described entity of monogenic vasculitis with multisystem involvement and prominent neurological features. With this report, we are adding to the growing spectrum of cases of DADA2 with two adult cases of early-onset recurrent cerebrovascular events with multisystem involvement. These cases highlight the need for high suspicion of this diagnosis in adults presenting late with symptoms compatible with DADA2. We further report the futility and probable harm of antiplatelet agents in DADA2. Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors have been shown to be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of severe manifestations of this condition.
Postoperative pain reduction by pre-emptive N-acetylcysteine: an exploratory randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mulkens Chantal Elise , Staatsen Marieke , van Genugten Lucie , Snoeker Barbara A M , Vissers Kris C P , Bruhn Jörgen , Bucx Martin J L
Published: August 2021

Background

A new potential target for multimodal pain management is the group-II metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes, which can be activated by N-acetylcysteine. We investigated whether pre-emptive administration of N-acetylcysteine leads to a reduction in postoperative pain after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II patients scheduled for elective inguinal hernia repair were randomized to receive either N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg) or placebo intravenously 1 hour before surgery. The primary outcome was the visual analogue score during movement in the morning (approximately 24 hours) after surgery. Among secondary outcomes were postoperative opioid consumption and safety of intravenous N-acetylcysteine.

Results

In total, 23 patients were analyzed per group. Pain scores were similar at all timepoints with a 24 hours median score of 34 (IQR of 19.0 to 42.5) in the N-acetylcysteine group and a median score of 26 (16.0 to 50.0) in the placebo group. The percentage of patients using opioids after surgery was 22% versus 39% day 1 (p=0.63); 9% versus 26% day 2 (p=0.14); 9% versus 17% day 3 (p=0.35) in the N-acetylcysteine group compared with placebo group. Side effects resembling anaphylactoid reactions in response to the administration of N-acetylcysteine were present in more than half of the patients.

Conclusions

Without finding important differences between N-acetylcysteine and placebo group in pain scores postoperatively, but with a high percentage of bothersome side effects for the N-acetylcysteine group, we would not recommend the use of pre-emptive intravenous N-acetylcysteine to reduce postoperative pain in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair patients based on this study.

Trial registration number

NCT03354572.
Tenecteplase Reperfusion therapy in Acute ischaemic Cerebrovascular Events-II (TRACE II): rationale and design
Authors: Li Shuya , Campbell Bruce C V , Schwamm Lee H , Fisher Marc , Parsons Mark , Li Hao , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yongjun
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Tenecteplase (TNK) is a promising agent for treatment of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We hypothesised that recombinant human TNK tissue-type plasminogen activator (rhTNK-tPA) is non-inferior to rt-PA in achieving excellent functional outcome at 90 days, when administered within 4.5 hours of ischaemic stroke onset.

Methods and design

Tenecteplase Reperfusion therapy in Acute ischemic Cerebrovascular Events (TRACE) is a phase III, multicentre, prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded-end point non-inferiority study. Patients eligible for intravenous thrombolysis therapy are randomised to rhTNK-tPA 0.25 mg/kg (single bolus) to a maximum of 25 mg or rt-PA 0.9 mg/kg (10% bolus+90% infusion/1 hour) to a maximum of 90 mg. Medications considered necessary for the patient’s health may be given at the discretion of the investigator during 90-day follow-up.

Study outcomes

The primary study outcome is excellent functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–1 at 90 days. Secondary efficacy outcomes include favourable functional outcome defined as mRS ≤2 at 90 days, ordinal distribution of mRS and major neurological improvement on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Safety outcomes are symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage within 36 hours and death from any cause.

Discussion

There is no completed registration study of TNK in AIS worldwide. TRACE II strives to provide evidence for a new drug application for rhTNK-tPA in AIS within 4.5 hours through a well-designed and rigorously executed randomised trial in China.

Trial registration number

NCT04797013.
Use of inhaled corticosteroids and risk of acquiringPseudomonas aeruginosain patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Eklöf Josefin , Ingebrigtsen Truls Sylvan , Sørensen Rikke , Saeed Mohamad Isam , Alispahic Imane Achir , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Boel Jonas Bredtoft , Bangsborg Jette , Ostergaard Christian , Dessau Ram Benny , Jensen Ulrich Stab , Hansen Ejvind Frausing , Lapperre Therese Sophie , Meteran Howraman , Wilcke Torgny , Seersholm Niels , Jensen Jens-Ulrik Stæhr
Published: August 2021

Background

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are commonly used to treat COPD and are associated with increased risk of pneumonia. The aim of this study was to assess if accumulated use of ICS is associated with a dose-dependent risk of a positive airway culture withPseudomonas aeruginosain patients with COPD.

