bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Combining Early Chemotherapy with Zhipu Liujunzi Decoction under the Concept of Strengthening and Consolidating Body Resistance for Gastric Cancer Patients and Nursing Strategy
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Shujuan , Su Qiang , Ma Tian
Published: December 2021

Objective. To explore the clinical efficacy of combining early chemotherapy with Zhipu Liujunzi decoction under the concept of strengthening and consolidating body resistance for gastric cancer patients and nursing strategy. Methods. The clinical data of 100 patients undergoing radical gastrectomy in our hospital from July 2019 to July 2020 were selected for the retrospective analysis, and the patients were divided into the control group and experimental group according to different treatment methods, with 50 cases in each group. Early chemotherapy after surgery was given to patients in the control group, and on the basis of the aforesaid treatment and under the concept of strengthening and consolidating body resistance, patients in the experimental group took Zhipu Liujunzi decoction and received the nursing strategy, so as to compare their effective rate, adverse reaction rate (ARR), immune function indicators, KPS scores, and nursing satisfaction scores. Results. After treatment, the experimental group obtained significantly higher objective remission rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) (

P
<
0.05

), lower carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels (

P
<
0.001

), higher immune parameters levels (

P
<
0.001

), higher KPS scores and lower TCM symptom scores (

P
<
0.001

), lower PSQI scores, SAS scores, and SDS scores (

P
<
0.001

) and higher nursing satisfaction scores (

P
<
0.001

), and lower total accidence rate of toxic side effects (

P
<
0.05

) than the control group. Conclusion. Under the concept of strengthening and consolidating body resistance, combining early chemotherapy with Zhipu Liujunzi decoction is a reliable method for improving the immune function and quality of life for gastric cancer patients with higher safety. Such a strategy greatly reduces the tumor marker levels in patients. Further research will be conducive to establishing a better solution for gastric cancer patients.
[Retracted] Quantitative Parameters of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Combined with Lung Biopsy Were Used to Evaluate the Benign and Malignant Lesions around the Lungs
Authors: Sun Jun , Na Fengyu , Ma Bo , Wang Li , Shi Hanbing , Ding Yan
Published: November 2021

In recent years, due to the influence of living habits and smoking, the number of lung cancer patients worldwide has increased year by year, and it has gradually developed into one of the common diseases endangering human life. CEUS can observe the lesion and realize the rapid identification of the location of the active area of the lesion. CEUS is the abbreviation of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound technology. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound technology is to inject ultrasound contrast agent through a peripheral vein to perform ultrasound exploration to observe the enhancement of the internal nodules. Compared with color ultrasound, it can diagnose more accurately and improve the inspection effect. At present, this technology is used for the diagnosis of many types of space‐occupying lesions, but it is rarely used for the diagnosis of lung lesions. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of CEUS quantitative parameters combined with lung biopsy in the assessment of benign and malignant peripheral lung diseases. Based on the relevant theoretical basis of CEUS and lung biopsy, 158 patients with peripheral lung disease were selected as experimental subjects, and they were divided into experimental group and control group for comparative experiments. Experiments proved the effectiveness of CEUS quantitative parameters combined with lung biopsy methods. The experimental results showed that, compared with the benign group, the time‐intensity curve, the rise time, and the peak time of the malignant lesions were significantly prolonged. In addition, CEUS combined with the quantitative parameters of lung biopsy can effectively distinguish the activity of lung lesions and the site of necrosis and promote the effective increase of the positive rate of lung biopsy.
Strain-Sensing Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube Yarns Embedded in Three-Dimensional Braided Composites under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Bai Huixiao , Ding Gang , Jia Shusheng , Hao Jinguo
Published: November 2021

Carbon nanotube yarns are embedded in three-dimensional (3D) braided composites with five-axis yarns, which are used as strain sensors to monitor the damage of 3D braided composites. In the cyclic mechanical loading experiment, the strain-sensing characteristics of 3D braided composites were studied by in situ measuring the resistance change of the embedded carbon nanotube yarn. The 3D five-directional braided composite prefabricated part based on carbon nanotube yarns was developed, and the progressive damage accumulation experiments were carried out on carbon nanotube yarns and specimens embedded in carbon nanotube yarns. The research results show that there is a good correlation between the change of relative resistance of the carbon nanotube yarn and the strain of the composite specimen during cyclic loading and unloading. When the tensile degree of the specimen increases beyond a certain range, the carbon nanotube yarn sensor embedded in the specimen shows resistance hysteresis and produces residual resistance. Therefore, the fiber can better monitor the progressive damage accumulation of 3D five-direction braided composites.
Application Analysis Based on Big Data Technology in Stroke Rehabilitation Nursing
Authors: Xu WeiHua , Liu LiangJin , Zhang JiuXia
Published: December 2021

