bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies in tear fluid
Authors: Muyldermans Astrid , Bjerke Maria , Demuyser Thomas , De Geyter Deborah , Wybo Ingrid , Soetens Oriane , Weets Ilse , Kuijpers Robert , Allard Sabine D , Piérard Denis , Raus Peter P M
Published: April 2021

Background/aims

SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious. More evidence concerning extrapulmonary transmission routes such as the eyes is urgently needed. Although the humoral immune response is important in the viral containment, the local response in tears has not yet been studied. The aim of our study was twofold: to assess the prevalence of both SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies in tear fluid.

Methods

In a first series, nasopharyngeal sampling and tear sampling by Schirmer test strips were performed in 26 acutely ill patients with COVID-19 to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by reverse transcription PCR. In a second series, IgG and IgA responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in serum and tear fluid of convalescent individuals (n=22) were compared with control individuals (n=15) by ELISA.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in tears of 7/26 (26.9%) patients with COVID-19. None of them had ocular symptoms. Convalescent individuals displayed a significant higher ratio of IgG (p<0.0001) and IgA (p=0.0068) in tears compared with control individuals. A sensitivity of 77.3% and specificity of 93.3% was observed for IgG, and 59.1% and 100% for IgA.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and a local IgG and IgA immune response in tear fluid. These data confirm the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through tear fluid and the importance of the eye as a first defence against SARS-CoV-2, indicating the potential of tears as a non-invasive surrogate for serum in monitoring the host immune response.
Some undesirable traps which can mislead the pathologist
Authors: Mercier Victor , Sasso Milène , Kouyoumdjian Pascal , Sizaret Damien , Benzimra Simon , Gonzalez Samia , Desoubeaux Guillaume
Published: April 2021

In clinical laboratories, the diagnosis of parasite diseases can sometimes be challenging for non-expert microbiologists. Indeed, in spite of the advent of the molecular biology, macroscopic and microscopic examinations still remain essential. Nonetheless, it is usually not automated and requires great skills to complete the correct diagnosis. It is not infrequent that inert elements mislead to erroneous diagnoses. Through three different concrete examples, this article aims at underscoring the actual risk of parasite misidentification and at highlighting the systematic approach to be conducted in order to enable reliable diagnosis.
Control of PD-L1 expression in CLL-cells by stromal triggering of the Notch-c-Myc-EZH2 oncogenic signaling axis
Authors: Böttcher Martin , Bruns Heiko , Völkl Simon , Lu Junyan , Chartomatsidou Elisavet , Papakonstantinou Nikos , Mentz Kristin , Büttner-Herold Maike , Zenz Thorsten , Herling Marco , Huber Wolfgang , Ghia Paolo , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Mackensen Andreas , Mougiakakos Dimitrios
Published: April 2021

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults. Emerging data suggest that CLL-cells efficiently evade immunosurveillance. T-cell deficiencies in CLL include immuno(metabolic) exhaustion that is achieved by inhibitory molecules, with programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling emerging as a major underlying mechanism. Moreover, CLL-cells are characterized by a close and recurrent interaction with their stromal niches in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. Here, they receive nurturing signals within a well-protected environment. We could previously show that the interaction of CLL-cells with stroma leads to c-Myc activation that is followed by metabolic adaptations. Recent data indicate that c-Myc also controls expression of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1. Therefore, we sought out to determine the role of stromal contact for the CLL-cells’ PD-L1 expression and thus their immuno-evasive phenotype.

To do so, we analyzed PD-L1 expression on CLL cell (subsets) in untreated patients and on healthy donor-derived B-cells. Impact of stromal contact on PD-L1 expression on CLL-cells and the underlying signaling pathways were assessed in well-established in vitro niche models. Ex vivo and in vitro findings were validated in the Eµ-TCL1 transgenic CLL mouse model.

We found increased PD-L1 expression on CLL-cells as compared with B-cells that was further enhanced in a cell-to-cell contact-dependent manner by stromal cells. In fact, circulating recent stromal-niche emigrants displayed higher PD-L1 levels than long-time circulating CLL-cells. Using our in vitro niche model, we show that a novel Notch-c-Myc-enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) signaling axis controls PD-L1 upregulation. Ultimately, elevated PD-L1 levels conferred increased resistance towards activated autologous T-cells.

