bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Applicability of First-Line Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab in a Real-Life Setting
Authors: Plaz Torres Maria Corina , Lai Quirino , Piscaglia Fabio , Caturelli Eugenio , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Biasini Elisabetta , Pelizzaro Filippo , Marra Fabio , Trevisani Franco , Giannini Edoardo G.
Published: July 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the new frontier for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since the first trial with tremelimumab, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 inhibitor, increasing evidence has confirmed that these drugs can significantly extend the survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As a matter of fact, the overall survival and objective response rates reported in patients with advanced HCC treated with ICIs are the highest ever reported in the second-line setting and, most recently, the combination of the anti-programmed death ligand protein-1 atezolizumab with bevacizumab—an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody—demonstrated superiority to sorafenib in a Phase III randomized clinical trial. Therefore, this regimen has been approved in several countries as first-line treatment for advanced HCC and is soon expected to be widely used in clinical practice. However, despite the promising results of trials exploring ICIs alone or in combination with other agents, there are still some critical issues to deal with to optimize the prognosis of advanced HCC patients. For instance, the actual proportion of patients who are deemed eligible for ICIs in the real-life ranges from 10% to 20% in the first-line setting, and is even lower in the second-line scenario. Moreover, long-term data regarding the safety of ICIs in the population of patients with cirrhosis and impaired liver function are lacking. Lastly, no biomarkers have been identified to predict response, and thus to help clinicians to individually tailor treatment. This review aimed to summarize the state of the art immunotherapy in HCC and, by analyzing a large, multicenter cohort of Italian patients with HCC, to assess the potential applicability of the combination of atezolizumab/bevacizumab in the real-life setting.
Seasonality of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and Single Ventricle Heart in Poland in the Context of Air Pollution
Authors: Strzelecka Iwona , Biedrzycka Małgorzata , Karuga Filip Franciszek , Szmyd Bartosz , Batarowicz Katarzyna , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: July 2021

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and single ventricle (SV) remain a significant cause of cardiac deaths occurring in the first week of life. Their pathogenesis and seasonal frequency are still unknown. Therefore, we attempt to look at the genesis of the HLHS and SV in the context of territorial distribution as well as seasonality. A total of 193 fetuses diagnosed with HLHS and 92 with SV were selected. The frequency was analyzed depending on the year, calendar month, quarter and season (fall-winter vs. spring-summer). The spatial distribution of HLHS and SV in Poland was analyzed. We observed a statistically significant overrepresentation of HLHS formation frequency in March: 27 (14.00%) in comparison to a monthly median of 15 (IQR: 13.75–16.25; p = 0.039), as well as a significantly higher frequency of HLHS in 2007−2009: 65 cases (33.68%) in comparison to the annual mean of 13.79 ± 6.36 (p < 0.001). We noted a higher frequency of SV among parous with the last menstrual period reported in the fall/winter season of 58 vs. 34 in the spring/summer season (p = 0.014). The performed analysis also revealed significant SV overrepresentation in 2008: 11 cases (12.00%) in comparison to the annual mean of 6.57 ± 2.71 (p = 0.016). Every single case of HLHS was observed when the concentration of benzo(a)pyrene and/or PM10 exceeded the acceptable/target level. Our research indicates that both the season and the level of pollution are significant factors affecting the health of parous women and their offspring. The reason why HLHS and SV develop more frequently at certain times of the year remains unclear, therefore research on this topic should be continued, as well as on the effects of PM10 and benzo(a)pyrene exposure.
Left Atrial Pressure as a Predictor of Success in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in a Real-Life Cohort
Authors: Manfrin Massimiliano , Mugnai Giacomo , Rauhe Werner , Velagic Vedran , Unterhuber Matthias
Published: July 2021

Aims: The clinical role of the left atrial (LA) hypertension in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and its role as predictor in those undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of LA pressure in patients with nonvalvular AF who underwent PV isolation and its implication for AF catheter ablation. Methods: Consecutive patients with drug resistant AF who underwent PV isolation at San Maurizio Regional Hospital of Bolzano (Italy) as index procedure were included in this analysis. Results: A total of 132 consecutive patients (97 males, 73%; mean age 58.0 ± 13.2 years) were included in the analysis. Eleven patients (8%) underwent radiofrequency ablation and 121 (92%) cryoballoon ablation. Higher LA pressures were found in 54 patients (40.9%). At a mean follow up of 14.3 ± 8.2 months (median 12 months), the success rate without antiarrhythmic therapy was 65.9% (87/132; considering the blanking period). Female gender and continuous mean LA pressure were significantly associated with AF recurrence and remained significant on multivariable Cox analysis (respectively, HR 1.845, 1.00–3.40, p = 0.05 and HR 1.066, 1.002–1.134, p = 0.04). We identified a LA mean pressure of >15 mmHg as ideal cutoff and constructed a model to predict AF recurrence which fitted with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.65 (95% CI 0.56–0.75), logrank score p = 0.003.
Variablity of Mechanical or Tissue Valve Implantation in Patients Undergoing Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Spain: National Retrospective Analysis from 2007 to 2018
Authors: Carnero-Alcázar Manuel , Rodríguez-Caulo Emiliano , Hernández-Vaquero Daniel , Montero-Cruces Lourdes , Perez-Camargo Daniel , Fernández-De Velasco David , Cobiella-Carnicer Javier , Maroto-Castellanos Luis
Published: July 2021