According to the statistical analysis, the incidence of stroke disease has gradually increased, particularly in recent years, which poses a huge threat to the safety of human life. Due to the advancement in science and technology specifically big data and sensors, a new research dome known as data mining technology has been introduced, which has the potential value from the perspective of large amount of data analysis. Information has become a new trend of science and technology, and data mining has been used in various application areas to analyze and predict strokes at home and abroad. In this study, big data technology is utilized to collect potential information and explores clinical pathways of level-3 rehabilitation in certain regions of China. Moreover, application effects of data mining in the rehabilitation of patients with the first ischemic stroke have been evaluated and reported. For this purpose, fifty (50) first-time ischemic stroke patients have been screened through big data and were nonartificially assigned to level-3 clinical pathway and conventional rehabilitation groups, respectively, specifically through software. The first group of patients enters the clinical path of the corresponding level according to the way of three-level referral. These patients were analyzed based on the collected results of completing the unified rehabilitation treatment plan of the three-level rehabilitation medical institution in the patient record form. The second group was selected according to the routine rehabilitation model and method of the medical institution where the patients visited were divided into four stages: before treatment, three weeks after treatment, nine weeks after treatment, and seventeen weeks after treatment. For this purpose, a simplified Fugl-Meyer analysis (FMA), recording of various functions of limb movement, and modified Barthel index (MBI) scale were used to analyze and evaluate the ability of daily activities and compare their effects. The final results showed that FMA and MBI scores of the two groups were improved in the three stages after treatment. The FMA and MBI scores of the clinical pathway group on 3rd and 9th weekends were significantly different from those of the conventional rehabilitation group (which is

p
<
0.05

). Moreover, difference in FMA and MBI scores between the two at the 17th weekend was not significant. The total cost of the clinical pathway group, particularly at the ninth weekend, was higher than that of the conventional rehabilitation group, but the cost-benefit ratio was better and the incidence of complications was lower than that of the other group.
An Efficient Branch-and-Bound Algorithm for Globally Solving Minimax Linear Fractional Programming Problem
Authors: Jia Pujun , Jiao Hongwei , Shi Dongwei , Yin Jingben
Published: November 2021

This paper presents an efficient outer space branch-and-bound algorithm for globally solving a minimax linear fractional programming problem (MLFP), which has a wide range of applications in data envelopment analysis, engineering optimization, management optimization, and so on. In this algorithm, by introducing auxiliary variables, we first equivalently transform the problem (MLFP) into the problem (EP). By using a new linear relaxation technique, the problem (EP) is reduced to a sequence of linear relaxation problems over the outer space rectangle, which provides the valid lower bound for the optimal value of the problem (EP). Based on the outer space branch-and-bound search and the linear relaxation problem, an outer space branch-and-bound algorithm is constructed for globally solving the problem (MLFP). In addition, the convergence and complexity of the presented algorithm are given. Finally, numerical experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
College Physical Education and Training in Big Data: A Big Data Mining and Analysis System
Authors: Wang Huiqin
Published: December 2021

Recently, big data has been broadly used as a research method in all aspects of analysis, prediction, and evaluation. The application of big data to college students’ physical education plays a significant role in encouraging the completion of physical education at various levels. The application of the Internet and the advent of smartphones impact the way college students participate in physical exercise. At present, more and more students begin to participate in sports, and students’ demand for physical training is increasing. During physical education training, a lot of data is generated every moment because of various actions and behaviors. Due to technical limitations, these data were not effectively collected and applied. In this environment, the development and management of sports data mining systems have become more and more important. This paper designs an intelligent big data system for college physical education training. The study mainly focuses on data decentralization, lack of data talents, insufficient technical support, and low utilization of venues in physical education. While designing a big data system, the data is collected based on ease of data collection, and a response framework with excellent performance in storing analytical data is selected. The design and management of this system have a certain significance for the improvement and optimization of current college physical education training.
Atheroprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Postmarketing Chinese Patent Formulas in Atherosclerosis Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Shiqi , Wu Xiaoxiao , Li Tong , Li Yang , Wang Baofu , Cheng Weiting , Teng Yu , Yang Jingjing , Meng Hui , Wang Lei , Lu Ziwen , Jiang Yangyang , Wang Yahong , Zhao Mingjing
Published: November 2021

Background. Some postmarketing Chinese patent formulas have been widely used to treat atherosclerosis (AS) and play critical roles in Chinese healthcare. However, the usage of these herbs is yet controversial due to unclear effects and lack of understanding of the mechanism of action. With the modernization of traditional Chinese formulas, we are to elucidate the atheroprotective properties of these remedies from successful postmarketing experiments in vivo. Methods. In this systematic review, we critically searched the databases, applied stringent criteria, assessed the methodological quality, and examined the current evidence in vivo. Results. Consequently, 60 studies were included in the present qualitative synthesis. Data on models, high-fat diet, intervention time, outcome measures, efficacy, and mechanisms were collected. Finally, 23 formulas that could alleviate AS were correlated to the amelioration of plaques, improvement of plaque stability, modification of lipid level and lipid metabolism, and the effects of anti-inflammation and antioxidant stress with multiple components and targets. However, the methodological quality was low and incomplete among the included literature. Conclusions. Thus, taken together, the studies on postmarketing Chinese patent formulas would provide a novel approach to improve the treatment of AS, and rigorously designed studies would provide high-quality evidence.
The Influence of Substituting Prices, Product Returns, and Service Quality on Repurchase Intention
Authors: Xue Jian , Rasool Zeeshan , Khan Mohsin Ali , Khan Ahmad Imran , Khan Farooq , Khan Anum Afzal , Shoukat Rabail , Ali Hina
Published: November 2021