In summary, our findings support the notion that the CLL microenvironment contributes to immune escape variants. In addition, several targetable molecules (eg, Notch or EZH2) could be exploited in view of improving immune responses in patients with CLL, which warrants further in-depth investigation.
Dissecting leadership education and assessment in surgery
Authors: Morad Raimand , Kumar Hemant , Snelling Iain
Published: April 2021

The importance of leadership is well recognised within surgery owing to the heavily teamwork dependent nature and uniquely dynamic working environment of the operating room. Teaching and assessment methods of leadership within UK surgical training has arguably lacked credence in comparison to the more tangible technical clinical competencies due to the fact that the daily tasks of surgeons are multifaceted and cannot be simplified into a tick-box exercise. As such, some surgical trainees perceive themselves to be minimally competent in their leadership ability. The new surgical curricula planned to be implemented by the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme in August 2021 aims to address this by shifting leadership training and assessment towards an outcome-based approach, rather than a competency-based approach, with an emphasis on the role of the professional judgement of trainers as well as trainee self-reflection. This article explores these proposed changes by framing them within the context of the wider literature pertaining to surgical leadership education.
LABEC, the INFN ion beam laboratory of nuclear techniques for environment and cultural heritage
Authors: Chiari M. , Barone S. , Bombini A. , Calzolai G. , Carraresi L. , Castelli L. , Czelusniak C. , Fedi M. E. , Gelli N. , Giambi F. , Giardi F. , Giuntini L. , Lagomarsino S. , Liccioli L. , Lucarelli F. , Manetti M. , Massi M. , Mazzinghi A. , Nava S. , Ottanelli P. , Sciortino S. , Ruberto C. , Sodi L. , Taccetti F. , Mandò P. A.
Published: April 2021

The LABEC laboratory, the INFN ion beam laboratory of nuclear techniques for environment and cultural heritage, located in the Scientific and Technological Campus of the University of Florence in Sesto Fiorentino, started its operational activities in 2004, after INFN decided in 2001 to provide our applied nuclear physics group with a large laboratory dedicated to applications of accelerator-related analytical techniques, based on a new 3 MV Tandetron accelerator. The new accelerator greatly improved the performance of existing Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) applications (for which we were using since the 1980s an old single-ended Van de Graaff accelerator) and in addition allowed to start a novel activity of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS), in particular for 14C dating. Switching between IBA and AMS operation became very easy and fast, which allowed us high flexibility in programming the activities, mainly focused on studies of cultural heritage and atmospheric aerosol composition, but including also applications to biology, geology, material science and forensics, ion implantation, tests of radiation damage to components, detector performance tests and low-energy nuclear physics. This paper describes the facilities presently available in the LABEC laboratory, their technical features and some success stories of recent applications.
Modules whose injectivity domains are restricted to semi-artinian modules
Authors: Atani Shahabaddin Ebrahimi , Khoramdel Mehdi , Hesari Saboura Dolati Pish
Published: April 2021

We introduce the notion of semi-poor modules and consider the possibility that all modules are either injective or semi-poor. This notion gives a generalization of poor modules that have minimal injectivity domain. A module [Formula: see text] is called semi-poor if whenever it is [Formula: see text]-injective and [Formula: see text], then the module [Formula: see text] has nonzero socle. In this paper the properties of semi-poor modules are investigated and are used to characterize various families of rings. We introduce the rings over which every module is either semi-poor or injective and call such condition property [Formula: see text]. The structure of the rings that have the property [Formula: see text] is completely determined. Also, we give some characterizations of rings with the property [Formula: see text] in the language of the lattice of hereditary pretorsion classes over a given ring. It is proved that a ring [Formula: see text] has the property [Formula: see text] iff either [Formula: see text] is right semi-Artinian or [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a semisimple Artinian ring and [Formula: see text] is right strongly prime and a right [Formula: see text]-ring with zero right socle.
Markets Everywhere: The Washington Consensus and the Sociology of Global Institutional Change
Authors: Babb Sarah , Kentikelenis Alexander
Published: April 2021

The dominance of free markets around the world is the defining feature of contemporary globalization. This current state of affairs is historically linked to the Washington Consensus, a coordinated campaign for the global diffusion of market-oriented policies that started more than 30 years ago. In this article, we review scholarship from multiple fields to assess the origins, evolution, and current status of the Washington Consensus: Where did it come from, how did it become dominant, and what happened to it? After laying out historical background, we present three alternative perspectives on the Washington Consensus: its organizational dimension, its ideational aspects, and its relationship to a historical moment of American dominance in world affairs. We then consider current debates on what has happened to the Washington Consensus. Finally, we lay out three directions for future sociological research on global institutional change, before making our concluding observations.
Recent Trends in Global Economic Inequality
Authors: Hung Ho-fung
Published: April 2021

Since the 1980s, globalization has reduced between-country inequality and increased within-country inequality in most countries. There has been a debate about whether global inequality, which combines both between- and within-country inequalities, increased or decreased. With more adequate and updated data over the past two decades, this debate has been settled. Global inequality unmistakably diminished in the age of globalization. Underlying this reduction in aggregate global inequality is the rise of China and India into the middle strata of the global income distribution, income stagnation of the working class in rich countries, and the expansion of internal inequality in poor and rich countries. This shift in global income distribution contributed to new geopolitical conflicts and political backlash against globalization in the developed world. This global distributive politics will in turn determine the future of globalization and shape the trajectory of global income inequality change.
Comparison of Ionic Transport Properties of Non-Aqueous Lithium and Sodium Hexafluorophosphate Electrolytes
Authors: Landesfeind Johannes , Hosaka Tomooki , Graf Maximilian , Kubota Kei , Komaba Shinichi , Gasteiger Hubert A.
Published: April 2021

