bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome using m-polar spherical fuzzy sets
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Saba Maryam , Khokhar Muhammad Abdullah , Aslam Muhammad
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to introduce the notion of m-polar spherical fuzzy set (mPSFS) as a hybrid model of spherical fuzzy set (SFS) and m-polar fuzzy set (mPFS). The proposed model named as mPSFS is an efficient model to address multi-polarity in a spherical fuzzy environment. That is, an mPSFS assigns [Formula: see text] number of ordered triple of three independent grades (membership degree, neutral-membership degree and non-membership degree) against each alternative in the universe of discourse. The existing models, namely, mPFS and SFS, are the special cases of suggested hybrid mPSFS. In order to ensure the novelty of this robust extension, various operations on the m-polar spherical fuzzy sets (mPSFSs) are introduced with some brief illustrations to understand these concepts. A robust multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method is established by using new score function and accuracy function for m-polar spherical fuzzy numbers (mPSFNS). Additionally, the extensions of technique of order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and gray relationship analysis (GRA) towards m-polar spherical fuzzy environment are proposed. Moreover, an application to nephrotic syndrome which may lead to kidney damage is analyzed by extensions TOPSIS and GRA. The proposed techniques and their algorithms provide a fruitful diagnosis procedure in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. Lastly, we give a comparison analysis of the suggested models with some existing models as well.
A Review on Flow Characteristics of the Straight and Coiled Capillary Tubes
Authors: Jadhav Pravin , Agrawal Neeraj
Published: August 2021

A detailed literature review on the flow characterization of the capillary tubes is presented in this paper. The flow behavior is reviewed for straight, helically, and spirally coiled capillary tubes at different operating and geometric conditions by considering various aspects in the tube. This paper summarizes experimental and numerical study on the adiabatic and nonadiabatic straight and coiled capillary tubes at different geometries conditions. The vital information of the range of the tube geometry and operating conditions are discussed, which can be utilized for further studies on the capillary tube. Various methodologies with generalized correlations are indicated. It has been observed that there are even more studies need to do with environmentally friendly refrigerants with various practical aspects in the capillary tube. It would be interesting to find the coiling effect on the design and simulation of the capillary tube. In addition to that more experimental and numerical studies need to explore the nonadiabatic coiled capillary tube. It would be fascinating to study the metastable condition in the capillary tube and set suitable relations to present its effect on the mass flow rate.
Mineral Analysis, In Vitro Evaluation of Alpha‐Amylase, Alpha‐Glucosidase, and Beta‐Galactosidase Inhibition, and Antibacterial Activities of Juglans regia L. Bark Extracts
Authors: Boulfia Mohamed , Lamchouri Fatima , Toufik Hamid
Published: August 2021

In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant Juglans regia L. are used to treat several pathological conditions including diabetes and infectious and periodontal diseases. This includes the bark of Juglans regia. The present study is aimed at evaluating for the first time the mineral composition, investigating the antidiabetic and antibacterial properties of Moroccan J. regia bark, and finally determining the correlations between the chemical composition of the tested extracts and their biological activities. The mineral composition was determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Then, nine extracts were prepared by different methods and modalities of extractions and investigated for their antidiabetic activities, via tests of inhibition of alpha‐amylase, alpha‐glucosidase, and beta‐galactosidase enzymes, and for their antibacterial activities against six strains involved in infectious diseases and periodontology. Finally, the correlation between the chemical compositions of the different extracts prepared and their antidiabetic and antibacterial potencies was determined by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). J. regia is an important source of mineral elements, mainly Fe (19849.8), K (3487.8), Mg (2631.03), and P (691.02) mg/kg plant material. All the extracts of J. regia possess antidiabetic activity, and in particular, the macerated acetone extract gave the highest inhibitory activity against alpha‐amylase (IC50 value of 5445.33 ± 82.58 μg/mL), alpha‐glucosidase (IC50 value of 323.7 ± 1.71 μg/mL), and beta‐galactosidase (IC50 value of 811.2 ± 8.32 μg/mL). For the results of antibacterial activity, the macerated acetone extract at the concentration of 80 mg/mL was found to be the most active by inducing inhibition diameters of 12, 17, 18, 11, 14.5, and 16 mm against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Listeria innocua, respectively. PCA allowed us to deduce that the extracts richer in polyphenols, in particular, the two acetone and ethanol macerates, have a better antidiabetic activity against alpha‐glucosidase as well as a better antibacterial activity. The results of the present study revealed that the aqueous and organic macerate extracts showed a better antidiabetic activity and justified the use of J. regia bark as an antibacterial and antiseptic agent in traditional Moroccan medicine in the treatment of dental affections.
Deep Learning-Based Wavelet Threshold Function Optimization on Noise Reduction in Ultrasound Images
Authors: Shen Zhuxiang , Li Wei , Han Hui
Published: August 2021

