bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL-23 amplifies the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of mechanically conditioned alveolar epithelial cells in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease through mTOR/S6 signaling
Authors: Zhang Chujie , Wang Shaohua , Lau Jessica , Roden Anja C. , Matteson Eric L. , Sun Jie , Luo Fengming , Tschumperlin Daniel J. , Vassallo Robert
Published: September 2021

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) creates an environment facilitating fibrosis following alveolar epithelial cell injury. IL-23 has important roles in chronic autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its role in the interstitial lung disease that affects patients with RA is unclear. This study aimed to determine the profibrogenic role of IL-23 on somatic alveolar type I (ATI) epithelial cells. Primary ATI cells were isolated from rats and cultured on plastic dishes for 1–3 wk. After prolonged culture (≥14 days) on rigid culture dishes, primary ATI cells gradually acquired a mesenchymal phenotype, identified by decreased expression of caveolin-1, and reorganization of F-actin cytoskeleton, indicating the initiation of EMT by matrix stiffness. To determine how IL-23 promotes EMT in vitro, transitioning ATI cells, cultured on a stiff substrate for ≥14 days were stimulated with IL-23. The EMT phenotype was significantly enhanced by IL-23, which upregulated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I/III protein, and decreased caveolin-1. Furthermore, IL-23 significantly promoted cell invasion, as well as apoptotic resistance on transitioning ATI cells. Mechanistically, IL-23-induced EMT was mammalian target of rapamycin/ribosomal protein S6 (mTOR/S6) signaling dependent and reversible by rapamycin. Transcriptional sequencing analysis of human lung fibrosis biopsy tissue revealed key roles for IL-23 in rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). This result was further validated by significantly upregulated IL-23 expression at the mRNA level in RA-ILD lung sections. Notably, transitioning ATI epithelial cells were abundantly detected in RA-ILD tissue. Taken together, these data support a role for IL-23 in the pathogenesis of RA lung fibrosis by promoting EMT in alveolar epithelial cells through mTOR/S6 signaling.
COVID-19 and COPD: lessons beyond the pandemic
Authors: Halpin David M. G. , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Agusti Alvar
Published: September 2021

Early in the COVID pandemic there were concerns about the outcomes for patients with COPD who developed COVID-19. Although the pandemic has made the diagnosis and routine management of COPD more difficult, the risk of patients developing COVID or of having poor outcomes is less than anticipated and there have been some unexpected findings that may lead to significant improvements in the management of COPD in future.
Skeletal muscle bioenergetic health and function in people living with HIV: association with glucose tolerance and alcohol use
Authors: Levitt Danielle E. , Ferguson Tekeda F. , Primeaux Stefany D. , Zavala Jeanette A. , Ahmed Jameel , Marshall Richard H. , Simon Liz , Molina Patricia E.
Published: September 2021

At-risk alcohol use is prevalent and increases dysglycemia among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). Skeletal muscle (SKM) bioenergetic dysregulation is implicated in dysglycemia and type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between at-risk alcohol, glucose tolerance, and SKM bioenergetic function in PLWH. Thirty-five PLWH (11 females, 24 males, age: 53 ± 9 yr, body mass index: 29.0 ± 6.6 kg/m2) with elevated fasting glucose enrolled in the ALIVE-Ex study provided medical history and alcohol use information [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)], then underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and SKM biopsy. Bioenergetic health and function and mitochondrial volume were measured in isolated myoblasts. Mitochondrial gene expression was measured in SKM. Linear regression adjusting for age, sex, and smoking was performed to examine the relationship between glucose tolerance (2-h glucose post-OGTT), AUDIT, and their interaction with each outcome measure. Negative indicators of bioenergetic health were significantly ( P < 0.05) greater with higher 2-h glucose (proton leak) and AUDIT (proton leak, nonmitochondrial oxygen consumption, and bioenergetic health index). Mitochondrial volume was increased with the interaction of higher 2-h glucose and AUDIT. Mitochondrial gene expression decreased with higher 2-h glucose ( TFAM, PGC1B, PPARG, MFN1), AUDIT ( MFN1, DRP1, MFF), and their interaction ( PPARG, PPARD, MFF). Decreased expression of mitochondrial genes were coupled with increased mitochondrial volume and decreased bioenergetic health in SKM of PLWH with higher AUDIT and 2-h glucose. We hypothesize these mechanisms reflect poorer mitochondrial health and may precede overt SKM bioenergetic dysregulation observed in type 2 diabetes.
Evidence for constancy in the modularity of trunk muscle activity preceding reaching: implications for the role of preparatory postural activity
Authors: Stamenkovic Alexander , Ting Lena H. , Stapley Paul J.
Published: September 2021

Reaching within and beyond arm’s length places different task constraints upon the required trunk motion necessary for successful movement execution. The identification of constant modular features, including functional muscle weightings and spatial tuning, lend support to the notion that preparatory postural adjustments of the trunk are tied to the same task priorities driving mobility, regardless of the future postural constraints.
Exploiting Two‐Level Information Entropy across Social Networks for User Identification
Authors: Xing Ling , Deng Kaikai , Wu Honghai , Xie Ping , Zhang Mingchuan , Wu Qingtao
Published: September 2021

