bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to seeking timely treatment for severe childhood pneumonia in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Amin , Jabeen Ishrat , Rahman Mahfuzur , Faruque Abu Syed Golam , Alam Nur H , Ali Shahjahan , Ahmed Tahmeed , Fuchs George J , Duke Trevor , Gyr Niklaus , Sarma Haribondhu
Published: September 2021

Objective

Delays in seeking medical attention for childhood pneumonia may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at identifying the drivers of delayed seeking of treatment for severe childhood pneumonia in rural Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a formative study from June to September 2015 in one northern district of Bangladesh. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 rural mothers of children under 5 years with moderate or severe pneumonia. We analysed the data thematically.

Results

We found that mothers often failed to assess severity of pneumonia accurately due to lack of knowledge or misperception about symptoms of pneumonia. Several factors delayed timely steps that could lead to initiation of appropriate treatment. They included time lost in consultation with non-formal practitioners, social norms that required mothers to seek permission from male household heads (eg, husbands) before they could seek healthcare for their children, avoiding community-based public health centres due to their irregular schedules, lack of medical supplies, shortage of hospital beds and long distance of secondary or tertiary hospitals from households. Financial hardships and inability to identify a substitute caregiver for other children at home while the mother accompanied the sick child in hospital were other factors.

Conclusions

This study identified key social, economic and infrastructural factors that lead to delayed treatment for childhood pneumonia in the study district in rural Bangladesh. Interventions that inform mothers and empower women in the decision to seek healthcare, as well as improvement of infrastructure at the facility level could lead to improved behaviour in seeking and getting treatment of childhood pneumonia in rural Bangladesh.
Pertussis seroprevalence in mother–infant pairs from India: role of maternal immunisation
Authors: Viswanathan Rajlakshmi , Bafna Sanjay , Patil Kalyani , Jadhav Santoshkumar , Katendra Savita , Mishra Shweta , Maheshwari Shradha , Damle Hemant
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate pertussis antibody status of pregnant women and their newborns, and the impact of antenatal immunisation.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Hospitals in urban western India.

Participants

Pregnant women and their newborns.

Methods

Pertussis antibody titres in mothers and their newborns were determined. Vaccinated and unvaccinated mothers and their newborns were compared for baseline characteristics, geometric mean titres (GMTs) and placental transfer ratio of antibodies. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to understand the influence of different factors on protective antibody titres.

Results

Of 284 mother–infant pairs, 75 mothers and 73 of their newborns were seropositive for anti-pertussis toxin (PT) IgG antibodies. 94 women were vaccinated in pregnancy; 51 (54.3%) of these mothers and newborns were PT IgG positive, compared with 24 (12.3%) of the women (and 22 newborns) not vaccinated in pregnancy. Women vaccinated in pregnancy and their newborns had higher GMT (30.88 and 32.54 IU/mL), compared with women who were not vaccinated (12.63%, 2.24 IU/mL) and their newborns (11.58%, 2.53 IU/mL). Placental transfer ratios in newborns of mothers vaccinated in pregnancy and those who had childhood immunisation or natural immunity were similar (1.05 and 1.12, respectively). Protective titres of antibodies at birth (>20 IU/mL) were observed in 72.3% vs 21% of newborns of vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women, respectively; influenced by mother’s vaccination status and seropositivity.

Conclusion

Protection against pertussis is low in newborns of mothers who are only immunised during childhood. Vaccination early in pregnancy boosts maternal and neonatal immunity.
Inequitable impact of infection: social gradients in severe COVID-19 outcomes among all confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases during the first pandemic wave in Sweden
Authors: Gustafsson Per E. , San Sebastian Miguel , Fonseca-Rodriguez Osvaldo , Fors Connolly Anne-Marie
Published: September 2021

Background

The backdrop of the ubiquitous social inequalities has increasingly come into foreground in research on the COVID-19 pandemic, but the lack of high-quality population-based studies limits our understanding of the inequitable outcomes of the disease. The present study seeks to estimate social gradients in COVID-19 hospitalisations, intensive care admissions and death by education, income and country of birth, while taking into account disparities in comorbidities.

Methods

We used a register-based retrospective open cohort design enrolling all 74 659 confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive cases aged >25 years in Sweden during the first wave of the pandemic (until 14 September 2020). Information was retrieved from multiple registers and linked by the unique Swedish personal identity number concerning COVID-19 case identification; COVID-19 hospitalisations, intensive care admissions and death; comorbidities as measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index; and sociodemographic information. Social gradients were estimated by the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) using Cox regression.

Results

Adjusted analyses showed significant social gradients in COVID-19 hospitalisation, intensive care admission, across education, income and country of birth, which were unaffected by adjustment for comorbidities. Education and country of birth gradients were stronger for hospitalisation and intensive care admissions but small to non-existent for death. In contrast, income gradients were consistent across all three COVID-19 outcomes.

