bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Complexity and Dynamics: A Bibliometric-Qualitative Review of Network Research in Construction
Authors: Cao Dongping , Shao Shiting
Published: December 2020

Social network analysis (SNA) has gained increasing academic attention in the construction domain over the past two decades due to its capability to characterize the complexity and dynamics of interindividual and interorganizational interactions. To date, however, scant attempt has been made to develop an integrated framework to systematically review the diversified network research at different levels in this domain and to quantitatively characterize the evolution of related research interests and research instruments. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a bibliometric-qualitative review based on 106 papers published from 1997 to 2020. Keyword cooccurrence analysis is employed to reveal the research foci, identify the research trends, and develop a comprehensive categorization framework, which classifies related research based on two interrelated dimensions: the type of network node (individual and organization) and the levelof network analysis (project level, corporate level, and industry level). The framework then facilitates further content analysis in terms of research topics, research designs, and research instruments. The results provide evidence that the research foci in this domain are generally moving towards addressing the complexity and dynamics of project-related relations at more diversified levels, in terms of not only research topics but also research instruments. Future research can be enriched by investigating the multiple types of dynamic interproject relationships, adopting state-of-the-art methodologies for network data collection and triangulation, and employing multiple SNA constructs and inferential statistical methods to reveal how complex networks coevolve and interact with actors’ behaviors as well as project and organizational outcomes.
Power Management in Low-Power MCUs for Energy IoT Applications
Authors: Lin Ling , Tang Zhong , Tan Nianxiong , Xiao Xiaohui
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we identify and address the problems of designing effective power management schemes in low-power MCU design. Firstly, this paper proposes an application-based multipower domain architecture along with a variety of working modes to effectively realize the hierarchical control of power consumption. Furthermore, devices in energy IoT (eIoT) do not always work under the main power supply. When the main power supply is unavailable, the standby power supply (usually the battery) needs to maintain the operation and save the data. In order to ensure the complete isolation between these two power sources, it is always necessary to insert a diode in both select-conduction paths, respectively. In this paper, we built a stable and smooth power switching circuit into the chip, which can effectively avoid the diode voltage loss and reduce the BoM cost. In addition, in the sleep mode, considering the relaxed output voltage range and a limited driving capability requirement, an ultra-low-power standby power circuit is proposed, which can autonomously replace the internal LDO when in sleep, further reducing the sleep power consumption under the main power supply. Fabricated in a standard 0.11 μm CMOS process, our comparative analysis demonstrates substantial reduction in power consumption from 1 μA to 0.1 μA.
HDEC: A Heterogeneous Dynamic Ensemble Classifier for Binary Datasets
Authors: Ostvar Nasrin , Eftekhari Moghadam Amir Masoud
Published: December 2020

In recent years, ensemble classification methods have been widely investigated in both industry and literature in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The main advantage of this approach is to benefit from a set of classifiers instead of using a single classifier with the aim of improving the prediction performance, such as accuracy. Selecting the base classifiers and the method for combining them are the most challenging issues in the ensemble classifiers. In this paper, we propose a heterogeneous dynamic ensemble classifier (HDEC) which uses multiple classification algorithms. The main advantage of using heterogeneous algorithms is increasing the diversity among the base classifiers as it is a key point for an ensemble system to be successful. In this method, we first train many classifiers with the original data. Then, they are separated based on their strength in recognizing either positive or negative instances. For doing this, we consider the true positive rate and true negative rate, respectively. In the next step, the classifiers are categorized into two groups according to their efficiency in the mentioned measures. Finally, the outputs of the two groups are compared with each other to generate the final prediction. For evaluating the proposed approach, it has been applied to 12 datasets from the UCI and LIBSVM repositories and calculated two popular prediction performance metrics, including accuracy and geometric mean. The experimental results show the superiority of the proposed approach in comparison to other state-of-the-art methods.
Effects of sEA on Slow Transit Constipation through the Microbiota‐Gut‐Brain Axis in Rats
Authors: Jin Xun , Guan Yanting , Bai Hua , Liu Yan , Lv Xing
Published: December 2020