As the popularity of online social networks has grown, more and more users now hold multiple virtual accounts at the same time. Under these circumstances, identifying multiple social accounts belonging to the same user across different social networks is of great importance for many applications, such as user recommendation, personalized services, and information fusion. In this paper, we mainly aggregate user profile information and user behavior information, then measures and analyzes the attributes contained in these two types of information to implement across social networks user identification. Moreover, as different user attributes have different effects on user identification, this paper therefore proposes a two‐level information entropy‐based weight assignment method (TIW) to weigh each attribute. Finally, we combine the scoring formula with the bidirectional stable marriage matching algorithm to achieve optimal user account matching and thereby obtain the final matching pairs. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed two‐level information entropy method yields excellent performance in terms of precision rate, recall rate, F‐measure (F1), and area under curve (AUC).
Video Abnormal Event Detection Based on One‐Class Neural Network
Authors: Xia Xiangli , Gao Yang
Published: September 2021

Video abnormal event detection is a challenging problem in pattern recognition field. Existing methods usually design the two steps of video feature extraction and anomaly detection model establishment independently, which leads to the failure to achieve the optimal result. As a remedy, a method based on one‐class neural network (ONN) is designed for video anomaly detection. The proposed method combines the layer‐by‐layer data representation capabilities of the autoencoder and good classification capabilities of ONN. The features of the hidden layer are constructed for the specific task of anomaly detection, thereby obtaining a hyperplane to separate all normal samples from abnormal ones. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves 94.9% frame‐level AUC and 94.5% frame‐level AUC on the PED1 subset and PED2 subset from the USCD dataset, respectively. In addition, it achieves 80 correct event detections on the Subway dataset. The results confirm the wide applicability and good performance of the proposed method in industrial and urban environments.
Damping Properties and Microstructure Analysis of Microbial Consolidated Rubber Sand
Authors: Li Pei
Published: September 2021

Up to now, there are few reports on the application of microbial‐induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) consolidated rubber sand. By means of uniaxial or cyclic loading test and SEM test, the consolidation effect of rubber sand samples with different rubber particle content after MICP consolidation is tested and analyzed. The results show that MICP is not affected by the amount of rubber particles; rubber particles improve the compressive strength and deformation ability of consolidated rubber sand samples and significantly enhance the damping ratio, resistance to deformation, and energy dissipation ability of consolidated rubber sand samples. Rubber sand after MICP consolidation is a good shock damping material. The conclusion of this paper provides reference data for the application of microbial‐induced calcium carbonate precipitation consolidated rubber sand.
Analysis of Ethanol to Reduce Solid Particle Pollution in SI Engines
Authors: Sivaprakasam P. , Maheandera Prabu P. , Srinivasan M. , Balakrishnan S. , Karthikeyan V. S. , Pon Selvan M. Chithirai
Published: September 2021

The present work carries out an experimental comparative analysis of the performance and emission of exhaust gases of the Otto cycle with four automotive times. The comparison was made between alternative fuels such as E10, E15, and E20, with both 90 and 95 octane each the commercialized fuel. The experimental tests were carried out with an engine load corresponding to 25% of the maximum load. After carrying out the tests, the following conclusions can be reached: on the performance and effective parameters of the engine, the obtained best indicator, and as expected, was the case E10 (90 octane). Also, the E15 (90 octane) showed a slight difference compared to the reference fuel E10 (90 octane). About emissions, it was found that these decrease as the concentration of ethanol in the fuel increases.
Therapeutic Effects of Polyphenols on the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Regulating Wnt β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Pashirzad Mehran , Johnston Thomas P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide in terms of both its rates of incidence and mortality. Due to serious side effects associated with conventional chemotherapeutic treatments, many natural products with fewer adverse side effects have been considered as potential treatment options. In fact, many natural products have widely been used in various phases of clinical trials for CRC, as well as in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. Curcumin (CUR) and resveratrol (RES) are classified as natural polyphenolic compounds that have been demonstrated to have anticancer activity against CRC and are associated with minimal side effects. By regulating select target genes involved in several key signaling pathways in CRC, in particular, the Wnt β-catenin signaling cascade, the course of CRC may be positively altered. In the current review, we focused on the therapeutic effects of CUR and RES in CRC as they pertain to modulation of the Wnt β-catenin signaling pathway.
Accurate Determination, Matrix Effect Estimation, and Uncertainty Evaluation of Three Sulfonamides in Milk by Isotope Dilution Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Han Chaonan , Li Xiuqin , Jiao Hui , Gao Yan , Zhang Qinghe
Published: September 2021