To bridge the gap between current lithium-ion battery technology and alternative cell chemistries such as, e.g., sodium-ion batteries, the majority of the research in this field focuses on the improvement of the cell’s energy density by the development of new active materials for reversible storage of sodium ions. On the other hand, the power density, which is determined by the ionic transport and thermodynamic parameters in the electrolyte, namely the conductivity, the thermodynamic factor, the transference number, and the diffusion coefficient, is attracting little attention. In this contribution, we determine these electrolyte properties for 0.1 M to 2 M LiPF6 and NaPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate (EC:DEC (1:1 v:v)) and use them in 1D simulations to show their impact on the theoretical discharge rate performance of the lithium and sodium cell chemistry. We show that the increased cation size of sodium and its corresponding weaker solvent interactions are beneficial for high power applications and that the improved ionic transport properties would allow for a substantial increase of either the (dis)charge currents or the electrode areal loading, compared to the well-established lithium system.
Review—Reversible Heat Effects in Cells Relevant for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Gunnarshaug Astrid F. , Vie Preben J. S. , Kjelstrup Signe
Published: April 2021

We review measurements of reversible heat effects in lithium-ion batteries, i.e. entropy changes and Seebeck coefficients of cells with relevant electrodes. We show how to compute the Peltier heat of battery electrodes from Seebeck coefficients. The Seebeck coefficient depends on the heat of transfer (Soret effect), which is found from the difference of initial and stationary state values of the Seebeck coefficient. We apply non-equilibrium thermodynamics theory and obtain initial Peltier heats not reported before. For the oxidation of lithium metal we propose the value 34 ± 2 kJ mol−1 when the electrolyte contains 1 M LiPF6, while the value is 29 ± 1 kJ mol−1 when the electrolyte contains 1 M LiClO4. The positive values imply that the electrode cools when it serves as an anode. For oxidation of lithium under stationary state conditions, the stationary state Peltier heat is ≈120 kJ mol−1. A large reversible heating effect can then be expected for the single electrode; much larger than expected from the full-cell entropy change. These values have a bearing on thermal modelling of batteries. Peltier heats for anodic reactions are presented in tables available for such modelling. We discuss the need for measurements and point at opportunities.
Male and female high-fat diet-fed Dahl SS rats are largely protected from vascular dysfunctions: PVAT contributions reveal sex differences
Authors: Watts Stephanie W. , Darios Emma S. , Contreras G. Andres , Garver Hannah , Fink Gregory D.
Published: April 2021

Although the aorta exhibits medial hypertrophy in response to HF diet-induced hypertension, it did not exhibit hyperresponsive contraction to an α-adrenergic agonist nor endothelial cell dysfunction; this was true for both sexes. Unlike other hypertension models, PVAT around aorta from (male) rats on the HF diet retained significant anticontractile activity. PVAT around aorta of the male on a HF diet was modestly more fibrotic and lost the ability to assist in arterial stress relaxation.
Deficiency of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase modulates functional and biochemical parameters of the heart in response to Western-type diet
Authors: Wingard Mary C. , Dalal Suman , Shook Paige L. , Myers Rachel , Connelly Barbara A. , Thewke Douglas P. , Singh Mahipal , Singh Krishna
Published: April 2021

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase deficiency in humans associates with enhanced susceptibility to ischemic heart disease. Here, we provide evidence that ATM deficiency accelerates body weight gain and associates with increased cardiac preload, hypertrophy, and apoptosis in mice fed with Western-type diet (WD). Further investigations of the role of ATM deficiency in WD-induced alterations in function and biochemical parameters of the heart may provide clinically applicable information on treatment and/or nutritional counseling for patients with ATM deficiency.
Efficacy and Safety of Intra‐Articular Platelet‐Rich Plasma in Osteoarthritis Knee: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hong Mao , Cheng Chongjie , Sun Xiaowei , Yan Yan , Zhang Qidong , Wang Weiguo , Guo Wanshou
Published: April 2021

Background. Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease in aged adults. Intra‐articular (IA) injection of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an effective minimally invasive treatment for KOA. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) with placebo or other conservative treatments. Methods. We conducted a meta‐analysis to identify relevant articles from online register databases such as PubMed, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcomes were the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score. The secondary outcome was the adverse event rate. Results. A total of 895 articles were identified, of which 23 randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria were determined as eligible. Compared with placebo, PRP had a lower VAS score and higher IKDC subjective score at the 6th month after treatment and significantly less WOMAC score during the follow‐up period. Compared with oral NSAIDs, PRP gained a lower WOMAC score at the 6th month after treatment. The VAS score decreased after treatment when reaching PRP and CS. As compared to the HA, the VAS score, WOMAC score, and IKDC subjective score all revealed better PRP results. There were no significant differences in adverse event rates comparing PRP versus placebo or HA. Different PRP applications did not show significant differences in VAS score in the 1st month and WOMAC score in the 3rd month after treatment. Conclusion. To compare with the conservative treatments mentioned above, PRP is more effective in relieving symptoms. There were no significant differences between triple PRP application and single PRP application in short‐term curative effect.
Antiprostate Cancer Activity of Ineupatolide Isolated from Carpesium cernuum L.
Authors: Huang Yuan-she , Mao Jing-xin , Zhang Lai , Guo Hong-wei , Yan Chen , Chen Min
Published: April 2021

