bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitive Failure of Loosening and Fatigue of Bolts under Composite Excitation
Authors: Yang Guang-Wu , Yang Long , Xiao Shou-Ne , Jiang Shi-Lin , Ma Wei
Published: October 2021

At present, research on the loosening of bolts under transverse excitation and their fatigue under axial excitation has been relatively mature, but research on the competitive relationship and failure characteristics between loosening and fatigue of bolts under transverse and axial composite excitation is still insufficient. Therefore, a method to accurately determine the failure types of bolts is proposed in this study by conducting a competitive failure test of loosening and fatigue under composite excitation. According to this method, the failure types of bolts can be distinguished. The analysis results reveal that there is an obvious competitive failure relationship between the loosening and fatigue of bolts, and the failure mode is mainly affected by the ratio of the transverse and axial loads (ξ). There is a critical ξ of bolt‐loosening or fatigue failure, and the critical ξ is an inherent property of the bolt and is unrelated to the load. The critical ξ of 8.8 grade M8 × 1.25 × 70 high‐strength bolts under composite excitation is obtained as 0.075 mm/kN. The failure mode of bolts under composite excitation can be predicted based on the critical ξ.
Imaging Characteristics of Invasive Pulmonary Fungal Infection Secondary to Hematological Diseases and Comparison before and after Treatment
Authors: Wang Jun-Wei , Yang Fang-Fang , Zhang Chuan-Yu , Lin Ji-Zheng , Wang He-Xiang , Xu Wen-Jian
Published: October 2021

Fungal infections have become crucial factors that threaten the prognosis and survival of blood disease patients. Here, we aim to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and early and advanced CT (computed tomography) manifestations of patients with invasive pulmonary fungal infections secondary to blood system diseases. 65 hospitalized patients from October 2018 to October 2020 with invasive pulmonary fungal infections secondary to blood diseases were enrolled. Blood diseases were recorded according to clinical and imaging data, and the serum galactomannan test (GM test) was conducted. Two senior radiologists analyzed the CT data and recorded the distribution of the lesions and CT signs. We analyzed and counted the first chest CT scan images of patients with nodule/mass type secondary to hematological diseases and invasive pulmonary fungal infection. The first CT nodules or mass-type lesions were statistically significant in nodule size, the number of lesions, distribution, and accompanying signs. Pulmonary fungal infection was common in both lungs during 7-day, 14-day, and 30-day follow-up CT. We also found that the nodular mass type was the main manifestation in the positive group of the GM test. Both the positive group and the negative group had the highest incidence of nodules. The incidence of air crescent signs in nodules or mass lesions in the positive group was higher than in the negative group, and the difference was statistically significant. To conclude, follow-up CT signs after antifungal treatment were highly sensitive to the early diagnosis of hematological diseases and secondary invasive pulmonary Eumycetes infection, which could be used for clinical treatment to provide help. GM test results were also related to CT manifestations such as air crescent sign, cavity, and halo sign.
Effect of Penetration Electroacupuncture Combined with Intermediate Frequency Electrotherapy, Facial Acupoint Massage, and Cervical Reduction on Facial Nerve Function and Curative Effect of Senile Refractory Facial Paralysis
Authors: Wang Xiao-Jun , He Ni-Na , Ji Wen-Bin , Yu Li , Zhang Ping
Published: October 2021

Objective. This study aimed to explore the curative effects on senile refractory facial paralysis treated by penetration electroacupuncture combined with intermediate frequency electrotherapy, facial acupoint massage, and cervical reduction on facial nerve. Methods. 106 elderly patients with intractable facial paralysis that were retrospectively analyzed were all admitted from January 2019 to June 2020. The 106 patients were evenly divided into 2 groups according to the treatment method. The control group was treated with penetration electroacupuncture, while the observation group was treated with penetration electroacupuncture plus intermediate frequency electrotherapy + facial acupoint massage + cervical reduction treatment. Then, House–Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function evaluation, RPA score, TCM syndrome score, disease remission rate, and incidence of adverse events were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results. After 4 weeks of treatment, the H-B facial nerve function grading in the observation group was better than that in the control group (

P

 < 0.05). And the disease remission rate after 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks of treatment was higher than that in the control group (

P

 < 0.05). Meanwhile, the TCM syndrome score and RPA score after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment were better than that in the control group (

P

 < 0.05). Conclusion. For the elderly patients with refractory facial paralysis, the application of the combined treatment that penetration electroacupuncture + medium frequency electrotherapy + facial acupoint massage + cervical adjustment can significantly improve the facial nerve function and reduce various diseases, and the effect of this combined treatment plan is more significant than that of penetration electroacupuncture treatment.
Effects of Exercise‐Induced ROS on the Pathophysiological Functions of Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Wang Fan , Wang Xin , Liu Yiping , Zhang Zhenghong
Published: October 2021

