bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Does Green Technology Innovation Affect Urbanization? An Empirical Study from Provinces of China
Authors: Xu Yingzhi , Zhang Ruijie , Fan Xiaomin , Wang Qiutong
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the impact of green technology innovation on urbanization using the panel data for 30 Chinese provinces during 2005–2016. First, using the panel Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) estimation method, we analyze the direct impact of green technology innovation on urbanization and its three dimensions, namely population urbanization, industrial urbanization and ecological urbanization. Results show that green technology innovation has significantly promoted the development of urbanization, particularly ecological urbanization. Then, we examine the indirect impact of green technology innovation on urbanization applying the mediating effect method. It is concluded that green technology innovation can indirectly affect urbanization through foreign investment effect, energy consumption effect and informatization development effect, while the mediating role of industrial structure optimization effect is not significant. Finally, we propose several recommendations in terms of innovative talents introduction, industrial upgrading, and smart city construction to better promote China’s urbanization through green technology innovation.
S-Ketamine Exerts Antidepressant Effects by Regulating Rac1 Gtpase Mediated Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampus of Stressed Rats
Authors: Zhu Xianlin , Zhang Fan , You Yufeng , Wang Hongbai , Yuan Su , Wu Banglin , Zhu Rongyu , Liu Dawei , Yan Fuxia , Wang Zaiping
Published: September 2021

Clinical studies have found that ketamine has a rapid and lasting antidepressant effect, especially in the case of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The molecular mechanisms, however, remain unclear. In this study, we observe the effects of S-Ketamine on the expression of Rac1, neuronal morphology, and synaptic transmission function in the hippocampus of stressed rats. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to construct stressed rats. The rats were given a different regimen of ketamine (20mg/kg, i.p.) and Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 (50µg, ICV) treatment. The depression-like behavior of rats was evaluated by sucrose preference test and open-field test. The protein expression of Rac1, Glur1, synapsin1, and PSD95 in the hippocampus was detected by Western blot. Pull-down analysis was used to examine the activity of Rac1. Golgi staining and electrophysiological study were used to observe the neuronal morphology and long-term potentiation (LTP). Our results showed that ketamine can up-regulate the expression and activity of Rac1; increase the spine density and the expression of synaptic-related proteins such as Glur1, Synapsin1, and PSD95 in the hippocampus of stressed rats; reduce the CUMS-induced LTP impairments; and consequently improve depression-like behavior. However, Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 could have effectively reversed ketamine-mediated changes in the hippocampus of rats and counteracted its antidepressant effects. The specific mechanism of S-ketamine's antidepressant effect may be related to the up-regulation of the expression and activity of Rac1 in the hippocampus of stressed rats, thus enhancing synaptic plasticity.
miRNA-based “Fitness Score” to Assess the Individual Response to Diet, Metabolism and Exercise
Authors: Krammer Ulrike Dagmar Barbara , Tschida Sylvia , Berner Julia , Lilja Stephanie , Switzeny Olivier Jerome , Hippe Berit , Rust Petra , Haslberger Alexander Günter
Published: September 2021

Background: Regular, especially sustained exercise training plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases. Some of the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms behind the adaptive response to physical activity are still unclear, but recent findings suggest a possible role of epigenetic mechanisms, especially miRNAs, in the progression and management of exercise related changes. Due to the combination of the analysis of epigenetic biomarkers (miRNAs), the intake of food and supplements, and genetic dispositions, a “fitness sore” was evaluated to assess the individual response to nutrition, metabolism and exercise.Methods: In response to a 12-week sport intervention we analyzed genetic and epigenetic biomarkers in capillary blood, including Line-1 methylation, three SNPs and ten miRNAs using HRM and qPCR analysis. These biomarkers were also analyzed in a control group without intervention. Food frequency intake, including dietary supplement intake, and general health questionnaires were surveyed under the supervision of trained staff.Results: Exercise training decreased the expression of miR-20a, -22 and -505 (p < 0.02) and improved the “fitness score”, which estimates eight different lifestyle factors to assess, nutrition, inflammation, cardiovascular fitness, injury risk, regeneration, muscle- and hydration status as well as stress level. In addition, we were able to determine correlations between individual miRNAs, miR-20a, -22 and -101 (p < 0.04), and the genetic predisposition for endurance and / or strength and for obesity risk (ACE, ACTN3 and FTO), as well as between miRNAs and the body composition (p < 0.05). And we identified two miRNAs, miR-19b and -378a (p < 0.05), which could potentially provide information about the micronutrient / vitamin requirements of an athlete.Conclusions: Due to the detailed knowledge of individual regulatory mechanisms in the metabolism of sport intervention and / or nutritional behavior, this knowledge and our results can be used for personalized interventions and in the context of the new field of precision nutrition and precision training.
Correlates of Post-Partum Intra-Uterine Copper-T Devices (PPIUCD) Acceptability and Retention: An Observational Study from North India.
Authors: Gupta Sneha , Bansal Romi , Shergill Harbhajan Kaur , Sharma Pradeep , Garg Priyanka
Published: September 2021

