bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chr15q25 genetic variant (rs16969968) independently confers risk of lung cancer, COPD and smoking intensity in a prospective study of high-risk smokers
Authors: Hopkins Raewyn J , Duan Fenghai , Gamble Greg D , Chiles Caroline , Cavadino Alana , Billings Paul , Aberle Denise , Young Robert P
Published: January 2021

Importance

While cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 5 (CHRNA5) variants have been linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smoking addiction in case–controls studies, their corelationship is not well understood and requires retesting in a cohort study.

Objective

To re-examine the association between the CHRNA5 variant (rs16969968 AA genotype) and the development of lung cancer, relative to its association with COPD and smoking.

Methods

In 9270 Non-Hispanic white subjects from the National Lung Screening Trial, a substudy of high-risk smokers were followed for an average of 6.4 years. We compared CHRNA5 genotype according to baseline smoking exposure, lung function and COPD status. We also compared the lung cancer incidence rate, and used multiple logistic regression and mediation analysis to examine the role of the AA genotype of theCHRNA5variant in smoking exposure, COPD and lung cancer.

Results

As previously reported, we found the AA high-risk genotype was associated with lower lung function (p=0.005), greater smoking intensity (p<0.001), the presence of COPD (OR 1.28 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.49) p=0.0015) and the development of lung cancer (HR 1.41, (95% CI 1.03 to 1.93) p=0.03). In a mediation analyses, the AA genotype was independently associated with smoking intensity (OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.60, p<0.0001), COPD (OR 1.25, (95% CI 1.66 to 2.53), p=0.0015) and developing lung cancer (OR 1.37, (95% CI 1.03 to 1.82) p=0.03).

Conclusion

In this large-prospective study, we found the CHRNA5 rs 16 969 968 AA genotype to be independently associated with smoking exposure, COPD and lung cancer (triple whammy effect).
Identifying preventable risk factors for hospitalised asthma in young Aboriginal children: a whole-population cohort study
Authors: Brew Bronwyn , Gibberd Alison , Marks Guy B , Strobel Natalie , Allen Clare Wendy , Jorm Louisa , Chambers Georgina , Eades Sandra , McNamara Bridgette
Published: January 2021

Background

Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma worldwide. Indigenous children have a particularly high burden of risk determinants for asthma, yet little is known about the asthma risk profile in this population.

Aim

To identify and quantify potentially preventable risk factors for hospitalised asthma in Australian Aboriginal children (1–4 years of age).

Methods

Birth, hospital and emergency data for all Aboriginal children born 2003–2012 in Western Australia were linked (n=32 333). Asthma was identified from hospitalisation codes. ORs and population attributable fractions were calculated for maternal age at birth, remoteness, area-level disadvantage, prematurity, low birth weight, maternal smoking in pregnancy, mode of delivery, maternal trauma and hospitalisations for acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in the first year of life.

Results

There were 705 (2.7%) children hospitalised at least once for asthma. Risk factors associated with asthma included: being hospitalised for an ARTI (OR 4.06, 95% CI 3.44 to 4.78), area-level disadvantage (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.94), being born at <33 weeks’ gestation (OR 3.30, 95% CI 2.52 to 4.32) or birth weight <1500 g (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.99). The proportion of asthma attributable to an ARTI was 31%, area-level disadvantage 18%, maternal smoking 5%, and low gestational age and birth weight were 3%–7%. We did not observe a higher risk of asthma in those children who were from remote areas.

Conclusion

Improving care for pregnant Aboriginal women as well as for Aboriginal infants with ARTI may help reduce the burden of asthma in the Indigenous population.
Reforestation provides a foraging habitat for brown bears (Ursus arctos) by increasing cicada Lyristes bihamatus density in the Shiretoko World Heritage site
Authors: Tomita K. , Hiura T.
Published: January 2021

Reforestation, which converts abandoned farmland back into forestland by planting woody species, can provide habitat for wildlife, including the brown bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758). In the Shiretoko World Heritage site, northern Japan, where brown bears occur at high density, conifers have been planted since the 1970s to reforest abandoned farmland. In this area, brown bears were first observed digging for cicada Lyristes bihamatus Motschulsky, 1861 = Auritibicen bihamatus (Motschulsky, 1861) nymphs from 2000. Our preliminary observations suggested that the emergence of digging behavior might be associated with reforestation. We examined whether reforestation provided a foraging habitat for brown bears. We found that digging occurred only within the restored conifer forests, but not within the natural forest. The densities of cicada nymphs in the restored forests were higher than in the natural forest. These results indicate that the reforestation of abandoned farmland provides a foraging habitat for brown bears by increasing the availability of cicada nymphs in the Shiretoko World Heritage site.
COMPETITION-STABILITY RELATIONSHIP IN DUAL BANKING SYSTEMS: EVIDENCE FROM EFFICIENCY-ADJUSTED MARKET POWER
Authors: KHATTAK MUDEER AHMED , ALAEDDIN OMAR , ABOJEIB MOUTAZ
Published: January 2021

