bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Touch and Social Interaction
Authors: Cekaite Asta , Goodwin Marjorie H.
Published: July 2021

Our understanding of touch as a basic and complex sense is informed by phenomenological perspectives on our corporeal “being-in-the-world” and the notion of intercorporeality ( Merleau-Ponty 1964 ) as well as by sociological perspectives on social life as organized and accomplished through corporeal participation and the interaction order ( Goffman 1983 ). Intercorporeality involves sense-making of oneself and copresent others as body subjects, active in (re)producing a corporeal interaction order that is understood as tactile as well as visual and sonorous. In our review of contemporary ethnographic work, we direct our attention to touch and social interaction and discuss ( a) ritualized supportive interchanges; ( b) moves of compassion that calm a distressed child; ( c) forms of control that socialize the body and gain attention, in particular to create multisensorial, instructional environments; and ( d) forms of touch during care and bodywork in medical and therapeutic contexts.
Reflections on a Career in Plant Virology: A Chip Floating on a Stream
Authors: Jackson Andrew O.
Published: July 2021

At the time I entered college and for a few years afterward, I had very few concrete goals. Hence, my progress was more a matter of luck than planning and was somewhat analogous to a small wood chip floating down a slow stream, bumping into various objects tossed and turned hither and thither, all the while being surrounded by larger and more appealing chips. I have been extremely lucky to have been associated with numerous helpful and knowledgeable mentors, colleagues, postdocs, students, and coworkers whose advice had major impacts on my life. Therefore, throughout this article, I have attempted to acknowledge central individuals who contributed to my progress in academia and to highlight the positive bumps to my chip on the steam that affected the directions of my career.
Chronic binge alcohol and ovariectomy dysregulate omental adipose tissue metaboproteome in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected female macaques
Authors: Poret Jonquil M. , Guidry Jessie J. , Simon Liz , Molina Patricia E.
Published: July 2021

Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced mortality of people living with HIV (PLWH), and the prevalence of at-risk alcohol use is higher among PLWH. Increased survival and aging of PLWH is associated with increased prevalence of metabolic comorbidities especially among menopausal women, and adipose tissue metabolic dysregulation may be a significant contributing factor. We examined the differential effects of chronic binge alcohol (CBA) administration and ovariectomy (OVX) on the omental adipose tissue (OmAT) proteome in a subset of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques of a longitudinal parent study. Quantitative discovery-based proteomics identified 1,429 differentially expressed proteins. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to calculate z-scores, or activation predictions, for functional pathways and diseases. Results revealed that protein changes associated with functional pathways centered around the “OmAT metaboproteome profile.” Based on z-scores, CBA did not affect functional pathways of metabolic disease but dysregulated proteins involved in adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and lipid metabolism. OVX-mediated proteome changes were predicted to promote pathways involved in glucose- and lipid-associated metabolic disease. Proteins involved in apoptosis, necrosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways were also predicted to be activated by OVX and these were predicted to be inhibited by CBA. These results provide evidence for the role of ovarian hormone loss in mediating OmAT metaboproteome dysregulation in SIV and suggest that CBA modifies OVX-associated changes. In the context of OVX, CBA administration produced larger metabolic and cellular effects, which we speculate may reflect a protective role of estrogen against CBA-mediated adipose tissue injury in female SIV-infected macaques.
Exploring the Regulatory Mechanism of Modified Huanglian Maidong Decoction on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Biological Network Based on Systematic Pharmacology
Authors: He Qi , Zhang Tianqing , Jin Bing , Wu Yonghe , Wu Jiamin , Gao Pu , Wu Shiwei
Published: July 2021

Objective. To explore the mechanism of modified Huanglian Maidong decoction (Maidong-Sanqi-Huanglian Compounds, MSHCs) intervention in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method. This study used PubChem and SciFinder to collect the molecular structure of MSHCs, used PharmMapper to predict the potential targets of MSHC, and combined them with the T2DM gene to construct MSHC-T2DM protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The plugin MCODE in Cytoscape 3.7.1 was then used to perform cluster analysis on the MSHC-T2DM PPI network. The genes and targets were input into DAVID for Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis. Finally, animal experiments were performed to verify the therapeutic effect of MSHC on T2DM. Results. Several T2DM-related targets, clusters, signaling pathways, and biological processes are found. The experimental results showed that compared with the blank group, the content of fasting blood glucose (FBG) in the model group was higher (

P
<
0.01

). Compared with the model group, the content of FBG decreased and the insulin level increased in the MSHC medium-dose (0.15 g/kg) and high-dose (0.45 g/kg) groups and metformin group after 4 weeks of drug administration (