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the most commonly used method for sulfonamide determination. Its accuracy, however, can be affected by many factors. In this study, sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfadimidine (SMZ), and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) in milk were selected to investigate an accurate determination method and the potential influencing factors in the use of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Milk samples were extracted by 25 mL perchloric acid solution (pH = 2) and cleaned up using HLB solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Four kinds of filters, including PTFE, GHP, nylon, and glass fiber, were compared, and PTFE was selected since it had the best recoveries of target sulfonamides (SAs). Three quantitative methods, including external standard (ES), matrix matching (MM), and isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS), were compared, among which IDMS exhibited the best accuracy. The matrix effect under different mobile phase compositions and of different sample matrices were evaluated and discussed. Ion suppression effects were observed during the determination of all SAs, which got stronger with the increase of the methanol composition percent in the mobile phase. After correction by IDMS, the matrix effect could be neglected. Matrix spiked recoveries at three spiked levels (1 μg/kg, 10 μg/kg, and 20 μg/kg) ranged from 96.8% to 103.8% by IDMS. The expanded relative uncertainties were in the range of 2.02% to 5.75%. The method exhibited wide application range, high accuracy, good stability, and high sensitivity.
Neuroprotective Effect of Danggui Shaoyao San via the Mitophagy-Apoptosis Pathway in a Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Song Zhenyan , Luo Deyong , Wang Yuke , Zheng Yushan , Chen Peiying , Xia Xiaofang , He Chunxiang , Yu Wenjing , Li Ping , Xiao Chen , Cheng Shaowu
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a serious neurodegenerative disease. While the main pathological characteristic of AD is widely believed to be the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in neurons around neurofibrillary plaques, the molecular mechanism of pathological changes is not clear. Traditional Chinese medicine offers many treatments for AD. Among these, Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS) is a classic prescription. In this study, an AD model was established by injecting Aβ 1–42 into the brains of rats, which were then treated with different concentrations of Danggui Shaoyao San (sham operation; model; and Danggui Shaoyao San high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose intervention groups). The Morris water maze test was used to assess the learning and memory abilities of the animals in each group. Nissl staining was used to detect neurons. Mitophagy was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence colocalization. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression levels of autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins were measured by western blot. Compared to the model group, the groups of AD rats administered medium and high doses of Danggui Shaoyao San showed significantly increased learning and memory abilities (

P
<
0.05

), as well as significantly increased autophagosomes in the hippocampus. Moreover, the expression of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3-I/LC3-II) was increased, while that of p62 was significantly decreased (

P
<
0.05

). The neuronal apoptosis rate was also significantly decreased, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was significantly increased, and the cleaved caspase-3 protein expression was significantly decreased (

P
<
0.05

). Therefore, Danggui Shaoyao San inhibited neuronal apoptosis in AD rats via a mechanism that may be related to the activation of the PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy signaling pathway.
Treatment of Upper Cervical Spinal Cord Injury (Unstable C1-C2) by Direct Visualization and Nailing Technique and the Advantages of Early MRI
Authors: Alshorman Jamal , Zeng Lian , Wang Yulong , Zhu Fengzhao , Chen Kaifang , Yao Sheng , Jing Xirui , Qu Yanzhen , Sun Tingfang , Guo Xiaodong
Published: September 2021

Background. The treatment of C1-C2 fractures mainly depends on fracture type and the stability of the atlantoaxial joint. Disruption of the C1-C2 combination is a big challenge, especially in avoiding vertebral artery, nerve, and vein sinus injury during the operation. Purpose. This study aims to show the benefit of using the posterior approach and pedicle screw insertion by nailing technique and direct visualization to treat unstable C1-C2 and, moreover, to determine the advantages of performing early MRI in patients with limited neck movement after trauma. Method. Between Jan 2017–Feb 2019, we present 21 trauma patients who suffered from C1, C2, or unstable atlantoaxial joint. X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance image (MRI) were performed preoperatively. All the patients underwent our surgical procedure (posterior approach and pedicle screw placement by direct visualization and nailing technique). Result. The mean age was 41.1 years old, 8 females and 14 males. The average follow-up time was 2.6 years. Four patients were with C1 fracture, seven with C2 fracture, six with atlantoaxial dislocation, and four with C1 and C2 fractures. The time of MRI was between 12 hours and 48 hours; neck movement symptoms appeared between 2 days and 2 weeks. Conclusion. The posterior approach to treat the C1 and C2 fractures or dislocation by direct visualization and nailing technique can reduce the risk of the vertebral artery, vein sinus, and nerve root injuries with significant improvement. It can show a better angle view while inserting the pedicle screws. An early MRI (12–48 hours) is essential even if no symptoms appear at the time of admission, and if it is normal, it is necessary to repeat it. The presence of skull bleeding can be associated with upper neck instability.
Pharmacological Approaches and Regeneration of Bone Defects with Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Adamička M. , Adamičková A. , Danišovič L. , Gažová A. , Kyselovič J.
Published: September 2021