This research attempts to explore the impact of banking competition on financial stability employing a more precise measure of market power. It was found that Islamic banks are less stable and are enjoying lower market power. The analysis shows that higher market competition makes the banking sector vulnerable to defaults, supporting the “competition-fragility view”. This research finds no difference in the relationship for Islamic banks indicates that Islamic banks might be involved in traditional banking activities as conventional banks. The results are consistent and robust to different estimation approaches and subsamples. This research carries regulatory and policy implications.
Effect of the Electric and Magnetic Fields with Aharonov–Bohm Flux Field in Quantum Dots
Authors: Eshghi M. , Azar I. Ahmadi , Soudi S.
Published: January 2021

This paper has solved the nonrelativistic equation with the external uniform electric potential and magnetic and Aharonov–Bohm (AB) fields in a dot. We have obtained the three-term recurrence relation for the expansion coefficients using the series method. In continuing, we have found two different conditions. Then, using the obtained conditions, we have calculated the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunction. We have then obtained the main thermodynamic quantities such as the free energy, mean energy, entropy, specific heat, magnetization and persistent currents for our system. Also, we extended the calculations to an interaction-free [Formula: see text]-body system. The obtained analytic results are compared with other results, and some of the obtained results are discussed, too.
THE INFLUENCE OF INITIAL BUSINESS MODELS ON EARLY BUSINESS PERFORMANCE: A STUDY OF 589 NEW HIGH-TECH FIRMS
Authors: ISAKSSON ANDERS , LÖFSTEN HANS , RANNIKKO HEIKKI
Published: January 2021

The initial business model of start-ups affects the performance and development of new ventures. Therefore, new technology-based firms (NTBFs) must choose a suitable initial business model to survive, perform, and grow. We propose a measurement framework comprising of nine elements described using 16 variables for NTBFs’ initial business models. We test our framework by surveying 589 young manufacturing and knowledge-intensive high-tech firms established in 2013 in Sweden, Finland, and France. We identify differences between the business models across countries and measure sales growth during 2014–2016. We find significant differences between high-tech manufacturing firms and high-tech knowledge-intensive firms regarding key partners, activities, and resources, as well as value propositions and the ranking of elements. In the second part of the analysis, we apply correlation and regression tests for the nine elements regarding early business performance (sales growth) for the manufacturing and knowledge-intensive high-tech firms.
Evolution of Urban Green Innovation Efficiency Under Environmental Regulations: A Case Study of Xi’an
Authors: ZHANG Jingxiao , LIU Runchang
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to develop a method to properly measure the urban green innovation efficiency under environmental regulation, analyze the evolution rules of this efficiency, and make rational policy suggestions. By exploring an indicator system which is suitable for the actual urban development, we divided the urban green innovation process into interrelated sub-processes that are based on an innovation chain, established a slacks-based network DEA model, evaluated the overall efficiency of the urban green innovation system and the efficiency of each stage, and studied the evolution of urban green innovation efficiency. Taking Xi’an City as an example, we analyzed the evolution of urban green innovation efficiency under environmental regulation, with the results showing that the process of urban green innovation can be divided into two stages: technological innovation and technological conversion. Xi’an was at the forefront of green innovation efficiency only in 2006, 2009 and 2017, while making inefficient allocation of scientific resources in all other years. The efficiency of scientific and technological research and development has become a major factor in restricting the green innovation efficiency under environmental regulation in Xi’an. Forging ahead in both technological conversion and scientific innovation efficiency should be the best path of green development and innovation. To achieve the continuous and stable improvement of green innovation efficiency, Xi’an should keep improving its green innovation policy to adapt to the increasing social productive forces, and pay attention to the balance between technological innovation and technological conversion.
Effects of Nasturtium officinale Extract on Antioxidant and Biochemical Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Sedaghattalab Moslem , Razazan Marzieh , Sadeghi Hossein , Doustimotlagh Amir Hossein , Toori Mehdi Akbartabar , Abbasi Larki Rozina , Azarmehr Nahid , Asfaram Arash , Panahi kokhdan Esmaeel , Taheri Tahere , Pourshohod Aminollah
Published: January 2021

