bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital-acquired serum phosphate derangements and their associated in-hospital mortality
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Chewcharat Api , Petnak Tananchai , Mao Michael A , Srivali Narat , Bathini Tarun , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Qureshi Fawad , Kashani Kianoush
Published: October 2020

Background

We aimed to report the incidence of hospital-acquired hypophosphataemia and hyperphosphataemia along with their associated in-hospital mortality.

Methods

We included 15 869 adult patients hospitalised at a tertiary medical referral centre from January 2009 to December 2013, who had normal serum phosphate levels at admission and at least two serum phosphate measurements during their hospitalisation. The normal range of serum phosphate was defined as 2.5–4.2 mg/dL. In-hospital serum phosphate levels were categorised based on the occurrence of hospital-acquired hypophosphataemia and hyperphosphataemia. We analysed the association of hospital-acquired hypophosphataemia and hyperphosphataemia with in-hospital mortality using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Fifty-three per cent (n=8464) of the patients developed new serum phosphate derangements during their hospitalisation. The incidence of hospital-acquired hypophosphataemia and hyperphosphataemia was 35% and 27%, respectively. Hospital-acquired hypophosphataemia and hyperphosphataemia were associated with odds ratio (OR) of 1.56 and 2.60 for in-hospital mortality, respectively (p value<0.001 for both). Compared with patients with persistently normal in-hospital phosphate levels, patients with hospital-acquired hypophosphataemia only (OR 1.64), hospital-acquired hyperphosphataemia only (OR 2.74) and both hospital-acquired hypophosphataemia and hyperphosphataemia (ie, phosphate fluctuations; OR 4.00) were significantly associated with increased in-hospital mortality (all p values <0.001).

Conclusion

Hospital-acquired serum phosphate derangements affect approximately half of the hospitalised patients and are associated with increased in-hospital mortality rate.
Sequence of Trypanosoma cruzi reference strain SC43 nuclear genome and kinetoplast maxicircle confirms a strong genetic structure among closely related parasite discrete typing units
Authors: DeCuir James , Tu Weihong , Dumonteil Eric , Herrera Claudia
Published: October 2020

Chagas disease is a zoonotic, parasitic, vector-borne neglected tropical disease that affects the lives of over 6 million people throughout the Americas. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent, presents extensive genetic diversity. Here we report the genome sequence of reference strain SC43cl1, a hybrid strain belonging to the TcV discrete typing unit (DTU). The assembled diploid genome was 79 Mbp in size, divided into 1236 contigs with an average coverage reaching 180×. There was extensive synteny of SC43cl1 genome with closely related TcV and TcVI genomes, with limited sequence rearrangements. TcVI genomes included several expansions not present in TcV strains. Comparative analysis of both nuclear and kinetoplast sequences clearly separated TcV from TcVI strains, which strongly supports the current DTU classification.
Dynamic characteristics of a wheelset–track system under corrugation excitations in the metro operation process
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Lei Zhenyu
Published: October 2020

There are few systematic researches on the dynamic characteristics of a wheelset–track system under different corrugation excitations. To study the influence of different corrugations on the wheelset–track dynamic characteristics, a three-dimensional wheelset–track rolling contact model is established, and the model rationality is analyzed. Then, the wavelength and wave depth of the initial corrugation irregularity for simulation analysis are determined according to the measured data. Finally, the wheel–rail vertical force and wheel vertical vibration acceleration are selected as the output variables, and the wheelset–track dynamic responses under excitations are studied. The results show that comparing with the middle/long-wavelength irregularity, the short-wavelength irregularity will not increase the amplitude of wheel–rail dynamic action but will increase the frequency of wheel–rail dynamic action. The initial irregularity wave depth will not affect the frequency of wheel–rail dynamic action but will affect the amplitude of wheel–rail dynamic action, and the greater the amplitude of the wave depth is, the greater the impact on the dynamic responses of the wheelset–track system is. The main characteristic frequencies of output variables are close to the initial irregularity passing frequency, and the other peak frequencies are in a frequency multiplication relationship with the initial irregularity passing frequency.
Strong decays of $${\bar{D}}^{*}K^{*}$$ molecules and the newly observed $$X_{0,1}$$ states
Authors: Huang Yin , Lu Jun-Xu , Xie Ju-Jun , Geng Li-Sheng
Published: October 2020

Lately, the LHCb Collaboration reported the discovery of two new states in the $$B^+\rightarrow D^+D^- K^+$$

B
+

→

D
+

D
-

K
+

decay, i.e., $$X_0(2866)$$

X
0

(
2866
)

and $$X_1(2904)$$

X
1

(
2904
)

. In the present work, we study whether these states can be understood as $${\bar{D}}^*K^*$$

D

¯

∗

K
∗

molecules from the perspective of their two-body strong decays into $$D^-K^+$$

D
-

K
+

via triangle diagrams and three-body decays into $${\bar{D}}^*K\pi $$

D

¯

∗

K
π

. The coupling of the two states to $${\bar{D}}^*K^*$$

D

¯

∗

K
∗

are determined from the Weinberg compositeness condition, while the other relevant couplings are well known. The obtained strong decay width for the $$X_0(2866)$$