P
<
0.05

). MSHC can also improve blood liquid levels and inflammatory factor levels (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. MSHC may achieve therapeutic effects through regulating the T2DM-related targets, biological processes, and pathways, such as insulin resistance, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation, found in this research.
Analysis of Response to the Wild Hornet Crisis Based on the SIR Model
Authors: Gu Aihua , Li Mengmeng , Ran Yue , Wang Zhenzhuo , Li Shujun , Xun Qifeng , Dong Jian
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose 4 theoretical models to deal with the wild hornet crisis. First, we use ORIGIN to visualize the distribution of wild wasps. Using the least square method and the grey system GM (1, 1), we establish a theoretical model to predict the propagation of wild wasps over time and analyze the accuracy of the model. However, the accuracy of our model is not very high, which results from the influence of many factors such as climate and human. Secondly, we use convolution neural network to recognize the images. With the increase of network depth, the accuracy rate reaches a bottleneck, which can help predict mistaken classification. We also use the SIR infectious disease model based on the dataset file provided. In the model, we mark the confirmed giant hornet as the infected state I (infected), mark the nonwild wasp as the removed state R (removed, refractory, or recovered), and mark the unclassified and unverified wild wasp as the susceptible state S (susceptible). A model to predict the possibility of misclassification was established by considering the normal death of wild wasp. Thirdly, by analogy with the SIR model, when the epidemic occurs, people pay more attention to the infected person. Thus, the SIR model will lead to the most likely positive sightings. Then, in order to ensure the timeliness and accuracy, the model must be updated once a year by changing or adding parameter according to local conditions. Finally, by establishing an optimized SIR infectious disease model, we added the factor of the Washington state’s control of wild wasps. The analysis shows that the number of infected I (i.e., wild wasps) has tended to zero after 250 days, so it can be proved that the Washington state has eliminated the pest.
Fixed-Time Synchronization of Delayed Memristive Neural Networks with Discontinuous Activations
Authors: Pu Hao , Li Fengjun
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the fixed-time synchronization problem for a class of memristive neural networks with discontinuous neuron activation functions and mixed time-varying delays is investigated. With the help of the fixed-time stability theory, under the framework of Filippov solution and differential inclusion theory, several new and useful sufficient criteria for fixed-time synchronization are obtained by designing two types of energy-saving and simple controllers for the considered systems. Compared with the traditional fixed-time synchronization controller, the controllers used in this paper only have one power exponent term, which is a function of the system state error rather than a constant. Moreover, some previous relevant works are especially improved. Finally, two numerical examples are given to show the correctness and the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Hermite-Hadamard, Jensen, and Fractional Integral Inequalities for Generalized
P
-Convex Stochastic Processes
Authors: Ma Fangfang , Nazeer Waqas , Ghafoor Mamoona
Published: July 2021

The stochastic process is one of the important branches of probability theory which deals with probabilistic models that evolve over time. It starts with probability postulates and includes a captivating arrangement of conclusions from those postulates. In probability theory, a convex function applied on the expected value of a random variable is always bounded above by the expected value of the convex function of that random variable. The purpose of this note is to introduce the class of generalized

p

-convex stochastic processes. Some well-known results of generalized

p

-convex functions such as Hermite-Hadamard, Jensen, and fractional integral inequalities are extended for generalized

p

-stochastic convexity.
Huoxue Jiedu Huayu Formula Alleviates Cell Pyroptosis in Contralateral Kidneys of 6-Month-Old UUO Rats through the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β Pathway
Authors: Ma Xuelian , Qiang Panpan , Chen Gege , Wang Zheng , Wang Xiangting , Xu Qingyou
Published: July 2021

Objectives. To study the protective effects and mechanisms of Huoxue Jiedu Huayu formula on cell pyroptosis through the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway in contralateral kidneys in 6-month-old unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. Methods. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups: a Sham group, a unilateral nephrectomy group (UNX group), a UUO group, a UUO treated with spironolactone group (Spi group), and a UUO treated with Huoxue Jiedu Huayu formula group (HJHF group). After 6 months of oral drug intervention, blood and contralateral kidneys were collected for research. Results. The morphology and function of the contralateral kidneys were essentially normal after unilateral nephrectomy. HJHF obviously decreased serum creatinine, urea, and inflammatory lesions and depressed cell pyroptosis based on the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway. Moreover, spironolactone, a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker, suppressed cell pyroptosis through SGK-1 and NF-кB. Conclusion. HJHF and spirolactone inhibited excessive activation of MR and then reduced cell pyroptosis, which was dependent on the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway, to protect the contralateral kidneys of 6-month-old UUO rats.
Income Level but Not Nutrition Knowledge Is Associated with Dietary Diversity of Rural Pregnant Women from Northern Ghana
Authors: Agyei Emmanuel Amoako , Afrifa Stephen Kofi , Munkaila Adam , Gaa Patience Kanyiri , Kuugbee Eugene Dogkotenge , Mogre Victor
Published: July 2021

