bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence, Characteristics and Clinical Relevance of Acute Stroke in Old Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19
Authors: Mendes Aline , Herrmann François , Genton Laurence , Serratrice Christine , Carrera Emmanuel , Vargas Maria Isabel , Gold Gabriel , Graf Christophe , Zekry Dina , Scheffler Max
Published: December 2020

Background: Stroke in the course of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was associated with higher severity of respiratory symptoms and mortality, but little knowledge exists on older populations. We aimed to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and prognosis of acute stroke in old patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Methods: Monocentric retrospective study of 265 older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in geriatric wards, 11 of which having presented a stroke episode during hospitalization. Mortality rates and two-group comparisons (stroke vs non-stroke patients) were calculated and significant variables added in logistic regression models to investigate stroke risk factors.Results: Combined ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke incidence was 4.15%. 72.7% of events occurred during acute care. Strokes presented with altered state of consciousness and/or delirium in 81.8%, followed by a focal neurological deficit in 45.5%. Ischemic stroke was more frequently unilateral (88.8%) and localized in the middle cerebral artery territory (55.5%). Smoking and a history of previous stroke increased by more than seven (OR 7.44; 95% CI 1.75-31.64; p=0.007) and five times (OR 5.19; 95% CI 1.50-17.92; p=0.009), respectively, the risk of stroke. Each additional point in body mass index (BMI) reduced the risk of stroke by 14% (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74-0.98; p=0.03). In-hospital mortality (32.1% vs. 27.3%; p>0.999) and institutionalization at discharge (36.4% vs. 21.1%; p=0.258) were similar between patients with and without stroke.Conclusion: Incident stroke complicating COVID-19 in old patients was associated with active smoking, previous history of stroke, and low BMI. Acute stroke did not influence early mortality or institutionalization rate at discharge.
Printable homocomposite hydrogels with synergistically reinforced molecular-colloidal networks
Authors: Williams Austin , Roh Sangchul , Jacob Alan , Stoyanov Simeon , Hsiao Lilian , Velev Orlin
Published: December 2020

The design of hydrogels where multiple interpenetrating networks enable enhanced mechanical properties could benefit applications such as biomedical products, 3D printing, and soft robotics. We report a class of self-reinforced homocomposite hydrogels (HHGs) comprised of interpenetrating networks of multiscale hierarchy. A molecular alginate gel is reinforced by a colloidal network of hierarchically branched soft dendritic colloids (SDCs), which are also made of alginate. The reinforcement of the molecular gel with the nanofibrillar SDC network of the same biopolymer results in a remarkable increase of the HHG mechanical properties. The viscoelastic HHGs show >3× larger storage modulus and >4× larger Young's modulus than either constitutive network at the same concentration. Such synergistically enforced colloidal-molecular HHGs open numerous opportunities for formulation of biocompatible gels with robust structure-property relationships. Balance of the ratio of their precursors facilitates precise control of the yield stress and rate of self-reinforcement, enabling HHG 3D printing by extrusion.
Problems After Flight: Understanding and Comparing Syrians’ Perspectives in the Middle East and Europe
Authors: Drescher Andrea , Kiselev Nikolai , Akhtar Aemal , Acarturk Ceren , Bryant Richard , Ilkkursun Zeynep , Von Känel Roland , Miller Kenneth , Pfaltz Monique , Schick Matthis , Schnyder Ulrich , Sijbrandij Marit , Spaaij Julia , Morina Naser
Published: December 2020

Background: Syrian refugees and asylum seekers (SRAs) face multiple stressors after flight, which may vary due to different geographic, economic, cultural and socio-political contexts in the host countries. Past research has recognized the importance of participants’ own perspectives. The aims of this multi-country study were to identify and compare self-reported problems of SRAs between various settings. Methods: A semi-structured client-generated outcome measurement was used to collect data among adult SRAs in Jordan (N=61), Turkey (N=46) and Switzerland (N=57) between September 2018 and November 2019. Answers were analysed following thematic analysis. Results: Over half of the participants reported practical problems with an emphasis on camp-related problems (Jordan), finances (Turkey), employment (Jordan and Switzerland) and government regulations (Switzerland), followed by psychological, and social issues. Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of local contextual factors on wellbeing. The findings emphasise that planning preventative procedures and mental health care services for SRAs need to consider local challenges affecting the population in specific countries.
3-D Shape Reconstruction of Non-Uniform Reflectance Surface Based on Pixel Intensity, Pixel Color and Camera Exposure Time Adaptive Adjustment
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Yang Yanxi , Zhou Yuguo
Published: December 2020

Three-dimensional (3-D) surface reconstruction of reflective objects and colored objects is a challenge. To this end, we proposed a novel approach. First, a new method of pixel matching between the projected image and the captured image is proposed. Then, we analyzed the impact of color texture and reflective surface on the captured image quality, and proposed a black-and-white (B/W) camera-based color information extraction method, an object surface reflectance and ambient light interference estimation method. Finally, the pixel color, pixel intensity and exposure time can be adaptively adjusted according to the color information and reflectivity of the measured objects. Experiments verified that the proposed method can not only obtain high-quality captured images, but also has a smaller number of additional images and a wider range of applications than existing methods.
Describing The Behaviours, Perception and Awareness of Bariatric Surgery Among Primary Care Physicians in Kuwait.
Authors: Alasfour Shaimaa , Almughamis Nouf , Ahmed Ahmed
Published: December 2020

