bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent Data Collaboration in Heterogeneous-device IoT Platforms
Authors: Sun Danfeng , Wu Jia , Yang Jian , Wu Huifeng
Published: June 2021

The merging boundaries between edge computing and deep learning are forging a new blueprint for the Internet of Things (IoT). However, the low-quality of data in many IoT platforms, especially those composed of heterogeneous devices, is hindering the development of high-quality applications for those platforms. The solution presented in this article is intelligent data collaboration, i.e., the concept of deep learning providing IoT with the ability to adaptively collaborate to accomplish a task. Here, we outline the concept of intelligent data collaboration in detail and present a mathematical model in general form. To demonstrate one possible case where intelligent data collaboration would be useful, we prepared an implementation called adaptive data cleaning (ADC), designed to filter noisy data out of temperature readings in an IoT base station network. ADC primarily consists of a denoising autoencoder LSTM for predictions and a four-level data processing mechanism to perform the filtering. Comparisons between ADC and a maximum slop method show ADC with the lowest false error and the best filtering rates.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Tropical Air Free-cooled Data Center Control
Authors: Le Duc Van , Wang Rongrong , Liu Yingbo , Tan Rui , Wong Yew-Wah , Wen Yonggang
Published: June 2021

Air free-cooled data centers (DCs) have not existed in the tropical zone due to the unique challenges of year-round high ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH). The increasing availability of servers that can tolerate higher temperatures and RH due to the regulatory bodies’ prompts to raise DC temperature setpoints sheds light upon the feasibility of air free-cooled DCs in the tropics. However, due to the complex psychrometric dynamics, operating the air free-cooled DC in the tropics generally requires adaptive control of supply air condition to maintain the computing performance and reliability of the servers. This article studies the problem of controlling the supply air temperature and RH in a free-cooled tropical DC below certain thresholds. To achieve the goal, we formulate the control problem as Markov decision processes and apply deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to learn the control policy that minimizes the cooling energy while satisfying the requirements on the supply air temperature and RH. We also develop a constrained DRL solution for performance improvements. Extensive evaluation based on real data traces collected from an air free-cooled testbed and comparisons among the unconstrained and constrained DRL approaches as well as two other baseline approaches show the superior performance of our proposed solutions.
LeaD: Learn to Decode Vibration-based Communication for Intelligent Internet of Things
Authors: Zhao Guangrong , Du Bowen , Shen Yiran , Lao Zhenyu , Cui Lizhen , Wen Hongkai
Published: June 2021

In this article, we propose,
LeaD
, a new vibration-based communication protocol to
Lea
rn the unique patterns of vibration to
D
ecode the short messages transmitted to smart IoT devices. Unlike the existing vibration-based communication protocols that decode the short messages symbol-wise, either in binary or multi-ary, the message recipient in
LeaD
receives vibration signals corresponding to bits-groups. Each group consists of multiple symbols sent in a burst and the receiver decodes the group of symbols as a whole via machine learning-based approach. The fundamental behind
LeaD
is different combinations of symbols (1 s or 0 s) in a group will produce unique and reproducible patterns of vibration. Therefore, decoding in vibration-based communication can be modeled as a pattern classification problem.

We design and implement a number of different machine learning models as the core engine of the decoding algorithm of
LeaD
to learn and recognize the vibration patterns. Through the intensive evaluations on large amount of datasets collected, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based model achieves the highest accuracy of decoding (i.e., lowest error rate), which is up to 97% at relatively high bits rate of 40 bits/s. While its competing vibration-based communication protocols can only achieve transmission rate of 10 bits/s and 20 bits/s with similar decoding accuracy. Furthermore, we evaluate its performance under different challenging practical settings and the results show that
LeaD
with CNN engine is robust to poses, distances (within valid range), and types of devices, therefore, a CNN model can be generally trained beforehand and widely applicable for different IoT devices under different circumstances. Finally, we implement
LeaD
on both off-the-shelf smartphone and smart watch to measure the detailed resources consumption on smart devices. The computation time and energy consumption of its different components show that
LeaD
is lightweight and can run
in situ
on low-cost smart IoT devices, e.g., smartwatches, without accumulated delay and introduces only marginal system overhead.
The 2021 software developer shortage is coming
Authors: Breaux Travis , Moritz Jennifer
Published: June 2021

Companies must address the difficulty of hiring and retaining high-skilled employees from an increasingly smaller labor supply.
Modeling of Personalized Anatomy Using Plastic Strains
Authors: Wang Bohan , Matcuk George , Barbič Jernej
Published: June 2021

We present a method for modeling solid objects undergoing large spatially varying and/or anisotropic strains, and use it to reconstruct human anatomy from medical images. Our novel shape deformation method uses plastic strains and the finite element method to successfully model shapes undergoing large and/or anisotropic strains, specified by sparse point constraints on the boundary of the object. We extensively compare our method to standard second-order shape deformation methods, variational methods, and surface-based methods, and demonstrate that our method avoids the spikiness, wiggliness, and other artifacts of previous methods. We demonstrate how to perform such shape deformation both for attached and un-attached (“free flying”) objects, using a novel method to solve linear systems with singular matrices with a known nullspace. Although our method is applicable to general large-strain shape deformation modeling, we use it to create personalized 3D triangle and volumetric meshes of human organs, based on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans. Given a medically accurate anatomy template of a generic individual, we optimize the geometry of the organ to match the magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan of a specific individual. Our examples include human hand muscles, a liver, a hip bone, and a gluteus medius muscle (“hip abductor”).
Deep learning for AI
Authors: Bengio Yoshua , Lecun Yann , Hinton Geoffrey
Published: June 2021