Background: Immediate postpartum period is the most appropriate time for introducing contraception as women are more pliable and highly motivated to adopt family planning methods. We assessed the safety and efficacy of post placental IUCD insertion (Cu- T 380A) immediately after delivery of placenta in women undergoing expected vaginal delivery or caesarean section and its compliance.Material and method: This prospective observational study was conducted for a period of (exact period of study) at a tertiary care institute in North India. Patients delivering at our hospital were recruited in the study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria after taking informed consent.Results: A total of 300 women were counselled over one year. Of these, 60% of women accepted PPIUCD. The majority of the PPIUCD acceptors were primigravida (61.7%), educated (86.1%), belonging to urban areas (61.7%), between 25 to 30 years (40.6%). The Follow-up rate was 93%, 90% and 81% at six weeks, three months, and six months, while the continuation rate at six months was 80%. The most common complication during follow-up were abnormal uterine bleeding, infection and missing threads. There was no case of perforation or failure of PPIUCD. The expulsion rate was 5%, and 14% of women had removal of PPIUCD.Conclusion: PPIUCD is a safe, highly effective, low cost, long-acting and feasible method of contraception. Skill enhancement of healthcare personnel for insertion techniques, adequate antenatal counselling, and advocacy of PPIUCD can help increase the acceptability of PPIUCD.
Worsening Functional Status in Nephrogeriatrics Needs to Be Accounted for When Clinically Assessing CKD Advancement in Addition to GFR; Supporting Evidence Based on the Practical Application of Theoretical Modelling.
Authors: Wisniewska Magdalena , Niemczyk Stanislaw
Published: September 2021

Incidence rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are found to increase with age as well as in those elderly patients undergoing renal replacement therapy. Using glomerular filtration rate as a sole predictor of CKD progression in the elderly is highly biased, unless other changes to patient health are accounted for.Aim: To determine the interrelated dependencies between chronic kidney disease with the functional status of patients aged over 65 years and to elucidate differences in functional status between CKD patients and controls.Methods: Patient subjects were qualified according to their assessed outcomes from the study protocol, which were achieved by: geriatric interview, assessing functional status by the IADL, Barthel and Tinetti tests together with assessing kidney function by performing laboratory tests of glomerular filtration rate, creatinine and urea. Subjects were divided into two groups: method 1 - according to GFR and method 2 - according to GFR and functional test results. The data were statistically analysed by structural equation modelling and k-means.Results: Positive relationships were found between the CKD stage and comorbidity (β = 0.551, p <0.0005), along with the number of medications taken and age (respectively β = 0.194, p = 0.007 and β = 0.301, p <0.0005). A highly negative relationship was observed between the CKD stage and the Tinetti test results (β = -0.716, p <0.0005), whilst more moderate ones were found with the IADL and Barthel scores (respectively β = -0.49, p <0.0005 and β = -0.402, p <0.0005). The patient groups demonstrated differences in health status when selected by method-2 for: age, comorbidity, number of medications taken, fitness test outcomes (Tinetti, Barthel and IADL tests at p <0.005). Those groups divided according to GFR, however only showed differences in age, comorbidity and the number of medication taken (p <0.005).Conclusions: The functional status worsens in geriatric patients suffering from CKD. It may thus be important to also account for disruptions to functional status when assessing CKD advancement in the elderly in addition to the GFR. The biggest problems for the over 80s suffering from CKD are gait and balance disorders, leading to a high risk of falls. Another common problem is polypharmacy, found in both the geriatric population and particularly in those suffering from CKD.
Air Quality And Health Benefits of Increasing Carbon Mitigation Tech-Innovation In China
Authors: Jin Shunlin , Wang Weidong , Ostic Dragana , Zhang Caijing , Lu Na , Wang Dong , Ni Wenli
Published: September 2021

