bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Optimization of Microgrid Economic Dispatch and Wireless Power Transmission Using Blockchain
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Guo Wenxin , Zhao Ruifeng , Liu Yang , Xie Hu
Published: January 2022

The purpose is to realize the decentralized microgrid economic dispatch, improve the information transparency and security of microgrid systems, and make the power grid move towards a clean, safe, efficient, and reliable development path. Deep learning optimization of microgrid economic dispatch and wireless power transmission based on blockchain technology are studied. First, the related theories and methods of microgrid systems, wireless power transmission, and deep learning optimization based on blockchain technology are introduced. Next, the microgrid economic dispatch is simulated and analyzed on a large scale. Finally, the comparison results between microgrid economic dispatch and common radio energy transmission technologies are analyzed. The results show that daily planning can better coordinate the state of distributed generation, energy storage system, and public connection. The operation results of the previous day correspond to the long-term operation economy of the microgrid. The total operation cost of the microgrid is 4668 yuan/day, and the remaining power is maintained between 500 and 600 kW, which helps to prevent excessive battery discharge, prolong battery life, and reduce operation cost. The simulation results show that the total power imbalance of the microgrid can reduce the output fluctuation of controllable load shedding of distributed generation. When the load characteristics are not important, the output fluctuation of controllable distributed generation can be reduced. The proposed economic dispatch model can optimize the data security, information storage, and information release of the microgrid and has a certain guiding role for the development of the national power grid and power industry.
Inflammation-Related Gene Signature: An Individualized Risk Prediction Model for Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ze , Wei Yan-Yan , Guo Qiong-Mei , Zhou Chang-Hao , Li Nan , Wu Jin-Fang , Li Ya-Ting , Gao Wei-Wei , Li Hui-Li
Published: January 2022

Background. There is much evidence that confirms the inextricable link between inflammation and malignancy. Inflammation-related regulators were involved in the progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). However, the predictive role of single gene biomarkers is inadequate, and more accurate prognostic models are necessary. We undertook the current research to construct a robust inflammation-related gene signature that could stratify patients with KIRC. Methods. The transcriptome sequencing data along with clinicopathologic information of KIRC were obtained from TCGA. A list of inflammation-related genes was acquired from the Molecular Signatures Database. Using the RNA-seq and survival time data from the TCGA training cohort, an inflammation-related gene signature was built using bioinformatic methods, and its performance in predicting patient prognosis was assessed by Kaplan–Meier and ROC curve analyses. Furthermore, we explored the association of risk score with immune score, stromal score, tumor immune-infiltrating cells (TIICs), immunosuppressive molecules, m6A regulators, and autophagy-related biomarkers. Results. Herein, nine inflammation-related hub genes (ROS1, PLAUR, ACVR2A, KLF6, GABBR1, APLNR, SPHK1, PDPN, and ADORA2B) were determined and used to build a predictive model. All sets, including training set, four testing sets, and the entire TCGA group, were divided into two groups (low and high risk), and Kaplan–Meier curves all showed an adverse prognosis for patients in the high-risk group. ESTIMATE algorithm revealed a higher immune score in the high-risk subgroup. CIBERSORT algorithm illustrated that the high-risk group showed higher-level immune infiltrates. Furthermore, LAG3, TIGIT, and CTLA4 were overexpressed in the high-risk subgroup and positively associated with risk scores. Moreover, except for METTL3 and ALKBH5, the other m6A regulators decreased in the high-risk subgroup. Conclusions. In conclusion, a novel inflammation-related gene signature comprehensively constructed in the current study may help stratify patients with KIRC.
The Relationship between Cadherin Polymorphisms and the Risk of Delayed Encephalopathy after Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Liu Xuejiao , Zeng Jiao , Zhang Xiaoli , Gu Jiapeng , Zhang Fan , Han Yongkai , Zhang Ping , Li Wenqiang , Gu Renjun
Published: January 2022

Objective. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between cadherin gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP). Materials and Methods. A total of 416 patients with DEACMP and 754 patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACMP) were recruited. We used the Sequenom MassARRAY® system to detect cadherin gene SNPs related to DEACMP. Using different genetic analysis models, we evaluated the relationship between the cadherin gene polymorphisms and risk of DEACMP. Results. We found that rs1944294 in the N-cadherin (CDH2) gene showed significant differences in genotype frequencies between the two groups under codominant and dominant inheritance models. Similarly, rs2513796 in the cadherin-17 (CDH17) gene showed significant differences under the codominant, dominant, and overdominant genetic models. And the T allele frequency of rs1944294 in the DEACMP group was significantly higher than that in the ACMP group (

P
=
0.023

). Conclusions. Cadherin gene SNPs (rs1944294, rs2513796) are associated with an increased risk of DEACMP in the Chinese population.
The Curative Effect of Shuangshen Decoction Combined with Immunological Preparations in the Treatment of Pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome and Its Influence on the Rate of Complicated Infection and Recurrence
Authors: Han Naiqin , Xie Jialing , Li Qiuying , Li Haixia , Wang Xiuzhen , Sheng Ying
Published: January 2022