To investigate the effect of sacral electroacupuncture (sEA) on the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis in the treatment of slow transit constipation, this study established a drug‐induced model of slow transit constipation in rats and carried out sEA at the Baliao acupoints (BL31‐BL34). On the 14th day of the therapeutic period (24 h fecal pellets), the aquaporin 3 (AQP3), 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), and substance P (SP) transcripts from the distal colon and hypothalamus were analyzed. 16S rDNA has been widely used to analyze the diversity of the microbial communities. Therefore, in the present study, changes in the intestinal microbiota were analyzed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The results showed that sEA significantly increased the number of fecal pellets and the water content in the feces and reduced the reabsorption of intestinal water in 24 h. sEA also upregulated the level of SP mRNA expression in the distal colon and the hypothalamus, but downregulated the level of 5‐HT mRNA expression in the distal colon. Moreover, sEA improved the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes (B/F) ratio, which is beneficial to the general structure of the intestinal microflora. Our findings suggested that the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis constitutes a crucial pathological basis in the development of slow transit constipation. sEA improved the slow transit constipation by regulating the balance of the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis.
Novel Low-Cost Integrated Multiband Antenna Design Customized for Smartwatch Applications with SAR Evaluation
Authors: Fady Brahim , Tribak Abdelwahed , Terhzaz Jaouad , Riouch Fatima
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a novel low-cost integrated multiband antenna design customized for smartwatch applications and wearable devices. The design consists in using a broadband planar patch antenna with circular microstrip lines and a miniaturized feeding-point with a structure of 30 × 30 × 1.6 mm3, and it is easy to deploy inside the smartwatch and cost-effective for the wearable device industry. The parametric study and final dimensions of the design and the measured results of the reflection and radiation pattern are discussed. The antenna with maximum gain up to 6.6 dBi and S11 up to −22 dB exhibits excellent performance for all the frequencies required in wearable systems such as 1.9 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz. We drew a comparison between similar research and this work in terms of antenna performance. Furthermore, we investigate the specific absorption rate (SAR) performance of the antenna for the smartwatch application, using both human hand wrist multilayer and SAM head mouth models. The SAR results in different positions for all the frequencies are compared to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) standards.
Ethnopharmacological Use and Biological Activities of Tragia involucrata L.
Authors: Pallie Mumtaz S. , Perera Pathirage K. , Kumarasinghe Nishantha , Arawwawala Menuka , Goonasekara Charitha L.
Published: December 2020

Plants have been utilized as medicines to treat various ailments since ancient times. Formulations made by plant materials have been used in traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine and remain widespread in both developing and developed countries. In developing countries, traditional medicines are widely practiced due to its accessibility and affordability, while in developed countries, complementary and alternative medicine are widely popular due to the adverse effects of chemical drugs. Tragia involucrata Linn. (family: Euphorbiaceae) is a highly used medicinal plant used in both Sri Lankan and Indian traditional medical systems. Since this plant is a weed, it is being extensively destroyed due to the lack of knowledge regarding the medicinal value of this plant. Hence, the objective of this study was to collect data on the medicinal value of this plant by correlating its scientifically validated biological activities with its ethnopharmacological uses. An attempt was made to gather as much information available regarding the ethnopharmacological uses and scientifically validated biological activities of Tragia involucrata through authentic traditional texts, scientific journals, and other authentic texts regarding medicinal plants. Thus, the review provides an insight to the capability of Tragia involucrata to be used as a monoherbal formulation for diseases pertaining to multiple systems of the body. With all the scientifically validated biological activities and the ethnopharmacological uses, Tragia involucrata may qualify as a potent candidate to be developed into a phytomedicine to be utilized as both a preventive and as a therapeutic agent.
Metallic Fuel Fabrication Process Development in Remote Fuel Fabrication Mock-Up at KAERI
Authors: Kim Kiho , Park Sang-Gyu , Song Hoon , Park Jeong-Yong
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a remote testbed for metallic fuel fabrication using surrogates or depleted uranium. The testbed named “remote fuel fabrication mock-up (RFFM)” was created at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and specifically designed to incorporate remote operation and maintenance. The subsystems of the RFFM are described, and test results regarding remotely conducted metallic fuel slug fabrication at the RFFM are also presented. After fabricating fuel slugs using copper ingots, their specifications and properties were analyzed and evaluated using chemical analysis, radiographic tests, and diameter and weight measurements. Analysis results showed that the fabricated metallic fuel slugs have an acceptance rate of more than 90% and a casting ratio (ratio of weight of injected metal to charged metal) of more than 0.7. Moreover, operations involving remote handling of in-cell equipment were also satisfactory.
Data-Driven Predictive Control of Building Energy Consumption under the IoT Architecture
Authors: Ke Ji , Qin Yude , Wang Biao , Yang Shundong , Wu Hao , Yang Hang , Zhao Xing
Published: December 2020

Model predictive control is theoretically suitable for optimal control of the building, which provides a framework for optimizing a given cost function (e.g., energy consumption) subject to constraints (e.g., thermal comfort violations and HVAC system limitations) over the prediction horizon. However, due to the buildings’ heterogeneous nature, control-oriented physical models’ development may be cost and time prohibitive. Data-driven predictive control, integration of the “Internet of Things”, provides an attempt to bypass the need for physical modeling. This work presents an innovative study on a data-driven predictive control (DPC) for building energy management under the four-tier building energy Internet of Things architecture. Here, we develop a cloud-based SCADA building energy management system framework for the standardization of communication protocols and data formats, which is favorable for advanced control strategies implementation. Two DPC strategies based on building predictive models using the regression tree (RT) and the least-squares boosting (LSBoost) algorithms are presented, which are highly interpretable and easy for different stakeholders (end-user, building energy manager, and/or operator) to operate. The predictive model’s complexity is reduced by efficient feature selection to decrease the variables’ dimensionality and further alleviate the DPC optimization problem’s complexity. The selection is dependent on the principal component analysis (PCA) and the importance of disturbance variables (IoD). The proposed strategies are demonstrated both in residential and office buildings. The results show that the DPC-LSBoost has outperformed the DPC-RT and other existing control strategies (MPC, TDNN) in performance, scalability, and robustness.
Discriminative Label Relaxed Regression with Adaptive Graph Learning
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Liu Zhonghua , Lu Wenpeng , Zhang Kaibing
Published: December 2020

