bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Review of Midrange Wireless Power Transfer Using Dielectric Resonators
Authors: Ali Azuwa , Mohd Yasin Mohd Najib , Faiz Wan Ali Wan Fahmin , Mahmed Norsuria , Kamarudin Muhammad Ramlee , Adam Ismahayati , Jusoh Muzammil , Rahim Hasliza Abdul , Khor Shing Fhan , Nurulazlina Ramli  , Ali Norshamsuri
Published: July 2021

Magnetic resonant coupling (MRC) is one of the techniques that are widely used in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. The technique is commonly used for enhancing distance while maintaining power transfer efficiency (PTE). Many studies have investigated new technologies to extend the distance of MRC while maintaining high PTE values. The most promising technique to date in MRC is the addition of a resonator between the transmitter and the receiver coil. The implementation of the resonator varies based on different designs, sizes, and material types, although the outcomes remain unsatisfactory. By introducing dielectric material resonators, PTE can be improved by lowering the ohmic loss which becomes a problem on conventional resonators. This study presents a general overview on the use of dielectric material as a resonator in MRC WPT technology and its technological development. The basic operation of MRC WPT is summarized with up-to-date technical improvements related to dielectric material as a resonator in the field of WPT. An overview of the current limitations and challenges of this technique is also highlighted in this study.
Stemness-Suppressive Effect of Bibenzyl from Dendrobium ellipsophyllum in Human Lung Cancer Stem-Like Cells
Authors: Taweecheep Pornchanok , Khine Hnin Ei Ei , Hlosrichok Anirut , Ecoy Gea Abigail Uy , Sritularak Boonchoo , Prompetchara Eakachai , Chanvorachote Pithi , Chaotham Chatchai
Published: July 2021

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are key mediators driving tumor initiation, metastasis, therapeutic failure, and subsequent cancer relapse. Thus, targeting CSCs has recently emerged as a potential strategy to improve chemotherapy. In this study, the anticancer activity and stemness-regulating capacity of 4,5,4′-trihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxybibenzyl (TDB), a bibenzyl extracted from Dendrobium ellipsophyllum, are revealed in CSCs of various human lung cancer cells. Culture with TDB (5–10 μM) strongly abolished tumor-initiating cells in lung cancer H460, H23, and A549 cells in both anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent colony formation assays. Through the 3D single-spheroid formation model, attenuation of self-renewal capacity was observed in CSC-enriched populations treated with 1–10 μM TDB for 7 days. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the attenuation of %cell overexpressing CD133, a CSC biomarker, in TDB-treated lung cancer spheroids. TDB at 5–10 μM remarkably suppressed regulatory signals of p-Akt/Akt, p-GSK3β/GSK3β, and β-catenin corresponding to the downregulated mRNA level of stemness transcription factors including Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2. Moreover, the antiapoptosis Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins, which are downstream molecules of Akt signaling, were evidently decreased in CSC-enriched spheroids after culture with TDB (1–10 μM) for 24 h. Interestingly, the diminution of Akt expression by specific siAkt effectively reversed suppressive activity of TDB targeting on the CSC phenotype in human lung cancer cells. These findings provide promising evidence of the inhibitory effect of TDB against lung CSCs via suppression of Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin cascade and related proteins, which would facilitate the development of this bibenzyl natural compound as a novel CSC-targeted therapeutic approach for lung cancer treatment.
Formation Mechanism of Mud Volcanoes/Mud Diapirs Based on Physical Simulation
Authors: Wan Zhifeng , Zhang Jinfeng , Lin Guoqing , Zhong Siling , Li Qing , Wei Jiangong , Sun Yuefeng
Published: July 2021

The formation of mud volcanoes/mud diapirs is directly related to oil and gas accumulation and gas-hydrate mineralization. Their eruptive activities easily cause engineering accidents and may increase the greenhouse effect by the eruption of methane gas. Many scholars have performed much research on the developmental characteristics, geochemistry, and carbon emissions of mud diapirs/mud volcanoes, but the formation mechanism of mud diapirs/mud volcanoes is still controversial. Mud diapirs and mud volcanoes are especially developed in the northern South China Sea and are accompanied by abundant oil, gas, and gas-hydrate resources. Based on the mud volcanoes/mud diapirs in the northern South China Sea, the physical simulation experiments of mud diapir/mud volcano formation and evolution under different fluid pressures and tectonic environments have been performed by loading a fluid-input system in traditional sandbox simulation equipment. The genetic mechanism of mud diapirs/mud volcanoes is revealed, and a fluid-leakage model of mud diapirs/mud volcanoes under different geological conditions is established. We believe that in an overpressured environment, the greater the thickness of the overlying strata is, the greater the pressure or power required for the upward migration of muddy fluid to penetrate the overlying strata. Tectonic activity promotes the development of mud volcanos/mud diapirs. To a certain extent, the more intense the tectonic activity is, the more significant the effect of promoting the development of mud volcanoes/mud diapirs and the larger the mud diapirs/mud volcanoes become.
Acupuncture Combined with Three-Step Analgesic Drug Therapy for Treatment of Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials
Authors: Li De-hui , Su Yi-fan , Fan Huan-fang , Guo Na , Sun Chun-xia
Published: July 2021

