bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics and rheology of ring-linear blend semidilute solutions in extensional flow: Single molecule experiments
Authors: Zhou Yuecheng , Young Charles D. , Lee Megan , Banik Sourya , Kong Dejie , McKenna Gregory B. , Robertson-Anderson Rae M. , Sing Charles E. , Schroeder Charles M.
Published: June 2021

Ring polymers exhibit unique flow properties due to their closed chain topology. Despite recent progress, we have not yet achieved a full understanding of the nonequilibrium flow behavior of rings in nondilute solutions where intermolecular interactions greatly influence chain dynamics. In this work, we directly observe the dynamics of DNA rings in semidilute ring-linear polymer blends using single molecule techniques. We systematically investigate ring polymer relaxation dynamics from high extension and transient and steady-state stretching dynamics in a planar extensional flow for a series of ring-linear blends with varying ring fraction. Our results show multiple molecular subpopulations for ring relaxation in ring-linear blends, as well as large conformational fluctuations for rings in a steady extensional flow, even long after the initial transient stretching process has subsided. We further quantify the magnitude and characteristic time scales of ring conformational fluctuations as a function of blend composition. Interestingly, we find that the magnitude of ring conformational fluctuations follows a nonmonotonic response with increasing ring fraction, first increasing at low ring fraction and then substantially decreasing at large ring fraction in ring-linear blends. A unique set of ring polymer conformations are observed during the transient stretching process, which highlights the prevalence of molecular individualism and supports the notion of complex intermolecular interactions in ring-linear polymer blends. In particular, our results suggest that transient intermolecular structures form in ring-linear blends due to a combination of direct forces due to linear chains threading through open rings and indirect forces due to hydrodynamic interactions; these combined effects lead to large conformational fluctuations of rings over distributed time scales. Taken together, our results provide a new molecular understanding of ring polymer dynamics in ring-linear blends in the nonequilibrium flow.
Nitric Oxide-Dependent Electron Transport Chain Inhibition by the Cytochrome
bc
1
Inhibitor and Pretomanid Combination Kills
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zeng Sheng , Zhang Jingran , Sun Mingwei , Zhang Xiaofei , Cook Gregory M. , Zhang Tianyu
Published: June 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the causative agent of human tuberculosis, harbors a branched electron transport chain, preventing the bactericidal action of cytochrome
bc
1
inhibitors (e.g., TB47). Here, we investigated, using luminescent mycobacterial strains, the
in vitro
combination activity of cytochrome
bc
1
inhibitors and nitric oxide (NO) donors including pretomanid (PMD) and explored the mechanisms of combination activity.
Strategic Variants of CSP Delivered as SynDNA Vaccines Demonstrate Heterogeneity of Immunogenicity and Protection from
Plasmodium
Infection in a Murine Model
Authors: Reeder Sophia M. , Bah Mamadou A. , Tursi Nicholas J. , Brooks Rebekah C. , Patel Ami , Esquivel Rianne , Eaton Alison , Jhun Hugo , Chu Jacqueline , Kim Kevin , Xu Ziyang , Zavala Fidel , Weiner David B.
Published: June 2021

Malaria infects millions of people every year, and despite recent advances in controlling disease spread, such as vaccination, it remains a global health concern. The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) has long been acknowledged as a key target in antimalarial immunity.
The timeline of prolonged accretionary processes in eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: Insights from episodic Paleozoic intrusions in central Inner Mongolia, North China
Authors: Yuan Lingling , Zhang Xiaohui , Yang Zhili
Published: June 2021

Updating magmatic profile in crucial constituent terranes across the Central Asian Orogenic Belt presents a key to chronicling the timeline of prolonged accretionary processes and termination of the Paleo-Asian Ocean in the northern China–southern Mongolia tract. Here we performed a systematic geochronological and geochemical study on a spectrum of Paleozoic intrusions from the Erenhot region in central Inner Mongolia, North China, within the hinterland of the tract, with four distinct magmatic episodes unraveled. Combining these episodes with the previously documented events from contiguous regions defines two major tectono-magmatic cycles. The early Paleozoic cycle (500–450 Ma) evolved from initial fluid-fluxed tholeiitic and calc-alkaline granitoids to melt-fertilized mafic-intermediate magmatism. It appears to experience the initiation and maturation of a Western Pacific-type intra-oceanic arc system that culminated in ridge subduction. The late Paleozoic cycle expanded in magmatic expression from sporadic Late Devonian (373–365 Ma) calc-alkaline intermediate-felsic pulses through Early-Middle Carboniferous (356–320 Ma) medium to high-K calc-alkaline flare-up to a Late Carboniferous–Early Permian (310–277 Ma) province of diverse lithologies. These magmatic episodes seem to encompass a complete active continental arc–back-arc system that spanned from resuming oceanic plate subduction through slab rollback and backarc rifting to ridge-trench collision and backarc basin closure. Featuring a Rodinia-aged terrane affinity and a representative Paleozoic magmatic profile, the Erenhot region provides an optimal site for correlating the evolution of mosaic terranes in southern Mongolia and northern China, and for evaluating the coupled evolution of shifting tectonic regimes and plural crustal generation mechanisms within a retreating accretionary orogen.
Case of pheochromocytoma mimicking MINOCA
Authors: Karatzia Loucia , De Palma Rodney
Published: June 2021

