bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zircon U–Pb Dating and Lu‐Hf Isotope of the Retrograded Eclogite from Chicheng, Northern Hebei Province, China
Authors: Kong Xu , Qi Xueyuan , Mi Wentian , Dong Xiaoxin
Published: June 2021

We report zircon U–Pb ages and Lu‐Hf isotopic data from two sample of the retrograded eclogite in the Chicheng area. Two groups of the metamorphic zircons from the Chicheng retrograded eclogite were identified: group one shows characteristics of depletion in LREE and flat in HREE curves and exhibit no significant Eu anomaly, and this may imply that they may form under eclogite facies metamorphic condition; group two is rich in HREE and shows slight negative Eu anomaly indicated that they may form under amphibolite facies metamorphic condition. Zircon Lu‐Hf isotopic of εHf from the Chicheng eclogite has larger span range from 6.0 to 18.0, which suggests that the magma of the eclogite protolith may be mixed with partial crustal components. The peak eclogite facies metamorphism of Chicheng eclogite may occur at 348.5–344.2 Ma and its retrograde metamorphism of amphibolite fancies may occur at ca. 325.0 Ma. The Hongqiyingzi Complex may experience multistage metamorphic events mainly including Late Archean (2494–2448 Ma), Late Paleoproterozoic (1900–1734 Ma, peak age = 1824.6 Ma), and Phanerozoic (495–234 Ma, peak age = 323.7 Ma). Thus, the metamorphic event (348.5–325 Ma) of the Chicheng eclogite is in accordance with the Phanerozoic metamorphic event of the Hongqiyingzi Complex. The eclogite facies metamorphic age of the eclogite is in accordance with the metamorphism (granulite facies or amphibolite facies) of its surrounding rocks, which implied that the tectonic subduction and exhumation of the retrograded eclogite may cause the regional metamorphism of garnet biotite plagioclase gneiss.
Serial Exhaustive Extraction Revealed Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Platycerium stemaria (Beauv) Desv
Authors: Ngouana Vincent , Zeuko’o Menkem Elisabeth , Youmbi Diane Yimta , Yimgang Lorette Victorine , Toghueo Rufin Marie Kouipou , Boyom Fabrice Fekam
Published: June 2021

Microbial infections are increasing worldwide, and the widespread emergence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens poses a severe threat to public health. Medicinal plants are well‐known sources of bioactive ingredients. This study was designed to determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts from Platycerium stemaria. The serial exhaustive extraction method using a solvent of increasing polarity from nonpolar (hexane) to polar (water) was designed to prepare crude extracts; liquid‐liquid partition was used to fractionate of active extracts. The extracts and fractions were screened for antimicrobial activity on bacteria and yeasts using the microdilution method. The antioxidant activity was done using DPPH and FRAP assays. Out of the sixteen extracts screened, four (PsHex, PsH2O(H), PsMeOH(EA), and PsMeOH) exhibited potency with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 31.25 to 500 μg/mL. Out of the four extracts, two, including PsMeOH and PsMeOH(EA), exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity with the antiradical power of 8.94 × 10−5 and 47.96 × 10−5, respectively, and ferric reducing antioxidant power values ranging from 0.34 to 61.53 μg equivalent Vit C/g of extract. The phytochemical screening of the promising crude extracts revealed flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, and anthraquinones. This study reports the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of P. stemaria for the first time. The results showed that the serial exhaustive extraction approach used in this study allowed capturing the antimicrobial and antioxidant metabolites beyond the single extraction, indicating the need for a rigorous choice of an appropriate solvent and method for extracting P. stemaria. Further investigation is needed to characterize the active ingredients present in the promising extracts.
[Retracted] Mode Optimization and Rule Management of Intellectual Property Rights Protection of Educational Resource Data Based on Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Cao Jiawei
Published: June 2021

Educational resource data are a collection of final documents obtained by users, including full‐text journals, books, dissertations, newspapers, conference papers, and other database materials. While searching for information in the educational resource database, these resources also have functions such as copying, downloading, reproduction, and dissemination, which raise the issue of expression and protection of intellectual property. Machine learning takes how computers simulate human learning behaviors as the main research content, which can independently determine learning objects, construct their characteristics, perform additional operations beyond the limitations of preset instructions, and discover value from the expression of relative works. On the basis of summarizing and analyzing previous research works, this paper expounded the current research status and significance of intellectual property expression and protection of educational resource data; elaborated the development background, current status, and future challenges of machine learning technology; introduced the methods and principles of data classification algorithm and protection authority identification; performed the technical framework design and expression system establishment of the intellectual property expression of educational resource data based on machine learning; analyzed the mode optimization and rule management of intellectual property protection of educational resource data based on machine learning; and finally conducted a simulation experiment and its result analysis. The results show that the machine learning technology can build a subject‐oriented, highly integrated, and time‐changing educational resource data storage environment; the comprehensive, analysis‐oriented decision‐supporting system formed by machine learning can give full play to the potential role of data integration and value discovery and is therefore of great significance for the intellectual property expression and protection of integrated and complexly‐related educational resource data. The study results of this paper provide a reference for further research on the intellectual property expression and protection of educational resource data based on machine learning.
Research on Control of Rib Spalling Disaster in the Three‐Soft Coal Seam
Authors: Cui Feng , Zhang Tinghui , Cheng Xiaoqiang
Published: June 2021

