bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-world Evidence of Time-varying Effects of Renin-angiotensin System Inhibitors on Pneumonia and Related Deaths: A Territory-wide Cohort Study in 252,616 Patients With Diabetes (2002-2019)
Authors: Yang Aimin , Shi Mai , Wu Hongjiang , Lau Eric SH , Fan Baoqi , Kong Alice PS , Ma Ronald CW , Luk Andrea OY , Chan Juliana CN , Chow Elaine
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDiabetes is associated with increased risk of respiratory infections. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition with anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory effects may reduce pneumonia risk. Prior studies did not account for time-varying and cumulative exposure to RAS inhibitors (RASi), with short follow-up periods, nor compared angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) use in Asians. We investigated the association of long-term use of RASi with risk of pneumonia and related death in Chinese people with diabetes using electronic medical record (EMR) data.MethodsThis was a prospective analysis of EMR with overlap propensity-score weighting of a territory-wide cohort (n=252,616, 1.7 million person-years) and a register-based cohort (n=13,017, 0.1 million person-years) in Hong Kong. We compared new-users of RASi (ACEi/ARBs) following baseline assessment with non-RASi users and new-users of calcium-channel blockers as active comparator. The main outcome was first hospitalization and death from pneumonia. ResultsAmongst 252,616 patients with diabetes in the population-based cohort (mean age=61.0 [SD=12.2] years), 73,161 were new-ACEi-only users; 20,907 new-ARBs-only users; 38,778 ACEi/ARBs users; and 119,770 never-ACEi/ARBs users. Over a mean follow-up period of 6.7 years, 5.2% (n=13,057) of patients had pneumonia and 2.2% (n=5,480) died with pneumonia. Compared with non-RASi use, time-varying RASi exposure was associated with reduced risk of pneumonia (hazard ratio, HR, 95% CI): 0.78 (0.75-0.82) and pneumonia-related death (HR=0.49, 0.46-0.53). The respective HRs for ARBs-only were 0.70 (0.62-0.78) and 0.41 (0.33-0.52) and that of ACEi-only were 0.98 (0.91-1.05) and 0.77 (0.68-86). In the Aalen-additive hazards model, the effect of RASi use was time-invariant for pneumonia (P=0.340) and time-varying for related death (P<0.001) with prevention of 0.6 (0.2-0.9) and 1.4 (1.0-1.6) per-1000-person-years pneumonia events and related deaths, respectively.ConclusionsLong-term use of RASi, notably ARB, was associated with reduced risk of pneumonia and related deaths in Chinese patients with diabetes.
Novel Niobium-doped Titanium Oxide Towards Electrochemical Destruction of Forever Chemicals
Authors: Ko Jesse S. , Le Nam Q. , Schlesinger Danielle R. , Johnson James K. , Xia Zhiyong
Published: June 2021

Electrochemical advanced oxidative processes (EAOP) are a promising route to destroy recalcitrant organic contaminants such as per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Central to EAOP are catalysis-induced reactive free radicals for breaking the carbon fluorine bonds in PFAS. Generating these reactive species electrochemically at electrodes provides an advantage over other oxidation processes that rely on chemicals or other harsh conditions. Herein, we report on the performance of niobium (Nb) doped rutile titanium oxide (TiO2) as a novel EAOP catalytic material, combining theoretical modeling with experimental synthesis and characterization. Calculations based on density functional theory reveal that Nb doping below 6.25 at.% is expected to reduce radical generation, and higher concentrations up to 12.5 at.% lead to increased performance, competitive with state-of-the-art Magnéli Ti4O7. Nb-doped TiO2 samples were synthesized and found to generate reactive oxygen free radical species with high oxidative stability. We conclude that Nb-doped TiO2 is a promising alternative EAOP catalytic material with increased activity towards generating reactive oxygen species, and is a viable solution for electrochemically destructing PFAS contaminants.
Association of Intraoperative Hypotension and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury After Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytoma: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Ruan Xia , Pei Lijian , Lan Ling , Li Mohan , Chen Weiyun , Zhang Yuelun , Yu Xuerong , Yu Chunhua , Yi Jie , Zhang Xiuhua , Huang Yuguang
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPerioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) has been one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality for surgical patients. Pheochromocytoma is a rare, catecholamine- secreting neuroendocrine neoplasm characterized by typical long-term hypertension that needs surgical resection. Our objective was to determine whether intraoperative mean arterial pressures (MAPs) less than 65 mmHg is associated with postoperative AKI after elective adrenalectomy in patients with pheochromocytoma.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma between 1991 and 2019 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China. Two intraoperative phases, before and after tumor resection were recognized based on distinctly different hemodynamic characteristics. The authors evaluated the association between AKI and each blood pressure exposure in these two phases. The association between the time spent under different absolute and relative MAP thresholds and AKI were then evaluated adjusting for potential confounding variables.ResultsWe enrolled 560 cases with 48 patients developed AKI postoperatively. The baseline and intraoperative characteristics were similar in both groups. Though time-weighted average MAP was not associated with postoperative AKI during the whole operation (OR 1.38; 95% CI, 0.95-2.00; P = 0.087) and before tumor resection phase (OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.65-1.05; P = 0.12), both time-weighted MAP and time-weighted percentage changes from baseline were strongly associated with postoperative AKI after tumor resection, with OR 3.50, 95% CI (2.25, 5.46) and 2.03, 95% CI (1.56, 2.66) in the univariable logistic analysis respectively, and with OR 2.36, 95% CI (1.46, 3.80) and 1.63, 95% CI (1.23, 2.17) after adjusting sex, surgical type (open vs laparoscopic) and estimated blood loss in the multiple logistic analysis. At any thresholds of MAP less than 65, 70, 75 and 80 mmHg, prolonged exposure was associated with increased odds of AKI.ConclusionsWe found a significant association between hypotension and postoperative AKI in patients with pheochromocytoma undergoing adrenalectomy in the period after tumor resection. Optimizing hemodynamics, especially blood pressure after the adrenal vessel ligation and tumor is resected, is crucial for the prevention of postoperative AKI in the patient with pheochromocytoma, which could be different from general populations.
Pre-term Infants in Major Abdominal Surgery and Postoperative Outcome
Authors: Kumba Claudine
Published: June 2021

