bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilisation of smoking cessation aids among South African adult smokers: findings from a national survey of 18 208 South African adults
Authors: Agaku Israel , Egbe Catherine , Ayo-Yusuf Olalekan
Published: January 2021

Objective

To examine the use of different cessation aids among current South African smokers who have ever tried to quit smoking.

Design

Cross-sectional design.

Setting

South Africa has progressively passed several policies over the past few decades to encourage smoking cessation. Data on cessation behaviours are needed to inform policymaking. We investigated utilisation of evidence-based cessation aids and e-cigarettes among current combustible smokers. Current tobacco use, past quit attempts and use of evidence-based cessation aids (counselling, nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medication) were self-reported. Data were weighted and analysed using descriptive and multivariable approaches (p<0.05).

Participants

Online participants were recruited from the national consumer database for News24—South Africa’s largest digital publisher. Of the 18 208 participants aged 18 years or older, there were 5657 current smokers of any combustible tobacco product (cigarettes, cigars, pipes or roll-your-own cigarettes), including 4309 who had ever attempted to quit during their lifetime.

Results

Current combustible tobacco smoking prevalence was 22.4% (95% CI: 21.2% to 23.5%), and 98.7% of all current smokers of any combustible tobacco were current cigarette smokers. Awareness of cessation aids was as follows among current combustible tobacco smokers: smoking cessation counselling programmes, 50.8% (95% CI: 48.1% to 53.6%); nicotine replacement therapy, 92.1% (95% CI: 90.5% to 93.6%); prescription cessation medication, 68.2% (95% CI: 65.2% to 70.6%). Awareness of cessation aids was lowest among Black Africans, men, and persons with little or no income. Of all current combustible tobacco smokers, 74.6% (95% CI: 72.2% to 76.7%) had ever attempted to quit and 42.8% (95% CI: 40.0% to 45.4%) of these quit attempters had ever used any cessation aid. Among current combustible smokers who attempted to quit in the past, ever e-cigarette users were more likely than never e-cigarette users to have ever used any cessation aid (50.6% vs 35.9%, p<0.05). Of current combustible smokers intending to quit, 66.7% (95% CI: 64.2% to 68.9%) indicated interest in using a cessation aid for future quitting. By specific aids, 24.7% (95% CI: 21.3% to 28.1%) of those planning to use any cessation aid were interested in getting help from a pharmacist, 44.6% (95% CI: 40.9% to 48.4%) from a doctor, 49.8% (95% CI: 46.0% to 53.6%) from someone who had successfully quit, 30.0% (95% CI: 26.7% to 33.4%) from a family member and 26.5% (95% CI: 23.0% to 30.0%) from web resources.

Conclusion

Only two in five past quit attempters had ever used counselling/pharmacotherapy. Any putative benefits of e-cigarettes on cessation may be partly attributable to pharmacotherapy/counselling given concurrent use patterns among past quit attempters using e-cigarettes. Comprehensive tobacco control and prevention strategies can help reduce aggregate tobacco consumption.
25 years of anti-TNF treatment for inflammatory bowel disease: lessons from the past and a look to the future
Authors: D'Haens Geert R , van Deventer Sander
Published: January 2021

Anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies have been widely used for approximately 25 years now. The first clinical observations in patients with refractory Crohn’s disease rapidly responding to infliximab prompted accelerated clinical development and approval for this indication. However, many questions remained unanswered when this treatment came to market related to maintenance schedules, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and positioning. Many of these open questions were addressed by investigators and sponsors during more than two decades of clinical use. The authors were among the first to use infliximab in Crohn’s disease and felt that now is a good time to look back and draw lessons from the remarkable anti-TNF story. Even today, new insights continue to appear. But more importantly, what was learnt in the past 25 years has created a platform for future development of even stronger and safer therapies. We should not forget to learn from the past.
Opposing associations of depression with sexual behaviour: implications for epidemiological investigation among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men
Authors: Miltz Ada R , Rodger Alison J , Phillips Andrew N , Sewell Janey , Edwards Simon , Allan Sris , Sherr Lorraine , Johnson Anne M , Burman William J , Lampe Fiona C
Published: January 2021

Objective

The aim of this report is to investigate the nature of the relationship between depression and condomless sex (CLS) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

Methods

Data are from the Antiretrovirals, Sexual Transmission Risk and Attitude (ASTRA) study of people living with HIV and attending one of eight HIV outpatient clinics in England (2011–2012) and the Attitudes to and Understanding of Risk of Acquisition of HIV (AURAH) study of HIV-negative/unknown status individuals attending one of 20 genitourinary medicine clinics in England (2013–2014). This analysis included GBMSM only. For each study, the prevalence of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10) was presented according to three categories of sex in the past 3 months (considering anal/vaginal sex with men/women and anal sex with men in separate definitions): (1) no sex, (2) condom-protected sex only and (3) CLS. Multinomial logistic regression with ‘condom-protected sex only’ as the reference group was used to adjust for age and (for ASTRA participants) time since HIV diagnosis.

