bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Analysis and Literature Review of Thirteen Patients with Autoimmune Encephalitis
Authors: Huang Anqi , Wang Jingru , Feng De-peng , Wang Weiwei , Li Xueli
Published: January 2022

Objective. To investigate the clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging examinations, and the treatment outcomes of autoimmune encephalitis (AE). Methods. The clinical data of 13 patients with autoimmune encephalitis who were hospitalized in the department of neurology, Liaocheng People’s Hospital from July 2016 to August 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Results. The average age of onset of the 13 patients was 45 years, including 6 cases (46%) of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, 3 cases (23%) of anti-GABAB receptor encephalitis, and 4 cases (30%) of anti-LG11 encephalitis, and 4 of them showed abnormal signals of brain MRI (30%). 13 patients (100%) had cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms; seizures occurred in 12 patients (92%); lung cancer was found in 1 patient (7%). One case was given up because of the treatment of lung cancer, the other was controlled obviously in epilepsy, and cognitive impairment and abnormal mental behavior were also significantly improved. Conclusion. Patients with AE still need to be diagnosed early to avoid missed diagnosis and receive early immunosuppressive therapy, which could effectively reduce mortality and morbidity. A detailed history, clinical manifestations, and positive results for specific NSAbs tests can confirm the diagnosis, and the treatment is mainly done by immunosuppressive therapy.
Promoting Sports Engagement during the COVID-19 Pandemic via Virtual Reality Games
Authors: Hanifah Hana , Ito Yuko , Yao Daryl Patrick Gamboa , Suyama Natsuka , Inoue Kaoru
Published: January 2022

Rationale. Sedentary activities are perpetuated by aging and the COVID-19 pandemic. While demands for video games grow, few studies explored the potential of virtual reality (VR) games to promote sports engagement and health among young adults. Objective. To examine sports engagement and health changes of young adults when utilizing a VR sports game and investigate the relationship between sports engagement and health. Method. This study used a single-group design with 20 participants, aged 19–29 years, with no preexisting health conditions. The VR game “Sports Scramble” was used thrice within a span of one week. Outcomes sought include sports engagement and health, measured through the Sports Engagement Scale (SES) and Short Form 36 (SF-36), respectively. Results. A significant difference (

p
<
0.001

) was found between the pre-posttest scores of the SES. Moreover, a positive trend was observed in terms of health with a significant difference (

p
<
0.05

) between pre-posttest scores of the SF-36’s vitality dimension. There were positive correlations among the dedication and vigor subscales of the SES with the dimensions of health. Conclusion. This study showed the potential of VR sports games in positively influencing sports engagement and health among participants with the vigor and dedication positively influencing health. Future studies may involve the exploration of the effectiveness of VR to promote engagement and health through a randomized controlled trial with a longer timeframe and across various populations.
Selected Issues Relating to Modeling of Objects and Clothes in the Creating Visualization of Mechanical Hazard during Machine Operation
Authors: Filipek Dariusz
Published: January 2022

This paper presents selected IT tools of 3ds max software functions useful to create visualization of mechanical hazard, especially in object and character modeling aspect. This visualization was elaborated in Central Institute of Labour Protection-National Research Institute. This visualization was elaborated like multimedia OHS training materials from machines operators, OSH employees and employers of mechanical plants, and all institutions of metal machining industry.
A Descriptive Survey of Teachers’ Perception of Triggers in Examination Malpractices: The Case of Public Examinations in Zambia
Authors: Milumbe Banji , Phiri Jackson , Nyirenda Mayumbo
Published: January 2022

Examination malpractices have continued to jeopardize the educational system despite several measures put in place to end the scourge. Perhaps the reason for this is that the root cause has not been thoroughly analyzed. This study has gone back to the root to find out the root cause of examination malpractices by getting the views of teachers on each stakeholder’s acts of omission or commission that lead to examination malpractices. The stakeholders identified in this study are government, teachers, learners, and parents/community. A descriptive survey was adopted for this study. The population comprised all schools that conduct examinations offered by the Examinations Council of Zambia, while the target population was three (3) randomly selected schools per district with School Guidance Teachers purposively selected. A questionnaire was designed and administered to School Guidance Teachers. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed major contributing factors for each stakeholder, as for the learner factor being inadequate preparation for the examination, with the teacher factor being inadequate teaching and failure to complete the syllabus; poor and inadequate infrastructure was attributed to government, while, for the Parent/Community, it was lack of monitoring learners’ school progress. The study recommends that, in order to nip examination malpractices in the bud, each stakeholder should play their honest part by negating the identified factors.
FOXD1 Regulates the Sensitivity of Cetuximab by Regulating the Expression of EGFR in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Mu Lan , Zhang Jian , Wu Zhuo , Huang Jingxi , Cui Ying
Published: January 2022