Background: There is no robust evidence regarding the types of valves implanted among patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in Spain. Methods: All cases of patients undergoing SAVR ± coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2007 to December 2018 in the public Spanish National Health System were included. We analyzed the trends of SAVR volume, risk profile and type of implanted valve across time and place. Using multivariable logistic regression, we identified factors associated with biological SAVR. Results: In total, 62,870 episodes of SAVR in 15 Spanish territories were included. In 35,693 (56.8%), a tissue valve was implanted. The annual volume of procedures increased from 107.3/million (2007) to 128.6 (2017). In 2018, it fell to 108.5. Age increased and Charlson’s comorbity index worsened throughout the study period. Tissue valve implantation increased in most regions. After adjusting for other covariates, we observed a high variability in aortic valve implantation across different regions, with differences of as much as 20-fold in the use of tissue valves. Conclusions: Between 2007 and 2018, we detected a significant increase in the use of bioprostheses in patients undergoing SAVR in Spain, and a great variability in the types of valve between the Spanish territories, which was not explained by the different risk profiles of patients.
Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion: What Is Crucial to Take into Account
Authors: Lucà Fabiana , Giubilato Simona , Di Fusco Stefania Angela , Piccioni Laura , Rao Carmelo Massimiliano , Iorio Annamaria , Cipolletta Laura , D’Elia Emilia , Gelsomino Sandro , Rossini Roberta , Colivicchi Furio , Gulizia Michele Massimo
Published: July 2021

The therapeutic dilemma between rhythm and rate control in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) is still unresolved and electrical or pharmacological cardioversion (CV) frequently represents a useful strategy. The most recent guidelines recommend anticoagulation according to individual thromboembolic risk. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been routinely used to prevent thromboembolic events. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) represent a significant advance due to their more predictable therapeutic effect and more favorable hemorrhagic risk profile. In hemodynamically unstable patients, an emergency electrical cardioversion (ECV) must be performed. In this situation, intravenous heparin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) should be administered before CV. In patients with AF occurring within less than 48 h, synchronized direct ECV should be the elective procedure, as it restores sinus rhythm quicker and more successfully than pharmacological cardioversion (PCV) and is associated with shorter length of hospitalization. Patients with acute onset AF were traditionally considered at lower risk of thromboembolic events due to the shorter time for atrial thrombus formation. In patients with hemodynamic stability and AF for more than 48 h, an ECV should be planned after at least 3 weeks of anticoagulation therapy. Alternatively, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to rule out left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) should be performed, followed by ECV and anticoagulation for at least 4 weeks. Theoretically, the standardized use of TEE before CV allows a better stratification of thromboembolic risk, although data available to date are not univocal.
Rates, Indications, and Speech Perception Outcomes of Revision Cochlear Implantations
Authors: Sagiv Doron , Yaar-Soffer Yifat , Yakir Ziva , Henkin Yael , Shapira Yisgav
Published: July 2021

Revision cochlear implant (RCI) is a growing burden on cochlear implant programs. While reports on RCI rate are frequent, outcome measures are limited. The objectives of the current study were to: (1) evaluate RCI rate, (2) classify indications, (3) delineate the pre-RCI clinical course, and (4) measure surgical and speech perception outcomes, in a large cohort of patients implanted in a tertiary referral center between 1989–2018. Retrospective data review was performed and included patient demographics, medical records, and audiologic outcomes. Results indicated that RCI rate was 11.7% (172/1465), with a trend of increased RCI load over the years. The main indications for RCI were device-related failures (soft-45.4%, hard-23.8%), medical failure (14%), trauma (8.1%), and surgical failure (6.4%). Success rate was 98.8%. Children comprised 78% (134) of the cohort and were more likely than adults to undergo RCI. Most (70%) of the RCIs were performed within 10 years from primary implantation. Speech perception outcome analysis revealed unchanged or improved performance in 85% of the cases and declined performance in 15%. Current findings confirm that RCI is a safe with high clinical efficacy; however, the non-negligible percentage of patients that exhibited declined performance post-RCI should be considered in decision-making processes regarding RCI. Routine follow-up during their first years post-implantation is warranted.
Comparison of Implant Stability between Regenerated and Non-Regenerated Bone. A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Vallecillo-Rivas Marta , Reyes-Botella Candela , Vallecillo Cristina , Lisbona-González María Jesús , Vallecillo-Capilla Manuel , Olmedo-Gaya María Victoria
Published: July 2021