Background. Increased oxidative stress play an important role in the risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality, and mortality patients undergoing dialysis. Nasturtium officinale (watercress) contains numerous phytochemical compounds that act as an antioxidant by preventing oxidative damage to biomolecules. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the effect of the ethanolic extract of Nasturtium officinale (EENO) on antioxidant and biochemical markers of hemodialysis patients. Methods. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 46 hemodialysis patients were randomly recruited to consume either 500 mg/day EENO (n = 23) or placebo capsule (n = 23) for 4 weeks, at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Yasuj, Iran, in 2019. Biomarkers of oxidative stress including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total sulfhydryl protein (T-SH) and biochemical parameters such as BUN, Hb, WBC, PLT, Ca, Ph, K, ALB, TChol, TG, LDL, and HDL were evaluated on days 0 and 28. Results. The serum levels of MDA and BUN significantly decreased after taking EENO supplementationP<0.001; however, SOD activity increased during the same periodP<0.001. The serum levels of TAC remained constant in the intervention group, while it significantly declined in the placebo groupP<0.09. The extract also prevented elevation in the serum levels of LDL and TG compared to the placebo group, although it was not statistically significant. Conclusions. The data indicated that the consumption of EENO improved some of the antioxidant parameters and minimizes the change in TG and LDL in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, due to the role of these factors in mortality and morbidity of dialysis patients, EENO can improve the condition of dialysis patients. However, more studies with longer intervention times and different doses of EENO are recommended.
Topical Steroids and Antibiotics for Adult Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Zhao Lu , Sun Ya-jie , Pan Zhi-qiang
Published: January 2021

Purpose. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical treatments (including steroids and antibiotics) for adults with blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC). Methods. The following databases were searched for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs): China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database (CENTRAL). Two reviewers selected studies and analyzed the risk of bias independently. The treatments were loteprednol 0.5%/tobramycin 0.3% (LE/T) and dexamethasone 0.1%/tobramycin 0.3% (DM/T). The efficacy outcome measures were change from baseline (CFB) in composite scores of ocular symptoms and signs; the CFB in the signs composite scores for blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and keratitis at each visit; the total ocular adverse event incidence (AEs); and the incidence of intraocular pressure (IOP) increase after treatment. Prepost mean differences (MDs) were compared for continuous outcome variables, and incidences were analyzed for dichotomous data. The pooled effect sizes were analyzed using 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in a fixed-effect model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q-test and I2 statistic. Results. The CFB to final visit in ocular symptoms and signs of BKC was not statistically different between the two treatments (95% CI, −0.33 to 1.50; MD = 0.58;P=0.21). The CFB in signs composite scores for blepharitis (95% CI, −0.16 to 0.48; MD = 0.16;P=0.32), conjunctivitis (95% CI, −0.55 to 1.76; MD = 0.61;P=0.30), and keratitis (95% CI, 0.00–0.28; MD = 0.14;P=0.05) was also similar with the two treatments. LE/T was a safer intervention than DM/T, with fewer overall adverse events (95% CI, 0.34–0.80; RR = 0.52;P=0.003) and significantly less elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) (95% CI, 0.32–0.70; RR = 0.47;P=0.0002). Conclusions. DM/T and LE/T are both effective treatments for BKC, but LE/T may be a safer intervention.
Pentoxifylline Attenuates Arsenic Trioxide‐Induced Cardiac Oxidative Damage in Mice
Authors: Gholami Atefeh , Ataei Sara , Ahmadimoghaddam Davoud , Omidifar Navid , Nili-Ahmadabadi Amir
Published: January 2021

This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) against arsenic trioxide (ATO)‐induced cardiac oxidative damage in mice. Thirty‐six male albino mice were divided into six groups and treated intraperitoneally with normal saline (group 1), ATO (5 mg/kg; group 2), PTX (100 mg/kg; group 3), and different doses of PTX (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; groups 4, 5, and 6, respectively) with ATO. After four weeks, the blood sample was collected for biochemical experiments. In addition, cardiac tissue was removed for assessment of oxidative stress markers and histopathological changes (such as hemorrhage, necrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and myocardial degeneration). The findings showed that ATO caused a significant raise in serum biochemical markers such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and troponin‐I (cTnI), glucose, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels. In addition to histopathological changes in cardiac tissue, ATO led to the significant increase in cardiac lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO); remarkable decrease in the activity of cardiac antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); and the depletion of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total thiol groups (TTGs). PTX was able to reduce the increased levels of serum cardiac markers (LDH, CPK, cTnI, TC, and TG), cardiac LPO, and improve antioxidant markers (TAC, TTGs, CAT, SOD, and GPx) alongside histopathologic changes. However, no significant changes were observed in elevated serum glucose and cardiac NO levels. In conclusion, the current study showed the potential therapeutic effect of PTX in the prevention of ATO‐induced cardiotoxicity via reversing the oxidative stress.
Lateral Heel Pain Caused by Impingement of Hypertrophic Peroneal Tubercle and Os Peroneum
Authors: Takada Ryosuke , Chang Song Ho , Kasai Taro , Naito Masashi , Hirose Jun , Tanaka Sakae , Matsumoto Takumi
Published: January 2021