Objectives. Previous experiments have shown that growth factor receptors play important role in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and therapeutic effect of chemotherapeutic drugs. At the same time, forkhead box D1 (FOXD1) plays an important role in a variety of signal transmission, but its expression profile was known little about head and neck cancer. The purpose of this experiment was to explore the regulation of FOXD1 on the tumor progression of head and neck cancer and to explore the correlation of FOXD1 on the expression of growth factor receptors (EGFR). Methods. The bioinformatics online database analyzed the expression of FOXD1 and EGFR in tumor tissues and nontumor tissues. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the FOXD1 and EGFR expression in 45 tumor tissues and 15 nontumor tissues. The plasmid was used to construct FOXD1 overexpressing head and neck squamous cell cancer lines and observe the clonal formation and invasion of tumor cells under the intervention of EGFR-specific antibody—cetuximab. Results. The expression of FOXD1 and EGFR in tumor tissues was higher than that in nontumor tissues. The higher expression of FOXD1 and EGFR was not conducive to the prognosis of patients. The expression of FOXD1 and EGFR was positively correlated, and immunohistochemical analysis showed the high expression of FOXD1 and EGFR has close relation to the advanced stage of the tumor. In vitro cell experiments proved that overexpression of FOXD1 can partially offset the cloning ability of cetuximab on head and neck tumor cells. Conclusion. FOXD1 has an important regulatory role in the progression of head and neck cancer, and its abnormally high expression was not conducive to the prognosis of cancer patients. FOXD1 can regulate the expression of growth factor receptors in head and neck cancer, which provides a new idea for the better use of tumor growth factor receptor-specific antibodies for collaborative therapy.
Application of Computer-Aided Graphic Design in Enterprise Image
Authors: Zhang Shizhuo
Published: January 2022

In order to study the role of computer-aided graphic design on corporate image, improve the internal management efficiency and market management effect of enterprises, and improve the business process of corporate image design (visual identity, VI), according to the relationship between corporate image design investment and internal management, this paper studies and analyzes the factors that affect corporate market management, including employee exchange rate, unit labor value, market share, team ratio, and passive order rate. Finally, it was found that the amount of investment in VI related work was confidently and negatively correlated with the employee exchange rate.
A Planar Acoustic Field Reconstruction Method Based on Fast Wave Superposition Spectrum and Sparse Sampling
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Yu-Jiang , Xiang Yu , Shi Zi-Yu , Fan Shao-Jie , Lu Jing
Published: January 2022

Based on the fast Fourier wave superposition spectrum method, a new equivalent source method (ESM) with a sparse sampling technique is proposed. First, the equivalent source intensities are expanded on a rectangular virtual surface using a bidirectional Fourier series, resulting in a semi-analytic and half-numerical acoustic pressure expression. The Fourier coefficients result in good sparsity for continuous acoustic pressures from structural vibration sources, and the proposed sparse sampling method can further reduce correlation in the measurement matrix. Better results can be obtained by solving the l1 norm optimization problem. Finally, the method was verified using several examples. The proposed method offers two main advantages compared with the traditional compressive equivalent source method: (1) the unknown source intensity vector is expanded into a bidirectional Fourier series, thereby transforming an unknown source intensity vector into a sparse Fourier coefficient vector, which has better sparsity; (2) the proposed method constructs a random sampling matrix, which is expanded into a sparse sampling matrix by random distribution, thereby improving the reconstruction accuracy of planar near-field acoustic field compared with the traditional random position sampling method reducing correlation in the transfer matrix.
Effect and Safety Analysis of PRP and Yifu Combined with Ultrapulsed CO2 Lattice Laser in Patients with Sunken Acne Scar
Authors: Wang Yuyan , Yu Wei , Zhang Jufang , Li Jinsheng
Published: January 2022

Objective. To investigate the effect and safety of PRP and Yifu combined with ultrapulsed CO2 lattice laser in patients with sunken acne scar. Methods. 700 subjects were selected from the group of patients with sunken acne scar treated in our hospital from November 2010 to December 2020. They were divided into control group (n = 350) and study group (n = 350). The grouping was mainly based on the random number table method. Patients in the control group were treated with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser, while those in the study group were treated with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser combined with PRP and Yifu. The clinical effect, scar improvement and quality of life before and after treatment, and adverse events during treatment were compared between the two groups. The clinical effect was categorized into cure after treatment, significant effect, effective, and ineffective. The total effective rate = 1 − ineffective rate. Results. After treatment, the total effective rate of the study group (81.43%) was higher than that of the control group (70.00%). After treatment, ECCA, VSS scores, daily activities, symptoms and feelings, work and study, leisure and entertainment, interpersonal relationship, treatment status, and total scores were all lower in both groups than before treatment, and the study group was lower than the control group. During the treatment, the incidence of adverse events in the study group (17.33%) was lower than that in the control group (28.57%),