Methods

We conducted a multiregional epidemiological cohort study including Danish COPD patients followed in outpatient clinics during 2010–2017. ICS use was categorised based on accumulated prescriptions redeemed 365 days prior to cohort entry. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate the risk of acquiringP. aeruginosa. Propensity score matched models were used as sensitivity analyses.

Results

A total of 21 408 patients were included in the study, of which 763 (3.6%) acquiredP. aeruginosaduring follow-up. ICS use was associated with a dose-dependent risk ofP. aeruginosa(low ICS dose: HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.84, p=0.03; moderate ICS dose: HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.63 to 2.85, p<0.0001; high ICS dose: HR 3.58, 95% CI 2.75 to 4.65, p<0.0001; reference: no ICS use). A propensity matched model confirmed the results (high ICS dose compared with no/low/moderate ICS dose: HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.76 to 2.39, p p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Use of ICS in patients with COPD followed in Danish outpatient clinics was associated with a substantially increased and dose-dependent risk of acquiringP. aeruginosa. Caution should be taken when administering high doses of ICS in severely ill patients with COPD. These results should be confirmed in comparable cohorts and other settings.
Delays in emergency department intervention for patients with traumatic brain injury in Uganda
Authors: Mehmood Amber , Rowther Armaan Ahmed , Kobusingye Olive , Ssenyonjo Hussein , Zia Nukhba , Hyder Adnan A
Published: August 2021

Background

In Sub-Saharan African countries, the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is estimated to be many folds higher than the global average and outcome is hugely impacted by access to healthcare services and quality of care. We conducted an analysis of the TBI registry data to determine the disparities and delays in treatment for patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Uganda and to identify factors predictive of delayed treatment initiation.

Methods

The study was conducted at the Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala. The study included all patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected or documented TBI. Early treatment was defined as first intervention within 4 hours of ED presentation—a cut-off determined using sensitivity analysis to injury severity. Descriptive statistics were generated and Pearson’s χ2 test was used to assess the sample distribution between treatment time categories. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models with <0.05 level of significance were used to derive the associations between patient characteristics and early intervention for TBI.

Results

Of 3944 patients, only 4.6% (n=182) received an intervention for TBI management within 1 hour of ED presentation, whereas 17.4% of patients (n=708) received some treatment within 4 hours of presentation. 19% of those with one or more serious injuries and 18% of those with moderate to severe head injury received care within 4 hours of arrival. Factors independently associated with early treatment included young age, severe head injury, and no known pre-existing conditions, whereas older or female patients had significantly less odds of receiving early treatment.

Discussion

With the increasing number of patients with TBI, ensuring early and appropriate management must be a priority for Ugandan hospitals. Delay in initiation of treatment may impact survival and functional outcome. Gender-related and age-related disparities in care should receive attention and targeted interventions.

Level of evidence

Prognostic and epidemiological study; level II evidence.
Improving length of stay on a trauma service
Authors: Biffl Walter L , Lu Ning , Schultz Peter R , Wang Jiayan , Castelo Matthew R , Schaffer Kathryn B
Published: August 2021

Background

Reducing length of stay (LOS) is a major healthcare initiative. While LOS is closely linked to the diagnosis and procedure in elective surgery, many additional factors influence LOS on a trauma service. We hypothesized that more standardized patient management would lead to decreased LOS.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of Trauma Registry data compared LOS before (PRE) and after (POST) implementation of standardized processes on a trauma service. Patients were subdivided by age (over and under 65 years). Data were compared using unpaired t-test, χ2test and analysis of variance tests, where appropriate.

Results

1613 PRE and 1590 POST patients were compared. Although age and Injury Severity Score were similar, median LOS decreased by 1 day for the group overall (p<0.0001), and for subgroups over and under the age of 65 years (p<0.0001). Older patients were discharged home 13% more often in POST, compared with 4% more for younger patients.

Conclusions

Improved standardization of processes on a trauma service reduced LOS in patients of all ages. A prospective study may identify specific factors associated with prolonged LOS, to allow further improvement.

Level of evidence

III.

Study type

Therapeutic/Care management.
Comparison and estimation of different linear and nonlinear lactation curve submodels in random regression analyses on dairy cattle
Authors: Zhou Xiaojing , Zhang Jingyan
Published: August 2021

In the random regression model (RRM) for milk yield, by replacing empirical lactation curves with the five-order Legendre polynomial to fit fixed groups, the RRM can be transformed to a hierarchical model that consisted of a RRM in the first hierarchy with Legendre polynomials as individuals’ lactation curves resolved by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) software, and a multivariate animal model for phenotypic regression coefficients in the second hierarchy resolved by DMU software. Some empirical lactation functions can be embedded into the RRM at the first hierarchy to well fit phenotypic lactation curve of the average observations across all animals. The functional relationship between each parameter and time can be described by a Legendre polynomial or an empirical curve usually called submodel, and according to three commonly used criteria, the optimal submodels were picked from linear and nonlinear submodels except for polynomials. The so-called hierarchical estimation for the RRMs in dairy cattle indicated that more biologically meaningful models were available to fit the lactation curves; moreover, with the same number of parameters, the empirical lactation curves (MIL1, MIL5, and MK1 for 3, 4, and 5 parameters, respectively) performed higher goodness of fit than Legendre polynomial when modelling individuals’ phenotypic lactation curves.
Pole mass renormalon and its ramifications
Authors: Beneke Martin
Published: August 2021

