bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of C-reactive protein for radiographic spinal progression in axial spondyloarthritis in dependence on genetic determinants of fibrin clot formation and fibrinolysis
Authors: Hoppe Berthold , Schwedler Christian , Haibel Hildrun , Verba Maryna , Proft Fabian , Protopopov Mikhail , Heuft Hans-Gert , Rios Rodriguez Valeria , Edelmann Anke , Rudwaleit Martin , Sieper Joachim , Poddubnyy Denis
Published: June 2021

Objective

Genetic determinants of fibrin clot formation and fibrinolysis have an impact on local and systemic inflammatory response. The aim of the present study was to assess whether coagulation-related genotypes affect the predictive value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in regards of radiographic spinal progression in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

Two hundred and eight patients with axSpA from the German Spondyloarthritis Inception Cohort were characterised for genotypes of α-fibrinogen, β-fibrinogen (FGB) and γ-fibrinogen, factor XIII A-subunit (F13A) and α2-antiplasmin (A2AP). The relation between CRP levels and radiographic spinal progression defined as worsening of the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) by ≥2 points over 2 years was assessed in dependence on the respective genetic background in logistic regression analyses.

Results

Overall, CRP was associated with mSASSS progression ≥2 points: time-averaged CRP ≥10 mg/L, OR: 3.32, 95% CI 1.35 to 8.13. After stratification for coagulation-related genotypes, CRP was strongly associated with mSASSS progression in individuals predisposed to form loose, fibrinolysis-susceptible fibrin clots (FGB rs1800790GG, OR: 6.86, 95% CI 2.08 to 22.6; A2AP 6Trp, OR: 5.86, 95% CI 1.63 to 21.0; F13A 34Leu, OR: 8.72, 95% CI 1.69 to 45.1), while in genotypes predisposing to stable fibrin clots, the association was absent or weak (FGB rs1800790A, OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.14 to 4.84; A2AP 6Arg/Arg, OR: 1.47, 95% CI 0.35 to 6.19; F13A 34Val/Val, OR: 1.72, 95% CI 0.52 to 5.71).

Conclusions

Elevated CRP levels seem to be clearly associated with radiographic spinal progression only if patients are predisposed for loose fibrin clots with high susceptibility to fibrinolysis.
Bioaccumulation of chemical elements in vegetables as influenced by application frequency of municipal solid waste compost
Authors: Abbey Lord , Ijenyo Mercy , Spence Balfour , Asunni Alex Ojo , Ofoe Raphael , Amo-Larbi Vera
Published: June 2021

Municipal solid waste (MSW) compost is used to enrich soils by virtue of its bio-physicochemical properties. However, undesirable accumulation of chemical elements can reduce soil quality and cause food safety issues. A 5-yr field study was carried out to investigate the impact of Compost Quality Alliance (CQA)-tested MSW compost application frequency (annual, biennial and no-compost) on soil quality and chemical element accumulation in edible portions of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Grand Rapids), beet (Beta vulgaris cv. Detroit Supreme), carrot (Daucus carota cv. Nantes), and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Golden Wax). Analysis of soil showed that chemical elements were highest in annual application followed by biennial, but less in control (no-compost) and fallow soils. Soil background levels of chemical elements influenced the concentrations of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in green bean, aluminum (Al) in green bean and beet, and barium (Ba) in carrot, beet, and lettuce. Cadmium (Cd) concentration in beet, lettuce, and green bean grown in the annual plot was increased by 48%, 52% and 62%, respectively while carrot recorded a 56% increase in the biennial plot compared with no-compost. Bioaccumulation factors were < 1 for all of the essential and non-essential trace elements in all of the plant species, except boron (B) and molybdenum (Mo). However, lettuce showed a higher tendency to accumulate Cd, rubidium (Rb), and strontium (Sr). Overall, the health risk for human consumption is low. Although long-term annual application of compost to vegetables seemed safe for human consumption, it is necessary to continuously monitor potential chemical element accumulation, particularly non-essential trace elements in soils and plants.
Centrality, transverse momentum and collision energy dependence of the Tsallis parameters in relativistic heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Nath Patra Rajendra , Mohanty Bedangadas , Nayak Tapan K.
Published: June 2021