Objective. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with the WHO three-step analgesic drug ladder for cancer pain. Methods. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and CNKI Database of Systematic Reviews were searched. Using the Cochrane Register for Randomized Controlled Trials, the quality of the included literature was evaluated, and the meta-analysis was carried out with RevMan 5.3 software. Results. Compared with three-step analgesia alone, acupuncture combined with three-step analgesia for cancer pain increased pain relief response rates (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.08∼1.17,

P
<
0.00001

), reduced NRS score (SMD = −1.10, 95% CI: −1.86∼−0.35,

P
=
0.004

), reduced the rate of side effects (RR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.38∼0.53,

P
<
0.00001

), including nausea (

P
<
0.00001

), vomiting (

P
=
0.008

), constipation (

P
<
0.00001

), and dizziness (

P
=
0.010

), reduced the burst pain rate (SMD = −1.38; 95% CI: −2.44∼−0.32,

P
=
0.01

), shortened analgesia effect onset time (

P
=
0.004

), and extended the duration of response (

P
<
0.0001

). Conclusion. For the treatment of cancer pain, acupuncture combined with three-step analgesic drugs is better than using only three-step analgesic drugs.
[Retracted] NREM Sleep EEG Characteristics Correlate to the Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Parkinsonism
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wei Luhua , Zeng Fengqingyang , Zhang Tingwei , Sun Yunchuang , Shen Yane , Wang Guangfa , Ma Jing , Zhang Jue
Published: July 2021

Early identification and diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with parkinsonism (PDS) are critical. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers of MCI in PDS using conventional electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectral analysis and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). In this retrospective study, patients with PDS who underwent an overnight polysomnography (PSG) study in our hospital from 2019 to 2020 were enrolled. Patients with PDS assessed by clinical examination and questionnaires were divided into two groups: the PDS with normal cognitive function (PDS‐NC) group and the PDS with MCI (PDS‐MCI) group. Sleep EEG signals were extracted and purified from the PSG and subjected to a conventional power spectral analysis, as well as detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) during wakefulness, nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Forty patients with PDS were enrolled, including 25 with PDS‐NC and 15 with PDS‐MCI. Results revealed that compared with PDS‐NC patients, patients with PDS‐MCI had a reduced fast ratio ((alpha + beta)/(delta + theta)) and increased DFA during NREM sleep. DFA during NREM was diagnostic of PDS‐MCI, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.592–0.914) (p < 0.05). Mild cognitive dysfunction was positively correlated with NREM‐DFA (r = 0.426, p = 0.007) and negatively correlated with an NREM‐fast ratio (r = −0.524, p = 0.001). This suggested that altered EEG activity during NREM sleep is associated with MCI in patients with PDS. NREM sleep EEG characteristics of the power spectral analysis and DFA correlate to MCI. Slowing of EEG activity during NREM sleep may reflect contribution to the decline in NREM physiological function and is therefore a marker in patients with PDS‐MCI.
[Retracted] Celastrol Attenuates Learning and Memory Deficits in an Alzheimer’s Disease Rat Model
Authors: Xiao Yao , Wang Xifeng , Wang Siyi , Li Jun , Xu Xueyu , Wang Min , Li Gang , Shen Wei
Published: July 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is associated with learning, memory, and cognitive deficits. Neuroinflammation and synapse loss are involved in the pathology of AD. Diverse measures have been applied to treat AD, but currently, there is no effective treatment. Celastrol (CEL) is a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F that has been shown to enhance cell viability and inhibit amyloid‐β production induced by lipopolysaccharides in vitro. In the present study, the protective effect of CEL on Aβ25-35‐induced rat model of AD was assessed. Our results showed that CEL administration at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day improved spatial memory in the Morris water maze. Further biochemical analysis showed that CEL treatment of intrahippocampal Aβ25-35‐microinjected rats attenuated hippocampal NF‐κB activity; inhibited proinflammatory markers, namely, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α; and upregulated anti‐inflammatory factors, such as IL‐4 and IL‐10. Furthermore, CEL upregulated hippocampal neurexin‐1β, neuroligin‐1, CA1, and PSD95 expression levels, which may improve synaptic function. Simultaneously, CEL also increased glucose metabolism in Aβ25-35‐microinjected rats. In conclusion, CEL could exert protective effects against learning and memory decline induced by intrahippocampal Aβ25-35 through anti‐inflammation, promote synaptic development, and maintain hippocampal energy metabolism.
Prospects for Epigenetic Targeted Therapies of Bone and Soft-Tissue Sarcomas
Authors: Wang Jun , Elkrief Arielle , Guo Wei , Shukla Neerav , Gounder Mrinal , Ladanyi Marc
Published: July 2021