Background: A monocentric observational study was undertaken in pediatric surgical patients in neurosurgery, abdominal and orthopedic surgery to determine predictors of postoperative outcome. In this cohort of 594 patients with a mean age of 90.86±71.80 months there were 25 pre-terms aged less than 37 weeks. A description of postoperative outcome was undertaken in these pre-term infants. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics in pre-term patients in this initial cohort. Methods: Secondary analysis of pre-term patients included in the initial retrospective observational study. The Ethics Committee approved the study. Results: 25 pre-terms aged <37 weeks were included with a mean weight of 2.43±0.75 kg in major neonatal abdominal surgery. 9 patient presented postoperative complications among which 1 had an intra-operative cardiac arrest, 4 had postoperative respiratory failure, 2 had pulmonary sepsis, 1 had surgical wound sepsis, 1 had septicemia and 1 had multi-organ sepsis. Conclusion: In this cohort of 25 critically ill pre-terms in major neonatal abdominal surgery, the most common postoperative complications concerned the respiratory system which included respiratory failure and pulmonary sepsis. There was no in-hospital mortality.
Hemoglobin Levels and Postoperative Outcome in Pediatric Surgical Patients
Authors: Kumba Claudine
Published: June 2021

Background: Postoperative outcome in children is multifactorial. Among the reported predictors of postoperative outcome, preoperative anemia has been related to adverse outcome in children. A secondary analysis was undertaken to determine the correlation between hemoglobin levels and postoperative outcome in children included in a cohort of an observational pediatric study published previously since this analysis has not been done.Objective: To determine the correlation between preoperative, intra-operative, postoperative hemoglobin levels and postoperative outcome in children in neurosurgery, abdominal and orthopedic surgery.Methods: Secondary analysis of a sub-cohort of 252 pediatric surgical patients with a median age of 62 months [12.50-144.00].Results: Preoperative hemoglobin levels were negatively correlated to length of stay in the intensive care unit (LOSICU) (p=0.002), to length of hospital stay (LOS) (p<0.0001), to the number of patients with intra-operative and/or postoperative complications (p<0.0001) and to re-surgery (p<0001). Low preoperative hemoglobin levels below 6 g/dL were correlated to higher postoperative LOSICU and LOS.Intra-operative hemoglobin levels were negatively correlated to LOS (p<0.0001) and to the number of patients with intra-operative and/or postoperative complications (p=0.004). Low intra-operative hemoglobin levels below 5 g/dL were correlated to higher LOS. Postoperative hemoglobin levels were positively correlated to LMV (p=0.002).Conclusion: Hemoglobin levels are among other multifactorial predictors of postoperative outcome in pediatric surgical patients emphasizing the importance of a global patient blood management implementation program to improve outcome in surgical children.
MICROPLÁSTICOS: OCORRÊNCIA AMBIENTAL E DESAFIOS ANALÍTICOS
Authors: Montagner Cassiana , Dias Mariana , Paiva Eduardo , Vidal Cristiane
Published: June 2021

MICROPLASTICS: ENVIRONMENTAL OCCURRENCE AND ANALYTICAL CHALLENGES. Plastic pollution is a major societal, economic, and environmental issue. Upon release into the environment, plastics are altered by biological and physicochemical processes that influence their fate and transport within ecosystems. Large plastic debris can fragment into smaller pieces and are called microplastics (MPs) when occurring at sizes between 1 µm and 5 mm, fragmented or produced in this range. These small pieces of plastics are ubiquitous anthropogenic contaminants found throughout the world; however, the environmental consequences and effects on biota are not clearly understood. Scientific literature on the environmental implications of MP pollution is expanding rapidly and critical review of this literature is necessary to identify areas of evolving consensus and remaining gaps in knowledge. Herein a comprehensive literature review was performed to assess (i) the sources and distribution of MPs in different environmental compartments, (ii) the analytical methods that have been applied worldwide, and the key analytical challenges that remain in assessing MPs in the environment, and, finally, (iii) to integrate the findings of Brazilian MP research, which showed that since 2004 (80 papers up to 2020) has documented the presence of MPs in aquatic matrices and sediments with focus on marine ecosystems, mainly identified by visual inspection.
A study of the insulating and anti-frost heave effects of polystyrene boards under molded bag concrete conditions
Authors: Guo Fuqiang , Li Gangtie , Cheng Manjin
Published: June 2021

