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In order to solve the problems of differences in Chinese glyphs and blurred boundaries of Chinese words, a Chinese named entity recognition model based on multi-feature fusion embedding is proposed. On the basis of extracting semantic features, glyph features are captured based on convolutional neural network and multi-headed self-attention mechanism, word features are obtained with reference to the word vector embedding table, and the bidirectional long short-term memory neural network is used to learn the context representation of long distance. Finally the constraint conditions in sentence sequence labels are learned by combining the conditional random field to realize Chinese named entity recognition. The F1 values on the Resume, Weibo and People Daily datasets reach 96.66%, 70.84% and 96.15%, respectively, which proves that the proposed model effectively improves the performance of Chinese named entity recognition tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral ischemic preconditioning (CIP) has been shown to improve brain ischemic tolerance against subsequent lethal ischemia. Reactive astrocytes play important roles in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion. Recent studies have shown that reactive astrocytes can be polarized into neurotoxic A1 phenotype (C3d) and neuroprotective A2 phenotype (S100A10). However, their role in CIP remains unclear. Here, we focused on the role of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in regulating the transformation of A1/A2 astrocytes and promoting to brain ischemic tolerance induced by CIP. A Sprague Dawley rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) was used. Rats were divided into the following six groups: (1) sham group; (2) CIP group: left middle cerebral artery was blocked for 10 min; (3) MCAO/R group: left middle cerebral artery was blocked for 90 min; (4) CIP + MCAO/R group: CIP was performed 72 h before MCAO/R; (5) AAV-NDRG2 + CIP + MCAO/R group: adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying NDRG2 was administered 14 days before CIP + MCAO/R; (6) AAV-Ctrl + CIP + MCAO/R group: empty control group. The rats were subjected to neurological evaluation 24 h after the above treatments, and then were sacrificed for 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetraolium chloride staining, thionin staining, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. In CIP + MCAO/R group, the neurological deficit scores decreased, infarct volume reduced, and neuronal density increased compared with MCAO/R group. Notably, CIP significantly increased S100A10 expression and the number of S100A10+/GFAP+ cells, and also increased NDRG2 expression. MCAO/R significantly decreased S100A10 expression and the number of S100A10+/GFAP+ cells yet increased C3d expression and the number of C3d+/GFAP+ cells and NDRG2 expression, and these trends were reversed by CIP + MCAO/R. Furthermore, over-expression of NDRG2 before CIP + MCAO/R, the C3d expression and the number of C3d+/GFAP+ cells increased, while S100A10 expression and the number of S100A10+/GFAP+ cells decreased. Meanwhile, over-expression of NDRG2 blocked the CIP-induced brain ischemic tolerance. Taken together, these results suggest that CIP exerts neuroprotective effects against ischemic injury by suppressing A1 astrocyte polarization and promoting A2 astrocyte polarization via inhibiting NDRG2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gut microbiota are closely related to the development and regulation of the host immune system by regulating the maturation of immune cells and the resistance to pathogens, which affects the host immunity. Early use of antibiotics disrupts the homeostasis of gut microbiota and increases the risk of asthma. Gut microbiota actively interact with the host immune system via the gut‐lung axis, a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and lung. The manipulation of gut microbiota through probiotics, helminth therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to combat asthma has become a hot research topic. Body: This review mainly describes the current immune pathogenesis of asthma, gut microbiota and the role of the gut‐lung axis in asthma. Moreover, the potential of manipulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites as a treatment strategy for asthma has been discussed. Conclusion: The gut‐lung axis has a bidirectional effect on asthma. Gut microecology imbalance contributes to asthma through bacterial structural components and metabolites. Asthma, in turn, can also cause intestinal damage through inflammation throughout the body. The manipulation of gut microbiota through probiotics, helminth therapy, and FMT can inform the treatment strategies for asthma by regulating the maturation of immune cells and the resistance to pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral amides are important structure in many natural products and pharmaceuticals, yet their efficient synthesis from simple amide feedstock remains challenge due to its weak Lewis basicity. Herein, we describe our study of the enantioselective synthesis of chiral amides by N-alkylation of primary amides taking advantage of an achiral rhodium and chiral squaramide co-catalyzed carbene N–H insertion reaction. This method features mild condition, rapid reaction rate (in all cases 1 min) and a wide substrate scope with high yield and excellent enantioselectivity. Further product transformations show the synthetic potential of this