The traditional label relaxation regression (LRR) algorithm directly fits the original data without considering the local structure information of the data. While the label relaxation regression algorithm of graph regularization takes into account the local geometric information, the performance of the algorithm depends largely on the construction of graph. However, the traditional graph structures have two defects. First of all, it is largely influenced by the parameter values. Second, it relies on the original data when constructing the weight matrix, which usually contains a lot of noise. This makes the constructed graph to be often not optimal, which affects the subsequent work. Therefore, a discriminative label relaxation regression algorithm based on adaptive graph (DLRR_AG) is proposed for feature extraction. DLRR_AG combines manifold learning with label relaxation regression by constructing adaptive weight graph, which can well overcome the problem of label overfitting. Based on a large number of experiments, it can be proved that the proposed method is effective and feasible.
Comparison of the Accuracy of 3D Images Obtained fromDifferent Types of Scanners: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kustrzycka Dorota , Marschang Tim , Mikulewicz Marcin , Grzebieluch Wojciech
Published: December 2020

Introduction. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the accuracy of the three-dimensional images among different scanners, scanning techniques, and substrates. Materials and methods. Electronic databases (PubMed and Elsevier) were searched until March 2020. The systematic search was performed to identify the most precise method of obtaining a 3D image of the dentition. Results. Thirteen articles out of 221, considering the accuracy of 3D images, were selected. The main factors that are considered to have an influence on the precision are substrate type in the oral cavity, experience of the scanner’s operator, direct vs. indirect scanning, and the reproducibility of the procedure. Conclusion. Substrate type does have an impact on the overall accuracy of intraoral scans where dentin has the most and enamel the least accurately recorded dental structure. Experience of the operator has an influence on the accuracy, where more experienced operators and smaller scan sizes are made for more accurate scans. A conventional impression technique in a full-arch image provided the lowest deviation. The reproducibility of direct scanning was comparable to indirect scanning although a slight difference was noticeable (0.02 mm).
Differences in the Hemolytic Behavior of Two Isomers in Ophiopogon japonicus In Vitro and In Vivo and Their Risk Warnings
Authors: Xu Huan-Hua , Jiang Zhen-Hong , Sun Yu-Ting , Qiu Li-Zhen , Xu Long-Long , Tang Xiang-Lin , Ma Zeng-Chun , Gao Yue
Published: December 2020

Ophiopogonin D (OPD) and Ophiopogonin D

′

(OPD

′

) are two bioactive ingredients in Ophiopogon japonicus. Previously published studies have often focused on the therapeutic effects related to OPD’s antioxidant capacity but underestimated the cytotoxicity-related side effects of OPD

′

, which may result in unpredictable risks. In this study, we reported another side effect of OPD

′

, hemolysis, and what was unexpected was that this side effect also appeared with OPD. Although hemolysis effects for saponins are familiar to researchers, the hemolytic behavior of OPD or OPD

′

and the interactions between these two isomers are unique. Therefore, we investigated the effects of OPD and OPD

′

alone or in combination on the hemolytic behavior in vitro and in vivo and adopted chemical compatibility and proteomics methods to explain the potential mechanism. Meanwhile, to explain the drug-drug interactions (DDIs), molecular modeling was applied to explore the possible common targets. In this study, we reported that OPD

′

caused hemolysis both in vitro and in vivo, while OPD only caused hemolysis in vivo. We clarified the differences and DDIs in the hemolytic behavior of the two isomers. An analysis of the underlying mechanism governing this phenomenon showed that hemolysis caused by OPD or OPD

′

was related to the destruction of the redox balance of erythrocytes. In vivo, in addition to the redox imbalance, the proteomics data demonstrated that lipid metabolic disorders and mitochondrial energy metabolism are extensively involved by hemolysis. We provided a comprehensive description of the hemolysis of two isomers in Ophiopogon japonicus, and risk warnings related to hemolysis were presented. Our research also provided a positive reference for the development and further research of such bioactive components.
Analysis of Deformation and Stress Characteristics of Anchored‐Frame Structures for Slope Stabilization
Authors: Ye Wei-na , Zhou Yong , Ye Shuai-hua
Published: December 2020

In recent years, anchored‐frame structures are widely being used in road slopes for stabilization and improvement. The technology of frame structure with anchors is becoming more and more mature, but the pertinent theory lags behind the application. While more attention is being paid to the control of deformation, there is still no uniform solution to the calculation of deformation in the anchored‐frame structures. According to the classical laterla earth pressure theory and static equilibrium, this paper improves the calculation method of lateral earth pressure and derives the calculation formula of slope‐induced lateral earth pressure. At the same time, based on the elastic foundation beam model, the columns and beams are treated as a whole system, and the appropriate elastic frame beam model is established. The formula of the deformation and bending moments for the columns and beams in the anchored‐frame structures are derived. Additionally, the calculated results based on the abovementioned newly derived formulas are compared with those of finite element simulations for a simulated case study. The results of simulation and analytical calculation are basically consistent, which prove the feasibility of the new analytical method.
Yunvjian‐Medicated Serum Protects INS‐1 Cells against Glucolipotoxicity‐Induced Apoptosis through Autophagic Flux Modulation
Authors: He Caigu , Zheng Xuehua , Lin Xiuhong , Chen Xinying , Shen Chenyi
Published: December 2020