Conclusion

Social gradients in severe COVID-19 outcomes are widespread in Sweden, but appear to be unrelated to pre-existing health disparities. Inequitable outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection may therefore be at least partially avoidable and could rely on equitable management of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Advancing racial equity and social justice for Black communities in US tobacco control policy
Authors: Cwalina Sam N , Ihenacho Ugonna , Barker Joshua , Smiley Sabrina L , Pentz Mary Ann , Wipfli Heather
Published: September 2021

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) applies the Population Health Standard in tobacco product review processes by weighing anticipated health benefits against risks associated with a given commercial tobacco product at the population level. However, systemic racism (ie, discriminatory policies and practices) contributes to an inequitable distribution of tobacco-related health benefits and risks between white and Black/African Americans at the population level. Therefore, Black-centered, antiracist data standards for tobacco product review processes are needed to achieve racial equity and social justice in US tobacco control policy. Regardless of whether FDA implements such data standards, non-industry tobacco scientists should prioritise producing and disseminating Black-centred data relevant to FDA’s regulatory authority. We describe how systemic racism contributes to disparities in tobacco-related outcomes and why these disparities are relevant for population-level risk assessments, then discuss four possible options for Black-centred data standards relevant to tobacco product review processes.
The Early Cretaceous tectonic evolution of the southern Great Xing’an Range, northeastern China: new constraints from A2-type granite and monzodiorite
Authors: Xu Chenghan , Sun Fengyue , Fan Xingzhu , Huo Liang , Yang Depeng , Sun Yinqiang , Zhang Yajing , Wu Dongqian , Yu Lu , Bakht Shahzad
Published: September 2021

The widespread Early Cretaceous plutons intruding along the southern Great Xing’an Range (SGXR) provide evidence for tectonic evolution of the region. Petrological, geochemical, zircon U–Pb geochronology, and zircon Hf isotopic studies are conducted on intrusions from Bianjiadayuan and Hongling areas. These suites classify as A2-type granites and monzodiorites, respectively. The 138–133 Ma A2-type granites originated from partial melting of continental crustal materials at high temperatures and shallow depths with significant addition of juvenile mafic lower crust sourced from a metasomatized mantle. The 136–134 Ma monzodiorites originated from the partial melting of an enriched mantle that was modified by melts of a previously subducted slab coupled with crustal contamination. The Early Cretaceous magmatism in the SGXR occurred in two periods: ∼145–136 Ma (peak at ∼139 Ma; εHf (t) = 5 to 10) and ∼136–130 Ma (peak at ∼131 Ma; εHf (t) = –10 to 15). The Early Cretaceous granite–monzodiorite suite in the SGXR suggests a bimodal magmatism in an extensional setting. The ∼145–130 Ma magmatism may have been triggered by asthenospheric upwelling induced by the Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic slab breakoff and large-scale lithospheric delamination resulting from post-orogenic extension. The variation of subduction direction of the Paleo-Pacific Ocean likely triggered a change in stress regime at ca. 136 Ma and likely promoted the lithospheric delamination beneath the SGXR resulting in intense magmatism originating from various sources. As such, the Paleo-Pacific Oceanic subduction likely played an important role in the Early Cretaceous magmatism in the SGXR.
The recurring role of site challenges contemporary theories about regeneration under selection systems in northern hardwoods
Authors: Premer M.I. , Froese R.E.
Published: September 2021

In naturally regenerated managed forests, silvicultural methods leverage timing and intensity of harvesting activities to align with species-specific reproduction mechanisms. With contemporary emphasis on complex stand structure and diverse composition, there is uncertainty in the continued use of timber-oriented management practices in meeting evolving objectives. In the northern hardwood region of North America, contemporary theory is that selection regeneration systems result in homogenization of structure and composition through increasing dominance of Acer saccharum Marsh. Given the coupling of soils and vegetation in northern hardwoods, trends in site conditions that may be more resilient and (or) facilitative to community diversity may be of value to silviculturists. Remote-sensing products and inventory records were integrated to assess tree communities across site variables in northern Michigan, USA. The results reveal that composition is stabilized by local landforms and that diversity increases with hydrologic catchment area. Time since treatment (1–54 years) appeared negatively correlated with catchment area, reflecting lowlands with high diversity not managed or harvested infrequently, due to equipment access and operational logistics. Broad interpretations of selection regeneration systems may be invalidated by the influence of site conditions not previously accounted for, and the results highlight a novel technique to capture the effect of topography on species assemblages.
Helianthus Annuus L. Alleviates High-Fat Diet Induced Atherosclerosis by Regulating Intestinal Microbiota, Inhibiting Inflammation and Restraining Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wang Jianbing , Shan Shijun , Lyu Anqi , Wan Yinsheng , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2021

