bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feature Extraction and Identification of Calligraphy Style Based on Dual Channel Convolution Network
Authors: Wang Ziyan
Published: May 2022

To improve the effect of calligraphy style feature extraction and identification, this study proposes a calligraphy style feature extraction and identification technology based on two-channel convolutional neural network and constructs an intelligent calligraphy style feature extraction and identification system. Moreover, this paper improves the C3D network model and retains 2 fully connected layers. In addition, by extracting the outline skeleton and stroke features of calligraphy characters, this paper calculates the feature weight and authenticity determination function and constructs an authenticity identification system. The experimental study shows that the calligraphy style feature extraction and identification system based on the dual-channel convolutional neural network proposed in this paper has a good performance in calligraphy style feature extraction and identification.
Optimized Bandwidth Allocation for MEC Server in Blockchain-Enabled IoT Networks
Authors: Ma Shengcheng , Tsai Wei-Tek , Wang Shuai , Liang Yan , Yang Dong
Published: May 2022

Powered by the development of the fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G), the Internet of things (IoT) has been widely applied in people’s life. Due to the limitation of storage and computing power, the data transmission of IoT devices faces challenges in terms of security and privacy. Therefore, many researchers provide the conjunction of blockchain and mobile edge computing (MEC) to make up for the lack of computing and security. MEC can meet the storage and computing requirements for IoT devices. Blockchain can provide a decentralized, antitamper solution that can help devices overcome security deficiencies, whereas the speed of blockchain communication is not fast enough because of the consensus mechanism. In this article, we focus on the permissioned blockchain and propose an optimized bandwidth allocation algorithm to promote the performance of consensus communication. The algorithm contains an In-Network control ideology and supports deployment on MEC servers. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is employed to perform the computation of available bandwidth in our scheme. We implement a prototype system in the testbed and perform a simulation, and the results show the advantages compared with the current widely used algorithm. By applying our method, the Internet of things devices can transmit data safely and efficiently.
Effects of Training in ICT-Assisted English Language Teaching on Secondary School English Language Teachers’ Knowledge, Skills, and Practice of Using ICT Tools for Teaching English
Authors: Abraham Mihireteab , Arficho Zeleke , Habtemariam Tesfaye
Published: May 2022

This quasiexperimental study was conducted in order to see the impact of training in Information Communication Technology- (ICT-) assisted English language teaching on secondary school English language teachers’ knowledge, skills, and practice of using ICT tools for teaching English. To this end, a one group within-subject quasi-experimental design was applied. The study included 20 teachers from Hawassa City Administration in Sidama Regional State of Ethiopia using availability sampling. Repeated measures data were obtained using tests and questionnaires and analyzed quantitatively by using SPSS version 25. Friedman’s test was computed so as to compare the related samples’ mean scores for the tests as well as questionnaires. Related-samples Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was computed on the SPSS in order to see the magnitude of the effect of the training. The results showed training in ICT-assisted English language teaching significantly improves teachers’ knowledge and skills of ICT tools for teaching English and their practice of using ICT tools in teaching English. Recommendations were made in view of that. To be specific, there are needs for teacher training in information communication technology-supported English language teaching.
CT-MR Image Fusion for Post-Implant Dosimetry Analysis in Brain Tumor Seed Implantation- a Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhang Menglong , Chu Cunkun , Huang Liyin , Hu Bijuan
Published: May 2022

Purpose. To calculate and evaluate postimplant dosimetry (PID) with CT-MR fusion technique after brain tumor brachytherapy and compare the result with CT-based PID. Methods and Materials. 16 brain tumor patients received MR-guided intervention with Iodine-125 (125I) seed implantation entered this preliminary study for PID evaluation. Registration and fusion of CT and MR images of the same patients were performed one day after operation. Seeds identification and targets delineation were carried out on CT, MR, and CT-MR fusion images, each. The number and location of seeds on MR or CT- MR fusion images were compared with those of actually implanted seeds. Clinical target volume (CTV) and dosimetric parameters such as %D90, %V100 and external V100 were measured and calculated. In addition, the correlation of the fusion to CT CTV ratio and other factors were analyzed. Results. The numbers of fusion seeds were not significantly different compared with reference seeds (t =1.76, p >0.05). The difference between reference seeds numbers and truly extracted MR seeds numbers was statistically significant (t =3.91, p <0.05). All dosimetric parameters showed significant differences between the two techniques (p <0.05). The mean CTV delineated on fusion images was 34.3 ± 33.6, smaller than that on CT images. The mean values of external V100, %V100 and %D90 on fusion images were larger than those on CT images. Correlation analysis showed that the fusion-CT V100 ratio was positively and significantly correlated with the fusion-CT volume ratio. Conclusions. This preliminary study indicated that CT-MR fusion-based PID exhibited good accuracy for 125I brain tumor brachytherapy dosimetry when compared to CT-based PID and merits further research to establish best-outcome protocols.
Study on Baohe Pills Regulating Intestinal Microecology and Treating Diarrhea of High‐Fat and High‐Protein Diet Mice
Authors: Guo KangXiao , Yan YongWang , Zeng ChaoFeng , Shen Ling , He YunShan , Tan ZhouJin
Published: May 2022