Oxidative stress is the imbalance of the redox system in the body, which produces excessive reactive oxygen species, leads to multiple cellular damages, and closely relates to some pathological conditions, such as insulin resistance and inflammation. Meanwhile, exercise as an external stimulus of oxidative stress causes the changes of pathophysiological functions in the tissues and organs, including skeletal muscle. Exercise‐induced oxidative stress is considered to have different effects on the structure and function of skeletal muscle. Long‐term regular or moderate exercise‐induced oxidative stress is closely related to the formation of muscle adaptation, while excessive free radicals produced by strenuous or acute exercise can cause muscle oxidative stress fatigue and damage, which impacts exercise capacity and damages the body’s health. The present review systematically summarizes the relationship between exercise‐induced oxidative stress and the adaptions, damage, and fatigue in skeletal muscle, in order to clarify the effects of exercise‐induced oxidative stress on the pathophysiological functions of skeletal muscle.
LIBS Monitoring and Analysis of Laser-Based Layered Controlled Paint Removal from Aircraft Skin
Authors: Yang Wenfeng , Qian Ziran , Cao Yu , Wei YongChao , Fu Chanyuan , Li TianQuan , Lin Dehui , Li Shaolong
Published: October 2021

Reliability and controllability of selective removal of multiple paint layers from the surface of aircraft skin depend on effective online monitoring technology. An analysis was performed on the multi-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) on the surface of the aluminum alloy substrate, primer, and topcoat. Based on that, an exploration was conducted on the changes of the characteristic peaks corresponding to the characteristic elements that are contained in the topcoat, primer, and substrate with different layers of a laser action, in combination with analysis of microscopic morphology, composition, and depth of laser multi-pulse pits. The results show that the appearance and increase of the characteristic peak intensity of the Ca I at the wavelength of 422.7 nm can be regarded as the basis for the complete removal of the topcoat; the decrease or disappearance of the characteristic peak intensity can be regarded as the basis for the complete removal of the primer. Al I spectrum at the wavelength of 394.5 nm and 396.2 nm can be adopted to characterize the degree of damage to the aluminum alloy substrate. The feasibility and accuracy of the LIBS technology for the laser selective paint removal process and effect monitoring of aircraft skin were verified. Demonstrating that under the premise of not damaging the substrate, laser-based layered controlled paint removal (LLCPR) from aircraft skin can be achieved by monitoring the spectrum and composition change law of specified wavelength position corresponding tothe characteristic elements that are contained in the specific paint layer.
Ethylene Glycol Intoxication Requiring ECMO Support
Authors: Rosen Raphael , Robbins-Juarez Shelief , Stevens Jacob
Published: October 2021

Ethylene glycol is commonly used in antifreeze, and ingestion of even a small amount can result in acute kidney injury, severe metabolic acidosis, and neurological injury. When cases are recognized early, treatment involves administration of alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors to prevent conversion to toxic metabolites of glycolate, glyoxolate, and oxalate. In later presentations with more severe renal injury, hemodialysis may be required for clearance of toxic metabolites and supportive care for renal failure. We present the first reported case of severe ethylene glycol intoxication requiring support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) due to refractory cardiopulmonary collapse.
Optimal Selling Strategies under Regime-Switching Market Environment with Finite Expiry
Authors: Xing Jie , He Taoshun
Published: October 2021

This paper addresses an optimal stock liquidation problem over a finite-time horizon; to that end, we model it as an optimal stopping problem in a regime-switching market. The optimal stopping time is written as a solution to a system of Volterra type integral equations. Moreover, it reveals that when the risk-free interest rate is always lower than the return rate of the stock, it is never optimal to sell the stock early; otherwise, one should sell the stock in bear market if the stock price reaches a critical value and hold the stock in bull market until the maturity date. Finally, we present a trinomial tree method for numerical implementation. The numerical results are consistent with the theoretical findings.
Unsupervised Anomaly Detection for Glaucoma Diagnosis
Authors: Zhou Wei , Gao Yuan , Ji Jianhang , Li Shicheng , Yi Yugen
Published: October 2021

With the rapid development of high tech, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) achieve a series of achievements in the healthcare industry. Among them, automatic glaucoma diagnosis is one of them. Glaucoma is second leading cause of blindness in the world. Although many automatic glaucoma diagnosis approaches have been proposed, they still face the following two challenges. First, the data acquisition of diseased images is extremely expensive, especially for disease with low occurrence, leading to the class imbalance. Second, large‐scale labeled data are hard to obtain in medical image domain. The aforementioned challenges limit the practical application of these approaches in glaucoma diagnosis. To address these disadvantages, this paper proposes an unsupervised anomaly detection framework based on sparse principal component analysis (SPCA) for glaucoma diagnosis. In the proposed approach, we just employ the one‐class normal (nonglaucoma) images for training, so the class imbalance problem can be avoided. Then, to distinguish the glaucoma (abnormal) images from the normal images, a feature set consisting of segmentation‐based features and image‐based features is extracted, which can capture the shape and textural changes. Next, SPCA is adopted to select the effective features from the feature set. Finally, with the usage of the extracted effective features, glaucoma diagnosis can be automatically accomplished via introducing the T2 statistic and the control limit, overcoming the issue of insufficient labeled samples. Extensive experiments are carried out on the two public databases, and the experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Controlling Vibration Speed in Tunnel Excavation Using Fine Blasting Method under Complex Environmental Conditions
Authors: Zhang Yingcai , Zhang Jiyun , Wang Shuren , Chen Yubo
Published: October 2021