I review the structure of the leading infrared renormalon divergence of the relation between the pole mass and the $$\overline{\mathrm{MS}}$$

MS
¯

 mass of a heavy quark, with applications to the top, bottom and charm quark. That the pole quark mass definition must be abandoned in precision computations is a well-known consequence of the rapidly diverging series. The definitions and physics motivations of several leading renormalon-free, short-distance mass definitions suitable for processes involving nearly on-shell heavy quarks are discussed.
Generation of Chow Parameters and Reduced Variables Through Nearest Neighbor Relations in Threshold Networks
Authors: Ishii Naohiro , Matsuo Tokuro
Published: August 2021

Generation of useful variables and features is an important issue throughout the machine learning, artificial intelligence, and applied fields for their efficient computations. In this paper, the nearest neighbor relations are proposed for the minimal generation and the reduced variables of the functions in the threshold networks. First, the nearest neighbor relations are shown to be minimal and inherited for threshold functions and they play an important role in the iterative generation of the Chow parameters. Further, they give a solution for the Chow parameters problem. Second, convex cones are made of the nearest neighbor relations for the generation of the reduced variables. Then the edges of convex cones are compared for the discrimination of variables. Finally, the reduced variables based on the nearest neighbor relations are shown to be useful for documents classification.
Dark matter halo with charge in pseudo-spheroidal geometry
Authors: Ghosh Mithun
Published: August 2021

The concept of dark matter (DM) hypothesis comes out as a result from the input of the observed flat rotational velocity. With the assumption that the galactic halo is pseudo-spheroidal and filled with charged perfect fluid, we have obtained a solution which has inkling to a (nearly) flat universe, compatible with the modern day cosmological observations. Various other important aspects of the solution such as attractive gravity in the halo region and the stability of the circular orbit are also explored. Also, the matter in the halo region satisfies the known equation of state which indicates its non-exotic nature.
Type-I seesaw mechanism for neutrino mass and mixing in gauged B − L model with D4 × Z4 flavor symmetry
Authors: Vien V. V. , Long H. N. , Khoi D. P.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study a non-renormalizable [Formula: see text] extension of the Standard Model with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] symmetries accommodating the most recent neutrino data within the type-I seesaw mechanism. The two squared mass differences and three mixing angles can get the best-fit values while the leptonic Dirac CP phase is in [Formula: see text] range of the best-fit values for both normal and inverted orderings. The sum of active neutrino mass and the effective neutrino masses are, respectively, predicted to be [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for normal ordering while [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for inverted ordering, which are well consistent with the current experimental constraints.
MODELING OPTIMAL CONTROL OF AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS DISEASE WITH COST-EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES
Authors: LIANA YUSTINA A. , SHABAN NYIMVUA , MLAY GOODLUCK
Published: August 2021

An optimal control model of African trypanosomiasis to minimize the cost of implementing control efforts and the number of infected humans, cattle, and tsetse-fly populations in their respective communities was formulated. Time-dependent controls such as public health education, human and cattle treatments, and tsetse-fly trapping were considered. Using Pontryagin’s maximum principle, the necessary conditions and the existence of an optimal control solution of an optimal control problem were analyzed. Using forward and backward in time fourth-order Runge–Kutta scheme, numerical simulations of the optimal control problem were performed. The results showed that the strategy involving public health education, treatment of humans, cattle treatment, and trapping of tsetse-flies was the most effective in reducing the number of infected individuals in their respective populations. Furthermore, the incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was performed, which showed that the tsetse-fly trapping was the most cost-effective strategy to implement in source limited settings.
How Does Financial Reporting Quality Relate to Corporate Social Responsibility Expenditures? An International Analysis
Authors: Lin James Juichia , Wang Chen-Yu , Cheng Che-Hui
Published: August 2021

In this study, we examine whether financial reporting quality improves corporate social responsibility (CSR) decisions. By using a sample of 3,502 observations from 18 countries, our findings show that financial reporting quality is positively (negatively) associated with CSR activities for firms that are more prone to under-invest (over-invest) in CSR. These results suggest that financial reporting quality mitigates managerial discretion in CSR activities and leads to an improvement in CSR decisions. Further, we decompose CSR into environmental and social dimensions and find that the effects of financial report quality on CSR initiatives are more pronounced for firms with a tendency to under-invest in environmental CSR.
How Social Media Facilitates the Knowledge Management Process: A Systematic Review
Authors: Panahi Sirous , Ghalavand Hossein , Sedghi Shahram
Published: August 2021

