bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Media Marketing Optimization Method Based on Deep Neural Network and Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Bian Qing
Published: December 2021

Under the background of the vigorous development of China’s market economy, the marketing mix is constantly updated, which promotes the all-round development of various industries. Social media marketing has formed a relatively solid theoretical and practical foundation, especially with the continuous updating and iteration of Internet technology and the improvement of people’s requirements for experience, and we must find ways to optimize the methods of social media marketing. This study mainly introduces several optimization methods of social media marketing based on deep neural networks and advanced algorithms, and the experiments of gradient-based back-propagation algorithm and adaptive Adam’s optimization algorithm show that the proposed optimization algorithm can easily achieve the global optimal state based on the combination of back-propagation algorithm and Adam’s optimization algorithm. Accuracy of marketing is very important, so we introduce a scheme of how to accurately market, and the scheme is effective. Firstly, the FCE model is constructed by a three-layer back-propagation neural network, and then, the data input layer is designed to achieve the effect of the model.
Vitamin D Review: The Low Hanging Fruit for Human Health
Authors: Mungai Lucy N. W. , Mohammed Zanuba , Maina Michuki , Anjumanara Omar
Published: December 2021

Vitamin D is an important hormone that is known for the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults leading to poor bone mineralisation and can also lead to serious dental complications in the same population. Recent studies have shown vitamin D to work as a hormone needed not only in bone and teeth but also in other body organs from intrauterine life up to old age. It has been demonstrated that Vitamin D has various effects on biological processes that deal with cell growth, differentiation, cell death, immune regulation, DNA stability, and neuronal growth. Despite being readily formed in the body through the intervention of the sun, patients are still found to have low vitamin D levels. We review studies done to show how vitamin D works.
Seroprevalence of Seven Reproductive Diseases in Beef and Dairy Cows from Three Provinces in Indonesia
Authors: Subekti Didik Tulus , Fatmawati Mira , Khoiriyah Arie , Pramesthi Arum , Fong Sulinawati , Desem Muhammad Ibrahim , Azmi Zul , Kusumaningtyas Eni , Endrawati Dwi , Purwanto Eko Setyo
Published: December 2021

Bovine reproductive diseases are endemic in Indonesia, but comprehensive information about their infectious causes is not available. Therefore, our aim for this study was to detect several infectious agents that cause reproductive diseases in Indonesian beef and dairy cows. A total of 152 cow serum samples collected by Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Brawijaya University and Veterinary Disease Investigation Centre as a part of the mandatory and regularly surveillance system from three provinces during 2019–2020 were used. The samples were then sent to Indonesian Research Centre for Veterinary Science (IRCVS) for further detection of seven reproductive diseases by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seven reproductive diseases to be tested in parallel are neosporosis, chlamydiosis, brucellosis, Q fever, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), and BHV-4 infection. The dominant reproductive diseases in Indonesian cows were BVD (45.69%), chlamydiosis (31.58%), IBR (20.53%), neosporosis (11.84%), and BHV-4 infection (10.53%). The seroprevalence of IBR, BHV-4 infection, neosporosis, and brucellosis varied significantly

P
<
0.05

between dairy and beef cattle. The most dominant reproductive diseases in aborted cows were chlamydiosis (45%), BVD (41%), and neosporosis (10%). The conclusion drawn from this study is that the dominant reproductive diseases in Indonesian cows are BVD, chlamydiosis, IBR, neosporosis, and BHV-4 infection. Chlamydiosis, BVD, and neosporosis are common among aborted cow. Chlamydiosis, neosporosis, and BHV-4 infection should be included in the national priority list in Indonesia. Control and preventive measures should be focused on high-risk areas and animals like stray cat and dog.
The Effect of Race and Shear Stress on CRP-Induced Responses in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ling Chenyi , Cook Marc D. , Grimm Heather , Aldokhayyil Maitha , Gomez Dulce , Brown Michael
Published: December 2021

Background. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent biomarker of systemic inflammation and a predictor of future cardiovascular disease (CVD). More than just a pure bystander, CRP directly interacts with endothelial cells to decrease endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and bioactivity, decrease nitric oxide (NO) production, and increase the release of vasoconstrictors and adhesion molecules. Race is significantly associated with CRP levels and CVD risks. With aerobic exercise, the vessel wall is exposed to chronic high laminar shear stress (HiLSS) that shifts the endothelium phenotype towards an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiproliferative environment. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the racial differences concerning the CRP-induced effects in endothelial cells and the potential role of HiLSS in mitigating these differences. Methods. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from four African American (AA) and four Caucasian (CA) donors were cultured and incubated under the following conditions: (1) static control, (2) CRP (10 μg/mL, 24 hours), (3) CRP receptor (FcγRIIB) inhibitor followed by CRP stimulation, (4) HiLSS (20 dyne/cm2, 24 hours), and (5) HiLSS followed by CRP stimulation. Results. AA HUVECs had significantly higher FcγRIIB receptor expression under both basal and CRP incubation conditions. Blocking FcγRIIB receptor significantly attenuated the CRP-induced decrements in eNOS expression only in AA HUVECs. Finally, HiLSS significantly counteracted CRP-induced effects. Conclusion. Understanding potential racial differences in endothelial function is important to improve CVD prevention. Our results shed light on FcγRIIB receptor as a potential contributor to racial differences in endothelial function in AA.
Fluid-Solid Coupling Simulation of Wall Fluid Shear Stress on Cells under Gradient Fluid Flow
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Gao Yan , Huo Bo
Published: December 2021