reaction. Mechanistic studies reveal that the non-covalent interactions between the catalyst and reaction intermediate play a critical role in enantiocontrol.Chiral amides are important structure in many natural products and pharmaceuticals, yet their efficient synthesis from simple amide feedstock remains challenge due to its weak Lewis basicity. Here, the authors report the enantioselective synthesis of chiral amides by N-alkylation of primary amides via Rh-catalyzed carbene N–H insertion reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease in children characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. Childhood asthma is usually associated with allergy and atopy, unlike adult asthma, which is commonly associated with obesity, smoking, etc. The pathogenesis and diagnosis of childhood asthma also remains more challenging than adult asthma, such as many diseases showing similar symptoms may coexist and be confused with asthma. In terms of the treatment, although most childhood asthma can potentially be self-managed and controlled with drugs, approximately 5–10% of children suffer from severe uncontrolled asthma, which carries significant health and socioeconomic burdens. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the pathogenesis of childhood asthma from a new perspective. Studies have revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of respiratory diseases. In addition, altered expression of ncRNAs in blood, and in condensate of sputum or exhalation affects the progression of asthma via regulating immune response. In this review, we outline the regulation and pathogenesis of asthma and summarize the role of ncRNAs in childhood asthma. We also hold promise that ncRNAs may be used for the development of biomarkers and support a new therapeutic strategy for childhood asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) and its association with quality of life (QOL) among pregnant and postnatal women in China. Methods: In this multi-center, cross-sectional study, 1,060 pregnant and postnatal women from eight hospitals were assessed. Depression and QOL were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - brief version, respectively. Results: The prevalence of depression was 7.45% (95% CI: 5.87–9.04%) in the sample. Women with depression had lower QOL in physical, psychological, social and environmental domains compared to those without. Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to suffer from depression (OR = 2.391, 95% CI = 1.384–4.130, P = 0.002). Conclusion: Due to its negative association with QOL, increased attention should be paid to depression in pregnant and postnatal women. Regular screening assessment and preventive measures should be adopted to reduce risk of depression in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective: The purpose of this case report is to increase the awareness of tacrolimus‐induced acute pancreatitis in renal transplantation patients. Case summary: We present a case of tacrolimus‐induced acute pancreatitis with positive rechallenge. The 24‐year‐old male patient underwent kidney transplant and received immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus. On day 10 post‐transplant, he presented with abdominal pain. A laboratory analysis showed elevated serum amylase and serum lipase levels. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed large‐volume ascites and pelvic cavity effusion. These findings led to a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. After tacrolimus was temporarily stopped and altered with cyclosporine, his symptoms decreased and he was restarted with tacrolimus. On day 61, laboratory tests again revealed significant elevations of serum amylase and serum lipase. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed increased pancreatic tail fluid collections. We excluded other possible causes and concluded that tacrolimus was the definite inducer of pancreatitis. The patient was switched from tacrolimus to cyclosporine again. Serum amylase and serum lipase were gradually decreased to normal, and he was discharged home with no relapse. What is new and conclusion: With the consideration of the wide use of tacrolimus, it is important that healthcare providers are aware of tacrolimus‐induced acute pancreatitis. Future studies are needed to confirm and quantify the risk of tacrolimus‐induced acute pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Limited comparative data are available regarding catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) using second-generation cryoballoon (CB-2) vs. radiofrequency (RF) ablation in elderly patients (> 75 years old). The present study aimed to compare the costs and clinical outcomes in elderly patients using these two strategies.Methods: Elderly patients with symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal/short-lasting persistent AF were included in the study. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was performed in all patients.Results: A total of 324 elderly patients were included (RF,176; CB-2,148) from September 2016 to April 2019. The CB-2 was associated with shorter procedure time and left atrial dwell time (112.9 ± 11.1 vs. 135.1 ± 9.9 min, P < 0.001; 53.7 ± 8.9 vs. 65.1.9 ± 9.0 min, P < 0.001) but marked fluoroscopy utilization (22.1 ± 3.3 vs. 18.5 ± 3.6 min, P < 0.001). Complications occurred in 3.3% (CB-2) and 6.2% (RF) of patients with no significant different (p = 0.307). The length of stay after ablation was shorter, but the costs were higher in the CB-2 group (1.94 vs. 2.53 days, P < 0.001 and 91,132.6 ± 3723.5 vs. 81,149.4 ± 6824.1 CNY, P < 0.001) compared to the RF group. Additionally, the rate of early recurrence of atrial arrhythmia (ERAA) was lower in the CB-2 group (14.2 vs. 23.3%, P = 0.047), but the long-term success rate was similar between two groups.Conclusions: CB-2 is associated with shorter procedure time, left atrial dwell time, and length of stay after ablation, as well as lower ERAA, but its costs and fluoroscopy time are greater than the RF group. Moreover, the rate of complications and long-term success is similar between the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we ascertained the chest CT data of 60 patients admitted to 3 hospitals in Chongqing with confirmed COVID-19. We conducted anatomical and pathological analyses to elucidate the possible reasons for the distribution, morphology, and characteristics of COVID-19 in chest CT. We also shared a semiquantitative scoring of affected lung segments, which was recommended by our local medical association. This scoring system was applied to quantify the severity of the disease. The most frequent imaging findings of COVID-19 were subpleural ground glass opacities and consolidation; there was a significant difference in semiquantitative scores between the early, progressive, and severe stages of the disease. We conclude that the chest CT findings of COVID-19 showed certain characteristics because of the anatomical features of the human body and pathological changes caused by the virus. Therefore, chest CT is a valuable tool for facilitating the diagnosis of COVID-19 and semiquantitative scoring of affected lung segments may further elucidate diagnosis and assessment of disease severity. This will assist healthcare workers in diagnosing COVID-19 and assessing disease severity, facilitate the selection of appropriate treatment options, which is important for reducing the spread of the virus, saving lives, and controlling the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study redescribed Myxobolus tanakai Kato, et al., 2017 parasitizing the gills of Carassius auratus auratus from Jiangjin District of Chongqing based on morphological and molecular data (18S rDNA), and compared M. tanakai with other genetic related species using phylogeny. Morphologically, the spores were long pear-shaped with a posterior blunt end and a size of (14.58±0.54) µm x (6.09±0.37) μm. The two polar capsules were equal; polar filaments perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the polar capsules wounded eight to ten coils; a large triangle intercapsular appendix was observed in front of the two polar capsules; iodinophilous vacuoles was evident. Molecularly, three 18S rDNA sequences from three different samples were 99.3%-99.6% identical and clustered in a branch of phylogenetic tree with that of M. tanakai populations from the gills of Cyprinus carpio in Yamaguchi City, Japan. The results indicated that the present organism is the same species as M. tanakai from Japan. This is a new record for Chinese M. tanakai, and goldfish is a new host record. The comparative results of secondary structure of 18S rDNA V2, V4 and V7 revealed that intraspecific variation already existed in M. tanakai, which might contribute to host differentiation and geographical isolation. In addition, whether certain sequences reported in GenBank belong to Myxobolus koi remained to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumulative reports comparing the efficacy and safety outcomes between uninterrupted NOACs and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in AF ablation had been freshly published. This meta-analysis aimed at offering a more comprehensive evaluation between these two anticoagulants in uninterrupted strategy. We searched in PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (inception to June 10, 2019) for eligible studies. Fixed-effects model was preferred in pooled analysis if I2 < 50%. Publication bias was also evaluated. A total of 23 studies involving 12,725 individuals were analyzed in this literature. There were no difference between uninterrupted NOACs and VKA groups in incidence of Stroke/TIA (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.54–1.77, P = 0.93, I2 = 0%), silent cerebral embolism (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.82–1.43, P = 0.56, I2 = 0%), minor bleeding complication (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.83–1.14, P = 0.73, I2 = 0%), cardiac tamponade (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.63–1.42, P = 0.80, I2 = 0%). Uninterrupted NOACs was associated with significantly lower major bleeding incidence (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49–0.92, P = 0.01, I2 = 0%), pericardial effusion (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56–1.00, P = 0.048, I2 = 9%). In sub-analysis, no difference was found in all sub-analyses for Stroke/TIA while significant major bleeding risk reduction in uninterrupted NOACs was identified in the subgroup of CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 and target activated clotting time (ACT) > 300 s. In conclusions, uninterrupted NOACs was more effective than uninterrupted VKA in reducing major bleeding and pericardial effusion risk without increasing thromboembolism risk, and the benefits of uninterrupted NOACs on major bleeding complication could be more pronounced if CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 or target ACT > 300 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and