bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endovascular recanalization for non-acute basilar artery occlusions with progressive or recurrent ischemic symptoms: a multicenter clinical experience
Authors: Gao Feng , Han Ju , Guo Xu , Sun Xuan , Ma Ning , Miao Zhongrong
Published: March 2021

Background

There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of non-acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO), and endovascular recanalization still poses a therapeutic challenge for these patients. We report a multicenter clinical experience of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic non-acute BAO and propose an angiographic grouping to determine which patient subgroup most benefits from this treatment.

Methods

Forty-two patients with non-acute BAO with progressive or recurrent vertebrobasilar ischemic symptoms who underwent endovascular recanalization were retrospectively analyzed from January 2015 to December 2019. These patients were classified into three subtypes based on their occlusion length and distal collateral reconstruction on angiograms. The rates of technical success, periprocedural complications and outcome, any stroke or death within 1 month, and follow-up data were examined.

Results

The success rate of endovascular recanalization was 76.2% (32/42). The rate of periprocedural complications was 14.3% (6/42). In the three subgroups (types I–III) the success rates of endovascular recanalization were reduced (90.0%, 71.4% and 50%, respectively, p=0.023), while the overall rates of periprocedural complications were increased (5.0%, 14.3% and 37.5%, respectively, p=0.034). Type I lesions, with short-segment occlusions and good distal BA collateral reconstruction, showed favorable responses to endovascular recanalization. The median follow-up time was 1 year (IQR 11.0–19.5 months), with any stroke or death during follow-up at a rate of 7.9%.

Conclusion

Endovascular recanalization can be safe and feasible for reasonably selected patients with non-acute BAO, especially type I lesions, and offers an alternative choice for those with progressive or recurrent vertebrobasilar ischemic symptoms despite aggressive medical therapy.
Fibrocytes in early and long-standing rheumatoid arthritis: a 6-month trial with repeated synovial biopsy, imaging and lung function test
Authors: Just Søren Andreas , Nielsen Christian , Werlinrud Jens Christian , Larsen Pia Veldt , Hejbøl Eva Kildall , Tenstad Helene Broch , Daa Schrøder Henrik , Barington Torben , Torfing Trine , Humby Frances , Lindegaard Hanne
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To correlate the level of fibrocytes in peripheral blood, synovial tissue and in vitro culture in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with changes in disease activity, imaging and pulmonary function.

Methods

Twenty patients with early RA (ERA) and 20 patients with long-standing RA (LRA) were enrolled in a 6-month prospective study. Sixteen patients undergoing wrist arthroscopy were healthy controls. Patients with RA underwent pulmonary function tests, ultrasound and synovial ultrasound-guided needle biopsy of the same wrist at baseline and 6 months. Wrist MRI was performed at baseline (all) and 6 months (ERA). Circulating fibrocytes were measured by flow cytometry, in vitro by the number of monocytes that were differentiated to fibrocytes and in synovial biopsies by counting in histological sections.

Results

Fibrocytes were primarily located around vessels and in the subintimal area in the synovium. Fibrocyte levels did not decline during the trial despite effective RA treatment. In the ERA group, increased synovitis assessed by ultrasound was moderate and strongly correlated with an increase in circulating and synovial fibrocyte levels, respectively. Increased synovitis assessed by MRI during the trial in the ERA group was moderately correlated with both increased numbers of circulating and cultured fibrocytes. Absolute diffusion capacity level was overall weakly negatively correlated with the level of circulating and synovial fibrocytes. The decline in diffusion capacity during the trial was moderately correlated with increased levels of synovial fibrocytes.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that fibrocytes are involved in RA pathogenesis, both in the synovium and the reduction in lung function seen in a part of patients with RA.

Trial registration number

NCT02652299.
The fit-active profile to better reflect the benefits of a lifelong vigorous physical activity participation: mini-review of literature and population data
Authors: Marin-Couture Elisa , Pérusse Louis , Tremblay Angelo
Published: March 2021

Physical activity is favourably considered for its effect on metabolic fitness and body composition. This observation is generally supported by observational studies and is concordant with endurance-trained individuals’ metabolic and morphological profiles. However, in some contexts, the measurement of physical activity habits may not provide an adequate representation of its benefits. In this paper, we review relevant literature on the respective effects of fitness and physical activity on anthropometric and metabolic variables and the informative potential of a classification based on aerobic fitness and activity indicators. The relevance to defining a profile based on both fitness and activity is reinforced by data from the Quebec Family Study showing that, in both men and women, “fit-active” individuals displayed a much more favourable morphological and metabolic profile than “unfit-inactive” individuals. Moreover, these benefits seemed to be more related to variations in fitness than in physical activity. In summary, evidence suggests that a profile combining information on aerobic fitness and physical activity may better reflect the lifelong impact of physical activity on body composition and health.