Targeted therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment. It is well established that alterations of chromatin configuration and modifications affect tumorigenesis of some, possibly most, bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. As epigenetic regulators play a major role in the development of bone and soft-tissue sarcomas, epigenetic drugs provide a novel potential avenue for rational targeted therapies for these aggressive cancers. The present review summarizes the application of epigenetic drugs for clinical utilization in bone and soft-tissue sarcomas and provides an overview of clinical trials currently evaluating epigenetic therapies in this space.
Parameters’ Identification of Vessel Based on Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Chen , Li Xiaojian
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the ant colony optimization (ACO) method is used to identify the parameters of a 3-DOF nonlinear vessel model. Identifying the parameters is abstracted as a nonlinear optimization problem to solve through the ant colony optimization algorithm. The identification procedure is divided into two parts. The first part of the identification procedure is to identify the parameters related to surge motion. The second part of the identification procedure is to identify the rest parameters of the vessel’s kinetics model. In the surge model identification procedure, the transient motor speed is used to generate the training data, and in the sway and yaw motion identification procedure, the zigzag maneuvering with different motor speeds is used to generate the training data. All the parameters are identified by the ACO method and the least-square (LS) method based on the training data and then validated on the validation data. The prediction performance of parameters identified by different methods is compared in the simulation to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ACO algorithm.
[Retracted] Optimization of Multi‐Intelligent Robot Control System Based on Wireless Communication Network
Authors: Li Bin
Published: July 2021

The robot is a very complex multi‐input multioutput nonlinear system. It has time‐varying, strong coupling, and nonlinear dynamic characteristics, and its control is very complicated. Due to the inaccuracy of measurement and modeling, coupled with changes in the load and the influence of external disturbances, it is actually impossible to obtain an accurate and complete dynamic model of the robot. We must face the existence of various uncertain factors of the robot. This paper analyzes the real‐time communication protocol in the wireless network control system and confirms that the main way to improve the real‐time performance of the wireless network control system is to implement the real‐time media access control (MAC) protocol. This paper studies robots from the perspective of control and mainly discusses how to use artificial immune algorithms to design robust nonlinear proportion integral derivative (PID) controllers. A nonlinear PID controller is used to replace the classic PID controller. The nonlinear link can be adjusted with the change of the error, so as to achieve the purpose of improving the adaptability and robustness to obtain satisfactory tracking performance. We carried out selective compliance assembly robot arm (SCARA) robot remote control experiment, dual robot following experiment, SCARA and ABB robot collisionless motion planning experiment, and multirobot intelligent collaborative assembly experiment. The experimental results show that the C/S mode remote control system has good practicability and can complete remote tasks; the P2P communication system has good information transmission effects and can realize real‐time information sharing between robots; the collision‐free motion planning algorithm enables the dual robots to complete obstacle avoidance tasks well in complex operating environments; the functional modules of the system can closely cooperate to complete the tasks in coordination, and the multirobot system has a certain degree of intelligence.
The Secretome Deregulations in a Rat Model of Endotoxemic Shock
Authors: Blangy-Letheule A. , Persello A. , Michelland S. , Cunin V. , Souab F. , Aillerie V. , Dhot J. , Erraud A. , Montnach J. , Seve M. , Bourgoin-Voillard S. , Rozec B. , De Waard M. , Lauzier B.
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Septic shock is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome associated with organ failures. Earlier clinical diagnosis would be of benefit to a decrease in the mortality rate. However, there is currently a lack of predictive biomarkers. The secretome is the set of proteins secreted by a cell, tissue, or organism at a given time and under certain conditions. The plasma secretome is easily accessible from biological fluids and represents a good opportunity to discover new biomarkers that can be studied with nontargeted “omic” strategies. Aims. To identify relevant deregulated proteins (DEP) in the secretome of a rat endotoxemic shock model. Methods. Endotoxemic shock was induced in rats by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS, S. enterica typhi, 0.5 mg/kg) and compared to controls (Ringer Lactate, iv). Under isoflurane anesthesia, carotid cannulation allowed mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) monitoring and blood sampling at different time points (T0 and T50 or T0 and T90, with EDTA and protease inhibitor). Samples were prepared for large‐scale tandem mass spectrometry (MS‐MS) based on a label‐free quantification to allow identification of the proteins deregulated upon endotoxemic conditions. A Gene Ontology (GO) analysis defined several clusters of biological processes (BP) in which the DEP are involved. Results. Ninety minutes after shock induction, the LPS group presents a reduction in MAP (‐45%, p < 0.05) and increased lactate levels (+27.5%, p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Proteomic analyses revealed 10 and 33 DEP in the LPS group, respectively, at 50 and 90 minutes after LPS injection. At these time points, GO‐BP showed alterations in pathways involved in oxidative stress response and coagulation. Conclusion. This study proposes an approach to identify relevant DEP in septic shock and brings new insights into the understanding of the secretome adaptations upon sepsis.
Efficacy and Safety of Paromomycin for Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pokharel Pashupati , Ghimire Rakesh , Lamichhane Pratik
Published: July 2021

