bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibition on Glucose Metabolism, Liver Function, Ascites, and Hemodynamics in a Mouse Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yabiku Koichi , Nakamoto Keiko , Tsubakimoto Maho
Published: December 2020

Many blood glucose-lowering drugs cannot be used once patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Therefore, such patients often require insulin treatment. We aimed to determine the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin monotherapy on glucose metabolism in a mouse model of NASH/T2D, with a focus on its diuretic effects. To imitate ascites and to determine its severity by imaging, meglumine sodium amidotrizoate (MSA) was infused into the abdominal cavities of mice. The reduction in ascites induced by dapagliflozin was compared with that induced by furosemide using microcomputed tomography. The effects of each drug on hemodynamics were also compared. A dapagliflozin-related improvement in glucose tolerance was achieved in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or an HFD + methionine-and-choline-deficient diet (MCDD). In dapagliflozin-treated NASH mice, hypoglycemia was not identified during 24-hour casual blood glucose monitoring. In the dapagliflozin and furosemide-treated groups, the time taken for the resolution of artificial ascites was significantly shorter than in the untreated group, and there were no significant differences between these groups. Furosemide significantly reduced the blood pressure and significantly increased the heart rate of the mice. Dapagliflozin caused a mild decrease in systolic, but not diastolic blood pressure, and the heart rate and circulating catecholamine and renin-aldosterone concentrations were unaffected. Dapagliflozin treatment improved glycemic control in the NASH mice versus untreated mice. Thus, dapagliflozin had a prompt diuretic effect but did not adversely affect the hemodynamics of mice with NASH and T2D. Therefore, it may be useful for the treatment of patients with both T2D and liver cirrhosis.
Effects of Sand Powder on Sulfuric Acid Resistance, Compressive Strength, Cost Benefits, and CO2 Reduction of High CaO Fly Ash Concrete
Authors: Wanna Surachet , Saengsoy Warangkana , Toochinda Pisanu , Tangtermsirikul Somnuk
Published: December 2020

This article studies the efficiency of sand powder as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in improving the sulfuric acid resistance of concrete incorporated with high CaO fly ash. Besides, the effects of sand powder on compressive strength development, mitigation of carbon dioxide emission, and cost‐effectiveness are addressed. Paste mixtures with W/B ratios of 0.25 and 0.40 were used in this study for the performances of sulfuric acid resistance and long‐term compressive strength development. The test results indicated that sand powder could reduce the weight loss of the tested paste specimens in sulfuric acid solution with a pH of 1, compared to the control specimens, especially for the specimens incorporated with high CaO fly ash. The sand powder addition could also increase the compressive strength of cement pastes at the age of 90 days by 26.27% and 43.80% for W/B ratios of 0.25 and 0.40, respectively. The use of sand powder in the evaluated concrete mixture could also reduce CO2 emission by 23.23% and lower the cost of the mixtures by 8.05%, compared to the control mixture. The addition of sand powder could significantly increase the sulfuric acid resistance, compressive strength, and economic benefits and reduce the CO2 emission of high CaO fly ash‐cement‐based materials.
A Mixed-Flow Cellular Automaton Model for Vehicle Nonstrict Priority Give-Way Behavior at Crosswalks
Authors: Li Yunxuan , Cheng Zeyang , Lu Jian , Zhang Lin
Published: December 2020

The vehicle nonstrict priority give-way behavior (VNPGWB) is a common part of traffic interaction between motorized and nonmotorized vehicles in many countries. This study proposes a mixed-flow cellular automaton model to simulate the passing of vehicles in front of bicycles at crosswalks. The mixed-flow model combines a vehicle model with a bicycle model, using nonstrict priority give-way and strict give-way two driving behaviors defined as relating to the decision point rule and the launching rule, respectively. Simulation results showed that as the vehicle and bicycle inflow rates increased, a critical inflow rate divided vehicle and bicycle traffic flow into free flow and saturated flow conditions. The values of vehicle saturation flow decreased from 0.34 to 0.05, and the values of bicycle saturation flow decreased from 0.54 to 0.44, indicating that the mixed traffic flow has a negative effect on vehicle and bicycle saturated flow. Results also showed that VNPGWB effectively improves vehicle saturation flow over that of the strict give way. The advantage of VNPGWB is more signiﬁcant when vehicles and bicycles are in saturation traffic flow.
Patient Satisfaction in Medicine and Dentistry
Authors: Afrashtehfar Kelvin I. , Assery Mansour K. A. , Bryant S. Ross
Published: December 2020