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the antiprostate cancer effects and mechanism of ineupatolide (T‐21), a natural product isolated from the Compositae plant Carpesium cernuum L., on PC‐3 human prostate cancer cells. Methods. The effect of T‐21 on the proliferation of PC‐3 cells was detected by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, cell migration, and invasion experiments; the morphology of cell apoptosis was observed by Hoechst‐propidium iodide staining; the effects of T‐21 on PC‐3 cell apoptosis and the cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry; and the effect of T‐21 on the expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p‐AKT), AKT, X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (xlAP), procaspase‐3, and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) in PC‐3 cells was measured by western blotting. Results. T‐21 significantly inhibited the proliferation of cells, and its half‐maximal inhibitory concentrations at 12, 24, and 48 h were 38.46 ± 1.01, 24.63 ± 0.70, and 7.36 ± 0.58 μM, respectively. T‐21 may promote cell apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner and block the cell cycle in the G2 and S phases. In addition, T‐21 significantly reduced the protein expression levels of p‐AKT, AKT, xlAP, procaspase‐3, and PARP. Conclusion. T‐21 exhibits antiproliferation effects on PC‐3 cells by promoting apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle in the G2 and S phases. The possible mechanism underlying its potential therapeutic effects against prostate cancer is related to the AKT/xlAP pathway.
Perspectives and Development of Electrical Systems in More Electric Aircraft
Authors: Arabul Ahmet Yigit , Kurt Emre , Keskin Arabul Fatma , Senol İbrahim , Schrötter Martin , Bréda Róbert , Megyesi Dávid
Published: April 2021

On-board electrical systems are the key components of each modern aircraft. They enable its safer, more comfortable, and environmentally friendlier operation. The strict regulations to reduce pollution and noise are produced by aircraft eventuated in projects like Clean Sky or ICAO Global Coalition for Sustainable Aviation. One solution to environmentally friendlier operation is the full electric propulsion of the aircraft, which enables the reduction of both noise and pollution. Such a concept requires a total change of all on-board power systems and enables the profound change in aircraft design. This paper presents the evolution of aircraft power systems into the so-called more electric aircraft (MEA) and discusses the state-of-the-art electrical systems. Furthermore, the concept of all-electric aircraft (AEA) is presented here.
Acoustic Performance Evaluation of Dense‐Graded Asphalt Pavements in Qatar
Authors: Sirin Okan , Ohiduzzaman Md , Kassem Emad , Hassan Wahid
Published: April 2021

There is pressing and growing demand from the public to design and construct roads with a low noise level. This paper investigated the acoustic performance of asphalt pavements in the State of Qatar to assist transport authorities in designing and constructing quieter pavements. In this study, a field‐testing setup was assembled to measure the tire‐pavement noise of dense‐graded asphalt (DGA) pavements at the source using the on‐board sound intensity (OBSI) method. The repeatability and reproducibility of test results demonstrated that the assembled OBSI test setup could measure the sound intensity with excellent repeatability and reproducibility. The measured noise level of existing pavements varied from 101.8 dBA to 106.2 dBA depending on the age of pavement sections. Measured noise levels of pavements in Qatar were higher than typical DGA pavements in Europe and the US. Test results also demonstrated that the acoustic performance of pavements in Qatar deteriorates faster compared to those in the US and Europe. The findings of this study demonstrate that there is a need to consider alternative asphalt mixture designs in Qatar and the Arabian Gulf. The results also showed a good correlation between the mean texture depth of studied pavement sections and noise level, especially at the low‐frequency range.
Solution of Space-Time-Fractional Problem by Shehu Variational Iteration Method
Authors: Cetinkaya Suleyman , Demir Ali , Sevindir Hulya Kodal
Published: April 2021

In this study, we deal with the problem of constructing semianalytical solution of mathematical problems including space-time-fractional linear and nonlinear differential equations. The method, called Shehu Variational Iteration Method (SVIM), applied in this study is a combination of Shehu transform (ST) and variational iteration method (VIM). First, ST is utilized to reduce the time-fractional differential equation with fractional derivative in Liouville-Caputo sense into an integer-order differential equation. Later, VIM is implemented to construct the solution of reduced differential equation. The convergence analysis of this method and illustrated examples confirm that the proposed method is one of best procedures to tackle space-time-fractional differential equations.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction Contributes to Aging‐Related Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Liu Chuanbin , Bai Jing , Dan Qing , Yang Xue , Lin Kun , Fu Zihao , Lu Xu , Xie Xiaoye , Liu Jianwei , Fan Li , Li Yang
Published: April 2021