Objective. To investigate the effects of Baohe pills on intestinal microorganisms and enzyme activities in mice with a high‐fat and high‐protein diet. Methods. 45 KM male mice were randomly divided into the control group, the high‐fat and high‐protein diet group, and the Baohe pill intervention group. The mice in the high‐fat and high‐protein diet group and the Baohe pill intervention group were fed with the self‐made high‐fat and high‐protein diet as the sole food source of the mice, and the mice in the control group were fed with the normal diet. Starting from the 7th day of the feed intervention, mice in the Baohe pill intervention group were given 0.28 g/mL of Baohe pill decoction twice a day at the dose of 6.67 g/(kg·day), each time of 0.35 mL for 6 days. Mice in the control group and the high‐fat and high‐protein diet group were given the same amount of distilled water by gavage. The general state of mice in each group was observed, and the changes of intestinal microorganisms and intestinal enzyme activities were analyzed by culturable microorganism technology and intestinal functional enzyme detection technology. Results. The excrement of mice fed with a high‐fat and high‐protein diet was relatively thin and wet, and the Baohe pill intervention could not improve the symptoms well. In the high‐fat and high‐protein diet group, the number of bacteria, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium, was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Baohe pills could obviously increase the high‐fat, high‐protein diet for the number of culturable microorganisms in mice, the total number of bacteria, and the number of Bifidobacteria in the most significant (P < 0.01), but the number of bacteria, Escherichia coli, and the Lactobacillus are still significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.01). In terms of enzyme activity, both contents and mucosa, the Baohe pill could improve the activities of amylase, protease, sucrase, and lactase in high‐fat and high‐protein diet mice, which were significantly different from the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of microbial activity, the intestinal contents of high‐fat and high‐protein mice were lower than those of the control group, while the intestinal mucosa was higher than that of the control group, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Baohe pills could improve the intestinal contents and intestinal mucosal microbial activity of mice, and the difference was significant in the high‐fat and high‐protein diet group (P < 0.05). Discussion. A high‐fat and high‐protein diet can destroy the physiological balance of the body, which is mainly reflected in the disturbance of intestinal flora and the decrease of some enzyme activities and microbial activity. Baohe pills can restore the number of intestinal flora to a certain extent and improve the activities of various digestive enzymes including protease and amylase.
Gel-Based Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in a Patient with Noncontained Osteochondral Knee Defect at 9-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Deliwala Ujjval , Sethia Sumit Jain
Published: May 2022

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a disorder of the subchondral bone affecting the adjacent articular cartilage that may lead to cartilage and bone fragment detachment. It commonly occurs in the knee joint, elbow, wrist, and ankle. Although several surgical concepts have been described to treat OCD (fragment fixation, microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), and mosaicplasty), no gold standard treatment has been accepted for managing OCD. Multiple factors like age, stability of defect, and defect size should be considered while selecting a specific treatment for OCD. Here, we discuss the case of an 18-year-old patient with horizontal and noncontained OCD. The MRI and CT scan evaluations of condylar notch view showed a defect (

23
 
mm
×
19
 
mm
×
8
 
mm

) with ICRS grade IV lateral femoral condyle OCD that was successfully managed by gel-based ACI. After 9 years of ACI, the patient was asymptomatic with full range of motions at the knees. Improvement in visual analog scale score, International Knee Documentation Committee score, and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue score was also seen at 9 years post-ACI. No further surgical interventions were needed post-ACI.
Study of Clustering Algorithms in Object Tracking and Image Segmentation
Authors: Xing Yongfeng , Zhong Luo , Zhong Xian
Published: May 2022

Mean Shift is a kind of clustering algorithm, which is mostly used for target tracking, image segmentation, etc. In order to solve the problem that image information is not effectively utilized because of unclear traffic video images and random jitter between image sequences, this paper has studied how to achieve stability of traffic video images and proposed an improved Mean Shift algorithm about how to conduct object centroid registration in compensation for the deviations in space localization and, on this basis, how to select kernel window width to eliminate the errors in scale positioning. This algorithm gets the tracking effect and computation analysis of improved Mean Shift from the perspective of applications, removes or relieves the impact motion has on imaging, improves the quality of the video image information obtained, automatically adjusts the size of window according to the scale changes of moving object in the image, and effectively enhances the stability and real time of object tracking. Besides, in the postprocessing stage, the superpixel based on the Mean Shift algorithm is applied to further optimize the segmentation result; it is a popular mode-seeking clustering algorithm, which makes Mean Shift method ideal on low-dimensional applications such as image segmentation. Finally, we show promising results for remote sensing image segmentation.
Masking Ability of Bleach Shade Composite Resins in Different Thicknesses
Authors: Valizadeh-Haghi Haleh , Molaee Shadieh , Kamran Aziz , Davoodzadeh Shiva
Published: May 2022

Introduction. In recent years, the use of bleach shade composite resins has increased due to the high esthetic demands. The aim of the present study was to investigate the masking ability and translucency of several bleach shade composite resins. Materials and Methods. In this in vitro study, 180 discs from 9 bleach shade composite resins of 5 brands (G-aenial Anterior, Gradia Direct, Charisma Diamond, Estelite Sigma Quick, and Renamel Microfill) in thicknesses of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mm were prepared. The color parameters of the specimens were measured in a CIE l