Implant stability is one of the main indicators of successful osseointegration. Although it has been measured in numerous studies, there has been little research on implant stability in regenerated bone. The study compares primary and secondary stability between implants placed in regenerated versus native bone and evaluates the influence of bone quality on the results. Sixty implants were placed in 31 patients: 30 implants inserted in native bone (non-regenerated) after a healing period of at least 6 months post-exodontia and 30 inserted in regenerated bone at 6 months after grafting with xenograft. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was used to obtain implant stability quotient (ISQ) values at baseline (implant placement), 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Statistically significant differences were found between implants placed in regenerated bone and those placed in native bone at all measurement time points (p < 0.05). ISQ values were significantly influenced by bone quality at baseline (p < 0.05) but not at 8 or 12 weeks. Greater stability was obtained in implants placed in native bone; however, those placed in regenerated bone showed adequate primary and secondary stability for prosthetic loading. Bone quality influences the primary but not secondary stability of the implants in both native and regenerated bone.
Edge Race-Tracking during Film-Sealed Compression Resin Transfer Molding
Authors: Vollmer Mario , Zaremba Swen , Mertiny Pierre , Drechsler Klaus
Published: July 2021

Edge race-tracking is a frequently reported issue during resin transfer molding. It is caused by highly permeable channels and areas between the preform edge and cavity, which can significantly change the preform impregnation pattern. To date, information is scarce on the effect of edge race-tracking in compression resin transfer molding (CRTM). To close this gap, laboratory equipment was developed to study the CRTM preform impregnation via flow visualization experiments. The preform was thereby encapsulated in thin thermoplastic films sealing its impregnation. Film-sealed compression resin transfer molding (FS-CRTM) experiments of preforms with a small geometrical aspect ratio showed fast filling of the injection gap and a subsequent through-thickness preform impregnation. Creating an edge race-tracking channel, an additional lateral in-plane flow from the channel towards the preform center was observed, initiating soon after the injection started and caused by the spatial connection between the injection gap and the race-tracking channel. To diminish edge race-tracking, a passive flow control strategy was implemented via a split design of the upper tool to spatially isolate the injection gap from the channel and to pre-compact the preform edge. A delayed and reduced lateral race-tracking flow was observed, showing that the passive flow control strategy increases the process robustness of FS-CRTM regarding edge race-tracking effects.
Impact of MAFLD on HBV-Related Stage 0/A Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Curative Resection
Authors: Lin Yen-Po , Lin Shu-Hsien , Wang Chih-Chi , Lin Chih-Che , Chen Ding-Wei , Chuang Ching-Hui , Huang Pao-Yuan , Hung Chao-Hung , Yang Shih-Yu , Cho Wei-Ru , Chen Yu-Syuan , Tsai Ming-Chao
Published: July 2021

Backgrounds and Aim: Metabolic-associated fatty liver dis-ease (MAFLD) is a novel term proposed in 2020 to avoid the exclusion of certain subpopulations, though the application of this term in the real world is very limited. Here, we aimed to evaluate the impact of MAFLD on hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection. Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-related HCC who received hepatectomy between January 2010 and December 2019 were consecutively selected. The association between histologically proven concurrent MAFLD and clinical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 812 eligible patients with CHB-related HCC, 369 (45.4%) were diagnosed with concurrent MAFLD. After a mean follow-up of 65 months, 303 patients (37.3%) developed HCC recurrence, 111 (13.7%) died, and 12 (1.5%) received liver transplantation. Although no differences in the incidences of HCC recurrence (HR: 0.902, 95% CI: 0.719–1.131, p = 0.370) and death or liver transplantation (HR: 0.743, 95% CI: 0.518–1.006, p = 0.107) were observed between patients with and without MAFLD in multivariate analysis, the patients with MAFLD tended to achieve better recurrent-free survival compared to patients without MAFLD. Notably, lean MAFLD (BMI < 23 kg/m2) was a relative risk factor for tumor recurrence (HR: 2.030, 95% CI: 1.117–3.690, p = 0.020) among patients with MAFLD. Conclusions: The overall prognosis in HBV-related early-stage HCC, in terms of HCC recurrence and death or liver transplantation, was not significantly different between patients with and without MAFLD. Among patients with MALFD, lean-MAFLD was a risk factor for HCC recurrence. Further studies are warranted to validate these results.
JDSNMF: Joint Deep Semi-Non-Negative Matrix Factorization for Learning Integrative Representation of Molecular Signals in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Moon Sehwan , Lee Hyunju
Published: July 2021

High dimensional multi-omics data integration can enhance our understanding of the complex biological interactions in human diseases. However, most studies involving unsupervised integration of multi-omics data focus on linear integration methods. In this study, we propose a joint deep semi-non-negative matrix factorization (JDSNMF) model, which uses a hierarchical non-linear feature extraction approach that can capture shared latent features from the complex multi-omics data. The extracted latent features obtained from JDSNMF enabled a variety of downstream tasks, including prediction of disease and module analysis. The proposed model is applicable not only to sample-matched multiple data (e.g., multi-omics data from one cohort) but also to feature-matched multiple data (e.g., omics data from multiple cohorts), and therefore it can be flexibly applied to various cases. We demonstrate the capabilities of JDSNMF using sample-matched simulated data and feature-matched multi-omics data from Alzheimer’s disease cohorts, evaluating the feature extraction performance in the context of classification. In a test application, we identify AD- and age-related modules from the latent matrices using an explainable artificial intelligence and regression model. These results show that the JDSNMF model is effective in identifying latent features having a complex interplay of potential biological signatures.
Inquiry and Modeling for Teaching Mathematics in Interdisciplinary Contexts: How Are They Interrelated?
Authors: Sala Sebastià Gemma , Barquero Berta , Font Vicenç
Published: July 2021