In this study, the channel frost heaving actions in the Hetao irrigation area of Inner Mongolia were examined and a field in-situ test platform was established. Then, experimental investigations were conducted regarding the insulating and anti-freeze effects of polystyrene boards under the conditions of concrete bags with different thicknesses. In this study's experiments, concrete bags with different thicknesses were set, along with a test block of polystyrene boards with different thicknesses. The research results showed that by adding 2–5 cm molded bags, the total accumulated temperature increased in the range of 3.93–9.22% and the frost heave rate decreased by between 18.28 and 55.44% concrete, on the basis of 10 cm molded bag concrete. In addition, when 4–8 cm polystyrene boards were laid, the total accumulated temperature increased by 207.63–272.25%, and the frost heave rate decreased by between 71.43 and 96.6%. The absolute slope of the curve fitting of the frost heave rates and the soil temperatures decreased by 44.6–58.7%.
Study on the influence of infiltration on flood propagation with different peak shape coefficients and duration
Authors: Hou Jingming , Zhang Zhaoan , Zhang Dawei , Shi Baoshan , Chen Guangzhao , Zhang Hongbin
Published: June 2021

Traditional flood simulations fail to properly consider the impact of soil infiltration in floodplain areas with high soil infiltration rates. Notably, ignoring soil infiltration will lead to considerable uncertainty in flood simulations. In this paper, a fully hydrodynamic model coupled with the Green–Ampt infiltration model was used. Taking a natural reach in northern China (HTH in this paper) as a case study, observed flood discharge data were used to analyze the influence of soil infiltration on flood propagation based on the flood propagation simulation results for various inflow conditions. The maximum difference of inundation area is about 25%. The results show that soil infiltration has little effect on the inundation area during the rising stage of a flood. In the late period of a flood, the inundation area considering the effect of infiltration is smaller than that without infiltration, and the smaller the peak coefficient is, the longer the flood duration is, the larger the impact of infiltration on the inundation area. When the peak shape coefficient is 0.42 and the flood duration is 44.4 h, the maximum difference of the inundation area is about 28%. The research results provide a reference for flood management and post-disaster rescue efforts.
Research on stage–discharge relationship model based on information entropy
Authors: Hao Lin , Zhu Jiang , Boxiang Liu , Ying Chen
Published: June 2021

In order to improve the estimation accuracy of stage–discharge relationship model, the back propagation neural network optimized through the genetic algorithm (GA-BP) based on information entropy was proposed. Firstly, the information entropy and hierarchical clustering were used to quickly cluster the hydrological sample data and get the optimal number of clusters. Secondly, the k-nearest neighbor algorithm was used to divide the new stage data into the most appropriate clustering categories. Finally, the river daily discharge was estimated. Some measured data collected from a hydrological station were used to test the model, and the simulation results showed that the method proposed by this paper can get higher estimation accuracy than the classical analytical model, BP neural network algorithm and GA-BP neural network algorithm, which provided a new effective method for parameter estimation of the stage–discharge relationship model.
Preparation of MnO2 modified magnetic graphitic carbon nitride composite and its adsorption toward Pb(II) in waste water
Authors: Xia Wenning , Liu Yaochi
Published: June 2021

Based on graphitic carbon nitride (CN) nanosheets, a novel MnO2 modified magnetic graphitic carbon nitride composite (MMCN) was prepared via magnetization and in-situ deposition of MnO2. Then, an array of characterizations and experiments were conducted to explore the physical and chemical properties of the synthesized MMCN material. The adsorption behavior and removal mechanism of the MMCN were also discussed intensively. The best pH value of Pb(II) of MMCN was 6. The maximum adsorption capacity of MMCN was as high as 187.6 mg/g, which was much higher than that of MCN and original CN, and removal percentage of Pb(II) was about 99%. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were in accordance with the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model, respectively. The chemical adsorption of Pb(II) indicated that MMCN was a successful modified sorbent and pretty efficient to remove Pb(II) in an aqueous medium owing to the complexation and ion exchange of ample amino and hydroxyl groups. Moreover, MMCN could be separated easily from the aqueous medium under an external field after reaction with its magnetic performance.
Neocuspidization of the aortic valve
Authors: Kadyraliev B.K. , Arutyunyan V.B. , Chernov I.I. , Umarov A.H. , Zhigalov K.Yu. , Weymann A. , Enginoev S.T.
Published: June 2021

