bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miniaturized Bioengineered Models for Preterm Fetal Membrane Healing
Authors: Famos Flurina , Avilla-Royo Eva , Vonzun Ladina , Ochsenbein-Kölble Nicole , Ehrbar Martin
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The reason for the absence of fetal membrane (FM) healing after a fetoscopic intervention is still unknown. We hypothesize that the lack of robust miniaturized models to study preterm FM functions is currently hampering the development of new treatments for FM healing. Specifically, miniaturized models to study preterm FM healing with minimal amounts of tissue are currently lacking. Methods: In this study, we collected FMs from planned cesarean deliveries and developed different ex vivo models with an engineered biomaterial to study FM healing. Then, the effect of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) on the migration of cells from preterm and term FMs was evaluated. Results: FMs could be viably cultured ex vivo for 14 days. In a model of punctured FMs, migration of cells into FM defects was less pronounced than migration out of the tissue into the biomaterial. In a miniaturized model of preterm cell migration, PDGF-BB promoted migration of preterm amnion cells into the biomaterial. Discussion and Conclusion: By using a novel miniaturized model of preterm tissue, we here successfully demonstrate that PDGF-BB can promote preterm FM cell migration of microtissues encapsulated in a three-dimensional environment.
Economia Verde e Políticas Públicas: propostas para a Amazônia brasileira
Authors: Pagotto Lívia Menezes , Machado Jutta Schmidt , Frederick Marianne Karin Biben , Guimarães Adriana Gomes
Published: June 2022

A economia verde é definida como aquela economia que resulta em melhoria do bem estar humano e da igualdade social ao mesmo tempo em que reduz significativamente os riscos ambientais e a escassez ecológica. Três características fundamentam o conceito: baixo carbono, uso eficiente dos recursos naturais e ser socialmente inclusiva (UNEP, 2011). A estruturação de uma estratégia voltada ao estabelecimento de uma economia verde demanda, por parte de cada país, a combinação de uma série de políticas e instrumentos, entre eles políticas públicas. No contexto dos desafios brasileiros para o estabelecimento de uma economia de baixo carbono, o presente artigo pretende discutir quais políticas públicas já foram ou estão sendo implementadas no Brasil, e de que forma elas estão sendo traduzidas especialmente para a região amazônica. Acredita-se que a Amazônia brasileira possa ter, por suas especificidades e potencial, um papel importante no posicionamento e avanço do Brasil rumo a uma economia de baixo carbono. A análise das principais políticas públicas mostra que o país vem desenvolvendo, desde o início do século XX, uma série de iniciativas voltadas à indução de uma economia verde em âmbito nacional, com poucas iniciativas específicas para a Amazônia. Como proposta, sugere-se o estabelecimento de uma agenda pública, transversal e multistakeholder, dedicada ao debate e avanços de políticas públicas voltadas à economia verde e inclusiva com foco na região Amazônica brasileira. Tal agenda consistiria nos seguintes processos e mecanismos: (i) um conjunto de políticas públicas voltadas à economia verde; (ii) processos de governança e participacão social; (iii) instrumentos de monitoramento e avaliação do desenvolvimento; (iv) valorização e capacitação do capital humano e; (v) mobilização de recursos financeiros.  Palavras-chave: Amazônia; Brasil; economia de baixo carbono; economia verde; políticas públicas.
Adesão ao Fascismo e Preconceito Sutil contra Negros: um estudo com universitários na cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Galeão-Silva Luis Guilherme
Published: June 2022

Resumo Várias pesquisas recentes demonstram forte redução da crença de que o Brasil seja uma democracia racial. Aparentemente, muitos comportamentos mudaram no país, o que justifica a investigação do significado dessas mudanças. Nesse sentido, propomos partir de uma comparação entre essas novas manifestações do preconceito racial e sua tendência para aderir ao fascismo. Para esse estudo, foi confeccionado um questionário composto por três escalas do tipo Likert: preconceito sutil e preconceito flagrante (Pettigrew e Meerteens, 1995) e escala F (Adorno et al., 1965). Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram 133 estudantes universitários do curso de Administração de Empresas. Um resultado significativo da pesquisa foi a correlação entre a tendência para adesão ao fascismo e o preconceito sutil contra negros. Palavras-Chave: Preconceito Sutil, Racismo, Teoria Crítica da Sociedade, Fascismo. Severalrecent surveysshow a strongreductionof the belief thatBrazil isaracial democracy.Apparently, many behaviors have changedin the country,it’s justify the investigation of thesignificance of these changes.Accordingly,we proposeacomparison betweenthese new manifestationsof racial prejudiceand its tendencyto fascist attitude.For this study,we preparedaquestionnaire composed ofthree Likertscales:subtleprejudiceandblatantprejudice(Pettigrew andMeerteens, 1995) andF scale(Adornoetal.,1965).The subjectswere133 undergraduate studentsof Business Administration universitiesin SãoPaulo. A significant resultof the researchwasthe correlationbetween the tendencyto fascist attitude andsubtleprejudiceagainst blacks. Keywords: Prejudice against blacks, fascist attitude, subtle bias. Varias encuestasrecientes muestranuna fuerte reducción de la creencia de que Brasil es una democracia racial.Al parecer,muchos de los comportamientoshan cambiado en el país, lo suficiente como para justificar la investigación del significado de estos cambios.En consecuencia, se propone una comparación entreestas nuevas manifestacionesdel prejuicio racialy sutendencia a adherirseal fascismo.Paraeste estudio, hemoselaborado un cuestionariocompuesto por tresescalas de Likert: el prejuiciosutily prejuicioevidente (PettigrewyMeerteens, 1995)y la escalaF (Adorno et al. ,1965).Los sujetos fueron133 estudiantesde pregradoen Administración de Empresasen la ciudad deSão.Uno resultado importante de la investigación fuela correlación entre latendencia a adherirseal fascismo y alprejuicio sutilcontra los negros.Palabras clave: Los prejuicios contra los negros, la adhesión al fascismo, los prejuiciossutiles.
A Imagem da Mulher nas Propagandas Televisivas: uma análise na perspectiva de Gênero
Authors: López-Barreyro Luz Amparo
Published: June 2022

