bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven Product Functional Configuration: Patent Data and Hypergraph
Authors: Lin Wen-Guang , Liu Xiao-Dong , Xiao Ren-bin
Published: September 2021

Product functional configuration (PFC) is a common way for the firm to satisfy individual requirements of the customer and be carried out base on market analysis. This study aims to help firms analyze functions and carry out function configuration by the patent data. This paper proposes a patent data-driven product function configuration method based on a hypergraph network. It constructs a weighted network model to optimize the combination of product function quantity and object from the perspective of big data: (1) The functional knowledge contained in the patent is extracted. (2) The functional hypergraph (FH) is constructed according to the co-occurrence relationship of patent and applicant. (3) The function and patent weight are calculated from the perspective of the patent applicant and patent value. (4) The weight calculation model of PFC is built. (5) The weighted frequent subgraph algorithm is used to obtain the optimal function combination list. This method is applied in the innovative design process of a bathroom shower. The result indicates that this method designed in the study has a positive effect on helping firms detach optimal function candidates and develop a multi-function product.
Hot Temperature OGTT Induces Higher Insulin and GLP-1 Response Than Cold OGTT
Authors: Hu Yun , Zhang Peng , Ding Bo , Cao Xin , Zhong Yi , Sun Yi-Xuan , Lee Kok-Onn , Ma Jian-Hua
Published: September 2021

Food temperature may be important in diabetes. Newly diagnosed treatment-naïve type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM, 22) and normal controls (19) were randomly assigned to either hot (50°C) or cold (8˚C) oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on day 1, and OGTT at the other temperature on the next day. Measurements were made on venous blood obtained at 0, 5, 10, 30, 60, and 120 min. Compared to cold OGTT, blood glucose was significantly higher with hot OGTT in both groups. However, insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were significantly higher in hot OGTT in normal subjects only. The glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and cortisol responses did not differ with temperature in both groups. After the OGTT, subjects took corresponding, either hot (> 42˚C) or cool (room temperature) meals and water, that entire day, followed by identical food at the other temperature the next day. Continuous glucose monitoring showed that normal subjects had significantly higher 24-hour mean glucose (MBG), and standard deviation of MBG with hot meals, T2DM patients had higher MBG only. Our study showed that blood glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 responses to different food temperatures may be deficient in newly diagnosed T2DM.
Enhanced Dialog between Formal and Informal Caregivers: Following a User-centered Design for Personas' Development
Authors: Varella Annita , Dratsiou Ioanna , Romanopoulou Evangelia , Pinaka Ourania , Routa Evlampia , Gioulekas Fotios , Stamatiadis Evangelos , Tzikas Athanasios , Gounaris Konstantinos , Xiromerisiou Georgia , Tavel Peter , Bamidis Panagiotis D.
Published: September 2021

Background

The unprecedented increase in ageing population in recent decades has led to a shift in the epidemiological profile of societies, resulting in an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, cognitive impairments, and sensory loss in older adults and their elevated reliance on both formal and informal caregiving. Caregivers hold a vital role in older adults’ healthcare, yet their health and well-being needs are often undermined. This paper ventures the exploration of both formal and informal caregivers’ profiles through the development of personas.
Methods

Formal caregivers (N = 71) and informal caregivers (N = 54) were recruited in the study participating both in quantitative surveys and ad-hoc interviews including the measures Job Stress Scale, Zarit Burden Interview, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Persona Perception Scale.
Results

Upon the analysis of the Persona Perception Scale and Job Stress Scale, the findings revealed high reliability scores, designating that the formal caregiver persona ‘’Daphne’’ could adequately represent the actual target group. The results also showed that the informal caregiver persona ‘’Elle’’ was an accurate reflection of the corresponding target group, after analyzing the findings retrieved from quality of life measurements and caregivers’ burden.
Conclusions

User personas can enhance a deeper understanding of the target group and apprehend user preferences and experiences. To this end, personas can potentially provide empathetic and expansive benefits and be exploited as artifacts in attempting to successfully liaise with policy-makers and care providers in aligning key strategies and policies that will conclusively improve the quality of life of both care recipients and caregivers.
Predicting Menstrual Recovery After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women With Obesity
Authors: Cai Meili , Zhang Yuqin , Gao Jingyang , Dilimulati Diliqingna , Lin Ziwei , Bu Le , Cheng Xiaoyun , Du Lei , Zhou Donglei , Zhu Jiangfan , Qu Shen , Zhang Manna
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To investigate the recovery of menses in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women with obesity after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and to explore the predictors for menstrual recovery. Methods: A total of 88 PCOS patients with obesity and 76 control patients with obesity aged 18-45 years were enrolled between May 2013 and December 2020. Preoperative clinical characteristics, metabolic parameters and sex hormones were collected. Postoperative menstrual status, body weight and use of oral contraceptives were obtained through telephone follow-up. Results: Patients with PCOS were followed up for at least six months after surgery, and the mean follow-up time was 3.23 years. About 24.66% of patients with PCOS started their first menstruation after LSG within 7 days, and 79.52% patients had regular menstruation at six months after LSG. In logistic regression analyses, duration of PCOS ≤4.5 years (P=0.007), number of preoperative menstruation per year >4.0 times/year (P=0.045), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) ≤7.3 (P=0.020) and total testosterone (TT) ≤1.5 nmol/L (P=0.029) at baseline were significantly associated with menstrual resumption in PCOS patients within 6 months after LSG. After adjusting confounders, combination of four clinical indices at baseline could effectively predict menstrual recovery in PCOS patients within 6 months after LSG (AUC=0.837, [95%CI: 0.735-0.939], P<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, the combination of PCOS duration, menstruations per year, HOMA-IR and TT at baseline could be used as an effective tool for the prediction of menstrual recovery in PCOS patients within 6 months after LSG, which can be applied in preoperative evaluation.
Kinetic Changes in Serum KL-6 Levels Predict Disease Progression in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Watanabe Satoshi , Kase Kazumasa , Saeki Keigo , Ohkura Noriyuki , Murata Akari , Waseda Yuko , Takato Hazuki , Ichikawa Yukari , Yasui Masahide , Kasahara Kazuo
Published: September 2021