Aortic valve reconstruction remains the ideal approach to treat aortic valve disease, with an aim to increase durability and prevent anticoagulation. Owing to its availability, handling ease, and low cost, autopericardium has been regularly used since the early days of cardiac surgery. Many of these methods have not been standardized yet and are underutilized. One method with promising long-term results is neocuspidization of the aortic valve, as described by Ozaki using glutaraldehyde-fixed autopericardium. Neocuspidization of the aortic valve includes valve prosthetics with its own pericardium. We performed a literature review on aortic valve neocuspidization.
Received 13 October 2020. Revised 6 November 2020. Accepted 11 November 2020.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Author contributionsConception and study design: B.K. Kadyraliev, V.B. Arutyunyan, I.I. Chernov, A.H. Umarov, K.Yu. Zhigalov, A. Weymann, S.T. EnginoevDrafting the article: B.K. Kadyraliev, V.B. Arutyunyan, S.T. EnginoevCritical revision of the article: V.B. Arutyunyan, A.H. Umarov, S.T. EnginoevFinal approval of the version to be published: B.K. Kadyraliev, V.B. Arutyunyan, I.I. Chernov, A.H. Umarov, K.Yu. Zhigalov, A. Weymann, S.T. Enginoev
Edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in the surgical treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Budagaev S.A. , Afanasyev A.V. , Bogachev-Prokophiev A.V. , Ovchinnikova M.A. , Pivkin A.N. , Astapov D.A. , Demin I.I.
Published: June 2021

Septal myectomy is the method of choice for treating symptomatic left ventricular outlet obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who are resistant to drug therapy. An important role in persistence, residual obstruction, mitral valve abnormalities and anterior systolic mitral valve movement is systolic anterior motion. Several authors have reported the use of edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in addition to septal myectomy in patients with mild septal hypertrophy. We performed a literature review on the surgical treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—mitral valve repair using the edge-to-edge technique with septal myectomy. Four retrospective studies and three clinical cases were analysed. The data of patients who underwent mitral valve repair surgery using the edge-to-edge technique with septal myectomy and had satisfactory long-term clinical and hemodynamic results were studied. This treatment technique should be considered in cases of unexpressed hypertrophy when isolated limited myectomy is insufficient to eliminate the left ventricular outlet or when there is a hemodynamically significant mitral insufficiency caused by anterior systolic movement of the mitral valve that increases the need for intervention on interventricular hypertrophy of the associated disease. Septal defect, plastic mitral valve, surgically significant residual mitral regurgitation and high residual left ventricular outflow gradients in long-term follow-up are feasible, safe and effective for anterior systolic mitral valve movement.
Received 28 September 2020. Revised 23 March 2021. Accepted 25 March 2021.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Author contributionsConception and study design: S.A. Budagaev, A.V. Afanasyev, A.V. Bogachev-ProkophievData collection and analysis: S.A. Budagaev, M.A. Ovchinnikova, A.N. Pivkin, I.I. DeminDrafting the article: S.A. Budagaev, A.V. AfanasyevCritical revision of the article: A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev, D.A. AstapovFinal approval of the version to be published: S.A. Budagaev, A.V. Afanasyev, A.V. Bogachev-Prokophiev, M.A. Ovchinnikova, A.N. Pivkin, D.A. Astapov, I.I. Demin
Circumferential strain and local arterial stiffness in carotid arteries in healthy individuals and in patients with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Sinelnikov Yu.S. , Orekhova E.N. , Matanovskaya T.V. , Kopytova E.O. , Baranova D.O.
Published: June 2021