∗

a

∗

b

∗

system using a spectrophotometer. Masking ability and translucency parameters were calculated, and the influence of thickness, shade, and composite resin brand on these variables was analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results. Both masking ability and translucency differed significantly among groups (

p
<
0.001

), but only MA was different between different brands (

p
<
0.001

). Higher thicknesses showed lower translucency in all pairwise comparisons (

p
<
0.001

). 0.5 mm-thick specimens had lower masking ability than 1.5 mm- (

p
=
0.016

) and 2 mm- (

p
=
0.035

) thick ones. However, masking ability of other thickness pairs did not show a significant difference (

p
>
0.05

). G-aenial Anterior and Renamel Microfill had the highest and lowest masking ability. Bleach white shades had lower masking ability and higher translucency than extrawhite bleach shades. Conclusion. Translucency and masking ability of bleach shade composite resins differed in different thicknesses, composite resin brands, and shade groups.
Construction of a Ceramic Appearance Design System Based on Technology for Internet of Things
Authors: Long Zhou , Ouyang Junzhe
Published: May 2022

The planning and design of intelligent storage systems in ceramic parks based on the industrial Internet of Things technology are proposed. Based on the analysis of the storage demand of ceramic parks, information transformation is carried out according to the original manual operation mode. The RFID technology is applied to the overall planning of the warehouse area and the deployment of the software; it is applied to the overall planning of the RFID system, the hardware deployment of the two-dimensional warehouse system, and the integration of the RFID technology and the software deployment of the two-dimensional warehouse system. It realizes the close cooperation between the information system and hardware equipment, optimizes the system process, and improves the level of warehouse management.In addition, smart terminal ceramics refer to those with fine ceramic appearances or functionalities in smart terminal products, such as smartphones, smart watches, and other wearable devices, in the field of consumer electronics, including ceramic back plates, middle frames, buttons, fingerprint recognition sheets on mobile phones and ceramic cases, bracelets, and back covers on smart watches. Aside the excellent performance and aesthetic properties of ceramic materials, they can also be adapted to the trends in 5G and wireless communication technology. From the perspective of high strength, high toughness, and colorful nano-zirconia ceramics, this article was aimed to review the development process and industrialization application process.
Application of Offensive and Defensive Linkage in a Virtual Football Game in the Internet of Things Decision-Making System
Authors: Chen Hongtao
Published: May 2022

Football is a popular sport in the world. Playing football can not only exercise the body and improve physical fitness but also learn some offensive and defensive skills. Football games are popular events all over the world. With the development of science and technology, virtual football games have also become popular. The virtual football game is an entertainment project that combines computer technology and virtual reality technology to analyze the attack and defense relationship in the virtual football game. It can understand the decision-making mechanism and apply the decision-making mechanism to the Internet of Things decision-making system, which will be able to make accurate and fast decisions like virtual players. This is also the content of this paper. This paper proposes a decision system based on virtual football, applies the system to the Internet of Things, and shows that the data of the system fluctuate within 1.5%, that is, the calculation accuracy of the system model is as high as 98.5%, with high calculation stability, high accuracy, and certain reliability.
Analytical Study of Geometric Parameter Effect on the Behavior of Horizontally Curved Reinforced Concrete Deep Beam
Authors: Kenea Goshu
Published: May 2022

Nonlinear finite element simulation was once employed to look into the behavior of horizontally curved reinforced concrete deep beams under concentrated load at its mid-span. The study focused on the parametric impact of span length-to-depth (L/D) and span length-to-radius (L/R) ratios. In addition, the effect of longitudinal and spacing of shear reinforcement on the behavior of the beam has been investigated. The study considered sixteen beam specimens. Three of these specimens were straight beams as a control, and others were curved beams. The concrete-damaged plasticity model has been used to model the beam with C-25 grade concrete and steel reinforcements having diameters of ∅ 4 mm, ∅ 10 mm, and ∅ 12 mm with 568 MPa, 596 MPa, and 643 MPa steel grade, respectively. Reduced twenty-noded brick (C3D20 R) and two-noded (T3D2) elements have been used for modeling concrete and steel, respectively. The ultimate load capacity, the strain distribution, the load-deflection curve, and the load-twisting curve are the main outputs of the FE simulation. The study confirmed a considerable decrease in load-carrying capacity by up to 8.74% and 27.95% as the (L/R) ratio increased from 0 to 1.57 and the L/D ratio increased from 2.4 to 3, respectively. However, as the longitudinal steel ratio increased from 0.02042 to 0.02608 and the spacing of shear reinforcement decreased from 100 mm to 50 mm, the ultimate load capacity is increased up to 9.28% and 4.3%, respectively. Sensitivity evaluation was also conducted to see how much the independent variables (L/D ratio, L/R ratio, longitudinal bar ratio, and spacing transverse reinforcement) affect the dependent parameter (ultimate load capacity).
Biochemical and Toxinological Characterization of Venom from Macrorhynchia philippina (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa)
Authors: Banagouro Karine Cristie Quaglio , Viana Jefferson , de Lima Leonardo Pereira , Coelho Guilherme Rabelo , Rocha Thalita , Girardello Raquel , Russi Karolayne Larissa , Kitahara Marcelo V. , Sciani Juliana Mozer
Published: May 2022