Novelty: The fit-active profile better reflects the long-term benefits of vigorous physical activity participation on health. The reported benefits seem to be more related to variations in aerobic fitness than to those in physical activity.
Wormhole models in R2-gravity for f(R, T) theory with a hybrid shape function
Authors: Mishra Ambuj Kumar , Sharma Umesh Kumar
Published: March 2021

In the present paper, we explore wormholes in R2-gravity within the f(R, T) formalism by using [Formula: see text] (hybrid shape function). The functional form f(R, T) = R + αR2 + λT is considered where R and T are the Ricci scalar and trace of the energy–momentum tensor, respectively, and α and λ are controlling parameters. With the help of the EoS, ω = pr/ρ, geometric behavior is analyzed and energy conditions are discussed in the anisotropic scenario. In this investigation, significant contribution of the quadratic geometric term (R2) and linear trace term (T) are shown to validate energy conditions for the specific shape function and analyze wormhole solutions in the absence of exotic matter. Also, we observe that the energy conditions are valid in the whole range (r ≥ r0) in the case of constant redshift function with this shape function.
Particle creation in FLRW higher dimensional universe with gravitational and cosmological constants
Authors: Dixit Archana , Garg Priyanka , Pradhan Anirudh
Published: March 2021

We study the mechanism of particle creation in the higher dimensional FLRW-type cosmological models by using variable cosmological and gravitational constants. The solution of the corresponding field equations is obtained by assuming a linear function of the Hubble parameter (H) (i.e., q = α + βH) (Dixit et al. Pramana. J. Phys. 94, 25 (2020). doi: 10.1007/s12043-019-1884-2 ), which gives a scale factor [Formula: see text], where k and β are positive constants. Here we consider the time-dependent higher-dimensional field equations, including the general formulation of particle creation and entropy generation mechanisms. We also investigate a few quantities, such as the deceleration parameter q, particle creation rate ψ, the entropy S, the cosmological constant Λ, Newton’s gravitational constant G, and the energy density ρ, and discuss their physical significance. We have observed that all quantities, except the gravitational constant (G) and the entropy (S), decrease with time in all dimensions characteristically. However, the entropy S and the gravitational constant G increase with time. Additionally, we have also discussed the look-back time, luminosity distance, distance modulus, and age of the universe with redshift z and observed the role of particle formation in universe evolution in early and late times. For the derived model, we have calculated various physical parameters, which are in good agreement with the recent observations.
Time-Based Systems Biology Approaches to Capture and Model Dynamic Gene Regulatory Networks
Authors: Alvarez Jose M. , Brooks Matthew D. , Swift Joseph , Coruzzi Gloria M.
Published: March 2021

All aspects of transcription and its regulation involve dynamic events. However, capturing these dynamic events in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) offers both a promise and a challenge. The promise is that capturing and modeling the dynamic changes in GRNs will allow us to understand how organisms adapt to a changing environment. The ability to mount a rapid transcriptional response to environmental changes is especially important in nonmotile organisms such as plants. The challenge is to capture these dynamic, genome-wide events and model them in GRNs. In this review, we cover recent progress in capturing dynamic interactions of transcription factors with their targets—at both the local and genome-wide levels—and how they are used to learn how GRNs operate as a function of time. We also discuss recent advances that employ time-based machine learning approaches to forecast gene expression at future time points, a key goal of systems biology.
Therapeutic Implications of a Polymethoxylated Flavone, Tangeretin, in the Management of Cancer via Modulation of Different Molecular Pathways
Authors: Arafa El-Shaimaa A. , Shurrab Noura T. , Buabeid Manal A.
Published: March 2021