Helianthus Annuus L. (HAL) is composed of flavonoids and polysaccharides. Flavonoids have demonstrated beneficial effects on atherosclerosis (AS). The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-atherosclerosis effect and the related mechanism of HAL. In this study, the AS model induced by high-fat diet (HFD) mice that lacked apolipoprotein E (Apoe[Formula: see text] received feed containing 5% HAL for 24 weeks. After administration, the analysis of plaque on aorta was conducted, and the possible mechanisms were further explored. With HAL treatment, the size of atherosclerotic lesions in HFD-induced AS model mice was reduced. HAL ameliorated dyslipidemia and decreased the combined ratio. HAL up-regulated concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and down-regulated concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the aorta. In addition, 16S rRNA analysis showed that HAL also reduced diversity of the intestinal microbiota, decreased the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, and increased the relative abundance of probiotics such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus. In the end, HAL decreased the permeability of intestine by increasing the levels of occludin and tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) in the colon, consequently decreasing concentration of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1[Formula: see text] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-[Formula: see text] in serum and mRNA expressions in the aorta. Data showed that HAL alleviates AS by restraining oxidative stress, regulating intestinal microbiota, decreasing intestinal permeability and inhibiting inflammation. Our findings provided novel insights into the role and mechanism of anti-atherogenic potential of HAL.
Neuromodulatory Control of Early Visual Processing in Macaque
Authors: Disney Anita A.
Published: September 2021

Visual processing is dynamically controlled by multiple neuromodulatory molecules that modify the responsiveness of neurons and the strength of the connections between them. In particular, modulatory control of processing in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus, V1, and V2 will alter the outcome of all subsequent processing of visual information, including the extent to and manner in which individual inputs contribute to perception and decision making and are stored in memory. This review addresses five small-molecule neuromodulators—acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and histamine—considering the structural basis for their action, and the effects of their release, in the early visual pathway of the macaque monkey. Traditionally, neuromodulators are studied in isolation and in discrete circuits; this review makes a case for considering the joint action of modulatory molecules and differences in modulatory effects across brain areas as a better means of understanding the diverse roles that these molecules serve.
Precision Medicine Trials in Retinal Degenerations
Authors: Levi Sarah R. , Ryu Joseph , Liu Pei-Kang , Tsang Stephen H.
Published: September 2021

The beginning of the twenty-first century was marked by the innovative use of pharmacochemical interventions, which have since expanded to include gene-based molecular therapies. For years, treatment has focused on tackling the pathophysiology of monogenic orphan diseases, and one of the first applications of these novel genome editing technologies was the treatment of rare inherited retinal dystrophies. In this review, we present recent, ongoing, and future gene therapy–based treatment trials for choroideremia, X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and age-related macular degeneration. As these trials pave the way toward halting the progression of such devastating diseases, we will begin to see the exciting development of newer, cutting-edge strategies including base editing and prime editing, ushering in a new era of precision medicine.
Essential role of IL-23 in the development of acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Senoo Satoru , Taniguchi Akihiko , Itano Junko , Oda Naohiro , Morichika Daisuke , Fujii Utako , Guo Lili , Sunami Ryota , Kanehiro Arihiko , Tokioka Fumiaki , Yoshimura Akihiko , Kiura Katsuyuki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Miyahara Nobuaki
Published: September 2021

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has a poor prognosis associated with neutrophilic inflammation. Interleukin-23 is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in neutrophilic inflammation. However, little is known about its role in acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis. This study was performed to determine the role of interleukin-23 in acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis. For assessment of acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis, mice were intratracheally administered bleomycin followed by lipopolysaccharide. Inflammatory cells, cytokine levels, and morphological morphometry of the lungs were analyzed. Cytokine levels were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients with or without acute exacerbation. Interleukin-23, -17A, and -22 levels were increased in the airway of mice with acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis. Interleukin-23p19-deficient mice with acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis had markedly reduced airway inflammation and fibrosis associated with decreased levels of interleukin-17A and -22 compared with wild-type mice. Treatment with an anti-interleukin-23 antibody attenuated airway inflammation and fibrosis and reduced interleukin-17A and -22 levels in mice with acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis. T-helper type 17 cells were the predominant source of interleukin-17A in mice with acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis. Interleukin-23 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid tended to be higher in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients with than without acute exacerbation. The data presented here suggest that interleukin-23 is essential for the development of acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis and that blockade of interleukin-23 may be a new therapeutic strategy for acute exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis.
Fetal e-cigarette exposure programs a neonatal brain hypoxic-ischemic sensitive phenotype via altering DNA methylation patterns and autophagy signaling pathway
Authors: Walayat Andrew , Li Yong , Zhang Yanyan , Fu Yingjie , Liu Bailin , Shao Xuesi M. , Zhang Lubo , Xiao Daliao
Published: September 2021

