bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aldosterone Blockade in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Qiao , Zhao Die , Sun Jie , Lu Chengzhi
Published: October 2021

Background. A comprehensive evaluation of the benefits of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients is lacking. Objective. To summarize the evidence on the efficacy and safety of MRA in patients admitted for AMI. Methods. Articles were identified through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid (Medline1946-2021), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from their inception to December 31, 2020. Results. 15 articles with a total of 11,861 patients were included. MRA reduced the risk of all-cause mortality by 16% (relative ratio (RR): 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.76, 0.94);

P
=
0.002

) and the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events by 12% (RR: 0.88, 95% CI (0.83, 0.93),

P
<
0.00001

) in post-AMI patients, and further analysis demonstrated that early administration of MRA within 7 days after AMI resulted in a greater reduction in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.72, 95% CI (0.61, 0.85),

P
<
0.0001

). Subgroup analyses showed that post-STEMI patients without left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) treated with MRA had a 36% reduction in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.64, 95% CI (0.46, 0.89),

P
=
0.007

) and a 22% reduction in cardiovascular adverse events (RR: 0.78, 95% CI (0.67, 0.91),

P
=
0.002

). Meanwhile, post-STEMI patients without LVSD treated with MRA get significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (mean difference (MD): 2.69, 95% CI (2.44, 2.93),

P
<
0.00001

), left ventricular end-systolic index (MD: -4.52 ml/m2, 95% CI (-8.21, -0.83),

P
=
0.02

), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (MD: -0.11 cm, 95% CI (-0.22, 0.00),

P
=
0.05

). The corresponding RR were 1.72 (95% CI (1.43, 2.07),

P
<
0.00001

) for considered common adverse events (hyperkalemia, gynecomastia, and renal dysfunction). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that MRA treatment reduces all-cause mortality and cardiovascular adverse events in post-AMI patients, which is more significant in patients after STEMI without LVSD. In addition, MRA treatment may exert beneficial effects on the reversal of cardiac remodeling in patients after STEMI without LVSD.
The Statistical Analysis of Multidimensional Psychological Characteristics and User Feedback Willingness
Authors: Wang Haiying , Li Yaning , Zhou Chang , Jin Haizhe , Wang Lin
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of multidimensional psychological characteristics on users’ feedback intention by using several statistical analysis methods based on information theory. The feedback process can be described as a communication process based on information theory. The feedback information entropy is associated with the degree of uncertainty elimination of the users who provide feedback information. Many factors are related to this uncertainty, such as information senders often stopped feedback process for some reasons and information senders may have provided fake or spam information. In order to encourage more useful feedback information, a model of a user’s willingness to provide feedback was established with personality traits and cognitive styles as independent variables, feedback motivation as intermediary variables, and feedback willingness as the dependent variable. 206 online and offline questionnaires were obtained to be analyzed by correlation analysis, regression analysis, and structural equation analysis. Cronbach’s

α

coefficient was used to test the reliability of the questionnaire, and exploratory factor analysis method was used to verify the validity of the questionnaire. First, correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between personality traits, cognitive styles, and motivation factors. Second, we further explored the strength of the relationship of the five correlated groups of variables through linear regression analysis. At last, we conducted structure equation analyses to test the hypotheses. The results show that both personality traits and cognitive styles can have a significant impact on feedback motivation factors and also show that self-efficacy may be the only evident feedback motivation to encourage useful feedback information. The results show that the willing users with extraversion trait are more likely be motivated by self-efficacy and thus have evident feedback willingness.
Research on English Education Auxiliary Teaching System Based on MOOC
Authors: Li Aiqun
Published: October 2021

In the traditional English education auxiliary teaching system, the response time is long and the student satisfaction rate is low. Keeping these issues in mind, we propose a MOOC-based English education auxiliary teaching system that consists of hardware and functional modules of the teaching system and the database. The hardware of the English education auxiliary teaching system consists of the database server, memory, and remote controller. The functional modules include the basic teaching module based on MOOC, the assessment module, and the system management module. We conducted a number of experiments, and the simulations showed that the proposed system has a considerably shorter response time than its competitors. We conducted a survey of the proposed system and the existing systems in ten different colleges, and the results showed that the proposed system has a higher students’ satisfaction rate.
MicroRNA-146a Serves as a Biomarker for Adverse Prognosis of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Xiao Shengjue , Xue Tongneng , Pan Qinyuan , Hu Yue , Wu Qi , Liu Qiaozhi , Wang Xiaotong , Liu Ailin , Liu Jie , Zhu Hong , Zhou Yufei , Pan Defeng
Published: October 2021