Fluid shear stress (FSS) plays a crucial role for cell migration within bone cavities filled with interstitial fluid. Whether the local wall FSS distribution on cell surface depends on the global gradient FSS of flow field should be clarified to explain our previous experimental observation. In this study, finite element models of discretely distributed or hexagonal closely packed cells adherent on the bottom plate in a modified plate flow chamber with different global FSS gradient were constructed. Fluid-solid coupling simulation of wall fluid shear stress on cells was performed, and two types of data analysis methods were used. The results showed that the profile of local FSS distribution on cell surface coincides with the angle of cell migration determined in the previous study, suggesting that RAW264.7 osteoclast precursors may sense the global FSS gradient and migrate toward the low-FSS region under a high gradient. For hexagonal closely packed cells, this profile on the surface of central cells decreased along with the increase of cell spacing, which may be caused by the higher local FSS difference along the direction of FSS gradient in the regions close to the bottom plate. This study may explain the phenomenon of the targeted migration of osteoclast precursors under gradient FSS field and further provide insights into the mechanism of mechanical stimulation-induced bone remodeling.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Sonchus brachyotus Helps to Elucidate Evolutionary Relationships with Related Species of Asteraceae
Authors: Wang Caixiang , Liu Juanjuan , Su Yue , Li Meili , Xie Xiaoyu , Su Junji
Published: December 2021

Sonchus brachyotus DC. possesses both edible and medicinal properties and is widely distributed throughout China. In this study, the complete cp genome of S. brachyotus was sequenced and assembled. The total length of the complete S. brachyotus cp genome was 151,977 bp, including an LSC region of 84,553 bp, SSC region of 18,138 bp, and IR region of 24,643 bp. Sequence analyses revealed that the cp genome encoded 132 genes, including 87 protein‐coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The GC content was 37.6%. One hundred mononucleotide microsatellites, 4 dinucleotide microsatellites, 67 trinucleotide microsatellites, 4 tetranucleotide microsatellites, and 1 long repeat were identified. The SSR frequency of the LSC region was significantly greater than that of the IR and SSC regions. In total, 175 SSRs and highly variable regions were recognized as potential cp markers. By analyzing the IR/LSC and IR/SSC boundaries, structural differences between S. brachyotus and 6 other species were detected. According to phylogenetic analyses, S. brachyotus was most closely related to S. arvensis and S. oleraceus. Overall, this study provides complete cp genome resources for S. brachyotus that will be beneficial for identifying potential molecular markers and evolutionary patterns of S. brachyotus and its closely related species.
High-Temperature Superconducting Cable Fault Location Method Based on Improved Time-Frequency Domain Reflection Method and EEMD Noise Reduction
Authors: Yang Bo , Tang Jun , Yang Chen , Dong Xiaofeng , Huang Kun , Feng Changsen
Published: December 2021

Aiming at the operation and maintenance requirements of the fault location of high-temperature superconducting cables, a fault location method of high-temperature superconducting cables based on the improved time-frequency domain reflection method and EEMD noise reduction is proposed. Considering the cross-term interference problem in the traditional time-frequency domain reflection method, this paper introduces the affine transformation to project the time-frequency distribution of the self-term and the cross term and further highlights the characteristic differences between the two through coordinate transformation, and the particle swarm algorithm is employed to solve the optimal stagger angle of the affine transformation. The unscented particle filter is adopted to separate the cross term, and EEMD noise reduction is introduced to solve the signal noise problem. Finally, two software programs, PSCAD and MATLAB, are employed for joint simulation to build a model of high-temperature superconducting cable. The simulation example shows that the proposed method in this paper can eliminate the cross-term interference of the traditional time-frequency domain reflection method, effectively locate the fault of the high-temperature superconducting cable, and improve the positioning accuracy.
Cell-Free HPV DNA Provides an Accurate and Rapid Diagnosis of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Siravegna Giulia , O'Boyle Connor J. , Varmeh Shohreh , Queenan Natalia , Michel Alexa , Stein Jarrod , Thierauf Julia , Sadow Peter M. , Faquin William C. , Perry Simon K. , Bard Adam Z. , Wang Wei , Deschler Daniel G. , Emerick Kevin S. , Varvares Mark A. , Park Jong C. , Clark John R. , Chan Annie W. , Andreu Arasa Vanessa Carlota , Sakai Osamu , Lennerz Jochen , Corcoran Ryan B. , Wirth Lori J. , Lin Derrick T. , Iafrate A. John , Richmon Jeremy D. , Faden Daniel L.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+HNSCC) is the most common HPV-associated malignancy in the United States and continues to increase in incidence. Current diagnostic approaches for HPV+HNSCC rely on tissue biopsy followed by histomorphologic assessment and detection of HPV indirectly by p16 IHC. Such approaches are invasive and have variable sensitivity.

