bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Comparison and Critical Finite Element Based Experimental Analysis of Various Forms of Reinforcement Retaining Structural System
Authors: Tiwary Aditya Kumar , Bhatia Sakshi , Singh Sandeep , Chohan Jasgurpreet Singh , Kumar Raman , Sharma Shubham , Chattopadhyaya S. , Rajkumar S.
Published: February 2022

Three-dimensional finite element analysis has been carried out in order to study the response of retaining walls subjected to lateral earth pressure using ABAQUS/CAE. This study consists of analysis and design of cantilever, gravity type, and precast concrete retaining wall. It also shows comparative study such as distribution of stresses along with the deflection throughout the height of the retaining walls. The mathematical analysis procedure is adopted that entails selecting dimensions to meet the requirements of several codes and then evaluating the stability of the entire whenever the backfill load works on the wall. The stability of retaining walls in terms of sliding and overturning is evaluated. The three specified walls are then investigated using the ABAQUS software, and their behaviour is studied. In this analysis process, two components of the formed concrete wall; one is a base plate and another component is a cantilever sandwich panel, were projected. A headed anchor joins the prefabricated cantilever wall to the base plate, keeping the slab and wall together while also maintaining their integrity in the specific positions. The system requires a unique construction method for final assembly. Mainly two steps were followed for analysis: first, the different components for shear and bending moments, namely, heel and footplates, were designed, and then, the stability of the whole structure under load was evaluated. The ABAQUS program was used to simulate and analyse the stability of various walls, including traditional and precast concrete retaining walls. It was found on the basis of the observation that the prefabricated retaining wall is the most viable option out of the three as the stress and deflection in the former type are lowered.
Chemical Distance Measurement and System Pharmacology Approach Uncover the Novel Protective Effects of Biotransformed Ginsenoside C-Mc against UVB-Irradiated Photoaging
Authors: Liu Xiao-yi , Li Hui , Hwang Eunson , Park Bom , Xiao Yong-kun , Liu Senmiao , Fang Jiansong , Kim Yeon-Ju , Yi Tae-Hoo , Cai Chuipu
Published: February 2022

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light induces photoaging and may eventually increase the risk of skin carcinogenesis. Rare minor ginsenosides isolating from traditional medicine Panax (ginseng) have shown biomedical efficacy as antioxidation and antiphotodamage agents. However, due to the difficulty of component extraction and wide variety of ginsenoside, the identification of active antiphotoaging ginsenoside remains a huge challenge. In this study, we proposed a novel in silico approach to identify potential compound against photoaging from 82 ginsenosides. Specifically, we calculated the shortest distance between unknown and known antiphotoaging ginsenoside set in the chemical space and applied chemical structure similarity assessment, drug-likeness screening, and ADMET evaluation for the candidates. We highlighted three rare minor ginsenosides (C-Mc, Mx, and F2) that possess high potential as antiphotoaging agents. Among them, C-Mc deriving from American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) was validated by wet-lab experimental assays and showed significant antioxidant and cytoprotective activity against UVB-induced photodamage in human dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, system pharmacology analysis was conducted to explore the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms through integrating global drug-target network, high quality photoaging-related gene profile from multiomics data, and skin tissue-specific expression protein network. In combination with in vitro assays, we found that C-Mc suppressed MMP production through regulating the MAPK/AP-1/NF-κB pathway and expedited collagen synthesis via the TGF-β/Smad pathway, as well as enhanced the expression of Nrf2/ARE to hold a balance of endogenous oxidation. Overall, this study offers an effective drug discovery framework combining in silico prediction and in vitro validation, uncovering that ginsenoside C-Mc has potential antiphotoaging properties and might be a novel natural agent for use in oral drug, skincare products, or functional food.
Impact of Hyperparameters on Deep Learning Model for Customer Churn Prediction in Telecommunication Sector
Authors: Dalli Anouar
Published: February 2022