Yunvjian (YNJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula adopted to prevent and treat diabetes. Our previous results from animal experiments showed that YNJ decreased blood glucose. This study aimed to examine the effect of high glucose and high lipid (HG/HL) conditions on the proliferation and apoptosis of INS‐1 cells and the possible protective mechanism of YNJ‐medicated serum on INS‐1 cells exposed to HG/HL conditions. INS‐1 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium after being passaged. Then, INS‐1 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were collected and divided into five groups: control, HG/HL, HG/HL+5% YNJ‐medicated serum, HG/HL+10% YNJ‐medicated serum, and HG/HL+20% YNJ‐medicated serum. MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to detect proliferation and apoptosis of INS‐1 cells, respectively. Protein profiles of INS‐1 cells were analyzed using a tandem mass tag (TMT) label‐based quantitative proteomic approach. Western blotting was performed to verify the proteomic results. YNJ‐medicated serum significantly promoted INS‐1 cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. Proteomic results from the INS‐1 cells in the control, HG/HL, and HG/HL+10% YNJ‐medicated serum groups showed that 7,468 proteins were identified, of which 6,423 proteins were quantified. Compared with the HG/HL group,430 differential proteins were upregulated, and 671 were downregulated in the HG/HL+10% YNJ‐medicated serum group. Compared with the control group, 711 differential proteins were upregulated and 455 were downregulated in the HG/HL group, whereas 10 differential proteins were upregulated and 9 were downregulated in the HG/HL+10% YNJ‐medicated serum group. Furthermore, several proteins related to autophagy, including ATG3, ATG2B, GABARAP, WIPI2, and p62/SQSTM1, were verified by western blotting, and these results were consistent with the results obtained from the proteomics analysis. These results confirmed that the autophagy pathway is critical to glucolipotoxicity in INS‐1 cells. YNJ‐medicated serum exhibited a protective effect on INS‐1 cells cultured under HG/HL conditions by regulating autophagy genes′ expression and restoring the autophagic flux.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a Patient with Dextrocardia with Situs Inversus
Authors: Woods Kaitlin E. , Awori Hayanga J. W. , Sloyer Daniel , Henrickson Roy E. , Wei Lawrence M. , Hayanga Heather K.
Published: December 2020

Dextrocardia involves embryologic malformations leading to a right hemithorax heart with rightward apex. Situs inversus encompasses all viscera in mirrored position. A 76-year-old male with dextrocardia with situs inversus presented for coronary artery bypass grafting due to a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Management was altered accordingly. Electrocardiography leads and defibrillator pads were reversed. A left internal jugular vein central venous catheter provided direct access to the right atrium. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmation of aortic and venous cannulation required turning the probe right for the right-sided aorta and left for liver visualization, respectively. Proactive surgical and anesthetic management was imperative for the successful and uneventful outcome for this patient.
Diagnostic Value of Structural and Functional Neuroimaging in Autoimmune Epilepsy
Authors: Luo Limei , Wei Nian , Wang Jing , Luo Yuemei , Yang Fei , Xu Zucai
Published: December 2020

Epilepsy is a common nervous system disease, which affects about 70 million people all over the world. In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) considered immune factors as its independent cause, and the concept of autoimmune epilepsy (AE) was widely accepted. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can effectively improve the prognosis of the disease. However, due to the diversity of clinical manifestations, the expensive cost of autoantibody detection, and the increased prevalence in Western China, the difficulty for clinicians in early diagnosis and treatment has increased. Fortunately, convenient and fast imaging examinations are expected to help even more. The imaging manifestations of AE patients were characteristic, especially the combined application of structural and functional neuroimaging, which improved the diagnostic value of imaging. In this paper, several common autoantibodies associated with AE and their structure and function changes in neuroimaging were reviewed to provide help for neurologists to achieve the goal of precision medicine.
CamGFR v2: A New Model for Estimating the Glomerular Filtration Rate from Standardized or Non-standardized Creatinine in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Williams Edward H. , Flint Thomas R. , Connell Claire M. , Giglio Daniel , Lee Hassal , Ha Taehoon , Gablenz Eva , Bird Nicholas J. , Weaver James M.J. , Potts Harry , Whitley Cameron T. , Bookman Michael A. , Lynch Andy G. , Meyer Hannah V. , Tavaré Simon , Janowitz Tobias
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

Management of patients with cancer, specifically carboplatin dosing, requires accurate knowledge of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Direct measurement of GFR is resource limited. Available models for estimated GFR (eGFR) are optimized for patients without cancer and either isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)- or non-IDMS–standardized creatinine measurements. We present an eGFR model for patients with cancer compatible with both creatinine measurement methods.