International research has pointed out the importance of integrating mathematical modeling and inquiry processes into the teaching and learning of mathematics. This paper aims to present an integrative model that enables analyzing the characteristics inquiry and modeling processes share in the same model with a view to using them when designing and implementing interdisciplinary teaching sequences. After presenting a synthesis of the literature review, our theoretical approach to inquiry and modeling for the analysis of an interdisciplinary teaching sequence will be introduced. We focus here on the case of an inquiry situation in an archaeological context where mathematics and history are interrelated. It was implemented at secondary school level with students aged 13–14. We use this particular case study to analyze the appearance of both processes, in order to look for coincidences, concatenations and synergies. The main result is an integrative model for the joint analysis of both processes.
Strategy of Multi-Beam Spot Allocation for GEO Data Relay Satellite Based on Modified K-Means Algorithm
Authors: Liu Huiliang , Chu Yao , Zhang Yulong , Hou Weiguo , Li Yinqiao , Yao Yuan , Cai Yaxing
Published: July 2021

With the booming development of satellite applications, the giant constellations of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites have introduced challenges for the data relay service. The multi-beam satellite not only offers concurrent access to a large number of objects, but can also meet the high data requirements toward specific coverage of the LEO constellation. However, the multi-beam satellite often faces the mismatch problem of spot allocation and data requirements, which can cause an overload traffic jam or a waste of resources. An optimization algorithm on spot beam allocation is necessary to automatically place the spot centers with appropriate beam widths in line with the density of the traffic demands and to realize the uniformity of the beam occupation. Compared with the conventional K-means algorithm, two adjustable parameters α and β are introduced: one for tuning the ratio of two components making up the distance matrix, and the other for setting the obligatory minimum number of objects per beam. In this paper, the whole process of the proposed method is demonstrated, including the establishment of the low-orbit satellite constellation model, the extraction of the distribution features, and the implementation and evaluation of the modified K-means algorithm. The results prove the validity of the proposed algorithm. A larger value of β with a relative smaller value of α tends to obtain the uniformity of beam occupation; the minimum standard deviation of objects per beam is achieved when α is 0.2 and β is 0.8. This demonstrates that the uniformity of objects per beam can be realized by adjusting the parameters of the distance determination matrix and the obligatory minimal number of objects in each beam. The impact of parameter range on the results is also analyzed.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-9 Reduces Somatic Cell Count and Modifies Fecal Microbiota in Lactating Goats
Authors: Li Yongtao , Jiang Nannan , Zhang Wenying , Lv Zhengbing , Liu Jianxin , Shi Hengbo
Published: July 2021

Subclinical mastitis is one of the major problems affecting dairy animals’ productivity and is classified based on milk somatic cell counts (SCC). Previous data showed that marine-derived Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-9 (GB-9) improved the immunity and the nonspecific immune defense system of the body. In this study, the potential role of GB-9 in improving subclinical mastitis was assessed with Radix Tetrastigmae (RT) as a positive control in subclinical mastitis Saanen dairy goats. The current data showed that GB-9 and RT significantly reduced the SCC in dairy goats. After being fed with GB-9 or RT, the decreased concentrations of malondialdehyde, IgA, IgM, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 were observed. The amplicon sequencing analysis of fecal samples revealed that GB-9 significantly altered the bacterial community. Bacteroides and Phascolarctobacterium were the major genera that respond to GB-9 feeding. The correlation analysis using weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed a MePink module was most associated with the serum concentrations of immunoglobulin and interleukin. The MePink module contained 89 OTUs. The feeding of GB-9 in decreasing the SCC was associated with the altered abundance of Bacteroides, which was correlated with the concentrations of immunoglobulins and chemokines. Collectively, the current data suggested that marine-derived GB-9 could be a helpful probiotic to control subclinical mastitis.
Estimation of Mining-Induced Horizontal Strain Tensor of Land Surface Applying InSAR
Authors: Witkowski Wojciech , Łukosz Magdalena , Guzy Artur , Hejmanowski Ryszard
Published: July 2021

Horizontal strains related to mining-induced subsidence may endanger infrastructure and surface users’ safety. While directional horizontal strains should be well determined, appropriate solutions for a complete assessment of the terrain surface deformation field are still required. As a result, the presented study examined a new method for calculating horizontal strain tensor based on the decomposition of satellite radar interferometry (InSAR) observations into vertical and azimuth look direction (ALD) displacements. Based on a geometric integral model, we tested our method on experimental data before applying it to an underground copper ore mine in Poland. In the case study, the displacement field was determined using the Multi-Temporal InSAR method on Sentinel-1 data. The model data relative error did not exceed 0.02 at σ = ±0.003. For the case study, land subsidence of up to −167 mm and ALD displacements ranging from −110 mm to +62 mm was obtained, whereas the extreme values of horizontal strains ranged from −0.52 mm/m to +0.36 mm/m at σ = ±0.050 mm/m. Our results demonstrate the high accuracy of the method in determining the horizontal strain tensor. As a result, the approach can broaden the assessment of the environmental impact of land subsidence worldwide.
Ruthenium Complexes as Promising Candidates against Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Qi , Li Yingsi , Shi Hongdong , Wang Yi , Zhang Jitian , Zhang Qianling
Published: July 2021