Rib spalling disaster at the coal mining faces severely restricted the safe and efficient output of coal resources. In order to solve this problem, based on the analysis of the current status of rib spalling in the three‐soft coal seam 1508 Working Face of Heyang Coal Mine, a mechanical model of sliding‐type rib spalling was established and the main influencing factors that affect rib spalling are given. The mechanism of grouting technology to prevent and control rib spalling has been theoretically analyzed. A similarity simulation experiment is used to analyze the change law of roof stress under the condition of three‐soft coal seam mining. The optimal grouting pressure is determined by a numerical simulation experiment. And, silicate‐modified polymer grouting reinforcement materials (SMPGMs) are used in field experiments. After twice grouting operations in the 1508 Working Face, the coal wall was changed from the original soft and extremely easy rib spalling to a straight coal wall and the amount of rib spalling has been reduced by 57.45% and 48.43, respectively. And, the mining height has increased by 0.16 m and 0.23 m, respectively. The experimental results show that the rib spalling disaster of the three‐soft coal seam has been effectively controlled.
Impact of Prediabetes and Type-2 Diabetes on Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Makker Jasbir , Sun Haozhe , Patel Harish , Mantri Nikhitha , Zahid Maleeha , Gongati Sudharsan , Galiveeti Sneha , Renner Sharon W. , Chilimuri Sridhar
Published: June 2021

Introduction. The true impact of prediabetes and type-2 diabetes in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown, with studies thus far providing conflicting evidence. Methods. This is a single-center retrospective observational study involving 843 hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Primary outcomes, mortality, and mechanical ventilation use were compared among the three groups: control, prediabetes, and type-2 diabetes. Binomial regression analysis was used to determine predictors of mortality and mechanical ventilation requirement. Results. Age was a significant predictor of mortality. On stratifying our patients based on their age, older patients aged 55 years and above had no difference in mortality or mechanical ventilation requirement among the three groups of control, prediabetes, and type-2 diabetes. However, among the younger population aged less than 55 years, patients with type-2 diabetes had significantly higher mortality as compared with patients in control and prediabetes groups (27% vs 12.5% vs 9%,

p
 
0.025

). Additionally, newly diagnosed type-2 diabetes patients demonstrated lower mortality rate in comparison to previously known type-2 diabetes patients (18% vs 40%,

p
 
0.005

). Outcomes in the prediabetes group were similar to that in the control group. Admission hyperglycemia was associated with higher mortality regardless of diabetes status. Conclusion. In older patients aged 55 years and above, status of type-2 diabetes does not influence their mortality. However, in younger patients aged less than 55 years, the presence of type-2 diabetes is an important driver of mortality. Newly diagnosed type-2 diabetes, in comparison with previously diagnosed type-2 diabetes, may have better survival. Presence of prediabetes did not affect outcomes in patients with COVID-19 infection.
Low‐Frequency Stimulation Prevents Kindling‐Induced Impairment through the Activation of the Endocannabinoid System
Authors: Khajei Sina , Esmaeilpour Khadijeh , Mirnajafi-Zadeh Javad , Sheibani Vahid , Rezakhani Soheila , Masoumi-Ardakani Yaser
Published: June 2021

Background. Cannabinoid system affects memory and has anticonvulsant effects in epileptic models. In the current study, the role of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors was investigated in amelioration of the effects of low‐frequency stimulation (LFS) on learning and memory impairments in kindled rats. Methods. Electrical stimulation of the hippocampal CA1 area was employed to kindle the animals. LFS was applied to the CA1 area in four trials following the last kindling stimulation. One group of animals received intraperitoneal injection of AM251 (0.1 μg/rat), a CB1 receptor antagonist, before the LFS application. Similarly, CB1 agonist WIN55‐212‐2 (WIN) was administrated to another group prior to LFS. The Morris water maze (MWM) and the novel object recognition (NOR) tests were executed 48 h after the last kindling stimulation to assess learning and memory. Results. Applying LFS in the kindled+LFS group restored learning and memory impairments in the kindled rats. There was a significant difference between the kindled and the kindled+LFS groups in learning and memory. The application of AM251 reduced the LFS effects significantly. Adversely, WIN acted similarly to LFS and alleviated learning and memory deficits in the kindled+WIN group. In addition, WIN did not counteract the LFS enhancing effects in the KLFS+WIN group. Conclusions. Improving effects of LFS on learning and memory impairments are mediated through the activation of the endocannabinoid (ECB) system.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Dental Assistants regarding Dental Asepsis and Sterilization in the Dental Workplace
Authors: Mahdi Syed Sarosh , Ahmed Zohaib , Allana Raheel , Amenta Francesco , Agha Daniyal , Latif Mohammad Wasay , Daood Umer , Mehanna Carina
Published: June 2021

