bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle-based oxidative balance score and its association with cardiometabolic health of the community-dwelling elderly: A cross-sectional secondary analysis
Authors: Li Yang , Yuan Huixiao , Li Qingqing , Geng Shasha , Chen Xin , Zhu Yingqian , Jiang Hua
Published: September 2022

Background

Cardiometabolic diseases, the main disease burden in older adults, are largely caused by oxidative stress resulting from lifestyle factors. This study investigated the relationship between lifestyle-based oxidative balance scores and cardiometabolic health among the community-dwelling elderly.

Methods

This work conducted a secondary analysis of previous cross-sectional research data and constructed a lifestyle-based oxidative balance score (LOBS) including 4 components (higher scores were considered more antioxidant). Linear regression models and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations with cardiometabolic biomarkers and the number of cardiometabolic risk factors. Besides, we investigated whether these associations differed by covariates.

Results

A total of 710 individuals (60.99% female, median age 70.0 years) were recruited. The inverse associations of LOBS with SBP and TG and the positive association with HDLC were statistically significant in both linear and logistic regression models. In contrast, an inverse association of LOBS with DBP was significant only in the linear regression model (all P < 0.05). The associations of LOBS with TG and HDLC were not affected by age, gender, or socioeconomic level. A significant inverse association was observed between LOBS and the number of cardiometabolic risk factors. Compared with the lowest LOBS, the ORs for more cardiometabolic risk factors in the second and third intervals were 0.577 (0.422, 0.788) and 0.460 (0.301, 0.703) (both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In summary, this study shows that antioxidant-predominant lifestyle exposure yields a better cardiometabolic health status. We recommend that general practitioners should offer comprehensive healthy lifestyle management to community-dwelling elderly.
Alternative pacing strategies for optimal cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Hua Juan , Kong Qiling , Chen Qi
Published: September 2022

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) via biventricular pacing (BVP) improves morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, especially in subsets of patients with impaired cardiac function and wide QRS. However, the rate of unsuccessful or complicated left ventricular (LV) lead placement through coronary sinus is 5–7%, and the rate of “CRT non-response” is approximately 30%. These reasons have pushed physicians and engineers to collaborate to overcome the challenges of LV lead implantation. Thus, various alternatives to BVP have been proposed to improve CRT effectiveness. His bundle pacing (HBP) has been increasingly used by activating the His–Purkinje system but is constrained by challenging implantation, low success rates, high and often unstable thresholds, and low perception. Therefore, the concept of pacing a specialized conduction system distal to the His bundle to bypass the block region was proposed. Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has comparable electrical resynchronization with HBP but is superior in terms of simpler operation, higher success rates, lower and stable capture thresholds, and higher perception. Despite their well-demonstrated effectiveness, the transvenous lead-related complications remain major limitations. Recently, leadless LV pacing has been developed and demonstrated effective for these challenging patient cohorts. This article focuses on the current state and latest progress in HBP, LBBAP, and leadless LV pacing as alternatives for failed or non-responsive conventional CRT as well as their limits and prospects.
Serum glycated albumin is associated with in-stent restenosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents: An observational study
Authors: Lin Xiao Long , Li Qiu Yu , Zhao Dong Hui , Liu Jing Hua , Fan Qian
Published: September 2022

Background

Previous studies have confirmed the predicted value of serum glycated albumin (GA) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between GA and the development of in-stent restenosis (ISR) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation has not been verified in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Materials and methods

In this study, 797 patients diagnosed with ACS who underwent re-coronary angiography more than 6 months after the first successful DES-based percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were eventually included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the median GA levels of 14.94%. Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis models and the net reclassification improvement and integrated differentiation improvement risk models were constructed to assess the relationship between the GA and DES-ISR in patients with ACS.

Results

The GA was significantly associated with an increased risk of DES-ISR, upon adjusting for confounding factors (as nominal variate: OR 1.868, 95% CI 1.191–2.932, P = 0.007; as continuous variate: OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.040–1.183, P = 0.002). The addition of GA to a baseline risk model had an incremental effect on the predictive value for DES-ISR (AUC: GA vs. baseline model, 0.714 vs. 0.692, comparison P = 0.017; category-free net reclassification improvement (NRI) 0.080, P = 0.035; integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) 0.023, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

GA level was significantly associated with a high risk of DES-ISR in patients with ACS treated with PCI. Moreover, the addition of the GA to a baseline risk model has an incremental effect on the predictive potential for DES-ISR.
Effects and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the treatment of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Shuo , Miao Guangrui , Zhao Xiaoyan
Published: September 2022

Background

There is a lack of large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that comprehensively evaluate the effects of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO)- assisted treatment of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) combined with Cardiogenic shock (CS). This meta-analysis aims to identify predictors of short-term mortality, and the incidence of various complications in patients with STEMI and CS treated with V-A ECMO.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the Wanfang Database from 2008 to January 2022 for studies evaluating patients with STEMI and CS treated with V-A ECMO. Studies that reported on mortality in ≥ 10 adult (>18 years) patients were included. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used by two independent reviewers to assess methodological quality. Mantel-Haenszel models were used to pool the data for meta-analysis.