It is very important to reduce the impact of blasting vibration on the surrounding structures during the tunnel drilling‐blasting excavation. Taking the diversion tunnel of the urban water supply project in Zhumadian, Henan Province, China, as an example, the segmentation linear function between the drilling rig and borehole depth was established by fining blasting design. The test of the blasting number and particle vibration velocity was designed. The propagation and attenuation characteristics of blast vibration velocity in the surrounding rocks of the tunnel were analyzed by using theoretical calculation and field monitoring methods. Results show that the fine blasting design can realize the superposition of negative phase of shock waveform to reduce the vibration speed. With the increase of the blasting number, the attenuation of the particle vibration velocity shows a negative exponential function, and the dimensionless vibration velocity loss increases in a power function. The greater the loss, the greater the energy loss during the shock wave propagation process, which is more conducive to ensuring the stability of the protected buildings. The research results can provide the reference for similar engineering practices.
Risk Prediction Algorithm of Social Security Fund Operation Based on RBF Neural Network
Authors: Yang Linxuan
Published: October 2021

In order to ensure the benign operation of the social security fund system, it is necessary to understand the social security fund facing all aspects of the risk, more importantly to know the relationship between different risks. Based on RBF, the interpretative structure model is applied to draw the risk correlation hierarchy diagram, which provides a scientific risk management method for the social security fund. RBF neural network is used to build the risk warning model of social security fund operation. Then, put forward the corresponding risk treatment scheme to the warning signal. Finally, the RBF neural network is used for comprehensive risk warning. In this paper, the risk warning of social security fund operation is the research object, and the corresponding risk treatment scheme is put forward for the warning signal. This paper uses an improved ant colony algorithm to optimize the parameters of the RBF neural network, which overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional RBF neural network such as slow convergence, ease of falling into local extremes, and low accuracy, and improves the generalization ability of the RBF neural network. It has the characteristics of good output stability and fast convergence speed. On this basis, the prediction model based on the improved ANT colony-RBF neural network is established, and the MATLAB software calculation tool is used for accurate calculation, which makes the prediction results of coal mine safety risk more accurate and provides more reliable decision basis for decision makers. The results show that the network has small calculation error, fast convergence, and good generalization ability.
Evaluation of Coordination and Coupling Degree of Cross-Regional Influence of the Construction Industry Based on Regional Economic Factors: A Case Study of Beijing, Capital of China
Authors: Zhao Likun , Liu Yanqi , Chen Liwen , Tian Junsen
Published: October 2021

Taking Beijing as the core, this study takes the data related to the construction industry from 2011 to 2018 as the basis. By constructing a cross-regional influence model and collaborative coupling evaluation model of China’s construction industry considering economic, social, and ecological development, this study comprehensively investigates the current situation of the cross-regional development of China’s capital construction industry. Results show that the external contribution of Beijing’s construction industry is manifested in three situations. A general trend of rising first and then falling is also observed. The contribution of Beijing’s construction enterprises to northwest China has long been low, whereas its contribution rate to Tianjin, Hebei, and Guangdong Provinces is high. The regional difference is significant, showing a “catch-up effect.” The contribution degree and the development level of China’s construction industry are usually at a low coupling and antagonistic level. The verification of the influencing factors indicates that the external influence of the construction industry in Beijing has a significant positive effect on the supporting environment of the industry and the development level of the construction industry.
Metabolomics-Based Clinical Efficacy of Compound Shenlu Granule, a Chinese Patent Medicine, in the Supportive Management of Aplastic Anemia Patients: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Feng Zhou , Hu Xiaoying , Qu Weiying , Zhu Xiaoqin , Lu Jiaying , Huang Zhongdi , Zhao Lin , Chen Pei
Published: October 2021

