bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic stewardship in a tertiary care NICU of northern India: a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Agarwal Sunita , Patodia Jyoti , Mittal Jaikrishan , Singh Yatish , Agnihotri Vaibhav , Sharma Varun
Published: August 2021

Background

The overuse of antibiotics in newborns leads to increased mortality and morbidities. Implementation of a successful antibiotic stewardship programme (ASP) is necessary to decrease inappropriate use of antibiotics and its adverse effects.

Problem

Our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a tertiary referral centre of north India, consisting of all outborn babies mostly with sepsis caused by high rate of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). So antibiotics are not only life-saving but also used excessively with a high antibiotic usage rate (AUR) of 574 per 1000 patient days.

Method

A quality improvement (QI) study was conducted using the Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) approach to reduce AUR by at least 20% from January 2019 to December 2020. Various strategies were made : such as making a unit protocol, education and awareness of NICU nurses and doctors, making check points for both starting and early stoppage of antibiotics, making specific protocol to start vancomycin, and reviewing yearly antibiotic policy as per antibiogram.

Results

The total AUR, AUR (culture negative) and AUR (vancomycin) was reduced by 32%, 20% and 29%, respectively, (p<0.01). The proportion of newborns who never received antibiotics increased from 22% to 37% (p<0.045) and the proportion of culture-negative/screen-negative newborns where antibiotics were stopped within 48 hours increased from 16% to 54% (p<0.001). The compliance with the unit protocol in starting and upgrading antibiotic was 75% and 82%, respectively. In early 2020, there was a sudden upsurge in AUR due to central line-related bloodstream infection breakout. However, we were able to control it, and all the PDSA cycles were reinforced. Finally, we could reattain our goals, and also able to sustain it until next 1 year. There was no significant difference in overall necrotising enterocolitis and mortality rates.

Conclusion

In a centre such as ours, where sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal deaths, restricting antibiotic use is a huge challenge. However, we have demonstrated implementation of an efficient ASP with the help of a dedicated team and effective PDSA cycles. Also, we have emphasised the importance of sustainability in success of any QI study.
Associations of initial haemodynamic profiles and neurological outcomes in children with traumatic brain injury: a secondary analysis
Authors: Yao Sarah Hui Wen , Chong Shu-Ling , James Vigil , Lee Khai Pin , Ong Gene Yong-Kwang
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Initial low systolic blood pressure (SBP) in paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with mortality. There is limited literature on how other haemodynamic parameters including heart rate (HR); diastolic blood pressure (DBP); mean arterial pressure (MAP); and shock index, paediatric age-adjusted (SIPA) affect not only mortality but also long-term neurological outcomes in paediatric TBI. We aimed to analyse the associations of these haemodynamic variables (HR, SBP, MAP, DBP and SIPA) with mortality and long-term neurological outcomes in isolated moderate-to-severe paediatric TBI.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of our primary study that analysed the association of TBI-associated coagulopathy with mortality and neurological outcome in isolated, moderate-to-severe paediatric head injury. A trauma registry-based, retrospective study of children <18 years old who presented to the emergency department with isolated, moderate-to-severe TBI from January 2010 to December 2016 was conducted. The association between initial haemodynamic variables and less favourable outcomes using Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended Paediatric) at 6 months post injury was analysed using logistic regression.

Results

Among 152 children analysed, initial systolic and diastolic hypotension (<5th percentile) (OR) for SBP 11.40, 95% CI 3.60 to 36.05, p<0.001; OR for DBP 15.75, 95% CI 3.09 to 80.21, p<0.001) and Glasgow Coma Scale scores <8 (OR 14.50, 95% CI 3.65 to 57.55, p<0.001) were associated with ‘moderate-to-severe neurological disabilities’, ‘vegetative state’ and ‘death’. After adjusting for confounders, only SBP was significant (adjusted OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.40 to 23.08, p=0.015).

Conclusions

Initial systolic hypotension was independently associated with mortality and moderate-to-severe neurological deficits at 6 months post injury. Further work is required to understand if early correction of hypotension will improve long-term outcomes.
Emergency management of older people with cervical spine injuries: an expert practice review
Authors: Benchetrit Sandy , Blackham Jules , Braude Philip , Halliday Ruth , Shipway David , Williams Adam , Carlton Edward
Published: August 2021

Spinal fractures are the third most common traumatic injury in older people, of which cervical spine injuries make up around 15%. They are predominantly seen in people living with frailty who fall from standing height. Spinal fractures in this patient group are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality (over 40% at 1 year). For many older people who survive, their injuries will be life changing. Practice between EDs varies significantly, with no universally accepted guidelines on either assessment, investigation or management specific to older people experiencing trauma. This expert practice review examines the current evidence and emergency management options in this patient group through clinical scenarios, with the aim of providing a more unified approach to management.
Role of digital health in detection and management of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tooley James E , Perez Marco Valentin
Published: August 2021