Results

Sixteen studies (1,162 patients) were included with a pooled mortality estimate of 50.9%. Age > 65 years, BMI > 25 kg/m2, lactate > 8 mmol/L, anterior wall infarction, longer CPR time, and longer time from arrest to extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) were risk predictors of mortality. Achieving TIMI-3 flow after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was a protective factor of mortality. The prevalence of bleeding, cerebral infarction, leg ischemia, and renal failure were 22, 9.9, 7.4, and 49.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study identified Age, BMI, lactate, anterior wall infarction, TIMI-3 flow after PCI, CPR time, and time from arrest to ECPR significantly influence mortality in STEMI patients with CS requiring V-A ECMO. These factors may help clinicians to detect patients with poor prognoses earlier and develop new mortality prediction models.
Beyond legislation and technological design: The importance and implications of institutional trust for privacy issues of digital contact tracing
Authors: Teng Yan , Song Yan
Published: September 2022

For proper implementation of digital contact tracing technologies for fighting against SARS-CoV-2, participants' privacy vulnerability and the uncertainty from the relevant institutions' side could be seen as two core elements that should be dealt with, among others. In this paper, we propose to understand the current approaches for preserving privacy, referred to as privacy by legislation and privacy by technological design, as distrusting strategies that primarily work to reduce participants' vulnerability by specifying and implementing privacy standards related to this digital solution. We point out that mere distrusting strategies are insufficient for the ethically appropriate development of this digital solution, nor can they eliminate the need for institutional trust that plays an essential role in fostering voluntary support for this solution. To reach well-grounded trust in both an ethical and epistemological sense, we argue that trust in institutions concerning personal data protection in the case of digital contact tracing ought to be built on the relevant institutions' and individuals' goodwill towards the public and their competence in improving the actual effectiveness of this solution. We conclude by clarifying three dimensions, including the purpose, procedure, and outcome, where the relevant trustees can work to signal and justify their intentions and increase their trustworthiness via an effective communication strategy. Given the complementary qualities shown by the distrusting and trusting strategies, a combined strategy including both sorts seems closer to what we expect from the responsible implementation of this digital solution, which could also improve the effectiveness of this institutional response.
Identifying the source of gold geochemical anomalies in Jiaodong, eastern China: Tracking the occurrence of gold nanoparticles in a metallogenic system
Authors: Li Ruihong , Wang Xueqiu , Zhang Bimin , Liu Qingqing , Chi Qinghua , Meng Yinsheng , Xiong Yuxin
Published: September 2022

The gold particles induced geochemical anomaly shows good potential for the prospecting of gold deposits all around world. Most of the discovered gold resources are located at geochemical related anomaly area in Jiaodong, which are associated with Micro-to nanoscale particle matter. However, it has been known little about the relationship between the occurrence of gold nanoparticles and their geochemical anomaly in multimedia accommodating to the detailed process of gold mineralization system and geochemical exploration. Micro-to nanoscale gold as nanoparticles are related to the hydrothermal fluid flows and precipitation among elemental migration. This paper presents gold nanoparticles in ore, constructed the fundamental link to geochemical anomaly distribution maps of gold in drainage sediments, wall rocks, and ore, aimed to identify the source of primary and secondary geochemical anomalies according to careful observation at nanoscale gold and revealed the genesis of gold mineralization and their potential in Jiaodong. A potential model of migration pathway of gold nanoparticle was built to understand the process of massive gold accumulation and the further prospecting in the Jiaodong Peninsula.
An optimized stochastic model for smartphone GNSS positioning
Authors: Sui Mingming , Gong Chengkai , Shen Fei
Published: September 2022