To explore the utilization of the convolutional neural network (CNN) and wavelet transform in ultrasonic image denoising and the influence of the optimized wavelet threshold function (WTF) algorithm on image denoising, in this exploration, first, the imaging principle of ultrasound images is studied. Due to the limitation of the principle of ultrasound imaging, the inherent speckle noise will seriously affect the quality of ultrasound images. The denoising principle of the WTF based on the wavelet transform is analyzed. Based on the traditional threshold function algorithm, the optimized WTF algorithm is proposed and applied to the simulation experiment of ultrasound images. By comparing quantitatively and qualitatively with the traditional threshold function algorithm, the advantages of the optimized WTF algorithm are analyzed. The results suggest that the image is denoised by the optimized WTF. The mean square error (MSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index measurement (SSIM) of the images are 20.796 dB, 34.294 dB, and 0.672 dB, respectively. The denoising effect is better than the traditional threshold function. It can denoise the image to the maximum extent without losing the image information. In addition, in this exploration, the optimized function is applied to the actual medical image processing, and the ultrasound images of arteries and kidneys are denoised separately. It is found that the quality of the denoised image is better than that of the original image, and the extraction of effective information is more accurate. In summary, the optimized WTF algorithm can not only remove a lot of noise but also obtain better visual effect. It has important value in assisting doctors in disease diagnosis, so it can be widely applied in clinics.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Miao , Bai Jiawei , Ma Chengtai , Wei Jie , Du Xianjin
Published: August 2021

Tumor immunotherapy is the fourth therapy after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. It has made great breakthroughs in the treatment of some epithelial tumors and hematological tumors. However, its adverse reactions are common or even more serious, and the response rate in some solid tumors is not satisfactory. With the maturity of genomics and metabolomics technologies, the effect of intestinal microbiota in tumor development and treatment has gradually been recognized. The microbiota may affect tumor immunity by regulating the host immune system and tumor microenvironment. Some bacteria help fight tumors by activating immunity, while some bacteria mediate immunosuppression to help cancer cells escape from the immune system. More and more studies have revealed that the effects and complications of tumor immunotherapy are related to the composition of the gut microbiota. The composition of the intestinal microbiota that is sensitive to treatment or prone to adverse reactions has certain characteristics. These characteristics may be used as biomarkers to predict the prognosis of immunotherapy and may also be developed as “immune potentiators” to assist immunotherapy. Some clinical and preclinical studies have proved that microbial intervention, including microbial transplantation, can improve the sensitivity of immunotherapy or reduce adverse reactions to a certain extent. With the development of gene editing technology and nanotechnology, the design and development of engineered bacteria that contribute to immunotherapy has become a new research hotspot. Based on the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and immunotherapy, the correct mining of microbial information and the development of reasonable and feasible microbial intervention methods are expected to optimize tumor immunotherapy to a large extent and bring new breakthroughs in tumor treatment.
Public Preferences of Shared Autonomous Vehicles in Developing Countries: A Cross-National Study of Pakistan and China
Authors: Wang Zhong , Safdar Muhammad , Zhong Shaopeng , Liu Jianrong , Xiao Feng
Published: August 2021

Shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) are rapidly emerging as a viable alternative form of public transportation with the potential to provide adequate and user-friendly, on-demand services without having vehicle ownership. It has been argued that SAVs could revolutionize transportation systems and our current way of life. Although SAVs are likely to be introduced in developed countries first, there is little doubt that they would also have a significant effect and enormous market in developing nations. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence public acceptance of SAVs, as well as the current public attitude toward SAVs, in two developing countries, namely, Pakistan and China. A stated preference survey was conducted to understand respondents’ travel patterns, preferences, and sociodemographic data. A total of 910 valid responses were gathered: 551 from Lahore, Pakistan, and 359 from Dalian, China. A multinomial logit model and a mixed multinomial logit model with panel effect were used for data analysis. The results suggested that generic attributes, such as respondents’ waiting time, travel time, and travel cost were found to be significant in both cities. The results indicate that sociodemographic characteristics, such as education, income, travel frequency in a week, and people who had driver’s licenses, are significantly correlated with respondents’ interest in using SAV in Lahore. The results also showed that people who had a private car indicated a greater interest in SAVs in Dalian. The study provides a new perspective to understand the public preferences toward SAVs in developing countries with different economies and cultures, as well as a benchmark for policymakers to make effective policies for the future implementation of SAVs.
Value of Magnifying Chromoendoscopy and Magnifying Optical Enhancement Technology in Classifying Colorectal Polyps: A Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Song Ying-Hao , Xu Ruo-Xin , Zhang Yong , Xing Meng-Xuan , Xu Li-Dong , Li Kun-Kun , Xiao Xing-Guo , Li Lu , Xiao Yan-Jing , Qu Yu-Lei , Ma Ying-Jie , Jia Bao-Hui , Wu Hui-Li
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims. Magnifying chromoendoscopy (ME-CE) through the observation of pit patterns is a productive way to distinguish between neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps. Magnifying optical enhancement technology (ME-OE) is an emerging virtual chromoendoscopy imaging technology and appeared to be a promising approach. However, this information is currently not available. This study is aimed at comparing the differential diagnostic value of ME-CE and OE for neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps. Patients and Methods. Consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy were randomized (1 : 1) into examination by ME-OE or ME-CE. Histopathological findings were utilized as the reference standard. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of two endoscopy methods were compared using ME-OE (were classified according to the JNET classification) and ME-CE (were classified according to the Kudo pit pattern classification), respectively, and the time to predict the histological polyp type was compared. And the agreements between the pathological and clinical diagnosis by ME-OE or ME-CE were analyzed. Results. A total of 365 polyps were found in the 220 patients included (ME-OE: 185; ME-CE: 180.202 had nonneoplastic polyps, 163 had neoplastic polyps). The diagnostic accuracy of ME-OE was higher than that of ME-CE (93% vs. 92%,

