bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA LUCAT1 as a Plasma Biomarker for Assessing Disease Activity in Adult Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Kuai Xiao-yi , Yu Shun-ying , Cui Xiu-fang , Zhao Xiao-jing , Mao Xia-qiong , Yu Yang , Hu Tong , Zhang Hong-jie , Zhou Chun-li
Published: September 2021

Aim. To explore the expression of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) LUCAT1 in adult patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and evaluate the relationship between LncRNA LUCAT1 and the disease activity in Chinese patients with CD. Methods. Patients with CD and healthy participants (≥18 years old) were enrolled in this study between January 2018 and December 2019. The expression of LncRNA LUCAT1 in plasma samples was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Basic characteristics of patients with CD were collected, including gender, age, clinical stage, disease behavior, disease location, C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet (PLT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fecal calprotectin (FC), Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) score, and simplified Crohn’s disease endoscopic score (SES-CD). Results. In total, 168 patients with CD and 65 healthy participants (≥18 years old) were enrolled in this study. Among them, ninety patients with clinically active CD, seventy-eight patients with CD in clinical remission, forty-eight patients with endoscopically active CD, thirty patients with endoscopically inactive CD, and sixty-five healthy participants. LncRNA LUCAT1 was increased in plasma of patients with CD compared with the control group. The plasma LncRNA LUCAT1 level of patients with CD both in the clinical and endoscopic active phase was higher than that of both the clinical and endoscopic remission phase. The plasma level of LncRNA LUCAT1 in patients with CD was positively correlated with ESR, CRP, FC, CDAI, and SES-CD. There was no significant correlation between the level of LUCAT1 and platelets. The plasma LncRNA LUCAT1 level in patients with CD had significant differences between severe active patients and mild/moderate active patients. Conclusion. The plasma LncRNA LUCAT1 is positively associated with the disease activity in patients with CD, and it may act as a noninvasive biomarker to identify the degree of disease activity.
Presenting a Reliable Routing Approach in IoT Healthcare Using the Multiobjective‐Based Multiagent Approach
Authors: Javid Saeed , Mirzaei A.
Published: September 2021

Developments in information and related technologies have led to a wider use of the Internet of things (IoT). By integrating both virtual and physical worlds, IoT creates an integrated communication framework of interrelated things and operating systems. With the advent of IoT systems based on digital remote care, transferring medical data is becoming a daily routine. Healthcare is one of the most popular IoT applications and tries to monitor patients’ vital signs during the day for weeks and to eliminate the need for hospitalization. In a healthcare system, many sensors are installed to collect the patient’s information, including environmental monitoring sensors and vital and unstructured message sensors in order to reduce the patients’ expenses. The IoT network contains flexible sensors in dynamically changing environments where sensors collect environmental information and send it to nursing stations for healthcare applications. Due to the wireless nature of IoT networks, secure data transmission in the healthcare context is very important. Data collected from sensors embedded in healthcare devices may be lost for various reasons along the transmission path. Therefore, establishing a secure communication path in IoT networks in the context of healthcare is of great importance. In this paper, in order to provide a reliable data transfer protocol in the context of healthcare, a reliable routing using multiobjective genetic algorithm (RRMOGA) method is presented. The contribution of this paper can be summarized in two steps: (i) using a multiobjective optimization approach to find near‐optimal paths and (ii) using reliable agents in the network to find backup paths. The simulation outcomes reveal that the proposed approach, based on the use of the multiobjective optimization approach, tries to find optimal paths for information transfer that improve the main parameters of the network. Also, the use of secure agents leads to a secure information transfer in the network in the context of healthcare. Experimental results show that the proposed method has achieved reliability and data delivery rates, 99% and 99.9%, respectively. The proposed method has improved network lifetime, delivery rate, and delay by 14%, 2%, and 5.6%, respectively.
Harmonic Classification with Enhancing Music Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Tang Wen , Gu Linlin
Published: September 2021

Automatic extraction of features from harmonic information of music audio is considered in this paper. Automatically obtaining of relevant information is necessary not just for analysis but also for the commercial issue such as music program of tutoring and generating of lead sheet. Two aspects of harmony are considered, chord and global key, facing the issue of the extraction problem by the algorithm of machine learning. Contribution here is to recognize chords in the music by the feature extraction method (voiced models) that performd better than manually one. The modelling carried out chord sequence, getting from frame‐by‐frame basis, which is known in recognition of the chord system. Technique of machine learning such the convolutional neural network (CNN) will systematically extract the chord sequence to achieve the superiority context model. Then, traditional classification is used to create the key classifier which is better than others or manually one. Datasets used to evaluate the proposed model show good achievement results compared with existing one.
An Improved MOEA/D Algorithm for Complex Data Analysis
Authors: Qian Weihua , Liu Jiahui , Lin Yuanguo , Yang Lvqing , Zhang Jianwei , Xu Hang , Liao Minghong , Chen Yuxuan , Chen Yunyi , Liu BingShuai
Published: September 2021