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases with age, and telomere length gradually shortens with age. However, whether telomere length is related to AF is still inconclusive, and the exact mechanism by which aging causes the increased incidence of AF is still unclear. We hypothesize that telomere length is correlated with aging‐related AF and that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in this. This research recruited 96 elderly male patients with AF who were admitted to the Second Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from April to October 2018. After matching by age and gender, 96 non‐AF elderly male patients who were admitted to the hospital for physical examination during the same period were selected as controls. Anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory analyses were performed on all subjects. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of peripheral blood leukocytes was detected as the indicator of mitochondrial function. Compared with the control group, the leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was significantly shorter (P < 0.001), and the level of PGC‐1α in serum was significantly lower in AF patients. Additionally, in subjects without any other diseases, the AF patients had lower MMP when compared with the control. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that LTL (OR 0.365; 95% CI 0.235‐0.568; P < 0.001) and serum PGC‐1α (OR 0.993; 95% CI 0.988‐0.997; P = 0.002) were inversely associated with the presence of AF. In addition, ROC analysis indicated the potential diagnostic value of LTL and serum PGC‐1α with AUC values of 0.734 and 0.633, respectively. This research concludes that LTL and serum PGC‐1α are inversely correlated with the occurrence of aging‐related AF and that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in this.
The Improvement of Hölder’s Inequality with
r
-Conjugate Exponents Relative to the

L

p

-Norm
Authors: Liang Xiaojun , Wan Aying
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates Hölder’s inequality under the condition of

r

-conjugate exponents in the sense that

∑

k
=
1

s

1
/

p

k

=
1
/
r

. Successively, we have, under

r

-conjugate exponents relative to the

L

p

-norm, investigated generalized Hölder’s inequality, the interpolation of Hölder’s inequality, and generalized

s

-order Hölder’s inequality which is an expansion of the known Hölder’s inequality.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Abnormal Endometrial Conditions in Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hu Jiayu , Shi Wenhua , Xu Jiayue , Liu Shaoxuan , Hu Siya , Fu Wenjing , Wang Jing , Han Fengjuan
Published: April 2021

Background. Endometrial lesions in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit complex pathological features, and these patients are at risk of both short-term and long-term complications. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which is gradually becoming more accepted and is believed to be clinically effective, claims to be promising for treating PCOS, and thus its effect on the abnormal endometrium of PCOS patients should be assessed. The present meta-analysis sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CAM in treating endometrial lesions in patients with PCOS. Methods. Randomized trials on CAM were identified in four Chinese and seven English-language databases from their establishment to January 2020. The present study included patients diagnosed with PCOS and abnormal endometrial conditions who underwent CAM therapy independently or in combination with traditional western medicine. Data were extracted, and the Cochrane “risk of bias” tool was used to assess methodological quality. Effects were expressed as the relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD/SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) as calculated with Rev Man 5.3. Results. A total of 13 randomized controlled trials were included, involving 1,297 PCOS patients treated for endometrial abnormalities. Methodological quality was generally unclear or had a low risk of bias. The trials tested four different types of CAM therapies (i.e., traditional Chinese medicine treatment, acupuncture treatment, traditional Chinese medicine in combination with western medicine treatment, and acupuncture in combination with western medicine treatment). CAM treatment could significantly reduce the endometrial thickness in PCOS patients compared to western medicine alone (SMD −0.88, 95% CI [−0.12, −0.57]; I2 = 64%). Compared with clomiphene treatment for the induction of ovulation, CAM treatment showed a clear improvement in endometrial thickness during ovulation (SMD 2.03, 95% CI [1.64, 2.02]; I2 = 48%). Moreover, CAM was more effective than western medicine alone in reducing the endometrial spiral artery pulsatility index. No significant difference was seen between CAM and traditional treatment when these were used to improve traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores. Acupuncture alone or traditional Chinese medicines (taken orally) in combination with western medicine significantly increased the pregnancy rate of PCOS patients (RR 1.59, 95% CI [1.30, 1.93]; I2 = 51%,P<0.00001), and CAM was more effective than western medicine alone for improving hormone levels. No serious adverse events were reported in 11 of the 13 trials. Conclusions. CAM may effectively ameliorate the endometrial condition of PCOS patients, and it can regulate the level of hormone secretion to increase the ovulation rate and the pregnancy rate.
Multiattribute Decision-Making Method with Intuitionistic Fuzzy Archimedean Bonferroni Means
Authors: Zhao Hengzhi
Published: April 2021

The Bonferroni mean (BM) can portray the inter-relationships among the arguments, which is based on algebraic norm. Archimedean norm is the generalization of algebraic norm. In this work, the intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) BMs on the basis of the Archimedean norm are investigated, including the Archimedean norm-based IF arithmetic BM (AN-IFABM) and the Archimedean norm-based IF geometric BM (AN-IFGBM). Then, we discuss their typical properties and several particular cases of the AN-IFABM and AN-IFGBM in detail. Moreover, we design the Archimedean norm-based IF weighted arithmetic BM (AN-IFWABM) and the Archimedean norm-based IF weighted geometric BM (AN-IFWGBM) to consider the importance of each argument and their interconnections. Applying the proposed extensions, an approach is designed to cope with the multiattribute decision-making (MADM) problems. Finally, an efficiency evaluation problem of some public companies in China is analyzed by the proposed approach to demonstrate its applicability and validity.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial, and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Essential Oils from Flower, Leaf, and Stem of Rhynchanthus beesianus
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhao Xiaoge , Lu Tingya , Yang Yao , Hong Yi , Tian Minyi , Zhou Ying
Published: April 2021