p
>
0.05

). The average diagnosis time was lower in ME-OE than ME-CE (

83
±
26.4
 
s

vs.

194
±
17.7
 
s

,

p
<
0.001

). The agreements between the pathological and clinical diagnosis were at least substantial in both groups. Conclusion. ME-OE was superlative to ME-CE in predicting the histology of polyps. OE devoted classification would possibly similarly enhance the endoscopist performance. The trial is registered with ChiCT2000032075.
Existence of Gender‐Based Difference in Morphology of Convex Lateral Tibial Plateau in Korean Population Primary Knee Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Nam Ji-Hoon , Koh Yong-Gon , Kim Paul Shinil , Kang Kyoung-Tak
Published: August 2021

Purpose. Morphological differences in the knee joints of females and males have been reported in a previous study. These differences have realized the need of developing a gender‐specific prosthesis. However, anatomical studies on gender‐based differences in the proximal tibial plateau’s sagittal curvature have rarely been conducted. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the geometry of the sagittal curvature of the proximal tibial plateau in the Korean population. Methods. Three‐dimensional data for the sagittal curvature of the tibial plateau morphology from 1976 patients (i.e., 299 male and 1677 female) were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging. The sagittal profiles of the tibial plateaus were also evaluated. The independent t‐test and paired t‐test were used for statistical analysis. Results. The proximal tibia had concave and convex surfaces in the medial and lateral plateaus, respectively, for both genders. In addition, the medial diameter of the tibial plateau was significantly greater than the lateral diameter for both genders. Gender‐based difference was not found in the medial diameter of the tibial plateau but was observed in the lateral diameter. Conclusion. These results may provide guidelines for a suitable knee implant design for the Korean patients. The incorporation of this shape information in the medial and lateral sides in the prosthetics for a total knee arthroplasty and a lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty can improve knee range motion.
Correlation between Hyperalgesia and Upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β in Aqueous Humor and Blood in Second Eye Phacoemulsification: Clinical and Experimental Investigation
Authors: Yang Ruibo , Liu Chang , Yu Di , Ma Lechong , Zhang Yan , Zhao Shaozhen
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between intraoperative hyperalgesia of the second eye and the dynamic changes of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β levels in aqueous humor (AH) of the second eye and whole blood after the first eye cataract surgery. A rabbit model of monocular phacoemulsification was established by administration of 0.3% levofloxacin. Whole blood and AH samples from non-surgical eyes in the experimental group (n =25) and second eye in the blank control group (n =15) were obtained and corneal sensitivity was examined after surgery (1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively). TNF-α and IL-1β levels in AH and TNF-α mRNA and IL-1β mRNA levels in whole blood were measured. In a clinical study, 30 patients who underwent bilateral phacoemulsification within 1 month were divided into six groups in accordance with the operation intervals (1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21days). TNF-α and IL-1β levels in AH were measured at the beginning of surgery and intraoperative pain was assessed immediately after surgery. Corneal sensitivity (F =244.910, P <0.05), TNF-α and IL-1β levels in AH (F =184.200, 82.900, P <0.05) of non-surgical eyes and in whole blood (F =272.800, 193.530, P <0.05) in the experimental group were significantly higher than the baseline levels after phacoemulsification. In the clinical study, NRS scores of second eye surgery were higher than those of the first eye(P =0.0025) and 19 (63.3%) patients reported more pain during the second eye surgery. TNF-α and IL-1β concentrations in AH of the second eye were significantly higher than those of the first eye (F =123.60, P <0.05; F =59.60, P <0.05). In conclusion, within 1 month after the first eye phacoemulsification, higher pain sensitivity (hyperalgesia) exists in the second eye, which may be related to dynamic changes in TNF-α, IL-1β levels in AH or whole blood.
Different Presentation and Outcomes in the Surgical Treatment of Advanced MRONJ in Oncological and Nononcological Patients Taking or Not Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Garzino Demo Paolo , Bojino Alessandro , Roccia Fabio , Malandrino Maria Chiara , Cocis Stefan , Ramieri Guglielmo
Published: August 2021