Este artigo busca articular a noção de gênero como um recorte fundamental na formação da identidade das pessoas com o princípio de que a mídia (e particularmente a propaganda televisiva) tem uma influência decisiva na socialização, pelo menos na sociedade ocidental atual, sendo um dos principais veículos de transmissão da ideologia de gênero. Este trabalho traz uma breve revisão da literatura recente sobre gênero e mídia e, por meio da observação,  faz uma análise de propagandas televisivas visando apreender a forma como a mulher nelas é representada. Palavras-chave: “Gênero” “Mulher” “Mídia” “Propaganda”
Endividamento público em nível municipal: estudo comparativo da legislação entre Brasil e Portugal.
Authors: Tonelotto Diego Pugliese , Crozatti Jaime
Published: June 2022

O presente trabalho compara os principais marcos regulatórios da gestão financeira no nível local existente no Brasil e em Portugal. São elas: a Lei n° 73/2013 de Portugal (Regime Financeiro das Autarquias Locais e das Entidades Intermunicipais - RFALEI) e a Lei Complementar n° 101 de 2000 do Brasil (Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal – LRF). Apresenta as formas como cada um dos países trata o tema, em especial os limites de endividamento, os procedimentos de recondução financeira em caso de superação destes limites, as possibilidades de empréstimos e de isenções fiscais. Apresenta, ao final, um quadro comparativo e as considerações relativas sobre ambas as leis nos aspectos entendidos como vantagens e desvantagens de ambos os modelos. Por fim, considera as características sociais, territoriais e políticas que determinam tais discrepâncias e semelhanças.
Homossexualidade, Segurança Pública e Violência: um estudo qualiquantitativo dos índices de violência letal a homens gays no estado do Ceará
Authors: Torres Geovane Gesteira Sales , Pereira Paulo Júnior Alves , Leite Maria Laís dos Santos
Published: June 2022

A população LGBTQI+ vivencia, ao longo da história, inúmeros estigmas sociais construídos em torno de suas orientações sexuais/identidades de gênero. O Brasil desponta como um dos países mais perigosos para sujeitos(as) cujas sexualidades e identidades de gênero destoam das consideradas hegemônicas. Nessa conjuntura, o presente artigo objetiva analisar os índices de violência letal a homens gays no Brasil e estado do Ceará, dos anos de 2013 a 2017. Partindo-se de uma abordagem qualiquantitativa e metodologia exploratória, utilizou-se da revisão narrativa de obras correlatas e da pesquisa documental tendo como fontes os relatórios anuais do Grupo Gay da Bahia. Notou-se que o número de homicídios de homens gays aumentou nos últimos anos no Brasil e no Ceará, tendo maior índice de mortis causa por uso de armas de fogo, vitimando, majoritariamente, jovens e adultos, proletários, brancos e pardos. Conclui-se a urgência por políticas públicas de segurança mais eficazes para a população LGBTQI+.
O corpo no cinema de John Cassavetes e sua importância para o trabalho do ator contemporâneo
Authors: Fischer Rodrigo Desider
Published: June 2022

Este artigo pretende investigar o corpo no cinema de John Cassavetes sob a ótica de Gilles Deleuze e identificar sua contribuição para o trabalho do ator contemporâneo. Pretende-se repensar nas potencialidades afetivas do corpo, principalmente dentro de uma estruturação cinematográfica conceituada por Deleuze como imagem-tempo. O corpo do ator será visto como gerador de instantes fundamentais para o desenvolvimento de uma obra.
Entrevista Prof. Armando Sérgio
Authors: Sampaio Maria Everalda
Published: June 2022

Entrevista com o professor de interpretação do curso de Teatro da Universidade de São Paulo e coordenador Centro de Pesquisa em Experimentação Cênica do Ator /Cepeca. Entrevistadora: Maria Everalda Sampaio.
Dissecting the Heterogeneity of Human Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms Using Single-Cell Transcriptomics
Authors: Mizrak Dogukan , Feng Hao , Yang Bo
Published: June 2022