P
<
0.05

. Conclusion. PRP and Yifu combined with ultrapulse CO2 lattice laser in the treatment of sunken acne scar can effectively improve the scar, reduce the incidence of adverse events, and the treatment effect is obvious, which can improve the quality of life of the patients.
Dietary Intervention during 9 Months with a Hypocaloric Diet, Interaction of the Genetic Variant of Adiponectin Gene rs822393 with Metabolic Parameters
Authors: Izaola Olatz , Primo David , de Luis Daniel
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims. rs822393 (-4522C/T) genetic variant is associated with hypoadiponectinemia and other metabolic parameters. The aim of our investigation was to analyze the effects of a hypocaloric diet with Mediterranean dietary pattern during 9 months according to genetic variant rs822393 of ADIPOQ gene. Methods and Results. A sample of 269 obese patients was enrolled. Anthropometric and serum parameters (lipid profile, insulin, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), glucose, C reactive protein, and adipokines) were determined, at basal time and after 3 and 9 months. All patients were genotyped in the rs822393. The genotype distribution was as follow; 176 patients (65.4%) CC, 83 patients CT (30.9%), and 10 patients TT (3.7%). After dietary intervention, the following parameters improved in non-T allele carriers; BMI, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, leptin, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol improved significantly. HDL-cholesterol (delta:

5.7
±
1.1
 
mg
/
dl

vs.

1.0
±
0.8
 
mg
/
dl

;

p
=
0.01

), serum adiponectin (delta:

14.4
±
2.0
 
ng
/
dl

vs.

7.1
±
3.1
 
ng
/
dl

;

p
=
0.02

), and adiponectin/leptin ratio (delta:

0.54
±
0.1

vs.

0.22
±
0.09
 
ng
/
dl

;

p
=
0.03

). Basal and postintervention HDL cholesterol, adiponectin levels, and adiponectin/leptin levels were lower in T-allele carriers than non-T Allele carriers. Conclusion. T allele carriers showed lower levels of HDL-cholesterol, adiponectin, and adiponectin/leptin ratio than non-T allele carriers. A medium-term hypocaloric diet with a Mediterranean partner increased adiponectin levels, ratio adiponectin/leptin, and HDL-cholesterol in non-T allele carriers.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Polysaccharide of Leucaena leucocephala Seeds and Their Anticancer, Antifungal Properties and as Preservative of Composite Milk Sample
Authors: Taher Mohamed A. , Khojah Ebtihal , Darwish Mohamed Samir , Elsherbiny Elsherbiny A. , Elawady Asmaa A. , Dawood Dawood H.
Published: January 2022

The AgNPs were synthesized using water‐soluble polysaccharides extracted from the Leucaena leucocephala seeds. The UV‐visible spectrum of the AgNPs showed a sharp absorption peak at 448 nm. The XRD analysis showed four major peaks of the crystalline AgNPs with planes of a face‐centered cubic lattice of silver. The EDS spectrum showed a strong signal peak at ~3 keV. TEM and SEM observations showed the spherical shape of AgNPs with no particle agglomeration, and the size ranged from 8 to 20 nm. AgNPs were highly stable at ‐14.2 mV by zeta potential measurement. AgNPs showed significant anticancer activity against the cell lines of breast cancer, liver carcinoma, and colon carcinoma with the IC50 value of 22.5, 12.3, and 8.9 μg mL-1, respectively. AgNPs at 900 μg mL-1 exhibited considerable antifungal activity against ten fungal pathogens. Water‐soluble polysaccharide has the ability to synthesize AgNPs keeping strong antitumor, antifungal activities. The AgNPs can slow down spoilage of composite milk samples at different temperatures. In addition, the accuracy of milk‐IR‐analyses was not affected by different concentrations of AgNPs.
Extracting the Complete Travel Trajectory of Subway Passengers Based on Mobile Phone Data
Authors: Zhang Junwei , Wu Wei , Cheng Qixiu , Tong Weiping , Khadka Anish , Fu Xiao , Gu Ziyuan
Published: January 2022

The usage of mobile phones has undergone tremendous growth in the past decades. Large amounts of mobile-phone signaling data (MSD) are generated while using various mobile phone applications. The large-scale MSD presents opportunities for transport planners to utilize it for better planning and management of the transportation system. In this paper, we use MSD to analyze subway passengers’ travel behavior and extract their complete travel trajectories. The complete travel trajectories of subway passengers include their trajectories, both inside and outside the subway system. In the first stage, the MSD from the subway base stations is selected, sorted by time, and the rough trajectory in the subway system is extracted. The ground base stations around the subway station are then considered to correct the boarding and alighting subway stations in order to obtain a more detailed trajectory. In the second stage, the service range of the base station is determined according to the Thiessen polygon, and a temporal dynamic threshold is proposed to extract the passenger’s stop point outside the subway system. Finally, the complete trajectories of subway passengers are obtained. The proposed algorithms are verified using a set of MSD collected in Suzhou, China. The results show that the proposed algorithms can effectively extract the complete travel trajectory of subway passengers.
Fully Secure ID-Based Signature Scheme with Continuous Leakage Resilience
Authors: Yu Qihong , Li Jiguo , Ji Sai
Published: January 2022