Aim. To assess the parameters affecting circumferential strain and local arterial stiffness in carotid arteries in healthy individuals and in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.Methods. We analysed data from 111 adults, aged 20–45 years (38.3 ± 7 years). Of these, 63.06% of men had no known medical history of clinically manifest atherosclerosis. Study participants were categorised into two groups—group I (n = 50) comprising of healthy volunteers without known cardiovascular risk factors and group II (n = 61) consisting of individuals with one of the modifiable risk factors (e.g., smoking, obesity, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia). Patients with diabetes mellitus, cardiac arrhythmias or asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries, even if hemodynamically insignificant, were excluded. The following were measured for the common carotid artery (CCA): circumferential strain (CS, %), strain rate (CSR, s−1), time to peak (TTP) strain (ms), and fraction area change CCA (FAC, %) and local arterial stiffness (β2).Results. CCA mechanics correlated with age, blood pressure, body mass index and left-ventricular myocardial mass index. The lowest CS values were seen in group II patients with hypertension (HTN) (with HTN, 2.4% ± 0.9%, 95% CI = 2.07–2.86; without HTN, 3.6% ± 1.1%, 95% CI = 3.2–4). β2 increased to the greatest extent in patients with HTN (19.3% ± 6.1%, 95% CI = 16–21) as compared to those without HTN (13.5% ± 4.5%, 95% CI =13–16). FAC was inversely correlated with age, both in healthy subjects (Rs = −0.63, p = 0.0001) and in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (Rs = −0.61, p = 0.0001).Conclusion. While CS, strain rate and FAC decreased with age, TTP strain and local arterial stiffness increased. Both mechanics and function of the CCA in patients at risk of developing cardiovascular complications demonstrate a close association with hypertension, obesity, smoking and hypercholesterolemia.Received 19 November 2020. Revised 14 January 2021. Accepted 18 January 2021.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.Author contributionsConception and study design: Yu.S. Sinelnikov, E.N. Orekhova, T.V. Matanovskaya, E.O. Kopytova, D.O. BaranovaData collection and analysis: E.O. Kopytova, D.O. BaranovaStatistical analysis: E.N. Orekhova, T.V. MatanovskayaDrafting the article: E.N. OrekhovaCritical revision of the article: Yu.S. SinelnikovFinal approval of the version to be published: Yu.S. Sinelnikov, E.N. Orekhova, T.V. Matanovskaya, E.O. Kopytova, D.O. Baranova
Neurological Effects of SARS-CoV-2 and Neurotoxicity of Antiviral Drugs Against COVID-19
Authors: Ünlü Büşra , Simsek Rahime , Köse Selinay Başak Erdemli , Yirün Anıl , Erkekoglu Pinar
Published: June 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is caused by different SARS viruses. In 2020, novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) led to an ongoing pandemic, known as “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”. The disease can spread among individuals through direct (via saliva, respiratory secretions, or secretion droplets) or indirect (through contaminated objects or surfaces) contact. The pandemic has spread rapidly from Asia to Europe and later to America. It continues to affect all parts of the world at an increasing rate. There have been over 92 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 by mid-January 2021. The similarity of homological sequences between SARS-CoV-2 and other SARSCoVs is high. In addition, clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 and other SARS viruses show similarities. However, some COVID-19 cases show neurologic signs like headache, loss of smell, hiccups and encephalopathy. The drugs used in the palliative treatment of the disease also have some neurotoxic effects. Currently, there are approved vaccines for COVID-19. However, there is a need for specific therapeutics against COVID-19. This review will describe the neurological effects of SARS-CoV-2 and the neurotoxicity of COVID-19 drugs used in clinics. Drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 will be evaluated by their mechanism of action and their toxicological effects.
SARS-Cov-2 Damage on the Nervous System and Mental Health
Authors: Boulkrane Mohamed Said , Ilina Victoria , Melchakov Roman , Arisov Mikhail , Fedotova Julia , Gozzo Lucia , Drago Filippo , Lu Weihong , Sarapultsev Alexey , Tseilikman Vadim , Baranenko Denis
Published: June 2021

:

The World Health Organization declared the pandemic situation caused by SARSCoV- 2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) in March 2020, but the detailed pathophysiological mechanisms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not yet completely understood. Therefore, to date, few therapeutic options are available for patients with mildmoderate or serious disease. In addition to systemic and respiratory symptoms, several reports have documented various neurological symptoms and impairments of mental health. The current review aims to provide the available evidence about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on mental health. The present data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 produces a wide range of impairments and disorders of the brain. However, a limited number of studies investigated the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2. Although the main features and outcomes of COVID-19 are linked to severe acute respiratory illness, the possible damages on the brain should be considered, too.
MBMM: Moment Estimating Beta Mixture Model-based Clustering Algorithm for m6A Co-methylation Module Mining
Authors: Liu Zhaoyang , Yin Hongsheng , Chen Shutao , Liu Hui , Meng Jia , Wang HongLei , Zhang Lin
Published: June 2021

Background:

m6A methylation is a ubiquitous post-transcriptional modification that exists
in mammals. MeRIP-seq technology makes the acquisition of m6A data in the whole transcriptome
under different conditions realizable. The specific regulation of the enzyme will present comethylation
module on m6A methylation level data. Thus, mining the co-methylation module from
which can help to unveil the mechanism of m6A methylation modification and its mechanism in the
occurrence and development of complex diseases such as cancer.

Objective:

To develop a clustering algorithm that can effectively realize the mining of m6A comethylation
module.

Methods:

In this study, a novel beta mixture model-based clustering algorithm named MBMM was
proposed, which is based on the EM framework and introduces the method of moment estimating in
M-step for parameter estimation to tackle the high-dimensional small sample m6A data. Simulation
research was employed to evaluate the clustering performance of the proposed algorithm, and by
which the co-methylation module mining was done based on real data. Biological significance correlation
analysis was employed to explore whether the clustering results are co-methylation modules.

Results and Conclusion:

Simulation research demonstrated that MBMM performed out than other
clustering algorithms. In real data, seven co-methylation modules were found by MBMM. Six m6Arelated
pathways specific analysis showed that six co-methylation modules were enriched in the
pathway and were different. Five enzymes substrate-specific analysis revealed that seven comethylation
modules expressed varying degrees of enrichment. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis
indicated that these modules may be regulated by enzymes while having potential functional specificity.
A Praça Nelson Mandela: Espacialidades em Fronteira
Authors: Nakagawa Regiane Miranda de Oliveira
Published: June 2021

