bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfil farmacoeconômico do tratamento da fibrose pulmonar idiopática demandado por idosos no estado do Pará
Authors: Kaminosono Agnes , Gillet Ana Maria , Sousa Emanuelle , Gomes Jocileide , Soler Orenzio
Published: January 2022

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar o levantamento de custo dos medicamentos antifibróticos para o tratamento da fibrose pulmonar idiopática no estado do Pará. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental do tipo descritiva, retrospectiva e quantitativa, referente às tecnologias pirfenidona e nintedanibe, demandadas entre os meses de junho de 2016 a junho de 2019. Para a obtenção dos dados, acessaram-se os relatórios de dispensação por paciente, notas fiscais relacionadas à aquisição dos medicamentos, além de planilha Excel de cadastro e acompanhamento de processos dos anos correspondentes, disponibilizados pela Secretaria de Estado de Saúde. Resultados: Foram atendidos 81 processos destinados à aquisição dos medicamentos (2 em 2016, 13 em 2017, 31 em 2018 e 35 em 2019); dos quais 29 solicitando nintedanibe e 52, pirfenidona. Quanto aos gastos, identificou-se que, em 2016, se pagou R$ 38.673,32 para a aquisição nintedanibe. Em 2017, foi R$ 158.881,27 para a aquisição de pirfenidona e R$ 322.277,67 para o atendimento de nintedanibe. Para 2018, percebeu-se o aumento impactante de pirfenidona (R$ 627.959,33), se comparada aos anos anteriores, enquanto o nintedanibe totalizou R$ 670.337,55. Já para o primeiro semestre de 2019 foram investidos R$ 620.393,55 para a pirfenidona e R$ 464.079,84 para nintedanibe. Conclusões: Identificou-se que a demanda de tecnologias em saúde destinadas aos portadores de fibrose pulmonar idiopática no Pará segue em constante crescente, por ser uma tecnologia inovadora que ainda não está incorporada no Sistema Único de Saúde, fazendo-se necessários critérios que regulamentem a sustentabilidade do acesso ao tratamento dessa doença rara.
Prediction of Sandstone Dilatancy Point in Different Water Contents Using Infrared Radiation Characteristic: Experimental and Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Ma Liqiang , Khan Naseer Muhammad , Cao Kewang , Rehman Hafeezur , Salman Saad , Rehman Faheem Ur
Published: January 2022

In rock mechanics, the dilatancy point is always occurring before rock failure during loading process. Water content plays a significant role in the rock physiomechanical properties, which also impact the rock dilatancy point under loading process. This dilatancy point significantly plays a warning role in the rock engineering structures stability. Therefore, it is essential to predict the rock dilatancy point under different water contents to get an early warning for effective monitoring of engineering projects. This study investigates the water contents effects on sandstone dilatancy point under loading in the presence of infrared radiation (IR). Furthermore, this IR was used for the first time as an input parameter for different artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to predict the dilatancy point in the stress-strain curve. The experimental findings show that the stress range in stress-strain curve stages (crack closure and unstable crack propagation) increases with water content. However, this range for deformation and stable crack propagation stages decreases with water content. The dilatancy stress, crack initiation stress, and elastic modulus are negatively linearly correlated, while peak stress and stress level are negatively quadraticaly correlated with a high (R2). The absolute strain energy rate, which gives a sudden increase at the point of dilatancy, is used as the dilatancy point index. The stress level is 0.86 σmax at the dilatancy point for dry rock and decreases with water content. This index is predicted from IR data using three computing techniques: artificial neural network (ANN), random forest regression (RFR), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN). The performance of all techniques was evaluated using R2 and root-means-square error (RMSE). The results of the predicted models show satisfactory performances for all, but KNN is remarkable. The research findings will be helpful and provide guidelines about underground engineering project stability evaluation in water environments.
Global Burden of Female Breast Cancer: Age-Period-Cohort Analysis of Incidence Trends From 1990 To 2019 and Forecasts for 2035
Authors: Li Yizhen , Zheng Jinxin , Deng Yujiao , Deng Xinyue , Lou Weiyang , Wei Bajin , Xiang Dong , Hu Jingjing , Zheng Yi , Xu Peng , Yao Jia , Zhai Zhen , Zhou Linghui , Yang Si , Wu Ying , Kang Huafeng , Dai Zhi-Jun
Published: January 2022