Health professionals, such as medical and dental clinicians, have scant understanding of patients’ experiences and perceptions of satisfaction. Nevertheless, implementing a patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) research practice in surgical sciences is necessary. Hence, the objective of this article was to better understand patients’ satisfaction with their medical and dental care. The methods of the current article are based on a narrative review of the literature strategy. A literature review was conducted using both EMBASE and Medline databases up to July 12, 2020, by combining keywords and terms related to “satisfaction theories” and “patient satisfaction,” and “medicine” or “dentistry/stomatology/odontology.” Patient satisfaction’s multidimensional nature has been established since the perceived reasons for satisfaction varied widely among patients. Many aspects of treatment influence participant satisfaction at different stages of the intervention process. An improved understanding of the basis for managing patients’ expectations with information reiteratively and efficiently may ultimately reduce patients’ potential for negative feelings toward the medical and dental treatment experience. Lastly, the consumerist method may misrepresent the still undertheorized concept of satisfaction in health service.
Existence of Solutions for a Periodic Boundary ValueProblem with Impulse and Fractional Derivative Dependence
Authors: Li Yaohong , Wang Yongqing , O’Regan Donal , Xu Jiafa
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we present some theorems on impulsive periodic boundary value problems with fractional derivative dependence. In particular, we discuss the existence of solutions of a class of fractional-order impulsive periodic boundary values with nonlinear terms and impulsive terms satisfying certain growth conditions. Three examples are provided to illustrate our results.
Traffic Capacity Assessment of the Urban Elevated Bridge after Near-Field Explosion Based on the Response Surface Method
Authors: Jiang Jinghui , Xia Chaoyi , Wang Kunpeng , Xia He , Sun Qikai
Published: December 2020

The traffic capacity of the urban elevated bridge is assessed after it is attacked by a near-field explosion, using the residual bearing capacity of the damaged pier as the assessment index. First, the finite element model of a reinforced concrete slab under near-field explosion is established by ANSYS/LS-DYNA software and compared with the experimental results, which verifies the effectiveness of the ALE (arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian) algorithm and the accuracy of the mesh size and material properties. Then, an “explosive-air-pier” coupling analysis model is constructed using the finite element method, and the damage of the reinforced concrete pier under three types of car bombs is evaluated. Furthermore, a response surface model for the residual bearing capacity of the pier is utilized to calculate the failure probabilities of various damage levels of the pier under the three types of car bombs and to assess the traffic capacity of the bridge after near-field explosion. The established assessment method can be used to predict the probability of bridge structural damage at various levels under different types of car bombs and to provide a reference for exploring a probability-based safety assessment method of post-explosion bridges.
Optimization Analysis of Smart Steel‐Plastic Geogrid Support for Tunnel
Authors: Liu Qin , Guo Jiankun , Liu Lei , Huang Kunpeng , Tian Wei , Li Xinzhi
Published: December 2020

With the concept of smart geogrid coming out, many scholars have built optical fiber into the geogrid to form a kind of smart geogrid material with self‐sensing function of structural deformation. It can not only reinforce the parts with potential safety hazards, but also have the functions of safety monitoring, intelligent prevention, and control of engineering disasters, which is of great significance for ensuring the safety of tunnel construction and improving the tunnel monitoring methods. Based on predecessors’ research on smart geogrid tensile calibration experiment and sensor method simulation and experimental verification, this paper analyzes the smart geogrid and the tunnel surrounding rock as a whole, to study the deformation coordination mechanism between the geogrid material and the tunnel surrounding rock. Referring to the relevant engineering practice case, through finite element numerical simulation, the optimal layout of smart geogrid material was explored, and the principle of discrete curvature reconstruction curve sensing of smart geogrid was optimized by simulating the working conditions of different construction methods and supporting conditions, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the application of smart geogrid material in practical tunnel engineering.
Field Test Study of the Artificial Ground‐Freezing Method Subsurface Excavation Construction of Watered Sandy Stratum in Collapsible Loess Area
Authors: Mei Yuan , Zhao Liangjie , Wang Xueyan , Zhou Dongbo , Yang Tong , Liu Yuanying , Gong Hang
Published: December 2020

Saturated sandy stratum often makes tunnel excavation exceedingly difficult owing to its high water content. The artificial ground‐freezing (AGF) method is an effective way to reduce the construction risks in such stratum; however, the AGF mechanism in the saturated sandy stratum of a collapsible loess area still lacks sufficient research. Based on field tests and numerical simulations, this study investigates the regularity of the temperature development, frost heave, and thaw subsidence distribution during the cross passage construction of a saturated sandy stratum in a collapsible loess area, using the AGF method. The results showed that the inward development rate of the frozen soil wall in the saturated sandy stratum was faster than its outward development rate. The gradient of the soil cooling curve was positively related to the longitudinal depth of the cross passage. The thickness of the frozen soil wall calculated by the slowest development rate of the frozen soil was conservative. The application of the pressure relief hole was beneficial to the release of the frost‐heaving force and the control of the frost‐heaving displacement. The pressure gauge pressure increase could be used as an identifier for the closure of a frozen soil wall. After excavation, the inner wall of the cross passage moved toward the inner space of the passage.
Randomised Pseudolikelihood Ratio Change Point Estimator in Garch Models
Authors: Awiakye-Marfo George , Mung’atu Joseph , Weke Patrick O.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a randomised pseudolikelihood ratio change point estimator for GARCH model is presented. Derivation of a randomised change point estimator for the GARCH model and its consistency are given. Simulation results that support the validity of the estimator are also presented. It was observed that the randomised estimator outperforms the ordinary CUSUM of squares test, and it is optimal with large variance change ratios.
Theoretical Research on Longitudinal Profile Design of Superhighways
Authors: He Yongming , Song Yuting , Pei Yulong , Ran Bin , Kang Jia
Published: December 2020