Maternal e-cigarette (e-cig) exposure is a pressing perinatal health concern. Emerging evidence reveals its potential adverse impacts on brain development in offspring, yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The present study tested the hypothesis that fetal e-cig exposure induces an aberrant DNA methylation profile in the developing brain, leading to alteration of autophagic flux signaling and programming of a sensitive phenotype to neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Pregnant rats were exposed to chronic intermittent e-cig aerosol. Neonates were examined at the age of 9 days old. Maternal e-cig exposure decreased the body weight and brain weight but enhanced the brain-to-body weight ratio in the neonates. E-cig exposure induced a gender-dependent increase in hypoxic-ischemia-induced brain injury in male neonates associated with enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. It differentially altered DNA methyltransferase expression and enhanced both global DNA methylation levels and specific CpG methylation at the autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) promoter. In addition, maternal e-cig exposure caused downregulations of ATG5, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β, and sirtuin 1 expression in neonatal brains. Of importance, knockdown of ATG5 in neonatal pups exaggerated neonatal HIE. In conclusion, the present study reveals that maternal e-cig exposure downregulates autophagy-related gene expression via DNA hypermethylation, leading to programming of a hypoxic-ischemic sensitive phenotype in the neonatal brain.
The Efficiency of AuNPs in Cancer Cell Targeting Compared to Other Nanomedicine Technologies Using Fuzzy PROMETHEE
Authors: Albarwary Safa Anmar , Kibarer Ayse Gunay , Mustapha Mubarak Taiwo , Hamdan Hani , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun
Published: September 2021

Cancer is a disease with rare, diverse symptoms, causing abnormal cell growth in an uncontrolled way, leading to cell damage, apoptosis, and eventually death of the patient. This study uses the Fuzzy PROMETHEE technique to develop a new path for cancer treatment based on nanoparticles (NPs) applications, used in controlled anticancer drug delivery (drug release, toxicity, and unspecific site targeting) to enhance patient safety. The different nanoparticles employed in the drug delivery analysis are gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric micelles (PMs), and quantum dots (QDs). Fuzzy predictable preference organization mode and evaluation multicriteria choice were used as tactics in making the best decision using the data from the factors of cost, size, shape, surface charge, ligand type, pH and temperature stimuli, biocompatibility, accumulation ratio, toxicity, specificity, stability, efficacy, adverse effect, and safety factor of the NPs. The results obtained from the total net flow of the visual PROMETHEE scenario for anticancer drug delivery, based on NPs data analysis, show that AuNPs are ranked the highest among the other NPs. The Phi values obtained for the NPs are as follows: AuNPs (0.1428), PMs (0.0280), QDs (−0.0467), dendrimers (−0.0593), and liposomes (−0.0649). This study highlights the optimal choice of NPs as an intelligent drug delivery system that facilitates therapeutic efficiency, where cancer cells are accurately targeted to enhance treatment quality and patient safety.
Construction of Multimedia‐Assisted English Teaching Mode in Big Data Network Environment
Authors: Zhao Hongxin
Published: September 2021

Oral English teaching is the weakest link in multimedia English teaching at this stage. English teachers are constantly exploring effective approaches to improve oral English Teaching in their own educational practice. The big data multimedia English teaching mode conforms to embark on the historical stage. Firstly, this paper constructs the big data architecture of English teaching model mining and divides the construction of the teaching model into three parts: data mining, teaching model evaluation, and improvement optimization. Data mining uses the advanced DBN network to send data into the DBN‐DELM network, which significantly improves the accuracy of the multimedia assisted English construction model. The simulation results show that teaching mode construction based on big data can effectively improve students’ interest in English learning; attitude; and oral English level including pronunciation, pronunciation and intonation, dialogue and communication, and oral expression and improve students’ group cooperation and communication ability, autonomous learning ability, evaluation consciousness, and ability.
MicroRNA-let-7 Targets HMGA2 to Regulate the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Colon Cancer Cell HCT116
Authors: Chen Zheng , Liu Jiheng
Published: September 2021

Objective. To investigate the effect of microRNA-let-7 (miR-let-7) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cell HCT116 in vitro and its regulatory mechanism on downstream HMGA2. Methods. It was planned to synthesize miR-let-7 overexpression (mimics) and interference expression (inhibitor) and transiently transfect colon cancer cell HCT116, detect the expression levels of miR-let-7 and HMGA2 in the cells after transfection and the targeted regulation effect of miR-let-7 on HMGA2, then detect the effect of upregulation/downregulation of miR-let-7 on HMGA2, and detect the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCT116 cells. Results. The expression of miR-let-7 was downregulated, and the expression of HMGA2 was upregulated in HCT116. The expression of miR-let-7 increased significantly after HCT116 was transfected with miR-let-7 mimics. The expression of miR-let-7 decreased significantly after HCT116 was transfected with miR-let-7 inhibitor. The bioinformatics websites predicted that miR-let-7 has a binding site with HMGA2, and the dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment detected that miR-let-7 has a targeting relationship with HMGA2. The expression of HMGA2 decreased after HCT116 was transfected with miR-let-7 mimics; the expression of HMGA2 increased after HCT116 was transfected with miR-let-7 inhibitor. After upregulating miR-let-7, the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of HCT116 was weakened. After miR-let-7 was inhibited, the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of HCT116 was enhanced. Conclusion. Abnormal expression of miR-let-7 is an important factor affecting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCT116 cells, and it can promote or inhibit the biological behavior of cancer cells by targeting the expression of HMGA2. This study provides ideas for the drug development of new gene targets.
Optimization of Forging Process Parameters and Prediction Model of Residual Stress of Ti‐6Al‐4V Alloy
Authors: Fang Xiurong , Liu Liu , Lu Jia , Gao Yang
Published: September 2021