Objective. This study is aimed at exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and provides potential clinical prognostic biomarkers for STEMI. Methods. The GSE60993 dataset was downloaded from the GEO database, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between STEMI and control groups were screened. Enrichment analysis of the DEGs was subsequently performed using the DAVID database. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed, and hub genes were identified. The hub genes in patients were then validated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Furthermore, hub gene-miRNA interactions were evaluated using the miRTarBase database. Finally, patient data on classical cardiovascular risk factors were collected, and plasma microRNA-146a (miR-146a) levels were detected. An individualized nomogram was constructed based on multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results. A total of 239 DEGs were identified between the STEMI and control groups. Expression of S100A12 and miR-146a was significantly upregulated in STEMI samples compared with controls. STEMI patients with high levels of miR-146a had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) than those with low levels of miR-146a (log-rank

P
=
0.034

). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified five statistically significant variables, including age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, white blood cells, and miR-146a. A nomogram was constructed to estimate the likelihood of a MACE at one, two, and three years after STEMI. Conclusion. The incidence of MACEs in STEMI patients expressing high levels of miR-146a was significantly greater than in those expressing low levels. MicroRNA-146a can serve as a biomarker for adverse prognosis of STEMI and might function in its pathogenesis by targeting S100A12, which may exert its role via an inflammatory response. In addition, our study presents a valid and practical model to assess the probability of MACEs within three years of STEMI.
Arabic Sign Language Recognition System for Alphabets Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Tharwat Gamal , Ahmed Abdelmoty M. , Bouallegue Belgacem
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the role of pattern recognition in systems based on human computer interaction (HCI) has spread in terms of computer vision applications and machine learning, and one of the most important of these applications is to recognize the hand gestures used in dealing with deaf people, in particular to recognize the dashed letters in surahs of the Quran. In this paper, we suggest an Arabic Alphabet Sign Language Recognition System (AArSLRS) using the vision-based approach. The proposed system consists of four stages: the stage of data processing, preprocessing of data, feature extraction, and classification. The system deals with three types of datasets: data dealing with bare hands and a dark background, data dealing with bare hands, but with a light background, and data dealing with hands wearing dark colored gloves. AArSLRS begins with obtaining an image of the alphabet gestures, then revealing the hand from the image and isolating it from the background using one of the proposed methods, after which the hand features are extracted according to the selection method used to extract them. Regarding the classification process in this system, we have used supervised learning techniques for the classification of 28-letter Arabic alphabet using 9240 images. We focused on the classification for 14 alphabetic letters that represent the first Quran surahs in the Quranic sign language (QSL). AArSLRS achieved an accuracy of 99.5% for the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier.
Impact of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Lifestyle, and Obesity on Coexistence of Diabetes and Hypertension: A Structural Equation Model Analysis amongst Chinese Adults
Authors: Wu Wenwen , Diao Jie , Yang Jinru , Sun Donghan , Wang Ying , Ni Ziling , Yang Fen , Tan Xiaodong , Li Ling , Li Li
Published: October 2021

Background. In general, given the insufficient sample size, considerable literature has been found on single studies of diabetes and hypertension and few studies have been found on the coexistence of diabetes and hypertension (CDH) and its influencing factors with a large range of samples. This study aimed to establish a structural equation model for exploring the direct and indirect relationships amongst sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, obesity, and CDH amongst Chinese adults. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 25356 adults between June 1, 2015, and September 30, 2018, in Hubei province, China. Confirmatory factor analysis was initially conducted to test the latent variables. A structural equation model was then performed to analyse the association between latent variables and CDH. Results. The total prevalence of CDH was 2.8%. The model paths indicated that sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and obesity were directly associated with CDH, and the effects were 0.187, 0.739, and 0.353, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle were also indirectly associated with CDH, and the effects were 0.128 and 0.045, respectively. Lifestyle had the strongest effect on CDH (β = 0.784,

P
<
0.001

), followed by obesity (β = 0.353,

P
<
0.001

) and sociodemographic characteristics (β = 0.315,

P
<
0.001

). All paths of the model were significant (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. CDH was significantly associated with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and obesity amongst Chinese adults. The dominant predictor of CDH was lifestyle. Targeting these results might develop lifestyle and weight loss intervention to prevent CDH according to the characteristics of the population.
Elastoplastic Analysis for Circular Tunnel Based on Modified Lade Criterion considering Strain Softening and Dilatancy
Authors: Deng Yansheng , Wang Jianxiu , Zou Baoping
Published: October 2021

Modified Lade criterion can not only describe the strength properties of many kinds of rocks well but also has simple and practical parameters. Although the elastoplastic solution of circular tunnel has been extensively investigated, the method based on modified Lade criterion considering the effect of the intermediate principal stress, strain‐softening behavior, and dilatancy has not yet been studied. In this paper, a new numerical procedure based on modified Lade criterion is proposed to calculate the elastoplastic solutions for surrounding rock of the circular tunnel. The comparisons of stress, displacement, and plastic zone radius are carried out between the presented method and published literatures under axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric original in situ stress field. Finally, a series of parametric analyses are executed and discussed. It can be concluded that the lateral pressure coefficient, λ, influences both the size of plastic zone and the development direction. The plastic zone radius shows a negative power function change with increasing critical deviatoric plastic strain and increases slightly with increasing dilation angle, ψ.
Stability Analysis and Chaos Control of Electronic Throttle Dynamical System
Authors: Chang Shun-Chang
Published: October 2021