The side channel attacks will lead to the destruction of the security of the traditional cryptographic scheme. Leakage-resilient identity-based signature has attracted great attention. Based on the dual system encryption technology, we construct an identity-based signature scheme that can resist continuous private key leakage. In the standard model, the security of the scheme is proved. The key points of our leakage-resilient signature scheme are as follows: (1) The private key can be extended according to the security requirements. In other words, when the leakage is serious, we can select a bigger value n, where n is a parameter related to the leakage rate. (2) An elaborate key update algorithm makes the scheme resist continuous leakage attacks. Furthermore, the updated private key has the same distribution as the previous private key. (3) The proposed scheme is fully secure in the standard model rather than in the random oracle model or in the general group model. In order to achieve this goal, we use dual system encryption technology. Thus, the security of the constructed scheme does not depend on the number of queries of the attacker.
An Analytical and a Numerical Method for Nonlinear Convection-Radiation Problems in Porous Fins
Authors: Correa E. D. , Quirino J. M. , Sobral R. L. , Corrêa J. F. , Gama R. M. S.
Published: January 2022

The present work shows an analytical and a numerical method for heat transfer nonlinear problems in porous fins using the Darcy model. Numerical simulations are carried out with the aid of a sequence of linear problems, each of them possessing an equivalent minimum principle, that has as its limit the solution of the original problem. The nonlinear convection-radiation heat transfer process is considered and simulated by means of a finite difference scheme. Results showed the relevance of the radiation for realistic thermal mapping in porous media with percentage errors of up to 40% for the last nodes.
Application of Machine Learning in Rheumatic Immune Diseases
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhao Linru
Published: January 2022

People are paying greater attention to their personal health as society develops and progresses, and rheumatic immunological disorders have become a serious concern that affects human health. As a result, research on a stable, trustworthy, and effective auxiliary diagnostic method for rheumatic immune disorders is critical. Machine learning overcomes the inefficiencies and volatility of human data processing, ushering in a revolution in artificial intelligence research. With the use of big data, machine learning-based application research on rheumatic immunological disorders has already demonstrated detection abilities that are on par with or better than those of medical professionals. Artificial intelligence systems are now being applied in the field of rheumatic immune disorders, with an emphasis on the identification of patient joint images. This article focuses on the use of machine learning algorithms in the diagnosis of rheumatic illnesses, as well as the practical implications of disease-assisted diagnosis systems and intelligent medical diagnosis. This article focuses on three common machine learning algorithms for research and debate: logistic regression, support vector machines, and adaptive boosting techniques. The three algorithms are used to build diagnostic models based on rheumatic illness data, and the performance of each model is assessed. According to a thorough analysis of the assessment data, the diagnostic model based on the limit gradient boosting method has the best resilience. This article presents machine learning's use and advancement in rheumatic immunological disorders, as well as new ideas for investigating more appropriate and efficient diagnostic and treatment techniques.
Spinal Intradural Intramedullary Mature Cystic Teratoma in a Young Adult: A Rare Tumor
Authors: Shrestha Aayush , Bijukachhe Binod , Khan Javed Ahmad , Dahal Ram Krishna , Yadav Sandip Kumar
Published: January 2022

Intradural mature teratomas are spinal tumors containing all the germinal layers and rarely present in adulthood. This study describes an unusual case of intradural mature teratoma in a 19-year-old male who presented with persistent lower limb pain and difficulty in micturition. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed heterogeneously enhancing intramedullary mass in the L3-L4 vertebral region and was associated with tethering of the spinal cord. Scalloping of the posterior aspect of vertebral body and narrowing of the pedicles were present. Subtotal excision of the tumor was done because of its adherence to the conus. Attempt to completely excise such adherent intramedullary tumors can lead to permanent neurological deficits. The tissue was sent for histopathological examination which showed tissue from all the three germinal layers confirming the diagnosis. The patient showed improvement of symptoms following the surgery. This study also compared the literature of similar cases and the treatments available for this disease.
Frequency and Genomic Aspects of Intrinsic Resistance to Vismodegib in Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yurchenko Andrey A. , Pop Oltin T. , Ighilahriz Meriem , Padioleau Ismael , Rajabi Fatemeh , Sharpe Hayley J. , Poulalhon Nicolas , Dreno Brigitte , Khammari Amir , Delord Marc , Alberti Antonio , Soufir Nadem , Battistella Maxime , Mourah Samia , Bouquet Fanny , Savina Ariel , Besse Andrej , Mendez-Lopez Max , Grange Florent , Monestier Sandrine , Mortier Laurent , Meyer Nicolas , Dutriaux Caroline , Robert Caroline , Saiag Philippe , Herms Florian , Lambert Jerome , de Sauvage Frederic J. , Dumaz Nicolas , Flatz Lukas , Basset-Seguin Nicole , Nikolaev Sergey I.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Vismodegib is approved for the treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC), but some cases demonstrate intrinsic resistance (IR) to the drug. We sought to assess the frequency of IR to vismodegib in laBCC and its underlying genomic mechanisms.

Experimental Design:

Response to vismodegib was evaluated in a cohort of 148 laBCC patients. Comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic profiling was performed in a subset of five intrinsically resistant BCC (IR-BCC).