X
0

(
2866
)

state, in marginal agreement with the experimental value within the uncertainty of the model, hints at a large $${\bar{D}}^*K^*$$

D

¯

∗

K
∗

component in its wave function. On the other hand, the strong decay width for the $$X_1(2904)$$

X
1

(
2904
)

state, much smaller than its experimental counterpart, effectively rules out its assignment as a $${\bar{D}}^*K^*$$

D

¯

∗

K
∗

molecule.
A generalized interacting Tsallis holographic dark energy model and its thermodynamic implications
Authors: Mamon Abdulla Al , Ziaie Amir Hadi , Bamba Kazuharu
Published: October 2020

The present paper deals with a theoretical model for interacting Tsallis holographic dark energy (THDE) whose infrared cut-off scale is set by the Hubble length. The interaction Q between the dark sectors (dark energy and pressureless dark matter) of the universe has been assumed to be non-gravitational in nature. The functional form of Q is chosen in such a way that it reproduces well known and most used interactions as special cases. We then study the nature of the THDE density parameter, the equation of state parameter, the deceleration parameter and the jerk parameter for this interacting THDE model. Our study shows that the universe exhibits the usual thermal history, namely the successive sequence of radiation, dark matter and dark energy epochs, before resulting in a complete dark energy domination in the far future. It is shown the evolution of the Hubble parameter for our model and compared that with the latest Hubble parameter data. Finally, we also investigate both the stability and thermodynamic nature of this model in the present context.
Temporary Workers and Collective-Action Preferences in China
Authors: CHOI EUN KYONG
Published: October 2020

Developed countries are becoming concerned with an increase in temporary workers, as it has undermined both their job security and the effects of collective action. China has experienced a surge of temporary work during the last three decades. Employing a cost and benefit analysis, this study identifies labor shortages and the weakness of job protection against arbitrary dismissal, both preconditions that have affected the collective-action preferences of temporary and permanent workers in China since 2010. Although the former has lowered the cost of collective action for temporary workers in China, the latter has increased the opportunity cost for permanent workers. Analyzing the Chinese General Social Survey in 2013, this study finds that temporary workers are twice as likely as permanent workers to actively join in collective action, suggesting that the prevalence of precarious work in China does not necessarily disempower Chinese workers.
About this title - Global Heritage Stone: Worldwide Examples of Heritage Stones
Authors: Hannibal J. T. , Kramar S. , Cooper B. J.
Published: October 2020

Heritage stones are building and ornamental stones that have special significance in human culture. The papers in this volume discuss a wide variety of such materials, including stones from Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and Australia. Igneous (basalt, porphyry, granite), sedimentary (sandstone, limestone) and metamorphic (marble, quartzite, gneiss, soapstone, slate) stones are featured. These have been utilized over long periods of time for a wide range of uses contributing to the historical fabric of the built environment. Many of these stones are of international significance and potential Global Heritage Stone Resources – stones that have the requisite qualities for international recognition by the Heritage Stones Subcommission of the International Union of Geological Sciences. The contributions in this volume bring together diverse information on these stones, ranging from their geological setting and quarry locations to mechanical properties, current availability and uses over time. As such, the papers can serve as an entry into the literature on these important stones.
Conflicts of Interest in Asset Management and Advising
Authors: Spatt Chester S.
Published: October 2020

This review addresses, from a unified perspective, the important role of conflicts of interest in various facets of asset management and advising, including managing individual portfolios, institutional asset management, and order routing. I use an agency framework to highlight the sources of the underlying incentive conflicts, the nature of efficient solutions, the role of the structure of compensation in mitigating (or creating) the agency problem, and the use of benchmarks as a solution. I also highlight several contemporary contexts in which conflicts of interest are important.
Application of Potentiometric Ion-Breakthrough to Assess Individual Diffusion Coefficients of Ions in Ion-Selective Membranes
Authors: Pocsai Dávid , Höfler Lajos
Published: October 2020

Ion-selective membranes (ISMs) are at the core of ion-selective electrode development. Fundamentally, two groups of parameters determine the response of ISMs: selectivity coefficients and diffusion coefficients of mobile species in the membrane. It is possible to assess both by performing a single potentiometric ion-breakthrough experiment. Basically, the ISM is placed between two contacting electrolyte solutions that do not contain the ion that the ISM is selective for (primary ion). After primary ion is added the potential trace carries valuable information about the thermodynamics and the kinetics of the membrane. So far, extracting parameters from the experimental results was possible only after unrealistic simplifications (e.g. assuming all of the diffusion are the same). The state-of-the-art simulation technique the Nernst-Planck-Poisson finite element method is utilized to give insight on how the different physico-chemical processes generate the measured potential. Numerical simulations are used to train a feedforward neural network, in order to learn the connection between the physico-chemical parameters (e.g., thickness, diffusion coefficients, selectivity coefficients, coextraction etc.) and the shape of ion-breakthrough potential trace. By using the trained neural network it was possible to quickly obtain for the first time the diffusion coefficient of all of the mobile species in the ISM.
The Use of Chromium and Chromium (III) Oxide PVD Coatings to Resist the Corrosion Driven Coating Delamination of Organically Coated Packaging Steel
Authors: Wint N. , Warren D. J. , DeVooys A. C. A. , McMurray H. N.
Published: October 2020

