bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pretreatment With P2Y12 Inhibitors in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Report From the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry
Authors: Jurga Juliane , Szummer Karolina Elizabeth , Lewinter Christian , Mellbin Linda , Götberg Matthias , Zwackman Sammy , Nilsson Johan , Völz Sebastian , Erlinge David , Persson Jonas , Omerovic Elmir , Jernberg Tomas , Venetsanos Dimitrios
Published: October 2021

Background:

In patients with chronic coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, the optimal timing of P2Y12 inhibitors’ administration is uncertain. We compared pretreatment versus treatment in the catheterization laboratory (In-Cathlab) in a real-world population.

Methods:

In Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry, all patients with chronic coronary syndrome undergoing coronary angiography and ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention, between 2006 and 2017 were identified. Pretreatment was defined as P2Y12 inhibitor administration before coronary angiography, outside the catheterization laboratory. Outcomes were net adverse clinical events including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or bleeding within 30 days of the index procedure and in-hospital bleeding.

Results:

We included 26 814 patients, 8237 in the In-Cathlab, and 18 577 in the pretreatment group. In-Cathlab treatment compared with pretreatment was associated with lower risk for net adverse clinical event (4.2 versus 5.1%, adjusted hazard ratio 0.79 [0.63–0.99]), bleeding (2.3 versus 2.6%, adjusted hazard ratio, 0.76 [0.57–1.01]). and in-hospital bleeding (1.9 versus 2.1%, adjusted odds ratio, 0.70 [0.51–0.96]). The risk for death, myocardial infarction, or stroke did not significantly differ between the groups. Among the In-Cathlab treated patients, 41% received ticagrelor or prasugrel and 59% clopidogrel. Treatment with ticagrelor or prasugrel was associated with higher risk for net adverse clinical events (5.4% versus 3.4%, adjusted hazard ratio, 1.66 [1.12–2.48]), bleeding (3.4 versus 1.6%, adjusted hazard ratio, 2.14 [1.34–3.42]), and in-hospital bleeding (2.9 versus 1.2%, adjusted odds ratio, 2.24 [1.29–3.90]) but similar risk for death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, compared with clopidogrel.

Conclusions:

In patients with chronic coronary syndrome undergoing coronary angiography and ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention, pretreatment with P2Y12 inhibitors, before arrival to the catheterization laboratory, was not associated with improved clinical outcomes but was associated with increased risk for bleeding. Our data support clopidogrel administration in the catheterization laboratory as the standard of care.

Graphic Abstract:

A
graphic abstract
is available for this article.
Cetuximab-modified doxorubicin bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-overexpressing colon cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Yuanfen , Hu Yumin , Pan Lei
Published: October 2021

In this study, we developed an active targeting nano-immunoplatform of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded bovine serum albumin (BSA) modified with the humanized antibody cetuximab, which can target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of EGFR-overexpressing colon cancer, and subjected it to a series ofin vitroevaluation. The obtained cetuximab-modified nanoparticles (cetuximab-DOX-immuno-NPs) had an average particle size of 218.2±2.2 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.162±0.023, a zeta potential of −23.28±0.75 mV, and a cetuximabloading efficiency of 33.6%±3.5%. The results of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cytotoxicity experiments showed that the cytotoxic of cetuximab-DOX-immuno-NPs in EGFR-overexpressing RKO colon cancer cells was significantly higher than it was in EGFR-under-expressing LS174 T cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that when DOX-immuno-NPs were used, DOX was eliminated soon after entering the cells, whereas when cetuximab-DOX-immuno-NPs were used, DOX efflux was reduced. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy was used to visualize the endocytosis of nanoparticles, and revealed that the fluorescence intensity of cetuximab-DOX-immuno-NPs was significantly higher than that of non-specific IgG-DOX-immuno-NPs in RKO cells. Moreover, in EGFR-under-expressing LS174 T cells, both cetuximab-DOXimmuno-NPs and Immunoglobulin G-DOX-immuno-NPs showed weak DOX fluorescence intensity, reflecting the specificity and selectivity of cetuximab-modified nanoparticles toward EGFR-overexpressing cancer cells. This study demonstrated that cetuximab modification of DOX-loaded BSA nanoparticles can increase their selectivity and reduce their toxicity. As this would decrease the side effects of these treatments in patients, this study shows that cetuximab-modified doxorubicin-loaded bovine serum albumin nanoparticles are promising candidates for targeted colon cancer therapy.
Physical and anti-aging characteristics of nano-TiO2/irganox 1010 composite modified asphalt
Authors: He Zhongming , Xie Tangxin , Chen Chuansheng , Yang Fangfang
Published: October 2021