Background
This study aimed to describe the latest epidemiology of female breast cancer globally, analyze the change pattern of the incidence rates and the disease’s association with age, period, and birth cohort, and subsequently present a forecast of breast cancer incidence.
Methods
Data for analysis were obtained from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019 and World Population Prospects 2019 revision by the United Nations (UN). We described the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) from 1990 to 2019 and then calculated the relative risks of period and cohort using an age-period-cohort model, and predicted the trends of ASIRs to 2035.
Results
In 2019, the global incidence of breast cancer in women increased to 1,977,212 (95% uncertainty interval = 1 807 615 to 2 145 215), with an ASIR of 45.86 (41.91 to 49.76) per 100 000 persons. Among the six selected countries facing burdensome ASIRs, only the USA showed a downward trend from 1990 to 2019, whereas the others showed an increasing or stable trend. The overall net drift was similar in Japan (1.78%), India (1.66%), and Russia (1.27%), reflecting increasing morbidity from 1990 to 2019. The increase in morbidity was particularly striking in China (2.60%) and not significant in Germany (0.42%). The ASIRs were predicted to continue to increase globally, from 45.26 in 2010 to 47.36 in 2035. In most countries and regions, the age specific incidence rate is the highest in those aged over 70 years and will increase in all age groups until 2035. In high-income regions, the age specific incidence rates are expected to decline in women aged over 50 years.
Conclusions
The global burden of female breast cancer is becoming more serious, especially in developing countries. Raising awareness of the risk factors and prevention strategies for female breast cancer is necessary to reduce future burden.
Stigma and Related Influencing Factors in Postoperative Oral Cancer Patients in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tan Chuxia , Zhong Chenxi , Mei Ranran , Yang Ronghong , Wang Dangdang , Deng Xianjiao , Chen Shihao , Ye Man
Published: January 2022

Purpose
To examine the level of stigma and identify its influencing factors among postoperative oral cancer patients in China.
Methods
In total, 274 postoperative oral cancer patients were recruited from a Grade A Tertiary Hospital in China using convenience sampling methods. Patients completed the Social Impact Scale (SIS), Medical Coping Mode Questionnaire (MCMQ), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and General Self-efficacy Scale (GSE).
Results
Stigma reported by postoperative oral cancer patients was moderate (50.17±21.24). Stepped Multiple Linear Regression showed that the related factors influencing their feelings of stigma were education level (β = -0.122, P<0.001), smoking (β = -0.140, P<0.001), betel-quid chewing (β = -0.136, P<0.001), type of oral cancer (β = -0.399, P<0.001), pathology type (β = -0.077, P<0.001), confrontation (β = 0.116, P<0.001), avoidance (β = 0.136, P<0.001), and self-efficacy (βv= -0.282, P<0.001), which explained 70.3% of the total variation in stigma (F = 81.829, P<0.001).
Conclusions
Stigma was positively predicted by avoidance coping strategies, but negatively predicted by education level, smoking, betel-quid chewing, type of oral cancer, pathology type, confronting coping strategies, and self-efficacy. Further work should focus on developing interventions to reduce stigma by improving protective factors and decreasing risk factors.
Hepatitis B, C and Humman Immunodeficiency Virus Knowledge Among the General Greek Population: Results From Τhe Hprolipsis Nationwide Survey
Authors: Kaskafetou Sylvia , Karakosta Argiro , Sypsa Vana , Kalpourtzi Natasa , Gavana Magda , Vantarakis Apostolos , Rachiotis George , Chlouverakis Grigoris , Trypsianis Grigoris , Voulgari Paraskevi V. , Alamanos Yannis , Papatheodoridis George , Touloumi Giota
Published: January 2022

Background: Although several studies on hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been conducted in Greece, little is known on the knowledge level of the Greek population towards these three infections. Our aim was to assess the knowledge level of the adult Greek general population about the HBV, HCV and HIV.Methods: Data were derived from the first general population Health Survey, Hprolipsis. The sample was selected by multistage stratified random sampling. A standardized questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers during home visits. A knowledge score was constructed based on responses to 17 per infection selected items and categorized in three levels; high (12-17 correct replies) medium (6-11) and low (0-5). Among 8,341 eligible individuals, 6,006 were recruited (response rate:72%) and 5,878 adults (≥18 years) were included in the analysis. Results: Only 30.4%, 21.6%, and 29.6% of the participants had a high overall knowledge level of HBV, HCV and HIV, respectively. These low percentages were mainly attributed to the high levels of misconception about transmission modes (65.9%, 67.2%, and 67.9%, respectively). Results showed that increasing age and living out of the big metropolitan cities were associated with decreased odds of having higher knowledge. Female gender, higher education level, higher monthly family income, higher medical risk score, history of testing and being born in Greece or Cyprus, were associated with increased odds of having higher knowledge. Conclusions: There are significant knowledge gaps in the Greek general population regarding modes of transmission, preventive measures and treatment availability for HBV, HCV and HIV. There is an urgent need for large scale but also localized awareness activities targeted to less privileged populations, to fill the gaps in knowledge and increase population engagement in preventive measures.
Neurocomputational mechanisms engaged in detecting cooperative and competitive intentions of others
Authors: Philippe Rémi , Janet Rémi , Khalvati Koosha , Rao Rajesh , Lee Daeyeol , Dreher Jean-Claude
Published: January 2022

Humans frequently interact with other agents whose intentions can fluctuate over time between competitive and cooperative strategies. How does the brain decide whether the others’ intentions are to cooperate or compete when the nature of the interactions is not explicitly signaled? We used model-based fMRI and a task in which participants thought they were playing with another player. In fact, this agent was an algorithm alternating without signaling between cooperative and competitive strategies. A neurocomputational mechanism underlying arbitration between competitive and cooperative experts outperforms other learning models in predicting choice behavior. The ventral striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex tracked the reliability of this arbitration process. When attributing competitive intentions, these regions increased their coupling with a network that distinguish prediction error related to competition versus cooperation. These findings provide a neurocomputational account of how the brain dynamically arbitrates between cooperative and competitive intentions when making adaptive social decisions.
Two point-of-care test-based approaches for the exclusion of deep vein thrombosis in general practice: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Heerink Jorn , Oudega Ruud , Koffijberg Hendrik , Kusters Ron , Nies Joanne , Kip Michelle
Published: January 2022