How can neural networks learn the rich internal representations required for difficult tasks such as recognizing objects or understanding language?
Energy-efficient Collaborative Sensing: Learning the Latent Correlations of Heterogeneous Sensors
Authors: Liang Yunji , Wang Xin , Yu Zhiwen , Guo Bin , Zheng Xiaolong , Samtani Sagar
Published: June 2021

With the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the consumer market, the unprecedented sensing capability of IoT devices makes it possible to develop advanced sensing and complex inference tasks by leveraging heterogeneous sensors embedded in IoT devices. However, the limited power supply and the restricted computation capability make it challenging to conduct seamless sensing and continuous inference tasks on resource-constrained devices. How to conduct energy-efficient sensing and perform rich-sensor inference tasks on IoT devices is crucial for the success of IoT applications. Therefore, we propose a novel energy-efficient collaborative sensing framework to optimize the energy consumption of IoT devices. Specifically, we explore the latent correlations among heterogeneous sensors via an attention mechanism in temporal convolutional network to quantify the dependency among sensors, and characterize the heterogeneous sensors in terms of energy consumption to categorize them into
low-power sensors
and
energy-intensive sensors
. Finally, to decrease the sampling frequency of
energy-intensive sensors
, we propose a multi-task learning strategy to predict the statuses of
energy-intensive sensors
based on the
low-power sensors
. To evaluate the performance of the proposed collaborative sensing framework, we develop a mobile application to collect concurrent heterogeneous data streams from all sensors embedded in Huawei Mate 8. The experimental results show that latent correlation learning is greatly helpful to understand the latent correlations among heterogeneous streams, and it is feasible to predict the statuses of
energy-intensive sensors
by
low-power sensors
with high accuracy and fast convergence. In terms of energy consumption, the proposed collaborative sensing framework is able to preserve the energy consumption of IoT devices by nearly 50% for continuous data acquisition tasks.
A battery-free internet of things
Authors: Shein Esther
Published: June 2021

The Internet of Things can thrive without hardwired or consumable power sources.
Lessons from the loo
Authors: Cranor Lorrie Faith
Published: June 2021

Illustrating privacy concepts with potty talk.
Responsible computing during COVID-19 and beyond
Authors: Barocas Solon , Biega Asia J. , Boyarskaya Margarita , Crawford Kate , III Hal Daumé , Dudík Miroslav , Fish Benjamin , Gray Mary L. , Hecht Brent , Olteanu Alexandra , Poursabzi-Sangdeh Forough , Stark Luke , Vaughan Jennifer Wortman , Wallach Hanna , Zepf Marion
Published: June 2021

Navigating the ethical and societal impacts of technologies.
Toward a more stable understanding of pregnancy micronutrient metabolism
Authors: Klatt Kevin C. , Smith Emily R. , Barberio Matthew D.
Published: June 2021

There is an urgent need to better understand the micronutrient demands of pregnancy due to the complex physiological adaptations during the gestational period and the importance of micronutrients in maternal-fetal health. Rigorous studies of micronutrients in pregnancy are significantly lacking due to a number of issues including the exclusion of pregnant people in research, methodological barriers to studying micronutrients, and the multidisciplinary expertise required for such studies. Stable isotopes present a unique methodological opportunity to quantify pregnancy-related changes in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of micronutrients. We demonstrate here through a rapid review of the published literature that this approach is dramatically underutilized outside of calcium. In this perspective, we discuss the use of stable isotopes to study micronutrient physiology and our experiences in addressing the need for more studies in this area. Finally, we discuss how we might overcome major barriers to move toward a better understanding of micronutrient physiology in pregnancy.
The transcriptional coregulator CITED2 suppresses expression of IRS-2 and impairs insulin signaling in endothelial cells
Authors: Kunkemoeller Britta , Chen Kuangyang , Lockhart Sam M. , Wang Xuanchun , Rask-Madsen Christian
Published: June 2021

Endothelial cell insulin resistance is a major contributor to the development of diabetic complications. In this study, we have shown that CITED2, a transcriptional coregulator, inhibits endothelial insulin signaling through the PI3K/Akt pathway via repression of HIF-dependent IRS-2 expression, and that deletion of CITED2 enhances insulin signaling. Thus, CITED2 represents a novel and promising target to improve insulin sensitivity in endothelial cells and prevent vascular complications in diabetes.
Alterations in bile acid metabolizing gut microbiota and specific bile acid genes as a precision medicine to subclassify NAFLD
Authors: Jiao Na , Loomba Rohit , Yang Zi-Huan , Wu Dingfeng , Fang Sa , Bettencourt Richele , Lan Ping , Zhu Ruixin , Zhu Lixin
Published: June 2021

