bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Message Passing Interface Parallelization for Two-Way Coupled Euler–Lagrange Simulation of Microbubble Enhanced HIFU
Authors: Ma Jingsen , Gnanaskandan Aswin , Hsiao Chao-Tsung , Chahine Georges L.
Published: May 2021

Microbubble enhanced high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is of great interest to tissue ablation for tumor treatment such as in liver and brain cancers. To accurately characterize the acoustic and thermal fields during this process, a coupled Euler–Lagrange model is used. The ultrasound field is modeled using compressible Navier–Stokes equations on an Eulerian grid, while the microbubbles are tracked in a Lagrangian fashion. The coupling is realized through the void fraction computed from the instantaneous bubble volumes. To speed up the computations, an message passing interface parallelization scheme based on domain decomposition is herein proposed. During each time-step, message passing interface processors, each handling one subdomain, are first used to execute the fluid computation, and then the bubble computations. This is followed by the coupling procedure. The coupling is challenging as the effect of the bubbles through the void fraction at an Eulerian point near a subdomain border will require information from bubbles located in different subdomains, and vice versa. This is addressed by a special utilization of ghost cells surrounding each fluid subdomain, which allows bubbles to spread their void fraction effects across subdomain edges without the need of exchanging directly bubble information between subdomains and significantly increasing overhead. After a careful verification of gas effects conservation, this parallelization scheme is validated and illustrated on a typical microbubble enhanced HIFU problem, followed by parallelization scaling tests and efficiency analysis.
Simulation of mallet percussion instruments by a coupled modal vibroacoustic finite element model
Authors: Rucz Péter , Ulveczki Mihály Ádám , Angster Judit , Miklós András
Published: May 2021

A three-dimensional coupled vibroacoustic finite element model for physics-based simulations of the sound generation by mallet percussion instruments in the time domain is discussed in the present paper. The mechanical model takes the orthotropic material properties of the wooden sound bars and the nonlinear nature of the interaction force between the mallet head and the sound bar into account while the acoustical model considers radiation into an unbounded domain. A direct coupling of the sound bars, acoustical cavity resonators, and the excitation by a mallet is considered with exploiting the modal basis to reduce the number of degrees of freedom of the system. Both the mechanical and acoustical models are validated by comparing them to measurements performed on an Orff xylophone. A case study shows the capabilities of the coupled model, including the analysis of the energy balance, the effect of tuning the resonator, and the excitation of the torsional modes of the sound bar.
Functional interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy of the human brain
Authors: Zhou Wenjun , Kholiqov Oybek , Zhu Jun , Zhao Mingjun , Zimmermann Lara L. , Martin Ryan M. , Lyeth Bruce G. , Srinivasan Vivek J.
Published: May 2021

New technology noninvasively monitors cerebral blood flow index and brain function in adult humans.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium sp. Strain JC1 DSM 3803
Authors: Thompson Mitchell G. , Eiben Christopher B. , Pearson Allison N. , Shih Patrick M.
Published: May 2021

Mycobacterium
sp. strain JC1 DSM3803 is one of the few known bacteria predicted to possess the xylulose monophosphate (XuMP) pathway of C1 carbon assimilation. The draft genome is 7,921,603 bp with a GC content of 66.88% and will allow more in depth investigation of the bacterium’s unique metabolisms.
Draft Genome Sequence of Neisseria mucosa Strain HSUH001, Isolated from an Aggressive Periodontal Lesion
Authors: Yamashita Masatoshi , Nagasawa Toshiyuki , Kato Satsuki , Miyakawa Hiroshi , Fujita Mari , Furuichi Yasushi , Nagano Keiji
Published: May 2021

We report the draft genome sequence (143 contigs, with a total length of 2,424,805 bp and an
N
50
value of 36,066 bp) of a bacterium isolated from an aggressive periodontal lesion in a patient. We assigned strain HSUH001 to
Neisseria mucosa
through a multilocus sequence analysis.
Hybrid Assembly of the Quorum-Quenching Isolate Variovorax paradoxus VAI-C Genome Sequence
Authors: Ne Ville Christopher J. , Leadbetter Jared R. , Orwin Paul M.
Published: May 2021

Variovorax paradoxus
VAI-C was isolated due to its ability to utilize acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) as the sole source of carbon, energy, and nitrogen. Here, we present a hybrid assembly of the
V. paradoxus
VAI-C genome sequence, consisting of a primary chromosome, a secondary chromid, and a plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequences ofLegionellaPresumptive Novel Species Isolated during Environmental Surveillance in Artificial Water Systems
Authors: Girolamini Luna , Salaris Silvano , Orsini Massimiliano , Pascale Maria Rosaria , Mazzotta Marta , Grottola Antonella , Cristino Sandra
Published: May 2021

We present the draft genome sequences of threeLegionellastrains that were isolated from a hotel water distribution system.Legionellaspecies identification was performed by macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip) and RNA polymerase β subunit (rpoB) gene sequencing. Whole-genome sequencing and average nucleotide identity results supported the hypothesis of newLegionellaspecies isolation.
Antibody (Serology) Tests for COVID-19: a Case Study
Authors: West Rachel M. , Kobokovich Amanda , Connell Nancy , Gronvall Gigi Kwik
Published: May 2021