The textile industry is production‐intensive and incorporates diverse transactions made by multiple suppliers, corporate buyers, and supply chain members. In the business‐to‐business context, the cost for attracting a new customer is notably much higher than that needed to retain a present one. Customer loyalty in terms of customer repurchase intention has, therefore, been considered as a key determinant for textile companies to improve their efficiency and competitive advantage. This study aims to investigate the business‐to‐business repurchase intentions of Pakistan textile and clothing industry customers. The study framework specifically consolidates the mutual dynamics of appealing (service quality), facilitating (product returns), and averting (switching costs) factors altogether and the effect of these variables on customer satisfaction and thus on customer retention (repurchase intent) in the textile’s transactional scenario. A sample survey method is used for this study. The data collected through self‐administered questionnaires (n = 325) from All Pakistan Textile Mills Association enlisted the employees of the companies. The structural equational modeling technique was applied to examine the study hypotheses. The findings contended that service quality and switching costs are essential determinants that shape the repurchase intentions. Therefore, product returns do not contribute toward customer satisfaction and also do not shape the intentions of business‐to‐business customers to repurchase from the same supplier after having even a good product return experience in past.
Collaborative Big Data Management and Analytics in Complex Systems with Edge 2021 eaCamera: A Case Study on AI‐Based Complex Attention Analysis with Edge System
Authors: Guo Chaopeng , Zhu Peimeng , Li Feng , Song Jie
Published: November 2021

As an extension of cloud computing, edge computing makes up for the deficiency of cloud computing to a certain extent. Edge computing reduces unnecessary data transmission and makes a significant contribution to the real‐time and security of the system due to its characteristics that are closer to the terminal equipment. In this paper, we study the problem of attention detection. Attentional concentration during some specific tasks plays a vital role, which indicates the effectiveness and performance of human beings. Evaluation of attentional concentration status is essential in many fields. However, it is hard to define the behavior features related to the variety of tasks and behaviors. To solve this problem, we propose an intelligent edge system for attention concentration analysis, eaCamera, to recognize attentional concentration behaviors of students at the edge. To make objective measurements and save the label cost, eaCamera utilizes AI approaches to find the concentration behaviors based on a behavior analysis model with two perspectives, namely, individual perspective and group perspective. Individual perspective indicates personal behavior changes in time dimension while group perspective indicates the changes of the behavior within a group behavior manner. To evaluate the proposed system, a case study is done within a primary school to evaluate student’s performance in the classroom and offer teaching advice for teachers.
Design of the Piano Score Recommendation Image Analysis System Based on the Big Data and Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2021

In the era of big data, the problem of information overload is becoming more and more obvious. A piano music image analysis and recommendation system based on the CNN classifier and user preference is designed by using the convolutional neural network (CNN), which can realize accurate piano music recommendation for users in the big data environment. The piano music recommendation system based on the CNN is mainly composed of user modeling, music feature extraction, recommendation algorithm, and so on. In the recommendation algorithm module, the potential characteristics of music are predicted by the regression model, and the matching degree between users and music is calculated according to user preferences. Then, music that users may be interested in is generated and sorted in order to recommend new piano music to relevant users. The image analysis model contains four “convolution + pooling” layers. The classification accuracy and gradient change law of the CNN under RMSProp and Adam optimal controllers are compared. The image analysis results show that the Adam optimal controller can quickly find the direction, and the gradient decreases greatly. In addition, the accuracy of the recommendation system is 55.84%. Compared with the traditional CNN algorithm, this paper uses the convolutional neural network (CNN) to analyze and recommend piano music images according to users’ preferences, which can realize more accurate piano music recommendation for users in the big data environment. Therefore, the piano music recommendation system based on the CNN has strong feature learning ability and good prediction and recommendation ability.
Data Privacy in Wearable IoT Devices: Anonymization and Deanonymization
Authors: Park Semi , Kim Riha , Yoon Hyunsik , Lee Kyungho
Published: November 2021