The aim of this review is to present the social media roles that facilitate knowledge management processes. This paper used a systematic literature review method based on PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was conducted using the following five electronic scientific databases: Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, Emerald, PubMed and Scopus. The search identified 82 selected works and the findings showed that social media facilitates knowledge acquisition by being used as a source of knowledge, facilitating knowledge accessibility and influencing knowledge creation and creating an interactive environment. Social media has created a new dimension of knowledge organisation by evolving knowledge storage, retrieval and classification activities. Social media has developed into a new flexible form of user’s communication by removing knowledge-sharing barriers, and accelerated knowledge sharing, in particular collaborative sharing. Finally, social media facilitates knowledge application activities such as knowledge translation, decision-making, education, problem-solving, team work and research process. The knowledge activities in social media need to be monitored for quality and reliability, and endangerment of ethics, users’ privacy, fake news, false information and negative comments need to be maintained.
Intra-supramolecular electron transfer of the light harvesting porphyrin—phthalocyanine complex in aqueous medium
Authors: El-Khouly Mohamed E. , Kobaisy Ahmed M. , Sallam Gehan , Yoshihisa Matsushita
Published: August 2021

Report of the construction of the supramolecular light harvesting composed of zinc(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid (ZnPcS[Formula: see text], as electron donor, and meso-tetra([Formula: see text]-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin toluene sulfonate (TMPP), as electron acceptor. The steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectra of TMPP in MeOH showed the formation of monomer form ([Formula: see text] = 426 nm and [Formula: see text] = 654 and 715 nm). In water, different spectral features were recorded, suggesting the formation of aggregated forms. The formation of aggregated form in water was confirmed by recording the remarkable decrease of the fluorescence intensities of the singlet excited TMPP with increasing the concentrations of TMPP. In cationic micelle CTAB, both the absorption and fluorescence spectra were significantly decreased with increasing the concentrations of CTAB with a break at critical micelle concentration (CMC) at 6.00 × 10[Formula: see text] M. In an anionic micelle (SDS), the CMC value was found to be 1.00 × 10[Formula: see text] M. Upon interacting with ZnPcS4 in water, the steady state absorption measurement showed clear evidence for the formation of light harvesting porphyrin-phthalocyanine supramolecular complex through [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and ionic interactions. The emission intensity of the singlet TMPP was found to significantly decrease in the presence of ZnPcS4 suggesting the intra-supramolecular electron transfer process from the electron donating ZnPcS4 to the electron deficient TMPP. From the fluorescence lifetime measurements, the rate and quantum yield of electron transfer were found to be 7.67 × 108 s[Formula: see text] and 0.81, respectively. The finding of the examined light-harvesting supramolecular complex ZnPcS4-TMPP shows the ability to absorb the light in a wide range of the solar spectrum (UV-vis-NIR), in addition to the efficient electron transfer process in an aqueous medium, rendering it as a simple model of the artificial photosynthetic reaction center.
Metalloporphyrins substituted with N-carbazolyl groups quadruply at meso positions
Authors: Kawano Shin-ichiro , Kawada Sae , Matsubuchi Atsuya , Tanaka Kentaro
Published: August 2021

As a new family of porphyrinoids with broad absorption bands that efficiently harvest sunlight, the metal complexes of a porphyrin quadruply substituted with [Formula: see text]-carbazolyl groups at the meso positions were photometrically and structurally characterized. The porphyrins exhibited characteristic broad bands in the range of 450–500 nm, due to the charge transfer band from carbazole to porphyrin. Ligand exchange at the axial position of the zinc complex with an aquo ligand affected the absorption spectrum, and a hyper-hypsochromic shift of the broad band was observed by the coordination of methanol. Furthermore, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of the metalloporphyrins were lowered by the electron-withdrawing effect of the perpendicularly oriented carbazolyl groups. In the solid state, zinc-porphyrin was self-assembled into a one-dimensional coordination polymer by intermolecular axial coordination.
Fundamental Group of LB-Valued General Fuzzy Automata
Authors: Abolpour Kh. , Saeid A. Borumand
Published: August 2021

This study aims to investigate [Formula: see text]-valued GFA from algebraic and topological perspectives, where [Formula: see text] stands for residuated lattice and B is a set of propositions about the general fuzzy automata, in which its underlying structure is a complete infinitely distributive lattice. Further, the concepts of [Formula: see text]-valued general fuzzy automata (or simply [Formula: see text]-valued GFA) contractible spaces, [Formula: see text]-valued GFA path homotopy, [Formula: see text]-valued GFA retraction, [Formula: see text]-valued GFA deformation retraction, [Formula: see text]-valued GFA path connected space and [Formula: see text]-valued GFA homotopy equivalent space are introduced and explicated. In addition, [Formula: see text]-valued GFA fundamental groups are proposed and studied. Regarding these issues, some properties are also established and explained.
Research on Spatial Pattern Dynamic Evolution Algorithm and Optimization Model Construction and Driving Mechanism of Provincial Tourism Eco-Efficiency in China under the Background of Cloud Computing
Authors: Lu Fei , Qin Wei , Wang Yu-Xuan
Published: August 2021