Background: The clinical course of patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is highly variable. The Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) glycoprotein is a promising biomarker for reflectingepithelial injury. However, serum KL-6 and its association with the progression of SSc-ILD have been understudied. Methods: We reviewed 77 consecutive patients with SSc-ILD seen from 2004 to 2016. A longitudinal study of forced vital capacity (FVC), serum KL-6 levels, and the changes in KL-6 levels from baseline (ΔKL-6) was conducted. The progression of ILD was defined as ≥10% relative decline in FVC predicted or 5%–10% decline in FVC predicted along with radiological progression on chest computed tomography. The risk factors for ILD progression were assessed by univariate and multivariate regression.Results: The 77 study patients included 58 women (75%). The median age of the study patients was 56 years, and 59 (79%) patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc. During a 5-year follow-up period, 10 (13%) showed rapid progression of ILD within 2 years, 39 (51%) had overall progressionduring the 5 years, and 28 (36%) had stable disease. Most patients with progressive ILD showed elevationsin serum KL-6 levels over the initial 1-year follow-up period. The best cut-off value for ΔKL-6 that predicted progression of ILD was 193 U/mL (sensitivity 81.6%, specificity 92.9%). Multivariate analysis with adjustment revealed that diffuse cutaneous SSc(hazard ratio [HR] 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-9.36]) and ΔKL-6 > 193 U/mL from baseline(HR, 4.7; 95% CI, 2.14-10.4)were independent predictors for progression of SSc-ILD.Conclusion: Changes in the KL-6 level can be useful for predicting disease progression in patients withSSc-ILD.
Electrochemical And DFT Investigations of Anticorrosive Potentials of Selected Sulphonamides Based On Adsorption At Aluminium/Aqueous Acid Interface
Authors: Murulana Lutendo C. , Nesane Tshimangadzo , Kabanda Mwadham M. , Olasunkanmi Lukman O. , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: September 2021

The anticorrosive properties of six (6) selected sulphonamide derivatives on the aluminium surface were investigated in order to reveal their mechanism and mode of adsorption on Al/HCl interface, as well as the strength of the interactions between the inhibitor and Al surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) techniques were utilised to evaluate the inhibition efficiencies of the selected compounds, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques were utilised to understand the surface morphology of Al and adsorption sites of the sulphonamides. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were utilised to investigate the strength of interactions between the inhibitor molecules and Al. Corrosive electrolyte of 1 M hydrochloric acid was employed in the study. All the studied sulphonamides showed excellent corrosion inhibition efficiencies with maximum values of up to 95%-97% at the optimum concentrations (4 × 10-5 M - 4 × 10-5 M), based on EIS measurements. The EIS parameters further revealed adsorbed film of the sulphonamides on the Al surface with capacitive-inductive characters. All the six sulphonamides reduced the corrosion current densities for both anodic and cathodic half-reactions and shifted the corrosion potentials to some anodically nobler values as revealed by the PDP data. Adsorption of the sulphonamides at the Al/HCl interface was described by the Langmuir isotherm model. Surface protection properties of the sulphonamides were further confirmed by SEM plates that showed less damaged surface of Al for the inhibited process compared to the uninhibited one. DFT results suggest that the binding energy for the inhibitors on the Al surface results in an energy that is less than 30 kJ/mol, which is an indication that the interactions are van der Waal type of interaction, suggesting physisorption mechanism.
Synthesis, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of a ruthenium multi-substituted Keggin-type polyoxotungstate
Authors: Jia Shifang , Wen Yanzhen , Hao Xiuli , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2021