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe side effect caused by antiangiogenic antiresorptive drugs used to treat various oncological and non oncological diseases. The clinical and radiological characteristics of MRONJ depend on the type of causative drug, the time of administration, and its dosage. Proven systemic risk factors like anemia, uncontrolled diabetes, corticosteroid therapy, and chemotherapy in neoplastic diseases (e.g., high doses of methotrexate up to 30 mg daily) significantly increase the chances of acquiring MRONJ. The risk factors themselves can affect treatment outcomes. Although the main scientific societies have recently disseminated good practice rules on the patient’s prevention, diagnosis, and management, there are still no guidelines on shared therapeutic strategies. In general, if conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is considered, including local debridement, osteoplasty, and marginal or segmental osteotomy. In literature, cohorts of heterogeneous patients with MRONJ have been analyzed for a long time, resulting in a lack of uniformity of information and difficulties interpreting the data. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons criteria, this retrospective study evaluates the surgical treatment outcomes of 64 patients with stage II‐III MRONJ, evaluated at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Turin (Italy). The first objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate treatment results for stages II‐III in all cases; the second objective is to evaluate the same results by dividing the sample into different cohorts of patients: first, based on the underlying pathology, i.e., oncological and non oncological, and secondly, based on the drug or combination of drugs they took.
Endothelial Dysfunction, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in COVID‐19—Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Fodor Adriana , Tiperciuc Brandusa , Login Cezar , Orasan Olga H. , Lazar Andrada L. , Buchman Cristina , Hanghicel Patricia , Sitar-Taut Adela , Suharoschi Ramona , Vulturar Romana , Cozma Angela
Published: August 2021

The outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic represents an ongoing healthcare emergency responsible for more than 3.4 million deaths worldwide. COVID‐19 is the disease caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, a virus that targets not only the lungs but also the cardiovascular system. COVID‐19 can manifest with a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild symptoms to severe forms of the disease, characterized by respiratory failure due to severe alveolar damage. Several studies investigated the underlying mechanisms of the severe lung damage associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and revealed that the respiratory failure associated with COVID‐19 is the consequence not only of acute respiratory distress syndrome but also of macro‐ and microvascular involvement. New observations show that COVID‐19 is an endothelial disease, and the consequent endotheliopathy is responsible for inflammation, cytokine storm, oxidative stress, and coagulopathy. In this review, we show the central role of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the COVID‐19 pathogenesis and present the therapeutic targets deriving from this endotheliopathy.
A Perspective on Withania somnifera Modulating Antitumor Immunity in Targeting Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dubey Seema , Singh Manohar , Nelson Ariel , Karan Dev
Published: August 2021

Medicinal plants serve as a lead source of bioactive compounds and have been an integral part of day-to-day life in treating various disease conditions since ancient times. Withaferin A (WFA), a bioactive ingredient of Withania somnifera, has been used for health and medicinal purposes for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties long before the published literature came into existence. Nearly 25% of pharmaceutical drugs are derived from medicinal plants, classified as dietary supplements. The bioactive compounds in these supplements may serve as chemotherapeutic substances competent to inhibit or reverse the process of carcinogenesis. The role of WFA is appreciated to polarize tumor-suppressive Th1-type immune response inducing natural killer cell activity and may provide an opportunity to manipulate the tumor microenvironment at an early stage to inhibit tumor progression. This article signifies the cumulative information about the role of WFA in modulating antitumor immunity and its potential in targeting prostate cancer.
Modulation of the Wound Healing through Noncoding RNA Interplay and GSK-3β/NF-κB Signaling Interaction
Authors: Wang Xianyi , Li Wanqiu , Lu Shengdi , Ma Zhongliang
Published: August 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers are seriously endangering the physical and mental health of patients. Due to the long duration of inflammation, the treatment of nonhealing wounds in diabetes is one of the most prominent healthcare problems in the world. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, a classical pathway that triggers inflammatory response, is regulated by many regulators, such as glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β). Noncoding RNAs, a large class of molecules that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional or posttranslational level, play an important role in various stages of wound healing, especially in the stage of inflammation. Herein, we summarized the roles of noncoding RNAs in the NF-κB/GSK-3β signaling, which might provide new ideas for the treatment of diabetic wound healing.
Effect of Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma on Chondrogenic Differentiation of Rabbit Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Zheng , Zhang Bin , Zhao Qinghua , Liu Yubao , Qi Wei
Published: August 2021

We aimed to evaluate the effect of activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Six mature male rabbits were included in this study. PRP was obtained by two-step centrifugation from whole blood, and it was activated using CaCl2 solution. BMSCs were isolated and proliferated from bone marrow of rabbits and characterized by flow cytometry. Passage 3 BMSCs were cultured in high-glucose Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (HG-DMEM) with the four different compositions for consecutive 7 days, including 10% fetal bovine serum, 5% PRP, 10% PRP, and 15% PRP. Cell counting assays were performed to evaluate the cell proliferation of BMSCs. BMSCs (