Chemotherapeutics can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and abnormalities in neurotransmitter metabolism leading to toxicity. Because there have been no therapeutic strategies developed to target inflammation and oxidative stress, there is a continuing need for new and improved therapy. As a result, there has been increasing interest in complementary and alternative medicine with anticancer potential. Studies have shown that the antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory effects of citrus fruits are promising natural phytochemicals in the development of new anticancer agents. Tangeretin is a naturally polymethoxylated flavone compound extracted from the citrus peel that has shown significant intestinal absorption and adequate bioavailability, with the added benefit of promoting longevity. In addition, tangeretin is known to exhibit considerable selective toxicity to many types of cancer cell proliferation such as ovarian, brain, blood, and skin cancer. Evidence indicates that tangeretin acts through several mechanisms including growth inhibition, induction of apoptosis, autophagy, antiangiogenesis, and estrogenic-like effects. Furthermore, tangeretin works through mitigating levels of inflammatory mediators in the immune system. Using tangeretin in combination with clinically applied anticancer drugs could be a good strategy for increasing the efficiency of these agents and protecting noncancerous cells from damage caused by chemotherapy. The purpose of this review is to highlight the protective effects of a novel natural product, tangeretin against chemotherapeutic-induced toxicity. The development of chemoprevention strategies can lead to significant health care improvement in cancer survivors. Thus, study outcomes may attract more investigators to conduct tangeretin-related research and find out potentially significant impacts on health care of cancer patients and decreased health problems associated with chemotherapeutics-induced toxicity.
Comparative Evaluation of Different Numerical Pain Scales Used for Pain Estimation during Debonding of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Assiry Ali A , Mirza Mubashir Baig , Sayed Fazlur Rahman , Shaik Sufiyan , Marya Anand , Venugopal Adith , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Horn Rithvitou
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Patients experience various levels of discomfort during orthodontic treatment, i.e., after placement of separators, orthodontic implant placement, and archwire placement and during debonding. Various pain control methods have been developed to relive pain during debonding, i.e., finger pressure (FP), elastomeric wafer (EW), and stress relief (SR). Aim. To analyse various pain scales commonly used to determine the effect of different pain control methods during debonding of orthodontic brackets. Study Design. A comparative cross-sectional study performed on a sample of 60 patients (n = 60) including 14 males and 46 females who were ready for debonding and who were divided into three groups, i.e., finger pressure (FP), elastomeric wafer (EW), and stress relief (SR). Materials and Methods. A 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to record the pain intensity for each tooth. Another scale known as Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) was used to evaluate the patient’s general attitude towards pain perception. The armamentarium and operator were kept same for all the patients. Statistical analysis used was the Kruskal–Wallis test, used for intergroup and intragroup comparison of pain scores. Results. Lowest total pain score was recorded in the FP group (P=0.043) on intergroup comparison, while on intragroup comparison, higher pain scores were recorded in lower anterior region (P=0.02) in all three groups. There was no significant difference between the pain scores reported by the male and female subjects. Conclusion. FP is an effective method of pain control. And teeth in the anterior region of lower and upper arches are more sensitive to pain. In terms of cognitive-affective constructs, although the VAS has been widely used in previous studies, the PCS has been detailed to show the most reliable association with physical discomfort and emotional distress.
Liver Imaging and Data System (LI-RADS) Version 2018 and Other Imaging Features in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma in Chinese Adults with vs. without Chronic Hepatitis B Viral Infection
Authors: Liang Ying-ying , Shao Shuo , Kuang Sichi , Chen Jingbiao , Zhou Jing , He Bingjun , Zhang Linqi , Zhang Yao , Fowler Kathryn J. , Wang Jin
Published: March 2021

Purpose. To describe liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) version 2018 and other MRI imaging features in intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) in Chinese adults with vs. without chronic hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection. Methods. We retrospectively enrolled 89 patients with pathologically proven iCCA after multiphase imaging performed between 2004 and 2017 at a tertiary medical center in southern China. Based on whether patients had chronic HBV, iCCA was divided into two subgroups: HBV-positive (n = 50 patients, including 9 with cirrhosis) vs. HBV-negative (n = 39 patients, including 14 with hepatolithiasis and 25 with no identifiable risk factor for iCCA; none had cirrhosis). Two independent abdominal radiologists in consensus reviewed the largest mass in each patient to assign LI-RADS v2018 features; they also scored each observation’s shape and location. Imaging features were compared using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Results. Most iCCAs in HBV-positive (88% (44/50)) and HBV-negative (97% (38/39)) patients had at least one LR-M feature. Compared to iCCAs in HBV-negative patients, iCCAs in HBV-positive patients were more likely to have at least one major feature of HCC (46% (23/50) vs. 8% (3/39),

P

 < 0.001) and more likely to be smooth (42% (21/50) vs. 10% (4/39),

P

 = 0.001). Six of 50 (12%) iCCAs in HBV-positive patients and 1/39 (3%) iCCAs in HBV-negative patients had at least one major feature of HCC without any LR-M feature. Conclusions. In this retrospective single-center study in Chinese adults, iCCAs in HBV-positive patients were more likely to resemble HCCs than iCCAs in HBV-negative patients.
A Female Hair Clip and Orthodontists’ Neck-Back Pain Perception: A Survey
Authors: Al Azzawi Arkan Muslim , Hasan Hasan Sabah , Nahidh Mohammed , Elkolaly Mohamed , Kolemen Ayshan
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to clarify the effect of large hair clips on patient head posture on the dental chair headrest and its harmful impact on orthodontist body posture and neck-back pain. One hundred orthodontists voluntarily participated in a web-based questionnaire designed and distributed online by using the Google form posted in the Telegram group of Iraqi orthodontists to assess the opinions of orthodontists regarding the effect of a large hair clip on the patient’s position on the dental chair and site of pain perception during different stages of orthodontic treatment. Ninety percent of the orthodontists get bothered by the large hair clip. About 92% of the responses preferred their patients to remove the large hair clip; 99% of them responded that the large hair clip does affect the position of the patient’s head on the chair’s headrest. Eighty-nine percent responded that a large hair clip could disturb the operator during taking intraoral photographs, and 64% disturbed while taking dental impressions. Orthodontists reported that 4% had “back pain,” 28% had “neck pain,” and 60% had both “back and neck pain” during bonding appointment, while only 8% reported “no pain.” Regarding the activation appointments, 4% had “back pain,” 26% had “neck pain,” and 48% had both, while only 22% reported “no pain.” During the debonding appointments, 7% of the respondents had “back pain,” 29% had “neck pain,” and 44% had both “back and neck pain,” yet 20% stated absence of pain. Wearing a hair clip and changing patient position on dental chair and orthodontist posture during different stages of orthodontic work such as bonding, regular recall, and depending on the procedure may be directly related to the neck-back pain perception to an orthodontist.
Brucella-Induced Acute Psychosis: A Novel Cause of Acute Psychosis
Authors: Obuaya Chi-Chi , Gangatharan Gayathri Thivyaa , Karra Efthimia
Published: March 2021