Bone defects in the craniomaxillofacial skeleton vary from small periodontal defects to extensive bone loss, which are difficult to restore and can lead to extensive damage of the surrounding structures, deformities, and limited functions. Plenty of surgical regenerative procedures have been developed to reconstruct or prevent alveolar defects, based on guided bone regeneration involving the use of autogenous bone grafts or bone substituents. However, these techniques have limitations in the restoration of morphological and functional reconstruction, thus stopping disease progression but not regenerating lost tissue. Most promising candidates for regenerative therapy of maxillofacial bone defects represent postnatal stem cells, because of their replication potential in the undifferentiated state and their ability to differentiate as well. There is an increased need for using various orofacial sources of stem cells with comparable properties to mesenchymal stem cells because they are more easily available with minimally invasive procedures. In addition to the source of MSCs, another aspect affects the regeneration outcomes. Thermal, mechanical, and chemical stimuli after surgical procedures have the ability to generate pain, usually managed with pharmacological agents, mostly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some studies revealed that NSAIDs have no significant cytotoxic effect on bone marrow stem cells from mice, while other studies showed regulation of osteogenic and chondrogenic marker genes in MSC cells by NSAIDs and paracetamol, but no effect was observed in connection with diclofenac use. Therefore, there is a need to focus on such pharmacotherapy, capable of affecting the characteristics and properties of implanted MSCs.
Staphylococcus pettenkoferi Bacteremia in an American Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Strong Cameron , Cosiano Michael , Cabezas Melanie , Barwatt J. W. , Tillekeratne L. Gayani
Published: September 2021

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are considered the most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections; yet, these species are frequently designated as contaminants in the absence of systemic signs and symptoms of infection. Immunocompromised patients or those with prosthetic devices are at increased risk for clinically significant bacteremia. With the advent of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in clinical practice, there has been improved specificity of CoNS isolate identification and further elucidation of underrecognized pathogenic species. Staphylococcus pettenkoferi was a novel CoNS species first identified in 2002 and thought to be misdiagnosed as other CoNS due to limitations in biochemical identification. There is increasing identification of S. pettenkoferi isolates; however, there are limited case reports of clinically significant S. pettenkoferi bacteremia and no reported cases within the United States. We present the first known case of S. pettenkoferi from an American intensive care unit.
Investigation of the Scruton Number Effects of Wind‐Induced Unsteady Galloping Responses of Bridge Suspenders
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Zou Yunfeng , Hua Xugang , Xue Fanrong , Lu Xuandong
Published: September 2021

When the critical wind speed of vortex‐induced resonance is close to that of quasi‐steady galloping, a type of coupled wind‐induced vibration that is different from divergent galloping can easily occur in a rectangular bar. It is a type of “unsteady galloping” phenomenon wherein the response amplitude increases linearly with the increase in the wind speed, while a limit cycle oscillation is observed at each wind speed, whose mechanism is still in research. Mass and damping are the key parameters that affect the coupling degree and amplitude response estimation. For a set of rectangular section member models with a width‐to‐height ratio of 1.2, by adjusting the equivalent stiffness, equivalent mass, and damping ratio of the model system and performing comparative tests on the wind‐induced vibration response of the same mass with different damping ratios, it is possible to achieve the same damping ratio with different masses and the same Scruton number with different masses and damping combinations under the same Reynolds number. The results show that the influence of the mass and damping parameters on the “unsteady galloping” amplitude response is independent, and the weight is the same in the coupling state. The Scruton number “locked interval” (12.4–30.6) can be found in the “unsteady galloping” amplitude response, and the linear slope of the dimensionless wind speed amplitude response curve does not change with the Scruton number in the “locked interval.” In addition, a “transition interval” (26.8–30.6) coexists with the “locked interval” wherein the coupling state of the wind‐induced vibration is converted into the uncoupled state. The empirical formula for estimating the “unsteady galloping” response amplitude is modified and can be used to predict the amplitude within the design wind speed range of similar engineering members.
Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension among the Adult Population in Burkina Faso: Evidence from a Nationwide Population-Based Survey
Authors: Cissé Kadari , Kouanda Seni , Coppieters’t Wallant Yves , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati
Published: September 2021

Background. Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Improved awareness of hypertension status can significantly increase early treatment, thereby reducing cardiovascular complications and premature death. This study aimed to report the prevalence of the awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among the adult population in Burkina Faso. Method. We performed a secondary analysis of the first national population-based survey on common risk factors of noncommunicable diseases in Burkina Faso. It was a national representative cross-sectional survey among adults aged 25–64 years. Awareness of hypertension was defined by blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or a prior diagnosis by a health worker or the use of any antihypertensive drugs. A modified Poisson regression model using a generalized estimating equation was used to identify factors associated with awareness of hypertension. Result. A total of 4628 people with valid blood pressure measurements were considered. Of them, 828 had hypertension. Among people with hypertension, the prevalence of awareness was 17.5% (95% CI: 14.4%–21.1%), and 47.3% (95% CI: 37.6%–57.3%) of them had taken antihypertensive medications for their hypertension. One-third (35.5% (95% CI: 23.3%–49.9%)) of those who took medications had controlled hypertension. The prevalence of awareness was significantly higher among women (21.1% (95% CI: 16.4%–26.7%)) compared with men (13.8% (95% CI: 10.4%–17.9%)) (