Experimental Design:

GFR measurements, biometrics, and IDMS- or non-IDMS–standardized creatinine values were collected for adult patients from three cancer centers. Using statistical modeling, an IDMS and non-IDMS creatinine-compatible eGFR model (CamGFR v2) was developed. Its performance was compared with that of the existing models Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), Full Age Spectrum (FAS), Lund–Malmö revised, and CamGFR v1, using statistics for bias, precision, accuracy, and clinical robustness.

Results:

A total of 3,083 IDMS- and 4,612 non-IDMS–standardized creatinine measurements were obtained from 7,240 patients. IDMS-standardized creatinine values were lower than non-IDMS–standardized values in within-center comparisons (13.8% lower in Cambridge; P < 0.0001 and 19.3% lower in Manchester; P < 0.0001), and more consistent between centers. CamGFR v2 was the most accurate [root-mean-squared error for IDMS, 14.97 mL/minute (95% confidence interval, 13.84–16.13) and non-IDMS, 15.74 mL/minute (14.86–16.63)], most clinically robust [proportion with >20% error of calculated carboplatin dose for IDMS, 0.12 (0.09–0.14) and non-IDMS, 0.17 (0.15–0.2)], and least biased [median residual for IDMS, 0.73 mL/minute (−0.68 to 2.2) and non-IDMS, −0.43 mL/minute (−1.48 to 0.91)] eGFR model, particularly when eGFR was larger than 60 ml/minute.

Conclusions:

CamGFR v2 can utilize IDMS- and non-IDMS–standardized creatinine measurements and outperforms previous models. CamGFR v2 should be examined prospectively as a practice-changing standard of care for eGFR-based carboplatin dosing.
Retinoblastoma in Children Older than 6 Years of Age
Authors: Meel Rachna , Kashyap Seema , Bakhshi Sameer , Singh Bajaj Mandeep , Wadhwani Meenakshi
Published: December 2020

Objective: The aim of this work was to study the clinical and histopathology features and treatment outcome in retinoblastoma cases presenting at an older age (>6 years). Design: This was a retrospective study. We recruited 48 retinoblastoma patients who were treated at our institute over 7 consecutive years and were older than 6 years at presentation. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for data, including age at diagnosis, gender, laterality, family history, lag time, first symptom, misdiagnosis, clinical findings, grade and stage of disease at diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and follow-up status. Histopathology slides were reviewed and assessed for the presence of histopathological high-risk features (HRF) for metastasis. The main outcome measures were the frequency of atypical clinical features like hyphema, pseudohypopyon, glaucoma, cataract, vitreous hemorrhage, and phthisis, and misdiagnosis, prior intervention, stage of disease at presentation, and treatment outcome. Results: In total, 48/610 (7.8%) patients were older than 6 years, with a median age of 7 years (range 6–31). Retinoblastoma was bilateral in 7 cases. The most common initial symptom was white reflex followed by a decrease in vision. The median lag time was 9 months. Fourteen cases (29.2%) were misdiagnosed, with endophthalmitis the most common misdiagnosis. Twenty-six (54%) patients had intraocular disease, 12 (25%) had locally advanced disease, and 10 (21%) had metastatic disease at presentation. Overall, 67% (14/21) of the eyes that were enucleated upfront for presumed intraocular disease had histopathological HRF. At last follow-up, 31/36 (86%) who were treated were alive and healthy, while 5 (14%) patients had disease progression. Conclusions: This is the largest study of older age retinoblastoma and shows that it forms a significant percentage of retinoblastoma in developing countries, is misdiagnosed in one-third of cases, and may present at an advanced stage in 46% of cases.
In situ Evidence of Collagen V and Interleukin-6/Interleukin-17 Activation in Vascular Remodeling of Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Batah Sabrina Setembre , Alda Maiara Almeida , Rodrigues Lopes Roslindo Figueira Rebeca , Cruvinel Heloisa R. , Perdoná Rodrigues da Silva Luis , Machado-Rugolo Juliana , Velosa Ana Paula , Teodoro Walcy Rosolia , Balancin Marcelo , Silva Pedro Leme , Capelozzi Vera Luiza , Fabro Alexandre Todorovic
Published: December 2020