Background
In the diagnostic work-up of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the use of point-of-care-test (POCT) D-dimer assays is emerging as a promising patient-friendly alternative to regular D-dimer assays, but their cost-effectiveness is unknown. We compared the cost-effectiveness of two POCT-based approaches to the most common, laboratory-based, situation.
Methods
A patient-level simulation model was developed to simulate the diagnostic trajectory of patients presenting with symptoms of DVT at the general practitioner (GP). Three strategies were defined for further diagnostic work-up: one based on current guidelines (‘regular strategy’) and two alternative approaches where a POCT for D-dimer is implemented at the 1) phlebotomy service (‘DVT care pathway’) and 2) GP practice (‘fast-POCT strategy’). Probabilities, costs and health outcomes were obtained from the literature. Costs and effects were determined from a societal perspective over a time horizon of six months. Uncertainty in model outcomes was assessed with a one-way sensitivity analysis.
Results
The Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) scores for the three DVT diagnostic work-up strategies were all around 0.43 across a six month-time horizon. Cost-savings of the two POCT-based strategies compared to the regular strategy were €103/patient for the DVT care pathway (95% CI: -€117-89), and €87/patient for the fast-POCT strategy (95% CI: -€113-67).
Conclusions
Point-of-care-based approaches result in similar health outcomes compared with regular strategy. Given their expected cost-savings and patient-friendly nature, we recommend implementing a D-dimer POCT device in the diagnostic DVT work-up.
The Treatment Outcome of Infants Less Than 6 Months of Age with Uncomplicated Severe Acute Malnutrition Fed with Supplementary Suckling Technique in Armed Conflict Yemen
Authors: Baazab Mohamed Salem Mohamed , Bilal Jalal Ali , Ba-Saddik Iman Ali , Arabi Ali Mohammed
Published: January 2022

Background
Globally 3.8 million of children < 6 month of age are severely wasted. In Yemen, 2.3 million children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition in 2021 and 20% of Children under six months were affected by malnutrition during the armed conflict. Supplementary suckling reestablishes exclusive breastfeeding in infant less than 6 months of age with SAM. This study aimed to determine the outcome of employing supplementary suckling technique in treatment of uncomplicated SAM infants in a conflict-affected community.
Methods
A prospective hospital-based study was done between January to April 19th, 2020 among randomly selected infants less than 6 months of age with SAM following breastfeeding failure. Infants’ anthropometric indices were daily measured and recorded. Supplementary sulking technique was used in management with DF100 or F75. Outcome was recorded as cured, died, defaulter or in nonrecovery state.
Results
infants in this study (n=108) had a median (IQR) age of 4.0 (2.5) and a male: female ratio of 1.4. The cure rate after feeding was 80.6%, defaulters were 13 (12%), 6 (5.6%) died and 2 (1.9%) infants did not respond to treatment. Thirty-four infants (38.8%) gained weight with significantly increased median weight and median weight-for-age z score. Median weight gain rate was 10.1 g/Kg/day. The median (IQR) duration of treatment was 9 (3.8) days. The means of age and weight-for-length z score were correlated (r= -0.22, p=0.025). Duration of treatment was a predictor of outcome (OR=1.71, 95% CI=0.05-0.62, p<0.001).
Conclusion
Supplementary suckling technique for feeding infant with SAM aged less than 6 months had a positive impact on anthropometric indices with high cure rate. The younger the infant and the longer the duration of treatment, the better the outcome.
Trial registration:
Not Applicable
Investigating Anticancer Potency of In Vitro Propagated Endemic Thymus Cilicicus Boiss. & Bal. Extract on Human Lung, Breast, and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Ghafoor Naeem Abdul , Galatali Selin , Yeniocak Sevil , Kaya Ergun , Sarac Nurdan , Ugur Aysel
Published: January 2022

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 alone and surpassing all other categories by a large margin. Several different strategies have been and are still being deployed to combat different types of cancers and among the common clinical approaches are the use of synthetic and natural compounds as anticancer agents within chemotherapy regimens. Thymus cilicicus Boiss. & Bal is a spice endemic to Turkey, the Northern Aegean Islands, Lebanon, and Syria, while several species of the Thymus genus are known to exhibit different clinically valuable properties, the research on T. cilicicus is rather scarce, therefore, in this study, the wound healing properties of in vitro propagated T. cilicicus ethanolic extracts were investigated on murine fibroblast (NIH-3T3), and its anticancer potency was investigated on the human alveolar basal epithelial adenocarcinoma (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-213), and human prostate cancer (DU-145) cell lines via colorimetric MTT assays. The wound healing property assessments didn’t lead to any significant results, however, T. cilicicus yielded selective and promising anticancer potency on the A549 cell line. Furthermore, molecular docking analyses were on the proteins of 9 genes confirmed to be upregulated in both 3D and 4D A549 cultures against 48 compounds found in the essential oils of T. cilicicus were performed and yielded results acquiescent with previous findings in the scientific literature. This study provides in vitro evidence to the selective anticancer activity of T. cilicicus extracts on A549 cells enhanced with computational evidence on the molecular mechanism involved in this selective activity. This study serves as a precursor for further in vivo and clinical research on the constituents of T. cilicicus as potent anticancer agents and their potential use in cancer therapies.
Optimality principles explaining divergent responses of alpine vegetation to environmental change
Authors: Zhu Ziqi , Wang Han , Harrison Sandy , Prentice Iain , Qiao Shengchao , Tan Shen
Published: January 2022