Based on the research of spatial pattern dynamic evolution algorithm and optimization model construction and driving mechanism of provincial tourism eco-efficiency in China under the background of cloud computing, this paper takes 30 provinces in mainland China (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) as the research object and scientifically constructs the measurement index system of tourism eco-efficiency. The Super-SBM-Undesirable model is used to measure the tourism eco-efficiency of each province from 2004 to 2017, and the algorithm and model are optimized. This paper explores the spatial evolution trajectory and path of tourism eco-efficiency by using the barycentric standard deviation ellipse method and constructs a dynamic panel model to identify the factors affecting the evolution trajectory and their driving mechanisms by using the SYS-GMM method. The results show that China’s tourism eco-efficiency is at a high level and the eastern region is higher than the central and western regions. From the moving track of the center of gravity, the center of gravity of China’s tourism eco-efficiency is located in Henan province, which has experienced a process of moving from southeast to northwest. From the standard deviation ellipse, the spatial distribution direction of China’s tourism eco-efficiency presents a “northeast-southwest” pattern, and there is a further strengthening trend of deviation. There is a significant positive correlation between tourism eco-efficiency and tourism industrial structure upgrading, tourism industrial structure rationalization, tourism technology level, and tourism human capital, as well as a significant negative correlation between tourism eco-efficiency and tourism economic development level, environmental regulation intensity, and the degree of opening to the outside world, while the relationship between urbanization and tourism eco-efficiency is relatively vague.
Effects of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture Compared with Sham Acupuncture on the Explosive Force Production by the Forearm Muscles in Female: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhou Shu , Wang I-Lin , Chen Yi-Ming , Hu Rui , Su Yu , Shen Jia-Yu , Wang Jun
Published: August 2021

Background. Acupuncture can effectively enhance musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with effects such as reduced pain intensity and muscle tension and decreased disability. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) compared with sham acupuncture (SA) in explosive force production by the forearm muscles in females. Methods. A total of 32 subjects were included and randomly assigned to two groups: TCA group (n = 16): stimulated specific acupoints including Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Hegu (LI4), Xiaohai (SI8), Tianjing (SJ10), and Waiguan (SJ5) for 15 minutes; SA group (n = 16): using superficial needle insertion at nonacupoints without stimulation. The subjects warmed up for the 3-time isokinetic test with an angular velocity of 30°/s and then performed a set of 15 full flexion (Flex) and extension (Ext) with an angular velocity of 180°/s using the CON-TREX isokinetic test training system recorded as the pretest. After acupuncture for 15 min, perform a set of the same isokinetic movement isokinetic records as the posttest. The average max torque, average work, average power, average peak power, average max speed, and total work were collected to evaluate the forearm explosive force changes. Use two-way repeated measures ANOVA to compare the difference before and after acupuncture between two groups. Results. The results showed that acupuncture conditions (sham acupuncture as well as true acupuncture) and the intervention times (not acupuncture or acupuncture for 15 min) have a significant interaction effect on forearm explosive force and joint stiffness (

P
<
0.05

). The simple main effect showed that the selected parameters of the TCA group increased significantly after acupuncture (

P
<
0.05

), while the SA group did not (

P
>
0.05

). We speculate that the activation of muscle may be related to the selected acupuncture points. Conclusion. Acupuncture can produce excitation in motor nerves and muscles, and nerve stimulation increases the recruitment of motor units, thus improving the muscle explosive force.
One Year Outcomes and Stability of a Novel Scleral Anchored Intraocular Lens
Authors: Abed Edoardo , Forlini Matteo , Bendo Edlira , Imburgia Aurelio , Mularoni Alessandro , Gizzi Corrado , Santino Giuseppe , Corazza Daniele , Costa Giacomo
Published: August 2021