Serology (antibody) tests to detect previous SARS-CoV-2 infection have been in high demand from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial shortage of diagnostic tests coupled with asymptomatic infections led to a significant demand for serology tests to identify past infections.
Subacute right ventricle perforation: a pacemaker lead complication
Authors: Allouche Emna , Chargui Soumaya , Fathi Marwa , Bezdah Leila
Published: May 2021

Myocardial perforation is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Myocardial perforation may be acute, subacute or chronic when it occurs within 24 hours of the device insertion; between 1 day and 30 days; and more than 30 days after implantation. This complication may occur in 1.7%–7% of patients. However, subacute myocardial perforation is rare and affects 0.5%–1.2% of patients. We report the case of an 85-year-old patient with a pacemaker failure 10 days after implantation due to a subacute myocardial perforation caused by an active fixation ventricular lead. Transthoracic echocardiography showed penetration of the ventricular lead through the right ventricular apex into the pericardium without any pericardial effusion. We confirmed myocardial perforation by a CT scan. We referred her to the surgery ward where she was successfully managed.
Machine-learning model derived gene signature predictive of paclitaxel survival benefit in gastric cancer: results from the randomised phase III SAMIT trial
Authors: Sundar Raghav , Barr Kumarakulasinghe Nesaretnam , Huak Chan Yiong , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Yoshikawa Takaki , Miyagi Yohei , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka , Guan Jia , Sakamoto Junichi , Tanaka Shiro , Tan Angie Lay-Keng , Hoppe Michal Marek , Jeyasekharan Anand D. , Ng Cedric Chuan Young , De Simone Mark , Grabsch Heike I. , Lee Jeeyun , Oshima Takashi , Tsuburaya Akira , Tan Patrick
Published: May 2021

Objective

To date, there are no predictive biomarkers to guide selection of patients with gastric cancer (GC) who benefit from paclitaxel. Stomach cancer Adjuvant Multi-Institutional group Trial (SAMIT) was a 2×2 factorial randomised phase III study in which patients with GC were randomised to Pac-S-1 (paclitaxel +S-1), Pac-UFT (paclitaxel +UFT), S-1 alone or UFT alone after curative surgery.

Design

The primary objective of this study was to identify a gene signature that predicts survival benefit from paclitaxel chemotherapy in GC patients. SAMIT GC samples were profiled using a customised 476 gene NanoString panel. A random forest machine-learning model was applied on the NanoString profiles to develop a gene signature. An independent cohort of metastatic patients with GC treated with paclitaxel and ramucirumab (Pac-Ram) served as an external validation cohort.

Results

From the SAMIT trial 499 samples were analysed in this study. From the Pac-S-1 training cohort, the random forest model generated a 19-gene signature assigning patients to two groups: Pac-Sensitive and Pac-Resistant. In the Pac-UFT validation cohort, Pac-Sensitive patients exhibited a significant improvement in disease free survival (DFS): 3-year DFS 66% vs 40% (HR 0.44, p=0.0029). There was no survival difference between Pac-Sensitive and Pac-Resistant in the UFT or S-1 alone arms, test of interaction p<0.001. In the external Pac-Ram validation cohort, the signature predicted benefit for Pac-Sensitive (median PFS 147 days vs 112 days, HR 0.48, p=0.022).

Conclusion

Using machine-learning techniques on one of the largest GC trials (SAMIT), we identify a gene signature representing the first predictive biomarker for paclitaxel benefit.

Trial registration number

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: C000000082 (SAMIT); ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, 02628951 (South Korean trial)
Association between parents’ socioeconomic conditions and nutritional status during childhood and the risk of cardiovascular disease in their adult offspring: an intergenerational study in south India
Authors: Mallinson Poppy Alice Carson , Kulkarni Bharati , Bhogadi Santhi , Kinra Sanjay
Published: May 2021

Background

Some researchers have suggested that parents’ exposure to poor socioeconomic conditions during childhood can increase their offspring’s risk of cardiovascular disease, primarily through poor maternal nutrition and growth. However, epidemiological data on this association are limited. In an intergenerational cohort from rural India, we examined the association of parental childhood socioeconomic conditions and stature with offspring’s cardiovascular risk, hypothesising an inverse association between the two.

Methods

We analysed data on 3175 adult offspring (aged 18–35 years, 58% men) and their parents from the third wave of the Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents’ Study (2010–12). We used multilevel linear regression to estimate the association of parents’ Standard of Living Index (SLI, an asset-based measure of socioeconomic conditions) in childhood, height and leg length with subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk factors in their offspring.

Results

In multivariable models adjusted for offspring’s socioeconomic conditions in childhood and adulthood, associations (beta coefficients and 95% CIs) of mother’s and father’s childhood SLI (per SD) were −0.00 mm (−0.01, 0.01) and 0.01 mm (−0.00, 0.02) for carotid intima media thickness, −0.17 mm Hg (−0.61, 0.27) and −0.30 mm Hg (−0.78, 0.20) for systolic blood pressure, −0.43 mg/dL (−2.00, 1.15) and −1.07 mg/dL (−2.79, 0.65) for total cholesterol and −0.00mU/L (−0.04, 0.03) and 0.01mU/L (−0.03, 0.04) for log fasting insulin. Results were of similar magnitude for parental height and leg length.