Objective. To explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of compound Shenlu granule (SLG) treatment in patients with aplastic anemia (AA). Methods. A total of 89 AA patients were randomly divided into an SLG supportive group (group A, n = 44) and a control group (group B, n = 45) while continuing Western medical management. After 6 months, hemograms, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, and overall clinical efficacy rate were assessed. Serum metabolomics characteristics were observed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry after SLG intervention. Results. The levels of red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet (PLT) were increased in both groups after treatment for 6 months (P<0.05), and in group A, the elevation of PLT became much more significant (P<0.01). The TCM syndrome score was lower in group A than in group B after treatment (P<0.05). Metabolomics data showed a significant difference in the patients using SLG after 6 months, and 14 biomarkers were identified. Conclusion. SLG supportive treatment showed positive results in patients with AA, and metabolomics data indicated that SLG influenced aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism to gradually return to normal.
Tackling of Renal Carcinogenesis in Wistar Rats by Silybum marianum Total Extract, Silymarin, and Silibinin via Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, Nrf2, PPARγ, NF‐κB, and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways
Authors: Yassin Nour Y. S. , AbouZid Sameh F. , El-Kalaawy Asmaa M. , Ali Tarek M. , Elesawy Basem H. , Ahmed Osama M.
Published: October 2021

The present work was designed to assess the efficacy of Silybum marianum total extract (STE), silymarin (Sm), and silibinin (Sb) against experimentally induced renal carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats and their roles in regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. The diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/2‐acetylaminofluorene (AAF)/carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐administered rats were orally treated with STE (200 mg/kg b.w.), Sm (150 mg/kg b.w.), and Sb (5 mg/kg b.w.) every other day either from the 1st week or from the 16th week of carcinogen administration to the end of 25th week. The treatments with STE, Sm, and Sb attenuated markers of toxicity in serum, decreased kidney lipid peroxidation (LPO), and significantly reinforced the renal antioxidant armory. The biochemical results were further confirmed by the histopathological alterations. The treatments also led to suppression of proinflammatory mediators such as NF‐κβ, p65, Iκβα, and IL‐6 in association with inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Furthermore, they activated the expressions of PPARs, Nrf2, and IL‐4 in addition to downregulation of apoptotic proteins p53 and caspase‐3 and upregulation of antiapoptotic mediator Bcl‐2. The obtained data supply potent proof for the efficacy of STE, Sm, and Sb to counteract renal carcinogenesis via alteration of varied molecular pathways.
Insight into Anticorrosion Mechanism of Ampicillin on Mild Steel in Acidic Environment: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Approach
Authors: Dinh Tuan , Thong Nguyen Minh , Huong Dinh Quy , Huyen Trinh Le , Manh Tran Duc , Quy Phan Tu , Mau Tran Xuan , Nam Pham Cam
Published: October 2021

The corrosion inhibition of mild carbon steels in an acidic environment by using ampicillin (AMP) has been evaluated based on experimental and quantum chemistry techniques. The experimental results indicate that the inhibition efficiency goes up at higher AMP concentration. The highest inhibition efficiency reaches 84.9% for polarization measurement and 90.1% for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with the inhibitor of concentration 100 ppm at 298 K. The surface characteristics (SEM) also reconfirm the steel corrosion inhibition ability of AMP. Some important chemical factors such as EHOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital energy), ELUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy), ΔEL−H (energy gap), and Fukui functions were calculated based on the optimized configuration of AMP at the theoretical level of B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p). Moreover, Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations were used to analyze the absorption behavior of inhibitor on the surface of Fe(110), which supplies the mechanism of inhibition corrosion processes. The obtained results showed that AMP is considered to be a potential corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1M HCl medium. Moreover, the protonated state of AMP plays an important role in the protection of Fe surface against the corrosive process.
Spatial Differentiation and Influencing Factors of Second-Hand Housing Prices: A Case Study of Binhu New District, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China
Authors: Xu Song , Zhang Zhen
Published: October 2021

The multiscale geographic weighted regression (MGWR) model obtains different influence scales of various variables better than the classical geographic weighted regression (GWR) model. This paper studies the price characteristics of second-hand residential transactions in Binhu New District taking advantage of the hedonic price model and MGWR model and draws the following conclusions. (1) There are obvious spatial positive correlation and spatial heterogeneity in the price of second-hand housing in Binhu New District. (2) The number of bedrooms, area, age of the house, and the distance to the nearest school have small effect on the scale, so they have strong spatial heterogeneity. The decoration status and floor are global scale variables, and their spatial heterogeneity is weak. (3) The number of bedrooms, orientation, decoration status, floor, and building structure all positively affect house prices, while area, house age, the distance to the nearest subway station, and the distance to the nearest school negatively affect house prices. Among all factors, the distance to the nearest school is the most important factor affecting house prices, followed by the number of bedrooms and then followed by the distance to the nearest subway station and area, while the orientation, floor, building structure, and decoration conditions have less impact, and the house age has the weakest impact.
The Characterizing Properties of (Signless) Laplacian Permanental Polynomials of Almost Complete Graphs
Authors: Wu Tingzeng , Zhou Tian
Published: October 2021

Let

G

be a graph with

n

vertices, and let

L

G

and

Q

G

denote the Laplacian matrix and signless Laplacian matrix, respectively. The Laplacian (respectively, signless Laplacian) permanental polynomial of