Multiple mechanisms for the gut microbiome contributing to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been implicated. Here, we aim to investigate the contribution and potential application for altered bile acids (BA) metabolizing microbes in NAFLD by post hoc analysis of whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) data. The discovery cohort consisted of 86 well-characterized patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 38 healthy controls. Assembly-based analysis was performed to identify BA-metabolizing microbes. Statistical tests, feature selection, and microbial coabundance analysis were integrated to identify microbial alterations and markers in NAFLD. An independent validation cohort was subjected to similar analyses. NAFLD microbiota exhibited decreased diversity and microbial associations. We established a classifier model with 53 differential species exhibiting a robust diagnostic accuracy [area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC) = 0.97] for detecting NAFLD. Next, eight important differential pathway markers including secondary BA biosynthesis were identified. Specifically, increased abundance of 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7α-HSDH), 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (baiA), and bile acid-coenzyme A ligase (baiB) was detected in NAFLD. Furthermore, 10 of 50 BA-metabolizing metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from Bacteroides ovatus and Eubacterium biforme were dominant in NAFLD and interplayed as a synergetic ecological guild. Importantly, two subtypes of patients with NAFLD were observed according to secondary BA metabolism potentials. Elevated capability for secondary BA biosynthesis was also observed in the validation cohort. These bacterial BA-metabolizing genes and microbes identified in this study may serve as disease markers. Microbial differences in BA-metabolism and strain-specific differences among patients highlight the potential for precision medicine in NAFLD treatment.
Genetic and Functional Evaluation of the Role of FOXO1 in Antituberculosis Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Jiao Lin , Song Jiajia , Wu Tao , Bai Hao , Liu Tangyuheng , Zhao Zhenzhen , Hu Xuejiao , Ying Binwu
Published: June 2021

Background. The accumulation of the hepatotoxic substance protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) induced by aminolevulinate synthase 1 (ALAS1) activation is one of the important mechanisms of antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH). Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) may activate ALAS1 transcription. However, little is known about their roles in ATDH; we performed a study to determine the association between polymorphisms in the two genes and ATDH susceptibility. Then, we verified this possible association by cellular functional experiments. Materials and Methods. Tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (TagSNPs) in the two genes were genotyped in 746 tuberculosis patients. The frequencies of the alleles, genotypes, genetic models, and haplotype distribution of the variants were compared between the case and control groups. L-02 cells and HepG2 cells were incubated with the indicated concentration of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) for the desired times, and then the expression levels of ALAS1 and FOXO1 mRNAs and proteins were detected. HepG2 cells were transiently transfected with FOXO1 siRNA to observe the effect of changes in the FOXO1 expression on the cell survival rate and ALAS1 expression. Results. The C allele at rs2755237 and the T allele at rs4435111 in the FOXO1 gene were associated with a decreased risk of ATDH. The expression of ALAS1 in both L-02 cells and HepG2 cells was increased by the coadministration of INH/RIF (600/200 μM) for 24 h. Although FOXO1 expression was reduced slightly by the same treatment, its content in the nucleus was significantly increased. However, the cell survival rate and ALAS1 expression level were not significantly altered by the downregulation of FOXO1 in HepG2 cells. Conclusions. Variants of the rs4435111 and rs2755237 loci in the FOXO1 gene were associated with susceptibility to ATDH. Coadministration of INH/RIF promoted the transfer of FOXO1 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, but the functional significance of its nuclear translocation requires further verification.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of the Extracts from Different Garcinia Species
Authors: Nguyen Nguyen Hoai , Nguyen Minh Tan , Nguyen Hiep Dinh , Pham Phuoc Dien , Thach Ut Dong , Trinh Binh T. D. , Nguyen Ly T. T. , Dang Son V. , Do Anh Thu , Do Bich Hang
Published: June 2021

Background. Garcinia is a large genus which has promising bioactivities. However, the properties of many Garcinia species have not been investigated thoroughly. Aim. To determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities of the extracts from different Garcinia species. Methodology. Six Garcinia species, including Garcinia fusca, Garcinia hopii, Garcinia planchonii, Garcinia nigrolineata, Garcinia gaudichaudii, and Garcinia tinctoria were extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, producing n-hexane extract (HE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), and methanol extract (ME). After that, the total polyphenol content was evaluated using Folin–Ciocalteu assay. DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity assays were performed to test the antioxidant activity. Subsequently, the antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial strains were assessed using Kirby Bauer and the broth microdilution methods. Results. Many Garcinia extracts contained high total polyphenol content consisting of ME of G. hopii ad G. tinctoria, and EAE of G. planchonii and G. tinctoria. The EAE of G. tinctoria showed effective antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 1.5 µg/mL). Additionally, the EAE of G. gaudichaudii was effective against Gram-positive bacteria with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of 15.625–25 µg/mL whereas ME of G. planchonii was effective against both Gram-positive bacteria (MIC = 160 µg/mL) and Gram-negative bacteria (MIC = 75 µg/mL). Conclusion. Several extracts of Garcinia species demonstrated valuable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Isolated Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Revealed by an Associated Asthma
Authors: Bachouch I. , Belloumi N. , Attia M. , Chermiti Ben Abdallah F. , Hantous Zannad S. , Fenniche S.
Published: June 2021