Results

There were opposing associations of depression with recent sexual behaviour: the prevalence of depression was higher among those who reported no sex and those who reported CLS, compared with those who reported condom-protected sex only. Among the 2170 HIV-positive GBMSM in ASTRA, considering anal/vaginal sex with men/women, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 32%, 20% and 28%, respectively, among men reporting no sex (n=783), condom-protected sex only (n=551) and CLS (n=836) (global p<0.001). Among the 1477 HIV-negative GBMSM in AURAH, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 12%, 8% and 13%, respectively, for no sex (n=137), condom-protected sex only (n=487) and CLS (n=853) (global p=0.017). Patterns were similar after adjustment and when only considering anal sex between men.

Conclusions

Depression may be linked both to lack of sexual activity and to sexual risk taking. When investigating associations between depression and CLS, it is important to separate out individuals reporting condom-protected sex only from those reporting no sex.
A non-associative macroelement model for vertical plate anchors in clay
Authors: Peccin da Silva Anderson , Diambra Andrea , Karamitros Dimitris , Chow Shiao Huey
Published: January 2021

This work proposes a new plastic-hardening, non-associative macroelement model to predict the behaviour of anchors in clay for floating offshore structures during keying and up to the peak load. Building on available models for anchors, a non-associated plastic potential is introduced to improve prediction of anchor trajectory and loss of embedment at peak conditions for a large range of padeye offsets and different pull-out directions. The proposed model also includes a displacement-hardening rule to simulate the force and displacement mobilisation at the early stages of the keying process. The model is challenged and validated against different sets of numerical and centrifuge data. This extensive validation process revealed that two of the four newly introduced model parameters assume a constant value for the range of simulated cases. This suggests that only two of the newly introduced parameters may need to be calibrated for the use of the proposed macroelement model in practice.
Design and synthesis of a new tripod-chromogenic sensor based on a s-triazine and thiazolidine-2,4-dione ring (TCST) for naked-eye detection of Li+
Authors: Yazdani Nyaki Hadiseh , Mahmoodi Nosrat O. , Pasandideh Nadamani Meysam
Published: January 2021

A novel tripod-chromogenic sensor based on a s-triazine and thiazolidine-2,4-dione ring (TCST) was designed, synthesized, and applied as a colorimetric probe in aqueous solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The probe showed a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric sensor for naked-eye detection of Li+, changing from colourless to yellow. The probe’s detection limit toward Li+ was found to be 1.2 μM. The result of the Job plot analysis showed 1:1 stoichiometry for the interaction between the tripod chemosensor and Li+ and this result was confirmed by 1H NMR titration experiments. The probe can also be used for biological activities depending on the results of microbial tests.
Fire evacuation modelling of a Canadian wildland urban interface community
Authors: Yerushalmi Ariel , Folk Lauren , Carton Hannah , Gales John , Khan Ata , Weckman Beth
Published: January 2021

Wildland urban interface (WUI) communities are situated at the interface between human development and wildland fuel. In addition to their proximity to susceptible regions, routes of evacuation in WUIs are often limited, posing great risks to these communities in the event of a natural disaster. Considering the abundance of WUI interfaces in Canada, Canadian-based research is vital for developing national wildfire regulations. However, the limited amount of Canadian research forces authorities to seek wildfire evacuation techniques from foreign sources, which may not be proven to be effective in northern boreal forests. To begin the research herein, a Canadian WUI community in central Canada was selected as a case study to investigate assembly and evacuation patterns during a fire evacuation to illustrate the complexity of the situation and the current research needs required. First-stage simulations of evacuations were performed in the traffic simulation software PTV VISSIM, which extracted useful data, including evacuation times and related parameters. The results demonstrated that the addition of an extra highway access road reduces evacuation times by up to an hour and 20 minutes, which can determine whether a resident evacuates or not. However, the predictive power of the software is limited by its ability to incorporate the effects of human behaviour and the fire behaviour itself. Thus, extending these findings to include the need for evacuee behaviour and fire dynamics is a crucial second stage in the formation of a more complete strategic evacuation plan for communities at risk of wildfires. This study is vital for creating a Canadian-based approach to WUI wildfire evacuations and to expand the knowledge base in the field.
Mapping Taihu Basin research: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhou Yuanchun , Li Hui , Wu Wenjun , Zhang Limin , Zhu Honggen , Naren Tuya
Published: January 2021