Purpose. To assess one year results and stability of the implantation of a scleral anchored intraocular lens (IOL). Design. Interventional prospective case series. Methods. Sixty eyes of 60 patients affected by either aphakia or IOL dislocation were included in this study. Patients underwent vitrectomy, scleral fixation of the IOL, and, if present, dislocated IOL removal. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery by best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) assessment, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, corneal specular microscopy, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of both the macula and anterior segment. Results. At twelve months, mean BCVA significantly improved (

p
<
0.0001

), and none of the patients experienced a decrease of visual acuity. A 10% decrease of endothelial cell count occurred after surgery. Cystoid macular edema occurred in three patients (5%). A transient increase of intraocular pressure was noted in 7 cases (12%). At one month, horizontal and vertical IOL tilt was 1.04 ± 0.87 and 0.74 ± 0.71 degrees, respectively, and did not significantly change in the follow-up (

p
>
0.05

). None of the patients had decentration or dislocation of scleral-fixated IOL during the follow-up. Conclusion. Implantations of scleral plug fixated IOL provide good visual results, low complication rate, and excellent stability of the lens until one-year follow-up.
Machine Learning‐Based Facial Beauty Prediction and Analysis of Frontal Facial Images Using Facial Landmarks and Traditional Image Descriptors
Authors: J. Iyer Tharun , K. Rahul , Nersisson Ruban , Zhuang Zhemin , Joseph Raj Alex Noel , Refayee Imthiaz
Published: August 2021

The beauty industry has seen rapid growth in multiple countries and due to its applications in entertainment, the analysis and assessment of facial attractiveness have received attention from scientists, physicians, and artists because of digital media, plastic surgery, and cosmetics. An analysis of techniques is used in the assessment of facial beauty that considers facial ratios and facial qualities as elements to predict facial beauty. Here, the facial landmarks are extracted to calculate facial ratios according to Golden Ratios and Symmetry Ratios, and an ablation study is performed to find the best performing feature set from extracted ratios. Subsequently, Gray Level Covariance Matrix (GLCM), Hu’s Moments, and Color Histograms in the HSV space are extracted as texture, shape, and color features, respectively. Another ablation study is performed to find out which feature performs the best when concatenated with the facial landmarks. Experimental results show that the concatenation of primary facial characteristics with facial landmarks improved the prediction score of facial beauty. Four models are trained, K‐Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Linear Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) on a dataset of 5500 frontal facial images, and amongst them, KNN performs the best for the concatenated features achieving a Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient of 0.7836 and a Mean Squared Error of 0.0963. Our analysis also provides us with insights into how different machine learning models can understand the concept of facial beauty.
Seroprevalence of Human Herpesvirus Infections in Newly Diagnosed HIV-Infected Key Populations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kamori Doreen , Joachim Agricola , Mizinduko Mucho , Barabona Godfrey , Mahiti Macdonald , Kibwana Upendo , Majigo Mtebe , Masoud Salim , Mwandigha Ambele M. , Ueno Takamasa , Mmbaga Elia , Lyamuya Eligius
Published: August 2021

Background. Human herpesvirus (HHV) infections can significantly increase the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and accelerate disease progression. In the population at high risk of HIV infection, also termed as key populations (female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWID)), and their sexual partners, HHV infections can potentially compromise the efforts to prevent and control HIV infection. Here, we investigated the seroprevalence of HHV infections among HIV-infected key populations in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methodology. We analyzed 262 archived serum samples of HIV-infected key populations from the integrated biobehavioral surveillance (IBBS) study conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine IgG and IgM titers for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. Results. The overall seropositivity of HHV IgG was 92% (95% CI: 87.7–95.3%). HHV IgM was not detected in any of the samples. The most seroprevalent coinfection was CMV at 69.1% (181/262), followed by HSV-2 33.2% (87/262) and HSV-1 32.1% (84/262). HSV-2 infection differed by key population groups; it accounted for FSW (46.3%) (

p
=
0.
0001

) compared to PWID (21.6%) and MSM (22.7%). In contrast, seroprevalence for CMV and HSV-1 was comparable across the key population groups; whereby, CMV was 62%, 75.3%, and 75% and HSV-1 was 26.4%, 39.2%, and 31.8% for FSW, MSM, and PWID, respectively. We also observed that multiple coinfections with CMV-HSV-2 (

p
=
0.
042

) and CMV-HSV-1-HSV-2 (

p
=
0.
006

) were significantly associated with key population aged above 40 years. Conclusion. The IgG seroprevalence of CMV, HSV-1, and HSV-2 was high among HIV-positive key populations. These findings indicate that these individuals are prone to recurrence of HHV infections and may harbor replicating viruses that subsequently may affect HIV disease progression. Therefore, this warrants concerted efforts for integrated HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention programs targeting key populations.
The Study of Bound Water Status and Pore Size Distribution of Chinese Fir and Poplar Cell Wall by Low-Field NMR
Authors: Cao Huimin , Lyu Jianxiong , Zhou Yongdong , Gao Xin
Published: August 2021