asthma. However, the mechanisms or diagnostic markers for smoking‐related diseases remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the role of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) in the regulation of human bronchial epithelial cell (BEAS‐2B) behavior. We found that exposure to CSC significantly inhibited BEAS‐2B cell viability, impaired cell morphology, induced cell apoptosis, triggered oxidative damage, and promoted inflammatory response, which suggests a deleterious effect of CSC on bronchial epithelial cells. In addition, CSC markedly altered the expression of apoptosis‐associated protein factors, including p21, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, and Fas ligand. In sum, our study identified a panel of novel protein factors that may mediate the actions of CSC on bronchial epithelial cells and have a predictive value for the development and progression of smoking‐related diseases, thus providing insights into the development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin nanosheets attract considerable attention with regard to both fundamental research and potential applications. Nevertheless, non-layer structured materials are hard to make into nanosheets due to their isotropous bonds in three dimensions. Herein, ultrathin Cd4S5 nanosheets were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition followed by chemical etching. These nanosheets show the thinnest thickness (1 nm) and largest lateral size (10 μm) among those reported for CdS materials so far. As a catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production, ultrathin Cd4S5 nanosheets achieve a high apparent quantum efficiency of 4.15% under 420 nm light irradiation. The superior photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the unique structure (surface S− anions and a reconstructed surface structure), and the ultrathin structure endows 1 nm NSs with long-term durability. This work opens a new avenue for producing two-dimensional nanostructures of non-layered compounds and improving their photocatalytic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: In China, dried root of Hedysarum polybotrys Hand-Mazz, known as Hong Qi (Radix hedysari [RH]), is one of the important traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). The long analysis time was a major limitation when high-throughput techniques are required for research or quality control purposes. Materials and Methods: It is necessary to develop a high?throughput method for the determination of multiple components of TCMs by investigating the separation characteristics of the target with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography (UHPSFC). Objective: This study intends to establish a high-throughput method for simultaneous determination of ten compounds in RH by UHPSFC and to develop a standardized method to comprehensively evaluate the quality of RH samples. In addition, this study was based on UHPLC and UHPSFC systems to understand and compare the effects of different separation parameters on ten target compounds in RH. A high-throughput and reliable solid-phase extraction method for simultaneous detection of ten target compounds in RH was established and validated. Results: The optimal analysis method was achieved using HSS C18SB column, gradient elution, flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, diode array detection at 270 nm, and back pressure at 12.41 Mpa. The separation method was validated sufficiently by examining the precision, recoveries, linearity, range, limit of detection, and limit of quantification and was successfully applied to quantify the 25 RH samples. In addition, the comparative study also demonstrated the complementary nature of the two separation modes. Conclusion: This is the first study that ten compounds in RH were separated and analyzed simultaneously with UHPSFC-diode array detector. In addition, under the separation conditions of UHPSFC and UHPLC, the comparison of chromatographic parameters shows that a combination of these two separation techniques efficiently separates the ten target compounds in RH. The results obtained in this study are useful for future TCM quality control and high-throughput analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aims: Nonadherence is one of the leading challenges to treatment of the major depressive disorder (MDD). Few studies have systematically analyzed the relationship between clinical characteristics, especially symptoms of depressive patients and their therapeutic nonadherence over a relatively large sample. This study aimed to investigate factors of nonadherence in a nationwide survey in China. Methods: Participants with MDD who met the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) (DSM‐IV) were recruited from 32 sites throughout China. Patients were all over 16 years old. A doctor‐rating questionnaire with 64 symptoms based on DSM‐IV was constructed to evaluate depression‐related feeling and behavior. Single‐factor logistic regression was utilized to screen variables, and multifactor logistic regressive analysis was used to identify which factors were risk or protective for nonadherence. We included 882 patients of poor adherence and 857 patients of good adherence. Results: Recurrence, untreated first episode, tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)‐treated first episode, antidepressant‐only‐treated current episode, decrease or loss of interest, more somatic symptoms, and "atypical" symptoms were risk factors for nonadherence, whereas selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)‐treated first episode was a protecting factor. Conclusion: Clinical characteristics may play an important role in predicting nonadherence. Doctors may have to pay much attention on patients with these factors and should keep on discussing them with patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to enhance the contrast of low-light images and reduce noise in them, we propose an image enhancement method based on Retinex theory and dual-tree complex wavelet transform (DT-CWT). The method first converts an image from the RGB color space to the HSV color space and decomposes the V-channel by dual-tree complex wavelet transform. Next, an improved local adaptive tone mapping method is applied to process the low frequency components of the image, and a soft threshold denoising algorithm is used to denoise the high frequency components of the image. Then, the V-channel is rebuilt and the contrast is adjusted using white balance method. Finally, the processed image is converted back into the RGB color space as the enhanced result. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the performance in terms of contrast enhancement, noise reduction and color reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to benefit hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We hypothesized that EA attenuates hypertension, in part, through modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor function in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). In the present study, the long-term effect of EA on GABA receptor function and expression was examined in the NTS of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) renovascular hypertensive rats. EA (0.1–0.4 mA, 2 and 15 Hz) was applied at Zusanli (ST36) acupoints overlying the deep fibular nerve for 30 min once a day for two weeks. The results showed that long-term EA treatment improved blood pressure (BP) and markedly restored the baroreflex response in 2K1C hypertensive rats. The increased pressor and depressor responses to microinjection of GABAB receptor agonist and antagonist into the NTS in the hypertensive rats were blunted by the EA treatment. Moreover, EA treatment attenuated the increased GABAB receptor expression in the NTS of hypertensive rats. In contrast, EA had no significant effect on the GABAA receptor function and expression in the NTS of 2K1C hypertensive rats. These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of EA on renovascular hypertension may be through modulation of functional GABAB receptors in the NTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide is a cost-efficient and eco-friendly material for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. However, the relatively wide band gap and poor stability restrict its practical applications. Herein, we report on the modification of ZnO nanosheets with a porous atomically thin ZnS overlayer. The as-prepared ZnS/ZnO/ZnS sandwich nanosheets exhibit a reduced band gap (2.72 eV) and yet a slightly elevated conduction band minimum, which remarkably broadens the wavelength range for light absorption and generates electrons with enough reducing capability. At the same time, the newly-prepared sandwich nanosheets possess alternatively exposed ZnS and ZnO surface patches, which attract and accommodate photo-generated holes and electrons, respectively. In addition, the ZnS overlayer catalyzes and accelerates hole-consumption reactions, thus preserving electrons for efficient water splitting. As a result, the ZnS/ZnO/ZnS sandwich nanosheets demonstrate intensive light absorption, fast charge separation, long electron lifetime, and eventually the highest hydrogen production rate reported for oxide catalysts so far. This work proves that passivation with an ultrathin layer is a potent approach for energy-band engineering, and semiconductor sandwich nanostructures are promising for highly efficient water splitting under sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new image enhancement algorithm based on Retinex theory is proposed to solve the problem of bad visual effect of an image in low-light conditions. First, an image is converted from the RGB color space to the HSV color space to get the V channel. Next, the illuminations are respectively estimated by the guided filtering and the variational framework on the V channel and combined into a new illumination by average gradient. The new reflectance is calculated using V channel and the new illumination. Then a new V channel obtained by multiplying the new illumination and reflectance is processed with contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE). Finally, the new image in HSV space is converted back to RGB space to obtain the enhanced image. Experimental results show that the proposed method has better subjective quality and objective quality than existing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon (CB) ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). RF and CB ablation are two frequently used methods for pulmonary vein isolation in PAF, but which is a better choice for PAF remains uncertain.Methods: A systematic review was conducted in Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. All trials comparing RF and CB ablation were screened and included if the inclusion criteria were met.Results: A total of 38 eligible studies, 9 prospective randomized or randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 29 non- RCTs were identified, adding up to 15,496 patients. Pool