The Chinese government has made a strong effort to solve pollution problems in the Taihu Basin, and scholars have also paid close attention to these issues. Based on 2094 valid studies on the Taihu Basin obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) core database from 1998 to 2019, this study conducted a systematic review of research and development trends using bibliometric methods. The results reveal that academic achievement has increased rapidly in recent years, especially after a severe blue-green algae bloom event in Taihu Lake in 2007. Taihu Basin related studies are becoming more interdisciplinary in nature with an integration of knowledge. The Chinese Academies of Sciences and universities in eastern China play key roles in academic output. Although hotspots of environmental topics vary at different time periods, the eutrophication issue at Taihu Lake has long been a focus. Eutrophication studies on Taihu Lake have evolved from “general causes of eutrophication” to “more detailed causes of eutrophication” to “long-term monitoring and management of water quality” to “risk assessment”. Future trends in Taihu Basin research should continue to emphasize risk assessment and long-term management. This bibliometric review presents a comprehensive analysis of Taihu Lake related research, which can provide important insights into the potential direction for future studies.
Model-independent constraints on cosmic curvature: implication from the future space gravitational-wave antenna DECIGO
Authors: Zheng Xiaogang , Cao Shuo , Liu Yuting , Biesiada Marek , Liu Tonghua , Geng Shuaibo , Lian Yujie , Guo Wuzheng
Published: January 2021

In order to estimate cosmic curvature from cosmological probes like standard candles, one has to measure the luminosity distance $$D_L(z)$$

D
L

(
z
)

, its derivative with respect to redshift $$D'_L(z)$$

D
L
′

(
z
)

and the expansion rate H(z) at the same redshift. In this paper, we study how such idea could be implemented with future generation of space-based DECi-hertz Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (DECIGO), in combination with cosmic chronometers providing cosmology-independent H(z) data. Our results show that for the Hubble diagram of simulated DECIGO data acting as a new type of standard siren, it would be able to constrain cosmic curvature with the precision of $$\varDelta \varOmega _k= 0.09$$

Δ

Ω
k

=
0.09

with the currently available sample of 31 measurements of Hubble parameters. In the framework of the third generation ground-based gravitational wave detectors, the spatial curvature is constrained to be $$\varDelta \varOmega _k= 0.13$$

Δ

Ω
k

=
0.13

for Einstein Telescope (ET). More interestingly, compared to other approaches aiming for model-independent estimations of spatial curvature, our analysis also achieve the reconstruction of the evolution of $$\varOmega _k(z)$$

Ω
k

(
z
)

, in the framework of a model-independent method of Gaussian processes (GP) without assuming a specific form. Therefore, one can expect that the newly emerged gravitational wave astronomy can become useful in local measurements of cosmic curvature using distant sources.
What changes in where?
Authors: Islam Md Rakibul , Zibran Minhaz F.
Published: January 2021

A deep understanding of the common patterns of bug-fixing changes is useful in several ways: (a) such knowledge can help developers in proactively avoiding coding patterns that lead to bugs and (b) bug-fixing patterns are exploited in devising techniques for automatic bug localization and program repair.

This work includes an in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis over 4,653 buggy revisions of five software systems. Our study identifies 38 bug-fixing
edit
patterns and discovers 37 new patterns of nested code structures, which frequently host the bug-fixing edits. While some of the
edit
patterns were reported in earlier studies, these
nesting
patterns are
new
and were never targeted before.
Improving exploratory information retrieval for neophytes
Authors: Audeh Bissan , Beigbeder Michel , Largeron Christine , Ramírez-Cifuentes Diana
Published: January 2021

Digital libraries have become an essential tool for researchers in all scientific domains. With almost unlimited storage capacities, current digital libraries hold a tremendous number of documents. Though some efforts have been made to facilitate access to documents relevant to a specific information need, such a task remains a real challenge for a new researcher. Indeed neophytes do not necessarily use appropriate keywords to express their information need and they might not be qualified enough to evaluate correctly the relevance of documents retrieved by the system. In this study, we suppose that to better meet the needs of neophytes, the information retrieval system in a digital library should take into consideration features other than content-based relevance. To test this hypothesis, we use machine learning methods and build new features from several metadata related to documents. More precisely, we propose to consider as features for machine learning: content-based scores, scores based on the citation graph and scores based on metadata extracted from external resources. As acquiring such features is not a trivial task, we analyze their usefulness and their capacity to detect relevant documents. Our analysis concludes that the use of these additional features improves the performance of the system for a neophyte. In fact, by adding the new features we find more documents suitable for neophytes within the results returned by the system than when using content-based features alone.
SARS-CoV-2 may hijack GPCR signaling pathways to dysregulate lung ion and fluid transport
Authors: Abdel Hameid Reem , Cormet-Boyaka Estelle , Kuebler Wolfgang M. , Uddin Mohammed , Berdiev Bakhrom K.
Published: January 2021

The tropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a virus responsible for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, toward the host cells is determined, at least in part, by the expression and distribution of its cell surface receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The virus further exploits the host cellular machinery to gain access into the cells; its spike protein is cleaved by a host cell surface transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) shortly after binding ACE2, followed by its proteolytic activation at a furin cleavage site. The virus primarily targets the epithelium of the respiratory tract, which is covered by a tightly regulated airway surface liquid (ASL) layer that serves as a primary defense mechanism against respiratory pathogens. The volume and viscosity of this fluid layer is regulated and maintained by a coordinated function of different transport pathways in the respiratory epithelium. We argue that SARS-CoV-2 may potentially alter evolutionary conserved second-messenger signaling cascades via activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) or by directly modulating G protein signaling. Such signaling may in turn adversely modulate transepithelial transport processes, especially those involving cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), thereby shifting the delicate balance between anion secretion and sodium absorption, which controls homeostasis of this fluid layer. As a result, activation of the secretory pathways including CFTR-mediated Cl− transport may overwhelm the absorptive pathways, such as ENaC-dependent Na+ uptake, and initiate a pathophysiological cascade leading to lung edema, one of the most serious and potentially deadly clinical manifestations of COVID-19.
Protective Effect of Zuojin Fang on Lung Injury Induced by Sepsis through Downregulating the JAK1/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yin Jiangning , Yu Zhan , Hou Chuanyong , Peng Yigen , Xiao Jianpeng , Jiang Jun
Published: January 2021

Lung injury was the common and serious complication of sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by severe infections. Chinese medicine had unique advantages in attenuating inflammatory response, such as Zuojinfang (ZJF). ZJF was a classical compound herb formula composed of Coptidis Rhizoma and Euodiae Fructus in a ratio of 6 : 1. In this paper, 15 ingredients in ZJF were identified and 8 of them absorbed into rat’s serum were quantified by HPLC‐MS/MS. Subsequently, sepsis‐induced lung injury model was replicated in rats by cecal ligation and puncture. 60 SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 10): control group (CON), sham group (Sham), model group (MOD), ZJF low‐dose group (ZJF‐L), ZJF high‐dose group (ZJF‐H), and prednisolone group (PNSL). Within the next 24 h, the levels of inflammatory factors, correlation between active ingredients and inflammatory cytokines, the pathological changes of lung tissue, and protein expression of the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathways were analyzed one by one. Finally, the concentration order of components absorbed in rat serum was berberine > palmatine > jatrorrhizine > coptisine > evodin > chlorogenic acid > evodiamine. Compared with the MOD group, the TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IFN‐γ in the ZJF‐H group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Moreover, the TNF‐α decreased significantly accompanied by the increase of berberine, chlorogenic acid, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, evodin, and evodiamine in serum (negative correlation, p < 0.05). Compared with the MOD, the area of lung injury, the expressions of JAK1, p‐JAK1, STAT3, and p‐STAT3 were significantly decreased under the treatment of ZJF (p < 0.05). Therefore, downregulating the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathways was a potential avenue of ZJF in reversing lung injury induced by sepsis.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Calculation Model for Static Behavior Simulation of Cross-Laminated Timber Plates under Thermal Environment
Authors: Hu Wenliang , Hou Wei , Zhu Zhao , Huang Xuhui
Published: January 2021

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is well known as an interesting technical and economical product for modern wood structures. The use of CLT for modern construction industry has become increasingly popular in particular for residential timber buildings. Analyzing the CLT behavior in high thermal environment has attracted scholars’ attention. Thermal environment greatly influences the CLT properties and load bearing capacity of CLT, and the investigation can form the basis for predicting the structural response of such CLT-based structures. In the present work, the finite element method (FEM) is employed to analyze the thermal influence on the deformation of CLT. Furthermore, several factors were taken into consideration, including board layer number, hole conformation, and hole position, respectively. In order to determine the influence, several numerical models for different calculation were established. The calculation process was validated by comparing with published data. The performance is quantified by demonstrating the temperature distribution and structural deformation.
Approximate Controllability of Neutral Measure Evolution Equations with Nonlocal Conditions
Authors: Ma Lina , Gu Haibo , Chen Yiru
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we consider a kind of neutral measure evolution equations with nonlocal conditions. By using semigroup theory and fixed point theorem, we can obtain sufficient conditions for the controllability results of such equations. Finally, an example is given to verify the reliability of the results.
[Retracted] Safety and Efficacy of Early Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Chen Xiao , Su Jing , Wang Guojun , Zhao Han , Zhang Shizhong , Liu Tao , Su Xindi , Zhou Ning
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose. This study is aimed at assessing the differences in postoperative stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (sCAS) treated with early or late carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to determine and compare the safety of different operation timing. Design. A systematic document retrieval of studies published in the past 10 years reporting periprocedural stroke/mortality/MI after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) related to the time between CEA and qualifying neurological symptoms. The application database has “PubMed, EMbase and Cochrane databases.” RevMan5.3 software provided by the Cochrane collaboration was used for meta‐analysis. Results. A systematic literature search was conducted in databases. A total of 10 articles were included in this study. They were divided into early CEA and delayed CEA with operation within 48 h, 1 w, or 2 w after onset of neurological symptoms. Incidence of the postoperative stroke in patients undergoing delayed CEA (≥48 h) was significantly higher than patients with delayed CEA (<48 h) (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.43‐3.21, P = 0.0002). The postoperative mortality of patients after delayed CEA (≥48 h) was significantly higher than patients after early CEA (<48 h) (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.71, P = 0.02). The risk of postoperative mortality of patients treated with delayed CEA (≥7 d) was significantly higher than patients after the early CEA group (<7 d) (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.21‐2.32, P = 0.001). Conclusion. Early CEA is safe and effective for a part of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis, but a comprehensive preoperative evaluation of patients with carotid stenosis must be performed.
A Street-Level IP Geolocation Method Based on Delay-Distance Correlation and Multilayered Common Routers
Authors: Ding Shichang , Zhao Fan , Luo Xiangyang
Published: January 2021