Experimental Design:

We conducted a prospective observational study in 140 subjects (70 cases and 70 controls) to test the hypothesis that a noninvasive diagnostic approach for HPV+HNSCC would have improved diagnostic accuracy, lower cost, and shorter diagnostic interval compared with standard approaches. Blood was collected, processed for circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA), and analyzed with custom ddPCR assays for HPV genotypes 16, 18, 33, 35, and 45. Diagnostic performance, cost, and diagnostic interval were calculated for standard clinical workup and compared with a noninvasive approach using ctHPVDNA combined with cross-sectional imaging and physical examination findings.

Results:

Sensitivity and specificity of ctHPVDNA for detecting HPV+HNSCC were 98.4% and 98.6%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of a composite noninvasive diagnostic using ctHPVDNA and imaging/physical examination were 95.1% and 98.6%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of this noninvasive approach was significantly higher than standard of care (Youden index 0.937 vs. 0.707, P = 0.0006). Costs of noninvasive diagnostic were 36% to 38% less than standard clinical workup and the median diagnostic interval was 26 days less.

Conclusions:

A noninvasive diagnostic approach for HPV+HNSCC demonstrated improved accuracy, reduced cost, and a shorter time to diagnosis compared with standard clinical workup and could be a viable alternative in the future.
The Dorsal Skinfold Chamber as a New Tympanic Membrane Wound Healing Model: Intravital Insights into the Pathophysiology of Epithelialized Wounds
Authors: Strüder Daniel , Lachmann Christoph , van Bonn Sara Maria , Grambow Eberhard , Schraven Sebastian P. , Mlynski Robert , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: December 2021

Background: Tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs) are a common complication of trauma and infection. Persisting perforations result from the unique location of the tympanic membrane. The wound is surrounded by air of the middle ear and the external auditory canal. The inadequate wound bed, growth factor, and blood supply lead to circular epithelialization of the perforation’s edge and premature interruption of defect closure. Orthotopic animal models use mechanical or chemical tympanic membrane laceration to identify bioactive wound dressings and overcome premature epithelialization. However, all orthotopic models essentially lack repetitive visualization of the biomaterial-wound interface. Therefore, recent progress in 3D printing of customized wound dressings has not yet been transferred to the unique wound setup of the TMP. Here, we present a novel application for the mice dorsal skinfold chamber (DSC) with an epithelialized full-thickness defect as TMP model. Methods: A circular 2-mm defect was cut into the extended dorsal skinfold using a biopsy punch. The skinfold was either perforated through both skin layers without prior preparation or perforated on 1 side, following resection of the opposing skin layer. In both groups, the wound was sealed with a coverslip or left unclosed (n = 4). All animals were examined for epithelialization of the edge (histology), size of the perforation (planimetry), neovascularization (repetitive intravital fluorescence microscopy), and inflammation (immunohistology). Results: The edge of the perforation was overgrown by the cornified squamous epithelium in all pre­parations. Reduction in the perforation’s size was enhanced by application of a coverslip. Microsurgical preparation before biopsy punch perforation and sealing with a coverslip enabled repetitive high-quality intravital fluorescence microscopy. However, spontaneous reduction of the perforation occurred frequently. Therefore, the direct biopsy punch perforation without microsurgical preparation was favorable: spontaneous reduction did not occur throughout 21 days. Moreover, the visualization of the neovascularization was sufficient in intravital microscopy. Conclusions: The DSC full-thickness defect is a valuable supplement to orthotopic TMP models. Repetitive intravital microscopy of the epithelialized edge enables investigation of the underlying pathophysiology during the transition from the inflammation to the proliferation phase of wound healing. Using established analysis procedures, the present model provides an effective platform for the screening of bioactive materials and transferring progress in tissue engineering to the special conditions of tympanic membrane wound healing.
Association of Genetic Variants of Klotho with BP Responses to Dietary Sodium or Potassium Intervention and Long-Term BP Progression
Authors: Hu Jia-Wen , Shi Tao , Mu Jian-Jun
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Klotho (KL) plays pivotal roles in the progression of salt-sensitive hypertension. Salt-sensitive hypertension was associated with KL genotypes. We aimed to explore the association of common genetic variants of KL with individual blood pressure (BP) responses to sodium and potassium through a dietary intervention study as well as long-term BP progression. Methods: We conducted family-based dietary interventions among 344 participants from 126 families in rural villages of northern China in 2004. Subjects sequentially underwent a baseline diet, a low-salt diet (51.3 mmol/day Na), a high-salt diet (307.8 mmol/day Na), and a high-salt + potassium supplementation diet (307.8 mmol/day Na + 60 mmol/day K). After dietary intervention, we followed up with these participants in 2009 and 2012. The associations between 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KL and phenotypes were analyzed through a linear mixed-effects model. Results: SNPs rs211247 and rs1207568 were positively correlated with the BP response to high-salt diet in the dominant model after adjusting for confounders (β = 1.670 and 2.163, p = 0.032 and 0.005, respectively). BPs rs526906 and rs525014 were in a haplotype block. Block rs526906-rs525014 was positively correlated with diastolic BP response to potassium and potassium sensitivity in the additive model (β = 0.845, p = 0.032). In addition, regression analysis indicated that rs211247 was associated with long-term systolic BP alterations after 8 years of follow-up in the recessive model (β = 20.47, p = 0.032). Conclusions: Common variants of the KL gene might modify individual BP sensitivity to sodium or potassium and influence the long-term progression of BP, suggesting a potential role in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Thus, KL may be a new early intervention target for salt-sensitive hypertension.
Can the Dynamic Colouration and Patterning of Bluelined Goatfish (Mullidae; Upeneichthys lineatus) Be Perceived by Conspecifics?
Authors: Tosetto Louise , Williamson Jane E. , White Thomas E. , Hart  Nathan S.
Published: December 2021