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition caused by weakening of the thoracic aorta wall, often developing silently until dissection or rupture occurs. Despite substantial efforts in the past decade, there have been no significant therapeutic advances to prevent or clinically manage diverse forms of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection with the only effective treatment being surgical repair. There is an urgent need to understand intra- and inter-aneurysmal heterogeneity underlying thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection pathogenesis. The human aortic wall consists of many cell types and exhibits significant regional heterogeneity. High-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing has emerged as the principal tool to reveal the complexity in human tissues and clinical specimens. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies of different aortic cell populations both in vivo and in vitro began to dissect this complexity and have provided valuable information. In this review, we summarize these findings and discuss the potential applications of single-cell transcriptomics and related high-content technologies in human thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection research, as well as the challenges associated with it.
PIKfyve-Dependent Phosphoinositide Dynamics in Megakaryocyte/Platelet Granule Integrity and Platelet Functions
Authors: Caux Manuella , Mansour Rana , Xuereb Jean-Marie , Chicanne Gaëtan , Viaud Julien , Vauclard Alicia , Boal Frédéric , Payrastre Bernard , Tronchère Hélène , Severin Sonia
Published: June 2022

Background:

Secretory granules are key elements for platelet functions. Their biogenesis and integrity are regulated by fine-tuned mechanisms that need to be fully characterized. Here, we investigated the role of the phosphoinositide 5-kinase PIKfyve and its lipid products, PtdIns5P (phosphatidylinositol 5 monophosphate) and PtdIns(3,5)P
2
(phosphatidylinositol (3,5) bisphosphate) in granule homeostasis in megakaryocytes and platelets.

Methods:

For that, we invalidated PIKfyve by pharmacological inhibition or gene silencing in megakaryocytic cell models (human MEG-01 cell line, human imMKCLs, mouse primary megakaryocytes) and in human platelets.

Results:

We unveiled that PIKfyve expression and its lipid product levels increased with megakaryocytic maturation. In megakaryocytes, PtdIns5P and PtdIns(3,5)P
2
were found in alpha and dense granule membranes with higher levels in dense granules. Pharmacological inhibition or knock-down of PIKfyve in megakaryocytes decreased PtdIns5P and PtdIns(3,5)P
2
synthesis and induced a vacuolar phenotype with a loss of alpha and dense granule identity. Permeant PtdIns5P and PtdIns(3,5)P
2
and the cation channel TRPML (transient receptor potential mucolipin) 1 and TPC (two pore segment channel) 2 activation were able to accelerate alpha and dense granule integrity recovery following release of PIKfyve pharmacological inhibition. In platelets, PIKfyve inhibition specifically impaired the integrity of dense granules culminating in defects in their secretion, platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrated that PIKfyve and its lipid products PtdIns5P and PtdIns(3,5)P
2
control granule integrity both in megakaryocytes and platelets.
Integrated care teams in primary care improve clinical outcomes and care processes in patients with non-communicable diseases
Authors: Hu Pei Lin , Tan Cynthia Yan-Ling , Nguyen Ngoc Hoang Long , Wu Rebekah Ryanne , Bahadin Juliana , Nadkarni Nivedita Vikas , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Primary care physicians face the increasing burden of managing multimorbidities in an ageing population. Implementing an integrated care team (ICT) with defined roles and accountability to share consultation tasks is an emerging care model to address this issue. This study compared outcomes with ICT versus usual care for patients with multimorbidities in primary care.

Methods:

Data was retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical records (EMRs) of consecutive adult Asian patients empanelled to ICT and those in UC at a typical primary care clinic (polyclinic) in eastern Singapore in 2018. The study population had hypertension, and/or hyperlipidaemia and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Clinical outcomes included the proportion of patients (ICT vs. UC) who attained their treatment goals after 12 months. Process outcomes included the proportion of patients who completed annual diabetic eye and foot screenings, where applicable.

Results:

Data from 3,302 EMRs (ICT = 1,723, UC = 1,579) from January 2016 to September 2017 was analysed. The ICT cohort was more likely to achieve treatment goals for systolic blood pressure (SBP) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38–1.68), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.49–1.99), and glycated haemoglobin (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.09–1.51). The ICT group had higher uptake of diabetic retinal screening (89.1% vs. 83.0%, P < 0.001) and foot screening (85.2% vs. 77.9%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The ICT model yielded better clinical and process outcomes than UC, with more patients attaining treatment goals.
Telecarers improve osteoporosis treatment and compliance rates in secondary osteoporosis prevention for elderly hip fracture patients
Authors: Gani Linsey Utami , Tan Francine Chiu Lan , King Thomas Federick James
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

A significant treatment gap has been observed in patients with osteoporosis. Our previous audit found a 31.5% rate of anti-osteoporosis medication initiation after fragility fractures at one year. We piloted the use of telecarers to monitor osteoporosis treatment and compliance.

Methods:

From January 2017 to January 2018, all hip fracture patients at Changi General Hospital, Singapore, were automatically enrolled into the Health Management Unit valued care hip fracture programme. Telecarer calls were scheduled at discharge, 3, 6 and 12 months. We assessed the acceptability, completion and treatment rates of patients enrolled in this programme.