Conclusions

Our findings do not support an inverse association between parental childhood socioeconomic conditions or stature and offspring’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Intergenerational socioeconomic influences on cardiovascular risk may be of limited public health significance for this setting.
Challenges to biobanking in LMICs during COVID-19: time to reconceptualise research ethics guidance for pandemics and public health emergencies?
Authors: Singh Shenuka , Cadigan Rosemary Jean , Moodley Keymanthri
Published: May 2021

Biobanking can promote valuable health research that may lead to significant societal benefits. However, collecting, storing and sharing human samples and data for research purposes present numerous ethical challenges. These challenges are exacerbated when the biobanking efforts aim to facilitate research on public health emergencies and include the sharing of samples and data between low/middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). In this article, we explore ethical challenges for COVID-19 biobanking, offering examples from two past infectious disease outbreaks in LMICs where biobanking activities contributed to the perpetuation of global inequities. We focus on how the ethical imperative to promote the common good during public health emergencies can conflict with protecting the interests of biobank participants. We discuss how conducting biobank research under a waiver of informed consent during public health emergencies is ethically permissible, provided guidance is in place to prevent biopiracy and exploitation of vulnerable communities. We also highlight the need for biobank collaborations between LMICs and HICs to promote capacity building and benefit sharing. Finally, we offer guidance to promote the ethical oversight of biobanks and biobank research during the COVID-19 pandemic or other future public health emergencies.
Effects of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in Chilean miners
Authors: Alcantara-Zapata Diana Elizabeth , Bangdiwala Shrikant I , Jiménez Daniel , Kogevinas Manolis , Marchetti Nella , Nazzal Carolina
Published: May 2021

Objective

The aim was to determine the effects of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH) on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in Chilean miners who work at different altitudes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July 2019. Miners from five mines (N=338) at different altitudes were evaluated. We recorded sociodemographic, working and altitude information. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO2) and haemoglobin (Hb) were measured in situ, while PSA and testosterone were analysed at a low level. Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the association between PSA level and two CIHH exposures: composite CIHH (with four descriptors) and ChileStd-CIHH (CIHH Chilean standard; based on the Chilean technical guide for occupational exposure to CIHH). All models were adjusted by age, body mass index and day of the work the samples were taken.

Results

Highest and lowest PSA levels were found in mines ≥3000 m above sea level (mine 3: median=0.75, IQR=−0.45; mine 4: median=0.46, IQR=−0.35). In the multilevel models, the wider altitude difference between mining operation and camp showed lower PSA levels (model D: βPSA=−0.93 ng/mL, βlogPSA=−0.07, p<0001), adjusted for other CIHH descriptors, SaO2, Hb and testosterone. The descriptors of composite CIHH explained better PSA variations than ChileStd-CIHH (model D: marginal R2=0.090 vs model A: marginal R2=0.016).

Conclusions

Occupational health regulations and high altitude medicine should consider these results as initial evidence on the inclusion of new descriptors for CIHH and the possible effect of this exposure on PSA levels in this male-dominated occupational sector.
Dark matter from non-relativistic embedding gravity
Authors: Paston S. A.
Published: May 2021

We study the possibility to explain the mystery of the dark matter (DM) through the transition from General Relativity to embedding gravity. This modification of gravity, which was proposed by Regge and Teitelboim, is based on a simple string-inspired geometrical principle: our spacetime is considered here as a four-dimensional surface in a flat bulk. We show that among the solutions of embedding gravity, there is a class of solutions equivalent to solutions of GR with an additional contribution of non-relativistic embedding matter, which can serve as cold DM. We prove the stability of such type of solutions and obtain an explicit form of the equations of motion of embedding matter in the non-relativistic limit. According to them, embedding matter turns out to have a certain self-interaction, which could be useful in the context of solving the core-cusp problem that appears in the [Formula: see text]CDM model.
Quantum Spin Liquids from a Materials Perspective
Authors: Clark Lucy , Abdeldaim Aly H.
Published: May 2021

Quantum spin liquids are unique quantum states of matter predicted to arise in low-dimensional, frustrated, and quantum magnetic systems. Compared with conventional ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic states, quantum spin liquids are expected to display a variety of novel and exotic properties, making their realization in materials a highly appealing prospect. While an unambiguous realization of this long-sought-after state remains elusive, a growing number of materials candidates show promise in revealing the properties of quantum spin liquids. In this review, we present some of the key challenges and current opportunities in the synthesis, characterization, and understanding of quantum spin liquids from the perspective of the broad and interdisciplinary field of materials research.
Calcium isotope fractionation by osteoblasts and osteoclasts, across endothelial and epithelial cell barriers, and with binding to proteins
Authors: Toepfer Eva Teresa , Rott Jeremy , Bartosova Maria , Kolevica Ana , Machuca-Gayet Irma , Heuser Alexander , Rabe Michael , Shroff Rukshana , Bacchetta Justine , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Eisenhauer Anton , Schmitt Claus Peter
Published: May 2021