The thermodynamic properties of matter created in high-energy heavy-ion collisions have been studied in the framework of the non-extensive Tsallis statistics. The transverse momentum ($$p_\mathrm{T}$$

p
T

) spectra of identified charged particles (pions, kaons, protons) and all charged particles from the available experimental data of Au-Au collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) energies and Pb-Pb collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) energies are fitted by the Tsallis distribution. The fit parameters, q and T, measure the degree of deviation from an equilibrium state and the effective temperature of the thermalized system, respectively. The $$p_\mathrm{T}$$

p
T

 spectra are well described by the Tsallis distribution function from peripheral to central collisions for the wide range of collision energies, from $$\sqrt{s_\mathrm{NN}}$$

s
NN

= 7.7 GeV to 5.02 TeV. The extracted Tsallis parameters are found to be dependent on the particle species, collision energy, centrality, and fitting ranges in $$p_\mathrm{T}$$

p
T

. For central collisions, both q and T depend strongly on the fit ranges in $$p_\mathrm{T}$$

p
T

. For most of the collision energies, q remains almost constant as a function of centrality, whereas T increases from peripheral to central collisions. For a given centrality, q systematically increases as a function of collision energy, whereas T has a decreasing trend. A profile plot of q and T with respect to collision energy and centrality shows an anti-correlation between the two parameters.
Optimizing polarization dehazing
Authors: Wu Miao , Zhang Chunmin
Published: June 2021

In the process of haze removal by the polarization method, it is very important to obtain accurate polarization information. On the one hand, the influence of noise can be effectively suppressed by appropriately weighted amplifying the airlight degree of polarization and the airlight corresponding to an object at an infinite distance. On the other hand, the scattering energy in channels [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is larger, so it can reflect the actual polarization information violently. Analysis indicates the appropriately weighted amplification for the airlight degree of polarization in these two channels that can improve their estimation accuracy to a certain extent, it makes the color of the restored images more natural, and the details of the images are also more abundant. Moreover, in some special scenes, the polarization of the direct transmission could not be ignored on account of its important contribution to the total polarization. Hence, when the polarization of the direct transmission needs to be involved, only the polarization of direct transmission that contributes significantly to the total polarization is considered, and the polarization of the direct transmission in other scenes is ignored. This can still effectively eliminate the color distortion of the special scenes in the recovery results, and can greatly reduce the time consumption.
Composite Heuristics for Scheduling Tasks in Mobile Edge Computing by Considering Security
Authors: Ma Yong
Published: June 2021

The computing power of mobile devices is too limited to execute computation tasks fast. Mobile edge computing (MEC) allows mobile devices to offload tasks to near servers to reduce the completion time of the tasks (a.k.a makespan). The input data of some critical tasks should be encrypted before the offloading. Aiming at the security critical tasks in the MEC composed of multiple servers, this paper addresses to minimize the makespan by scheduling security-critical tasks. We provide the formulation of the problem which is generally an integer programming problem, and three effective composite heuristics CH1–CH3 are proposed to solve the problem. Task permutations are considered as solutions. We construct a greedy heuristic algorithm to calculate the value of the objective. These three composite heuristics consist of two phases: solution initialization and solution improvement. In the first phase, the solutions of all the proposed algorithms are generated by a task arrangement rule called Biggest data Task First (BTF), and then in the second phase, improved by three searching methods based on different neighborhoods including a insertion neighborhood, a swap neighborhood and a hybrid neighborhood, respectively. Experimental results show that CH1–CH3 outperform the well-known RoundRobin algorithm. Particularly, BTF is demonstrated to initialize highly qualified solutions, making contributions to the high effectiveness. Meanwhile, all the improvement methods are justified to be effective and the method based on the hybrid neighborhood achieves the best effectiveness.
Significance of Building Information Modeling in Modern Project Management for Sustainable Smart City Applications
Authors: Lian Mengyi , Liu Xiaowei
Published: June 2021

Building information modeling (BIM) is one of the most exciting recent construction, engineering, and architecture developments. Built environments play a significant role in Smart City worldwide, and they are used to convey useful information to achieve smart city strategic goals. In modern project management, optimizing resources, BIM data integration, and data sharing in a smart city environment is challenging. Hence, in this paper, IoT-based Improved Building Information modeling (IoT-IBIM) has been proposed to overcome the challenges in building information modeling in modern project management for sustainable smart city applications. This paper discusses the efforts to create and integrate built-in environment data with IoT sensors for effective communication. The Internet of Things provides efficient resource control, increased efficiency, and improved human quality of life. As a result, the Internet of Things is a critical enabler of smart societies, including smart homes, smart cities, and smart factories. Building Information Modeling is an advanced asset allocation framework that generates high-quality output, reduces resource use, reduces environmental effects of development, and secures resources and availability for future generations. The experimental results show that the proposed IoT-IBIM method enhances the performance ratio and improves data integration and data sharing in a smart city environment.
Privacy Concerns and Mobile App Store
Authors: Mak Brenda , Jin Leigh
Published: June 2021