p
=
0.019

). The prevalence of awareness increased with increasing age and education level. Nearly one-third (29.3% (95% CI: 25.3%–33.6%)) of people with hypertension needed antihypertensive drug treatment. Conclusion. There was a poor level of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension among adults in Burkina Faso. Effective control strategies to increase the screening of hypertension in primary care and at the community level are necessary in Burkina Faso.
Preventive Efficacy and Safety of Yiqi-Wenjing-Fang Granules on Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial
Authors: Gu Zhancheng , Wei Guoli , Zhu Liangjun , Zhu Lingjun , Hu Jing , Li Qi , Cai Guoxiang , Lu Hong , Liu Min , Chen Chen , Ji Yi , Li Guochun , Huo Jiege
Published: September 2021

Background. Oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) is one of the most common side effects of oxaliplatin, which can cause reduction and cessation of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and significantly affect patients’ quality of life. However, no drug has got recognition to prevent or treat OIPN. Yiqi-Wenjing-Fang (YWF) is a joint name of Chinese medicine prescriptions with similar effects of tonifying qi and warming meridians, represented by Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction (HGWD) and Danggui Sini decoction (DSD), both from “Treatise on Cold Pathogenic and Miscellaneous Diseases.” YWF granules, including HGWD granules and DSD granules, have been, respectively, demonstrated to be effective in preventing OIPN in previous small-sample observations. The purpose of this study is to enlarge the sample size for further evaluation of the preventive efficacy and safety of YWF granules on OIPN. Methods and Analysis. This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and multicenter clinical trial. 360 postoperative patients with stage IIa-IIIc colorectal cancer will be randomly assigned into placebo-control group, intervention group I, and intervention group II, taking the mimetic granules of YWF as placebo, HGWD granules and DSD granules, respectively. All subjects will receive oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen at the same time. EORTC QLQ-CIPN20 will be used to assess the degree of OIPN as the primary outcome measure. The grades of OIPN, quality of life, chemotherapeutic efficacy, and the number of completed chemotherapy cycles are selected as the secondary outcome measures. Discussion. Based on the condition of no recognized effective drugs in preventing OIPN, evidence-based medical study will be conducted for seeking a breakthrough in the field of Chinese herb medicine. This protocol could provide reliable and systemic research basis about the efficacy of YWF granules and the differentiation of two classical prescriptions of YWF on preventing OIPN objectively. Trial Registration. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 26 December 2020 (ID: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04690283).
FTZ Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Inhibiting Inflammation and Cardiac Fibrosis in the Streptozotocin-Induced Model
Authors: Wang Lexun , Wu Huijuan , Deng Yanyue , Zhang Shengxi , Wei Quxing , Yang Qianqian , Piao Shenghua , Bei Weijian , Rong Xianglu , Guo Jiao
Published: September 2021

Background. The pathogenesis and clinical features of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) have been well studied in the past decade; however, effective approaches to prevent and treat this disease are limited. Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi (FTZ) formula, a traditional Chinese prescription, is habitually used to treat dyslipidemia and diabetes. Recently, several studies have reported the therapeutic effects of FTZ on cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of FTZ on DCM have not yet been fully elucidated. This study investigated the effects of FTZ on DCM and determined the mechanisms underlying its efficacy. Methods. Diabetes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin; the mice were randomly divided into a control group (Con), diabetes group (DCM), and diabetes-treated with FTZ (DCM + FTZ). Myocardial structural alterations, fibrosis biomarkers, and inflammation were observed. Besides, the potential targets and their related signaling pathways were analyzed using network pharmacology and further verified by Western blot. Results. Diabetic mice showed significant body weight loss, hyperglycemia, and excessive collagen content in the cardiac tissue, while serum and myocardial inflammatory factors significantly increased. Nerveless, treatment with FTZ for 1 month significantly improved body weight, attenuated hyperglycemia, and alleviated diabetes-associated myocardial structure and function abnormalities. Furthermore, the serum levels of interleukin 12 (IL-12) and chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) as well as the mRNA levels of cardiac IL-12, IL-6, and C–C motif chemokine receptor 2 (Ccr2) reduced after FTZ treatment. Additionally, a total of 67 active compounds and 76 potential targets related to DCM were analyzed. Pathway and functional enrichment analyses showed that FTZ mainly regulates inflammation-related pathways, including MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. Further investigation revealed that the activities of STAT3, AKT, and ERK were augmented in diabetic hearts but decreased in FTZ-treated cardiac tissues. Conclusion. Our results suggest that FTZ exhibits therapeutic properties against DCM by ameliorating hyperglycemia-induced inflammation and fibrosis via at least partial inhibition of AKT, ERK, and STAT3 signaling pathways.
Analysis of the Clinical Effects of Sodium Valproate and Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Women with Epilepsy during Pregnancy
Authors: Lv Haiqiong , Zhao Xiaoying , Yu Jian
Published: September 2021