Timely and accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis is essential for adequate therapy. Calcium isotope ratio (δ44/42Ca) determination has been suggested as a sensitive, noninvasive, and radiation-free biomarker for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, reflecting bone calcium balance. The quantitative diagnostic is based on the calculation of the δ44/42Ca difference between blood, urine, and bone. The underlying cellular processes, however, have not been studied systematically. We quantified calcium transport and δ44/42Ca fractionation during in vitro bone formation and resorption by osteoblasts and osteoclasts and across renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), human vein umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs), and enterocytes (Caco-2) in transwell systems and determined transepithelial electrical resistance characteristics. δ44/42Ca fractionation was furthermore quantified with calcium binding to albumin and collagen. Calcified matrix formed by osteoblasts was isotopically lighter than culture medium by −0.27 ± 0.03‰ within 5 days, while a consistent effect of activated osteoclasts on δ44/42Ca could not be demonstrated. A transient increase in δ44/42Ca in the apical compartment by 0.26‰ occured across HK-2 cells, while δ44/42Ca fractionation was small across the HUVEC barrier and absent with Caco-2 enterocytes, and with binding of calcium to albumin and collagen. In conclusion, δ44/42Ca fractionation follows similar universal principles as during inorganic mineral precipitation; osteoblast activity results in δ44/42Ca fractionation. δ44/42Ca fractionation also occurs across the proximal tubular cell barrier and needs to be considered for in vivo bone mineralization modeling. In contrast, the effect of calcium transport across endothelial and enterocyte barriers on blood δ44/42Ca should be low and is absent with physiochemical binding of calcium to proteins.
Technological Innovation and Value Creation of Enterprise Innovation Ecosystem Based on System Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhou Enyi , Lei Yuyan , Bian Junsong
Published: May 2021

Based on the analysis of the dynamic interrelationships of enterprise innovation factors according to system dynamics, we build a dynamic causality diagram and a flow graph model of the enterprise innovation ecosystem to study the potential business value creation paths focusing on technological innovation. The system model is simulated using data from high-tech enterprises. Our results show that the model can reasonably simulate the operation of the enterprise innovation ecosystem. Two paths to value creation are identified: (1) input-technological innovation-commercialization of results-value creation; (2) external acquisition of technology-digestion and absorption-value creation as a complementary path. Also, the technological innovation path expands and extends the industrial chain and supply chain of enterprises and better promotes the value creation of enterprises in the same supply chain. Furthermore, our results show that R&D investment and technical cooperation investment should be allocated rationally in order to improve the utility of value creation investment.
Safety of 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Justice Olivia , Jordan Lori C. , Lee Chelsea A. , Patel Niral J. , Waddle Spencer , Pruthi Sumit , Davis L. Taylor , Kassim Adetola A. , Donahue Manus J.
Published: May 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a well-characterized hemoglobinopathy affecting more than 20 million individuals worldwide and carries an increased risk of cerebral vasculopathy, cerebral infarct, and stroke. As mechanisms of cerebral infarction in SCD are partly attributable to microvascular vaso-occlusive crises, manifesting as altered cerebral blood flow and associated impaired oxygen delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods that can quickly provide a comprehensive perspective on structural and functional disease status, without exogenous contrast administration or ionizing radiation, have emerged as crucial clinical tools for surveillance. However, early ex vivo MRI work in suspended erythrocytes containing hemoglobin S at 0.35 Tesla (T) suggested that sickled erythrocytes can orient preferentially in the presence of an external magnetic field, and as such, it was suggested that MRI exams in sickle cell hemoglobinopathy could induce vaso-occlusion. While this observation has generally not impacted clinical imaging in individuals with SCD, it has led to resistance for some sickle cell studies within the engineering community among some imaging scientists as this early observation has never been rigorously shown to be unconcerning. Here, we performed MRI at the clinical field strength of 3 T in 172 patients with SCD, which included standard anatomical and angiographic assessments together with gold standard diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; spatial resolution = 1.8 × 1.8 × 4 mm; b-value = 1000 s/mm2) for acute infarct assessment (performed approximately 20 min after patient introduction to the field isocenter). The presence of vasculopathy, as well as chronic and acute infarcts, was evaluated by two independent board-certified radiologists using standard clinical criteria. In these patients (52.3% female; mean age = 19.6 years; age range = 6–44 years), hematocrit (mean = 25.8%; range = 15–36%), hemoglobin phenotype (87.8% HbSS variant), presence of silent infarct (44.2%), and overt chronic infarct (13.4%) were consistent with a typical SCD population; however, no participants exhibited evidence of acute infarction. These findings are consistent with 3 T MRI not inducing acute infarction or vaso-occlusion in individuals with SCD and suggest that earlier low-field ex vivo work of erythrocytes in suspension is not a sufficient cause to discourage MRI scans in patients with SCD.
Influence of Cross‐Sectional Shape on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete Canvas and CFRP‐Reinforced Columns
Authors: Niu Jiangang , Xu Wenming , Li Jingjun , Liang Jian
Published: May 2021

Fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping has become an attractive strengthening technique for concrete columns. However, the ingress of corrosion into the concrete through the gap of CFRP fiber greatly reduces the durability of concrete and the bearing capacity of specimens. Concrete canvas, a kind of corrosion‐resistant and refractory material, is a promising method to enhance durability and carrying capacity. In this study, the concrete canvas (CC) and carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) were used to jointly reinforce columns with square cross section, octagonal cross section, circular cross section, and elliptical cross section. The influence of section shape on the strengthening effect of the axial compression column was investigated by the axial compression test. The results showed that the section shape had a significant influence on the reinforcement effect of the axial compression column. The carrying load capacity and ductility coefficient of different columns follow this order: square column < oval‐shaped columns < octagonal columns < circle columns. The increased amplitude of bearing capacity for the different columns with the increase of CC layers follows this order: square columns < oval‐shaped columns < circle column < octagonal columns. Compared with the unconstraint columns, the bearing capacity of adopting two‐layer CC columns increased by 129%, 155%, 150%, and 139% for the square, octagonal, circular, and elliptical columns, respectively. The octagonal column has the largest increase range. Compared with the unconstraint columns, the bearing capacity of adopting two‐layer CC columns increased by 348%, 318%, 310%, and 296% for the square, octagonal, elliptical, and circular columns, respectively. The square column has the largest increase range. The stress concentration phenomenon of all section shapes was weakened after the CC was used. The application of the CC on CFRP‐reinforced columns improves column ductility significantly, with some degree of increase in bearing capacity.
A Four-Layer Odd Function Symmetrical Dual-Polarization Equilateral Right Triangle Slot Printed Broadband Directional Antenna for Wireless Lab Measurement Applications
Authors: Wu Chang-Ju , Chen I-Fong , Sun Jwo-Shiun , Peng Chia-Mei , Li Kang-Ling , Huang Chung-Hao
Published: May 2021

A four-layer odd function symmetrical dual-polarization coplanar waveguide- (CPW-) fed equilateral right triangle slot printed broadband directional antenna for wireless lab measurement applications is presented. The proposed antenna consists of two stacked perpendicular odd function symmetrical equilateral right triangle slot antenna structures with two stacked reflector ground planes. It is miniaturized, simple, and easy to be fabricated. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed antenna can achieve wide impedance bandwidth that is almost 520% for |S11| and |S22|; VSWR ≦ 3 which has implemented the operating band from 1.37 to 7.12 GHz for Global Positioning System (GPS, 1.575 GHz), Wireless Local Area Networks band (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz), 6 GHz unlicensed spectrum (5.925 GHz∼7.125 GHz), Long Term Evolution Upper Band (LTE, 1710–2690 MHz), and sub-6 5 G band (3.5 GHz and 4.7 GHz) applications. The measured in-band isolation performance between the two input ports |S12| ≦ −17 dB is significantly achieved, and meanwhile, the antenna radiation pattern, peak gain, and efficiency of the proposed antenna are measured as well. In the end, the radiation pattern data are compared and analyzed with simulation results.
Female Genital Mutilation in Ghana: Prevalence and Socioeconomic Predictors
Authors: Alhassan Abdul Rauf , Anyinzaam-Adolipore John Nyaaba
Published: May 2021

Background. Each year, not less than three million women are circumcised, and more hundred million females have already been circumcised. In many African societies, the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is a serious cultural practice. Aim: This current study is aimed at identifying the socioeconomic predictors of female genital mutilation in Ghana. Methods. The design adopted for this study was a descriptive cross‐sectional survey relying on data from the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017/18. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Chi‐square and binary logistic regression were used for associations. Results. Overall FGM prevalence, this study recorded was 11.7%. The region with the highest (50.5%) prevalence was the Upper West Region. Area of residence predicted rural (AOR = 2.30, 95%C.I. = 1.75–3.00) Upper West/western Region (AOR = 1.84, 95%C.I. = 1.23–2.75). In terms of ethnicity, the tribes that predicted FGM when compared with the Akan tribe were Guan (AOR = 8.91, 95%C.I. = 3.53–22.51), Gruma (AOR = 6.45, 95%C.I. = 2.91–14.31), Mole‐Dagbani (AOR = 38.10, 95%C.I. = 21.20–68.49), Grusi (AOR = 45.30, 95%C.I. = 24.47 − 83.49), Mande (AOR = 68.58, 95%C.I. = 30.85 − 152.42), and other tribes (AOR = 29.33, 95%C.I. = 16.11–53.39). Women in the richest/poorest wealth index quintile (AOR = 1.80, 95%C.I. = 1.19–2.72). Conclusion. The study prevalence of FGM is still high in the northern part of Ghana, and the predicted factors were residence region, ethnicity, educational level, and economic status.
Severe Respiratory and Hemodynamic Failures following Successful Spontaneous Pneumothorax Drainage
Authors: Mayeur Nicolas , Groyer Samuel , Vimeux Sylvie , Roustan Jérôme
Published: May 2021

Spontaneous pneumothorax is a frequent situation in respiratory medicine, and its treatment is based on conservative treatment or pleural drainage. Reexpansion pulmonary edema (REPE) is often a mild complication following pneumothorax drainage. We report here a severe case of unilateral REPE following spontaneous pneumothorax drainage associated with major pulmonary plasmatic leakage. The clinical presentation was severe and sudden with respiratory and circulatory failures. Initial resuscitation was mostly based on prone and head-down positioning in association to fluid expansion and mechanical ventilation. On the basis of this clinical case report, we strongly suggest to think about severe pulmonary reexpansion edema when respiratory and hemodynamic failures occur few hours after pneumothorax-related efficient pleural tube drainage.
Biliothoracic Fistula after Microwave Ablation of Liver Metastasis : Literature Review
Authors: Tassi Valentina , Mosillo Claudia , Mutignani Massimiliano , Cirocchi Roberto , Ragusa Mark , Bracarda Sergio , Passalacqua Giovanni , Marinozzi Gabriele , Allegritti Massimiliano
Published: May 2021