5
×

10

5

cells/well in 6-well plates) were induced in four conditions for 21 days to chondrogenic differentiation evaluation, including commercial chondrogenic medium (control), 5% PRP (HG-DMEM+5% PRP), 10% PRP (HG-DMEM+10% PRP), and 15% PRP (HG-DMEM+15% PRP). The gene expression levels of ACAN, COL2A1, and SOX9 in pellets were detected. Morphological and pathological assessments were performed by the blind observer. After purifying, the percentages of cells with CD105(+)/CD34(−) and CD44(+)/CD45(−) were 96.5% and 92.9%, respectively. The proliferation of BMSCs was enhanced in all groups, and 10% PRP revealed more significant outcome than the others from day 5. The levels of ACAN, COL2A1, and SOX9 were lower in the three PRP groups than control group, but the levels of ACAN and SOX9 were higher in 10% PRP group than 5% and 15% PRP groups. Histological examinations showed that 10% PRP-treated pellets had more regular appearance, larger size, and abundant extracellular matrix than 5% or 10% PRP groups, but still inferior to commercial chondrogenic medium. In conclusion, our results show that PRP may enhance the proliferation of rabbit BMSCs. However, PRP have limited effect on chondrogenic differentiation in comparison with commercial chondrogenic medium in pellets culture.
Genomic Landscape and Tumor Mutational Burden Determination of Circulating Tumor DNA in Over 5,000 Chinese Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Shi Jie , Wang Zhiyu , Zhang Junping , Xu Yaping , Xiao Xiao , Quan Xiangming , Bai Ying , Yang Xia , Ming Zongjuan , Guo Xiaojin , Feng Huijing , Yang Xiaoling , Zhuang Xiaofei , Han Fei , Wang Kai , Shi Yonglei , Lei Yu , Bai Jun , Yang Shuanying
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

Having emerged as a noninvasive and clinically applicable approach for molecular determination of lung cancer, a genomic overview of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) of large-scale cohort may be helpful in novel biomarker development and therapeutic innovation.

Experimental Design:

Primary cohort encompasses 5,671 blood samples from 4,892 patients with lung cancer. Pair-wise tissue samples from 579 patients and additional 358 sample pairs were collected to evaluate the correlation between blood and tissue tumor mutational burden (TMB). Parallel sequencing with plasma/tissue and white blood cells was performed using a 1,021-gene panel.

Results:

Histologic subtyping was the most relevant to ctDNA detectability independent of other demographic characteristics, with small cell lung cancer showing the highest detectability, ctDNA abundance, and blood TMB (bTMB). Mutational landscape demonstrated significant differences, and integrated clonality analysis highlighted distinct driver-pattern and functional pathway interaction among various subtypes. The clonality and concurrent genes of EGFR mutations could predict the therapeutic efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), and RB1 mutations in non–small cell lung cancer characterized a subset with high bTMB, elevated ctDNA level, and potential small cell transformation. Most importantly, we developed an adjusted algorithm for bTMB in samples with extremely low ctDNA level and validated its correlation with tissue TMB in an independent cohort.

Conclusions:

ctDNA could serve as a promising alternative in genomic profiling for lung cancer. The novel identification of ctDNA clonality and adjusted bTMB might improve therapeutic and prognostic evaluation. This dataset was also a valuable resource for the development of new therapeutic targets and new genomically guided clinical trials.
High Serum Creatine Kinase Levels in Infliximab and Vedolizumab-Treated Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
Authors: Sutter Manuel , Hruz Petr , Niess Jan Hendrik
Published: August 2021

Background: TNF inhibitors are relatively safe drugs, but asymptomatic infliximab-induced high serum creatine kinase (CK) levels have been reported in >30% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Whether high serum CK levels are a specific effect of treatment with TNF inhibitors has not been studied in detail. CK levels were therefore compared between infliximab- and vedolizumab-treated IBD patients. Methods: In this retrospective, monocentric study, 131 IBD cases (82 with Crohn’s disease (CD), 49 with ulcerative colitis) of the Basel University Hospital IBD cohort treated either with infliximab or vedolizumab were included. Serum samples for measuring CK, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fecal calprotectin (FCal) levels were collected longitudinally and analyzed using mixed additive models. Results: No significant differences in CK levels between infliximab and vedolizumab-treated patients were observed over time. Infliximab-treated males, however, showed significantly higher CK levels than females and former smokers treated with infliximab showed significantly lower CK levels than nonsmokers. No such differences were observed in vedolizumab-treated patients. LDH and CRP were not significantly different between infliximab- and vedolizumab-treated patients, while adjusted groups showed substantially higher LDH levels with increasing age and significantly lower LDH levels in patients with longer disease duration. Infliximab patients with CD showed significantly lower CRP. However, significantly higher FCal concentrations were noted in infliximab patients independent of diagnosis, gender, disease duration, smoking behavior, and age. Conclusion: In our cohort, high serum CK levels are not an infliximab- or vedolizumab-specific effect.
Efficacy and Safety of Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy for Lichen Simplex Chronicus: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhong Lingyuan , Wang Qiuyue , Li Mao , Hao Pingsheng
Published: August 2021