With the increasing popularity of high-precision applications of smartphone, more and more scholars carry out studies in the field of smartphone GNSS positioning. In the previous studies, more attention has been paid to data quality control, data preprocessing and observation models. However, the research on stochastic models is rare. The stochastic model is significant for the subsequent optimal positioning parameter estimation, meanwhile, the stochastic models of smartphones and professional geodetic receivers are very different for the completely different characteristics of smartphone GNSS observations. It is necessary to develop a stochastic model suitable for smartphone observations. Based on the characteristics of smartphone observations, this paper proposes an optimized stochastic model. The specific process of this method is as follows: firstly, the code-minus-phase (C-L) combi-nation and double-differenced measurement were used to quantify the noise of smartphone code and phase observations. Then, an optimized carrier-to-noise density ratio (C/N0) dependent stochastic model was proposed on the basis of the characteristic of smartphone observations. To validate the superiority of the proposed model, single point positioning (SPP) and real time kinematic (RTK) experiments were carried out by Xiaomi 8 in 2 days. The 3-dimensional root mean squares (RMS) of SPP were 6.18 and 5.38 m, with improvements varying within 0.00%-10.02% compared with the customary models. Likewise, the RMS of RTK were 0.14 and 0.24 m, with improvements fitting in range of 10.06%-39.92%. This research plays an important role in improving the positioning accuracy of smartphone and promoting the popularization of high-precision applications.
Experimental investigation of maldistribution characteristics of gas‐liquid two-phase flow in a horizontal pipeline
Authors: Wei Na , Jiang Lin , Fan Shuanshi , Liu Anqi , Li Haitao , Zhang Shenghui , Zhang Chao , Xue Jin
Published: September 2022

In the flow distribution of oil and gas gathering and transportation system, the flow pattern, inertia force, gravity, and other factors will lead to uneven flow distribution of each outlet pipe, which will seriously affect the economy and safety of the gathering and transportation system. Therefore, it is of great significance to analyze the characteristics of gas–liquid two-phase flow in horizontal pipelines. For this reason, an experimental device for maldistribution control of gas–liquid two-phase flow is developed in this article. In order to solve the problem of flow maldistribution in gas–liquid two-phase flow pipe, the test experiments of maldistribution control under the conditions of three flow patterns (stratified flow, slug flow, and annular flow) are carried out. Through experiments, we revealed the control law of flow pattern to liquid maldistribution and gas maldistribution with or without flute pipes and formed the maldistribution control scheme of gas–liquid two-phase flow in the horizontal pipeline. It is found that it is more beneficial to the control of average liquid maldistribution degree under the condition of slug flow pattern in horizontal manifold without flute pipe, and it is more beneficial to the control of average gas maldistribution degree under the condition of annular flow pattern without flute pipe. Without the function of the flute pipe and in the annular flow pattern, it is beneficial to the control of average maldistribution degree of gas–liquid two-phase flow. The findings of this research can be used as a reference for the field maldistribution control of oil and gas gathering and transportation systems.
Regional prediction and prevention analysis of rockburst hazard based on the Gaussian process for binary classification
Authors: Lan Tianwei , Zhang Zhijia , Sun Jiawei , Zhao Wenqi , Zhang Mancang , Jia Weidong , Liu Mingwei , Guo Xutao
Published: September 2022

Rockburst is a complex dynamic disaster in coal mining and affected by many factors. To accurately predict the rockburst hazard among complex influencing factors, a prediction model of rockburst hazard based on the Gaussian process for binary classification (GPC) was proposed after the identification of the intrinsic relationship between multiple factors of coal mines and rockburst. Through computerized machine learning and integrated intelligent analysis, the non-linear mapping of rockburst hazard and its influencing factors was established. The multi-factor pattern recognition model was constructed using artificial intelligence. The prediction criteria of the rockburst hazard probability and the hazard probability value of the prediction area unit were determined by applying neural network and fuzzy inference methods. In addition, the rockburst hazardous zone was classified, and the corresponding technical scheme for the prevention was put forward. The validity and feasibility of the regional prediction of rockburst hazard based on GPC were verified in the engineering practice. This method is highly targeted and can improve the accuracy and precision of rockburst prediction, thus contributing to the safe and efficient production of coal mines.
Influence of soil mechanical and hydraulic parameters on the definition of rainfall intensity and duration thresholds based on Transient rainfall infiltration and grid-based regional slope-stability model (TRIGRS)
Authors: Zhang Sen , Jiang Qigang , Xu Xitong , Tao Guofang , Zhang Zhenchao , Gao Xin , He Chunlong
Published: September 2022

As a supplement to empirical-statistical methods, physically based methods can be employed to define rainfall thresholds for triggering landslides in areas lacking records of landslides. The transient rainfall infiltration and grid-based regional slope-stability model (TRIGRS), as a physically based model, has been applied to define rainfall thresholds at the basin, slope unit, and grid cell scales. However, as far as we know to date, the influence of soil mechanical and hydraulic parameters on defining rainfall thresholds at various scales has not been comprehensively evaluated. In this study, TRIGRS was used to define rainfall intensity (I) and duration (D) thresholds at various scales for Buzhe village, Pu’an county, Guizhou province, China, under the conditions of different soil physical parameters. The results show that the number of rainfall thresholds decreased with cohesion (c) and internal friction angle (φ) and increased with soil unit weight (γs), excluding the basin scale. Threshold position varied positively with c and φ and negatively with γs. Soil mechanical parameters have a greater influence on the definition of rainfall thresholds based on TRIGRS than hydraulic parameters.
A drilling wellbore pressure calculation model considering the effect of gas dissolution and suspension
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Xue Xianbo , Zhang Chengcheng , Qu Yue , Ke Ke , Pan Shaowei , Zeqin Li  , Zhang Jianbo
Published: September 2022