This paper describes a systematic study into the role of chromium and chromium (III) oxide thickness in preventing corrosion driven coating disbondment of organically coated packaging steel. A graded wedge of chromium and chromium (III) oxide is applied to steel using physical vapour deposition (PVD). A polyvinyl butyral (PVB) overcoat is applied and corrosion is initiated from an artificial defect using NaCl. Scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) potentiometry is used to monitor coating delamination. Wedge thickness variation allows for high throughput investigations into the effect of both metallic chromium and chromium (III) oxide thickness, on coating disbondment rate. A linear reciprocal relationship is observed between chromium metal thickness and disbondment rate. Increasing chromium (III) oxide thickness (applied over chromium metal) results in a decrease in delamination rate. This work highlights the ability of PVD to produce chromium/chromium (III) oxide corrosion resistant coatings to use as alternatives to hexavalent chromium-based systems.
Development of the EDL-FET Based Cell Culture Platform for Electrical Cell Proliferation Monitoring
Authors: Paulose Akhil K. , Chen Po-Hsuan , Lien Huang-Chun , Wu Yu-Yi , Chen Chihchen , Wang Yu-Lin
Published: October 2020

The pathophysiological changes in cells are mainly focusing on the ionic regulations like hyperpolarization, depolarization etc. The real-time monitoring of these changes in ionic behavior is one of the challenging areas in the biosensor field. A field-effect transistor (FET) based sensor system shows an exceptional advantage in noninvasive real-time monitoring of cellular changes. In this study, we monitored cell proliferation in real-time by using the FET biosensor. Cells were cultured on the FET sensing surface and the potential difference was monitored using the Electric-double-layer field-effect transistor (EDL-FET) biosensor system. Cell proliferation in the sensor surface was electrically measured as drain current change. The impedance measurement changes revealed the capacitive equivalent model of the FETs system. The most important factor in a cell-based system is to overcome the limited life span of cells in sensor platforms. This sensor platform was capable of monitoring cell growth and proliferation, compared with other conventional and current cell sensor platforms. Rapid electrical response corresponding to the cell growth and other functional changes associated with the cell can be used in many fields, including medicine, environmental monitoring and drug screening.
Balanced Wnt/Dickkopf1 signaling by mesenchymal vascular progenitor cells in the microvascular niche maintains distal lung structure and function
Authors: Summers Megan E. , Richmond Bradley W. , Kropski Jonathan A. , Majka Sarah A. , Bastarache Julie A. , Hatzopoulos Antonis K. , Bylund Jeffery , Ghosh Moumita , Petrache Irina , Foronjy Robert F. , Geraghty Patrick , Majka Susan M.
Published: October 2020

The well described Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) plays a role in angiogenesis as well as regulation of growth factor signaling cascades in pulmonary remodeling associated with chronic lung diseases including emphysema and fibrosis. However, the specific mechanisms by which DKK1 influences mesenchymal vascular progenitor (MVPC), endothelial and smooth muscle cells within the microvascular niche have not been elucidated. In this study, we show that knock down of DKK1 in Abcg2poslung mouse adult tissue resident MVPC alters lung stiffness, parenchymal collagen deposition, microvessel muscularization and density as well as loss of tissue structure in response to hypoxia exposure. To complement the in vivo mouse modeling, we also identified cell or disease specific responses to DKK1, in primary lung COPD MVPC, COPD MVEC and SMC, supporting a paradoxical disease specific response of cells to well-characterized factors. Cell responses to DKK1 were dose dependent and correlated with varying expression of the DKK1 receptor, CKAP4. These data demonstrate that DKK1 expression is necessary to maintain the microvascular niche while its effects are context specific. They also highlight DKK1 as a regulatory candidate to understand the role of Wnt and DKK1 signaling between cells of the microvascular niche during tissue homeostasis and during the development of chronic lung diseases.
Short-chain fatty acid butyrate, a breast milk metabolite, enhances immature intestinal barrier function genes in response to inflammation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gao Yanan , Davis Brittany , Zhu Weishu , Zheng Nan , Meng Di , Walker W. Allan
Published: October 2020

This study extends previous observations to define the anti-inflammatory properties of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid produced by the metabolism of breastmilk oligosaccharides by colonizing bacteria. Using transcription profiling of immature enterocyte genes, after exposure to butyrate and an IL-1β stimulus, we showed that tight-junction genes and mucus genes were increased, which contributed to the anti-inflammatory effect.
Advances in colonic motor complexes in mice
Authors: Spencer N. J. , Costa M. , Hibberd T. J. , Wood J. D.
Published: October 2020