Objective. To explore the clinical effects of sodium valproate and levetiracetam in the treatment of women with epilepsy during pregnancy. Methods. The clinical data of 124 women with epilepsy during pregnancy who received monotherapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in our hospital from September 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the type of medication taken by the patients, they were recorded as the sodium valproate group (the VPA group, n = 56) and the levetiracetam group (the LEV group, n = 68 cases). The effects and the maternal and infant outcomes after treatment were compared between the two groups. The neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cognitive function-related parameters (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and myelin basic protein (MBP)), and related inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α and interleukin- (IL-) 6) levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results. After treatment, the total clinical effective rate of the LEV group was 91.18% higher than that of the VPA group 73.21%, and the frequency and duration of seizures were lower than those of the VPA group (P<0.05). After treatment, the probability of gestational hypertension, depression during pregnancy, low-weight infants, and neonatal deformities in the LEV group was lower than that in the VPA group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of NSE, MBP, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the two groups decreased, and the levels of BDNF increased, and the LEV group changed significantly compared with the VPA group (P<0.05). Conclusion. Compared with sodium valproate monotherapy, levetiracetam is more effective in controlling seizures and improving maternal and infant outcomes in women with epilepsy during pregnancy and can effectively regulate their neurological and cognitive functions and reduce the serum inflammation factor level.
Modeling and Design of an Aircraft-Mode Controller for a Fixed-Wing VTOL UAV
Authors: Deng Zhao , Wu Liaoni , You Yancheng
Published: September 2021

Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) is an essential feature of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). On the one hand, VTOL can expand and enhance the applications of UAVs; yet, on the other hand, it makes the design of control systems for UAVs more complicated. The most challenging demand in designing the control system is to achieve satisfactory response sharpness of fixed-wing UAVs to control commands and ensure that the aircraft mode channels are effectively decoupled. In this work, a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) model with forces and moments is established based on the aerodynamic analysis, which is carried out through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation. The improved proportional derivative (PD) controller based on the extended state observer (ESO) is proposed to design the inner-loop attitude control, which increases the anti-interference ability for internal and external uncertainty of the UAV system. The motion equations of the UAV are established and divided into independent components of longitudinal and lateral motion to design the outer loop control law under minor disturbance conditions. A total energy control system (TECS) for the longitudinal height channel is proposed, which separates speed control and track control. L1 nonlinear path tracking guidance algorithm is used for lateral trajectory tracking so as to improve curve tracking ability and wind resistance. Effectiveness of this approach is proved by actual flight experiment data. Finally, a controller based on angular velocity control is designed to prevent the attitude and head reference system (AHRS) from malfunctioning. Its effectiveness is verified by the response test of the control system.
SPSS Analysis of Pain Factors in Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Zhou Yi , Chen Huali , Wang Jing , Wu Hui , Zeng Yuanjie , Yi Xiaohui , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2021

In this study, the matched case-control study was used. Nineteen cases of severe pain in the early postoperative period among 55 patients were set as the observation group, and 57 cases of simultaneous rotator cuff repair without severe pain were matched in a 1 : 3 ratio as the control group. Patients’ general information, disease characteristics, anesthesia and analgesia scheme, and operation information were collected. Frequency statistics, Wilcoxon signed rank sum test, regulatory effect analysis, and Poisson regression analysis were performed on these data. Some findings are included in the analysis. (1) There was a markable difference of 0.01 between the preoperative 48 h maximum pain value and the postoperative 48 h maximum pain value in the observation group. (2) There was a markable difference of 0.01 between the size and shape of the wound tear and the maximum pain value at 48 h after operation in the observation group. (3) When the number of opioid use affected the maximum pain value at 48 h after operation, the regulatory variables (type, quantity, and number of days of postoperative analgesics) were at different levels, and the impact amplitude had markable differences. (4) Age has a markable negative impact on the postoperative hospital stay. (5) The operation duration has a markable positive relationship with the postoperative hospital stay. (6) The analgesic pump had a markable positive impact on the postoperative hospital stay. (7) The location of injury did not affect the postoperative hospital stay.
Limit Properties of the Largest Entries of High-Dimensional Sample Covariance and Correlation Matrices
Authors: Ding Xue
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we consider the limit properties of the largest entries of sample covariance matrices and the sample correlation matrices. In order to make the statistics based on the largest entries of the sample covariance matrices and the sample correlation matrices more applicable in high-dimensional tests, the identically distributed assumption of population is removed. Under some moment’s assumption of the underlying distribution, we obtain that the almost surely limit and asymptotical distribution of the extreme statistics as both the dimension

p

and sample size

n

tend to infinity.
Efficacy and Safety of Xue-Fu-Zhu-Yu Decoction for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Chen Zhen-Lin , Tang Yu-Ping , Duan Jin-Long , Yao Kui-Wu
Published: September 2021