Bluelined goatfish (Upeneichthys lineatus) exhibit dynamic body colour changes and transform rapidly from a pale, buff/white, horizontally banded pattern to a conspicuous, vertically striped, red pattern when foraging. This red pattern is potentially an important foraging signal for communication with conspecifics, provided that U. lineatus can detect and discriminate the pattern. Using both physiological and behavioural experiments, we first examined whether U. lineatus possess visual pigments with sensitivity to long (“red”) wavelengths of light, and whether they can discriminate the colour red. Microspectrophotometric measurements of retinal photoreceptors showed that while U. lineatuslack visual pigments dedicated to the red part of the spectrum, their pigments likely confer some sensitivity in this spectral band. Behavioural colour discrimination experiments suggested that U. lineatuscan distinguish a red reward stimulus from a grey distractor stimulus of variable brightness. Furthermore, when presented with red stimuli of varying brightness they could mostly discriminate the darker and lighter reds from the grey distractor. We also obtained anatomical estimates of visual acuity, which suggest that U. lineatus can resolve the contrasting bands of conspecifics approximately 7 m away in clear waters. Finally, we measured the spectral reflectance of the red and white colouration on the goatfish body. Visual models suggest that U. lineatus can discriminate both chromatic and achromatic differences in body colouration where longer wavelength light is available. This study demonstrates that U. lineatus have the capacity for colour vision and can likely discriminate colours in the long-wavelength region of the spectrum where the red body pattern reflects light strongly. The ability to see red may therefore provide an advantage in recognising visual signals from conspecifics. This research furthers our understanding of how visual signals have co-evolved with visual abilities, and the role of visual communication in the marine environment.
Lipid Droplet-Associated Proteins in Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Gao Fei , Zhang Yuting , Chen Tianhui , Xu Chen
Published: December 2021

Background: The heart requires a high rate of fatty-acid oxidation (FAO) to meet its energy needs. Neutral lipids are the main source of energy for the heart and are stored in lipid droplets (LDs), which are cytosolic organelles that primarily serve to store neutral lipids and regulate cellular lipid metabolism. LD-associated proteins (LDAPs) are proteins either located on the surface of the LDs or reside in the cytosol and contribute to lipid metabolism. Therefore, abnormal cardiac lipid accumulation or FAO can alter the redox state of the heart, resulting in cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases that negatively affect the myocardial function, thereby leading to heart failure and even cardiac death. Summary: LDs, along with LDAPs, are pivotal for modulating heart lipid homeostasis. The proper cardiac development and the maintenance of its normal function depend largely on lipid homeostasis regulated by LDs and LDAPs. Overexpression or deletion of specific LDAPs can trigger myocardial dysfunction and may contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy. Extensive connections and interactions may also exist between LDAPs. Key Message: In this review, the various mechanisms involved in LDAP-mediated regulation of lipid metabolism, the association between cardiac development and lipid metabolism, as well as the role of LDAPs in cardiomyopathy progression are discussed.
Tumour-Not So Sweet, Tumour-Induced Hypoglycemia: A Rare Case of Refractory Hypoglycemia in a Toddler
Authors: Joshipura Jayati , H.N. Vani , Kora Nabanita
Published: December 2021