Asphalt aging is the main cause of fatigue failure from asphalt pavements, and it can be divided into thermaloxidative and ultraviolet (UV) aging. In this study, nano-TiO2/Irganox 1010 were added to neat asphalt to simultaneously improve the aging phenomenon of asphalt in
a variety of complex conditions of asphalt. We then analyzed and discussed physical properties of nano-TiO2/Irganox 1010 modified asphalt composites. In addition, MSCR (Multiple Stress Creep Recovery) and DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer) rheological tests were performed on nano-TiO2/Irganox
1010 modified asphalt with different contents. Aging simulation of nano-TiO2/Irganox 1010 modified asphalt was conducted through the TFOT (The Thin Film Oven Test) and UV test, and microstructure of UV aging was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy. Data analysis showed
that the nano-TiO2/Irganox 1010 increased softening point and reduced penetration (25 °C) and ductility (5 °C). The nano-TiO2/Irganox 1010 also improved the creep resistance and rheological properties of the composites. Finally, the analysis of test results under
different conditions showed that the addition of nano-TiO2/Irganox 1010 significantly enhanced the ability of asphalt to deal with aging in a variety of complex environments.
Effect of laser cladding on microstructural transformation and mechanical properties of heat affected zone of EA4T steel
Authors: Chen Wen-Jing , Chen Qun-Yan , Mao Yu , Tang Si-Cheng
Published: October 2021

In this study, laser cladding on EA4T steel was carried out. The Composition of HAZ of the EA4T steel was analyzed by OM and SEM. The effect of laser cladding on microstructural transformation of HAZ of EA4T steel was discussed. The distribution of alloying elements and the micromechanical
properties of the interface were tested. The results show that the microstructures of the laser cladding heat-affected zone of the EA4T steel are mainly lath martensite. The homogenization of austenite and the dissolution of carbides near the interface are not sufficiently developed, and coarse
grains are observed. In the fine-grained area of the HAZ, the microstructure is mainly composed of martensite and a small amount of sorbite with a certain orientation. In addition, among all laser cladding conditions, the highest temperature experienced in the HAZ of the EA4T steel plays a
decisive role in the evolution of the microstructure and mechanical properties. A sudden change in alloying elements occurs at the junction site, and the grain orientation is clearly found. Moreover, the shear strength of the HAZ increases, whereas the degree of packing decreases.
Resveratrol facilitates bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) differentiation to prevent osteoporosis via restraining of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 expression
Authors: Liu Zuozhong , Shui Chunling , Huang Lili , Qu Yiming
Published: October 2021

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) is associated with cell differentiation, and its expression can be modulated by resveratrol. However, their impacts on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-induced osteogenesis and ovariectomy-triggered bone loss remain unclear. Therefore,
we in this study aimed to dissect the regulation of resveratrol on SFRP1, along with its sequential effects on differentiation and osteoporosis prevention of BMSCs. The SFRP1 expression in the ovariectomized (OVX) mice-originated bone tissues, BMSCs and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs),
during their differentiation towards osteoblasts and chondrocytes, was quantified by qRT-PCR and Western-blot. SFRP1-siRNA was applied for studying its influence on osteogenesis of BMSCs. Additionally, we evaluated the impacts of resveratrol on OVX mice and SFRP1 expression. SFRP1 was significantly
up-regulated in the OVX mice-derived bone tissues and BMSCs, but gradually decreased during osteogenesis. Its expression was not significantly changed in BMSCs during their differentiation towards osteoclasts or in BMMs. The knockout of SFRP1 significantly improved mineralization potentiality,
alkaline phosphatase activity and expression of several osteoblast-specific genes. Moreover, the bone loss was ameliorated in OVX mice treated with resveratrol, whose therapeutic effects were achieved by facilitating the expression of osteogenesis-associated genes while suppressing the SFRP1
expression. We also observed that the SFRP1 exerted a negative effect on osteogenesis of BMSCs and estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis, enabling itself to be an indicator of osteogenesis and also a molecular target for PMOP treatment. Resveratrol is a suppressor of SFRP1that can be applied
as an active ingredient for treating PMOP.
The Coca-Cola Company/Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Merger: Lessons for Robust Regional Competition Enforcement
Authors: Nsomba Grace
Published: September 2021

This article uses the Coca-Cola Company/Coca-Cola Beverages Africa merger to illustrate the important role that competition policy should continue to play in the regional and continental integration agenda. The case provides an illustrative example that the structure and reach of firms play a pivotal role in the dynamics of value chains, as well as on the extent to which market power can potentially be exerted within and across countries. Competitive rivalry is necessary for innovation and lower prices, but the playing field needs to be leveled in order for entrants and smaller rivals to make and realize investments, build capabilities, and participate effectively. Competition reforms that take a bottom-up approach and account for the varying levels of development of countries play an integral role in opening up markets for entrants and small rivals, which in turn allow for the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area to be realized.
Photoacoustic Spectroscopy and Hyperglycemia in Experimental Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Olvera Cano Lilia I. , Villanueva Lopez Guadalupe C. , Mateos Evelyn Romero , Orea Alfredo Cruz
Published: October 2021