In this paper, in order to predict a customer churn in the telecommunication sector, we have analysed several published articles that had used machine learning (ML) techniques. Significant predictive performance had been seen by utilising deep learning techniques. However, we have seen a tremendous lack of empirically derived heuristic information where we had to influence the hyperparameters consequently. Here, we had demonstrated three experimental findings, where a Relu activation function was embedded and utilised successfully in the hidden layers of the deep network. We can also see that the output layer had the service ability of a sigmoid function, in which we had seen a significant performance of the neural network model and obviously it was improved. Furthermore, we had also seen that the model's performance was noticed to be even better, but it was only considered better though when the batch size in the model was taken less than the test dataset’s size, respectively. In terms of accuracy, the RemsProp optimizer beat out the other algorithms such as stochastic gradient descent (SGD). RemsProp was seen even better from the Adadelta algorithm, the Adam algorithm, the AdaGrad algorithm, and AdaMax algorithm as well.
Dietary Inflammatory Potential in relation to General and Abdominal Obesity
Authors: Nouri-Majd Saeedeh , Salari-Moghaddam Asma , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Adibi Peyman
Published: February 2022

Background/Aims: Limited data are available on the association of Dietary Inflammatory Potential (DIP) with general and abdominal obesity in developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the association between DIP score with general and abdominal obesity among Iranian adults. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in Isfahan, Iran. Dietary intakes were assessed by using a validated, self-administrated, dish-based, semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. DIP was calculated based on standard method. Data regarding height, weight, and waist circumference (WC) were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Overweight or obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2, and abdominal obesity was defined as WC ≥ 80 cm for women and ≥94 cm for men. Results. Mean age of study participants was 36.8 ± 8.08 years. The prevalence of general and abdominal obesity was 46.5% and 52.9%, respectively. We observed that higher DIP scores were significantly associated with a lower odds of general obesity (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.58–0.74). Stratified by sex, this significant association was seen only for women (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.46–0.72). In addition, no significant association was found between DIP scores and abdominal obesity. Conclusions. We found a significant inverse association between consumption of a proinflammatory diet and general obesity. In the gender-stratified analysis, this was seen in women, but not in men. There was no significant association between the DIP scores and abdominal obesity.
Interpretable Short-Term Electrical Load Forecasting Scheme Using Cubist
Authors: Moon Jihoon , Park Sungwoo , Rho Seungmin , Hwang Eenjun
Published: February 2022

Daily peak load forecasting (DPLF) and total daily load forecasting (TDLF) are essential for optimal power system operation from one day to one week later. This study develops a Cubist-based incremental learning model to perform accurate and interpretable DPLF and TDLF. To this end, we employ time-series cross-validation to effectively reflect recent electrical load trends and patterns when constructing the model. We also analyze variable importance to identify the most crucial factors in the Cubist model. In the experiments, we used two publicly available building datasets and three educational building cluster datasets. The results showed that the proposed model yielded averages of 7.77 and 10.06 in mean absolute percentage error and coefficient of variation of the root mean square error, respectively. We also confirmed that temperature and holiday information are significant external factors, and electrical loads one day and one week ago are significant internal factors.
Research on Economic Optimal Dispatching of Microgrid Cluster Based on Improved Butterfly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhou Hui , Xiao Liexi , Zhao Guanhao
Published: February 2022

Microgrid optimal dispatching has become one of the core issues of microgrid energy management and integrated control, which is of great significance to reduce energy consumption and environmental pollution. As a natural heuristic algorithm, the butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA) has the advantages of simple adjustment parameters and fast convergence speed. It is widely used to solve nonlinear programming problems. However, BOA is easy to fall into local optimization and poor convergence accuracy. Therefore, an improved butterfly optimization algorithm (IBOA) based on skew tent chaotic map, Cauchy mutation, and simplex method is proposed, and compared with particle swarm optimization (PSO), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), sparrow search algorithm (SSA), and BOA, the results show that the IBOA has high convergence speed and optimization accuracy. Finally, the IBOA is used to solve the optimization model. The simulation results show that the IBOA can effectively reduce the power consumption cost of the system, promote the effective utilization of renewable energy, and improve the operation stability of the microgrid cluster system.
The Effects of Probiotics and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Liver Steatosis Induced in Rats by High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Authors: Kizilaslan Nildem , Zekiye Erdem Nihal , Katar Muzaffer , Gevrek Fikret
Published: February 2022