Most studies on the short-term local benefits of carbon mitigation technologies on air quality improvement and health focus on specific technologies such as biofuels or Carbon sequestration technologies, while ignoring the overall role of the growing scale of low-carbon technologies, and the relevant empirical studies are particularly lacking. Based on STIRPAT model and EKC hypothesis, this paper takes 30 provinces of China from 2004 to 2016 as research samples, measures the carbon mitigation tech-innovation(CMTI) with Y02 low carbon patent applications, and constructs a econometric model to empirically analyze the effect of carbon mitigation tech-innovation in response to climate change on the inhibition of haze pollution. It draws on relevant studies to quantify air quality and health benefits of carbon mitigation tech-innovation. Research shows that a 1% increase in the number of low-carbon patent applications can reduce haze pollution by 0.066%. According to this estimate, to 2029,China's carbon mitigation tech-innovation could reduce PM2.5 concentration to 15µg/m3 preventing 5.597million premature deaths. The research further found that carbon mitigation tech-innovation can also indirectly inhibit haze pollution by triggering more systematic economic structure changes such as energy and industrial structure. Additionally, the study found that the role of grey tech-innovation(GT) related to improving the efficiency of fossil energy is stronger than that of clean technology(CT) related to the use of renewable energy. This suggests that for a large economy such as China, where coal is still the dominant source of energy consumption, the short-term local benefits of improving air quality and health through the use of grey tech-innovation to improve energy and industrial structure are still important to balance the cost of carbon mitigation.
How Can Industrial Upgrading Improve China's Air Quality —Empirical Analysis Based on Multilevel Growth Model
Authors: Li Zining , Li Congxin
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization in China, the ecological environment has been damaged, especially the air quality, which has brought troubles to the production and life of residents. China has taken various measures to improve air quality, and industrial upgrading is one of the measures. How can industrial upgrading improve air quality? This article uses the urban and provincial data from 2015 to 2018, adopts a multilevel growth model, and draws the following conclusions through empirical analysis.Companies aiming at economic profit and survival will eventually lead to overall industrial upgrades that have little effect on air improvement.Industrial structure adjustment under the effect of industrial upgrading can reduce air pollution and have a significant impact on the improvement of air quality.Industrial upgrading under the effect of time will inevitably reduce the impact on environmental pollution, which is conducive to the improvement of air quality.According to the empirical results, this paper puts forward some suggestions to improve the air quality.
What Do We Need to Improve Communication Skills Training in China: Suggestions from Nationwide Survey
Authors: Ge Yurong , Takeda Yuko , Liang Peifeng , Xia Shilin , Nealy Marcellus , Muranaka Yoko , Sun Shishu , Okada Takao
Published: September 2021

Background: To investigate the current status of simulated patient (SP) program education in mainland China. Methods: It is a cross sectional surveys to SP program with qualitative research method and statistical analysis. The study was conducted in 79 medical colleges in mainland China. Questionnaires were distributed to 79 medical colleges in mainland China, and 68 were completed and returned. Of those, we selected 64 valid feedback (valid response rate 81.0%). We compared the current status of SP, the origin of SP, SP training course, challenge, and future plan of 79 medical colleges in mainland China. Results: The number of SP program education in medical college with long clinical programs was significantly higher than that in medical colleges with single 5-year clinical program (p<0.01). Communication training accounted for 72.9% in SP program education, while the proportion was 90% in those colleges that planned to initiate SP program education. SP recruitment included students (56.8%), residents (48.7%), medical staffs (32.4%) and teachers (32.4%). The colleges, planning a SP program, preferred teachers (80%) and students (55%). In OSCE, a co-scoring from both SPs and teachers occupied a higher proportion in interrogation station and doctor-patient communication station. The obstacles were SP team instability, insufficient fund, lack of evaluation criterion, and few courses. Conclusions: SP program has advantage of improving doctor-patient relationship. Patient and public involvement will benefit from an increase for resident proportion in SP members. Overcoming the obstacles contributes to expanding the utilization of SP program and further improving student’s communication skills.
Long-Term Fertilization Alters the Chemical Composition of Dissolved Organic Carbon via Regulating Soil Physicochemical Factors
Authors: Zhang Yang , E Shengzhe , Wang Yanan , Zhang Nan , Wu Cuixia , Zeng Xibai
Published: September 2021

Soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) plays a key role in fundamental biogeochemical processes; however, the influences of different types of fertilization on the chemical composition and properties of DOC molecules in soils are poorly understood. In this study, DOC samples were extracted from gray desert soils treated with five fertilization treatments 1) chemical nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; 2) pig and cattle manure; 3) 50% nitrogen from manure and 50% nitrogen from chemical fertilizer; 4) total chemical fertilizers and total manure; and 5) no fertilization (control). Data were compared by a combination of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and statistical analyses. Results showed that manure application increased the aliphatic carbon and decreased the aromatic carbon levels, implying manure application promotes the transformation of labile carbon to stable carbon structures. Redundancy analysis indicated that available nutrients and available forms of magnesium were positively associated with the labile carbon groups, and the available forms of calcium were positively associated with the stable carbon groups. These results demonstrated that the availability of soil nutrients and minerals are influential factors on DOC turnover. Moreover, our results showed that fertilization method had negative direct effects on DOC transformation and positive indirect effects on DOC turnover via soil physicochemical factors, and various forms of mineral ions were the strongest explanatory factors of DOC variation. These findings indicated that soil physicochemical factors play an important role as mediators in the influence of fertilization practices on the chemical composition of DOC and turnover of carbon-containing functional groups in DOC.
Oral Rehabilitation of Oncology Patients With Microvascular Free Flaps With a Follow-Up of 2 to 6 Years
Authors: Goker Funda , Baj Alessandro , Bolzoni Alessandro Remigio , Maiorana Carlo , Beltramini Giada , Gianni Aldo Bruno , Fabbro Massimo Del
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction with free flaps after radical cancer surgery in terms of function and esthetics can be quite demanding. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively oral rehabilitation with microvascular free flaps and dental implants for maxillofacial reconstruction in oncologic patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years after implant insertions.METHODS: The study consisted of 17 patients diagnosed with either squamous cell carcinoma, fusocellular carcinoma, or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The reconstruction of the maxillofacial defects was done with microvascular free flaps (free fibular flap, antero-lateral thigh flap, or radial forearm flap). Implants were inserted on the average 30.2±15.5 months after reconstructive operations. A total of 74 implants were inserted. Mean follow up after maxillo-facial surgery was 6.16 years (mean 73.93±14.48 months). Mean follow up after implant insertions was 3.61 years (mean 43.50±12.96). Primary outcome was implant survival. Secondary outcome was evaluation of post-surgical complications.RESULTS: There were surgical revisions in seven patients after reconstructive surgery with flaps, mainly due to tumor relapse. Complications were seen in 11 patients. 1 implant was lost in a female patient 15 months after placement. Overall implant survival rate was 97.5%. No relations were found between implant survival rate and gender, type of tumor, type of microvascular free flap, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and prosthesis type.CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, oral rehabilitation with dental implants inserted in free flaps for maxillofacial reconstruction after ablative oncologic surgery can be considered as a safe treatment modality with successful outcomes.
Differing Effects of Cabbage Defense Responses Induced by MEAM1 and MED Cryptic Species of Bemisia Tabaci on Later-Arriving Conspecifics and Heterospecifics
Authors: Zhang Youjun , Hu Jie , Lu Jintian , Yang Nina , Liu Baiming , Fu Peiyi , Yang Jinjian , Jiao Xiaoguo
Published: September 2021