This study addresses bifurcation analysis and controlling chaos in a vehicular electronic throttle. Using analysis techniques from nonlinear dynamics of an electronic throttle system based on bifurcation diagrams, we establish the existence of period-doubling and intermittency routes to chaos. The largest Lyapunov exponent is estimated from the synchronization to identify periodic and chaotic motions. Finally, the proposed continuous feedback control is employed to control chaos. To verify the effectiveness of the raised control strategy, we present a number of numerical simulations.
Economic Evaluation of Optical Fiber Composite Low-Voltage Cable Technology Application in China: An Input-Output Analysis
Authors: Dong Hua , Bai Guoqing
Published: October 2021

OPLC (optical fiber composite low-voltage cable) technology is a common field of communication and power electronics technology, and it is an important means to realizing the energy Internet and the integration of four networks. As an infrastructure sharing technology, OPLC technology will fundamentally and substantially promote the sustainable development of China’s economy and environment. Taking typical OPLC projects in China as an example, the direct energy consumption of these projects is calculated by the life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis method and then compared with traditional projects that use only power technology or optical fiber. Based on the direct consumption of the project, the interaction between the intermediate sector and the total output variable under the traditional technology and OPLC technology was explored and compared by using the input-output (I-O) model and the structural decomposition model (SDA). The results showed that in 2015, technology substitution weakened the influence of 86% of industries on the upstream industry and weakened the demand sensitivity of 90% of industries to the downstream industry. In 2017, technology substitution reduced the industry’s influence over 86% of upstream industries. Short-term technology replacement will not increase the positive influence of each industry on the upstream industry, thus resulting in a negative impact of technology substitution cost. However, that negative impact will gradually weaken over time. After technology replacement, the total added value of 20 industries increased from 2015 to 2017.
Calibration and Analysis of Mechanical Modeling for Traction Wire Rope of Mountainous Orchard Carrier
Authors: Ouyang Yuping , Wang Tianyu , Hong Tiansheng , Sun Xudong
Published: October 2021

Low-cost transporting vehicles are a crucial routine for orchards in the mountainous place. As the core component of the mountainous orchard carrier, the wire rope is easily damaged due to frequent handling of agricultural materials. The mechanical model of carrier wire rope is the prerequisite for studying its damage mechanism. This paper first analyzes the load-bearing characteristics of the wire rope of the carrier and then uses the theory of differential geometry and the elasticity of the wire rope to establish the mechanical model of the wire rope side strand strain ε0 and the axial load T of the wire rope end face in the erect state and the radial contact pressure Fa of the wire rope at the bending section and the mechanical model of the axial tension F and the pulley diameter D of the wire rope end face. On the basis of the mechanical model and the wire rope geometric solid model, the finite element stress analysis of the wire rope in the vertical state was carried out to verify the accuracy of the wire rope stress model. The results show that when the wire rope was in the vertical state, the wire-wire contact stress was linear directly proportional to the load on the end face of the wire rope; the wire-wire contact stress between the strands was about 12 times that within the strand; the average error between the simulated value and calculated value was about 13.6%, proving the correctness of the established wire mechanics model. When the rope and wheel were in contact, the contact pressure of the outer wire of the side strand was only related to the axial tension of the wire rope end face and the diameter of the pulley but not to the elasticity modulus of the pulley.
Field Study on Deformation and Stress Characteristics of Large Open Caisson during Excavation in Deep Marine Soft Clay
Authors: Yan Xin , Zhan Wei , Hu Zhi , Xiao Danqiang , Yu Yiqiang , Wang Jinchang
Published: October 2021