Background. To explore the curative effect of Shuangshen Decoction combined with immunological preparations in the treatment of pediatric nephrotic syndrome and its influence on concurrent infection and recurrence rate. Methods. Ninety children with nephrotic syndrome were divided into the routine group and the combined group. The routine group received conventional treatment and immune agents, and the combined group was treated with Shuangshen Decoction on the basis of the routine group. The clinical indexes of the two groups were analyzed and followed up. The infection rate and recurrence rate were calculated. Results. The TCM syndrome scores in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the routine group. The total effective rate of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the routine group. The recurrence rate and infection rate of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the routine group. The incidence of adverse reactions in the combined group was significantly lower than that in the routine group. Conclusion. Shuangshen Decoction combined with immune preparations is effective in treating pediatric nephrotic syndrome and can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, infection rate, and recurrence rate.
Mathematical Modeling and Nail Placement Accuracy Analysis of NF-1 Neurofibromatosis Scoliosis
Authors: Yan Guangxuan , Yang Jincai , Qin Shibing , Yin Peng , Pan Aixing , Hai Yong
Published: January 2022

We have analyzed the arch root morphology, nail placement accuracy, degree of arch deformity, and three-dimensional Cobb angle in patients with NF scoliosis by CT 3D reconstruction. Likewise, we have thoroughly examined arch root morphology, nail placement accuracy, degree of arch deformity, and three-dimensional Cobb angle in patients with idiopathic scoliosis by CT 3D reconstruction. The results of the two groups were statistically analyzed and compared to assess the efficacy and other morphological differences between these groups. For this purpose, 276 patients with scoliosis, including 221 with idiopathic scoliosis and 16 with neurofibromatosis scoliosis, were treated in the hospital, which is from May 2008 to December 2016. The 16 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were matched with patients with neurofibromatosis, and the postoperative CT data were reconstructed in three dimensions, and the measurements included arch morphology, arch transverse diameter, arch-rib joint transverse diameter, three-dimensional coronal Cobb angle, and correction rate. The data of the two groups were statistically analyzed to compare the arch morphology, nail placement accuracy, and treatment effect between patients with NF and patients with AIS. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences between NF and AIS patients in terms of morphology, nail placement accuracy, and treatment outcome. The results showed that there were more severely deformed pedicles in NF patients than in idiopathic scoliosis, and the difference between them was statistically significant. Of the 142 screws placed in the NF group, 88 screws were in a good position, and the remaining 54 screws were misplaced.
Therapeutic Targets of Bufalin on Renal Carcinoma and Mechanisms: Experimental Validation of Network Pharmacology Analysis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Pan Yi-Ming , Wang Lu-Yao , Zhao Wan-Zhu , Yang Shao-Cheng , Sun Xue-Fang , Guan Xin , Yan Bing
Published: January 2022

The possible targets underlying the activity of bufalin on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were investigated using network pharmacology and experimental approaches. PharmMapper and other databases were explored for predicting the bufalin targets and RCC-related targets. Finally, the enriched pathways and the targets were analyzed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) pathway enrichment analyses. Furthermore, in vitro cell experiments were used to verify bufalin activation of AKT and MAPK signaling pathways in human mesangial cells. The therapeutic targets related to bufalin were identified via 35 intersecting targets. GO analysis identified 29 molecular functions, 16 cellular components, and 91 biological processes. KEGG pathway annotation identified 15 signal transduction pathways and 4 tumor-related pathways.
Filtering Algorithm for Positioning Accuracy of the Logistics Tracking System Based on the 3D Virtual Warehousing Logistics Demonstration System
Authors: Sun Guie , Qiao Fengjuan
Published: January 2022

Under the background of the global integrated supply chain, the work of logistics is more and more complicated. Warehouse management is now an important part of logistics. The optimization of the logistics tracking system in the building material market proves that the tracking result of the system is highly reliable. The system has the advantages of small size, low cost, accurate positioning, real-time convergence, and high performance.
Student Burnout and PTSD Symptoms: The Role of Existential Anxiety and Academic Fears on Students during the COVID 19 Pandemic
Authors: Tomaszek Katarzyna , Muchacka-Cymerman Agnieszka
Published: January 2022

It is well known that student burnout is a serious mental health problem, caused by chronic stress related to the educational area. However, in the COVID 19 pandemic, young people have to struggle with additional threats that affect their overall functioning and perception of the world. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of existential anxiety and academic fears on the relationship between academic burnout and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. The findings confirmed that academic burnout, existential anxiety, and academic fear were significantly associated with higher posttraumatic symptoms. Existential anxiety and academic fear played a mediating role in the association between academic burnout and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. In conclusion, it is considered that student burnout and anxiety indicators are important risk factors for the trauma experienced by students and may increase its symptoms.
Mediating Role of Mental Resilience between Sleep Quality and Mindfulness Level of Pregnant Women Screened by Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Liu Jinhan , Yan Xiaoxin , Chu Liangliang , Li Chang E. , Hu Jiamin , Zou Shengqiang
Published: January 2022