Nonisothermal forging is an efficient plastic forming method for titanium alloys, but at the same time, it can produce large and uneven residual stress, which seriously affects the service life of components. In order to quantitatively analyze the influence of forging process parameters on the residual stress of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy forgings, a numerical model was first established and optimized in combination with experiments. Then, the effects of deformation temperature, deformation degree, and deformation speed on the residual stress of forgings were analyzed by orthogonal test, and the optimal combination of forging process parameters was obtained. Finally, the multiple regression analysis was employed to propose multivariate regression models for the prediction of the average equivalent residual stress. Results show that the prediction model can be used for predicting the residual stress of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy forgings with a higher reliability.
Frost-Heaving Cracking Sensitivity of Single-Flaw Rock Mass Based on a Numerical Experimental Method
Authors: Wang Tingting , Tang Chun’an , Li Pingfeng , Tang Shibin , Liu Minghao , Zhang Bingbing
Published: September 2021

A novel numerical experimental method is developed herein to study frost-heaving cracking in fractured rock masses by reproducing the physical experimental frost-heaving process. The failure mode of a preexisting closed and water-saturated single-flaw in a rock mass during the frost-heaving process is affected by the inclination angle, flaw width, crack length, and cooling rate. Additionally, a regression model for predicting secondary crack formation and propagation is established by combining multiple stepwise regressions. Overall, the results indicate that preexisting flaw with various inclination angles, flaw lengths, and cooling rates mainly propagates along the flaw-coplanar direction. The secondary crack failure mode is most affected by the flaw width, and the length of the secondary crack increases with increasing inclination angle, flaw width, and flaw length, but decreases with increasing cooling rate. The contributions of the investigated factors to the secondary crack length follow the order: flaw width > inclination angle > cooling rate > flaw length. The results presented herein provide crucial theoretical guidance for engineering and construction projects in cold regions.
Synthetic Mesh Reconstruction of Chronic, Native Quadriceps Tendon Disruptions following Failed Primary Repair
Authors: Hartline Braden E. , Wilson Jacob M. , Schwartz Andrew M. , Roberson James R. , Guild George N.
Published: September 2021

Case. Two patients presented with chronic knee extensor mechanism disruption after failed primary repairs. Both patients had minimal ambulatory knee function prior to surgical intervention and were treated with a synthetic mesh reconstruction of their extensor mechanism. Our technique has been modified from previously described techniques used in revision knee arthroplasty. At the one-year follow-up, both patients had improvement in their active range of motion and had returned to their previous activity. Conclusion. Synthetic mesh reconstruction of chronic extensor mechanism disruption is a viable technique that can be utilized as salvage for the persistently dysfunctional native knee.
A Fruit Tree Disease Diagnosis Model Based on Stacking Ensemble Learning
Authors: Li Honglei , Jin Ying , Zhong Jiliang , Zhao Ruixue
Published: September 2021

Fruit tree diseases have a great influence on agricultural production. Artificial intelligence technologies have been used to help fruit growers identify fruit tree diseases in a timely and accurate way. In this study, a dataset of 10,000 images of pear black spot, pear rust, apple mosaic, and apple rust was used to develop the diagnosis model. To achieve better performance, we developed three kinds of ensemble learning classifiers and two kinds of deep learning classifiers, validated and tested these five models, and found that the stacking ensemble learning classifier outperformed the other classifiers with the accuracy of 98.05% on the validation dataset and 97.34% on the test dataset, which hinted that, with the small‐ and middle‐sized dataset, stacking ensemble learning classifiers may be used as cost‐effective alternatives to deep learning models under performance and cost constraints.
Numerical Simulation and Dynamic Analysis of Single-Hole Cliff-Side Loess Cave Dwelling under Seismic Actions
Authors: Hao Yane , Liang Xingwen , Lan Yongqiang
Published: September 2021

Loess cave dwellings are the most typical style of regional architecture in northwest China; now, there are still tens of millions of people living in them. The northwest is an earthquake-prone area, and cave dwellings have suffered a lot of damage in previous moderate and strong earthquakes, so their earthquake resistance has attracted people’s attention. At present, the seismic analysis of aboveground building structures is relatively mature, while the seismic analysis of loess cave dwellings is less researched. To study the seismic response of loess cave dwellings, a single-hole cliff-side loess cave dwelling located in Yangjialing revolution former sites of Yan’an City of northwest China was investigated and surveyed; the three-dimensional numerical model was established by MIDAS/GTS NX. Combining the historic earthquake damage investigation, dynamic time-history analysis of the single-hole loess cliff-side cave dwelling subject to four horizontal earthquake actions was conducted to determine the weak positions, failure characteristics, and the corresponding displacement and stress of the loess cave dwelling under earthquake load. The results show that the loess has an amplification effect on the seismic waves, the arch vault is a key factor to the stability of the loess cave dwellings, the cliff-side loess cave dwellings in an 8-degree area cannot be used to continue living, and the entrance to loess cave dwellings is the most dangerous place when the earthquake happens.
Mind-Body Health Benefits of Traditional Chinese Qigong on Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Leung Kin-Chung Wilson , Yang Yi-Jian , Hui Stanley Sai-Chuen , Woo Jean
Published: September 2021