Mobile apps have been transforming how individuals and organizations share information and conduct business. This research studies the relationships among user readiness factors, privacy concerns, and user acceptance of mobile app stores. A survey was conducted among college smart phone users. Results indicate that the privacy concerns construct has a direct negative effect on purchase intention of mobile apps in the app store. In addition, user readiness has a direct positive effect on attitudes to the app store, and a net positive effect on purchase intention of apps in the app store. Implications of our findings were discussed.
Safety Technology Adoption: Predicting Intention to Use Car Dashcams in an Emerging Country
Authors: Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Ng Shin-Xian , Hanifah Haniruzila , Teoh Ai Ping , Nawaser Khaled
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the factors that affect the user’s intention to use dashcam in Malaysia. This study examines the quantitative relationship of intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors such as personal innovativeness, perceived uniqueness, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, perceived behavioral control, social influence, price value, and trust to the purchase intention of dashcam. Purposive sampling technique was employed to collect responses from 232 respondents based on two criteria: first, individuals who have experienced driving on the road and have a car; and second, individuals who not yet adopt or purchase the dashcam. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS (version 3.3.2). No relationship between personal innovativeness and perceived usefulness was found, in contrast to a significant relationship the former and perceived ease of use. Furthermore, perceived uniqueness was found significant to both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Consistent with the literature, both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were identified as factors influencing attitude. However, perceived usefulness did not affect intention. Perceived behavioral control, social influence, attitude, and trust significantly affected the behavioral intention to use the dashcam in Malaysia. This study attempts to integrate and adapt two technology adoption models, namely the Combined Technology Acceptance Model and Theory Planned Behavior and extension of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, also extends the model with personal innovativeness, perceived uniqueness, and trust to fulfil the study’s objectives as well.
ZERO-INFLATED POISSON REGRESSION MODELS: APPLICATIONS IN THE SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Authors: TRUONG BUU-CHAU , PHO KIM-HUNG , DINH CONG-CHANH , McALEER MICHAEL
Published: June 2021

This paper makes a theoretical contribution by presenting a detailed derivation of a zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) model, and then deriving the parameters of the ZIP model using a fishing data set. This model has several practical applications, and is largely performed to model count data that have an excess number of zero counts. In the scope of the paper, we introduce the complete formulae, the likelihood and log-likelihood functions and the estimating equation of the ZIP model. We then investigate the theory of large sample properties of this model under some regularity conditions. A simulation study and a fishing data set are studied for the ZIP model. The results in the actual application in this work are meaningful, useful and crucial in reality. The results also provide reliable evidence for obtaining the largest number of fish while fishing. This is the contribution of this research in terms of applications. Finally, the important applications of this model in practice, some conclusions, and future work is also presented for consideration.
Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Bacterial Rod Shape Formation and Regulation
Authors: Garner Ethan C.
Published: June 2021

One of the most common bacterial shapes is a rod, yet we have a limited understanding of how this simple shape is constructed. While only six proteins are required for rod shape, we are just beginning to understand how they self-organize to build the micron-sized enveloping structures that define bacterial shape out of nanometer-sized glycan strains. Here, we detail and summarize the insights gained over the last 20 years into this complex problem that have been achieved with a wide variety of different approaches. We also explain and compare both current and past models of rod shape formation and maintenance and then highlight recent insights into how the Rod complex might be regulated.
A Complete Model of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) Transmission Cycle with Nonlocal Fractional Derivative
Authors: Mohammadi Hakimeh , Kaabar Mohammed K. A. , Alzabut Jehad , Selvam A. George Maria , Rezapour Shahram
Published: June 2021

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a common disease between humans and animals that is transmitted to humans through infected ticks, contact with infected animals, and infected humans. In this paper, we present a boxed model for the transmission of Crimean-Congo fever virus. With the help of the fixed-point theory, our proposed system model is investigated in detail to prove its unique solution. Given that the Caputo fractional-order derivative preserves the system’s historical memory, we use this fractional derivative in our modeling. The equilibrium points of the proposed system and their stability conditions are determined. Using the Euler method for the Caputo fractional-order derivative, we calculate the approximate solutions of the fractional system, and then, we present a numerical simulation for the transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
Comprehensive Medical Analysis of Clinical Diseases and Syndromes Based on Rheumatoid Factor Interfering Immune Blood Cell Damage
Authors: Zhu Hui
Published: June 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis bothers people. According to statistics, the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis represents about 3% of the world’s population. Rheumatoid factors can interfere with immune blood cells, which is very harmful to human health. In order to solve the damage of rheumatoid factor to health and study its influence on immune blood cells, this paper constructs a case template through case investigation of rheumatoid arthritis patients and creates damage assessment matrix by using comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis. The horizontal coupling degree between rheumatoid factor and interference of blood cell system is investigated, and the relationship between them is studied. The experimental results show that there is a correlation between rheumatoid factor and immune blood cells, the correlation coefficient is 0.87, the presence of rheumatoid factor in blood cells, and the cell system damage rate is about 30% higher than that without rheumatoid factor; the study found that there is a great difference in the age of rheumatoid factor in the population, and the age of patients is generally above 45 years old. This shows that rheumatoid factor can cause great damage to immune blood cell system and affect people’s health level.
Emerging Data from a Newborn Hearing Screening Program in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ayas Muhammed , Yaseen Hakam
Published: June 2021