There are a large number of multiple level datasets in the Industry 4.0 era. Thus, it is necessary to utilize artificial intelligence technology for the complex data analysis. In fact, the technology often suffers from the self‐optimization issue of multiple level datasets, which is taken as a kind of multiobjective optimization problem (MOP). Naturally, the MOP can be solved by the multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D). However, most existing MOEA/D algorithms usually fail to adapt neighborhood for the offspring generation, since these algorithms have shortcomings in both global search and adaptive control. To address this issue, we propose a MOEA/D with adaptive exploration and exploitation, termed MOEA/D‐AEE, which adopts random numbers with a uniform distribution to explore the objective space and introduces a joint exploitation coefficient between parents to generate better offspring. By dynamic exploration and joint exploitation, MOEA/D‐AEE improves both global search ability and diversity of the algorithm. Experimental results on benchmark data sets demonstrate that our proposed approach achieves global search ability and diversity in terms of the population distribution than state‐of‐the‐art MOEA/D algorithms.
Sandy Soil Improvement Using MICP‐Based Urease Enzymatic Acceleration Method Monitored by Real‐Time System
Authors: Iamchaturapatr Janjit , Piriyakul Keeratikan , Ketklin Thanate , Di Emidio Gemmina , Petcherdchoo Aruz
Published: September 2021

This paper aims at monitoring the improvement of sandy soil properties with biocementation through the microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) method with reaction accelerations by self‐developed soybean urease enzymes. In this study, the concentration of calcium ions (Ca2+ ions as CaCl2) is varied at 50, 100, 250, and 500 mM to determine an optimum shear strength. The self‐developed soybean urease enzymes of 20% by volume (v/v) are used to accelerate the MICP reaction to finish within 7 days. Based on real‐time monitoring bender element system and direct shear tests, the optimum Ca2+ concentration is found as 250 mM. However, a detrimental effect occurs in case of high concentration of Ca2+ as CaCl2 (500 mM) because of solution acidification from high Cl− concentration. This condition lowers CaCO3 precipitation causing the reduction of biocementation process. At equivalent shear modulus, the biocementation time of MICP‐based sand with acceleration by urease enzymes is about 10 times faster than that without. Using spectrophotometer and pH meter, the ammonification rate and the solution pH of biocemented sand with acceleration by urease enzymes for 3 days are found relatively higher than those without urease enzymes for 40 days. The analyses by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirm not only the occurrence of CaCO3 binding sand particles together but also the improvement of physical strengths of sandy soil samples with the MICP‐based urease enzymatic acceleration method. These results introduce an option to accelerate biocemented sandy soil improvement.
Permeability Characteristics of Water‐Sand Seepage in Fracture by Experiment
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Shuncai , Li Wei , Luo Zhihao , Wu Liming , Xu Zhipeng
Published: September 2021

Studies on the seepage characteristics of water‐sand cracks are of great significance to reveal the mechanisms of water and sand inrush. Using a self‐made water‐sand fracture seepage test instrument, a water‐sand seepage test was carried out, and the permeability of water and sand in the fracture was determined. The hysteresis characteristics of water‐sand flow in the fracture were obtained after the required permeability was attained. The results show that the hysteresis curve changes from type I to type IV with the increase in sand particle size and concentration. The hysteresis parameters are described by the maximum hysteresis Gp  ∗ and the hysteresis area S, both of which show an increasing trend with the increase in sand particle size and concentration; however, this increase is not synchronous. The average velocity and turbulent kinetic energy distribution of the water‐sand fluid on the fracture cross section are greatly affected by the particle size and concentration of the volume of sand. This study can provide a reference for further study of water inrush from a shallow coal seam. Through simulation, it is found that the particle size has a great influence on the seepage velocity, and the influence near the side wall surface is greater than that in the middle position.
An Intelligent Blockchain and Software-Defined Networking-Based Evidence Collection Architecture for Cloud Environment
Authors: Khan Yunus , Verma Sunita
Published: September 2021

Cloud forensics is an extension of contemporary forensic science that guards against cybercriminals. However, consolidated data assortment and storage compromise the legitimacy of digital indication. This essay proposes an evolving modern algorithm automated forensic platform based on the blockchain idea. This proposes forensic structure design, evidence gathering, and storage on a blockchain that are peer to peer. Secure Block Verification Mechanism (SBVM) will protect unauthorised users. Secret keys are optimally produced using the cuckoo search optimization method. All data are saved and encrypted at the cloud authentication server for secrecy. Confidentiality-Based Algebraically Homomorphism, a new encryption method, is given to cryptosystem learning. Every data is assigned a block in the SDN controller, and the history is kept as metadata about data. Each block has a Secure Hash Algorithm version 3 of 512-bit hash-based tree. Our approach uses graph theory-based graph neural networks in Smart Contracts to track users’ data (GNNSC). Finally, a blockchain-based evidence graph allows for evidence analysis. The experiments were run in a cloud environment with Python and network simulator-3.30 (for software-defined network). We achieved good results in terms of evidence response time, cloud evidence insertion time, cloud evidence verification time, computational overhead, hash calculation time, key generation times, and entire overall change rate of indication using our newly deliberated forensic construction using blockchain (FAuB).
Study on the Effect of Polysulfide Content on the Micromorphology and Spontaneous Combustion Characteristics of Coal
Authors: Yao Hai-Fei
Published: September 2021