BackgroundObesity is a growing issue globally and bariatric surgery is increasingly being utilized to treat it. The prevalence of obesity in Kuwait is already high compared with global comparisons and increasing. The current study sought to assess the knowledge and attitudes of physicians in Kuwait towards obesity within their patient populations and the use of bariatric surgery.MethodsQuestionnaires were distributed to physicians across Kuwait. Responses were recorded online via Survey Monkey. The self-administered questionnaire collected data about demographic factors, knowledge of bariatric surgery, practices related to the collection of measurements related to weight and height, and attitudes towards bariatric surgery and obesity among patients.ResultsA total of 118 surveys were returned. A minority of respondents (34%) supported the use of bariatric surgery, despite 51% having referred a patient for such a procedure. In terms of behaviours related to overweight and obesity, the majority of respondents regularly took patients weight and height, calculated BMI, and initiated conversations about obesity when they felt they were required. Knowledge related to the morbidity and mortality experienced by those undergoing bariatric surgery was low. Among those who responded to questions related to their knowledge of mortality related to bariatric surgery, over half did not know the 30-day mortality associated with any of the procedures included within the questions. ConclusionAmong our sample of physicians, we report a low level of support for bariatric surgery, as well as low levels of knowledge of the risks and consequences of the procedures. At the same time, while we found low levels of support for this type of surgery, over half had referred a patient for it. As obesity continues to be a key issue of public health concern, globally and within Kuwait, physician and patient education and awareness of the appropriate treatment options available becomes increasingly important.
Recovery Trajectories Over Six Weeks in Patients Selected for A High-Intensity Physiotherapy Program After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Harmelink K.E.M. , Dandis R. , Wees P.J. , Zeegers A.V.C.M. , Sanden M.W. Nijhuis-van der , Staal J.B.
Published: December 2020

Background: Recovery trajectories differ between individual patients and it is hypothesizes that they can be used to predict if an individual patient is likely to recover earlier or later. Primary aim of this study was to determine if it is possible to identify recovery trajectories for physical functioning and pain during the first six weeks in patients after TKA. Secondary aim was to explore the association of these trajectories with one-year outcomes. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 218 patients with the following measurement time points: preoperative, and at three days, two weeks, six weeks, and one year post-surgery. Outcome measures were performance-based physical functioning (Timed Up and Go [TUG]), self-reported physical functioning (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living [KOOS-ADL]), and pain (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]). Latent Class Analysis was used to distinguish classes based on recovery trajectories over the first six weeks postoperatively. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify associations between classes and one year outcomes.Results: TUG showed three classes: “gain group” (n=203), “moderate gain group” (n=8) and “slow gain group” (n=7), KOOS showed two classes: “gain group” (n=86) and “moderate gain group” (n=132), and VAS-pain three classes: “no/very little pain” (n=151), “normal decrease of pain” (n=48) and “sustained pain” (n=19). The ”low gain group” scored 3.31 [95% CI 1.52, 5.09] seconds less on the TUG than the “moderate gain group” group, and the KOOS “gain group” scored 11.97 [95% CI 8.62, 15.33] points better than the “moderate gain group” after one year.Patients who had an early trajectory of “sustained pain” had less chance to become free of pain at one year than those who reported “no or little pain” (odds ratio 0.11 [95% CI 0.03,0.42]. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that different recovery trajectories can be detected. Especially the difference in TUG and KOOS-ADL between the “gain” and “moderate gain” group was considered clinically relevant, while for VAS scores differences between “no/very little pain,” and “sustained pain” were statistically significant but small.
Nanoscale bubble domains with polar topologies in bulk ferroelectrics
Authors: Pennycook Stephen , Yin Jie , Zong Hongxiang , Tao Hong , Tao Xuefei , Wu Haijun , Zhang Yang , Zhao Li-Dong , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun , Zhu Jianguo , Wu Jiagang
Published: December 2020

Multitudinous topological configurations spawn new oases of novel phenomena and physical properties in condensed-matter physics1. Nano-sized ferroelectric bubble domains with various polar topologies (e.g., vortices, skyrmions) achieved in ferroelectric films present great potential for valuable physical properties2–5. However, experimentally manipulating bubble domains has remained elusive especially in the bulk form. Here, for the first time in any bulk material, we achieve self-confined bubble domains with multiple polar topologies in bulk Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 ferroelectrics, especially skyrmions, as validated by direct Z-contrast imaging. This phenomenon is driven by the interplay of bulk, elastic and electrostatic energies of coexisting modulated phases with strong and weak spontaneous polarizations. We demonstrate reversable and tip-voltage magnitude/time-dependent donut-like domain morphology evolution towards continuously and reversibly modulated high-density nonvolatile ferroelectric memories.
The Mason: Health Starts Here Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cuellar Alison , Adams Leah , Jonge Elisabeth de , Espina Virginia , Espinoza Laurette , Fischer Sarah , Frankenfeld Cara , Hines Denise , Kornienko Olga , Lawrence Heidi , Ramizani Niloofar , Rana Ziaul , Rossheim Matthew , Short Jerome , Waithaka Eric , Wilson Alyssa , Cheskin Lawrence
Published: December 2020