The complex formation pressure system and diverse formation fluid components during deepwater and deep drilling make it easy for gas intrusion accidents to occur. The dissolution and suspension of the intruded gas in the drilling fluid and the difference between the gas–liquid phase distribution characteristics and the gas–water two-phase flow characteristics in the wellbore lead to errors in the calculation of wellbore pressure and overflow assessment after gas intrusion. In this article, a wellbore multiphase flow model, considering gas dissolution and suspension is established, and the influence of gas dissolution and suspension in the drilling fluid on multiphase flow in the wellbore during overflow, well shutdown, and compression is analyzed with the model calculation results. The higher the drilling fluid density and yield stress are, the higher is the gas limit suspension concentration, when free gas is present in the wellbore. After the gas intrusion shutdown, when there are suspended and transported gases in the wellbore, the rate of pressure increase in the wellbore decreases after the shutdown, and the volume fraction of free gas decreases when the shutdown time is longer, and eventually all the gases will be suspended in the drilling fluid. During the pressure process, gas dissolution leads to an increase in the peak pressure in the wellbore and a delay in its occurrence; gas suspension leads to a decrease in the peak pressure in the wellbore and a delay in its occurrence. This article establishes a multiphase flow calculation model for the wellbore, considering both gas dissolution and suspension, which is a guideline for the calculation of wellbore pressure after gas intrusion.
Introducing the Home Learning Environment Questionnaire and examining the profiles of home learning environments in Greece
Authors: Krousorati Katerina , Gregoriadis Athanasios , Tsigilis Nikolaos , Grammatikopoulos Vasilis , Evangelou Maria
Published: September 2022

The Home Learning Environment (HLE) plays a prominent role in children’s development. Several measures have been developed to assess its quality; however, most of them seem to mainly focus on specific aspects of the HLE construct. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Home Learning Environment Questionnaire (HLEQ); and to examine the characteristics of the HLE and the HLE profiles using the new instrument in the Greek educational context. The HLEQ is a parent-reported measure addressing both activities and interactions, comprising of six factors that are considered key elements of the HLE: indoor, outdoor, and digital learning activities, warmth/support, conflict, and inconsistent discipline. The development of HLEQ followed a robust methodological approach, including the collection of an initial pool of items, expert review to examine its content validity, and piloting. The HLEQ was administrated to 814 parents (Mage = 37.86 years, SD = 4.84) of children (Mage = 64.12 months, SD = 7.19) attending 84 state funded kindergartens in Greece. A cross-validation approach was used to examine the factor structure of the HLEQ. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling procedures were implemented. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify the HLE profiles. Results provided initial support for the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the HLEQ. The HLEQ displayed good psychometric properties for measuring the quality of home learning activities and home learning interactions in the contemporary early HLE. Four HLE profiles were revealed, representing different parent-child interaction patterns during the learning activities. Limitations and implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormones and carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease: A RCSCD-TCM study in China
Authors: Liu Yijia , Li Zhu , Yang Tong , Li Lin , Yu Lu , Liu Fanfan , Ni Tongyao , Gao Shan , Li Chunjie , Yang Rongrong , Yu Chunquan
Published: September 2022

Context

Previous studies on the association between thyroid function and carotid plaque have shown contradictory results, which may be attributable to the sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices. This study aimed to analyze the association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and risk of carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and further explore this association according to sex, age, smoking, and drinking status.

Methods

This large-scale, multi-center, retrospective, cross-sectional study included 6679 patients with CHD (age 35–75). Central sensitivity to thyroid hormone was evaluated by the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), parametric thyroid feedback quantile-based index (PTFQI), thyroid-stimulating hormone index (TSHI), and thyrotroph thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI). Peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormone was assessed by free triiodothyronine/free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio. Taking no carotid plaque as a reference, this study used logistic regression to analyze the association between central and peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity and carotid plaque in patients with CHD.