Background. Infections have long been linked to psychosis and categorised within “secondary” psychoses. To date, there have been few reports of psychosis linked to brucellosis. This case report aims to present one such case. Case Presentation. A 31-year-old man was admitted to a general hospital with pyrexia, severe right upper quadrant pain, and an acute psychosis following a two-week holiday in South East Asia and the Mediterranean. Serological tests revealed that he had brucellosis. Following antibiotic treatment, the psychotic symptoms abated and he was discharged within ten days of hospitalisation. Conclusions. This case of organic psychosis highlights the importance of considering brucellosis as a rare cause of acute psychosis. The exact mechanism of Brucella-induced psychosis remains unclear.
Biorthogonal Wavelet on a Logarithm Curve
ℂ
Authors: Zhou Xiaohui , Wang Gang
Published: March 2021

According to the length-preserving projection and Euler discretization method, biorthogonal wavelet function on a smooth curve

C

is constructed in this paper, such as a logarithm curve. The properties of biorthogonal wavelet filters on a smooth curve

C

are discussed, such as induced refinable equation and symmetry. Moreover, an example is given for discussing the biorthogonal scaling function and its dual on a logarithm curve

C

. Finally, a numerical application is given for dealing with financial data.
Exploring the Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Correlation Factors of Wayfinding Performance on City-Scale Road Networks Based on Massive Trajectory Data
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Yan , Li Zhenwei , Lu Wenle , Ji Yang , Sang Xiao
Published: March 2021

Understanding how urban residents process road network information and conduct wayfinding is important for both individual travel and intelligent transportation. However, most existing research is limited to the heterogeneity of individuals’ expression and perception abilities, and the results based on small samples are weakly representative. This paper proposes a quantitative and population-based evaluation method of wayfinding performance on city-scale road networks based on massive trajectory data. It can accurately compute and visualize the magnitude and spatial distribution differences of drivers’ wayfinding performance levels, which is not achieved by conventional methods based on small samples. In addition, a systematic index set of road network features are constructed for correlation analysis. This is an improvement on the current research, which focuses on the influence of single factors. Finally, taking 20,000 taxi drivers in Beijing as a case study, experimental results show the following: (1) Taxi drivers’ wayfinding performances show a spatial pattern of a high level on arterial road networks and a low level on secondary networks, and they are spatially autocorrelated. (2) The correlation factors of taxi drivers’ wayfinding performances mainly include anchor point, road grade, road importance, road complexity, origin-destination length, and complexity, and each factor has a different influence. (3) The path complexity has a higher correlation with the wayfinding performance level than with the path distance. (4) There is a critical point in the taxi drivers’ wayfinding performances in terms of path distance. When the critical value is exceeded, it is difficult for a driver to find a good route based on personal cognition. This research can provide theoretical and technical support for intelligent driving and wayfinding research.
Using Organ Specific and Circulatory Biofluids to Screen Individuals at High Risk for Breast Cancer Presents Unique Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Sauter Edward R.
Published: March 2021

Intraductal assessment of the breast holds the potential to provide useful information regarding breast cancer risk assessment, early diagnosis, and/or response to therapy. Intraductal assessment can be through imaging (ductography), direct visualization (mammary ductoscopy), or evaluation of the intraductal fluid collected. The most common nonradiologic approaches to intraductal assessment that provide intraductal fluid for evaluation include breast nipple aspiration fluid (NAF), spontaneous nipple discharge (SND), mammary ductoscopy, and ductal lavage. The first two approaches are entirely noninvasive while the latter are considered minimally invasive. Nipple aspiration is performed both on women with and without evidence of possible disease in the breast. On the other hand, unilateral SND suggests the presence of a lesion in the incident breast, while bilateral SND is most often physiologic. The focus of the report by Patuleia and colleagues is on challenges, lessons learned, and recommended solutions in the identification of women with increased breast cancer risk who are more likely to develop in situ or invasive breast cancer based on sequential collection and subsequent analysis of biofluids (NAF and serum). The lessons learned that are discussed can also be applied to other types of biofluid studies for cancer early detection and response to treatment.