The ruthenium multi-substituted polyoxotungstate with chemical formulae of K7[SiW9O37Ru4(H2O)3Cl3]·15H2O (S1) was synthesized by a conventional aqueous solution containing the trilacunary Keggin-anions β-Na9HSiW9O34·12H2O(S2) and RuCl3·nH2O(S3). Compound S1 was characterized by elemental analyses, EDS, TG analyses, IR, UV/Vis and XPS. The cytotoxic potential of compound S1 was tested on C33A, DLD-1, HepG-2 cancer cells and human normal embryonic lung fibroblasts cell MRC-5. The viability of the treated cells was evaluated by MTT assay. The mode of cell death was assessed by morphological study of DNA damage and apoptosis assays. Compound S1 induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, and the mode of cell death was essentially apoptosis though necrosis was also noticed. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that compound S1 caused cell cycle arrest and accumulated cells in S phase.
Effects of Structural Symmetry on NMR Spectra of 3,9-Diazatetraasteranes
Authors: Sun Runzhi , Song Xiuqing , Xie Fan , Wang Huiqin , Yan Hong
Published: September 2021

The structural symmetry is of great significance on the unique physical and chemical properties that closely related to pharmacological applications. To investigate the effects of structural symmetry on the NMR spectra, C2-3,9-diazatetraasteranes and non-C2-3,9-diazatetraasteranes were selected as the research object. They were synthesized by the self-dimerization and cross-dimerization of diethyl 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylates, respectively. The differences and similarities in NMR spectra of these two types of 3,9-diazatetraasteranes were discussed by the 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR analysis. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to demonstrate directly their structural symmetry.
Pretreatment With a Long-acting GnRH Agonist in Early Follicular Phase Increases Clinical Pregnancy Rate in Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles
Authors: xu Bin , Zhao Jing , Hou Zhaojuan , Liu Nenghui , Li Yanping
Published: September 2021

Background: It is controversial whether gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) pretreatment can benefit the pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. In most of studies, GnRHa was administered during the mid-luteal phase for pretreatment. Few studies focus on FET cycles with GnRHa administered in early follicle phase.Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted in a university-affiliated IVF center. 630 patients in the GnRHa FET group and 1141 patients in the hormone replacement treatment (HRT) FET without GnRHa group from October 2017 to March 2019 were included. The menstruation cycle of these patients was irregular. Results: There were no differences observed between the two groups in patient’s characteristics. However, the GnRHa FET group showed a higher percentage of endometrium with triple line pattern (94.8% vs 89.6%, p<0.001) on the day of progesterone administration, and an increased implantation rate (34.7% vs 30%, p<0.01), biochemical pregnancy rate (60.6% vs 54.3%, p = 0.009), and clinical pregnancy rate (49.8% vs 43.3%, p = 0.008), as compared to that in the HRT FET cycles with similar endometrial thickness, ectopic pregnancy rate, and early miscarriage rate. Binary logistic regression analysis showed the GnRHa FET group to be associated with an increased chance of clinical pregnancy rate compared with HRT FET without GnRHa group (P=0.014, odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.61).Conclusions: Pretreatment with a long-acting GnRHa in early follicular phase can improve the clinical outcome of the FET cycles. However, further randomized control trials (RCTs) will be needed to verify these results.
Progestin-primed Ovarian Stimulation With Clomiphene Citrate Compared With the Standard Progestin-primed Ovarian Stimulation in Various Aged Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Yue , Chen Qianqian , Zhu Jing , Teng Yili , Huang Xuefeng , Chen Xia
Published: September 2021

Background: Clomiphene citrate (CC) supplementation in the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol effectively alleviated profound pituitary suppression from progestin administration and reduced the gonadotropin (Gn) dose in the population of women with normal-ovarian-reserve or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Limited data are available about the role of CC in PPOS for women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). This study aimed to compare the efficiency of the PPOS protocol with CC supplementation and the standard PPOS protocol for various aged women with DOR.Methods: A total of 364 patients with DOR were recruited for this retrospective cohort study. They were divided into subgroups based on female age, ≤35 years and ＞35 years. The clinical characteristics and outcome were compared between the groups in subgroups.Results: In all patients with DOR, the PPOS protocol with CC supplementation was associated with a lower percentage of women with profound pituitary suppression (0.0% vs 18.6%, P ＜0.001 and 1.3% vs 11.0%, P ＝0.002) and a higher mean luteinizing hormone (LH) level during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) than the standard PPOS protocol (P ＜0.05＝. In young women with DOR, more number of high-quality cleavage-stage embryos (1.96 vs. 1.38, P ＝0.018) was achieved in the PPOS protocol with CC supplementation. In elderly women with DOR, PPOS protocol with CC supplementation led to an increase in the incidence of LH levels above 10 IU/L on the trigger day (12.7% vs. 4.9%, P ＝0.028) and decrease in the rate of oocyte maturation (84.7% vs. 89.9%, P ＝0.034) compared to the standard PPOS protocol. No significant differences were observed in the Gn duration, total dosage of Gn, and pregnancy outcomes between the groups. Conclusions: CC is an effective adjuvant to alleviate pituitary suppression in the PPOS protocol. For young women with DOR, CC supplementation has a positive impact on the number of high-quality embryos in PPOS protocol. However, elderly patients with DOR would be at risk of developing premature LH surge and poor oocyte maturation rate after the PPOS protocol with CC supplementation was applied.
The Association between Weather Conditions (Ambient Air Temperature and Relative Humidity) with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Risk in Bandar Abbas, Iran
Authors: Fakhri Yadolah , Hadei Mostafa , Rostami Ali , Mouseli Ali
Published: September 2021