Two cryptic species of the Bemisia tabaci species complex, MEAM1 (Middle East-Asia Minor 1) and MED (Mediterranean), are highly destructive herbivores. Attack by herbivorous insects often induces defense responses in plants, including the accumulation of toxic secondary metabolites, the synthesis of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) and defensive proteins, and the release of volatile organic compounds that attract natural enemies. These defense responses, which often differ depending on the herbivore, may affect the preference and performance of later-arriving con- and heterospecific whiteflies that attack the same plant. In the present study, we found that MEAM1 whiteflies preferred settling and ovipositing on non-infested and MED-infested cabbage over MEAM1-infested cabbage plants, but that MED whiteflies showed no significant difference in settling or oviposition preference among non-infested, MEAM1-infested, and MED-infested plants. MEAM1 infestation increased the contents of total phenols and flavonoids in cabbage, which coincided with the increased expression of the following genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway: PAL2, C4H, and 4CL1. Soluble protein contents were also markedly higher in the MEAM1-infested cabbage plants than in the non-infested and MED-infested cabbage plants. Overall, these results demonstrate that previous infestation by MEAM1 and MED whiteflies induced defense responses in cabbage plants that had different effects on the host preference and performance of later-arriving con- and heterospecific whiteflies. Phenolic compounds may be the key factors influencing host choice by MEAM1 and MED whiteflies on cabbage plants.
Surgery for Uterine Preservation in Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yi-Lei , Li Tao , Peng Wen , Liu Xiang-Bin , Wang Hong-Mei
Published: September 2021