Tumour-induced hypoglycaemia is a rare complication/condition mainly seen in adults. It is caused due to increased production of insulin or insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 2 tumour cells. We present a 3-year-old paediatric patient with non-islet cell tumour induced hypoglycaemia (NICTH) secondary to rhabdomyosarcoma. She presented with abdominal mass and refractory hypoglycaemia, requiring high glucose infusion and steroids. Critical sample analysis during hypoglycaemia showed suppression of insulin, IGF-1, C-peptide, growth hormone, and ketones, with a high cortisol level. CT scan of abdomen and pelvis showed a huge retroperitoneal mass, later diagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma. In a resource-limited setting, where IGF-2 is not possible, low serum insulin and IGF-1 levels during hypoglycaemia aids in diagnosis of NICTH. This is one of the first few reported paediatric cases with NICTH from India, and we believe that reporting this case would add more information to the existing literature. Thus, NICTH should be suspected in all malignancies presenting with intractable hypoglycaemia irrespective of their age.
Salidroside Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Remodeling via the miR-323-3p/SOCS5 Axis in Asthmatic Mice
Authors: Ming Xi , Yu Xingzhu , Li Jijun , Wang Junyu , Zheng Jialin , Xiong Lei
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Salidroside (Sal) a bioactive component extracted from Rhodiola rosea is remarkable for its anti-asthmatic effects. The study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of Sal in airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice and provide a novel theoretical basis for asthma treatment. Methods: An asthmatic mouse model was established via ovalbumin (OVA) treatment, followed by injection of Sal and transfection of miR-323-3p-mimic and sh- suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5). Expressions of miR-323-3p, SOCS5 mRNA, collagen (COL)-I, and COL-III were detected via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. SOCS5 protein level was detected via Western blot. Levels of IgE, IL-13, IL-4, and IL-5 were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inflammatory cell infiltration was observed via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Collagen disposition was observed via Masson staining. Resistance index (RI) of airway hyperresponsiveness, and the number of total cells, inflammatory cells (eosinophil, macrophage, neutrophil, and lymphocyte) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were observed. The binding relationship between miR-323-3p and SOCS5 was predicted through the RNA22 website and verified via dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: miR-323-3p was highly expressed in OVA-treated mice. Sal treatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, COL disposition, miR-323-3p expression, and IgE, IL-13, IL-4, IL-5, COL-I, and COL-III levels, RI value, and the number of total cells and inflammatory cells in BALF. miR-323-3p inhibited SOCS5 transcription. miR-323-3p overexpression or SOCS5 downregulation reversed the protecting role of Sal in asthmatic mice. Conclusion: Sal inhibited miR-323-3p expression to promote SOCS5 transcription, thereby attenuating airway inflammation and remodeling in asthmatic mice.
Dietary Intake of Chinese Lactating Women Is Associated with the Fatty Acid Profile of Their Milk
Authors: Montez de Sousa Íris R. , Wang Zhixu , Hu Rui , Stahl Bernd , Jin Yi , Eussen Simone R.B.M. , Li Jing
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between the dietary intake and the human milk (HM) fatty acid (FA) profile of Chinese lactating women. Methods: HM samples and food records were obtained from 122 Chinese women over 5 visits between 0 and 51 days postpartum. Adjusted multiple regression was performed to explore associations between maternal dietary intakes of energy, macronutrients, FAs and foods, and the HM FA profile. Analyses were performed separately for colostrum and mature milk. Results: Dietary intakes of total polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid were positively associated with the HM contents of PUFAs, omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs, and linoleic acid (LA), and the intakes of n-3 PUFAs and α-linolenic acid (ALA) were negatively associated with saturated FA levels in HM. Associations were stronger for mature milk. Intakes of milk/dairy, meat/poultry, and eggs were negatively associated with n-6 PUFAs, LA, and EPA in mature milk, whereas the opposite was seen for fish/shrimp. Positive associations were also found between fish/shrimp and total and n-3 PUFAs in mature milk. Conclusion: The HM FA profile of Chinese women is associated with their diet, and in particular with their FA intake. Tailored nutritional advice based on HM FA composition may optimize HM FA profile and thereby contribute to healthy infant development.
Nutritional Factors Related to Muscle Weakness 1 Year after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ikeda Takashi , Sato Ryoji , Ninomiya Kazunari , Suzuki Koji , Hirakawa Kazuo , Jinno Tetsuya
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Prolonged muscle weakness after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a problem. Despite increasing physical activity up to 3 years after surgery, muscle strength was decreased to 80–90% of the healthy side 2 years after THA. The objective of the present study was to identify the nutritional factors related to muscle weakness 1 year after THA. Methods: Persons who underwent THA were divided into 2 groups according to the cutoff point of knee extensor strength that represents functional limitation: a normal-strength group of 71 persons and a muscle weakness group of 91 persons. The investigators assessed lower limb isometric strength, the 10-m timed gait test, and daily intakes of energy and nutrients from preoperative to 1 year after THA. The differences in nutrient intakes between the 2 groups (normal-strength group and muscle weakness group) were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in energy intake. Daily protein intake was related to knee extension strength gain above the cutoff point 1 year after THA. Conclusions and Implications: The present study suggested that to prevent prolonged muscle weakness after THA, a sufficient protein intake as well as an exercise intervention may be needed even half a year or after.
Pre-Descemetic Placement of Intracorneal Ring Segments for Keratoconus after Mechanical Implantation
Authors: Yahya Faady , Prünte Christian F. , Scholl Hendrik P.N. , Gatzioufas Zisis
Published: December 2021

We report the case of a 23-year-old male who was referred to our clinic for a routine follow-up examination. The patient was treated for keratoconus 3 years ago in Colombia, where intracorneal ring segments were implanted mechanically in both eyes to improve his visual acuity. Surprisingly, we discovered a pre-descemetic placement of intracorneal ring segments, which could lead to potential complications, under circumstances. We illustrate this impressive finding with slit-lamp photography and high-resolution anterior segment OCT and advocate for the use of femtosecond laser as the method of choice for intracorneal ring segment insertion in order to provide maximal precision and safety.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Skills Transfer to Clinical Practice after Hands-On Workshops: An International Survey
Authors: Küttner-Magalhães Ricardo , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Marcos-Pinto Ricardo , Rolanda Carla , Koch Arjun D.
Published: December 2021