Essential nutrients are necessary for reducing the risk of maternal mortality, prenatal mortality, and low-birthweight infants. Dietary diversity can play an important role in supplying essential nutrients to both the mother and the foetus. We evaluated nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and dietary diversity of pregnant women. In addition, we investigated the sociodemographic determinants of dietary diversity among pregnant women from a rural district in Ghana. Participants were pregnant women receiving antenatal care from a rural district hospital in Ghana. Dietary diversity was measured using a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of dietary diversity. About 85% of the pregnant women knew that they should eat more in comparison to nonpregnant women, and only 16.9% knew the importance of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Mean (SD) dietary diversity score of the participants was 5.27 (1.35), 85.4% did not consume any fruits, and 82.3% did not take milk and milk products. Almost all participants took at least one food item in the starchy staples and green leafy vegetables food groups. Moreover, 53% consumed vitamin A-rich fruits, vegetables, and tubers; 7.7% organ meats; and 30.8% eggs. Those who earned a monthly income of ≥GHC 500 or US$ 87 (B = 1.82; 0.90–2.73;

p
<
0.001

) significantly had higher dietary diversity scores compared to those who earned less. Dietary diversity of the pregnant women was suboptimal. The consumption of vitamin A- and iron-rich foods was inadequate. Income was an important determinant of the dietary diversity of pregnant women from Northern rural Ghana.
Myocardial Bridging Unmasks as an Acute Coronary Syndrome from Dehydration
Authors: Maaliki Naji , Omar Michael , Ali Aleem Azal , Roemer Amy , Ruiz Jose , Sadic Edin
Published: July 2021

A 50-year-old male presented for loss of consciousness. He was initially treated with intravenous epinephrine and fluids, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) displayed an ST-segment elevation in lead aVR with global ST-segment depressions. A subsequent left heart catheterization revealed that the middle segment of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) demonstrated severe stenosis during systole but would become patent during diastole, which was suggestive of myocardial bridging. After stopping the epinephrine and increasing the fluid infusion, the ECG changes rapidly resolved. The patient had later admitted to significant dehydration all day. Myocardial bridging is a congenital anomaly in which a coronary artery segment courses through the myocardium instead of the usual epicardial surface. Occasionally, myocardial bridging may present similarly to acute coronary syndrome in severe dehydration or hyperadrenergic states. The diagnosis can be made through coronary angiography, which reveals a dynamic vessel obstruction pattern corresponding with the cardiac cycle. Long-term effects may also include accelerated atherosclerosis. Treatment consists of reversing precipitating causes during acute presentations and decreasing the risk of coronary artery disease on a chronic basis.
LncRNA AFAP1-AS1 Promotes the Progression of Colorectal Cancer through miR-195-5p and WISP1
Authors: Li Yongsheng , Zhu Zhongpeng , Hou Xiaokun , Sun Yongjun
Published: July 2021

Objective. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer. But, the molecular mechanisms of CRC progression are not fully understood. This study was conducted to explore how the long noncoding RNA actin filament-associated protein 1-antisense RNA1 (lncRNA AFAP1-AS1) participates in CRC progression through the regulation of microRNA-195-5p (miR-195-5p) and wingless-type inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1). Methods. The expressions of AFAP1-AS1, miR-195-5p, and WISP1 were detected by RT-qPCR or western blot. A dual-luciferase assay confirmed the target relationship of AFAP1-AS1, miR-195-5p, and WISP1. Colony formation, wound-healing, and Transwell assays were used to detect the growth, migration, and invasion abilities of cells, respectively. Results. AFAP1-AS1 and WISP1 expressions were notably increased, and miR-195-5p expression was markedly reduced in CRC. The dual-luciferase assay verified that AFAP1-AS1 could bind to miR-195-5p. AFAP1-AS1 knockdown could inhibit the malignant behavior of CRC cells. miR-195-5p could target and regulate WISP1 expression. Overexpression of WISP1 or miR-195-5p inhibition reversed the inhibition effect of AFAP1-AS1 knockdown on the biological activity of CRC cells. Conclusions. AFAP1-AS1 knockdown may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells through the miR-195-5p/WISP1 axis.
Edge-Based Convolutional Neural Network for Improving Breast Cancer Prediction Performance
Authors: Madhu  , Kumar Raman
Published: July 2021

There are many research studies in the field of breast cancer prediction, but it has been observed that the time taken for prediction needs to be reduced. The problem in the existing research is space consumption by graphical content. The proposed research is supposed to minimize the prediction time and space consumption. In this paper, research has focused on the study of existing breast cancer research and techniques and eliminating their limitation. It has been observed that when the number of datasets increases, every comparison makes a huge gap in size and comparison time. This research proposes a methodology for breast cancer prediction using an edge-based CNN (convolutional neural network) algorithm. The elimination of useless content from the graphical image before applying CNN has reduced the time consumption along with space consumption. The edge detection mechanism would retail only edges from the image sample in order to detect the pattern to predict breast cancer. The proposed work is supposed to implement the proposed methodology. A comparison of the proposed methodology and algorithm with the existing algorithm is made during simulation. The proposed work is found to be more efficient compared to the existing techniques used in breast cancer prediction. The utilization of proposed in the work area of medical science is supposed to enhance the capability in case of CNN at the time of decision-making. The proposed work is supposed to be more accurate compared to the existing works. It has been observed that the proposed work is fourteen to fifteen percent more accurate. It is taking 9/4 times less space and 1.0849004/0.178971 times less time compared to the general CNN model. Accuracy might vary as per size of the image and alteration performed in dataset of the image.
Identification of Rational Systems with Logarithmic Quantized Data
Authors: Ji Mingming , Su Shengchao
Published: July 2021