To improve driving safety on superhighways, longitudinal profile design parameters of a superhighway are calculated via force analysis while a car is driven on a slope. The calculations consider characteristics of drivers, cars, and roads. According to the vehicle type, design speed, and natural conditions, the maximum longitudinal slope of a superhighway is calculated and compared with those of an ordinary superhighway and high-speed railway. Based on analysis of the vehicle climbing performance, braking performance, and driver visual characteristics, the maximum and minimum slope lengths of a superhighway are calculated. By analyzing the elements of vertical curves, the minimum radius and minimum length of the vertical curves of a superhighway are calculated by considering factors such as mitigating the impact at the slope bottom, driving at night, and driving time along vertical curves. Analysis and calculation results show that when the maximum longitudinal slope is 2.50%, 2.25%, and 2.00%, the minimum slope length is 450 m, 400 m, and 350 m, respectively, and the minimum vertical curve length is 145 m, 130 m, and 115 m, respectively, and the superhighway travel requirements can be satisfied at speeds of 180 km/h, 160 km/h, and 140 km/h, respectively.
Synthesis of Highly Active Heterostructured Al2TiO5/TiO2 Photocatalyst in a Neutral Medium
Authors: Trung Nguyen D. , Tri Nguyen , Phuong Phan H. , Anh Ha C.
Published: December 2020

In this work, heterostructured catalyst Al2TiO5/TiO2 (ATO/Ti) was synthesized by a two-step method: low-temperature sol-gel process along with hydrothermal treatment in a neutral medium. Characteristics of the fabricated catalyst were analyzed by various techniques including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller adsorption, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and the point of zero charges. The content of ATO strongly affected the activity of ATO/Ti catalysts for photocatalytic degradation of cinnamic acid (CA). The catalyst, in which 33% TiO2 was replaced by ATO (33ATO/Ti), exhibited the highest activity for the removal of CA. Compared with the bare titanium oxide synthesized in water (TiO2(w)) as well as Al2TiO5 (ATO), the hybrid 33ATO/Ti catalyst exhibited the enhanced photocatalytic activity in the CA degradation under ultraviolet light. The enhancement in the catalytic activity of ATO/Ti could be related to the increase of the specific surface area and the reduction of bandgap energy obtained from the hybridization of TiO2(w) and ATO. The factors as the catalyst dosage (

C

cat

), the airflow rate (

Q

air

), and the solution initial pH (pH) affected the CA removal efficiency were studied on 33ATO/Ti catalyst. The optimum condition for photodegradation efficiency of CA was found to be at

C

cat

=
0.75
 
g

L

−
1

,

Q

air

=
0.3
 
Lmi

n

−
1

, and

pH
=
3.8

. The highest 60-minute removal efficiency of CA reached 77.1% on 33ATO/Ti compared with 67.1% and 30.4% on TiO2(w) and on ATO, respectively. The recyclability of the 33ATO/Ti was also measured at the optimal parameters. The results showed that, compared with TiO2, the hybrid catalyst was easier to recover and reuse, and its activity decreased by 35% after 6 continuous cycles.
Ultrasoft Ground Treatment of Vacuum Preloading Combined with Calcium‐Based Flocculants
Authors: Yan Jin-Kai , Ji Feng , Bian Xia , Xu Gui-Zhong , Liu Lei , Liu Xue-Ling , Song Jian-Hua
Published: December 2020

Vacuum preloading is one of the popular methods improving the engineering properties of slurry ground with high water content. Commonly, the efficiency of vacuum preloading gradually decreased due to the clogging of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) and the low‐vacuum transmission rate inside slurry. Thus, the calcium‐based flocculants were used to accelerate the dewater capacity and enhance the soil strength during vacuum preloading. This paper performed a series of model tests to investigate the effect of calcium‐based flocculants on the efficiency of vacuum preloading. It is found that the vacuum transmission rate was significantly improved by flocculants in comparison with raw slurry. Accordingly, the after‐treatment undrained shear strength increased with the vacuum pressure, while the after‐treatment water showed a decrease trend. This suggests that the increase of vacuum transmission rate inside the slurry due to the calcium‐based flocculants was the main reason for the improvement of efficiency of vacuum preloading. In addition, there existed an optimal flocculants amount, where the vacuum pressure increased with flocculants’ amount up to this threshold value, followed by a decrease in vacuum pressure. This means that, at lower flocculants amount, the increase in soil flocs due to flocculation effect tended to refine the net‐frame structure and water flow path, leading to an increase in the efficiency of vacuum preloading. When exceeding the optimal amount, overdosage of flocculants resulted in the clogging of PVDs due to large cemented soil particles, reducing the vacuum transmission rate inside the slurry. Hence, the after‐treatment soil strength decreased with flocculants’ amount when it is higher than the optimal value.
The Effect of Combined Tensile‐Torsional Loading Path on the Stress/Strain States of Thin‐Walled Circular Tubes
Authors: Gao Yue , Shao Fei , Xu Qian , Bai Linyue , Ma Qingna , Shen Mei , He Lixiang , Chen Ming
Published: December 2020

