bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diving deep into the Southern Ocean
Wild Sea: A History of the Southern Ocean
Joy McCann
University of Chicago Press, 2019. 288 pp.
Authors: Fabiani Louise
Published: October 2021

A major player in weather, climate, and biodiversity, the waters around Antarctica take center stage in a new history
Arthur B. Pardee (1921–2019)
Authors: Gerhart John , Pederson Thoru
Published: October 2021

Innovator in cellular regulation and cancer biology
Tissue-resident mesenchymal stromal cells: Implications for tissue-specific antifibrotic therapies
Authors: Lemos Dario R. , Duffield Jeremy S.
Published: October 2021

Recent insights into the tissue-specific origin of myofibroblasts are paving the way for new organ-specific antifibrotic therapies.
Fatal enhanced respiratory syncytial virus disease in toddlers
Authors: Polack Fernando P. , Alvarez-Paggi Damián , Libster Romina , Caballero Mauricio T. , Blair Robert V. , Hijano Diego R. , de la Iglesia Niveyro Paola X. , Menendez Daniel R. , Gladwell Wes , Avendano Luis M. , Velozo Luis , Wanek Alanna , Bergel Eduardo , Prince Gregory A. , Kleeberger Steven R. , Johnson Joyce , Pociask Derek , Kolls Jay K.
Published: October 2021

Fatal enhanced respiratory syncytial virus disease in toddlers has distinctive immune and transcriptional features.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter fetus subsp.
venerealis
P4531 from a Rhesus Monkey
Authors: Kim Sung Guk , Summage-West Christine V. , Sims Lillie M. , Foley Steven L.
Published: October 2021

Campylobacter fetus
subsp.
venerealis
is associated with animal and human infections. We report the circularized 1.8-Mbp complete genome sequence of a multilocus sequence type 43 (MLST43)
C. fetus
subsp.
venerealis
isolate from a rhesus monkey (
Macaca mulatta
).
Supplemental Material: Downhill from Austin and Ely to Las Vegas: U-Pb detrital zircon suites from the Eocene–Oligocene Titus Canyon Formation and associated strata, Death Valley, California
Authors: Milller Elizabeth , al. et
Published: October 2021

U-Pb data tables and calculation of maximum depositional ages: Appendix S1, Table S1, and Figures S1–S6.
Haemoglobin and red blood cell reference intervals during infancy
Authors: Larsson Sara Marie , Hellström-Westas Lena , Hillarp Andreas , Åkeson Pia Karlsland , Domellöf Magnus , Askelöf Ulrica , Götherström Cecilia , Andersson Ola
Published: October 2021

Objectives

There is a need for updated haematological reference data in infancy. This study aimed to define intervals for haemoglobin and red blood cell biomarkers based on data from a large cohort of longitudinally followed Swedish infants.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Two Swedish study centres.

Participants

Three community-based populations including 442 presumably healthy infants born at term and with umbilical cord clamping delayed to 30 s or more after birth.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from umbilical cord blood (a), at 48–118 hours (b), at 4 months (c) and at 12 months (d). Reference intervals as the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated in coherence with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.

Results

Reference intervals for haemoglobin (g/L) were: (a) 116–189, (b) 147–218, (c) 99–130, (d) 104–134, and for mean cell volume (fL): (a) 97–118, (b) 91–107, (c) 71–85, (d) 70–83. Reference intervals for erythrocyte counts, reticulocyte counts, reticulocyte haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were also estimated. According to the WHO definition of anaemia, a haemoglobin value less than 110 g/L, 16% of this presumably healthy cohort could be classified as anaemic at 12 months.

Conclusion

We found mainly narrower reference intervals compared with previously published studies. The reference intervals for each parameter varied according to the infants’ age, demonstrating the necessity of age definitions when presenting infant reference intervals. The discrepancy with the WHO classification for anaemia at 12 months, despite favourable conditions in infancy, needs future investigation.
Novel therapeutic targets for cholestatic and fatty liver disease
Authors: Trauner Michael , Fuchs Claudia Daniela
Published: October 2021

Cholestatic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) share several key pathophysiological mechanisms which can be targeted by novel therapeutic concepts that are currently developed for both areas. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcriptional regulators of key metabolic processes including hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism, energy expenditure and bile acid (BA) homoeostasis, as well as inflammation, fibrosis and cellular proliferation. Dysregulation of these processes contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of cholestatic as well as fatty liver disease, placing NRs at the forefront of novel therapeutic approaches. This includes BA and fatty acid activated NRs such as farnesoid-X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, respectively, for which high affinity therapeutic ligands targeting specific or multiple isoforms have been developed. Moreover, novel liver-specific ligands for thyroid hormone receptor beta 1 complete the spectrum of currently available NR-targeted drugs. Apart from FXR ligands, BA signalling can be targeted by mimetics of FXR-activated fibroblast growth factor 19, modulation of their enterohepatic circulation through uptake inhibitors in hepatocytes and enterocytes, as well as novel BA derivatives undergoing cholehepatic shunting (instead of enterohepatic circulation). Other therapeutic approaches more directly target inflammation and/or fibrosis as critical events of disease progression. Combination strategies synergistically targeting metabolic disturbances, inflammation and fibrosis may be ultimately necessary for successful treatment of these complex and multifactorial disorders.
Surgical Problems Presenting at Sea during 100 British Polaris Submarine Patrols
Authors: Glover S. D. , Taylor E. W.
Published: October 2021