Aims and Objectives. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of dental asepsis and sterilization among dental assistants in Pakistan. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A 27-item prepilot tested close-ended questionnaire was designed and administered online to collect data on knowledge of asepsis, sterilization, instrument handling, disinfection, hand-hygiene practices, dental practice, age, education, and experience level from March 2020 to June 2020. Results. Out of 70 dental assistants, the majority were aged between 21 and 29 years (44.30%), more than two-thirds (85.41%) of the dental assistants were working in a hospital, while 14.29% were working in private clinics, only 7.1% had a diploma in the dental assistant program, and 74% had more than 2 years of experience in practice. Dental assistants working in private practice (76.30) had a higher mean knowledge scores compared to those working in hospital (74.25), while those with less than 2 years of experience (75.61) had a higher scores compared to those with 2–5 years of experience (73.96). Conclusion. Better compliance with recommended infection control and waste management practices is needed for all dental assistants. Continuing education programs targeting such awareness are vital to improve the management of hazardous waste practices among dental assistants.
Optimal Model of Emergency Medical Supplies Stowage under Traffic Control during the Initial Period of the Epidemic Based on Characteristics Analysis of COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Wu Xiaoyuan , Wu Fengping , Li Mengke , Ji Yingwen
Published: June 2021

In the initial stage, the epidemic area is relatively concentrated, and some traffic modes may be subject to traffic control. In this period, the timely delivery of adequate emergency medical supplies to the epidemic points will play an important role in controlling the spread of the epidemic. However, the existing emergency medical supplies loading optimization model has not taken the initial period of the epidemic as the research time nor fully considered the traffic control situation in that period. Therefore, combined with the characteristics of the initial epidemic period of COVID-19, this study establishes an optimization model for emergency medical supplies stowage at the rescue point, considering the variation in demand for different kinds of medical supplies at the epidemic point in different cycles and the impact of traffic control on the mode of transportation. The model is an integer programming model. The objective function is the least total cost, including total transportation cost and total inventory cost. The constraints include the supply limit of each medical material that can be provided by the rescue point, the transportation capacity limit of the transportation mode, the demand constraints, inventory constraints, nonnegative constraints, and integer variable constraints of various medical supplies in each cycle of the epidemic location. Finally, combining the development of the epidemic situation in Wuhan January 18–23, 2020, a case study was carried out, and the optimal combination of different transportation modes and different stowage schemes in different periods of the rescue point was obtained, which verified the feasibility and practicality of the model. The model constructed in this study can provide a theoretical reference to the optimal decision-making plan of emergency medical supplies of the implementation of traffic control during the initial period of emergency public health events.
Comprehensive Modeling in Predicting Biodiesel Density Using Gaussian Process Regression Approach
Authors: Wang Bingxian , Alruyemi Issam
Published: June 2021

In this study, four Gaussian process regression (GPR) approaches by various kernel functions have been proposed for the estimation of biodiesel density as the functions of pressure, temperature, molecular weight, and the normal melting point of fatty acid esters. Comparing the actual values with GPR outputs shows that these approaches have good accuracy, but the performance of the rational quadratic GPR model is better than others. In this GPR model, RMSE = 0.47, MSE = 0.22, MRE = 0.04, R2 = 1, and STD is equal to 0.3. In addition, for the first time, this study shows that the effective parameters affect the biodiesel density. According to this analysis, it was shown that among the input parameters, pressure has the greatest effect on the target values with a relevancy factor of 0.59. This study can be used as a suitable and valuable work/tool for chemical and petroleum engineers who attempt environment protection and recovery improvement.
Disseminated Candida lusitaniae: Nosocomial Acquisition Secondary to an Indwelling Urinary Catheter
Authors: Raja Ali , Park Julia
Published: June 2021

Candida lusitaniae is a rare opportunistic pathogen, and its most common risk factors include immunocompromised patients often with an underlying malignancy. It commonly displays resistance to amphotericin B, and historically, echinocandins have been considered first-line treatment. We present a 77-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus. He was treated for cellulitis and discharged to a skilled nursing facility with an indwelling urinary catheter. Despite recommendations from the medicine team to remove the catheter, the patient refused even after discussing the risks and benefits. He returned to the hospital 3 weeks later with symptoms of dysarthria, right-sided facial droop, and right-sided weakness. Ultimately, he was determined to have fungemia and native valve endocarditis due to Candida lusitaniae stemming from his indwelling urinary catheter. He was treated with micafungin, but repeated blood cultures continued to grow C. lusitaniae, and he eventually expired following withdrawal of care. We present this case report to illustrate a rare occurence of Candida lusitaniae in a patient without typical risk factors. C. lusitaniae fungemia is an extremely uncommon disease in patients without underlying malignancy. Despite this lack of apparent, classic risk factors, our patient developed endocarditis of his native valve due to C. lusitaniae fungemia from an indwelling urinary catheter. The ability of this organism to form biofilms, and its rapid mutation rate, makes treating C. lusitaniae very difficult. The treatment of choice for C. lusitaniae endocarditis is surgical intervention due to biofilm formation on the cardiac valves. Medical treatment recommendations are currently fluconazole, which is in contrast to the historical use of echinocandins. Infection due to Candida lusitaniae, though rare, should be remembered by clinicians. This particular fungal agent is especially difficult to treat due to its multiple virulence factors. Additionally, the use of indwelling urinary catheters should only occur when proper indications are present and should be promptly discontinued when their placement is no longer necessary.
Protective Effect of Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Pods against Sodium Nitrite-Induced Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Wahyuningsih Sri Puji Astuti , Mwendolwa Adamu Ayubu , Winarni Dwi , Anggreini Rizki Wahyu , Mamuaya Brigita Klara Krisdina
Published: June 2021