Aims. This study was designed to reveal the effect of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids in a fatty liver model in rats induced by high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Methods. In the study, 40 male Wistar Albino rats were used, and these rats were divided into five groups. HFCS was added to the drinking water (30% solution) of four groups (Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5) for three weeks, and the animals were fed ad libitum. At the end of three weeks, the rats in Groups 3, 4, and 5 were administered omega-3 fatty acids (400 mg/kg) and probiotics (1.5 × 109 cfu/mL/day) with the gavage method for four weeks. The body weights of rats were weighed and recorded before starting the experiment, at the end of the third week, and before the animals were sacrificed at the last week, all at the same hour. By subtracting the remaining amount of food and water from the daily food and water amount, the amount of food and water consumed was calculated. These values were recorded for seven weeks. At the end of the seven weeks, the rats were sacrificed after blood specimens and tissues were taken. Results. Analyzing the changes in the food intake of each group within itself throughout the experiment, it was observed that there was an increase in the food intake in the control group; from the starting week to the last week, the food intake amount of the HFCS group began to decrease particularly after the second week; and it began to decrease after the third week in the groups that were administered probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids. The changes in the sacrifice weights in the HFCS + omega-3 fatty acid, HFCS + probiotic, and HFCS + probiotic + omega-3 fatty acid groups were found to be lower than that in the HFCS group. The maximum levels of glucose, ALT, ALP, serum cholesterol, triglyceride and AST were found to be in the HFCS group. It was determined that the minimum mean steatosis level was in the control group, while the maximum steatosis level was in the HFCS group. Conclusions. As a result, there was a protective effect of probiotic and omega-3 fatty acid.
Thickness of the Buccal and Alveolar Bones Overlying Central Incisors: A Radiographic Iraqi Study
Authors: Hassan Nuhad A. , Khazaal Al-Jaboori Aseel S.
Published: February 2022

Background. Initial bone thickness has a substantial impact on the success of dental implant treatments. The objective of the current study was to analyze the thickness of the buccal and alveolar bone at the central incisors using CBCT in relation to gender and side to determine the anatomical features and choose the best implant treatment option for minimizing the surgical complications. Methods. One hundred CBCT images were investigated (50 females and 50 males, aged 20 to 50 years old). The buccal bone thickness and alveolar bone thickness were evaluated for right and left sides of each subject at three sites; C: crest (3 mm); M: middle (6 mm); A: apical (9 mm) from the cementoenamel junction. Results. The mean thickness of buccal bone was less than 2 mm on the incisors according to side and gender. Buccal bone thickness revealed a statistically significant difference between right and left sides at the apical point in both females and males withpvalues of (p≤0.001) and (0.001), respectively. The buccal bone thickness displayed statistically significant differences between genders at all sites. The alveolar thickness demonstrated similar significant differences between genders except for the crest site. Conclusions. Iraqi participants had about 1 mm buccal bone thickness at 3 mm apical from the CEJ in right and left central incisors with a progressive rise in bone thickness to be less than 2 mm at the apex. Alveolar bone also showed the same increase in bone thickness from crest to apex. Bone thickness was greater in males than females. The present study provided valuable CBCT data on bone thickness of the esthetic maxillary region as a preoperative analysis for establishing an immediate implant treatment plan with aesthetically pleasing long-term outcomes.
HbA1c Variability and the Risk of Dementia in Patients with Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Song Jingjing , Bai Hongying , Xu Hui , Xing Yuanyuan , Chen Si
Published: February 2022

Background. Variability of HbA1c has been related to the incidence micro and macrovascular complications in patients with diabetes. However, the association between of visit-to-visit variability of HbA1c and risk of dementia has not been fully determined. A meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively evaluate the above association. Methods. Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for longitudinal follow-up studies comparing the incidence of dementia in diabetic patients with higher or lower variability of HbA1c. A random-effect model incorporating the potential heterogeneity among the included studies were used to pool the results. Results. Five retrospective studies with 577592 diabetic patients were included, and 99% of them were with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). With a mean follow-up duration of 6.3 years, 31963 patients had newly diagnosed dementia. Pooled results showed that diabetic patients with higher HbA1c variability was associated with higher risk of dementia, as evidenced by studies with coefficient of variation (CV: hazard ratio (HR): 1.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.003–1.120;

p
=
0.04

; I2 = 47%) and standard deviation (SD : HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06–1.32;

p
=
0.002

; I2 = 0%) of HbA1c in continuous variables, and CV of HbA1c (HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.08–1.28;

p
<
0.001

; I2 = 31%) in categorized variables. Conclusions. Higher variability of HbA1c is associated with a higher incidence of dementia in patients with diabetes.
The Role of Pseudocereals in Celiac Disease: Reducing Nutritional Deficiencies to Improve Well-Being and Health
Authors: Caeiro Carolina , Pragosa Caroline , Cruz Marisa Carreira , Pereira Cidália Daniela , Pereira Sónia Gonçalves
Published: February 2022