In this paper, an elastoplastic analysis model of thin‐walled circular tubes under the combined action of axial force and torque is discussed. Based on the von Mises yield criterion and the assumption of isotropic linear hardening, the methods of stress path and strain path loading are analyzed to study the effect of combined tensile‐torsional loading path on thin‐walled circular tubes. A finite element model is used to analyze the loading path effect on thin‐walled circular tubes. A series of tensile and torsional tests are also carried out on 304 stainless steel thin‐walled circular tubes using a universal testing machine. In addition, the consistency of the selected material with the von Mises yield criterion, the assumption of isotropic linear hardening, and other classical elastoplastic mechanics are verified. The theoretical calculation results, the numerical analysis results, and the experimental test results are analyzed and compared. The “primary effect” influenced by the stress path and the “recency effect” affected by the strain path are proved, and their application prospects are discussed. The influence of tensile‐torsional loading path on the final stress and strain states of thin‐walled circular tubes after entering the plastic deformation stage is concretely demonstrated, facilitating the understanding of the principles of the aforementioned two effects. The investigation for a general principle concerning the effect of loading history on the mechanical behavior of engineering materials, based on the classical plastic mechanics, has an important theoretical significance. It is of great theoretical importance for advancements in plastic yield theory and the establishment of more accurate loading conditions suitable for specific materials in engineering practice.
Pose-Guided Part-Based Adaptive Pyramid Features for Occluded Person Reidentification
Authors: Lin Xiaobing , Li Jilin , Huang Zengxi , Tang Xiaoqin
Published: December 2020

Reidentifying an occluded person across nonoverlapping cameras is still a challenging task. In this work, we propose a novel pose-guided part-based adaptive pyramid neural network for occluded person reidentification. Firstly, to alleviate the impact of occlusion, we utilize pose landmarks to generate pose-guided attention maps. The attention maps will help the model focus on the nonoccluded regions. Secondly, we use pyramid pooling to extract multiscale features in order to address the scale variation problem. The generated pyramid features are then multiplied by attention maps to achieve pose-guided adaptive pyramid features. Thirdly, we propose a pose-guided body part partition scheme to deal with the alignment problem. Accordingly, the adaptive pyramid features are divided into partitions and fed into individual fully connected layers. In the end, all the part-based matching scores are fused with a weighted sum rule for person reidentification. The effectiveness of our method is clearly validated by the experimental results on two popular occluded and holistic datasets, i.e., Occluded-DukeMTMC and the Market-1501.
Overexpression of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (Ahr) Mediates an Oxidative Stress Response following Injection of Fine Particulate Matter in the Temporal Cortex
Authors: Kim So Young , Kim Kyung Woon , Lee So Min , Lee Da-hye , Park Sohyeon , Son Bu Soon , Park Moo Kyun
Published: December 2020

Studies have shown that particulate matter (PM) induces the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) leading to the activation of the oxidative stress response. This study is aimed at characterizing the specific impact of fine PM on the expression profile of the Ahr and oxidative stress response in the primary auditory cortex. PM2.5 (<1.8 μm)-loaded filters were suspended in sterile saline to 102.6–111.82 μg/ml. Next, 10 μl of PM2.5 or an equal volume of saline was administered intracranially into the temporal cortex of two groups of rats (PM2.5 and control;

n
=
14

per group), respectively. One week after intracranial injection, the temporal cortex was harvested. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to evaluate the distribution of PM2.5 within the temporal cortex. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), CYP1B1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Ahr, and brevican mRNA and protein were measured using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blotting, respectively. Finally, the protein expression levels of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PM2.5 was observed in intracellular vesicles within the temporal cortex following intracranial injection. Levels of oxidative stress molecules (i.e., CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and iNOS), Ahr, Brevican, and RAGE were higher in the PM2.5 group compared with the control group. Intracranial administration of PM2.5 led to increased levels of Ahr and markers of an oxidative stress response in the temporal cortex. The oxidative stress response-mediated increases in the levels of brevican and RAGE.
Quality of Life Assessment in Diabetic Patients Using a Validated Tool in a Patient Population Visiting a Tertiary Care Center in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Authors: Meher Dayanidhi , Kar Sonali , Pathak Mona , Singh Snigdha
Published: December 2020

Odisha has 4.2 million diabetic patients against the country’s 70 million with an urban prevalence of nearly 15.4%. Diabetes is affecting younger age groups, thus having a crucial impact on quality of life of the affected. A qualitative endeavour was attempted at the diabetic clinic of a tertiary care set up in the capital city of Bhubaneswar to create a diabetic surveillance data assembly, wherein subjects above 18 years of age and newly diagnosed or on follow-up, after obtaining informed consent, were made to respond to a quality of life (QOLID) validated tool. The pretested tool has 8-domain role limitation due to physical health, physical endurance, general health, treatment satisfaction, symptom botherness, financial worries, emotional/mental health, and diet advice tolerance. The validated tool had 34 items (questions) that were selected to represent these domains on the basis of extraction communality, factor loading, and interitem and item-total correlations. The final questionnaire had an overall Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.894 (subscale: 0.55 to 0.85), showing high internal consistency in the current study population. A score for each domain was calculated by simple addition of items scores. Each individual domain score was then standardized by dividing by maximum possible domain score and multiplying by 100. All individual standardized domain scores were then added and divided by 8 (number of domain) to obtain an overall score. The data collection was done for 400 patients as an interim analysis. Univariate and subsequently multivariate analysis was performed to decide the predictors that affected quality of life. Age over 50 years (OR = 1.81, CI 1.12–2.93;