Este artigo apresenta o resultado parcial de uma pesquisa mais ampla, realizada no bairro Lavapiés, região central de Madrid, voltada a apreender a constituição de suas distintas espacialidades e os sentidos que elas geram na cultura. A discussão aqui proposta terá como objeto a praça Nelson Mandela, um dos principais pontos de encontro de imigrantes na região, com o intuito de verificar de que maneira ocorre a emersão de espacialidades pautadas pelos intercâmbios e tensionamentos entre os diferentes grupos que frequentam o espaço. Para tanto, a análise terá por base a ambivalência que caracteriza o funcionamento da fronteira semiótica, tal como ela foi definida pelo semioticista da cultura Iuri Lotman (1996). A deriva situacionista e a observação participante foram utilizadas como método de pesquisa. Na praça, nota-se a presença de duas espacialidades distintas: uma marcada por um distanciamento que resulta em relações pautadas por aquilo que Richard Sennett (2018/2019) indica ser o “próximo-estranho” e outra caracterizada por intercâmbios tradutórios pelos quais se constrói uma cidade diferente daquela planejada pelo urbanismo. Por meio da discussão, objetiva-se ainda pontuar de que maneira, por meio da fronteira, se torna possível apreender formas de constituição da cidade pidgin (Careri, 2016/2017), que emergem em meio a relações marcadas pela imprevisibilidade e pelo erro, decorrentes das interações estabelecidas entre distintas alteridades.
COVID-19 Pandemic Initial Effects on the Idiosyncratic Risk in Latin America
Authors: Assis de Salles Andre
Published: June 2021

This work aims to estimate the idiosyncratic risk of Latin American economies and emerging economies using heteroscedastic conditional models to verify the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the risk associated with productive projects. The methodology used is based on the portfolio theory to estimate the idiosyncratic risk. The results highlight that Latin American economies are more susceptible to sanitary crises, such as the current pandemic, than emerging economies. The inability of emerging countries to generate the necessary savings to provide for their development imposes the need to attract resources for project financing and investment. Thus, determining the specific risk of Latin American countries is fundamental for international investors giving them another parameter when deciding on investment or financing on the continent. Originally, this work demonstrates how the sanitary crisis deriving from the Covid-19 pandemic affected the idiosyncratic or specific risk of Latin American economies using their capital market indicators. This study contributes to the assessment of Latin American economies specific risk or country risk at the beginning of the pandemic.
Use of Iris Scanning for Biometric Recognition of Healthy Adults Participating in an Ebola Vaccine Trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Zola Matuvanga Trésor , Johnson Ginger , Larivière Ynke , Esanga Longomo Emmanuel , Matangila Junior , Maketa Vivi , Lapika Bruno , Mitashi Patrick , Mc Kenna Paula , De Bie Jessie , Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Van Damme Pierre , Muhindo Mavoko Hypolite
Published: June 2021

Background

A partnership between the University of Antwerp and the University of Kinshasa implemented the EBOVAC3 clinical trial with an Ebola vaccine regimen administered to health care provider participants in Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This randomized controlled trial was part of an Ebola outbreak preparedness initiative financed through Innovative Medicines Initiative-European Union. The EBOVAC3 clinical trial used iris scan technology to identify all health care provider participants enrolled in the vaccine trial, to ensure that the right participant received the right vaccine at the right visit.

Objective

We aimed to assess the acceptability, accuracy, and feasibility of iris scan technology as an identification method within a population of health care provider participants in a vaccine trial in a remote setting.

Methods

We used a mixed methods study. The acceptability was assessed prior to the trial through 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and was assessed at enrollment. Feasibility and accuracy research was conducted using a longitudinal trial study design, where iris scanning was compared with the unique study ID card to identify health care provider participants at enrollment and at their follow-up visits.

Results

During the FGDs, health care provider participants were mainly concerned about the iris scan technology causing physical problems to their eyes or exposing them to spiritual problems through sorcery. However, 99% (85/86; 95% CI 97.1-100.0) of health care provider participants in the FGDs agreed to be identified by the iris scan. Also, at enrollment, 99.0% (692/699; 95% CI 98.2-99.7) of health care provider participants accepted to be identified by iris scan. Iris scan technology correctly identified 93.1% (636/683; 95% CI 91.2-95.0) of the participants returning for scheduled follow-up visits. The iris scanning operation lasted 2 minutes or less for 96.0% (656/683; 95% CI 94.6-97.5), and 1 attempt was enough to identify the majority of study participants (475/683, 69.5%; 95% CI 66.1-73.0).

Conclusions

Iris scans are highly acceptable as an identification tool in a clinical trial for health care provider participants in a remote setting. Its operationalization during the trial demonstrated a high level of accuracy that can reliably identify individuals. Iris scanning is found to be feasible in clinical trials but requires a trained operator to reduce the duration and the number of attempts to identify a participant.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04186000; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04186000
A Web-Based Intervention to Increase Smokers’ Intentions to Participate in a Cessation Study Offered at the Point of Lung Screening: Factorial Randomized Trial
Authors: Neil Jordan M , Chang Yuchiao , Goshe Brett , Rigotti Nancy , Gonzalez Irina , Hawari Saif , Ballini Lauren , Haas Jennifer S , Marotta Caylin , Wint Amy , Harris Kim , Crute Sydney , Flores Efren , Park Elyse R
Published: June 2021

Background

Screen ASSIST is a cessation trial offered to current smokers at the point of lung cancer screening. Because of the unique position of promoting a prevention behavior (smoking cessation) within the context of a detection behavior (lung cancer screening), this study employed prospect theory to design and formatively evaluate a targeted recruitment video prior to trial launch.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify which message frames were most effective at promoting intent to participate in a smoking cessation study.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a proprietary opt-in online panel company and randomized to a 2 (benefits of quitting vs risks of continuing to smoke at the time of lung screening; BvR) × 2 (gains of participating vs losses of not participating in a cessation study; GvL) message design experiment (N=314). The primary outcome was self-assessed intent to participate in a smoking cessation study. Message effectiveness and lung cancer risk perception measures were also collected. Analysis of variance examined the main effect of the 2 message factors and a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) approach identified predictors of intent to participate in a multivariable model. A mediation analysis was conducted to determine the direct and indirect effects of message factors on intent to participate in a cessation study.