See related article by Patuleia et al., p. 441
On finite-time output feedback sliding mode control of an elastic multi-motor system
Authors: Thanh Pham Tuan , Tinh Tran Xuan , Nam Dao Phuong , Luat Dao Sy , Quang Nguyen Hong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the tracking control scheme is presented using the framework of finite-time sliding mode control (SMC) law and high-gain observer for disturbed/uncertain multi-motor driving systems under the consideration multi-output systems. The convergence time of sliding mode control is estimated in connection with linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The input state stability (ISS) of proposed controller was analyzed by Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the extensive simulation results are given to validate the advantages of proposed control design.
Smart integration of drive system for induction motor applications in electric vehicles
Authors: Metwaly Mohamed K. , Alsharef Mohamed , Sabiha Nehmdoh A. , Elattar Ehab E. , Taha Ibrahim B. M. , Abd-Elhady Amr M. , Elkalashy Nagy I.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a smart drive system of the induction motor (IM) is proposed and adapted for applications in electric vehicles (EVs). Objectively, the EV drive systems are robust over wide speed and torque ranges. The proposed drive system is independent of encoder (encoderless) and concerned with the torque control drive (TCD) and indirect rotor field-oriented control (IRFOC) using the sliding mode observer (SMO). This arrangement of monitoring system and control techniques are smartly integrated for the IM applications in EVs. The encoderless technique utilizes SMO to estimate the stator current, rotor flux angle, and rotor speed. The SMO is verified in motoring mode at very low and zero speed conditions. The accelerator pedal is utilized for TCD to generate the reference torque required to accelerate the EV by the driver. The rotor flux angle is estimated based on IRFOC method. The laboratory waveforms illustrate the robustness of the encoderless control of the IM-based torque control drive system in electrical vehicle applications at very low speed using SMO. The laboratory waveforms prove the validity of SMO with encoderless control of a smart dive system of the IM in EV applications under load torque/speed variations.
Soft start-up strategy of pulse-density-modulated series-resonant converter for induction heating application
Authors: Herasymenko Pavlo , Pavlovskyi Volodymyr
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a soft start-up strategy of pulse-density-modulated series-resonant converter for induction heating application. The pulse-density modulation (PDM) technique is widely used in converters based on voltage-source series-resonant inverters (SRIs) to control the output current or power. However, during a start-up process, PDM has some disadvantages both in inrush current limiting and providing a zero-voltage switching operation of SRI transistors. In the paper, different PDM techniques are considered and basic moments of PDM using within the start-up process are analyzed. A new soft start-up strategy of PDM converter for induction heating application is proposed. The main features of the proposed strategy include an interleaved or a stepped PDM control, an initial combination of PDM at the beginning of the start-up process, and an operating algorithm during the start-up process. The proposed strategy was verified by a 2.5 kW experimental setup of the pulse-density-modulated interleaved converter with an operating frequency from 50 kHz up to 100 kHz. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed start-up strategy and show that the maximum current amplitude within start-up processes exceeds the maximum steady-state current amplitude by no more than 30%.
Multilevel level single phase inverter implementation for reduced harmonic contents
Authors: Hussein Taha Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Selective harmonic elimination technique SHE is adopted in this work to reduce the harmonic contents in single phase cascaded multilevel inverter. The firing instants for the electronic switches MOSFETs in the inverter are calculated off line for five level to thirteen level inverter. An Arduino microcontroller is programmed to cope with different topologies of the multilevel inverter. The implemented multi-level (MLI) inverter results are compared with Simulink simulation program and are found very close to each other. SHE technique works at system frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz) and the switching losses are very small. The sinusoidal pulse width modulation SPWM requires a carrier frequency not less 20 times the system frequency so SHE approach is found to be superior compared with SPWM. Also, SHE technique shows significant reduction in THD as the number of levels increased. Results for the output voltages and currents along with their frequency spectrum are shown and compared with traditional SPWM.
Load flow analysis using newton raphson method in presence of distributed generation
Authors: Noureddine Tebbakh , Djamel Labed
Published: March 2021

Distributed generations (DG), specially including renewable sources such as wind and sun are offering several opportunities for the currently in existence distribution networks and becoming one of the keys of treatment of its problems. Knowing the effects of each kind of DG on distribution networks is a primordial task because DG impacts differ from one kind to another. In this paper, we have analyzed and compared the effects of two kinds of DG, DG which provides real power only and DG which provides real power and reactive power at the same time connected at the critical bus in DN on the voltage profile, real and reactive power losses. We have proposed Newton Raphson method using Matlab to investigate the impacts of these two kinds of DG on 57-bus IEEE distribution test system. The obtained results have been exposed in detail at the end of this paper.
Performance analysis of 30 MW wind power plant in an operation mode in Nouakchott, Mauritania
Authors: Heiba Bamba , Yahya Ahmed Med , Taha Mohammed Qasim , Khezam Nadhira , Mahmoud Abdel Kader
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the performance analysis of a 30 MW wind power plant is performed. The farm consists of fifteen (T1-T15) G9 7/2000/GAMESA 2 MW grid-connected turbines. The farm is in operation mode installed 28 km south of Nouakchott city in Mauritania. The analyzed data are monitored from July 1st, 2015 (the first operation day of the power plant) to December 31st, 2019. The parameters of performance evaluation are power generation, capacity factor, machine availability, grid availability, and system availability. It is observed from data analysis, the wind farm supplies a total energy of 507.39 GWh to the power grid and have a high average capacity factor of 42.55%. T1 produces the highest amount of electrical energy among the other turbines with a total energy output of 35.46 GWh, an average capacity factor of 44.97%, and operating hours of 33,814 hours. While T12 produced the minimum amount of energy in this period, the difference in energy compared to T1 is 4.563 GWh. It is observed that the availability of the network is unstable and needs improvement, varying between 90.86% in 2016 and 93.16% in 2018. In the first year of operation, 97.06% of the turbines were available. However, the average availability of the wind farm is approximately 94% during the total study period.
Adaptive dynamic programming algorithm for uncertain nonlinear switched systems
Authors: Nam Dao Phuong , Quang Nguyen Hong , Tung Nguyen Nhat , Yen Tran Thi Hai
Published: March 2021