With the development of IoT devices, wearable devices are being used to record various types of information. Wearable IoT devices are attached to the user and can collect and transmit user data at all times along with a smartphone. In particular, sensitive information such as location information has an essential value in terms of privacy, and therefore some IoT devices implement data protection by introducing methods such as masking. However, masking can only protect privacy to a certain extent in logs having large numbers of recorded data. However, the effectiveness may decrease if we are linked with other information collected from within the device. Herein, a scenario-based case study on deanonymizing anonymized location information based on logs stored in wearable devices is described. As a result, we combined contextual and direct evidence from the collected information. It was possible to obtain the result in which the user could effectively identify the actual location. Through this study, not only can a deanonymized user location be identified but we can also confirm that cross-validation is possible even when dealing with modified GPS coordinates.
Effect of Platelet‐Rich Plasma on Corneal Epithelial Healing after Phototherapeutic Keratectomy: An Intraindividual Contralateral Randomized Study
Authors: Kamiya Kazutaka , Takahashi Masahide , Shoji Nobuyuki
Published: November 2021

Purpose. To assess the effect of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on the healing response of the corneal epithelium in eyes undergoing phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Methods. We prospectively examined 20 eyes of 10 patients undergoing bilateral PTK for granular corneal dystrophy or band keratopathy. Patients were randomly assigned to start topical administration of PRP ophthalmic suspension (PRP group) or artificial tears (control group) 4 times daily for 2 weeks. Immediately, 1, and 2 days, and 1 week after PTK, we quantitatively measured the staining area of the corneal epithelium, using slit‐lamp photography. We also determined the subjective symptoms and the satisfaction, using the visual analogue system (VAS). Results. The staining area in the PRP group was significantly smaller than that in the control group on days 1 and 2 (Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, p = 0.022 and p = 0.017, respectively), but not on day 7 (p = 0.317). The recovery rate of the corneal epithelium in the PRP group was significantly higher than that in the control group on days 1 and 2 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.017, respectively), but not on day 7 (p = 0.317). We found no significant differences in pain (p = 0.139), foreign body sensation (p = 0.108), epiphora (p = 1.000), or satisfaction (p = 0.295), between the two groups. Postoperative complications did not occur in any of the eyes in the study. Conclusions. The PRP treatment was effective for enhancing corneal epithelial recovery in the early postoperative period, without significant adverse events, in post‐PTK‐treated eyes, suggesting that it may hold promise as one of the treatment options for treating such postsurgical patients.
Cilengitide Inhibits Neovascularization in a Rabbit Abdominal Aortic Plaque Model by Impairing the VEGF Signaling
Authors: Zhu Fawang , Yuan Shuai , Li Jing , Mou Yun , Hu Zhiqiang , Wang Xiuqin , Sun Xiaotong , Ding Jie , Zheng Zhelan
Published: December 2021

Background. Cilengitide is a selective αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrin inhibitor. We sought to investigate the effect of cilengitide on the neovascularization of abdominal aortic plaques in rabbits and explore its underlying antiangiogenic mechanism on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Materials and Methods. For the in vivo experiment, the abdominal aortic plaque model of rabbits was established and injected with different doses of cilengitide or saline for 14 consecutive days. Conventional ultrasound (CUS) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were applied to measure the vascular structure and blood flow parameters. CD31 immunofluorescence staining was performed for examining neovascularization. Relative expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and integrin of the plaque were determined. For in vitro experiments, HUVECs were tested for proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and tube formation in the presence of different doses of cilengitide. Relative expressions of VEGF, integrin, and Ras/ERK/AKT signaling pathways were determined for the exploration of underlying mechanism. Results. CEUS showed modestly increased size and eccentricity index (EI) of plaques in the control group. Different degrees of reduced size and EI of plaques were observed in two cilengitide treatment groups. The expressions of VEGF and integrin in the plaque were inhibited after 14 days of cilengitide treatment. The neovascularization and apoptosis of the abdominal aorta were also significantly alleviated by cilengitide treatment. For in vitro experiments, cilengitide treatment was found to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs. However, cilengitide did not induce the apoptosis of HUVECs. A higher dose of cilengitide inhibited the mRNA expression of VEGF‐A, β3, and β5, but not αV. Lastly, cilengitide treatment significantly inhibited the Ras/ERK/AKT pathway in the HUVECs. Conclusions. This study showed that cilengitide effectively inhibited the growth of plaque size by inhibiting the angiogenesis of the abdominal aortic plaques and blocking the VEGF‐mediated angiogenic effect on HUVECs.
Association between Serum Magnesium and Hemoglobin in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Ding Na , Guo Tao , Liu Shu-Ying , Wang Qin-Yi , Qu Xiao-Li , Li Yong-Fang , Ou Yang-Na , Yang Yan-Yi , Sheng Zhi-Feng
Published: November 2021