Background. Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare anomaly of the thoracic venous system. Case Report. We present a case of a patient with isolated asymptomatic PLSVC, who was diagnosed because of dyspnea revealing an associated asthma. An 18-year-old male patient complained of paroxystic sibilant dyspnea. He did not have any anomaly in physical examination. The chest X-ray revealed cardiomegaly with a widening of lower mediastinum. The electrocardiogram does not show any anomaly. Echocardiography showed the PLSVC. The thoracic contrast computed tomography of the chest showed ecstasies of the right cardiac cavities and a double superior vena cava. The patient did not have similar family cases. Respiratory functional explorations led to the diagnosis of an associated asthma. Currently, he is followed up periodically. Asthma was improved with inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Conclusion. PLSVC is rare but can have important clinical implications. Associated severe cardiac malformations must be systematically sought.
MiR-20a-5p Regulates MPP+-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation in HT22 Cells by Targeting IRF9/NF-κB Axis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Yuan , Zhou Feng , Li Jie , Lu Gang , Zhao Yingqian
Published: June 2021

Substantial evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as biological markers of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and contribute to the risk assessment, early diagnosis, and treatment. We aimed to explore the role and potential mechanism of miR-20a-5p on inflammation and oxidative stress in 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridine ion- (MPP+-) induced HT22 cells. HT22 cells were pretreated with miR-20a-5p mimic and/or pcDNA-IRF9 for 24 h and then treated with MPP+ (0.5 mM) for 24 h. The cell viability and apoptosis were determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Annexin V FITC/PI staining flow cytometry assay, respectively. The expression and secretion of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress-related factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression levels were detected using Western blot analysis. Here, we discovered that MPP+ led to mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and cell damage of HT22 cells, which were alleviated by miR-20a-5p overexpression. We further clarified that interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) was a target gene of miR-20a-5p. IRF9 contributed to MPP+-induced mitochondrial disruption, inflammation, and cell apoptosis. Moreover, IRF9 hindered the improvement of miR-20a-5p overexpression on MPP+-induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, the decrease of p-P65 level induced by miR-20a-5p mimic was significantly reversed by IRF9 overexpression. These findings demonstrate that miR-20a-5p contributes to MPP+-induced mitochondrial disruption and cell damage, and miR-20a-5p might be a novel therapeutic target for PD.
Spectrum-Effect Relationship between HPLC Fingerprints and Antioxidant Activity of Yangyin Tongnao Prescription
Authors: Yu Li , Zhang Yangyang , Zhao Xixi , He Yu , Wan Haofang , Wan Haitong , Yang Jiehong
Published: June 2021

Yangyin Tongnao (YYTN) prescription is used as a traditional Chinese herbal formula, and it has antioxidant activity that mainly contributes in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the compounds related to its antioxidant activity are still unknown. In the present study, the fingerprints of YYTN extracts under different extraction conditions were obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify the common peaks to all the samples processed. A 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracts. Spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprints and antioxidant activity of YYTN was assessed by Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC) and multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA). The results showed that peaks 5, 6, 13, 15, and 24 of the fingerprints were closely connected to antioxidant activity. Five peaks were identified: vanillic acid (P5), puerarin (P7), ferulic acid (P13), daidzein (P21), and formononetin (P23). Our study successfully established the spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprints and antioxidant activity of YYTN, which provided a general method for establishing quality standards with a combination of chromatography and antioxidant activity.
Predicting Stock Return with Economic Constraint: Can Interquartile Range Truncate the Outliers?
Authors: Dai Zhifeng , Chang Xiaoming
Published: June 2021