G

is defined as the permanent of the characteristic matrix of

L

G

(respectively,

Q

G

). In this paper, we show that almost complete graphs are determined by their (signless) Laplacian permanental polynomials.
Prevalence of Consistent Condom Use and Associated Factors among Serodiscordant Couples in Ethiopia, 2020: A Mixed‐Method Study
Authors: Ayele Wolde Melese , Tegegne Tesfaye Birhane , Damtie Yitayish , Chanie Muluken Genetu , Mekonen Asnakew Molla
Published: October 2021

Background. Heterosexual transmission within serodiscordant relationships is the core source of new HIV infections. Although consistent condom use can significantly reduce HIV transmission risk among serodiscordant couples, it has not been extensively studied in Ethiopia. Consequently, the current study looked at the proportion of serodiscordant couples in Ethiopia who used condoms consistently and the factors associated with that. Methods. A cross‐sectional was conducted from October 2019 to June 2020. For the quantitative findings to be more robust and reliable, a qualitative design was incorporated. An interviewer‐administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Qualitative data were collected using gender‐matched four focus group discussions. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with consistent condom use. The statistical significance of the variables was declared at a P value of less than 0.05. Results. This study confirmed that the proportion of consistent condom use was 58.4% [95% CI: 53.1‐63.1%]. After controlling for all other variables, unmarried partners, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.44 [95% CI: 0.229‐0.877] and students and employees, AOR = 0.33 [95% CI: 0.130‐0.846] and AOR = 0.39 [95% CI: 0.165‐0.939], respectively, were less likely consistently use condoms, whereas couples living together, AOR = 1.86 [95% CI: 1.197‐2.195], receiving counseling about condom use, AOR = 1.90 [95% CI: 1.182‐3.076], and having more knowledge about HIV, AOR = 1.61 [95% CI: 1.031‐2.525] were more likely to use condoms consistently. Conclusion. Despite its importance, the proportion of consistent condom use among serodiscordant couples was significantly low. To improve condom use consistently, planners, policymakers, and health care practitioners should consider the factors listed above when making decisions. There should be an increased focus on student and employee intervention as well.
Dendrobium Mixture Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice by Regulating the TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Yong , Lin Xiaohui , Zheng Yanfang , Yu Wenzhen , Lin Fan , Zhang Jieping
Published: October 2021

Dendrobium mixture (DMix) is an effective treatment for diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the molecular mechanism underlying its action remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether DMix regulates the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signal transduction pathway. Twenty-four db/db mice were randomly divided into three groups: the model, DMix, and gliquidone groups, while eight db/m mice were selected as the normal control group. The drug was administered by continuous gavage for 8 weeks. Body weight (BW), kidney weight (KW), kidney index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipid, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine levels were measured. Pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed under a light microscope. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), respectively, in renal tissues. TGF-β1, Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad3, and α-SMA expression levels were measured using western blotting. The results showed that DMix significantly reduced the FBG level, BW, KW, and blood lipid level and improved renal function in db/db mice. Histopathology showed that DMix alleviated glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and renal interstitial fibrosis in db/db mice. Additionally, DMix reduced the protein and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and α-SMA and inhibited Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. We conclude that DMix may inhibit renal fibrosis and delay the progression of DN by regulating the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.
Study on Preparation Technology and Physical Fingerprint of Chuilian Jianpi Granules Based on QbD
Authors: Zhou Guangjiao , Li Xiao-Wei , Li Jin-Cai , Feng Xue-Hua
Published: October 2021

Objective. To optimize the preparation formula and technology of Chuilian Jianpi granules. Methods. The formulation and preparation process were optimized by single factor experiment and response surface analysis, with the molding rate, hygroscopicity, and fluidity of particles as the comprehensive evaluation indexes, and the comprehensive score as the response value according to different weights. To further evaluate the stability and feasibility of the preparation formulation and technology, the physical fingerprint of the granules was constructed by seven indicators including particle tap density, bulk density, hygroscopicity, water content, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, and relative homogeneity index. Results. The optimum formula conditions of Chuilian Jianpi granules were as follows: the dosage ratio of drug to adjuvant was 1 : 0.8, lactose:mannitol = 1.5 : 1, and the amount of wetting agent (90% ethanol) was 25% of the granules, with high‐speed stirring granulation. The similarity of the physical fingerprints of the 10 batches of Chuilian Jianpi granules was high, which is above 98.5%. Conclusion. The optimized preparation technology was stable and feasible, which can provide reference for the development of Chuilian Jianpi granules and other Chinese medicine granules.
Firefighters for the Wrong Type of Inflammation in Tumors
Authors: Melero Ignacio , Teijeira Alvaro , Aranda Fernando , Berraondo Pedro
Published: October 2021

In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Pelly and colleagues show that inhibition of prostaglandin E2 synthesis or its activity on EP2 and EP4 receptors synergizes with anti–PD-1 immunotherapy and triggers a potent intratumoral IFNγ response in mouse models and in fresh surgical human tumor explants. This therapeutic strategy is in line with other interventions that aim at fostering immunotherapy by means of quenching protumor inflammation.