Several studies have reported the pathophysiologic and molecular mechanisms responsible for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the in situ evidence of collagen V (Col V) and interleukin-17 (IL-17)/interleukin-6 (IL-6) activation in PAH has not been fully elucidated. We analyzed the effects of collagen I (Col I), Col V, IL-6, and IL-17 on vascular remodeling and hemodynamics and its possible mechanisms of action in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. In the PAH group, animals received MCT 60 mg/kg intraperitoneally, whereas the control group (CTRL) received saline. On day 21, the pulmonary blood pressure (PAP) and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were determined. Lung histology (smooth muscle cell proliferation [α-smooth muscle actin; α-SMA] and periadventitial fibrosis), immunofluorescence (Col I, Col V, and α-SMA), immunohistochemistry (IL-6, IL-17, and transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-β]), and transmission electron microscopy to detect fibronexus were evaluated. The RVSP (40 ± 2 vs. 24 ± 1 mm Hg, respectively; p < 0.0001), right ventricle hypertrophy index (65 ± 9 and 25 ± 5%, respectively; p < 0.0001), vascular periadventitial Col I and Col V, smooth muscle cell α-SMA+, fibronexus, IL-6, IL-17, and TGF-β were higher in the MCT group than in the CTRL group. In conclusion, our findings indicate in situ evidence of Col V and IL-6/IL-17 activation in vascular remodeling and suggest that increase of Col V may yield potential therapeutic targets for treating patients with PAH.
Associations between Cognition and Hand Function in Older People Diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia
Authors: Hesseberg Karin , Tangen Gro Gujord , Pripp Are Hugo , Bergland Astrid
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between different cognitive domains and hand function in older people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Methods: This study is cross-sectional, including 98 community-living older people aged ≥65 years with MCI or dementia. Assessments of hand function included grip strength, the Finger Tapping Test, and the Grooved Pegboard. Cognitive assessments were the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Clock Drawing Test, and Trail Making Tests A and B, as well as a 10-word List Learning Test. Statistical analyses were based on descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: Sixty participants were diagnosed with MCI and 38 were diagnosed with dementia. The mean age was 78.8 years (SD 7.4). Analyses of hand function, cognitive tests, and demographic factors showed an association between cognitive tests, in particular executive function (EF), and hand function. Conclusions: The findings indicated an association between physical and cognitive function. Among the cognitive domains, declines in EF were most related to a reduced physical function.
A Rare Case of Temporal Bone Pneumocephalus Tracking through the Internal Auditory Canal
Authors: Watson WayAnne , Mulry Erin , Kaufman Adam , Eliades Steven J.
Published: December 2020

A 39-year-old male with chronic hydrocephalus requiring biventricular shunts presented with progressive pneumocephalus over several years. He showed no improvement following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt revision and anterior skull base repair for a sphenoid dehiscence. Imaging continued to show worsening pneumocephalus with air tracking along the right facial nerve from the geniculate ganglion to the internal auditory canal (IAC). The patient then underwent tympanomastoidectomy and skull base reconstruction. Based on a search of published literature, this appears to be the first reported case of temporal bone pneumocephalus coursing through the IAC, unlike most cases associated with tegmen defects and middle fossa pneumocephalus.
Alcohol Problems among Prisoners: Subgroup Variations, Concurrent Drug Problems, and Treatment Needs
Authors: Pape Hilde , Rossow Ingeborg , Bukten Anne
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims: Alcohol problems in the prison population are understudied, underdetected, and undertreated. Our aims were to identify subgroups of inmates whose pre-prison drinking behavior indicated a high need for alcohol-related interventions, to assess the prevalence of concurrent alcohol and drug problems, and to compare dual-dependent inmates and those who were alcohol-dependent alone with respect to the severity of their drinking problems. Methods: Data stemmed from the nationwide Norwegian Offender Mental Health and Addiction (NorMA) study. Both male (n = 1,356) and female (n = 90) inmates took part in the study, representing about 40% of the prison population in Norway at the time of the data collection (2013–2014). Pre-prison substance use problems were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT). Results: A majority (55%) had an AUDIT positive screen (score ≥8), which is indicative of alcohol problems of some severity, and 18% were possible alcohol-dependent (score ≥20). A positive screen was associated with younger age, lower education, violent offending, driving while intoxicated (DWI), and previous criminal convictions. Two-thirds (68%) of those who screened positive on the AUDIT had also a DUDIT positive screen (score ≥6), and a similar overlap between possible alcohol dependence and possible drug dependence (score ≥25) was observed. Inmates with possible dual dependence (12% of all) had higher mean scores on the AUDIT than those with possible alcohol dependence only (7% of all). Conclusions: More than half of the prisoners in Norway had AUDIT scores that indicated they could benefit from alcohol-related interventions, and the prevalence was elevated in younger, less educated groups of previously convicted DWI, and violent offenders. Alcohol problems were most often combined with drug problems, and possible dual dependence was associated with particularly severe drinking problems.
Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells Concurrently Overexpress CD200R with Immune Checkpoints PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3 in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Su Yinghan , Yamazaki Shota , Morisue Ryo , Suzuki Jun , Yoshikawa Toshiaki , Nakatsura Tetsuya , Tsuboi Masahiro , Ochiai Atsushi , Ishii Genichiro
Published: December 2020

Introduction: CD200R has been reported to be the receptor for the immune checkpoint molecule CD200 and can transduce immune-suppressive signals. In this study, we mainly focused on the expression level of CD200R in T cells in pulmonary artery (PA) blood and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumor tissue. Methods: Immune cells were isolated from dissected tumor samples and PA blood of NSCLC patients and analyzed with multiparameter flow cytometry. The co-expression of CD200R with other immune checkpoints, including programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), was also investigated. Results: CD200R expression was observed on the surface of approximately 75% of T cells among tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs). Compared to T cells extracted from TILs, only 55% of T cells extracted from PA blood exhibited CD200R expression. Moreover, with higher expression of CD200R, the expression of other immune checkpoints, including PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3, was also increased in tumor-infiltrating T cells compared to T cells in PA blood. Conclusions: Our results showed that those tumors were dominated by T cells expressing CD200R together with other checkpoints, which suggests a phenotypic change after T cell infiltration into the tumor, such as T cell exhaustion.
Effectiveness of a Guided Internet- and Mobile-Based Intervention for Patients with Chronic Back Pain and Depression (WARD-BP): A Multicenter, Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Baumeister Harald , Paganini Sarah , Sander Lasse Bosse , Lin Jiaxi , Schlicker Sandra , Terhorst Yannik , Moshagen Morten , Bengel Jürgen , Lehr Dirk , Ebert David Daniel
Published: December 2020