Microwave ablation is a safe and effective interventional approach, widely used in the treatment of unresectable primary or metastatic hepatic lesions. Thoracobiliary fistula is a rare postablation complication that can be treated with a conservative or surgical approach. We reviewed aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnostic possibilities, and therapeutic options for biliothoracic fistula developed after microwave ablation of liver metastasis. Furthermore, we reported our experience of successful conservative management of a nonhealing thoracobiliary fistula occurred after percutaneous thermal ablation of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Our case supports a conservative approach based on percutaneous biliary system decompression and synthetic glue embolization for the treatment of combined biliopleural and biliobronchial fistula.
Estimation of Constant Stress Partially Accelerated Life Test for Fréchet Distribution with Type-I Censoring
Authors: Ahmadini Abdullah Ali H. , Mashwani Wali Khan , Sherwani Rehman Ahmad Khan , Alshqaq Shokrya S. , Jamal Farrukh , Miftahuddin Miftahuddin , Abbas Kamran , Razaq Faiza , Elgarhy Mohammed , Al-Marzouki Sanaa
Published: May 2021

Modern reliability engineering accelerated life tests (ALT) and partially accelerated life tests (PALT) are widely used to obtain the timely information on the reliability of objects, products, elements, and materials as well as to save time and cost. The ALTs or PALTs are useful in determining the failed manners of the items at routine conditions by using the information of the data generated from the experiment. PALT is the most sensible method to be used for estimating both ordinary and ALTs. In this research, constant stress PALT design for the Fréchet distribution with type-I censoring has been investigated due to a wide applicability of the Fréchet distribution in engineering problems especially in hydrology. The distribution parameters and acceleration factor are obtained by using the maximum likelihood method. Fisher's information matrix is used to develop the asymptotic confidence interval estimates of the model parameters. A simulation study is conducted to illustrate the statistical properties of the parameters and the confidence intervals by using the R software. The results indicated that the constant stress PALT plan works well. Moreover, a numerical example is given to exemplify the performance of the proposed methods.
Application of a Diagnostic Methodology of Cardiac Systems Based on the Proportions of Entropy in Normal Patients and with Different Pathologies
Authors: Rodríguez Javier , Prieto Signed , Laguado Elveny , Pernett Frank , Villamizar Magda , Olivella Edinson , Angarita Fredy , de la Cruz Giovanni , Morales Carlos , Castro Mónica
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Dynamical systems theory, probability, and entropy were the substrate for the development of the diagnostic and predictive methodology of adult heart dynamics. Objective: To apply a previously developed methodology from dynamical systems, probability, and entropy in both normal and pathological subjects. Methods: Electrocardiographic records were selected from 30 healthy subjects and 200 with different pathologies, with a length of least 18 h. Numerical attractors from dynamical attractors and the probability of occurrence of ordered pairs of consecutive heart rates were built. A calculation of entropy and its proportions was performed and statistical analysis was conducted. Results: The normal patients’ heart dynamics were evaluated according to the methodology of entropy proportions, highlighting that there are differences in normal patients with different pathologies. There was maximal level of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic agreement. Conclusion: Proportional entropy constitutes a diagnostic and predictive method of heart systems, and may be useful as a tool to objectively diagnose and perform the follow-up of normal and pathological cases.
Autismo: uma outra estrutura?
Authors: Santos Dayanna Pereira
Published: May 2021

O artigo propõe uma discussão acerca de um dos mais significativos debates teórico-clínicos no âmbito da psicanálise: o autismo é ou não uma psicose? Trata-se, ou não, de uma outra estrutura? Como dizer sobre isso? No campo da teoria psicanalítica, observa-se a existência de premissas distintas que vão desde a ideia de uma semelhança/diferença estrutural entre autismo e psicose à conjetura do autismo como uma “não” estrutura. Tendo isso em vista, buscamos apresentar, neste artigo, as concepções de Jean-Claude Maleval, dos Lefort , R. e Lefort e de Vorcaro sobre a estruturação psíquica dos autistas, as aproximações e distanciamentos em relação à clínica das psicoses. Sob esse prisma, destacamos os desdobramentos da hipótese de Jean-Claude Maleval acerca de que, nos autismos, a circulação singular da palavra encontrar-se-á no “primado do signo” e não do significante.
Automutilações na adolescência: reflexões sobre o corpo e o tempo
Authors: Cidade Natália de Oliveira de Paula , Zornig Silvia Maria Abu-Jamra
Published: May 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o fenômeno das automutilações na adolescência a partir da articulação do registro do corpo à dimensão arcaica do tempo. As automutilações se caracterizam pelo ato de ferir o próprio corpo voluntariamente, sem intenção consciente de morte. É através do corpo que se manifesta um sofrimento que ultrapassa os limites psíquicos do sujeito, encontrando uma via de expressão radical daquilo que o faz sofrer. O caráter radical desta resposta aponta para a complexidade dos primórdios da constituição psíquica. Neste cenário, propõe-se compreender as automutilações na adolescência como uma via atual através da qual algumas vivências da ordem do arcaico se apresentariam. Elas conjugariam, em um curto-circuito do tempo, passado e presente, abrindo caminhos para a ressignificação de vivências irrepresentáveis.
Sofrimento psíquico e trabalho em tempos de pandemia: uma intervenção clínica com educadores
Authors: Cardoso Marta Rezende , Demantova Aline Gonçalves , Silva Gabriel Ventura Lara e , Alves Júlia Christo Davel , Honorio Vitor Hugo Lara , Tannuri Yasmin de Aguiar
Published: May 2021