Most women live with an inactive lifestyle, which suggests a need for preference-based choices to promote their participation in physical activity. This systematic review synthesized key findings on the health benefits of Qigong among women. We conducted a systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Qigong among women according to the PRISMA guidelines using the following databases from their inception through March 2021: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and US National Library of Medicine. The risk of bias was examined using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials. Altogether, 18 RCTs were included for final review. Results showed that Qigong was a feasible exercise in improving health outcomes, particularly depressive symptoms (63% of trials), quality of life (43%), and fatigue (29%), among general women, intimate partner violence survivors, and women with chronic conditions (e.g., breast cancer patients or survivors). Almost 90% (7/8) of trials reported high adherence rates ranging from 73 to 95% for supervised group training and 63 to 80% for home self-practice. Thus far, there was no evidence of serious adverse effects from performing Qigong. For the risk of bias across trials, a lack of allocation concealment (72% of trials), no blinding of participants and personnel (67%), and incomplete outcome data (67%) were the major sources. In summary, Qigong is a safe, feasible, and beneficial exercise for general women, abused sufferers, and health-compromised women. However, given the potential risk of bias found in many studies, improved rigor of study design in future trials will be imperatively required.
Research and Application of Globally Optimized Sequence Stratigraphic Seismic Interpretation Technology: Taking the Lower Cretaceous Shahezi Formation of Xujiaweizi Fault Depression as an Example
Authors: Guan Xiaowei , Meng Qian , Jiang Chuanjin , Liu Xinyu , Han Menglu
Published: September 2021

In the study of sequence stratigraphy in continental rift basins, the use of seismic data to track different levels of sequence stratigraphic boundaries laterally is the key to the division of sequence stratigraphic units at all levels and the establishment of an isochronous sequence stratigraphic framework. Traditional seismic interpretation and the establishment of a 3D sequence stratigraphic structure model are a difficult research work. This paper introduces the concept of cost function minimization and performs global stratigraphic scanning on 3D seismic data to interpret horizons and faults in a large grid. Constrained by the results, human-computer interactive intelligent interpretation, by adding iterative interpretation of geological knowledge, established a global stratigraphic model with a relative geological age. The application in the Lower Cretaceous Shahezi Formation of Xujiaweizi fault depression shows that this technology has improved the accuracy and efficiency of sequence stratigraphic interpretation, and the application of this technology has achieved the interpretation of each event horizon under the current seismic data resolution conditions. In this way, a continuous sequence stratigraphic model is established. From this stratigraphic model, any high-frequency sequence-interpreted seismic horizon can be extracted, which provides a basis for the combination of lateral resolution and longitudinal resolution of subsequent reservoir prediction.
Radar Circular Data Analysis Using a New Watson’s Goodness of Test under Complexity
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Saleem Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Watson’s test is applied to test either the given angular data follows the specified distribution or not. The existing Watson’s test under classical statistics is applied when there is no uncertainty and indeterminacy in sample size or angular data. Under indeterminacy, the existing Watson’s test cannot be applied for testing purposes. Neutrosophic statistics is an alternative to classical statistics for this kind of situation. The Watson’s test under neutrosophic statistics is proposed in this paper. The test statistic of Watson’s test is introduced first. The operational procedure of the proposed Watson’s test is discussed with the help of radar data. From the data analysis and simulation study, it is concluded the proposed Watson’s test is efficient than the existing Watson’s test.
Polymethoxyflavones in Citrus Regulate Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Oscillating Decay of Circadian Rhythm Genes by Inhibiting Nlrp3 Expression
Authors: Wang Yue , Song Bo , Chen Jiebiao , Cao Jinping , Li Xian , Sun Chongde
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study is to compare the regulatory abilities of citrus flavonoids on the oscillating expression of circadian genes. Seven varieties of citrus fruits and twenty‐five citrus flavonoids were selected and evaluated. Per2 luciferase bioluminescence report system and serum shock were used to induce circadian gene expression in mouse microglia BV‐2 cells. In vivo experiments were carried out using C57BL6/J mice to evaluate the regulation of flavonoids on the oscillatory expression of liver biorhythm genes. Lipopolysaccharide was used to interfere the gene oscillating expression. QRT‐PCR was performed to detect the expression of circadian rhythm‐related genes, including Clock, Bmal1, Per1, Per2, Per3, Cry1, Cry2, Rev-erbα, Rev-erbβ, Rorα, Dbp, and Npas2. The results show that the polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) exerted stronger circadian gene regulatory capability, while the flavonoids containing glycosides showed no biological activity. Also, all tested flavonoids decreased LPS‐induced nitric oxide release, but only polymethoxyflavones inhibited circadian rhythm disorder. PMFs inhibited Nlrp3 inflammasome‐related genes and proteins, including Nlrp3, IL‐1β, ASC, and Caspase1, while other flavonoids only affected IL‐1β and Caspase1 expression. This mechanism was preliminarily verified using the Nlrp3 inhibitor INF39.
Gait Phase Recognition Using Fuzzy Logic Regulation with Multisensor Data Fusion
Authors: Weidong Gao , Zhenwei Zhao
Published: September 2021