This paper studies an approximate dynamic programming (ADP) strategy of a group of nonlinear switched systems, where the external disturbances are considered. The neural network (NN) technique is regarded to estimate the unknown part of actor as well as critic to deal with the corresponding nominal system. The training technique is simul-taneously carried out based on the solution of minimizing the square error Hamilton function. The closed system’s tracking error is analyzed to converge to an attraction region of origin point with the uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) description. The simulation results are implemented to determine the effectiveness of the ADP based controller.
AdipoRon Attenuates Inflammation and Impairment of Cardiac Function Associated With Cardiopulmonary Bypass–Induced Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Jenke Alexander , Yazdanyar Mariam , Miyahara Shunsuke , Chekhoeva Agunda , Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Kistner Julia , Boeken Udo , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam
Published: March 2021

Background

Cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) frequently provokes a systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which is triggered by TLR4 (Toll‐like receptor 4) and TNF‐α (tumor necrosis factor α) signaling. Here, we investigated whether the adiponectin receptor 1 and 2 agonist AdipoRon modulates CPB‐induced inflammation and cardiac dysfunction.

Methods and Results

Rats underwent CPB with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and were finally weaned from the heart‐lung machine. Compared with vehicle, AdipoRon application attenuated the CPB‐induced impairment of mean arterial pressure following deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. During the weaning and postweaning phases, heart rate and mean arterial pressure in all AdipoRon animals (7 of 7) remained stable, while cardiac rhythm was irretrievably lost in 2 of 7 of the vehicle‐treated animals. The AdipoRon‐mediated improvements of cardiocirculatory parameters were accompanied by increased plasma levels of IL (interleukin) 10 and diminished concentrations of lactate and K
+
. In myocardial tissue, AdipoRon activated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) while attenuating CPB‐induced degradation of nuclear factor κB inhibitor α (IκBα), upregulation of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, CCL2 (C‐C chemokine ligand 2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Correspondingly, in cultured cardiac myocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells, AdipoRon activated AMPK, upregulated IL‐10, and attenuated activation of nuclear factor κB, as well as upregulation of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, CCL2, NADPH oxidase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase induced by lipopolysaccharide or TNF‐α. In addition, the treatment of cardiac myocytes with the AMPK activator 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide 1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside resulted in a similar inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐ and TNF‐α–induced inflammatory cell phenotypes as for AdipoRon.

Conclusions

Our observations indicate that AdipoRon attenuates CPB‐induced inflammation and impairment of cardiac function through AMPK‐mediated inhibition of proinflammatory TLR4 and TNF‐α signaling in cardiac cells and upregulation of immunosuppressive IL‐10.
Metrics for evaluating tropical cyclones in climate data
Authors: Zarzycki Colin M. , Ullrich Paul A. , Reed Kevin A.
Published: March 2021

This manuscript describes a software suite that can be used for objective evaluation of tropical cyclones (TCs) in gridded climate data. Using cyclone trajectories derived from 6-hourly data, a comprehensive set of metrics is defined to systematically compare and contrast products to one another. In addition to annual TC climatologies, attention is paid to spatial and temporal patterns of storm occurrence and intensity. Assessment can be performed either on the global scale or regional domains. Simple to visualize ‘scorecards’ allow for rapid credibility assessment. We showcase three key findings enabled by this suite. First, we compare the representation of TCs in seven current-generation global reanalyses and conclude that higher resolution models and those with TC-specific assimilation contain more accurate storm climatologies. Second, using a free-running Earth system model (ESM) we find that full basin refinement is required in variable-resolution configurations to adequately simulate North Atlantic TC frequency. Upstream refinement over northern Africa offers little benefit in simulating storm occurrence but spatial genesis patterns are improved. Finally, we show that TCs simulated by ESMs can be highly sensitive to individual parameterizations in climate models, with North Atlantic TC metrics varying greatly depending on version of the Morrison-Gettelman microphysics package.
Assessment of a Microphysical Ensemble Used to Investigate the OWLeS IOP4 Lake-Effect Storm
Authors: Gaudet Lauriana C. , Sulia Kara J. , Tsai Tzu-Chin , Chen Jen-Ping , Blair Jessica P.
Published: March 2021

