bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Gallstones Causing Pelvic Pain
Authors: Drahman Aizat , Arulpragasam Kaushi , Leibenson Lilach , Sardelic Frank
Published: July 2021

Introduction. Assessing abdominal pain, particularly in women of reproductive age, requires thorough history taking, clinical examination, and investigations to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Both surgical and gynecological causes need to be considered, particularly previous relevant surgical history. Presentation of case. We report a case of pelvic pain secondary to multiple gallstones found within the pelvic cavity postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy. Thorough investigations have been conducted without any obvious cause found. The pain was debilitating and largely affecting the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, decision to perform diagnostic laparoscopy and gallstones was found all over pelvic cavity and retrieved. Her pain resolved post operatively. Conclusions. Gallbladder perforation and stone spillage are the most common complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy that arise during the removal and dissection of gallbladder and can cause significant morbidity if not managed early, especially retrieval of the stones intraoperatively. Therefore, patient with history of previous cholecystectomy with stone spillage presenting with undifferentiated abdominal pain and early diagnostic laparoscopy should be considered.
Xinkeshu Improves Endothelial Function and Augments Reendothelialization Capacity in Coronary Artery Disease with Anxiety/Depression
Authors: Sun Jiapan , Zhou Meiling , Lv Guanghui , Li Wenling , Liu Yuanya , Liang Jiawen , Zhang Jianning , Zhang Shijun , Deng Yuanfei , Tao Jun
Published: July 2021

The disruption of endothelial homeostasis is the hallmark of coronary artery disease (CAD) and psychological disorders such as anxiety/depression. Xinkeshu (XKS), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, plays an essential role in CAD and psychological condition; however, the mechanisms underlying the effects of XKS on the endothelial function and endogenous endothelium‐repair capacity in CAD patients with anxiety/depression remain elusive. In this study, endothelial function and endothelial progenitor cell‐ (EPC‐) mediated reendothelialization capacity were compared among age‐matched healthy subjects, CAD patients with or without anxiety/depression. Besides, CAD patients with anxiety/depression received 1‐month XKS treatment. Anxiety/depression symptoms were evaluated by Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item (GAD‐7)/Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) score, endothelial function was tested by flow mediated dilation (FMD) measurement, and EPC‐mediated reendothelialization capacity was evaluated by a carotid artery injury model in nude mouse (n = 6) with the injection of XKS‐incubated EPCs from CAD patients with anxiety/depression. The results showed that FMD and EPC‐mediated reendothelialization capacity of CAD patients with anxiety/depression were compromised compared to healthy subjects and CAD patients without anxiety/depression. After 1 month of XKS treatment, FMD increased from 4.29 ± 1.65 to 4.87 ± 1.58% (P < 0.05) in CAD patients with anxiety/depression, whereas it remained unchanged in the controls. Moreover, XKS decreased GAD‐7 and PHQ‐9 scores. Meanwhile, incubating XKS enhanced in vivo reendothelialization capacity and in vitro apoptosis of EPCs from CAD patients with anxiety/depression, which was associated with the upregulation of CXC‐chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) and inhibition of phosphorylation of p38 signaling. CXCR7 knockdown abolished the beneficial effects of XKS, which was rescued by p38 inhibitor SB203580. Our data demonstrate for the first time that XKS improves endothelial function and enhances EPC‐mediated reendothelialization through CXCR7/p38/cleaved casepase‐3 signaling and provides novel insight into the detailed mechanism of XKS in maintaining endothelial homeostasis in CAD patients with anxiety/depression.
Accurate Clamping Method of Multipoint Flexible Fixture for Large Complex Surface
Authors: Qi Ruolong , Mao Xinyuan , Zhang Ke , Xia Renbo
Published: July 2021

In the field of aviation and astronautics, large complex surface parts such as aircraft cabin cover are complex, varying in model, and produced in small batch. In order to reduce fixture cost and improve production efficiency, a variable multipoint and multi-DOF supporting fixture is designed. The coordinate system of the complex structure fixture is defined, and the kinematics of the multibody structures driven by air cylinders are modeled according to the topological principle. With the help of this data structure, fast and optimal search for clamping state can be realized. With the dichotomy method, the driving amount of the electric cylinder of the suction cups and the two rotation angles of two rotation axes at the end of the linkages are solved accurately. Based on the digital twin simulation method, the precise clamping motion of flexible fixture is calculated for an aircraft cockpit cover with a software developed by the authors in C++ language on the Visual studio platform. The distance between the clamping point and the surface was verified with a laser tracker. Finally, the practical experiment of a real cockpit cover clamping proves the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Analysis of a Cracked Material under Combined Unsymmetric Thermal Flux and Symmetric Linear Mechanical Loading
Authors: Wu B. , Huang Q. A. , Peng D. , Yang X. Y. , Feng Z.
Published: July 2021