The health challenges brought by aging population and chronic noncommunicable diseases are increasingly severe. Scientific physical exercise is of great significance to prevent the occurrence of chronic diseases and subhealth intervention and promote health. However, improper or excessive exercise can cause injury. Research shows that the sports injury rate of people who often exercise is as high as 85%. Aiming at the problem of low accuracy of single sensor gait analysis, a real‐time gait detection algorithm based on piezoelectric film and motion sensor is proposed. On this basis, a gait phase recognition method based on fuzzy logic is proposed, which enhances the ability of gait space‐time measurement. Experimental results show that the proposed gait modeling method based on ground reaction force (GRF) signal can effectively recognize and quantify various gait patterns. At the same time, the introduction of heterogeneous sensor data fusion technology can effectively make up for the accuracy defects of single sensor measurement and improve the estimation accuracy of gait space‐time measurement.
A PID Tuning Strategy Based on a Variable Weight Beetle Antennae Search Algorithm for Hydraulic Systems
Authors: Qiao Yujing , Fan Yuqi
Published: September 2021

To select reasonable PID controller parameters and improve control performances of hydraulic systems, a variable weight beetle antenna search algorithm is proposed for PID tuning in the hydraulic system. The beetle antennae search algorithm is inspired by the beetle preying habit depending on symmetry antennae on the head. The proposed algorithm added the exponential equation mechanism strategy in the basic algorithm to further improve the searching performance, the convergence speed, and the optimization accuracy and obtain new iteration and an updating method in the global searching and local searching stages. In the PID tuning process, advantages of less parameters and fast iteration are realized in the PID tuning process. In this paper, different dimension functions were tested, and results calculated by the proposed algorithm were compared with other famous algorithms, and the numerical analysis was carried out, including the iteration, the box‐plot, and the searching path, which comprehensively showed the searching balance in the proposed algorithm. Finally, the reasonable PID controller parameters are found by using the proposed method, and the tuned PID controller is introduced into the hydraulic system for control, and the time‐domain response characteristics and frequency response characteristics are given. The results show that the proposed PID tuning method has good PID parameter tuning ability, and the tuned PID has a good control ability, which makes the hydraulic system achieve the desired effect.
Experimental Investigation of the Technical Performances of SRX‐Stabilized Graded Macadam
Authors: Xu Na , Chen Zhongda , Gao Haijun , Dong Dingming , Wu Yongjun , Lu Guanghui , Chen Zhifeng
Published: September 2021

The technical performances of Solution Road RomixSoilfix‐ (SRX‐) stabilized graded macadam (SSGM) are investigated to promote its application. The specimen curing conditions were proposed to improve the test efficiency by analyzing the influence of curing temperature on the unconfined compressive strength and moisture content variation. Moreover, the mechanical properties (e.g., CBR, strength, and resilient modulus) and pavement performances (e.g., temperature shrinkage, water stability, and freezing stability) of SSGM were evaluated through laboratory tests. The results show that the recommended curing temperature in the drying oven should be 100°C ± 2°C and the recommended curing time should not be less than 16 h. Furthermore, the CBR, unconfined compressive and splitting strengths, and resilient modulus of SSGM increase with the content of SRX stabilizer. The temperature shrinkage coefficient is approximately 15% of the cement‐stabilized grading crushed stone. The dry‐wet recovery strength ratio is approximately 96% after four dry‐wet cycles. The freeze‐thaw recovery strength ratio is approximately 58% after five freeze‐thaw cycles. The freezing stability of SSGM can be improved by increasing the content of SRX stabilizer. The technical performances of SSGM should fulfill the technical requirements.
Mapping Mechanical Properties of the Tumor Microenvironment by Laser Speckle Rheological Microscopy
Authors: Hajjarian Zeinab , Brachtel Elena F. , Tshikudi Diane M. , Nadkarni Seemantini K.
Published: September 2021