Celiac disease or gluten-dependent enteropathy is a chronic autoimmune pathology triggered by dietary gluten in genetic predisposed individuals, mediated by transglutaminase 2 IgA autoantibodies and associated with a deteriorating immune and inflammatory response. This leads to intestinal villous atrophy, impairing the intestinal mucosa structure and function of secretion, digestion, and absorption. The result is macro- and micronutrient deficiency, including fat soluble vitamins and minerals, and a consequent nutritional status depletion. A lifelong gluten-free diet is the only available treatment for celiac patients in order to assure normal intestinal mucosa and remission of gastrointestinal symptoms. However, a gluten-free diet can itself cause other nutritional deficiencies due to its restrictive nature regarding gluten-containing cereals. A group of gluten-free cereals, known as pseudocereals, is increasingly recognized as valuable options for gluten-free diets due to their high nutritional value. Amaranth, quinoa, millet, and buckwheat are examples of gluten-free nutrient-dense grains that can be used as alternatives to the conventional gluten-containing grains and improve the variety and nutritional quality of the celiac diet. Current work reviews the nutritional pitfalls of a gluten-free diet and analyses how pseudocereals can contribute to revert those deficiencies and optimize the nutritional value of this mandatory diet for the celiac population.
Data-Driven Electricity Price Risk Assessment for Spot Market
Authors: Lu En , Wang Ning , Zheng Wei , Wang Xuanding , Lei Xingyu , Zhu Zhengchun , Gong Zhaoyu
Published: February 2022

Electricity price risk assessment (EPRA) is essential for spot market analysis and operation. The statistical moments (i.e., the mean and standard deviation) of the price need to be assessed to support market risk control. This paper proposes a data-driven approach for EPRA based on the Gaussian process (GP) framework. Compared with the deep learning algorithms, GP has two merits: (1) the scale of training sample required is small and (2) the time-consuming hyperparameter tuning process is avoided. However, the direct application of GP for EPRA is not tractable due to the complicated discrete relationship between the system operating status and the electricity price. To deal with that, a data-driven EPRA framework is developed that contains a GP surrogate model for the direct current optimal power flow (DC-OPF) problem and a hybrid model-data-based hybrid electricity price calculation method. To guarantee the accuracy of EPRA, an adaptability criterion and a second verification process based on the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) condition are developed to distinguish the samples with GP learning errors. Numerical results carried out on IEEE benchmark systems demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve exactly the same EPRA results as Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, which significantly improved the computational efficiency.
Assembly Sequence Planning Based on Hierarchical Model
Authors: Li Chunxi , Hou Wenjun
Published: February 2022

With the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing technology and ultraprecision machining, assembly technology has attracted more and more attention. Assembly sequence is an important part of assembly process planning. However, assembly sequence is affected by many complex factors, such as the time required to assemble products, the geometric feasibility of assembly sequence, and other factors (tool replacement times and assembly direction change), so it is very challenging. In this paper, an assembly information model based on geometric features of parts is proposed. The model obtains the hierarchical information of the part through the segmentation and feature reconstruction of the part. Based on the influence of the contact surface between parts on the feasible motion domain and assembly domain, the assembly constraint relationship model is established. The objective function is constructed by changing the assembly direction, changing the assembly tools, and evaluating the assembly fit type. The geometrically feasible assembly sequence is optimized to obtain the optimal assembly sequence under the existing conditions. Taking a block, a secondary reducer spindle, and a cylinder as examples, the effectiveness of the method is verified.
Post-transplant Malignancies Show Reduced T-cell Abundance and Tertiary Lymphoid Structures as Correlates of Impaired Cancer Immunosurveillance
Authors: Datta Rabi R. , Schran Simon , Persa Oana-Diana , Aguilar Claire , Thelen Martin , Lehmann Jonas , Garcia-Marquez Maria A. , Wennhold Kerstin , Preugszat Ella , Zentis Peter , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael S. , Quaas Alexander , Bruns Christiane J. , Kurschat Christine , Mauch Cornelia , Löser Heike , Stippel Dirk L. , Schlößer Hans A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

An increased risk to develop cancer is one of the most challenging negative side effects of long-term immunosuppression in organ transplant recipients and impaired cancer immunosurveillance is assumed as underlying mechanism. This study aims to elucidate transplant-related changes in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) of cancer.