Background: Young adulthood is a period of increasing independence for the 40% of young adults enrolled in U.S. colleges. Previous research indicates differences in how students’ health behaviors develop and vary by gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. George Mason University is a state institution that enrolls a highly diverse student population, making it an ideal setting to launch a longitudinal cohort study using multiple research methods to evaluate the effects of health behaviors on physical and psychological functioning, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Mason: Health Starts Here was developed as a longitudinal cohort study of successive waves of first-time freshmen that aims to improve understanding of the natural history and determinants of young adults’ physical health, mental health, and their role in college completion. The study recruits first-time freshmen who are 18 to 24 years old and able to read and understand English. All incoming freshman are recruited through various methods to participate in a longitudinal cohort for four years. Data collection occurs in fall and spring semesters, with online surveys conducted in both semesters and in-person clinic visits conducted in the fall. Students receive physical examinations during clinic visits and provide biospecimens (blood and saliva). Discussion: The study will produce new knowledge to help understand the development of health-related behaviors during young adulthood. A long-term goal of the cohort study is to support the design of effective, low-cost interventions to encourage young adults’ consistent performance of healthful behaviors, improve their mental health, and improve academic performance.
Correlation Between Improvement in Visual Acuity and QOL After Ranibizumab Treatment for Age-related Macular Degeneration Patients: QUATRO Study
Authors: Oshima Yuji , Ishibashi Yumi , Umeda Naoyasu , Nagata Tatsuo , Yoshida Shigeo , Uchio Eiichi , Kondo Hiroyuki , Sonoda Koh-hei , Ishibashi Tatsuro
Published: December 2020

Background: To evaluate the correlation between visual acuity improvement and vision-related QOL after ranibizumab treatment in Japanese patients with AMD.Methods: In this one-year prospective, interventional, open-label, multicenter study involving four sites, patients with neovascular AMD were enrolled and observed for 12 months. Treatment-naïve patients received 0.5 mg ranibizumab as needed (PRN) after three initial monthly doses. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured at every visit. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, and evaluations with the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and patient satisfaction questionnaire were performed at baseline and 3 and 12 months after initial treatment. The primary endpoint was the change in BCVA and QOL 3 months after ranibizumab treatment. Secondary endpoints included change in BCVA, QOL, CMT, and patient satisfaction over 12 months.Results: The study enrolled 100 patients. The mean logMAR BCVA after the 3-month treatment improved significantly from 0.43 to 0.30 (p<0.0001). The mean NEI-VFQ-25 composite scores were higher after 3 months of ranibizumab treatment, improving from 79.48 to 84.13 (p<0.0001). The changes in the NEI-VFQ-25 score and BCVA showed significant correlation in the poor baseline visual acuity group (decimal BCVA below 0.5, p=0.02) but not in the better baseline visual acuity group (decimal BCVA above 0.6, p=0.1) after the three loading doses. There were no significant differences in the satisfaction questionnaire score from baseline to after the three loading doses (p=0.5466). The average CMT improved significantly from 340 to 264 mm after the loading doses (p<0.0001).Conclusions: Intravitreal ranibizumab treatment resulted in improvement in visual acuity, anatomical change, and visual function change in Japanese AMD patients. Significant improvement was seen in patient visual function, but this was not correlated with changes in VA in patients with higher or lower baseline VA. The patients' satisfaction with the treatment remained unchanged during the study period.
The Patient Enablement Instrument for Back Pain: Reliability, Content Validity, Construct Validity and Responsiveness
Authors: Nielsen Anne Molgaard , Hartvigsen Jan , Kongsted Alice , Öberg Birigtta , Enthoven Paul , Abbott Allan , Lauridsen Henrik Hein
Published: December 2020

Background Currently, there are no outcome measures assessing the ability of people with non-specific low back pain to self-manage their illness. Inspired by the ‘Patient Enablement Instrument’, we developed the Patient Enablement Instrument for Back Pain (PEI-BP). The aim of this study was to describe the development of the Patient Enablement Instrument for Back Pain (PEI-BP) and investigate content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, responsiveness and floor and ceiling effects.Methods The PEI-BP consists of 6 items that are rated on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale. Measurement properties were evaluated using the COSMIN taxonomy and were based on three cohorts from primary care with low back pain: The content validity cohort (N=14) which participated in semi-structured interviews, the GLA:D Back cohort (N=272) and the test-retest cohort (N=37) which both completed self-reported questionnaires. For construct validity and responsiveness, enablement was compared to disability (Oswestry Disability Index), back pain beliefs (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), fear avoidance (Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire – physical activity), mental health (SF-36), educational level and number of previous episodes of low back pain.Results The PEI-BP was found to have acceptable content validity, construct validity, reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability and measurement error) and responsiveness. The Smallest Detectable Change was 10.1 points illustrating that a patient would have to change more than 1/6 of the scale range for it to be a true change. A skewed distribution towards the high scores were found at baseline indicating a potentially problematic ceiling effect in the current population.Conclusions The PEI-BP can be considered a valid and reliable tool to measure enablement on people seeking care for non-specific LBP. Further testing of the PEI-BP in populations with more severe LBP is recommended.Trial registration: not applicable
The Mediation Effect of Coping Strategies Between Personality and Blood Pressure in Pregnancy Complicated by Hypertension
Authors: Chapuis-de-Andrade Sabrina , Moret-Tatay Carmen , Irigaray Tatiana Quarti , Antonello Ivan Carlos Ferreira , Costa Bartira Ercília Pinheiro da
Published: December 2020