This paper aimed to study the effect of the polysulfide content on the micromorphology and spontaneous combustion characteristics of coal, in order to develop more targeted prevention and treatment strategies. To this end, this study selected the method of mixing different sulfides with very low sulfur content raw coal to prepare the coal samples to be tested. Various parameters, such as true density, porosity, micromorphology, and oxygen uptake of the different sulfur samples, were tested. The results reveal that sulfide had a certain expansion effect on the coal body and improved the pore structure of coal, and the porosity increased with the increase of the sulfur content. After adding iron (II) disulfide (FeS2) and iron (II) sulfide (FeS) powder to the original coal sample, the number of fine particles on the surface increased significantly. After increasing the oxidation temperature, the lamellar structure disintegrated, and the massive coal body was broken into several fine particles, which promoted the spontaneous combustion of coal. Polysulfide promotes the low‐temperature oxygen absorption of coal and shortens the natural firing period of coal. FeS has a slightly greater effect on increasing the tendency of coal to spontaneously combust and shortening the shortest natural firing period of coal. Before the addition of FeS2 and FeS to the coal samples, the coal production amount was not much different below 80–90°C, and then, the gap gradually widened. Under the same temperature condition of coal, carbon monoxide (CO) production basically occurred first as the sulfur content increased. When FeS2 and FeS were added, the sulfur content of the coal samples was 3 and 4%, respectively, and the production of CO and ethene (C2H4) was the largest. Although the peak areas of aliphatic hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, hydroxyl group, and carbonyl group in the coal samples with FeS were different, they all reached their maximum value when the sulfur content was 4%.
Cell-Based Transplantation versus Cell Homing Approaches for Pulp-Dentin Complex Regeneration
Authors: Ahmed Geraldine M. , Abouauf Eman A. , AbuBakr Nermeen , Fouad Asmaa M. , Dörfer Christof E. , Fawzy El-Sayed Karim M.
Published: September 2021

Regenerative dentistry has paved the way for a new era for the replacement of damaged dental tissues. Whether the causative factor is dental caries, trauma, or chemical insult, the loss of the pulp vitality constitutes one of the major health problems worldwide. Two regenerative therapies were introduced for a fully functional pulp-dentin complex regeneration, namely, cell-based (cell transplantation) and cell homing (through revascularization or homing by injection of stem cells in situ or intravenously) therapies, with each demonstrating advantages as well as drawbacks, especially in clinical application. The present review is aimed at elaborating on these two techniques in the treatment of irreversibly inflamed or necrotic pulp, which is aimed at regenerating a fully functional pulp-dentin complex.
Intervention of WeChat Group Guidance in Rapid Rehabilitation after Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Wang Jing , Lin Yingying , Wei Ying , Chen Xiuying , Wang Yuping , Zhang Longxin , Zhou Min
Published: September 2021

Gynecological laparoscopic surgery is the current routine treatment. Although the injury is relatively small, it is still a traumatic operation and also increases the recovery speed of patients. This paper mainly explores the intervention effect of rapid rehabilitation after gynecological laparoscopic surgery by means of WeChat group guidance based on the information adoption model and UTAUT model. Gynecological patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery and met the inclusion and exclusion conditions in a provincial maternal and child health hospital were selected as the research objects. The WeChat intervention group was compared with the nonintervention group, and the oral description score (VRS), comfort score (BCS), and 40-item recovery quality rating scale (QoR-40) were used as the scoring criteria. The results showed that the postoperative VRS and BCS scores in the WeChat intervention group were significantly lower than those in the nonintervention group. The total score of QoR-40 in both groups decreased compared with that before operation, reached the lowest on the first day after operation, and began to rise from the second day. This result is consistent with the patient’s postoperative recovery process. After operation, the total score of the WeChat intervention group on days 1 and 2 was higher than that of the non-WeChat intervention group. By comparing the results of the patient’s postoperative oral description score (VRS), comfort score (BCS), 40-item recovery quality score scale (QoR-40), etc., it can be shown that the overall recovery quality of the WeChat intervention group was better during these two days. In each section, the oral description score (VRS) and the 40-item recovery quality score scale (QoR-40) indicated that the pain sensation and emotional state scores of patients in the WeChat intervention group were higher than those in the nonintervention group, while the comfort score (BCS) was lower, indicating better comfort in the WeChat intervention group.
Evaluation of the Modal Coupling Effect in Midstory Isolation Systems Based on Random Vibration Analysis
Authors: Song Xiao , Xue Songtao
Published: September 2021