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of XFZYD for coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods. A comprehensive literature search of randomized controlled trials using XFZYD for CHD was conducted in 10 electronic databases from their establishment to December 20, 2020. The researchers screened the relevant trials in NoteExpress, extracted the data in duplicate independently, assessed the risk of bias in the trials using the Cochrane collaboration tool, and then used Rev Man 5.3 for data analysis. Results. 30 trials with 3126 participants were included for meta-analysis. The results showed that the clinical effects of XFZYD and its combination with chemical drugs (CD) were 1.13 (RR; 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.24) and 1.26 (RR; 1.26; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.32) times those of CD, respectively. And, it could also improve electrocardiogram effect, which was 1.63 (RR; 1.63; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.53) times that of CD. XFZYD could not only decrease duration of angina pectoris and improve vascular endothelial function but also obviously reduce the TCM syndrome score. When used in combination with CD, it could also lower AF, correct the dyslipidemia, and reduce the blood viscosity. Conclusion. These results demonstrated that XFZYD had great advantages in treating CHD with no obvious adverse reactions. Therefore, it is believed that XFZYD is more suitable for CHD patients with clinical indicators of dyslipidemia, high blood viscosity, or vascular endothelial dysfunction. This study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis with some unique ways, including its comprehensiveness, large-scale search, the novelty of findings, and transparent approach.
Tunnel Lining Crack Recognition Based on Improved Multiscale Retinex and Sobel Edge Detection
Authors: Wang Quanlei , Zhang Ning , Jiang Kun , Ma Chao , Zhou Zhaochen , Dai Chunquan
Published: September 2021

China is gradually transitioning from the “tunnel construction era” to the “tunnel maintenance era,” and more and more operating tunnels need to be inspected for diseases. With the continuous development of computer vision, the automatic identification of tunnel lining cracks with computers has gradually been applied in engineering. On the basis of summarizing the weaknesses and strengths of previous studies, this paper first uses the improved multiscale Retinex algorithm to filter the collected tunnel crack images and introduces the eight-direction Sobel edge detection operator to extract the edges of the cracks. Perform mathematical morphological operations on the image after edge extraction, and use the principle of the smallest enclosing rectangle to remove the isolated points of the image. Finally, the performance of the algorithm is judged by the objective evaluation index of the image, the accuracy of crack recognition, and the running time of the algorithm. The image filtering algorithm proposed in this paper can better preserve the edges of the image while enhancing the image. The objective evaluation indexes of the image have been improved significantly, and the main body of the crack can be accurately identified. The overall crack recognition accuracy rate can reach 97.5%, which is higher than the existing tunnel lining crack recognition algorithm, and the average calculation time for each image is shorter. This algorithm has high research significance and engineering application value.
First report of Lipotriches (Rhopalomelissa) parca (Kohl, 1906) (Halictidae: Nomiinae) from India
Authors: Majumder Bhaswati , Rameshkumar Anandhan , Kazmi Sarfrazul Islam
Published: September 2021

Lipotriches (Rhopalomelissa) parca (Kohl, 1906) is reported for the first time in India.  Diagnostic features and updated distributional data for L. parca are also provided.
Integrated Stress Response Couples Mitochondrial Protein Translation With Oxidative Stress Control
Authors: Zhang Guangyu , Wang Xiaoding , Li Chao , Li Qinfeng , An Yu A. , Luo Xiang , Deng Yingfeng , Gillette Thomas G. , Scherer Philipp E. , Wang Zhao V.
Published: September 2021

Background:

The integrated stress response (ISR) is an evolutionarily conserved process to cope with intracellular and extracellular disturbances. Myocardial infarction is a leading cause of death worldwide. Coronary artery reperfusion, the most effective means to mitigate cardiac damage of myocardial infarction, causes additional reperfusion injury. This study aimed to investigate the role of the ISR in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).

Methods:

Cardiac-specific gain- and loss-of-function approaches for the ISR were used in vivo. Myocardial I/R was achieved by ligation of the cardiac left anterior descending artery for 45 minutes followed by reperfusion for different times. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Cultured H9c2 cells, primary rat cardiomyocytes, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts were used to dissect underlying molecular mechanisms. Tandem mass tag labeling and mass spectrometry was conducted to identify protein targets of the ISR. Pharmacologic means were tested to manipulate the ISR for therapeutic exploration.