Microphysical processes within mixed-phase convective clouds can have cascading impacts on cloud properties and resultant precipitation. This paper investigates the role of microphysics in the lake-effect storm (LES) observed during intensive observing period 4 of the Ontario Winter Lake-effect Systems field campaign. A microphysical ensemble is composed of 24 simulations that differ in the microphysics scheme used (e.g., Weather Research and Forecasting Model microphysics options or a choice of two bulk adaptive habit models) along with changes in the representation of aerosol and potential ice nuclei concentrations, ice nucleation parameterizations, rain and ice fall speeds, spectral indices, ice habit assumptions, and the number of moments used for modeling ice-phase hydrometeors in each adaptive habit model. Each of these changes to microphysics resulted in varied precipitation types at the surface; 15 members forecast a mixture of snow, ice, and graupel, 7 members forecast only snow and ice, and the remaining 2 members forecast a combination of snow, ice, graupel, and rain. Observations from an optical disdrometer positioned to the south of the LES core indicate that 92% of the observed particles were snow and ice, 5% were graupel, and 3% were rain and drizzle. Analysis of observations spanning more than a point location, such as polarimetric radar observations and aircraft measurements of liquid water content, provides insight into cloud composition and processes leading to the differences at the surface. Ensemble spread is controlled by hydrometeor type differences spurred by processes or parameters (e.g., ice fall speed) that affect graupel mass.
Single-cell DNA sequencing reveals complex mechanisms of resistance to quizartinib
Authors: Peretz Cheryl A. C. , McGary Lisa H. F. , Kumar Tanya , Jackson Hunter , Jacob Jose , Durruthy-Durruthy Robert , Levis Mark J. , Perl Alexander , Huang Benjamin J. , Smith Catherine C.
Published: March 2021

Key Points

Single-cell sequencing exposes previously unmeasurable complexity of tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution on quizartinib. Single-cell sequencing reveals on- and off-target mechanisms of resistance to quizartinib, which can preexist therapy.
Correction to: A noninvasive model to predict liver histology for antiviral therapy decision in chronic hepatitis B with alanine aminotransferase < 2 upper limit of normal
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Huang Haijun , Huang Wei
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Zika virus among healthcare workers in St. Kitts
Authors: Francis Donya L. , Wongsin Utoomporn , Chien Shuo-Chen , Hsu Yi-Hsin ( Elsa) , Lohmeyer Franziska Michaela , Jian Wen-Shan , Lin Li-Fong , Iqbal Usman
Published: March 2021

Background

Healthcare workers are usually the first responders during outbreaks and are instrumental in educating the populace about the prevention of different diseases and illnesses. The aim of this study was to assess the association between healthcare workers’ characteristics and knowledge, attitudes and practices toward Zika virus.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that collected data from healthcare workers at 3 medical facilities using a validated self-administered questionnaire between July 2017 – September 2017. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sociodemographic and knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results

A total of 190 healthcare workers were analyzed. Of these, 60, 72.6 and 64.7% had good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices toward Zika virus, respectively. Healthcare workers without a formal degree were less likely to have good knowledge of Zika virus (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0:49; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24–0.99) compared to those with a formal degree. Reduced odds for positive attitude towards Zika virus were observed in healthcare workers with low income as compared to those with high income (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI =0.13–0.75). Being younger than 40 years old was associated with poor Zika virus practices (AOR = 0:34; 95% CI = 0.15–0.79).

Conclusions

Significant association between healthcare workers’ sociodemographic characteristics and Zika virus knowledge, attitudes and practices were observed. Public health interventions that seek to increase Zika virus awareness should aim to train healthcare workers who are younger, without formal degree and those earning low income.
Maternal near miss among women admitted in major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia: a retrospective study
Authors: Tenaw Shegaw Geze , Assefa Nega , Mulatu Teshale , Tura Abera Kenay
Published: March 2021

Background

Since maternal mortality is a rare event, maternal near miss has been used as a proxy indicator for measuring maternal health. Maternal near miss (MNM) refers to a woman who nearly died but survived of complications during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. Although study of MNM in Ethiopia is becoming common, it is limited to public facilities leaving private facilities aside. The objective of this study was to assess MNM among women admitted in major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution based retrospective study was conducted from March 05 to 31, 2020 in two major private hospitals in Harar and Dire Dawa, eastern Ethiopia. The records of all women who were admitted during pregnancy, delivery or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy was reviewed for the presence of MNM criteria as per the sub-Saharan African MNM criteria. Descriptive analysis was done by computing proportion, ratio and means. Factors associated with MNM were assessed using binary logistic regression with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) along with its 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of 1214 pregnant or postpartum women receiving care between January 09, 2019 and February 08, 2020, 111 women developed life-threatening conditions: 108 MNM and 3 maternal deaths. In the same period, 1173 live births were registered, resulting in an MNM ratio of 92.1 per 1000 live births. Anemia in the index pregnancy (aOR: 5.03; 95%CI: 3.12–8.13), having chronic hypertension (aOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.57–6.26), no antenatal care (aOR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.58–5.83), being> 35 years old (aOR: 2.29; 95%CI: 1.22–4.29), and previous cesarean section (aOR: 4.48; 95% CI: 2.67–7.53) were significantly associated with MNM.