Results

A total of 296 participants completed the intervention. There were no significant differences in intent to participate in a smoking cessation study between message frames (P=.12 and P=.61). In the multivariable model, quit importance (P<.001), perceived message relevance (P<.001), and affective risk response (ie, worry about developing lung cancer; P<.001) were significant predictors of intent to participate. The benefits of quitting frame significantly increased affective risk response (Meanbenefits 2.60 vs Meanrisk 2.40; P=.03), which mediated the relationship between message frame and intent to participate (b=0.24; 95% CI 0.01-0.47; P=.03).

Conclusions

This study provides theoretical and practical guidance on how to design and evaluate proactive recruitment messages for a cessation trial. Based on our findings, we conclude that heavy smokers are more responsive to recruitment messages that frame the benefits of quitting as it increased affective risk response, which predicted greater intention to participate in a smoking cessation study.
Cuatro perspectivas para el análisis del concepto de populismo en la América Latina del siglo XXI
Authors: Pineda Núñez Olaf
Published: June 2021

En este ensayo, exploramos las características de cuatro perspectivas desde las cuales se entiende el concepto de populismo, con el objetivo de identificar sus elementos constitutivos, así como su alcance y vigencia en el entendimiento de los procesos políticos que acontecen en América Latina bajo el actual desarrollo del capitalismo contemporáneo. Se sostiene que el populismo sirvió para caracterizar a algunos gobiernos de índole popular desde principios y hasta mediados del siglo XX en América Latina, pero que bajo las actuales condiciones del desarrollo capitalista, las expresiones del populismo se vuelven confusas y contradictorias. Por ello, se concluye que una definición sobre el populismo debería ser capaz de identificar elementos constitutivos y estructurales que tomen en cuenta a los grupos sociales a partir de su pertenencia de clase, así como el momento del desarrollo capitalista en el que se desenvuelven.
Imaginarios teológicos en la ciencia ficción Latinoamericana reciente. Zombie de Mike Wilson y la Mucama de Omicunlé de Rita Indiana
Authors: Lagunas Samuel
Published: June 2021

Este artículo presenta un análisis de dos novelas recientes de ciencia ficción distópica latinoamericana: La mucama de Omicunlé (2015) de Rita Indiana y Zombie (2011) de Mike Wilson. A través del concepto de imaginarios teológicos, se propone una lectura que dé cuenta de cómo aún en los mundos de ficción más sombríos se fraguan condiciones para la esperanza. El análisis consta de tres momentos: primero se describen las formas en que estos imaginarios son producidos en las obras, ya sea por reciclaje o por hibridación cultural. Segundo, se observa cómo en ambas novelas los imaginarios teológicos configuran sujetos anti-mesiánicos. Por último, se señala cómo los imaginarios teológicos proveen a los personajes de una orientación hacia el futuro.
Heart Rate Monitor using Average of Two Fingertip Sensors with Graphical ECG Record
Authors: Chincholkar Survesh
Published: June 2021

This project proposes the measurement of heart rate accurately using an average of two readings of two different fingertip sensors and feeding them to a microcontroller and record simultaneously the photoplethysmographic data, using which an ECG waveform is plotted. The earlier projects on this topic used only one fingertip sensor in calculating the heart rate. This lacked accuracy and thus, even if the projects were economical, they could not be used at small hospitals in rural areas and village clinics. Also, they lacked the feature of graphical ECG plot that may be extremely useful for diagnosis by the medical experts. Our project is based on obtaining the heart rate by averaging the readings of two fingertip sensors. The average is then fed to the microcontroller after proper signal conditioning, and then displayed on a LCD screen. The graph of electrical activity of the heart is displayed on a graphical LCD. Also, it features sending of SMS to family members via GSM module in case of an abnormal condition. The novelty in this project is increased accuracy.
Smart Wearable Shoe for Tracking and Monitoring of Army Soldiers
Authors: Sarma Mr. V. Rama Krishna
Published: June 2021

Resource following alludes to the technique for following noticeable resources by examining scanner tag labels appended to products or utilizing GPS, BLE or RFID to send area labels. RFID labels can spread their area, however the transmission distance is restricted (a couple of meters). Resources can be followed by manual examining of scanner tags, (for example, QR codes). You can check a QR code utilizing a cell phone with a camera and a committed program, just as a standardized identification reader. Yet, the entirety of this has its impediments. In our system the user can be able to track the location of the asset once it has been moved in a long distance or stolen. This project utilizes long distance RF communication modules such as LoRa modules which provide long distance communication in terms of kilometres. The LoRa modules can be distributed across the city for tracking of the asset. As the asset moves around the city, the location of that asset is been transmitted to a nearby LoRa which is then transmitted to the mobile app developed independently for tracking the asset
Advanced Energy Efficient Master/Slave Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kattimani Vageesh
Published: June 2021