We present a 52-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department with a short history of palpitations, sweating and nausea. An electrocardiogram (ECG) that was performed suggested inferolateral ischaemia with a significant troponin rise. The patient underwent an invasive coronary angiogram that showed mild non-obstructive coronary disease. She was thus given a provisional diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive arteries (MINOCA), treated as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and subsequently discharged home. The patient represented within 72 hours with a recurrence of symptoms and a further troponin rise. While on the ward severe recurrent orthostatic hypertensive episodes were noted. Further investigations revealed increased urinary and plasma metanephrines, increased plasma catecholamines and imaging revealed a left adrenal 5.7 cm mass, demonstrating probable pheochromocytoma. The patient was treated with curative surgery. This case highlights the importance of thorough history-taking in patients with atypical symptoms for acute coronary syndrome and diagnosed with MINOCA.
Surgical management of spontaneously ruptured kidney with peritonitis due to neglected renal and ureteric calculi
Authors: Prem Kumar , Smita Singh , Pankaj Kumar , Pragya Prem
Published: June 2021

A 30-year-old woman presented with right-sided abdominal pain associated with fever. Her ultrasound showed right renal calculus with no hydronephrosis along with collection in peritoneal cavity and pouch of Douglas. CT showed ruptured right kidney with multiple renal and ureteric calculi as well as displaced renal calculi in perinephric space and pararenal space. Exploratory laparotomy and right nephroureterectomy were done. Nephrolithiasis with secondary infection makes the kidney fragile due to pathological changes, which may cause rupture of the renal calyces with trivial trauma or may be spontaneous. Distal obstruction by the stone and increased back pressure in the calyces may have added to the spontaneous rupture of the calyx and subsequently renal parenchyma. Management includes early exploration with nephrectomy and it is often life saving.
Successful occupational therapy at end of life for a patient with prostate sarcoma
Authors: Yamaga Takayoshi , Asano Katsutoshi , Ikeya Masanao , Nakanishi Kosuke
Published: June 2021

Most previous studies on palliative rehabilitation highlight medical care, with occupational therapy (OT) primarily focused on normal and instrumental activities of daily living. This clinical report describes the case of a 35-year-old patient with prostate sarcoma with a poor prognosis who received OT to help him focus on participating in a meaningful occupation. Initially, the patient was depressed and withdrawn, but with OT, he was able to participate in an occupation, and his life became more active. Although the patient was at the end of his life, he was able to maintain a high quality of life during the limited time period.
Social determinants of pertussis and influenza vaccine uptake in pregnancy: a national cohort study in England using electronic health records
Authors: Walker Jemma L , Rentsch Christopher T , McDonald Helen I , Bak JeongEun , Minassian Caroline , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Edelstein Michael , Thomas Sara
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine the social determinants of influenza and pertussis vaccine uptake among pregnant women in England.

Design

Nationwide population-based cohort study.

Setting

The study used anonymised primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and linked Hospital Episode Statistics secondary care data.

Participants

Pregnant women eligible for pertussis (2012–2015, n=68 090) or influenza (2010/2011–2015/2016, n=152 132) vaccination in England.

Main outcome measures

Influenza and pertussis vaccine uptake.

Results

Vaccine uptake was 67.3% for pertussis and 39.1% for influenza. Uptake of both vaccines varied by region, with the lowest uptakes in London and the North East. Lower vaccine uptake was associated with greater deprivation: almost 10% lower in the most deprived quintiles compared with the least deprived for influenza (34.5% vs 44.0%), and almost 20% lower for pertussis (57.7% vs 76.0%). Lower uptake for both vaccines was also associated with non-white ethnicity (lowest among women of black ethnicity), maternal age under 20 years and a greater number of children in the household. The associations between all social factors and vaccine uptake were broadly unchanged in fully adjusted models, suggesting the social determinants of uptake were largely independent of one another. Among 3111 women vaccinated against pertussis in their first eligible pregnancy and pregnant again, 1234 (40%) were not vaccinated in their second eligible pregnancy.

Conclusions

Targeting promotional campaigns to pregnant women who are younger, of non-white ethnicity, with more children, living in areas of greater deprivation or the London or North East regions, has potential to reduce vaccine-preventable disease among infants and pregnant women, and to reduce health inequalities. Vaccination promotion needs to be sustained across successive pregnancies. Further research is needed into whether the effectiveness of vaccine promotion strategies may vary according to social factors.
Understanding children’s perceptions of, and priorities for, healthy neighbourhoods in Aotearoa New Zealand: study protocol for a cross-sectional study
Authors: Egli Victoria , Mandic Sandra , Pocock Tessa , Narayanan Anantha , Williams Lisa , Clark Terryann , Spasic Lisa , Wilson Ailsa , Witten Karen , Smith Melody
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Neighbourhood environments can have significant and enduring impacts on children’s physical, psychological and social health. Environments can impact health through promoting or hindering physical activity, active travel, and healthy eating in addition to opportunities for social interaction, cognitive development, rest and relaxation. There is a paucity of research that has examined neighbourhood and health priorities, strengths and needs from the perspectives of the community, and even less that has focused on the perspectives of children within communities. The aim of this article is to describe the research protocol for a project to gather child-identified needs and strengths-based solutions for promoting child health and well-being in urban neighbourhood environments.