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar is one of the most commonly neglected tropical diseases affecting a large number of rural and resource-limited people in South Asia, Africa, and South America. Paromomycin, an aminoglycoside drug, is frequently used for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. Despite limited therapies for visceral leishmaniasis and emerging drug resistance, a proper review on the action of paromomycin for kala-azar is lacking. This systematic review aims to look for the efficacy and safety aspects of paromomycin for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.
A Modified Elastic Foundation Beam Method for Analyzing Lateral Wall Deformation in Excavations with Cross Wall
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Guihe , Jia Cangqin , Ren Jun , Lu Gaofeng , Liu Nannan
Published: July 2021

Cross walls have been used as alternative auxiliary measures to protect buildings in some areas of Asia. Realizing the inadequacy of the classical Winkler foundation to predict the deflection of the diaphragm wall with cross wall, a modified Winkler foundation of the finite element method (MEFB) was formulated in this paper. Then, the MEFB method was verified through two excavation cases and applied in a new well‐documented excavation history. Results showed that the wall deflection by the proposed method was line with the 3D numerical analysis and field observations but smaller than that of classical Winkler’s elastic foundation (EFB) method. The maximum deformation calculated by the MEFB method was predicted to have a reduction of 40∼60% compared to those of the EFB method. Meanwhile, the wall deformation was minimum at the location of cross walls and reaches the maximum value at the midline between two cross walls. Besides, the plane strain ratio (PSRd) based on the MEFB method was defined to study the interval (L), the embedded depth, and arrangement of cross walls. The results indicated the MEFB method was used successfully as a more accurate method than Winkler foundation and is simpler than 3D numerical analysis method for the engineering design of the diaphragm‐cross wall system during excavation.
Amputations of Lower Limb in Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus: Reasons and 30-Day Mortality
Authors: Walicka Magdalena , Raczyńska Marta , Marcinkowska Karolina , Lisicka Iga , Czaicki Arthur , Wierzba Waldemar , Franek Edward
Published: July 2021

Background. Diabetic foot is one of the leading causes of patient disability worldwide. Lower-extremity amputations (LEAs) resulting from this disease massively decrease quality of life, the function of the patient, and incur significant healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to assess trends in the number of amputations, the diagnosis at discharge, and diagnosis-related mortality after LEA procedures in a nationwide population. Methods. Datasets of the National Heath Fund containing information about all services within the public healthcare system in Poland, spanning the years 2010-2019, were analyzed. The source of data regarding mortality was the database of the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs. Results. Between 2010 and 2019, the annual number of amputations in patients with diabetes increased significantly from 5,049 to 7,759 (

p

for

trend
<
0.000001

). However, the number of amputations in patients with diabetes calculated as a number per 100,000 diabetics decreased significantly (

p

for

trend
<
0.0005

) during this period. Amputations in patients with diabetes accounted for a majority of all amputations; the mean percentage of amputations in patients with diabetes was 68.6% of all amputations (from 61.1% in 2010 to 71.4% in 2019,

p

for

trend
<
0.0000001

). The most common disease diagnosed at discharge after LEA in diabetic patients was diabetes itself. Vascular pathologies, such as soft-tissue/bone/joint infections and ulcerations, were the next most common. The 30-day mortality rate after LEA was rather high in patients with, as well as without, diabetes (depending on the cause for amputation 3.5-34% and 2.2-28.99%, respectively). Conclusions. The number of LEA in patients with diabetes in Poland increased substantially between 2010 and 2019 along with an increasing number of diabetics. Vascular pathologies, infections, and ulcerations were the most common causes of LEA. The 30-day mortality rate after amputation was rather high and varied depending on the diagnoses at discharge.
Development of Decontamination Treatment Techniques for Dry Powder Foods by Atmospheric-Pressure Nonequilibrium DC Pulse Discharge Plasma Jet
Authors: Yuji Toshifumi , Nakabayashi Kenichi , Kinoshita Hiroyuki , Mungkung Narong , Suzaki Yoshifumi , Mamat Sarizam , Akatsuka Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Dry powder food ingredients imported to Japan contain large amounts of viable bacteria and coliform bacteria, and we need a simple, low-cost, dry nonthermal decontamination method without spoiling nutrients, color, fragrance, and flavor. In this study, it is shown that the decontamination performance against viable bacteria and coliform bacteria is proportional to the plasma irradiation time when OH and O3 radicals are incident on the dry powder food ingredients placed in an atmospheric-pressure nonequilibrium DC pulse discharge Ar + O2 mixture gas plasma jet. Our study revealed that there is a correlation between the plasma irradiation time and DC pulse frequency increase and the decontamination effect on the general bacterial count.
A Novel Polyaniline Nanofiber Combined with Toluidine Blue as a Sensitive Detection Platform for Lignin by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Hui , Li Jing , Zhou Liang , Liu Shengquan
Published: July 2021