We find that imposing economic constraint on stock return forecasts based on the Interquartile Range of equity premium can significantly strengthen predictive performance. Specifically, we construct a judgment mechanism that truncates the outliers in forecasts of stock return. We prove that our constraint approach can realize more accurate predictive information relative to the unconstraint approach from the perspective of statistics and economics. In addition, the new constraint approach can effectively defeat CT constraint and CDA strategy. The three mixed models we proposed can further enhance the accuracy of prediction, especially the mixed model combined with our constraint approach. Finally, utilizing our new constraint approach can help investors obtain considerable economic gains. With the application of extension and robustness analysis, our results are robust.
Resveratrol Prevents Right Ventricle Dysfunction, Calcium Mishandling, and Energetic Failure via SIRT3 Stimulation in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Bernal-Ramírez Judith , Silva-Platas Christian , Jerjes-Sánchez Carlos , Ramos-González Martín R. , Vázquez-Garza Eduardo , Chapoy-Villanueva Héctor , Ramírez-Rivera Alicia , Zarain-Herzberg Ángel , García Noemi , García-Rivas Gerardo
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vessel remodeling; however, its severity and impact on survival depend on right ventricular (RV) failure. Resveratrol (RES), a polyphenol found in red wine, exhibits cardioprotective effects on RV dysfunction in PAH. However, most literature has focused on RES protective effect on lung vasculature; recent finding indicates that RES has a cardioprotective effect independent of pulmonary arterial pressure on RV dysfunction, although the underlying mechanism in RV has not been determined. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating sirtuin‐3 (SIRT3) modulation by RES in RV using a monocrotaline‐ (MC‐) induced PAH rat model. Myocyte function was evaluated by confocal microscopy as cell contractility, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm); cell energetics was assessed by high‐resolution respirometry, and western blot and immunoprecipitation evaluated posttranslational modifications. PAH significantly affects mitochondrial function in RV; PAH is prone to mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, thus decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential. The compromised cellular energetics affects cardiomyocyte function by decreasing sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) activity and delaying myofilament unbinding, disrupting cell relaxation. RES partially protects mitochondrial integrity by deacetylating cyclophilin‐D, a critical component of the mPTP, increasing SIRT3 expression and activity and preventing mPTP opening. The preserved energetic capability rescues cell relaxation by maintaining SERCA activity. Avoiding Ca2+ transient and cell contractility mismatch by preserving mitochondrial function describes, for the first time, impairment in excitation‐contraction‐energetics coupling in RV failure. These results highlight the importance of mitochondrial energetics and mPTP in PAH.
Unrecognized Orbital Images Cause Diagnostic Confusion: Silicone Oil and Implanted Silicone Encircling Bands
Authors: Nojima Tsuyoshi , Obara Takafumi , Tsukahara Kohei , Nakao Atsunori , Naito Hiromichi
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Most physicians are not familiar with postoperative changes to the orbit, so radiologists and clinicians may sometimes find it challenging to conduct a proper radiological assessment of the globe of the eye and orbital abnormalities. We present a patient with head trauma who had surgery for retinal detachment with implantation of silicone encircling bands. This case report may help clinicians recognize imaging characteristics after ophthalmic surgery to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary workup. Case Report. An 18-year-old man with severe head trauma was admitted to our hospital. Initial computed tomography (CT) revealed a high attenuation of intraocular silicone that could be mistaken for a hemorrhage. Ophthalmological examination and detailed ophthalmic history confirmed silicone oil in his eye for treatment of retinal detachment. Knowledge of the anatomical changes and radiological appearance of postsurgical findings following retinal detachment, including the surgical materials of silicone oil or bands, can prevent unnecessary alarm. Conclusion. Implanted ophthalmic devices, for example, silicone oil, appear similar to hemorrhages on CT and magnetic resonance imaging and cause diagnostic confusion. When in doubt, it is useful to assess the clinical presentation and obtain an accurate medical history.
Composition, Physicochemical Properties, and Uses of Acorn Starch
Authors: Taib Mehdi , Bouyazza Lahboub
Published: June 2021

The major component of acorn is starch, which may amount up to 55% of the dry weight. Lack of systematic knowledge on acorn starch greatly hinders the further development of acorns as sustainable crops. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of the isolation, chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and uses of acorn starches and to provide future research directions. The amylose content of the acorn starches is reported to vary in the range of 20–39%. Moisture content, lipid, ash, and protein contents of the acorn starches have been reported varying from 2.20 to 15.50%, 0.23 to 2.64%, 0.01 to 1.41%, and 0.01 to 6.7%, respectively. Thermal and pasting properties that have usually been determined using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and rapid viscoanalyzer (RVA) are also discussed in this article. Acorn starch has great potential for various food and nonfood applications due to the unique structural and functional features.
Medical Abortion of a First-Trimester Pregnancy with Large Multiple Uterine Leiomyomata
Authors: Santibenchakul Somsook , Jaisamrarn Unnop
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Termination of pregnancy in a patient with huge uterine leiomyomata poses significant challenges to clinicians. In this study, we report the successful termination of pregnancy in a patient with large multiple uterine leiomyomata using a combined regimen of drugs for medical abortion. Case. A 42-year-old woman, 6 weeks pregnant, presented to the Family Planning Clinic with an unintended pregnancy. She had a large, irregular abdominal midline mass, equivalent in size to 30-32 weeks of pregnancy. Abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examinations revealed a small intrauterine gestational sac with a yolk sac and multiple large uterine leiomyomata. Treatment with mifepristone (200 mg) was initiated at the clinic. In addition, she was instructed to sublingually take 800 μg of misoprostol after 24–48 h. Two weeks later, at the follow-up visit, the patient complained of continued light bleeding. A pelvic examination showed that her cervix was dilated by 1 cm. In addition, abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound revealed a thick, inhomogeneous endometrium. Owing to light bleeding and no anemia or infection, the patient received two additional doses of 800 μg misoprostol vaginally. Her bleeding subsided for 61 days, and she resumed her normal menstrual cycle. Conclusion. A first-trimester pregnancy with large multiple uterine leiomyomata can be safely terminated using a combination regimen of drugs for medical abortion. However, an additional dose of misoprostol is required for the successful termination of pregnancy.
Characteristics Associated with the Use of Diagnostic Prostate Biopsy and Biopsy Outcomes in Australian Men
Authors: Chiam Karen , Bang Albert , Patel Manish I. , Nair-Shalliker Visalini , O’Connell Dianne L. , Smith David P.
Published: June 2021

Background:

Population characteristics associated with the use of prostate biopsy are poorly understood. We described the use of diagnostic prostate biopsy and subsequent biopsy outcomes in a population-based Australian cohort.