Experimental Design:

Data from 123 organ transplant recipients (kidney, heart, lung, and liver) were compared with historic data from non-immunosuppressed patients. Digital image analysis of whole-section slides was used to assess abundance and spatial distribution of T cells and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in the TME of 117 tumor samples. Expression of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) and human-leucocyte-antigen class I (HLA-I) was assessed on tissue microarrays.

Results:

We found a remarkably reduced immune infiltrate in the center tumor (CT) regions as well as the invasive margins (IM) of post-transplant cancers. These differences were more pronounced in the IM than in the CT and larger for CD8+ T cells than for CD3+ T cells. The Immune-score integrating results from CT and IM was also lower in transplant recipients. Density of TLS was lower in cancer samples of transplant recipients. The fraction of samples with PD-L1 expression was higher in controls whereas decreased expression of HLA-I was more common in transplant recipients.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrates the impact of immunosuppression on the TME and supports impaired cancer immunosurveillance as important cause of post-transplant cancer. Modern immunosuppressive protocols and cancer therapies should consider the distinct immune microenvironment of post-transplant malignancies.
Shedding Light on ecDNA Behavior Using CRISPR-Based Live-Cell Imaging
Authors: Henssen Anton G.
Published: February 2022

Extrachromosomal oncogene amplification on extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) has emerged as a hallmark of many cancers. In this issue, Yi and colleagues developed a CRISPR-based method for imaging ecDNA in live cells, termed ecTag. Using ecTag, the authors reveal important features of ecDNA in cancer cells such as their random mitotic segregation and clustering into transcriptionally active hubs after mitosis.

See related article by Yi et al., p. 468.
Proteomic Analysis of m.8296A>G Variation in the Mitochondrial tRNALys Gene
Authors: Maraş Genç Hülya , Akpınar Gürler , Kasap Murat , Uyur Yalçın Emek , Üstek Duran , Aslanger Ayça Dilruba , Kara Bülent
Published: February 2022