Results:

We identified that IR-BCC represents 6.1% of laBCC in the studied cohort. Prior treatment with chemotherapy was associated with IR. Genetic events that were previously associated with acquired resistance (AR) in BCC or medulloblastoma were observed in three out of five IR-BCC. However, IR-BCCs were distinct by highly rearranged polyploid genomes. Functional analyses identified hyperactivation of the HIPPO-YAP and WNT pathways at RNA and protein levels in IR-BCC. In vitro assay on the BCC cell line further confirmed that YAP1 overexpression increases the cell proliferation rate.

Conclusions:

IR to vismodegib is a rare event in laBCC. IR-BCCs frequently harbor resistance mutations in the Hh pathway, but also are characterized by hyperactivation of the HIPPO-YAP and WNT pathways.
Hypocalcemia-Induced QT Interval Prolongation
Authors: Tang Jacky K.K. , Rabkin Simon W.
Published: January 2022

An 87-year-old man with a history of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, pulmonary hypertension, diastolic dysfunction with preserved systolic function, and myelofibrosis had a 12-lead ECG showed a prolonged QT interval of 508 ms with heart-rate correction placing it in the 99th percentile of the population. Reduction in the dose of furosemide and calcium supplementation increased serum calcium and shortened the QT interval. This case provides an opportunity to examine newer concepts for the understanding of the mechanisms by which hypocalcemia might induce QT prolongation. Hypocalcemia likely produces corrected QT interval prolongation primarily through a calcium-dependent inactivation (CDI) mechanism on the L-type calcium channel (LTCC). Lower extracellular calcium leads to a decreased ICaL, subsequently causing intracellular calcium to take longer to reach the critical threshold to induce CDI of the LTCC. The resulting prolonged repolarization of the ventricular myocyte can lead to early after-depolarizations and ensuing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Genetic polymorphisms in Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin which can prolong QT, underscore the role for disturbances of intracellular myocardial calcium handling in arrhythmogenesis. Hypocalcemia is an under-recognized cause of QT prolongation and should be taken into careful consideration in patients presenting with incidental findings of a prolonged QT interval.
Retrospective Observational Study of Risk Factors for Febrile Infectious Complications after Urodynamic Studies in Patients with Suspected Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Disturbance
Authors: Takami Nozomi , Mukai Shigeto , Nomi Masashi , Yanagiuchi Akihiro , Sengoku Atsushi , Maeda Koki , Yang Young-min , Shigemura Katsumi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: January 2022

Introduction: We retrospectively investigated the risk factors for post-urodynamic study (UDS) infectious complications in long-term hospitalized inpatients with suspected neurogenic lower urinary tract disturbance (NLUTD) in a monocenter study, to accurately assess post-UDS urinary tract infections (UTI). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data including background information, UDS-related data, and potential risk factors for infection from 489 NLUTD-suspected inpatients who underwent UDS from 2015 to 2019 and examined the risk factors for post-UDS infectious complications using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Results: Symptomatic post-UDS UTI occurred in 20 out of 489 (4.1%) patients, including 3 (15%) with recurrent UTI. During follow-up prior to UDS for 1 year, 220 cases were investigated by urine culture revealing Escherichia coli (n = 77), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 29), Enterococcus faecalis (n = 18), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli (n = 17), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 9). As risk factors for post-UDS infectious complications, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS): AIS ≧ C (A or B or C) (hazard ratio: 4.29, p = 0.0076), management method of urination (hazard ratio: 4.30, p = 0.048), and age (hazard ratio: 1.04, p = 0.025) were significantly correlated with the occurrence of post-UDS infection. Conclusions: The significant risk factors for post-UDS UTI were AIS ≧ C, management method of urination, and age in the suspected NLUTD patient context. This study was originally started with the goal of reducing unnecessary antibiotics and may contribute to the proper use of antibiotics based on antimicrobial stewardship.
Nintedanib in IPF: Post hoc Analysis of the Italian FIBRONET Observational Study
Authors: Harari Sergio , Pesci Alberto , Albera Carlo , Poletti Venerino , Amici Christian , Crespi Giovanna , Campolo Benedetta , Vancheri Carlo ,   on behalf of the FIBRONET study group
Published: January 2022

Background: The FIBRONET study was an observational study of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Italy. Objectives: In this post hoc descriptive analysis, we describe changes in lung function, anxiety/depression, coughing, exacerbations, and adverse events (AEs) in patients receiving nintedanib treatment. Methods: Patients with IPF from 20 centers in Italy, aged ≥40 years who received nintedanib for ≥7 months, were followed up for 12 months from study enrollment, attending clinic visits every 3 months. Outcomes included change in forced vital capacity (FVC)% predicted from baseline to 12 months, anxiety/depression measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the proportion of patients with cough, AEs, and exacerbations. Results: In total, 52 patients received nintedanib (mean duration of 11.6 months). Ten patients had dose reductions from 150 mg to 100 mg twice daily, due to AEs. FVC% predicted was unchanged in the overall nintedanib population (78.7% at baseline; 79.8% at 12 months) and those with a reduced dose (77.7% at baseline; 81.0% at 12 months). HADS score was low at baseline and throughout the study. The proportion of patients with cough decreased from 50.0% to 21.2% over 12 months. Two patients experienced exacerbations, 2 patients discontinued treatment, and 27 (51.9%) reported AEs. The most common AE was diarrhea (34.6%). Conclusions: In patients with IPF who received nintedanib in the FIBRONET study, FVC% predicted was stable over 12 months, and the proportion of patients with cough decreased. The safety profile was consistent with the known safety profile for nintedanib in IPF.
Clinical and Histological Effects of Topical Epidermal Growth Factor on Acne and Acne Scars
Authors: Kim Dong Hyo , Yang Ji Hoon , Cho Soo Ick , Yoon Ji Young , Kim Ji Won , Choi Sungjun , Suh Dae Hun
Published: January 2022