analyses indicated that CB ablation was more beneficial in terms of procedural time [standard mean difference = -0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.85 to -0.30], complications without phrenic nerve injury (PNI) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67-0.93; I 2 = 16%], and recrudescence (OR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.97; I 2 = 63%) for PAF; however, the total complications of CB was higher than RF. The subgroup analysis found that, compared with non-contact force radiofrequency (non-CF-RF), both first-generation cryoballoon (CB1) and second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) ablation could reduce complications with PNI, procedural time, and recrudescence. However, the safety and efficacy of CB2 was similar to those of CF-RF.Conclusion: Available overall and subgroup data suggested that both CB1 and CB2 were more beneficial than RF ablation, and the main advantages were reflected in comparing them with non-CF-RF. However, CF-RF and CB2 showed similar clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different chromatographic columns for the separation of seven flavonoids. Four different stationary phases are available, including bridged ethyl hybrid, BEH and the same hybrid phase modified with 2-ethylpyridine, CSH fluorophenyl, and HSS C18 SB. The analytes included calycosin, genistein, medicarpin, calycosin-7- O-β- d-glucoside, formononetin, formononetin-7- O-β- d-glucoside, and liquiritigenin. The CSH fluorophenyl column was determined to be the most suitable and provided the fastest separation within 17 min using gradient elution with carbon dioxide as the mobile phase and methanol as the co-solvent. Good peak shapes were obtained, and the values of the peak asymmetry were close to 1.0 for all of the flavonoids. The resolution was more than 1.41 for all of the separated peaks. Baseline separation on the optimal columns was achieved by changing the co-solvent type and adjusting the temperature and pressure. Quantitative performance was evaluated under optimized conditions, and method validation was accomplished. The validation parameters, such as linearity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy, were satisfactory. Good repeatability of both peak area (relative standard deviation <1.02%) and retention time (relative standard deviation <0.88%) was observed. The optimized chromatographic methods were successfully used for the determination of seven flavonoids in Radix astragali. The sensitivity was sufficient for the analysis of real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Previous studies suggested that cryoballoon ablation had clinical benefits comparable to those of radiofrequency ablation. However, recently, some new catheters have been invented, and no universal consensus exists on which ablation is the optimal choice. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation by synthesizing published trials. Methods and Results A systematic literature review was conducted searching Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and so forth. All trials comparing cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation were screened and included if inclusion criteria were met. A total of 40 eligible studies were identified, adding up to 11,395 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 25 months. Overall analyses indicated that cryoballoon ablation could bring more benefit in procedural time (risk ratio [RR] = -0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.62 to -0.15), atrial fibrillation (AF) recrudescence (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.96), and major complications (RR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.58-0.95) for patients with AF. For the subgroups, the first-generation cryoballoon significantly reduced procedural time and major complications, but it increased ablation time. The patients referred for the second-generation cryoballoon (CBA) seemed to receive more clinical benefit (procedural time, fluoroscopic time, ablation time, AF recrudescence) and fewer complications. Finally, multiparty catheter (MTCA) was found to significantly reduce procedural and fluoroscopic times with a high rate of AF recrudescence. Conclusions The present systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that cryoballoon ablation was associated with greater freedom from AF, shorter procedural time, and lower rate of major complications, compared with radiofrequency ablation. Especially, CBA was more advantageous. However, MTCA seems promising for radiofrequency ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy consumption of centralized air-conditioning systems represents a large percentage of total building energy consumption in commercial buildings. The temperature and humidity independent control system, regulating indoor temperature and humidity separately through different approaches, is a feasible improvement to conventional systems. This paper focuses on the performance discrepancies between the temperature and humidity independent control systems and the conventional systems. A typical office building in Guangzhou is chosen for case study and energy performances of three temperature and humidity independent control systems with different outdoor air handling processes are investigated. Compared to the conventional system, energy efficiency ratio for the entire air-conditioning season of temperature and humidity independent control system I using condensing dehumidification is about 