Background: Hypertension is a disorder that affects many people and its complications can cause serious damage to health. In pregnancy, it is even more serious with risks both to pregnant women and their fetuses. This study investigated the role played by personality and coping strategies in blood pressure levels during pregnancy. Its specific goal was to study whether coping strategies can mediate the effect of personality in pregnancy complicated by hypertension. Methods: Assessment of a sample of 351 pregnant women, encompassing 192 pregnancies complicated by hypertension. This is a cross-sectional study where personality traits were measured by the Five-Factor Model and coping was evaluated by the Jalowiec´s Coping Inventory. Results: Personality can partially predict systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Openness to experience trait and emotion focused coping correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Diastolic blood pressure was predicted by openness to experience (β=-.15; p<.05). Systolic blood pressure was also predicted by openness to experience (β =-.14; p<.05). Conclusions: It is suggested to reinforce the development of coping strategies that are more focused on the problem than on emotion, in order to avoid negative effects of emotional coping in blood pressure in pregnancy.
The Antitumor Mechanism of the Polyphenol-enriched Ethyl Acetate Fraction Extract of Glechoma hederacea (Lamiaceae) against HepG2 Cells Involves Apoptosis Pathways
Authors: Chao Wen-Wan , Liou Yu-Jhen , Ma Hao-Ting , Chen Yi-Hua , Chou Su-Tze
Published: December 2020

Background: Glechoma hederacea (Lamiaceae) is a traditional Chinese herb belonging to the Labiatae family and has many biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of different polar parts of the water extracts of G. hederacea (Lamiaceae) on HepG2 cells and the possible underlying mechanism.Methods: The cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT assay. Apoptosis was quantified using annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were measured using PhiphiLux-G1D2 kit. Apoptosis-related protein expression was determined using western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP), and calcium ion levels were measured using specific fluorescence probes and flow cytometry. The HepG2 cell antioxidant state was determined using DAPI and comet assay, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The polyphenol contents of different polar parts of fractional extracts were determined using HPLC. Results: Our results showed that rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid were the major polyphenolic components in the ethyl acetate fraction extract (EAFE) of G. hederacea L.. EAFE could significantly inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and cause S phase arrest. The apoptogenic activity of EAFE involved ROS induction, Ca2+ accumulation, glutathione depletion, MMP disruption, caspases 3, 9 activation, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio increment.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the polyphenols in the EAFE can inhibit HepG2 cell growth and induce apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated pathway and ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress. EAFE could be developed as a functional food or nutraceutical ingredient for chemotherapy.
A subunit gene of sucrose non-fermenting 1 related kinase, PpSnRK1γ, confers flat fruit abortion in peach by regulating sugar and starch metabolism
Authors: Guo Jian , Cao Ke , Yao Jia-long , Deng Cecilia , Li Yong , Zhu Gengrui , Fang Weichao , Chen Changwen , Wang Xinwei , Wu Jinlong , Guo Wenwu , Wang Lirong
Published: December 2020

Background: Fruit abortion is a major limiting factor for fruit production. In flat peach, fruit abortion is present in the whole tree of some accessions during early fruit development. However, the physiological factors and genetic mechanism underlying flat fruit abortion remain largely elusive. Results: In this study, we have revealed that the fertilization process was accomplished and the reduction of sucrose and starch contents might result in flat fruit abortion. By combining association and gene expression analysis, a key candidate gene, PpSnRK1γ, was identified. A 1.67-Mb inversion co-segregated with flat fruit shape altered the promoter activity of PpSnRK1γ, resulting in much lower expression in aborting flat peach. Ectopic transformation in tomato and transient overexpression in peach fruit have shown that PpSnRK1γ could increase sugar and starch contents. Comparative transcriptome analysis further confirmed that PpSnRK1γ participated in carbohydrate metabolism. Subcellular localization found that PpSnRK1γ was located in nucleus. Conclusions: This study clarified the reason for flat fruit abortion and identified a critical candidate gene, PpSnRK1γ, responsible for fruit abortion in peach. The results would provide great help in peach breeding and facilitate gene identification for fruit abortion in other plant species.
Profiling Immuno-Metabolic Mediators of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Metformin-Treated Type II Diabetes Patients in Ghana
Authors: Sakyi Samuel , Laing Edwin F. , Mantey Richard , Kwarteng Alexander , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Dadzie Richard Ephraim , Amoani Benjamin , Opoku Stephen , Afranie Bright Oppong , Boakye Daniel
Published: December 2020