Background: The inflammatory lesions of acne leave scars which greatly affect patients’ quality of life. Treatment options targeting both acne and acne scars are still lacking. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor ointment (EGFO) on acne and acne scars. Methods: The study design was 12-week, prospective, split-face, single-blinded. The 36 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris applied EGFO on one side of the face and the vehicle ointment on the other side twice daily. The patients were assessed every 4 weeks by acne lesion and scar counts, investigator’s global assessment for acne (IGA) and scar (SGA), and the ECCA scar grading scale. Biopsies were performed before and after treatment. Results: Acne and acne scars were significantly improved on EGFO-treated sides, while control sides were not. Acne lesion and scar counts were significantly reduced after 4 weeks, while IGA, SGA, and ECCA grade significantly decreased after 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of keratin 16, NF-κB p65, IL-1α, and IL-8, and increased expression of TGF-β1, elastin, and collagen type 1, 3 after treatment. Conclusions: EGFO can be a treatment option targeting acne and acne scars.
The Novel Inducer of Innate Immunity HO53 Stimulates Autophagy in Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Myszor Iwona T. , Sigurdsson Snaevar , Viktorsdottir Alexia Ros , Agerberth Birgitta , Eskelinen Eeva-Liisa , Ogmundsdottir Margret Helga , Gudmundsson Gudmundur H.
Published: January 2022

Aroylated phenylenediamines (APDs) are novel modulators of innate immunity with respect to enhancing the expression of antimicrobial peptides and maintaining epithelial barrier integrity. Here, we present a new study on induction of autophagy in human lung epithelial cells by the APD HO53. Interestingly, HO53 affected autophagy in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrated by increased microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light-chain 3B (LC3B) processing in mature polarized bronchial epithelial cells. The quantification of LC3B puncta showed increased autophagy flux and formation of autophagosomes visualized by transmission electron microscopy. The phenotypic changes indicated that autophagy induction was associated with activation of 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), and changes in expression of autophagy-related genes. The kinetics of the explored signaling pathways indicated on activation of AMPK followed by the nuclear translocation of TFEB. Moreover, our data suggest that HO53 modulates epigenetic changes related to induction of autophagy manifested by transcriptional regulation of histone-modifying enzymes. These changes were reflected by decreased ubiquitination of histone 2B at the lysine 120 residue that is associated with autophagy induction. Taken together, HO53 modulates autophagy, a part of the host defense system, through a complex mechanism involving several pathways and epigenetic events.
MicroRNA-155-5p Targets NR3C2 to Promote Malignant Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yan Chengquan , Wang Pengfei , Zhao Chaofei , Yin Guangwei , Meng Xin , Li Lin , Cai Shengyong , Meng Bin
Published: January 2022