10% higher if the dry fan coil unit is adopted; of temperature and humidity independent control system II with high-temperature chilled water for precooling is about 16% higher, and energy efficiency improvement of temperature and humidity independent control system III with heat pump driven liquid desiccant air handling processor is about 22%. For other three cities in China, the energy saving ratio of temperature and humidity independent control system I is about 10%, about 15%–17% of temperature and humidity independent control system II and 20%–23% of temperature and humidity independent control system III.Practical application: THIC air-conditioning system is supposed to be an effective approach for energy saving in buildings. Chosen a typical office building as an example, this paper gives the energy performance discrepancies between the conventional system and the THIC systems for researchers and designers. Annual energy consumptions for different air-conditioning systems are compared, and the energy saving ratios of THIC systems are obtained. The research will be helpful for designing and constructing an energy efficient central air-conditioning system for buildings. In these typical cities or cities with similar climate, THIC system III with the highest energy efficiency is recommended just from the perspective of energy saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a novel evaluation method, which can be applied in the field of risk assessment, project management, cause analysis, and so forth. Two core technologies are used in the method, namely, modified Buckley Decision Making and Bayesian Network. Based on the modified Buckley Decision Making, the fuzzy probabilities of element factors are calibrated. By the forward and backward calculation of Bayesian Network, the structure importance, probability importance, and criticality importance of each factor are calculated and discussed. A numerical example of risk evaluation for dangerous goods transport process is given to verify the method. The results indicate that the method can efficiently identify the weakest element factor. In addition, the method can improve the reliability and objectivity for evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with robust quasi‐min–max model predictive control (MPC) for a class of discrete‐time singular systems with persistent disturbance and input constrains. To deal with the persistent disturbance, the authors introduce the notion of input‐to‐state stability (ISS) of discrete‐time singular system for the first time. The optimal control can be obtained by solving a quasi‐min–max optimal problem of a finite horizon cost function. On the basis of the proposed dual‐mode MPC approach, it can be proved that the closed‐loop discrete‐time singular system is ISS, regular and causal. Finally, a numerical simulation shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of water coning into the Tarim fractured sandstone gas reservoirs becomes one of the major concerns in terms of productivity, increased operating costs and environmental effects. Water coning is a phenomenon caused by the imbalance between gravity and viscous forces around the completion interval. There are several controllable and uncontrollable parameters influencing this problem. In order to simulate the key parameters affecting the water coning phenomenon, a model was developed to represent a single well with an underlying aquifer using the fractured sandstone gas reservoir data of the A-Well in Dina gas fields. The parametric study was performed by varying six properties individually over a representative range. The results show that matrix permeability, well penetration (especially fracture permeability), vertical-to-horizontal permeability ratio, aquifer size and gas production rate have considerable effect on water coning in the fractured gas reservoirs. Thus, investigation of the effective parameters is necessary to understand the mechanism of water coning phenomenon. Simulation of the problem helps to optimize the conditions in which the breakthrough of water coning is delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and reliable ultra-pressure liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of six main bioactive components, i.e., calycosin-7- O-β- d-glucoside, ononin, calycosin, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside II in rat plasma after oral administration of the 95 % ethanol extraction from Radix Astragali. Plasma samples were extracted with Waters Oasis HLB 1 cc (30 mg) Extraction Cartridges (SPE) separated on an UPLC™ BEH C18 column and detected by MS with electro spray ionization interface in positive selective ion monitoring mode. Calibration curves offered linear ranges of two orders of magnitude with r > 0.99. The method had the lower limit quantification of 1.30, 0.73, 1.17, 2.33, 0.63, and 0.83 ng/mL for ononin, calycosin, calycosin-7- O-β- d-glucoside, formononetin, astragaloside IV, and astragaloside II, respectively, with precision less than 10 %. The RSD of intra- and inter-day variations ranged from 1.66 to 6.46 and 3.39 to 6.58 %. This developed method was applied subsequently to pharmacokinetic studies of the six compounds in rats successfully. The proposed method was for the first time to compare the pharmacokinetic difference between calycosin-7-O-β- d-glucoside and calycosin in rat plasma, so as between ononin and formononetin, and studied to the astragaloside II pharmacokinetics in rat plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]