Background. There is a positive association between serum magnesium and hemoglobin levels in the general population. However, no studies have evaluated the association between serum magnesium and hemoglobin levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). We aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between serum magnesium and hemoglobin levels in the patient population with PHPT. Methods. This retrospective study included 307 hospitalized PHPT patients who were continuously admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, from January 2010 to August 2020. Laboratory and demographic data of patients were collected. Hypomagnesemia was defined as serum magnesium <0.75 mmol/L. Patients with a hemoglobin level below 130 g/L in males and below 120 g/L in females were accepted as the anemic group. Results. Among the 307 patients with PHPT included in our study, 77 (25.1%) patients (33 (32.4%) males and 44 (21.5%) females) had hypomagnesemia. A total of 138 (45.0%) patients (49 males (48.0%) and 89 females (43.4%)) had anemia. Compared with the nonanemic group, the anemic group had lower average albumin, eGFR, and serum magnesium levels in both males and females. In contrast, average creatinine, PTH, and corrected calcium were significantly higher in the anemic group than in the nonanemic group in both males and females. Lower serum magnesium levels were associated with lower hemoglobin levels independent of serum calcium, albumin, eGFR, and PTH in PHPT patients. Conclusions. Hypomagnesemia is a common electrolyte disorder in PHPT patients. Hypomagnesemia is independently associated with lower hemoglobin levels in patients with PHPT.
Study on Mesoscale Damage Evolution Characteristics of Irregular Sandstone Particles Based on Digital Images and Fractal Theory
Authors: Zheng Lujing , Zheng Lulin , Zuo Yujun , Liu Hao , Chen Bin , Wu Zhonghu , Sun Wenjibin , Wang Yingle
Published: November 2021

To study the mesoscale damage evolution law of irregular sandstone particles, based on RFPA2D and digital image processing technology, a real mesostructure numerical model of irregular sandstone particles is established to simulate the breakage process of particles, the effects of loading conditions and mesoscale heterogeneity on irregular sandstone particle damage are studied, and the calculation method of fractal dimension of irregular rock particles mesoscale fracture is proposed. The results show that the fracture damage degree (ω) and fractal dimension (D) maximum values of the constrained particles are 0.733 and 1.466, respectively, and the unconstrained particles are 0.577 and 1.153, respectively. The final failure mode of constrained particles is more complicated than unconstrained particles, the damage is more serious, and the fracture is more complete. Thus, the larger values of D yield a more complicated final failure mode of the particles. Consequently, with the larger ω, the final damage is more serious, and the breakage effect is comparatively better. The study is of great significance for exploring the laws of rock particle breakage and energy consumption, rock breakage mechanism, and searching for efficient and energy‐saving rock‐breaking methods.
Increased Oxidative Stress in Gastric Cancer Patients and Their First‐Degree Relatives: A Prospective Study from Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Braga-Neto Manuel B. , Costa Deiziane V. S. , Queiroz Dulciene M. M. , Maciel Felipe S. , de Oliveira Michelle S. , Viana-Junior Antônio B. , Santos Flávia A. , Leitao Renata F. C. , Brito Gerly A. C. , Vasconcelos Paulo R. L. , Braga Lucia L. B. C.
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims. First‐degree relatives of gastric cancer patients are at increased risk of developing gastric cancer. Increased oxidative stress, including lipid peroxidation, has been associated with gastric carcinogenesis. Whether first‐degree relatives of gastric cancer patients have increased oxidative stress remains unknown. We aimed to compare oxidative stress in patients with gastric cancer, their first‐degree relatives, and dyspeptic controls. Methods. A total of 155 patients undergoing upper endoscopy were prospectively enrolled, including 50 with gastric cancer, 49 first‐degree relatives of gastric cancer patients, and 56 controls. Serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were measured. Multivariate analysis adjusting for sex, age, smoking status, and alcohol consumption was performed. Results. Lipid peroxidation, as measured by concentration of MDA (nmol/mL), was higher (p = 0.04), and glutathione levels were lower (p < 0.001) in the gastric cancer group compared to controls. There was no difference in the catalase activity among the groups. There was no difference in glutathione and MDA concentration or catalase activity between the different stages of gastric cancer based on the TNM classification. Relatives of gastric cancer patients had higher glutathione concentration (μmol/mL) compared to gastric cancer patients (262.5 vs. 144.6; p = 0.018), while there was no difference in MDA concentration. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity were lower in the gastric cancer group (3.82 vs. 0.91; p < 0.001 and 1.04 vs. 0.6; p < 0.001) compared to their first‐degree relatives. Interestingly, MDA concentration in the first‐degree relative group was higher than in the control group (7.9 vs. 5.1; p = 0.03). Conclusions. In this study, similarly to gastric cancer patients, their first‐degree relatives were found to have increased oxidative stress compared to controls. Further studies are warranted to validate this observation and to better understand the role of oxidative stress as a possible biomarker in this population.
Dual Effects of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors-1 Alpha in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Treated by Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Hongpeng , Wang Hao , Xia Yong , Qi Nianmin
Published: November 2021