Background: The molecular heterogeneity of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) leads to a high mortality of the disease, which seriously threatens the life of patients. Therefore, this study explored the functional significance and mechanism of microRNA-155-5p and nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 2 (NR3C2) in the regulation of ccRCC. Methods: Expression levels of microRNA-155-5p and NR3C2 mRNA in ccRCC cells were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and the protein expression of NR3C2 in human ccRCC cells was measured by Western blot. Biological functions were determined through a series of in vitro experiments. The interaction between microRNA-155-5p and NR3C2 was tested by luciferase reporter gene assay. In addition, the effect of overexpressed or silenced microRNA-155-5p on cell phenotypes was evaluated in ccRCC cells. Results: Experimental data suggested that overexpression or silencing of microRNA-155-5p in ccRCC could boost or suppress cancer cell proliferation and other malignant behaviors. Rescue experiments revealed that microRNA-155-5p facilitated the proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed the apoptosis of ccRCC by directly inhibiting the expression of NR3C2. Conclusions: This is the first study to generate new insights into the role of microRNA-155-5p/NR3C2 interaction in promoting the process of ccRCC, and it is possible to bring a turning point for the treatment of ccRCC.
Trastuzumab Emtansine-Induced Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia: Is Dose Reduction Enough as a Preventable Measure?
Authors: Garrido Isabel , Magalhães Adriana , Lopes Joanne , Macedo Guilherme
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is a novel antibody-drug conjugate targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, used in some recurrent metastatic cancers. It was linked to modest increases in serum aminotransferase elevations and bilirubin. More recently, some cases of noncirrhotic portal hypertension have been described in patients on long-term T-DM1. The underlying liver condition is usually nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) with elements of sinusoidal obstruction. Case Report: We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who started T-DM1 therapy for recurrent metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Although a progressive reduction in lung nodules was noticed, there was a new-onset cytocholestasis and elevation in bilirubin. A reduction in platelet count was also apparent over several months during the T-DM1 therapy. Liver biopsy revealed NRH and so the dose of T-DM1 was reduced. Thereafter, the patient had normalization of liver tests and platelet count. T-DM1 was continued for more than 9 months with no signs of portal hypertension or cancer progression. Conclusions: We presented a rare case of NRH induced by T-DM1 in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma. A high index of suspicion for liver injury and NRH must be maintained for patients who develop liver test abnormalities and/or signs of portal hypertension during treatment with T-DM1. This is the first report of a successful dose reduction in a patient with NRH induced by T-DM1, suggesting that it is possible to maintain the drug while it is being effective for lung cancer treatment.
Endocrine Function after Transsphenoidal Surgery in Patients with Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pedersen Mathias Brown , Dukanovic Stefan , Springborg Jacob Bertram , Andreassen Mikkel , Krogh Jesper
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Transsphenoidal surgery is the current treatment for mass reduction in patients with non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). The surgical procedure may deteriorate or recover pituitary endocrine function. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the benefits and harms of transsphenoidal surgery on pituitary endocrine function in patients with NFPAs. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (registration No. CRD42020210853). We searched Pubmed and EMBASE for studies reporting on pituitary function before and after transsphenoidal surgery in patients with NFPAs having a minimum follow-up of 1 month. The prespecified primary outcomes were the proportions of patients with improved or deteriorated pituitary function after surgery reported as weighted mean using random effects meta-analysis or in case of considerable heterogeneity, i.e., I2 ≥ 75%, as a range of reported proportions. Subgroup analyses were planned for the primary outcomes on study level. Results: Of the 6,597 identified records, 24 studies enrolling 3,816 participants were eligible for assessment. Twenty-three studies were judged to have serious or critical risk of bias. The range of proportions of patients with recovery of at least one pituitary axis was between 10.2% and 97.7% (I2 = 93%), while the range of proportions of patients experiencing loss of at least one axis after pituitary surgery was between 0.0% and 36.6% (I2 = 91%). None of the a priori planned subgroup analyses explained the observed heterogeneity associated with deterioration of pituitary function after surgery, and the proportion of patients may be underestimated due to publication bias. Conclusions: The current systematic review finds that the endocrine effect of pituitary surgery is unclear both in terms of the chance of recovery and in terms of the risk of pituitary failure and hypopituitarism should be considered only a relative indication for surgery. However, the range of effects does include potentially clinically relevant rates of pituitary recovery calling for more systematic collection of data in future studies.
Does One’s Socioeconomic Status Predispose to the Development of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Niazi Kareem , Zinonos Stavros , Kostis John B. , Kassotis John
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) has a higher incidence in Caucasians (CAUCs) compared to African-Americans (AAs). Whether this is due to racial predisposition, selection bias, or environmental factors remains unclear. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that people from lower socioeconomic strata (SES) have a lower incidence of SIC. It is possible that the incidence of SIC could be similar among CAUCs and AAs at the same SES. Stress preconditioning maybe protective in preventing SIC. Methods: Data of patients with the discharge diagnosis of SIC were extracted from the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System spanning the period from 2006 through 2015. The incidence of SIC among CAUCs and AAs was compared per 100,000 New Jersey population and examined across income brackets. CAUCs and AAs data were compared using two-sample proportion tests. Results: During the study period, CAUCs had an overall higher incidence of SIC compared to AAs, 0.017% versus 0.0084% per 100,000 population (p value <0.0001). This difference persisted after a logistic regression adjustment (p = 0.0064). CAUCs in the income brackets of 30–40k had lower incidence of SIC than those in the 60–80k income bracket (p = 0.0156). Those with an income of 60–80k had lower incidence of SIC compared to those with an income of 80–100k. AAs with income between 30 and 60k had a lower incidence of SIC than CAUCs (p = 0.0330). Conclusions: CAUCs exhibited a trend towards less SIC as a function of lower income. This was not observed among AAs. AAs had a lower incidence of SIC. Our study suggests that SES has a protective effect among CAUCs.
Por um Vale do Paraíba indígena: conflitos étnicos e a transformação da propriedade dos índios em Valença (1780-1835)
Authors: Alvarenga Felipe de Melo
Published: January 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a transformação do Vale do Paraíba a partir dos conflitos agrários e étnicos que envolveram os índios e os luso-brasileiros, na passagem do século XVIII ao XIX, em Valença (Rio de Janeiro). Balizada pela discussão da História Social da Propriedade, acreditamos que a reprodução do modo de vida indígena estava ligada a um exercício costumeiro de direitos de propriedade, a despeito dos índios não possuírem títulos que comprovassem o domínio sobre as terras. É preciso pluralizar a discussão sobre a propriedade na tentativa de reconstituir direitos à terra que foram desconstruídos. Em vista disso, analisaremos os conflitos que perpassaram a definição dos direitos de propriedade dos índios antes da formação da plantation cafeeira. Ao longo deste processo, percebemos que os conflitos agrários estavam atravessados por conflitos étnicos, nos quais denominações reivindicadas para si e atribuídas por outros revelavam mudanças em torno do acesso à terra.
The construction of auctoritas in Gratian's Decretum: the role of tradition and the auctor in a 12th century legal text
Authors: Silva Carolina Gual
Published: January 2022