Objectives. Newborn hearing screening (NHS) plays a critical role in early identification of hearing loss and subsequent early habilitation. Active parental involvement influences the success of NHS, particularly the initial NHS and follow-up. The current study reports the results of an NHS program in a cohort of babies born in a tertiary care hospital in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Further, it explores a two-stage NHS model to reduce false responses, thereby alleviating parental anxiety. Methods. Retrospective observational study was conducted for a period of five years from January 2017 to December 2020. NHS was done as a two-stage model. All the healthy newborn babies were screened using Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) by trained audiology professionals. Babies who failed the first NHS were followed up after two weeks. Further, babies that failed the follow-up NHS were sent for diagnostic hearing evaluation and intervention as necessary. Results. A total of 1821 newborn babies were screened during the study period. Eighty-one percent of babies passed the initial NHS. Four hundred and twenty-three (23.22%) babies were referred on the first NHS and were followed up after 2 weeks. Among these babies, 7.03% (24) failed second NHS. Nine (37.50%) of the 24 babies were confirmed to have hearing loss in both ears. The incidence of hearing loss in our cohort was 4.94 per 1000. Confirmed hearing loss was statistically higher in boys than girls (p<0.05) Conclusion. Current study was an attempt to report the emerging NHS data as part of the implementation of an NHS program. The study findings emphasize the need for a two-stage model of NHS to rule out false responses.
Trends in Architecture and Middleware of Radio Telescope Control System
Authors: Li Jun , Wang Na , Liu Zhiyong , Song Yining , Li Ning , Xu Lingming , Wang Jili
Published: June 2021

The control system is the central control unit of the radio telescope. It is used to monitor, control, coordinate, and manage software and hardware systems so as to satisfy the requirements of high-precision control in astronomical observation of radio telescope. The control system architecture is the foundation for the implementation of the control system, which determines the stability, scalability, and maintainability of the control system. Furthermore, the architecture design of the control system is closely geared towards the technological development of radio telescope and computer software architecture. In this article, we analyze the characteristic of the control system of a radio telescope in various steps and discuss the development of their architecture and middleware framework. System architecture and middleware framework of control system also serve as a useful reference for the design of other radio telescope control systems.
The Application of Citrus folium in Breast Cancer and the Mechanism of Its Main Component Nobiletin: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wu Yuan , Cheng Chien-shan , Li Qiong , Chen Jing-xian , Lv Ling-ling , Xu Jia-yue , Zhang Kai-yuan , Zheng Lan
Published: June 2021

Citrus folium and its main ingredient nobiletin (NOB) have received widespread attention in recent years due to their antitumor effects. The antitumor effect of Citrus folium is related to the traditional use, mainly in its Chinese medicinal properties of soothing the liver and promoting qi, resolving phlegm, and dispelling stagnation. Some studies have proved that Citrus folium and NOB are more effective for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is related to the syndrome of stagnation of liver qi. From the perspective of modern biomedical research, NOB has anticancer effects. Its potential molecular mechanisms include inhibition of the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis, invasion, and migration. Citrus folium and NOB can also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs and reverse multidrug resistance (MDR). However, more research studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms. The modern evidence of Citrus folium and NOB in breast cancer treatment has a strong connection with the traditional concepts and laws of applying Citrus folium in Chinese medicine (CM). As a low-toxic anticancer drug candidate, NOB and its structural changes, Citrus folium, and compound prescriptions will attract scientists to use advanced technologies such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to study its potential anticancer effects and mechanisms. On the contrary, there are relatively few studies on the anticancer effects of Citrus folium and NOB in vivo. The clinical application of Citrus folium and NOB as new cancer treatment drugs requires in vivo verification and further anticancer mechanism research. This review aims to provide reference for the treatment of breast cancer by Chinese medicine.
Smart Healthcare System Based on Cloud-Internet of Things and Deep Learning
Authors: Guo Benzhen , Ma Yanli , Yang Jingjing , Wang Zhihui
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Health monitoring and remote diagnosis can be realized through Smart Healthcare. In view of the existing problems such as simple measurement parameters of wearable devices, huge computing pressure of cloud servers, and lack of individualization of diagnosis, a novel Cloud-Internet of Things (C-IOT) framework for medical monitoring is put forward. Methods. Smart phones are adopted as gateway devices to achieve data standardization and preprocess to generate health gray-scale map uploaded to the cloud server. The cloud server realizes the business logic processing and uses the deep learning model to carry out the gray-scale map calculation of health parameters. A deep learning model based on the convolution neural network (CNN) is constructed, in which six volunteers are selected to participate in the experiment, and their health data are marked by private doctors to generate initial data set. Results. Experimental results show the feasibility of the proposed framework. The test data set is used to test the CNN model after training; the forecast accuracy is over 77.6%. Conclusion. The CNN model performs well in the recognition of health status. Collectively, this Smart Healthcare System is expected to assist doctors by improving the diagnosis of health status in clinical practice.
Association between Genetic Variants in DUSP15, CNTNAP2, and PCDHA Genes and Risk of Childhood Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Fang Fang , Ge Minxia , Liu Jun , Zhang Zengyu , Yu Hong , Zhu Shuilong , Xu Liwei , Shao Lina
Published: June 2021