Background: The association between prolong metformin usage and B12 deficiency has been documented. However, the prevalence estimates of metformin-induced vitamin B12 deficiency showed substantial disparity among studies due to varied study definitions of vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin blocks the calcium dependent absorption of the vitamin B12-Intrinsic Factor complex at the terminal ileum. Lack of intrinsic factor due to the presence of auto-antibodies to parietal cells (IFA) could lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and subsequently cause peripheral neuropathy. We investigated the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency using more sensitive, combined markers of vitamin B12 status (4cB12) and the immuno-biochemical mediators of vitamin B12 deficiency.Methods: In this observational study, 200 consecutive metformin-treated T2DM patients, aged 35 and above, attending the diabetic clinic at KATH were recruited. Vitamin B12 deficiency was classified based on the Fedosov age-normalized wellness quotient. Anthropometric measurement was taken as well as blood samples for immunological and biochemical mediators. Peripheral neuropathy was assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Statistical analysis was performed using the R Language for Statistical Computing version 3.6.0. Results: Using the combined indicator (4cB12), the prevalence of metformin induced vitamin B12 deficiency was 40.5% whilst the prevalence of MNSI-Q and MNSI-PE diabetic neuropathy was 67.5% and 93.5% respectively. Participants with vitamin B12 deficiency had significantly higher levels of IFA, GPA, TNF-α, TC, LDL and albumin compared to those with normal vitamin B12 levels (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant negative association between 4cB12 and the immunological markers [AIF (rs= -0.301, p<0.0001), GPA (rs= -0.244, p=0.001), TNF-α (rs= -0.242, p=0.001) and IL-6 (rs= -0.145, p=0.041)]. Likewise, 4cB12 was negatively associated with TC (rs= -0.203, p=0.004) and LDL (rs= -0.222, p=0.002) but positively correlated with HDL (rs= 0.196, p=0.005).Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency and diabetic neuropathy are very high among metformin-treated T2DM patients and it is associated with increased GPA, IFA, TNF-α and cardiometabolic risk factors (higher LDL and TC and lower HDL). It is imperative Ghana include routine measurement of Vitamin B12 deficiency using the more sensitive combined indicators (4cB12), in the management of T2DM patients on metformin.
Intensity of end-of-life health care and mortality after systemic anti-cancer treatment in patients with advanced lung cancer
Authors: Oselin Kersti , Pisarev Heti , Ilau Keit , Kiivet Raul-Allan
Published: December 2020

Background: We aimed to study the mortality and intensity of health care in patients with advanced lung cancer who received systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) compared with patients who were not eligible for SACT (no-SACT). Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with lung cancer, who were treated at the North Estonia Medical Centre from 2015–2017, was linked to population-based health care data from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. We calculated 14- and 30-day mortality after SACT and used a composite measure of intensity of care, comprised from the following: emergency department visit, admission to hospital, admission to intensive care unit, receipt of radiotherapy or systemic treatment. Results: The median overall survival (OS) of patients who received at least one cycle of SACT (n = 489) was 9.1 months and in patients with no-SACT (n = 289) 1.3 months (hazard ratio [HR]=4.23, 95% CI=3.60-5.00). In the SACT group 6.7% and 14.7% of patients died within 14 days and 30 days after the last cycle, respectively. During the final 30 days of life, intensive EOL care was received by 69.9% of the SACT patients and 43.7% of the no-SACT patients (p < 0.001). Among SACT patients, sepsis, bacterial infection and/or neutropenia had a significant adverse effect on survival (HR=1.7, 95% CI=1.3-2.21, p < 0.001), whereas the use of the granulocyte colony stimulating growth factor reduced the risk of death (HR= 0.71, 95% CI=0.54-0.92, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Significant proportions of patients with advanced lung cancer continue to receive intensive care near death. Our results highlight that neutropenia and infectious complications are still the primary cause of early SACT-related death.
Geospatial Approach for Assessment of Vulnerability to Flood in Local Self Governments
Authors: S Deepak , Rajan Gopika , G Jairaj P
Published: December 2020

Recent years have shown a significant increase in the occurrence of floods globally, with an impact on habitation and different sectors of the economy. This, in turn, necessitates the use of different flood mitigation strategies, wherein flood vulnerability assessment plays a significant role. The proposed work presents a methodology that combines vulnerability under physical-environmental and socio-economic domains to assess the overall flood vulnerability at the local self-government level. The methodology was illustrated to the case of Aluva municipality, located on the banks of River Periyar, in Kerala state, India. The spatial variation of hazard inducing factors and population statistics were analysed using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The machine learning algorithm, Random Forest, which uses hazard inducing factors as input was implemented for the evaluation of physical-environmental vulnerability. The social vulnerability of the region was analysed using the GIS Multi-criteria decision analysis approach (MCDA), with criteria weights to incorporate the interests of different stakeholders. The critical combinations of the two domains of vulnerability in the assessment of the vulnerability to flood, to have efficient flood management in local self-government was demonstrated in this study and can be made use of for any flood event.
Relaxometric learning: a pattern recognition method for T2 relaxation curves based on machine learning supported by an analytical framework
Authors: Date Yasuhiro , Wei Feifei , Tsuboi Yuuri , Ito Kengo , Sakata Kenji , Kikuchi Jun
Published: December 2020