The geographical locations of smart devices can help in providing authentication information between multimedia content providers and users in 5G networks. The IP geolocation methods can help in estimating the geographical location of these smart devices. The two key assumptions of existing IP geolocation methods are as follows: (1) the smallest relative delay comes from the nearest host; (2) the distance between hosts which share the closest common routers is smaller than others. However, the two assumptions are not always true in weakly connected networks, which may affect accuracy. We propose a novel street-level IP geolocation algorithm (Corr-SLG), which is based on the delay-distance correlation and multilayered common routers. The first key idea of Corr-SLG is to divide landmarks into different groups based on relative-delay-distance correlation. Different from previous methods, Corr-SLG geolocates the host based on the largest relative delay for the strongly negatively correlated groups. The second key idea is to introduce the landmarks which share multilayered common routers into the geolocation process, instead of only relying on the closest common routers. Besides, to increase the number of landmarks, a new street-level landmark collection method called WiFi landmark is also presented in this paper. The experiments in one province capital city of China, Zhengzhou, show that Corr-SLG can improve the geolocation accuracy remarkably in a real-world network.
Existence and Uniqueness Results for Two-Term Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations via a Fixed Point Technique
Authors: Marasi H. R. , Aydi H.
Published: January 2021

The work addressed in this paper is to ensure the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions for initial value problems for nonlinear fractional differential equations with two terms of fractional orders. By virtue of recent fixed point theorems on mixed monotone operators, we get some new straightforward results with a wide range of applications.
Radiomics Analysis of MR Imaging with Gd‐EOB‐DTPA for Preoperative Prediction of Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Investigation and Comparison of Different Hepatobiliary Phase Delay Times
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Xu Guizhi , Duan Chongfeng , Zhou Xiaoming , Wang Xin , Yu Haiyang , Yu Lan , Li Zhiming , Gao Yuanxiang , Zhao Ruirui , Jiao Linlin , Wang Gang
Published: January 2021

Purpose. To investigate whether the radiomics analysis of MR imaging in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) can be used to predict microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method. A total of 130 patients with HCC, including 80 MVI‐positive patients and 50 MVI‐negative patients, who underwent MR imaging with Gd‐EOB‐DTPA were enrolled. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to select radiomics parameters derived from MR images obtained in the HBP 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min images. The selected features at each phase were adopted into support vector machine (SVM) classifiers to establish models. Multiple comparisons of the AUCs at each phase were performed by the Delong test. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to analyze the classification of MVI‐positive and MVI‐negative patients. Results. The most predictive features between MVI‐positive and MVI‐negative patients included 9, 8, and 14 radiomics parameters on HBP 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min images, respectively. A model incorporating the selected features produced an AUC of 0.685, 0.718, and 0.795 on HBP 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min images, respectively. The predictive model for HBP 5 min, 10 min and 15 min showed no significant difference by the Delong test. DCA indicated that the predictive model for HBP 15 min outperformed the models for HBP 5 min and 10 min. Conclusions. Radiomics parameters in the HBP can be used to predict MVI, with the HBP 15 min model having the best differential diagnosis ability.
The Relationship between Retinol-Binding Protein 4 and Markers of Inflammation and Thrombogenesis in Children with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Yang Maoling , Weng Haobo , Pei Qiongfei , Jing Fengchuan , Yi Qijian
Published: January 2021

Background. Kawasaki disease (KD) is a self-limited vasculitis with unknown etiologies, and coronary artery lesions (CALs) are the most common and serious complications. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been confirmed effects on vasodilation, platelet activation inhibition, and cardiovascular diseases by researches. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the relationship between RBP4 and inflammation as well as thrombogenesis in children with KD. Methods. 79 subjects were from 62 children with KD and 17 healthy controls (HCs). The KD group was divided into KD with CALs (KD-CALs) and KD without CALs (KD-NCALs), and the serum RBP4 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Compared with the HC group, serum RBP4 levels in the KD group were significantly decreased (

p
<
0.05

). RBP4, hemoglobin (Hb), and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels were higher, while platelet counts (Plt) and thrombin time (TT) levels were lower in the KD-NCALs group than in the KD-CALs group (

p
<
0.05

). RBP4 had positive correlation with time point of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), Hb, and percentage of leukomonocytes (L%) and negative correlation with the percentage of neutrophils (N%), MPV, C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (Fbg), and D-dimer (DD) in the KD group; RBP4 had positive correlation with the time point of IVIG and L% and negative correlation with N%, MPV, and NLR in the KD-NCALs group; and RBP4 had positive correlation with Hb and L% and negative correlation with N%, CRP, NLR, and PT in the KD-CALs group (