Hypertrophic peroneal tubercle (HPT) is an overgrowth of the peroneal tubercle located on the lateral aspect of the hindfoot, which could cause tenosynovitis of the peroneus longus tendon. Os peroneum (OP) is an accessory ossicle that exists in the peroneus longus tendon at the lateral aspect of the calcaneocuboid joint. Both HPT and OP can cause lateral foot pain and occasionally require surgical treatment. We encountered a case of lateral foot pain of HPT coexisting with OP. Careful preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, dynamic ultrasonographic image, and block injection suggested an impingement of HPT and OP as a cause of lateral foot pain. Surgical resection of HPT, while retaining OP, successfully achieved pain relief in the patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report presenting a case of HPT coexisting with OP successfully treated without OP resection.
Emerging Patent Landscape for Gene Therapy as a Potential Cure for COVID-19
Authors: Zhou Wuyuan , Chen Deng
Published: January 2021

There is still a lack of effective therapies for treating SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, as doubts remain whether antibodies provide sufficient immunity for COVID-19, and the safety of vaccines under development needs further study. The treatment of coronavirus from the perspective of RNA interference-based gene therapy offers a more direct approach to combating viral genes in addition to traditional drugs and vaccines and is likely to have a promising future. In this paper, an analysis of the emerging patent landscape was given on gene therapies for coronavirus under development, highlighting patent applications' basic status, geographical distribution, time-series analysis of new inventors, and ranking of patent applicants. Relevant patents were also reviewed and summarized to provide ideas for the control of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Groundwater Inrush Control and Parameters Optimization of Curtain Grouting Reinforcement for the Jingzhai Tunnel
Authors: Li Gan , Ma Weibin , Tian Siming , Hongbo Zhou , Huabin Fan , Zou Wenhao
Published: January 2021

Based on the systematic study on the characteristics of water and mud inrush during the excavation of Jingzhai tunnel, the mechanism of water inrush seepage transformation caused by excavation disturbance is analyzed. By means of electromagnetic geophysical prospecting, the potential water bearing area of the tunnel was analyzed. The constitutive model of rock mass and grouting parameters are considered in the numerical simulation. The law of tunnel crack initiation and expansion under different curtain grouting parameters is proposed. The characteristics of seepage water inrush caused by excavation are described. It is considered that there are three stages in the seepage characteristics of tunnel: incubation, sudden, and stable. Numerical simulation was used to analyze the crack propagation track and water inflow characteristics under the grouting thickness of 3 m, 5 m, and 7 m. When the curtain grouting thickness was 3 m, the fracture field penetrated the curtain grouting area. The dominant seepage channel is formed, which greatly increases the probability of water inrush. When the curtain thickness is 5~7 m, the expansion of the crack zone can be controlled basically, so that the fracture and water bearing rock layer cannot form a seepage channel. At last, the grouting scheme of 6 m thick grouting and 20 m advanced grouting was selected, and the water seepage was reduced by 83%.
The Effectiveness of Fluorescent Light Energy as Adjunct Therapy in Canine Deep Pyoderma: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Marchegiani Andrea , Fruganti Alessandro , Spaterna Andrea , Cerquetella Matteo , Tambella Adolfo M. , Paterson Susan
Published: January 2021

A single centre, single-blinded, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of twice weekly fluorescent light energy therapy (Phovia™) as adjunct to systemic antibiotics in the management of deep pyoderma in dogs. Dogs with clinical lesions consistent with deep pyoderma, positive bacterial culture, and showing neutrophil engulfing bacteria at cytology were included in the study. Assessments were undertaken weekly for 8 weeks and every 2 weeks thereafter until 12 weeks after enrolment. At each visit, lesions were scored and cytology was conducted to determine a neutrophil engulfing bacteria score. All dogs (Groups A and B) were treated with systemic antibiotic twice daily, and Group B received additionally Phovia twice weekly. Median treatment duration was 11.7 weeks for Group A and 5.7 weeks for Group B. After 8 weeks of treatment, the percentage of dogs that achieved clinical resolution was 35.0% and 88.0% for Groups A and B, respectively. Lesion scores showed highly statistically significant difference in favour of Group B from week 3 to 8, and neutrophil engulfing bacteria scores showed statistical difference from week 2 onwards in favour of Group B. These results indicate that Phovia, when used as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics, can accelerate time to clinical resolution in cases of canine deep pyoderma.
Cooperative Hypercube Queuing Model for Emergency Service Systems
Authors: Liu Han , Yin Hao , Zhou Yang , Li Meng
Published: January 2021

As a useful descriptive tool for emergency service effectiveness, the hypercube queuing model has been applied in systems of many countries, such as the SAMU system in Brazil. However, the traditional hypercube queuing model and its extended forms assume that the service provider performs independent services, lacking a compelling description of the situation where emergency vehicles perform cooperative services (e.g., NEPPHE in China). To this end, we assume that vehicles in the same fleet simultaneously start and end services and propose a cooperative hypercube queuing (CHQ) model that can describe the state of emergency systems which apply multivehicle dispatches. In order to verify the accuracy of the model, we apply Arena simulation software in Wuhan case. The results show that the CHQ model can illustrate cooperative performance effectively. Sensitivity analyses under more general parameters are conducted to reveal insights into the model application.
The Integration of Rotary MEMS INS and GNSS with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Du Shuang , Gan Xudong , Zhang Ruiqi , Zhou Zebo
Published: January 2021