Surgical problems presenting at sea during 100 British Polaris submarine patrols have been reviewed. In 106 patients the medical officer of the submarine made a diagnosis of surgical illness sufficiently serious that in normal practice referral to hospital might be considered necessary. The emergency “operating theatre” has been used on only one occasion. One patrol was broken because of surgical illness but this did not break the continuous deterrent threat. There has been no death at sea and as far as we are aware no maior morbidity has arisen as a result of delayed definitive treatment. The policy of conservative management of surgical problems presenting at sea in submarines is considered fully justified.
Functional imaging in nuclear medicine—clinical aspects
Authors: Macleod M. A.
Published: October 2021

The application of functional or parametric imaging to the solution of various clinical problems is discussed in general and in particular to studies of the heart, kidneys and bone.
Training in Occupational Medicine in the Royal Navy—A personal view
Authors: Wright D. S.
Published: October 2021

This paper is based on a presentation to the Naval Occupational Medicine Conference in October 1984. While the paper was addressed primarily to members of the occupational medicine specialty, it covers the historical development of the specialty and discusses training in occupational medicine, community medicine and administration for all those outside the hospitals. It concludes that acceptance of the specialty by the profession is dependent on the implementation of a clearly identified training programme.
Outbreak of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Royal Naval hospital
Authors: Atherton M. E.
Published: October 2021

The paper describes a ten week outbreak of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a Royal Naval Hospital. The organism was isolated from four female patients, nursed on a multi-disciplinary ward, all of whom had undergone surgery. One patient was a confused resident of a local nursing home, admitted with a fractured femur and pressure sores. The lesson from the survey is that a colonised bed-sore may be just as important a source of methicillin resistant Staph. aureus as a purulent discharging wound in a post-operative patient.
Craniodiaphyseal dysplasia: Partial suppression of osteoblastic activity in the severe progressive form with calcitonin therapy
Authors: McKeating J. B. , Kershaw C. R.
Published: October 2021

A small number of cases have been described of Craniodiaphyseal Dysplasia including early “leontiasis ossea” with progressive bony encroachment of skull foramina leading to severe neurological impairment in the first decade. Total thyroidectomy to remove a suspected source of excessive calcitonin was carried out in the only previous case where therapy was attempted. We report the case of the daughter of a Chief Petty Officer who presented with choanal stenosis at birth and who died at age 7 years with massive hyperostosis and sclerosis especially involving the skull and facial bones. Partial responsiveness of this condition to therapy with synthetic human calcitonin was suggested by a fall in the velocity of increase in her head circumference and changes in serum total and bone isoenzyme alkaline phosphatase. Management of the metabolic, neurological and social aspects of this condition is discussed.
Microbial identification by gas chromatography
Authors: White M. A. , Simmons M. D. , Bishop A. , Chandler H. A.
Published: October 2021

Gas chromatography is rapidly being accepted as a valuable technique for the identification of microrganisms, as the speed of identification can be significantly greater than current biochemical techniques. The Health Department of the Institute of Naval Medicine has recently installed a fully automated gas chromatograph dedicated to rapid bacterial analysis particularly in the area of clinical microbiology. This paper describes the preparative and anlytical methods employed by the system and the results of preliminary studies.
Prevalence of methylphenidate use by Master of Medicine students at a South African university
Authors: Louw Willem Andries Nienaber , Davids Ryan Alroy
Published: October 2021

Background

Methylphenidate is mainly used for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactive-disorder (ADHD). Its effect of increased attentiveness leads to the potential of off-label use by students for academic enhancement—previously demonstrated in undergraduate students. No publication exists on postgraduate student use of methylphenidate.

Objectives

To provide a summary of the self-reported prevalence and correlates of methylphenidate use in Masters of Medicine (MMed) students registered at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences of a South African university.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected via a self-administered anonymous online questionnaire distributed by email to 505 registered MMed students.

Results

Of the 253 responses (response rate 50.1%) received 71 (28.1%) have used methylphenidate. Only 2.4% have been diagnosed with ADHD. The majority (73.2%) obtained it without a formal medical consultation. Self-prescription (26.8%) and prescription by a colleague without consultation (23.9%) contributed significantly. Academic performance enhancement was the primary motivation for use in 71.8% and 42.3% of users started using methylphenidate while registered as an MMed student. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender (p=0.151), age (p=0.288) or year of study (p=0.149).