The primary functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are to absorb nutrients, water, and electrolytes that are essential for life. This is accompanied by the capability of the GI tract to mix ingested content to maximize absorption and effectively excrete waste material. There have been major advances in understanding intrinsic neural mechanisms involved in GI motility. This review highlights major advances over the past few decades in our understanding of colonic motor complexes (CMCs), the major intrinsic neural patterns that control GI motility. CMCs are generated by rhythmic coordinated firing of large populations of myenteric neurons. Initially, it was thought that serotonin release from the mucosa was required for CMC generation. However, careful experiments have now shown that neither the mucosa nor endogenous serotonin are required, although, evidence suggests enteroendocrine (EC) cells modulate CMCs. The frequency and extent of propagation of CMCs are highly dependent on mechanical stimuli (circumferential stretch). In summary, the isolated mouse colon emerges as a good model to investigate intrinsic mechanisms underlying colonic motility and provides an excellent preparation to explore potential therapeutic agents on colonic motility, in a highly controlled in vitro environment. In addition, during CMCs, the mouse colon facilitates investigations into the emergence of dynamic assemblies of extensive neural networks, applicable to the nervous system of different organisms.
Spinal neuron-glia-immune interaction in cross-organ sensitization
Authors: Qiao Liya Y. , Tiwari Namrata
Published: October 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), historically considered as regional gastrointestinal disorders with heightened colonic sensitivity, are increasingly recognized to have concurrent dysfunction of other visceral and somatic organs, such as urinary bladder hyperactivity, leg pain, and skin hypersensitivity. The interorgan sensory cross talk is, at large, termed “cross-organ sensitization.” These organs, anatomically distant from one another, physiologically interlock through projecting their sensory information into dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and then the spinal cord for integrative processing. The fundamental question of how sensitization of colonic afferent neurons conveys nociceptive information to activate primary afferents that innervate distant organs remains ambiguous. In DRG, primary afferent neurons are surrounded by satellite glial cells (SGCs) and macrophage accumulation in response to signals of injury to form a neuron-glia-macrophage triad. Astrocytes and microglia are major resident nonneuronal cells in the spinal cord to interact, physically and chemically, with sensory synapses. Cumulative evidence gathered so far indicate the indispensable roles of paracrine/autocrine interactions among neurons, glial cells, and immune cells in sensory cross-activation. Dichotomizing afferents, sensory convergency in the spinal cord, spinal nerve comingling, and extensive sprouting of central axons of primary afferents each has significant roles in the process of cross-organ sensitization; however, more results are required to explain their functional contributions. DRG that are located outside the blood-brain barrier and reside upstream in the cascade of sensory flow from one organ to the other in cross-organ sensitization could be safer therapeutic targets to produce less central adverse effects.
Sex-specific effects of in utero and adult tobacco smoke exposure
Authors: Reddy Karosham D. , Oliver Brian G. G.
Published: October 2020

Tobacco smoke has harmful effects on a multiorgan level. Exposure to smoke, whether in utero or environmental, significantly increases susceptibility. This susceptibility has been identified to be divergent between males and females. However, there remains a distinct lack of thorough research into the relationship between sex and exposure to tobacco. Females tend to generate a more significant response than males during adulthood exposure. The intrauterine environment is meticulously controlled, and exposure to tobacco presents a significant factor that contributes to poor health outcomes and susceptibility later in life. Analysis of these effects in relation to the sex of the offspring is yet to be holistically reviewed and summarized. In this review, we will delineate the time-dependent relationship between tobacco smoke exposure and sex-specific disease susceptibility. We further outline possible biological mechanisms that may contribute to the identified pattern.
Use of a carbonic anhydrase Ca17a knockout to investigate mechanisms of ion uptake in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Zimmer Alex M. , Mandic Milica , Yew Hong Meng , Kunert Emma , Pan Yihang K. , Ha Jimmy , Kwong Raymond W.M. , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Perry Steve F.
Published: October 2020

In fishes, branchial cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (CA) plays an important role in ion and acid-base regulation. The Ca17a isoform in zebrafish ( Danio rerio) is expressed abundantly in Na+-absorbing/H+-secreting H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells. The present study aimed to identify the role of Ca17a in ion and acid-base regulation across life stages using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. However, in preliminary experiments, we established that ca17a knockout is lethal with ca17a−/− mutants exhibiting a significant decrease in survival beginning at ∼12 days postfertilization (dpf) and with no individuals surviving past 19 dpf. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that ca17a−/− mutants would display alterations in ion and acid-base balance and that these physiological disturbances might underlie their early demise. Na+ uptake rates were significantly increased by up to 300% in homozygous mutants compared with wild-type individuals at 4 and 9 dpf; however, whole body Na+ content remained constant. While Cl− uptake was significantly reduced in ca17a−/− mutants, Cl− content was unaffected. Reduction of CA activity by Ca17a morpholino knockdown or ethoxzolamide treatments similarly reduced Cl− uptake, implicating Ca17a in the mechanism of Cl− uptake by larval zebrafish. H+ secretion, O2 consumption, CO2 excretion, and ammonia excretion were generally unaltered in ca17a−/− mutants. In conclusion, while the loss of Ca17a caused marked changes in ion uptake rates, providing strong evidence for a Ca17a-dependent Cl− uptake mechanism, the underlying causes of the lethality of this mutation in zebrafish remain unclear.
Predicting memory from study-related brain activity
Authors: Chakravarty Sucheta , Chen Yvonne Y. , Caplan Jeremy B.
Published: October 2020