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity, mortality and decreased quality of life. Mobile health devices marketed directly to consumers capable of detecting atrial fibrillation through methods including photoplethysmography, single-lead ECG as well as contactless methods are becoming ubiquitous. Large-scale screening for atrial fibrillation is feasible and has been shown to detect more cases than usual care—however, controversy still exists surrounding screening even in older higher risk populations. Given widespread use of mobile health devices, consumer-driven screening is happening on a large scale in both low-risk and high-risk populations. Given that young people make up a large portion of early adopters of mobile health devices, there is the potential that many more patients with early onset atrial fibrillation will come to clinical attention requiring possible referral to genetic arrythmia clinic. Physicians need to be familiar with these technologies, and understand their risks, and limitations. In the current review, we discuss current mobile health devices used to detect atrial fibrillation, recent and upcoming trials using them for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, practical recommendations for patients with atrial fibrillation diagnosed by a mobile health device and special consideration in young patients.
Rate of, and risk factors for, white matter hyperintensity growth: a systematic review and meta-analysis with implications for clinical trial design
Authors: Brown Robin , Low Audrey , Markus Hugh S
Published: August 2021

Background

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a highly prevalent MRI marker of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), which predict stroke and dementia risk, and are being increasingly used as a surrogate marker in clinical trials. However, the influence of study population selection on WMH progression rate has not been studied and the effect of individual patient factors for WMH growth are not fully understood.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on progression of WMHs in longitudinal studies to determine rates of WMH growth, and how these varied according to population characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors. We used these data to calculate necessary sample sizes for clinical trials using WMH as an endpoint.

Results

WMH growth rate was highest in SVD (2.50cc/year), intermediate in unselected stroke patients (1.29cc/year) and lower in patients with non-stroke cardiovascular disease, and with cognitive impairment. Age was significantly associated with progression (correlation coefficient 0.15cc/year, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.28cc/year) as was baseline lesion volume (0.6cc/year, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.06 cc/year). Both hypertension (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.46) and current smoking (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.16) were associated with WMH growth. Sample sizes for a clinical trial varied greatly with patient population selection and baseline lesion volume; estimates are provided.

Conclusions

WMH progression varies markedly according to the characteristics of the population being studied and this will have a major impact on sample sizes required in a clinical trial. Our sample size estimates provide data for planning clinical trials using WMH as an outcome measure.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020191781.
Educational opportunities for postgraduate medical trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic: deriving value from old, new and emerging ways of learning
Authors: Kumar Kartik , Groom Katherine , Martin Laura , Russell Georgina K , Elkin Sarah L
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on postgraduate medical training across all specialties. Although some traditional learning opportunities have been curtailed, there have been numerous examples of highly valuable educational experiences that have arisen during this time. Here, from a trainee perspective, we consider the educational merits of the re-emergence of ‘firm-based’ teams, new online learning opportunities, use of digital technologies and the rise of telephone clinics and new COVID-19 clinical services. As health services continue to recover from surges in COVID-19 cases, it is important to reflect on and recognise the value of these educational experiences so that helpful elements can be retained and embedded into training programmes for the benefit of both trainees and patients.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor: a potential biomarker for chronic low back pain in patients with Modic changes
Authors: Gjefsen Elisabeth , Gervin Kristina , Goll Guro , Bråten Lars Christian Haugli , Wigemyr Monica , Aass Hans Christian D , Vigeland Maria Dehli , Schistad Elina , Pedersen Linda Margareth , Pripp Are Hugo , Storheim Kjersti , Selmer Kaja Kristine , Zwart John Anker
Published: August 2021

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, but the aetiology remains poorly understood. Finding relevant biomarkers may lead to better understanding of disease mechanisms. Patients with vertebral endplate bone marrow lesions visualised on MRI as Modic changes (MCs) have been proposed as a distinct LBP phenotype, and inflammatory mediators may be involved in the development of MCs.

Objectives

To identify possible serum biomarkers for LBP in patients with MCs.

Methods

In this case control study serum levels of 40 cytokines were compared between patients with LBP and MC type 1 (n=46) or type 2 (n=37) and healthy controls (n=50).

Results

Analyses identified significantly higher levels of six out of 40 cytokines in the MC type 1 group (MC1), and five in the MC type 2 group (MC2) compared with healthy controls. Six cytokines were moderately correlated with pain. Principal component analyses revealed clustering and separation of patients with LBP and controls, capturing 40.8% of the total variance, with 10 cytokines contributing to the separation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) alone accounted for 92% of the total contribution. Further, receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that MIF showed an acceptable ability to distinguish between patients and controls (area under the curve=0.79).