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a kind of lung disease characterized by scar formation and inflammation damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered a promising therapy because of multidirectional differentiation and immune regulation. Our research was designed for identifying the preventative defensive ability and therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs). HUCMSCs were administered before or after bleomycin injection in different groups of C57BL/6 mice. We calculated the survival time of mice, the lung coefficients, contents of hydroxyproline, and pathological scores. The expression levels of HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α), α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin), γH2AFX (γH2A histone family, member X), ZO-1 (zonula occludens-1), ROS (reactive oxygen species) content, and proliferation ability of A549 cells were detected after treatment with bleomycin and HUCMSCs conditioned medium (HUCMSCs-CM), respectively, or together in vitro. In addition, we examined the secretome of HUCMSCs in regular and inflammatory stimulation conditions. Our results demonstrated that prophylactic HUCMSC administration before bleomycin-induced modeling process could significantly meliorate damage to pulmonary fibrosis. After the deletion of HIF-1α, damage markers in A549 cells were significantly reduced in therapeutic administration condition. However, it was the opposite in prophylactic administration condition. The results confirmed that HUCMSCs had available preventive effect on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. However, it may have a negative effect in therapeutic administration condition because of the dual effect of HIF-1α.
The Combination of β‐Asarone and Icariin Inhibits Amyloid‐β and Reverses Cognitive Deficits by Promoting Mitophagy in Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Nanbu , Wang Haoyu , Pan Qi , Kang Jian , Liang Ziwen , Zhang Ronghua
Published: December 2021

β‐Asarone is the main constituent of Acorus tatarinowii Schott and exhibits important effects in diseases such as neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases. Icariin (ICA) is a major active ingredient of Epimedium that has attracted increasing attention because of its unique pharmacological effects in degenerative disease. In this paper, we primarily explored the effects of the combination of β‐asarone and ICA in clearing noxious proteins and reversing cognitive deficits. The accumulation of damaged mitochondria and mitophagy are hallmarks of aging and age‐related neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we provide evidence that autophagy/mitophagy is impaired in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and in Aβ1‐42‐induced PC12 cell models. Enhanced mitophagic activity has been reported to promote Aβ and tau clearance in in vitro and in vivo models. Meanwhile, there is growing evidence that treatment of AD should be preceded by intervention before the formation of pathological products. The efficacy of the combination therapy was better than that of the individual therapies applied separately. Then, we found that the combination therapy also inhibited cell and mitochondrial damage by inducing autophagy/mitophagy. These findings suggest that impaired removal of defective mitochondria is a pivotal event in AD pathogenesis, and that combination treatment with mitophagy inducers represents a potential strategy for therapeutic intervention.
The Relationship between Routine Blood Parameters and the Prognosis of COVID-19 Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Ertekin Birsen , Yortanlı Mehmet , Özelbaykal Ozan , Doğru Ali , Girişgin A. Sadık , Acar Tarık
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the routine blood parameters of COVID-19 patients at the time of admission to the emergency department and their relationship with the severity of the disease and prognosis. A total of 500 patients, who were diagnosed with severe COVID-19 and hospitalized in the intensive care unit between 01.04.2020 and 01.02.2021 in the emergency department of a pandemic hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were obtained from the hospital registry system. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were calculated using neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts. These patients were divided into two groups: survivors and deceased. All parameters obtained from routine blood analysis were statistically compared between these two groups. While 280 out of 500 patients survived, 220 died. Of all patients, the mean age was 67 years and 51.8% were males. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, length of hospital stay, need for mechanical ventilation, white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, platelet counts, CRP, ferritin, procalcitonin values, NLR, MLR, and PLR (

p
<
0.001

for all). While NLR alone and MLR + NEU and NLR + PLR + MLR combinations had the highest AUC values (0.930, 0.947, and 0.939, respectively), MLR and PLR alone showed the lowest AUC values (0.875 and 0.797, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values (NPVs) in the prediction of death according to the cutoff values of the parameters have been determined. A significant correlation was determined between age, NLR, MLR, and PLR and duration of hospital stay (

p
<
0.001

for all). Routine blood parameters and NLR, MLR, and PLR can assist emergency physicians to identify the severity and early prognosis of COVID-19 patients.
Development of an Innovative Berberine Food-Grade Formulation with an Ameliorated Absorption: In Vitro Evidence Confirmed by Healthy Human Volunteers Pharmacokinetic Study
Authors: Petrangolini Giovanna , Corti Fabrizio , Ronchi Massimo , Arnoldi Lolita , Allegrini Pietro , Riva Antonella
Published: November 2021