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a complex procedure, requiring enhanced technical skills. Translation into clinical practice of ESD training programs has not been documented. Our aim was to assess ESD training pathways of endoscopists participating in dedicated workshops and its clinical impact on ESD outcomes. Methods: Participants of live porcine models ESD workshops, from 2013 to 2019, were included. They were invited to complete a survey focusing on human ESD performance after training, prior skills/competencies, complete learning pathway, and clinical outcomes. Results: From 118 invited participants, 40 (34%) completed the questionnaire. Nineteen (47%) endoscopists performed human ESD after the workshop, predominantly male (89%). At the beginning of human ESD, endoscopists had a mean of 7.7 (standard deviation (SD) 4.1) years of endoscopic experience and were all performing endoscopic mucosal resection (and emergency endoscopy. Before ESD practice, 100% of the participants were trained with live animal models and 68% with ex vivo models. The majority started clinical ESD in the lower third of the stomach or rectum (90%), with lesions ≤30 mm (89%). Each endoscopist performed a median of 19 (interquartile range 8–32) cumulative ESDs, over a mean of 3.9 (SD 2.0) years. Total en bloc resection rate was 92%, R0 resection rate 88%, and curative resection rate 86%, whereas adverse events remained <10%. Endoscopists with >10 human ESD procedures achieve clinical competence thresholds. Conclusions: Participants of ESD workshops are adequately skilled prior to clinical ESD, complying with recommendations for training and properly implementing the technique. Transfer to clinical practice, of prior ESD skills obtained in hands-on training courses, was documented. Structured training programs achieve clinical outcomes exceeding established standards, namely in the very initial clinical phase.
When Is a Positive Test for Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency a True-Positive Test?
Authors: Bright George M. , Morris Peter A. , Rosenfeld Ron G.
Published: December 2021

Background: In most cases, the growth hormone stimulation test is a necessary component for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children. Diagnostic testing can lead to unnecessary treatment of children with false-positive test results and omission of treatment in children with false-negative results. False-positive results are suggested by the absence of typical growth responses in treated children and false-negative results are suggested by continued growth failure in those left untreated. Summary: The probability that a positive test result indicates the presence of the condition (true positive) depends on the prevalence of that condition in the test population and the false positive rate of the test. This probability has been estimated using published data on the prevalence of GHD in children and the false positive rates estimated from performance of stimulation tests in normally growing children and from repeated testing in short children. Because of the low prevalence of GHD and the substantial false positive rate of the test, the probability of a true-positive result in a child with short stature is 0.028, or about 1 in 36 cases. Key Messages: In children with short stature, most positive growth hormone stimulation test results will be false-positive results, resulting in growth hormone treatment of children misdiagnosed as growth hormone deficient. Additional information is required for accurate diagnosis and prediction of successful treatment outcomes in children. Improvements in diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcome predictions can be anticipated from the use of additional predictive enrichment markers identified and evaluated in broadly based studies of growth hormone treatment in children.
Implementing Collaborative Care Management of Behavioral Health for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Flicek Christine B. , Sowa Nathaniel A. , Long Millie D. , Herfarth Hans H. , Dorn Spencer D.
Published: December 2021

Background: Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are up to twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and/or depression. Collaborative care management (CoCM) is an evidence-based approach to treating behavioral health disorders that have proven effective for a range of conditions in primary care and some specialty settings. This model involves a team-based approach, with care delivered by a care manager (case reviews and behavioral therapy), psychiatrist (case reviews and psychopharmacological recommendations), and medical provider (ongoing care including psychopharmacological prescriptions). We assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of CoCM in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with IBD. Methods: Patients with psychological distress identified by clinical impression and/or the results of the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were referred to the CoCM program. Data from our 9-month CoCM pilot were collected to assess depression and anxiety response and remission rates. We obtained provider surveys to assess provider acceptability with delivering care in this model. Results: Though the SARS-CoV2 COVID-19 pandemic interrupted screening, 39 patients enrolled and 19 active participants completed the program. Overall, 47.4% had either a response or remission in depression, while 36.8% had response or remission in anxiety. The gastroenterologists highly agreed that the program was a beneficial resource for their patients and felt comfortable implementing the recommendations. Discussion: CoCM is a potentially feasible and well accepted care delivery model for treatment of depression and anxiety in patients with IBD in a specialty gastroenterology clinic setting.
Heuristic algorithms for dynamic scheduling of moldable tasks in multicore embedded systems
Authors: Hikida Takuma , Nishikawa Hiroki , Tomiyama Hiroyuki
Published: December 2021

Dynamic scheduling of parallel tasks is one of the efficient techniques to achieve high performance in multicore systems. Most existing algorithms for dynamic task scheduling assume that a task runs on one of the multiple cores or a fixed number of cores. Existing researches on dynamic task scheduling methods have evaluated their methods in different experimental environments and models. In this paper, the dynamic task scheduling methods are systematically rearranged and evaluated.
Enhanced MAC controller architecture for 2D processing based on FPGA with configurable resource allocation
Authors: N. Chiranjeevi G. , Kulkarni Subhash
Published: December 2021