Recent increases in vegetation cover, observed over much of the world, reflect increasing CO2 globally and warming in cold areas. However, the strength of the response to both CO2 and warming appears to be declining. Here we examine changes in vegetation cover on the Tibetan Plateau over the past 35 years. Although the climate trends are similar across the Plateau, drier regions have become greener by 0.31±0.14% yr−1 while wetter regions have become browner by 0.12±0.08% yr–1. This divergent response is predicted by a universal model of primary production accounting for optimal carbon allocation to leaves, subject to constraint by water availability. Rising CO2 stimulates production in both greening and browning areas; increased precipitation enhances growth in dry regions, but growth is reduced in wetter regions because warming increases below-ground allocation costs. The declining sensitivity of vegetation to climate change reflects a shift from water to energy limitation.
From Science to Politics: COVID-19 Information Fatigue on YouTube
Authors: shi chyun-fung , So Matthew C , Stelmach Sophie , Earn Arielle , Earn David J D , Dushoff Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is the first pandemic where social media platforms relayed information on a large scale, enabling an “infodemic” of conflicting information which undermined the global response to the pandemic. Understanding how the information circulated and evolved on social media platforms is essential for planning future public health campaigns. This study investigated what types of themes about COVID-19 were most viewed on YouTube during the first 8 months of the pandemic, and how COVID-19 themes progressed over this period.Methods: We analyzed top-viewed YouTube COVID-19-related videos in English from from December 1, 2019 to August 16, 2020 with an open inductive content analysis. We coded 536 videos associated with 1.1 billion views across the study period. East Asian countries were the first to report the virus, while most of the top-viewed videos in English were from the US. Videos from straight news outlets dominated the top-viewed videos throughout the outbreak, and public health authorities contributed the fewest. Although straight news was the dominant COVID-19 video source with various types of themes, its viewership per video was similar to that for entertainment news and YouTubers after March.Results: We found, first, that collective public attention to the COVID-19 pandemic on YouTube peaked around March 2020, before the outbreak peaked, and flattened afterwards despite a spike in worldwide cases. Second, more videos focused on prevention early on, but videos with political themes increased through time. Third, regarding prevention and control measures, masking received much less attention than lockdown and social distancing in the study period.Conclusion: Our study suggests that a transition of focus from science to politics on social media intensified the COVID-19 infodemic and may have weakened mitigation measures during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended that authorities should consider co-operating with reputable social media influencers to promote health campaigns and improve health literacy. In addition, given high levels of globalization of social platforms and polarization of users, tailoring communication towards different digital communities is likely to be essential.
Wildfires Disproportionately Affected Jaguars in the Pantanal
Authors: De Barros Alan , Morato Ronaldo , Fleming Christen , Pardini Renata , Oliveira-Santos Luiz Gustavo , Tomas Walfrido , Kantek Daniel , Tortato Fernando , Fragoso Carlos , Azevedo Fernando , Thompson Jeffrey , Prado Paulo Inácio
Published: January 2022

The Pantanal wetland harbours the second largest population of jaguars in the world. Alongside climate and land-use changes, the recent mega-fires in the Pantanal may pose a new threat to the jaguars’ long-term survival. To put these growing threats into perspective, we addressed the reach and intensity of fires that have affected jaguar conservation in the Pantanal ecoregion over the last 16 years. The 2020 fires were the most severe in the annual series, followed by 2019, burned 31% of the Pantanal and affected (I) 45% of the estimated jaguar population (87% of these affected in Brazil); II) 79% of the home range (HRs) areas, and (III) 54% of the protected areas (PAs) within HRs. Fires consumed core habitats and injured several individual jaguars, the Pantanal’s apex predator and umbrella species. Displacement, hunger, dehydration, territorial defence, and lower fecundity are among the impacts that may affect the abundance of the species. These impacts are likely to affect other less mobile species and, therefore, the ecological stability of the region. A solution to prevent the recurrence of mega-fires lies in combating the anthropogenic causes that intensify drought conditions, such as implementing actions to protect springs, increasing the number and area of PAs, regulating the use of fire, and allocating fire brigades before dry seasons.
Development of a strip fertilization planter for rice straw crushing with back-throwing and interrow-laying
Authors: Shi Yinyan , Jiang Ye , WANG Xiaochan , YU Haiming , Liu Hui , Chen Jingbo
Published: January 2022