The rotary INS (inertial navigation system) has been applied to compensate the navigation errors of the MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical-systems) INS recently. In such system, the PVA (position, velocity, and attitude) errors can be compensated through IMU (inertial measurement unit) carouseling. However, the navigation errors are only partially compensated due to the intrinsic property of the inertial system and the randomness of the IMU errors. In this paper, we present an integrated rotary MEMS INS/GNSS (global navigation satellite systems) system based on the ANN (artificial neural networks) technique. The ANFIS (adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system) is applied to eliminate the residual PV (position and velocity) errors of the rotary MEMS INS during GNSS outages. A cascaded velocity-position structure is designed to recognize the pattern of the rotary MEMS INS PV errors and to reduce them of the rotary inertial system in standalone mode. The road tests are conducted with artificial GNSS outages to evaluate the ability of the integrated system to predict the PV errors. Compared to the position errors of the integrated rotary INS/GNSS system based on an EKF (extended Kalman filtering), they are reduced by 79.98% in the proposed system.
Instability Mechanism and Key Control Technology of Deep Soft Rock Roadway under Long‐Term Water Immersion
Authors: Jing Wei , Wang Xu , Hao Pengwei , Jing Laiwang , Xue Weipei
Published: January 2021

More and more attention has been paid to the supporting problem of deep soft rock roadway floor with long‐term water immersion in recent years. However, the existing soft rock roadway support technology rarely takes into account the influence of the immersion softening phenomenon of the roadway floor and the self‐supporting structure characteristics of the surrounding rock on the stability of the surrounding rock at the same time, and the influence of the creep characteristics of rock on the deformation zone of the surrounding rock requires further research on the nature and division of the self‐supporting structure of the surrounding rock. In response to the issues mentioned, based on the loading and unloading properties of the surrounding rock of the soft rock roadway, a new concept of the internal and external self‐bearing structure was proposed. The fact of water‐immersed mudstone softening in the soft rock roadway floor was revealed through the field practice, and the shape of the internal and external bearing structure was determined based on the in situ monitoring results. Then, the instability mechanism of the internal and external self‐bearing structure of the surrounding rock was analyzed, the position of the critical control point was calculated, and the key control technology based on the method of controlling floor heave by using double‐row anchor cables to control the deformation of the roadway sides was put forward. Finally, the field industrial test showed that this support technology can effectively control the deformation and failure of soft rock roadway in the case of water immersion on the floor. This work can provide a technical reference for similar roadway support designs.
Some General Integral Operator Inequalities Associated with
φ
-Quasiconvex Functions
Authors: Kwun Young Chel , Zahra Moquddsa , Farid Ghulam , Agarwal Praveen , Kang Shin Min
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with generalized integral operator inequalities which are established by using

φ

-quasiconvex functions. Bounds of an integral operator are established which have connections with different kinds of known fractional integral operators. All the results are deducible for quasiconvex functions. Some fractional integral inequalities are deduced.
Correlation between Chest CT Severity Scores and the Clinical Parameters of Adult Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Saeed Ghufran Aref , Gaba Waqar , Shah Asad , Al Helali Abeer Ahmed , Raidullah Emadullah , Al Ali Ameirah Bader , Elghazali Mohammed , Ahmed Deena Yousef , Al Kaabi Shaikha Ghanam , Almazrouei Safaa
Published: January 2021

Purpose. Our aim is to correlate the clinical condition of patients with COVID-19 infection with the 25-point CT severity score by Chang et al. (devised for assessment of ARDS in patients with SARS in 2005). Materials and Methods. Data of consecutive symptomatic patients who were suspected to have COVID-19 infection and presented to our hospital were collected from March to April 2020. All patients underwent two consecutive RT-PCR tests and had a noncontrast HRCT scan done at presentation. From the original cohort of 1062 patients, 160 patients were excluded leaving a total number of 902 patients. Results. The mean age was 44.2 ± 11.9 years (85.3% males, 14.7% females). CT severity score was found to be positively correlated with lymphopenia, increased serum CRP, d-dimer, and ferritin levels (

p
<
0.0001

). The oxygen requirements and length of hospital stay were increasing with the increase in scan severity. Conclusion. The 25-point CT severity score correlates well with the COVID-19 clinical severity. Our data suggest that chest CT scoring system can aid in predicting COVID-19 disease outcome and significantly correlates with lab tests and oxygen requirements.
Insight on the Genetics of Atrial Fibrillation in Puerto Rican Hispanics
Authors: Gonzalez-Cordero Ariel F. , Duconge-Soler Jorge , Franqui-Rivera Hilton , Feliu-Maldonado Roberto , Roche-Lima Abiel , Almodovar-Rivera Israel
Published: January 2021