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016. Long-term diabetes complications are associated with hyperglycemia. It is difficult to predict the beginning and evolution of those complications. The goal of the study was to evaluate the relationship between glycemia and blood spectroscopic variables in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes (streptozotocin model). Blood samples were taken weekly (10 weeks) from the tail of male Wistar rats with or without diabetes. Blood optical absorption spectra were obtained by means of photoacoustic spectroscopy. It was possible to estimate the time-course of blood characteristic peak ratios. The area under the curve of those peaks correlated with hyperglycemia. The evolution of the optical absorption at 450 nm, related to cytochrome p450, was obtained by using the phase-resolved method. The area under the curve of p450 correlated also with hyperglycemia. It is concluded that photoacoustic spectroscopy is a reliable technology to detect the effects of hyperglycemia on blood with possible applications in the study of long-term diabetes complications.
An empirically based practical learning progression for generalisation, an essential element of algebraic reasoning
Authors: Stephens Max , Day Lorraine , Horne Marj
Published: September 2021

Generalisation is a key feature of learning algebra, requiring all four proficiency strands of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics (AC:M): Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning. From a review of the literature, we propose a learning progression for algebraic generalisation consisting of five levels. Our learning progression is then elaborated and validated by reference to a large range of assessment tasks acquired from a previous project Reframing Mathematical Futures II (RMFII). In the RMFII project, Rasch modelling of the responses of over 5000 high school students (Years 7–10) to algebra tasks led to the development of a Learning Progression for Algebraic Reasoning (LPAR). Our learning progression in generalisation is more specific than the LPAR, more coherent regarding algebraic generalisation, and enabling teachers to locate students’ performances within the progression and to target their teaching. In addition, a selection of appropriate teaching resources and marking rubrics used in the RMFII project is provided for each level of the learning progression.
External Communities as Initiators of Organizational Change
Authors: Rocheville Kimberly , Keys Christopher B. , Bartunek Jean M.
Published: September 2021

Organizational change literature has long described the ways change efforts are designed and executed, with particular attention to where the change effort initiated: whether from the top down or the bottom up. In this paper, we expand this focus and describe how communities external to organizations can also be initiators of change within organizations. Through two examples, the Black Lives Matter movement and Old Coke Drinkers of America, we demonstrate the power of communities outside of organizations for initiating meaningful and lasting change within organizations. We explain that the power of such communities for initiating organizational change is derived in part from their members’ psychological sense of community (PSOC). We propose that scholars and practitioners alike should pay attention to this phenomenon by offering an agenda for developing research on impacts of communities and their PSOC that may affect organizational change.
Does Insurgent Selective Punishment Deter Collaboration? Evidence from the Drone War in Pakistan
Authors: Bauer Vincent , Reese Michael , Ruby Keven
Published: September 2021

Scholars of civil wars have long argued that non-state actors can use selective punishment to reduce collaboration with state adversaries. However, there is little systematic evidence confirming this claim, nor investigation into the mechanisms at play. In this paper, we provide such evidence from the drone war in Pakistan. Militants in Pakistan’s tribal areas engaged in a brutal counterespionage campaign with the aim of reducing collaboration with the United States. Our analysis combines a novel dataset of collaborator killings with data on drone strike outcomes. We find that strikes killed half as many militant leaders and fighters following collaborator killings and that this suppressive effect likely works by deterring spying in the future. Beyond providing an empirical confirmation of the selective punishment hypothesis, our paper suggests an unacknowledged vulnerability of the drone program to reprisals against local allies and collaborators that limits its effectiveness as a long-term tool of counterterrorism.
The Association between Multiple Chronic Conditions and Depressive Symptoms: Intersectional Distinctions by Race, Nativity, and Gender
Authors: Erving Christy L. , Frazier Cleothia
Published: September 2021

Using random coefficient growth curve analysis, this study utilizes 12 waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study (1994–2016; person-waves = 145,177) to examine the association between multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and depressive symptoms among older adults. Applying cumulative disadvantage and intersectionality theories, we also test whether the association between MCC and depressive symptoms differs by race, nativity, and gender. Findings reveal that MCC prevalence is highest among U.S.-born black women, whereas depressive symptoms are highest among foreign-born Hispanic women. Compared to men, MCC has a stronger effect on women’s depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the MCC–depressive symptoms association is strongest for foreign-born Hispanic women. Despite an increase in MCC in the transition from midlife to late life, all race–nativity–gender groups experience a decline in depressive symptoms as they age. The decline in depressive symptoms is steepest for U.S.-born black and foreign-born Hispanic women. Study implications are discussed.
Microstructure and deformation mechanism of TA2 titanium deformed by rotary forging
Authors: Jiang Shan
Published: September 2021