At present, the midstory isolation (MSI) technology has great potential for application in historical buildings’ retrofitting and multifunction buildings. The coupling effect due to the variability of the location of the isolation layer may amplify the structural seismic response and is required for in‐depth analysis. This paper aims to evaluate the magnitude of the coupling effect and delimitate the region of the coupling effect to be considered. Based on the complex mode superposition method, the explicit formulas for calculating the random response of the simplified model are deduced. The root‐mean‐square (RMS) ratio of the shear force coefficient of the upper isolation system is adopted as the performance indicator to evaluate the coupling amplification effect of the MSI system. Parameter analysis indicates that the coupling region is closely related to the mass ratio and frequency ratio of the upper and lower structures to the isolation layer. In general, the region of the coupling effect to be considered can be divided into two parts according to parameters of frequency ratios, depending on the thresholds of the performance indicator. As the mass ratio of the upper isolation system to the entire system increases, one of the coupling regions shrinks and eventually disappears, indicating that the coupling amplification effect in this region can be neglected under certain conditions. Finally, the time‐domain analysis of three representative numerical cases of MSI buildings was performed to verify the reliability of the results obtained from the frequency‐domain analysis. The research results can provide technical guidance for the preliminary design of the MSI buildings.
Higher Physical Activity Level Improves Leptin Concentrations in Spinal Cord Injury Subjects
Authors: Ramkrapes Ana Paula B. , Duft Renata G. , Bonfante Ivan L. P. , Mateus Keryma C. S. , Trombeta Joice C. S. , Rodrigues Bruno , Chacon-Mikahil Mara Patrícia T. , Tanhoffer Ricardo A. , Cavaglieri Claudia R.
Published: September 2021

The present study was designed to compare the body composition and indicators of chronic inflammatory grade, such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin concentrations in irregularly active and active SCI subjects. Thirty‐two male subjects participated in this study. They were divided into three groups: able‐bodied control irregularly active (control, n = 11), irregularly active with SCI (SCI‐IA, n = 8), and physically active with SCI (SCI‐PA, n = 13). The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assessed serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. All volunteers performed the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) test, 24 h total energy expenditure (TEE), and body composition by skinfold thicknesses. Leptin concentrations were higher in the SCI‐IA group when compared to the other groups, while no significant differences were found between the SCI‐PA and control cohorts. In addition, no significant differences were found among groups for serum adiponectin and resistin concentrations either. The SCI‐PA group showed significantly higher values for TEE and VO2max when compared to the other groups. Percentages of body fat and circumference were decreased in the control and SCI‐PA groups when compared to the SCI‐IA cohort. Associations between leptin and cardiorespiratory capacity and anthropometric markers were also observed. Our findings highlight that the lack of physical activity in the SCI subjects leads to poor general physical fitness and higher levels of body adiposity, which may induce hyperleptinemia, an essential marker for cardiometabolic disorders.
A Hybrid Z-Based MADM Model for the Evaluation of Urban Resilience
Authors: Huang Chun-Nen , Lo Huai-Wei
Published: September 2021

Natural disasters and man-made incidents have many negative impacts on major cities, including casualties, economic losses, disruption of social order, and environmental contamination. Cities need to be resilient in order to protect people’s lives and property. Although research on urban resilience has been rapidly emerging in recent years, there are still some research gaps. The interplay of attributes for assessing urban resilience has not been explored, and the Multiple Attribute Decision Making- (MADM-) based framework for evaluating urban resilience is rarely studied. Therefore, this study proposes a novel model to evaluate urban resilience, the Z number-based Decision-Making Trial, and Evaluation Laboratory (Z-DEMATEL), to identify the mutual influential relationships and the weights of the attributes. In addition, the Z number-based Reference Ideal Method (Z-RIM) is used to determine the resilience capacity of cities and to suggest improvements for decision makers to develop appropriate strategies. In this study, we not only use trapezoidal fuzzy numbers to reflect the uncertainty of information but also measure the reliability/confidence of experts in the assessment. The integrated methodology is presented for the first time in this study, and we use the firmness data of six major metropolitan cities in Taiwan as an example of model demonstration. The results of the study show that population density, value of business activity, healthcare facilities, electricity supply, and number of business registrations are the most important attributes influencing the resilience of cities. Taipei City and Taichung City are the two major cities with better resilience in Taiwan based on the analysis of this study.
Evidence‐Based Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Silver Diamine Fluoride Use in Dentistry
Authors: Qasim Syed Saad B. , Ali Dena , Khan Abdul Samad , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Iqbal Abid , Baskaradoss Jagan Kumar
Published: September 2021