Non-Hispanic whites present with higher atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence than other racial minorities living in the mainland USA. In two hospital-based studies, Puerto Rican Hispanics had a lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation of 2.5% than non-Hispanic Whites with 5.7%. This data is particularly controversial because Hispanics possess a higher prevalence of traditional risk factors for developing AF yet have a lower AF prevalence. This phenomenon is known as the atrial fibrillation paradox. Despite recent advancements in understanding AF, its pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we compared a genetic dataset of Puerto Rican Hispanics to 111 SNP known to be associated with AF in a large European cohort and determine if they are associated with AF susceptibility in our cohort. To achieve this aim, we performed a secondary analysis of existing data using the following two studies: (1) The Pharmacogenetics of Warfarin in Puerto Ricans study and the (2) A Genomic Approach for Clopidogrel in Caribbean Hispanics, and assess for the presence of European SNPs associated with AF from the genome-wide association study of 1 million people identifies 111 loci for atrial fibrillation. We used data from 555 cardiovascular Puerto Rican Hispanic patients, consisting of 486 control and 69 cases. We found that the following SNPs showed significant association with AF in PHR: rs2834618, rs6462079, rs7508, rs2040862, and rs10458660. Some of these SNPs are proteins involved in lysosomal activities responsible for breaking ceramides to sphingosines and collagen deposition around atrial cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, we performed a machine learning analysis and determined that Native American admixture and heart failure were strongly predictive of AF in PHR. For the first time, this study provides some genetic insight into AF’s mechanisms in a Puerto Rican Hispanic cohort.
Nrf2‐ARE Signaling Partially Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Mammary Lesions via Regulation of Oxidative and Organelle Stresses but Not Inflammatory Response in Mice
Authors: Li Yongxin , Shao Juanjuan , Hou Pengfei , Zhao Feng-Qi , Liu Hongyun
Published: January 2021

The incidence of mastitis is high during the postpartum stage, which causes severe pain and hinders breast feeding in humans and reduces milk production in dairy cows. Studies suggested that inflammation in multiple organs is associated with oxidative stress and nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐antioxidant response element pathway is one of the most important antioxidant pathways, but the effects of Nrf2 on antioxidation in the mammary gland during mastitis are still unclear. In this study, intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge was carried out in wild‐type (WT) and Nrf2 knockout mice. Results showed that the expression of Nrf2 affected the expression of milk protein genes (Csn2 and Csn3). Importantly, LPS treatment increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO‐1 and the content of glutathione in the mammary gland of WT mice, but not in Nrf2(‐/‐) mice. The expression levels of glutathione synthesis genes (GCLC, GCLM, and xCT) were lower in Nrf2(‐/‐) mice than in WT mice. Moreover, mitochondrial‐dependent apoptotic and endoplasmic reticulum stress were significantly relieved in WT mice compared with that in Nrf2(‐/‐) mice. In summary, the expression of Nrf2 may play an important role in prevention of oxidative and organelle stresses during endotoxin‐induced mastitis in mouse mammary gland.
miRNA-Dependent CD4+ T Cell Differentiation in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Basak Justyna , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: January 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by multifocal lesions, chronic inflammatory condition, and degenerative processes within the central nervous system (CNS) leading to demyelination. The most important cells involved in its pathogenesis are those which are CD4+, particularly proinflammatory Th1/Th17 and regulatory Treg. Signal cascades associated with CD4+ differentiation are regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs): short, single-stranded RNAs, responsible for negative regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Several miRNAs have been consistently reported as showing dysregulated expression in MS, and their expression patterns may be elevated or decreased, depending on the function of specific miRNA in the immune system. Studies in MS patients indicate that, among others, miR-141, miR-200a, miR-155, miR-223, and miR-326 are upregulated, while miR-15b, miR-20b, miR-26a, and miR-30a are downregulated. Dysregulation of these miRNAs may contribute to the imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory processes, since their targets are associated with the regulation of Th1/Th17 and Treg cell differentiation. Highly expressed miRNAs can in turn suppress translation of key Th1/Th17 differentiation inhibitors. miRNA dysregulation may result from the impact of various factors at each stage of their biogenesis. Immature miRNA undergoes multistage transcriptional and posttranscriptional modifications; therefore, any protein involved in the processing of miRNAs can potentially lead to disturbances in their expression. Epigenetic modifications that have a direct impact on miRNA gene transcription may also play an important role.
Aidi Injection as Adjuvant Drug Combined with Chemotherapy in Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Chenhao , Qi Yongjun , Zhou Juan , Yao Chen , Miao Min , Cheng Chen
Published: January 2021