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies with the highest mortality rate and the second-highest incidence rate after breast cancer, posing a serious threat to human health. The accidental discovery of the antitumor properties of cisplatin in the early 1960s aroused a growing interest in metal-based compounds for cancer treatment. However, the clinical application of cisplatin is limited by serious side effects and drug resistance. Therefore, other transition metal complexes have been developed for the treatment of different malignant cancers. Among them, Ru(II/III)-based complexes have emerged as promising anticancer drug candidates due to their potential anticancer properties and selective cytotoxic activity. In this review, we summarized the latest developments of Ru(II/III) complexes against lung cancer, focusing mainly on the mechanisms of their biological activities, including induction of apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, and invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells.
Combination of Molecular Networking and LC-MS/MS Profiling in Investigating the Interrelationships between the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Curculigo latifolia
Authors: Mad Nasir Nadiah , Ezam Shah Nur Syafiqah , Zainal Nurul Zulaikha , Kassim Nur Kartinee , Faudzi Siti Munirah Mohd , Hasan Hanan
Published: July 2021

Curculigo is a potent plant with a variety of traditional uses, such as anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-osteoporosis, and wound-healing. The comprehensive profiling of the Curculigolatifolia metabolome was carried out by generating a molecular network (MN) from Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) data to profile the methanol extract and correlating them with their antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), total phenolic contents (TPC), and β-carotene) and antimicrobial (disk-diffusion agar method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)) properties. The antioxidant capacity was observed to be significantly higher in the rhizome crude extract, with 18.10 ± 0.91 µg/mL DPPH activity, and a β-carotene bleaching result of 35.20%. For the antimicrobial activity, the leaf crude extract exhibited a strong Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella choleraesuis (8–15 ± 3.0 mm) inhibition in the disk-diffusion agar. The leaf extract also exhibited maximum antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC = ±0.25 mg/mL, MBC = ±0.25 mg/mL) and S. choleraesuis (MIC = ±0.25 mg/mL, MBC = ±0.25 mg/mL). LC-MS/MS analysis and MN revealed norlignans and phenolic glycosides as major metabolites in the rhizome and leaf extracts of the negative mode (M − H)−. Fourteen known compounds were identified, and three unknown compounds were putatively identified in the rhizome extract, while ten known compounds and six unknown compounds were putatively identified in the leaf extract.
Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms for Anomaly Detection on Edge Devices
Authors: Huč Aleks , Šalej Jakob , Trebar Mira
Published: July 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of small devices or a network of sensors, which permanently generate huge amounts of data. Usually, they have limited resources, either computing power or memory, which means that raw data are transferred to central systems or the cloud for analysis. Lately, the idea of moving intelligence to the IoT is becoming feasible, with machine learning (ML) moved to edge devices. The aim of this study is to provide an experimental analysis of processing a large imbalanced dataset (DS2OS), split into a training dataset (80%) and a test dataset (20%). The training dataset was reduced by randomly selecting a smaller number of samples to create new datasets Di (i = 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, 60, 80%). Afterwards, they were used with several machine learning algorithms to identify the size at which the performance metrics show saturation and classification results stop improving with an F1 score equal to 0.95 or higher, which happened at 20% of the training dataset. Further on, two solutions for the reduction of the number of samples to provide a balanced dataset are given. In the first, datasets DRi consist of all anomalous samples in seven classes and a reduced majority class (‘NL’) with i = 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 percent of randomly selected samples. In the second, datasets DCi are generated from the representative samples determined with clustering from the training dataset. All three dataset reduction methods showed comparable performance results. Further evaluation of training times and memory usage on Raspberry Pi 4 shows a possibility to run ML algorithms with limited sized datasets on edge devices.
Education for Sustainable Development: Sustainability-Related Food Labels
Authors: Daniuseviciute-Brazaite Laura
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to predict sustainable behavior based on the awareness of food labels and to assess the role of food quality certification on consumer choice. A quantitative descriptive study was performed to implement the research objectives, while the qualitative data was obtained by an online survey. The sample consisted of 384 subjects; the sample was calculated with 95% reliability and a 5% scattering range. The survey was conducted in August 2020. After rejecting incorrectly completed questionnaires, 392 questionnaires were suitable for further analysis. The study concluded that consumers are not yet familiar with the Lithuanian national food quality system: they are characterized by a relatively low focus on food quality labels. The level of attractiveness and awareness of the Lithuanian NQP label is low: a small proportion of consumers name it as a memorable, clear and targeted food label. The consumers’ behavior is related to the importance of health and nutrition, the price–quality ratio, the regional label (such as Lithuanianness), when raw materials and production are used from/in Lithuania, as well as environmental sustainability.
A fecalith mimicking a bladder calculus secondary to an appendicovesical fistula: a case report
Authors: Gonzalez-Urquijo Mauricio , Romero-Davila Andrea , Mendoza-Silva MaryCarmen , Treviño Antonio Nassim Halun , Rodarte-Shade Mario , Gil-Galindo Gerardo
Published: July 2021