Objective. To explore the status quo of psychological resilience, mindfulness level, the sleep quality of pregnant women by Prenatal Diagnosis Screening, and the mediating effect of psychological resilience on sleep quality and mindfulness. Methods. A survey of 298 pregnant women was conducted using the psychological resilience scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and the concise version of the five-factor mindfulness scale. Results. The total score of psychological resilience of pregnant women was (68.96 ± 17.27), mindfulness was (77.25 ± 12.65), the median of total sleep quality was 6, and the detection rate of sleep disorders was 31.9%. The sleep quality of pregnant women was negatively correlated with mindfulness level and psychological resilience (

p
<
0.01

), and mindfulness level was positively associated with psychological resilience (

p
<
0.01

). Bootstrap analysis showed that psychological resilience played an 14.1% mediating role between mindfulness and sleep quality. Conclusion. The psychological resilience of pregnant women is low, sleep quality is poor, and mindfulness is mild to moderate. Psychological resilience plays an important role in mediating between mindfulness level and sleep quality that suggests nursing staff should pay attention to and improve the psychological resilience of pregnant women screened by prenatal diagnosis to improve the mindfulness level and sleep quality of pregnant women screened by prenatal diagnosis.
Tolvaptan Improves Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Xu Chunyang , Huang Xu , Yan Gaoliang , Wang Dong , Hu Meijuan , Tang Chengchun
Published: January 2022

Objective. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a serious side effect of contrast media use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of tolvaptan (TOL) in CI-AKI. Methods. 24 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups ([Formula: see text]). And a rat model of CI-AKI was established. Then, the blood and urine of rats in each group were collected to detect relevant parameters. HE staining was utilized for the observation of the pathological changes of rat kidney tissues, TUNEL assay for the detection of tubular cell apoptosis, biochemical detection for the confirmation of oxidative stress level in kidney tissues, and western blot for the test of the expression of apoptotic proteins and the Nrf2 signaling pathway-related proteins in kidney tissues. Results. TOL could significantly reduce the serum level of urea nitrogen, creatinine, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and decrease serum Cys-C and urine KIM-1 in CI-AKI rats. The result above meant that TOL could improve kidney injury and reduce tubular cell apoptosis in CI-AKI rats. In addition, TOL contributed to a reduction of oxidative stress level by downregulating myeloperoxidase level and increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the kidney tissue of CI-AKI rats. After the pretreatment of TOL, the expression of proapoptotic proteins cleaved-caspase 3 and BAX, as well as mitochondrial fusion proteins DRP1 and MFN2 was downregulated, while the expression of Bcl-2 and PINK1 was upregulated in the kidney tissue of CI-AKI rats. Further, TOL could activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 reversed the effect of TOL on CI-AKI. Conclusion. TOL can improve CI-AKI by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, inhibiting oxidative stress response, and reducing tubular cell apoptosis.
Analysis of Prescription Medication Rules of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Diabetes Treatment Based on Data Mining
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hou Jun , Zeng Ziyu
Published: January 2022

In this study, we have used TCM medical record management platform and SAS statistical software to analyze the cases of a professor in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in order to explore the medication rules for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, so as to enrich and optimize the diagnosis and treatment plan for type 2 diabetes based on the experience of famous doctors. Chinese medicine treatment provides more diagnosis and treatment ideas. We have collected the professor’s treatment of type 2 diabetes, screened out 100 patients, from a total of 285 prescriptions, and entered them into the TCM medical record management platform. We used the TCM medical record management platform and SAS statistical software to analyze his professor’s experience in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The medication analysis is as follows: (1) frequency of medication: 285 cases that met the inclusion criteria used a total of 187 traditional Chinese medicines. Among them, Salvia miltiorrhiza was used most frequently; (2) drug frequency analysis: 285 cases met the inclusion criteria, and the four Qi were mainly cold and warm medicines. The five flavors are mainly sweet, bitter, and pungent drugs. The main meridians are the liver, spleen, and kidney; (3) drug efficacy and classification analysis: 285 cases met the inclusion criteria, and 285 cases met the inclusion criteria and the Chinese medicines involved are the most common medicines used for tonic, heat clearing, blood circulation, and stasis; (4) clustering of medications: 35 Chinese medicines with medication frequency ≥20% are divided into 11 categories. (5) Using the improved Apriori algorithm, the minimum confidence level is selected to be 0.5, data mining is conducted on all type 2 diabetes cases, and a total of 21 recipes are dug out involving 10 Chinese medicines. In this study, with the aid of the TCM medical record management platform and SAS statistical software, cluster analysis, improved Apriori algorithm, and other data mining methods were used to systematically and objectively analyze the professor’s treatment of type 2 diabetes cases. The results have clinical significance and can be used for traditional Chinese medicine treatment of type 2 diabetes, which provides an objective basis and provides a certain reference for the current inheritance of traditional Chinese medical experience and summary research.
Safety Effects of Connected and Automated Vehicle-Based Variable Speed Limit Control near Freeway Bottlenecks considering Driver’s Heterogeneity
Authors: Li Ye , Shi Yuntao , Lee Jaeyoung , Yuan Chen , Wang Baojie
Published: January 2022