Oujiang River North Estuary Bridge in Wenzhou is the world’s first double‐deck suspension bridge under construction with three‐tower and four‐span. It is the first time to build large open caisson foundation in the deep marine soft clay in estuary with strong tide, extending the application scope of caisson. To study the deformation and stress characteristics of large open caisson during excavation and ensure the safety of anchorage excavation, a large number of sensors are arranged in the caisson. By analyzing the change of tip resistance, lateral soil pressure, and posture parameters during caisson excavation, the stress characteristics and deformation of caisson are described. The result shows the following. (1) Because of the thixotropy of soft clay, the reaction force of partition wall in deep soft soil area of caisson is similar to that of blade foot, and the reaction force of blade foot can be effectively reduced through the layering construction of caisson. (2) The height of caisson construction and the sand‐bearing stratum will obviously affect the plane torsion angle of caisson. When the caisson enters the sand‐bearing stratum, the lateral soil pressure increases significantly, which leads to the increase of the plane torsion angle. (3) The inclination and central deviation of caisson are sensitive to the caisson construction and stratum property. It can be found that the lateral soil pressure, plane torsion angle, inclination, and central deviation of caisson are sensitive to stratum property, and inhomogeneity of stratum easily leads to inclination of caisson. Based on the field monitoring data, the stress characteristics and geometric posture of caisson during sinking are studied, which provide technical guidance for scheme design and subsidence prediction analysis of caisson in deep marine soft clay. It can provide a good opportunity to study the behaviors of large caisson foundation constructed in deep marine soft clay and has great significance and reference value for construction optimization of anchorage structure.
Wireless Communication Physical Layer Sensing Antenna Array Construction and Information Security Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Wu Wei
Published: October 2021

Due to the complexity of wireless communication networks and the open nature of wireless links, complex upper layer network encryption cryptographic algorithms are also difficult to implement effectively in complex mobile wireless communication and interconnection networks, and traditional cryptography‐based security policies are gradually not well able to meet the security management needs of today’s mobile Internet information era. In this paper, the physical characteristics of the channel in the wireless channel are extracted and used to generate keys, and then, the keys are negotiated so that the keys generated by the two communicating parties are identical. Then, the generated keys are used by the communicating parties to design the interleaving matrix for encryption of the message. The false bit rate of the system is investigated for the case of an interleaving matrix generated using different quantization methods of keys. The problem of characterizing the encoding and encryption techniques for interleaving keys for the physical layer sensing antenna arrays of wireless channels is studied in depth. The physical layer wireless channel interleaving technique and the wireless channel physical layer encryption technique are organically combined, and a joint interleaving encryption method based on the physical layer key of the wireless channel is designed and used to encrypt and randomize the physical layer data information of the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) system, which improves the security and reliability of the wireless channel information transmission. The effect of physical layer keys under different physical layer quantization methods on the performance of the wireless channel interleaving encryption algorithm is studied, and the quantization methods of pure amplitude, pure phase, and joint amplitude phase are investigated for the characteristics of wireless physical layer channels.
Association between Shock Index and Emergency Department Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Chen Chao-Tung , Wang Pei-Ming , Wu Chao-Hsin , Wei Chih-Wei , Huang Tai-Lin
Published: October 2021

Background. In the emergency department (ED), early identification of patients at risk of cardiac arrest is paramount, especially in the context of overcrowding. The shock index (SI) is defined as the ratio of heart rate to systolic blood pressure. It is a tool used for predicting the prognosis of critically ill and injured patients. In this study, we have discussed the relationship between SI and cardiac arrest in the ED. Methods. Patients who experienced cardiac arrest in the ED were classified into two groups, SI ≥ 0.9 and < 0.9, according to their triage vital signs. The association between SI ≥ 0.9 and in-hospital mortality was analyzed in five different etiologies of cardiac arrest, including hypoxia, cardiac cause, bleeding, sepsis, and other metabolic problems. Results. In total, 3,313 patients experienced cardiac arrest in the ED. Among them, 1,909 (57.6%) had a SI of ≥0.9. The incidence of SI ≥ 0.9 in the five etiologies was 43.5% (hypoxia), 58.1% (cardiac cause), 56.1% (bleeding), 58.0% (sepsis), and 65.5% (other metabolic problems). SI was associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.5–1.8). The aOR (CI) in the five etiologies was 1.3 (1.1–1.6) for hypoxia, 1.8 (1.6–2.1) for cardiac cause, 1.3 (0.98–1.7) for bleeding, 1.3 (1.03–1.6) for sepsis, and 1.9 (1.5–2.1) for other metabolic problems. Conclusion. More than half of the patients who experienced cardiac arrest in the ED had a SI ≥ 0.9. The SI was also associated with in-hospital mortality after cardiac arrest in the ED. SI maybe used as a screening tool to identify patients at risk of cardiac arrest in the ED and a predictor of mortality in those experiencing cardiac arrest in the ED.
STAT1/SOCS1/3 Are Involved in the Inflammation-Regulating Effect of GAS6/AXL in Periodontal Ligament Cells Induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Shengnan , Liu Yingjun , Wang Xuekui , An Na , Ouyang Xiangying
Published: October 2021