Results:

A total of 537 patients with a hip fracture were enrolled in the telecarer programme over one year. Their average age was 79.8 ± 8.23 years, and 63.1% of them were female. A total of 341 patients completed 12 months of follow-up, of which 251 (73.6%) patients were on treatment at 12 months. The most common cause of lack of initiation of secondary osteoporosis treatment was patient or family rejection (34.4%), followed by physician failure to prescribe (24.4%) and renal impairment (24.4%). 16.7% of patients were deemed to have advanced dementia with a life-limiting illness and were, thus, deemed unsuitable for treatment.

Conclusion:

Telecarers may be a useful adjunct in the monitoring of osteoporosis treatment after hip fractures in an elderly population. The main limitations are patient or family rejection and physician inertia. Further studies should focus on a combination of interventions for both patients and physicians to increase awareness of secondary fracture prevention.
A new mycorrhizal species of Ceratobasidium (Ceratobasidiaceae) associated with roots of the epiphytic orchid Gomesa recurva from Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: DA S. CRUZ EVERALDO , FREITAS EMILIANE F. S. , DA SILVA MEIRIELE , L. PEREIRA OLINTO , M. KASUYA MARIA C.
Published: June 2022

Species from Ceratobasidium are known as orchid mycorrhizal, plant pathogens or saprophytic. In mycorrhizal association with orchids, Ceratobasidium can establish a highly specific interaction. Gomesa recurva is an epiphytic orchid occurring in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In the present study mycorrhizal fungi were isolated from roots of G. recurva and its phylogenetic positions was investigated. A total of nine isolates were obtained directly from pelotons and submitted to phylogenetic analysis based on alignments of sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Phylogenetic analyzes, along with morphological data, revealed that isolates are distinct from all known Ceratobasidium species and a new species, namely Ceratobasidium gomesae sp. nov., is proposed. Given the dependence on mycorrhizae for germination and protocorm development, knowledge about orchid symbionts is an important factor in managing the conservation of these plants, and future studies may investigate the ability of C. gomesae to promote seed germination.
Lepiota sindhudeltana sp. nov. (Agaricaceae; Basidiomycota) from Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: HAQNAWAZ MUHAMMAD , REHMAN NIAZI ABDUL , USMAN MUHAMMAD , NASIR KHALID ABDUL
Published: June 2022

Lepiota sindhudeltana sp. nov. was found on sandy soil under Saccharum bengalense during fungal surveys to the deltas of the Indus River and the banks of the River Ravi, Punjab, Pakistan. The new species belongs to section Ovisporae, subsection Felininae and is characterized by dull orange appressed squamules on the pileus, thin pileal context, pale yellow lamellae, a stipe rounded to slightly oblong at base, basidiospores broadly ellipsoid to oblong, neither dextrinoid nor amyloid, short, clavate erect pileal hyphae, and narrowly clavate terminal hyphae of the stipitipellis. The closest described species to the new taxon in the phylogenetic tree, based on analysis of ITS and LSU sequences, is L. angusticystidiata. We present the new species with illustrated morphological description, phylogeny, and comparison with related or similar species.
Ponticola hircaniaensis sp. nov., a new and critically endangered gobiid species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the southern Caspian Sea basin
Authors: ZAREI FATAH , ESMAEILI HAMID REZA , KOVAČIĆ MARCELO , SCHLIEWEN ULRICH K. , ABBASI KEYVAN
Published: June 2022

Ponticola hircaniaensis sp. nov. is described as a new gobiid species from the Kaboudval Stream, southern Caspian Sea basin. The new species is diagnosed among Caspian Sea basin Ponticola species by the following combination of characters: second dorsal-fin branched rays 14–16, anal-fin branched rays 10–12, scales in lateral series 52–59; lower jaw slightly, if at all, prognathous; head and body yellowish brown showing a reticulate brown pattern on a yellow background, first dorsal fin with a marginal bright orangish-yellow band and a dark anterior spot, upper part of pectoral-fin base with a distinct dark brown stripe; length of third spine in first dorsal fin 13.4–18.3 % of standard length (SL), second dorsal-fin spine length 11.1–13.8 % SL, caudal peduncle length and depth 16.4–20.1 % and 11.1–12.8 % SL, respectively, head depth at nape 70.9–81.0 % of head length (HL), and at eye 52.5–66.0 % HL; sagittal otolith dorsal rim with a broad concavity in the middle, dorsal depression absent or indistinct, sulcus length/sulcus height and sulcus height/otolith height ratios 1.47–1.82 and 0.34–0.40, respectively. It is also characterised by a K2P nearest neighbour distance of 5% to P. kessleri in the mtDNA COI barcode region. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses suggested extensive hybridization between P. hircaniaensis sp. nov. and P. gorlap at Kaboudval, providing evidence for the first record of hybridization in the Ponto-Caspian gobiids. Based on narrow geographic range isolated above the Zarrin Gol Dam (< 2 km2), extensive hybridization with P. gorlap, and other threats, the new species should be considered Critically Endangered.
Description of a new species of Liropus (Crustacea, Amphipoda) from Puerto Vallarta, Pacific coast of Mexico
Authors: ALARCÓN-ORTEGA LUCY C. , CARBALLO JOSÉ L.
Published: June 2022