An improved partially permeable crack model is put forward to deal with the problem of a single crack embedded in an orthotropic or isotropic material under combined unsymmetric thermal flux and symmetric linear mechanical loading. With the application of the Fourier transform technique (FTT), the thermoelastic field is given in a closed form. Numerical results show combined unsymmetric linear thermal flux, symmetric linear mechanical loading, and dimensionless thermal conductivity, and the coefficient has influences on fracture parameters. For the improved partially permeable crack, the mode II stress intensity factor and the energy release rate might be zero or positive under combined unsymmetric thermal flux and symmetric linear mechanical loading. Therefore, closure of the crack tip region need not be considered under combined unsymmetric thermal flux and symmetric linear mechanical loading when making use of fracture parameters as a criterion.
An Efficient Technique for Virtual Machine Clustering and Communications Using Task-Based Scheduling in Cloud Computing
Authors: Saravanakumar C. , Geetha M. , Manoj Kumar S. , Manikandan S. , Arun C. , Srivatsan K.
Published: July 2021

Cloud computing models use virtual machine (VM) clusters for protecting resources from failure with backup capability. Cloud user tasks are scheduled by selecting suitable resources for executing the task in the VM cluster. Existing VM clustering processes suffer from issues like preconfiguration, downtime, complex backup process, and disaster management. VM infrastructure provides the high availability resources with dynamic and on-demand configuration. The proposed methodology supports VM clustering process to place and allocate VM based on the requesting task size with bandwidth level to enhance the efficiency and availability. The proposed clustering process is classified as preclustering and postclustering based on the migration. Task and bandwidth classification process classifies tasks with adequate bandwidth for execution in a VM cluster. The mapping of bandwidth to VM is done based on the availability of the VM in the cluster. The VM clustering process uses different performance parameters like lifetime of VM, utilization of VM, bucket size, and task execution time. The main objective of the proposed VM clustering is that it maps the task with suitable VM with bandwidth for achieving high availability and reliability. It reduces task execution and allocated time when compared to existing algorithms.
The Ameliorative Effects of Arctiin and Arctigenin on the Oxidative Injury of Lung Induced by Silica via TLR‐4/NLRP3/TGF‐β Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Xueying , Wang Jian , Dou Peiyuan , Zhang Xu , Ran Xiaoku , Liu Linlin , Dou Deqiang
Published: July 2021

Silicosis remains one of the most serious diseases worldwide, with no effective drug for its treatment. Our research results have indicated that arctiin and arctigenin could increase the mitochondrial membrane potential, which in turn reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), blocks the polarization of macrophages, and inhibits the differentiation of myofibroblasts to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Further, our study revealed that arctiin and arctigenin suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome through the TLR‐4/Myd88/NF‐κB pathway and the silica‐induced secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, TGF‐β, and α‐SMA. Besides, the silica‐induced increase in the levels of serum ceruloplasmin and HYP was also inhibited. Results of metabolomics indicated that arctiin and arctigenin could regulate the abnormal metabolic pathways associated with the development of silicosis, which involve pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, cysteine and methionine metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism successively. Furthermore, the analysis of metabolomics, together with network topological analysis in different phases of silicosis, revealed that urine myristic acid, serum 4‐hydroxyproline, and L‐arginine could be regarded as diagnosis biomarkers in the early phase and formation of pulmonary fibrosis in the latter phases of silicosis. Arctiin and arctigenin could downregulate the increased levels of myristic acid in the early phase and serum 4‐hydroxyproline in the latter phase of silicosis. Interestingly, the integration of TLR‐4/NLRP3/TGF‐β signaling and metabolomics verified the importance of macrophage polarization in the silicosis fibrosis process. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting that arctiin and arctigenin both can ameliorate silicosis effectively, and the former is a little stronger than its aglycone arctigenin because of its high oral bioavailability, low toxicity, and multimolecular active metabolites as determined by AdmetSAR and molecular docking analysis.
Performance Deterioration of Pitot Tubes Caused by In-Flight Ice Accretion: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhao Rui , Wen Chih-Yung
Published: July 2021

In-flight ice accretion on typical pitot-static systems is numerically investigated to reveal their performance deterioration under both rime and glaze icing. Coupled with the open source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) platform, OpenFOAM, the numerical strategy integrates the airflow determination by the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, droplet collection evaluation by Eulerian representation, and ice accumulation by mass and energy conservation. Under varying inflow conditions and wall temperatures, the calculated ice accretion performance indicates that the ambient temperature has the most significant effect on the icing-induced failure time, leading to an almost exponential growth. Meanwhile, the blocking time is found to be linearly proportional to the increase in wall temperature. With the increase in inflow velocity, the failure time follows a parabolic variation with glaze ice accretion while shows a monotonic reduction under rime icing conditions. In addition, when the angle of attack increases, failure accelerates under both the glaze and rime icing scenarios. These findings provide guidance for the protection design of pitot tubes. A nonlinear regression analysis is further conducted to estimate the failure performance. The predicated failure times show reliable consistency with numerical results, demonstrating the capability of the obtained empirical functions for convenient predictions of failure times within the applicable range.
Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Biological Activity of Lawsonia inermis Seeds Related to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Balaei-Kahnamoei Majid , Saeedi Mina , Rastegari Arezoo , Shams Ardekani Mohammad Reza , Akbarzadeh Tahmineh , Khanavi Mahnaz
Published: July 2021