The nodes in WSNs are densely deployed and lots of redundancy exists during the data gathering and sending perceived data straightforwardly to the base station, which leading to consumption of energy in nodes. Existing Clustering algorithms in WSN selects just one group head in the each cluster, where it devours more energy at Cluster head(CH) quickly and which condenses lifetime of the network incredibly. The paper proposes the Advanced and Energy Efficient Master/Slave algorithm to solve this problem. The algorithm reduces the energy consumption of each node by minimizing the direct communication of the nodes with the Base station or CHs by changing the hierarchy in WSN. The moto of the algorithm is to select one master Cluster Head and remaining slave CHs. The algorithm will select Master Cluster Head based on more residual energy, distance, and low packet drop; the remaining become Slave Cluster Heads. The simulation results prove that the Advanced and Energy Efficient Master/Slave algorithm improves throughput and packet delivery ratio(PDR) by decreasing the energy consumption.
Feature Re-Learning for Video Recommendation
Authors: C Chanjal
Published: June 2021

Predicting the relevance between two given videos with respect to their visual content is a key component for content-based video recommendation and retrieval. The application is in video recommendation, video annotation, Category or near-duplicate video retrieval, video copy detection and so on. In order to estimate video relevance previous works utilize textual content of videos and lead to poor performance. The proposed method is feature re-learning for video relevance prediction. This work focus on the visual contents to predict the relevance between two videos. A given feature is projected into a new space by an affine transformation. Different from previous works this use a standard triplet ranking loss that optimize the projection process by a novel negative-enhanced triplet ranking loss. In order to generate more training data, propose a data augmentation strategy which works directly on video features. The multi-level augmentation strategy works for video features, which benefits the feature relearning. The proposed augmentation strategy can be flexibly used for frame-level or video-level features. The loss function that consider the absolute similarity of positive pairs and supervise the feature re-learning process and a new formula for video relevance computation.
Calculations for Go-Kart Vehicle
Authors: Barai Viplav
Published: June 2021

Team barriers breakers Moto is to design and fabricate the sophisticated and simple kart design with factor of high fuel economy as well as with more suitable driver comfort without reconciliation the kart performance.This paper aims to increase the factor of safety of go kart chassis which is designed keeping in mind the rules imposed by INDKC 2019. This paper tends to design all the convenient features established in the go kart vehicle. There is involvement of many systems in manufacturing of go kart such as steering, braking, transmission, chassis etc. We have extensively designed and carried out the design analysis regarding separate all the systems involved in the kart’s specifications The design has been modeled in Catia V5 and Solidworks while the analysis was done in Ansys R1 and same rendering was done using Solidworks
Android Application Development
Authors: Sharma Ritu
Published: June 2021

Technology is being used and improved by human beings over a long period of time now and Smartphones is one of them. Smart Phones contain touch screen, built in keyboard, high resolution camera, front side camera for video conferencing, etc. They are used for making and receiving calls, sending and receiving messages, accessing the Internet, digital media, incorporating audio/video recording etc. Different smart phones have different operating systems and mobile applications are developed for each operating system in smart phones, tablet or mobile phones, in order to serve the needs of the user. These apps are either preinstalled or downloadable from online app market that can do almost everything. Apps make a mobile be like a portable computer having multi core processors, gigabytes of memory and a real operating system. Originally mobile apps were made available for only calling, messaging and informational purposes like calendar, weather forecast, e- mail, etc. With improvement in technology and increase in user demands, developers started making apps for other purposes like games, banking, video chats etc. Some apps are also used to present data in the same format as on a computer website and also allow you to download content that you can use when there is no Internet. There are many apps available in market today for different Operating Systems in which Android is having the maximum market share these days.
Design and Analysis of Earthquake Resistant Building (Three Storeyed R.C.C. School Building) using STAAD.PRO
Authors: Ambatkar Ms. Sayali
Published: June 2021

The field of Earthquake Engineering has existed in our country for over 35 years now. Indian earthquake engineers have made significant contributions to the seismic safety of several important structures in the country. However, as the recent earthquakes have shown, the performance of normal structures during past Indian earthquakes has been less satisfactory. This is mainly due to the lack of awareness amongst most practising engineers of the special provisions that need to be followed in earthquake resistant design and thereafter in construction. In India, the multi-storied building is constructed due to high cost and scarcity of land. In order to utilize maximum land area, builders and architects generally proposed asymmetrical plan configuration. These asymmetrical plan buildings, which are constructed in seismic prone areas, are likely to be damaged during earthquake. Earthquake is a natural phenomenon which can be generate the most destructive forces on structure. Buildings should be made Safe for lives by proper design and detailing of structural member in order to have a ductile form of failure. The concept of earthquake resistant design is that the building should be designed to resist the forces, which arises due to Design Basic Earthquake, with only minor damages and the forces which arises due to Maximum Considered Earthquake, with some accepted structural damages but no collapse. This paper studies the Earthquake Resisting Building.