p
=
0.014

), female gender (OR = 2.05, CI 1.26–3.35;

p
=
0.004

), having foot complications (OR = 2.81, CI 1.73–4.55;

p
<
0.001

), and having depression (OR = 1.88, CI 1.15–3.06,

p
=
0.011

) emerged as predictors of poor QOLID scores. The tool can be made a subtle part of chronic case management of diabetes to ensure patient’s participation in the treatment of the disease and to create a database that can redefine diabetic care in India to suit the diverse regional settings in the country.
Interstitial Emphysema as a Rare Radiographic Presentation of Bronchial Dehiscence after Lung Transplant
Authors: Vien Linda P. , Marron Robert M. , Charlie Abbas , Kumaran Maruti , Brown James C.
Published: December 2020

Airway complications after lung transplantation are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Bronchial dehiscence presents within a month of lung transplantation and is typically diagnosed radiographically as a sentinel gas pocket at the anastomotic site and confirmed with bronchoscopy. A 66-year-old man with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who underwent a right lung transplantation 4 weeks prior developed chest pain with palpable crepitus over his right chest wall. A chest X-ray revealed subcutaneous emphysema and a small right-sided pneumothorax. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax without contrast revealed a gas pocket at the anastomotic site in the mediastinum as well as interstitial emphysema around the proximal bronchi of the right lung that had worsened when compared to CT from 11 days prior. A review of prior CT demonstrated interstitial emphysema without evidence of a sentinel gas pocket. These findings suggest that interstitial emphysema was the initial radiographic manifestation of the bronchial anastomotic site dehiscence. Interstitial emphysema is typically self-limiting, but severe cases can lead to major complications. Interstitial emphysema outside of the immediate postoperative period should be recognized as a possible early radiographic sign of bronchial dehiscence in lung transplant patients with vigilant monitoring of potential complications and strong consideration for early bronchoscopic investigation.
A Diagnosis and Hardening Platform for an Asterisk VoIP PBX
Authors: Nuño Pelayo , Suárez Carla , Suárez Eva , Bulnes Francisco G. , delaCalle Francisco J. , Granda Juan Carlos
Published: December 2020

Voice over IP (VoIP) is a set of software and hardware technologies used for making voice calls over the Internet. VoIP has been massively deployed in corporative environments since voice and data network convergence enables unified communication services while reducing costs. The main component of a VoIP network infrastructure is the private branch exchange (PBX). Nowadays, Asterisk is the most widespread PBX deployed within corporations due to its open access technology, along with its modular and flexible design. The configuration of PBX systems usually relies on multiple configuration files composed of a vast number of parameters that may have an impact on the security of the system. Therefore, the setup of such systems tends to be complicated and prone to errors and usually requires highly specialized human intervention. In this research, a diagnosis platform for discovering vulnerabilities and security breaches in the configuration of an Asterisk PBX is presented. The proposed platform performs both reactive and proactive actions in order to reconfigure and harden an Asterisk PBX. Firstly, the platform reacts after certain events by modifying the configuration of the Asterisk PBX in order to mitigate risks. Secondly, the platform performs several on-demand assessments that also reconfigure the Asterisk PBX to improve overall security. Finally, the functionality of the platform is easily extensible and highly customizable. Extensive tests have been carried out to assess the security and performance of the Asterisk PBX when facing attacks. Results show that the security of the platform increases, avoiding performance degradation when using the proposed platform.
Stem Cells in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: Research Progress of Mechanism
Authors: Liu Meichen , Li Kai , Wang Yunyun , Zhao Guoqing , Jiang Jinlan
Published: December 2020

Neuropathic pain (NP) is pain caused by somatosensory nervous system injury or disease. Its prominent symptoms are spontaneous pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia, and the sense of pain is extremely strong. Owing to the complex mechanism, conventional painkillers lack effectiveness. Recently, research on the treatment of NP by stem cells is increasing and promising results have been achieved in preclinical research. In this review, we briefly introduce the neuropathic pain, the current treatment strategy, and the development of stem cell therapy, and we collected the experimental and clinical trial articles of many kinds of stem cells in the treatment of neuropathic pain from the past ten years. We analyzed and summarized the general efficacy and mechanism of stem cells in the treatment of neuropathic pain. We found that the multiple-mechanism approach was different from the single mechanism of routine clinical drugs; stem cells play a role in peripheral mechanism, central mechanism, and disinhibition of spinal cord level that lead to neuropathic pain, so they are more effective in analgesia and treatment of neuropathic pain.
The Influence of Ficus deltoidea in Preserving Alveolar Bone in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Omar N. I. , Baharin B. , Lau S. F. , Ibrahim N. , Mohd N. , Ahmad Fauzi A. , Muhammad N. , Fernandez N. M.
Published: December 2020