Background. This bibliometric analysis is aimed at reviewing the research pattern on the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in dentistry using various citation metrics. Methods. A well‐curated search was conducted on Elsevier’s Scopus database for the relevant literature on SDF published between 1969 and 2021. Bibliographic information such as information related to citations, bibliographic data, abstracts, keywords, and other relevant information was extracted using different combinations of keywords (“silver diamine fluoride” OR “Silver Diamine Fluorides” OR “Diamine Fluoride” OR “Silver Fluoride”). Analysis and visualization of the selected documents and related data were performed using various tools and software including MS Excel, MS Access, Bibexcel, VOS viewer, Biblioshiny, and Gephi. VOS Viewer was utilized for the Graph Modeling Language (GML) to generate graphical representations of the data. Furthermore, network graphs were generated to assess the various associations between research themes, countries, organizations, authors, journals, and citations. Results. The initial search yielded 662 documents, of which 410 were chosen for analysis. 252 records were deemed irrelevant. The chosen records consisted of journal articles (n = 351), conference papers (n = 14), book chapters (n = 1), and review articles (n = 44). The results showed that there was an upward trend in the research on SDF, and a substantial increase was observed in the citation index after 2014. Researchers from the United States of America, Hong Kong, and Japan were the top contributors, with organizations and authors from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, leading the way in citations and productivity. Conclusion. The bibliometric analysis provides valuable information regarding the total number of publications on SDF and their citation details. It also identifies the leading countries and organizations involved in the research on SDF and provides a comprehensive analysis of the research trends related to SDF.
Research on Smart Healthcare Services: Based on the Design of APP Health Service Platform
Authors: Jiang Na , Wang Lei , Xu Xinyu
Published: September 2021

With the development of information technology, big data, and cloud computing, the concept of smart healthcare has gradually become more and more important. Compared with the traditional healthcare service, the new model, health service platform, is becoming increasingly popular and convenient. The use of wearable monitoring devices and some APPs is improving the health monitoring efficacy and effectiveness. To improve and facilitate the smart healthcare services, an effective and convenient app health service platform is needed urgently to serve the older and younger. Based on the above, this paper elaborates the principles of health service system and health information perception terminal design of the APP health service platform.
A Cross‐Domain Authentication Optimization Scheme between Heterogeneous IoT Applications
Authors: Xuan Shichang , Xiao Haibo , Man Dapeng , Wang Wei , Yang Wu
Published: September 2021

With the continuous enrichment of the Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the demand for value exchange and collaborative control between heterogeneous IoT applications is increasing. However, the user management space varies depending on the IoT application, where the security domain stands as an example. It is one of the key technologies of data sharing between heterogeneous IoT organizations to cross the boundary of the security domain and verify the identity and authority of users in other security domains. Aiming at the slow speed of authentication protocol authority authentication during cross‐domain access and without considering the actual cross‐domain situation, the same cryptographic system parameters are used for all communication nodes in a cross‐domain environment. This article proposes a heterogeneous Internet of Things data access authority authentication scheme between applications. Based on certificate‐less public key cryptography and smart contract technology, a certificate‐less cross‐domain authentication scheme that supports parameter differentiation is designed and implemented. The theoretical and empirical analyses, comparing the communication volume, identity signature, and verification calculation cost, validated that the method proposed improves the cross‐domain identity authorization authentication ability and supports the use of differentiated cryptographic system parameters among different IoT applications.
Evaluation of Sex Hormone Levels in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris in Comparison to the Healthy Population
Authors: Lavaee Fatemeh , Rezazadeh Fahimeh , Saki Nasrin , Tavazo Zahra , Baghaei Saman
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim. The onset of autoimmune diseases is associated with the levels of sex hormones. Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease with a higher prevalence in postmenopausal women. The present study is aimed at evaluating the sex hormones’ levels in patients with pemphigus vulgaris in comparison to healthy controls. Materials and Methods. This cross‐sectional study was performed on patients with pemphigus vulgaris referred to Faghihi Hospital and Shiraz Dental Faculty in 2017‐2018. The participants included 26 women with histopathologically confirmed pemphigus vulgaris and 26 healthy age‐matched controls. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were evaluated in both groups. Independent t‐test and two‐way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Results. The mean age of the patients was 49.88 ± 10.46 years and that of the control group was 49.92 ± 11.30 years. Unlike the case group, the DHEA serum level was significantly higher among nonmenopausal participants in the control group. Moreover, the levels of testosterone and DHEA were significantly lower in the case group in comparison to the control group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively). Conclusion. Considering the effects of age and menopause, the serum levels of testosterone and DHEA were significantly lower in the patients with pemphigus vulgaris than in the healthy controls. Hence, these hormones might have a role in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris.
Exploring New Approaches for Locally Advanced Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinomas: TNT, Irinotecan, and ctDNA
Authors: Catenacci Daniel V.T.
Published: September 2021

The authors of a recent pilot study incorporated novel concepts including total neoadjuvant therapy with induction triplet FOLFIRINOX then chemoradiotherapy before surgery, along with ctDNA minimal residual disease analyses demonstrating both feasibility of this approach as well as confirming prognostic value of ctDNA analysis before and after surgery.