Background: Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is characterized by localized lichenification and intense itching. It has been reported that the added use of liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (LNC) for LSC has significant efficacy and notable safety. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis based on existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Method: We searched RCTs on LNC for LSC published up to August 2020 using various databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Network Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedicine (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and WanFang Database. Other studies were manually identified using the references cited in reviews. We applied fixed- or random-effects models, and all analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results: Twelve RCTs involving 1,066 participants provided eligible data for the meta-analysis. Based on the clinical effective rate, LNC treatment of LSC (risk ratio, RR 1.25, p = 0.005, I2 = 82%) was superior to controls. Subgroup analysis showed that the use of LNC alone (RR 1.04, I2 = 95%, p > 0.05) is not more effective than other therapies in the treatment of LSC, but the addition of LNC to the existing treatment increases the total clinical efficacy. Furthermore, the combined effect of LNC and topical medication (RR 1.39, I2 = 0%, p < 0.0001) was better than that of LNC and oral medication (RR 1.30, I2 = 0%, p < 0.00001). Greater frequency of LNC treatment did not improve the efficacy (thrice a week: RR 1.39 [1.21, 1.60]; twice a week: RR 1.27; once every 2 weeks: RR 1.32). Data from 6 RCTs with 508 participants showed no significant difference in AEs (p = 0.31) associated with added LNC treatment. Conclusion: The addition of LNC (applying a cotton swab soaked with liquid nitrogen to wipe the lesion for approximately 10 s each time) to topical ointments, is effective and safe in the treatment of LSC. Increasing the treatment frequency of LNC did not necessarily improve the efficacy.
Evaluation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Female Patients in Primary Care: Time for Improvement?
Authors: Bouloukaki Izolde , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Schiza Sophia
Published: August 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has historically been regarded as a male disease. However, there are a number of significant gender-related differences in the symptoms, diagnosis, and consequences of OSA, which seems to be more severe in male than in female patients, although this sex difference decreases with increasing age. Female patients with OSA tend to present nonspecific symptoms, such as insomnia, depressive symptoms, fatigue, morning headache, and nightmares, often resulting in underdiagnosis and undertreatment compared to male patients. Understanding these differences in women is essential for early identification and referral of patients for diagnosis and treatment of OSA.
Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) estimates in human-dominated landscape in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Ahamad Mujahid , Khan Jamal A. , Kumar Satish
Published: August 2021

Information on the status of the Indian Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra is mostly available from protected areas (PA), although 80% of its population occurs outside PAs. We conducted surveys to assess the status, age structure, sex ratio, and conservation issues of Blackbuck in and around Aligarh between February and June 2014. A median of 672 individuals at 18 separate locations were recorded with a group size ranging 4–216 except for solitary individuals. The abundance of Blackbuck was maximum in Sikandra Rao (range: 154–216) followed by Andla (range: 47–65), and Pala-Sallu (range: 53–62). Sex ratio was skewed towards females (1:4.5) with yearling to female and fawn to female ratio of 7.8:100 and 6.7:100, respectively. The percentage of adult males of Blackbuck (12.8% adult males, 8.4% sub-adult males) as well as adult females (56.4% adult females, 11.9% sub-adult females) was higher than other age classes or groups in the population. The preliminary observations indicate that the increasing population of free-ranging feral dogs, degradation of forest patches, social forestry plantations, competition with livestock, and poaching pressure are the major conservation issues of Blackbuck in the area. The current information is expected to serve as baseline in assessing the population of Blackbuck in the future.
Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta (Mammalia: Primates: Cercopithecidae) in a human-modified landscape: population, activity budget, and societal perceptions in Bangladesh
Authors: Neha Sufia Akter , Ul Hasan Mohammad Ashraf , Baki Mohammad Abdul , Sehrin Subrina
Published: August 2021

Rhesus Macaques are widely distributed and ecologically diverse primate species that attract special focus from the research and conservation approaches. We studied population, activity budget, and societal perceptions of Rhesus Macaque at Old Dhaka City, Bangladesh from March 2015 to February 2016. Total count was used to determine the group size and composition. Daily activity budgets of Rhesus Macaques were studied using scan sampling method. Questionnaire survey was conducted to know the attitudes of local people towards monkey conservation in the area. Seven groups with a total of 169 individuals were recorded. The population density was 15.5 individuals/ km² and group size ranged from 8 to 63 individuals.  Rhesus Macaque spent most of their time in resting (38.5%) followed by feeding (25.7%), moving (18.4%), grooming (12.8%), and playing or object manipulation (4.6%). There was a significant variation in each behavioral activity among the age-sex classes. Questionnaire survey revealed that property damage was the main problem created by the monkeys. A significant majority of people (83.4%) held a positive outlook toward conservation of this species. Variables such as religion, education, and occupation of the respondents significantly influenced their opinion about conservation. These findings have implications for not only conservation and management interventions of Rhesus Macaque but also helpful for minimizing human-monkey interactions in urban areas.
A new distribution record of the Western Ghats endemic damselfly Melanoneura bilineata Fraser, 1922 (Insecta: Odonata) from Maharashtra, India
Authors: Koli Yogesh , Dalvi Akshay
Published: August 2021