Results

Of the 6679 patients with CHD, 4843 (72.50%) had carotid plaque. In the multi-adjusted models, the TFQI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26–1.78; P < 0.001), PTFQI (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.46–2.12; P < 0.001), TSHI (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.10–1.33; P < 0.001), and TT4RI (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00–1.01; P = 0.003) were positively associated with the risk of carotid plaque. Compared with that in females and people > 60 years, the OR value for carotid plaque was higher in males and people ≤ 60 years. Similarly, smokers and drinkers had higher OR values for carotid plaque than non-smokers and non-drinkers. Conversely, FT3/FT4 ratio (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.70–0.81; P < 0.001) was negatively associated with carotid plaque, and the OR value for carotid plaque was lower in males, patients ≤ 60 years, smokers, and drinkers.

Conclusion

This study showed that thyroid hormone sensitivity is significantly associated with carotid plaque in patients with CHD. This association is more significant in males, patients ≤ 60 years, smokers, and drinkers.
A cluster-based approach against wormhole attacks in MANETs among smart grid
Authors: Liu Weijie , Chen Zhiran , Yu Xiang , Zhou Xue
Published: September 2022

Mobile ad hoc networks in smart grid become more and more popular and significant. However, the deployment scenarios, the functionality requirements and the limited capabilities make them vulnerable to a large group of attacks, e.g., wormhole attacks. In this paper, a novel cluster-based scheme is proposed for the purpose of preventing wormhole attacks. Firstly, a clustering algorithm is proposed that employs a powerful analytical hierarchy process methodology to elect clusterheads. Afterwards, the elected clusterheads are required to implement the wormhole attacks prevention scheme which includes two phases, i.e., detection phase and location phase. By detection phase, the existence of wormhole attacks can be detected. By location phase, the wormhole nodes are able to be detected. Simulation results indicate the scheme in our paper can be used to prevent wormhole attacks in ad hoc networks efficiently.
Design of topic priority based on industrial publish-subscribe system
Authors: Chen Dejian , Li Dong , Guo Renchun
Published: September 2022

As the size of the industrial systems increases, more and more topic messages need to be published and subscribed to in industrial scenarios such as microgrids and manufacturing industries. A priority scheduling algorithm based on the hotness of message topics is proposed to address the problem of efficient distribution of messages with different topics in microgrids. It is an algorithm that gives different priority permissions according to the number of topics, so that in the face of a large number of different topic messages, the data messages with a higher number or urgency can be transmitted first, solving the problem of port blocking when the server distributes the messages. At the same time, to prevent low priority data from sending timeout or waiting for a long time, a time period is set up, a low priority transmission mechanism is set up within a specific time period to ensure that the system can send data to customers in a timely and accurate manner. The results show that the priority design in this paper can well solve the power scheduling problem of multi-target data transmission and ensure the transmission efficiency of messages in the microgrid system.
Multi-stage robust clearing model considering renewable energy output uncertainty and unit effective reserve calculation in electricity market
Authors: Duan Qinwei , Chao Zhu , Tang Xuchen , Xie Xiangzhong , Chen Huican , Su Xiangyang
Published: September 2022

With the advancement of China’s carbon policy, the proportion of renewable energy, mainly wind and solar, has increased, which brings greater challenges to the reservation of power systems. Due to the complexity of China’s power systems, adopting the method of the zonal reserve to ensure stable system operation is very difficult. Among the existing clearing results for calculating reservation, the unit reservation will be restricted by the network security constraints, leading to system operation risks. To obtain the unit reservations efficiently without breaking the security constraints, this paper proposes an effective reserve calculation method for engineering implementation. A box robust optimization is further utilized for Security Constrained Unit Commitment in the method to ensure the consumption of renewable energy, and the stability and clearing efficiency of the power system. Furthermore, a data-driven robust random optimization is employed for Security Constrained Economic Dispatch optimizing the economy of power systems. This multi-stage robust optimization model, which has good extensibility, is in line with China’s clearing process. The simulation analysis based on the actual operation data of a province in China and the IEEE 300-bus system verifies the correctness and feasibility of the proposed model and theory.
How does consumer-to-consumer community interaction affect brand trust?
Authors: Tabish Muhammad , Yu Zhang , Thomas George , Rehman Syed Abdul , Tanveer Muhammad
Published: September 2022

This article seeks to study how the extensive usage of social networking sites (SNSs) and interaction in consumer-to-consumer (C2C) communities influence brand trust. Social networking sites have impacted internet commerce in a technologically advanced era; it connects global users. Social media ads have changed our thinking; new market trends are reshaping the business industry. This study empirically investigates a model based on media richness theory and social capital theory. Using data collected from users who conducted transactions on these sites, a theoretical model was developed to analyze the inspirations behind trust. The results show that Instagram’s media-rich platform enhances social capital and a sense of virtual community between its members, affecting trust. Instagram usage intensity does not immediately affect brand trust, but it has an indirect effect; community trust also positively influences brand trust. This study defines the role of a sense of virtual community (SOVC) and social capital (SC) in C2C communities only. This study delivers insights to managers on how to increase brand trust via SNSs. Prior studies on social commerce do not apply to C2C communities on social media platforms, especially Instagram. This study presents a novel standpoint of social capital and media richness structures as precursors of brand trust in C2C communities.
Spatial correlation study on the impact of green financial development on industrial structure upgrading
Authors: Nian Wei , Dong Xiaohong
Published: September 2022