Raman spectroscopy is widely applied in wood science because of its features of being nondestructive, rapidity, and high resolution. However, Raman scattering is weak, and the Raman signal is easily disturbed by autofluorescence arising from endogenous fluorescent molecules in biological tissue. In this work, a sensitive lignin detection platform was fabricated by a composite with a polyaniline (PANI) nanofiber and toluidine blue (TB) under the excitation of visible light. In this platform, TB acts as a specific marker for lignin, and a PANI nanofiber was used as a reinforcing reagent to improve the Raman intensity of TB. When wood slice is impregnated with TB/PANI, the lignin in wood can be precisely labeled with the TB, and the Raman intensity of TB had a threefold increase at 532 nm excitation. This TB/PANI detection platform is expected to make a significant contribution in qualitative and quantitative analysis of lignin to avoid autofluorescence in various lignin-based biosciences.
Pharmacokinetic and Bioavailability Studies of Galgravin after Oral and Intravenous Administration to Rats Using HPLC‐MS/MS Method
Authors: Zhao Lulu , Wang Songrui , Huang Xuhua , Fan Yuqi , Xue Zixiang , Yang Dongyue , Ouyang Huizi , Chang Yanxu , He Jun
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a new high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method with a rapid analysis of 6 min to determine the concentration of galgravin in rat plasma so as to study its pharmacokinetic features and bioavailability in vivo. Schisandrin was selected as the internal standard (IS). After extracting the analyte from plasma samples with ethyl acetate, methanol‐H2O (0.1% formic acid) (85 : 15, v/v) was used as mobile phase to achieve chromatographic separation on a C18 reversed phase column. The MS detection was performed in positive ion mode using electrospray ionization (ESI) source. This method showed good linearity over the range of 1~500 ng/mL (R2 > 0.999), and the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 1.0 ng/mL. The intraday precision and interday precision were both within 8.5%, whereas the accuracies were in the range of ‐2.6%–6.0%. The average recoveries of galgravin in rat plasma were between 92.3% and 99.3%. Moreover, galgravin was stable throughout storage and processing with all RSDs below 12.1%. After the successful application of this optimized method, the oral bioavailability of galgravin was determined to be 8.5%. This study will be helpful to the future research and development of galgravin.
Research on the Stock Correlation Network Entropy and Its Influencing Factors in the Chinese Interbank Market
Authors: Jiang Qiao , Ma Qianting , Liu Xiaoxing
Published: July 2021

The stability of the interbank market is an essential guarantee for the sustainable development of society. Network entropy theory provides a critical research paradigm for the study of the stability of the interbank market. Considering that few scholars have conducted in-depth analysis on the influencing factors of the network entropy’s evolution process, this paper constructs the stock correlation network entropy model in the Chinese interbank market based on the correlation of stock price fluctuation. It focuses on analyzing the influencing factors in the dynamic evolution process of the stock correlation network entropy. In the light of empirical research, we can obtain the following results. First, the interbank market network’s aggregation coefficient, the interbank market network’s centrality, and the bank stock’s return rate play a positive role in the dynamic evolution of stock correlation network entropy in the Chinese interbank market. Second, the bank stock return’s volatility is negatively correlated with its network entropy. To maintain the stability of the financial market, the supervision department can monitor the stability of the interbank market by constructing the stock correlation network entropy.
Prevalence of Work-Related Injury and Its Determinants among Construction Workers in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ashuro Zemachu , Zele Yifokire Tefera , Kabthymer Robel Hussen , Diriba Kuma , Tesfaw Aragaw , Alamneh Alehegn Aderaw
Published: July 2021

Background. Construction is one of the highest risky jobs for accident-related fatalities and injuries globally. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of work-related injury and its associated factors among construction workers in Ethiopia. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed by using PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of work-related injury and its associated factors. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by using the I2 test, and the presence of publication bias was evaluated by using funnel plot and Egger’s test. Results. After reviewing 292 articles, we included 10 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria in the meta-analysis. The findings from the 10 studies showed that the pooled prevalence of work-related injury in Ethiopia was 46.78% (95% CI: 32.17, 61.38). The subgroup analysis of this study showed that the highest prevalence was reported in Addis Ababa with the prevalence of 55.9% (25.42, 86.4), followed by a study conducted in Oromia Region with a prevalence of 43.3% (33.3, 53.3). Lack of occupational safety training (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.76, 3.35), not using of personal protective equipment (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.80, 2.99), and male workers (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.15, 5.17) were the major factors significantly associated with the occurrence of work-related injury among construction workers. Conclusions. This study confirmed that construction is still a high-risk job with a high prevalence of work-related injury in Ethiopia. The modifiable risk factors such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of safety training, and gender were the major associated factors with injury. Therefore, a continuous safety training and awareness creation program on risk-taking behavior should be given to construction workers.
Clinical Impact of Preprocedural CT-Based 3D Computational Simulation of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion with Amulet
Authors: Buysschaert Ian , Viaene Dries
Published: July 2021