Periodontitis involves chronic inflammation of the tissues around the teeth caused by plaque and the corresponding immune response. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6) and AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) are known to be involved in inflammatory diseases, while signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) are related to inflammatory processes. Moreover, miRNA34a directly targets AXL to regulate the AXL expression. However, the specific roles of GAS6 and AXL in periodontitis remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of AXL on the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P. gingivalis LPS) in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). The effects of different concentrations of P. gingivalis LPS on the expression of GAS6/AXL in hPDLCs were observed. Additionally, the effect of LPS on AXL was investigated by transfection of the miRNA34a inhibitor. AXL was knocked down or overexpressed to observe the release of inflammatory cytokines interleukin- (IL-) 8 and IL-6. The results showed that the expression levels of GAS6 and AXL decreased after P. gingivalis LPS infection. Transfection of a miR-34a inhibitor to hPDLCs demonstrated a role of miR-34a in the downregulation of AXL expression induced by LPS. Moreover, AXL knockdown or overexpression influencing the expression of IL-8 and IL-6 was investigated under LPS stimulation. AXL knockdown decreased the expression of STAT1 and SOCS1/3. Overall, these results demonstrate that AXL inhibits the expression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in hPDLCs and that STAT1 and SOCS1/3 are involved in the regulation of inflammation by GAS6/AXL.
Development of Macular Atrophy in Patients with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Receiving Anti-VEGF Treatment
Authors: Foss Alexander , Rotsos Tryfon , Empeslidis Theo , Chong Victor
Published: October 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness. Late AMD can be classified into exudative (commonly known as wet AMD [wAMD]) or dry AMD, both of which may progress to macular atrophy (MA). MA causes irreversible vision loss and currently has no approved pharmacological treatment. The standard of care for wAMD is treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). However, recent evidence suggests that anti-VEGF treatment may play a role in the development of MA. Therefore, it is important to identify risk factors for the development of MA in patients with wAMD. For example, excessive blockade of VEGF through intense use of anti-VEGF agents may accelerate the development of MA. Patients with type III macular neovascularization (retinal angiomatous proliferation) have a particularly high risk of MA. These patients are characterized as having a pre-existing thin choroid (age-related choroidopathy), suggesting that the choroidal circulation is unable to respond to increased VEGF expression. Evidence suggests that subretinal fluid (possibly indicative of residual VEGF activity) may play a protective role. Patients receiving anti-VEGF agents must be assessed for overall risk of MA, and there is an unmet medical need to prevent the development of MA without undertreating wAMD.
Clinical/Demographic Functional Testing and Multimodal Imaging Differences between Genetically Solved and Unsolved Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Marques João Pedro , Marta Ana , Geada Sara , Carvalho Ana Luísa , Menéres Pedro , Murta Joaquim , Saraiva Jorge , Silva Rufino
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical/demographic functional testing and multimodal imaging features between genetically solved and genetically unsolved nonsyndromic retinitis pigmentosa (nsRP) patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an inherited retinal dystrophies reference center. Consecutive patients with nsRP and available genetic testing results performed between 2018 and 2020 were included. Genetic testing was clinically oriented, and variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Only class IV or V variants were considered disease-causing. Clinical/demographic, functional, and imaging features were compared between genetically unsolved (G1) and genetically solved (G2) patients. Results: A total of 175 patients (146 families) were included: 68 patients (59 families) in G1 and 107 patients (87 families) in G2. First symptoms <25 years, consanguinity, evidence for a particular inheritance pattern, and the absence of indicators for phenocopies were significantly more prevalent in G2. No significant differences were observed on best-corrected visual acuity. The visual field index and mean central retinal layer thickness were significantly higher in G1. The frequency of atypical features on multimodal imaging did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Individual clinical/demographic functional testing and multimodal imaging features should be considered when counseling patients about the probability of identifying disease-causing variants.
Hemolymph Node – An Immunomorphlogical Organ: Modeling the Hemolymph Node by Allografting Renal Tissue in the Rat
Authors: Pan Wei-Ren , Liu Zhian , Sun De-Xu , Song Liang , Ma Chuan-Xiang , Dong Hong-Yan , Liu Zhi-Wei , Zhen Fei , Ge Yuhang , Sun Ya-Fei , Ni Kai-Xiang , Zeng Fan-Qiang
Published: October 2021

There is no authoritative characterization of the attributes of the hemolymph node (HLN) since Gibbes’ first description in 1884. Early reports showed that HLN are found near the kidney in human and animals with the feature of numerous erythrocytes in sinuses. Subsequent studies mainly focused on anatomy and histology, such as the source, distribution, and quantity of erythrocytes in sinuses. Recent articles mentioned that the emergence of HLN was related to immunity, but there was no strong evidence to support this hypothesis. Therefore, it is still uncertain whether the HLN is an organ of anatomy, histology, or immunology. It has been found that the development of HLN could be elicited in the parathymic area by stimuli such as Escherichia coli, allogeneic breast cancer cells, and renal tissue that were injected/transplanted into the tail of rats in our pilot studies. In this study, the model of the HLN was established by transferring allogeneic renal tissue in the rat. Intrasinusoidal erythrocytes of the node were the component for producing a red macroscopic appearance, while macrophage-erythrocyte-lymphocyte rosettes were the major immunomorphological changes, reflecting the immune activity against the invasion of the allogeneic tissue within the node. Therefore, the HLN is an immunomorphological organ.
Downregulation of Pinkbar/pAKT and MMP2/MMP9 Expression in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells as Potential Targets in Cancer Therapy by hAMSCs Secretome
Authors: Shakery Termeh , Safari Fatemeh
Published: October 2021