Methods:

A total of 91,764 men from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study (New South Wales, Australia) recruited during 2006 to 2009 were included. Self-completed baseline questionnaires and linked administrative health data were used. Study period was from the date of recruitment to December 2013. Cox regression and logistic regression identified factors associated with receipt of biopsy and subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis.

Results:

During the study period, 5,089 participants had a diagnostic prostate biopsy, and 2,805 men (55.1% of those biopsied) received a cancer diagnosis. Men with a family history of prostate cancer (HR 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.43–1.68), severe lower urinary tract symptoms (HR 1.62; 95% CI, 1.41–1.86), or a record of medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia (HR 1.34; 95% CI, 1.23–1.47) had increased risks of receiving a biopsy. Men with a family history of prostate cancer had increased odds of a positive biopsy (OR 1.21; 95% CI, 1.01–1.43). High alcohol consumption (≥21 drinks per week compared with 1–6 drinks per week) was associated with decreased risk of biopsy (HR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80–0.96) but increased odds of a positive biopsy (OR 1.63; 95% CI, 1.32–2.02).

Conclusions:

Certain characteristics are associated with both undertaking diagnostic prostate biopsy and positive biopsy outcomes.

Impact:

This highlights the need to improve management of specific groups of men, especially those with clinical symptoms that overlap with prostate cancer, in their investigation for prostate cancer.
HPV-Induced Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Brazil: Prevalence, Trend, Clinical, and Epidemiologic Characterization
Authors: Santos Carvalho Raiany , Scapulatempo-Neto Cristovam , Curado Maria Paula , de Castro Capuzzo Renato , Marsico Teixeira Fernanda , Cardoso Pires Rafael , Cirino Maria Thereza , Cambrea Joaquim Martins Jessica , Almeida Oliveira da Silva Isabella , Oliveira Marco Antonio , Watanabe Marcel , Guimarães Ribeiro Adeylson , Caravina de Almeida Gisele , Reis Rui Manuel , Ribeiro Gama Ricardo , Lopes Carvalho André , de Carvalho Ana Carolina
Published: June 2021

Background:

Tobacco or human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) represent different clinical and epidemiologic entities. This study investigated the prevalence of HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC in a reference cancer hospital in Brazil and its association with clinical and demographic data, as well as its impact on overall survival.

Methods:

HPV infection was determined by p16-IHC in pre-treatment formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from all patients with OPSCC diagnosed at Barretos Cancer Hospital between 2008 and 2018. The prevalence of HPV-positive cases and its temporal trend was assessed, and the association of clinical and demographic data with HPV infection and the impact on patient overall survival was evaluated.

Results:

A total of 797 patients with OPSCC were included in the study. The prevalence of HPV-associated tumors in the period was 20.6% [95% confidence interval, 17.5–24.0] with a significant trend for increase of HPV-positive cases over the years (annual percentage change = 12.87). In a multivariate analysis, the variables gender, level of education, smoking, tumor sublocation, region of Brazil, and tumor staging had a significant impact in HPV positivity, and a greater overall survival (OS) was observed in HPV-positive patients (5-year OS: 47.9% vs. 22.0%; P = 0.0001).

Conclusions:

This study represents the largest cohort of Brazilian patients with OPSCC characterized according to HPV status. We report significant differences in demographics and clinical presentation according to HPV status, and an increasing trend in prevalence for HPV-induced tumors.

Impact:

These findings can potentially contribute to a better stratification and management of patients as well as assist in prevention strategies.
Subclinical Needle Tract Seeding by Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Uozumi Nozomi , Oura Shoji , Makimoto Shinichiro
Published: June 2021

A 77-year-old woman with epigastralgia was referred to our hospital. Abdominal computed tomography showed a hypointense mass in the pancreatic tail. Abdominal and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) showed a hypo-echoic mass, 25 × 25 mm in size, with pancreatic duct dilatation. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed to the mass through gastric posterior wall. Pathological examination showed atypical cells growing papillary or tubular fashion, leading to the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Under the preoperative diagnosis of T2N0M0 pancreatic cancer, the patient underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. Macroscopic view of the resected specimen showed a presumed puncture-induced pancreatic pseudocyst adjacent to the pancreas. Pathological examination showed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and a pseudocyst with presumed migrated atypical cells in the pseudocyst wall. The patient recovered uneventfully and has been on outpatient follow-up with adjuvant TS-1 therapy. Optimal treatment of pancreatic cancer naturally needs preoperative definitive diagnosis more strictly than other solid malignancies due to its much higher operative harm to the patients. EUS-FNA is a safe and effective diagnostic method but needs careful attention to the needle tract seeding.
Cannabis and Cannabis Derivatives for Abdominal Pain Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Bogale Kaleb , Raup-Konsavage Wesley , Dalessio Shannon , Vrana Kent , Coates Matthew D.
Published: June 2021