The bulks of image processing algorithms are either two-dimensional (2D) or confined by their very nature. As a result, the 2D convolution function has a large impact on picture processing requirements. The methodology of 2D convolution and media access control (MAC) design can also be used to perform a variety of image processing tasks, and even as picture blurring, softening, and feature extraction. The main goal of this research is to develop a more efficient MAC control block-based 2D convolution architecture. This 2D algorithm can be implemented in hardware using fewer modules, multipliers, adders, and control blocks, resulting in significant hardware savings and look up table (LUT) reductions. The simulations were run in Verilog, and the Xilinx Vertex family field programmable gate array (FPGA) was used to build and test them. The recommended 2D convolution architectural solution is significantly faster and consumes significantly less hardware resources than the traditional 2D convolution implementation. The proposed architecture will result in technology that saves a substantial amount of processing time when it comes to LUTs.
Incidentes poéticos de Adília Lopes, leitora de Barthes
Authors: Sales Paulo Alberto da Silva
Published: December 2021

Pretende-se desenvolver uma leitura da poesia de Adília Lopes por meio da perspectiva da escrita de incidentes em que Barthes trata da essência do romanesco: o fragmento. Por meio da criação de uma poesia biografemática, as últimas publicações da poeta portuguesa tem evidenciado a construção de um sujeito pela escrita, assim como Barthes o fez, sobretudo em Incidentes (2004) e em Roland Barthes por Roland Barthes (2003). Observa-se que os poemas pertencentes às últimas obras de Adília se valem da abordagem de traços de vida insignificantes, que são retomados pelas sensações do corpo. Conclui-se que os incidentes poéticos adilianos proporcionam aos leitores que se identifiquem com a poeta – à maneira barthesiana do desejo de escrever a leitura – por meio de recordações da infância presentes nas sensações auditivas, gustativas e táteis.
Uma retórica do poder
Authors: Orlando José Antônio , Nova Vera Casa
Published: December 2021

O discurso de poder, questão sempre relevante em Roland Barthes, remonta a seus primeiros exercícios de crítica, traduzidos nos artigos fragmentados de Mitologias, e pode ser visto como prisma de toda a sua obra, com destaque para as reflexões apresentadas em Aula, que permanece como um dos textos mais intensos e mais radicais do autor. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a questão a partir de reflexões e questionamentos do próprio Barthes e de autores que também abordam temas correlatos, como Michel Foucault e Susan Sontag, especialmente na interface com o biopoder e a biopolítica, conceitos que alcançam grande atualidade e relevância no cenário político brasileiro e no contexto da pandemia de covid-19.
Twenty-Five Novel Loci for Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Genome-Wide Association Study in >45 000 Individuals and Meta-Analysis of >100 000 Individuals
Authors: Yeung Ming Wai , Wang Siqi , van de Vegte Yordi J. , Borisov Oleg , van Setten Jessica , Snieder Harold , Verweij Niek , Said M. Abdullah , van der Harst Pim
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a widely accepted marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Twenty susceptibility loci for cIMT were previously identified and the identification of additional susceptibility loci furthers our knowledge on the genetic architecture underlying atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results:

We performed 3 genome-wide association studies in 45 185 participants from the UK Biobank study who underwent cIMT measurements and had data on minimum, mean, and maximum thickness. We replicated 15 known loci and identified 20 novel loci associated with cIMT at
P
<5×10
−8
. Seven novel loci (
ZNF385D
, AD
AMTS9
,
EDNRA
,
HAND2
,
MYOCD
,
ITCH/EDEM2/MMP24
, and
MRTFA
) were identified in all 3 phenotypes. An additional new locus (
LOXL1
) was identified in the meta-analysis of the 3 phenotypes. Sex interaction analysis revealed sex differences in 7 loci including a novel locus (
SYNE3
) in males. Meta-analysis of UK Biobank data with a previous meta-analysis led to identification of three novel loci (
APOB, FIP1L1, and LOXL4
). Transcriptome-wide association analyses implicated additional genes
ARHGAP42
,
NDRG4
, and
KANK2
. Gene set analysis showed an enrichment in extracellular organization and the PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) signaling pathway. We found positive genetic correlations of cIMT with coronary artery disease
r

g

=0.21 (
P
=1.4×10
-7
), peripheral artery disease
r

g

=0.45 (
P
=5.3×10
-5
), and systolic blood pressure
r

g

=0.30 (
P
=4.0×10
-18
). A negative genetic correlation between average of maximum cIMT and high-density lipoprotein was found
r

g

=−0.12 (
P
=7.0×10
-4
).

Conclusions:

Genome-wide association meta-analyses in >100 000 individuals identified 25 novel loci associated with cIMT providing insights into genes and tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms of proatherosclerotic processes. We found evidence for shared biological mechanisms with cardiovascular diseases.
Impact of Obesity on Heart Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Chouairi Fouad , Milner Aidan , Sen Sounok , Guha Avirup , Stewart James , Jastreboff Ania M. , Mori Makoto , Clark Katherine A. , Miller P. Elliott , Fuery Michael A. , Rogers Joseph G. , Notarianni Andrew , Jacoby Daniel , Maulion Christopher , Anwer Muhammad , Geirsson Arnar , Desai Nihar R. , Ahmad Tariq , Mullan Clancy W.
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients with obesity and advanced heart failure face unique challenges on the path to heart transplantation. There are limited data on waitlist and transplantation outcomes in this population. We aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on heart transplantation outcomes, and to investigate the effects of the new organ procurement and transplantation network allocation system in this population.