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based relaxometry is widely used in various fields of research because of its advantages such as simple sample preparation, easy handling, and relatively low cost compared with metabolomics approaches. However, there have been no reports on the application of the T 2 relaxation curves in metabolomics studies involving the evaluation of metabolic mixtures, such as geographical origin determination and feature extraction by pattern recognition and data mining. In this study, we describe a data mining method for relaxometric data (i.e., relaxometric learning). This method is based on a machine learning algorithm supported by the analytical framework optimized for the relaxation curve analyses. In the analytical framework, we incorporated a variable optimization approach and bootstrap resampling-based matrixing to enhance the classification performance and balance the sample size between groups, respectively. The relaxometric learning enabled the extraction of features related to the physical properties of fish muscle and the determination of the geographical origin of the fish by improving the classification performance. Our results suggest that relaxometric learning is a powerful and versatile alternative to conventional metabolomics approaches for evaluating fleshiness of chemical mixtures in food and for other biological and chemical research requiring a nondestructive, cost-effective, and time-saving method.
Public knowledge of risk factors and warning signs for cardiovascular disease among young and middle-aged adults in rural Tanzania
Authors: Muhihi Alfa , Anaeli Amani , Mpembeni Rose N.M , Sunguya Bruno F. , Leyna Germana , Kakoko Deodatus , Kessy Anna Tengia , Sando Mary Mwanyika , Njelekela Marina , Urassa David P.
Published: December 2020

Background: Improving cardiovascular health requires public knowledge and reduction of modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This study assessed knowledge of risk factors and warning signs for CVDs among young and middle-aged adults in Morogoro, Tanzania.Methods: We conducted a community-based survey as part of cluster randomized controlled study of community health workers (CHWs) intervention for reduction of blood pressure among young and middle-aged adults in rural Morogoro. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of risk factors and warning signs for CVDs was collected using an interviewer administered questionaire. Knowledge was assessed using open-ended questions followed by closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used to describe knowledge of risk factors and warning signs. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with adequate knowledge of risk factors and warning signs for CVDs.Results: Two-thirds (65.7%) of the participants had heard about CVDs. The main sources of information were mainly relatives/ neighbors (64.8%) and radio (53.0%). Only 28.3% of the participants reported health care providers as source of information about CVDs. More than half of the participants (52.4%) did not mention even one risk factor spontaneously while 55.2% were unable to mention any warning sign. When asked to select from a list, 6.9% were unable to correctly identify any risk factor whereas 11.8% could not correctly identify even a single warning sign. Quarter of participants (25.4%) had good knowledge score of risk factors, 17.5% had good knowledge score of warning signs and 16.3% had overall good knowledge of both risk factors and warning signs. Residing in Ulanga, having higher education level, having ever checked blood pressure and being overweight/obese predicted adequacy of knowledge score for both risk factors and warning signs.Conclusion: Knowledge of risk factors and warning signs in this rural population of young and middle-aged adults was generally low. Health care providers were less likely to provide health education regarding risk factors and warning signs for CVDs. Health promotion interventions to increase population knowledge of risk factors and warning signs should be implemented for successful reduction of CVDs in Tanzania.
Region specific amyloid-β accumulation in the olfactory system influences olfactory sensory neuronal dysfunction in 5xFAD mice
Authors: Son Gowoon , Yoo Seung-Jun , Kang Shinwoo , Rasheed Ameer , Jung Da Hae , Park Hyunjun , Cho Bongki , Steinbusch Harry W.M. , Chang Keun-A , Suh Yoo-Hun , Moon Cheil
Published: December 2020

Background: Hyposmia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a typical early symptom according to numerous previous clinical studies. Although amyloid-β (Aβ), which is one of the toxic factors upregulated early in AD, has been identified in many studies, even in the peripheral areas. The pathology involving olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) remains poorly understood. Methods: Here, we focused on peripheral olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and delved deeper into the direct relationship between pathophysiological and behavioral results using odorants. We also confirmed histologically the pathological changes in three-month-old 5xFAD mouse models, which recapitulates AD pathology. We introduced a numeric scale histologically to compare physiological phenomenon and local tissue lesions regardless of the anatomical plane. Results: We observed the odorant group that the 5xFAD mice showed reduced responses to odorants. These also did not physiologically activate OSNs that propagate their axons to the ventral olfactory bulb. Interestingly, the amount of accumulated amyloid-β (Aβ) was high in the OSNs located in the olfactory epithelial ectoturbinate and the ventral olfactory bulb glomeruli. We also observed irreversible damage to the ectoturbinate of the olfactory epithelium by measuring the impaired neuronal turnover ratio from the basal cells to the matured OSNs. Conclusions: Our results showed that partial and asymmetrical accumulation of Aβ coincided with physiologically and structurally damaged areas in the peripheral olfactory system, which evoked hyporeactivity to some odorants. Taken together, partial olfactory dysfunction closely-associated with peripheral OSN’s loss could be a leading cause of AD-related hyposmia, a characteristic of early AD.
Activation of metabolic and stress responses during subtoxic expression of the type I toxin hok in Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Peng Jingyu , Triplett Lindsay R. , Sundin George
Published: December 2020