Rhynchanthus beesianus is a medicinal, ornamental, and edible plant, and its essential oil has been used as an aromatic stomachic in China. In this study, the chemical constituents, antibacterial, and anti‐inflammatory properties of flower essential oil (F‐EO), leaf essential oil (L‐EO), and stem essential oil (S‐EO) of R. beesianus were investigated for the first time. According to the GC‐FID/MS assay, the F‐EO was mainly composed of bornyl formate (21.7%), 1,8‐cineole (21.6%), borneol (9.7%), methyleugenol (7.7%), β‐myrcene (5.4%), limonene (4.7%), camphene (4.5%), linalool (3.4%), and α‐pinene (3.1%). The predominant components of L‐EO were bornyl formate (33.9%), borneol (13.2%), 1,8‐cineole (12.1%), methyleugenol (8.0%), camphene (7.8%), bornyl acetate (6.2%), and α‐pinene (4.3%). The main components of S‐EO were borneol (22.5%), 1,8‐cineole (21.3%), methyleugenol (14.6%), bornyl formate (11.6%), and bornyl acetate (3.9%). For the bioactivities, the F‐EO, L‐EO, and S‐EO exhibited significant antibacterial property against Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli with the inhibition zones (7.28–9.69 mm), MIC (3.13–12.50 mg/mL), and MBC (6.25–12.50 mg/mL). Besides, the F‐EO, L‐EO, and S‐EO significantly inhibited the production of proinflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) (93.15–94.72%) and cytokines interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (23.99–77.81%) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (17.69–24.93%) in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells at the dose of 128 μg/mL in the absence of cytotoxicity. Hence, the essential oils of R. beesianus flower, leaf, and stem could be used as natural antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory agents with a high application potential in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields.
On Controlled Rectangular Metric Spaces and an Application
Authors: Alamgir Nayab , Kiran Quanita , Aydi Hassen , Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notion of controlled rectangular metric spaces as a generalization of rectangular metric spaces and rectangularb-metric spaces. Further, we establish some related fixed point results. Our main results extend many existing ones in the literature. The obtained results are also illustrated with the help of an example. In the last section, we apply our results to a common real-life problem in a general form by getting a solution for the Fredholm integral equation in the setting of controlled rectangular metric spaces.
Correlation between Chest X‐Ray Severity in COVID‐19 and Age in Mexican‐Mestizo Patients: An Observational Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Albrandt-Salmeron Arturo , Espejo-Fonseca Ruby , Roldan-Valadez Ernesto
Published: April 2021

Introduction. Chest X‐ray (CXR) is used for the initial triage of patients with suspected COVID‐19. Studies of CXR scoring in the European population found a higher score in males than in females and significantly correlated with age. Because there have not been studies in the Mexican‐mestizo community, we aimed to compare the differences in CXR scores between males and females and their correlation with age after controlling comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study of 1000 CXR of Mexican‐mestizo patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, confirmed by RT‐PCR. Significant differences between age, age groups, symptoms, comorbidities, and CXR scores between males and females used the Mann–Whitney U, Chi‐square tests (χ2), and Kruskal–Wallis tests. The relationship between the total CXR score and age was measured with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (Rs); partial correlation analysis controlled the effect of symptoms, risk factors, and comorbidities. Results. The total CXR score did not show a difference between males and females grouped by age. There was a positive, low correlation between the total CXR score and age in males, Rs = 0.260, p < 0.001 (N = 616), and in females, Rs = 0.170, p = 0.001 (N = 384). Age only explained a <9% variance of CXR severity. Rs decreased its magnitude (from Rs = 0.152 to Rs = 0.046) and lost its significance (change in p value from p < 0.001 to p = 0.145) after controlling the effect of hypertension. Conclusions. There is no significant difference in CXR score between males and females in the Mexican‐mestizo population grouped by age. Hypertension cancels the significance of CXR severity with age pointing to its role in the pathophysiology of COVID‐19. Further research using stratified groups by age and gender in other populations needs to be published.
[Retracted] Predicting Decreased Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Moyamoya Disease after Revascularization: Development and Assessment of a New Predictive Nomogram
Authors: Zhao Yani , Yang Dongliang , Li Gang , Zhao Peng , Luan Xiaorong , Li Haiyan
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram model to predict the risk of decreased activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) following revascularization. The nomogram model was constructed based on data from 292 patients with MMD that were treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2018 to June 2019. The prediction model was assessed using a dataset of 119 patients with MMD collected from July 2019 to June 2020. Patients were evaluated with a general information questionnaire and the Mini Mental Status Examination, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, and ADL Scale. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to build a prediction model incorporating the features selected in the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the prediction model were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis. Predictors contained in the nomogram included gender, age, monthly income, hypertension, and cognitive function and depression scores. The areas under the ROC curves of the training and testing datasets were 0.938 and 0.853, respectively. The prediction model displayed good calibration, and the decision curve analysis showed that it had a wide range of clinical applications. This novel predictive could be conveniently used to predict the risk of the decreased living activity ability in patients with MMD.
Gardnerella vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Are Effectively Inhibited by Lactobacilli with Probiotic Properties Isolated from Brazilian Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) Fruit
Authors: das Neves Selis Nathan , de Oliveira Hellen Braga Martins , dos Anjos Yan Bento , Leão Hiago Ferreira , Sampaio Beatriz Almeida , Correia Thiago Macêdo Lopes , Reis Mariane Mares , Brito Thamara Louisy Santos , Almeida Carolline Florentino , Pena Larissa Silva Carvalho , Brito Laís Ferraz , Ornelas Roberta Maria , Santos Tizá Teles , Campos Guilherme Barreto , Timenetsky Jorge , Cruz Mariluze Peixoto , da Costa Andréa Miura , Yatsuda Regiane , Uetanabaro Ana Paula Trovatti , Marques Lucas Miranda
Published: April 2021