Concern has been raised about how to effectively encourage industrial structure upgrading using green finance as a tool in the framework of sustainable development. This paper is based on the data from 2010 to 2019, the social network had been constructed using the gravitational model. Also, the spatial correlation of green finance development on industrial structure upgrading was studied through using the social network analysis method, as well as the detection analysis of the impact factor of green finance on industrial structure upgrading was conducted by using the geographic detector. The empirical results showed that: green finance and industrial optimization had entered a differentiated development stage in each province; green finance development would have an effect on upgrading industrial structure; and the overall network had established and maintained a benign development trend. This paper suggests that the government must improve the green finance management system as soon as possible, effectively use green finance to promote industrial optimization and introduce policies as per the characteristics of each province in order to promote the coordinated development of green finance in each province.
Microwear textures associated with experimental near-natural diets suggest that seeds and hard insect body parts cause high enamel surface complexity in small mammals
Authors: Winkler Daniela E. , Clauss Marcus , Kubo Mugino O. , Schulz-Kornas Ellen , Kaiser Thomas M. , Tschudin Anja , De Cuyper Annelies , Kubo Tai , Tütken Thomas
Published: September 2022

In mammals, complex dental microwear textures (DMT) representing differently sized and shaped enamel lesions overlaying each other have traditionally been associated with the seeds and kernels in frugivorous diets, as well as with sclerotized insect cuticles. Recently, this notion has been challenged by field observations as well as in vitro experimental data. It remains unclear to what extent each food item contributes to the complexity level and is reflected by the surface texture of the respective tooth position along the molar tooth row. To clarify the potential of seeds and other abrasive dietary items to cause complex microwear textures, we conducted a controlled feeding experiment with rats. Six individual rats each received either a vegetable mix, a fruit mix, a seed mix, whole crickets, whole black soldier fly larvae, or whole day-old-chicks. These diets were subjected to material testing to obtain mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus, yield strength, and food hardness (as indicated by texture profile analysis [TPA] tests). Seeds and crickets caused the highest surface complexity. The fruit mix, seed mix, and crickets caused the deepest wear features. Moreover, several diets resulted in an increasing wear gradient from the first to the second molar, suggesting that increasing bite force along the tooth row affects dental wear in rats on these diets. Mechanical properties of the diets showed different correlations with DMT obtained for the first and second molars. The first molar wear was mostly correlated with maximum TPA hardness, while the second molar wear was strongly correlated with maximum yield stress, mean TPA hardness, and maximum TPA hardness. This indicates a complex relationship between chewing mechanics, food mechanical properties, and observed DMT. Our results show that, in rats, seeds are the main cause of complex microwear textures but that hard insect body parts can also cause high complexity. However, the similarity in parameter values of surface textures resulting from seed and cricket consumption did not allow differentiation between these two diets in our experimental approach.
A bioinformatics framework to identify the biomarkers and potential drugs for the treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Leng Xiaogang , Yang Jianxiu , Liu Tie , Zhao Chunbo , Cao Zhongzheng , Li Chengren , Sun Junxi , Zheng Sheng
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a common malignant tumor, is one of the main causes of death in cancer patients in the world. Therefore, it is critical to understand the molecular mechanism of CRC and identify its diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The purpose of this study is to reveal the genes involved in the development of CRC and to predict drug candidates that may help treat CRC through bioinformatics analyses. Two independent CRC gene expression datasets including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and GSE104836 were used in this study. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed separately on the two datasets, and intersected for further analyses. 249 drug candidates for CRC were identified according to the intersected DEGs and the Crowd Extracted Expression of Differential Signatures (CREEDS) database. In addition, hub genes were analyzed using Cytoscape according to the DEGs, and survival analysis results showed that one of the hub genes, TIMP1 was related to the prognosis of CRC patients. Thus, we further focused on drugs that could reverse the expression level of TIMP1. Eight potential drugs with documentary evidence and two new drugs that could reverse the expression of TIMP1 were found among the 249 drugs. In conclusion, we successfully identified potential biomarkers for CRC and achieved drug repurposing using bioinformatics methods. Further exploration is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms of these identified genes and drugs/small molecules in the occurrence, development and treatment of CRC.
Structure of a new glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and its immunomodulatory activity
Authors: Wu Yu , Zhou Hui , Wei Kunhua , Zhang Tao , Che Yanyun , Nguyễn Audrey D. , Pandita Sakshi , Wan Xin , Cui Xuejie , Zhou Bingxue , Li Caiyue , Hao Ping , Lei Hongjun , Wang Lin , Yang Xiaonan , Liang Ying , Liu Jiaguo , Wu Yi
Published: September 2022