Aims. Standard of care (SoC) device size selection with transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) and computed tomography (CT) in LAAO can be challenging due to a certain degree of variability at both patient and device levels. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical impact of 3D computational modelling software in the decision-making of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with Amplatzer Amulet. Methods and Results. SoC preprocedural assessments as well as CT-based 3D computational simulations (FEops) were performed in 15 consecutive patients scheduled for LAAO with Amulet. Preprocedural device size selection and degree of confidence were determined after SoC and after FEops-based assessments and compared to the implanted device. FEops-based preprocedural assessment correctly selected the implanted device size in 11 out of 15 patients (73.3%), compared to 7 patients (46.7%) for SoC-based assessment. In 4 patients (26.7%), FEops induced a change in device size initially selected by SoC. In the 7 patients (46.7%) in which FEops confirmed the SoC device size selection, the degree of confidence of the size selection increased from 6.4 ± 1.4 for SoC to 8.1 ± 0.7 for FEops. One patient (6.7%) could not be implanted for anatomical reason, as correctly identified by FEops. Conclusions. Preprocedural 3D computational simulation by FEops impacts Amulet size selection in LAAO compared to TOE and CT-based SoC assessment. Operators could consider FEops computational simulation in their preprocedural device size selection.
Network Pharmacology Combined with Bioinformatics to Investigate the Mechanisms and Molecular Targets of Astragalus Radix-Panax notoginseng Herb Pair on Treating Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Zhao Jie , Mo Chao , Shi Wei , Meng LiFeng , Ai Jun
Published: July 2021

Background. Astragalus Radix (AR)-Panax notoginseng (PN), a classical herb pair, has shown significant effects in treating diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the intrinsic mechanism of AR-PN treating DN is still unclear. This study aims to illustrate the mechanism and molecular targets of AR-PN treating DN based on network pharmacology combined with bioinformatics. Materials and Methods. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database was used to screen bioactive ingredients of AR-PN. Subsequently, putative targets of bioactive ingredients were predicted utilizing the DrugBank database and converted into genes on UniProtKB database. DN-related targets were retrieved via analyzing published microarray data (GSE30528) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Protein-protein interaction networks of AR-PN putative targets and DN-related targets were established to identify candidate targets using Cytoscape 3.8.0. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of candidate targets were reflected using a plugin ClueGO of Cytoscape. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina software, and the results were visualized by Pymol software. The diagnostic capacity of hub genes was verified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results. Twenty-two bioactive ingredients and 189 putative targets of AR-PN were obtained. Eight hundred and fifty differently expressed genes related to DN were screened. The PPI network showed that 115 candidate targets of AR-PN against DN were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that candidate targets of AR-PN against DN were mainly involved in the apoptosis, oxidative stress, cell cycle, and inflammation response, regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, cell cycle, and MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, MAPK1, AKT1, GSK3B, CDKN1A, TP53, RELA, MYC, GRB2, JUN, and EGFR were considered as the core potential therapeutic targets. Molecular docking demonstrated that these core targets had a great binding affinity with quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and formononetin components. ROC curve analysis showed that AKT1, TP53, RELA, JUN, CDKN1A, and EGFR are effective in discriminating DN from controls. Conclusions. AR-PN against DN may exert its renoprotective effects via various bioactive chemicals and the related pharmacological pathways, involving multiple molecular targets, which may be a promising herb pair treating DN. Nevertheless, these results should be further validated by experimental evidence.
Influencing Factors and Forecasting Statistics of Enterprise Market Sales Based on Big Data and Intelligent IoT
Authors: Guo Zhen , Zou Tao
Published: July 2021

With the acceleration of economic development, enterprise management is facing more severe challenges. Big data analysis based on the intelligent Internet of Things (IoT) has a positive effect on the development of enterprise management and can make up for the shortcomings of enterprise management. In this paper, we develop a big data processing method based on intelligent IoT which can mine the factors that affect the company’s market sales from the collected data. Then, we propose a KNN classification algorithm based on overlapping k‐means clustering. This algorithm adds a training process to the traditional KNN algorithm, which can accurately classify data and greatly improve the efficiency of the classification algorithm. Numerical analysis results prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Studying Effects of Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles on Dentinogenesis in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Al-Maula Bushra Habeeb , Wally Zena Jehad , Al-Magsoosi Mohanad Jameel Najm , Dosh Rasha Hatem , Mustafa Ruba M. , Al-Nasrawi Suhad Jabbar Hamed , Alfutimie Abdullatif , Haider Julfikar
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to evaluate potential impacts of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs) at different dosages on predentin thickness, number of blood vessels, periodontal ligament thickness, and blood glucose level of Wistar rats. Twelve rats were randomly gathered into four groups, untreated (control) and CaO-NP-treated groups at three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of the body weight) over a period of 60 days. Histological investigation was performed on twenty-four lower incisor teeth extracted from all the tested groups under a light microscope, and an automatic Fujifilm was used to measure the blood glucose level. The results showed that regular nanoparticle treatment significantly increased predentin and periodontal ligament thicknesses, a gradual decrease in vascularization in the pulp tissue, and an increase in the blood glucose level as the dosages of nanoparticles administered to the rats increased. Administration of the CaO-NPs at low dosage (25 mg/kg) could be beneficial for the growth and integrity of teeth and dentinal tissues in rats.
Clinical Trials with Biologic Primary Endpoints in Immuno-oncology: Concepts and Usage
Authors: Isaacs James , Tan Aaron C. , Hanks Brent A. , Wang Xiaofei , Owzar Kouros , Herndon James E. , Antonia Scott J. , Piantadosi Steven , Khasraw Mustafa
Published: July 2021