Using Lawsonia inermis L. (henna) seeds has been frequently recommended for the improvement of memory in Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM). In this respect, different fractions of the plant were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro biological assays related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity as well as metal chelating ability and DPPH antioxidant activity. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were able to inhibit the BChE selectively with IC50 values of 113.47 and 124.90 μg/mL, respectively, compared with donepezil as the reference drug (IC50 = 1.52 μg/mL). However, all fractions were inactive toward AChE. Phytochemical analysis of the dichloromethane fraction indicated the presence of β-sitosterol (1), 3-O-β-acetyloleanolic acid (2), 3-O-(Z)-coumaroyl oleanolic acid (3), betulinic acid (4), and oleanolic acid (5). The inhibitory activity of isolated compounds was also evaluated toward AChE and BChE. Among them, compounds 2 and 5 showed potent inhibitory activity toward BChE with IC50 values of 77.13 and 72.20 μM, respectively. However, all compounds were inactive toward AChE. Moreover, molecular docking study confirmed desired interactions between those compounds and the BChE active site. The ability of fractions and compounds to chelate biometals (Cu2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+) was also investigated. Finally, DPPH antioxidant assay revealed that the ethyl acetate (IC50 = 3.08 μg/mL) and methanol (IC50 = 3.64 μg/mL) fractions possessed excellent antioxidant activity in comparison to BHA as the positive control (IC50 = 3.79 μg/mL).
Numerical Simulation Study on the Influence of Mine Earthquake on the Bolt Stress
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Zhang Heng , Wei Chengmin
Published: July 2021

Mine earthquake, as an underground disaster that occurs frequently, has a great impact on coal mine roadway and support. The stability analysis of the bolt support in roadway under different mine earthquake magnitudes is a key issue to be solved urgently in mining fields. This paper attempted to simulate the occurrence state of mine earthquake with explosive blasting process and verified it with actual coal mine microseismic monitoring data. ANSYS/LSDYNA software was used to analyze the impact of magnitude and location of mine earthquake hypocenter on the stability of bolt support and the dynamic stress characteristics of bolt. The results showed that with the increase in source energy of mine earthquake, the damage location of bolt mainly appears in the front of bolt and the loading position has no obvious change, but there is stress wave superposition effect, which deepens the damage of bolt. The bolts in the middle of the lane and the middle of the roof are greatly affected, so the support strength should be strengthened in these places. In addition, this paper compared the safety factor of bolt and the supporting effect of different schemes from three aspects such as roof subsidence, axial stress of bolt, and safety factor of bolt and then put forward a more economical and effective supporting scheme.
Water-Soluble Total Flavonoids Isolated from Isodon lophanthoides var. gerardianus (Benth.) H. Hara Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Feng Chuan-Ping , Ding Hai-Xia , Liu Ying-Xin , Di Qing-Feng , Liu Yan , Liang Jian , Liu Guang-Xi
Published: July 2021

Isodon lophanthoides var. gerardianus (Benth.) H. Hara, a native medicinal plant produced chiefly across Southern China, is one of the mainstream varieties of Xihuangcao, which has long been applied in preventing and treating some common liver or gall diseases. Water-soluble total flavonoids (WSTF) extracted from folk herbal medicine have many pharmacological effects. The objective of the paper is to investigate the synergy of WSTF with 5-ﬂuorouracil (5-FU) on HCC and the related mechanisms. Cells were exposed to WSTF alone or combination treatment with 5-FU. Then, in this study, we conducted cell viability test, cell cycle and clone forming test, apoptosis assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and a xenograft tumor growth model for investigating the role of WSTF in HCC in vivo and in vitro. It was discovered that WSTF caused cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase while increasing the ROS contents. The generation of ROS levels could cause cell apoptosis and inhibit colony formation. WSTF decreased the Bcl-2 level but promoted the Bax level. These showed the mitochondrial dependence of WSTF-mediated apoptosis. WSTF combined with 5-FU have a synergistic effect to significantly inhibit carcinogenicity in vivo and in vitro. The reduced ROS changed the synergy of WSTF with 5-FU. At last, WSTF inhibit the growth of HCC and promote the HCC sensitivity to 5-FU through ROS accumulation. WSTF-increased ROS levels may partially or completely contribute to enhanced toxicity. WSTF combined with 5-FU in HCC can play a synergistic effect when applied in the clinical setting.
On Solitary Wave Solutions for the Camassa-Holm and the Rosenau-RLW-Kawahara Equations with the Dual-Power Law Nonlinearities
Authors: Sukantamala Nattakorn , Nanta Supawan
Published: July 2021

The nonlinear wave equation is a significant concern to describe wave behavior and structures. Various mathematical models related to the wave phenomenon have been introduced and extensively being studied due to the complexity of wave behaviors. In the present work, a mathematical model to obtain the solution of the nonlinear wave by coupling the classical Camassa-Holm equation and the Rosenau-RLW-Kawahara equation with the dual term of nonlinearities is proposed. The solution properties are analytically derived. The new model still satisfies the fundamental energy conservative property as the original models. We then apply the energy method to prove the well-posedness of the model under the solitary wave hypothesis. Some categories of exact solitary wave solutions of the model are described by using the Ansatz method. In addition, we found that the dual term of nonlinearity is essential to obtain the class of analytic solution. Besides, we provide some graphical representations to illustrate the behavior of the traveling wave solutions.
Integration and Segregation of Dynamic Functional Connectivity States for Mild Cognitive Impairment Revealed by Graph Theory Indicators
Authors: Jiao Zhuqing , Gao Peng , Ji Yixin , Shi Haifeng
Published: July 2021