Background: This study was devoted to evaluate the association between COVID-19 infection and weather conditions in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Methods: The positive cases data was retrieved from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran (MOHME) and weather conditions from the Iran meteorological organization (IMO) from the 01, October 2020 to 27, November 2020. The components of weather consist of average of the ambient air temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%). The Spearman correlation test was used to determine the association between weather conditions (temperature and relative humidity) with COVID-19 infection.Results: Spearman analysis showed that air temperature (Coefficient = -0.303 and P-value = 0.001) were negatively associated with COVID-19 infection. However, no significant association was observed between relative humidity (Coefficient = 0.088 and P-value = 0.340) and COVID-19 infection. Hence, the ambient air temperature can be considered as a considerable variable in the COVID-19 infection in Bandar Abbas. Conclusions: The results of this study can be used for prevention and control of COVID-19 infection in areas with similar meteorological conditions in world.
AEBP1 Predicts Clinical Prognosis and is Associated with Immunocyte Infiltration in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Deng Junsheng , Zhan Ting , Chen Xiaoli , Wan Yiyuan , Chen Mengge , Liu Jiaxi , Tian Xia , Huang Xiaodong
Published: September 2021

AEBP1 is differentially expressed in various tumors. However, the correlation between AEBP1 and immune cell infiltration in gastric cancer remains unclear. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to evaluate the relationship between AEBP1 expression and overall survival and progression-free survival. The relationship between AEBP1 expression and infiltrating immune cells, and their corresponding gene marker sets was examined using the TIMER database.The expression of AEBP1 was lower in gastric cancer (GC) tumor tissues than in normal tissues (P < 0.05). High AEBP1 gene expression and high levels of AEBP1 gene methylation were correlated with high-grade malignant tumor and old TNM stage. In addition, in gastric cancer, there was a positive correlation between AEBP1 expression and immune infiltrating cells, including neutrophils, CD8 + T cells, and CD4 + T cells, as well as immune-related genes, including CD2, CD3D, and CD3E. Methylation sites such as cg00009293, cg08495088, cg12955216, cg10480062, cg06852744 and cg12978582 were positively correlated with low expression of AEBP1. AEBP1 may be a potential tumor suppressor gene in GC and a potential novel therapeutic target and predictive biomarker for GC. AEBP1 likely plays an important role in immune cell infiltration.
Repeatability and Reliability of Different Diagnostic Platforms in Normal Tear Film Evaluation
Authors: Singh Swati , Modiwala Zarin , Mohamed Ashik , Basu Sayan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To assess the repeatability and reliability of different commercially available diagnostic platforms in the objective assessment of normal tear film parameters.
Methods

Thirty healthy individuals (N = 60 eyes) had their tear film parameters (Lipid layer thickness (LLT), Tear meniscus height (TMH), Non-invasive tear break up time (NIBUT)) assessed by two observers on different occasions. The three instruments that were used are- LipiView® II, IDRA ocular surface analyzer and Oculus keratograph 5M. Bland-Altman analysis and mixed effects model with maximum likelihood estimation were used to calculate intra- and interobserver variability between the instruments.
Results

There were no significant intraobserver differences noted in LLT values measured with Lipiview, NIBUT using Oculus & IDRA, and Oculus TMH values. Between two observers, there were significant differences in LLT measurements (mean difference of 6.60; p = 0.002) and TMH measurements (mean difference of 0.03; p = 0.0001), obtained using IDRA but not for Oculus or Lipiview. Between instruments, all the measurements (LLT, NIBUT and TMH) were significantly different (p < 0.0001 for LLT; p = 0.002 for TMH; p < 0.0001 for NIBUT).
Conclusion

No two dry eye diagnostic platforms can be used interchangeably for the evaluation of the normal tear film. The NIBUT and LLT measurements using Oculus and Lipiview are more reliable than IDRA, and Oculus is more reliable than IDRA for TMH assessment.
Flowering Time Regulation by the miRNA156 in the Beet (Beta Vulgaris Ssp. Maritima)
Authors: Asgari Mishaneh , Mirzaie-asl Asghar , Abdollahi Mohammad Reza , Khodaei Leila
Published: September 2021