Macrorhynchia philippina is a colonial benthic hydroid from the Class Hydrozoa (Phylum Cnidaria) distributed in the tropical and subtropical marine waters from Atlantic Ocean, Indo‐Pacific, and Mozambique. Its colonies somewhat resemble plants, causing confusion in the bathers who accidentally touch the animal. Acute burning/local pain, edema, erythema, and pruritus were symptoms already described, but its venom composition is unknown, as well as the participation of toxins for the symptom’s development. Thus, herein, we show the biochemical composition and toxic effects of M. philippina venom. Colonies were collected and processed for histological analysis; alternatively, they were immersed into methanol containing 0.1% acetic acid for venom attainment, which was analyzed by mass spectrometry and submitted to edema and nociception evaluation in mice, hemolysis and antimicrobial assays in vitro. Before the molecule’s extraction, it was possible to see the inoculation structures (hydrocladiums and hydrotheca) containing venom, which was released after the immersion of the animal in the solvents. The venom was composed mainly by low molecular mass compounds, able to cause significant reduction of the paw withdrawal latency from the hot plate test, 30 minutes after the injection. Moreover, significant edema was observed 10 and 30 minutes after the injection, indicating the activity of at least two inflammatory mediators. The venom caused no hemolytic activity but reduced the growth of A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae strains. This study is the first biochemical description of M. philippina venom, with molecules that cause fast inflammatory and painful effects, characteristic of the envenomation.
Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide Improves Neuroinflammation in Mice with Repeated Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury through the Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Response and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Yaran , Hu Ming , Niu Xiaoli , Li Meixi , Xu Lili , Xiao Yining , Zhang Jiawei , Wang Hebo , Li Litao , Chu Bao , Lv Peiyuan
Published: May 2022

Increasing evidence shows that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play a crucial role in the pathology of vascular dementia (VD). Previously, we have found that Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in VD, whereas little is known about its mechanism. Therefore, the objective of our study was to explore the contribution of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) to NBP and its effects on anti-inflammatory activity in a mouse model of VD. Our studies revealed that NBP could effectively mitigate cognitive deficits, neuron cell loss, and apoptosis in mice subjected to repeated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (RCIR). Additionally, NBP promoted both the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) in hippocampus tissue. NBP exhibited antioxidant activity by enhancing Nrf2 nuclear accumulation, increasing HO-1 and NQO1 expression, enhancing SOD activity, and inhibiting RCIR-induced MDA and 8-iso PGF2α generation in the hippocampus. NBP also significantly inhibited TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling and suppressed microglial proliferation and the production of proinflammatory mediators in RCIR mice. Importantly, the antioxidant, antineuroinflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of NBP above were abolished by Nrf2 knockout. Collectively, these results indicated the effects of NBP on neuroinflammation were strongly associated with the Nrf2 pathway. Modulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway by Nrf2 is involved in the neuroprotective effect of NBP against VD induced by RCIR injury. With antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory properties, NBP could be a promising drug candidate for the prevention and/or treatment of VD and other neuroinflammatory disorders.
CFD Simulation of a New Dynamic-Static Stirred Model and Its Application in the Leaching Process of Chromite
Authors: He Bin , Guo Lanfeng , Liu Renlong , Qiu Facheng , Quan Xuejun
Published: May 2022

In the liquid phase oxidation leaching process of chromite salt, a new dynamic-static combined stirred mode is proposed. That is, a static cylindrical baffle is fixedly installed at a certain radius from the stirred blade to control the vicinity of the blade. The CFD numerical simulation method is mainly used to investigate the effect of dynamic-static combined mode on the flow field distribution. Meanwhile, the velocity distribution and trailing vortex near the blade are analyzed. Finally, the differences between traditional stirred blade and dynamic-static combined stirred blade in the oxidation leaching process of chromite are compared. The results show the new dynamic-static combined stirring mode can effectively improve the flow field distribution, reduce the occurrence of “dead zones” in the flow, and increase the chromite leaching efficiency. The leaching time can be reduced from 300 to 240 min, and the chromium-leaching rate has reached up to 99%.
Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on the Motor Development of Schoolchildren in Rural and Urban Environments
Authors: Pajek Sara V.
Published: May 2022