Conclusions

These results suggest that cytokines may play a role in LBP with MCs. The clinical significance of the findings is unknown. MIF strongly contributed to clustering of patients with LBP with MCs and controls, and might be a biomarker for MCs. Ultimately, these results may guide future research on novel treatments for this patient group.
Mass-Zero constrained dynamics and statistics for the shell model in magnetic field
Authors: Girardier D. D. , Coretti A. , Ciccotti G. , Bonella S.
Published: August 2021

In several domains of physics, includingfirst principlesimulations and classical models for polarizable systems, the minimization of an energy function with respect to a set of auxiliary variables must be performed to define the dynamics of physical degrees of freedom. In this paper, we discuss a recent algorithm proposed to efficiently and rigorously simulate this type of systems: the Mass-Zero (MaZe) Constrained Dynamics. In MaZe, the minimum condition is imposed as a constraint on the auxiliary variables treated as degrees of freedom of zero inertia driven by the physical system. The method is formulated in the Lagrangian framework, enabling the properties of the approach to emerge naturally from a fully consistent dynamical and statistical viewpoint. We begin by presenting MaZe for typical minimization problems where the imposed constraints are holonomic and summarizing its key formal properties, notably the exact Born–Oppenheimer dynamics followed by the physical variables and the exact sampling of the corresponding physical probability density. We then generalize the approach to the case of conditions on the auxiliary variables that linearly involve their velocities. Such conditions occur, for example, when describing systems in external magnetic field and they require to adapt MaZe to integrate semiholonomic constraints. The new development is presented in the second part of this paper and illustrated via a proof-of-principle calculation of the charge transport properties of a simple classical polarizable model of NaCl.
Exact solutions of the 2D Dunkl–Klein–Gordon equation: The Coulomb potential and the Klein–Gordon oscillator
Authors: Mota R. D. , Ojeda-Guillén D. , Salazar-Ramírez M. , Granados V. D.
Published: August 2021

We introduce the Dunkl–Klein–Gordon (DKG) equation in 2D by changing the standard partial derivatives by the Dunkl derivatives in the standard Klein–Gordon (KG) equation. We show that the generalization with Dunkl derivative of the z-component of the angular momentum is what allows the separation of variables of the DKG equation. Then, we compute the energy spectrum and eigenfunctions of the DKG equations for the 2D Coulomb potential and the Klein–Gordon oscillator analytically and from an su(1, 1) algebraic point of view. Finally, we show that if the parameters of the Dunkl derivative vanish, the obtained results suitably reduce to those reported in the literature for these 2D problems.
Electrically controlled valley polarization in 2D buckled honeycomb structures
Authors: Sun Yu , Yuan Zi-Lin , Li Qian-Ze , Zhang Cai-Xin , Chen Ke-Qiu , Tang Li-Ming
Published: August 2021

Generating and manipulating valley polarization in a controlled method is significant. The inherently broken centrosymmetry of the buckled honeycomb structures gives it both ferroelectricity and valley degree of freedom, which provides an opportunity to realize electrically controlled valley polarization. In the first step, we explored the origin of buckling. The hexagonal structure is polar due to buckling of the surface, but the degree of buckling and the energy barrier to switching electric polarization are determined not solely by the chemical composition. We combined the electronegativity difference, bond length and the distribution of charge density to describe quantificationally the polarity of chemical bonds. It shows the characteristics of relatively long bond-length but relatively small electronegativity-difference. For exploring the ferroelectricity of buckling structures and the behavior of ferroelectric (FE) control of the valley degree of freedom, the [Formula: see text]-GaP is used as a model system to elucidate the strain effect on FE behavior and the magnetic proximity effect on the polarization and switching of valley. We found that the spontaneous polarization is positively correlated with the electronegativity difference within a certain range, and the compression strain can effectively manipulate spontaneous polarization and switch barrier. A combination of the magnetic proximity effect and the inversion of electric polarization can generate and switch valley polarization effectively.
Multiscale Dynamic Structuring of Bacterial Chromosomes
Authors: Lioy Virginia S. , Junier Ivan , Boccard Frédéric
Published: August 2021

Since the nucleoid was isolated from bacteria in the 1970s, two fundamental questions emerged and are still in the spotlight: how bacteria organize their chromosomes to fit inside the cell and how nucleoid organization enables essential biological processes. During the last decades, knowledge of bacterial chromosome organization has advanced considerably, and today, such chromosomes are considered to be highly organized and dynamic structures that are shaped by multiple factors in a multiscale manner. Here we review not only the classical well-known factors involved in chromosome organization but also novel components that have recently been shown to dynamically shape the 3D structuring of the bacterial genome. We focus on the different functional elements that control short-range organization and describe how they collaborate in the establishment of the higher-order folding and disposition of the chromosome. Recent advances have opened new avenues for a deeper understanding of the principles and mechanisms of chromosome organization in bacteria.
Two P or Not Two P: Understanding Regulation by the Bacterial Second Messengers (p)ppGpp
Authors: Bange Gert , Brodersen Ditlev E. , Liuzzi Anastasia , Steinchen Wieland
Published: August 2021