Ficus deltoidea has been shown to possess antioxidant properties that could prevent the development of chronic inflammatory bone diseases. In this study, the efficacy of F. deltoidea in preventing alveolar bone resorption in osteoporotic rats induced by ovariectomy (OVX) was investigated. Twenty-four female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6) consisting of sham-operated (SO), ovariectomized control (OVXN), ovariectomized treated with estrogen (OVXP), and ovariectomized treated with F. deltoidea extract (OVXF). At the beginning of the study, two nonovariectomized, healthy rats were sacrificed to serve as baseline (BL). Treatment of the rats commenced two weeks after ovariectomy—the OVXP rats that served as positive control received Premarin® (64.5 μg/kg body weight), while OVXF rats were given F. deltoidea (800 mg/kg body weight); both agents were administered orally for two months. The negative control group of rats (OVXN) and the SO group received deionized water, also administered via oral gavage. At necropsy, morphometric assessment of the interradicular bone of the first molar was carried out using a micro-CT scanner, while quantification of osteoclasts and osteoblasts was performed histologically. The results showed that no statistically significant differences among the groups

p
>
0.05

for bone morphometric assessment. However, trabecular thickness in the OVXF group was similar to BL, while trabecular separation and alveolar bone loss height were lower than those of the OVXN group. Histologically, the OVXF group demonstrated a significantly lower number of osteoclasts and a higher number of osteoblasts compared with OVXN (

p
=
0.008

and

p
=
0.019

, respectively;

p
<
0.05

). In conclusion, F. deltoidea has the capacity to prevent alveolar bone loss in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats by potentially preserving trabecular bone microarchitecture and to decrease osteoclast and increase osteoblast cell count.
Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting as a Solitary Pulmonary Nodule on a Lung Cancer Screening CT
Authors: Baig Hassan , Sonavane Sushilkumar , Makey Ian , Mallea Jorge , Khoor Andras
Published: December 2020

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare inflammatory condition that mostly affects lungs in smokers. On imaging, it usually presents as multiple, upper lobe predominant, solid, and cavitary nodules, but presentation as solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is rare. We describe a case of SPN seen on low-dose lung cancer screening CT (LDCT) that was FDG avid on PET/CT. Given concern for malignancy, lobectomy was planned if intraoperative frozen section was consistent with malignancy. Lobectomy was performed based on frozen section; however, on formal pathology review, the nodule was ultimately found to be PLCH. This case illustrates an atypical presentation of PLCH as a solitary nodule. Furthermore, it helps demonstrate how rare etiologies (like PLCH) may be more frequently encountered and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for solitary lung nodules, especially in the era of lung cancer screening.
Analysis of Antioxidant Capacity of Chromones in Saposhnikoviae Radix Obtained by Ultrasonic-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvents Extraction
Authors: Yue Xianwen , Xu Fangfei , Lv Peng , Yang Huailei , Bao Huiwei , Xu Yang
Published: December 2020

In this paper, ultrasonic-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction was applied to the acquisition of chromones (cimicifugin, prim-o-glucosylcimifugin, and 5-o-methylvisamminoside) from Saposhnikoviae radix (SR). The extraction effects of 11 prepared DESs were screened taking contents of chromones as indexes. Furthermore, the optimum extraction conditions were confirmed using a single-factor test and response surface optimization test. Scavenging activities of DPPH anion and ABTS cation radicals of different SR extracts (DES, methanol, and ethanol) were studied. The analysis results of best extraction conditions optimized by Design-Expert software were as follows: extraction time (40 min), extraction temperature (60°C), and the solid/liquid ratio (32 mL/g). Scavenging rates of the DES extract for DPPH anion radical and ABTS cation radical were found to be 75.31% and 65.71%, which were higher than those of methanol and ethanol extracts. In conclusion, the developed extraction method can be regarded as a safe, green, and more effective approach for the extraction of chromones in SR.
A Big-Data-Driven Framework for Parking Demand Estimation in Urban Central Districts
Authors: Guan Yunlin , Wang Yun , Yan Xuedong , Guo Haonan , Zhou Yu
Published: December 2020

Parking planning is a key issue in the process of urban transportation planning. To formulate a high-quality planning scheme, an accurate estimate of the parking demand is critical. Most previous published studies were based primarily on parking survey data, which is both costly and inaccurate. Owing to limited data sources and simplified models, most of the previous research estimates the parking demand without consideration for the relationship between parking demand, land use, and traffic attributes, thereby causing a lack of accuracy. Thus, this study proposes a big-data-driven framework for parking demand estimation. The framework contains two steps. The first step is the parking zone division method, which is based on the statistical information grid and multidensity clustering algorithms. The second step is parking demand estimation, which is extracted by support vector machines posed in the form of a machine learning regression problem. The framework is evaluated using a case in the city center in Cangzhou, China.
Triglyceride Can Predict the Discordance between QCT and DXA Screening for BMD in Old Female Patients
Authors: Xu Dongjiang , di Wang Ke , Yang Jianhong
Published: December 2020