Introduction: There is neither strong evidence on effective treatments for patients with chronic back pain (CBP) and depressive disorder nor sufficiently available mental health care offers. Objective: The aim is to assess the effectiveness of internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMI) as a scalable approach for treating depression in a routine care setting. Methods: This is an observer-masked, multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled trial with a randomization ratio of 1:1.Patients with CBP and diagnosed depressive disorder (mild to moderate severity) were recruited from 82 orthopedic rehabilitation clinics across Germany. The intervention group (IG) received a guided depression IMI tailored to CBP next to treatment-as-usual (TAU; including medication), while the control group (CG) received TAU. The primary outcome was observer-masked clinician-rated Hamilton depression severity (9-week follow-up). The secondary outcomes were: further depression outcomes, pain-related outcomes, health-related quality of life, and work capacity. Biostatistician blinded analyses using regression models were conducted by intention-to-treat and per protocol analysis. Results: Between October 2015 and July 2017, we randomly assigned 210 participants (IG, n = 105; CG, n = 105), mostly with only a mild pain intensity but substantial pain disability. No statistically significant difference in depression severity between IG and CG was observed at the 9-week follow-up (β = –0.19, 95% CI –0.43 to 0.05). Explorative secondary depression (4/9) and pain-related (4/6) outcomes were in part significant (p < 0.05). Health-related quality of life was significantly higher in the IG. No differences were found in work capacity. Conclusion: The results indicate that an IMI for patients with CBP and depression in a routine care setting has limited impact on depression. Benefits in pain and health-related outcomes suggest that an IMI might still be a useful measure to improve routine care.
Family and Lifestyle Factors Mediate the Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Fat Mass in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Gätjens Isabel , Hasler Mario , di Giuseppe Romina , Bosy-Westphal Anja , Plachta-Danielzik Sandra
Published: December 2020

Socioeconomic status (SES) is strongly associated with childhood overweight. The underlying mechanism and the role of family and lifestyle factors as potential mediators of this relationship remain, however, unclear. Cross-sectional data of 4,772 girls and boys aged 5–16 years from the Kiel Obesity Prevention Study were considered in mediation analyses. Fat mass (FM) was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and converted into a percent FM SD score (FM%-SDS). SES was defined by the parental educational level, classified as low, middle, or high. Characteristics of family and lifestyle factors were obtained via validated questionnaires and considered as mediators. In 3 different age groups, the product-of-coefficients method was used to examine age-specific mediator effects on the relationship between SES and FM%-SDS (c = total effects) and their ratio to total effects, adjusted for age, sex, puberty, and nationality. The prevalence of overweight was 6.9%. In all age groups, SES was inversely associated with FM%-SDS as follows: 5–7 years, c1 = –0.11 (95% CI –0.19 to –0.03); 9–11 years, c2 = –0.21 (95% CI –0.27 to –0.14); and 13–16 years, c3 = –0.23 (95% CI –0.28 to –0.17). The relationship between SES and FM%-SDS was fully (5–7 and 9–11 years) and partly (13–16 years) mediated by similar and age-specific mediators, including parental BMI, parental smoking habits, media consumption, physical activity, and shared meals. Overall, these variables resulted in a total mediating effect of 77.8% (5–7 years), 82.4% (9–11 years), and 70.6% (13–16 years). Consistent for both sexes, the relationship between SES and FM%-SDS was therefore mediated by parental weight status, risk-related behavior within families, and children’s and adolescents’ lifestyle factors. Strategies for obesity prevention, which are predominantly targeted at socially disadvantaged groups, should therefore address the family environment and lifestyle factors.
O crime organizado entre a criminologia e a sociologia
Authors: Salla Fernando , Teixeira Alessandra
Published: December 2020

O artigo problematiza o tratamento teórico e metodológico que o assim chamado crime organizado vem recebendo nas ciências sociais no Brasil. Estabelece uma reflexão articulada com a forma pela qual a criminologia abordou essa questão ao longo de sua história. Aponta algumas características da produção acadêmica nacional sobre o fenômeno, associado principalmente ao tráfico de drogas e aos grupos organizados que se formaram nas prisões. Apresenta uma agenda de pesquisa sobre o crime organizado que indica as potencialidades heurísticas de uma abordagem sociológica que tenha como elemento central o Estado em toda a sua complexidade política, institucional, jurídica, e a transitividade entre o legal e o ilegal como fator diferencial de sua dinâmica, ao propor a noção de “ilegalismo” como um enquadramento analítico para o fenômeno.
Síndrome de Baggio-Yoshinari: uma revisão da literatura
Authors: Silva Vitória Santos da , Santana Mayara Marques de , Gomes Douglas de Lima Xavier , Medeiros Émerson Paz de , Cordeiro Marina Ferraz , Takenami Iukary
Published: December 2020