See related article by Wo et al., p. 6343
Treatment Modality and Second Primary Tumors of the Head and Neck
Authors: Ben Arie Gal , Shafat Tali , Belochitski Olga , El-Saied Sabri , Joshua Ben-Zion
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Second primary tumors (SPTs) in head and neck cancer are thought to occur from premalignant lesions that are present at the time of the primary tumor diagnosis. The association of the modality used to treat the primary lesion with SPT occurrence is not clear. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of SPTs in patients with head and neck malignancies, according to treatment modality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. All patients who were treated at Soroka Medical Center between 2000 and 2013 for a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were assessed. Data analysis included tumor site of the primary and second primary and treatment modality of the primary tumor. In addition, demographics as well as habits were recorded as well. Results: Of the 184 patients included in the cohort, SPT developed in 31 patients (17%) with a median time to diagnosis of 4.3 years. Smoking was reported in 74% of those with SPT and 78% of those without. The most common site for SPT was the lungs, with 13 cases, 42% of the total SPTs. Among patients who developed an SPT, for 12 of those with an index tumor in the oral cavity or oro-hypopharynx, 8 (67%) developed an SPT in the same location; for 18 of those with an index tumor in the larynx, 11 (61%) developed a SPT in the lungs and bronchi (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the treatment modality used was not found to be associated with the occurrence of SPTs and the radiotherapy showed no protective or harmful effect (HR 0.64 p = 0.24). Conclusion: Treatment modality used for head and neck cancer does not seem to be associated with the occurrence of SPTs.
Intravitreal Dexamethasone in Diabetic Macular Oedema: A Way of Enhancing the Response to Anti-VEGF in Non- or Poor Responders?
Authors: Touhami Sara , Dupas Bénédicte , Bertaud Samuel , Tadayoni Ramin , Couturier Aude
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of a switch back to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic macular oedema (DME) eyes treated temporarily with a dexamethasone implant (DEXi), after an initial poor response to anti-VEGF. Methods: The study involved a case series. Results: Twenty-three eyes of 17 patients were included. All were poorly responsive to anti-VEGF and switched to a DEXi after a mean of 12 anti-VEGF injections. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased from 0.25 ± 0.19 (decimals) to 0.29 ± 0.20 after switching to the DEXi (p = 0.11). BCVA remained stable (0.31 ± 0.23; p = 0.11) after switching back to anti-VEGF, one month after the last injection. The mean central macular thickness (CMT) decreased significantly from 517.0 ± 128.5 μm to 343.4 ± 118.9 μm (p < 0.001) after switching to the DEXi. In eyes receiving ≥3 anti-VEGF injections during the switch back, the CMT 1 month after the last anti-VEGF injection was significantly decreased compared to the CMT before the switch to the DEXi (mean change of - 95.55 ± 89.82 μm, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Switching back poorly responsive DME eyes to anti-VEGF after temporary DEXi therapy is associated with good anatomical and visual outcomes similar to those obtained with the DEXi, provided that at least 3 anti-VEGF injections are administered. The DEXi might restore retinal sensitivity to anti-VEGF.
Comparison of Transvalvular Aortic Mean Gradients Obtained by Intraprocedural Echocardiography and Invasive Measurement in Balloon and Self‐Expanding Transcatheter Valves
Authors: Abbas Amr E. , Mando Ramy , Kadri Amer , Khalili Houman , Hanzel George , Shannon Francis , Al‐Azizi Karim , Waggoner Thomas , Kassas Safwan , Pilgrim Thomas , Okuno Taishi , Camacho Alexander , Selberg Alexandra , Elmariah Sammy , Bavry Anthony , Ternacle Julien , Christensen Jared , Gheewala Neil , Pibarot Philippe , Mack Michael
Published: September 2021

Background

Concerns about discordance between echocardiographic and invasive mean gradients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with balloon‐expandable valves (BEVs) versus self‐expanding valves (SEVs) exist.

Methods and Results

In a multicenter study, direct‐invasive and echocardiography‐derived transvalvular mean gradients obtained before and after TAVR were compared as well as post‐TAVR and discharge echocardiographic mean gradients in BEVs versus SEVs in 808 patients. Pre‐TAVR, there was good correlation (
R
=0.614;
P
<0.0001) between direct‐invasive and echocardiography‐derived mean gradients and weak correlation (
R
=0.138;
P
<0.0001) post‐TAVR. Compared with post‐TAVR echocardiographic mean gradients, both valves exhibit lower invasive and higher discharge echocardiographic mean gradients. Despite similar invasive mean gradients, a small BEV exhibits higher post‐TAVR and discharge echocardiographic mean gradients than a large BEV, whereas small and large SEVs exhibit similar post‐TAVR and discharge mean gradients. An ejection fraction <50% (
P
=0.028) and higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality score (
P
=0.007), but not invasive or echocardiographic mean gradient ≥10 mm Hg (
P
=0.378 and
P
=0.341, respectively), nor discharge echocardiographic mean gradient ≥20 mm Hg (
P
=0.393), were associated with increased 2‐year mortality.