Social and school closures during the COVID‐19 pandemic may have led to significant stagnation in children’s motor development, but precise data on this are lacking. We aimed to examine the impact of the pandemic and society closure on motor development of school children and to find differences between rural and urban environments. From the SLOfit database, we obtained anonymous results from 756 6th grade children before the pandemic (11.3 ± 0.5 years, 52.5% boys) who performed physical fitness measurements in 2017 and 2019 in 8th grade and from 853 6th grade children (11.4 ± 0.5 years, 51% boys) who performed measurements in 2019 and 2021, after 3 pandemic waves. The results of eight physical activity tests and the overall physical fitness index were compared between the prepandemic and the pandemic generation. We divided the sample into four groups (rural and urban prepandemic group and rural and urban pandemic group) and compared the changes in test scores between 6th and 8th grade. We found a statistically significant decrease in the physical fitness index of the pandemic generation (from 51.6 ± 29.6 to 45.8 ± 30.3) compared to the prepandemic generation (from 50.4 ± 30.5 to 50.5 ± 29.7), p < 0.001. The greatest effects of pandemic closure were found in the 600‐meter run, in polygon course backwards test, in the number of sit‐ups in 60 seconds, and in the 60‐meter sprint. Children from rural areas showed worse decrement in physical fitness index compared to urban areas, except for 600‐meter run. We conclude that the pandemic closure has had a significant inhibitory effect on the motor development of schoolchildren and has reduced their overall physical fitness with worse decline in rural areas. The pandemic generation of children needs more physical education in schools and other systemic interventions to mitigate these consequences.
Electrochemically Effective Surface Area of a Polyaniline Nanowire-Based Platinum Microelectrode and Development of an Electrochemical DNA Sensor
Authors: Tran Luyen Thi , Tran Hoang Vinh , Cao Ha Hong , Tran Thuy Hong , Huynh Chinh Dang
Published: May 2022

Electrochemical DNA sensors based on nanocomposite materials of polyaniline nanowires (PANi NWs) have been published in the literature. However, it is interesting that there are very few research studies related to the development of electrochemical DNA sensors based on PANi NWs individually. In this study, PANi NWs were synthesized site-specifically on a Pt microelectrode with only 0.785 mm2 area using an electropolymerization procedure. The electrosynthesis allows direct deposition of PANi NWs onto the Pt microelectrode in a rapid and cost-effective way. The good properties of PANi NWs including uniform size, uniform distribution throughout the Pt working electrode, and H2SO4 doping which improved the conductivity of the PANi material were obtained. Especially, the electrochemically effective surface area of the PANi NW-based Pt microelectrode determined in this work is nearly 19 times larger than that of the Pt working electrode. The PANi NW layer with large electrochemically effective surface area and high biocompatibility is consistent with the application in electrochemical DNA sensors. The fabricated DNA sensors show advantages such as simple fabrication, direct detection, high sensitivity (with the detection limit of 2.48 × 10−14 M), good specificity, and low sample volume requirement. This study also contributes to confirm the role of PANi NWs in DNA probe immobilization as well as in electrochemical signal transmission in the development of electrochemical DNA sensors.
Presentations of Routine Dental Interventions in Children over a Six-Year Period
Authors: Aboujaoude Samia , El Noueiri Balsam
Published: May 2022

Aim. To evaluate over a six-year period, the prevalence of the dental procedures in primary and mixed dentitions, in males and females. Materials and Methods. A retrospective descriptive study on dental treatments in primary and mixed dentitions was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Lebanese University, from 2015 to 2020. The total number of children was 1291. Data were classified and reviewed according to the dentition type, gender, and type of dental treatment. Results. The number of children decreased from 741 for the period 2015–2017 to 550 during the period 2018–2020 (279 males and 271 females). No significant association was found between the admission periods and the genders. A significant relationship was found between the number of treatments performed in both genders and the dentition types (

p

value = 0,015). Males were slightly more likely than females to present for the treatment in mixed dentition (54.58% versus 45.2%, respectively). Results portrayed a significant relationship between surgical treatment and gender (

p

value = 0.049). However, no significant relationship between gender and other treatment types was noted. The comparison between the 2 time frames and the types of treatments showed a significant association in composite fillings (

p

value = 0.043), extractions (

p

value < 0.0001), sealants (

p

value = 0.039), preventive resin restoration (

p
=
0.011

), pulp therapies (

p

value < 0.0001), pediatric crowns (

p

value < 0.0001), and surgical interventions (

p

value = 0.013). A nonsignificant relationship was recorded for the appliances and composite crowns (

p

value = 0.45 and 0.14, respectively). Conclusion. The present study points out the implications of the COVID-19 outbreak and Lebanon’s economic collapse on children’s dental status, with the number of children receiving dental care dropping remarkably. A decrease in all types of dental procedures was noted in mixed dentition, whereas an increase in dental treatments related to aggravated carious lesions was reported in primary dentition. More medical and financial aids are required to encourage and support parents’ attitude towards children dental care during unprecedented crises.
An Empirical Analysis of Heat Expulsion and Pressure Drop Attribute in Helical Coil Tube Using Nanomaterials
Authors: Algarni Salem , Tirth Vineet , Alqahtani Talal , Kshirsagar Pravin R. , Abera Worku
Published: May 2022