Successful reproduction of the plants is assumed as a crucial challenge for meeting nutritional needs of growing human population. One of the significant changes in the plant's life cycle is its transition from vegetative to reproductive phase. Obviously, the flowering and bolting processes are influenced by many genetic and physiological factors. In this way, several main regulatory pathways and effective genes have been identified, so far. The age-dependent phenomenon as an effective pathway of reproductive transition phase is influenced by the miR172 and miR156 genes. In the present study, the miR156 sequence was identified in the sugar beet genome. First, the miR156 gene was cloned into the over-expression construct from the Beta vulgaris genome and then, was transferred to the beet explants. After the confirmation of transgenic plants, the transcript level of miR156 gene, and its target genes (SPL4 and SPL9) were evaluated in transgenic plants related to the control plants. Also, transgenic plants were studied in terms of flower phenotypic development, and root growth characteristics. By evidence evaluation, the research revealed that over-expression of miR156 played an effective role in reduction of SPL4 and SPL9 genes' expression that resulted in flowering suppression in the Sea beet. According to the findings, it had also a suppression effect on the root growth in transgenic beets.
Investigating on Structural, Optical, Magnetic and Photocatalytic Activities of ZnS and Co2+: ZnS NPs Synthesized by Hydrothermal Process Under MeB Dye
Authors: Upputuri S. , Lakshmanan S. , N Ramalakshmi , Antony S. Arul
Published: September 2021

In present work, the structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic activities of ZnS and Co2+: ZnS NPs were prepared through chemical route as hydrothermal process at room temperature. ZnS and Co2+: ZnS were characterized by using various techniques such as, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM-SAED, UV-visible, PL and BET. The spherical-like morphology with the average crystallite size was found to be 8 to 15 nm. Among them results, it showed that the Co2+ atoms were incorporated into the ZnS lattice, forming cubic phase as the Co2+ dopant concentration increases from 0 to 2 %. The band gap energy of the ZnS and Co2+: ZnS increases from 3.5 to 4.10 eV, which enables stronger absorption of UV region. During catalytic process, Co2+ act as electron trapping center, which inhibits the recombination of the photo induced holes and electrons as showed higher degradation efficiency for MeB.
Recombinant Hirudin Protects the Vasculature and Myocardium in Atherosclerotic Rats by Inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Guo Wenping , Jin Hongguang , Wang Yiqiang , Huang Yongsheng , Zhu Xing , Wang Jiale , Zhang Li
Published: September 2021

Recombinant hirudin (r-hirudin) has a good anticoagulant effect and also has a certain inhibitory effect on atherosclerosis (AS), however, its intrinsic mechanism of inhibiting AS is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the vascular and myocardial protective effects of r-hirudin in AS rats through animal experiments. A rat AS model was established by high-fat diet feeding combined with common carotid artery balloon injury. The model rats were given low, medium, or high doses of r-hirudin (0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 mg/kg/day), simvastatin tablets (1 mg/kg/day) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors (SB203580, 100 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 8 weeks. The results showed that in AS rats, r-hirudin significantly alleviated pathological changes in the common carotid artery and myocardial tissue; decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels; increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels; decreased serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and endothelin (ET)-1 levels; increased nitric oxide (NO) levels; and decreased p38 MAPK, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), caspase-9, caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression. This study showed that r-hirudin may protect blood vessels and the myocardium in AS rats by adjusting blood lipid levels and inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and protect the vascular endothelium.
Liquid Nitrogen in The Industrial Practice of Hot Aluminum Extrusion: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Pelaccia Riccardo , Reggiani Barbara , Negozio Marco , Donati Lorenzo
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, the liquid nitrogen cooling in aluminium extrusion is a widely adopted industrial practice to increase the process productivity as well as to improve the extruded profile surface quality by reducing the profile exit temperatures. The cooling channels are commonly designed on the basis of die maker experience only, usually obtaining modest performances in terms of cooling efficiency. Trial-and-error approach is time and cost consuming, thus providing a relevant industrial interest in the development of reliable numerical simulations able to foresee and optimize the nitrogen cooling effect during the die design stage. In this work, an extensive experimental campaign was performed during the extrusion process of an AA6060 industrial hollow profile, in different conditions of nitrogen flow rate and ram speed. The monitored data (die and profile temperatures and extrusion load) were compared with the outputs of a fast and efficient numerical model proposed by the authors, and developed in the COMSOL Multiphysics code, able to compute not only the effect of nitrogen liquid flow but also the gaseous condition. The results of the simulations showed a good agreement with experimental data and evidenced how far was the experimental cooling channel design from an optimized condition.
The Influence of Sex on Embryo Development and Pregnancy Outcome in Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Chromosomal Translocation
Authors: Zhang Yile , Song Hui , Li Jing-di , Bu Zhi-qin , Wang Fang , Niu Wen-bin , Shi Hao
Published: September 2021