A new species of the genus Liropus Mayer, 1920 (Amphipoda, Caprellidae) is described from the Mexican Tropical Pacific coast. Liropus alarconi n. sp. is described on the basis of four specimens collected in association with the tropical marine sponge Trikentrion helium Dickinson, 1945, near to coralline patches, between 23–30 m depth. Liropus alarconi n. sp. can be distinguished from its congeners for the following characters: pereonites 2–5 each with one dorsodistal projection and pereonite 3 with a mediolateral projection.
Two new species of the genus Nigrimacula (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: DUAN YANHAO , GUO QI , SHI FUMING
Published: June 2022

The paper reports two new species of the genus Nigrimacula, i.e. Nigrimacula compressata sp. nov. and Nigrimacula platycerca sp. nov. Morphological illustrations and habitus photographs are provided. The type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.
Bank Financial Performance and its Linkage with Capital: A Dynamic Panel Data Analysis of Public Sector Banks in India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arindam
Published: June 2022

This article empirically investigates the linkage of capital infusion in the Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India with the capital adequacy, asset quality, profitability, operational efficiency and the market position of the banks. Utilising a balanced panel data of total 21 PSBs over 9 years (2009 to 2017), we analyse the key determinants of the Indian PSBs’ profitability, net interest margin (NIM), solvency and market efficiency. The study applies a two-step dynamic panel generalised methods of moments. We find empirical evidence that the Capital Infusion programme of the Government during 2008–2009 to 2016–2017 has significant impact on the performance of PSBs in India. We have observed that with frequent infusion of capital by the government, banks were able to meet the regulatory Basel II/III capital adequacy requirements and it has positive influence on their market capitalisation as well as NIM. However, capital infusion has an insignificant impact on improving return on assets (ROA) of banks. Our study suggests that a higher common equity tier 1 capital ratio leads to better market reputation and solvency position of the banks. The results of the study provides insight for bank management, regulators and policymakers for improving bank performance and better utilisation of scarce capital and public money.

JEL Code: G21, G32, G34
Underemployment due to overeducation: An analysis of worker cooperatives versus conventional firms
Authors: Valiente-Palma Lidia , Pérez-González María del Carmen
Published: June 2022

This research study analyses overeducation in worker cooperatives (WCs) compared to conventional firms (CFs) to determine whether there is any evidence to suggest that underemployment due to overeducation is less probable in WCs (where decisions are made democratically by worker members to maximise collective wellbeing) than in CFs in Spain. A total sample of 945 workers (315 worker members from WCs, 315 non-member workers from WCs and 315 workers from CFs) taken from the Continuous Working Life Sample from the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration was used. The methods applied in the study include regression line comparison between WCs and CFs and logistic regression analysis. The results show that the probability of underemployment due to overeducation may be lower in worker members from WCs than in workers from CFs. Nevertheless, this is not the case for non-member workers in WCs, who display a similar level of underemployment due to overeducation as workers in CFs. This study lays the foundation for research into underemployment due to overeducation in WCs, a topic which has not yet been explored.
Sporadic diffuse neurofibroma of the retropharyngeal space
Authors: Colizza Andrea , Arienzo Francesca , Cambria Francesca , Messineo Daniela , Riminucci Mara , Covello Renato , De Vincentiis Marco , Corsi Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Neurofibroma (NF) rarely arises in the retropharyngeal space (RPS) of patients with or without Neurofibromatosis type I (NF-I). The diffuse subtype of NF (DNF) is characterized by an infiltrative growth pattern and typically involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the head and neck. We describe the clinic-pathologic features of a DNF involving the RPS of an adult without NF-I. To date, this subtype of NF has never been reported at this site.
Tacit acceptance of compliments after tellings of accomplishment: Contingent management of preferences in Japanese ordinary conversation
Authors: Imamura Akiko
Published: June 2022

This study investigates Japanese compliments produced at a distinct sequential position and how the complimentees treat the compliments. In ordinary conversation, speakers sometimes talk about their accomplishments. Drawing on Conversation Analysis (CA) and multimodal interaction analysis, the study demonstrates how telling recipients deploy compliments at the possible completion of such tellings of accomplishment. The analysis also shows how the tellers deal with the complimentary telling responses, taking into consideration the design of tellings and the possibility of engaging in self-praise. The study illuminates a context-sensitive nature of complimenting activity and managing two conflicting preferences by illustrating a specific interactional pattern of compliment sequences in Japanese ordinary conversation.
‘Delayed response’ in psychodynamic psychotherapy
Authors: Voutilainen Liisa , Koivisto Aino
Published: June 2022