An appendicovesical fistula is defined as an abnormal communication between the appendix and the urinary bladder, with only a few cases reported in the literature. It is very challenging to make an early diagnosis, due to the inability of conventional imaging modalities to detect this unique pathology. The symptoms are often mild, and there are not any specific signs or symptoms that might suggest this type of anomalous communication. We report a case of a 27-year-old male patient who presented difficulty for initiating urination, dysuria, and persistent urinary tract infections. An abdominal x-ray showed a large calculus inside the bladder. A cystoscopy was performed, where the tip of the appendix was seen protruding inside the bladder with a large fecalith adhered to the bladder wall. An appendectomy and partial cystectomy with primary repair were auspiciously achieved. A review of the literature is also presented.
Multiple gastrointestinal melanoma causing small bowel intussusception
Authors: Eng Jian Yang , Tahkin Salehah , Yaacob Huzairi , Yunus Nor Hayati , Sidek Ahmad Shan Wani Mohamed , Wong Michael Pak-Kai
Published: July 2021

A 61-year-old gentleman presented with small bowel intussusception from small bowel melanoma intussusceptum. He complains of intermittent abdominal distension but no history of intestinal obstruction. Apart from this, he was also symptomatic anemia which required repeated transfusion for the past few months. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen shows an omental mass with small bowel intussusception. He then underwent an exploratory laparotomy with segmental resection of the affected segment. Histopathological examination confirmed primary gastrointestinal melanoma. Multiple small bowel malignant melanoma is a rare disease. It remains a controversial diagnosis as it may be a primary or metastasis from an unidentified or regressed primary cutaneous melanoma. Prompt surgical intervention enables us to obtain tissue diagnosis, prevent complete intestinal obstruction and strategize the goals of treatment for the patient.
Multivisceral resection for colonic splenic flexure malakoplakia: a case report of a minimally invasive approach
Authors: Díaz Andrés Ramiro Lanza , Pezet Santiago Gallardo , González Osvaldo Soto , Trueba Montserrat Guraieb , Alonso Ivan Azael Martínez , Ramirez Mario Alberto López
Published: July 2021

Malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous inflammatory disorder. Its diagnosis depends on histopathological findings; however, high-quality literature regarding proper medical/surgical treatment is lacking. A 38-year-old diabetic female patient was admitted to the emergency room with a history of lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Colonoscopy revealed a lesion in the descending colon, and abdominal computed tomography revealed a splenic flexure mass involving the lower pole of the spleen and upper pole of the left kidney. Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of malakoplakia. After completing antibiotic treatment, a restaging computed tomography revealed a discrete mass increase; hence, the patient underwent laparoscopic en bloc colectomy and partial nephrectomy. Postoperatively, the patient developed a pancreatic fistula, which was successfully treated with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. The presence of pathognomonic Michaelis-Gutmann inclusions on histopathology is frequently reported as the key to diagnosing malakoplakia. Herein, we present a successful, minimally invasive surgical treatment for colonic malakoplakia.
The Epidemiology and Etiology of Right-Sided Colonic Diverticulosis: A Review
Authors: Turner Greg A. , O’Grady Michael J. , Purcell Rachel V. , Frizelle Frank A.
Published: July 2021

Diverticulosis of the colon is a common condition in Western countries and most patients will remain asymptomatic, but some will present with symptoms of acute diverticulitis or bleeding. Our understanding of diverticulosis is evolving but is mostly derived from diverticulosis affecting the left-sided colon. In contrast, right-sided colonic diverticulosis (RCD) is more commonly seen in Asian countries but is much less common overall. Based on the marked differences in epidemiology, it is commonly thought that these are 2 distinct disease processes. A review of the literature describing the epidemiology and etiology of RCD was performed, with a comparison to the current understanding of left-sided diverticulosis. RCD is becoming increasingly common. The epidemiology of RCD shows it to be a mostly acquired condition, and not congenital as previously thought. Many factors in the etiology of RCD are similar to that seen in left-sided diverticulosis, with a few variations. It is therefore likely that most cases of RCD represent the same disease process that is seen in the left colon.
Injection of aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid in the treatment of fecal incontinence: a single-center observational study
Authors: Abe Tatsuya , Kunimoto Masao , Hachiro Yoshikazu , Ohara Kei , Inagaki Mitsuhiro
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Perianal injection of bulking agents is an attractive treatment option for patients with mild to moderate fecal incontinence (FI). Various bulking agents have been used for injection therapy, but the optimal injection materials and methods are yet to be standardized. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of injection therapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) in the management of FI.Methods: This study included consecutive patients who underwent ALTA injection therapy for FI at our institution. The procedure was performed with the patient in the jackknife position, under caudal epidural anesthesia. The procedure consisted of a 4-step injection to the 3 main cushions and a multipoint injection to the remaining submucosa of the anal canal.Results: Seventy-seven patients (mean age, 76 years) were enrolled in the study. The mean Cleveland Clinic incontinence score of 11.9 ± 4.1 at baseline significantly improved to 7.3 ± 5.2 at 3 months following treatment. The mean maximal resting pressure also increased significantly 3 months after the intervention. Postoperative complications were observed in 3 patients (3.9%), and all events were mild. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 17.5 months. The cumulative recurrence-free rate at 3 years was 72.4%.Conclusion: ALTA injection for FI is safe, easy to perform, and provides reasonable mid-term outcomes. Moreover, concomitant anorectal diseases that may be contraindicated by other injectable bulking agents could be treated simultaneously. Therefore, ALTA injection is a promising alternative in the absence of other injectable agents.
Fisiologia do envelhecimento: da plasticidade às consequências cognitivas
Authors: Cochar-Soares Natália , Delinocente Maicon Luís Bicigo , Dati Livia Mendonça Munhoz
Published: July 2021