Vegetables, drinking water, and preserved meats may contain sodium nitrite (NaNO2), which causes liver disease by inducing oxidative stress. Phytochemicals are highly recommended as an alternative to synthetic drugs and affordable medicines to treat liver disease because they have fewer or no side effects. Therefore, this study aims to determine the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of red okra fruit ethanol extract against NaNO2-induced liver damage. Thirty-six male mice were separated into six groups. The normal control group (WA) was given distilled water only, and the NaNO2 (SN) group was given only 50 mg/kg BW NaNO2. The other four groups (P1, P2, P3, and P4) were given NaNO2 and red okra ethanol extract at doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg BW, respectively. Gavage was administered orally for 21 consecutive days. Commercial kits define all biochemical parameters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Liver tissue staining followed standard protocols using hematoxylin and eosin. The study revealed that NaNO2 induction causes oxidative stress and damages the liver. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) significantly increased in the groups treated (P2–P4) with ethanol extract of red okra (

p
<
0.05

). Besides, the oxidants (malondialdehyde, F2-isoprostanes, and nitric oxide) in the liver homogenate significantly decreased in the P4 group, which were given red okra ethanol extract (

p
<
0.05

). Likewise, red okra pods decreased significantly for the serum biochemical parameters of liver damage (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase) in the P3 and P4 groups (

p
<
0.05

). Then, it led to a restoration of the histological structure compared to exposed mice (SN), as the pathological scores decreased significantly in the P3 and P4 groups (

p
<
0.05

), as well as the number of the necrotic and swollen liver cells was reduced. Hepatocytes returned to normal. The results showed that the ethanol extract of red okra fruit could be helpful as an affordable medicine. It is an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent to protect the liver from damage caused by NaNO2.
Electroacupuncture at ST36 Improve the Gastric Motility by Affecting Neurotransmitters in the Enteric Nervous System in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Han Xu , Chen Xiaoyan , Wang Xuan , Gong Meirong , Lu Mengjiang , Yu Zhi , Xu Bin , Yuan Jinhong
Published: June 2021

Electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively relieve hyperglycemia and gastric emptying disorders in diabetic gastroparesis (DGP). However, the effect of EA on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) gastroparesis and its mechanism in the enteric nervous system (ENS) are rarely studied. We investigated the therapeutic effect of EA at ST36 and its effect on the main inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the ENS in DGP rats. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed a high-fat diet for 2 weeks and injected with streptozotocin (STZ) at 35 mg/kg to induce T2DM. T2DM rats were divided into the diabetic mellitus (DM) group and the EA group. The control (CON) group comprised normal rats without any intervention. EA treatment was started 6 weeks after the induction of DM and continued for 5 weeks. The body weight and food intake of the rats were recorded every week. Blood glucose, insulin, glucose tolerance, gastric emptying, and antral motility were measured after treatment. The expression of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in gastric antrum were quantified by western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The T2DM gastroparesis model was successfully established. EA treatment reduced the body weight, food intake, and blood glucose; improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance; increased the gastric emptying rate, the mean antral pressure, and the amplitude of antral motility; and decreased the frequency of antral motility compared with those in the DM group. EA treatment increased the expression level of nNOS, ChAT, and PGP9.5 proteins, and nNOS and ChAT mRNA. The results suggested that EA at ST36 could ameliorate DGP, partly restore the damage to general neurons, and increase nNOS and ChAT in the gastric antrum. EA improved DGP partly via reducing the loss of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the ENS.
A Novel Planar Differential Koch Fractal Eddy Current Probe with Parallel Wound Topological Structure
Authors: Chen Guolong , Cao Zheng , Zhang Weimin
Published: June 2021

Flexible planar eddy current probes are widely used to detect conductive components with complex surface. In this study, topological transformation is applied to design a differential Koch coil exciting eddy current probe. Two kinds of Koch exciting coils, Koch A and Koch B, were obtained by topological transformation from a three‐dimensional differential exciting eddy current probe. Finite element model simulation is conducted to visualize the differences of eddy current distributions induced by the probes and get the defect signal. A detailed comparison is made among the two kinds of Koch eddy current probes and a circular eddy current probe by experiments. The experiments demonstrate that the sensitivity of the Koch A eddy current probe is higher than that of another two probes for detecting the defect which is shorter than the size of the probe. This work provides a novel method for improving the performance of eddy current probes in the coil structure design.
The Airflow Reversal Law in Ventilation System after Coal and Gas Outburst in Tunneling Roadway
Authors: Si Junhong , Wang Yiqiao , Cheng Genyin , Li Lin , Shao Yitian , Li Tan , Hu Wei
Published: June 2021