A recurrent theme that is addressed in psychotherapies is the client’s conflicting emotions. This article discusses discursive practices of working on conflicting emotions during psychodynamic psychotherapy. We focus on a phenomenon that we refer to as a ‘delayed response’ and analyze the client’s uses of interactional means, such as a display of negative experience, to invite affiliation or empathy from the therapist. The therapist, however, does not take a turn in the first possible place after the client’s turn. Recurrently, the therapist’s silence is followed by the client’s new turn that backs down from the emotional experience under discussion. After these retractions, the therapists respond with a turn that is responsive both to the retraction and to the initial display of negative experience that occurred prior to it. We argue that the timing of the therapist’s response in these sequences is in the service of psychotherapeutic work on conflicting emotions.
Evaluation of machine learning techniques for structural health monitoring using ultrasonic guided waves under varying temperature conditions
Authors: Abbassi Abderrahim , Römgens Niklas , Tritschel Franz Ferdinand , Penner Nikolai , Rolfes Raimund
Published: June 2022

The implementation of machine learning methods for structural health monitoring applications has proven to be very effective, especially in detecting damage and compensating for environmental and operational conditions. The use of guided waves in this area has also shown to be a powerful tool due to their sensitivity to structural changes in the propagation medium. In this work, two strategies for detecting damage and distinguishing their positions and for dealing with temperature variations without an additional classical temperature compensation technique are investigated. For this purpose, four unsupervised dimensionality reduction learning methods were used and compared: Principal Component Analysis, Kernel Principal Component Analysis, t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding and Autoencoder. The first strategy (score plot) consists of using the latent dimensions directly to distinguish the data points of different states of the structure, and the second (DI plot) proposes a method to use Q- and T2-statistics, which have been proposed in previous work for PCA, computed using the compressed representation of the monitoring data. To this end, monitoring data from intact and damaged states of a 500x500x2 mm plate of carbon-fibre–reinforced polymer recorded by 12 piezoelectric transducers at different temperatures are examined. As a reversible damage model, a 10 mm thick aluminium disc is placed at four different locations on the plate. The results primarily show the success of the methods used with DI plot in detecting damage regardless of varying temperature. The autoencoder in the first strategy also demonstrates promising performance in detecting and distinguishing the position of the damage, even in the presence of varying temperature conditions.
Rasmussen’s aneurysm: A rare cause of haemoptysis
Authors: Barman Bhupen , Lynser Donboklang , Ish Pranav
Published: June 2022

Rasmussen’s aneurysm is a rare and life-threatening cause of recurrent hemoptysis in post tuberculosis patients. Appropriate and early treatment can prevent complications like severe life-threatening hemoptysis due to aneurysm rupture.
Complete Aortic Replacement in a Patient With Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Authors: Darigny Sandrine , Astarci Parla , Elens Maxime
Published: June 2022

Background: LDS is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disease. It is a rare multi-systemic disorder with serious vascular impact. Case report: We report a case of a 38-year-old male with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) suffering from major aortic complications. The disease initially manifested itself as a type A aortic dissection, successfully treated by open ascending aorta replacement. Ten days later, the patient developed an uncomplicated type B dissection. During follow up, the patient became symptomatic in both legs (rest pain) due to major true lumen compression. A thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed with immediate improvement of the symptoms. During follow up, a computer tomography angiogram, showed a persistence false lumen perfusion and an aortic diameter increase. Multiple additional endovascular procedures and a final open thoracoabdominal aortic replacement were needed to exclude completely the false lumen. Conclusion: Open surgical repair is still the gold standard therapy for patients with connective tissue disease. However, with the nowadays progress, hybrid procedures could be a better option.
In-silico Studies Calculated a New Chitin Oligomer Binding Site Inside Vicilin: A Potent Antifungal and Insecticidal Agent
Authors: Saeed Ahsan , Rafiq Zahra , Imran Muhammad , Saeed Qamar , Saeed Muhammad Q. , Ali Zahid , Iqbal Rana K. , Hussain Saber , Khaliq Binish , Mehmood Sohaib , Akrem Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Vicilins are major seed storage proteins and show differential binding affinities toward sugar moieties of fungal cell wall and insect gut epithelium. Hence, purpose of study is the thorough in-silico characterization of interactions between vicilin and chitin oligomer followed by fungal and insecticidal bioassays. This work covers the molecular simulation studies explaining the interactions between Pisum sativum vicilin ( PsV) and chitin oligomer followed by protein bioassay against different pathogens. LC-MS/MS of purified PsV (∼50 kDa) generated residual data along high pea vicilin homology (UniProtKB ID; P13918). Predicted model ( PsV) indicated the characteristic homotrimer joined through head-to-tail association and each monomer is containing a bicupin domain. PsV site map analysis showed a new site (Site 4) into which molecular docking confirmed the strong binding of chitin oligomer (GlcNAc)4. Molecular dynamics simulation data (50 ns) indicated that chitin-binding site was comprised of 8 residues (DKEDRNEN). However, aspartate and glutamate significantly contributed in the stability of ligand binding. Computational findings were further verified via significant growth inhibition of Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, and Fusarium oxysporum against PsV. Additionally, the substantial adult population of Brevicoryne brassicae was reduced and different life stages of Tribolium castaneum also showed significant mortality.
Reconstruction in Salvage Surgery for Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Noothanapati Nageswara R. , Akali Nisha R. , Buggaveeti Rahul , Balasubramanian Deepak , Mathew Jimmy , Iyer Subramania , Thankappan Krishnakumar
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Salvage surgery is the treatment option in recurrences and second primary tumors. This paper aimed to study the options and outcomes of reconstruction and the predictors of poor reconstructive outcomes in salvage surgery for head and neck cancers.