In recent years, certain Lactobacillus sp. have emerged in health care as an alternative therapy for various diseases. Based on this, this study is aimed at evaluating in vitro the potential probiotics of five lactobacilli strains isolated from pulp of cupuaçu fruit fermentation against Gardnerella vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Our lactobacilli strains were classified as safe for use in humans, and they were tolerant to heat and pH. Our strains were biofilm producers, while hydrophobicity and autoaggregation varied from 13% to 86% and 13% to 25%, respectively. The coaggregation of lactobacilli used in this study with G. vaginalis and N. gonorrhoeae ranged from 15% to 36% and 32% to 52%, respectively. Antimicrobial activity was present in all tested Lactobacillus strains against both pathogens, and the growth of pathogens in coculture was reduced by the presence of our lactobacilli. Also, all tested lactobacilli reduced the pH of the culture, even in incubation with pathogens after 24 hours. The cell‐free culture supernatants (CFCS) of all five lactobacilli demonstrated activity against the two pathogens with a halo presence and CFCS characterization assay together with gas chromatography revealed that lactic acid was the most abundant organic acid in the samples (50% to 62%). Our results demonstrated that the organic acid production profile is strain‐specific. This study revealed that cupuaçu is a promising source of microorganisms with probiotic properties against genital pathogens. We demonstrated by in vitro tests that our Lactobacillus strains have probiotic properties. However, the absence of in vivo tests is a limitation of our work due to the need to evaluate the interaction of our lactobacilli with pathogens in the vaginal mucosa. We believe that these findings may be useful in developing a product containing our lactobacilli and their supernatants in order to support with vaginal health.
Statistical Model of Normal Contact Stiffness of Fixed Joint Surface during Unloading after First Loading
Authors: Yin Donghua , Zhang Xueliang , Chen Yonghui , Lan Guosheng , Wang Yanhui , Wen Shuhua
Published: April 2021

Based on Kogut and Etsion’s model (KE model), a statistical method is used to establish a model of normal contact stiffness of fixed joint surface during unloading after first loading. Simulation results show that, for the elastoplastic contact, normal contact stiffness of joint surface is the nonlinear function of mean surface separation during loading and unloading and decreases as the separation increases. For different plasticity indexes, the normal contact stiffness of joint surface varies differently following the change of mean surface separation during loading and unloading.
Fibrinogen Level Predicts Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Meng Zhongyuan , Zhao Yaxin , He Yan
Published: April 2021

Background. Heart failure (HF) is a common cardiovascular disease, which is related to systemic inflammation for decades. Fibrinogen (FIB) is a sign of thrombosis and inflammation, which is associated with the prognosis of many diseases. Nevertheless, the role of fibrinogen level in the prognosis of critically ill patients with acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure is unclear. Methods. The data are from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC III) database, which is a freely accessible critical care database. The primary outcome in our study was 90-day mortality. The prognostic value of fibrinogen was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Kaplan-Meier curve, and Cox model. Results. A total of 554 patients were included. Patients were divided into two groups, low fibrinogen level (<284 mg/dl) and high fibrinogen level (≥284 mg/dl), through the cut-off value of the ROC curve. The area under the ROC curve of fibrinogen for predicting 90-day mortality was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.59–0.70). In the unadjusted Cox model, compared with the low fibrinogen level (<284 mg/dl), the 90-day mortality of the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the high fibrinogen level is 3.33 (95% CI 2.15-5.15). In different multivariable Cox models, compared with the low fibrinogen level (<284 mg/dl), the 90-day mortality of the hazard ratio of the high fibrinogen level is from 2.83 to 3.13. In subgroup analyses, significant interactions were observed only in age, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and APS III scores. Conclusion. Our data suggest that high fibrinogen levels (≥284 mg/dl) independently predict mortality in critically ill patients with acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure. Our findings need to be further validated by large prospective studies and longer follow-up time.
Lung Cancer Radiotherapy: Simulation and Analysis Based on a Multicomponent Mathematical Model
Authors: Hong Wen-song , Wang Shun-guan , Zhang Gang-qing
Published: April 2021