Rotary forging was conducted for TA2 titanium samples with initial forming temperatures ranging from room temperature to 923 K. The microstructure of the samples was examined by using electron back-scattered diffraction and X-ray diffraction. The results indicate that rotary forging remarkably enhanced the formability of TA2 titanium and took a notable grain refinement effect over the whole temperature range. The theoretical calculation results indicate that enough working heat was generated during the early deformation stage to raise the temperature of the sample to above the dynamic recrystallization temperature. The deformation of titanium during rotary forging can be roughly divided into two stages as dislocation slip stage and the dynamic recrystallization stage.
Scrutinising the Exceptionalism of Young Rural NEETs: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Simões Francisco , Erdoğan Emre , Muratović Melisa , Sik Dorottya
Published: September 2021

The situation of rural NEETs aged 15 to 24 remains understudied. However, transitions from adolescence to emerging adulthood are very demanding for those in the countryside. Our paper discusses this gap by characterising the scholarship focusing on rural NEETs. We undertook a bibliometric review based on 325 entries on Web of Science (WoS) using the Bibliometrix analysis package. Our approach included descriptive bibliometric analysis, co-citation networks assessment, and thematic analysis. Our findings show that the investigation efforts depicting younger rural NEET are recent and marginal in the larger context of international NEETs scholarship. The field is dominated by economy- and sociology-led networks. Concerns regarding health and employment issues are central in international publishing trends, showing a dominant youth-at-risk approach to this group. Still, themes associated with adolescent NEETs and relevant programs’ assessment are gaining traction. Our findings show a need for funding research initiatives to reduce the invisibility of young rural NEETs.
Auditory and speech performance after unilateral cochlear implantation for cochlear nerve canal stenosis
Authors: Zhang Si , Wang Line , Gong Shusheng , Gao Fenqi , Liu Pan , Song Xinyu , Wang Qimei , Wang Wei , Landsberger Hannah , Peng Kevin A.
Published: September 2021

To explore the correlation between the width of the bony cochlear nerve canal (CNC) and long-term auditory rehabilitation after unilateral cochlear implantation (CI) in pediatric patients with congenital deafness and bilateral cochlear nerve canal stenosis (CNCS). A retrospective review was performed on 10 patients with bilateral CNCS and bilateral congenital profound hearing loss who each underwent unilateral cochlear implantation. The width of the CNC was determined on computed tomography (CT) imaging and following CI, auditory and speech performance following CI were graded using categories of auditory performance (CAP), speech intelligibility rating (SIR), and the meaningful auditory integration scale (MAIS) at 24 months following implantation. No correlation was noted between CAP score and CNCS at 24 months post CI ( P > .05). A positive correlation was noted between SIR score and CNC width (ρ = .81, P < .05). Similarly, a positive correlation was noted between MAIS and CNC width (ρ = .71, P < .05). The width of the CNC in patients with CNCS is positively correlated with some long-term auditory and speech outcomes after CI.
“What Was That Word? It’s Part of Ensuring Its Future Existence” Exploring Engagement Collectives at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre
Authors: Völker Thomas , Pereira Ângela Guimarães
Published: September 2021

This paper provides an empirical analysis of an initiative to establish a Community of Practice on citizen engagement at the European Commission’s (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC). This initiative is one of the more recent attempts to institutionally stabilize citizen engagement in policy-making processes within the EC; such attempts are visible, for instance, in the political agenda of Ursula von der Leyen, whose sixth priority is a “new push for European democracy.” Drawing on science and technology studies literature, this paper directs attention to models of participation and democracy visible in particular engagement activities and to the overarching rationales for engagement. We explore the sociomaterial engagement collectives that emerge in the practices and accounts of actors involved in establishing this CoP and show how these engagement collectives at the supra-national research service JRC are co-constitutive with the wider institutional settings and cultural–political configurations of the EC.
A Systematic Review of the Protective Effect of Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Repeat Infection
Authors: Kojima N. , Shrestha N. K. , Klausner J. D.
Published: October 2021

We systematically reviewed studies to estimate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. For this systematic review, we searched scientific publications on PubMed and MedRxiv, a pre-print server, through August 18, 2021. Eligible studies were retrieved on August 18, 2021. The following search term was used on PubMed: (((“Cohort Studies”[Majr]) AND (“COVID-19”[Mesh] OR “SARS-CoV-2”[Mesh])) OR “Reinfection”[Majr]) OR “Reinfection”[Mesh]. The following search term was used on MedRxiv: “Cohort Studies” AND “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2” AND “Reinfection”. The search terms were broad to encompass all applicable studies. There were no restrictions on the date of publication. Studies that did not describe cohorts with estimates of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among those with previous infection were excluded. Studies that included vaccinated participants were either excluded or limited to sub-groups of non-vaccinated individuals. To identify relevant studies with appropriate control groups, we developed the following criteria for studies to be included in the systematic analysis: (1) baseline polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, (2) a uninfected comparison group, (3) longitudinal follow-up, (4) a cohort of human participants, i.e. not a case report or case series, and (5) outcome determined by PCR. The review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We assessed for selection, information, and analysis bias, per PRISMA guidelines. We identified 1,392 reports. Of those, 10 studies were eligible for our systematic review. The weighted average risk reduction against reinfection was 90.4% with a standard deviation of 7.7% ( p-value: <0.01). Protection against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection was observed for up to 10 months. Studies had potential information, selection, and analysis biases. The protective effect of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection on re-infection is high and similar to the protective effect of vaccination. More research is needed to characterize the duration of protection and the impact of different SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Technology and Dis/Organization: Digital data infrastructures as partial connections
Authors: Ratner Helene , Plotnikof Mie
Published: September 2021