Study Design

This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent reconstructive flap surgery as part of salvage surgery for head and neck cancers between the years 2004 and 2017.

Methods

The initial treatment may be single modality radiotherapy or surgery or multimodality with combinations of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Any pathology that required surgical salvage was included. Any procedures done purely as reconstructive surgery were excluded. Predictor variables included demographical, clinical, and treatment factors. The outcome parameter was the occurrence of any flap-related complication or not. The complications and morbidity related to the procedures are reported

Results

Ninety-three patients underwent loco-regional flaps (LRF group), and 100 had free flaps (FF group). Pectoralis major flap was the commonest flap used in 68 patients (73.1%). Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was the commonest free flap and comprised 41% of the FF group. Any skin-related complication was seen in 35 patients (37.6%) and 41 (41%), respectively, in LRF and FF subsets. Any flap-related complication was seen in 16 patients (17.2%) and 29 patients (29%), respectively, in LRF and FF subsets. A summary measure “any one of the complications” was seen in 46 (49.5%) and 57 (57%), respectively, in LRF and FF subsets. Univariate and multivariate analysis for any flap-related complication identified no statistically significant predictor.

Conclusions

Soft tissue flaps were preferred in salvage reconstruction, though the defects had a bony component. In the microvascular free flap reconstruction era, pectoralis major flap has shifted its role from a “workhorse flap” to a “salvage flap.” About half of the patients develop some complications. Flap-related complications are also common. In salvage surgery, it is important that an appropriate flap is selected, suitable for the setting, according to the indications, neck, and patient conditions.
Autonomous vehicle impact on improving road network vulnerability
Authors: Obaid Mohammed , Török Árpád
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study first presents a method to identify the parameters increasing road vulnerability on a macroscopic road network model. The second part exploresthe effect size difference of the analyzed attributes on network vulnerability through the implementation of different autonomous vehicles (AVs) penetrations and automation levels.

Methods

The road traffic network of Budapest, Hungary on PTV VISUM is studied by adopting a passenger car unit factor procedure to simulate the effect of AVs on road saturation. Five link parameters were used: length, distance from the centre, speed, number of lanes, and number of connectors. Network vulnerability was studied by simulating a combination of road elimination process with different passenger car unit values for AVs.

Results

The analysis found the number of road lanes is the most significant parameter, affecting the link criticality; followed by road length and distance from the centre. The analysis of four AV scenarios with different AV penetration and level of automation showed huge effect differences ranging from 3.50% for a simple AV automation level with low AV percentage to as large to 28.53% for a fully automated fleet.

Conclusions

AV implementation has proved efficient in reducing the amount of travel delays in the case of road failure. Finally, it was found that the number of lanes remained the most significant influencing parameter on travel delay. The main question is to discover the effect size difference of the analyzed attributes on network vulnerability through the implementation of different AVs penetrations and automation levels.
KAZN as a diagnostic marker in ovarian cancer: a comprehensive analysis based on microarray, mRNA-sequencing, and methylation data
Authors: Zhu Songling , Bao Hongxia , Zhang Meng-Chun , Liu Huidi , Wang Yao , Lin Caiji , Zhao Xingjuan , Liu Shu-Lin
Published: June 2022

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is among the deadliest malignancies in women and the lack of appropriate markers for early diagnosis leads to poor prognosis in most cases. Previous studies have shown thatKAZNis involved in multiple biological processes during development, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, so defects or aberrant expression ofKAZNmight cause queer cell behaviors such as malignancy. Here we evaluated theKAZNexpression and methylation levels for possible use as an early diagnosis marker for OC.

Methods

We used data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarrays, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) to investigate the correlations betweenKAZNexpression and clinical characteristics of OC by comparing methylation levels of normal and OC samples. The relationships among differentially methylated sites in theKAZNgene, correspondingKAZNmRNA expression levels and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

KAZNwas up-regulated in ovarian epithelial tumors and the expression ofKAZNwas correlated with the patients’ survival time.KAZNCpG site cg17657618 was positively correlated with the expression of mRNA and the methylation levels were significantly differential between the group of stage “I and II” and the group of stage “III and IV”. This study also presents a new method to classify tumor and normal tissue in OC using DNA methylation pattern in theKAZNgene body region.

Conclusions

KAZNwas involved in ovarian cancer pathogenesis. Our results demonstrate a new direction for ovarian cancer research and provide a potential diagnostic biomarker as well as a novel therapeutic target for clinical application.
Resident and staff perceptions of an activity- and recovery-based intervention in supported housing for people with severe mental illness – a longitudinal pilot study
Authors: Eklund Mona , Tjörnstrand Carina
Published: June 2022

Background

People with severe mental illness who reside in supported housing (SH) and need a high level of assistance are at risk of an everyday life with little meaning and low community participation. Interventions to counteract that seem warranted, which was the rationale for this study. The aim was to investigate how residents and staff perceived an intervention designed to enhance meaningful everyday activity and personal recovery.