Objective. To evaluate in vitro solubility, bioaccessibility, and cytotoxic profile, together with a pharmacokinetic profile by oral administration to healthy volunteers of a novel food-grade berberine formulation (BBR-PP, i.e., berberine Phytosome®). Results. An in vitro increase of solubility in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids and an improved bioaccessibility at intestinal level along with a lower cytotoxicity with respect to berberine were observed with BBR-PP. The pharmacokinetic profile of the oral administration to healthy volunteers confirmed that berberine Phytosome® significantly ameliorated berberine absorption, in comparison to unformulated berberine, without any observed side effects. The berberine plasma concentrations observed with both doses of BBR-PP were significantly higher than those seen after unformulated berberine administration, starting from 45 min (free berberine) and 30 min (total berberine). Furthermore, BBR-PP improved berberine bioavailability (AUC) was significantly higher, around 10 times on molar basis and with observed dose linearity, compared to the unformulated berberine. Conclusion. These findings open new perspectives on the use of this healthy berberine formulation in metabolic discomforts.
Analysis of 190 Female Patients after Appendectomy
Authors: Alotaibi Abdulrahman M. , Moshref Leena H. , Moshref Rana H. , Felemban Lina S.
Published: November 2021

This study is a retrospective cohort review carried out at a single, private tertiary center. We included 190 female patients who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis between January 2016 and December 2018. Two groups of patients were analyzed based on the pregnancy. The main outcome measures were complication rate and risk of abortion during or after surgery. Out of 190 female patients, eight of them were pregnant (4.2%). The pregnant group more significantly underwent ultrasound investigation compared to the nonpregnant group. Complicated appendicitis present in two pregnant patients at advanced gestational age was not statistically significant from nonpregnant. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 6/8 (75%) of pregnant compared to 158/182 (87%) in nonpregnant (

p

 = 0.415). Compared to the nonpregnant, the pregnant group has a more fecolith, positive peritoneal fluid culture, and wound infection, with E. coli more frequently isolated in 25%. None of the pregnant patients had an abortion, preterm labor, or mortality during or after surgery. In conclusion, laparoscopic appendectomy is a low-risk operation for pregnant with acute appendicitis.
Evaluation of Stress Generated with Different Abutment Materials and Angulations under Axial and Oblique Loading in the Anterior Maxilla: Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Kapoor Sumedha , Rodrigues Shobha , Mahesh M. , Shetty Thilak , Pai Umesh , Saldanha Sharon , Hedge Puneeth , Shenoy Satish
Published: December 2021

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess and correlate the stress distribution in an anterior maxillary implant-supported prosthesis with 0°(degree), 15°, and 25° angulated titanium and zirconia abutments using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods. Six FEA models consisting of a dentate anterior maxilla with a single bone-level implant of dimension 4.2 × 10 mm placed in the region of left maxillary central incisor and abutments of dimension 4.2 mm made of titanium and zirconia each with angulation 0° (IA and IB), 15° (IIA and IIB), and 25° (IIIA and IIIB) and ANSYS Workbench software were utilized to design a layered zirconia crown. Unilateral axial and oblique loads of 178 N were applied on the palatal aspect of the crown of left maxillary central incisor. Average von Mises stress values were evaluated in the implant and the peri-implant bone quantitatively and qualitatively. Results. Stress was shown to increase with an increase in angulation in all the areas that were examined. Zirconia abutments showed lesser stress in the implant and surrounding bone than titanium abutments. When compared with the body and apex of the implant, the implant neck values were higher in all models. In between cortical and cancellous bone, the stress recorded was higher in the cortical bone. Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, straight abutments generated a more uniform and minimal stress in implant and peri-implant bone than angulated abutments. Titanium abutments generated higher stress levels than zirconia abutments. The stresses generated are directly proportional to an increase in abutment angulation, and therefore, straight abutments are most suitable for favourable stress transmission.
Development of a Prognostic Model Based on the Identification of EMT-Related lncRNAs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Guo Jiani , Yi Xuesong , Ji Zhuqing , Yao Mengchu , Yang Yu , Song Wei , Huang Mingde
Published: November 2021

Background. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most incurable subtype of breast cancer owing to high heterogeneity, aggressive nature, and lack of treatment options. It is generally acknowledged that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key step in tumor metastasis. Methods. With the application of TCGA and GEO databases, we identified EMT-related lncRNAs by the Cox univariate regression analysis. Optimum risk scores were calculated and used to divide TNBC patients into high-/low-risk subgroups by the median value using the Lasso regression analysis. The Kaplan–Meier and ROC curve analyses were applied for model validation. Then, we assessed the risk model from multi-omic aspects including immune infiltration, drug sensitivity, mutability spectrum, signaling pathways, and clinical indicators. We also analyzed the expression pattern of lncRNAs involved in the model using qRT-PCR in TNBC cell lines and constructed the ceRNA network. Results. The risk model was composed of EMT-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which seemed to be valuable in the prognostic prediction of TNBC patients. The model could act as an independent prognostic factor of TNBC and showed a robust prognostic ability in the stratification analysis. Further investigation demonstrated that the expression of lncRNAs was different between high aggressive and low aggressive TNBC cell lines, as well as TNBC patients. Conclusions. Together, our study successfully established a risk model with great accuracy and efficacy in the prognostic prediction of TNBC patients.
Next-Generation Sequencing of Minimal Residual Disease for Predicting Relapse after Tisagenlecleucel in Children and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Pulsipher Michael A. , Han Xia , Maude Shannon L. , Laetsch Theodore W. , Qayed Muna , Rives Susana , Boyer Michael W. , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Yanik Gregory A. , Driscoll Tim , Myers G. Doug , Bader Peter , Baruchel Andre , Buechner Jochen , Stefanski Heather E. , Kalfoglou Creton , Nguyen Kevin , Waldron Edward R. , Thudium Mueller Karen , Maier Harald J. , Kari Gabor , Grupp Stephan A.
Published: December 2021