For both basic and applied reasons, an important goal is to identify brain activity present while people study materials that enable us to predict whether they will remember those materials. We show that this is possible with the conventional event-related potential “subsequent-memory-effect” signals as well as with machine learning classifiers, but only to a small degree. This is in line with behavioral research, which supports many determinants of memory apart from the cognitive processes during study.
A spike analysis method for characterizing neurons based on phase locking and scaling to the interval between two behavioral events
Authors: Kawabata Masanori , Soma Shogo , Saiki-Ishikawa Akiko , Nonomura Satoshi , Yoshida Junichi , Ríos Alain , Sakai Yutaka , Isomura Yoshikazu
Published: October 2020

Phase-Scaling analysis is a novel technique to unbiasedly characterize the temporal dependency of functional neuron activity on two behavioral events and objectively determine the latency and form of the activity change. This powerful analysis can uncover several classes of latently functioning neurons that have thus far been overlooked, which may participate differently in intermediate processes of a brain function. The Phase-Scaling analysis will yield profound insights into neural mechanisms for processing internal information.
Role of microtubules in Piezo2 mechanotransduction of mouse Merkel cells
Authors: Chang Weipang , Gu Jianguo G.
Published: October 2020

Piezo2 channels are expressed in Merkel cells to mediate mechanotransduction leading to the sense of touch. Here we determined the role of microtubules in regulating Piezo2-mediated mechanotransduction in Merkel cells. Piezo2-mediated currents in Merkel cells are potentiated by microtubule stabilizer paclitaxel but reduced by microtubule destabilizer vincristine. Mechanically evoked afferent impulses are also enhanced by microtubule stabilizers and suppressed by microtubule destabilizers. Microtubules may play an essential role in Piezo2 mechanotransduction in Merkel cells.
Feasibility of Anesthesiologist-Performed Preoperative Echocardiography for the Prediction of Postinduction Hypotension: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Fiza Babar , Duggal Neal , McMillan Caitlin E. , Mentz Graciela , Maile Michael D.
Published: October 2020

Purpose. To determine if left ventricular or inferior vena cava (IVC) measurements are easier to obtain on point-of-care ultrasound by anesthesiologists in preoperative patients, and to assess the relationship between preoperative cardiac dimensions and hypotension with the induction of general anesthesia. Methods. This prospective observational study was conducted at a large academic medical center. Sixty-three patients undergoing noncardiac surgeries under general anesthesia were enrolled. Ultrasound examinations were performed by anesthesiologists in the preoperative area. To ensure that hypotension represented both a relative and absolute decrease in blood pressure, both a mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 65 mmHg and a MAP decrease of >30% from preoperative value defined this outcome. Results. Left ventricular measurements were more likely to be acquired than IVC measurements (97% vs. 79%). Subjects without adequate images to assess IVC collapsibility tended to have a higher body mass index (33.6 ± 5.5 vs. 28.5 ± 4.5,

p
=
0.001

). While high left ventricular end-diastolic diameter values were associated with a decreased odds of MAP < 65 mmHg (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.83,

p
=
0.023

) or a MAP decrease of >30% from baseline alone (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.83,

p
=
0.023

), the primary endpoint of both relative and absolute hypotension was not associated with preoperative left ventricular dimensions. Conclusions. Preoperative cardiac ultrasound may be a more reliable way for anesthesiologists to assess patients’ volume status compared to ultrasound of the IVC, particularly for patients with a higher body mass index.
circFAT1(e2) Promotes Papillary Thyroid Cancer Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion via the miRNA-873/ZEB1 Axis
Authors: Liu Jiazhe , Li Hongchang , Wei Chuanchao , Ding Junbin , Lu Jingfeng , Pan Gaofeng , Mao Anwei
Published: October 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an extremely important regulatory role in the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). circFAT1(e2) is a new type of circRNA derived from exon 2 of the FAT1 gene, which is distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of PTC cells. However, so far, the role of circFAT1(e2) in PTC is still unclear. In this study, circFAT1(e2) was found to be highly expressed in PTC cell lines and tissues. circFAT1(e2) knockdown suppressed PTC cell growth, migration, and invasion. Also, circFAT1(e2) acted as a sponge for potential microRNAs (miRNAs) to modulate cancer progression. A potential miRNA target was discovered to be miR-873 which was targeted by circFAT1(e2) in PTC. The dual-luciferase assay conducted later also confirmed that there was indeed a direct interaction between circFAT1(e2) and miR-873. This study also confirmed that circFAT1(e2) inhibited the miR-873 expression and thus promoted the ZEB1 expression, thus affecting the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of PTC cells. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that circFAT1(e2) played a carcinogenic role by targeting the miR-873/ZEB1 axis to promote PTC invasion and metastasis, which might become a potential novel target for therapy of PTC.
The Elderly’s Demand for Community-Based Care Services and Its Determinants: A Comparison of the Elderly in the Affordable Housing Community and Commercial Housing Community of China
Authors: Gu Tiantian , Li Dezhi , Li Lingzhi
Published: October 2020