A control strategy using variable speed limit (VSL) is a proven solution to reduce freeway collision risks and improve safety. However, the heterogeneity of human drivers restricts the effectiveness of traditional VSL controls, which may be made up by recent advanced technologies of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). This study aims to propose a CAV-based VSL control system to address the limitations caused by human drivers on VSL control’s effectiveness. First, the heterogeneity of human drivers is analyzed, and its impact on the safety performance of VSL is examined. Specifically, a microscopic simulation platform is established, and two vehicle dynamic models developed for CAVs and human-driven vehicles (HDVs) are incorporated into the simulation platform. Based on a widely utilized surrogate safety measurement, time-to-collision, its derivative metrics are applied to evaluate collision risks, and the total travel time is used to assess operational efficiency. Extensive simulations are conducted to examine the performance of the proposed CAV-VSL system. The results indicate the following: (1) the heterogeneity of human drivers negatively affects the performance of the VSL; (2) the performance of the proposed control system in a mixed flow can be improved by advanced wireless communication technology; (3) CAVs are able to implement the VSL control strategy effectively resulting in the proactive reduction of the heterogeneity.
STING Induces Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Promoting Calcium-Dependent Caspase 1-GSDMD Processing in Macrophages
Authors: Wu Xin-yi , Chen Ya-jun , Liu Chang-an , Gong Jun-hua , Xu Xue-song
Published: January 2022

Objectives. Although a recent study reported that stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in macrophages has an important regulatory effect on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), the underlying mechanism of STING-dependent innate immune activation in liver macrophages (Kupffer cells, KCs) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of STING on liver macrophage pyroptosis and the associated regulatory mechanism of liver IRI. Methods. Clodronate liposomes were used to block liver macrophages. AAV-STING-RNAi-F4/80-EGFP, an adenoassociated virus (AAV), was transfected into the portal vein of mice in vivo, and the liver IRI model was established 14 days later. In vitro, liver macrophages were treated with STING-specific siRNA, and a hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) model was established. The level of STING was detected via Western blotting (WB), RT-PCR, and immunostaining. Liver tissue and blood samples were collected. Pathological changes in liver tissue were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Macrophage pyroptosis was detected by WB, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The calcium concentration was measured by immunofluorescence and analyzed with a fluorescence microplate reader. Results. The expression of STING increased with liver IRI but decreased significantly after the clodronate liposome blockade of liver macrophages. After knockdown of STING, the activation of caspase 1-GSDMD in macrophages and liver IRI was alleviated. More interestingly, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) increased the calcium concentration in liver macrophages, but the calcium concentration was decreased after STING knockdown. Furthermore, after the inhibition of calcium in H/R-induced liver macrophages by BAPTA-AM, pyroptosis was significantly reduced, but the expression of STING was not significantlydecreased. Conclusions. Knockdown of STING reduces calcium-dependent macrophage caspase 1-GSDMD-mediated liver IRI, representing a potential therapeutic approach in the clinic.
Application of Logistic Regression and Decision Tree Models in the Prediction of Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Stroke
Authors: Zhang Qile , Zhang Zheyu , Huang Xiuqing , Zhou Chun , Xu Jian
Published: January 2022

An improvement in the activities of daily living (ADLs) is significantly related to the quality of life and prognoses of patients with stroke. However, the factors predicting significant improvement in ADL (SI-ADL) have not yet been clarified. Therefore, we sought to identify the key factors affecting SI-ADL in patients with stroke after rehabilitation therapy using both logistic regression modeling and decision tree modeling. We retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical data of 190 patients with stroke who underwent rehabilitation therapy at our hospital between January 2020 and July 2020. General and rehabilitation therapy data were extracted, and the Barthel index (BI) score was used for outcome assessment. We defined SI-ADL as an improvement in the BI score by 15 points or more during hospitalization. Logistic regression and decision tree models were established to explore the SI-ADL predictors. We then used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to compare the logistic regression and decision tree models. Univariate analysis revealed that compared with the non-SI-ADL group, the SI-ADL group showed a significantly shorter course of stroke, longer hospital stay, and higher rate of receiving occupational and speech therapies (all

P
<
0.05

). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed the course of stroke at admission (

odds
 
ratio
 

OR

=
0.986

,

95
%
confidence
 
interval
 

CI

=
0.979

–0.993;

P
<
0.001

) and the length of hospital stay (

OR
=
1.030

,

95
%
CI
=
1.013

–1.047; P =0.001) as the independent predictors of SI-ADL. ROC comparisons revealed no significant differences in the areas under the curves for the logistic regression and decision tree models (0.808 vs. 0.831;

z
=
0.977

,

P
=
0.329

). Both models identified the course of disease at admission and the length of hospital stay as key factors affecting SI-ADL. Early initiation of rehabilitation therapy is of immense importance for improving the ADLs in patients with stroke.
Predictive Skills and Reading Efficiency of College English Based on Multimedia Technology
Authors: Ding Yuexia , Li Ping
Published: January 2022