We assessed minimal residual disease (MRD) detection and B-cell aplasia after tisagenlecleucel therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) to define biomarkers predictive of relapse (N = 143). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) MRD detection >0 in bone marrow (BM) was highly associated with relapse. B-cell recovery [signifying loss of functional chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells] within the first year of treatment was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) for relapse of 4.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.03–9.97; P < 0.001]. Multivariate analysis at day 28 showed independent associations of BMNGS-MRD >0 (HR = 4.87; 95% CI, 2.18–10.8; P < 0.001) and B-cell recovery (HR = 3.33; 95% CI, 1.44–7.69; P = 0.005) with relapse. By 3 months, the BMNGS-MRD HR increased to 12 (95% CI, 2.87–50; P < 0.001), whereas B-cell recovery was not independently predictive (HR = 1.27; 95% CI, 0.33–4.79; P = 0.7). Relapses occurring with persistence of B-cell aplasia were largely CD19− (23/25: 88%). Detectable BMNGS-MRD reliably predicts risk with sufficient time to consider approaches to relapse prevention such as hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) or second CAR-T cell infusion.

Significance:

Detectable disease by BMNGS-MRD with or without B-cell aplasia is highly predictive of relapse after tisagenlecleucel therapy for ALL. Clonotypic rearrangements used to follow NGS-MRD did not change after loss of CD19 or lineage switch. High-risk patients identified by these biomarkers may benefit from HCT or investigational cell therapies.

See related commentary by Ghorashian and Bartram, p. 2.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Pass On What You Have Learned: A Structured Mentor-Mentee Concept for the Implementation of a Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Program
Authors: Heim Christian , Müller Philipp P. , Massoudy Parwis , Harig Frank , Nooh Ehab , Weyand Michael , Czesla Markus
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Starting a minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) for mitral valve repair (MVR) program is challenging as it requires a new learning curve, but compromising surgical results at the same time is not acceptable. Here, we describe our surgical educational experience of starting a new MICS program at a university heart center in Germany. Methods: A dedicated team for the new MICS program including 2 cardiac surgeons, 1 cardiac anesthetist, 1 perfusionist, and 1 scrub nurse was chosen. The use of long shafted instruments was trained in a low-cost self-assembled MICS simulator, and the EACTS endoscopic dry lab course was visited. Thereafter, 1 MICS center was visited for direct observation and peer-to-peer education for 6 weeks. The mentor observed the first 10 cases performed by the mentee. The surgical mitral valve expertise of 1 single cardiac surgeon was retrospectively analyzed between April 2016 and April 2021. Results: Before the implementation of the MICS-MVR program, 18 mitral valve operations have been performed through sternotomy between April 2016 and October 2018 including 12 replacements and 6 ring annuloplasties. After starting the MICS-MVR program, 73 mitral operations have been performed by the same surgeon of which 53 video-assisted through minithoracotomy (72.6%). 83.1% of the MICS procedures included complex repair (n = 38) and ring annuloplasty (n = 6). Open heart MV surgery was necessary in 20 patients due to concomitant procedures (n = 8), redo procedures (n = 2), severe endocarditis (n = 4), or contraindication for MICS such as PAD (n = 6). There have been no deaths, 1 stroke, and 1 cardiac vascular (RCX) complication. Two patients required conversion to sternotomy and one pericardiocentesis in the long term. Conclusion: Typically, excellent exposure and high repair rates of the MV has led us offer MICS approach to a majority of patients with isolated MV disease. Careful planning and a strict mentor-mentee concept facilitated a safe startup of an MICS program in a busy university heart center.
Towards a Normative Assessment of Probative Value in International Criminal Adjudication
Authors: Richmond Karen McGregor
Published: December 2021

The trial is an epistemic event. Yet, the manner in which the probative value of legal evidence is calculated remains largely unarticulated. Thus, in the face of an urgent requirement to advance a normative model of evidential reasoning which serves the needs of decision-makers, practitioners, and experts, this article assesses the utility of three dominant approaches, founded upon the exposition of inferences, scenarios, and probabilities. These find expression in Wigmorean, Narrative, and Bayesian network models, and a number of hybrid approaches. Through an analysis and critique of the foregoing models, the article attempts to discern the optimal normative model of evidential reasoning to be applied in international criminal trials, consonant with Twining’s formulation of rational adjudication, and assessed in accordance with a set of rational evaluation criteria drawn from New Evidence scholarship and its historical forbears.