This paper addresses the relationship between digital technology and dis/organization by theorizing and analysing digital data infrastructures as partial connections. Much literature attends to the ordering and controlling organizational powers of digital data infrastructures. We propose to expand existing discussions by also exploring their disorganizing aspects. Drawing on Marilyn Strathern, we conceptualize digital data infrastructures as partial connections that both connect and disconnect, with the implication of simultaneously ordering and disordering the social relations implicated by digital data infrastructures. With a case study of a national well-being survey used in Danish education governance, we illustrate this point, showing how connective and commensurable powers of digital infrastructures not only (re-)organize social relations through their datafication but also disorganize the infrastructural imperative of connectivity in unanticipated ways. This leads us to argue that dis/organization is integral to the powerful ordering capacities of digital data infrastructures.
Responding to stigmatization: How to resist and overcome the stigma of unemployment
Authors: Garcia-Lorenzo Lucia , Sell-Trujillo Lucia , Donnelly Paul
Published: September 2021

Organization research on stigma has mostly focused on the stigmatized, limiting the scope for exploring what is possible and lacking recognition of the structural conditions and unequal power relations that create and sustain stigma. Consequently, it overlooks how actors can organize to resist and potentially overcome stigmatization altogether. Addressing this question empirically, we studied the long-term unemployed in Spain using a longitudinal qualitative research design. We develop a typology of responses to stigmatization – getting stuck, getting by, getting out, getting back at and getting organized – that advances our understanding of stigma in several ways. First, our typology captures stigma as a multilevel phenomenon. Second, it makes explicit that stigma can only be understood in relation to its socio-historical contexts and unequal relations of power. Third, it captures how resisting stigma needs to be a collective enterprise and advances the importance of organizing to both challenge stigmatization and explore alternatives.
The Effects of Intermarriage on Wages for Immigrant Women in Italy
Authors: Justiniano Medina Adda C. , Valentova Marie
Published: October 2021

In the current article, we analyze the impact of intermarriage on the wages of immigrant women in Italy. Using a sample of married immigrant women from a randomly selected sample, representative of families with foreigners in Italy, we estimate Ordinary Least Squares and we address self-selection into employment, while simultaneously accounting for intermarriage endogeneity with the combined method. The results reveal 9 percentage points higher earnings for intermarried immigrant women. However, this vanishes once we add other characteristics, as well as when we account for endogeneity and selection into employment, separately and simultaneously. We conclude that although immigrant women who marry natives have higher wages, this is due to their observable and unobservable characteristics.
Transitions and non-transitions from neoliberalism in Latin America and Southern Europe
Authors: Ferrero Juan Pablo , Centeno Ramón I , Roumpakis Antonios
Published: October 2021

We seek to disentangle the process through which some democratic polities ‘escape’ from neoliberal rule while others do not. We understand neoliberalism as the resulting equilibrium provoked by the restoration of class power that undermined the pro-labour policies of the post-war period. Why do some democracies enter a route of political experimentation that challenges the status quo while others remain ‘trapped’ in an orthodox neoliberal settlement? Our argument is that for a democratic polity to initiate a transition from neoliberal rule, there needs to be a crisis of neoliberal rule, a compelling alternative willing to contend for state power in national elections, and a reliable democratic settlement that allows the victory of the challenger – that is, the alternative – over the neoliberal rulers. This model will be discussed by examining the following three cases: Argentina, Greece, and Mexico.
Conscious sedation versus general anesthesia for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Aslan Serkan , Güner Ahmet , Demir Ali Rıza , Yılmaz Emre , Aslan Ayşe Feyza , Çelik Ömer , Uzun Fatih , Ertürk Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a major risk factor for postoperative complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). To date, there is no clear consensus on the best anesthesia management for these patients. We aimed to investigate the effects of types of anesthesia on clinical outcomes in patients with severe COPD undergoing TAVI.

Methods:

This is a single-center, retrospective study comparing conscious sedation (CS) versus general anesthesia (GA) in 72 patients with severe COPD who underwent TAVI. The primary endpoints were 30-day all-cause mortality and postoperative pulmonary complications.