Slow reading speed is a common problem among Chinese college students’ English learning, limiting the amount of reading done and thus directly affecting English-level improvement. Teachers in English classes place a premium on improving students’ reading skills but the results are not immediately apparent. Even if many students have strong vocabulary and grammar skills, they will never be able to read English fluently. Teachers should prioritize not only students’ knowledge acquisition and intelligence development but also the development of students’ interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence in order to maximize their potential. This paper uses multimedia technology to investigate the role of multimedia technology in improving college English-reading efficiency and analyzes how teachers and students can play a positive role in improving the efficiency of college multimedia teaching using data mining technology, which shows that students’ predictive reading skills can help them improve their reading efficiency. Teachers can also supervise and ask questions about students’ learning progress via computers, communicate effectively with students, and provide timely feedback on students’ learning results using multimedia technology.
Anti-Ascaris IgE as a Risk Factor for Asthma Symptoms among 5-Year-Old Children in Rural Bangladesh with Even Decreased Ascaris Infection Prevalence
Authors: Takeuchi Haruko , Takanashi Sayaka , Hasan S.M. Tafsir , Hore Samar Kumar , Yeasmin Sultana , Ahmad Shaikh Meshbahuddin , Alam Md Jahangir , Jimba Masamine , Khan Md Alfazal , Iwata Tsutomu
Published: January 2022

Background: Epidemiological studies have indicated that anti-Ascaris IgE enhances asthma and allergies under specific conditions although the association between them is still controversial. The association of anti-Ascaris IgE with increased asthma symptoms among children from a general population with a mild to moderate Ascaris infection prevalence was investigated. Methods: A total of 126 children aged 5 years with wheezing during the previous year and 110 children who did not have wheezing were selected randomly from the rural service area of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. Serum levels of total, anti-Ascaris, anti-Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and anti-cockroach IgEs were tested, and their risks for wheezing were analyzed. The wheezing children were then classified by hierarchical cluster analysis to investigate the contribution of anti-Ascaris IgE to wheezing. Results: The anti-Ascaris IgE levels in wheezing and never-wheezing children were 1.07 and 0.65 UA/mL, and it contributed to 11% of wheezing in children. Anti-Ascaris IgE was significantly associated with wheezing (odds ratio [OR] per loge increment: 1.37 [95% CI: 1.01–1.87], p = 0.046). The ORs, which were adjusted for sex, parental asthma, pneumonia history, helminth infections, Haemophilus influenzae type B combination vaccination, antibiotic use during infancy, and total and specific IgE levels, increased even when only children with more specific symptoms of asthma were included in the analysis. Namely, the ORs for wheezing with sleep disturbance, four or more attacks, and wheezing with speech difficulties during the previous 1 year were OR = 1.44/loge increment [95% CI: 1.01–2.07], OR = 1.90/loge increment [95% CI: 1.11–3.25], and OR = 1.78/loge increment [95% CI: 1.01–3.14], respectively. Conclusions: The anti-Ascaris IgE levels in wheezing and never-wheezing children in the current study significantly decreased concurrently with Ascaris infection prevalence compared with their corresponding values in 2001. The contribution of anti-Ascaris IgE to wheezing also dropped from 26% in 2001 to 11% in the current study. Despite significant decreases in the levels and the seroprevalence and its contribution to wheezing, anti-Ascaris IgE remained significantly associated with increased risk of wheezing. Anti-Ascaris IgE significantly increased the risk of wheezing in a general population with a mild to moderate Ascaris infection prevalence, suggesting robustness as a risk factor and a possible dose-response relationship.
The Difference in the Cytoskeletal Machinery of Growth Cones of Growing Axons and Leading Processes
Authors: Miyata Kaho , Hayashi Kensuke
Published: January 2022

Neuronal migration and axon elongation in the developing brain are essential events for neural network formation. Leading processes of migrating neurons and elongating axons have growth cones at their tips. Cytoskeletal machinery for advance of growth cones of the two processes has been thought the same. In this study, we compared axonal-elongating growth cones and leading-process growth cones in the same conditions that manipulated filopodia, lamellipodia, and drebrin, the latter mediates actin filament-microtubule interaction. Cerebral cortex (CX) neurons and medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) neurons from embryonic mice were cultured on less-adhesive cover glasses. Inhibition of filopodia formation by triple knockdown of mammalian-enabled, Ena-VASP-like, and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein or double knockdown of Daam1 and fascin affected axon formation of CX neurons but did not affect the morphology of leading process of MGE neurons. On the other hand, treatment with CK666, to inhibit lamellipodia formation, did not affect axons but destroyed the leading-process growth cones. When drebrin was knocked down, the morphology of CX neurons remained unchanged, but the leading processes of MGE neurons became shorter. In vivo assay of radial migration of CX neurons revealed that drebrin knockdown inhibited migration, while it did not affect axon elongation. These results showed that the filopodia-microtubule system is the main driving machinery in elongating growth cones, while the lamellipodia-drebrin-microtubule system is the main system in leading-process growth cones of migrating neurons.
Real-World Effectiveness of Piperacillin/Tazobactam with and without Linezolid for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Authors: Quickert Stefanie , Würstle Silvia , Reuken Philipp A. , Hagel Stefan , Schneider Jochen , Schmid Roland M. , Neugebauer Sophie , Stallmach Andreas , Bruns Tony
Published: January 2022