This paper is concerned with the quantized identification of rational systems, where the systems’ output is quantized by a logarithmic quantizer. Under the assumption that the systems’ input is periodic, the identification procedure is categorized into two steps. The first step is to identify the noise-free output of systems based on the quantized data. The second is to identify the unknown parameter based on the input and the estimation of the noise-free output. The identification algorithm is also summarized. Asymptotic convergence of the estimators is analyzed in detail, which shows that the estimators are convergent almost everywhere. A numerical example is given to illustrate the results obtained in this paper.
The Influence Mechanism of the Master Weak Interlayer on Bench Blasting Effect and Its Evaluation Method
Authors: Nan Senlin , Guan Weiming , Hu Tao , Shi Weisheng , Zhang Junhui , Chen Hui , Cong Junyu , Liu Huabin
Published: July 2021

The weak interlayers in an open‐pit blasting bench affect the uniform distribution of explosive energy. To explore the mechanistic influence of a weak interlayer on the effect of blasting, 9 sets of numerical blasting experiments were constructed using the orthogonal experiment method. The degree of bench crushing after blasting, the maximum velocity of the rock mass at 0.05 s, and the displacement of the back of the bench were thus investigated. The analysis revealed that the impact of the thickness of the weak interlayer, its wave impedance, and its location of occurrence on the bench blasting indicated an ordered decreasing effect. Based on this, the evaluation method for the master weak interlayer and the design plan of the specific charge structure were proposed. The evaluated design proposals were verified through both numerical and field tests. The research results will provide a scientific basis to determine a reasonable charge structure of the bench blasting of rock masses containing weak interlayers.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Li2MnO3-Stabilized LiMnO2 as a Cathode Material for Li-Ion Battery
Authors: Vu Ngoc Hung , Dao Van-Duong , Vu Hong Ha Thi , Van Noi Nguyen , Tran Dinh Trinh , Ha Minh Ngoc , Pham Thanh-Dong
Published: July 2021

Herein, we reported the composite structure of LiMnO2 and Li2MnO3 as a low-cost and environmentally benign cathode material. This composite with the main phase of LiMnO2 (90%) was synthesized by hydrothermal method at 220°C from LiOH and Mn(CH3COO)2 precursors. The obtained nanosized LiMnO2-LiMnO3 cathode material exhibits a high capacity of 265 mAh g-1 at C/10. The incorporation of Li2MnO3 into the LiMnO2 phase could stabilize the structure, leading to the improved cycle stability of the cathode. The capacity retention of the cathode was 93% after 80 cycles at C/2. Our results facilitate a potential strategy for developing high-performance cathode materials based on the Li-Mn-O system.
Single and Combined Neuroimaging Techniques for Alzheimer’s Disease Detection
Authors: Amini Morteza , Pedram Mir Mohsen , Moradi Alireza , Jamshidi Mahdieh , Ouchani Mahshad
Published: July 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) consists of the gradual process of decreasing volume and quality of neuron connection in the brain, which consists of gradual synaptic integrity and loss of cognitive functions. In recent years, there has been significant attention in AD classification and early detection with machine learning algorithms. There are different neuroimaging techniques for capturing data and using it for the classification task. Input data as images will help machine learning models to detect different biomarkers for AD classification. This marker has a more critical role for AD detection than other diseases because beta‐amyloid can extract complex structures with some metal ions. Most researchers have focused on using 3D and 4D convolutional neural networks for AD classification due to reasonable amounts of data. Also, combination neuroimaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography for AD detection have recently gathered much attention. However, gathering a combination of data can be expensive, complex, and tedious. For time consumption reasons, most patients prefer to throw one of the neuroimaging techniques. So, in this review article, we have surveyed different research studies with various neuroimaging techniques and ML methods to see the effect of using combined data as input. The result has shown that the use of the combination method would increase the accuracy of AD detection. Also, according to the sensitivity metrics from different machine learning methods, MRI and fMRI showed promising results.
Path and Mechanism of Blockchain Embedded in Innovation Management of Cultural and Creative Industrial Park
Authors: Wei Huilan , Guan Shunfeng
Published: July 2021