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Cancer therapy based on stem cells is considered as a novel and promising platform. In the present study, we explored the therapeutic effects of human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) through Pinkbar (planar intestinal- and kidney-specific BAR domain protein), pAKT, and matrix metalloproteinases including MMP2 and MMP9 on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. For this purpose, we employed a co-culture system using Transwell 6-well plates with a pore size of 0.4 μm. After 72 h, the hAMSCs-treated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and c-Src (a key mediator in EGFR signaling pathway), Pinkbar, pAKT, MMP2, and MMP9 were analyzed using quantitative real time PCR and western blot methods. Based on 2D and 3D cell culture models, significant reduction of tumor cell growth and motility through downregulation of EGFR, c-Src, Pinkbar, pAKT, MMP2, and MMP9 were found in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Moreover, induction of cellular apoptosis was also reported. Our finding indicates that the hAMSCS secretome has therapeutic effects on cancer cells. To identify the details of the molecular mechanisms, more experiments will be required.
A new genus and species of the subfamily Mirinae (Hemiptera: Cimicomorpha: Miridae) from Eocene Baltic amber with a new generic combination for Calocoris antennatus Statz in Statz & Wagner, 1950
Authors: KIM JUNGGON , CHÉROT FRÉDÉRIC , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: October 2021

A new fossil mirid, Baltiomiris herczeki gen. and sp. nov. is described from Eocene Baltic amber. Available morphological information is provided with photographs. Additionally, Calocoris antennatus Statz in Statz & Wagner, 1950, a compression fossil, is transferred to the extant genus Mermitelocerus Reuter based on similarities of habitus, particularly of head structures.
Zirconia and Phosphotungstic Acid Supported on TS-1 as An Active Catalyst for One-Pot Selective Conversion of Furfuryl Alcohol to γ-Valerolactone
Authors: Chen Han , Zhang Sisi , Zhuang Yuting , Zhao Juan , Xu Qiong , Yin Dulin
Published: October 2021

Gamma-valerolactone (GVL) has been identified as a sustainable high-value platform molecular for the production of fuels and carbon-based chemicals. In this work, a novel bifunctional Zr-P/TS-1 catalyst with Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites that enables an efficient one-pot conversion
of furfuryl alcohol (FAL) into GVL has been developed by loading ZrO2 and phosphotungstic acid on TS-1. A GVL selectivity of 85.2% at FAL conversion of 100% could be achieved at 170 °C in 24 h over 30Zr-10P/TS-1 using 2-propanol as the hydrogen donor and solvent. Through XRD,
TG-DTG, NH3-TPD, SEM, EDS and XPS analysis, the synergistic effect of multiple functional sites is responsible for the good catalytic activity of the catalyst. Based on products distribution, reasonable reaction pathways and mechanisms have been proposed. Brønstedacidic sites
of phosphotungstic acid promotes the conversion of furfuryl alcohol to isopropyl levulinate via intermediate isopropyl furfuryl ether in the reaction, and the Lewis acidic sites of ZrO2 effectively catalyzes the transfer hydrogenation of isopropyl levulinate to GVL. Moreover, the
30Zr-10P/TS-1 catalyst was reused for four cycles and exhibited good stability.
Green Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNP) Synthesized Using Extract of Melilotus indicus L.
Authors: Ghramh Hamed A. , Al-Qthanin Rahmah N. , Ahmad Zubair , Ibrahim Essam H. , Kilany Mona , Khan Khalid Ali , Al-Solami Habeeb Mansour A. , Khalofah Ahlam , Alahmari Abeer , Khan Farhat S. , Alamri Ahmad M. , Asiri Asma N. , Asiri Fawziah M.
Published: October 2021

In this study for the first-time gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized (MiAuNPs) using Melilotus indicus L. extract (MiExt) by eco-friendly method for different bioactivity applications. Various analytical techniques used for identifying properties of MiAuNPs include powder
X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Radiation (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average diameter of MiAuNPs was about 8 nm (crystallite size by XRD was estimated around 13 nm). Antimicrobial activities MiAuNPs revealed significant
effect against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Shigella flexneri) and fungi (Candida albicans). The anticancer activity which may be found in the MiExt as well as extract with MiAuNPs was checked using
HepG2 and HeLa cell lines. Results revealed that the MiExt alone was stimulatory to Hela cells growth, while MiAuNPs inhibit it. Both MiExt and MiAuNPs also inhibited HepG2 growth. For larvicidal properties, MiExt and MiAuNPs were tested for larvicidal toxicity effects against 4th instar
larvae of the common house mosquito viz., Culex pipiens. MiAuNPs was found more lethal against Cx. pipiens with lower lethal concentration values (LC50 = 333.961 ppm; LC90 = 1433.208 ppm), compared to only MiExt (LC50 = 1815.12 ppm; LC90
= 7164.094 ppm).
Preparation of Titanium Dioxide Nanotube-Based Dental Implants for Osteogenesis and Osseointegration Acceleration
Authors: Liang Xuejin , Chen Lirong , Lu Jun , Gao Xiaopei , Chai Hongbo
Published: October 2021