Background: Guidelines recommend empirical therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) with low risk of multidrug-resistant organisms. Whether coverage of beta-lactam-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, such as ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, provides clinical benefit in such situations is unknown. Methods: In this observational study, we investigated the real-world effectiveness of empirical therapy with TZP monotherapy versus TZP plus linezolid (LZD) combination therapy in patients with SBP from two centers. Treatment failure, defined as the need to escalate antibiotic therapy due to in vitro resistance, lack of neutrophil decrease in ascitic fluid, or clinical decision, and 30-day survival were retrospectively assessed. Results: In the first cohort, 100 SBP episodes were empirically treated with TZP + LZD combination therapy (n = 50) or TZP monotherapy (n = 50). Treatment failure was recorded in 48% with TZP monotherapy compared with 16% with TZP + LZD combination therapy (p = 0.001), and this difference persisted after stratification for community-acquired versus hospital-acquired SBP. Although treatment failure after TZP therapy was associated with lower 30-day survival (56% vs. 82%; p = 0.04), 30-day survival with empirical TZP + LZD combination therapy was not different from empirical TZP monotherapy (Kaplan-Meier estimates 74% vs. 69%; p = 0.87). TZP concentrations in ascitic fluid were >32 mg/L in 94% samples after continuous administration. In a second cohort of 41 patients empirically treated with TZP, treatment failure was observed in 37%, which was also higher than in episodes treated with TZP + LZD in cohort 1 (p = 0.03). Conclusion: In this retrospective analysis, empirical TZP + LZD combination therapy for SBP was associated with fewer treatment failures without impact on short-term survival.
Common Cosmetic Compounds Can Reduce Air Pollution-Induced Oxidative Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Response in the Skin
Authors: Hergesell Kristýna , Valentová Kateřina , Velebný Vladimír , Vávrová Kateřina , Dolečková Iva
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Constantly increasing air pollution (AP) poses a concern affecting not only our health but also our skin. A typical manifestation of the skin damage induced by AP is its premature aging, irritation, skin barrier impairment, pigmentation disorders, and development or exacerbation of various skin diseases. For these reasons, it is crucial to protect the skin from the negative effects of AP. In this study, we evaluated the ability of some compounds commonly used in dermatological or cosmetic preparations with various biological activities to reduce AP-induced skin damage. Methods: We established a new experimental model using porcine skin explants exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) in which we determined the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the stratum corneum, skin barrier lipids peroxidation, and gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 in the epidermis. Then, we tested several polysaccharides and their derivatives such as sodium hyaluronate (SH) of different molecular weight (MW, 1.6 MDa, 300 kDa, 15 kDa, 5 kDa), yeast glucomannan, schizophyllan, and carboxymethyl β-glucan, then vitamin C derivative sodium ascorbyl phosphate, niacinamide, and D-panthenol for their ability to prevent CS-induced skin damage. For the evaluation and comparison of their mechanism of action, film-forming effect was determined by TEWL and gloss measurements and the antioxidant properties were assessed by DPPH assay. Results: In the skin samples exposed to CS, we observed significant negative changes such as the presence of large amount of ROS in the stratum corneum, high level of skin barrier lipids peroxidation and upregulated IL6 gene expression. Pretreatment of the skin samples with all the tested substances significantly prevented CS-induced skin damage. The most effective were high MW SH probably due to its best film-forming effect and sodium ascorbyl phosphate with the best antioxidant properties. Conclusion: AP leads to a significant skin damage which can be effectively prevented using some conventional cosmetic and dermatological ingredients with various mechanisms of action.
Post-Systemic Chemotherapy Prognoses of Recurrent/Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients with Retroperitoneal/Intra-Abdominal Origin versus Those with Extremities/Trunk Origin
Authors: Nakano Kenji , Fukuda Naoki , Sato Yasuyoshi , Urasaki Tetsuya , Ohmoto Akihiro , Wang Xiaofei , Hayashi Naomi , Suto Hirotaka , Udagawa Shohei , Oki Ryosuke , Yunokawa Mayu , Ono Makiko , Tomomatsu Junichi , Minami Yusuke , Hayakawa Keiko , Tanizawa Taisuke , Ae Keisuke , Matsumoto Seiichi , Takahashi Shunji
Published: January 2022