As a new business form of Cultural and Creative Industrial Cluster, the management of Cultural and Creative Industrial Park is faced with many difficulties, such as imperfect credit mechanism, lagging efficiency of intellectual property management, difficulties in industrial chain integration and upgrading, and imperfect development evaluation system. The “decentralization” concept of blockchain 3.0 technology can provide guidance value for the management concept innovation of Cultural and Creative Industry Park, and the embedding of technologies such as “smart contract”, “distributed ledger”, and “digital currency” can promote the construction of “programmable management system of Cultural and Creative Industry Park”. According to the analysis path of architecture, function system, and application scenario of park management, this paper constructs the architecture from consensus layer, network layer, and data layer, constructs the function system from the public chain, alliance chain, and private chain, and locates the application scenario from the dimensions such as industrial chain management and government supervision and management; thus, the direction and focus of management innovation of blockchain 3.0 technology embedded in Cultural and Creative Industry Park are clarified. The research results of this paper have good theoretical guidance for the management subjects of Cultural and Creative Industry Park (local government, park management committee, industry organizations, etc.) to determine the path of implementing management innovation by using blockchain 3.0 and to build a scientific park management mechanism.
Integration of Microgrids and Electric Vehicle Technologies in the National Grid as the Key Enabler to the Sustainable Development for Rwanda
Authors: Bimenyimana Samuel , Wang Chen , Nduwamungu Aphrodis , Asemota Godwin Norense Osarumwense , Utetiwabo Wellars , Ho Chun-Ling , Niyonteze Jean De Dieu , Hagumimana Noel , Habineza Theobald , Bashir Waqar , Mesa Cicilia Kemunto , Mo Yiyi
Published: July 2021

Rwanda is an East African Community (EAC) nation with rapid and remarkable past development in different sectors and still with the ambitious targets and plans to be achieved in the coming years ahead. The government plans universal electricity access by 2024 with 52% grid connection and 48% off-grid connections. In the transport sector, the concept of electric vehicles has been initiated and started in order to contribute to the UN Paris agreement and decrease the reliance of the transport sector on gaseous fuels which are one source of air pollutants leading to climate change, premature deaths, and morbidity associated with poor air quality. With higher electricity demand than the generation of the Rwandan power grid, different energy strategies are being developed with the overall objective to achieve the targeted universal energy access. In order to overcome the aforementioned issue, this paper proposes an integration of solar PV microgrids for the satisfaction of electric vehicle (EV) technology in Rwanda. Using HOMER Grid software, a managed EV charging station is simulated to a grid connected solar PV microgrid with storage in order to assess the economic impact. The results show that the proposed technology can lower the levelized cost (LCOE) of electricity by 139.7%. This study can contribute to further research developments in either different perspectives related to the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) with electric vehicles or studies related to affordable and environment-energy systems.
A Convex Combination between Two Different Search Directions of Conjugate Gradient Method and Application in Image Restoration
Authors: Alhawarat Ahmad , Salleh Zabidin , Masmali Ibtisam A.
Published: July 2021

The conjugate gradient is a useful tool in solving large- and small-scale unconstrained optimization problems. In addition, the conjugate gradient method can be applied in many fields, such as engineering, medical research, and computer science. In this paper, a convex combination of two different search directions is proposed. The new combination satisfies the sufficient descent condition and the convergence analysis. Moreover, a new conjugate gradient formula is proposed. The new formula satisfies the convergence properties with the descent property related to Hestenes–Stiefel conjugate gradient formula. The numerical results show that the new search direction outperforms both two search directions, making it convex between them. The numerical result includes the number of iterations, function evaluations, and central processing unit time. Finally, we present some examples about image restoration as an application of the proposed conjugate gradient method.
Treatment of Nail Fold Hypertrophy by Combining Conservative Techniques
Authors: Villa Verde Renata Brandão , Ramirez-Oliveros Joaquín Felipe , Takamitsu Heloisa Maria , Leverone Andreia Pizarro , Nakamura Robertha Carvalho
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Hypertrophy of the nail folds is a common condition. It occurs by alteration of shape, partial loss, or absence of the nail, resulting in loss of the nail fold physiological limit. This can also occur by the friction of the nail with the nail fold. Consequently, there is an increase in the volume of the lateral or distal nail fold and a decrease in the space of the nail bed and the nail plate. Management of this onychodystrophy may be conservative or surgical. Case Presentation: We present a case of distal nail embedding after trauma, submitted to conservative treatment. Combined techniques were required as trichloroacetic acid application, rolled cotton padding maneuver, artificial resin nail technique, and orthesis. After 14 months, good functional and aesthetic results were obtained, with correction of the anatomical shape of the nail unit. Conclusion: The conservative techniques for hypertrophy of the nail folds are a useful option with good functional and aesthetic results. The indication must be precise, considering the history of the patient and after discarding bone alterations by image exams. The disadvantage of the method is the long treatment time and constant visits to the doctor’s office.
Exercise-Mediated Alteration of miR-192-5p Is Associated with Cognitive Improvement in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Qin Zhaomei , Han Xingjun , Ran Jing , Guo Shanshan , Lv Lina
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Physical exercise is an important component of managing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). miRNAs can be modulated by exercise intervention. Objective: The study explored the involvement and potential mechanism of miR-192-5p in the protective effect of physical exercise on AD. Methods: Ninety AD patients were enrolled, in which 45 cases accepted cycling training for continuous 3 months. The expression changes of miR-192-5p before and after exercise were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. 8-month-old APP/PS1 double Tg mice were used as the AD animal model. Mice in the voluntary exercise (VE) group received VE for 4 weeks. Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to evaluate the learning and memory function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to calculate the level of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Results: AD patients showed elevated MMSE scores, decreased ADAS-cog and NPI-Q scores after 3 months of exercise. miR-192-5p was downregulated in the serum of AD patients and correlated with the levels of MMSE score, ADAS-cog, and NPI-Q score. A positive association was detected between serum miR-192-5p with TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels. MiR-192-5p is downregulated in the hippocampus tissues of mice after VE. Overexpression of miR-192-5p reversed the neuroprotective effect of exercise on AD in mice and promoted the inflammatory response of AD mice. Conclusion: MiR-192-5p can be modulated by the exercise intervention and involved in the protective effect of exercise on AD.
A Rare Case of Coexisting Pediculosis Capitis and Tinea Capitis in a Healthy Adult Female
Authors: Nouh Ahmed H. , Rageh Mahmoud A.
Published: July 2021