Background To investigate the embryonic development and clinical pregnancy outcome of reciprocal translocation carriers and Robertsonian translocation carriers with different sex in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Methods A retrospective analysis of 1369 cycles of preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) was performed in the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2015 to 2019. All the patients were divided into reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation according to the type of chromosomal translocation and divided into female carriers and male carriers according to the sex of the carriers. SPSS21.0 was used for data statistics and P < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. Results The fertilization rate of female carriers(81.5%) with chromosomal structural abnormalities (including reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation) was higher than that of male carriers(80.0%)(P=0.032), and the blastocyst formation rate of female carriers(50.0%) was lower than that of male carriers(54.8%)(P=0.016) in the same parental age. But there was no statistical difference in cleavage rate, high quality embryo rate, normal rate of biopsy, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and live birth rate between female and male carriers. In the reciprocal translocation group, the blastocyst formation rate of male carriers (54.8%) was higher than that of female carriers (50.0%) (P=0.022) with the same parental age and there was no difference in pregnancy outcome. In the Robertsonian translocation group, the fertilization rate of male carriers (75.0%) was lower than that of female carriers (81.8%) (P=0.005) and the normal rate of biopsy (33.3%) was higher than that of female carriers (25.0%) (P=0.022) with the same parental age and there was no difference in pregnancy outcome. Conclusions In reciprocal translocation, male carriers have a higher rate of blastocyst formation rate than female carriers. In Robertsonianian translocation, male carriers have a higher noamal rate of biopsy than female carriers. However, there was no significant difference in pregnancy outcome between male carriers and female carriers with abnormal chromosome structure.
So, and if it is not congenital adrenal hyperplasia? Addressing an undiagnosed case of genital ambiguity
Authors: Filho Reinaldo Luna de Omena , Petroli Reginaldo José , Soardi Fernanda Caroline , Michelatto Débora de Paula , Mazzola Taís Nitsch , Fabbri-Scallet Helena , de Mello Maricilda Palandi , Zanotti Susane Vasconcelos , Gubert Ida Cristina , Monlleo Isabella
Published: September 2021

The Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency is the most common cause of genital ambiguity in persons with XX sexual chromosomes. Genital ambiguity among persons with XY sexual chromosomes comprises diverse and rare etiologies. The deficiency of 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 enzyme (HSD17B3) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to functionally altered variants of the HSD17B3 gene. In this disorder/difference of sex development, the conversion of androstenedione into testosterone is impaired. The appearance of external genitalia of 46,XY individuals varies from typically male to almost female. We report on a child presenting severe ambiguous genitalia. Due to access constraints, specialized care did not start until the child was 10 months old. Parents are consanguineous and were born in an area of high isonymy that is a cluster for rare recessive diseases. A new homozygous missense variant c.785G > T was found in exon 10 of the HSD17B3 gene. Researchers-clinicians and researchers-researchers collaborative efforts to elucidate the genetic basis of this disease were critical since this etiologic investigation is not available through the public health system. This case exemplifies the families’ pilgrimage in cases of genital ambiguity due to a rare genetic condition. Recognizing the etiology was the baseline to provide information on prognosis and treatment options, and to shelter family and child doubts and hopes in order to better support their decisions.
Increasing dominant follicular proportion negatively associated with good clinical outcomes in GnRH-a prolonged protocol: a large-sample retrospective analysis
Authors: Su Houming , Lai Youhua , Li Jie , Liao Tingting , Ji Licheng , Hu Xinyao , Qian Kun
Published: September 2021

Background: Nowadays, there is no universal criteria for trigger time during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Particularly, in the so-called GnRH-a prolonged protocol, widely used in China, the ideal time to trigger ovulation is not yet well defined. Methods: This was a large-sample retrospective analysis. Between January 2016 and January 2020, 1,925 young patients who underwent their first in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with normal ovarian response were divided into three groups based on their dominant follicular proportions (DFP, defined as ≥18 mm follicles /≥14 mm follicles; Group A: < 30%; Group B: 30% - 60%; Group C: ≥ 60%). Binary logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were used to assessed whether DFP levels were related to clinical pregnancy, number of blastocysts frozen, blastocyst formation rate and low blastocysts frozen. Results: Binary logistics regression analysis showed that compared with Group A, the OR for clinical pregnancy was 1.345 in Group B (P = 0.023); however, there was no statistical difference between Group C and Group A (P = 0.216). On one hand, multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that DFP was negatively associated with number of blastocysts frozen (β ± SE: Group B vs Group A = -0.319 ± 0.115, P = 0.006; Group C vs Group A = -0.432 ± 0.154, P = 0.005) as well as blastocyst formation rate (β ± SE: Group B vs Group A = -0.035 ± 0.016, P = 0.031; Group C vs Group A = -0.039 ± 0.021, P = 0.067). On the other hand, compared with group A, the OR for low blastocyst frozen was 1.312 in Group B (P = 0.039) and was 1.417 in Group C (P = 0.041). Conclusions: Excessive delay of trigger in GnRH-a prolonged protocol might reduce the developmental potential of oocytes and reduce the number of available blastocysts, which might result in a lower cumulative pregnancy rate. But further confirmation by strict prospective randomized controlled study should be needed.Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT03305510; Registered 08 October 2017 - Retrospectively registered.
Modeling Method and Experimental Study on the Random Distribution of Abrasive Particles in the Jet Cutting Process
Authors: Feng Long , Zhang Qiang , Du MingChao , Fan Chunyong , Zhang Kun
Published: September 2021