Background: Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, abundant in prokaryotes, are composed of a toxin gene and its cognate antitoxin. Several toxins are implied to affect the physiological state and stress tolerance of bacteria in a population. We previously identified a chromosomally encoded hok-sok type I TA system in Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of fire blight disease on pome fruit trees. A high-level induction of the hok gene was lethal to E. amylovora cells through unknown mechanisms. The molecular targets or regulatory roles of Hok were unknown.Results: Here, we examined the physiological and transcriptomic changes of Erwinia amylovora cells expressing hok at subtoxic levels that were confirmed to confer no cell death, and at toxic levels that resulted in killing of cells. In both conditions, hok caused membrane rupture and collapse of the proton motive force in a subpopulation of E. amylovora cells. We demonstrated that induction of hok resulted in upregulation of ATP biosynthesis genes, and caused leakage of ATP from cells only at toxic levels. We showed that overexpression of the phage shock protein gene pspA largely reversed the cell death phenotype caused by high levels of hok induction. We also showed that induction of hok at a subtoxic level rendered a greater proportion of stationary phase E. amylovora cells tolerant to the antibiotic streptomycin.Conclusions: We characterized the molecular mechanism of toxicity by high-level of hok induction and demonstrated that low-level expression of hok primes the stress responses of E. amylovora against further membrane and antibiotic stressors.
Real-time spectral interleaved electro-optic dual-comb spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Bingxin , Fan Xinyu , Wang Shuai , He Zuyuan
Published: December 2020

Optical frequency comb with evenly spaced lines over a broad bandwidth has revolutionized the fields of optical metrology and spectroscopy. Here, we propose an electro-optic dual-comb spectroscopy to real-time interleave the spectrum with high resolution, in which two electro-optic frequency combs are seed by swept light source. An interleaved spectrum with a high resolution is real-time recorded by the sweeping probe comb without gap time, which is multi-heterodyne detected by the sweeping local comb. The proposed scheme measures a spectrum spanning 304 GHz in 1.6 ms with a resolution of 1 MHz, and reaches a spectral sampling rate of 1.9*108 points/s under Nyquist-limitation. A reflectance spectrum is measured with a calculated figure-of-merit of 4.2*108, which shows great prospect for fast and high-resolution applications.
DEVELOPMENT OF A CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF A ROBOTIC COMPLEX FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RAVIOLI OF SPECIAL FORMS
Authors: Burdo Oleg , Bezbakh Igor , Golubkov Pavel , Shyshov Serhii , Gavrilov Aleksander , Terziev Sergey , Nedobiichuk Tetiana
Published: December 2020

The article provides a substantiation of the conceptual model of the production process of special forms of dumplings. It is the first stage in the development of a model of this process as a control object. The purpose of which is to form an objective basis for the development of an effective system for automatic process control. The development of the conceptual model presupposes the specification and description of the properties of control channels and acting disturbances to the level of their mathematical model, which can be implemented in a simulation environment. Problems of identification of the mathematical model of the process of the production of dumplings, i. e. obtaining a mathematical description of processes based on the results of its purposeful experimental research, due to its complexity as a control object.The experimental approach, in this case, gives much more reliable results on the properties of the process. An attempt to obtain such general properties on the basis of experimental data would inevitably lead to the need for very complex and lengthy multifactorial experiments and nontrivial procedures for their processing. But this will leave open the question of the adequacy of the model for those conditions of the process and types of raw materials that were not covered by the experiments. Fundamentally important is the fact that the mathematical model of the process is developed as a model of the control object.Model can be used in two ways. This is due to the fact that in the closed circuits of the SAC, the discrepancy between the models can be considered as a manifestation of uncontrolled coordinate and parametric disturbances. It is in conditions of this kind of disturbances that the SAC must fulfill its functional purpose. The developed mathematical model of the production process of special forms of dumplings will be used by us only in the direction, when it is of great importance not so much quantitative as its qualitative correspondence to the original object.
The origin of trapiche-like inclusion patterns in quartz from Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Farfan Gabriela A. , Rakovan John , Ackerson Michael R. , Andrews Benjamin J. , Post Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2020