With the rapid aging of the world population, great pressure has been placed on the provision of community-based care in China. This paper aimed to compare the demand and its determinants for various community-based care services among the elderly in the affordable housing community (AHC) and commercial housing community (CHC) of China. Two community-based surveys were conducted separately in the AHC and CHC of Nanjing City, China. In total, 408 valid questionnaires were returned from the Daishan AHC while 8422 valid questionnaires were received from the CHCs. The chi square test indicated that the respondents in the AHC had significantly higher demands for five types of services (the meal-aid service, the cleaning-aid service, the bath-aid service, the rehabilitation therapy service, and the first-aid service) than those in the CHCs of Nanjing. Further, the Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test showed that factors influencing the elderly’s demands for these services varied across communities. Several policy implications could be obtained to improve the efficiency of community-based care provision.
The Extended Inverse Weibull Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Alkarni Said , Afify Ahmed Z. , Elbatal I. , Elgarhy M.
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes the new three-parameter type I half-logistic inverse Weibull (TIHLIW) distribution which generalizes the inverse Weibull model. The density function of the TIHLIW can be expressed as a linear combination of the inverse Weibull densities. Some mathematical quantities of the proposed TIHLIW model are derived. Four estimation methods, namely, the maximum likelihood, least squares, weighted least squares, and Cramér–von Mises methods, are utilized to estimate the TIHLIW parameters. Simulation results are presented to assess the performance of the proposed estimation methods. The importance of the TIHLIW model is studied via a real data application.
Risk Analysis of Air Pollution and Meteorological Factors Affecting the Incidence of Diabetes in the Elderly Population in Northern China
Authors: Lin Yao , Zhou Saijun , Liu Hongyan , Cui Zhuang , Hou Fang , Feng Siyuan , Zhang Yourui , Liu Hao , Lu Chunlan , Yu Pei
Published: October 2020

Background. Research investigating the effect of air pollution on diabetes incidence is mostly conducted in Europe and the United States and often produces conflicting results. The link between meteorological factors and diabetes incidence remains to be explored. We aimed to explore associations between air pollution and diabetes incidence and to estimate the nonlinear and lag effects of meteorological factors on diabetes incidence. Methods. Our study included 19,000 people aged ≥60 years from the Binhai New District without diabetes at baseline. The generalized additive model (GAM) and the distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) were used to explore the effect of air pollutants and meteorological factors on the incidence of diabetes. In the model combining the GAM and DLNM, the impact of each factor (delayed by 30 days) was first observed separately to select statistically significant factors, which were then incorporated into the final multivariate model. The association between air pollution and the incidence of diabetes was assessed in subgroups based on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Results. We found that cumulative RRs for diabetes incidence were 1.026 (1.011-1.040), 1.019 (1.012-1.026), and 1.051 (1.019-1.083) per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, respectively, as well as 1.156 (1.058-1.264) per 1 mg/m3 increase in CO in a single-pollutant model. Increased temperature, excessive humidity or dryness, and shortened sunshine duration were positively correlated with the incidence of diabetes in single-factor models. After adjusting for temperature, humidity, and sunshine, the risk of diabetes increased by 9.2% (95% confidence interval (CI):2.1%-16.8%) per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5. We also found that women, the elderly (≥75 years), and obese subjects were more susceptible to the effect of PM2.5. Conclusion. Our data suggest that PM2.5 is positively correlated with the incidence of diabetes in the elderly, and the relationship between various meteorological factors and diabetes in the elderly is nonlinear.
Herbal Formula Gegen‐Qinlian Decoction for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ren Lin , Cheng Yanxia , Qin Feng
Published: October 2020

Background. Herbal formula Gegen‐Qinlian Decoction (GQD) has been widely used in China for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but its efficacy and safety are unclear. Method. The studies were identified from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, Wanfang database, and VIP database using the keywords “Gegenqinlian” or “Gegen‐Qinlian” or “Gegen‐Qin‐Lian” or “Ge Gen Qin Lian.” Relevant studies were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study selection, data extraction, and validation were carried out by, at least, two reviewers with disagreements being settled by discussion. Results. After literature search, a total of 26 randomized controlled trials were included with a total of 2553 patients. There was evidence that compared with metformin, the combination of GQD and metformin significantly reduced the fasting plasma glucose levels (MD −1.79, 95% CI (−2.31, −1.27), p < 0.00001); 2‐hour postprandial plasma glucose levels (MD −1.72, 95% CI (−2.12, −1.31), p < 0.00001); and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (MD −1.26, 95% CI (−1.80, −0.72), p < 0.00001), and no serious side effects were identified. Conclusion. These data suggest that GQD may be an effective herbal formula in treating T2DM without serious side effects. The addition of GQD also enhances the hypoglycemic effects of metformin. However, the evidence remains weak due to methodological flaws, which may amplify the therapeutic benefit of GQD.
Hermite–Hadamard and Fractional Integral Inequalities for Interval-Valued Generalized
p
-Convex Function
Authors: Li Zhengbo , Kamran  , Zahoor Muhammad Sajid , Akhtar Huma
Published: October 2020

In the present paper, the new interval-valued generalized

p

convex functions are introduced. By using the notion of interval-valued generalized

p

convex functions and some auxiliary results of interval analysis, new Hermite–Hadamard and Fejér type inequalities are proved. The established results are more generalized than existing results in the literature. Moreover, fractional integral inequality for this generalization is also established.
Hypertension Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Adult Hypertensive Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ralapanawa Udaya , Bopeththa Kameera , Wickramasurendra Noorika , Tennakoon Sampath , Katsuya Tomohiro
Published: October 2020