Considering the coal and gas outburst phenomenon in the mining space, this paper analyzes the main characteristics of coal and gas outburst accidents, defines the outburst airflow reversal degree, and constructs a simplified topology graph of tunneling ventilation system, while the air door is not destroyed. Using the numerical simulation method, this paper elaborates on the relationship between the outburst pressure and airflow reversal degree. The results indicate that the inlet pressure increases to 264 hPa and the outlet pressure increases to 289 hPa when the outburst pressure increases from 1 hPa to 1 MPa, and the relative variation coefficient of pressure decreases from 1501.5 to 1.62 in the inlet of return airway and decreases from 2002 to 1.65 in the outlet of return airway. Furthermore, the air velocity decreases from −1.38 to −284.44 m/s in the inlet and increases from 3.10 to 297.38 m/s in the outlet. Moreover, the gas concentration of the inlet and outlet in return airway increases rapidly with the increase of outburst pressure. When the outburst pressure is greater than 0.15 MPa, the gas concentration will be over 98% in tunneling ventilation system. This paper also finds out a cubic polynomial relationship existing between the reversal degree and the outburst pressure. It provides the prediction of coal and gas outburst and serves as a guidance in case mine ventilation disturbances occur.
Diagnostic Performance of 18F-FDG PET(CT) in Bone-Bone Marrow Involvement in Pediatric Neuroblastoma: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Lixin , Zhang Bingye , Peng Ruchen
Published: June 2021

Objective. We sought to perform a systemic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (computed tomography) (PET(CT)) in detection of bone and/or bone marrow involvement (BMI) in pediatric neuroblastoma (NB). Materials and Methods. We searched electronic databases Pubmed and Embase to retrieve relevant references. We calculated pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the curve (AUC). Moreover, a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve and likelihood ratio dot plot were plotted. Study-between statistical heterogeneity was evaluated via I-square index (I2). Subgroup analyses were used to explore heterogeneity. Results. Seven studies including 127 patients were involved in this meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.65–0.96) with heterogeneity I2 = 88.1% (

p
<
0.001

) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.67–1.00) with heterogeneity I2 = 77.8% (

p
<
0.001

), respectively. The pooled LR+, LR−, and DOR were 21.3 (95% CI: 2.1–213.9), 0.14 (95% CI: 0.05–0.40), and 157 (95% CI: 16–1532), respectively. The area under the SROC curve was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.98). Conclusions. Through a meta-analysis, this study suggested that 18F-FDG PET(CT) has a good overall diagnostic accuracy in the detection of bone/BMI in pediatric neuroblastoma.
Predicting the Mesiodistal Crown Dimensions of the Permanent First Molars from the Deciduous Second Molars
Authors: Al-Dulaimy Dunia Ahmed , Nahidh Mohammed , A. Al-Khannaq Mohammed Rafid
Published: June 2021

Background. This study aims to formulate regression equations that predict the mesiodistal crown widths of the permanent first molars utilizing the mesiodistal crown widths of the deciduous second molars. Methods. Fifty pairs of study models belonging to 50 Iraqi children aged eight to nine years with sound mixed dentition were used to measure the mesiodistal crown widths of the permanent first molars and deciduous second molars using a pointed digital sliding caliper with 0.01 mm sensitivity. Side and gender differences were assessed, and the correlations between these teeth were obtained to develop the regression equations. Results. The results revealed no significant side differences, so the samples were merged and analyzed for gender differences, which were found to be significant in all examined teeth except the mandibular permanent first molar. Direct, moderate, and highly significant correlations between the mesiodistal crown widths of the permanent first molars and deciduous second molars were found, which led to the development of regression equations. After applying these equations, the resultant predicted widths were compared to the actual widths, and the results revealed nonsignificant method differences. Conclusions. A new method was developed to predict the widths of permanent first molars from the adjacent primary second molars with high precision.
Enhanced H3K4 Trimethylation in TNF-α Promoter Gene Locus with Cell Apoptosis in the Ventral-Medial Striatum following Opioid Withdrawal of Neonatal Rat Offspring from Morphine-Addicted Mothers
Authors: Wu Pei-Ling , Suen Jau-Ling , Yang Chun-Hwa , Kuo Kuang-Che , Yang Yu-Chen S. H. , Yang San-Nan
Published: June 2021