The distribution of abrasive particles in fluids is an important research topic in the study of abrasive waterjet cutting processes. However, it is impossible to obtain the accurate distribution law and influencing factors by performing only experiments; therefore, it is necessary to study abrasive waterjet cutting processes with the help of numerical models. The existing numerical models usually adopt the form of artificial settings for the distribution of abrasive particles in fluid. This method cannot accurately simulate the random distribution of particles. In this paper, the random algorithm method is used to simulate the impact azimuth and the random distribution of abrasive particles in water. The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is used to simulate the distribution of abrasive particles and the process of jet impingement. The influence of the particle distribution on the simulation results is studied. Comparisons show that the dent formed by the jet impinging on the target with random abrasive particles is similar to the dent from the actual cut, and the contour distribution of the dent is more uniform than that of the cut. The simulation results obtained by the SPH method are accurate.
Force, metric, or mass: Disambiguating causes of uniform gravity
Authors: Shi Yuan
Published: September 2021

In addition to nonzero forces and nontrivial metrics, here I show that a nonconstant Higgs expectation value, which endows elementary particles with their masses, also leads to apparent universal particle accelerations and photon frequency shifts. When effects of the Higgs is attributed to spacetime curvatures, a spurious stress-energy tensor is required in Einstein’s equation. On cosmological scales, the spurious density coincides with the observed dark energy density. On smaller scales, effects of the Standard Model Higgs gradients are unlikely observable except near compact astrophysical bodies. To estimate the experimental precision required to disambiguate causes of apparent accelerations, I compare distinct effects of the force, metric, and Higgs profiles that cause uniform acceleration of a test particle. When the acceleration is caused by a force, the motion of all particles are hyperbolic with the same acceleration. However, when the cause is a metric, only a one-parameter family of particles undergo hyperbolic motion. In comparison, when the cause is a Higgs gradient, the trajectory of all particles are hyperbolic, but the acceleration is larger when the particle’s energy is higher. The discrepancies among the three causes are minuscule on laboratory scales, which makes experimental tests very challenging.
Restored lncRNAs After ART Therapy Have Potential Key Roles in the Recovery From AIDS
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Huang Yuqing , Chen Tielong , Hu Wenjia , Chen Xiaoping , Hou Wei , Zhang Qi , Xiong Yong
Published: September 2021

Background: Many studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) derived from the host and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) itself play important roles in virus-host interactions and viral pathogenesis. To identify potential key lncRNAs in the regulation of HIV pathogenesis, transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which were derived from 6 HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) subjects pre-HAART and post-HAART with effective control of plasma viremia (<20 HIV RNA copies/ml) and 6 healthy subjects, was performed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).Results: We identified a total of 974 lncRNAs whose expression levels were restored to normal after ART therapy. The results of the cis-acting analysis showed that only six lncRNAs have cis-regulated target genes, among which the target gene RP11-290F5.1, interferon regulatory factors 2 (IRF2), could promote HIV replication. We also identified lncRNA CTB-119C2.1, which regulates most mRNAs with differential expression between pre- and post-HAART, and the differences were significant. We selected lncRNA CTB-119C2.1 for qRT–PCR verification, and the results were consistent with those of RNA-seq. RAB3A and GADD45A, two of the lncRNA CTB-119C2.1-associated genes, have been shown to be associated with HIV infection. KEGG analysis of lncRNA CTB-119C2.1-associated genes revealed that most of the genes are involved in the p53 signaling pathway or pathways related to cell circulation and DNA replicationConclusion: In this study, we used RNA-seq to systematically compare the expression profiles of lncRNAs in HIV subjects between untreated and treated time points. We successfully identified some lncRNAs with differential expression during certain periods (no HIV infection, HIV infection before treatment, and after treatment). Their expression is associated with viral loads, and some of their regulating genes were found to be involved in HIV pathogenesis through bioinformatic analysis. These findings could help to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of the progression of AIDS.
Evaluation of low-dose aspirin use among COVID-19 critically ill patients: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Harthi Abdullah Al , Sulaiman Khalid Al , Aljuhani Ohoud , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Altebainawi Ali F. , Alenezi Raghdah S. , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Gramish Jawaher , Kensara Raed , Hafidh Awattif , Enazi Huda Al , Alawad Ahad , Alotaibi Rand , Alshehri Abdulaziz , Alhuthaili Omar , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Saleh Khalid bin , Alsulaiman Thamer , Alqahtani Rahaf Ali , Almazrou Saja , Hussain Sajid
Published: September 2021