Conclusions

Close to a tenth of women admitted to major private hospitals in eastern Ethiopia developed MNM. Women with anemia, history of cesarean section, and old age should be prioritized for preventing and managing MNM. Strengthening antenatal care and early screening of chronic conditions including hypertension is essential for preventing MNM.
Knowledge towards cervical cancer screening and associated factors among urban health extension workers at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: facility based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ararsa Tiruneh , Tadele Niguse , Ayalew Yohannes , Gela Debela
Published: March 2021

Background

Cervical cancer is preventable and remains a leading cause of avoidable death among women in the world. In a developing country, the knowledge of screening for cervical cancer behavior still very low. However, little is known about the knowledge towards cervical cancer screening of urban health extension workers in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess knowledge towards cervical cancer screening and associated factors among urban health extension workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 312 urban health extension workers completed the survey in the Amharic language. Data collected using a structured questionnaire in a face-to-face interview. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.

Results

The mean age of the urban health extension workers was 20.41 ± 3.73 years and 55.1% were married. The majority of the participants (75.6%) had diploma educational level, and 38.1% of them had 1–2 years of work experience. More than half (51.6%) of the participants had poor knowledge about cervical cancer screening. Participants with work experience of 5–6 years (AOR = 4.32: 95% CI = 1.71,10.94) and those who had a monthly income of 5000–10,000 ETB (AOR = 3.75: 95% CI = 1.49,9.41) and greater than > 10,000 ETB (AOR = 3.08: 95% CI =1.06, 8.98) were positively associated with knowledge towards cervical cancer screening among urban health extension workers,p-value< 0.05.

Conclusion

This study indicated that the knowledge towards cervical cancer screening of urban health extension workers was inadequate. Urban health extension workers’ work experiences and monthly income were found to be independent predictors of the knowledge towards cervical cancer screening of respondents. Therefore, urban health extension workers with low work experiences and those with small monthly income could be targeted for cervical cancer screening information and training interventions.
The prevalence of risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases in Afghan refugees in southern Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Taherifard Erfan , Moradian Mohammad Javad , Taherifard Ehsan , Hemmati Abdolrasool , Rastegarfar Behnaz , Molavi Vardanjani Hossein
Published: March 2021

Background

Refugees are highly vulnerable to many health-related risks. Monitoring non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is of overriding importance in these populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs amongst Afghan refugees in a refugee camp located in southern Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional sturdy was conducted in 2018. Risk factors such as inadequate nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco smoking, obesity and overweight, hypertension (HTN), elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and dyslipidaemia were assessed. Data were gathered with a modified WHO STEPS procedure. Prevalence and age-standardized prevalence and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results

The estimated prevalence were 94% for inadequate fruit/vegetable consumption, 18% for physical inactivity, 9% for tobacco smoking, 3% for FPG, 20% for HTN, 51% for central obesity, 24% for overweight, 19% for obesity, and 69% for dyslipidaemia.

Conclusions

Except for inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and dyslipidaemia, the prevalence of other NCD risk factors was low among Afghan refugees in Iran. Raising awareness about healthy diet and its importance and the provision of more affordable fruit and vegetables are two effective measures toward improving the health of refugees in Iran.
The perceived deservingness of COVID-19 healthcare in the Netherlands: a conjoint experiment on priority access to intensive care and vaccination
Authors: Reeskens Tim , Roosma Femke , Wanders Evelien
Published: March 2021

Background

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, governments, health experts, and ethicists have proposed guidelines about ICU triage and priority access to a vaccine. To increase political legitimacy and accountability, public support is important. This study examines what criteria beyond medical need are deemed important to be perceived of priority COVID-19 healthcare access.

Method

Two conjoint experiments about priority over ICU treatment and early COVID-19 vaccination were implemented in a probability-based sample of 1461 respondents representative of the Netherlands. Respondents were asked who should receive treatment out of two fictitious healthcare claimants that differed in in age, weight, complying with corona policy measures, and occupation, all randomly assigned. Average marginal coefficient effects are estimated to assess the relative importance of the attributes; attributes were interacted with relevant respondent characteristics to find whether consensus exists in this relative ranking.

Results

The Dutch penalize those not complying with coronavirus policy measures, and the obese, but prioritize those employed in ‘crucial’ sectors. For these conditions, there is consensus among the population. For age, young people are prioritized for ICU treatment, while the middle-aged are given priority over a vaccine, with younger respondents favoring healthcare for elderly claimants, while older respondents favor support for young cohorts.

Conclusion

People who have no control over their social risk and are able to reciprocate to society are considered as more deserving of priority of COVID-19 healthcare. Our findings provide fair support for the implemented ethical guidelines about ICU-treatment and COVID-19 vaccines.