Methods

The intervention, termed Active in My Home (AiMH), was led by an occupational therapist. It consisted of five individual and three group sessions, and AiMH staff acted as supporters. Twenty-nine AiMH participants and 43 staff members were included in this un-controlled study with three measurement points – before (T1), at completion (T2), and 6–9 months after completion of AiMH (T3). The data collection was based on self-report questionnaires addressing perceptions of satisfaction, meaningfulness, and recovery-oriented support.

Results

The residents’ satisfaction with the SH per se was rated high (at 75% of the maximum score) and did not change over the study period from T1 to T3 (p = 0.544); nor did the participants’ perceived recovery-oriented support from the AiMH supporter (p = 0.235). Satisfaction with AiMH was rated by both participants and staff at T2. Their scores differed regarding general satisfaction (p = 0.008), staff scoring higher, but no differences were found regarding satisfaction with group sessions, individual sessions, or support of activity (p-values 0.062–0.836). The staff rated the SH unit’s provision of meaningful activities higher than the AIMH participants at T2 (p = 0.029) but not at T1 (p = 0.226) or T3 (p = 0.499).

Conclusion

This study has offered some glimpses of how AiMH participants and staff perceived the AiMH intervention. It has also generated some ideas for better support for meaningful activity and recovery-oriented support in SH for people with mental illness, such as assisting SH residents in identifying activity opportunities and making activity choices when providing support for meaningful activity in the SH context.

Trial registration

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05157854.
Effect of prone position in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Ziying , Li Min , Gu Sichao , Huang Xu , Xia Jingen , Ye Qinghua , Zheng Jiangnan , Zhan Qingyuan , Wang Chen
Published: June 2022

Background

The application of prone position (PP) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is controversial.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of application of PP during VV-ECMO in patients with ARDS.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective study of patients who met the Berlin definition of ARDS, and were supported with VV-ECMO. We divided the patients into two groups. The prone group included patients who were supported by VV-ECMO, and experienced at least one period of PP, while those without PP during VV-ECMO were defined as the supine group. Propensity score matching (PSM) at a ratio of 1:1 was introduced to minimize potential confounders. The primary outcomes were the complications of PP and the change of arterial oxygen pressure/fraction of the inspiration (PaO2/FiO2) ratio after PP. The secondary outcomes were hospital survival, ICU survival, and ECMO weaning rate.

Results

From April 2013 to October 2020, a total of 91 patients met the diagnostic criteria of ARDS who were supported with ECMO. 38 patients (41.8%) received at least one period of PP during ECMO, while 53 patients (58.2%) were maintained in supine position during ECMO. 22 minor complications were reported in the prone group and major complications were not found. The other ECMO-related complications were similar between two groups. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio significantly improved after PP compared with before (174.50 (132.40–228.25) mmHg vs. 158.00 (122.93–210.33) mmHg, p < 0.001). PSM selected 25 pairs of patients with similar characteristics. Hospital survival or ICU survival did not differ between the two groups (40% vs. 28%, p = 0.370; 40% vs. 32%, p = 0.556). Significant difference of ECMO weaning rate between two groups was not found (56% vs. 32%, p = 0.087).

Conclusions

PP during VV-ECMO was safe and could improve oxygenation. A large-scale and well-designed RCT is needed in the future.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Thai version of the functional index for hand osteoarthritis (FIHOA)
Authors: Suwannaphisit Sitthiphong , Tangtrakulwanich Boonsin , Suwanno Porames , Sinnathakorn Nitiphoom , Maheu Emmanuel
Published: June 2022

Background

The Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA) is a simple tool to assess functional impairment for hand OA patients. The purpose of this study was to translate the FIHOA into the Thai language, and validate it in Thai hand OA patients.

Methods

The FIHOA was translated into Thai (T-FIHOA) according to the principles of
cross-cultural adaptation and administered to 102 hand OA patients recruited between September 2020 and July 2021 together with the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for hand pain. Spearman’s correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to check the test-retest reliability of each item and the total scores in the translated questionnaire. The internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. The external construct validity was assessed using correlations between the T-FIHOA, mHAQ, DASH and hand pain VAS.

Results

The T-FIHOA had a unidimensional structure. The ICC was > 0.9 and the Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92 indicated excellent reliability and internal consistency, respectively. The external validity tests indicated moderate correlation with the hand pain VAS (r = 0.37, P <  0.01) and moderate to strong correlations with the mHAQ (r = 0.63, P <  0.01), and DASH score (r = 0.52, P <  0.01). The T-FIHOA had the highest effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) (− 0.37 and − 0.58 respectively) among all questionnaires except for the VAS when assessing changes between baseline and week 4.

Conclusions

The T-FIHOA is a good and reliable assessment tool freely available for practitioners/researchers to evaluate functional impairment in Thai hand OA patients.