Methods and analysis

This participatory research project is designed to partner with children in school settings in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand. An abundant communities approach will be used with children to identify needs and strengths related to neighbourhoods and health. Specific methods including collaborative, creative, play-based methods such as concept-mapping activities and co-creation of final dissemination material on the key messages are described. Plans for researcher reflections, data analysis and dissemination are also detailed.

Ethics and dissemination

This research has been approved by the University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated through child and researcher co-created output, a technical report and academic journal articles. By using evidence-based child-centred approaches to knowledge generation, we anticipate the research will generate new localised insights about children’s preferences and needs for healthy neighbourhoods which will be shared with stakeholders in planning and practice. The detailed session protocol including critical researcher reflections is shared in this manuscript for application, development and refinement in future research.
Implementation of a virtual international cardiology curriculum to address the deficit of cardiovascular education in Haiti: a pilot study
Authors: Haynes Norrisa Adrianna , Saint-Joy Veauthyelau , Swain JaBaris , Ezekwesili Agnes , Vernet Fritz Verly , Dawson Calixte , Laneau Davidson , Tierney Ann , Shea Judy A , Ambrose Marietta S
Published: June 2021

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, conferring a disparate burden on low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Haiti represents a resource-constrained setting, limited by a paucity of resources and trained cardiovascular professionals equipped to address the increasing burden of CVD.

Objective

Here, we describe the creation of a comprehensive cardiology curriculum delivered through a virtual classroom. The curriculum was created to augment cardiovascular education in LMICs such as Haiti.

Methods

Over one academic year (May 2019–2020), International Cardiology Curriculum Accessible by Remote Distance Learning-Haiti consisted of biweekly, live-streamed, synchronous didactic lectures, seminars and case presentations broadcasted to 16 internal medicine (IM) residents at Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais, one of only four IM training programmes in Haiti. The virtual classroom was created using commercially available videoconferencing and data-sharing platforms. Prelecture and postlecture surveys and an end of the year survey were administered to assess the impact of the curriculum.

Results

Participant performance analysis revealed that 80% of the curriculum demonstrated a positive trend in knowledge acquisition postintervention. Based on the end of the year evaluation, 94% of participants reported that the curriculum was educational and relevant to medical practice in Haiti and 100% reported that the curriculum was good to excellent. Additionally, the curriculum was cited as an effective means of maintaining trainee education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

This international medical education pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of augmenting cardiology education in LMICs by creating a virtual curriculum made possible by local partnerships, internet access and technology.
Lifetime measurements in $$^{182}\hbox {Pt}$$ using $$\gamma $$–$$\gamma $$ fast-timing
Authors: Häfner G. , Esmaylzadeh A. , Jolie J. , Régis J.-M. , Müller-Gatermann C. , Blazhev A. , Fransen C. , Gerst R.-B. , Karayonchev V. , Knafla L. , Saed-Samii N. , Zell K.-O.
Published: June 2021

The level lifetimes of the $$2_1^+$$

2
1
+

and $$4_1^+$$

4
1
+

states in $$^{182}\hbox {Pt}$$

182

Pt

have been re-measured employing the $$\gamma $$
γ
–$$\gamma $$
γ
fast-timing technique using fast $$\hbox {LaBr}_3$$

LaBr
3

(Ce) scintillators. Excited states in the nucleus of interest were populated by the fusion-evaporation reaction $$^{170}\hbox {Yb}(^{16}\hbox {O},\hbox {4n})^{182}\hbox {Pt}$$

170

Yb

(
16

O
,
4n
)

182

Pt

at a beam energy of 87 MeV provided by the FN Tandem accelerator of the University of Cologne. The lifetime of the $$2_1^+$$

2
1
+

state was re-measured with high accuracy to be $$\tau = 563(12)~$$

τ
=
563
(
12
)

ps and resolves inconsistencies from previous measurements. Experimental results are compared to theoretical calculations in the framework of the sd-IBM with and without configuration mixing.
Compressing PDF sets using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Carrazza Stefano , Cruz-Martinez Juan , Rabemananjara Tanjona R.
Published: June 2021

We present a compression algorithm for parton densities using synthetic replicas generated from the training of a generative adversarial network (GAN). The generated replicas are used to further enhance the statistics of a given Monte Carlo PDF set prior to compression. This results in a compression methodology that is able to provide a compressed set with smaller number of replicas and a more adequate representation of the original probability distribution. We also address the question of whether the GAN could be used as an alternative mechanism to avoid the fitting of large number of replicas.
Acceleration Design for Continuum Topology Optimization by Using Pix2pix Neural Network
Authors: Ye Hong-Ling , Li Ji-Cheng , Yuan Bo-Shuai , Wei Nan , Sui Yun-Kang
Published: June 2021