Background: In order to improve the current situations in rice-wheat rotation region in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, such as large amount of rice straw, complex returning process, short-time stubble connection, high power consumption, poor smoothness and especially unstable performance, and further promote the resource utilization process of full straw returning in Jiangsu province, this study combined with the agronomic requirements of wheat sowing in rice-stubble land, a strip fertilization planter for straw crushing with back-throwing and interrow-laying in full stubble fields was developed.Results: Structural design and theoretical analysis were carried out on key components such as straw crushing device, broken-straw control device, soil rotary-tillage device and power transmission device, etc., to determine the corresponding structure and operating performance parameters, and then the field performance and verification tests were completed on the uniformity of inter-row mulching-straw Y1 and the variability of seed-band width Y2. The results showed that the crushing spindle rotation-speed A had an extremely significant impact on Y1, followed by the machine ground speed B. The conveying impeller rotation-speed C had an extremely significant effect on Y2, also secondary to the machine ground speed B. And the superior combination of factor levels as A2B2C2 was adopted through the comprehensive power energy consumption analysis. The verification test results indicated that under the optimized operation parameter combination, namely, when the crushing spindle rotation-speed A was 2100 r/min, the machine ground speed B was 0.8 m/s, and the conveying impeller rotation-speed C was 210 r/min, the mean value of inter-row straw uniformity Y1 and seed-band width variation Y2 were 90.85% and 10.73%, respectively, after machine operation.Conclusion: It meets the requirements of operation quality and planting agronomy of relevant protective tillage machinery, and provides technical and equipment support for the research and development of similar straw crushing and no-tillage sowing.
The Effects of Oral fat Based High-Energy Supplements on Nutritional and Inflammatory Status in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Pan mingming , Gao Min , Zheng Jing , Yu Jirong , Xu Sheng-chun , Xia Mei-xia , Liu Wen-jie , Zhang Liu-ping , Zhang Xiao-liang , Liu Bi-cheng , Cao Jing-yuan , Wang Bin
Published: January 2022

Background: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) and inflammation have been recognized as two major factors associated with the poor prognosis of patients with maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral fat based high-energy supplements (Fresubin) on malnutrition and inflammation in MHD patients. Method: This study was open-label, prospective, nonrandomized and comparative. A total of 47 MHD patients with PEW were randomly assigned into 2 groups: a control group, and a Fresubin treatment group, in which patients received daily diet intake and Fresubin nutrient support 120 mL/d for 80 days. Laboratory data and anthropometric parameters were measured. Result: The results showed that compared with baseline, the level of serum albumin at 80 d in the Fresubin treatment group was significantly increased (35.4 ± 3.7 vs 38.9 ± 2.9, p = 0.003), while there was no significant difference in the control group. In addition, the magnitudes of changes in albumin (p = 0.009), serum prealbumin (p = 0.017), and abdominal circumference (p = 0.037) in the Fresubin treatment group were markedly increased compared with those in the control group. There was a downward trend in the inflammatory marker hypersensitive C-reactive protein in the Fresubin group (p =0.056), which decreased more dramatically than that in the control group (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Fresubin treatment is well tolerated, and improves malnutrition and inflammatory status in MHD patients with PEW.
Research on Dynamic Crack Propagation Characteristics of V-shaped Energy-accumulating Charge Pack at Different Angles
Authors: luo haohao , Zhang Yuantong , Li Chengxiao , Xu Bin
Published: January 2022

In order to study the crack propagation characteristics of the V-shaped energy-storage package at different angles, a new numerical laser caustics test system was used to observe the fracture process of the V-shaped energy-concentrating charge package, the mechanical distribution mechanism around the blast hole of the energy-accumulating charge package is analyzed, and using fractal theory to evaluate the damage degree of the energy-accumulating medicine package. Series of caustics test results show, the main crack has a longer expansion length in the energy-concentrating direction, and the crack expansion length is shorter in the non-energy-concentrating direction, the fractal results of the shaped charge pack show that as the angle of the shaped charge pack increases, the fractal dimension of the binarized picture of the shaped charge pack gradually becomes smaller, and the crack propagation complexity becomes lower and lower, and the main crack is along the energy gathering direction The directivity is becoming less and less obvious, When the energy gathering angle is 120°, the main crack propagation process is similar to that of the circular charge (control group).
Psychological Stress Induces an Increase in Cholinergic Enteric Neuromuscular Pathways Mediated by Glucocorticoid Receptors
Authors: Blin Justine , Gautier Camille , Aubert Philippe , Durand Tony , Oullier Thibauld , Naveilhan Philippe , Masson Damien , Neunlist Michel , Bach-Ngohou Kalyane
Published: January 2022