See related article by Pelly et al., p. 2602.
Patterns of Use and Clinical Outcomes with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in Acute Heart Failure and Changes in Kidney Function: An Analysis of the Veterans’ Health Administrative Database
Authors: Mathew Roy O. , Lo Kevin Bryan , Tipparaju Padmavathi , Phelps Evan , Sidhu Mandeep S. , Bangalore Sripal , Herzog Charles , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Tang W.H. Wilson , Rangaswami Janani
Published: October 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine patterns and predictors of utilization of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and changes in kidney function at admission, hospitalization, and discharge in relation to clinical outcomes. Methods: This retrospective analysis of the Veterans’ Health Administration data (2016) included patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction who were hospitalized. Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration <15 cm3/min/1.73 m2 and those on dialysis were excluded. Patients were categorized based on the use of ACEI/ARB as continued, initiated, discontinued, or no therapy. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated predictors of being discharged home on an ACEI/ARB. Cox regression analysis evaluated outcomes (30 and 180-day mortality/HF readmissions). Results: 3,652 patients were included, of which 37% of patients hospitalized for AHF had ACEI/ARB discontinued on admission, or not initiated. After adjusting for age, blood pressure, and serum potassium, a per-unit increase in admission serum creatinine (SCr) was independently associated with lower rates of continuation or initiation of ACEI/ARB odds ratio 0.51 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.46–0.57). Discharge on ACEI/ARB was independently associated with lower odds of 30- and 180-day mortality hazard ratio (HR) 0.36 95% CI (0.25–0.52), and HR 0.23 95% CI (0.19–0.27), respectively. Conclusion: Higher SCr at admission is an important determinant of ACEI/ARB being discontinued or withheld in patients admitted with AHF. ACEI/ARB at discharge was associated with lower mortality in patients with AHF.
Is Digital Health Intervention Effective in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients?
Authors: Gunerhanal Bilge Roj , Guney-Coskun Merve
Published: October 2021