Aiming at speeding up the process of topology optimization and generating a novel high-quality topology configuration, a topology optimization design with lightweight structure based on deep learning is investigated. First, Independent Continuous Mapping (ICM) method is employed to establish the original configurations including the intermediate configurations and the corresponding final configurations, and the original configurations are padded and merged to form the dataset required by the deep learning network. Then the high-dimensional mapping relationship between the intermediate configuration and the final configuration is created by using Pix2pix neural network (Pix2pix NN), which transforms the topology optimization into image-to-image translation problem. Finally, the acceleration algorithm is utilized to accelerate the iteration process by the pre-trained network. Numerical examples show that the coupling method is feasible and efficient in topology optimization design. The method provides a new solution for topology optimization design to shorten the iteration process and broaden the application of ICM method.
Simulation and prediction of dengue outbreaks based on an SIR model with a time-dependent transmission rate including meteorological data. An example for Colombo and Jakarta
Authors: Heidrich Peter , Götz Thomas
Published: June 2021

Vector-borne diseases can usually be examined with a vector–host model like the [Formula: see text] model. This, however, depends on parameters that contain detailed information about the mosquito population that we usually do not know. For this reason, in this article, we reduce the [Formula: see text] model to an [Formula: see text] model with a time-dependent and periodic transmission rate [Formula: see text]. Since the living conditions of the mosquitos depend on the local weather conditions, meteorological data sets flow into the model in order to achieve a more realistic behavior. The developed [Formula: see text] model is adapted to existing data sets of hospitalized dengue cases in Jakarta (Indonesia) and Colombo (Sri Lanka) using numerical optimization based on Pontryagin’s maximum principle. A previous data analysis shows that the results of this parameter fit are within a realistic range and thus allow further investigations. Based on this, various simulations are carried out and the prediction quality of the model is examined.
Blockchain-enabled Tensor-based Conditional Deep Convolutional GAN for Cyber-physical-Social Systems
Authors: Feng Jun , Yang Laurence T. , Zhu Yuxiang , Gati Nicholaus J. , Mo Yijun
Published: June 2021

Deep learning techniques have shown significant success in cyber-physical-social systems (CPSS). As an instance of deep learning models, generative adversarial nets (GAN) model enables powerful and flexible image augmentation, image generation, and classification, thus can be applied to real-world CPSS settings. GAN model training needs a large collection of cyber-physical-social data originating from various CPSS devices. Numerous prevailing GAN models depend on a tacit assumption that several cyber-physical-social data providers present a reliable source to collect training data, which is seldom the case in real CPSS. The existing GAN models also fail to consider multi-dimensional latent structure. In our work, we put forward a novel blockchain-enabled tensor-based conditional deep convolutional GAN (TCDC-GAN) model for cyber-physical-social systems. The blockchain is employed to develop a decentralized and reliable cyber-physical-social data-sharing platform between numerous cyber-physical-social data providers, such that the training data and the model are documented on a ledger that is distributed. Furthermore, a tensor-based generator and a tensor-based discriminator are well designed by employing the tensor model. The results of extensive simulation experiments show the efficacy of the proposed TCDC-GAN model. Compared with the state-of-the-art models, our model gains superior estimation performance.
Queec: QoE-aware Edge Computing for IoT Devices under Dynamic Workloads
Authors: Li Borui , Dong Wei , Guan Gaoyang , Zhang Jiadong , Gu Tao , Bu Jiajun , Gao Yi
Published: June 2021

Many IoT applications have the requirements of conducting complex IoT events processing (e.g., speech recognition) that are hardly supported by low-end IoT devices due to limited resources. Most existing approaches enable complex IoT event processing on low-end IoT devices by statically allocating tasks to the edge or the cloud. In this article, we present Queec, a QoE-aware edge computing system for complex IoT event processing under dynamic workloads. With Queec, the complex IoT event processing tasks that are relatively computation-intensive for low-end IoT devices can be transparently offloaded to nearby edge nodes at runtime. We formulate the problem of scheduling multi-user tasks to multiple edge nodes as an optimization problem, which minimizes the overall offloading latency of all tasks while avoiding the overloading problem. We implement Queec on low-end IoT devices, edge nodes, and the cloud. We conduct extensive evaluations, and the results show that Queec reduces 56.98% of the offloading latency on average compared with the state-of-the-art under dynamic workloads, while incurring acceptable overhead.
Inference from Visible Information and Background Knowledge
Authors: Benedikt Michael , Bourhis Pierre , Cate Balder Ten , Puppis Gabrieled , Boom Michael Vanden
Published: June 2021

We provide a wide-ranging study of the scenario where a subset of the relations in a relational vocabulary is visible to a user—that is, their complete contents are known—while the remaining relations are invisible. We also have a background theory—invariants given by logical sentences—that may relate the visible relations to invisible ones, and also may constrain both the visible and invisible relations in isolation. We want to determine whether some other information, given as a positive existential formula, can be inferred using only the visible information and the background theory. This formula whose inference we are concerned with is denoted as the
query
. We consider whether positive information about the query can be inferred, and also whether negative information—the sentence does not hold—can be inferred. We further consider both the instance-level version of the problem, where both the query and the visible instance are given, and the schema-level version, where we want to know whether truth or falsity of the query can be inferred in
some
instance of the schema.
String me along
Authors: Shasha Dennis
Published: June 2021