Objective. Hypertension (HTN) remains a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases globally. Despite considerable improvement in increasing awareness, treatment, and control of HTN, undiagnosed and uncontrolled HTN remains a major public health challenge. Our focus was on studying the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding HTN in adult hypertensive patients at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Methodology. A descriptive study on knowledge, attitude, and practice of hypertensive patients on antihypertensive medications attending the hypertensive clinic was carried out from January 2016 to June 2016 at THP. Results. The study was on a total of 371 hypertensive patients comprising 253 (68.2%) females and 118 (31.8%) males. Among the total participants, 12 (3.2%), all females, had never been to school. About half of them (47.7%) had not even reached GCE (ordinary level). More than two-thirds (77%) of the study population were aware of the complications of HTN as they were informed by a health care team member. About 74% of them were taking all their prescribed medications. Almost all (95%) patients had checked their blood pressure (BP) during the previous 12 months, and almost the same percentage had visited their doctor for BP checkups every 1–3 months. Conclusion. Our patients were well aware of the importance of regular follow-ups and also knowledgeable about the complications related to HTN. Almost 75% of the patients had optimum drug compliance. It was revealed that forgetfulness was the frequent cause for poor drug compliance.
Traumatic Macular Hole: Clinical Management and Optical Coherence Tomography Features
Authors: Lei Chunling , Chen Li
Published: October 2020

The complex and uncertain prognosis of traumatic macular hole (TMH) makes it a difficult and challenging problem in clinical management. The features of spontaneously closed TMH and the time of vitrectomy remain unclear. This retrospective study aimed to demonstrate the optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of TMH, explore the relationship between OCT parameters and visual outcomes, and further evaluate the therapeutic effect of surgical management. Seventeen TMH patients were included in this study. 13 eyes of TMH received vitrectomy surgery and 4 eyes of TMH were closed spontaneously. Baseline patient characteristics, surgical details, and 6-month postoperative follow-up clinical assessment were recorded prospectively. There was a moderate rate (4/17 eyes, 23.5%) of spontaneous closure. The mean time of hole closure was 9.5 ± 9.9 weeks, and 75% occurred within three months. In the spontaneously closed TMH eyes (n = 4), an intact ellipsoid band was observed in all four patients with a mean age of 12.0 ± 1.6 years and a smaller preoperative basal diameter of 418.0 ± 283.6 μm. Small basal diameter of the macular hole at baseline (p = 0.02) was associated with spontaneous closure of TMH acuity. In the vitrectomy surgery group (n = 13), an intact ellipsoid band was observed in four patients (4/13) with a mean age of 27.0 ± 12.7 years and a larger preoperative basal diameter of 943.0 ± 444.2 μm (p = 0.02). Vitrectomy results in a better closure rate (11/13 eyes, 84.6%). Combined with the spontaneously closed TMH eyes, the overall hole closure rate was 88.2% (15/17 eyes). After 6-month treatment for all patients, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased to 0.59 ± 0.40 (logMAR) compared to baseline 1.01 ± 0.50 (logMAR) (p < 0.001). The ellipsoid band integrity was found to be closely correlated with visual acuity (p = 0.03). In conclusion, vitrectomy is an effective treatment for TMH. Surgical management for TMH achieved better anatomical closure and improved visual outcomes. Observation for 3 months may be considered before deciding if surgical intervention is suitable.
Crude Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi) with Glycyrrhiza Reduces Inflammation and Ventricular Remodeling in Mice through the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Yan Ping , Mao Wen , Jin Lushuai , Fang Mingsun , Liu Xia , Lang Jiali , Jin Lu , Cao Beibei , Shou Qiyang , Fu Huiying
Published: October 2020

Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi) is a traditional Chinese medicine. Its alkaloids are both cardiotonic and cardiotoxic; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Compatibility testing and processing are the primary approaches used to reduce the toxicity of aconite preparations. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of crude Fuzi (CFZ), CFZ combined with Glycyrrhiza (Gancao) (CFZ+GC), and prepared materials of CFZ (PFZ) on heart failure (HF) in C57BL/6J mice and explore the potential mechanisms of action of CFZ. Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was used to generate the HF state, and CFZ (1.5 g·mL−1), PFZ (1.5 g·mL−1), or CFZ+GC (1.8 g·mL−1) was orally administered to the HF-induced mice daily. For the subsequent 8 weeks, hemodynamic indicators, ventricular pressure indices, and mass indices were evaluated, and histopathological imaging was performed. CFZ, CFZ+GC, and PFZ significantly improved left ventricular function and structure and reduced myocardial damage. CFZ+GC was more effective than CFZ and PFZ, whereas CFZ had higher toxicity than CFZ+GC and PFZ. CFZ and CFZ+GC attenuated ischemia-induced inflammatory responses and also inhibited Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) action in the heart. Moreover, mass spectrometry analysis revealed a decrease in the levels of toxic components of CFZ+GC, whereas those of the protective components were increased. This study suggested that GC reduces the toxicity and increases the efficacy of CFZ on HF induced by TAC. Furthermore, GC+CFZ reduces the risk of HF by ameliorating the inflammation response, which might be partially related to the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Approximation Properties ofλ-Gamma Operators Based onq-Integers
Authors: Cheng Wen-Tao , Tang Xiao-Jun
Published: October 2020