Conclusions

Invasively measured and echocardiography‐derived transvalvular mean gradients correlate well in aortic stenosis but weakly post‐TAVR. Post‐TAVR, echocardiography overestimates transvalvular mean gradients compared with invasive measurements, and poor correlation suggests these modalities cannot be used interchangeably. Moreover, echocardiographic mean gradients are higher on discharge than post‐TAVR in all valves. Despite similar invasive mean gradients, a small BEV exhibits higher post‐TAVR and discharge echocardiographic mean gradients than a large BEV, whereas small and large SEVs exhibit similar post‐TAVR and discharge mean gradients. Immediately post‐TAVR, elevated echocardiographic‐derived mean gradients should be assessed with caution and compared with direct‐invasive mean gradients. A low ejection fraction and higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, but not elevated mean gradients, are associated with increased 2‐year mortality.
Importance of Risk Assessment in Timing of Invasive Coronary Evaluation and Treatment of Patients With Non–ST‐Segment–Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: Insights From the VERDICT Trial
Authors: Butt Jawad H. , Kofoed Klaus F. , Kelbæk Henning , Hansen Peter R. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Høfsten Dan , Holmvang Lene , Pedersen Frants , Bang Lia E. , Sigvardsen Per E. , Clemmensen Peter , Linde Jesper J. , Heitmann Merete , Hove Jens Dahlgaard , Abdulla Jawdat , Gislason Gunnar , Engstrøm Thomas , Køber Lars
Published: September 2021

Background

The optimal timing of invasive examination and treatment of high‐risk patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome has not been established. We investigated the efficacy of early invasive coronary angiography compared with standard‐care invasive coronary angiography on the risk of all‐cause mortality according to the GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) risk score in a predefined subgroup analysis of the VERDICT (Very Early Versus Deferred Invasive Evaluation Using Computerized Tomography) trial.

Methods and Results

Patients with clinical suspicion of non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome with ECG changes indicating new ischemia and/or elevated troponin, in whom invasive coronary angiography was clinically indicated and deemed logistically feasible within 12 hours, were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomized 1:1 to an early (≤12 hours) or standard (48–72 hours) invasive strategy. The primary outcome of the present study was all‐cause mortality. Of 2147 patients randomized in the VERDICT trial, 2092 patients had an available GRACE risk score. Of these, 1021 (48.8%) patients had a GRACE score >140. During a median follow‐up of 4.1 years, 192 (18.8%) and 54 (5.0%) patients died in the high and low GRACE score groups, respectively. The risk of death with the early invasive strategy was increased in patients with a GRACE score ≤140 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.04 [95% CI, 1.16–3.59]), whereas there was a trend toward a decreased risk of death with the early invasive strategy in patients with a GRACE score >140 (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.63–1.10]) (
P
interaction
=0.006).

Conclusions

In patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome, we found a significant interaction between timing of invasive coronary angiography and GRACE score on the risk of death. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy and safety among high‐risk and low‐risk patients with non–ST‐segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02061891.
Stroke Patients With Faster Core Growth Have Greater Benefit From Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Lin Longting , Zhang Hao , Chen Chushuang , Bivard Andrew , Butcher Kenneth , Garcia-Esperon Carlos , Spratt Neil J. , Levi Christopher R. , Parsons Mark W. , Li Gang , Miteff Ferdinand , Choi Philip M. C. , Kleining Timothy , O’Brien Billy , Lou Min , Yang Jianhong , Yin Congguo , Wang Peng , Geng Yu , Zhang Xu , Yang Xuezhi , Qiu Weiwen , Fang Qi , Sui Yi , Chen Wenhuo , Cheng Xin , Dong Qiang
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose:

This study aimed to explore whether the therapeutic benefit of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was mediated by core growth rate.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study identified acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion and receiving reperfusion treatment, either EVT or intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. Patients were divided into 2 groups: EVT versus IVT only patients (who had no access to EVT). Core growth rate was estimated by the acute core volume on perfusion computed tomography divided by the time from stroke onset to perfusion computed tomography. The primary clinical outcome was good outcome defined by 3-month modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2. Tissue outcome was the final infarction volume.

Results:

A total of 806 patients were included, 429 in the EVT group (recanalization rate of 61.6%) and 377 in the IVT only group (recanalization rate of 44.7%). The treatment effect of EVT versus IVT only was mediated by core growth rate, showing a significant interaction between EVT treatment and core growth rate in predicting good clinical outcome (interaction odds ratio=1.03 [1.01–1.05],
P
=0.007) and final infarct volume (interaction odds ratio=−0.44 [−0.87 to −0.01],
P
=0.047). For patients with fast core growth of >25 mL/h, EVT treatment (compared with IVT only) increased the odds of good clinical outcome (adjusted odds ratio=3.62 [1.21–10.76],
P
=0.021) and resulted in smaller final infarction volume (37.5 versus 73.9 mL,
P
=0.012). For patients with slow core growth of <15 mL/h, there were no significant differences between the EVT and the IVT only group in either good clinical outcome (adjusted odds ratio=1.44 [0.97–2.14],
P
=0.070) or final infarction volume (22.6 versus 21.9 mL,
P
=0.551).