Seeking the ever-elusive shortest path.
Molecular Epigenetics: Chemical Biology Tools Come of Age
Authors: Bagert John D. , Muir Tom W.
Published: June 2021

The field of epigenetics has exploded over the last two decades, revealing an astonishing level of complexity in the way genetic information is stored and accessed in eukaryotes. This expansion of knowledge, which is very much ongoing, has been made possible by the availability of evermore sensitive and precise molecular tools. This review focuses on the increasingly important role that chemistry plays in this burgeoning field. In an effort to make these contributions more accessible to the nonspecialist, we group available chemical approaches into those that allow the covalent structure of the protein and DNA components of chromatin to be manipulated, those that allow the activity of myriad factors that act on chromatin to be controlled, and those that allow the covalent structure and folding of chromatin to be characterized. The application of these tools is illustrated through a series of case studies that highlight how the molecular precision afforded by chemistry is being used to establish causal biochemical relationships at the heart of epigenetic regulation.
Posttranslational Regulation of HMG CoA Reductase, the Rate-Limiting Enzyme in Synthesis of Cholesterol
Authors: Schumacher Marc M. , DeBose-Boyd Russell A.
Published: June 2021

The polytopic, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase produces mevalonate, the key intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol and many nonsterol isoprenoids including geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp). Transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational feedback mechanisms converge on this reductase to ensure cells maintain a sufficient supply of essential nonsterol isoprenoids but avoid overaccumulation of cholesterol and other sterols. The focus of this review is mechanisms for the posttranslational regulation of HMG CoA reductase, which include sterol-accelerated ubiquitination and ER-associated degradation (ERAD) that is augmented by GGpp. We discuss how GGpp-induced ER-to-Golgi trafficking of the vitamin K2 synthetic enzyme UbiA prenyltransferase domain–containing protein-1 (UBIAD1) modulates HMG CoA reductase ERAD to balance the synthesis of sterol and nonsterol isoprenoids. We also summarize the characterization of genetically manipulated mice, which established that sterol-accelerated, UBIAD1-modulated ERAD plays a major role in regulation of HMG CoA reductase and cholesterol metabolism in vivo.
Degradation Mechanism of an IrO2 Anode Co-Catalyst for Cell Voltage Reversal Mitigation under Transient Operation Conditions of a PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Fathi Tovini Mohammad , Damjanovic Ana Marija , El-Sayed Hany A. , Speder Jozsef , Eickes Christian , Suchsland Jens-Peter , Ghielmi Alessandro , Gasteiger Hubert A.
Published: June 2021

IrO2 is the most stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst in acidic media and it has been widely used as co-catalyst to mitigate cell reversal damages in the anode of PEM fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this study, a mechanistic understanding of the degradation of an IrO2 anode co-catalyst under transient operation of a PEMFC is provided. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in reductive atmosphere (3.3 vol.% H2/Ar) shows that IrO2 is not stable in H2 containing atmosphere at operational temperatures of PEMFCs. By conducting a series of physical-chemical and electrochemical analyses, it is proven that H2 under the operating conditions in a PEMFC anode can chemically reduce a few outer monolayers of the surface of IrO2 nanoparticles to metallic Ir. The metallic Ir formed on the IrO2 surface can then dissolve during fuel cell start-up/shut-down (SUSD) cycles. At least part of the dissolved Ir species formed in the anode electrode are shown to diffuse through the membrane to the cathode electrode, where they lead to a deterioration of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of the Pt cathode catalyst. The consequences of Ir dissolution on the cell reversal tolerance of the anode are also discussed.
FGF21 prevents low-protein diet-induced renal inflammation in aged mice
Authors: Fang Han , Ghosh Sujoy , Sims Landon C. , Stone Kirsten P. , Hill Cristal M. , Spires Denisha , Ilatovskaya Daria V. , Morrison Christopher D. , Gettys Thomas W. , Stadler Krisztian
Published: June 2021

Long-term protein restriction is not advantageous for an otherwise healthy, aging kidney, as it facilitates the development of renal tubular injury and inflammatory cell infiltration. We provide evidence using FGF21 knockout animals that FGF21 is essential to counteract the renal injury and inflammation during aging on a low-protein diet.
Optimization of Post-Based Merit Salary Based on CPI and University Characteristic Data
Authors: Cao Yuan , Cao Qing
Published: June 2021