Prenatal opioid exposure might disturb epigenetic programming in the brain of neonatal offspring with various consequences for gene expressions and behaviors. This study determined whether altered trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) in the promoter of the tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α) gene with neural cell apoptosis was involved in the ventral-medial striatum, an important brain region for withdrawal symptoms, of neonatal rat offspring from morphine-addicted mothers. Female adult rats were injected with morphine before gestation and until 14 days after giving birth. On postnatal day 14 (P14), rat offspring from morphine-addicted mothers were subjected to an opioid-withdrawal protocol and were analyzed 2 or 8 h after administration of that protocol. Expressions of the TNF-α protein, H3K4me3 in the tnf-α promoter gene, and neural cell apoptosis within the ventral-medial striatum of neonatal rat offspring were evaluated. In the absence of significant opioid withdrawal (2 h after initiation of the opioid-withdrawal protocol on P14), prenatal morphine exposure led to increased levels of H3K4me3 in the tnf-α promoter gene, of the TNF-α protein, and of neural cell apoptosis within the ventral-medial striatum of neonatal rat offspring. Following opioid withdrawal (8 h after initiation of the opioid-withdrawal protocol on P14), differential expression of H3K4me3 in the tnf-α promoter gene locus and upregulation of the level of TNF-α protein expression were further enhanced in these offspring. In addition, increased levels of caspase-3 and neural cell apoptosis were also observed. Taken together, this study revealed that prenatal opioid exposure can activate an epigenetic histone mechanism which regulates proinflammatory factor generation, which hence, led to cell apoptotic damage within the ventral-medial striatum of neonatal rat offspring from morphine-addicted mothers. More importantly, the opioid-withdrawal episode may provide augmented effects for the abovementioned alterations and could lead to deleterious effects in the neonatal brain of such offspring.
Involvement of GABAA Receptors in the Anxiolytic‐Like Effect of Hydroxycitronellal
Authors: Andrade Jéssica C. , Monteiro Álefe B. , Andrade Humberto H. N. , Gonzaga Thallita K. S. N. , Silva Pablo R. , Alves Danielle N. , Castro Ricardo D. , Maia Mayara S. , Scotti Marcus T. , Sousa Damião P. , Almeida Reinaldo N.
Published: June 2021

Hydroxycitronellal (HC) is a monoterpene present in essential oils of aromatic plants of different species, obtained from semisynthesis of citronellal, and is widely used as a fragrance in cosmetics. The objective of this work was to evaluate the possible anxiolytic‐like activity of HC and its possible mechanism of action using in vivo and in silico methodologies. Swiss male mice (Mus musculus) were treated with HC (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) and subjected to the rota rod, elevated plus maze, and open field tests. No significant impairments were observed in the rota rod tests for the motor activity of the animals treated with HC at 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p., indicating no myo‐relaxing or sedative effects. In the elevated plus maze, HC (in the three doses) induced significant increases in the percentage of entries (respectively, 34.8%, 33.8%, and 38.6%) and in the length of stay (respectively, 49.9%, 56.1%, and 57.0%) in the open arms of the EPM, as well as the number of crossings in the open field tests. The mechanism of action of the compound’s anxiolytic‐like activity can be attributed to the involvement of GABAA receptors, and this interaction was observed in in vivo and in silico studies. For HC, the results suggest anxiolytic‐like effects, possibly via modulation of the GABAergic system. The use of natural products to treat anxiety can become an alternative to existing synthetic products.
Research on the Construction of Smart Tourism System Based on Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Sun Wanxin
Published: June 2021

With the rapid development of information technology represented by the Internet, the economic development of various countries in the world is closely related to information technology represented by computers. As a new growth point of economic development, tourism has attracted more and more attention from all parties. Traditional artificial travel agencies can no longer meet people’s needs. In the network information environment, tourists need systematic and large amounts of online travel information to provide support for their decision-making. This article first discusses the research significance and research status of wireless sensor networks at home and abroad and analyzes and optimizes the sensor network algorithms. Based on the existing wireless sensor network hardware experimental system, a tourism management system is designed and developed. Various user interfaces of the tourism management system are designed, including topology tree structure view, node list, program status and program package view, data management, real-time curve display, and node positioning functions. The simulation experiment results show that the efficiency of this system for tourism information integration is 20% higher than other systems, and it has certain practical value.
Experimental Study on the Influencing Factors of Treatment of Landfill Sludge Using Vacuum Preloading with the Fenton Reagent
Authors: Wu Yajun , Song Binjie , Lu Yitian , Deng Qingyang , Chen Guang
Published: June 2021

At present, there is a lack of necessary technical parameters for sludge vacuum reinforcement. To explore the effects of the drain board type on sludge vacuum reinforcement, the Fenton reagent was used to pretreat the landfill sludge in a sludge landfill area in Shanghai, and then, vacuum preloading contrast tests of different prefabricated vertical drainage types were carried out. During the test, the discharge and settlement of sludge were recorded. After the test, the moisture content, shear strength, and appearance of PVD were measured and analysed. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) the optimum ratio of H2O2 and Fe2+ is 2 for the landfill sludge; (2) the total displacement and accumulated settlement of the test group with integral prefabricated vertical drainage are 1.7 times and 1.2 times those of the separate prefabricated vertical drainage, respectively; (3) the type of prefabricated vertical drainage has no effect on the distribution of water content and shear strength; and (4) when the sludge is vacuum strengthened, the integral prefabricated vertical drainage should be preferred.
[Retracted] Model of Human Tongue Squamous Cell Lines Stably Transfected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)16 E6 and E7 Genes and Biological Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Lan ZiLian , Jia Ziyao , Guo Hengyuan , Yang Zhaoshou , Yang Zifan , Pan Xuan
Published: June 2021