For centuries, cannabis and its components have been used to manage a wide variety of symptoms associated with many illnesses. Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are no exception in this regard. Individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are among those who have sought out the ameliorating properties of this plant. As legal limitations of its use have eased, interest has grown from both patients and their providers regarding the potential of cannabis to be used in the clinical setting. Similarly, a growing number of animal and human studies have been undertaken to evaluate the impact of cannabis and cannabinoid signaling elements on the natural history of IBD and its associated complications. There is little clinical evidence supporting the ability of cannabis or related products to treat the GI inflammation underlying these disorders. However, 1 recurring theme from both animal and human studies is that these agents have a significant impact on several IBD-related symptoms, including abdominal pain. In this review, we discuss the role of cannabis and cannabinoid signaling in visceral pain perception, what is currently known regarding the efficacy of cannabis and its derivatives for managing pain, related symptoms and inflammation in IBD, and what work remains to effectively utilize cannabis and its derivatives in the clinical setting.
COVID-19: Pneumologische Rehabilitation bei Patienten in der postakuten Phase
Authors: Leitl Daniela , Koczulla Andreas Rembert
Published: June 2021

Background:In hospitalized patients recovering from the SARS-coronavirus-2 disease 19 (COVID-19), high prevalence of muscle weakness and physical performance impairment has been observed. Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in these subjects in a real-life setting. Methods:Retrospective data analysis of patients recovering from COVID-19, including those requiring assisted ventilation or oxygen therapy, consecutively admitted to an in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation program between April 1 and August 15, 2020. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB: primary outcome), Barthel Index (BI), and six-min walking distance were assessed as outcome measures. Results:Data of 140 patients were analyzed. After rehabilitation, patients showed improvements in SPPB {from: (median [IQR]) 0.5 (0–7) to 7 (4–10), p < 0.001} and BI (from 55 [30–90] to 95 [65–100], p < 0.001), as well as in other assessed outcome measures. The proportion of patients unable at admission to stand, rise from a chair and walk was significantly reduced (p < 0.00). Conclusions:Pulmonary rehabilitation is possible and effective in patients recovering from COVID-19. Our findings may be useful to guide clinicians taking care of patients surviving COVID-19 infection.
ПОРІВНЯЛЬНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ІНТРАОПЕРАЦІЙНОЇ КРОВОВТРАТИ ПРИ ПЕРЕДЧАСНИХ ПОЛОГАХ ПІД ЧАС КЕСАРЕВОГО РОЗТИНУ ЗА КЛАСИЧНИМ СПОСОБОМ ТА ЗА МОДИФІКОВАНОЮ МЕТОДИКОЮ
Authors: Григурко Д. О.
Published: June 2021

Мета – провести порівняльний аналіз об᾽єму інтраопераційної крововтрати при кесаревому розтині (КР) за класичним способом та при застосуванні модифікованої методики в умовах передчасних пологів (ПП).
Матеріал і методи. Проведено порівняльний аналіз 59 випадків передчасних пологів, розродження при яких було проведено абдомінальним шляхом. Основну групу (I клінічна) склали 29 пацієнток, у яких операція кесаревого розтину виконувалась згідно з запропонованою модифікованою методикою, порівняльну групу (II клінічна) – 30 пацієнток, які були прооперовані класичним способом кесаревого розтину. Для більш достовірного аналізу кожна клінічна група була поділена на дві підгрупи в залежності від терміну вагітності (29–33 тижні 6 днів та 34–36 тижнів і 6 днів відповідно). Головні відмінності запропонованої методики абдомінального розродження полягають у використанні удосконаленого способу входження до черевної порожнини та в одномоментному ушиванні рани на матці двома операторами, починаючи від кутів країв рани неперервним однорядним вікриловим швом із фіксуючим зашморгом на кожному з кінців двох ниток. У випадках народження дітей на ранніх термінах, до 30 тижнів гестації, проводився корпоральний розріз на матці та їх народження в цілому плідному міхурі.
Результати. У процесі дослідження ми виявили, що застосування модифікованої методики абдомінального розродження сприяє зменшенню величини інтраопераційної крововтрати при ПП майже на 300 мл (р<0,001), мінімізує розвиток масивної акушерської кровотечі (МАК), практично анулює потребу в проведенні інтраопераційної гемотрансфузії та гістеректомії (р<0,05).
Висновок. Отримані нами дані підтверджують ефективність застосування удосконаленої методики абдомінального розродження для зменшення об᾽єму інтраопераційної крововтрати в умовах ПП.
СИСТЕМА ВПРАВ ДЛЯ ВИВЧЕННЯ ГРАМАТИЧНИХ КАТЕГОРІЙ ЧАСУ ТА ОСОБИ ДІЄСЛІВ РУХУ НА ЗАНЯТТЯХ ІЗ ДИСЦИПЛІНИ «УКРАЇНСЬКА МОВА ЯК ІНОЗЕМНА» (НА ПРИКЛАДІ ТЕМИ «У МІСТІ. УРОК 2»)
Authors: Руденко М. І.
Published: June 2021

Перед викладачами української мови як іноземної сьогодні стоїть непросте завдання − відібрати з усього обширу лексичного багатства та граматичних парадигм ті, які позначені найбільшою вживаністю і, відтак, є найбільш необхідними для вивчення. Здійснюючи це на практиці, лінгводидакти перебувають у стані постійного пошуку нових підходів до навчання, нетривіальних методик викладання. Адже кінцевим результатом опанування курсу «Українська мова як іноземна» повинна стати людина з вільними навичками спілкування в чужомовному для неї середовищі.