Under stressful growth conditions and nutrient starvation, bacteria adapt by synthesizing signaling molecules that profoundly reprogram cellular physiology. At the onset of this process, called the stringent response, members of the RelA/SpoT homolog (RSH) protein superfamily are activated by specific stress stimuli to produce several hyperphosphorylated forms of guanine nucleotides, commonly referred to as (p)ppGpp. Some bifunctional RSH enzymes also harbor domains that allow for degradation of (p)ppGpp by hydrolysis. (p)ppGpp synthesis or hydrolysis may further be executed by single-domain alarmone synthetases or hydrolases, respectively. The downstream effects of (p)ppGpp rely mainly on direct interaction with specific intracellular effectors, which are widely used throughout most cellular processes. The growing number of identified (p)ppGpp targets allows us to deduce both common features of and differences between gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. In this review, we give an overview of (p)ppGpp metabolism with a focus on the functional and structural aspects of the enzymes involved and discuss recent findings on alarmone-regulated cellular effectors.
Origin and Early Evolution of the Eukaryotic Cell
Authors: Gabaldón Toni
Published: August 2021

The origin of eukaryotes has been defined as the major evolutionary transition since the origin of life itself. Most hallmark traits of eukaryotes, such as their intricate intracellular organization, can be traced back to a putative common ancestor that predated the broad diversity of extant eukaryotes. However, little is known about the nature and relative order of events that occurred in the path from preexisting prokaryotes to this already sophisticated ancestor. The origin of mitochondria from the endosymbiosis of an alphaproteobacterium is one of the few robustly established events to which most hypotheses on the origin of eukaryotes are anchored, but the debate is still open regarding the time of this acquisition, the nature of the host, and the ecological and metabolic interactions between the symbiotic partners. After the acquisition of mitochondria, eukaryotes underwent a fast radiation into several major clades whose phylogenetic relationships have been largely elusive. Recent progress in the comparative analyses of a growing number of genomes is shedding light on the early events of eukaryotic evolution as well as on the root and branching patterns of the tree of eukaryotes. Here I discuss current knowledge and debates on the origin and early evolution of eukaryotes. I focus particularly on how phylogenomic analyses have challenged some of the early assumptions about eukaryotic evolution, including the widespread idea that mitochondrial symbiosis in an archaeal host was the earliest event in eukaryogenesis.
Key Points Tracking and Grooming Behavior Recognition of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Trypetidae) via DeepLabCut
Authors: Zhan Wei , Zou Yafeng , He Zhangzhang , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: August 2021

Statistical analysis of Bactrocera grooming behavior is important for pest control and human health. Based on DeepLabCut, this study proposes a noninvasive and effective method to track the key points of Bactrocera minax and to detect and analyze its grooming behavior. The results are analyzed and calculated automatically by a computer program. Traditional movement tracking methods are invasive; for instance, the use of artificial pheromone may affect the behavior of Bactrocera minax, thus directly affecting the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. Traditional research studies mainly rely on manual work for behavior analysis and statistics. Researchers need to play the video frame by frame and record the time interval of each grooming behavior manually, which is time-consuming, laborious, and inaccurate. So the advantages of automated analysis are obvious. Using the method proposed in this paper, the image data of 94538 frames from 5 adult Bactrocera were analyzed and 14 key points were tracked. The overall tracking accuracy was as high as 96.7%. In the behavior analysis and statistics, the average accuracy rate of the five grooming behavior was all above 96%, and the accuracy rate of the remaining two grooming behavior was over 87%. The experimental results show that the automatic noninvasive method designed in this paper can track many key points of Bactrocera minax with high accuracy and ensure the accuracy of insect behavior recognition and analysis, which greatly reduces the manual observation time and provides a new method for key points tracking and behavior recognition of related insects.
Quantitative Determination of p-Cymene, Thymol, Neryl Acetate, and β-Caryophyllene in Different Growth Periods and Parts of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. by GC-MS/MS
Authors: Nan Guanjun , Zhang Lina , Liu Zhengzheng , Liu Yu , Du Yan , Zhao Hongwen , Zheng Hongxia , Lin Rong , Yang Guangde , Zheng Shaohua
Published: August 2021

Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine in China. In this study, a gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to simultaneously determine the contents of p-cymene, thymol, neryl acetate, and β-caryophyllene in roots, stems, and leaves of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. harvested at different growth periods. All four constituents could be detected in leaves, three could be detected in stems except β-caryophyllene, and only thymol could be detected in roots. The order of the total contents of four constituents in different parts was leaves > stems > roots. It indicated that the leaves could be the proper medicinal parts of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. The content of four constituents in leaves varied a lot among different growth periods and showed an M-shaped change trend with the growth of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. The four constituents accumulated to the highest values in early July followed by mid-September. Accordingly, the best harvest time of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. is early July and mid-September.
New Multifeature Information Health Index (MIHI) Based on a Quasi‐Orthogonal Sparse Algorithm for Bearing Degradation Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Peng Tengyi , Sun Shilong , Zhou Yu
Published: August 2021