Conclusions

Off-label use of methylphenidate is prevalent in MMed students registered at this South African university. The prevalence is significantly higher than in undergraduate medical students. The non-conventional means of access is of great concern. Efforts should be made to discourage self-prescription, educate students on the dangers of methylphenidate use, promote better access regulation and enhance psychological support.
Testing an inflationary era in curvature–matter coupling gravity
Authors: Baffou E. H. , Houndjo M. J. S. , Ahloui F. K. , Kanfon D. A.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate the cosmological inflation in the context of a minimal matter–geometry coupling, which is based on the [Formula: see text] gravity theory, where [Formula: see text] is a generic function of the curvature scalar [Formula: see text] and the trace [Formula: see text] of the energy–momentum tensor. Assuming that the slow-roll inflation conditions hold true in [Formula: see text] gravity, we obtain the various inflation-related observables such as the tensor-to-scalar ratio [Formula: see text], the scalar spectral index [Formula: see text], the running [Formula: see text] of the spectral index and the tensor spectral [Formula: see text] for two specific [Formula: see text] models from the Hubble slow-roll parameters. To observe the viability of these models, a numerical analysis of such parameters has been done. The results showed that, by using the various values of free parameters, it is possible to obtain a viable compatible with the observational data.
Biharmonic submanifolds in metallic Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Lone Mohamd Saleem , Uddin Siraj , Shahid Mohammad Hasan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study the biharmonic submanifolds of Riemannian manifolds endowed with metallic and complex metallic structures. In case of both the structures, we obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for a submanifold to be biharmonic. Particularly, we find the estimates for mean curvature of Lagrangian and complex surfaces.
PROACTIVE PERSONALITY AND EMPLOYEES’ INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOURS: THE ROLE OF NETWORK BUILDING ABILITY
Authors: NASAJ MOHAMED
Published: October 2021

The study aims to expand our knowledge of the employees’ innovative behaviours in the service sector by adopting the coevolution theory of the psychological–sociological perspective as the lens in which the study will utilise to investigate the antecedents of each stage of the employees’ innovative behaviours: Idea generation, idea promotion, and idea realisation behaviours. The relation between proactive personality and each stage of employees’ innovative behaviours was tested, focusing on the intermediary role of network building ability. A total of 406 questionnaires from employees working in the service sector were collected and analysed using structural equation modelling. The study findings illustrate the importance of building networks for proactive employees to be able to innovate and demonstrated that different stages of employees’ innovative behaviours may require different antecedents and, therefore, separating the analysis for each stage may enrich our knowledge and enhance our understanding of employees’ innovative behaviours.
Hyperelliptic curves with many automorphisms
Authors: Müller Nicolas , Pink Richard
Published: October 2021

A complex algebraic curve is said to have many automorphisms if it cannot be deformed nontrivially together with its automorphism group. Oort asked whether the jacobian of any such curve has complex multiplication. We answer this question completely when the curve is hyperelliptic. For this, we first classify all hyperelliptic curves with many automorphisms, finding 3 infinite sequences and 15 separate isomorphism classes. Of these, all members of the infinite sequences and 5 of the isolated curves have a jacobian with complex multiplication, but the remaining 10 curves do not.

The methods used include a criterion of Wolfart, a representation theoretic criterion of streit and the non-integrality of the j-invariants of certain quotient curves of genus 1. For the hardest cases, we use an ad hoc developed computational criterion depending on the splitting fields of the characteristic polynomials of Frobenius acting on the Tate module of the Jacobian.
Language and the Military: Necropolitical Legitimation, Embodied Semiotics, and Ineffable Suffering
Authors: McIntosh Janet
Published: October 2021

This article augments and complicates Nelson's claim that “we talk our way into war and talk our way out of it” ( Dedaić & Nelson 2003 , p. 459). Military endeavors require verbal legitimation, but militarizing participants and wide swaths of the civilian population requires more than just a stated rationale. It requires the complex construction of acquiescent selves and societies through linguistic maneuvers that present themselves with both brute force and subtlety to enable war's necropolitical calculus of who should live and who can, or must, die ( MacLeish 2013 , Mbembe 2003 ). War also involves vexed, stunted, and deadly forms of communication with perceived enemies or civilian populations. And those who are victims of military deeds, including civilians and sometimes service members themselves, are often left with psychic wounds that they cannot talk their way out of, for such wounds resist semantic expression and may emerge through more complex semiotic forms.
Sibling Comparison Studies
Authors: Sjölander Arvid , Frisell Thomas , Öberg Sara
Published: October 2021

Unmeasured confounding is one of the main sources of bias in observational studies. A popular way to reduce confounding bias is to use sibling comparisons, which implicitly adjust for several factors in the early environment or upbringing without requiring them to be measured or known. In this article we provide a broad exposition of the statistical analysis methods for sibling comparison studies. We further discuss a number of methodological challenges that arise in sibling comparison studies.
A Customized Tool of Incident Reporting for the Detection of Nonconformances at a Single IVF Center: Development, Application, and Efficacy
Authors: Morini Daria , Daolio Jessica , Nicoli Alessia , De Feo Gaetano , Valli Barbara , Melli Beatrice , Sibahi Arua , Tranquillo Maria Lucrezia , Mezzadri Cecilia , Ragni Pietro , Aguzzoli Lorenzo , Villani Maria Teresa
Published: October 2021