Results:

We show that the PERK (PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum resident kinase)/eIF2α (α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2) axis of the ISR is strongly induced by I/R in cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. We further reveal a physiologic role of PERK/eIF2α signaling by showing that acute activation of PERK in the heart confers robust cardioprotection against reperfusion injury. In contrast, cardiac-specific deletion of PERK aggravates cardiac responses to reperfusion. Mechanistically, the ISR directly targets mitochondrial complexes through translational suppression. We identify NDUFAF2 (NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex assembly factor 2), an assembly factor of mitochondrial complex I, as a selective target of PERK. Overexpression of PERK suppresses the protein expression of NDUFAF2 and PERK inhibition causes an increase of NDUFAF2. Silencing of NDUFAF2 significantly rescues cardiac cell survival from PERK knockdown under I/R. We show that activation of PERK/eIF2α signaling reduces mitochondrial complex–derived reactive oxygen species and improves cardiac cell survival in response to I/R. Moreover, pharmacologic stimulation of the ISR protects the heart against reperfusion damage, even after the restoration of occluded coronary artery, highlighting clinical relevance for myocardial infarction treatment.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the ISR improves cell survival and mitigates reperfusion damage by selectively suppressing mitochondrial protein synthesis and reducing oxidative stress in the heart.
Coronary Artery Calcification and Plaque Characteristics in People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Soares Cullen , Samara Amjad , Yuyun Matthew F. , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B. , Masri Ahmad , Samara Ahmad , Morrison Alan R. , Lin Nina , Wu Wen‐Chih , Erqou Sebhat
Published: September 2021

Background

Studies have reported that people living with HIV have higher burden of subclinical cardiovascular disease, but the data are not adequately synthesized. We performed meta‐analyses of studies of coronary artery calcium and coronary plaque in people living with HIV.

Methods and Results

We performed systematic search in electronic databases, and data were abstracted in standardized forms. Study‐specific estimates were pooled using meta‐analysis. 43 reports representing 27 unique studies and involving 10 867 participants (6699 HIV positive, 4168 HIV negative, mean age 52 years, 86% men, 32% Black) were included. The HIV‐positive participants were younger (mean age 49 versus 57 years) and had lower Framingham Risk Score (mean score 6 versus 18) compared with the HIV‐negative participants. The pooled estimate of percentage with coronary artery calcium >0 was 45% (95% CI, 43%–47%) for HIV‐positive participants, and 52% (50%–53%) for HIV‐negative participants. This difference was no longer significant after adjusting for difference in Framingham Risk Score between the 2 groups. The odds ratio of coronary artery calcium progression for HIV‐positive versus ‐negative participants was 1.64 (95% CI, 0.91–2.37). The pooled estimate for prevalence of noncalcified plaque was 49% (95% CI, 47%–52%) versus 20% (95% CI, 17%–23%) for HIV‐positive versus HIV‐negative participants, respectively. Odds ratio for noncalcified plaque for HIV‐positive versus ‐negative participants was 1.23 (95% CI, 1.08–1.38). There was significant heterogeneity that was only partially explained by available study‐level characteristics.

Conclusions

People living with HIV have higher prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaques and similar prevalence of coronary artery calcium, compared with HIV‐negative individuals. Future studies on coronary artery calcium and plaque progression can further elucidate subclinical atherosclerosis in people living with HIV.
Identification of Frailty Using a Claims‐Based Frailty Index in the CoreValve Studies: Findings from the EXTEND‐FRAILTY Study
Authors: Strom Jordan B. , Xu Jiaman , Orkaby Ariela R. , Shen Changyu , Charest Brian R. , Kim Dae H. , Cohen David J. , Kramer Daniel B. , Spertus John A. , Gerszten Robert E. , Yeh Robert W.
Published: September 2021

Background

In aortic valve disease, the relationship between claims‐based frailty indices (CFIs) and validated measures of frailty constructed from in‐person assessments is unclear but may be relevant for retrospective ascertainment of frailty status when otherwise unmeasured.

Methods and Results

We linked adults aged ≥65 years in the US CoreValve Studies (linkage rate, 67%; mean age, 82.7±6.2 years, 43.1% women), to Medicare inpatient claims, 2011 to 2015. The Johns Hopkins CFI, validated on the basis of the Fried index, was generated for each study participant, and the association between CFI tertile and trial outcomes was evaluated as part of the EXTEND‐FRAILTY substudy. Among 2357 participants (64.9% frail), higher CFI tertile was associated with greater impairments in nutrition, disability, cognition, and self‐rated health. The primary outcome of all‐cause mortality at 1 year occurred in 19.3%, 23.1%, and 31.3% of those in tertiles 1 to 3, respectively (tertile 2 versus 1: hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.98–1.51;
P
=0.07; tertile 3 versus 1: hazard ratio, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.41–2.12;
P
<0.001). Secondary outcomes (bleeding, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and hospitalization) were more frequent with increasing CFI tertile and persisted despite adjustment for age, sex, New York Heart Association class, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score.

Conclusions

In linked Medicare and CoreValve study data, a CFI based on the Fried index consistently identified individuals with worse impairments in frailty, disability, cognitive dysfunction, and nutrition and a higher risk of death, hospitalization, bleeding, and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, independent of age and risk category. While not a surrogate for validated metrics of frailty using in‐person assessments, use of this CFI to ascertain frailty status among patients with aortic valve disease may be valid and prognostically relevant information when otherwise not measured.