Background: The clinical benefit of systemic chemotherapy for recurrent/metastatic retroperitoneal/intra-abdominal soft tissue sarcoma (STS) compared to its benefits for other primary lesions has not been known or sufficiently evaluated. Methods and Patients: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of the STS patients who consulted a department of medical oncology in Tokyo between June 2011 and March 2018, and we extracted the cases of patients with primary sites at the retroperitoneum/intra-abdomen (cohort R) or extremities/trunk (cohort E) who received systemic chemotherapy in a recurrent/metastatic setting, comparing the cohorts’ characteristics, chemotherapy details, and prognoses. Results: Of all 337 STS patients, we enrolled 49 patients in cohort R and 75 patients in cohort E. Liposarcoma was more frequently observed in cohort R (51.0%) than cohort E (22.7%). The median chemotherapy treatment line was two lines (range: 1–6) in cohort R and three lines (range: 1–9) in cohort E. The doxorubicin usage rates differed in recurrent/metastatic settings (90.0% in cohort R and 55.0% in cohort E), due mainly to the higher rate of a perioperative chemotherapy treatment history in cohort E (52.0% vs. 6.1% in cohort R). The median overall survival from the start of salvage chemotherapy was 31.9 months (cohort R; 95% CI: 20.9–42.8) and 27.1 months (cohort E; 95% CI: 21.6–32.5) (p = 0.549). Conclusion: There were differences in the distributions of pathology and antitumor drugs used in a salvage setting between retroperitoneal/intra-abdominal and extremities/trunk STS patients in recurrent/metastatic settings, but the prognoses with salvage chemotherapy were similar in the two cohorts.
Power quality improvement of distribution systems asymmetry caused by power disturbances based on particle swarm optimization-artificial neural network
Authors: Saeed Ismael Kareem , Sheikhyounis Kamal
Published: January 2022

With an increase of non-linear load in today’s electrical power systems, the rate of power quality drops and the voltage source and frequency deteriorate if not properly compensated with an appropriate device. Filters are most common techniques that employed to overcome this problem and improving power quality. In this paper an improved optimization technique of filter applies to the power system is based on a particle swarm optimization with using artificial neural network technique applied to the unified power flow quality conditioner (PSO-ANN UPQC). Design particle swarm optimization and artificial neural network together result in a very high performance of flexible AC transmission lines (FACTs) controller and it implements to the system to compensate all types of power quality disturbances. This technique is very powerful for minimization of total harmonic distortion of source voltages and currents as a limit permitted by IEEE-519. The work creates a power system model in MATLAB/Simulink program to investigate our proposed optimization technique for improving control circuit of filters. The work also has measured all power quality disturbances of the electrical arc furnace of steel factory and suggests this technique of filter to improve the power quality.
A review on techniques and modelling methodologies used for checking electromagnetic interference in integrated circuits
Authors: Baba Tamana , Mustapha Nurul Arfah Che , Hasbullah Nurul Fadzlin
Published: January 2022

The proper function of the integrated circuit (IC) in an inhibiting electromagnetic environment has always been a serious concern throughout the decades of revolution in the world of electronics, from disjunct devices to today’s integrated circuit technology, where billions of transistors are combined on a single chip. The automotive industry and smart vehicles in particular, are confronting design issues such as being prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Electronic control devices calculate incorrect outputs because of EMI and sensors give misleading values which can prove fatal in case of automotives. In this paper, the authors have non exhaustively tried to review research work concerned with the investigation of EMI in ICs and prediction of this EMI using various modelling methodologies and measurement setups.
In Vitro Matured Human Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Cardiomyocytes Form Grafts With Enhanced Structure and Function in Injured Hearts
Authors: Dhahri Wahiba , Sadikov Valdman Tamilla , Wilkinson Dan , Pereira Elizabeth , Ceylan Eylül , Andharia Naaz , Qiang Beiping , Masoudpour Hassan , Wulkan Fanny , Quesnel Elya , Jiang Wenlei , Funakoshi Shunsuke , Mazine Amine , Gomez-Garcia M. Juliana , Latifi Neda , Jiang Yidi , Huszti Ella , Simmons Craig A. , Keller Gordon , Laflamme Michael A.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)–derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) have tremendous promise for application in cardiac regeneration, but their translational potential is limited by an immature phenotype. We hypothesized that large-scale manufacturing of mature hPSC-CMs could be achieved through culture on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-lined roller bottles and that the transplantation of these cells would mediate better structural and functional outcomes than with conventional immature hPSC-CM populations.

Methods:

We comprehensively phenotyped hPSC-CMs after in vitro maturation for 20 and 40 days on either PDMS or standard tissue culture plastic substrates. All hPSC-CMs were generated from a transgenic hPSC line that stably expressed a voltage-sensitive fluorescent reporter to facilitate in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological studies, and cardiomyocyte populations were also analyzed in vitro by immunocytochemistry, ultrastructure and fluorescent calcium imaging, and bulk and single-cell transcriptomics. We next compared outcomes after the transplantation of these populations into a guinea pig model of myocardial infarction using end points including histology, optical mapping of graft- and host-derived action potentials, echocardiography, and telemetric electrocardiographic monitoring.

Results:

We demonstrated the economic generation of >1×10
8
mature hPSC-CMs per PDMS-lined roller bottle. Compared with their counterparts generated on tissue culture plastic substrates, PDMS-matured hPSC-CMs exhibited increased cardiac gene expression and more mature structural and functional properties in vitro. More important, intracardiac grafts formed with PDMS-matured myocytes showed greatly enhanced structure and alignment, better host-graft electromechanical integration, less proarrhythmic behavior, and greater beneficial effects on contractile function.