O presente artigo apresenta uma revisão de literatura dos principais conceitos, aspectos e achados relacionados ao processo de envelhecimento humano, buscando sintetizar importantes temas por meio da busca de estudos recentes na área. Além disso, o artigo tem foco na discussão de questões associadas à fisiopatologia do Sistema Nervoso Central, função cognitiva e as respectivas consequências decorrentes tanto do envelhecimento saudável quanto do patológico, que neste último caso pode afetar negativamente a autonomia e independência, bem como a qualidade de vida das pessoas idosas. Por fim, o presente trabalho aborda estratégias que visam atuar na prevenção de declínios da função cognitiva.
The King of Dirt: Public Health and Sanitation in Late Medieval Ghent
Authors: Coomans Janna
Published: July 2021

Taking the office of the coninc der ribauden in Ghent as a case-study, this article reconstructs the enforcement of urban sanitation and preventative health practices during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The coninc managed a wide range of issues perceived as potentially polluting, damaging or threateningto health. Banning waste and chasing pigs as well as prostitutes off the streets, the office implemented a governmental vision on communal well-being. Health interests, as part of a broader pursuit of the common good, therefore played an important yet hitherto largely overlooked role in medieval urban governance.
APRENDIZAGEM SIGNIFICATIVA DE ANÁLISE COMBINATÓRIA PAUTADA NOS TRABALHOS EM GRUPO E NA COMUNICAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Jacoby Keli , Rossato Binotto Rosane
Published: July 2021

Este artigo apresenta um recorte de atividades presentes na dissertação de Jacoby (2019), e tem como objetivo analisar as possíveis contribuições para aprendizagem significativa de Análise Combinatória a partir da realização de atividades em grupo, explorando a comunicação matemática. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa em uma turma de 2º Ano do Ensino Médio, de uma escola pública de Chapecó, SC, que iniciou com os alunos resolvendo, em pequenos grupos, situações-problema envolvendo conteúdos de Análise Combinatória utilizando apenas seus conhecimentos prévios, os princípios fundamentais da contagem, e na sequência houve, por parte da professora, a explanação desses conteúdos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa em que a coleta de dados ocorreu a partir de testes e questionário aplicados nos encontros, anotações em diário de bordo e material escrito pelos alunos. A análise dos dados realizada por meio de categorias textuais evidencia que esta proposta contribuiu de forma significativa para a aprendizagem de Análise Combinatória, pois os alunos apresentaram avanços na capacidade de resolver problemas de contagem. Além disso, os resultados obtidos sugerem que as discussões em grupos, com estímulo à argumentação, trouxeram contribuições para o desenvolvimento do pensamento combinatório.
ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF A PRIORI UNCERTAINTY RELATING TO THE DISPERSION OF ADDITIVE NOISE ON THE OPERATION OF SIGNAL PARAMETERS ESTIMATION ALGORITHMS
Authors: ПОБОРЧАЯ Н.Е.
Published: July 2021

Проведен анализ работы регуляризующего алгоритма и процедуры нелинейной фильтрации в условиях неточного знания величины дисперсии аддитивного шума и анализ их вычислительной сложности. С помощью регуляризующих алгоритмов на фоне аддитивного и фазового шума оценивались параметры сигнала квадратурной амплитудной модуляции: сдвиг частоты, постоянные составляющие квадратур сигнала, амплитудный и фазовый дисбаланс, амплитуда и фаза сигнала. Показано, что их сложность ниже, чем у известной процедуры совместного оценивания, а регуляризующий алгоритм устойчивее процедуры нелинейной фильтрации к отклонению дисперсии аддитивного шума от истинных значений.

Analysis of the operation of regularizing algorithm and procedure of nonlinear filtering in conditions of the imprecise value of the variance of the additive noise and analysis of their computational complexity were carried out. Using regularizing these algorithms against the background of additive and phase noise, the following parameters of the quadrature amplitude modulation signal were estimated: frequency shift, constant components of the signal quadrature, amplitude and phase imbalance, amplitude and phase of the signal. It is shown that their complexity is lower than that of the well-known joint estimation procedure, and also that the regularizing algorithm is more resistant to deviations from the true variance of the additive noise than the nonlinear filtering procedure.
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF INCREASING THE ACCURACY OF ESTIMATING THE MAGNITUDE OF THE SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION IN THE MF RANGE DUE TO THE SEA INFLUENCE
Authors: ЖИЛЬЦОВ А.У. , КОРОЛЕНКОВ А.В. , ЧЕРНОВ Ю.А.
Published: July 2021

Рассматривается возможность использования передающих антенн станций СЧ диапазона для работы на ионосферных радиолиниях с учетом особенностей распространения радиоволн этого диапазона и удельной проводимости подстилающей морской поверхности в областях формирования зоны, существенной для поля излучения.