A component of licorice polysaccharide (GPS-1) was extracted from licorice, its primary structure was identified and characterized for the first time, and its immunomodulatory activity was studied. Crude licorice polysaccharide was isolated and purified by DEAE sepharose FF ion-exchange column chromatography and Chromdex 200 PG gel filtration column chromatography to obtain a purified Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide named GPS-1. NMR and methylation analysis revealed that GPS-1 is composed of homogalacturonan (HG)-type pectin with 4)-D-GalpA-(1 as the backbone. This study of GPS-1 also examined its significant role in regulating immune activity in vitro and in vivo. As a result, GPS-1 promoted the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in mice and increased the proportion of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes in their spleens. Dendritic cells (DCs) treated with GPS-1 showed promotion of DC maturation, antigen presentation, and phagocytic capacity. The results suggest that GPS-1 is a potential immunomodulator that stimulates the immune system by regulating multiple signaling pathways. Combined with our characterization of the primary structure of GPS-1, the present investigation provides the basis for future study of the form-function relationship of polysaccharides.
A cell-based assay for detection of anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies with performance equivalent to immunoprecipitation
Authors: Keppeke Gerson Dierley , Satoh Minoru , Kayser Cristiane , Matos Pedro , Hasegawa Tomoko , Tanaka Shin , Diogenes Larissa , Amaral Rogerio Quintiliano , Rodrigues Silvia Helena , Andrade Luis Eduardo Coelho
Published: September 2022

Anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies are useful for the diagnosis and prognosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Anti-fibrillarin produces a clumpy nucleolar pattern in indirect immunofluorescence assay on HEp-2 cells (HEp-2 IFA). Here we develop and validate a reliable cell-based anti-fibrillarin assay (Fibrillarin/CBA) for use in clinical diagnostic laboratories. A TransMembrane Signal was fused to the human fibrillarin gene (TMS-fibrillarin). HEp-2 cells overexpressing transgenic TMS-fibrillarin at the cytoplasmic membrane were used as IFA substrate in the Fibrillarin/CBA. Sixty-two serum samples with nucleolar pattern in the HEp-2 IFA (41 clumpy; 21 homogeneous/punctate) were tested for anti-fibrillarin using Fibrillarin/CBA, immunoprecipitation (IP), line-blot and ELISA. In addition, samples from 106 SSc-patients were evaluated with Fibrillarin/CBA and the results were correlated with disease phenotypes. Thirty-eight of 41 samples with the clumpy nucleolar pattern (92.7%) were positive in the Fibrillarin/CBA, while all 21 samples with other nucleolar patterns were negative. Fibrillarin/CBA results agreed 100% with IP results. Among the 38 Fibrillarin/CBA-positive samples, only 15 (39.5%) and 11 (29%) were positive for anti-fibrillarin in line-blot and ELISA, respectively. Higher frequency of diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) phenotype (72.7% vs 36.8%; p=0.022), cardiac involvement (36.4% vs 6.5%; p=0.001) and scleroderma renal crisis (18.2% vs 3.3% p = 0.028) was observed in SSc patients with positive compared to negative Fibrillarin/CBA result. Performance of Fibrillarin/CBA in the detection of anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies was comparable to the gold standard IP. Positive Fibrillarin/CBA results correlated with disease phenotypes known to be associated with anti-fibrillarin autoantibodies, underscoring the clinical validation of this novel assay.
Recent advances in CAR-T cells therapy for colorectal cancer
Authors: Qin Xiaoling , Wu Fengjiao , Chen Chang , Li Qi
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, with a high mortality rate and a serious impact on people’s life and health. In recent years, adoptive chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells therapy has shown well efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies, but there are still many problems and challenges in solid tumors such as CRC. For example, the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, the low targeting of CAR-T cells, the short time of CAR-T cellsin vivo, and the limited proliferation capacity of CAR-T cells, CAR-T cells can not effectively infiltrate into the tumor and so on. New approaches have been proposed to address these challenges in CRC, and this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of CAR-T cells therapy in CRC.
Time evolution of cytokine profiles associated with mortality in COVID-19 hospitalized patients
Authors: Sánchez-de Prada Laura , Gorgojo-Galindo Óscar , Fierro Inmaculada , Martínez-García Ana María , de Quintana Guillermo Sarmentero-López , Gutiérrez-Bustillo Rocío , Pelaez-Jareño María Teresa , Álvarez-Fuente Elisa , Gómez-Sánchez Esther , Tamayo Eduardo , Tamayo-Velasco Álvaro , Martín-Fernández Marta
Published: September 2022

Background

High cytokine levels have been associated with severe COVID-19 disease. Although many cytokine studies have been performed, not many of them include combinatorial analysis of cytokine profiles through time. In this study we investigate the association of certain cytokine profiles and its evolution, and mortality in SARS-CoV2 infection in hospitalized patients.