Data‐driven intelligent prognostic health management (PHM) systems have been widely investigated in the area of defective bearing signals. These systems can provide precise information on condition monitoring and diagnosis. However, existing PHM systems cannot identify the accurate degradation trend and the current fault types simultaneously. Given that different fault types have various effects on the mechanical system, the corresponding maintenance strategies also vary. Then, choosing the appropriate maintenance strategy according to the future fault type can reduce the maintenance cost of the equipment operation. Therefore, a multifeature information health index (MIHI) must be developed to trace various bearing degradation trends with various types of faults simultaneously. This paper reports a new quasi‐orthogonal sparse project algorithm that can mutually convert the degraded processing feature vector sets (such as spectrum) for each type of fault to orthogonal approximate spatial straight lines. The algorithm builds a MIHI through the spectrum of current state measured points. The MIHI is then transformed by a quasi‐orthogonal sparse project algorithm to trace the various bearing degradation trends and recognize the fault type simultaneously. The case study of bearing degradation data demonstrates that this approach is effective in assessing the various degradation trends of different fault types.
Efficacy of Low Molecular Heparin on Preeclampsia by Inhibiting Apoptosis of Trophoblasts via the p38MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Quan Dandan , Li Li , Zuo Manzhen
Published: August 2021

Objective. To explore the efficacy of low molecular heparin on preeclampsia by inhibiting apoptosis of trophoblasts via the p38MAPK signaling pathway. Methods. A preeclampsia rat model was established, and the effects of low molecular heparin on preeclampsia via the p38MAPK signaling pathway were analyzed based on intervention of the rats with different combinations of low molecular heparin and p38MAPK signaling pathway activator. Furthermore, a hypoxia/reoxygenation model of trophoblasts in vitro was established to explore the effects of low molecular heparin on trophoblasts via the p38MAPK signaling pathway. Results. After treatment with low molecular heparin, pregnant rats in the heparin group showed significantly decreased blood pressure, 24 h proteinuria, and p38MAPK protein levels in placenta tissues and decreased apoptosis rate of placenta tissue cells (all

P
<
0.05

) and showed more fetal rats and lowered weight of them (both

P
<
0.05

) but showed no significant change in the weight of placenta (all

P
>
0.05

). Pregnant rats treated with low molecular heparin and p38MAPK activator showed significantly higher blood pressure, 24 h proteinuria, and p38MAPK protein levels in placenta tissues and apoptosis rate of placenta tissue cells than those of pregnant rats in the heparin group (all

P
<
0.05

) and also showed less fetal rats and lighter fetal rats than those in the heparin group (both

P
<
0.05

) but showed no difference with them in the weight of placenta (

P
>
0.05

). Further analysis revealed that low molecular heparin could protect the survival and migration of trophoblasts under hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions and reduce apoptosis of them (all

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Low molecular heparin can alleviate preeclampsia by inhibiting the p38MAPK signaling pathway and can inhibit apoptosis of trophoblasts and promote proliferation and migration of them.
Probiotics as a New Regulator for Bone Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Malmir Hanieh , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Soroush Ahmad-Reza , Mortazavian Amir Mohammad , Fahimfar Noushin , Ostovar Afshin , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Larijani Bagher , Hasani-Ranjbar Shirin
Published: August 2021

Despite the proposed role of the gut microbiota-bone axis, findings on the association between probiotic consumption and bone health are conflicting. This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of probiotic consumption on bone health parameters. A systematic literature search of relevant reports published in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Google scholar before December 2020 was conducted. All clinical trials or experimental studies, which examined the relationship between probiotic consumption and bone health parameters, were included. No limitation was applied during the search. After screening articles based on inclusion criteria, 44 studies remained. In clinical trials, probiotic consumption affects bone health parameters such as serum calcium levels (3.82; 95% CI: 1.05, 6.59 mmol/l), urinary calcium levels (4.85; 95% CI: 1.16, 8.53 mmol/l), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (−5.53; 95% CI: −9.83, −0.86 ng/l). In most studies, Lactobacillus species such as L. helveticus, L. reuteri, and L. casei were consumed and women aged 50 years or older were assessed. Spinal and total hip bone mineral density (BMD) was not affected significantly by probiotic consumption. In 37 animal experiments, probiotic or symbiotic feeding mostly had effects on bone health parameters. Some strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus including L. reuteri, L. casei, L. paracasei, L. bulgaricus, and L. acidophilus have indicated beneficial effects on bone health parameters. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that probiotic supplementation might improve bone health. Further studies are needed to decide on the best probiotic species and appropriate dosages.
Study on the Influence of LED Spectrum on the Visual and Nonvisual Effects in the Interior Zone of Tunnels
Authors: Dong Li-Li , Liu Peng , Lou Qi , Xu Wen-Hai
Published: August 2021