It is considered the possibility of using transmitting antennas of the medium waves stations for operation in ionospheric radio links taking into account features of propagation of medium waves and the conductivity of the underlying sea surface in the areas that are significant for field emission.
SYMBOL RATE. ESTIMATION BOUNDS
Authors: БРУСИН Е.А.
Published: July 2021

В статье обсуждаются проблемы оценивания символьной частоты и определения эффективности получаемых оценок. Предложенный подход позволяет определить границы оценивания символьной частоты для сигналов различных видов модуляции и спектральныххарактеристик. Получено аналитическое выражение для нормированной модифицированной нижней границы Крамера-Рао оценивания символьной частоты для сигналов с косинусным скруглением. Представлены зависимости соответствующих границ от коэффициента скругления, отношения сигнал/шум на символ и длительности интервала наблюдения.

The article discusses the problems of symbol rate estimation and the estimation performance evaluation. The proposed approach allows us to determine the symbol rate estimation bounds for signals of various types of modulation and various spectral characteristics. An analytical expression for the symbol rate modified Kramer-Rao lower bound is obtained for signals with root raised cosine spectrum. The dependences of the corresponding boundaries on the roll-off factor, the signal-to-noise ratio per symbol, and the observation interval duration are presented.
DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH OF REFLECTOMETRIC CONTROL METHODS FOR FIBER-OPTIC COMMUNICATION GUIDE SYSTEMS DURING THEIR CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
Authors: ШОМАЙ Н.С. , ЛИПСКАЯ М.А.
Published: July 2021

Основным фактором, определяющим качество передачи информации в волоконно-оптических линиях связи, являются потери оптической мощности в направляющей системе (оптическом волокне). Приведены результаты разработки и исследования метода, позволяющего за счет увеличения чувствительности рефлектометра получить достоверную информацию о потере на изгибе оптического волокна.

The main factor determining the quality of information transmission in fiber-optic communication lines is the loss of optical power in the guiding system (optical fiber). The method is presented, which allows obtaining reliable information on loss of optical fiber at bending through increasing sensitivity of reflectometer.
TACTILE SIGNALS FORMATION IN THE PROBLEM OF LOSSY COMPRESSION FOR THE FACTOR ADDITIVE MODEL OF PERCEPTION
Authors: ВЛАДИМИРОВ С.А. , КОСОВА Е.В.
Published: July 2021

Рассмотрен вопрос формирования и представления сигналов тактильных мод для задачи сжатия с потерями в рамках факторной аддитивной модели. Обозначены подходы и реализованы основные принципы определения уровней и диапазонов тактильных сигналов. Приведен вариант модели и определена функциональная структура тактильной моды. Предложена реализация временных окон для повышения достоверности тактильных сигналов оператора. Показано, что рассмотренная задача позволит выполнить реализацию тактильного кодера для сетей передачи данных на базе сжатия с потерями.

The article considers the issue of formation and presentation of tactile modes signals for the problem of lossy compression in the framework of the factor additive model. The authors outlined approaches and implemented the basic principles of determining levels and ranges of tactile signals. A variant of the model is proposed and the functional structure of the tactile mode is determined. The implementation of time windows to improve the reliability of the operator's tactile signals is proposed. It is shown that the considered problem will make it possible to implement a tactile encoder for data transmission networks based on lossy compression.
NETWORK GATEWAY FOR NAMED DATA NETWORKS
Authors: БЛИННИКОВ М.А. , ПИРМАГОМЕДОВ Р.Я.
Published: July 2021

Приведен краткий обзор передачи пакетов в сетях именованных данных (Named Data Networking - NDN). Проанализирован механизм и разработана модель распространения данных в сетях NDN, основанная на зависимости вероятности присутствия данных на узле от их популярности, интенсивности передачи трафика в сети, размера Content Store и плотности рассматриваемого участка сети. Выполнен анализ особенностей будущего развития сетей именованных данных и необходимости создания шлюза между устройствами, работающими в соответствии с двумя разными сетевыми архитектурами. Предложен алгоритм работы шлюза IP/NDN, обеспечивающего совместную работоспособность элементов двух сетевых архитектур.

A brief overview of packet transmission in named data networks (NDN) is given. A model of data distribution in NDN networks has been developed. Itis based on the dependence of theprobability of the presence of certain data at a node on their popularity, traffic transmission intensity in the network, the size of the Content Store, and the density of the network segment under consideration. It has been performed the analysis of the features of the future development of named data networks and the need to create a gateway between devices operating in accordance with two different network architectures. The algorithm of IP/NDN gateway operation is proposed, which ensures the joint operability of the elements of two network architectures.
GEOMETRICAL LOSSES IN ATMOSPHERIC OPTICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Authors: МИЛЮТИН Е.Р.
Published: July 2021

Анализируются геометрические потери в атмосферных оптических системах в свободном пространстве. Приводятся оценки потерь в турбулентной среде.

Geometrical losses in atmospheric optical systems in free space are analyzed. Estimates of losses in a turbulent medium are given.