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. Researchers tend to discuss its early state (early MCI, eMCI) due to its high conversion rate of dementia and poor treatment effect in the middle and late stages. Currently, the research on the disease evolution of the brain functional networks of patients with MCI has gradually become a research hotspot. In this study, we compare the differences in dynamic functional connectivity among eMCI, late MCI (lMCI), and normal control (NC) groups, and their graph theory indicators reveal the integration and segregation of functional connectivity states. Firstly, dynamic functional network windows were constructed based on the sliding time window method, and then these window samples were clustered by k-means to extract the functional connectivity states. The differences in the three groups were compared by analyzing the graph theory indicators, such as the participation coefficient, module degree distribution, clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and local efficiency, which distinguish the functional connectivity states. The results reveal that the NC group has the strongest integration and segregation, followed by the eMCI group, and the lMCI group has the weakest integration and segregation. We conclude that with the aggravation of MCI, the integration and segregation of dynamic functional connectivity states tend to decline. The results also reflect that the lMCI group has significantly more brain functional connections in some states, such as IPL.L-MTG.R and DCG.R-SMG.L, than the eMCI group, while the lMCI group has significantly less OLF.L-SPG.L than the NC group.
Breeding Performances of the European Blackbird (Turdus merula) in Morocco: Habitat Selection, Breeding Phenology, and Breeding Success
Authors: El Hassani Abderahim , Mansouri Ismail , Squalli Wafae , El Agy Abdelbari , Assouguem Amine , Bouayad Kenza , Markou Abdellah , Mounir Mohamed , Achiban Hamid , Dakki Mohamed , El Ghadraoui Lahsen
Published: July 2021

The European Blackbird (Turdus merula) is a widespread species. In Morocco, available knowledge on this species is limited to a few descriptive pieces of information with no detailed data provided. With climate change and the intensification of agricultural activities, the study of the breeding performances of this species is indispensable for management purposes. This study investigates breeding biology, nesting habitats, breeding chronology, and reproductive success of the European Blackbird in both apple orchards and surrounding woody vegetation at Ait Ayach (Morocco) between March and August 2016. We monitored weekly nest status, nesting sites, breeding dates, and failure factors. Results showed that the European Blackbird nests mainly in apple orchards, on Golden Delicious and Starkrimson Delicious trees. Nest height above the ground was 214.15 ± 0.09 cm. Blackbird nests were cup-shaped with medium size dimensions and built from twigs, including dry leaves, stems, and roots walled by the mud. Breeding activities started firstly by nest construction during the last week of April, secondly by egg laying during the first week of May, and thirdly by hatching during the second week of May. Among the 74 surveyed nests, 100% were active during the nesting phase and 88.38% of eggs have succeeded during the incubation phase. In total, 69.03% of chicks have been emancipated. In short, 15.9% of clutches were attacked by predators, 14.35% of clutches were failed due to nest desertion, and 8.75% of chicks were dead. Our study provides the first and only detailed data on reproductive parameters of the European Blackbird in Moroccan ecosystems. Data collected from this study provide valuable information for long-term monitoring of the Moroccan Blackbird population. Additionally, our data offer a possibility of large-scale comparative studies of the reproductive ecology of the Blackbird species.
An Update Report on the Biosafety and Potential Toxicity of Fullerene‐Based Nanomaterials toward Aquatic Animals
Authors: Malhotra Nemi , Audira Gilbert , Castillo Agnes L. , Siregar Petrus , Ruallo Johnsy Margotte S. , Roldan Marri Jmelou , Chen Jung-Ren , Lee Jiann-Shing , Ger Tzong-Rong , Hsiao Chung-Der
Published: July 2021

Fullerene molecules are composed of carbon in the form of a hollow sphere, tube, or ellipsoid. Since their discovery in 1985, they have gained a lot of attention in many science fields. The unique carbon cage structure of fullerene provides immense scope for derivatization, rendering potential for various industrial applications. Thus, the prospective applications of fullerenes have led to assorted fullerene derivatives. In addition, their unique chemical structure also eases them to be synthesized through various kinds of conjugating techniques, where fullerene can be located either on the backbone or the branch chain. In this review, we have compiled the toxicity and biosafety aspects of fullerene in aquatic organisms since the frequent use of fullerene is likely to come in contact and interact with the aquatic environment and aquatic organisms. According to the current understanding, waterborne exposure to fullerene‐based nanomaterials indeed triggers toxicities at cellular, organic, molecular, and neurobehavioral levels.
Posttreatment Downregulation of Type III Interferons in Patients with Acute Brucellosis
Authors: Shokri Mehran , Khonakdar Oreinab Ghaffari , Mohammadnia-Afrouzi Mousa , Sadeghi-Haddad-Zavareh Mahmoud , Hasanpour Amirhossein , Barary Mohammad , Ebrahimpour Soheil
Published: July 2021