Water nanofluids were examined in a horizontal helical coil tube with constant temperature limitations for Dean values between 1000 and 10,000 to determine the rate of thermal radiation transmission and pressure drop characteristics. When conducting the tests, a variety of Al2O3 water nanofluid requirements were used, including varying mass flows, heat exchange rates for various nanoparticle volume concentrations, and changes in coil‐side drop in pressure versus coil‐side Dean number. Since nanoparticles have enhanced heat capacity, nanoparticles are developing as a transitional beginning of heat transfer fluids with significant potential in thermal management applications. Many applications require nanofluids to be used as heat transfer fluids; thus, scientists are concentrating their efforts on these fluids. The Reynolds values on the coil and shell were in the 1000 to 7000 range on either side of the wire. This paper discusses the impact of particle volume density on shell‐side flow temperatures, heat expulsion rate, and thermal conduction. The result shows that the average heat transfer rises by 13% and 17% when nanoparticle volume fraction percentage density is 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3 percent. The results demonstrate that reducing the mass flow by an increase in particle volume density, pipe diameter, and coil radius improves heat exchanger performance. The efficiency of the model is enhanced by increasing the diameter of the tube while simultaneously decreasing the diameter of the coil.
Pedabarography May Play a Role in Foot Plantar Scanning in Acromegaly
Authors: Omma Tulay , Tunc Azize Reda , Fırat Sevde Nur , Taskaldıran Isılay , Culha Cavit , Ersoz Gulcelik Nese
Published: May 2022

Aims. Acromegaly is associated with symptoms in many organs, including the heart, colon, skin, bones, and many joints. Patients with long-term treatment or biochemical control still suffer from acromegaly arthropathy (AA). Primarily, the weight-bearing joints of the lower extremity are affected and at last deformation emerges. The aim of this study is to detect the changes in the feet with pedabarography in patients with acromegaly. Materials and Methods. Nineteen patients with acromegaly (4 males and 15 females) and 13 healthy controls (1 male and 12 females) were included in the study (

p
=
0.31

). There was no difference between acromegaly patients and controls in terms of gender, age, and BMI; median age and BMI were (54 (20–67) vs. 52 (30–58),

p
=
0.85

) and (32.5 (20.3–42.7) vs. 29.5 (22.4–38.6),

p
=
0.93

), respectively. Static plantar pressures of bilateral foot of all participants in the standing position were measured by pedabarography. Results. In pedabarographic analysis, there were only significant difference in rearfoot surface right and rearfoot surface left (

p
=
0.04

and

p
=
0.01

), respectively. The mean of the right rearfoot surface (43.5 cm2 vs. 36.6 cm2) and the mean of the left rear foot surface were higher than the controls (47.4 cm2 vs. 40.2 cm2). Forefoot surface, forefoot load, forefoot weight ratio, rearfoot load, total foot surface, total load, total peak pressure, and total average pressure were higher in left foot in both groups, but there was no difference between the two groups. Conclusion. In our study, there was a significant difference between acromegaly patients and healthy controls, only on the right rarefoot surface and the left rarefoot surface, and was higher on the left in both groups. These patients often experience changes in the hindfoot and heel, and foot surface area and pressure distribution may vary. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease can prevent the development of complications and improve the quality of life. Foot scanning using pedabarography in the management of AA is a useful tool that can be used to manufacture customized orthopedic insoles and ergonomic shoe designs to prevent irreversible damage and reduce overload and lower extremity pain.
MYC Inhibition Halts Metastatic Breast Cancer Progression by Blocking Growth, Invasion, and Seeding
Authors: Massó-Vallés Daniel , Beaulieu Marie-Eve , Jauset Toni , Giuntini Fabio , Zacarías-Fluck Mariano F. , Foradada Laia , Martínez-Martín Sandra , Serrano Erika , Martín-Fernández Génesis , Casacuberta-Serra Sílvia , Castillo Cano Virginia , Kaur Jastrinjan , López-Estévez Sergio , Morcillo Miguel Ángel , Alzrigat Mohammad , Mahmoud Loay , Luque-García Antonio , Escorihuela Marta , Guzman Marta , Arribas Joaquín , Serra Violeta , Larsson Lars-Gunnar , Whitfield Jonathan R. , Soucek Laura
Published: May 2022

MYC's role in promoting tumorigenesis is beyond doubt, but its function in the metastatic process is still controversial. Omomyc is a MYC dominant negative that has shown potent antitumor activity in multiple cancer cell lines and mouse models, regardless of their tissue of origin or driver mutations, by impacting on several of the hallmarks of cancer. However, its therapeutic efficacy against metastasis has not been elucidated yet. Here we demonstrate for the first time that MYC inhibition by transgenic Omomyc is efficacious against all breast cancer molecular subtypes, including triple-negative breast cancer, where it displays potent antimetastatic properties both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, pharmacologic treatment with the recombinantly produced Omomyc miniprotein, recently entering a clinical trial in solid tumors, recapitulates several key features of expression of the Omomyc transgene, confirming its clinical applicability to metastatic breast cancer, including advanced triple-negative breast cancer, a disease in urgent need of better therapeutic options.