Variation in the mitochondrial tRNALys gene at position 8296 was previously found to be associated with maternally inherited diabetes mellitus and deafness, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes. The pathogenicity of the m.8296A>G variation is unclear. In this study, we aimed to analyze the mitochondrial proteome in a patient with m.8296A>G variation to elucidate the effects of this mutation at the protein level. Whole-exome sequencing and mitochondrial genome analysis were performed in a patient with sensorineural hearing impairment, cognitive impairment, leukodystrophy, migraine-like headaches, and gastrointestinal dysmotility. Mitochondrial genome analysis identified a homoplasmic m.8296A>G variation in the mitochondrial tRNALys gene in the proband and unaffected mother. Global mitochondrial proteome analysis was carried out in the muscle mitochondria of the index patient and a control subject. Comparative muscle mitochondrial proteome analysis revealed a total of 13 nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins differently expressed with respect to the control. Ten of the 13 proteins were downregulated. Most of the proteins were involved in ATP synthesis and Krebs cycle and have strong interactions with each other. We considered the m.8296A>G variation to be pathogenic with variable penetrance for our patient’s phenotype, and this variation led to different expressions of nuclear-encoded proteins involved in energy metabolism.
The Alusti Test, a Functional Assessment Scale Applicable to the Geriatric Population
Authors: Calvo Aguirre Juan José , Ugartemendia Yerobi Maider , Bueno Yáñez Olga , Uranga Zaldúa Joana , Alustiza Navarro Josu
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Decreases in functional ability generate dependence, limiting people’s quality of life. Assessment tools are needed to evaluate functional abilities of the older adults that can objectively and accurately assess any type of user. Such proper or adapted tools are not always available. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness and universal application of the Alusti Test, a functional assessment scale, in the older population and to evaluate the sensitivity to change of the Alusti Test short version (Alusti-S) in a psychogeriatric hospitalized population. Methods: Longitudinal study was conducted in a psychogeriatric clinic in Navarra, Spain. The study sample comprised 539 persons of 65 years and older hospitalized at a psychogeriatric clinic (mean age 82.8 ± 7.3 years). The sensitivity to change was assessed upon admission and discharge through the application of three tests: Barthel Index, Complete Alusti Test, and Alusti-S. Results: We verified sensitivity to change, as illustrated by an improvement of 24.7%, 13.8%, and 16.0%, respectively. Due to the greater functional deterioration upon admission, the improvement margin in the three tests was higher in patients over 85 years of age and in women. Conclusion: We consider the Alusti Test an innovative functional assessment tool due to its simplicity, sensitivity, and suitability to universal application in psychogeriatric populations. Correlating recommended physical activity based on the functional ability of the person, based on the Alusti Test, is a pending task that could be of interest for the sake of efficient interventions.
Medicinal Cannabis for the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Pain: An Investigation of the Adverse Event Profile and Health-Related Quality of Life Impact of an Oral Formulation
Authors: Abelev Sarah , Warne Leon N. , Benson Melissa , Hardy Mark , Nayee Sunny , Barlow John
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Medicinal cannabis is prescribed in Australia for patients with chronic refractory pain conditions. However, measures of safety and effectiveness of different cannabinoids are lacking. We designed an observational study to capture effectiveness, adverse events (AEs), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures in patients prescribed an oral medicinal cannabis formulation at Cannabis Access Clinics through the Cannabis Access Clinics Observational study (CACOS). Objectives: We aimed to evaluate effectiveness, reported AEs, and change in patient-reported outcomes in individuals prescribed a cannabinoid oil formulation for management of chronic pain. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on patients prescribed an oil formulation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol for pain symptoms of at least 3-month duration. Clinician-reported AEs were organized by system, organ, class, and frequency. Analysis of patient-reported responses to a questionnaire was conducted using published minimal clinically important differences to determine meaningful change in HRQoL over time. Results: More than half (n = 91/151, 60.3%) of the participants experienced at least one AE during the observation period (mean 133 ± 116 days). No serious AEs were reported. Patient-reported pain impact scores were significantly reduced across the cohort (p = 0.034), and pain intensity scores verged on significance (p = 0.053). The majority of patients saw meaningful improvements in sleep (49.3%) and fatigue (35.6%). Conclusion: This analysis presents real-world data collected as part of standard of care. More than one-third of patients benefited from oral medicinal cannabis, which is impactful given the refractory nature of their pain. Amelioration of the impact of pain confirms continued prescribing of this formulation and validates our observational methodology as a tool to determine the therapeutic potency of medicinal cannabinoids.
Severe Hyponatremia Masking Central Diabetes Insipidus in a Patient with a Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Terán Brage Eduardo , Heras Benito Manuel , Navalón Jiménez Marta Belén , Vidal Tocino Rosario , del Barco Morillo Edel , Fonseca Sánchez Emilio
Published: February 2022

Altered natremia is a common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice and a paraneoplastic manifestation. The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion is the first diagnostic suspicion in a patient with cancer and hyponatremia, although entities such as adrenal insufficiency primary or secondary to metastatic involvement must be taken into account. Likewise, immunorelated endrocrinopathies such as hypophysitis have been reported after the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors. A 46-year-old man diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung with severe hyponatremia (111 mmol/L) consulted due to altered level of consciousness. The initial cranial CT scan did not reveal pituitary brain metastatic involvement; however, an MRI could not be performed due to the patient’s clinical situation and subsequent exitus. The water restriction test confirmed the diagnostic suspicion of central diabetes insipidus. Medical treatment with desmopressin was started to avoid fluid depletion with improvement of natremia figures. It represents an exceptional case of central diabetes insipidus masked by severe hyponatremia in a patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma without initial evidence of pituitary metastatic involvement by CT imaging in treatment with nivolumab (anti-PD-1 agent). Secondary adrenal insufficiency due to pituitary metastatic involvement and endocrinologic toxicity immunorelated to the new checkpoint inhibitors should be considered as possible etiologic agents of central diabetes insipidus, even with hyponatremia.
Onychomycosis on YouTube: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Nickles Melissa A. , Pavelka Meghan , Mervak Julie E.
Published: February 2022