With the increasing shortage of timber resources and the advancement of environmental protection projects, many artificial fast-growing forests are planted and used as raw materials in China. There are significant differences in the properties of natural forest wood and artificial fast-growing forest wood, and the properties of wood mainly depend on the change in the status of bound water in the cell wall. In this study, the fiber saturation point (FSP) and pore size distributions within the cell wall of six species of fast-growing forest wood were studied by low-temperature nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. The effects of species, growth rings, and extractives on the FSP and pore structure were analyzed. The water vapor sorption experiments were performed, and the adsorption isotherms of the samples were fitted through the Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) equation. According to the least-square regression of the adsorption isotherms and combined with the low-temperature NMR experiments, the content and proportion of the different types of bound water were analyzed. The results showed that the average FSP of each Chinese fir was about 40% and that of each poplar was about 35%. There is about a 10% difference between the FSP measured by NMR technology and the adsorption bound water content obtained by adsorption isothermal. The pore size distribution results show that in all samples, the proportion of pores larger than 10.5 nm is very low, about 10%; the proportion of 1.92-10.5 nm pores is about 30%; and the proportion of pores smaller than 1.92nm is more than 50%. This work will be helpful to the study of the wood moisture status and provide reference data for wood modification.
Research on Damage Characteristics of Brick Masonry under Explosion Load
Authors: Wei Jifeng , Du Zhixin , Zheng Yonghui , Ounhueane Oundavong
Published: August 2021

As the main structural component of partition wall or load‐bearing wall, brick masonry has been widely used in construction engineering. However, brick and mortar are all brittle materials prone to crack. Nowadays, fireworks, gas stoves, high‐pressure vessels, and other military explosives may explode to damage nearby structures. Many explosion casualties had shown that the load‐bearing capacity of brick masonry decreased dramatically and cracks or fragments appeared. Previous studies mainly focused on noncontact explosion in which shock wave is the main damage element. In fact, the response and damage effect of brick masonry wall under contact explosion are more complex, which attracts more attention now. In order to explore the damage characteristics of brick masonry under explosion load, a series of simulations and verification experiments are conducted. RHT and MO granular material models are introduced to describe the behaviour of brick and masonry, respectively, in simulation. The combination effect of front compressive wave and back tensile wave are main factors influencing the breakage of masonry wall. The experimental results are well in accordance with the simulation results. The front cross section dimension of crater is closely related to the radius of spherical explosive charge. A power function predictive model is developed to express the relationship between the radius of hole and the radius of explosive. Furthermore, with increasing the quantity of explosive charge, the number and ejection velocity of fragments are all increased. The relationship between maximum ejection velocity and the quantity of explosive also can be expressed as a power function model.
Exploring the Quantity Change Pattern of Environment-Friendly Products in the Sharing Economy
Authors: Yang Tianjian , Li Ye , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2021

In the practice of various Internet-based sharing economies, environmental issues of shared products become more prominent and urgent. By analysing the relationship among government, enterprises, and consumers, this paper develops a system dynamics model based on the evolutionary game theory to explore the quantity change pattern of environment-friendly products in a sharing industry. A discrete dynamic system simulation of the quantity change process takes shared bikes in Beijing as a case study. The simulation results are consistent with the analysis of evolutionary game theory. The results show that government subsidies to both enterprises and consumers can lead to higher quantities of environment-friendly shared products, while consumer subsidy is better than enterprise subsidy. In addition, governments and enterprises need to ensure moderate investments to improve consumer experience and environmental awareness.
Padé-Approximation-Based Preview Repetitive Control for Continuous-Time Linear Systems
Authors: Zhao Jia-Yu , Wang Zhao-Hong , Yan Jian-De , Lan Yong-Hong
Published: August 2021

This paper concerns a Padé-approximation-based preview repetitive control (PRC) scheme for continuous-time linear systems. Firstly, the state space representation of the repetitive controller is transformed into a nondelayed one by Padé approximation. Then, an augmented dynamic system is constructed by using the nominal state equation with the error system and the state equation of a repetitive controller. Next, by using optimal control theory, a Padé-approximation-based PRC law is obtained. It consists of state feedback, error integral compensation, output integral of repetitive controller, and preview compensation. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified by a numerical simulation.
Extragradient Method for Fixed Points in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Lv Yu-Pei , Shabbir Khurram , Shahzeen Sundus , Ali Farman , Kafle Jeevan
Published: August 2021

This paper is dedicated to construct a viscosity extragradient algorithm for finding fixed points in a CAT(0) space. The mappings we consider are nonexpansive. Strong convergence of the algorithm is obtained. The results established in this work extend and improve some recent discovers in the literature.
Identification of a Nomogram from Ferroptosis-Related Long Noncoding RNAs Signature to Analyze Overall Survival in Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Cui Yuanshan , Zhou Zhongbao , Chai Yumeng , Che Xuanyan , Zhang Yong
Published: August 2021