In the present paper, we will introduceλ-Gamma operators based onq-integers. First, the auxiliary results about the moments are presented, and the central moments of these operators are also estimated. Then, we discuss some local approximation properties of these operators by means of modulus of continuity and PeetreK-functional. And the rate of convergence and weighted approximation for these operators are researched. Furthermore, we investigate the Voronovskaja type theorems including the quantitativeq-Voronovskaja type theorem andq-Grüss-Voronovskaja theorem.
3D Semantic VSLAM of Indoor Environment Based on Mask Scoring RCNN
Authors: Tao Chongben , Jin Yufeng , Cao Feng , Zhang Zufeng , Li Chunguang , Gao Hanwen
Published: October 2020

In view of existing Visual SLAM (VSLAM) algorithms when constructing semantic map of indoor environment, there are problems with low accuracy and low label classification accuracy when feature points are sparse. This paper proposed a 3D semantic VSLAM algorithm called BMASK-RCNN based on Mask Scoring RCNN. Firstly, feature points of images are extracted by Binary Robust Invariant Scalable Keypoints (BRISK) algorithm. Secondly, map points of reference key frame are projected to current frame for feature matching and pose estimation, and an inverse depth filter is used to estimate scene depth of created key frame to obtain camera pose changes. In order to achieve object detection and semantic segmentation for both static objects and dynamic objects in indoor environments and then construct dense 3D semantic map with VSLAM algorithm, a Mask Scoring RCNN is used to adjust its structure partially, where a TUM RGB-D SLAM dataset for transfer learning is employed. Semantic information of independent targets in scenes provides semantic information including categories, which not only provides high accuracy of localization but also realizes the probability update of semantic estimation by marking movable objects, thereby reducing the impact of moving objects on real-time mapping. Through simulation and actual experimental comparison with other three algorithms, results show the proposed algorithm has better robustness, and semantic information used in 3D semantic mapping can be accurately obtained.
The Effect of Acid Mine Drainage Corrosion on the Creep Deformation of Cemented Gangue Backfill
Authors: Wang Kun , Lv Zhaoxing , Tang Haibo
Published: October 2020

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a hazardous by‐product of coal mining, which may intensify the creep deformation of cemented gangue backfill (CGB) in solid backfill mining. In this study, the long‐term stability and creep property of CGB soaked in AMD were quantitatively measured by experimental and theoretical analysis. The uniaxial compressive strength, elastic modulus, and mass of CGB soaked in AMD, with pH of 5.56 and soaking time of 30 to 360 days, were tested. The change trend of compressive strength, elasticity modulus, and mass first increased, then decreased, and finally ended at 94.37%, 96.68%, and 98.00%, respectively. The respective creep processes of CGB soaked in AMD and untreated CGB were similar, initial creep stage lasted only for a short time, and no creep deformation occurred in the steady creep stage. Moreover, the long‐term strength of CGB soaked in AMD was 98.6% of the untreated CGB. The creep law of the CGB soaked in AMD was accurately fitted by using the Kelvin model. The theoretical analysis revealed that the final creep deformation of the CGB column soaked in AMD was only 4.4 mm. The results of this paper show the possibility of using CGB in AMD‐accumulating goaf.
Constitutions of Deficiency and Stasis of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Related Factors among Middle‐Aged Women in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ping-Ho , Huang Sheng-Miauh , Lai Jerry Cheng-Yen , Yu Pei-Jung
Published: October 2020

Background. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) appears to be the common therapy in middle‐aged women. The constitution serves as a guide for TCM treatment. However, little is known about the constitution and related factors in middle‐aged women. The objectives of this study were to describe the yang‐deficiency, yin‐deficiency, and stasis constitutions in middle‐aged women. Demographic and health factors related to yang deficiency, yin deficiency, and stasis were also examined. Methods. A total of 1,000 women aged 40–65 years were selected from 2009 through 2018 using random sampling from the Taiwan Biobank Research Database in Taiwan. Yang‐deficiency, yin‐deficiency, and stasis were assessed using the body constitution questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with constitution in deficiency or stasis. Results. The proportions of middle‐aged women who had the constitution in yang‐deficiency, yin‐deficiency, and stasis were 29.7%, 21.7%, and 17.7%, respectively. The result of binary logistic regression showed that current menstruation, abnormal spirometry, and education level were predictive factors of yang deficiency. Women with younger age, abnormal spirometry, or a vegetarian diet had a significantly associated yin deficiency. Younger age, abnormal spirometry, and coffee habit were predictors of stasis. Conclusions. Middle‐aged women in Taiwan with abnormal spirometry had a higher risk for deficiency or stasis constitutions, especially for those younger than 56 years. Healthcare providers should learn patients’ constitutions and provide appropriate advice, referring them to safe providers of their desired method.