Objective. Genetic factors play an important role in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This case-control study was to determine the association between childhood ASD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs3746599 in the DUSP15 gene, rs7794745 in the CNTNAP2 gene, and rs251379 in the PCDHA gene in a Chinese Han population. Methods. Genotypes of SNPs were examined in DNA extracted from blood cells from 201 children with ASD and 200 healthy controls. The Children Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was applied to evaluate the severity of the disease and language impairment. The relationship between SNPs and the risk of ASD or the severity of the disease was determined by logistic regression and one-way ANOVA. Results. The genotype G/G of rs3746599 in the DUSP15 gene was significantly associated with a decreased risk of ASD (odds ratio

OR

=
0.65

, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42-0.99,

P
=
0.0449

). The T allele of rs7794745 in the CNTNAP2 gene was associated with an increased risk of ASD (

OR
=
1.34

, 95% CI: 1.01-1.77,

P
=
0.0435

). The SNP rs251379 was not associated with ASD. Though none of the SNPs examined were associated with ASD severity, rs7794745 was associated with severity of language impairment. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that both rs3746599 in the DUSP15 gene and rs7794745 in the CNTNAP2 gene are associated with risk of childhood ASD, and rs7794745 is also related to the severity of language impairment in autistic children from a Chinese Han population.
Efficacy and Safety of the Two Ayurveda Drug Regimens in Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Karunagoda K. P. K. R. , Perera P. K. , Senanayake H. , De Silva Weliange S.
Published: June 2021

This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of two Ayurveda drug regimens for the treatment of uterine fibroids (UF) in a randomized single-blind clinical trial. 120 participants with UF (volume ≥ 2 cm3) were randomly allocated at a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio to 2 experimental groups and the control group. The 12-week intervention period was followed by 12-week follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change of the largest UF volume. The secondary efficacy endpoints were assessed by the pictorial bleeding assessment score (PBAC), UF symptoms, and quality of life score. The safety endpoints were changed in hepatic and renal safety parameters and patients experiencing adverse effects. Significant decrease was observed in the volume of UF in the arm II but not in arm I, while a significant increase was observed in the volume of the largest UF in the control group at 12th week. The PBAC score remained stable in all groups. Further mean value of the intervention arms symptom severity subscale (SSS) was significantly reduced compared to the control arm. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) value improved in 12th week of both experimental arms compared to baseline. Control arm HRQL value was reduced compared to baseline. The volume of the largest UF and both SSS and HRQL values remained stable within the follow-up period in the tested arms. The findings of this study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of selected two Ayurveda drug regimens in reducing the volume of UF and related symptoms and improving quality of life.
Hybrid Cu-Fe/ZSM-5 Catalyst Prepared by Liquid Ion-Exchange for NOx Removal by NH3-SCR Process
Authors: Doan Tuan , Dang Anh , Nguyen Dat , Vuong Thanh Huyen , Le Minh Thang , Thanh Huyen Pham
Published: June 2021

A series of Cu/ZSM-5, Fe/ZSM-5, and Cu-Fe/ZSM-5 catalysts (Si/Al in ZSM-5 = 25) were prepared by different metal loadings using the liquid ion-exchange method. Several characterization methods were conducted to explore the effects of metals on the physical and chemical properties of catalysts. Meanwhile, the electron paramagnetic resonance method is also used to assess the copper and/or iron elements’ coordination and valence state at intersections or in channels of ZSM-5. The metal-loading effects of all catalysts on the catalytic activities were studied for the removal of NOx in a fixed-bed flow reactor using selective catalytic reduction with ammonia (NH3-SCR). The results showed that the iron’s addition could markedly broaden the operation temperature range of the Cu/ZSM-5 catalyst for NH3-SCR between 200 and 550°C due to the presence of more isolated Cu2+ ions as well as additional oligomeric Fe3+ active sites and FexOy oligomeric species. This paper gives a facile and straightforward way to synthesize the practical-promising catalyst applied in NH3-SCR technology to control NOx emissions.
Comparison of Aroma Compounds in Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wines from Five Growing Regions in Xinjiang in China
Authors: Nan Lijun , Liu Liyuan , Li Yashan , Huang Jing , Wang Yanjun , Wang Chunyan , Wang Zhenji , Xu Chengdong
Published: June 2021