Purpose. This study aimed to establish a nomogram to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with bladder cancer (BC) by ferroptosis-related long noncoding RNAs (FRlncRNAs) signature. Methods. We obtained FRlncRNAs expression profiles and clinical data of patients with BC from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The patients were divided into the training set, testing set, and overall set. Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression were used to establish the FRlncRNAs signature, the prognosis of each group was compared by Kaplan–Meier (K-M) analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve evaluated the accuracy of the model. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used for the visualization of the functional enrichment for FRlncRNAs. The databases of GEPIA and K-M Plotter were used for subsequent functional analysis of major FRlncRNAs. Results. Thirteen prognostic FRlncRNAs (LINC00942, MAFG-DT, AL049840.3, AL136084.3, OCIAD1-AS1, AC062017.1, AC008074.2, AC018653.3, AL031775.1, USP30-AS1, LINC01767, AC132807.2, and AL354919.2) were identified to be significantly different, constituting an FRlncRNAs signature. Patients with BC were divided into low-risk group and high-risk group by this signature in the training, testing, and overall sets. K-M analysis showed that the prognosis of patients in the high-risk group was poor and the difference in the subgroup analyses was statistically significant. ROC analysis revealed that the predictive ability of the model was more accurate than traditional assessment methods. A risk score based on FRlncRNAs signature was an independent prognostic factor for the patients with BC (HR = 1.388, 95%CI = 1.228–1.568,

P
<
0.001

). Combining the FRlncRNAs signature and clinicopathological factors, a predictive nomogram was constructed. The nomogram can accurately predict the overall survival of patients and had high clinical practicability. The GSEA analysis showed that the primary pathways were WNT, MAPK, and cell-matrix adhesion signaling pathways. The major FRlncRNAs (MAFG-DT) were associated with poor prognosis in the GEPIA and K-M Plotter database. Conclusion. Thirteen prognostic FRlncRNAs and their nomogram were accurate tools for predicting the OS of BC, which might be molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Dynamic Compression Properties of the Resistance Spot Welding of High Strength Steels under Varying Temperature Conditions
Authors: Fan Chunlei , Wang Huanran , Ma Dongfang
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we have studied the dynamic compression performance of the RSW of QP980 steel and TRIP800 steel by using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), and we have also examined the fracture mode of the two research objects. It is found that the spot welding zone is primarily composed of the martensite structure, and there is a sparse defect of crystal structure adjacent to the center of nugget. In addition, there are evident gaps between the plates on both sides of the spot welding zone. Through the measurement of the microhardness of the two grade steel, it is found that the average hardness of the RSW of QP980 steel is higher than that of TRIP800 steel. There is a softening region in the interface of the heat affected zone and the substrate zone. The dynamic compression experiments are carried out on the RSW of QP980 steel and TRIP800 steel under 200°C and 300°C conditions, and it is found that the strain rate would increase with the rising temperature, but the compressive strength would experience declines. Furthermore, the sparse defects of crystal structure adjacent to the center of nugget would lead to stress rebound when the specimen is compressed. Moreover, through the observation of the fracture surface of the recovered specimens, it is found that the fracture of the nugget is brittle, whereas the fracture mode of the sample is more complicated. In addition, the fracture surface features a number of “river pattern” cleavage facets, and there are very few dimples of ductile tearing. This study is expected to have huge implications to the safety of vehicle body under high‐speed impact.
Albumin–Globulin Ratio Is an Independent Determinant of 28-Day Mortality in Patients with Critical Illness
Authors: Liu Bin , Xiao Kun , Yan Peng , Sun Tianyu , Wang Jiang , Xie Fei , Mo Guoxin , Xie Lixin
Published: August 2021

Background. Critical illness in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been a global health priority. Systemic nutritional status has turned out to be related to the prognosis of critically ill patients. The albumin-globulin ratio (AGR) has been reported to be a novel prognostic factor of many diseases. This study is aimed at investigating whether the AGR could predict the mortality risk in critically ill patients. Methods. We enrolled 582 adult patients admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU). We collected the clinical and laboratory data. X-tile software was used to determine the optimal cut-off values for the AGR. Patients were divided into three groups according to the AGR (low AGR group with

AGR
<
0.8

, medium AGR group with AGR ranging from 0.8 to 1.1, and high AGR group with

AGR
>
1.1

). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for survival analysis. A Cox proportional hazard model was applied to the univariate and multivariate analyses for the potential predictors associated with survival. Results. Our present study showed that the AGR was related to the 28-day survival of critically ill patients in the RICU. The rate of pneumonia in the low AGR group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. Patients with a lower AGR present an increased risk of 28-day mortality compared to patients with a higher AGR. Cox regression analysis showed that the AGR might be an independent predictor of prognosis to 28-day survival in critically ill patients in the RICU. Medium and high AGR values remained independently associated with better 28-day survival than low AGR values (HR: 0.484 (0.263-0.892) (

p
=
0.02

); HR: 0.332 (0.166-0.665) (

p
=
0.002

)). Conclusion. The AGR might be an independent predictor of prognosis in critically ill patients.