Background: Owing to high risks of maternal morbidity, surgical complications, and loss of fertility, including psychological trauma caused by cesarean hysterectomy, innovative approaches for uterine preservation have been investigated. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a novel eight-step surgical protocol for uterine preservation in placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) overlying the previous cesarean scar.Methods: We retrospectively studied consecutive patients with PAS overlying the cesarean scar, who were treated between December 2015 and October 2019 using the protocol. The depth and extension of placental invasion and severity of pelvic adhesion were assessed intraoperatively. Information regarding the gestational week at surgery, surgery duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), bladder injury, and post-procedural recovery was retrieved from the hospital database. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze factors influencing surgical blood loss. EBL was compared between the perioperative aortic balloon and non-balloon groups in severe cases using t-tests.Results: Overall, 115 patients with PAS were included. The mean EBL and surgery duration were 1666.1±1379.0 mL and 2.2±0.8 h, respectively. The uterus was successfully preserved in all patients with one surgery. Incidences of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta were 40 (35.8%), 46 (40.0%), and 29 (25.2%) cases, respectively. Extensive placental invasion and cervical involvement were observed in 41.7% and 28.7% of patients, respectively. EBL was significantly correlated with the extent of placental invasion, cervical involvement, and pelvic adhesion. No difference was seen in EBL between the balloon and non-balloon groups among the 44 patients with severe PAS.Conclusion: The eight-step protocol is effective for uterine preservation in PAS overlying the cesarean scar. EBL is affected by the extent of placental invasion, cervical involvement, and severity of pelvic adhesion. Perioperative aortic balloon should be used conservatively.
Epidemiology of Maxillofacial Injuries in “Heratsi” No 1 University Hospital in Yerevan, Armenia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Aleksanyan Lusine V. , Poghosyan Anna Yu , Misakyan Martin S. , Minasyan Armen M. , Bablumyan Aren Yu , Tadevosyan Artashes E. , Muradyan Armen A.
Published: September 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the prevalence, etiologies, and types of maxillofacial injuries (MFI) and sites of maxillofacial fractures (MFF) and their management in Yerevan, Armenia.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Data including age, sex, date of referral, mode of injury, etiology, radiology records and treatment methods were extracted. Study outcomes were measured using percentages, means, standard deviations and tests of proportions. P <.05 was considered significant.Results: A total of 204 patients had a mean age of 36.26 ±1.08 years (156 males and 48 females), and a total of 259 MFIs were recorded between 2017 and 2020. Interpersonal violence (IV) was found to be the most common etiology of MFFs in this study (42.1%), followed by road traffic accidents (RTAs) (27.9%) and falls (18.6%). The nasal bone was the most common injury site (47.5%), followed by the mandible (31.4%) and zygomatic complex (11.7%). The most common fracture site was the mandibular angle (37.9%), followed by the symphysis/parasymphysis (28.1%) and body (12.6%). The majority of MFFs were treated by open reduction and internal fixation.Conclusion: Interpersonal violence, followed by RTAs and falls, was the most common cause of MFIs. The nasal bone was the most common injury site, followed by the mandible and zygomatic complex. Social education with the objective of reducing aggression and interpersonal conflict should be improved, and appropriate RTA prevention strategies should be strengthened and implemented.
Explainable Machine Learning Prediction for COVID-19 Mortality in the Colombian Population
Authors: Morales Gabriel Ricardo Vásquez , Monterrubio Sergio Mauricio Martínez , García Juan Antonio Recio , Ger Pablo Moreno
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, has become a global public health problem, resulting in large numbers of infections and deaths. One of the greatest challenges in dealing with the disease is to identify those people who are most at risk of becoming infected, seriously ill and dying from the virus so that they can be isolated in a targeted manner to reduce mortality rates. This article proposes using machine learning, specifically neural networks, and random forests, to build two complementary models that identify the probability that a person has of dying because of COVID-19. The models are trained with the demographic information and medical history of two population groups: 43,000 people who died from COVID-19 in Colombia during 2020, and a random sample of 43,000 people who became ill with COVID-19 during the same period but later recovered. After training the neural network classification model, evaluation metrics were applied that yielded an 88% accuracy value. However, transparency is a major requirement for the explicability of the COVID-19 prognosis. Therefore, a complementary random forest model was trained that identified the most significant predictors of mortality by COVID-19.
A Novel p.K116Q SNP in the OLR1 Gene and Its Relation to Fecundity in Awassi Ewes
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed M. , Al-Thuwaini Tahreer Mohammed , Al-Shuhaib Mohammed Baqur S.
Published: September 2021

BackgroundSheep's fecundity is determined by both twinning rate and litter size, both influenced by several genes, one of which is OLR1 (oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor gene). This study aimed to determine the genetic variation of the OLR1 gene affecting the fecundity traits of Awassi ewes. ResultsTwo genotypes of 334-bp amplicons, CC and CA were detected. In a sequence reaction, the novel mutation p.K116Q was discovered in CA genotypes. There was a highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and reproductive traits, in that sheep with the p.K116Q SNP had lower litter size, twinning rate, fecundity, and lambing percentages than individuals with CC genotypes. The ewes with CC genotypes had 1.98 lambs more than those with CA genotypes. These observations imply that the missense p.K116Q variant has an adverse effect on the traits under study. ConclusionsAs such, SNP p.K116Q appears to negatively influence fecundity traits in Awassi sheep. The data evidence that the OLR1 gene variant is one of the most important candidates for marker-assisted selection in the sheep industry.
Efficacy and Safety of Da-Chai-Hu-Tang in Lipid Profile in High-Risk, Statin-Treated Patients with Residual HyperTG: An 12-Week, Randomized, Active-Control, Open Clinical Study
Authors: Lee Young Shin , Lee Jung Myung , Chung Hye Moon , Woo Jong Shin , Lee Byung Cheol , Kim Weon
Published: September 2021