Background. Human tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common oral cancer with the highest human papillomavirus (HPV) infection rate in oral cancer. The purpose of this study was to research the correlation between HPV and TSCC. Method. Plasmid pEGFP/HPV16 E6E7 and plasmid pEGFP/no HPV16 E6E7 were constructed. TSCC cell lines SCC9 and SCC15 were infected by liposome transfection and would be highly selected by antibiotic. Fluorescence imaging, PCR, and Western blot were used to detect the expression of HPV16 E6E7 in cells. The biological characteristics were detected by CCK‐8, wound healing assay, qRT‐PCR, and Western blot. Result. TSCC cell lines transfected with HPV16 E6E7 gene were successfully established and identified. And the proliferation and migration ability of the TSCC cell lines infected with HPV16 E6E7 gene were significantly stronger than that of the blank group. Conclusion. TSCC cell lines infected with HPV16 E6E7 with significantly higher ability of proliferation and migration were more malignant than those not infected with HPV16 E6E7.
Ultrasound Parameters of Umbilical Artery Blood Flow Are Associated with Amniotic Fluid and Umbilical Artery Concentrations of Erythropoietin and Oxidative Stress Injury
Authors: Tao Jiewen , JingWang  , Jiang Weiqi , Meng Qi , Xu Mingjuan
Published: June 2021

Intrauterine hypoxia is the most frequent adverse intrauterine condition that occurs under a variety of circumstances including preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, high-altitude pregnancy, and any inflammatory condition during pregnancy resulting from gestational diabetes or even maternal obesity. However, early diagnosis of intrauterine hypoxia is still a challenge. In this study, we comparatively analyzed the systolic to diastolic ratio (S/D), resistant index (RI), and pulse index (PI) of the umbilical artery (UmA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flows obtained from 46 pregnant women with intrauterine hypoxia and 80 normal pregnant women at 28-31, 32-36, and 37-41 gestational weeks. Results found that the S/D, RI, and PI of UmA and MCA blood flows at 28-31, 32-36, and 37-41 gestational weeks were all increased in hypoxic fetuses than in normal fetuses (

P
<
0.05

). The malondialdehyde (MDA) level was elevated but superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities were reduced in the UmA blood of pregnant women with intrauterine hypoxia compared with normal pregnant women (

P
<
0.05

). It was found that the NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) activities were increased in the UmA blood of pregnant women with intrauterine hypoxia compared with normal pregnant women (

P
<
0.05

). Results of ELISA methods showed that the expression level of survivin was lower but the expression levels of caspase-3, caspase-6, and caspase-9 were higher in the placental tissues of pregnant women with intrauterine hypoxia than those in normal pregnant women (

P
<
0.05

). The concentrations of erythropoietin in the amniotic fluid and UmA blood were increased in pregnant women with intrauterine hypoxia compared with normal pregnant women (

P
<
0.05

). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that the S/D, RI, and PI of UmA blood flow at 37-41 gestational weeks were positively correlated with the levels of Nox2, Nox4, and MAD and the UmA concentration of erythropoietin but negatively correlated with the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT (

P
<
0.05

). In summary, the study indicates that ultrasound parameters of the UmA blood flow including S/D, RI, and PI could serve as predictors of intrauterine hypoxia.
Fabrication of Titanium Dioxide/Carbon Fiber (TiO2/CF) Composites for Removal of Methylene Blue (MB) from Aqueous Solution with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Cheng Hao , Zhang Wenkang , Liu Xinmei , Tang Tingfan , Xiong Jianhua
Published: June 2021

TiO2 powder was firstly synthesized and carbon fiber was secondly prepared via the carbonization of polyaniline fiber, and TiO2/carbon fiber composites were lastly synthesized via a simple method at room temperature. The prepared samples are evidently investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectrum, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Using the monochromatic light of ultraviolet, the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2/CF composites was accurately evaluated with respect to the degradation of an aqueous dye (methylene blue) solution. The relationship between the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye and its ratio, contact time, and the amount of catalyst was studied. The kinetics and mechanisms of degradation were discussed. The results show that TiO2/CF composites have good photocatalytic activity and stability. The TiO2/CF2/1 composite was used in effective photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, the weight ratio of TiO2 to carbon fiber was 2:1, and the degradation rate was obtaining up to 97.7% of degradation during 120 min of reaction. The photocatalytic stability of TiO2/CF composites was dependent on the stability of their structure. After 5 repeated uses, the composite TiO2/CF2/1 still exhibited rather high activity toward the degradation of methylene blue, where the decolorization efficiency of methylene blue achieved 92% and the loss of activity was negligible. Based on radical trapping experiments, the mechanism of TiO2/CF composites on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue is proposed, which could explain the enhanced photocatalytic activity of the composites better. Superoxide radicals, photogenerated holes, and photogenerated electrons were the main active substances for methylene blue degradation.
A Phase I Study of APX005M and Cabiralizumab with or without Nivolumab in Patients with Melanoma, Kidney Cancer, or Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Resistant to Anti-PD-1/PD-L1
Authors: Weiss Sarah A. , Djureinovic Dijana , Jessel Shlomit , Krykbaeva Irina , Zhang Lin , Jilaveanu Lucia , Ralabate Amanda , Johnson Barbara , Levit Neta Shanwetter , Anderson Gail , Zelterman Daniel , Wei Wei , Mahajan Amit , Trifan Ovid , Bosenberg Marcus , Kaech Susan M. , Perry Curtis J. , Damsky William , Gettinger Scott , Sznol Mario , Hurwitz Michael , Kluger Harriet M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are approved for multiple tumor types. However, resistance poses substantial clinical challenges.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a phase I trial of CD40 agonist APX005M (sotigalimab) and CSF1R inhibitor cabiralizumab with or without nivolumab using a 3+3 dose-escalation design (NCT03502330). Patients were enrolled from June 2018 to April 2019. Eligibility included patients with biopsy-proven advanced melanoma, non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), or renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who progressed on anti-PD-1/PD-L1. APX005M was dose escalated (0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 mg/kg i.v.) with a fixed dose of cabiralizumab with or without nivolumab every 2 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicity.