In IVF centers, risk assessment applies to complex processes potentially accounting for adverse events and reactions that undergo well‐established legislative oversight, and nonconformances (NCs), that lack of established tracking systems. NCs account for an integral part of the quality management system, so that their documentation is important. The study evaluated the performance of a customized tool for incident reporting (IR) to track and characterize NCs in a public IVF center. IVF operators used the IVF‐customized IR tool to record NCs at the moment of detection or subsequently, and in a time‐saving manner during daily practice. From February 2015 to February 2020, 635 NCs were reported leading to the implementation of 10 operative instructions and 3 procedures with corrective strategies. NCs referred to the IVF laboratory were the most numerically meaningful (454/635, 71.5%). The majority (352/454, 77.5%) accounted for NCs related to procedures of sample management; considering the analytical phase as all the procedures involving sample treatment, the intra‐analytical phase (176/352, 50%) has always been more subject to NCs compared to pre‐ (102/352, 29%) and postanalytical (74/352, 21%) phases. Our experience showed that the IVF‐customized IR tool is suitable for application in IVF with regard to NC reports and documentation, as it identifies the most vulnerable steps of treatments. It manages NCs over the time, but it requires a contextual understanding of its application in order to avoid NC underestimates that could negatively influence the safety and quality aspects of IVF treatments.
Anti-Tn Monoclonal Antibody Ameliorates Hyperoxia-Induced Kidney Injury by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Chow Julie Chi , Chou Hsiu-Chu , Hwang Jaulang , Chen Chung-Ming
Published: October 2021

The Tn antigen, an N-acetylgalactosamine structure linked to serine or threonine, has been shown to induce high-specificity, high-affinity anti-Tn antibodies in mice. Maternal immunization with the Tn vaccine increases serum anti-Tn antibody titers and attenuates hyperoxia-induced kidney injury in neonatal rats. However, immunizing mothers to treat neonatal kidney disease is clinically impractical. This study is aimed at determining whether anti-Tn monoclonal antibody treatment ameliorates hyperoxia-induced kidney injury in neonatal mice. Newborn BALB/c mice were exposed to room air (RA) or normobaric hyperoxia (85% O2) for 1 week. On postnatal days 2, 4, and 6, the mice were injected intraperitoneally with PBS alone or with anti-Tn monoclonal antibodies at 25 μg/g body weight in 50 μL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The mice were divided into four study groups: RA + PBS, RA + anti-Tn monoclonal antibody, O2 + PBS, and O2 + anti-Tn monoclonal antibody. The kidneys were excised for histology, oxidative stress, cytokine, and Western blot analyses on postnatal day 7. The O2 + PBS mice exhibited significantly higher kidney injury scores, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression, and cytokine levels than did the RA + PBS mice or RA + anti-Tn mice. Anti-Tn monoclonal antibody treatment reduced kidney injury and cytokine levels to normoxic levels. The attenuation of kidney injury was accompanied by a reduction of oxidative stress and NF-κB expression. Therefore, we propose that anti-Tn monoclonal antibody treatment ameliorates hyperoxia-induced kidney injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in neonatal mice.
Effect of Surfosept and Deconex® 53 Disinfectant Agents on the Accuracy and Dimensional Stability of Panasil Dental Impression Materials: An Experimental Study
Authors: Alam Mostafa , Amini Parviz , Ghaffarpasand Arash , Dalooei Nasim Khajeh , Hadi Alireza , Abbasi Kamyar
Published: October 2021

Aim and Objective. Impression materials and stone casts are the main sources of cross-contamination and transmission of dental infections between dental offices and laboratories. Both Surfosept (alcohol-based) and Deconex® (quaternary ammonium compound) are biocompatible solutions that have superior antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viral envelope. Considering the influence of disinfection substances on the dimensions of impression materials, this study aimed to compare the effect of Surfosept and Deconex® 53 on the accuracy and dimensional stability of the Panasil® dental addition silicone material. Materials and Methods. This in vitro study was performed on 30 dental casts. The samples were divided into one control group and two experimental groups to be disinfected with Surfosept (1%) and Deconex® 53 (2%) using a sequential sampling method (10 per group). The impressions in the experimental groups (i.e., Surfosept and Deconex® 53) were rinsed and dried; then, the disinfectant was sprayed on the impressions and remained for 30 seconds before pouring with stone. In the control group, the impressions were only rinsed and dried and were poured in 10 minutes. Cast dimensions were measured by a profile projector device, and the mean values obtained from the experimental groups were compared with those of the control group. Results. There were no significant differences among the groups regarding the height of the resulting dies without undercut (P=0.62). Moreover, there was no significant difference among the groups regarding the distance between the two dies (P=0.77). However, the diameter of the dies with undercut and without undercut was different significantly among the control and experimental groups (P<0.005). Conclusion. In general, no significant difference was encountered between dimensional stability and accuracy of the dental impressions using Surfosept and Deconex® 53 in this study.
The Role of Twitter Medium in Business with Regression Analysis and Statistical Modelling
Authors: Cong Jia , Ahmad Zubair , Alsaedi Basim S.O. , Alamri Osama Abdulaziz , Alkhairy Ibrahim , Alsuhabi Hassan
Published: October 2021