Melanoneura bilineata Fraser, 1922 is reported for the first time from Maharashtra, India. Previously it was only known from the Kerala and Karnataka states.
A Central Asian Silver Dish with a Greek Mythological Scene found in Dulan (Qinghai)
Authors: Compareti Matteo
Published: August 2021

One metal dish from Reshui royal Tibetan graves (Dulan, Qinghai Province) recently entered the collection of the Dulan County Museum after being confiscated by Chinese police. The scene on the dish is not easily distinguishable because of the bad state of preservation of this metalwork. The present short paper discusses the possibility that this scene could be identified as an episode of the Trojan War that included Ajax and Cassandra.
Analysis of the Light-Extraction Efficiency of Flip-Chip Deep-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes with Embedded Photonic Crystals
Authors: Liu Meng , Zheng Xuan , Liu Wenfei , Li Juan , Wang Wenjing , Li Hua , Gao Renqi
Published: August 2021

In the present study, embedded photonic crystals were introduced into the p-GaN contact layer of light-emitting diodes to increase the light-extraction efficiency of flip-chip deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. As demonstrated by performing three-dimensional finite-difference time
domain simulation, the embedded photonic crystals could be designed to increase the total reflectivity on the p-GaN contact layer, thereby increasing the light-extraction efficiency. In addition, the effects of the embedded photonic crystals configurations on the light-extraction efficiency
of deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes were examined. Light-extraction efficiency over 21% for transverse magnetic polarized emission could be generally expected by rigorously optimizing the active layer position, as well as the depth, period, and filling factor of photonic crystals. Moreover,
an investigation was conducted on the light-extraction efficiency over the whole ultraviolet spectrum, and more light-extraction efficiency harvest on a broadband ultraviolet spectrum has been achieved as compared with flip-chip planar deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. The optimized
structure will be promising for increasing the light-extraction efficiency of AlGaN-based flip-chip deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes.
The Strategy of Constructing DNA Logic Circuits Based on DNA Origami Substrate
Authors: Tang Zhen , Yin Zhi-Xiang , Cui Jian-Zhong , Yang Jing , Wang Ri-Sheng
Published: August 2021

The construction of DNA logic circuits is the basis of DNA computers. DNA origami has nanoscale spatial addressability, which provides an ideal framework for the construction of DNA logic circuits. Here, we propose a strategy for constructing DNA logic circuits based on a DNA origami
substrate. First, hairpin DNA strands are anchored on a DNA origami substrate to form a DNA wire track. Then, we design three different output ends for different logic circuits (AND, OR and NAND). The operations of the logic circuits are completed on the DNA wire track through the proximal
hairpin circuit cascade. Finally, the results of the logical operation are determined by fluorescence detection. We use this strategy to construct two-input AND, OR, and NAND gates on a DNA origami substrate, and then extend this strategy to the construction of large-scale logic circuits and
functional combinational logic circuits.
Power Pad Based on Structure Stacking for Ultralow-Power Three-Axis Capacitive Sensing Applications
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsuan , Wen Kuei-Ann
Published: August 2021

Ultralow-power sensing systems are a trend in handheld devices. The leakage-current-induced power consumption of traditional power pads has not been able to satisfy the specifications of three-axis ultralow-power sensing systems at high temperatures. In this paper, we present a transient
detector and delay cell based on resistor and capacitor charge and discharge, two layers of structure stacking based on a metal–oxide–semiconductor, and gate-driven/substrate-driven/gate and substrate-driven methods to guide away the electrostatic current when electrostatic discharge
events occur without influencing the three-axis ultralow-power sensing system. Then, we propose a stacking structure based on a metal–oxide–semiconductor to decrease leakage-current-induced power consumption, which is proportional to temperature. Moreover, we analyze whether the
gate-driven/substrate-driven/gate method or substrate-driven method is most cost effective as well as the mechanism of substrate noise suppression of the two layers of structure stacking. The power pad based on the gate-driven metal–oxide–semiconductor with three structural stacks,
power pad based on the gate-driven metal–oxide–semiconductor with structural stacking, power pad based on the substrate-driven metal–oxide–semiconductor with structural stacking, and the power pad based on both the gate-driven and substrate-driven metal–oxide–semiconductors
with structural stacking have an electrostatic discharge standard with both positive and negative modes higher than 8/8, 8/8, 5/- kV, and 5.5/- kV for the human body model and an electrostatic discharge standard with both positive and negative modes higher than 1000/1000, 600/550, 500/- V,
300/- V for the machine model. The leakage-current-induced power consumption of the power pad based on the gate-driven metal–oxide–semiconductor with structure stacking, the power pad based on the substrate-driven metal–oxide–semiconductor with structure stacking, the
power pad based on both the gate-driven, and the substrate-driven metal–oxide–semiconductor with structure stacking are approximately 3.5 pW/16.45 nW, 20 pW/- nW, and 2.89 pW/16.89 nW at 25/125 °C when the voltage of the input pin was 1.0 V.
The Eucharistic Materials in Enriching Our Worship 1: A Consideration of its Trinitarian Theology
Authors: Olver Matthew S. C.
Published: August 2021