Altered mechanical properties of the tumor matrix have emerged as both the cause and consequence of breast carcinogenesis. Increased tumor stiffness has traditionally provided a viable metric to screen for malignancies via palpation or imaging. Previous studies have demonstrated that the microscale mechanical properties of the cell substrate influence tumor proliferation and invasive migration in vitro. Nevertheless, the association of the mechanical microenvironment with clinical hallmarks of aggressiveness in human breast tumors, including histopathological subtype, grade, receptor expression status, and lymph node involvement is poorly understood. This is largely due to the lack of tools for mapping tumor viscoelastic properties in clinical specimens with high spatial resolution over a large field of view (FoV). Here we introduce laser Speckle rHEologicAl micRoscopy (SHEAR) that for the first time enables mapping the magnitude viscoelastic or shear modulus, |G*(x,y,ω)|, over a range of frequencies (ω = 1–250 rad/second) in excised tumors within minutes with a spatial resolution of approximately 50 μm, over multiple cm2 FoV. Application of SHEAR in a cohort of 251 breast cancer specimens from 148 patients demonstrated that |G*(x,y,ω)| (ω = 2π rad/second) closely corresponds with histological features of the tumor, and that the spatial gradient of the shear modulus, |∇|G*(x,y,ω)||, is elevated at the tumor invasive front. Multivariate analyses established that the metrics, (|G* |) and (|∇|G* ||), measured by SHEAR are associated with prognosis. These findings implicate the viscoelastic properties of the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer prognosis and likely pave the path for identifying new modifiable targets for treatment.

Significance:

Laser speckle rheological microscopy establishes the links between microscale heterogeneities of viscoelasticity and histopathological subtype, tumor grade, receptor expression, as well as lymph node status in breast carcinoma.
IL6 Signaling in Cancer: Not Always Bad News
Authors: Huynh Jennifer , Ernst Matthias
Published: September 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin the pleiotropic effects of IL6 in disease are critical to better inform when this cytokine should be therapeutically targeted to provide the most benefit to patients. This is particularly important for cancer and other pathologic conditions strongly linked to chronic inflammation. Shriki and colleagues provide mechanistic evidence that IL6 protects against chronic liver injury and its ensuing tumor development, thereby challenging the prevailing paradigm that IL6 always acts as a tumor-promoting cytokine. These observations contribute to an emerging view of dichotomous and complex activities of IL6 in solid malignancies and will help understand which patients under which circumstances receive the most benefit from therapies that interfere with IL6 signaling.

See related article by Shriki et al., p. 4766
Genetic Polymorphisms Involved in Mitochondrial Metabolism and Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Authors: Peduzzi Giulia , Gentiluomo Manuel , Tavano Francesca , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Ermini Stefano , Vodicka Pavel , Boggi Ugo , Cavestro Giulia Martina , Capurso Gabriele , Morelli Luca , Milanetto Anna Caterina , Pezzilli Raffaele , Lawlor Rita T. , Carrara Silvia , Lovecek Martin , Souček Pavel , Guo Feng , Hackert Thilo , Uzunoğlu Faik G. , Gazouli Maria , Párniczky Andrea , Kupcinskas Juozas , Bijlsma Maarten F. , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Vermeulen Roel , van Eijck Casper H.J. , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Talar-Wojnarowska Renata , Greenhalf William , Gioffreda Domenica , Petrone Maria C. , Landi Stefano , Archibugi Livia , Puzzono Marta , Funel Niccola , Sperti Cosimo , Piredda Maria L. , Mohelnikova-Duchonova Beatrice , Lu Ye , Hlaváč Viktor , Gao Xin , Schneider Martin , Izbicki Jakob R. , Theodoropoulos George , Bunduc Stefania , Kreivenaite Edita , Busch Olivier R. , Małecka-Panas Ewa , Costello Eithne , Perri Francesco , Testoni Sabrina Gloria Giulia , Vanella Giuseppe , Pasquali Claudio , Oliverius Martin , Brenner Hermann , Loos Martin , Götz Mara , Georgiou Konstantinos , Erőss Bálint , Maiello Evaristo , Szentesi Andrea , Bazzocchi Francesca , Basso Daniela , Neoptolemos John P. , Hegyi Péter , Kiudelis Vytautas , Canzian Federico , Campa Daniele
Published: September 2021

Background:

The mitochondrial metabolism has been associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) risk. Recent evidence also suggests the involvement of the genetic variability of the mitochondrial function in several traits involved in PDAC etiology. However, a systematic investigation of the genetic variability of mitochondrial genome (mtSNP) and of all the nuclear genes involved in its functioning (n-mtSNPs) has never been reported.

Methods:

We conducted a two-phase association study of mtSNPs and n-mtSNPs to assess their effect on PDAC risk. We analyzed 35,297 n-mtSNPs and 101 mtSNPs in up to 55,870 individuals (12,884 PDAC cases and 42,986 controls). In addition, we also conducted a gene-based analysis on 1,588 genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism using Multi-marker Analysis of GenoMic Annotation (MAGMA) software.

Results:

In the discovery phase, we identified 49 n-mtSNPs and no mtSNPs associated with PDAC risk (P < 0.05). In the second phase, none of the findings were replicated. In the gene-level analysis, we observed that three genes (TERT, SUGCT, and SURF1) involved in the mitochondrial metabolism showed an association below the Bonferroni-corrected threshold of statistical significance (P = 0.05/1588 = 3.1 × 10−5).

Conclusions:

Even though the mitochondrial metabolism might be involved in PDAC etiology, our results, obtained in a study with one of the largest sample sizes to date, show that neither n-mtSNPs nor mtSNPs are associated with PDAC risk.

Impact:

This large case–control study does not support a role of the genetic variability of the mitochondrial function in PDAC risk.