Conclusions:

We describe practical methods for the scaled generation of mature hPSC-CMs and provide the first evidence that the transplantation of more mature cardiomyocytes yields better outcomes in vivo.
When Mediators Need Machines (and Vice Versa): Towards a Research Agenda on Hybrid Peacemaking Intelligence
Authors: Hirblinger Andreas T.
Published: January 2022

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in peace processes challenges the ways in which mediators conventionally generate and use knowledge to facilitate a convergence of conflict party positions. Mediators are increasingly unable to maintain their role as information brokers without the support of automated information gathering and analysis systems. However, the effectiveness of such AI-tools is likewise hampered by their limited autonomy across peacemaking contexts, by the paradigmatic nature of knowledge that is used to design AI-systems, and the influence of subjective factors that are difficult to measure. These challenges may be overcome by hybrid human-machine systems in support of peacemaking. This article formulates a research agenda for hybrid peacemaking intelligence that is concerned with the increasing interdependence of humans and machines. It suggests studying how agency is distributed in mediator-machine networks, the hermeneutics of machine-supported participatory approaches, and how hybrid arrangements change power relations in peacemaking.
The Role of Imams in Family Counselling with Muslim Families in Norway
Authors: Brekke Torkel , Hadi Fazal , Kozaric Edin
Published: January 2022

This article offers an analysis of the role of Muslim imams in family counselling in Norway based on a survey (N = 35) and in-depth interviews (N = 10) with imams. There has till now been little knowledge about these issues. We find that family counselling is an important part of the work that imams do and they have a high degree of awareness about their potential role as counsellors, but they are also wary of their clients’ high expectations and they stress the limitations of their own authority. One of the important issues the imams face in counselling has to do with the challenging role of Muslim husbands and the expectations husbands sometimes face.
Cymbopleura amicula stat nov. et. nom. nov. (Bacillariophyceae)—a rare diatom species from a karst river in Croatia
Authors: GLIGORA UDOVIČ MARIJA , KULAŠ ANTONIJA , ŠUŠNJARA MIRELA , ARAPOV JASNA , BLANCO SAUL , LEVKOV ZLATKO
Published: January 2022

The Krka River is located at Balkan Peninsula in the Dinaric region of Croatia and it is a typical groundwater-fed karst river characterized by an unusual phenomenon-tufa. Tufa designates porous CaCO3 deposits forming under specific physical and chemical conditions and hosting very diverse freshwater biota. Karst springs are considered one of the most diverse habitats for diatoms and are usually inhabited by specific diatom assemblages, which include the Krka spring zone. However, such habitats are particularly impacted by human activities, so previous studies have recently been conducted to raise awareness of the importance of karstic spring zones, especially because they are inhabited by specific and rare species. During the research at Krka River, samples were collected in the spring zone in May 2017, and the observations revealed the existence of a one Cymbopleura species characterized by slightly convex to almost linear valves, which are slightly protracted, broadly rounded and weakly dorsally bent at the apices. Based on detailed morphological analyses on light and scanning electron microscopy it appears that this population resembles two previously described taxa: C. rupicola var. minor Krammer and C. rupicola var. korana Krammer. Here we provide a more detailed description of the mentioned population under the new name Cymbopleura amicula stat. nov. et nom. nov. due to the significant differences from C. rupicola, together with a comparison with similar taxa in Cymbopleura.
Phyllanthus chapadensis, a new phyllocladiferous Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) from the Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brazil
Authors: ORLANDINI PRISCILA , CORDEIRO INÊS , DA SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ , CASTRO SOUZA VINICIUS
Published: January 2022

We describe Phyllanthus chapadensis, a new phyllocladiferous species of the genus Phyllanthus probable endemic to the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Goiás, Brazil, in the Cerrado region. This region is located in Central Brazil with a high number of endemic Angiosperms, unique landscapes, and distinct and peculiar phytophysiognomies. The species described here belongs to Phyllanthus sect. Choretropsis, a Brazilian exclusive group of plants characterized by presenting phylloclades. The new species resembles P. spartioides and P. sarothamnoides, which occur in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, due to its upright shrubby habit, with thin and delicate phylloclades. However, it can be differentiated by the morphological characteristics of phylloclades and flowers. We present the main morphological distinctions between these species, distribution map, illustrations, flowering and fruiting seasons, and a proposal of the conservation status of the new species.
Primulina pingleensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China
Authors: QIN YING , MENG TAO , CHEN HAI-LING , LIU YAN
Published: January 2022

Primulina pingleensis, a new species from the limestone area of Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to P. pseudoheterotricha and P. macrodonta, but can be easily distinguished from the latter two by its narrowly lanceolate calyx lobes, strongly laterally compressed corolla tube, deeply bilobed stigma and so on. Detailed morphological descriptions, photographs and taxonomic notes are provided here.