Clinical trials that have a pharmacokinetic or a pharmacodynamic immunologic mechanism of action–based primary outcome could substantially improve the validity and efficiency of early development of immuno-oncology agents. Here, we outline different trial design options in this area, review examples from the literature and their unique immunologic aspects, and highlight how these trials have been underutilized. We illustrate how new technologies and translationally focused approaches can be successfully used to develop different classes of immunotherapeutic agents.
Fatty acids profile, atherogenic and thrombogenic health lipid indices in the meat of lambs that received canola grain
Authors: Carneiro Mayara Mitiko Yoshiraha , Goes Rafael Henrique de Tonissi e Buschinelli de , Barros Beatriz Cervejeira Bolanho , Oliveira Raquel Tenório de , Fernandes Alexandre Rodrigo Mendes , Silva Nayara Gonçalves da , Anschau Douglas Gabriel , Cardoso Claudia Andréa Lima , Oliveira Sullyvan Silva , Picanço Yasmin dos Santos
Published: July 2021

This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and qualitative characteristics of meat from lambs feed in feedlot with increasing levels of canola grain. Meat obtained from 27 lambs fed 0, 8 and 16% inclusion of canola grain were analyzed. There was a reduction in the content of saturated fatty acids (SFA): lauric, heptadecanoic, and stearic; and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA): palmitoleic, oleic, and eicosatrienoic, with the increasing levels of canola grain. There was a linear reduction for the ω3 acid and the ω3: ω6 ratio, while the ω6: ω3 ratio increased. But the values observed for this ratio (ω6: ω3) were lower than 4, which is considered a satisfactory value. There was a slight increase (~2%) for the thrombogenicity index and atherogenicity index with the inclusion of canola grain. There was a reduction in the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio, with mean values of 2.09 for the diet with 0% inclusion, and 2.06 for 8 and 16% inclusion of canola. Although the inclusion of canola grain for lambs decreased the content of some UFA, reflecting alterations in the correlated nutritional properties, there is a reduction of SFA. The results for instrumental analysis, proximate composition, and sensory acceptance of the lamb meat were similar among the treatments.
Rede neural artificial aplicada à estimativa da pressão de poros de uma formação rochosa
Authors: Mendonça Marianna Rezende de Morais , Silveira Bruna Teixeira , Quadrelli Giovane , Franciss Ricardo
Published: July 2021

O projeto de perfuração de poço é uma das principais etapas de engenharia e tem o objetivo de evitar problemas como kicks, instabilidade de poços, blowouts e perda de circulação, que representam os principais causadores de danos ambientais, prejuízos econômicos e até perdas humanas, especialmente críticos quando se trata de perfurações ultraprofundas. Usualmente, métodos matemáticos, empíricos e medidos em campo são usados na estimativa da pressão de poros, porém não se pode dizer que esses têm exatidão nos valores encontrados, pois dependem de como o instrumento ou o analista leem determinada medição. Por esse motivo, métodos como as redes neurais artificiais (RNAs) foram estudados, a fim de encontrar valores de pressões com margem de erro cada vez menor. Além de serem muito mais rápidas e precisas do que os métodos convencionais, as RNAs são sistemas computacionais adaptativos inspirados no cérebro humano, que adquirem conhecimento por meio de experiência. Com isso, um estudo de caso foi realizado a fim de criar, treinar e utilizar uma RNA a partir de dados de perfilagem do poço estudado, além de informações como profundidade e densidade das formações rochosas. A proposta é estimar a pressão de poros usando essa inteligência artificial e comparar os resultados obtidos entre o método convencional de Eaton e a RNA criada, com o intuito de mostrar que os resultados com essa nova tecnologia atingem os menores valores de erro.
Álvaro de Luna: a construção política da imagem do valido (Castela, Século XV)
Authors: Aquino Cássio Lopes
Published: July 2021