Marketing refers to the strategies a company undertakes to promote its brands to its potential audience. Advertising provides useful venues for marketing to promote a company’s survives/goods to the audience. It has a positive impact on the sale of services or products. In this study, we consider a well‐known online medium called Twitter (the fourth most popular social media platform used by marketers) to check its impact on sales. For this purpose, the simple linear regression modeling approach is implemented to test the significance and usefulness of Twitter advertising on sale. Statistical tests such as t‐test and correlation test are adopted to test the hypothesis of the “impact of Twitter advertising on sales.” Based on the findings of this study, it is observed that Twitter advertising has a positive impact on sales. Furthermore, a new statistical model called the exponential T‐X exponentiated exponential is introduced. The proposed model is very interesting and possesses heavy‐tailed characteristics which are useful in finance and other related sectors. Finally, the applicability of the new model is illustrated by considering the sales data.
Relationship between Different Degrees of Compression and Clinical Symptoms in Patients with Myocardial Bridge and the Risk Factors of Proximal Atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Jiaxi , Duan Fei , Zhou Zhihong , Wang Li , Sun Yang , Yang Jinghan , Gao Wen
Published: October 2021

Objective. To explore the relationship between different degrees of compression and clinical symptoms in patients with the myocardial bridge and the risk factors of proximal atherosclerosis. Methods. The clinical data of 156 patients with the myocardial bridge who underwent selective coronary angiography in our hospital from December 2010 to December 2015 were collected. The patients were divided into Noble grade I group (102 cases) and Noble grades II-III group (54 cases) according to the degree of mural coronary artery systolic stenosis. According to the results of coronary angiography, 156 patients with the myocardial bridge were divided into an atherosclerosis group (the myocardial bridge combined with atherosclerosis at the proximal end of the myocardial bridge of simple wall coronary artery), 91 cases, and a control group (isolated myocardial bridge), 65 cases. The relationship between different degrees of compression and clinical symptoms in patients with the myocardial bridge was observed, and the logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of proximal atherosclerosis in patients with the myocardial bridge. Results. The incidence of atherosclerotic stenosis, angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction in the proximal part of the myocardial bridge in the Noble grades II-III group was higher than that in the Noble grade I group (

P
<
0.05

). The differences in age, hypertension, and Noble classification between the two groups were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). The differences of total cholesterol (TC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) between the two groups were statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). Multivariate analysis showed that age, hypertension, Noble grade, and CRP were all risk factors for proximal atherosclerosis in patients with the myocardial bridge (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The more severe the compression of the myocardial bridge, the greater the risk of cardiovascular events for patients and the higher the incidence of atherosclerotic stenosis in the proximal part of the myocardial bridge. In addition, the occurrence of atherosclerosis in the proximal coronary artery of the myocardial bridge may be affected by age, hypertension, Noble grade, and CRP level.
Experimental Study on Optimization of Polymer Preslug Viscosity of ASP Flooding in Interlayer Heterogeneous Well Group Artificial Sandstone Core
Authors: Sun Qiji , Yang Kesen , Xu Guomin , Yin Shunde , Wang Chunsheng
Published: October 2021

An artificial sandstone core model of large well group of positive rhythmic heterogeneous reservoir was designed and made for the simulation of ASP flooding experiment in the moderate heterogeneous reservoir. The well layout of one injection and one production was employed for the core model, to simulate the influence of polymer preslugs with different viscosity on ASP flooding effect. The experimental results show that the injectability of the polymer preslug and the effect of relieving the conflict of remaining oil production in each layer are related to the viscosity of the system. In the heterogeneous core model with the coefficient of variation of 0.65, under the constraint of the same amount of polymer agent, the ASP flooding effect of the 0.075 PV, 60 mPa·s polymer preslug was better than that of the 0.093 PV, 40 mPa·s and 0.064 PV, 80 mPa·s polymer preslugs. The change in the viscosity of the polymer preslug did not enable the ASP system to effectively exploit the low-permeability layer though. As the viscosity increased, the pressure difference between injection and production increased; the remaining oil could be exploited effectively at the bottom of the high-permeability layer and the medium-permeability layer as well as the injection end of the medium-permeability layer. If the viscosity is too small, the high-permeability area cannot be effectively blocked by the injected chemical agent, and if the viscosity is too large, the injected chemical agent cannot produce good elastic displacement relationship, which will lead to ineffective chemical agent flow. Therefore, the polymer preslug viscosity of the ASP flooding system should be moderate, and cores with different heterogeneity should have a reasonable viscosity matching range.
Parameters of Oxidative Stress, Vitamin D, Osteopontin, and Melatonin in Patients with Lip, Oral Cavity, and Pharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Nuszkiewicz Jarosław , Czuczejko Jolanta , Maruszak Marta , Pawłowska Marta , Woźniak Alina , Małkowski Bogdan , Szewczyk-Golec Karolina
Published: October 2021

Lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancers (LOCP) constitute a group of rare neoplasms with unfavorable prognosis. So far, not much is known about the role of vitamin D and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of LOCP in the European population. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of vitamin D, osteopontin, melatonin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) as markers of oxidative stress and/or inflammation, as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the course of LOCP. The vitamin D, melatonin, and osteopontin concentrations in blood serum, the MDA levels in erythrocytes and blood plasma, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD‐1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes were measured in blood samples taken from 25 LOCP patients of middle age (YCG), 20 LOCP elderly patients (OCG), and 25 healthy middle‐aged volunteers. In both cancer groups, decreases in vitamin D and CAT, as well as increases in osteopontin and blood plasma MDA, were observed. An increase in GPx activity in YCG and a decrease in melatonin level in OCG were found. The results indicate the vitamin D deficiency and disturbed oxidant‐antioxidant homeostasis in LOCP patients. Osteopontin seems to be associated with LOCP carcinogenesis and requires further research.
Different Scores Predict the Value of Hemorrhagic Transformation after Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chang Xiaozan , Zhang Xiaoxi , Zhang Guanglin
Published: October 2021

Objective. To evaluate the value of the Alberta stroke project early CT score (ASPECTS), DRAGON score, SEDAN score, and HAT score in predicting hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods. The clinical data of 248 AIS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis in our hospital from December 2017 to December 2019 were analyzed. According to the prognosis, all patients were divided into the non-HT group (n = 200) and the HT group (n = 48). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze clinical data to determine the influencing factors of HT after intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the ASPECTS, DRAGON, SEDAN, and HAT scores to the value of predicting HT after intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients. Results. The lower the ASPECTS score and the higher the DRAGON, SEDAN, and HAT scores, the higher the incidence of HT after intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients (

P
<
0.05

). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patient’s age, atrial fibrillation, baseline NIHSS score, early signs of infarction on admission with head CT, time from onset to thrombolytic therapy, and thrombolytic drugs were all independent factors affecting intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients (

P
<
0.05

). The area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive value of ASPECTS for HT is 0.895 (95% CI 0.813–0.977). When the optimal cutoff value is 0.607, the sensitivity is 100% and the specificity is 60.7%. The AUC of the predictive value of DRAGON for HT is 0.877 (95% CI 0.790–0.964). When the optimal cutoff value is 0.665, the sensitivity is 84.4% and the specificity is 82.1%. The AUC of the predictive value of SEDAN for HT is 0.764 (95% CI 0.638–0.890). When the optimal cutoff value is 0.474, the sensitivity is 78.6% and the specificity is 68.8%. The AUC of the predictive value of HAT for HT is 0.777 (95% CI 0.651–0.903). When the optimal cutoff value is 0.509, the sensitivity is 68.8% and the specificity is 82.1%. Conclusion. The lower the ASPECTS score and the higher the DRAGON, SEDAN, and HAT scores, the higher the incidence of HT in AIS patients. The patient’s age, atrial fibrillation, baseline NIHSS score, early signs of infarction on admission with head CT, time from onset to thrombolytic therapy, and thrombolytic drugs are all independent factors affecting HT in AIS patients. The scores of ASPECTS, DRAGON, SEDAN and HAT have certain value in predicting HT after intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients, and the predicted value of ASPECTS score is the best.
Quantitative Identification of the Water Resistance Capacity of Composite Strata in Mining Coal Seam Floors
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Li Fang , Wang Qi , Chen Bo , Zou Yu , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2021

In coal seam mining, the water resistance of the floor composite strata is the key to determining whether water disaster occurs or not and to formulating water control countermeasures. Taking the Pingdingshan Coalfield No. 8 mine and Shoushan mine as the research objects, the thickness ratio of plastic brittle rock, core recovery rate, thickness of effective aquiclude, fault complexity, composite compressive strength, and equivalent water resistance coefficient were selected as the index factors. The comprehensive weight of each index factor was determined by using the entropy weight theory. The water resistance of the J16-17 coal seam floor composite rock in the study area was quantitatively evaluated using the fuzzy variable set mathematical model and was divided into five grades: extremely weak, weak, medium, strong, and very strong. The results show that the J16-17 coal floor composite rock layers with strong and very strong water resistance areas account for 23.64% of the total area, the medium areas account for 58.26%, and the weak and extremely weak areas account for 18.1%. These results provide support for the accurate assessment of water inrush hazards of a coal floor.
Systemic Inflammatory Markers for Predicting Overall Survival in Patients with Osteosarcoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Song Xiaotong , Zhang Hao , Yin Fanxing , Guo Panpan , Yang Xiaocheng , Liu Jinzhu , Han Yanshuo , Ren Zhaozhou
Published: October 2021