Enriching Our Worship 1 (1998) provides official supplemental liturgical texts for the Rite II services of Morning and Evening Prayer, the Litany, and the Holy Eucharist in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The materials can be used either as a substitution for as much or as little of the Prayer Book services as one desires, or as a complete rite. One of the guiding principles of Enriching Our Worship 1 is to use only non-gendered language for God. This essay considers the eucharistic portions of Enriching Our Worship 1 from the perspective of trinitarian theology and proceeds in three stages: I begin with an outline of the specific revisions of Enriching Our Worship 1 to the 1979 BCP Rite II for the Holy Eucharist; second, I ask what sort of trinitarian theology Enriching Our Worship 1 expresses; finally, I consider the principles that guide these revisions and offer a critical assessment of the sources used to buttress these principles.
Prophetic Visions of Redemption as Rehydration: A Call to Watershed Discipleship
Authors: Myers Ched
Published: August 2021

This essay explores water as the heart of Christian baptism in three ways. First, it gives an overview of eschatological visions in the prophetic literature and Revelation portraying redemption as divine restoration of arid landscapes. It then looks at these images of the waters of life both as theological metaphor and as a chief design feature of creation. This “map of God” can inspire Christians to recenter our faith and practice in the watershed-based topography of creation, rather than in dominant cultural political ideation. Finally, I propose a reinhabitory ethos of watershed discipleship, calling faith communities to “re-place” our identity and mission in our watersheds. Such a reorientation will help churches contribute to the wider historic struggle to reverse looming ecological catastrophe and help us recover the incarnational character of our tradition, which has been so compromised by Docetism, theological abstraction, and placelessness. So can we reimagine baptism as a liturgical sign of terrestrial resistance and renewal.
The Church as Theological Community
Authors: Webster John
Published: August 2021

John Webster explores Tradition and Scripture as they function in the theological life of the Church, especially their significance for Anglicans for whom liturgy is of great importance. He argues that the role of Tradition and Scripture in the theological activity of the Church can enable us to see the critical nature of theology more clearly.
Adaptable (Not Adaptive) Automation: Forefront of Human–Automation Teaming
Authors: Calhoun Gloria
Published: August 2021

Objective

Identify a critical research gap for the human factors community that has implications for successful human–automation teaming.

Background

There are a variety of approaches for applying automation in systems. Flexible application of automation such that its level and/or type changes during system operations has been shown to enhance human–automation system performance.

Method

This mini-review describes flexible automation in which the level of automated support varies across tasks during system operation, rather than remaining fixed. Two types distinguish the locus of authority to change automation level: adaptable automation (the human operator assigns how automation is applied) has been found to aid human’s situation awareness and provide more perceived control versus adaptive automation (the system assigns automation level) that may impose less workload and attentional demands by automatically adjusting levels in response to changes in one or more states of the human, task, environment, and so on.

Results

In contrast to vast investments in adaptive automation approaches, limited research has been devoted to adaptable automation. Experiments directly comparing adaptable and adaptive automation are particularly scant. These few studies show that adaptable automation was not only preferred over adaptive automation, but it also resulted in improved task performance and, notably, less perceived workload.

Conclusion

Systematic research examining adaptable automation is overdue, including hybrid approaches with adaptive automation. Specific recommendations for further research are provided.

Application

Adaptable automation together with effective human-factored interface designs to establish working agreements are key to enabling human–automation teaming in future complex systems.
Domestic legal traditions and international cooperation: Insights from domestic and international qualification systems
Authors: Hamanaka Shintaro , Jusoh Sufian
Published: August 2021

The compatibility in terms of domestic systems that embed specific values of particular legal traditions is a critical determinant of international cooperation. We analyze international cooperation on professional qualifications because a domestic qualification system best showcases its distinct approach to social governance. Civil law states, which value written rules and certainty, use paper examinations as a core component of competency assessment of professionals, and upon international cooperation they opt to harmonize paper examinations. Common law states regard track record as important in assessing competence, and they often mutually allow professionals from partner states who have a good track record to practice in their territory. Cooperation between civil and common law states is possible when both parties make a conscious effort to align their domestic systems. In this case, an international mechanism has features of harmonization and mutual recognition. We also consider how to generalize the findings to explain states’ attitude toward inter-governmental organizations in general.