There is a limited number of clinical studies on interferon (IFN) levels in human brucellosis. The novel group of interferons, type III interferons, which consists of four IFN-λ (lambda) molecules called IFN-λ1 or interleukin-29 (IL-29), IFN-λ2 or IL-28A, IFN-λ3 or IL-28B, and IFN-λ4, is not fully known. This study is one of the first studies of IL-28A and IL-29 levels in brucellosis cases at the end of their treatment course. A total of 33 acute brucellosis patients were included in this study. We considered changes in the levels of IL-28A and IL-29 in cases with acute brucellosis before and after treatment with standard therapy that referred to the Ayatollah Rohani Hospital in Babol, northern Iran. Of 33 included patients, 22 (66.6%) were males, and 11 (33.4%) were females. The range of patients’ age was

49.21
±
17.70

years. Serum IL-29 and IL-28A (acute form:

56.4
±
30.32

 pg/mL and

48.73
±
27.72

 pg/mL, respectively, and posttreatment:

40.15
±
20.30

 pg/mL and

38.79
±
22.66

 pg/mL, respectively) levels were elevated significantly in acute brucellosis than after treatment (

p
<
0.05

). These findings indicate that considering biomarker levels in brucellosis patients may indicate the chronicity of infection. In conclusion, we suggest that IL-29 and IL-28A levels may be valuable biomarkers for follow-up patients with brucellosis.
Development and Application of Big Data in the Field of Satellite Navigation
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Li Jing
Published: July 2021

Based on the characteristics of big data, the meaning of fog computing, and the spatiotemporal data characteristics of satellite navigation systems, the concept, connotation, and characteristics of Beidou big data were put forward. The Beidou big data processing process was sorted out, the preliminary architecture of the Beidou big data system with fog computing function was built, and finally the fog computing based Beidou big data system was proposed. Big data research content provides technical support for further tapping the value of Beidou satellite navigation system data and realizing the incremental development of satellite navigation systems.
Complex Dynamics of Mixed Triopoly Game with Quantity and Price Competition
Authors: Wang Jing , Bao Zhenhua , Huang Junqing , Song Yujing
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the dynamics of a mixed triopoly game in which a state-owned public firm competes against two private firms. In this game, the public firm and private firms are considered to be boundedly rational and naive, respectively. Based on both quantity and price competition, the game’s equilibrium points are calculated, and then the local stability of boundary points and the Nash equilibrium points is analyzed. Numerical simulations are presented to display the dynamic behaviors including bifurcation diagrams, maximal Lyapunov exponent, and sensitive dependence on initial conditions. The chaotic behavior of the two models has been stabilized on the Nash equilibrium point by using the delay feedback control method. The thresholds under price and quantity competition are also compared.
Simulation of Interference Effects of UWB Pulse Signal to the GPS Receiver
Authors: Huang Xin , Chen Yazhou , Wang Yuming
Published: July 2021

Ultra-wideband (UWB) pulse signal has an extremely narrow pulse width and wide frequency bandwidth, which overlaps with the operating frequency band of Global Position System (GPS) receivers, posing a potential threat to their performance. In response to this problem, through mathematical analysis and software simulation, the effects of UWB pulse signal under time-hopping-pulse position modulation (TH-PPM) on the performance of GPS receivers were studied. First, the expression and waveform of the UWB pulse signal were analyzed in the time-frequency domain, and it is concluded that the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) mainly affects the discrete spectrum of the UWB signal and the TH code period mainly affects the continuous spectrum. On this basis, the simulation on the power spectral density (PSD) of GPS signal and UWB signal under different pulse parameters was represented, from which a conclusion can be drawn that the PRF is the main factor impacting the PSD of the GPS signal. Furthermore, this paper analyzed the degradation of GPS receiver equivalent carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N0) and C/A code demodulation bit error rate (BER) under UWB interference, which are the crucial evaluating indicators of GPS signal quality. Eventually, we theoretically calculated the minimum interference level of the UWB interference signal to the GPS receiver, providing a theoretical reference for reducing the interference effects of UWB pulse signal on the performance of GPS receivers.
Galantamine as a Treatment Option for Nicotine Addiction
Authors: Jamali Qutub , Bittoun Renee
Published: July 2021

The pharmacological therapy for smoking cessation recommended by National Institute for Health and care Excellence (NICE) guidelines is nicotine replacement therapy such as gum, inhalator, lozenge, nasal spray, oral spray, sublingual tablet, and transdermal patch. Medications such as bupropion and varenicline are also used. Varenicline is the only established drug used to alleviate symptoms of craving as it acts as a partial nicotine agonist. Galantamine has a similar mechanism of action where it is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and nicotinic receptor agonist. However, varenicline is the only recommended drug. There are not many studies to illustrate the effectiveness of galantamine for smoking cessation. This article explores the possibility of potential use of galantamine in alleviating the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
A Phase I, Open-Label, Dose-Finding Study of GSK2636771, a PI3Kβ Inhibitor, Administered with Enzalutamide in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sarker Debashis , Dawson Nancy A. , Aparicio Ana M. , Dorff Tanya B. , Pantuck Allan J. , Vaishampayan Ulka N. , Henson Lynn , Vasist Lakshmi , Roy-Ghanta Sumita , Gorczyca Michele , York Whitney , Ganji Gopinath , Tolson Jerry , de Bono Johann S.
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

In patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), resistance to androgen receptor (AR)-targeted therapies, such as enzalutamide, remains an issue. Inactivation of inhibitory PTEN activates PI3K/AKT signaling and contributes to resistance to androgen deprivation therapy and poor outcomes. Therefore, dual targeting of AR and PI3K/AKT pathways may limit tumor growth and reverse resistance.