A total of 55 volatiles including esters (29, 52.73%), alcohols (10, 18.18%), acids (3, 5.45%), alkanes (8, 14.55%), and other components (5, 9.09%) were evaluated in five regions. Total concentrations were 0.05–222.23 mg/L, which covered the highest esters (222.23 mg/L) and alcohols (120.65 mg/L) in Turpan, acid (0.53 mg/L) in Shihezi, and alkanes (1.43 mg/L) and others (3.10 mg/L) in the Ili River valley. It proved that numbers and concentrations of volatile compounds, including common ingredients of variety, were closely linked to ecological characteristics of a region. Esters and alcohols were the major ingredients in Xinjiang Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Additionally, appellation could affect performance of concentration, ODE, and OTH, especially for the same flavor substance by fermentation, aging, and even formation and transformation in wines. Therefore, three conditions for formation of flavors were successively appellations, metabolism and fermentation, and and appropriate altering according to technology and their decisive role in wine quality. Each volatile compound had its own flavor, the combination of which complicated the flavor. The unique materials in the region were grounded for the development of products with corresponding flavors by producing substrate for fermentation. When choosing a wine you enjoy, the right appellation should be considered first.
Poly Lactic‐Co‐Glycolic Acid‐ (PLGA‐) Loaded Nanoformulation of Cisplatin as a Therapeutic Approach for Breast Cancers
Authors: Alkahtani Saad , Alarifi Saud , Albasher Gadah , Al-Zharani Mohammed , Aljarba Nada H. , Almarzoug Mohammed H. , Alhoshani Norah M. , AL-Johani Norah S. , Alothaid Hani , Alkahtane Abdullah A.
Published: June 2021

Despite recent advancements in cisplatin (cis‐diamminedichloroplatinum II) and other platinum‐based chemotherapeutic drugs for treating solid tumors, their uses are limited by either in terms of toxicity and/or acquired drug resistance. These side effects have a dangerous problem with higher dose for severe patients. To overcome the low therapeutic ratio of the free drug, a polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery system has been explored promoting delivery of cisplatin to tumors. Recently, the applications of nanoparticles (NPs) have been underlined for encouraging the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs in cancerous cells. The intention of this project is to assess the potential of poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) for enhancing the effects of anticancer drug cisplatin. For the purpose, we have synthesized PLGA‐cisplatin nanoparticles for increasing its bioavailability and studied the comparative cytotoxicity of free cisplatin and PLGA‐cisplatin against MCF‐7 cancer cell lines and HEK‐293 normal cell lines. We have also analyzed the hallmarks of PLGA‐cisplatin‐induced apoptosis. The outcomes of this study may provide the possibility of delivery of anticancer drug to their specific site, which could minimize toxicity and optimize the drug efficacy.
Peganum spp.: A Comprehensive Review on Bioactivities and Health‐Enhancing Effects and Their Potential for the Formulation of Functional Foods and Pharmaceutical Drugs
Authors: Sharifi-Rad Javad , Quispe Cristina , Herrera-Bravo Jesús , Semwal Prabhakar , Painuli Sakshi , Özçelik Beraat , Hacıhasanoğlu Furkan Ediz , Shaheen Shabnum , Sen Surjit , Acharya Krishnendu , Amirian Marjan , Castillo Carla Marina Salgado , López María Dolores , Schoebitz Mauricio , Martorell Miquel , Goloshvili Tamar , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Al-Rawahi Ahmed , Kumar Manoj , Suleria Hafiz Ansar Rasul , Cho William C.
Published: June 2021

The genus Peganum includes four species widely distributed in warm temperate to subtropical regions from the Mediterranean to Mongolia as well as certain regions in America. Among these species, Peganum harmala L., distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia, has been studied and its phytochemical profile, traditional folk use, and application in pharmacological and clinical trials are well known. The review is aimed at presenting an insight into the botanical features and geographical distribution of Peganum spp. along with traditional folk uses. This manuscript also reviews the phytochemical profile of Peganum spp. and its correlation with biological activities evidenced by the in vitro and in vivo investigations. Moreover, this review gives us an understanding of the bioactive compounds from Peganum as health promoters followed by the safety and adverse effects on human health. In relation to their multipurpose therapeutic properties, various parts of this plant such as seeds, bark, and roots present bioactive compounds promoting health benefits. An updated search (until December 2020) was carried out in databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect. Chemical studies have presented beta‐carboline alkaloids as the most active constituents, with harmalol, harmaline, and harmine being the latest and most studied among these naturally occurring alkaloids. The Peganum spp. extracts have shown neuroprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. The extracts are also found effective in improving respiratory disorders (asthma and cough conditions), dermatoses, and knee osteoarthritis. Bioactivities and health‐enhancing effects of Peganum spp. make it a potential candidate for the formulation of functional foods and pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, adverse effects of this plant have also been described, and therefore new bioproducts need to be studied in depth. In fact, the design of new formulations and nanoformulations to control the release of active compounds will be necessary to achieve successful pharmacological and therapeutic treatments.
Comparison of Dynamic Responses of Parallel‐Placed Adjacent High‐Rise Buildings under Wind and Earthquake Excitations
Authors: Wu Huaxiao , Wang Qinhua , Tiwari Nayan Deep , De Domenico Dario
Published: June 2021