Repeated acute stress (RASt) is known to be associated with gastrointestinal dysfunctions. However, mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. While glucocorticoids are clearly identified as hormones of stress, their implication, and those of their specific glucocorticoid receptors (GR), in RASt induced gut dysfunctions remain unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the involvement of GR on RASt induced changes in gut motility, particularly through the enteric nervous system (ENS). Using a murine water avoidance stress model, we characterized the impact of RASt upon ENS phenotype and colonic motility. Next, the expression of GR onto the ENS and their functional impact upon RASt induced changes in ENS phenotype and motor response were evaluated. We showed that the GR was expressed in myenteric neurons in the distal colon under basal condition, and that RASt enhanced its nuclear translocation. RASt increased the proportion of ChAT-IR neurons, acetylcholine tissue concentration, and enhanced cholinergic neuromuscular transmission as compared to control. Finally, we showed that GR specific antagonist (CORT108297) prevented the increase of acetylcholine and in vivo colonic motility. Altogether our study suggests that RASt-induced functional changes in motility are, at least partly, due to GR dependent enhanced cholinergic ENS phenotype.
Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic Acid Restrains Inflammation and Extracellular Matrix Degradation of Osteoarthritis via Suppression of NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Zhou Jing , Han Zeyu , Li Xueyan , Qian Yinhua , Bai Lang , Han Qibin , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Qi , Tao Huaqiang , Gao Maofeng , Xue Yi , Hu Dan , Geng Dechun , Yang Xing , Hao Yuefeng
Published: January 2022

Background: Mechanical stress along with inflammation play causative roles in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), which decreases the quality of life and causes economic loss. Inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation have been identified as key factors in the development of OA. As the main active component in frankincense, acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) has been shown to have positive effects on inflammation. However, the effects of AKBA in cartilage inflammation and ECM degradation are currently elusive.Methods: We demonstrated the role of inflammation and ECM degradation in the pathogenesis of OA and determined the protective effect of AKBA on both Hulth-Telhag rat OA model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat chondrocytes.Results: We found increased inflammatory expression and decreased ECM expression in OA model cartilage and LPS-induced chondrocytes. Meanwhile, the protective effect of AKBA and its inhibitory effects on inflammation as well as ECM-related markers were also observed in the rat Hulth-Telhag model. Furthermore, activation of NF-κB attenuated nuclear p65 protein levels in chondrocytes upon LPS stimulation. In addition, AKBA was found to subsequently reversed the LPS-induced activation of NF- κB signal and inflammation-related ECM degradation in chondrocytes.Conclusions: Suppression of NF-κB pathway activation by AKBA restrains OA development via inhibition of inflammation and ECM degradation. AKBA is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA.
Synthesis, characterization and comparative gas sensing study of ZnO–GO and ZnO–rGO compounds
Authors: Hosseini Nastaran Sadat , Hassanzadeh javad , Ziabari Ali Abdolahzadeh
Published: January 2022

In this work, we prepare composites of ZnO–GO and ZnO–rGO through an economic and facile route and comparatively study their gas sensitivity towards ethanol. The morphological, compositional and structural properties of the prepared composites are investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy–dispersive X–ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and X–ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The optimal work temperature of 300˚C was observed for the prepared samples. ZnO–GO–based sensor shows higher sensitivity than ZnO–rGO. Also, the variation of response and recovery time with the gas concentration is investigated. As is expected, the sensitivity increases as the gas concentration increases. Besides, it was revealed that the response and recovery time is a function of the surface morphology.
Real-time Melt Pool Depth Estimation and Control During Metal-directed Energy Deposition for Porosity Reduction
Authors: Jeon Ikgeun , Liu Peipei , Sohn Hoon
Published: January 2022

Porosity is one of the most critical defects in additive manufacturing (AM). Although porosity formation is significantly influenced by the melt pool depth (MPD), MPD estimation and control during AM is difficult to realize. In this study, a real-time MPD estimation and control system was developed to reduce porosity formation during metal-directed energy deposition (DED). First, the width, length, height, and profile slope of the melt pool were measured using an infrared camera and a line scanner during the DED process. Thereafter, an artificial neural network (ANN) was trained and adopted to estimate the MPD in real time. A feedback control system, which adjusts the power of the printing laser, was developed to instantaneously minimize the discrepancy between the estimated MPD value and the set MPD value. The effectiveness of the proposed system for porosity reduction was validated by inspecting the printed metal components using X-ray microscopy. The porosity of the components printed with the proposed system was 81% reduced in comparison with the uncontrolled parts.
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Premenstrual Syndrome in Female College Students
Authors: Chen Chang Yu , Kawabe Rika , Morino Saori , Nagai-Tanima Momoko , Aoyama Tomoki , Mukaiyama Kohei , Shinohara Yuki , Shimizu Hiroki , Shimoura Kanako , Kato Masaya
Published: January 2022

Background

In recent years, moderate physical activity has attracted the attention of experts and women as a way to cope with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Studies investigated the effects of exercise on PMS, but only a few reports focused on the relationship between physical activity, which included daily movement and exercise, and PMS. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between the amount of daily physical activity and PMS symptoms in sexually mature women.
Methods

A total of 381 female university students in Japan were surveyed using a paper or web-based questionnaire with the same content. The questionnaire consisted of basic information, PMS symptoms, and physical activity based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Participants were divided into two groups (≥ 3000 The Metabolic Equivalent of Task(MET)s/week and < 3000 METs/week) based on their total physical activity as calculated using the IPAQ guidelines. The two groups were then compared in terms of the severity of their PMS physical and psychological symptoms as calculated based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ PMS diagnostic criteria. The Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used for statistical analyses. We then divided the participants based on the presence or absence of each symptom using the Chi-square test. The significance level was set at < 5%.
Results