Summary. Bone mineral density (BMD) data and biochemical indexes of the elderly women in the cadre department were analyzed retrospectively to find out the relationship between the biochemical indexes and the different screening results between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Purpose. This study is aimed at exploring which indicator can predict the discordance between DXA and QCT. Methods. 192 female patients who took BMD screening tests by QCT and DXA were recruited, and the biomarkers were analyzed to study the relationship between the biomarkers and the discordance of two BMD screening methods. Results. There are 42, 78, and 72 female patients in the normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups defined by DXA and 6, 54, and 132 female patients in the corresponding group defined by QCT. DXA was less sensitive than QCT. Cholesterol (CHO) and triglyceride (TG) were all negatively correlated with the discordance between these two methods. When

TG
>
0.89

 mmol/L, the QCT result would be the same as the DXA’s; otherwise, there should be discordance between QCT and DXA. Conclusions. Triglyceride can be used to predict the discordance between QCT and DXA, and clinicians can evaluate patients’ DXA results based on patient triglyceride or cholesterol results as a supplement to QCT results.
A Crossover Comparison of the Sensitivity and the Specificity between BIS and AEP in Predicting Unconsciousness in General Anesthesia
Authors: Yang Haitao , Wang Guan , Gao Jinxia , Liu Jie
Published: December 2020

Background. There is an increasing concern of awareness and recall during general anesthesia for both the patient and the anesthetist. The bispectral index (BIS) is used to assess the level of sedation and depth of anesthesia and detect consciousness in different anesthetic drugs. Middle-latency auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) also quantify action of anesthetic drugs and detect the transition from consciousness to unconsciousness. We aim to compare the sensitivity and specificity between BIS and AEP in predicting unconsciousness in inhalational sevoflurane anesthesia and intravenous propofol anesthesia. Methods. Totally, 40 patients were randomly allocated into two groups: propofol or sevoflurane group. In the propofol group, anesthesia was induced with target-controlled infusion propofol. In the sevoflurane group, anesthesia was induced by increasing concentrations of sevoflurane. There were 3 end points during induction: sedation, unconsciousness, and anesthesia. Target and effect-site concentrations of propofol, end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane, and BIS and AEP were recorded at each stage. Results. We obtained good EC50 with both monitors, at which there is a 50% chance that the patient has reached the end point, but the index variation was affected by the anesthetic technique. Propofol had higher correlations with stage of anesthesia, BIS, and AEP than sevoflurane. BIS had higher correlations with depth of anesthesia than AEP, but we did not find an anesthetic depth monitor that had high sensitivity and specificity and is not affected by the anesthetic technique. Conclusions. The prediction powers of BIS and AEP do not seem as good as some papers mentioned.
Nutrientes, alimentación y actividad física como potenciadores del sistema inmune en tiempos de COVID-19.
Authors: Villagran Orellana Marcelo , Martínez Sanguinetti Maria Adela , Díaz Fredy , Petermann-Rocha Fanny , Celis-Morales Carlos
Published: December 2020

El sistema inmune juega un rol fundamental en el mantenimiento de nuestra salud. Sin embargo, hay aspectos esenciales de nuestros estilos de vida que podrían ayudar a fortalecer la respuesta inmune frente a infecciones, tales como una buena alimentación y la práctica regular de actividad física. Mantener nuestro sistema inmune en un estado óptimo podría ser vital en situaciones de riesgo, como lo es la actual pandemia de COVID-19 que se desencadena a nivel mundial. Por ende, el objetivo de esta revisión narrativa de la literatura fue describir los beneficios inmunológicos asociados a la alimentación y actividad física con un enfoque especial al actual desafío sanitario del COVID-19. Particularmente, se ha abordado el efecto de la malnutrición por déficit y exceso, el rol de los macro y micronutrientes, la suplementación de micronutrientes clave, probióticos y patrones alimentarios sobre la funcionalidad del sistema inmune. En cuanto a la modulación inmunológica por la actividad física, hemos revisado la literatura científica con relación al efecto de la actividad física aeróbica y de los ejercicios de resistencia muscular sobre la respuesta inmunológica; la relación entre la actividad física, función pulmonar e infección por COVID-19, la interacción de la vacunación con actividad física y el riesgo de infección asociado a realizar actividad física en espacios cerrados.
Delta-24-RGD, an Oncolytic Adenovirus, Increases Survival and Promotes Proinflammatory Immune Landscape Remodeling in Models of AT/RT and CNS-PNET
Authors: Garcia-Moure Marc , Gonzalez-Huarriz Marisol , Labiano Sara , Guruceaga Elizabeth , Bandres Eva , Zalacain Marta , Marrodan Lucia , de Andrea Carlos , Villalba Maria , Martinez-Velez Naiara , Laspidea Virginia , Puigdelloses Montse , Gallego Perez-Larraya Jaime , Iñigo-Marco Ignacio , Stripecke Renata , Chan Jennifer A. , Raabe Eric H. , Kool Marcel , Gomez-Manzano Candelaria , Fueyo Juan , Patiño-García Ana , Alonso Marta M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT) and central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors (CNS-PNET) are pediatric brain tumors with poor survival and life-long negative side effects. Here, the aim was to characterize the efficacy and safety of the oncolytic adenovirus, Delta-24-RGD, which selectively replicates in and kills tumor cells.