Judicious use of lamps is of profound significance to improve the internal traffic safety of tunnels. This study evaluated the biological effects of spectrum on human visual and nonvisual under mesopic vision category. According to the difference of human eyes’ response to the visual and nonvisual biological effects of different wavelengths of light radiation, a method of applying the mesopic visual spectral luminous efficiency curve to the assessment of nonvisual biological effects and blue light hazards is proposed. The results show that, in theory, under mesopic vision category, the spectrum with high correlation color temperature (CCT) and high color rendering index (CRI) has higher blue light content Z-value and has greater impact on human nonvisual effects and blue light radiation damage, but it can also provide higher human perception luminance. The visual effect detection experiment of driving in the interior zones of the tunnel is simulated in the laboratory, and the critical flicker frequency and reaction time are taken as physiological indexes. The results show that the spectrum with high CCT and high CRI corresponds to lower critical flicker frequency drop value and faster reaction time, which has a positive effect on improving driving safety. Therefore, this paper suggests that the LED with high CCT and high CRI (CCT = 6500 K, CRI2012 = 95) should be used in the interior zones of the tunnel with relatively short lighting section, and the CCT and CRI should be appropriately reduced in other road environments with long lighting section to reduce the impact of spectrum on nonvisual photobiology, so as to improve road traffic safety.
Ability of Procalcitonin and C‐Reactive Protein for Discriminating between Bacterial and Enteroviral Meningitis in Children Using Decision Tree
Authors: Babenko Dmitriy , Seidullayeva Aliya , Bayesheva Dinagul , Turdalina Bayan , Omarkulov Baurzhan , Almabayeva Aigul , Zhanaliyeva Marina , Kushugulova Almagul , Kozhakhmetov Samat
Published: August 2021

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a public health burden in developing countries, including Central Asia. This disease is characterized by a high mortality rate and serious neurological complications. Delay with the start of adequate therapy is associated with an increase in mortality for patients with acute bacterial meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid culture, as a gold standard in bacterial meningitis diagnosis, is time‐consuming with modest sensitivity, and this is unsuitable for timely decision‐making. It has been shown that bacterial meningitis differentiation from viral meningitis could be done through different parameters such as clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory values, such as PCR, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. In this study, we proposed the method for distinguishing the bacterial form of meningitis from enteroviral one. The method is based on the machine learning process deriving making decision rules. The proposed fast‐and‐frugal trees (FFTree) decision tree approach showed an ability to determine procalcitonin and C‐reactive protein (CRP) with cut‐off values for distinguishing between bacterial and enteroviral meningitis (EVM) in children. Such a method demonstrated 100% sensitivity, 96% specificity, and 98% accuracy in the differentiation of all cases of bacterial meningitis in this study. These findings and proposed method may be useful for clinicians to facilitate the decision‐making process and optimize the diagnostics of meningitis.
Third-Party Punishment Mechanism and Corporate Cooperation in Environmental Investment: Experiments on Public Goods Game
Authors: Liao Yuling , Zhang Liang , Lei Siying , Song Meizhe , Deng Wenkang , Hu Daofu
Published: August 2021

In the context of corporate environmental investment (EI), this paper designs an experiment on public goods game without punishment and an experiment on that game with third-party punishment (TPP). Then, the influence of IEP and TPP mechanism on corporate EI behaviors was tested in details. The results show that different enterprises vary in IEP and took heterogenous behaviors in the two corporate EI experiments; the introduction of TPP pushed up the environmental resource investment of enterprises and increased the success rate of EI cooperation; IEP and TPP exerted a significantly positive influence on corporate EI behaviors; the introduction of TPP, coupled with the consideration of corporate IEP, can effectively elevate corporate EI and improve the eco-environment.
Evaluation Model of Educational Curriculum in Higher Schools Based on Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Jin Yong , Yang Yiwen , Yang Baican , Zhang Yunfu
Published: August 2021

Classroom teaching quality evaluation system can enable the school’s functional departments to accurately assess the performance of the teaching staff and current teaching operations. As per the requirements for cultivating high-quality talents, planned teaching staff construction and teaching reforms need to be carried out to promote teachers’ appointments. Improving the system makes the appointment process more scientific by giving due attention to the individual characteristics of all types of teachers while hiring them for related jobs. The system motivates the love of teaching, high academic level, high teaching level, and competitive teaching. In recent years, the rapid development of artificial intelligence and deep learning caused many colleges and universities to put forward the target of campus digitization and education informatization. The state of the classroom is a critical reference factor throughout the teaching and learning process for evaluating students’ acceptance of the course and the quality of the teaching. However, at present, the analysis of the classroom status is mainly conducted manually, which distracts teachers and is also not much precise. Therefore, finding a method that can improve the efficiency of classroom status analysis has great research significance. This study uses the deep neural network method to read each class’s video recording and analyze it from the aspects of students’ behavior and attendance. The system can realize class behavior and eventually evaluate the course quality employed to motivate teachers to improve teaching and overall quality of education.
A Novel Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Sugar Price Forecasting Based on Time Series Decomposition
Authors: Zhang Jinlai , Meng Yanmei , Wei Jin , Chen Jie , Qin Johnny
Published: August 2021