Two parallel‐placed adjacent high‐rise buildings are often linked to each other through passive control devices for vibration mitigation purposes. The mitigation efficiency of these control devices mainly depends on the characteristics of relative dynamic responses, namely, opposite‐sign and same‐sign responses of the two buildings. The present research first identifies an opposite‐sign response factor to estimate the time ratio of opposite‐sign responses. Subsequently, a structure comprising two adjacent high‐rise buildings (with different natural frequency ratios) subjected to both wind and earthquake excitations is analyzed. Wind‐induced responses are evaluated based on wind loads obtained from wind tunnel tests, while earthquake responses are determined through a suite of 44 natural ground‐motion records. The results indicate that opposite‐sign factors of the displacement, velocity, and acceleration responses under wind loads, especially at across‐wind direction, are larger than those under earthquake excitations, and opposite‐sign response factors under wind loads are insensitive to variation of the natural frequency ratio of the two adjacent buildings compared with those under earthquake excitations. The conclusions of this research may be helpful for wind‐resistant and antiseismic design of parallel‐placed adjacent high‐rise buildings.
Evaluation of the Risk of Clinical Deterioration among Inpatients with COVID-19
Authors: Costa Víctor O. , Nicolini Eveline M. , da Costa Bruna M. A. , Teixeira Fabrício M. , Ferreira Júlia P. , Moura Marcos A. , Montessi Jorge , Campos Rogério L. , Guaraldo Andrea N. , Costa Patrícia M.
Published: June 2021

This study aims to assess the risk of severe forms of COVID-19, based on clinical, laboratory, and imaging markers in patients initially admitted to the ward. This is a retrospective observational study, with data from electronic medical records of inpatients, with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19, between March and September 2020, in a hospital from Juiz de Fora-MG, Brazil. Participants (n = 74) were separated into two groups by clinical evolution: those who remained in the ward and those who progressed to the ICU. Mann–Whitney U test was taken for continuous variables and the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Comparing the proposed groups, lower values of lymphocytes (

p

 = <0.001) and increases in serum creatinine (

p

 = 0.009), LDH (

p

 = 0.057), troponin (

p

 = 0.018), IL-6 (

p

 = 0.053), complement C4 (

p

 = 0.040), and CRP (

p

 = 0.053) showed significant differences or statistical tendency for clinical deterioration. The average age of the groups was 47.9 ± 16.5 and 66.5 ± 7.3 years (

p

 = 0.001). Hypertension (

p

 = 0.064), heart disease (

p

 = 0.048), and COPD (

p

 = 0.039) were more linked to ICU admission, as well as the presence of tachypnea on admission (

p

 = 0.051). Ground-glass involvement >25% of the lung parenchyma or pleural effusion on chest CT showed association with evolution to ICU (

p

 = 0.027), as well as bilateral opacifications (

p

 = 0.030) when compared to unilateral ones. Laboratory, clinical, and imaging markers may have significant relation with worse outcomes and the need for intensive treatment, being helpful as predictive factors.
Fractional Order Linear ADRC-Based Controller Design for Heat-Flow Experiment
Authors: Al-Saggaf Ubaid M. , Mehedi Ibrahim M. , Mansouri Rachid , Bettayeb Maamar
Published: June 2021

Fractional order control (FOC) has received widespread attention in recent years due to its efficient tuning capacity, intuitive concept, and enough flexibility. Again, FOC are known to be robust with the open loop gain in particular. However, the design of FOC demands the knowledge of the model to be modified. But on the other hand, the linear active disturbance control (LADRC) technique is known to be model free controller. In order to achieve the better tracking performance even in uncertain operational conditions by responding timely against external disturbances, these two controllers (FOC and LADRC) are combined to propose a new fractional order LADRC to handle integer order system. Therefore, FOC-based LADRC for heat-flow experiment (HFE) is designed in this paper to track desired trajectories of heat flow. Bode’s ideal transfer function is considered as an orientation model to propose this new controller while using the concept of internal mode control. A better performance of fractional order linear active disturbance control (FO-LADRC) is shown for a very good disturbance rejection capability through simulation and experiments on a heat-flow system.
Understanding the Complexity of Business Information Dissemination in Social Media: A Meta‐Analysis of Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Yan Jiawen , You Yuantao , Wang Yu , Sheng Dongfang
Published: June 2021