Methods

Serum concentration of 45 cytokines was determined in 28 controls at day of admission and in 108 patients with COVID-19 disease at first, third and sixth day of admission. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to characterize cytokine profiles through time associated with mortality and survival in hospitalized patients.

Results

At day of admission non-survivors present significantly higher levels of IL-1α and VEGFA (PC3) but not through follow up. However, the combination of HGF, MCP-1, IL-18, eotaxine, and SCF (PC2) are significantly higher in non-survivors at all three time-points presenting an increased trend in this group through time. On the other hand, BDNF, IL-12 and IL-15 (PC1) are significantly reduced in non-survivors at all time points with a decreasing trend through time, though a protective factor. The combined mortality prediction accuracy of PC3 at day 1 and PC1 and PC2 at day 6 is 89.00% (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Hypercytokinemia is a hallmark of COVID-19 but relevant differences between survivors and non-survivors can be early observed. Combinatorial analysis of serum cytokines and chemokines can contribute to mortality risk assessment and optimize therapeutic strategies. Three clusters of cytokines have been identified as independent markers or risk factors of COVID mortality.
N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may affect the course of COVID-19
Authors: Lampova Barbora , Doskocil Ivo , Kourimska Lenka , Kopec Aneta
Published: September 2022

The highly infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a new coronavirus that has been spreading since late 2019 and has caused millions of deaths worldwide. COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly worldwide despite high vaccination coverage; therefore, it is crucial to focus on prevention. Most patients experience only mild symptoms of COVID-19. However, in some cases, serious complications can develop mainly due to an exaggerated immune response; that is, a so-called cytokine storm, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure, or, in the worst cases, death. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites can modulate inflammatory responses, thus reducing the over-release of cytokines. It has been hypothesized that supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could improve clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Some clinical trials have shown that administering n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to critically ill patients can improve their health and shorten the duration of their stay in intensive care. However, previous clinical studies have some limitations; therefore, further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Widespread occurrence of endogenous cellulase production and glycosyl hydrolase in grapsoid crabs along the land-sea transition indicates high potential for mineralisation of mangrove production
Authors: Lee Cheuk Yan , Lee Shing Yip
Published: September 2022

Previous studies on mangrove carbon utilisation and mineralisation were focused on mangrove sesarmid crabs (Grapsoidea: Sesarmidae) because they are initial processors of mangrove organic carbon. Grapsoid crabs from other families and habitats were generally ignored although they also perform various levels of herbivory. It remains unclear how the herbivorous crabs utilise the production from mangrove or vascular plants because of the high C/N ratio and high structural carbon content of these materials. In this study, production of cellulase and expression of hepatopancreatic glycosyl hydrolase of grapsoid crabs were investigated in a more extensive way in terms of their taxa (15 species) and habitats (i.e., land margin, mangrove, mudflat, and subtidal area). Generally, low gastric endoglucanase (1.46-2.98 μmol min−1 ml−1) and β-glucosidase (0.06-0.61 μmol min−1 ml−1) activity was detected in 15 grapsoid crabs distributed along the land-sea transition. The activity of both enzymes was significantly affected by the taxonomic affiliation and habitat of the crabs: endoglucanase in sesarmids > varunids > grapsids; and land margin, mangrove and limnic habitats > mudflat and subtidal area. For β-glucosidase: sesarmids > varunids and grapsids; and land and limnic > mangrove and subtidal > mudflat. Our detection of gastric cellulases in mudflat and subtidal grapsoid crabs has rarely been reported. These results show that there is a need to re-evaluate the role of crabs from these habitats in mangrove/vascular plant carbon mineralisation. Further, low cellulase activity could be a common trait among crabs along the land-sea transition and the importance of cellulase in vascular plant carbon utilisation could have been previously over-rated. Glycosyl hydrolase family 9 (GH9) genes were identified in the hepatopancreatic transcriptome of all 15 species, indicating endogenous production of cellulase. In addition, the presence of other digestive carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), including GH5_10, GH13, GH13_24, and GH16, suggests that a capacity for the utilisation of carbon sources other than cellulose by the grapsoid crabs, which may enable sufficient assimilation of vascular plant carbon despite the low cellulase activity.