p
<
0.05

). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that Hb and CRP in the KD group, MPV and N% in the KD-NCALs group, and PT and CRP in the KD-CALs group were independent predictors of RBP4 (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Lower RBP4 was observed in the KD group than in the HC group, and RBP4 had associations with markers of inflammation and thrombogenesis in children with KD.
[Retracted] Downregulation of microRNA‐15b‐5p Targeting the Akt3‐Mediated GSK‐3β/β‐Catenin Signaling Pathway Inhibits Cell Apoptosis in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhu Jianzhong , Xu Xue , Liang Yingyin , Zhu Ronglan
Published: January 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an incurable progressive disorder resulting from neurodegeneration, and apoptosis is considered a dominant mechanism underlying the process of neurodegeneration. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are small and noncoding RNAs involved in many a biological process like apoptosis and regulation of gene expressions, have been found in postmortem brain samples of patients with PD, as well as in vitro and in vivo models of PD. To explore the impact of miR‐15b‐5p and Akt3 on apoptosis in the progression of PD, the method of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was employed, and the analysis result showed upregulated expression of miR‐15b‐5p and downregulated expression of Akt3 in the serum of PD patients, MPP+‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells, and the brain tissues of MPTP‐induced mice. Meanwhile, the dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to demonstrate the regulator‐target interaction between miR‐15b‐5p and Akt3; flow cytometry and spectrophotometry revealed that transfection of miR‐15b‐5p mimic and si‐Akt3 increased the rate of apoptosis and caspase‐3 activity, whereas transfecting the miR‐15b‐5p inhibitor and Akt3‐overexpression plasmid repressed the rate of apoptosis and caspase‐3 activity in the MPP+‐induced SH‐SY5Y cell model and the MPTP‐induced mouse model. Additionally, analysis of western blotting (WB) assays in vivo and in vitro revealed that proapoptosis proteins (Bax, caspase‐3, GSK‐3β, and β‐catenin) showed markedly upregulated expression in the miR‐15b‐5p inhibitor and si‐Akt3‐overexpression groups, while the expression of an antiapoptosis gene (i.e., Bcl2) was downregulated. These analysis results indicate that downregulation of miR‐15b‐5p by targeting the Akt3‐mediated GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signaling pathway would repress cell apoptosis in PD in vivo and in vitro. It is expected that the research findings would help find new therapeutic targets for treatment of PD.
Experimental Study on the Flow Behavior of Grout Used in Horizontal Directional Drilling Borehole Grouting to Seal Mining-Induced Overburden Fractures
Authors: Ju Jinfeng , Xu Jialin , Yang Jing
Published: January 2021

The development of water-conducting fractures from underground coal mining is a geological cause of groundwater loss. Sealing mining-induced rock fracture channels through borehole grouting is an effective way to protect groundwater resources. A ground-based engineering test was conducted at the Gaojiabao coal mine that utilized horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to grout and seal water-conducting overburden fractures. This study carried out a theoretical and experimental exploration using HDD to evaluate the development characteristics and grout hydraulic conductivity of these mining-induced fractures. The results showed that, as a result of varying fracture morphologies in different zones of the mining overburden, multiple fracture types were sequentially exposed as the HDD borehole advanced from the original rock mass outside the mining area towards the mining-induced fractured rock mass. The fracture types were exposed in the following order: compressive shear fractures, tensile failure fractures, and bed separation fractures. Moreover, the void characteristics of the exposed fractures in the borehole were significantly different at different drilling horizons, which affected the flow behavior and sealing performance of the injected grout. Lastly, three typical orders in which the different types of fractures were sequentially exposed by the borehole were summarized, and further analysis of the orders led to a scheme for determining drilling horizons favorable for efficient fracture sealing. The results of this study will enable efficient grout sealing of the fractures caused by mining and reduce groundwater loss.
An Analysis of Transverse Momentum Spectra of Various Jets Produced in High Energy Collisions
Authors: Tai Yang-Ming , Yang Pei-Pin , Liu Fu-Hu
Published: January 2021

With the framework of the multisource thermal model, we analyze the experimental transverse momentum spectra of various jets produced in different collisions at high energies. Two energy sources, a projectile participant quark and a target participant quark, are considered. Each energy source (each participant quark) is assumed to contribute to the transverse momentum distribution to be the TP-like function, i.e., a revised Tsallis–Pareto-type function. The contribution of the two participant quarks to the transverse momentum distribution is then the convolution of two TP-like functions. The model distribution can be used to fit the experimental spectra measured by different collaborations. The related parameters such as the entropy index-related, effective temperature, and revised index are then obtained. The trends of these parameters are useful to understand the characteristic of high energy collisions.
Construction Sequence Optimization and Settlement Control Countermeasures of Metro Tunnels Underpassing Expressway
Authors: Zhang Chengzhong , Zhang Qiang , Pei Ziming , Song Zhanping , Wang Junbao
Published: January 2021