Fibrous amphibole and clay mineral inclusions that form striking trapiche-like star patterns within quartz crystals from Inner Mongolia, China, present a challenge to uncover how these crystals grow and incorporate inclusions in a geological context. We propose that the patterns formed as a result of protogenic clay (ferrosaponite or nontronite) inclusions that were preferentially trapped on rough surfaces during quartz crystal growth. The rough surface texture of these crystals is the result of multiple growth centers during 2D nucleation and spread and split crystal formation. Observations via optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence, and three-dimensional micro-CT scanning highlight how the exterior surface textures on the termination of a complete quartz crystal mimic its interior inclusion patterns. Cathodoluminescence images, as well as varying aluminum concentrations along a core-to-exterior transect in a quartz crystal slice, suggest that the formation fluid underwent a heterogeneous chemical history. Measurements of Ti and observations of fluid inclusions suggest the quartz formed at a temperature of under 348 °C. This study presents the details surrounding split crystal growth in quartz in a natural geological setting, which has implications for inspiring new materials and may serve as an indicator for turbid and highly supersaturated formation fluid conditions in geological formations.
Sivas İlinde Üretilen Peskütan Yoğurdunun Mikrobiyolojik Kalitesinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: DİNÇER Emine
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmada geleneksel yöntemler ile üretilen, konsantre bir yoğurt çeşidi olan ve Sivas bölgesinde halk pazarlarında satışa sunulan peskütan yoğurdunun mikrobiyolojik kalitesi değerlendirilmiştir. Bu amaçla Sivas merkez ve ilçelerinden 30 adet peskütan örneği toplanmış ve Uluslararası Standartlar Teşkilatı (ISO) yöntemlerine göre mikrobiyolojik analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Analizler toplam aerobik mezofilik bakteri (TAMB), maya-küf, koliform grubu bakteri, Escherichia coli ve koagülaz pozitif stafilokok sayımlarını içermektedir. Bu bakteriyel grupların yanı sıra, örneklerde patojen bakterilerden Listeria monocytogenes ve Salmonella spp. tayini yapılmıştır. Analizler sonucunda örneklerde TAMB ve maya-küf sayısı sırasıyla 6.74±0.66 ve 7.11±1.10 log kob g-1 olarak bulunmuştur. Örneklerin hiçbirinde koliform grubu bakteri, E. coli, Salmonella spp. ve L. monocytogenes saptanmamıştır. Stafilokokların sayımında ise, 30 örneğin 19’unda Staphylococcus spp. varlığı tespit edilmiş fakat hiçbiri koagülaz pozitif S. aureus olarak tanımlanmamıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar peskütan örneklerinde patojen mikroorganizmaların ya da fekal kontaminasyonun olmadığını işaret etmektedir. Bununla birlikte peskütan örneklerindeki TAMB ve maya-küf sayılarının yüksek oluşu; üretim, depolama veya pazarlama aşamalarında hijyenik koşulların yeterince sağlanamadığının göstergesi olabilir.
Performance Analysis of SMDO Method with Benchmark Functions with Matlab Toolbox
Authors: AKPAMUKÇU Mehmet , ATEŞ Abdullah , ALAGÖZ Barış Baykant
Published: December 2020

SMDO method is a set and trial based optimization algorithm that is developed for online fine-tuning of controller parameters. SMDO method is implemented for several controller tuning applications. It can search parameter space with random backward and forward steps of each parameter. This property reduces risk of testing unstable control system configurations in controller design and thus makes the SMDO method more suitable for online parameter tuning of experimental systems. However, performance of SMDO has not been evaluated previously for benchmark functions in comparison with other well known heuristic optimization methods. This study aims to compare performances of Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Cuckoo Search Optimization (CK), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Stochastic Multi-parameters Divergence Optimization (SMDO) methods for benchmark functions. Therefore, a benchmark tests program that is a user-friendly MATLAB GUI is introduced for user. This program can be downloaded from https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/75043-smdo-method-with-benchmark-functions
Üreticilerin Tarımsal Üretim Amaçlarının Bulanık Eşli Karşılaştırma Yöntemi ile Analizi
Authors: İKİKAT TÜMER Emine , BİRİNCİ Avni
Published: December 2020

Çalışmada üreticilerin tarımsal üretim yapma amaçlarının sıralanması ve bu amaçları etkileyen üretici özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla, TRA I Bölgesinde Oransal örnekleme yöntemi kullanılarak belirlenen 122 üreticiyle anket yapılmıştır. Elde edilen verilerin analizinde amaç sıralaması için Bulanık Eşli Karşılaştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Analiz sonucunda araştırma bölgesindeki üreticiler sırasıyla “Borçları azaltmak”, “Ailenin ihtiyacını karşılamak”, “Araziyi korumak”, “Maksimum kar sağlamak”, “İşletmeyi gelecek nesle aktarmak”, “İşletmeyi büyütmek” ve “En az riskle üretim yapmak” amaçlarına yer vermektedirler. Bu sonuca göre üreticiler tarımsal üretimin her aşamasında riski göze almaktadırlar. Araştırma yöresindeki üreticilere sunulan amaçların önceliklerini etkileyen faktörleri belirlenmek için Tobit Modeli kullanılmıştır. Model sonucuna göre “Borçları azaltmak” amacını eğitim ve tarıma ayrılan bütçe negatif yönde etkilemektedir. Yöredeki üreticilerin işletmelerini büyütmelerive tarımsal üretime ayırdıkları bütçeyi artırmaları için üreticiler desteklenebilirler.