Patients and Methods:

In this phase I study (NCT02215096), patients with PTEN-deficient mCRPC who progressed on prior enzalutamide received once-daily enzalutamide 160 mg plus PI3Kβ inhibitor GSK2636771 at 300 mg initial dose, with escalation or de-escalation in 100-mg increments, followed by dose expansion. Primary objectives were to evaluate safety/tolerability, determine the recommended phase II dose, and assess the 12-week non-progressive disease (PD) rate.

Results:

Overall, 37 patients were enrolled; 36 received ≥1 dose of GSK2636771 (200 mg: n = 22; 300 mg: n = 12; 400 mg: n = 2) plus 160 mg enzalutamide. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 5 patients (200 mg: n = 1; 300 mg: n = 2, 400 mg: n = 2). No new or unexpected adverse events or evidence of drug–drug interaction were observed. At the recommended dose of GSK2636771 (200 mg) plus enzalutamide, the 12-week non-PD rate was 50% (95% confidence interval: 28.2–71.8, n = 22); 1 (3%) patient achieved a radiographic partial response lasting 36 weeks. Four of 34 (12%) patients had prostate-specific antigen reduction of ≥50%.

Conclusions:

Although there was acceptable safety and tolerability with GSK2636771 plus enzalutamide in patients with PTEN-deficient mCRPC after failing enzalutamide, limited antitumor activity was observed.
Significance of the p.Phe218Ser and p.Gly304Glu F5 Variants in Hereditary Factor V Deficiency
Authors: Dong Rujiao , Chen Guoliang , Jin Yanhui , Wang Mingshan , Cheng Xiaoli , Chen Yi
Published: July 2021

Hereditary factor V (FV) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder caused by F5 gene mutations. The objective of this study was to investigate the p.Phe218Ser and p.Gly304Glu variants found in 2 families with hereditary FV deficiency. The FV activity (FV:C) and FV antigen (FV:Ag) were measured by clotting and ELISA, respectively. The F5 gene and sequence conservation were analyzed by direct sequencing and ClustalX-2.1-win, respectively. One proband carried a homozygous p.Phe218Ser (c.653T>C) mutation, with FV:C and FV:Ag decreased to 11 and 14%, respectively. The other proband carried a heterozygous p.Gly304Glu (c.911G>A) mutation, with FV:C and FV:Ag reduced to 55 and 62%, respectively. Phe218 and Gly304 were highly conserved in the homologous gene in 9 other species. We hypothesized that the p.Phe218Ser and p.Gly304Glu variants are deleterious and responsible for the reduction in FV:C and FV:Ag.
Noise Exposure and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Suprathreshold Amplitudes: A Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Lavinsky Joel , Kasperbauer Guilherme , Bento Ricardo F. , Mendonça Aline , Wang Juemei , Crow Amanda L. , Allayee Hooman , Friedman Rick A.
Published: July 2021

Background: Although several candidate-gene association studies have been conducted to investigate noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in humans, most are underpowered, unreplicated, and account for only a fraction of the genetic risk. Mouse genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revolutionized the field of genetics and have led to the discovery of hundreds of genes involved in complex traits. The hybrid mouse diversity panel (HMDP) is a collection of classic inbred and recombinant inbred strains whose genomes have been either genotyped at high resolution or sequenced. To further investigate the genetics of NIHL, we report the first GWAS based on distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements and the HMDP. Methods: A total of 102 strains (n = 635) from the HMDP were evaluated based on DPOAE suprathreshold amplitudes before and after noise exposure. DPOAE amplitude variation was set at 60 and 70 dB SPL of the primary tones for each frequency separately (8, 11.3, 16, 22.6, and 32 kHz). These values provided an indirect assessment of outer hair cell integrity. Six-week-old mice were exposed for 2 h to 10 kHz octave-band noise at 108 dB SPL. To perform local expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis, gene expression microarray profiles were generated using cochlear RNA from 64 hybrid mouse strains (n = 3 arrays per strain). Results: Several new loci were identified and positional candidate-genes associated with NIHL were prioritized, especially after noise exposure (1 locus at baseline and 5 loci after exposure). A total of 35 candidate genes in these 6 loci were identified with at least 1 probe whose expression was regulated by a significant cis-eQTL in the cochlea. After careful analysis of the candidate genes based on cochlear gene expression, 2 candidate genes were prioritized: Eya1 (baseline) and Efr3a (post-exposure). Discussion and Conclusion: For the first time, an association analysis with correction for population structure was used to map several loci for hearing traits in inbred strains of mice based on DPOAE suprathreshold amplitudes before and after noise exposure. Our results identified a number of novel loci and candidate genes for susceptibility to NIHL, especially the Eya1 and Efr3a genes. Our findings validate the power of the HMDP for detecting NIHL susceptibility genes.
Symmetrical Facial Giant Plaque-Type Juvenile Xanthogranuloma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Itin Kaspar , Häusermann Peter , Itin Peter , Fosse Nicole
Published: July 2021