In order to improve the rationality and efficiency of post-based merit salary setting for teaching and research staff in colleges and universities, this paper analyses and discusses the influencing factors and determining principles of post-based merit salary for teaching and research staff in colleges and universities based on the consumer price index (CPI) and the characteristics of colleges and universities. A dynamic and optimal post-based merit salary generation model and its determination method are put forward. The model comprehensively takes changes in price levels into account and the key factors such as the teacher’s professional technical level, length of service, and performance appraisal results and can dynamically and intelligently calculate the post-based merit salary of teachers. The test results of the examples prove that the post-based merit salary calculated by the model is objective and reasonable, and it is easy to dynamically adjust according to the changes in social environment and the characteristics of colleges and universities. It can provide a scientific method and useful reference for determining post-based merit salary in colleges and universities.
Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compounds Combined with Standard Western Medicine for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Complicated by Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Yang Mengqi , Cheng Min , Wang Min , Tang Zhishu , Song Zhongxing , Cui Chunli , Liu Yanru , Zhang Zhen
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds combined with standard treatments for diabetes mellitus (DM) complicated by coronary heart disease (CHD). We performed a systematic and comprehensive search of the China Knowledge Network, WanFang, WeiPu, PubMed, and Web of Science, including Chinese and English articles, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the use of Chinese herbal compounds for the treatment of DM complicated by CHD published before June 1, 2020. The literature was screened according to standard criteria. Risk assessment, based on the Jadad scale, was performed using the Review Manager5.3 software for meta-analysis. In total, 23 articles were selected, including 2405 cases. The meta-analysis showed that the combination of standard treatments with TCM compounds significantly improved the overall treatment efficacy for DM complicated by CHD (OR(odds ratio) = 4.39; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 3.30–5.84;

P
<
0.0001

), fasting blood glucose level (mean difference (MD) = −1.04; 95% CI, −1.96 to −0.13;

P
=
0.03

), total cholesterol level (MD = −1.16; 95% CI, −1.48 to −0.83;

P
<
0.0001

), triglyceride (MD = −0.46; 95% CI, −0.62 to −0.29;

P
<
0.0001

), low-density lipoprotein level (MD = −0.57; 95% CI, −0.87 to −0.27;

P
=
0.0002

), high-density lipoprotein level (MD = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.26;

P
=
0.02

), and electrocardiogram (OR = 4.20; 95% CI, 3.15 to 8.18;

P
<
0.0001

). In contrast, there was no improvement of 2-hour postprandial glucose level (MD = −1.03; 95% CI, −2.14 to 0.08;

P
=
0.07

), or adverse reactions (OR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.19 to 5.50;

P
=
0.21

). We concluded that the combined therapy has some benefits in treating DM complicated by CHD. However, these results should be confirmed by further referenced evidence, high risk assessment, and lower publication bias.
Autophagic Degradation of Gasdermin D Protects against Nucleus Pulposus Cell Pyroptosis and Retards Intervertebral Disc Degeneration In Vivo
Authors: Liao Zhiwei , Li Suyun , Liu Rong , Feng Xiaobo , Shi Yunsong , Wang Kun , Li Shuai , Zhang Yukun , Wu Xinghuo , Yang Cao
Published: June 2021

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the primary culprit of low back pain and renders heavy social burden worldwide. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death, which is also involved in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells during IDD progression. Moderate autophagy activity is critical for NP cell survival, but its relationship with pyroptosis remains unknown. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between autophagy and pyroptotic cell death. The pyroptosis executor N‐terminal domain of gasdermin D (GSDMD‐N) and inflammation‐related proteins were measured in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) treated human NP cells. Inhibition of autophagy by siRNA transfection and chemical drugs aggravated human NP cell pyroptosis. Importantly, we found that the autophagy‐lysosome pathway and not the proteasome pathway mediated the degradation of GSDMD‐N as lysosome dysfunction promoted the accumulation of cytoplasmic GSDMD‐N. Besides, P62/SQSTM1 colocalized with GSDMD‐N and mediated its degradation. The administration of the caspase‐1 inhibitor VX‐765 could reduce cell pyroptosis as confirmed in a rat disc IDD model in vivo, whereas ATG5 knockdown significantly accelerated the progression of IDD. In conclusion, our study indicated that autophagy protects against LPS‐induced human NP cell pyroptosis via a P62/SQSTM1‐mediated degradation mechanism and the inhibition of pyroptosis retards IDD progression in vivo. These findings deepen the understanding of IDD pathogenesis and hold implications in unraveling therapeutic targets for IDD treatment.
Use of Intrapleural Fibrinolytic Therapy in a Trapped Lung following Acute Traumatic Haemothorax
Authors: Foo Chuan T. , Herre Jurgen
Published: June 2021

Retained haemothorax is a common sequela of traumatic haemothorax and refers to blood that cannot be drained from the pleural cavity. We report a case of trapped lung secondary to retained haemothorax in a patient who sustained a penetrating chest injury. Initial chest computed tomography (CT) showed a large haemothorax that was managed with an intercostal drain insertion (ICD). Repeat chest CT and thoracic ultrasonography performed after ICD removal showed an organized pleural space resembling haematoma. ICD was reinserted with administration of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT). Subsequent chest CT showed the development of a pleural rind and trapped lung. A second ICD was inserted, and further IPFT were administered together with aggressive negative pressure suction. Haemoglobin remained stable. The patient made a full recovery and imaging performed two weeks later showed minor blunting of the costophrenic angle. This case highlights the feasibility and safety of IPFT in the management of trapped lung associated with traumatic retained haemothorax as an alternative to surgery.
Presentation of Novel Hybrid Algorithm for Detection and Classification of Breast Cancer Using Growth Region Method and Probabilistic Neural Network
Authors: Isfahani Zeynab Nasr , Jannat-Dastjerdi Iman , Eskandari Fatemeh , Ghoushchi Saeid Jafarzadeh , Pourasad Yaghoub
Published: June 2021