Significance:

While MYC role in metastasis has been long controversial, this manuscript demonstrates that MYC inhibition by either transgenic expression or pharmacologic use of the recombinantly produced Omomyc miniprotein exerts antitumor and antimetastatic activity in breast cancer models in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its clinical applicability.
Perineuronal Nets Degradation and Parvalbumin Interneuron Loss in a Mouse Model of DEPDC5-Related Epilepsy
Authors: Yang Tao , Hu Shuntong , Chang Wei-Chih , Kao Hsin-Yi , Wang Yu
Published: May 2022

DEPDC5, the key gene within the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, is one of the most common causative genes in patients with epilepsy and malformation of cortical development (MCD). Although somatic mutations in the dorsal cortical progenitors generate the malformed cortex, its pathogenesis of hyperexcitability is complex and remains unclear. We specifically deleted Depdc5 in the mouse forebrain dorsal progenitors to model DEPDC5-related epilepsy and investigated whether and how parvalbumin interneurons were non-cell autonomously affected in the malformed cortex. We showed that long before seizures, coincident with microglia inflammation, proteolytic enzymes degraded perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the malformed cortex, resulting in parvalbumin (PV+) interneuron loss and presynaptic inhibition impairment. Our studies, therefore, uncovered the hitherto unknown role of PNN in mTOR-related MCD, providing a new framework for mechanistic-based therapeutic development.
Prostituição masculina no Brasil: o panorama da produção teórica
Authors: Passamani Guilherme Rodrigues , Rosa Marcelo Victor da , Lopes Tatiana Bezerra de Oliveira
Published: May 2022

Desde 1984, quando surge o primeiro artigo sobre a prostituição masculina no Brasil, outras pesquisas têm explorado a temática no intuito de compreender as vivências de sujeitos que optam por praticar sexo tarifado para complementar sua renda. A partir de um levantamento bibliográfico, o presente estudo encontrou quarenta e cinco produções teóricas sobre prostituição masculina no Brasil. Com as pesquisas catalogadas, foi criado um perfil sociológico do que vem sendo discutido no país. Pretendemos mostrar como esse conhecimento é organizado regionalmente no Brasil em termos de produção. Além disso, apresentaremos as transformações operadas no campo nas últimas três décadas, a partir, por exemplo, da apropriação de diferentes espaços para o desenvolvimento deste “negócio”. Por fim, daremos especial atenção às questões que perpassam sexualidade, raça, profissão e estigmatização.
Medicina Anti-aging no Brasil: controvérsias e a noção de pessoa no processo de envelhecimento
Authors: Rougemont Fernanda dos Reis
Published: May 2022

Este artigo tem o objetivo de analisar a noção de pessoa no processo de envelhecimento. Por meio de um estudo sobre as controvérsias do desenvolvimento da Medicina Anti-aging no Brasil, o artigo explora as mudanças nas representações sobre o envelhecimento, considerando as transformações da abordagem médico-científica e a emergência do conceito de “envelhecimento ativo” como paradigma. A análise destaca as perspectivas divergentes sobre o envelhecimento observadas na pesquisa realizada com médicos praticantes da Medicina Anti-aging e médicos opositores, representantes do Conselho Federal de Medicina (CFM). O texto tem como foco a relação entre a dimensão físico-biológica de envelhecer e a constituição moral da pessoa ao longo do ciclo de vida, ressaltando o conflito entre o declínio físico presumido e a noção de pessoa ocidental constituída na modernidade.
“Jajeroky”: corpo, dança e alteridade entre os Mbya Guarani
Authors: Ferraz Ana Lucia
Published: May 2022

Neste artigo procedo a uma reflexão sobre as práticas corporais mbya guarani que mobilizam a dança e sua relação com a alteridade. Diferencio alguns contextos específicos em que se dança de distintas maneiras, tais como, a opy (casa de reza), as apresentações de corais e danças de xondaro, e os bailes de forró, espaços que mobilizam aldeias e relações entre aldeias. Penso a centralidade de tais práticas nas vidas mbya; meu foco de análise toma tais espaços como arenas das relações com diversos outros, tema central da experiência xamânica.
Prognostic Role of Residual Thrombus Burden Following Thrombectomy: Insights From the TOTAL Trial
Authors: Alkhalil Mohammad , Kuzemczak Michał , Zhao Robin , Kavvouras Charalampos , Cantor Warren J. , Overgaard Christopher B. , Lavi Shahar , Sharma Vinoda , Chowdhary Saqib , Stanković Goran , Kedev Saško , Bernat Ivo , Bhindi Ravinay , Sheth Tej , Niemela Kari , Jolly Sanjit S. , Džavík Vladimír
Published: May 2022

Background:

It is unclear whether more effective forms of thrombus removal than current aspiration catheters would lead to improved outcomes. We sought to evaluate the prognostic role of residual thrombus burden (rTB), after manual thrombectomy, in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention with routine manual thrombectomy in the TOTAL trial (Thrombectomy Versus PCI Alone).

Methods:

This is a single-arm analysis of patients from the TOTAL trial who underwent routine manual aspiration thrombectomy. The rTB was quantified by an angiographic core laboratory using the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction criteria and validated using existing optical coherent tomography data. Large rTB was defined as grade ≥3. The primary outcome was death from cardiovascular causes, recurrent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, or new or worsening heart failure within 180 days.

Results:

Of 5033 patients randomized to routine thrombectomy, 2869 patients had quantifiable rTB (1014 [35%] had large rTB). Patients with large rTB were more likely to have hypertension, previous percutaneous coronary intervention, myocardial infarction, or Killip class III on presentation but less likely to have Killip class I. The primary outcome occurred more frequently in patients with large rTB, even after adjustment for known risk predictors (8.6% versus 4.6%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.34–2.48]). These patients also had a higher risk of cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.13–2.95]), cardiogenic shock (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.08–3.76]), and heart failure (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.02–2.96]) but not myocardial infarction or stroke.