Dentition defects or missing are common diseases threatening human health. The dental implant technology is an effective way to repair dentition defects. Titanium and titanium alloy implants are widely used in clinical practice because of their good biocompatibility, corrosion resistance,
and high mechanical strength. In this study, anodic oxidation was used to prepare titanium dioxide nanotubes with different diameters. Due to the strong adsorption capacity of the nanotube structure, the nanotube was loaded with icariin, and then the titanium dioxide nanotubes loaded with
icariin (NTx + ICy) were applied in osteogenesis and osseointegration experiment. It was found that the prepared titanium dioxide nanotube wall was smooth. The diameters of the nanotubes prepared at 10 V, 20 V, and 28 V were 30 nm, 50 nm and 75 nm, respectively.
The proportion of icariin was varied, and the most sustained release time of icariin was three days, and the sustained release amount was relatively large on the first day. At each time point, the number of cells adhered to the pure titanium sheets and 10 V-treated nanotubes-Icariin was large
and notably higher than 30 V-treated nanotube-Icariin. The patients involved were subjected to puncture to obtain bone marrow stem cells. It was found that the NTx + ICy materials promoted the osteoblast proliferation. Further, clinical observation found
that the composite titanium dioxide nanotube materials can stimulate macrophages to create a powerful bone immune microenvironment and accelerate the process of osseointegration.
Surviving is Succeeding: How Tech Workers Handle Job Insecurity During COVID-19
Authors: Di Di
Published: October 2021

This study explores how tech professionals respond to job insecurity during COVID-19. Data for this study came from 51 in-depth interviews with tech professionals employed in tech hubs on the west coast of the US. Depending on the niche market where their companies are situated, tech professionals have diverse experiences of job insecurity. While a minority of my respondents indicate that they felt secure about their job during COVID-19, most have experienced job insecurity. I found that participants responded to this experience by evaluating their (in)dispensability to their employers, working to increase their indispensability, and engaging in spiritual and religious practices. As the COVID-19 pandemic had diverse—and sometimes conflicting—impacts on the tech profession, this study offers an empirical understanding of how a group of relatively well-resourced professionals handle job market uncertainties associated with this pandemic. It also shows how macro- and meso-level factors work together, shaping tech professionals’ experiences of and responses to job insecurity. Findings from this study contribute to scholarship on job insecurity in the tech industry. These findings also offer practical implications for tech employers who seek to support their employees during times of economic instability.
The Plasma Atherogenic Index is an Independent Predictor of Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Koreans
Authors: Nam Ji Sun , Kim Min Kyung , Park Kahui , Choi Arim , Kang Shinae , Ahn Chul Woo , Park Jong Suk
Published: October 2021

The plasma atherogenic index (AIP) has been suggested as a useful independent predictor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in high CV risk patients. We investigated the association between AIP and arterial stiffness measured by brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in healthy adults. A total of 3468 healthy subjects without any metabolic or CV diseases were enrolled. Anthropometric and CV risk factors were measured. The AIP was defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of the concentration of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Subjects were classified into AIP quartiles. There were gradual deteriorations in metabolic parameters and increase in baPWV across the increasing AIP quartiles. In a fully adjusted analysis, compared with Q1 (lowest quartile) group, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for increased baPWV was higher in Q2 1.51, Q3 1.64, and Q4 (highest quartile) 2.77 among men, and Q2 1.09, Q3 1.55, and Q4 1.83 among women (all P trend  <0 .05). There was a strong association between AIP and baPWV, and a higher AIP was an independent predictor of increased arterial stiffness in healthy Korean men and women. The AIP may be a simple screening tool for subclinical atherosclerosis.
Predicting ionized hypocalcemia: External validation of an ionized calcium prediction model in patients with COVID-19 and renal failure
Authors: Yap Ernie , Melaku Yohannes , Puri Isha , Ouyang Jie , Goldwasser Philip
Published: October 2021

Background

Ionized hypocalcemia is common in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and is associated with adverse outcomes. We previously developed a linear model that estimates ionized calcium (ICa) by adjusting total calcium (TCa) for the three components of the anion gap and albumin. On internal validation, it outperformed the popular method that corrects TCa for albumin alone (cTCa) in diagnosing low ICa. In this study, we sought to externally validate our ICa model in hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients.