Those with total physical activity of 3000 METs or more had lower total PMS symptom scores (p < 0.01), physical symptom scores (p = 0.01), and psychological symptom scores (p = 0.01) compared with those with total physical activity of < 3000 METs/week.
Conclusion

These results suggest that people with moderate physical activity (≥ 3000 METs/week) in daily life have milder symptoms of PMS.
The Combined Role of Obesity and Depressive Symptom in the Association with Ischemic Heart Disease and Its Subtypes
Authors: liu Shuo , Luo Jia , Zhang Tianhao , Zhang Dongfeng , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2022

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the combined effects of depression and obesity on ischemic heart disease and its subtypes. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018 were used. A total of 29,050 participants aged 20 years or older were included in the analyses. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate the associations between depression symptom and ischemic heart disease. There were significant correlations between depressive symptoms and ischemic heart disease [OR and 95%CI: 2.44(1.91,3.10)] and its subtypes: coronary heart disease [2.32(1.67,3.23)], heart attack [2.18(1.71,2.78)], and angina [2.72(1.96,3.79)].The synergistic effects of depression with obesity (BMI≥30) and central obesity (waist ≥102/88cm for men/women) on ischemic heart disease were estimated and expressed using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and the attributable proportion due to interaction (AP). The RERI and AP with 95% CIs of depression and central obesity for ischemic heart disease were 1.10(0.01,2.19) and 0.35(0.06,0.64). When we analysed the other three subtypes of ischemic heart disease, we only found depressive symptoms and central obesity could have a meaningful synergistic effect on heart attack (RERI: 0.84(-0.28, 1.96) AP:(0.31(0.00, 0.69)).
Corneal Endothelial Cell Density and Its Correlation With Birth Weight, Anthropometric Parameters, and Ocular Biometric Parameters in Chinese School Children
Authors: Wang Zijin , Zuo Xiaoxia , Liu Lei , Chen Xuejuan , Li Rui , Zhu Hui , Huang Dan , Tong Haohai , Zhao Xiaoyan , Yan Wen , Shen Shiya , Wang Yun , Li Xiaoxiao , Zhao Andi , Chen Danni , Ding Ranran , Li Shiding , Liu Hu
Published: January 2022

Background: To describe the distribution of corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and to explore its correlation with birth weight (BW), anthropometric parameters, and ocular biometric parameters in Chinese school children aged 82 to 94 months.Methods: In the population-based cross-sectional Nanjing Eye Study, children were measured for anthropometric information, for ECD by the noncontact specular microscope and for ocular biometric parameters by the optic low-coherent reflectometer. Data from right eyes were analyzed to illustrate the distribution of ECD and for determining correlated factors with ECD using multiple linear regression analysis. Comparisons among three different BW groups were performed using a one-way ANOVA analysis followed by the Bonferroni correction for pairwise comparisons.Results: Of 1171 children, the mean (± standard deviation) ECD was 2875.34 ± 195.00 cells/mm2. In the Multiple Linear Regression analysis, BW, gender and central corneal thickness were significantly associated with ECD. The ECD increased by 36.57 cells/mm2 with BW increasing by 1 kg (P = 0.001) and increased by 0.44 cells/mm2 for every additional 1 mm in central corneal thickness (P = 0.009). The ECD of girls was 58.23 cells/mm2 higher than boys (P < 0.001). Children born with low BW presented significantly lower ECD than those born with normal BW (P < 0.05) and high BW (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The ECD is positively correlated with BW and central corneal thickness, in which BW is a newly identified associated factor. It is like that gender plays an important role in ECD distribution while girls have relatively greater ECD than boys.
Evaluation of Wear Measurement With Radioactive Isotopes for DLC Coatings Affected by Abrasive Particles
Authors: Zellhofer Manuel , Jech Martin , Badisch Ewald , Ditrói Ferenc , Kuebler Andreas , Mayrhofer Paul Heinz
Published: January 2022