Com base em um projeto de intervenção social clínica, fundamentado na psicanálise e dirigido ao atendimento de professores do ensino básico da rede municipal do Rio de Janeiro, são analisados neste artigo aspectos envolvidos em sua experiência subjetiva. É priorizada a questão de sua relação com a esfera do trabalho, tendo como foco central as ressonâncias psíquicas do confronto sofrido por eles com a situação da pandemia da Covid-19. Trata-se de abordar seu impacto na rotina das atividades de trabalho desses sujeitos, na área da Educação, já marcadas pela precariedade social, fonte de vulnerabilidade psíquica. O isolamento social imposto pela pandemia, aliado a outras consequências, evidenciou, e mesmo acentuou esse quadro, objeto de especial atenção na proposta clínica, cujas linhas mestras são brevemente trazidas no texto.
Consultas Terapêuticas com pais e filhos: o espaço potencial em reconstrução
Authors: Moreira Leliane Maria Aparecida Gliosce , Motta Ivonise Fernandes da
Published: May 2021

O pedido dos pais por atendimento psicológico do filho tem sido estudado por diversos autores da psicanálise. A ênfase do presente artigo está voltada à teoria do relacionamento paterno-infantil, conforme construída por Winnicott (1979). Segundo este autor, condições favoráveis apresentadas pelo ambiente serão facilitadoras para que a criança possa se desenvolver de acordo com o seu potencial na direção do seu amadurecimento emocional desde que haja uma sustentação favorável dos pais. Este artigo visa apresentar consultas terapêuticas com pais e filhos, realizadas em um Serviço Escola de Psicologia, como um método eficaz para investigar e compreender os bloqueios que determinaram a suspensão do percurso de amadurecimento da criança e a promoção do resgate da comunicação entre os pais e os filhos.
Environmental Impacts and Public Opinion About International Trade: Experimental Evidence from Six OECD Countries
Authors: Nguyen Quynh , Huber Robert A. , Bernauer Thomas
Published: May 2021

Do environmental implications of international trade influence public support for economic globalization? And under what conditions do environmental considerations shape individuals’ trade attitudes and policy preferences? In this study, we examine the microfoundations of the trade–environment nexus based on survey-embedded experiments in six OECD countries. Our empirical findings demonstrate that environmental implications have a substantial causal effect on public opinion about international trade. Furthermore, our results indicate that citizens are similarly sensitive to both domestic and international environmental implications of trade. These findings suggest that there is probably sufficient public support for green economy policies that take into account the global rather than only national environmental impacts from trade when designing trade policies.
How Lives Form Leaders: Plutarch’s Tripartite Theory of Leadership Education
Authors: Promisel Michael E.
Published: May 2021

Plutarch’s Parallel Lives was once considered a preeminent source of ethical and leadership instruction. But despite generations turning to the Lives for leadership education, we lack clarity concerning how the Lives cultivate leadership. In fact, Plutarch offers the key to this puzzle in a tripartite theory of leadership education evident throughout his corpus. Leaders should be educated through: 1) philosophical instruction, 2) experience in public life, or 3) literary synthesis – and, ideally, some combination of all three. Plutarch’s Lives, this article contends, exemplifies the third form of education, literary synthesis, which exhibits the influence of philosophical principle and moral character on political conduct. Understanding the Lives as a model of literary leadership education reveals the conditions for written works to cultivate virtuous leaders – the closing consideration of this article.
Description of a new species of Neorhinotora Lopes, 1934 (Diptera: Heleomyzidae) from Central America
Authors: MENEZES ISIS SÁ , CALHAU JULIA , ALE-ROCHA ROSALY
Published: May 2021

A new species of Neorhinotora Lopes, 1934 (Diptera, Heleomyzidae) is described: Neorhinotora elsalvadorensis sp. nov., from El Salvador, Central America, with illustrations of external and internal morphological characters and update of the identification key.
Comparison of Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) and Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) in Detecting Neonatal Invasive Fungal Infections
Authors: Li Huitao , Chen Xueyu , Qiu Xiaomei , Huang Weimin , Yang Chuanzhong
Published: May 2021

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is the leading cause of death in neonatal patients, yet the diagnosis of IFI remains a major challenge. At present, most IFI laboratory diagnostic methods are based on classical, but limited, methods such as fungal isolation and culture and histopathological examination. Recently, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) technology have been adopted to quantify nucleic-acid identification. In this study, we established qPCR and ddPCR assays for IFI diagnosis and quantification. qPCR and ddPCR were carried out using identical primers and probe for the amplification of 18S rRNA. Assay results for three fungal strains were positive, whereas ten non-fungal strains had negative results, indicating 100% specificity for both ddPCR and qPCR methods. Genomic DNA ofCandida albicanswas tested after a serial dilution to compare the sensitivity of the two PCR methods. The limit of detection of ddPCR was 3.2 copies/L, which was a ten-fold increase compared with that of the qPCR method (32 copies/L). Blood samples from 127 patients with high-risk factors and clinical symptoms for IFI were collected from a NICU in Shenzhen, China, and analyzed using qPCR and ddPCR. Thirty-four blood samples from neonates had a proven or probable diagnosis of IFI, and 25 of these were positive by qPCR, whereas 30 were positive by ddPCR. Among the 93 blood samples from neonates who had a possible IFI or no IFI, 24 were positive using qPCR, and 7 were positive using ddPCR. In conclusion, ddPCR is a rapid and accurate pan-fungal detection method and provides a promising prospect for IFI clinical screening.
Regulator of Ribosome Synthesis 1 Influences the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Shenhua , Yu Ting
Published: May 2021