Pediculosis capitis is a common condition caused by infestation with the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, and primarily affects children in the age-group of 6–12 years. The most prominent symptom is intense scalp itching, yet moving lice or nonmoving nits may be seen on the scalp and hair. Tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, is a superficial fungal infection caused by keratinophilic fungi termed dermatophytes. Tinea capitis is rare in adults, and its symptoms include hair loss, dry scaly areas, redness, and itching. We here report a case of a rare coexistence between pediculosis capitis and tinea capitis in an otherwise healthy adult female, motivating the search for a possible cause of this rare coexistence and alarming dermatologists to be aware of the modified clinical appearance of this coexistence which could be mistaken with other conditions such as cutaneous lupus erythematosus or lichen planopilaris.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Smoking on Fertility Status among Men in Gaza Strip, Palestine
Authors: Dhair Amal , Abed Yehia
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is constantly increasing mainly in developing countries and accounts for many morbidities and mortalities. Several studies have addressed the effect of smoking on male reproductive mechanism, particularly semen quality, but the effect of smoking behavior remained inconclusive. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of tobacco smoking status, intensity, and duration between infertile and fertile men and other accompanying genitourinary conditions. Methods: Through a case-control study, 160 infertile couples were recruited from in vitro fertilization centers in Gaza Strip. Correspondingly, another 160 fertile couples were selected from governmental clinics and residentially matched with cases. The probable stratified random technique for 2017/2018 patient’s registries was performed. Both cases and controls were interviewed with a self-constructed questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test were deployed statistically with a significant level set on p = 0.05. Results: The mean age of cases and controls was 35.7 ± 10 and 34.9 ± 5 years, respectively, where 70 and 59%, respectively, were refugees; 52 and 43%, respectively, had university education; and 10.6% compared to 5.6%, respectively, earn >USD 720/month. Active smoking was detected among 38% of infertile men and 42.5% of fertile men. Nevertheless, passive smoking (52.5% infertile and 37.5% fertile) and smoking duration >2 years (85.2% infertile and 69.1% fertile) showed a positive significant relationship (p = 0.007 and p = 0.030, respectively). Furthermore, 34 and 49% of all infertile smokers showed a dose-dependent effect (odds ratio [OR]: 2.98, p = 0.023 for 6–10 cig/day and OR: 3.68, p = 0.004 for >10 cig/day), mainly in nonobstructive causes (OR: 4.26, p = 0.040 for 6–10 cig/day and OR: 5.52, p = 0.004 for >10 cig/day). Varicocele was more likely to occur among passive smokers (p = 0.024), smoking >10 cig/day (p = 0.038), and for >2 years (p = 0.024). Recurrent genitourinary tract infection was 3 times more among infertile passive smokers (OR: 2.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.38–6.32, and p = 0.005). Adjustment for age and refugee status showed 3.5 times risk for passive smoking, more than 9 times risk for former smokers, and 2.8 risk when smoking >5 cig/day. Conclusion: Smoking more than 5 cigarettes/day and for >2 years duration or exposure to passive smoking hold an increased risk on the fertility status of men. More global and national efforts need to be directed to controlling and eliminating tobacco smoking.
Endovascular Revascularization Plus Supervised Exercise Versus Supervised Exercise Only for Intermittent Claudication: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Fakhry Farzin , Rouwet Ellen V. , Spillenaar Bilgen Reinier , van der Laan Lijckle , Wever Jan J. , Teijink Joep A.W. , Hoffmann Wolter H. , van Petersen Andre , van Brussel Jerome P. , Stultiens Guido N.M. , Derom Alex , den Hoed P. Ted , Ho Gwan H. , van Dijk Lukas C. , Verhofstad Nicole , Orsini Mariella , Hulst Ingrid , van Sambeek Marc R.H.M. , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Moelker Adriaan , Hunink M.G. Myriam
Published: July 2021

Background:

The ERASE (Endovascular Revascularization and Supervised Exercise) study showed that a combination therapy of endovascular revascularization followed by supervised exercise resulted in greater improvement in walking ability and quality of life as compared with supervised exercise only (standard care) in patients with intermittent claudication. The cost-effectiveness of the combination therapy as compared with supervised exercise is not well defined. In this report, the cost-effectiveness analysis of the ERASE study is presented.