Technological advances now permit self-management strategies using mobile applications which could greatly benefit patient care. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) digital health monitoring platform, HealthPROMISE, leads to better quality of care and improved health outcomes in IBD patients. IBD patients were recruited in gastroenterology clinics and asked to install the HealthPROMISE application onto their smartphones. Patient satisfaction, quality of care, quality of life, patient symptoms, and resource utilization metrics were collected throughout the study and sent directly to their healthcare teams. Patients with abnormal symptom/SIBDQ scores were flagged for their physicians to follow up. After one-year, patient outcome metrics were compared to baseline values. Overall, out of 59 patients enrolled in the study, 32 patients (54%) logged into the application at least once during the study period. The number of IBD-related ER visits/hospitalizations in the year of use compared to the prior year demonstrated a significant decrease from 25% of patients (8/32) to 3% (1/32) (p = 0.03). Patients also reported an increase in their understanding of the nature/causes of their condition after using the application (p = 0.026). No significant changes were observed in the number of quality indicators met (p = 0.67) or in SIBDQ scores (p = 0.48). Given the significant burden of IBD, there is a need to develop effective management strategies. This study demonstrated that digital health monitoring platforms may aid in reducing the number of ER visits and hospitalizations in IBD patients.
Retrospective Analysis of Induction Chemotherapy plus Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy under Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Mode for Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Liao Kai , Tao Hao-Yun , Zhan Ze-Jiang , Qiu Wen-Ze , Zheng Rong-Hui
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) originates from the mucous epithelium of the nasopharynx. Although induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the major therapeutic protocol used for locally advanced NPC without metastasis, more research studies are needed to evaluate the curative effects. We aim to identify the therapeutic effects and prognosis after induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced NPC under the intensity-modulated radiotherapy mode. Methods: The patients (N = 544) with locally advanced NPC (III and Iva, UICC 8th) after intensity-modulated radiotherapy with induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy were included in this study. We analyzed the characteristics of patients including gender, age, smoking status, tumor node staging system, clinical stage, pathological type, the therapy protocol of induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and chemotherapy prescription. Results: We have found the 5-year survival rates of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were 85.21%, 78.51%, 90.71%, and 85.21% in follow-up, and these data indicated that our therapeutic procedure provided beneficial effects on survival rates. Subsequently, the chemotherapy drug based on docetaxel (DOC) provided a more beneficial effect on survival rate compared with taxol (TXT) (all estimated HR >1; p = 0.005, 0.004, and <0.001 of OS, PFS, and DMFS), but there was no significant difference between chemotherapy drugs based on cisplatin (DDP) and nedaplatin (NDP) in treating NPC patients (p = 0.390, 0.549, 0.364, and 0.645 of OS, PFS, LRRFS, and DMFS). The therapeutic effects of induction chemotherapy revealed no difference between TPF and TP (T: DOC or TXT, P: DDP or NDP, and F: 5-fluorouracil) (p = 0.541, 0.897, 0.498, and 0.765 of OS, PFS, LRRFS, and DMFS). In addition, there was also no significant change between concurrent chemotherapy with TP dual drugs or a single platinum drug (being excluded in the multivariate model using forward [Wald] procedure). Moreover, the survival rate showed no difference between platinum accumulation dose of more or less than 150 mg/m2 for concurrent chemotherapy (being excluded in the multivariate model using forward [Wald] procedure). Conclusion: Our results indicate that induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy under intensity-modulated radiotherapy which is the standard therapeutic method for locally advanced NPC provides beneficial therapeutic effects, and it is worthy of further study.
The Impact of Preoperative Double-J Stent on Perioperative Complications, Recurrence, and Quality of Life in Adult Patients Undergoing Pyeloplasty
Authors: Wenzel Mike , Hoeh Benedikt , Krimphove Marieke J. , Buchholz Clara , Müller Matthias , Cano Garcia Cristina , Würnschimmel Christoph , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Banek Severiné , Becker Andreas , Roos Frederik C. , Chun Felix K.-H. , Mandel Philipp , Kluth Luis A.
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative double-J stent (DJ) in pyeloplasty patients on perioperative complications, recurrence, and quality of life (QoL). Methods: Pyeloplasties due to ureteropelvic junction obstructions between January 2010 and December 2020 were consecutively identified. A standardized follow-up questionnaire was used. Tabulation was made according to preoperative DJ versus no DJ. Subgroup analyses addressed primary robotic pyeloplasties. Results: Of 95 pyeloplasty patients, 62% received a preoperative DJ. Patients with preoperative DJ exhibited higher rates of Clavien-Dindo (CD) 2 (22 vs. 11%) complications, but not of CD3 (8.5 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.5). After a median follow-up of 61 months, 9 patients exhibited a recurrence, of whom 7 had a preoperative DJ. In QoL assessment, comparable findings were made between patients with and without preoperative DJ. In robotic pyeloplasty patients (n = 73), patients with preoperative DJ (58%, n = 42) experienced higher CD3 complication rates, compared to patients without preoperative DJ (12 vs. 6.5%). Moreover, higher rates of recurrences were observed in preoperative DJ patients (12 vs. 3.2%). Conclusion: In a contemporary pyeloplasty cohort, the midterm success rate was good with 91%. Our findings suggest that preoperative DJ is associated with higher recurrence rates. However, QoL did not differ between patients with and without preoperative DJ.
New Insights into the Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Scionti Katrin , Molyneux Karen , Selvaskandan Haresh , Barratt Jonathan , Cheung Chee Kay
Published: October 2021

Background: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. It is defined by mesangial IgA deposition, with consequent mesangial cell proliferation, inflammation, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Summary: Approximately 30% of affected patients will progress to end-stage kidney disease within 20 years of diagnosis. Currently, there is no disease-specific treatment available and management recommendations are, in general, limited to optimization of lifestyle measures and use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers. More recently, advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of IgAN have informed the development of novel therapeutic strategies that are now being tested in clinical trials. These have focused on different areas that include modulating the production of poorly galactosylated IgA1, which is central to the development of IgAN, and inhibiting the downstream signaling pathways and complement activation that are triggered following mesangial IgA1 deposition. In this review, we will summarize important pathogenic mechanisms in IgAN and highlight important areas of interest where treatment strategies are being developed. Key messages: IgAN is a common form of primary glomerulonephritis for which there is no current approved specific therapy. Recent advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis have led to the development of novel therapies, with the hope that new treatment options will be available soon to treat this condition.
Rare earth doped organic–inorganic hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane phosphors applied for flexible sheet and anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Yi Soung Soo , Jung Jae Yong
Published: October 2021

We have developed organic–inorganic hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) type monomer ligand 2,6-pyridinediamine-bis-propanylheptaisobutyl POSS (PDC-POSS) and synthesized rare earth (RE =Eu3+) doped hybrid complex PDC-POSS phosphors. The PDC-POSS precursor
was prepared using (3-aminopropyl)heptaisobutyl POSS, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid chloride (PDC) as the host material, and then coordinated with RE3+ using europium nitrate regents to synthesize PDC-POSS:Eu3+ phosphors. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the PDC-POSS:Eu3+
hybrid phosphors were detected at 592, 616, 649, 693 nm under UV light (λ= 288 nm) excitation. In addition, the synthesized hybrid phosphors showed red light emission under UV light. The phosphors were demonstrated on a flexible sheet that could be applied for red emitting LEDs, and
for anti-counterfeiting, which requires the film to remain hidden and identifiable only by UV light.
Hepatotoxicity induced by intravenous administration of PEGylated nano-graphene oxide in albino mice
Authors: Alamro Abir Abdullah , Haq Samina Hyder , Alghamdi Amani , Altawaijri Nojood , Alali Amjad Saeed , Naif Alotaib Rahaf Abdullah , Murshed Al-Anood , Ain Qura Tul
Published: October 2021