The Chongqing metro line 6 underpass expressway around the city is taken as an engineering background, and the optimal excavation sequence and corresponding control countermeasures for the triangular‐distributed three‐line metro tunnel underpass expressway are studied. The influences of excavation sequence on the tunnel surrounding rock deformation, surrounding rock stress, supporting structure stress, plastic zone, and surface settlement are analyzed by using MIDAS/GTS NX finite element software. The numerical simulation results showed that Case 1 is the optimal excavation sequence of the metro tunnel. However, the surface settlement under the optimal excavation sequence exceeds the limit value of 30 mm, which cannot guarantee the safety of expressway traffic. On this basis, the control measure for strengthening the three‐line tunnels with advanced small pipe grouting and reinforcing the middle tunnel with concrete‐filled steel tube piles are proposed. Moreover, the excavation process of the metro tunnel with and without reinforcement schemes is numerically simulated. The results show that the reinforcement scheme can effectively control the surface settlement value within the limited value (16.47 mm), which is close to the maximum surface settlement of 18.31 mm after the metro tunnel excavation is completed, indicating that the proposed reinforcement scheme is beneficial to ensure the safety of metro tunnel construction and the driving safety of the expressway.
Suppression of lncRNA MALAT1 Reduces LPS‐ or IL‐17A‐Induced Inflammatory Response in Human Middle Ear Epithelial Cells via the NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Xiangru , Zhang Qinna , Lu Hui , Wang Chenxin , Xia Lijun
Published: January 2021

Otitis media (OM) is a common inflammatory disease of the middle ear cavity and mainly occurs in children. As a critical regulator of inflammation response, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway has been found to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the potential mechanism under the inflammatory response of human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs). We established in vitro models of OM by treating HMEECs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin 17A (IL‐17A). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis were used to measure the inflammatory response of HMEECs under LPS or IL‐17A stimulation. The results revealed that the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (p < 0.001) and protein levels of mucin (MUC) (for MUC5AC, p = 0.002, p = 0.004; for MUC8, p = 0.004, p < 0.001) were significantly elevated by LPS or IL‐17A stimulation in HMEECs. Moreover, we found that LPS or IL‐17A treatment promoted the phosphorylation of IκBα (for p‐IκBα, p = 0.018, p = 0.002; for IκBα, p = 0.238, p = 0.057) and the translocation of p65 from cytoplasm to nucleus in HMEECs (for nucleus p65, p = 0.01; for cytoplasm p65, p < 0.001). In addition, RT‐qPCR analysis revealed that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) was verified to be upregulated in LPS‐ or IL‐17A‐stimulated HMEECs (p < 0.001). Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining assay revealed that that MALAT1 knockdown significantly suppressed the activation of the NF‐κB pathway by reducing phosphorylated IκBα levels and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of p65 (p < 0.001) in LPS‐ or IL‐17A‐stimulated HMEECs (for p‐IκBα, p < 0.001; for IκBα, p = 0.242, p = 0.647). Silence of MALAT1 decreased the proinflammatory cytokine production and MUC protein levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, rescue assays revealed that the increase of proinflammatory cytokine production (for TNF‐α, p = 0.002, p = 0.015; for IL‐1β, p < 0.001, p = 0.006; for IL‐6, p = 0.002, p < 0.001) and MUC protein levels (for MUC5AC, p = 0.001, p < 0.001; for MUC8, p < 0.001, p = 0.001) induced by MALAT1 overexpression was neutralized by 4‐N‐[2‐(4‐phenoxyphenyl) ethyl] quinazoline‐4, 6‐diamine (QNZ) treatment in LPS‐ or IL‐17A‐stimulated HMEECs. In conclusion, MALAT1 promotes inflammatory response in LPS‐ or IL‐17A‐ stimulated HMEECs via the NF‐κB signaling pathway, which may provide a potential novel insight for the treatment of OM.
n‐th Order Sensor Output to Control k‐DoF Serial Robot Arms
Authors: Alvarez-Rodríguez Sergio , Peña Lecona Francisco Gerardo
Published: January 2021

Currently, zero‐order sensors are commonly used as positioning feedback for the closed‐loop control in robotics; thus, in order to expand robots’ control alternatives, other paths in sensing should be investigated more deeply. Conditions under which the n‐th order sensor output can be used to control k‐DoF serial robot arms are formally studied in this work. In obtaining the mentioned control conditions, the Pickard‐Lindeloff theorem has been used to prove the existence and uniqueness of the robot’s mathematical model solution with n order sensory systems included. To verify that the given conditions and claims guarantee controllability for both continuous‐based and variable structure‐based systems, two types of control strategies are used in obtaining simulation results: the conventional PID control and a second‐order Sliding Mode control.
Downregulation of miR‐3934 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Asthmatic Patients and Its Potential Diagnostic Value
Authors: Wang Wenyu , Wang Jing , Chen Hong , Zhang Xiaofei , Han Kaiyu
Published: January 2021