Objective. To compare the efficacy and safety of combination of Aidi injection and chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in treatment of breast cancer. Methods. The related control and randomized studies till August 1st, 2020, were retrieved in the database including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, Wang-Fang, and VIP. Primary outcomes were response rate (RR) and performance status (KPS) improvement rate; secondary outcomes were rate of adverse drug reactions (ADR) including myelosuppression, digestive tract reaction, liver dysfunction, and cardiac toxicity. Review Manager 5.3 was used in the present analysis. Results. In total, 20 studies (18 articles) were included in the present analysis. RR (OR 1.76 (1.32, 2.35);p=0.0001) and KPS improvement rate (OR: 2.68 (1.34, 6.46);p=0.007) in Aidi injection plus chemotherapy group were significantly higher than those of chemotherapy alone group. Addition of Aidi injection significantly reduced the rate of myelosuppression, digestive tract reaction, leukocyte decrease, II-IV cardiac function abnormality, atrial dysrhythmia, ventricular arrhythmia, ST segment T wave inversion, and abnormal ECG (allp<0.05). Conclusion. Aidi injection could increase the efficacy of chemotherapy, could reduce myelosuppression, digestive tract reaction, and cardiac toxicity induced by chemotherapy, and did not lead to additional toxicity and side effect. Therefore, it is an anticancer drug with good efficacy and low toxicity, worth further popularization.
Cyclosporine A Promotes Bone Remodeling in LPS‐Related Inflammation via Inhibiting ROS/ERK Signaling: Studies In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Zhao Yuwei , Gao Jing , Zhang Yarong , Gan Xueqi , Yu Haiyang
Published: January 2021

In some inflammatory diseases of bone, osteogenesis and osteoclasis are uncoupled and the balance is usually tipped resulting in bone destruction. The underlying mechanism of osteogenic dysfunction in inflammation still needs further study. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of cyclosporine A (CsA) on bone remodeling in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) related inflammation. In vivo, an alveolar bone defect model was established using 10‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice. The mice were divided into phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), LPS, and LPS+CsA groups. After 3 weeks, micro‐CT analysis and histomorphometric evaluation were conducted. In vitro, murine osteoblasts were treated with vehicle medium, LPS, LPS+CsA, LPS+extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor (LPS+PD98059), and LPS+antioxidant (LPS+EUK134). Cell proliferation, osteogenic behaviors, oxidative stress, and ERK signaling were determined. By these approaches, LPS inhibited bone remodeling and promoted oxidative stress accumulation in alveolar bone defects. When animals were treated with CsA, all LPS‐induced biochemical changes ameliorated with a marked protective effect. In vitro, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in mitochondria increased in LPS‐treated osteoblasts, with decreased expression of osteogenic differentiation genes. The CsA, PD98059, and EUK134 presented remarkable protective effects against LPS treatment. CsA effectively enhanced bone remodeling and attenuated oxidative stress caused by LPS via inhibiting ROS/ERK signaling. Taken together, the protective effect of CsA and the inhibitory effect of ERK signaling on the maintenance of mitochondrial function and reduction of ROS levels hold promise as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases in bones.
Has the Reform of the Administrative Examination and Approval System Increased the Efficiency of Resource Allocation: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhong Yangyang , Zhong Yilin , Zhang Longpeng
Published: January 2021

Based on data from the China Industry Business Performance Database from 1998 to 2007 and the time of establishment of the administrative examination and approval center in each administrative division in China, this study attempts to empirically determine the effects of the reform of the administrative examination and approval system on the efficiency of resource allocation from the perspectives of the degree of enterprise-level productivity dispersion. The empirical results showed that the reform of the administrative examination and approval system significantly reduced the degree of productivity dispersion among enterprises in an industry, in addition to enhancing the efficiency of resource allocation in the industry. A further analysis of heterogeneity revealed that the reform of the administrative examination and approval system yielded greater enhancements of the efficiency of resource allocation in industries with lower entry and exit rates.
The Antitumour Effect of Prunella vulgaris Extract on Thyroid Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Yu Fangqin , Zhang Lele , Ma Runsheng , Liu Chenguang , Wang Qingduan , Yin Detao
Published: January 2021

Prunella vulgaris, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat various benign and malignant tumours for centuries in China. In our previous studies, Prunella vulgaris extract (PVE) was shown to promote apoptosis in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) cells. However, whether other mechanisms are involved in the antitumour effect of PVE in thyroid cancer (TC) cells remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of PVE on TC cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. First, the TPC-1 and SW579 human TC cell lines were screened by MTT assay for their high level of sensitivity to PVE. Then, the results of cell growth curve and colony formation assay and cell cycle analyses, wound healing, and migration assays demonstrated that PVE inhibited the proliferation and migration of TPC-1 and SW579 cells. Moreover, the antitumour effect of PVE was verified in a subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumour model. Next, MKI67, PCNA, CTNNB1, and CDH1 were screened by qRT-PCR for their significantly differential expression levels in xenograft tissue with and without PVE treatment, and expression of MKI67, PCNA, and CDH1 was verified by Western blot. Finally, an integrated bioinformatics analysis containing protein-protein interaction network, KEGG pathway, and GO analysis was conducted to explore more potential antitumour mechanisms of PVE. In summary, PVE could inhibit the proliferation and migration of TC cells both in vitro and in vivo, which may have been achieved by modulation of the expression of MKI67, PCNA, and CDH1. These data suggest that PVE has the potential to be developed into a new anticancer drug for the treatment of TC.
Analysis on the Strength of Cement Mortar Mixed with Construction Waste Brick Powder
Authors: Xue Cuizhen , Qiao Hongxia , Cao Hui , Feng Qiong , Li Qiong
Published: January 2021