Methods

We retrospectively studied all 200 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center between March 11th and April 30th 2020 and referred to the nephrology service for renal failure, and who had ICa measured on a venous blood gas within 25 min of a comprehensive metabolic panel. We compared the performance of the ICa model and cTCa in diagnosing low ICa by ROC analysis, and also examined the accuracy of the absolute values predicted by the two methods relative to measured ICa.

Results

On ROC analysis, the ICa model was better than cTCa (area under ROC curve: 0.872 [0.025] vs. 0.835 [0.028]; p = 0.045). The ICa model estimated ICa accurately, but the cTCa method seemed to overcorrect TCa, as a substantial number of patients with clearly normal cTCa values had low ICa.

Conclusions

In an external validation cohort, the ICa model estimated ICa accurately and was better than cTCa in the diagnosis of low ICa. This finding can be useful in guiding direct ICa testing.
Workers needed to foster improved academic performance: Perspectives of social workers and education officers in Ghana
Authors: Oforiwaa Ampomah Abena
Published: October 2021

This study examines the perceptions of social welfare and education officers in Ghana about school social work practice and its possible contributions to improving academic performance at the basic level of education. Qualitative data were collected through two focus group discussions with social workers and education officers. Participants expressed views that school social work interventions are needed to strengthen the bond between the home and the school, help students deal with psycho-social problems, and reduce the burden on teachers. Suggestions were also made on the best ways to foster the practice of school social work in Ghana. Theses coalesced around three core themes: active engagement of stakeholders, a robust funding mechanism to develop and sustain social work interventions in schools, and a long-term agenda to train and recruit more school social workers.
Hepatitis C Virus Screening: Factors Associated With Test Completion in a Large Academic Health Care System
Authors: Kasting Monica L. , Christy Shannon M. , Reich Richard R. , Rathwell Julie A. , Roetzheim Richard G. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

In 2012, onetime hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening was recommended for all baby boomers (people born during 1945-1965) in the United States, but only 4.0%-12.9% of baby boomers have ever had a screening ordered by a health care provider. This study examined the HCV screening prevalence among adult patients in a large academic health care system and assessed factors associated with the completion of screening when ordered for baby boomers.

Methods

We defined HCV screening completion as the completion of an HCV antibody test when it was ordered. We used electronic health records to examine HCV screening completion rates among adults (N = 106 630) from August 1, 2015, through July 31, 2020, by birth cohort. Among baby boomers whose health care provider ordered HCV screening, we examined frequency and percentages of HCV screening completion by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We conducted univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess factors associated with HCV screening completion among baby boomers.

Results

During the study period, 73.0% of baby boomers completed HCV screening when it was ordered. HCV completion did not differ by sex or race and ethnicity among baby boomers. Baby boomers with Medicare supplemental health insurance compared with commercial health insurance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.87) and those seeing only advanced practice professionals compared with specialty care physicians (aOR = 2.24) were more likely to complete HCV screening when it was ordered.

Conclusions

Noncompletion of HCV screening is one of many barriers along the HCV treatment continuum. Our findings suggest a need for interventions targeting systems, health care providers, and patients to increase HCV screening rates in the United States.
Metacognitive Strategies, Language Learning Motivation, Self-Efficacy Belief, and English Achievement During Remote Learning: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Teng Mark Feng , Wang Chuang , Wu Junjie Gavin
Published: October 2021

Metacognitive strategies, language learning motivation, and self-efficacy belief are crucial to online or remote learning success. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the interrelationship among metacognitive strategies, language learning motivation, self-efficacy belief, and English learning achievement. The data were collected from three surveys and an English test. The participants were 590 Chinese university students. The findings revealed that self-efficacy belief predicts English learning achievement. In particular, metacognitive strategies and language learning motivation mediate the predictive effects of self-efficacy belief on English learning achievement. The findings show the potential of enhancing online English learning achievement by facilitating learners’ self-efficacy belief, motivation, and metacognitive strategies. Implications can be gained for remote learning within and beyond the coronavirus (COVID-19) context.
Professional Development With Ongoing Coaching: A Model for Improving Educators’ Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices
Authors: Saunders Alicia F. , Wakeman Shawnee , Cerrato Brett , Johnson Holly
Published: October 2021

Behavior skills training (BST) with ongoing coaching is an effective form of professional development that creates sustained educator practice change and improves student outcomes. We provide a model for how BST can be used to improve the implementation of evidence-based practices with both teachers and paraprofessionals, the latter of whom often do not receive professional development opportunities or coaching. We propose a model for BST with digital tools that can be used in face-to-face, hybrid, and virtual formats, which is timely given the pandemic. A vignette with a dyad of educators is used to illustrate the model and examples of fidelity and coaching forms are included. A figure of the BST process with visual supports provided to the educators is included.