Introduction:
Da-chai-hu-tang (DCHT) is one of the insurance-covered herbal extracts, which proved the effect on reducing serum triglycerides (TG) and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in animal experiment and small clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCHT in high-risk, statin-treated patients with residual hypertriglyceridemia.
Methods
This was a 12-week, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, investigator-initiated, single center trial. A total of 50 patients were screened. After a 2-week run-in period, 42 of these patients with high cardiovascular risks whose LDL cholesterol levels were controlled by statin treatment, but TG levels of 200 to 500mg/dL were randomly assigned 1:1 to the OMEGA3 (1000mg twice a day) group or DCHT (1 pack (3g) three times a day) group for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was defined as the percentage change of TG at 12 weeks compared to the baseline, and changes in other lipid profiles and endothelial cell function by reactive hyperemic index (RHI) were included as secondary endpoints. Safety analyses were also performed.
Results
The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. In the OMEGA3 group, the average TG level decreased from 294.4 (71.9) to 209.9 (107.8) mg/dL (p = 0.004), and in the DCHT group, from 288.7 (59.0) to 227.5 (98.0) mg/dL (p = 0.001). The percentage change of TG was − 27.5 and − 22.4 (p = 0.575), respectively, and there was no significant difference between the both groups. LDL cholesterol in the OMEGA3 group decreased from 88.6 (21.7) to 80.8 (17.5) mg/dL (p = 0.049), and from 86.1 (21.5) to 82.8 (15.4) mg/dL (p = 0.406) in the DCHT group. The difference was not significant. RHI also showed no significant change at the baseline and end of treatment, from 1.588 to 1.764 in the OMEGA3 group and from 1.901 to 1.858 in the DCHT group. There were no severe adverse events in both groups, and at 12 weeks, there was one patient in each group whose LFT increased more than twice compared to baseline.
Conclusions
In high-risk, statin-treated patients with residual hypertriglyceridemia, administration of OMEGA3 or DCHT for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in TG, and the effect of DCHT was not inferior to OMEGA3.
Trial registration:
The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Review Board of Kyung Hee University Hospital (KHUH 2019-07-035-003), and the study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.
Treatment and Prognosis of Postoperative Acute Cerebral Venous Infarctions
Authors: Cai Qing , Wang Shoujie , Zhou Jiahua , Qin Huaizhou , Feng Dayun
Published: September 2021

IntroductionThe incidence of cerebral venous infarctions is not high, but this condition can cause serious complications. This paper summarizes the cases of serious complications after cerebral venous infarctions and proposes corresponding treatment strategies.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 5 patients that had severe complications secondary to injury or sacrifice of related veins during the resection of different intracranial lesions (cerebellopontine angle, lateral ventricle, frontal lobe, falx parietal lobe, frontal parietal lobe). There were 2 males and 3 females, aged 34-58 years. Routine CT and MRI/MRV examinations were performed before the operation, and the diagnoses were a hemifacial spasm, a meningioma of the lateral ventricle, a hemangioma, a falx meningioma and a glioma. Postoperative CT examinations were performed to understand the intracranial conditions of the patients.ResultsFive cases had injuries to associated veins, which included the cerebellar cortical vein, internal cerebral vein, middle frontal vein, straight sinus, and postfrontal vein, during the operations. There were 2 cases of venous infarctions, 3 cases of hemorrhagic infarctions, 2 cases who had conservative treatment, 3 cases who had surgical treatment, 1 case who died (the hemifacial spasm), 1 case who had a vegetative survival (the lateral ventricular meningioma), and 3 cases with good recoveries (the hemangioma, falx meningioma, and glioma).ConclusionsSurgeons should pay more attention to intracranial vein injuries during procedures. Acute neurological dysfunction or even death may occur after these injuries. Surgeons should closely monitor the condition of the patient and proceed with surgical intervention if necessary. The prognosis is usually good for these surgery cases, but the prognosis can be poor if important veins are injured. The key to avoiding cerebral venous infarctions is to preserve the integrity of the veins to the greatest extent during the operation.
Interactions Between Human-Driven and Autonomous Vehicles on Public Roads
Authors: Sinha Amolika , Radwan Ahmed , Dixit Vinayak
Published: September 2021

To achieve the level of safety and efficiencies promised by autonomous vehicles (AVs), understanding of interactions between human driven vehicles and AVs is crucial. The limited access to publicly available AV data in the field has been the main source of challenge to explore these questions. Using recently released annotated AV data released by Waymo, we investigate interactions between AVs with Human-driven manual vehicles (MVs) in a public road environment. A scalable methodology is presented to study interactions between AVs and MVs. This research reports two main findings (a) AVs tend to be more conservative than MVs at higher speeds on arterials and at lower speeds on freeways (b) No statistical differences in the mean reaction times between MVs and AVs, however, MVs following MVs were found to have statistically significantly lower variance in reaction times. These findings demonstrate the broader impacts of AVs on traffic flow and capacity.
Analysis of the Change of Artificial Intelligence to Online Consumption Patterns and Consumption Concepts
Authors: Bai Longyue
Published: September 2021

In order to explore the change of artificial intelligence to online consumption patterns and consumption concepts, this paper explores the changes of artificial intelligence to online consumption patterns and consumption concepts, which are mainly realized through intelligent platforms.Moreover, this paper uses intelligent algorithms to improve the efficiency of system processing data, and uses data mining algorithms to process consumption patterns and consumption concept data.In addition, this paper studies the size and effect of the intermediary role played by payment mental accounts in payment costs and consumer purchase decisions, and studies the changes and effects of artificial intelligence on people's consumption patterns.Finally, this paper analyzes the changes of artificial intelligence to online consumption patterns and consumption concepts by investigating access methods and big data technology. Through investigation and research, we know that artificial intelligence can change consumption patterns, and make people more willing to accept this pattern of smart consumption, and it improves the convenience of people's consumption.
SLC39A1 Contributes to Gemcitabine Resistance of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Activating AMPK Signaling
Authors: Yu Hao , Mei Xiaoping , Zhang Xueming , Qian Neng , Yu Qingjiang , Qiu Huiwen , Wang Jiayi , Kang Yongli , Yang Jie , Zhou Hongkun
Published: September 2021