This paper discusses the construction of authority in the 12th century using a specific case, that of Gratian’s Decretum, a legal manual compiled around 1140 in Western Europe. Through a methodology of intertextual analysis, this article combines theoretical work from major authors and primary sources to advance an explanation on how authority can be understood during the central Middle Ages in legal texts and how it comes from an articulation between tradition and originality. Furthermore, we highlight how the intersections between innovation and tradition in the Decretum make it possible for us to consider Gratian as an auctor. From this analysis, we extrapolate a broader conclusion about how legal texts in the 12th and 13th centuries used and then recreated a notion of authority that came to include the idea of the author who, in his turn, became an authority himself.
Swertia kashmirensis, a new species from Bangus Valley of Kashmir Himalaya, India
Authors: WANI BILAL A. , ISLAM TAJAMUL , KHUROO ANZAR AHMAD , GANIE AIJAZ H. , NAWCHOO IRSHAD A.
Published: January 2022

Swertia kashmirensis (Gentianaceae), a new species from Bangus Valley of Kashmir Himalaya, India is described here. The species resembles morphologically to Swertia thomsonii but differs markedly from it by cauline leaves free at base, petals having obtuse apices, nectaries oblong-oval, fimbriae 3–5, restricted on lower part of the nectary towards base of the petal, anthers obovate and dorsifixed.
Penalty or Payoff? Diversity of Tactics and Resource Mobilization Among Environmental Organizations
Authors: Chewinski Max , Corrigall-Brown Catherine
Published: January 2022

Environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) need resources in order to mount campaigns and ensure their stability over time. What is the most effective strategy to attract these resources? Building upon research on social movement strategy and resource mobilization, we examine how a diversity of income sources, tactics, and issue focus affects three measures of mobilization outcomes: income, staff, and members. We examine these relationships using a unique panel data set of ENGOs in the UK collected by the Environmental Funders Network in 2013 and 2016. Our analyses show that using a more diverse range of tactics in wave 1 is associated with mobilizing more staff and members in wave 2. However, there is no significant penalty or payoff for groups that engage in issue or income diversification. We argue that diversifying tactics benefits organizations by helping them accrue the necessary human resources required for environmental action.
The Search for Spices and Souls: Catholic Missions as Colonial State in the Philippines
Authors: Dulay Dean
Published: January 2022

A growing literature posits that colonial Christian missions brought schooling to the colonies, improving human capital in ways that persist to this day. But in some places, they did much more. This paper argues that colonial Catholic missions in the Philippines functioned as state-builders, establishing law and order and building fiscal and infrastructural capacities in territories they controlled. The mission-as-state was the result of a bargain between the Catholic missions and the Spanish colonial government: missionaries converted the population and engaged in state-building, whereas the colonial government reaped the benefits of state expansion while staying in the capital. Exposure to these Catholic missions-as-state then led to long-run improvements in state capacity and development. I find that municipalities that had a Catholic mission have higher levels of state capacity and development today. A variety of mechanisms—religious competition, education, urbanization, and structural transformation—explain these results.
Critiquing, Curating, and Adapting: Cultivating 21st-Century Critical Curriculum Literacy With Teacher Candidates
Authors: Schroeder Stephanie , Curcio Rachelle
Published: January 2022

Teachers commonly use sites such as Pinterest, TeachersPayTeachers.com, and Instagram to support their lesson planning. Developing a critical lens toward the use of these sites in teacher education is imperative, yet little research has been published outlining how this might be done. This study investigates how 44 teacher candidates (TCs) across two methods courses altered their thinking about the use of sites such as Pinterest, TeachersPayTeachers.com, and Instagram after experiencing explicit instruction and practice in 21st-century critical curriculum literacy. Findings indicate that TCs developed a more critical lens toward these sites, yet the inclusion of critical pedagogical content knowledge within 21st-century critical curriculum literacy is essential to develop a critical lens toward specific resources. Implications include how teacher educators might continue to develop 21st-century critical curriculum literacy in TCs and directions for future research.
Artificial bee colony algorithm based PID controller for steel stripe deviation control system
Authors: Wang He , Du Hualong , Cui Qiuyu , Song Hua
Published: January 2022

To improve the performance of the PID controller for a steel strip deviation control system (SSDCS), an enhanced artificial bee colony algorithm (EABC) is proposed to optimize PID controller gains (EABC-PID). The proposed EABC changes the candidate solution equation to balance its explorative and exploitative capabilities. The experiment presents a detailed comparison of EABC-PID and four bio-inspired algorithms based PID controllers considering four types of objective functions. Simulation results show that EABC-PID proves to be superior for SSDCS compared to four bio-inspired algorithms based PID controller in terms of convergence, dynamic adjustment, and robustness.