Results:

The main outcome of interest of this study was that the frequency of pulmonary complications was statistically higher in the GA group (21.4% vs 3.3%, p = 0.038). These differences are most likely attributed to the GA because of prolonged mechanical ventilation, and longer ICU stay (2 (1.2–3) vs 2.5 (2–4) days, p = 0.029) associated with an increased risk of nosocomial infections. There were no significant differences in procedure complications and 30-day mortality between the two groups (GA; 19% vs CS; 13.3%, p = 0.521). One-year survival rates, compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis, were similar between groups (log-rank p = 0.733).

Conclusion:

In aortic stenosis patients with severe COPD undergoing TAVI, the use of GA compared with CS was associated with higher incidences of respiratory-related complications, and longer ICU length of stay. CS is a safe and viable option for these patients and should be considered the favored approach.
Expression and related mechanisms of miR-330-3p and S100B in an animal model of cartilage injury
Authors: Wu Wenming , Liang Dongming
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the roles of and relationship between microRNA (miR)-330-3p and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) in an animal model of cartilage injury.

Methods

This study included 30 New Zealand male rabbits randomly divided into three groups: an intervention group, a model group and a sham surgery control group. Modelling was performed in the intervention and model groups, but in the sham surgery group, only the skin was cut. After modelling, the intervention and model groups were injected with the miR-330-3p overexpression vector GV268-miR-330-3p or the control GV268-N-ODN vector, respectively, twice a week for 7 weeks.

Results

Levels of interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α in the synovial fluid were significantly higher in the model group than in the intervention and control groups. The level of miR-330-3p in the cartilage tissue was significantly higher in the control group than in the model group but it was significantly lower compared with the intervention group. Levels of S100B, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and fibroblast growth factor-2 in the cartilage tissue of rabbits in the model group were significantly higher compared with the control and intervention groups.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the upregulation of miR-330-3p can inhibit the expression of S100B.
Puerarin induces platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer cell apoptosis by targeting SIRT1
Authors: Duan Jianxiu , Yin Mingyuan , Shao Yaqin , Zheng Jiao , Nie Shengdan
Published: September 2021

Objective

Previous investigations indicated the anticancer activity of puerarin. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect and molecular mechanisms of puerarin in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells.

Methods

We examined the effects of puerarin in platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We also analyzed the molecular mechanism underlying Wnt/β-catenin inhibition and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) regulation following puerarin treatment.

Results

Our study demonstrated that puerarin effectively inhibited cell growth in vitro and in vivo by increasing apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. More importantly, puerarin sensitized cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy. Puerarin treatment decreased SIRT1 expression, which attenuated the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition, SIRT1 overexpression diminished the effects of puerarin treatment on cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Further analysis supported SIRT1/β-catenin expression as a candidate biomarker for the disease progression of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Conclusions

Puerarin increased the apoptosis of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells. The mechanism is partly related to the downregulation of SIRT1 and subsequent inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
The effect of organizational musical therapy on reducing the stress level of health care professionals in a public hospital
Authors: Matoso Leonardo Magela Lopes , de Oliveira Agostinha Mafalda Barra , de Sousa Juliana Carvalho
Published: October 2021

This study aimed at analyzing the influence of receptive organizational therapy on the levels of stress of nursing professionals in a public hospital. Concerning the methodology, the study has a quantitative approach and an explanatory nature and adopts quasi-experimental procedures. The research universe encompassed 74 nursing professionals. As a research tool, the study used the Lipp’s Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults. Primary results showed that, out of the 74 professionals, 20.3% ( n = 15) were classified as having no levels of stress. However, 79.7% ( n = 59) of the participants had some levels of stress. Out of these professionals, 71.6% ( n = 53) were in the second stage, known as resistance. Thirty days after the application of receptive musical therapy, the 74 professionals who took part in this experience had their levels of stress reevaluated and compared to the levels of stress from before the musical intervention with the use of the Wilcoxon test. The test results highlighted that the levels of stress during the resistance, near-exhaustion, and exhaustion stages were minimized. As a conclusion, therefore, receptive organizational musical therapy has meaningful effects on reducing stress and improving the work life quality of professionals.
The role of once-weekly online hemodiafiltration with low protein diet for initiation of renal replacement therapy: A case series
Authors: Takkavatakarn Kullaya , Kittiskulnam Piyawan , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Katavetin Pisut , Wongyai Niramon , Mahatanan Nanta , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Susantitaphong Paweena
Published: October 2021