Sugar price forecasting has attracted extensive attention from policymakers due to its significant impact on people’s daily lives and markets. In this paper, we present a novel hybrid deep learning model that utilizes the merit of a time series decomposition technology empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and a hyperparameter optimization algorithm Tree of Parzen Estimators (TPEs) for sugar price forecasting. The effectiveness of the proposed model was implemented in a case study with the price of London Sugar Futures. Two experiments are conducted to verify the superiority of the EMD and TPE. Moreover, the specific effects of EMD and TPE are analyzed by the DM test and improvement percentage. Finally, empirical results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid model outperforms other models.
Quantification of Volatile Acetone Oligomers Using Ion-Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Hüppe Tobias , Lorenz Dominik , Maurer Felix , Fink Tobias , Klumpp Ramona , Kreuer Sascha
Published: August 2021

Background. Volatile acetone is a potential biomarker that is elevated in various disease states. Measuring acetone in exhaled breath is complicated by the fact that the molecule might be present as both monomers and dimers, but in inconsistent ratios. Ignoring the molecular form leads to incorrect measured concentrations. Our first goal was to evaluate the monomer-dimer ratio in ambient air, critically ill patients, and rats. Our second goal was to confirm the accuracy of the combined (monomer and dimer) analysis by comparison to a reference calibration system. Methods. Volatile acetone intensities from exhaled air of ten intubated, critically ill patients, and ten ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats were recorded using ion-mobility spectrometry. Acetone concentrations in ambient air in an intensive care unit and in a laboratory were determined over 24 hours. The calibration reference was pure acetone vaporized by a gas generator at concentrations from 5 to 45 ppbv (parts per billion by volume). Results. Acetone concentrations in ambient laboratory air were only slightly greater (5.6 ppbv; 95% CI 5.1–6.2) than in ambient air in an intensive care unit (5.1 ppbv; 95% CI 4.4–5.5;

p
<
0.001

). Exhaled acetone concentrations were only slightly greater in rats (10.3 ppbv; 95% CI 9.7–10.9) than in critically ill patients (9.5 ppbv; 95% CI 7.9–11.1;

p
<
0.001

). Vaporization yielded acetone monomers (1.3–5.3 mV) and dimers (1.4–621 mV). Acetone concentrations (ppbv) and corresponding acetone monomer and dimer intensities (mV) revealed a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.96). The calibration curve for acetone concentration (ppbv) and total acetone (monomers added to twice the dimers; mV) was described by the exponential growth 3-parameter model, with an R2 = 0.98. Conclusion. The ratio of acetone monomer and dimer is inconsistent and varies in ambient air from place-to-place and across individual humans and rats. Monomers and dimers must therefore be considered when quantifying acetone. Combining the two accurately assesses total volatile acetone.
On the Modified Transparency Order of

n
,
m

-Functions
Authors: Zhou Yu , Wei Yongzhuang , Zhang Hailong , Zhang Wenzheng
Published: August 2021

The concept of transparency order is introduced to measure the resistance of

n
,
m

-functions against multi-bit differential power analysis in the Hamming weight model, including the original transparency order (denoted by

TO

), redefined transparency order (denoted by

RTO

), and modified transparency order (denoted by

MTO

). In this paper, we firstly give a relationship between

MTO

and

RTO

and show that

RTO

is less than or equal to

MTO

for any

n
,
m

-functions. We also give a tight upper bound and a tight lower bound on

MTO

for balanced

n
,
m

-functions. Secondly, some relationships between

MTO

and the maximal absolute value of the Walsh transform (or the sum-of-squares indicator, algebraic immunity, and the nonlinearity of its coordinates) for

n
,
m

-functions are obtained, respectively. Finally, we give

MTO

and

RTO

for (4,4) S-boxes which are commonly used in the design of lightweight block ciphers, respectively.
The Effects of Intravenous Nitroglycerin Bolus Doses in Reducing Hemodynamic Responses to Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation
Authors: Hajian Pouran , Sharifi Shabnaz , Nikooseresht Mahshid , Moradi Abbas
Published: August 2021