Conclusions:

Fast core growth was associated with greater benefit from EVT compared with IVT in the early <4.5-hour time window.
Submission signals in animal groups
Authors: Reddon Adam R. , Ruberto Tommaso , Reader Simon M.
Published: September 2021

Aggression is costly, and animals have evolved tactics to mitigate these costs. Submission signals are an underappreciated example of such adaptations. Here we review submissive behaviour, with an emphasis on non-primates. We highlight the design of submission signals and how such signals can reduce costs. Animal societies necessitate frequent social interactions, which can increase the probability of conflict. Where maintaining group proximity is essential, animals cannot avoid aggression by fleeing. Mutual interest between group members may also select for efficient conflict avoidance and resolution mechanisms. As a result, submission signals may be especially well developed among group living species, helping social animals to overcome potential costs of recurring conflict that could otherwise counter the benefits of group living. Therefore, submission signalling can be a crucial aspect of social living and is deserving of specific attention within the broader context of social evolution and communication.
Ecology and social behaviour of the Mongolian gerbil: a generalised review
Authors: Gromov Vladimir S.
Published: September 2021

The present review provides a compilation of the published data on the ecology and social behaviour of Mongolian gerbils. Behavioural observations in the wild show that the Mongolian gerbil is a diurnal social rodent living in extended family groups. Seasonal breeding is typical of Mongolian gerbils in their natural habitat. Social monogamy seems to be characteristic of the Mongolian gerbil reproductive strategy, which however does not exclude facultative polygyny and promiscuity. A typical feature of the space use system in this species is territoriality. Social relationships in family groups may be defined as a subordination hierarchy. The hierarchy order is primarily determined by the age of the animals and maintained chiefly by the subordinates’ behaviour patterns. The complex social organisation in the Mongolian gerbil is characterised by cooperation in different activities. Cooperation appears to enhance the survival of family groups of this species under the extreme climatic conditions of Central Asia.
Investigating ICT skills and the use of audio media in distance education among teachers and students: the case of Mountains of the Moon University in Uganda
Authors: Kaahwa Mark , Zhu Chang , Muhumuza Moses
Published: September 2021

Although teachers’ and students’ ICT skills have previously been investigated, there is still scant information about their ICT skills in relation to audio media as an independent medium of instruction. This study, therefore, investigates the ICT skills of higher education distance students (HEDS) and teachers regarding the use of audio media. We used purposive sampling technique to select HEDS (n=81) and teachers (n=41). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The results indicate that on average, teachers’ and students’ levels of confidence regarding computer use are 76% and 68% respectively. The results on general ICT knowledge indicate that 52% of students rated themselves as having either good or excellent ICT skills compared to 49% of teachers. The results also show that both students and teachers use MP3 players on a regular basis. However, results reveal that they are ambivalent regarding recording and editing of audio content. Generally, the findings of this study demonstrate that teachers and students can adopt audio media in distance education.
Archiving Collective Memories and (Dis)Owning
Authors: Tchokothe Rémi Armand
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the question of ownership of collective memories in the age of digitized archiving. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (henceforth Unesco) philosophy of preserving the world cultural heritage has boosted research on African oral literatures. The emphasis on the documentation of endangered cultures of Africa is salutary but also raises some critical questions. The central question this contribution addresses is that of the authorship-ownership of cultural heritage that is being archived in the framework of digital humanities. In essence, the notion of “collective memories” entails that of collective authorship and collective belonging as these memories are passed on from one generation to the other without the claim of singular ownership. A significant example in this line of thought has been the observation by the cultural giant Amadou Hampâté Bâ who ironically pointed out that the real author of The Fortunes of Wangrin (1973), which is attributed to him, is actually the storyteller Wangrin – the cunning interpreter – and members of the whole literary tradition that Wangrin embodied. In the preface of a recently published volume on La question de l’auteur en littératures africaines (Jérôme Roger 2015: 16) the author asks the following pertinent question: how can African literature, both oral and others, invite scholars to rethink the relationship between the anonymity of sources, versions and variants of stories and the constraint for an author’s name imposed by editors? The question has more weight in view of the massive digitization of African oral literatures that mostly takes place in institutions with more economic prestige and which are located outside the African continent. Therefore, the interrogation centres on the role of power with regard to the form in which these (hi)stories are published, where, how and to whom they are accessible, and to the habit of researchers to name people from whom they receive the bulk of knowledge which they transcribe and translate into the academic jargon “informants” instead of giving them more credit by referring to them as research partners or even by recognising them as co-authors. In this vein, the paper rounds up by exploring the possibility of reversing the customary auctorial perspective by bringing into the discussion the idea of “researchers as griots” suggested by (Merolla, Ameka & Dorvlo 2013).