Incremental hemodialysis (HD) has become an exciting approach according to the recognition of the importance of preserving residual kidney function (RKF). However, not all incident HD patients are suitable for this approach, particularly once-weekly HD. This is the first study which reported the effectiveness of once-weekly online-hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) plus low protein diet (LPD) in incident HD patients. All stage 5 CKD patients who had chosen HD as their treatment modality at the HD center of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, with RKF ⩾ 3 mL/min calculated by renal clearance of urea and urine output ⩾ 800 mL/day, started the treatment with once-weekly OL-HDF. Dietitians advised patients to consume LPD (0.6–0.8 g/kg/day) on non-dialysis days and a regular protein diet on the dialysis day (1.2 g/kg/day). Eleven incident HD patients were enrolled in the study. The mean RKF and urine volume at baseline were 4.56 ± 2.21 mL/min and 2,019.54 ± 743.73 mL/day, respectively. After 6 and 12 months of follow-up, the mean RKF of the patients who remained in the once-weekly OL-HDF protocol were 3.82 ± 1.68 mL/min and 3.28 ± 0.95 mL/min, respectively. The median duration of once-weekly OL-HDF before transitioning to twice- or thrice-weekly OL-HDF was 7 months (3–24 months). The most common indication for stepping prescription was too low RKF. We reported that dialysis initiation in the university-based center with once-weekly OL-HDF in carefully selected incident HD patients combined with LPD under serial monitoring is practical. Further studies on the clinical benefits of once-weekly OL-HDF are still required.
Numerical investigations of the clinching process and the failure prediction of clinched joints for dissimilar sheets
Authors: Li Qihan , Xu Chuanwei , Gao Song , Ma Fenglei , Zhao Qingming , Gu Dongwei , Han Xiaoheng
Published: October 2021

The clinching process is more and more used in automotive design and manufacturing. Traditional quality inspection of joints needs a lot of destructive tests, which is time-consuming and material-consuming. In this paper, the clinching process and joints failure of dissimilar materials, 6061 aluminium alloy and HC340/590DP dual-phase steel, are studied. A two-dimensional finite element model is established. Experiments were carried out to verify the numerical model. Through the axial tensile test, the quality of clinched joints for upper steel-lower aluminium alloy and upper aluminium alloy-lower steel were measured, respectively, and the strength and safety of the joints met the requirements of design indexes. The conventional prediction model of maximum tensile force and its modified model was researched. Combined with numerical simulation results, the fracture load, the separation load, and the failure mode of two clinched joints were predicted, respectively. Furthermore, the results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The results show that the modified prediction model of maximum tensile force has a good prediction result, and the error rate is less than 10%. The modified prediction model of maximum tensile force can effectively predict the tensile failure test results, which provides a basis for the quality evaluation and strength prediction optimization of dissimilar materials clinched joints.
Tension vector and structure matrix associated force sensitivity of a 6-DOF cable-driven parallel robot
Authors: Chen Qinglin , Lin Qi , Wei Guowu , Ren Lei
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the force sensitivity of 6-DOF cable-driven parallel robots (CDPRs) in order to propose a better force measurement device. Kinematics and dynamics for a CDPR of n-DOF are deduced and formulated, and algorithms for calculating the cable tension are developed. Then, by defining geometrical parameters related to the dimensions and configurations of the CDPRs, optimal methods for determining force sensitivity with respect to the structure matrix and twist vector of the 6-DOF CDPRs with two different moving platforms (i.e. a cubic-shaped, and a flat moving platform) are proposed. By using numerical examples integrated with external twists obtained from wind tunnel tests, simulations and analysis for the two type of 6-DOF CDPRs are carried out. The simulation results help identify the optimal dimensions that can be used to design 6-DOF-CDPR-based force measuring devices with high force sensitivity. Experiment validation is also conducted to verify the method proposed in this paper.
Dynamic analysis and vibration reduction of mechanical-hydraulic coupled tunnel boring machine (TBM) main drive system
Authors: Zhang Zhange , Ji Wenbo , Yang Bowen , Huo Junzhou , Li Xuanxuan
Published: October 2021

Tunnel Boring Machine always works in the changeable geologies with multiple drivers, which leads to severe vibration of the TBM main drive system and key component failures. The vibration characteristics of TBM under different working conditions and the vibration reduction analysis have important meanings. First of all, by considering the time-varying random loads of the cutters, the contact force of the gears, the stiffness of the main bearing, and the stiffness of the cylinders, a mechanical-hydraulic coupling nonlinear dynamic model of the TBM main drive system was built according to the assembly relationship and load transmission path of the main drive system. Secondly, the dynamic model of the TBM main drive system is verified by comparing the theoretical vibration with the real vibration of the TBM main drive system. The error of the vibration acceleration is 10% to 30%. Three typical loads are defined under typical working conditions, and the vibrations of the TBM main drive system under three typical loads were analyzed. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of the cylinder damping shows that the damping at the position of the propulsion cylinder has a great influence on the vibration of the TBM main drive system. The results show that when the damping coefficient is 2.5 × 106 N·s/m, the maximum reduction of axial acceleration of cutterhead is 0.64 g, and that of the main beam front section is 0.55 g. The variable damping coefficient vibration reduction strategies under three typical loads are verified.
Springback prediction and compensation method for anisotropy sheet in multi-point forming
Authors: Liu Chunguo , Li Ming , Qu Erhu
Published: October 2021