Mammography is a significant screening test for early detection of breast cancer, which increases the patient’s chances of complete recovery. In this paper, a clustering method is presented for the detection of breast cancer tumor locations and areas. To implement the clustering method, we used the growth region approach. This method detects similar pixels nearby. To find the best initial point for detection, it is essential to remove human interaction in clustering. Therefore, in this paper, the FCM‐GA algorithm is used to find the best point for starting growth. Their results are compared with the manual selection method and Gaussian Mixture Model method for verification. The classification is performed to diagnose breast cancer type in two primary datasets of MIAS and BI‐RADS using features of GLCM and probabilistic neural network (PNN). Results of clustering show that the presented FCM‐GA method outperforms other methods. Moreover, the accuracy of the clustering method for FCM‐GA is 94%, as the best approach used in this paper. Furthermore, the result shows that the PNN methods have high accuracy and sensitivity with the MIAS dataset.
[Retracted] Prediction and Early Warning of Regional Coordinated Development Based on Convolution Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Wen Xue
Published: June 2021

In order to respond to the regional coordinated development of the country, it is necessary to put forward a method that can predict and analyze the development trend according to the current development situation. In view of this, the research will carry on the present situation and forecast analysis to the coordinated development of urban agglomeration in Western China. Firstly, the 3E system is used to establish the regional coordination degree evaluation model, and on this basis, the ellipsoid model is introduced for better coordination degree evaluation. In addition, in order to improve the prediction ability of the model, the convolution neural network is used to realize the big data analysis of the model. The results show that the overall coordination degree of the western urban agglomeration is in a weak coordination state in 2015, but the coordination degree of the region will reach 147.35 in 2020. The results show that the overall coordination degree of western urban agglomeration will gradually show a good trend, but the change speed is slow. The above results show that the prediction model in the study has strong practicability, the calculation results can fit the current situation, and the good prediction ability can provide decision‐making suggestions for many governments.
On Generalizedp,q-Euler Matrix and Associated Sequence Spaces
Authors: Yaying Taja , Hazarika Bipan , Mursaleen Mohammad
Published: June 2021

In this study, we introduce newBK-spacesbsr,tp,qandb∞r,tp,qderived by the domain ofp,q-analogueBr,tp,qof the binomial matrix in the spacesℓsandℓ∞,respectively. We study certain topological properties and inclusion relations of these spaces. We obtain a basis for the spacebsr,tp,qand obtain Köthe-Toeplitz duals of the spacesbsr,tp,qandb∞r,tp,q.We characterize certain classes of matrix mappings from the spacesbsr,tp,qandb∞r,tp,qto spaceμ∈ℓ∞,c,c0,ℓ1,bs,cs,cs0.Finally, we investigate certain geometric properties of the spacebsr,tp,q.
Robotic Subtotal Cholecystectomy in a Geriatric Acute Care Surgery Patient with Super Obesity
Authors: Bronikowski Diane , Lombardo Dominic , DeLa’O Connie , Szoka Nova
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Unique challenges exist with conventional laparoscopic operations in patients with super obesity (

BMI
>
50

). Limited literature is available regarding use of the robotic platform to treat patients with super obesity or acute care surgery patients. This case describes an interval robotic subtotal cholecystectomy in an elderly patient with super obesity and multiple comorbidities. Case Description. A 74-year-old male with a BMI of 59.9 developed acute cholecystitis. He was deemed excessively high risk for operative intervention due to concurrent comorbid conditions and underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy. After a few months, a cholangiogram demonstrated persistent cystic duct occlusion. The patient expressed interest in tube removal and elective interval cholecystectomy. After preoperative risk stratification and optimization, he underwent a robotic subtotal cholecystectomy with near infrared fluorescence cholangiography. The patient was discharged on postoperative day one and recovered without complications. Discussion. Obesity is a risk factor for acute cholecystitis, which is most commonly treated with conventional laparoscopy (CL). CL is technically restraining and difficult to perform in patients with super obesity. The body habitus of patients with super obesity can impair proper instrumentation and increase perioperative morbidity. In this case, robotic assisted cholecystectomy console improved surgeon ergonomics and provided support for proper instrumentation. Robotic, minimally invasive cholecystectomy approaches may reduce perioperative morbidity in patients with super obesity. Further studies are necessary to address the role of robotic surgery in acute care surgery patients with super obesity.
Recurrent Dysphagia Associated with Esophageal Intramural Pseudodiverticulosis
Authors: Naqvi Haider , Yousaf Muhammad Nadeem , Sandhu Gavneet , Bhansali Deepty , Farooqi Rehan
Published: June 2021