У статті запропоновано апробоване заняття з дисципліни «Українська мова як іноземна» на тему «У місті. Урок 2». Оскільки Урок 1 і Урок 2 складають тематичну цілісність, на другому занятті продовжується робота із локативною лексикою. Перший блок вправ призначений для активного залучення у розмову студентів із застосуванням вивченої урбаністичної лексики та опрацюванням нових слів. Із застосуванням мультимедійних технологій останні покращують комунікативні навички, розмовляючи про побачене. Тема визначила опрацювання таких граматичних категорій, як особа, час та рід одновидових дієслів руху – іти/ходити, їхати/їздити, а відтак − їхньої сполучуваності з локативними іменниками та прислівниками. Вживання цих дієслів у контексті продемонстровано на прикладі діалогів, які відтворюють звичні для студентів ситуації з повсякденного життя.

Граматичні форми дієслів систематизовано за допомогою таблиці, у якій суміщено граматичні категорії особи, часу та роду. Це дозволяє візуалізувати одну з найскладніших тем для вивчення та актуалізувати вже вивчені знання про дієслово. Навички використання правильних грамем є дуже важливими для подальшого ефективного комунікування в іншомовному середовищі, особливо в професійному мовленні.

Система тренувальних вправ покликана сформувати розуміння семантичної різниці у змісті пар слів іти/ходити, їхати/їздити, відтак вміння застосовувати особові форми дієслів у реченні, також диференціювати їх у часовій площині. Зміст вправ дозволяє також пригадати попередні граматичні теми, зокрема рід іменника. Читання діалогів закріплює розуміння  контекстуального вживання вивченого. Результатом заняття вбачаємо вільне оперування опрацьованим на занятті лексико-граматичним матеріалом  у повсякденному та професійному спілкуванні.
A Internacional Comunista e a Questão Judaica
Authors: Kirschbaum Saul
Published: June 2021

O relacionamento dos judeus com o poder na Rússia nos quatro séculos desde o tsarado de Ivã IV, o Terrível, foi marcado por opressão, perseguições, exclusão e supressão de direitos, culminando com a retomada do antissemitismo aberto da era estalinista. Não obstante, a cooperação do movimento operário judaico com a social-democracia russa, que, apesar de um constante estranhamento com o proletariado russo, em boa parte viabilizou o sucesso da Revolução, acenava para uma plena integração dos judeus; de fato, num primeiro momento os judeus obtiveram plenos direitos civis. Porém, a III Internacional, fundada por Lênin em 1918, instituiu um rígido centralismo sob o comando do PCUS e negou-se a considerar os judeus como uma nacionalidade, não lhes permitindo participar naquela organização e recusando-se até mesmo a admitir a própria existência de uma “Questão Judaica”.
Homens da Montanha: Cristãos Novos e a Ocupação do Interior Brasileiro
Authors: Tonello Levy Daniela
Published: June 2021

Judeus Sefaraditas, descendentes dos convertidos em 1497, foram os pioneiros na descoberta do ouro e diamantes na América portuguesa. A instituição do Tribunal do Santo Ofício da Inquisição, trouxe drásticas consequências para a vida Ibérica, que a longo prazo arruinaram o comércio português, fazendo emigrar do Reino os mais prestigiosos elementos, prejudicando por muitos anos a produção nacional, destruindo famílias e negócios. A cultura judaica, florescente na Península Ibérica até o século XV, apagou-se, e Portugal submergiu nas trevas da ignorância. Em São Paulo, os cristãos novos estiveram entre os desbravadores do sertão brasileiro, ultrapassando os limites do Tratado de Tordesilhas. Os habitantes da então inóspita Vila de São Paulo de Piratininga eram considerados inimigos da Espanha, por suas incursões ao sertão em busca de oportunidades econômicas. No interior, lutaram contra às Missões jesuíticas, a vida selvagem, fome, sede e finalmente se tornaram os primeiros a encontrar ouro no Brasil.  Foram os primeiros a abrir estradas e fundar as vilas do ouro. Um marrano, Garcia Rodrigues Paes, foi o responsável pela construção do “Caminho do comércio” que encurtava a distância entre o Rio de janeiro, principal porto e a Vila de Ouro Preto. Os sefaraditas acreditavam estar seguros, nas montanhas e no interior do Brasil, mas a Inquisição formou uma rede de espiões encarregados de espionar e prender os cristãos novos.
Os estudos orientais no âmbito da universidade
Authors: Hanania Aida R. , Sproviero Mário B.
Published: June 2021

O presente artigo busca, a partir de breve retrospectiva histórica localizar os estudos orientais no nível da universidade e sua importância, bem como seu modo de presença ao longo do tempo