Multi-point forming (MPF) is widely used for three-dimensional (3D) curved surfaces, and the multi-point die (MPD) is reconstructed with the desired curvature and the compensated curvature which is caused by springback. Springback is affected by mechanical anisotropy of material in MPF. To predict the springback of anisotropy sheet in MPF process, the finite element models were established based on the three different yield criteria namely; von Mises, Hill's 48 and Yld2004-18p. To compensate the springback of anisotropy sheet, an algorithm with consideration of anisotropy for doubly curved sheet was proposed based on the results of the finite element simulation and the elastic perfect plastic biaxial bending model. The direct curvature adjustment (DCA) method and the Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) method are used to generate the die surface after springback compensation. The final shape of the workpiece is obtained by the execution of iterative compensation. The forming experiments were carried out and the results show that the anisotropic model is closer to the experiment than the isotropic model. Finally, the influences of blank thickness, part shape and forming radius on compensation accuracy were discussed to verify the applicability of the algorithm.
Indirect low-thrust trajectory optimization with gridded ion thruster model
Authors: Chi Zhemin , Wang Yang , Cheng Lin
Published: October 2021

The work deals with indirect optimization of minimum-time and minimum-fuel interplanetary trajectories when gridded ion thruster models are considered. Using an accurate model of solar electric propulsion is beneficial in preliminary mission design, and allows including operational constraints. The maximum thrust and the specific impulse are expressed as a function of thruster input power, which is achieved by means of point-fitting lines that match the performance capabilities of the thrusters. Minimum-time and minimum-fuel problems are formulated to be solved by indirect optimization. In order to increase the accuracy and robustness of the shooting procedure, analytic Jacobians are derived, and a hybrid switching detection technique is used to improve the integration accuracy for minimum-fuel problems. Two examples of Earth-to-Mars transfer and Near-Earth rendezvous mission using the realistic NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) are given to substantiate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sex, Drugs, and Genes: Illuminating the Moral Condemnation of Recreational Drugs
Authors: Karinen Annika K. , Wesseldijk Laura W. , Jern Patrick , Tybur Joshua M.
Published: October 2021

Over the past decade, evolutionary psychologists have proposed that many moral stances function to promote self-interests. At the same time, behavioral geneticists have demonstrated that many moral stances have genetic bases. We integrated these perspectives by examining how moral condemnation of recreational drug use relates to sexual strategy (i.e., being more vs. less open to sex outside of a committed relationship) in a sample of Finnish twins and siblings ( N = 8,118). Twin modeling suggested that genetic factors accounted for 53%, 46%, and 41% of the variance in drug condemnation, sociosexuality, and sexual-disgust sensitivity, respectively. Further, approximately 75% of the phenotypic covariance between drug condemnation and sexual strategy was accounted for by genes, and there was substantial overlap in the genetic effects underlying both drug condemnation and sexual strategy ( rg = .41). Results are consistent with the proposal that some moral sentiments are calibrated to promote strategic sexual interests, which arise partially via genetic factors.
Stackelberg game based co-firing biomass with coal under carbon cap-and-trade regulation
Authors: Xie Zongtang , Liu Hongxia
Published: September 2021

Coal-fired power industry is under enormous pressure to accomplish carbon emission reduction targets. This paper proposes a bi-level multi-objective model for co-firing biomass with coal under carbon cap-and-trade regulation which considers a leader-follower Stackelberg game between the authority and the coal-fired power plants. The upper level regards social welfare maximization and allocation satisfaction maximization as its multiple objectives, while the lower level attempts to maximize the profits of each coal-fired power plant. The inherent uncertainty prompts the motivation for employing fuzzy set theory to characterize the uncertain parameters and determine their exact values. A case study from Shandong Province, China is provided to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of the optimization model. [Formula: see text]-constraint method and interactive algorithm are used to solve the model, and furthermore the solutions associated with different free carbon emission quota levels and minimal allocation satisfactions have been generated to examine the influences. Based on the analysis and discussion, the methodology can meet the carbon emission reduction goals and transit to a lower-carbon power generation. It also assists the decision makers to develop desired quota allocation strategy in accordance with their attitudes and actual conditions.
A Cross-Cultural Genre Analysis of Firm-Generated Advertisements on Twitter and Sina Weibo
Authors: Shi Xingsong , Wan Wenjing
Published: October 2021

To investigate the generic features of firm-generated advertisements (FGAs) in cross-cultural contexts, this study analyzed 327 FGAs by Dell Technologies and the Lenovo Group on Twitter and Sina Weibo. Integrating affordances and multimodality into genre analysis, the study showed that the FGAs were characterized by (a) flexible move structure, (b) persuasive language, (c) visual illustration, and (d) hyperlinks, hashtagging (#), and mentioning (@) functions. The FGAs on Sina Weibo, compared with those on Twitter, tended to use more language play, emojis, and contextual product pictures and show more emphasis on the niche of products, incentives, and celebrity endorsement.