Results:

Twenty-six patients (12 melanoma, 1 NSCLC, and 13 RCC) were enrolled in six cohorts, 17 on nivolumab-containing regimens. Median duration of follow-up was 21.3 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events were asymptomatic elevations of lactate dehydrogenase (n = 26), creatine kinase (n = 25), aspartate aminotransferase (n = 25), and alanine aminotransferase (n = 19); periorbital edema (n = 17); and fatigue (n = 13). One dose-limiting toxicity (acute respiratory distress syndrome) occurred in cohort 2. The recommended phase 2 dose was APX005M 0.3 mg/kg, cabiralizumab 4 mg/kg, and nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks. Median days on treatment were 66 (range, 23–443). Median cycles were 4.5 (range, 2–21). One patient had unconfirmed partial response (4%), 8 stable disease (31%), 16 disease progression (62%), and 1 unevaluable (4%). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated 4 hours post-infusion. CD40 and MCSF increased after therapy.

Conclusions:

This first in-human study of patients with anti-PD-1/PD-L1–resistant tumors treated with dual macrophage-polarizing therapy, with or without nivolumab demonstrated safety and pharmacodynamic activity. Optimization of the dosing frequency and sequence of this combination is warranted.
Real-world Experience of Olaparib Treatment in Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Chinese Multicenter Study
Authors: Zheng Hong , Gao Yunong , Guo Hongyan , Li Li , Li Qingshui , Cui Heng , Lin An , Sun Lixin , Hu Yuanjing , Kang Shan , Duan Wei , Pan Lingya , Wang Shuzhen , Yang Yingjie , Li Yunxia , Kong Weimin , Xiang Yang , Tian Xiaofei , Ling Bin , Ha Chunfang , Bai Wenpei
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the real-world application, efficacy, and safety data of olaparib for maintenance therapy and active treatment in patients with ovarian cancer in China. Patients with ovarian cancer from 17 institutions in China treated with olaparib as maintenance or active therapy from January 2018 to March 2020 were included in this study. The medical records were reviewed, and follow-up information was collected for analysis of the patients' clinicopathologic characteristics as well as the effectiveness and safety of olaparib. A total of 251 patients receiving olaparib were included, with 84 as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy (FL-M), 97 as maintenance therapy after platinum-sensitive recurrence (PSR-M), and 70 as active treatment (AT). The probability of progression-free survival (PFS) at 12 months was 87.6% in the FL-M group and 63.8% in the PSR-M group. According to the multivariate analysis, complete response (CR) to chemotherapy for the PSR-M patients was the only factor affecting the PFS (HR = 0.414, P = 0.014), and platinum sensitivity was the only factor affecting PFS improvement in the AT group (HR = 0.317, P = 0.009). In the AT group, the objective response rate was 37.1%, the CR rate was 7.1%, and 30% of the patients had stable disease. Eight (3.2%) patients discontinued olaparib due to toxicity. Anemia was the most common adverse event. In conclusion, olaparib is effective and well tolerated in the real-world setting of ovarian cancer treatment. Platinum sensitivity is positively correlated to the effectiveness of olaparib in both maintenance and active treatment.
VLX600 Disrupts Homologous Recombination and Synergizes with PARP Inhibitors and Cisplatin by Inhibiting Histone Lysine Demethylases
Authors: Ekstrom Thomas L. , Pathoulas Nicholas M. , Huehls Amelia M. , Kanakkanthara Arun , Karnitz Larry M.
Published: June 2021

Tumors with defective homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair are more sensitive to chemotherapies that induce lesions repaired by HR as well as PARP inhibitors (PARPis). However, these therapies have limited activity in HR-proficient cells. Accordingly, agents that disrupt HR may be a means to augment the activities of these therapies in HR-proficient tumors. Here we show that VLX600, a small molecule that has been in a phase I clinical trial, disrupts HR and synergizes with PARPis and platinum compounds in ovarian cancer cells. We further found that VLX600 and other iron chelators disrupt HR, in part, by inhibiting iron-dependent histone lysine demethylases (KDM) family members, thus blocking recruitment of HR repair proteins, including RAD51, to double-strand DNA breaks. Collectively, these findings suggest that pharmacologically targeting KDM family members with VLX600 may be a potential novel strategy to therapeutically induce HR defects in ovarian cancers and correspondingly sensitize them to platinum agents and PARPis, two standard-of-care therapies for ovarian cancer.