Background. Lung cancer has been one of the most deadly illnesses all over the world, and radiotherapy can be an effective approach for treating lung cancer. Now, mathematical model has been extended to many biomedical fields to give a hand for analysis, evaluation, prediction, and optimization. Methods. In this paper, we propose a multicomponent mathematical model for simulating the lung cancer growth as well as radiotherapy treatment for lung cancer. The model is digitalized and coded for computer simulation, and the model parameters are fitted with many research and clinical data to provide accordant results along with the growth of lung cancer cells in vitro. Results. Some typical radiotherapy plans such as stereotactic body radiotherapy, conventional fractional radiotherapy, and accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy are simulated, analyzed, and discussed. The results show that our mathematical model can perform the basic work for analysis and evaluation of the radiotherapy plan. Conclusion. It will be expected that in the near future, mathematical model will be a valuable tool for optimization in personalized medical treatment.
Seismic Vibration Mitigation of a Cable-Stayed Bridge with Asymmetric Pounding Tuned Mass Damper
Authors: Zhang Peng , Tan Jie , Liu Haitao , Yang Gang , Cui Chunyi
Published: April 2021

In order to mitigate the seismic response of a cable-stayed bridge, a new type damping device named asymmetric pounding tuned mass damper (APTMD) is developed in this paper on the basis of the traditional symmetric pounding tuned mass damper. The novel APTMD has three parameters to be determined: the left-side gap, the right-side gap, and the frequency ratio. A numerical model of the APTMD damping system is established with consideration of both the computational efficiency and accuracy to enable the parametric optimization of the damper. The numerical model is based on a simplified model of the cable-stayed bridge and a nonlinear pounding force model. The genetic algorithm is utilized for the optimization of the damper. Afterwards, the cable-stayed bridge is subjected to 20 recorded ground motions to evaluate the vibration control effectiveness of the APTMD. Four systems are considered: (1) without dampers; (2) with a TMD; (3) with a PTMD; and (4) with an APTMD. Time history analysis reveals the following: (1) those dampers can all effectively suppress the vibration of the bridge and (2) the vibration control effectiveness of the APTMD is slightly better than the TMD and the PTMD.
Study on the Mechanical Properties of Chlorine Saline Soil under the Interaction of Multiple Factors
Authors: Xu Anhua , Wang Pengcheng , Fang Jianhong
Published: April 2021

The distribution of chlorine saline soils is extensive in Haixi region of Qinghai Province in Northwest China. Its natural and geographical conditions are unique, and the external environment varies greatly. To study the effects of variable external environment on the mechanical characteristics of chlorine saline soils, a number of unconsolidated undrained (UU) dynamic triaxial tests under different confining pressure, moisture content, and loading frequency were carried out. The dynamic stress–dynamic strain, failure strength, dynamic elastic modulus, and parameter of shear strength were analyzed. The triaxial test results demonstrated that the stress–strain curves of the soil were strain-hardening. The failure strength and dynamic elastic modulus increased with the increasing of confining pressure; the law with moisture content and loading frequency were inconsistent. The dynamic cohesion and dynamic friction angle increased with the increasing of loading frequency, but decreased with the increasing of moisture content. Besides, the significance analysis theory was used to analyze the effect degree of different factors. It found that the effects of confining pressure, loading frequency, and the interaction between confining pressure and frequency on mechanical characteristics were significant, but the moisture content had less effect.
Rough Set Neural Network Feature Extraction and Pattern Recognition of Shaft Orbits Based on the Zernike Moment
Authors: Ge Xinfeng , Zhang Jing , Zhou Ye , Cai Jianguo , Zhang Hui , Hua Hongchang , Chen Dong , Zhao Ming , Du Jinqi , Zheng Yuan
Published: April 2021

In the shaft axis monitoring of hydrogenerating unit condition monitoring and fault diagnosis, the shaft orbit is intuitive and comprehensively reflects the unit operation state, and different shaft orbits correspond to different fault types, which can accurately indicate a system vibration fault. Shaft orbit identification has important significance for vibration fault diagnosis. In getting the feature extraction and pattern recognition of a shaft orbit, the Zernike moment is better than the Hu moment; it has the advantages of a small calculation error and a high recognition rate. A rough set neural network (RS‐BP hybrid model) of shaft orbit recognition is established, which uses just 13 moment eigenvalues reserved by the rough set feature selection algorithm as input variables; it has the same calculation error and recognition rate and reduces the calculation time step. The simulation of the recognition of shaft orbits shows that the hybrid model has achieved good results in the identification of shaft orbits.