Methods and Results

This cohort study of adult patients listed for heart transplant used the United Network for Organ Sharing database from January 2006 to June 2020. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) (18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, 35–39.9, and 40–55 kg/m
2
). Recipient characteristics and donor characteristics were analyzed. Outcomes analyzed included transplantation, waitlist death, and posttransplant death. BMI 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m
2
was used as the reference compared with progressive BMI categories. There were 46 645 patients listed for transplantation. Patients in higher BMI categories were less likely to be transplanted. The lowest likelihood of transplantation was in the highest BMI category, 40 to 55 kg/m
2
(hazard ratio [HR], 0.19 [0.05–0.76];
P
=0.02). Patients within the 2 highest BMI categories had higher risk of posttransplantation death (HR, 1.29;
P
<0.001 and HR, 1.65;
P
<0.001, respectively). Left ventricular assist devices among patients in obese BMI categories decreased after the allocation system change (
P
<0.001, all). After the change, patients with obesity were more likely to undergo transplantation (BMI 30–35 kg/m
2
: HR, 1.31 [1.18–1.46],
P
<0.001; BMI 35–55 kg/m
2
: HR, 1.29 [1.06–1.58];
P
=0.01).

Conclusions

There was an inverse relationship between BMI and likelihood of heart transplantation. Higher BMI was associated with increased risk of posttransplant mortality. Patients with obesity were more likely to undergo transplantation under the revised allocation system.
New species and records of Pseudolanurgus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) from Tanzania and Madagascar
Authors: JORDAL BJARTE H.
Published: December 2021

The recently established genus Pseudolanurgus Jordal, 2021 included one species from Democratic Republic of the Congo and two from Madagascar. Two more species are here described as new to science: Pseudolanurgus mystax sp. nov. from the United Republic of Tanzania and Pseudolanurgus asperatus sp. nov. from Madagascar. A key to all five species is provided along with photos of all species.
Переключение социокоммуникативных регистров как параметр лингвистической креативности: Кинодискурс vs дискурс детской литературы
Authors: Зыкова [Zykova] Ирина [Irina] В. [V.] , Киосе [Kiose] Мария [Mariia] И. [I.]
Published: December 2021

Socio-Communicative Register Switching as a Parameter of Linguistic Creativity: Cinematic Discourse vs Discourse of Children’s LiteratureThis study is devoted to the discourse specificity of socio-communicative register switching as a parameter of linguistic creativity. A contrastive analysis of cinematic discourse and discourse of children’s literature helped to define the characteristics of register and the criteria of socio-communicative dissonance, which served to distinguish between creative and non-creative use of register switching. The study identifies three creative techniques of register switching, demonstrating socio-communicative dissonance (as intentional pragmatic distortion) in social roles, communicative situations and socio-communicative discourse format. The results indicate the parametric variance of activity in the discourse types under consideration, with higher values of both creative and non-creative techniques in the discourse of children’s literature, and higher relative values of creative vs non-creative use of socio-communicative register switching in cinematic discourse. The results also demonstrate the efficiency of the parametric method in the study of linguistic creativity. Przełączanie rejestrów socjokomunikatywnych jako parametr kreatywności lingwistycznej. Dyskurs kinowy vs dyskurs literatury dziecięcejPrzedmiotem artykułu jest dyskursowa specyfika przełączania rejestrów socjokomunikatywnych w roli parametru kreatywności lingwistycznej. Konfrontatywna analiza dyskursu uwzględniająca dyskurs kinowy i dyskurs literatury dziecięcej pomogła określić charakterystykę rejestrów oraz kryteria dysonansu socjokomunikatywnego, co posłużyło do wskazania różnic pomiędzy kreatywnym a niekreatywnym użyciem przełączania rejestrów. Stwierdzono istnienie trzech kreatywnych technik przełączania rejestrów, wprowadzających dysonans socjokomunikatywny (będący celowym zniekształceniem pragmatycznym) w zakresie ról społecznych, sytuacji komunikacyjnych i formatu dyskursu socjokomunikatywnego. Rezultaty pokazują zmienność aktywności parametrowej konfrontowanych typów dyskursu, z wyższymi wartościami zarówno kreatywnych, jak i niekreatywnych technik w dyskursie literatury dziecięcej, a zarazem wyższymi relatywnymi wartościami wykorzystania przełączania kreatywnych rejestrów socjokomunikatywnych w dyskursie kinowym. Jednocześnie rezultaty dowodzą skuteczności metody parametrycznej w badaniach nad kreatywnością lingwistyczną.
Book review: Biswajit Das and Debendra Prasad Majhi (Eds). Caste, Communication and Power
Authors: Jena Aniruddha
Published: December 2021

Biswajit Das and Debendra Prasad Majhi (Eds). Caste, Communication and Power. New Delhi, India: SAGE Publications, 2021, 365 pp., ₹895. ISBN 9789391370824 (hardcover).