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is the most common type of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. JXG is a rare benign tumor, which may be present at birth or develop later. The classical form of JXG is characterized by a red-yellowish benign papule or nodule with predilection sites on the head, neck, and trunk, although lesions can appear on extremities or extracutaneous sites. In most cases there is only one lesion, whereas numerous papules or nodules may occur. Special forms of JXG such as mixed, giant, subcutaneous, eruptive, clustered, and plaque-like have been reported and associations between JXG and systemic diseases have been made. Diagnosis mainly relies on the clinical appearance, and histology usually can confirm the disease. Here we present a very rare case of symmetrical giant facial plaque-type juvenile xanthogranuloma (SGFP-JXG) and compare it with classical JXG, variations of JXG, and discuss the differential diagnosis. A 4-year-old Caucasian female presented with plaque-like lesions composed of yellowish confluent papules on both the cheeks. The histological evaluation revealed a histiocytic lesion with a formation of Touton giant cells and immunohistochemistry results confirmed the diagnosis of the SGFP-JXG. In comparison to classical JXG, the onset of SGFP-JXG sometimes occurs later and the spontaneous resolution period may be prolonged. No associated diseases and no systemic involvements were observed. Histopathology is required to differentiate this form of JXG from other histiocytosis. To the best of our knowledge, only four cases of SGFP-JXG have been reported in the literature so far.
Trichodynia Revisited
Authors: Trüeb Ralph M. , Starace Michela V.R. , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Rezende Hudson Dutra , Reis Gavazzoni Dias Maria Fernanda
Published: July 2021

Trichodynia refers to the painful sensation of the scalp related to the complaint of hair loss. Originally suggested to be distinguishing for telogen effluvium and related to hair loss activity and follicular inflammation, further studies have found trichodynia to be common in androgenetic alopecia as well and coexisting with psychopathologic findings. The respective studies failed to demonstrate correlations between trichodynia and quantifiable hair loss activity, nor histopathologic evidence for follicular inflammation. A symptomatic scalp is a frequent condition in specific dermatological conditions of the scalp. By definition of exclusion, we are not dealing with trichodynia in these cases. It is conceivable that neuropeptides are key players between the central nervous system and the skin immune and microvascular system. Such mechanisms would explain the noxious effects of both external stimuli and emotional distress in eliciting cutaneous nociception. Since we have begun to understand the diverse etiologies of trichodynia, and a single term does not measure up to this circumstance, it may be wiser to describe the condition depending on the type of scalp sensation and its specific disease association. Further studies are warranted into the neural/endothelial/follicular interactions both in hair growth and shedding and the psychosomatic diseases of the hair and scalp.
Renal Resistive Index as a Predictor of Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Cruz Edgar Garcia , Broca Garcia Blanca Estela , Sandoval Daniel Manzur , Gopar-Nieto Rodrigo , Gonzalez Ruiz Francisco Javier , Gallardo Linda Diaz , Ronco Claudio , Madero Magdalena , Vasquez Jimenez Enzo
Published: July 2021

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with COVID-19 can be caused by multiple mechanisms. Renal resistive index (RRI) is a noninvasive instrument to evaluate kidney hemodynamics, and it is obtained by analysis of intrarenal arterial waves using Doppler ultrasound. This study aimed to determine the role of RRI in predicting AKI and adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 65 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to the critical care unit from April 1, 2020, to June 20, 2020. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Cardiac, pulmonary, and kidney ultrasonographic evaluations were performed in a protocolized way. Results: In this cohort, 65 patients were included, mean age was 53.4 years, 79% were male, and 35% were diabetic. Thirty-four percent of patients developed AKI, 12% required RRT, and 35% died. Of the patients who developed AKI, 68% had RRI ≥ 0.7. Also, 75% of the patients who required RRT had RRI ≥ 0.7. In the adjusted Cox model, the RRI ≥ 0.7 was associated with higher mortality (HR 2.86, 95% CI: 1.19–6.82, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Critical care ultrasonography is a noninvasive, reproducible, and accurate bedside method that has proven its usefulness. An elevated RRI may have a role in predicting AKI, RRT initiation, and mortality in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
Therapy-Resistant Atypical Downbeat Nystagmus with Vertigo Confined to Specific Head-Hanging Positions: Mapping to the Gravity Vector on a Multi-Axis Turntable
Authors: Péus Dominik , Straumann Dominik , Huber Alexander , Bockisch Christopher J. , Wettstein Vincent
Published: July 2021

Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) observed in head-hanging positions, may be of central or peripheral origin. Central DBN in head-hanging positions is mostly due to a disorder of the vestibulo-cerebellum, whereas peripheral DBN is usually attributed to canalolithiasis of an anterior semicircular canal. Here, we describe an atypical case of a patient who, after head trauma, experienced severe and stereotypic vertigo attacks after being placed in various head-hanging positions. Vertigo lasted 10–15 s and was always associated with a robust DBN. The provocation of transient vertigo and DBN, which both showed no decrease upon repetition of maneuvers, depended on the yaw orientation relative to the trunk and the angle of backward pitch. On a motorized, multi-axis turntable, we identified the two-dimensional Helmholtz coordinates of head positions at which vertigo and DBN occurred (y-axis: horizontal, space-fixed; z-axis: vertical, and head-fixed; x-axis: torsional, head-fixed, and unchanged). This two-dimensional area of DBN-associated head positions did not change when whole-body rotations took different paths (e.g., by forwarding pitch) or were executed with different velocities. Moreover, the intensity of DBN was also independent of whole-body rotation paths and velocities. So far, therapeutic approaches with repeated liberation maneuvers and cranial vibrations were not successful. We speculate that vertigo and DBN in this patient are due to macular damage, possibly an unstable otolithic membrane that, in specific orientations relative to gravity, slips into a position causing paroxysmal stimulation or inhibition of macular hair cells.
Pharmacotherapy in Childhood Obesity
Authors: Kühnen Peter , Biebermann Heike , Wiegand Susanna
Published: July 2021

Background: The increasing number of obese children and adolescence is a major problem in health-care systems. Currently, the gold standard for the treatment of these patients with obesity is a multicomponent lifestyle intervention. Unfortunately, this strategy is not leading to a substantial and long-lasting weight loss in the majority of patients. This is the reason why there is an urgent need to establish new treatment strategies for children and adolescents with obesity to reduce the risk for the development of any comorbidities like cardiovascular diseases or diabetes mellitus type 2. Summary: In this review, we outline available pharmacological therapeutic options for children and compare the available study data with the outcome of conservative treatment approaches. Key Messages: We discussed, in detail, how knowledge about underlying molecular mechanisms might support the identification of effective antiobesity drugs in the future and in which way this might modulate current treatment strategies to support children and adolescence with obesity to lose body weight.
How Accurate Are the Consistency Labels Used in Hong Kong? An Objective Study of the Consistency of Thickened Liquids Using International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative and Consistometric Measurements
Authors: Wong Long Yat , Ng Manwa L. , Tong Eric T.S.
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The present study objectively examined the consistency (thickness) of labels that are used in Hong Kong for the population with dysphagia using an International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) flow test and Bostwick consistometric measurements. Methods: Liquids were prepared by thickening water to achieve 4 consistency labels (slightly thick, mildly thick, medium thick, and extra thick) according to manufacturer’s instructions, employing 2 types of thickening products that are used in Hong Kong, i.e., starch based and gum based. For each consistency label prepared using each thickening product, the IDDSI flow test and consistometric measurements were obtained and compared. Results: The results showed that the actual thickness of liquids was highly dependent on the type of thickener (starch based vs. gum based) used. Thickened liquids prepared using the starch-based thickener were generally thinner than the actual value at a lower concentration. Conclusion: Though prepared strictly following the manufacturer’s instructions, the thickened liquids fail to faithfully correlate with the standardized norms established according to the IDDSI framework and the objective consistometric measurement using a Bostwick consistometer. Therefore, caution must be exercised when administering a thickened diet following the manufacturer’s instructions for patients with dysphagia.
Viver sem guerra? Poderes locais e relações de gênero no cotidiano popular
Authors: Birman Patrícia , Pierobon Camila
Published: July 2021

Neste texto, analisamos os efeitos de gênero que a guerra movida pelo Estado contra o Tráfico de Drogas produz na vida cotidiana das famílias que habitam as periferias do Rio de Janeiro. Ao privilegiar narrativas de mulheres, consideramos que as relações de gênero são “feitas” ao mesmo tempo em que fazem o fazer da guerra. Ao acompanhar situações que envolveram maus-tratos físicos e morais, ameaças e assassinatos enfrentados por mulheres, discutimos como crime, território e violência se embebem nas relações de família e de vizinhança. A temporalidade da guerra que já dura quase quarenta anos é lida como um passado tecido na intimidade das relações e como um presente sempre atualizado na experiência das relações de gênero posicionadas pela guerra contínua.
A antropologia dos sentidos e a etnografia sensorial: dissonâncias, assonâncias e ressonâncias
Authors: Castro Marina Ramos Neves de
Published: July 2021

Nesse trabalho procuramos situar as relações entre a antropologia dos sentidos e a etnografia sensorial observando as dissonâncias, assonâncias e ressonâncias presentes em seus escopos teórico-metodológicas. Apresentamos algumas perspectivas e fontes contemporâneas desta relação, notadamente as reflexões propostas a partir da antropologia interpretativa de Geertz (1989), aquelas dos autores do “Seminário de Santa Fé” (1984), da antropologia dos sentidos proposta por Howes; Synnott; Classen, (1994) e da antropologia modal de Laplantine (2017). Nossa discussão também está ancorada na contribuição de Ingold (2000; 1008; 2011; 2012) e de Pink (2006; 2008; 2011; 2017). Desta maneira, por meio da síntese que esses autores fazem do debate a respeito da natureza reflexiva da etnografia.