BackgroundMultiple medications with anti-inflammatory effects have been used to manage the hyper-inflammatory response associated with COVID-19. Aspirin is used widely as a cardioprotective agent due to its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties. Its role in hospitalized COVID-19 patients has been assessed and evaluated in the literature. However, no data regards its role in COVID-19 critically ill patients. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the use of low-dose aspirin (81-100 mg) and its impact on outcomes in COVID-19 critically ill patients. MethodThis is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study for all adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on aspirin use during ICU stay. The primary outcome is the in-hospital mortality; other outcomes were considered secondary. Propensity score-matched used based on patient’s age, SOFA score, MV status within 24 hours of ICU admission, prone position status, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke as co-existing illness. We considered a P value of < 0.05 statistically significant.ResultsA total of 1033 patients were eligible; 352 patients were included after propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). The in-hospital mortality (HR (95%CI): 0.73 (0.56, 0.97), p-value=0.03) were lower in patients who received aspirin during hospital stay. On the other hand, patients who received aspirin have a higher risk of major bleeding compared to the control group (OR (95%CI): 2.92 (0.91, 9.36), p-value=0.07); but was not statistically significant.ConclusionAspirin use in COVID-19 critically ill patients may have a mortality benefit; nevertheless, it may be linked with an increased risk of significant bleeding. The benefit-risk evaluation for aspirin usage during an ICU stay should be tailored to each patient.
Precise and Convergence Pattern Was Obtained in the Detection of Mammary Gland Carcinoma Using Molybdenum Enhanced Poly Taurine Nano-biofilms Compared to Pathological Examination
Authors: Nasrollahpour Hassan , Khalilzadeh Balal , Rahbarghazi Reza , Erk Nevin , Rashidi Mohammad-Reza , Naseri Abdolhossein
Published: September 2021

The development of high-performance sensing frameworks for the diagnosis of anaplastic changes is the subject of debate. The lack of on-time diagnosis in patients with suspicious cancers can affect the prognosis and survival rate. As a correlate, the emergence of de novo strategies for the development of transducing frameworks has an inevitable role in advanced biosensing. The combination of green chemistry procedures with eco-friendly and biocompatible materials is of high desirability in this context. The synthesis of new biocompatible and cost-effective nanomaterials to meet the emerging needs of rising demands appeals to new synthetic methodologies. Here, we applied the electrochemical synthesis method to the fabrication of biocompatible and subtly governed Molybdenum trioxide/poly taurine nano-bio films for the monitoring of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) in sera from breast cancer patients. Morphological and elemental assessments were performed using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, and dot mapping analyses. In addition, HER-2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed on tissue samples and data compared to the values obtained by Molybdenum trioxide/poly taurine nano-bio films. We also noted our platform is eligible for feasible, rapid, and specific determination of HER-2 factor in human samples. The method had a lower limit of quantification of 0.000001 ng mL-1 and a linear dynamic range between 0.1 ng mL-1 and 0.000001 ng mL-1. IHC imaging showed that the degree of anaplastic changes in breast samples (intensity of HER-2 factor) was closely associated with the intensity of signals obtained by our developed immunosensor.
Maintenance Accessibility Evaluation Method based on D-H Model and Comfort in a Virtual Maintenance Environment
Authors: Zhou Dong , Wu Hongduo , Guo Ziyue , Zhou Qidi , Liang Yuning
Published: September 2021

In virtual maintenance, the most widely used accessibility evaluation method is to use virtual human reach envelope surface to judge and evaluate accessibility. However, this method can only give two kinds of evaluation results: reachable and unreachable. There is not enough data and theoretical support for the construction of envelope surface, and the precision and accuracy of evaluation need to be improved. In this paper, a parameterized accessibility evaluation method and a method of accessibility envelope surface construction are proposed. Firstly, to objectively describe the movement of human body, a 6-joint and 5-link D-H (Denavit-Hartenberg) link model is established from the waist to the fingertip of the human body, and the ranges of 10 degrees of freedom and angles related to accessibility are determined according to ergonomics. Then, comfort is introduced to refine the accessibility evaluation, and a multi-level accessibility evaluation system based on comfort is constructed according to RULA (the rapid upper limb assessment). In order to facilitate the application of this method in virtual environment, a method of accessibility envelope surface construction is proposed. Firstly, the reachable points are generated by Monte Carlo simulation based on the D-H model. Secondly, the accessibility envelope surface is composed of the outermost random reachable points. Finally, the comparison experiment with the reachable envelope provided by DELMIA in virtual environment shows that the proposed method is more accurate, meticulous and objective. Based on this method, an accessibility evaluation tool has been developed in CATIA and has been applied in some scientific research institutes.
Predicting traffic flow during peak commuting hours
Authors: Shen Z.
Published: September 2021

Traffic congestion during the peak commuting period is becoming more and more serious in many cities in China. Accurate prediction of traffic flow on urban roads during the peak commuting period is one of the key fundamental problems to reduce traffic congestion and build intelligent transportation. This paper proposes a low-cost and high-efficiency method to address the challenges of the existing ORIGIN-DESTINATION survey method, which is costly, inefficient and has limited accuracy of results. By using the city-wide traffic, social security, insurance, population and other digital city data, we group the residents' travel modes into four types: walking, public transportation, rail transit and self-driving based on the service radius and travel distance of transportation, and analyze and count the number of private car trips and rail transit passenger flow by using the rail transit priority principle and the shortest path algorithm, and predict the commuting peak period based on this method. The road traffic flow during the peak commuting period is also predicted. The validity and reliability of the method are demonstrated by using typical data of Wuhan city as an example.