Este artigo deseja apresentar como a imagem de um personagem muito importante da história castelhana, Álvaro de Luna, foi construída a partir de uma visão específica, principalmente, da historiografia sobre a nobreza cortesã. Através de um estudo qualitativo das fontes fornecidas do período, principalmente das crônicas, é interessante perceber as intenções e sentidos políticos que essas alcançam. O estudo das crônicas, que abordam a vida desse valido, possibilita reconhecer as lógicas de representação sobre a política. A imagem construída de Álvaro de Luna decorre de um conteúdo político a partir da literatura amalgamada a um jogo intenso de poder durante o reinado de Juan II na Castela do século XV. Ao desafiar grupos importantes da corte e assumir gradativamente poderes e funções – como o de Condestable e Gran Maestre de la Orden de Santiago – no reinado de Juan II, o valido ameaçou a posição da nobreza e seus privilégios. Assim, a construção, de cunho negativo, por parte das crônicas, deriva do pensamento da corte régia sobre Álvaro de Luna, por ser o local de produção dessas fontes. A pesquisa procura entender o contexto político castelhano que envolve o personagem para refletir sobre os motivos de tal construção, dialogando, igualmente, com uma historiografia tradicional que coloca a figura do valido, de maneira geral, como usurpador do caráter monocrático do poder régio. A análise apoia-se numa perspectiva pluralista de poder, característico do período medieval, que envolve a monarquia e a fortalece como parte desse sistema.
First record of ghost shrimp Corallianassa coutierei (Nobili, 1904) (Decapoda: Axiidea: Callichiridae) from Indian waters
Authors: Vadher Piyush , Kardani Hitesh , Bambhaniya Prakash , Beleem Imtiyaz
Published: July 2021

A Callichiridae ghost shrimp species Corallianassa coutierei (Nobili, 1904) is recorded and described here for the first time from the Indian waters. Formerly, five species under the family Callichiridae were recorded from different coastal waters of India. In addition, C. coutierei was infested with several copepods. Additional description of C. coutierei with key characters and distribution status is given for this species. A comprehensive checklist of the infraorder Axiidea is prepared based on previous records from Indian waters.
Identification of a unique barb from the dorsal body contour feathers of the Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura (Aves: Passeriformes: Pittidae)
Authors: Dey Prateek , Ray Swapna Devi , Sharma Sanjeev Kumaar , Pramod Padmanabhan , Singh Ram Pratap
Published: July 2021

Earlier research on feather morphology emphasized comprehensively on the body contour feather than various other types of feathers. Therefore, we conducted a systematic study on all feather types of the Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura, a passerine bird native to the Indian subcontinent. Feather barbs from wing contour, tail contour, body contour, semiplume, down, powder down, and bristle feathers were retrieved from the bird and observed under a light microscope. Primary flight feathers from the right and left wing were longest (85.17 mm and 87.32 mm, respectively), whereas bristle feathers were the shortest (5.31 mm). The mean barb length was observed to be the highest (11.37±0.47 mm) in the wing feather followed by body contour (8.31±0.39 mm), semiplume (8.27±0.22 mm), tail feather (7.85±0.50 mm), down (6.45±0.21 mm), powder down (6.04±0.23 mm), and bristle (2.70±0.07 mm).  Pearson correlation was found positive for barb length and feather length of down feathers (r= 0.996, p ≤0.05). We observed a novel type of barb the first time from dorsal body contour feather having plumulaceous barbules at the base followed by pennaceous barbules. This unique barbule arrangement is termed ‘sub-plumulaceous’ as it is distinct and analogous to known ‘sub-pennaceous’ type arrangement found absent in passerines.
Limitations of current knowledge about the ecology of Grey Foxes hamper conservation efforts
Authors: Allen Maximilian L. , Avrin Alexandra C. , Farmer Morgan J. , Whipple Laura S. , Alexander Emmarie P. , Cervantes Alyson M. , Bauder Javan M.
Published: July 2021

Species-specific conservation is important for maintaining the integrity of ecological communities but is dependent on sufficiently understanding multiple aspects of a species’ ecology. Species-specific data are commonly lacking for species in geographic areas with little research and species perceived to have insufficient charisma or economic importance. Despite their widespread distribution across central and North America and status as a furbearing mammal, little is known about the ecology of Grey Foxes Urocyon cinereoargenteus compared to other species of furbearing mammals. To understand what is known about this species, especially factors affecting population dynamics, we performed a systematic review of the scientific literature. We found 234 studies about Grey Foxes, with studies increasing substantially over time but with geographic gaps in the Great Plains and most of Mexico and central America. Most studies we reviewed examined relative abundance or occupancy (n= 35), habitat associations (n= 30), primarily as part of larger mammalian community studies, or spatiotemporal effects of other mammalian carnivores (n= 19), predominately Coyote Canis latrans. Grey Foxes were primarily forest-associated although associations with specific forest communities or anthropogenically disturbed habitats varied among studies. Multiple studies across ecoregions reported this fox as among both the most- and least-abundant mammalian carnivore. The inter-specific effects of Coyote were often, but not exclusively, negative and were likely mediated by landscape composition and human development. Importantly, very few studies examined population-effects of coyotes on Grey Foxes. Studies of population trends, demographics, and space use of Grey Foxes were comparatively rare and small inter- and intra-study sample sizes limited our ability to infer broader patterns. We suggest multiple avenues for future research to better understand the population status of this species throughout their range.