Objective: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) serves as a prevailing tumor type with high mortality and poor prognosis. The study aims to explore the mechanism of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC patients. Methods: Immunohistochemistry(IHC)was used to analyze the expression of SLC39A1 in PDAC samples. PDAC cells were culture and transfected with siSLC39A1 and siNC, respectively. Cell proliferation analysis was performed using CCK-8 assay. And qPCR and Western blotting was used to analysis the expression level of SLC39A1 and related signal molecular in cells. Results: IHC results demonstrated that the SLC39A1 expression was significantly up-regulated in the gemcitabine-resistant PDAC samples compared with gemcitabine-sensitive PDAC samples. The treatment of gemcitabine dose-dependently inhibited the viability of the PDAC cells. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein expression of SLC39A1 were elevated in the gemcitabine-resistant PDAC. The treatment of gemcitabine remarkably decreased viability of PDACs, in which SLC39A1 depletion could reverse this effect. SLC39A1 knockdown could reverse the gemcitabine-induced phosphorylation of AMPK enhanced and gemcitabine-inhibited S6K expression. Conclusion: SLC39A1 contributed to gemcitabine resistance of PDAC by activating AMPK signaling.
Structural and Electrical Dynamics of a Grating-Patterned Triboelectric Energy Harvester with Stick-Slip Oscillation and Magnetic Bistability
Authors: Zhao Huai , Ouyang Huajiang
Published: September 2021

The majority of research work on triboelectric energy harvesting is on material science, manufacturing and electric circuit design. There is a lack of in-depth research into structural dynamics which is crucial for power generation in triboelectric energy harvesting. In this paper, a novel triboelectric energy harvester with a compact structure working in sliding mode is developed, which is in the form of a casing and an oscillator inside. Unlike most sliding-mode harvesters using single-unit films, the proposed harvester utilizes grating-patterned films which are much more efficient. A bistable mechanism consisting of two pairs of magnets is employed for broadening the frequency bandwidth. A theoretical model is established for the harvester, which couples the structural dynamics domain and electrical dynamics domain. This paper presents the first study about the nonlinear structural dynamics of a triboelectric energy harvester with grating-patterned films, which is also the first triboelectric energy harvester integrating grating-patterned films with a bistable magnetic system for power performance enhancement. Theoretical studies are carried out from the perspectives of both structural and electrical dynamics. A comparison between the coupled model and uncoupled model reveals that the electrostatic force between the electrodes can be neglected. Great differences in structural response and electrical output are found between a velocity-dependent model and Coulomb’s model for modelling the friction in the harvester. The bistable mechanism can effectively improve the output voltage under low-frequency excitations. Additionally, the output voltage can also be obviously enhanced through increasing the number of the hollowed-out units of the grating-patterned films, which also results in a slight decrease of the optimal load resistance of the harvester. These findings enable innovative designs for triboelectric energy harvesters and provide fabrication guidelines in practical applications.
Socio-Economic Inequalities in Health-Related Quality of Life Among Iranian Adolescents
Authors: Maleki Azam , Faghihzadeh Elham , Youseflu Samaneh , Arsang-Jang Shahram , barjasteh Shahnaz Zamani
Published: September 2021

Background: One of the main concerns of public health is increasing inequality of health status, that has adverse effect on people's life. The aim of the current study is to analyze the role of socio-economic factors as a predictor of health-related quality of life (QoL) among Iranian adolescence. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 576 adolescents aged 15 to 18 years, in Zanjan province from December 2020 to February 2021. The samples were selected using the Multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected by a demographic checklist, and KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS ver.16. The Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) Version 4.0 (beta) was used to assess adolescents' QoL inequalities in terms of socio-economic subgroups. Result: The results show that, 27.2 adolescents had low quality of life. The score of physical and autonomy components of QoL were significantly more in male versus school environment in female students. Also, the asset, father's, and mother's education, and family income in female students, and the asset and family income in male students were significantly related with the quality-of-life (p<0.05). The risk of lower QOL in the poorest quintile was 1.32 times more than in the richest quintile. The consideration index of Asset in terms of sex was 4.5 and the modified Gini index was more than 0.5 in females and males. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significant effects of socio-economic inequality on HRQL of Iranian adolescence. Requires a targeted policy approach to reach the poorest quintile for improving the quality of life of adolescents.
Risk Factors and Microbiological Features of Recurrent Escherichia coli Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Kim Yong Chan , Choi Heun , Kim Young Ah , Park Yoon Soo , Seo Young Hee , Lee Hyukmin , Lee Kyungwon
Published: September 2021