We investigated the effects of silencing the regulator of ribosome synthesis 1 (RRS1) gene on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells, and its possible role in modulating signal transduction in these cells. Normal ovarian epithelial cell line IOSE80 was
used as a control. We examined the mRNA and protein level of RRS1 using qRT-PCR and western blot in control and ovarian carcinoma cells (SKOV-3, SW626, and CAOV3). RNA interference technology was used to knockdown RRS1 expression in CAOV3 cells. MTT was used to examine the proliferation of
these cells, while a Transwell assay was used to assay the cells’ migration and invasion abilities. Western blot was used to measure the levels of CyclinD1, P21, MMP-2, MMP-9, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 proteins. In comparison with normal ovarian epithelial cells (IOSE80), RRS1 mRNA and protein
levels were increased in ovarian carcinoma cells (SKOV-3, SW626 and CAOV3) (P < 0.05). Because RRS1 levels were highest in CAOV3 cells, these cells were used for subsequent experiments. RRS1 gene expression was knocked down in CAOV3 cells, and in comparison with the negative control
group, siRNA-RRS1 cells exhibited decreased proliferation in the MTT assay after 48 h and 72 h (P < 0.05). These cells also exhibited reduced migration and invasion (P < 0.05). Further, siRNA-RRS1 cells exhibited reduced expression of CyclinD1, MMP-2, MMP-9, P-JAK2 and
P-STAT3 proteins (P < 0.05), while P21 protein levels were increased (P < 0.05). Silencing RRS1 expression inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian carcinoma cells. This effect may be mediated by the inhibition of the STAT3 signaling pathway in these
cells.
Carbonyl Reductase 3-Antisense RNA 1 Negatively Regulates microRNA-337-3p Expression: Effects on Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Lin Shining , Zhang Xiufeng , Shi Huifang , Wang Fahui , Chen Shan , Wang Maoze
Published: May 2021

Lung cancer, a malignant tumor, is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. We studied the influence and mechanism of CBR3-AS1 on lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and infiltration. The expression of CBR3-AS1 and miRNA-337-3p were higher and lower (P< 0.05), respectively, in lung cancer tissues than in paracancerous tissues. After inhibiting the expression of CBR3-AS1, the OD value of A549 cells, cloning formation numbers, migrating and invasive numbers, N-cadherin protein expression levels were lower. The G0-G1 cell cycle periods was longer. The S cell cycle periods was shorter. The E-cadherin protein expression levels higher (P< 0.05 in all cases). CBR3-AS1 negatively regulated miRNA-337-3p expression in A549 cells (P< 0.05). After inhibiting the expression of CBR3-AS1 and miRNA-337-3p, the OD value of A549 cells was lower, cloning formation numbers, migrating and invasive numbers, N-cadherin protein expression levels were lower. The G0-G1 cell cycle periods was longer. The S cell cycle periods was shorter. The E-cadherin protein expression levels was higher (P< 0.05 in all cases). CBR3-AS1 expression was increased in lung cancer tissues, and interference with CBR3-AS1 expression could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and infiltration of lung cancer A549 cells by negatively regulating miRNA-337-3p.
Integrated miRNA-mRNA Analysis Reveals Potential Biomarkers of Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Liu Niping , Wei Shiyang , Zhao Renfeng
Published: May 2021

The current study aimed to determine potential biomarkers related to chemoresistance in ovarian cancer and the involved signaling pathways through bioinformatics analysis. This was followed by an exploration of the related indices on the occurrence and development of chemoresistance
in ovarian cancer (OC). Five miRNA/mRNA expression datasets on chemoresistance OC were obtained from the Geodatabase. The significantly different expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and differently expressed genes (DEGs) between chemoresistant OC tissues and control tissues were screened using the GEO2R
online tool. Afterwards, pathway analysis was utilized to analyze the DEGs and Cytoscape with STRING 11.0 was used to visualize the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs. Afterwards, TFmiR webserver was performed to predict the TF-miRNA-mRNA network. Finally, KM-Plotter was utilized
to determine the effects of hub genes and key miRNAs on survival time. A total of 24 DEMs and 548 DEGs were screened from four different datasets on chemoresistance in OC. Seven mRNA-miRNA pairs were found. Survival analysis based on the Kaplan-Meier plotter revealed that 11 biomarkers, including
hsa-miR-363, hsa-miR-125b, CDKN1N, JUN, KFL4, IGFBP3, TGFBR2, CCR5, SPP1, LOX, and MMP1, which were associated with TF-miRNA-mRNA network, were closely associated with overall survival (OS) in patients with OC (P< 0.05). The integrated genomic analysis method was successful in screening
novel and important genes for the occurrence and progression of chemoresistance in OC. Moreover, this method provided valuable information for investigating chemoresistance in OC and also forms the basis for further functional research.