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD) is a rare disorder of the esophagus characterized by the presence of outpouching flask-shaped lesions. These lesions represent false lumens that may be scattered throughout the esophageal wall. We present a rare case of EIPD complicated with esophageal strictures. The case is unique because the small lesions of EIPD remained undiagnosed for many years on prior esophagogastroduodenoscopy examinations until complicated with worsening symptoms of dysphagia due to esophageal stricture. The patient was managed with serial dilations of esophageal stricture. Diagnosing these lesions may be missed in early stages as the lesions are small and may require other radiological modalities to confirm the diagnosis. EIPD lesions itself can be managed conservatively with anti-inflammatory therapy and treatment of underlying risk factors. Those with severe disease and coexisting complications are managed with endoscopic or surgical interventions.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПОВНОГО ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ ІНОЗЕМНИХ СТУДЕНТІВ-МЕДИКІВ ПРИ ВИВЧЕННІ МЕДИЧНОЇ ІНФОРМАТИКИ
Authors: Пудова С. С.
Published: June 2021

Карантинні заходи 2020 р. та перехід на дистанційне навчання слугували поштовхом для випробовування тих інформаційних технологій, які раніше були менш затребувані в медичних вищих закладах освіти з огляду на свою освітню специфіку. За нової форми навчання координація навчальної діяльності майбутніх лікарів потребувала якісних змін, що привело до відповідних досліджень у напрямку педагогіки. Зокрема, метою нашого дослідження було проаналізувати особливості організації дистанційного навчання для іноземних студентів-медиків другого курсу з медичної інформатики в умовах карантинних обмежень 2020 р. на прикладі Вінницького національного медичного університету ім. М. І. Пирогова.
Організація освітнього процесу в повному дистанційному режимі, зокрема для медичних вищих шкіл, мала різний характер у весняний та осінній періоди 2020 р. Перші організаційні спроби вимагали швидкої реакції щодо прийняття рішень і злагодженої командної роботи учасників навчального процесу, що впливало на адаптацію до нових умов та ефективність навчального процесу. Вивчення й випробовування інформаційних технологій, пошук, апробація методів і прийомів навчання, розробка дидактичних матеріалів, придатних для онлайн-навчання, оцінка отриманих результатів діяльності дозволили більш впевнено й організовано підійти до дистанційного навчального процесу в осінній період, зокрема при вивченні медичної інформатики.
Вимушені умови навчання в онлайн-режимі принесли новий досвід і вплинули на розвиток інформаційної культури викладачів та студентів. Протe залишається частина серйозних питань (наприклад, щодо якості отриманих знань, умінь, навичок студентів), розв’язання яких потребує більш розвинутих інформаційних технологій з покращеними функціональними можливостями  порівняно з тими, що використовуються нами зараз.
Abstract 52: Efficacy and Safety of Mipomersen in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Inadequately Controlled LDL-C Levels
Authors: Ballantyne Christie , Catapano Alberico L , Davidson Michael , Mittleman Robert , Moriarty Patrick M , Santos Raul D , Sensinger Charlotte , de Banerjee Samarita , Singleton Walter , Baker Brenda F , Soran Handrean , Tsimikas Sotorios , Kastelein John J
Published: June 2021

Aim:
Mipomersen is an antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of apolipoprotein B-100 synthesis, FDA-approved to treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether mipomersen significantly reduced atherogenic lipid levels in patients with severe heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

Methods:
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study comprised of two cohorts (NCT01475825). Cohort 1 had severe HeFH (LDL-C ≥200 mg/dL + coronary heart disease, or LDL-C ≥300 mg/dL) and Cohort 2 had milder HeFH (LDL-C ≥160 and <200 mg/dL). For each cohort, patients were randomized 1:1 to 200 mg SC once weekly or 70 mg SC thrice weekly, then 2:1 to receive mipomersen or placebo for 60 weeks. The primary outcome was percent change from baseline in LDL-C in Cohort 1. The % change from baseline in LDL-C at Week 61 for mipomersen treated patients was compared to placebo using a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM), as well as by ANCOVA on the value closest to 7 days post last treatment (LOCF).

Results:
Mean baseline LDL-C levels were 265 mg/dL in Cohort 1 (N=200) and 176 mg/dL in Cohort 2 (N=109). In Cohort 1, mipomersen 200 mg weekly reduced LDL-C levels by -29.7% (vs -7.9% placebo,
P
<.001) in the mixed model, and by -36.3% (vs -7.6% placebo,
P
<.001) using the LOCF. Analysis of LDL-C over time (Figure) showed a mean absolute reduction of 138 mg/dL in mipomersen patients who completed the blinded treatment period (n=32), achieving a mean level of 147 mg/dL from a mean 285 mg/dL baseline level. Tolerability to treatment and adverse events were similar between dose regimens. Adverse events were consistent with the drug’s known safety and tolerability profile.

Conclusions:
The primary analysis showed a significant reduction in LDL-C levels in patients with severe HeFH who received mipomersen 200 mg once weekly versus placebo. A highly relevant absolute reduction in LDL-C was achieved over time.