A Síndrome de Baggio-Yoshinari (SBY) é uma zoonose emergente brasileira que apresenta semelhanças com a doença de Lyme (DL). Ambas são causadas pela espiroqueta Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, transmitida para hospedeiros vertebrados por meio de picadas de carrapato. Contudo, a SBY diverge da DL em alguns aspectos clínicos e imunológicos. No presente estudo, objetivou-se realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre a SBY, abordando aspectos amplos como história da doença, epidemiologia, manifestações clínicas, aspectos imunológicos, diagnóstico e tratamento. Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Science Direct, LILACS e Bireme, de onde foram extraídos 25 artigos científicos para análise, sem delimitação temporal. Evidenciou-se que a grande diversidade biológica e geográfica do país contribuiu para a ocorrência de modificações na B. burgdorferi que, possivelmente, resultaram nas particularidades da SBY. A bactéria, auxiliada por proteínas da saliva do carrapato, consegue transpor as barreiras imunológicas do hospedeiro para infectá-lo. Inicialmente, o diagnóstico baseia-se na presença de oligoartrite, podendo também estar presentes sintomas neurológicos, dermatológicos, cardíacos ou oculares, seguindo-se com a avaliação de outros critérios clínicos e laboratoriais. O tratamento consiste na utilização de doxiciclina ou amoxicilina associada a outros fármacos de acordo com as manifestações clínicas. Nota-se que a SBY, apesar de pouco estudada, configura-se como uma doença emergente que necessita de maior atenção por parte dos setores de saúde pública e da comunidade científica para melhor caracterização do quadro clínico e, consequente realização de diagnóstico precoce, evitando acometimentos crônicos aos pacientes.
Impacto e desafios da doença de Alzheimer
Authors: Marqui Alessandra Bernadete Trovó de , Lima Francielle Carvalho de Freitas , Cintra Mariangela Torreglosa Ruiz
Published: December 2020

editorial
A Polissemia da Governança Pública nos Estudos do Turismo
Authors: Mediotte Elias José , Emmendoerfer Magnus Luiz , Oliveira Guilherme de Avelar
Published: December 2020

Embora a literatura aponte que no campo da Governança Pública exista um crescente debate acerca das discussões sobre planejamento e implementação de políticas, envolvendo a Administração Pública e os stakeholders, entende-se que os estudos destinados ao turismo, sobretudo aos aspectos conceituais daquela temática, são limitados. O objetivo deste artigo é compreender as formações discursivas relativas ao entendimento da comunidade acadêmica sobre o conceito de Governança Pública, no contexto do turismo. Ao longo deste estudo, são apresentadas perspectivas bibliográficas sobre a Nova Governança Pública, a Nova Gestão Pública e o Turismo. São discutidas e analisadas, por meio de uma revisão sistemática, as concepções de governança constituídas em 21 trabalhos acadêmicos, a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa, exploratória-descritiva. Os resultados apontam que a Governança Pública no turismo tem sido caracterizada, em grande parte da produção acadêmica, como paradigma econômico normativo e fomentador de parcerias público-privadas. As conclusões do presente estudo apontam para uma sucessiva desarmonia entre as concepções acadêmicas relativas aos conceitos concebidos, tendo em vista a inclinação para bases eminentemente gerencialistas, prescritas pela Nova Gestão Pública, em detrimento da coprodução de ações coletivas, com expressiva atuação da comunidade civil nesse processo, o qual reflete a real proposição da Nova Governança Pública.
Aspectos poéticos em Hiroshima mon amour de Marguerite Duras
Authors: Kuntz Maria Cristina Vianna
Published: December 2020

Hiroshima mon amour é o filme de 1959, de Marguerite Duras e Alain Resnais que, sessenta anos depois, é ainda considerado inesgotável obra prima do cinema e da literatura. A partir da concepção de Humberto Eco (1971) sobre a “palavra poética” e do entendimento de Ricoeur (1983) que retoma Aristóteles ao considerar o processo de representação como a atividade poética em si, neste trabalho, pretende-se mostrar aspectos da poética com que a autora trata a dimensão da memória e do horror, opondo-lhe uma relação de amor em que o “visível” leva ao “invisível” e abre-se para o “aberto” da escrita (cf. BLANCHOT, 1955, p. 185).
Reverberações de Hiroshima em Marguerite Duras: a (geo)política a partir do corpo
Authors: Ayer Maurício
Published: December 2020

Alain Resnais e Marguerite Duras situam as narrativas de Hiroshima mon amour no exato ponto em que corpo e (geo)política se chocam. Ao fazê-lo, reúnem um conjunto de elementos que reaparecerá, total ou parcialmente, em obras de Duras: o amor fulminante; sua interrupção violenta, a provocar a dor e a loucura; neste arrebatamento lírico, a personagem e o lugar misturam-se a ponto de intercambiar um mesmo nome próprio; finalmente, o reencontro com a dor e o amor torna-se possível a partir do contato com os rastros deixadas no lugar e /ou no corpo. Neste artigo, procura-se mostrar como estes elementos reaparecem em obras como India Song (1973/1975) e Césarée (1979).