Methods:

Two hundred twelve patients were randomly assigned to the combination therapy (n=106) or supervised exercise only (n=106) and were followed for 12 months. Cumulative costs per patient were collected using the in-hospital resource utilization data and cost-questionnaires. Quality-adjusted life years were estimated using the EuroQol-5D questionnaire. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated from both the health care and societal perspective. The associated uncertainty was determined using bootstrap techniques and acceptability curves.

Results:

As compared with supervised exercise only, the combination therapy cost an additional €1.462 (99% CI, 388 to 3862) from the health care perspective and €161 (99% CI, −2286 to 3106) from the societal perspective. Accumulated quality-adjusted life- years during 1 year follow-up were 0.042 (99% CI, −0.009 to 0.118) higher in the combination therapy group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was €34.810 from the health care perspective and €3.833 from the societal perspective. Compared with supervised exercise, at a willingness-to-pay threshold of €80.000 per quality-adjusted life-year, the combination therapy had a probability of 87% and 95% of being cost-effective from the health care and societal perspective, respectively.

Conclusions:

Combination therapy of endovascular revascularization followed by supervised exercise is clinically and economically a more attractive approach than supervised exercise only for intermittent claudication up to 12-month follow-up. Yet, the long-term cost- and clinical effectiveness of both strategies for specific patient groups remains to be defined.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.trialregister.nl
; Unique identifier: NTR2249.
Hyperglycemia Induces Trained Immunity in Macrophages and Their Precursors and Promotes Atherosclerosis
Authors: Edgar Laurienne , Akbar Naveed , Braithwaite Adam T. , Krausgruber Thomas , Gallart-Ayala Héctor , Bailey Jade , Corbin Alastair L. , Khoyratty Tariq E. , Chai Joshua T. , Alkhalil Mohammad , Rendeiro André F. , Ziberna Klemen , Arya Ritu , Cahill Thomas J. , Bock Christoph , Laurencikiene Jurga , Crabtree Mark J. , Lemieux Madeleine E. , Riksen Niels P. , Netea Mihai G. , Wheelock Craig E. , Channon Keith M. , Rydén Mikael , Udalova Irina A. , Carnicer Ricardo , Choudhury Robin P.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Cardiovascular risk in diabetes remains elevated despite glucose-lowering therapies. We hypothesized that hyperglycemia induces trained immunity in macrophages, promoting persistent proatherogenic characteristics.

Methods:

Bone marrow–derived macrophages from control mice and mice with diabetes were grown in physiological glucose (5 mmol/L) and subjected to RNA sequencing (n=6), assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing (n=6), and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (n=6) for determination of hyperglycemia-induced trained immunity. Bone marrow transplantation from mice with (n=9) or without (n=6) diabetes into (normoglycemic)
Ldlr
−/
−
mice was used to assess its functional significance in vivo. Evidence of hyperglycemia-induced trained immunity was sought in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with diabetes (n=8) compared with control subjects (n=16) and in human atherosclerotic plaque macrophages excised by laser capture microdissection.

Results:

In macrophages, high extracellular glucose promoted proinflammatory gene expression and proatherogenic functional characteristics through glycolysis-dependent mechanisms. Bone marrow–derived macrophages from diabetic mice retained these characteristics, even when cultured in physiological glucose, indicating hyperglycemia-induced trained immunity. Bone marrow transplantation from diabetic mice into (normoglycemic)
Ldlr
−/
−
mice increased aortic root atherosclerosis, confirming a disease-relevant and persistent form of trained innate immunity. Integrated assay for transposase accessible chromatin, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and RNA sequencing analyses of hematopoietic stem cells and bone marrow–derived macrophages revealed a proinflammatory priming effect in diabetes. The pattern of open chromatin implicated transcription factor Runt-related transcription factor 1 (Runx1). Similarly, transcriptomes of atherosclerotic plaque macrophages and peripheral leukocytes in patients with type 2 diabetes were enriched for Runx1 targets, consistent with a potential role in human disease. Pharmacological inhibition of Runx1 in vitro inhibited the trained phenotype.

Conclusions:

Hyperglycemia-induced trained immunity may explain why targeting elevated glucose is ineffective in reducing macrovascular risk in diabetes and suggests new targets for disease prevention and therapy.
Stroke Prevention by Anticoagulants in Daily Practice Depending on Atrial Fibrillation Pattern and Clinical Risk Factors
Authors: Grimaldi-Bensouda Lamiae , Le Heuzey Jean-Yves , Ferrières Jean , Leys Didier , Davy Jean-Marc , Martinez Mikel , Dialla Olivia , Smadja Didier , Nighoghossian Norbert , Benichou Jacques , Nordon Clementine , Touzé Emmanuel , Abenhaim Lucien ,   on behalf of the PGRx-Stroke and PGRx-Atrial Fibrillation Study Groups
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of individual direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists for primary prevention of stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) in routine clinical practice in patients with various clinical risk factors depending on their atrial fibrillation (AF) patterns.