Background. The present study focused on the potential clinical significance of miR‐3934 in the occurrence and development of asthma. Methods. 80 asthma and 80 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum samples of the asthma patients as well as the healthy controls were isolated, and the expression levels of miR‐3934 in PBMCs were examined by RT‐qPCR methods. Furthermore, the relationship between the level of miR‐3934 in PBMCs and the disease severity has been analyzed, and the potential diagnostic value of miR‐3934 was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Finally, the expression level of IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐33 have been detected using the ELISA kits, and Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the level of miR‐3934 in PBMCs and the serum expression of those inflammatory cytokines in asthma patients. Results. miR‐3934 was dramatically decreased in PBMCs of the asthma patients, and miR‐3934 was markedly reduced in PBMCs of patients with severe asthma vs. mild asthma. Furthermore, ROC analysis showed that levels of miR‐3934 in PBMCs can distinguish asthma patient, especially the severe asthma patients from the controls. Finally, the levels of miR‐3934 in PBMCs were negatively correlated with the serum levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐33 in asthma patients, respectively. Conclusions. miR‐3934 was downregulated in PBMCs of asthmatic patients and may function as a potential diagnosis biomarker.
Long-Term Functional Results of a Modified Caudal-to-Cranial Approach in Laparoscopic Segmental Left Colectomy for Diverticular Disease
Authors: Manigrasso Michele , Pesce Marcella , Milone Marco , Anoldo Pietro , D’Amore Anna , Galasso Giovanni , Gennarelli Nicola , Maione Francesco , Vertaldi Sara , Sarnelli Giovanni , De Palma Giovanni Domenico
Published: January 2021

A modified caudal-to-cranial approach to perform laparoscopic left colectomy for benign diseases has been recently designed to facilitate the low-tie mesenteric dissection. A chart review has been performed including all consecutive patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis who have been treated by segmental left colectomy with a caudal-to-cranial approach. A total of 34 patients were included in the study. 21 patients were male, mean age was

54.1
±
11.3

, and mean BMI was

26
±
5.5

. Patients with ASA Score I were 7, with ASA II were 9, and with ASA Score III were 5. Incontinence Score (IS) resulted in an average of

5
±
2
,
2

grade of incontinence and the CS score showed an average of

10
±
3
,
2

grade of constipation. Health status, evaluated by Short Form-36 questionnaire, was demonstrated in these patients’ great physical function, role, general health, and social function. The anorectal manometry performed 6 months after surgery showed a normal value in terms of the anal resting pressure (

47
±
13

 mmHg) and an increased volume to stimulate desire to defecate (

197
±
25

 ml). The length of the anal sphincter was normal compared to the reference value (

37
±
5.4

 mm). Although further studies are required to obtain definitive conclusions, our results are encouraging to propose low-tie segmental colectomy as the standard procedure for the treatment of uncomplicated diverticulitis, and our modified surgical approach could be considered useful to facilitate the surgical approach.
STIM1 Mediates Calcium-Dependent Epigenetic Reprogramming in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Kutschat Ana P. , Hamdan Feda H. , Wang Xin , Wixom Alexander Q. , Najafova Zeynab , Gibhardt Christine S. , Kopp Waltraut , Gaedcke Jochen , Ströbel Philipp , Ellenrieder Volker , Bogeski Ivan , Hessmann Elisabeth , Johnsen Steven A.
Published: January 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) displays a dismal prognosis due to late diagnosis and high chemoresistance incidence. For advanced disease stages or patients with comorbidities, treatment options are limited to gemcitabine alone or in combination with other drugs. While gemcitabine resistance has been widely attributed to the levels of one of its targets, RRM1, the molecular consequences of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC remain largely elusive. Here we sought to identify genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic events associated with gemcitabine resistance in PDAC and their potential clinical relevance. We found that gemcitabine-resistant cells displayed a coamplification of the adjacent RRM1 and STIM1 genes. Interestingly, RRM1, but not STIM1, was required for gemcitabine resistance, while high STIM1 levels caused an increase in cytosolic calcium concentration. Higher STIM1-dependent calcium influx led to an impaired endoplasmic reticulum stress response and a heightened nuclear factor of activated T-cell activity. Importantly, these findings were confirmed in patient and patient-derived xenograft samples. Taken together, our study uncovers previously unknown biologically relevant molecular properties of gemcitabine-resistant tumors, revealing an undescribed function of STIM1 as a rheostat directing the effects of calcium signaling and controlling epigenetic cell fate determination. It further reveals the potential benefit of targeting STIM1-controlled calcium signaling and its downstream effectors in PDAC.

Significance:

Gemcitabine-resistant and some naïve tumors coamplify RRM1 and STIM1, which elicit gemcitabine resistance and induce a calcium signaling shift, promoting ER stress resistance and activation of NFAT signaling.