Diamon-like carbon (DLC) coatings protect engine parts from wear and provide low-friction. Unfortunately, the nature of DLC coatings does not allow progressing wear measurement using conventional methods. Therefore, we applied a radioactive isotope-based wear measurement method (RIC method). A tribometer with oscillating contact and one with sliding contact were used to provide different loading conditions. The RIC method was evaluated for DLC coatings, and the DLC wear was investigated regarding the presence of abrasive particles. The results indicate that an increase in abrasive particle concentration leads to an increase of DLC wear rate and a decrease in usage-time until wear-off.
Shaping Health: Conducting A Community Health Needs Assessment in Israel's Northern Periphery
Authors: Rayan-Gharra Nosaiba , Gutler-Ofir Marganit , Spitzer Sivan
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The impact of social determinants on health status and outcomes has been widely established. However, it is recognized that health systems' ability to address community health needs may be limited. To better understand the interrelation between social determinants of health and health outcomes, health systems need to understand the health concerns and needs of populations. The aim of this study was to map the perceived health needs of residents in the Galilee region, Israel's northern periphery through a community health needs assessment (CHNA).Methods: The study employed a mixed-methods approach. We conducted a CHNA in the Galilee between November 2019 to January 2020 (n=750). Additionally, we conducted focus groups using design thinking methodology to better understand the underlying causes of existing gaps between community and healthcare representatives (n=47). Quantitative data was analyzed using multiple logistic regressions and qualitative data was analyzed using a content and thematic analysis. Results: Galilee residents perceived sense of community (78%) as the major strength while cancer (53%) was perceived as the major health problem followed by heart disease and stroke (28.4%). The adjusted odds ratios for the association of each predictor with each perceived social and structural determinants of health among respondents indicated that Arab respondents were more likely to report race/ethnicity discrimination, domestic violence, lack of parks and recreation, neighborhood violence, limited places to exercise, school dropout and limited access to healthy food, as determinants affecting health than Jews. Conversely, Jews were more likely than Arabs to report access to mental health services, access to transportation, lack of job opportunities and access to a doctor's office as determinants affecting their health. Qualitative analysis revealed residents felt a 'lack of health security' as a result of problematic access to specialty and mental health services, especially for elderly populations. Conclusions: CHNA can inform the design of tailored interventions that will improve health for Galilee residents addressing their socioeconomic-cultural-geographical characteristics. The study's findings raise the need to create such tailored approaches to address the lack of health security felt by residents and improve not only health services provision but the social determinants affecting their health.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Virga-like Virus Detected From Wheat
Authors: Li Hua , Guo Jun , Zhao ZhongHua , Ye Zhuangxin , Chen Jianping , Yang Jian
Published: January 2022

In this work, we report the detection of a novel single strand RNA virus from wheat，tentatively named Triticum aestivum-associated virga-like virus 1 (TaAVLV1). Further characterization revealed that the complete genome of TaAVLV1 was divided into two segments, RNA1 and RNA2, which were 3530 and 3466 nt long, excluding the polyA tail. These segments contained two open reading frames (ORFs). The ORF in RNA1 encoded an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), while the ORF in RNA2 encoded a putative protein carrying MET and HEL domains. Phylogenetic analysis based on the RdRp protein of each representative genus of Virgaviridae placed TaAVLV1 in an unclassified virga-like virus clade the family. To our knowledge, this is the novel virga-like virus detected from wheat. Future studies will be conducted to examine its effect on host growth and development.
An Energy-based Study of the Embedded Element Method for Explicit Dynamics
Authors: Martin Valerie , Kraft Reuben , Hannah Thomas , Ellis Stephen
Published: January 2022

The embedded finite element technique provides a unique approach for modeling of fiber-reinforced composites. Meshing fibers as distinct bundles represented by truss elements embedded in a matrix material mesh allows for the assignment of more specific material properties for each component rather than homogenization of all of the properties. However, the implementations of the embedded element technique available in commercial software do not replace the material of the matrix elements with the material of the embedded elements. This causes a redundancy in the volume calculation of the overlapping meshes leading to artificially increased stiffness and mass. This paper investigates the consequences in the energy calculations of an explicit dynamic model due to this redundancy. A method for the correction of the redundancy within a finite element code is suggested which removes extra energy and is shown to be effective at correcting the energy calculations for large amounts of redundant volume.
Traditional Veterinary Medicine of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Campesinos of the Southern Andes: An Ethnoecological Approach
Authors: Olivares Fernanda , Marchant Carla , Ibarra José Tomás
Published: January 2022

Background: In an ethnoecological framework, traditional veterinary medicine comprises knowledge, practices, and beliefs about farm animals. Its study serves to offer ecologically and culturally appropriate strategies for management of the animals and their health in a context marked by the increased use of allopathic medicine, socio-environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change. In this study, we use an ethnoecological approach to document the ethnoveterinary knowledge, practices, and beliefs that Mapuche and non-Mapuche campesinos in the southern Andes have about the management of animals and their health. In addition, we investigate the main factors influencing the current use of traditional veterinary medicine.Methods: In January-March 2021, we undertook participant observation and conducted 60 semi-structured and informal interviews with Mapuche and non-Mapuche campesinos from the Pucón and Curarrehue municipal districts in the southern Chilean Andes.Results: On animal management, we identified a set of knowledge about climatic conditions that is the basis of 14 practices related to animal production, feeding, and reproduction. On health management, we recorded knowledge about 30 plant species, grouped into seven categories. The highest informant consensus factors were for the categories of wounds and parasites. The main treatment preparation practices are decoction (42%) and oral administration (77%). We identified a system of beliefs with close ties to the Mapuche cosmovision, based on respect and connection with the different manifestations of nature. We found that the growing use of allopathic medicine, the processes of reduction and change in the structure of land ownership, and climate change are the main factors in the current lower use of traditional veterinary medicine.Conclusion: Our results reveal the presence of ethnoveterinary knowledge, practices, and beliefs that are safeguarded by Mapuche and non-Mapuche campesinos in the southern Andes. However, their use is under threat, making it imperative they are documented and visibilized since they provide new perspectives for the development of bioculturally diverse and sustainable animal production.