Background. Hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation are transient in most patients. However, in some patients with a history of heart disease, systemic hypertension, or cerebrovascular disease, these may lead to dangerous complications. This study is aimed at determining the effectiveness of intravenous nitroglycerin bolus doses in reducing hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Material and Method. In this double‐blind randomized controlled trial, 78 patients aged 18 to 65 years were randomly divided into three groups: 1 μg/kg dose of nitroglycerin (first group), 2 μg/kg dose of nitroglycerin (second group), and normal saline or placebo (third group). 26 samples were allocated for each group. Patients’ hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation were measured at different times. Data were analyzed using SPSS V 16. Results. Patients in the three study groups were similar in terms of age, sex, and weight. There was no significant difference between the mean saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2) and the mean heart rate between the three groups before endotracheal intubation and 1 to 10 minutes after intubation (P > 0.05). The difference of mean arterial blood pressure between study groups was only significant in the first and fifth minutes after intubation. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the first, third, and fifth minutes after intubation was significantly lower in the intervention groups than the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the intervention groups. The frequency of systolic blood pressure decrease was significantly different in the first and fifth minutes after intubation in the three study groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Bolus doses of 1 and 2 μg/kg nitroglycerin in noncardiac elective surgery prevents the increase of mean systolic, diastolic, and arterial blood pressure but has no significant effect on heart rate after intubation.
Research on the Influence of Volatility of International Energy Commodity Futures Market on CPI in China
Authors: Lin Keyao , Xun Chao , Wang Fei , Chao Angela Chi , Du Zhenyu
Published: August 2021

This article analyses the transmission path of the international commodity futures market’s impact on the Chinese economy. We use the MIDAS model and daily data to predict China’s CPI in real time. Empirical analysis results show that (1) the influence of high‐frequency explanatory variables on low‐frequency CPI is different. The optimal lag orders of domestic high‐frequency variables are all around 23, which can be regarded as one month in practice, indicating that their CPI influence takes one month to show. (2) Both the univariate MIDAS model and the multivariate MIDAS combined prediction model have good performance in prediction accuracy. (3) The predicted results of the multivariate MIDAS combined prediction model for CPI in China’s normal months are relatively excellent. However, when exceptional circumstances occur, the prediction results will show a specific deviation, and the prediction accuracy will also be reduced. Finally, some feasible suggestions are put forward according to the research results.
Biaxial Shear Crack Propagation Modes of Rock‐Like Specimens with Prefabricated Fissures and Their Strength Characteristics
Authors: Xu Nai-Zhong , Liu Chang-Qing , Wang You-Jian , Dang Hong-Bin
Published: August 2021

A biaxial shear test is performed on prefabricated, single‐fissure type, cubic rock‐like specimens by using the TZW‐500 rock direct shear apparatus to study the shear strength characteristics, crack coalescence, and propagation modes of the specimens with different geometric parameters. Results show that the crack coalescence and propagation modes of the rock‐like specimens with prefabricated fissures can be divided into four types, namely, single main shear crack coalescence mode, main shear crack coalescence and secondary tensile‐shear crack propagation mode, main shear crack coalescence and secondary shear crack propagation mode, and main shear crack coalescence and secondary tensile crack propagation mode. All modes are affected by the dip angle α and length l of the prefabricated fissure. When the dip angle of the prefabricated fissure is α∈[0°, 20°) or (70°, 90°], the cracks center on shear failure, and most shear cracks propagate along one end of the prefabricated fissure. At α∈(30°, 50°), the cracks bear the tensile‐shear combined action, and the shear cracks propagate along the two ends of the prefabricated fissure. The peak shear strength of the rock‐like specimens with prefabricated fissures is also closely related to the dip angle α and length l of the fissure. With the increase in dip angle α of the prefabricated fissure, the peak shear strength of each rock‐like specimen decreases initially then increases, and the peak shear strength curve presents a similar “U” shape. At α∈[30°, 60°], the peak shear strength is within the peak‐valley interval. When the length l of the prefabricated fissure is increased, the peak shear strength experiences a gradual reduction. When l > 20 mm, the peak shear strength is greatly influenced by l, but the influence is minimal when l ≥ 20 mm. At the same dip angle α and fissure length of l ≥ 20 mm, the correlation between peak shear strength and fissure width b is low.
Study of Generalized Hourglass Section in Carbon Nanocone via Connection Number
Authors: Mubashar Muhammad , Hussain Muhammad , Abdulrahman Alrawajeh Fatimah , Almotairi Sultan
Published: August 2021

In 1972, Gutman and Trinajstic showed that total

π

-energy of a molecule depends upon a numeric quantity which is often called as Zagreb index. In the same report, they also discussed another numeric quantity depending on the number of atoms at a distance two from a particular atom and proved influencing results on

π

-energy of a molecule. In modern literature, this quantity is named as connection number. In this article, we will describe some Zagreb connection numbers for hourglass section in carbon nanocone network with different lengths of cycle in the central core.