Experimental Design:

Delta-24-RGD determinants for infection and replication were evaluated in patient expression datasets. Viral replication and cytotoxicity were assessed in vitro in a battery of CNS-PNET and AT/RT cell lines. In vivo, efficacy was determined in different orthotopic mouse models, including early and established tumor models, a disseminated AT/RT lesion model, and immunocompetent humanized mouse models (hCD34+-NSG-SGM3).

Results:

Delta-24-RGD infected and replicated efficiently in all the cell lines tested. In addition, the virus induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity [IC50 value below 1 plaque-forming unit (PFU)/cell] and the release of immunogenic markers. In vivo, a single intratumoral Delta-24-RGD injection (107 or 108 PFU) significantly increased survival and led to long-term survival in AT/RT and PNET models. Delta-24-RGD hindered the dissemination of AT/RTs and increased survival, leading to 70% of long-term survivors. Of relevance, viral administration to established tumor masses (30 days after engraftment) showed therapeutic benefit. In humanized immunocompetent models, Delta-24-RGD significantly extended the survival of mice bearing AT/RTs or PNETs (ranging from 11 to 27 days) and did not display any toxicity associated with inflammation. Immunophenotyping of Delta-24-RGD–treated tumors revealed increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration.

Conclusions:

Delta-24-RGD is a feasible therapeutic option for AT/RTs and CNS-PNETs. This work constitutes the basis for potential translation to the clinical setting.
Plataformas digitais de mobilidade urbana: tipos e modos de atuação
Authors: Teixeira Luisa da Cunha , Paraizo Rodrigo Cury
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o uso de plataformas digitais na mobilidade urbana. Descreve exemplos de aplicativos e plataformas agrupadas de acordo com a função que exercem sobre a mobilidade, ou seja, como elas influenciam os deslocamentos no espaço urbano. Foram catalogadas 25 plataformas em quatro categorias principais: orientação de mobilidade, transporte sob demanda, compartilhamento de veículos e compartilhamento de viagens. O uso da tecnologia digital revela algumas potencialidades e limitações de arranjos, usos e apropriações que merecem ser analisados com o intuito de compreender as possibilidades de ação para enfrentar os desafios que se colocam para a mobilidade urbana.
Análise de quantitativos provenientes de um modelo BIM 5D para adequação ao processo orçamentário das empresas de construção civil
Authors: Latreille Denise , Scheer Sergio
Published: December 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar quantitativos provenientes de um modelo BIM 5D para utilização em processos orçamentários previamente estabelecidos em empresas de construção civil. No estudo de caso apresentado, o mesmo projeto foi quantificado de duas maneiras distintas. Uma delas foi a quantificação denominada tradicional, que envolve a interpretação de projetos em duas dimensões e registro dos dados coletados em planilhas. A outra forma de quantificação se desenvolveu com base na Modelagem da Informação da Construção (Building Information Modeling – BIM). Como resultado do estudo de caso, dois conjuntos de quantitativos referentes às mesmas atividades foram obtidos. Análises sobre os resultados foram realizadas para verificar a possibilidade de validação de um modelo BIM 5D por pessoas que não estejam envolvidas diretamente na modelagem (gerentes de custo e orçamentistas, por exemplo). Com um modelo validado, é possível utilizar os dados gerados pelo software BIM e ganhar tempo na orçamentação. A pesquisa bibliográfica aponta que a dificuldade da implantação de BIM em conjunto com a orçamentação é um problema causado pela falta de padronização e subjetividade inerentes ao processo.
Association Between Low Muscle Mass and Prognosis of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kim Chi‐Hoon , Rhee Tae‐Min , Park Kyung Woo , Soon Park Chan , Kang Jeehoon , Han Jung‐Kyu , Yang Han‐Mo , Kang Hyun‐Jae , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Kim Hyo‐Soo
Published: December 2020

Background

Low muscle mass has been associated with poor prognosis in certain chronic diseases, but its clinical significance in patients with coronary artery disease is unclear. We assessed the clinical significance of 2 easily measured surrogate markers of low muscle mass: the ratio of serum creatinine to serum cystatin C (Scr/Scys), and the ratio of estimated glomerular filtration rate by Scys to Scr (eGFRcys/eGFRcr).

Methods and Results

Patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively enrolled from a single tertiary center, and Scr and Scys levels were simultaneously measured at admission. Best cut‐off values for Scr/Scys and eGFRcys/eGFRcr to discriminate 3‐year mortality were determined; 1.0 for men and 0.8 for women in Scr/Scys, and 1.1 for men and 1.0 for women in eGFRcys/eGFRcr. The prognostic values on 3‐year mortality and the additive values of 2 markers on the predictive model were compared. In 1928 patients enrolled (mean age 65.2±9.9 years, 70.8% men), the risk of 3‐year mortality increased proportionally according to the decrease of the surrogate markers. Both Scr/Scys‐ and eGFRcys/eGFRcr‐based low muscle mass groups showed significantly higher risk of death, after adjusting for possible confounders. They also increased predictive power of the mortality prediction model. Low Scr/Scys values were associated with high mortality rate in patients who were ≥65 years, nonobese, male, had renal dysfunction at baseline, and presented with acute myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Serum surrogate markers of muscle mass, Scr/Scys, and eGFRcys/eGFRcr may have clinical significance for detecting patients with coronary artery disease at high risk for long‐term mortality.