Background. Inflammatory markers are associated with tumor genesis and progression, but their prognostic significance in osteosarcoma remains unclear. Therefore, we discussed the prognostic value of related inflammatory markers in osteosarcoma through a meta-analysis and systematic review. These inflammatory markers include C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and Glasgow prognostic score (GPS). Methods. The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, Chinese Scientific Journals (VIP), PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries were searched. The design of meta-analysis was made based on the PICOS (population, intervention/exposure, control, outcomes, and study design) principles, and STATA 15.1 was used to analyze the data. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of included studies. Hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DPS) were extracted for the investigation of the prognostic value of inflammatory markers. Results. Twelve researches with 2162 osteosarcoma patients were included in total. The pooled results showed that elevated NLR, CRP, and GPS are all greatly related to shortening of OS among patients with osteosarcoma (HR=1.68,P=0.007, 95% CI: 1.15-2.45;HR=1.96,P=0.002, 95% CI: 1.28-3.00;HR=2.54,P<0.0001, 95% CI: 1.95-3.31, respectively), and CRP level is significantly associated with shortening of DPS among patients with osteosarcoma (HR=2.76, 95% CI:2.01-3.80,P<0.0001), additionally. However, the correlation between LMR or PLR and the prognosis of osteosarcoma is not statistically significant (HR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.30-1.18,P=0.138;HR=1.13, 95% CI: 0.85-1.49,P=0.405, respectively). The outcomes of subgroup analysis to NLR and CRP suggested that histology, ethnicity, metastasis, and sample size all have an impact on its prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma. Conclusion. Worsened prognosis may be related to high levels of NLR, CRP, and GPS before treatment rather than LMR or PLR, which can provide the basis for clinicians to judge the outcomes of prognosis. Trial Registration. PROSPERO (CRD42021249954), https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=249954.
Analysis of Plastic Zone and Pressure Variance Features of Surrounding Rock of High‐Altitude Macker Tunnel: A Case Study in Jiangluling Macker Tunnel in Qinghai
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Guo Hongyan , Hu Juyi , Cai Shuang , Cheng Liang , Zhang Danfeng
Published: October 2021

Due to the special mechanical properties of macker rock, problems may be caused easily if the pressure of the surrounding rock calculated from the standard empirical equation is used in the structural design of tunnel support, such as obviously insufficient bearing capacity of the support structure, large deformation, and collapse. Taking the Jiangluling Macker Tunnel in Gonghe‐Yushu Highway as an example, the distribution pattern of plastic zone of the surrounding rock and the calculation method and reasonable values of pressure of the surrounding rock are studied in this paper, by means of theoretical analysis, numerical computation, and field measurement data. The results show that the elastic‐plastic analysis method is suitable for the pressure of the surrounding rock of macker tunnel. The influence radius of the plastic zone of the surrounding rock can be 32 m, and the lateral pressure of the surrounding rock of the tunnel is equivalent to the vertical pressure. In the absence of test conditions and measured data, the pressure of the surrounding rock can be approximately 0.83 MPa for the purpose of design of tunnel support structure. This conclusion provides technical support for projects in similar conditions.
Neuropeptides as the Shared Genetic Crosstalks Linking Periodontitis and Major Depression Disorder
Authors: Sun Changsheng , Han Jiatong , Bai Yixin , Zhong Zhaowei , Song Yingtao , Sun Yu
Published: October 2021

Background. The aim of this study was at investigating the association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and periodontitis based on crosstalk genes and neuropeptides. Methods. Datasets for periodontitis (GSE10334, GSE16134, and GSE23586) and MDD (GSE38206 and GSE39653) were downloaded from GEO. Following batch correction, a differential expression analysis was applied (MDD:

∣
log
2
FC
∣
>
0

and periodontitis

∣
log
2
FC
∣
≥
0.5

,

p
<
0.05

). The neuropeptide data were downloaded from NeuroPep and NeuroPedia. Intersected genes were potential crosstalk genes. The correlation between neuropeptides and crosstalk genes in MDD and periodontitis was analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient. Subsequently, regression analysis was performed to calculate the differentially regulated link. Cytoscape was used to map the pathways of crosstalk genes and neuropeptides and to construct the protein-protein interaction network. Lasso regression was applied to screen neuropeptides, whereby boxplots were created, and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was conducted. Results. The MDD dataset contained 30 case and 33 control samples, and the periodontitis dataset contained 430 case and 139 control samples. 35 crosstalk genes were obtained. A total of 102 neuropeptides were extracted from the database, which were not differentially expressed in MDD and periodontitis and had no intersection with crosstalk genes. Through lasso regression, 9 neuropeptides in MDD and 43 neuropeptides in periodontitis were obtained. Four intersected neuropeptide genes were obtained, i.e., ADM, IGF2, PDYN, and RETN. The results of ROC analysis showed that IGF2 was highly predictive in MDD and periodontitis. ADM was better than the other three genes in predicting MDD disease. A total of 13 crosstalk genes were differentially coexpressed with four neuropeptides, whereby FOSB was highly expressed in MDD and periodontitis. Conclusion. The neuropeptide genes ADM, IGF2, PDYN, and RETN were intersected between periodontitis and MDD, and FOSB was a crosstalk gene related to these neuropeptides on the transcriptomic level. These results are a basis for future research in the field, needing further validation.
circ_0001588 Induces the Malignant Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Modulating miR-874/CDK4 Signaling
Authors: Bin Xiaoyun , Chen Yichen , Ma Jiasheng , Tang Renchao , Zhao Zhenrong , Wang Kangxuan , Wang Jianchu
Published: October 2021