Conclusions:

Large rTB is a common finding in primary percutaneous coronary intervention and is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including cardiovascular death. Future technologies offering better thrombus removal than current devices may decrease or even eliminate the risk associated with rTB. This, potentially, can turn into a strategic option to be studied in clinical trials.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01149044.
Role of Quantitative Flow Ratio in Predicting Future Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Spitaleri Giosafat , Brugaletta Salvatore , Potena Luciano , Mirabet Sonia , González-Costello José , Zucchetti Ottavio , Masetti Marco , Asmarats Lluis , Gual Miquel , Nardi Elena , Di Girolamo Domenico , Campo Gianluca , Farrero Marta
Published: May 2022

Background:

Coronary angiography is the gold standard for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) diagnosis, but it usually detects the disease at an advanced stage. We investigated the role of quantitative flow ratio (QFR), a noninvasive tool to identify potentially flow-limiting lesions, in predicting CAV development in heart transplant recipients.

Methods:

Consecutive heart transplant recipients with no evidence of angiographic CAV at baseline coronary angiography were retrospectively included between January 2010 and December 2015, and QFR computation was performed. The relationship between vessel QFR and the occurrence of angiographic vessel-related CAV (
≥
50% stenosis) was assessed.

Results:

One hundred forty-three patients were included and QFR computation was feasible in 241 vessels. The median value of QFR at baseline coronary angiography was 0.98 (interquartile range, 0.94–1.00). During a median follow-up of 6.0 years (interquartile range, 4.6–7.8 years), vessel-related CAV occurred in 25 (10.4%) vessels. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis identified a QFR best cutoff of
≤
0.95 (area under the curve, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.71–0.90];
P
<0.001). QFR
≤
0.95 was associated with an increased risk of vessel-related CAV (adjusted hazard ratio, 20.87 [95% CI, 5.35–81.43];
P
<0.001). In an exploratory analysis, QFR
≤
0.95 in at least 2 vessels was associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular death or late graft dysfunction (71.4% in recipients with 2–3 vessels affected versus 5.1% in recipients with 0–1 vessels affected,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In a cohort of heart transplant recipients, QFR computation at baseline coronary angiography may be a safe and reliable tool to predict vessel-related CAV and clinical outcomes at long-term follow-up.
Neonatal Myocardial Infarction: A Proposed Algorithm for Coronary Arterial Thrombus Management
Authors: El-Sabrout Hannah , Ganta Srujan , Guyon Peter , Ratnayaka Kanishka , Vaughn Gabrielle , Perry James , Kimball Amy , Ryan Justin , Thornburg Courtney D. , Tucker Suzanne , Mo Jun , Hegde Sanjeet , Nigro John , El-Said Howaida
Published: May 2022

Background:

Neonatal myocardial infarction is rare and is associated with a high mortality of 40% to 50%. We report our experience with neonatal myocardial infarction, including presentation, management, outcomes, and our current patient management algorithm.

Methods:

We reviewed all infants admitted with a diagnosis of coronary artery thrombosis, coronary ischemia, or myocardial infarction between January 2015 and May 2021.

Results:

We identified 21 patients (median age, 1 [interquartile range (IQR), 0.25–9.00] day; weight, 3.2 [IQR, 2.9–3.7] kg). Presentation included respiratory distress (16), shock (3), and murmur (2). Regional wall motion abnormalities by echocardiogram were a key criterion for diagnosis and were present in all 21 with varying degrees of depressed left ventricular function (severe [8], moderate [6], mild [2], and low normal [5]). Ejection fraction ranged from 20% to 54% (median, 43% [IQR, 34%–51%]). Mitral regurgitation was present in 19 (90%), left atrial dilation in 15 (71%), and pulmonary hypertension in 18 (86%). ECG was abnormal in 19 (90%). Median troponin I was 0.18 (IQR, 0.12–0.56) ng/mL. Median BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) was 2100 (IQR, 924–2325) pg/mL. Seventeen had documented coronary thrombosis by cardiac catheterization. Seventeen (81%) were treated with intracoronary tPA (tissue-type plasminogen activator) followed by systemic heparin, AT (antithrombin), and intravenous nitroglycerin, and 4 (19%) were treated with systemic heparin, AT, and intravenous nitroglycerin alone. Nineteen of 21 recovered. One died (also had infradiaphragmatic total anomalous pulmonary venous return). One patient required a ventricular assist device and later underwent heart transplant; this patient was diagnosed late at 5 weeks of age and did not respond to tPA. Nineteen of 21 (90%) regained normal left ventricular function (ejection fraction, 60%–74%; mean, 65% [IQR, 61%–67%]) at latest follow-up (median, 6.8 [IQR, 3.58–14.72] months). Two of 21 (10%) had residual trivial mitral regurgitation. After analysis of these results, we present our current algorithm, which developed and matured over time, to manage neonatal myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

We experienced a lower mortality rate for infants with neonatal infarction than that reported in the literature. We propose a post hoc algorithm that may lead to improvement in patient outcomes following coronary artery thrombus.