The pile‐up of massive construction waste causes serious challenges to environment and engineering practice. In order to promote the reuse rate of construction waste bricks, the effects of the content and fineness of construction waste brick powder and of brick powder‐silica flour mixture on the strengths of cement mortar were experimentally investigated. Based on the test results, the significance of the particle characteristics of brick powder on mortar strength was analyzed by grey entropy method. The experimental results show that the early strength of cement mortar decreases due to the addition of brick powder; the reduction is, however, not significant when the content of brick powder is less than 10%; the 28 d strength of cement mortar increases with a proper content of brick powder. The grey entropy analysis indicates that the particle characteristics have strong influence on the activity of brick powder and mortar strength; the strength is significantly dependent on specific surface area and the fraction of particles smaller than 20 μm. Fine brick powder and silica flour can improve the macroscopic strengths of cement mortar by affecting the type and quantity of hydration products and the structure of interfacial transition zone between cement paste and sand.
A Collaborative Reservation Mechanism of Multiple Parking Lots Based on Dynamic Vehicle Path Planning
Authors: Xiao Yuting , Cai Zhen , Li Jinglei , Liang Mangui , Long Xiaoyu
Published: January 2021

With the development of wireless communication and artificial intelligence technology, online parking reservation system can effectively save drivers’ searching time for vacant spaces. However, in the environment with multiple candidate parking lots around the destination, how to coordinate and maximize parking space resources to reduce the travel time is still a practical issue for urban drivers. In order to solve this problem, a collaborative reservation mechanism based on dynamic vehicle path planning is proposed in this paper. By the aid of the dedicated backbone network with a clear division of work responsibilities, the information of traffic and parking lots is collected in real time, based on which the travel time prediction and empty spaces evaluation are executed separately, and then the optimal decision of path planning and parking lot selection can be made and adjusted dynamically by a step-by-step acknowledgement mechanism. The simulation results show that, based on collaborative working and overall planning, our proposed reservation mechanism can effectively raise the utilization rate of the parking lots resources and significantly reduce the travel time for drivers under different traffic environments. Compared to current mechanisms, the collaborative parking reservation mechanism reveals higher feasibility and applicability. It can assist in design and operation of urban traffic management and space resource utilization.
TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis of the Fish-Borne Spoiler Shewanella putrefaciens Subjected to Cold Stress Using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Gao Xin , Li Peiyun , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: January 2021

Shewanella putrefaciens is a specific spoilage bacterium for fish during cold storage. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of cold stress adaptation of S. putrefaciens, tandem mass tag- (TMT-) based quantitative proteomic analysis was performed to detect the effects of cold stress on protein expression profiles in S. putrefaciens which had been cultivated at 4°C and 30°C, respectively. A total of 266670 peptide spectrum matching numbers were quantified proteins after data analysis. Of the 2292 proteins quantitatively analyzed, a total of 274 were found to be differentially expressed (DE) under cold stress compared with the nonstress control. By integrating the results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, 9 common KEGG terms were found notable for the cold-responsive proteins. Generally, the DE proteins involved in carbohydrate, amino acid, and fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism were significantly upregulated, leading to a specific energy conservation survival mode. The DE proteins related to DNA repair, transcription, and translation were upregulated, implicating change of gene expression and more protein biosynthesis needed in response to cold stress.
Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Caralluma europaea Stem Extract against CCl4-Induced Hepatic Damage in Wistar Rats
Authors: Ouassou Hayat , Bouhrim Mohamed , Daoudi Nour Elhouda , Mekhfi Hassane , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Legssyer Abdelkhaleq , Aziz Mohamed , Bnouham Mohamed
Published: January 2021

The present study aims to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of stem aqueous extract of Caralluma europaea (AECe) on carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced hepatic damage in Wistar rats. The animals were daily treated with the aqueous extract of C. europaea at a dose of 250 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. CCl4 was injected (1 ml/kg, i.p.) two times, on the 7th and 14th days. At the end of the experimental period, all rats were anesthetized to collect blood for the assessment of biochemical parameters and then sacrificed to collect the liver for weighing. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin (total and direct), malondialdehyde (MDA), total protein (TP), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-c ), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), urea, creatinine, and uric acid. Based on the results obtained in this study, the administration of C. europaea before exposure to the administration of CCl4 conferred favorable hepatoprotective effect in rats. The treatment with AECe (250 mg/kg) exhibits a significant hepatoprotective effect by ameliorating CCl4-induced alterations of these biochemical parameters. Hence, C. europaea could be a potential medicinal herb that can be used in the future to prevent liver intoxication.