Accumulating evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) can interact with microRNAs to modulate gene expression in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the significant role of circRNAs has been well documented in HCC, the complex mechanisms of circRNAs still need to be elucidated. Our current study is aimed at investigating the function of circ_0001588 in HCC, which was observed to significantly increase in HCC tissues and cells. We demonstrated that the knockdown of circ_0001588 resulted in repressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo studies using a nude mouse model showed that circ_0001588 downregulation reduced tumor size. Moreover, miR-874 was predicted as a target of circ_0001588. Using luciferase binding assays, we proved that circ_0001588 functions as a molecular ceRNA of miR-874 and that CDK4 acts as a downstream target of miR-874 in HCC. It was confirmed that overexpression of miR-874 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion triggered by the increase in circ_0001588. In summary, our results indicate that circ_0001588 acts as a ceRNA and promotes HCC progression by targeting the miR-874/CDK4 signaling pathway. Hence, we propose that circ_0001588 may be a promising target for HCC treatment.
Satellite Mission Instruction Sequence Generation Algorithm Using a Flexible Weighted Directed Graph
Authors: Yahang Zhang , Jiakai Zhang , Mengfei Yang , Peiyao Yang , Xiangshuai Song
Published: October 2021

A satellite mission instruction generation algorithm based on a flexible weighted directed graph has been proposed. This algorithm can sort the instruction into sequence according to the instruction execution relationship with constraints, which can promote satellite operation performance of the ground station. Concepts like flexible edge, flexible zone, and implement zone were introduced, and the flexible weighted directed graph (FWDG) model was proposed. Based on this model, the satellite instruction sequence generation algorithm was designed. After practice and research, the result showed that according to the new algorithm, the instruction sequence can be consistent with all implement zones, consequently guaranteeing the correctness of the sequence.
Exploring the Effect of Dapagliflozin on Alcoholic Kidney Injury and Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Rats Based on TIMP-1/MMP-24 Pathway
Authors: Wu Yundou , Song Peijun , Yuan Xinke , Li Dayong
Published: October 2021

Objective. To establish a rat model of alcoholic kidney injury and detect the expression of TIMP-1/MMP-24 in the kidneys of rats with alcoholic kidney injury at the molecular pathological level, so as to explore the mechanism of alcohol abuse leading to kidney injury and renal interstitial fibrosis as well as the alleviation of alcohol-induced kidney injury and inhibition of renal interstitial fibrosis by dapagliflozin. Methods. 48 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, alcohol group, alcohol + dapagliflozin group, and alcohol + losartan group, each with 12 rats. Different drugs were administered by gavage for modeling and treatment. Six days later, the rats were sacrificed, blood was collected from the heart to separate the serum, and the blood creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) contents were detected biochemically. After blood collection, the kidney tissue was taken and fixed in10% neutral formalin. The expression of renal tissue inflammatory factors (CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α) and renal fibrosis indexes (LN, HA, and TGF-β1) were detected; MMP-24 and TIMP-1 in the kidney tissue of rats in different treatment groups were detected, and Smad3 expression was also detected. Results. After treatment, the general condition of the alcohol + dapagliflozin group and the alcohol + losartan group improved to different degrees. The weight first decreased and then gradually increased over time. There was no statistical difference in the weight change between the two groups; Compared with the control group, the Scr level, BUN content, renal index, inflammatory factors, and renal fibrosis indexes in the alcohol group were significantly increased (

P
<
0.05

); after 6 weeks of treatment, in the alcohol + dapagliflozin group and alcohol + losartan group, Scr level, BUN content, kidney index, inflammatory factors, and renal fibrosis indexes were significantly decreased (

P
<
0.05

); the expression of MMP-24 in the kidney tissue of the control group was upregulated, and the expression of TIMP-1 and Smad3 was downregulated; MMP-24 expression was downregulated, and TIMP-1 and Smad3 expression was significantly upregulated (

P
<
0.05

) in the rats of the alcohol group. After dapagliflozin and losartan treatment, MMP-24 expression gradually increased and TIMP-1 and Smad3 expression gradually decreased (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Long-term large-scale alcohol intake can cause kidney tissue damage and fibrotic lesions. The expression of fibrotic cytokines such as TIMP-1 and Smad3 will increase, and the expression of MMP-24 will be decreased. However, dapagliflozin and losartan have certain therapeutic effects on the abovementioned lesions. The mechanism may be downregulating TIMP-1 and Smad3 and upregulating the expression of MMP-24 and other cytokines in the kidney.