Methods:

A nested case-referent study was conducted using data from 2 national registries of patients with stroke and AF. Stroke cases with previous history of AF were matched to up to 2 randomly selected referent patients with AF and no stroke. The association of individual anticoagulant use with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke was studied in patients with or without permanent AF using multivariable conditional logistic models, controlled for clinically significant risk factors and multiple other cardiovascular risk factors.

Results:

In total, 2586 stroke cases with previous AF and 4810 nonstroke referent patients with AF were retained for the study. Direct oral anticoagulant users had lower odds of stroke of any type than vitamin K antagonist users: the adjusted-matched OR for ischemic stroke were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.50–0.98) for dabigatran, 0.68 (95% CI, 0.53–0.86) for rivaroxaban, and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.52–1.02) for apixaban while for hemorrhagic stroke they were 0.31 (95% CI, 0.14–0.68), 0.64 (95% CI, 0.39–1.06), and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.33–1.49), respectively. The effects of individual direct oral anticoagulants relative to vitamin K antagonists were similar in permanent AF and nonpermanent AF patients.

Conclusions:

Similar results were observed for each direct oral anticoagulant in real life as those observed in the pivotal clinical trials. The pattern of AF did not affect the outcome.
KONAKLAMA İŞLETMELERİNDEKİ YİYECEK & İÇECEK PERSONELİNİN İŞE BAĞLILIĞINI VE YAŞAM MEMNUNİYETİNİ ÖLÇMEYE YÖNELİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: TELLİOĞLU Salih
Published: July 2021

Konaklama işletmelerinde yiyecek & içecek bölümü en fazla personelin çalıştığı birim olarak bu işletmelerde önemli bir yere sahiptir. Çünkü konaklama işletmelerinde yiyecek & içecek çalışanları müşteriler ile devamlı olarak etkileşim halindedir ve müşteri memnuniyetinin sağlanmasında kritik öneme sahiptir. Ayrıca müşteri memnuniyetinin artması sadık müşteri sayısının da artmasını sağlamakta bu da işletmeye önemli bir rekabet avantajı sağlamaktadır. Dolayısıyla bu işletmelerin hizmet kalitesinin artmasında çalışanların işe bağlılığı önemli bir husustur. Ancak turizm sektörünün yapısal sorunları çalışanlar ile işletme arasında güçlü bağlar kurulmasına engel olmaktadır. Bu bağlamda bu çalışmada da konaklama işletmelerinde çalışan yiyecek & içecek personellerinin işe başlılığı ve işe bağlılığın yaşam memnuniyeti üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Bu araştırma, nicel araştırma metodolojisi yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında 178 yiyecek & içecek çalışanı ile anket çalışması yapılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre de işe bağlılığın yaşam memnuniyeti üzerinde etkili olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Chinese and Taiwanese Identities in Taiwan as Epistemic Challengers
Authors: Chu Feng-yi
Published: July 2021

This paper deals with two theoretical dilemmas concerning Chinese and Taiwanese identities in Taiwan: their vague classification and the unclear dynamics of change. By using grounded theory to analyse 110 in-depth interviews, the research identifies three crucial themes behind individuals’ conceptualisations and interactions with the two identities: (1) ethical narrative, (2) cultural hierarchy, and (3) political ideology. Further theoretical comparisons generate a new epistemic framework which understands identity as a discourse of value: identity in its essence is merely a generic idea; only when associated with other discourses of value can an identity acquire full functions such as arousing people’s sentiments and mobilising them to take actions. The theory suggests that Chinese and Taiwanese identities should be regarded as unique generic concepts attached with distinctive values. People seek identity change upon becoming aware that the original identity can no longer represent the values they have dearly cherished and followed.
Investigating the impact of land surface characteristics on monsoon dynamics with idealized model simulations and theories
Authors: Smyth Jane E. , Ming Yi
Published: July 2021

Monsoons emerge over a range of land surface conditions and exhibit varying physical characteristics over the seasonal cycle, from onset to withdrawal. Systematically varying the moisture and albedo parameters over land in an idealized modeling framework allows one to analyze the physics underlying the successive stages of monsoon development. To this end we implement an isolated South American continent with reduced heat capacity but no topography in an idealized moist general circulation model. Irrespective of the local moisture availability, the seasonal cycles of precipitation and circulation over the South American monsoon sector are distinctly monsoonal with the default surface albedo. The dry land case (zero evaporation) is characterized by a shallow overturning circulation with vigorous lower-tropospheric ascent, transporting water vapor from the ocean. By contrast, with bucket hydrology or unlimited land moisture the monsoon features deep moist convection that penetrates the upper troposphere. A series of land albedo perturbation experiments indicates that the monsoon strengthens with the net column energy flux and the near-surface moist static energy with all land moisture conditions. When the land-ocean thermal contrast is strong enough, inertial instability alone is sufficient for producing a shallow but vigorous circulation and converging a large amount of moisture from the ocean even in the absence of land moisture. Once the land is sufficiently moist, convective instability takes hold and the shallow circulation deepens. These results have implications for monsoon onset and intensification, and may elucidate the seasonal variations in how surface warming impacts tropical precipitation over land.