With the development of social networks, the complexity of the factors affecting the users’ information dissemination is increasing and the complexity of online social networks and influencing factors of individual behaviors and attitudes make the development of online public opinion present a dynamic, complex, and multifactor evolution. Analyzing the influencing factors of public opinion dissemination is conducive to optimize company management and information diffusion management. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the complex factors that influence the dissemination of information; this study focused on synthesizing 20 empirical studies on the influencing factors of China public opinion dissemination from the perspective of the user, and a meta‐analysis was conducted. We establish the influencing factors of users’ information adoption model from three aspects of information source reliability, perceived information quality, and the heat of public opinion events based on elaboration likelihood model. The results indicated that the main influencing factors of public opinion communication are authority, reliability, quality of information form, quality of information editing, quality of information utility, and event attendance preference. Among the factors, authority and quality of information editing have more significant impacts on users’ information adoption behavior in the dissemination of public opinion. In addition, whether the type of event was a public emergency had a moderating effect. The results are helpful to explore the universality of the influencing factors so as to help related regulators better build a multiangle supervision mechanism and conduct early warning of information diffusion.
Ranula as the First Symptom of HIV Infection in Young Patients
Authors: Vanden Eynden X. , Bouland C. , Dequanter D. , Gerbaux M. , Kampouridis S. , Boutremans E. , Loeb I.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Oral manifestations are often the earliest HIV signs. Salivary gland diseases are a common form of HIV expression. A ranula can occur in association with HIV. However, this manifestation is rarely considered as the disease sentinel sign. We present two cases of children consulting for a ranula, leading to the diagnosis of a previously unknown HIV infection. Case Reports. Two children, respectively, 5 and 13, were treated for a ranula by marsupialization. Relapse occurred in both cases, and thereafter, a ranula excision was performed. While the follow-up was uneventful, HIV infection was diagnosed during the patients’ care. The only sign or symptom observed was the ranula. A routine HIV testing of ranula patients would have allowed earlier care. Conclusion. Routine HIV testing of patients with a ranula is justified and may be recommended, especially for children. Ranula excision associated with the sublingual gland resection is suggested in order to avoid recurrence.
Vitexin Mitigates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Regulating Mitochondrial Dysfunction via Epac1‐Rap1 Signaling
Authors: Yang Huanhua , Xue Wei , Ding Caijuan , Wang Cheng , Xu Bohan , Chen Shuo , Zha Binshan , Sun Yuqian , Zhu Huaqin , Zhang Junyan , Dong Liuyi
Published: June 2021

Revascularization is an effective therapy for rescuing myocardial tissue after ischemic events. However, the process of reperfusion can lead to more severe cardiomyocyte damage, called myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury (MIRI). We have previously shown that vitexin (VT) (a flavonoid compound derived from natural products) protects against MIRI; however, the exact mechanisms underpinning this effect require further elucidation. This study is aimed at elucidating the protective mechanism of VT in inhibiting ischemic myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis by regulating Epac1‐Rap1 signaling. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to MIRI in a Langendorff perfusion system, and H9c2 cells were subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro. Our analyses show that during I/R, Epac1 expression was upregulated, left ventricular dysfunction deteriorated, mitochondrial dynamics were disrupted, and both myocardial cells and tissues exhibited apoptosis. Furthermore, administration of 8‐CPT (an Epac agonist) exacerbated cardiomyocyte injury and mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, suppressing the function of Epac1 through VT or ESI‐09 (an Epac inhibitor) treatment during I/R reduced the myocardial infarct size, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production; alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential; elevated MFN2 expression; and inhibited Drp1 expression. To our knowledge, our results reveal, for the first time, the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of VT in the myocardium of rats with MIRI. Moreover, we provide a new target and theoretical basis for VT in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.
Residual β-Cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes Followed for 2 Years after 3C Study
Authors: Lin Kun , Yang Xiaoping , Wu Yixi , Chen Shuru , Zeng Qiong
Published: June 2021

Objective. To investigate the natural history and related factors of the pancreatic β-cell function in Chinese type 1 diabetic patients from 3C study Shantou center. Method. Stimulated C-peptide levels from follow-up data of 201 individuals in 3C study Shantou subgroup starting in 2012 were used. Residual β-cell function was defined as stimulated

C
−
peptide
 
level
≥
0.2
 
pmol
/
mL

, on the basis of cut-points derived from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Results. 36.8% of patients had residual β-cell function, and the percentage was 68.2% in newly diagnosed diabetic patients. COX regression analysis indicated that the age of diagnosis, HbA1C level, and duration were independent factors of residual β-cell function in individuals with ≤5 years duration, but in those with duration ≥5 years, only the age of diagnosis was a predictor. The pancreatic β-cell function mainly declined in the first 5 years of the duration, and the rate of decline was correlated negatively with the duration and age of diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that the cut-off point of stimulated C-peptide was 0.615 pmol/mL in patients with <5 years duration to have 7% HbA1c. Conclusion. Age at diagnosis was the strongest predictor for residual C-peptide. There was a more rapid decline of stimulated C-peptide in duration ≤5 years and younger patients. Therefore, intervention therapies of β-cells should start from the early stage, and the recommended target goal of stimulated C-peptide is 0.615 pmol/mL or above.