Background: Recurrent blood stream infection (BSI) is a significant complication associated with additional morbidity and mortality. We aim to understand the clinical risk factors and microbiological determinants in recurrent E. coli BSI. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving adult patients with E. coil BSI and its recurrence from January 2017 to December 2018. Recurrence was subdivided into early onset (4–30 days after initial BSI) and late onset (31–270 days after initial BSI). We evaluated risk factors for recurrent BSI and microbiological determinants of E. coli isolated from patients with recurrent BSI. Results: Of 808 patients with E. coli BSI, 57 (6.31%) had recurrence (29 of early onset and 28 of late onset) during study period. Data of 149 patients with single episode, whose samples were available for determining the sequence type 131 and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genotype, were selected for comparison. In recurrent BSI, liver cirrhosis, vascular catheter, and ESBL phenotype were more common, and the Charlson comorbidity index and sequential organ failure assessment score were higher than those of single episode BSI. Vascular catheter (odds ratio [OR], 4.588; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.049–20.068), ESBL phenotype (OR, 2.037; 95% CI, 1.037–3.999) and sequential organ failure assessment score ≥9 (OR, 3.210; 95% CI, 1.359–7.581) were independent risk factors for recurrence. The proportion of the ESBL genotype was higher in early onset recurrent BSI (41.4%) than in late onset recurrent BSI (25%) or single episode BSI (16.8%); the E. coli isolated from the former was resistant to most antimicrobial agents. Whole genome sequencing performed on 27 of the available ESBL–producing E. coli samples (11 from single episode, 11 from early onset recurrence, and 5 from late onset recurrence) demonstrated that various virulence factors, resistant genes, and plasmid types existed in isolates from all types of BSI. Among 28 patients of late onset recurrence, 8 episodes were available for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis and 3 (37.5%) were caused by an identical strain.Conclusions: This study outlines risk factors contributing to the recurrence and microbiological features of E. coli causing recurrent BSI, which may be helpful for healthcare providers.
Potential Roles of Climate Feedback, Ocean Vertical Mixing and Overturning Circulation in Mitigating Global Warming
Authors: Yang Haijun , Yang Qiangzi , Li Yang , Zhou Xiangying
Published: September 2021

Despite the rapid increase of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere during the past 50 years, observed global mean surface temperature (GMST) showed a pause in the warming trend during the first decade of the twenty-first century. This is referred to as the global warming “hiatus.” A dominant hypothesis emphasizes that the superimposition of the cold phase of the Pacific decadal variability and the global warming trend can lead to the hiatus. This also implies a future acceleration of global warming once the Pacific decadal variability enters its warm phase. Using simply energy balance model, we explore three potential mechanisms that may restrain the GMST warming trend: enhanced negative climate feedback, downward ocean vertical mixing and overturning circulation. Forced by linearly increasing heating, a stronger negative climate feedback can reduce the GMST warming rate, but cannot result in a warming hiatus. Although the global overall climate feedback can be assumed to be more negative theoretically, in reality this feedback is likely to become more positive, which would potentially result in a disastrous runaway climate in several decades. Enhanced downward mixing of heat can cause a short-lived hiatus of surface warming rate, but this would eventually accelerate the surface warming in the long run. A stronger overturning circulation can transport more surface warm water downward just temporarily, which cannot stop the warming trend. This study suggests that in the long run, the only route to contain the global warming effectively is to reduce the GHGs.
Outcomes of Proton Therapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in Patients with Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Hashimoto Shingo , Iwata Hiromitsu , Hattori Yukiko , Nakajima Koichiro , Nomura Kento , Hayashi Kensuke , Toshito Toshiyuki , Yamamori Eiko , Akita Kenji , Mizoe Jun-etsu , Ogino Hiroyuki , Shibamoto Yuta
Published: September 2021

Background:Interstitial pneumonia (IP) is a disease with a poor prognosis. In addition, IP patients are more likely to develop lung cancer. Since IP patients frequently develop toxicities during cancer treatment, minimally invasive cancer treatment is warranted for such patients to maintain their quality of life. This study retrospectively investigated the efficacy and safety of proton therapy (PT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with IP.Methods:Twenty-nine NSCLC patients with IP were treated with PT between September 2013 and December 2019. The patients had stage IA to IIIB primary NSCLC. Ten of the 29 patients exhibited the usual interstitial pneumonia pattern. The prescribed dose was 66-74 Grays (relative biological effectiveness) in 10-37 fractions.Results:The median follow-up period was 17.4 months (interquartile range (IQR), 9.5–32.7). The median patient age was 77 years (IQR, 71–81). The median planning target volume was 112.0 ml (IQR, 56.1–246.3). The 2-year local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates were 77% (95% confidence interval: 34 to 94), 31% (13–50), and 50% (26–70), respectively. According to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.0), grade 3 acute radiation pneumonitis (RP) was observed in 1 patient. Two patients developed grade 3 late RP, but no other patients experienced serious toxicities. The patients’ quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13 and SF-36) scores had not changed after 3 months.Conclusions:﻿PT may safely control NSCLC without adversely affecting the daily lives of IP patients.