Graphene oxide (GO) has been intensely investigated in recent years due to its biocompatibility and its role in drug delivery. Its conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) further improves its solubility in physiological solutions, which is important for enhancing efficacy of drug
delivery. The present study aimed to assess the hepatotoxicity of PEG-nGO in mature mice. Liver function tests such as Alanine transferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were performed in the liver homogenate of the control and treated groups after intravenous administration of a single
dose (5 mg/kg) of PEG-nGO through the tail vein. Total Glycogen content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured. For histology studies, liver slices were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with H&E and photographed. The liver function test indicated a significant increase
in ALT and ALP activity following 1 to 2 h of treatment with PEG-nGO, which recovers to normal levels at 4 h. Total glycogen contents were mobilized from the liver in the first hour in response to stress, which again regain normality after 4 h. The LDH assay showed maximum necrosis and apoptosis
of hepatocytes at 1 h. Histology studies further indicated that infiltration of inflammatory cells and vacuolization of cytoplasm occurred mostly at 1 h. PEG-nGO treatments caused maximum damage and toxicity to the liver during the first 2 h. Following this, the liver tissues recover substantially
which indicated that the low dose toxicity of PEG-nGO to the liver was transient and reversible.
Toward a Systematic Evaluation of Warm Conveyor Belts in Numerical Weather Prediction and Climate Models. Part II: Verification of Operational Reforecasts
Authors: Wandel Jan , Quinting Julian F. , Grams Christian M.
Published: October 2021

Warm conveyor belts (WCBs) associated with extratropical cyclones transport air from the lower troposphere into the tropopause region and contribute to upper-level ridge building and the formation of blocking anticyclones. Recent studies indicate that this constitutes an important source and magnifier of forecast uncertainty and errors in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. However, a systematic evaluation of the representation of WCBs in NWP models has yet to be determined. Here, we employ the logistic regression models developed in Part I to identify the inflow, ascent, and outflow stages of WCBs in the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) subseasonal reforecasts for Northern Hemisphere winter in the period January 1997 to December 2017. We verify the representation of these WCB stages in terms of systematic occurrence frequency biases, forecast reliability, and forecast skill. Systematic WCB frequency biases emerge already at early lead times of around 3 days with an underestimation for the WCB outflow over the North Atlantic and eastern North Pacific of around 40% relative to climatology. Biases in the predictor variables of the logistic regression models can partially explain these biases in WCB inflow, ascent, or outflow. Despite an overconfidence in predicting high WCB probabilities, skillful WCB forecasts are on average possible up to a lead time of 8–10 days with more skill over the North Pacific compared to the North Atlantic region. Our results corroborate that the current limited forecast skill for the large-scale extratropical circulation on subseasonal time scales beyond 10 days might be tied to the representation of WCBs and associated upscale error growth.
Partial Price-Fixing and Semi-Collusion
Authors: Noonan Chris
Published: October 2021

Many cartels do not directly fix the price of products. Instead, the participants may agree on a starting price for negotiations or the price of a component of the overall price. Antitrust investigations reveal that cartel agreements are also often very imperfectly implemented. Antitrust law in the United States and the European Union has typically taken a robust approach to these practices even where economic analysis might be unable to show that such practices always or almost always harm consumer welfare. The decision of the New Zealand Supreme Court in Lodge Real Estate Ltd. v. Commerce Commission offers a New Zealand perspective on the concept of a price-fixing agreement and imperfect collusion. The Court, this article argues, reached the correct decision in Lodge. The decision, however, evidences a pragmatic judgment, rather than the confident deployment of economic learning or foreign case law within the statutory framework of the Commerce Act 1986. The language of sections 30 and 30A of the Act was borrowed from an Australian statute, which in turn had attempted to capture the state of United States price-fixing law in the 1970s. A more formalistic and pre-Chicago approach to antitrust is evident in the language, much of which was inspired by United States v. Socony-Vacuum Oil Co. The case also highlights some of the distinctive features of the competition law in New Zealand. The reluctance to develop to guide in the application of the general provisions of the Commerce Act and requiring a demonstration of an effect on price on the facts may mark a departure from the body of pricing case law in the United States and the European Union and risks undermining the per se prohibition of cartel conduct in the Commerce Act. Without the same depth and breadth of cartel case law, the adoption of a more flexible approach to anticompetitive agreements evident in some decisions in the United States and the European Union could have different effects in a smaller jurisdiction.