Background: While the Internet remains a popular source of health information, YouTube may contain bias and incomplete information regarding common dermatological conditions. Objective: Our objective was to quantify onychomycosis treatment recommendations on YouTube. Methods: We searched YouTube for “nail fungus,” “toenail fungus,” “onychomycosis treatment,” “onychomycosis,” and “nail fungus treatment” in separate searches. The top 30 videos meeting inclusion criteria in each search were viewed for video demographics and treatment recommendations. Results: Analysis was performed on 102 videos. The majority of videos (81.3%) were intended for patient education. Analyzing videos by speaker, 50.0% featured a podiatrist, 13.7% a nondermatologist physician or other medical professional, 10.8% a patient or blogger, 6.9% a dermatologist, and 2.0% a nail technician. Videos recommended FDA-approved therapies, as well as OTC products. The most recommended medical therapies included oral terbinafine and laser therapy, mentioned in 29 and 28 videos, respectively. Various natural remedies were recommended, with tea tree oil being endorsed in 23 videos. Conclusion: YouTube offers patient education on a range of treatment options for onychomycosis. We caution patients against starting treatments based on social media recommendations and encourage dermatologists to utilize social media to educate the public on common dermatological conditions.
Efficacy of Combined Vitrectomy with Intravitreal Corticosteroid Injection for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Removal on Anatomical and Functional Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Hung-Ju , Hsiao Chung-Hao , Chang Chia-Jen
Published: February 2022

Background: Macular edema can be a cause of visual loss in eyes undergoing vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined vitrectomy with intravitreal corticosteroid injection for ERM. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review by searching PubMed, Embase, and Medline up to December 2020 for studies that evaluated the effect of intravitreal corticosteroid injection during vitrectomy for ERM. Follow-up data on postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were collected and pooled using the standard mean deviation (SMD) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was statistically quantified using I2 statistics, and a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Results: Eight studies provided data on a total sample of 443 eyes. The meta-analysis revealed that concomitant intravitreal corticosteroid administration during vitrectomy contributed to a significant reduction in CMT than vitrectomy alone at 3 months after operation (pooled SMD = −0.353; 95% CI: −0.594 to −0.111; p = 0.004). However, between the two groups, no significant difference was found in CMT reduction at 1 and 6 months after operation and in postoperative BCVA improvement at 1, 3, and 6 months after operation. Conclusion: Combined treatment with vitrectomy and intravitreal corticosteroid injection may accelerate CMT reduction 3 months after ERM surgery. However, it did not result in a significant change in CMT and BCVA compared with vitrectomy alone at the end of follow-up.
Alterations in the Stool Microbiome in Newborns Undergoing Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia after Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Gala Ammee A.D. , Kumar Himanshu , Sedani Sagar , Openshaw-Lawrence Nicola , Verkuijl Jan Martin , Glogowski Nicola , Steingold Adam , Ponnusamy Vennila , Ekitzidou Georgia , Yip Ping , Nessel Isabell , Michael-Titus Adina T. , Roeselers Guus , Shah Divyen K.
Published: February 2022

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is associated with brain injury in newborns and may lead to disability or death. Mild therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is an effective neuroprotective intervention and an established standard of care in western countries. The gut microbiome, the genomic and physicochemical contribution of the gut microbiota, serves important functions and is increasingly recognized as a major influencer on development. The impact of HIE and TH on the evolving gut microbiota of the newborn remains to be elucidated. Objective: The objective of this study was to carry out an exploratory study on the effects of HIE and TH on the gut microbiome in term neonates. Methods and Results: Stool samples were obtained from 28 newborns with HIE (median age 68 h) undergoing TH on the neonatal unit (HIE TH group), with a follow-on stool sample available for 20 of these babies (median age 151 h). For comparison, a single stool specimen was obtained from 19 healthy newborns on the postnatal ward (median age 34 h). The microbiota composition was determined using established microbial DNA extraction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing methodology. There was no difference in the mode of delivery or the method of feeding the newborns, once established, between the 2 groups. All the infants in the HIE TH group had received antibiotics compared to only one of the controls. A lower α-diversity, quantified by the Shannon diversity index, was noted in the microbiota of the HIE TH group in comparison to the control group. The HIE TH group had a higher mean relative abundance (MRA) of facultative anaerobes and aerobes such as Staphylococcus species and a lower MRA of strict anaerobes, such as members of the Bacteroides genus, compared to the control. Also, there was a significant reduction in the MRA of the genus Bifidobacterium in the HIE TH group. Although the mode of delivery exerts a profound influence on the gut microbiota of the newborn, distance-based redundancy analysis showed that TH may exert an independent influence. This study could not determine the independent contribution of the use of antibiotics or the neonatal intensive care unit environment. Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrate an alteration in the microbiota composition in newborns undergoing TH for HIE.
Invenção democrática brasileira e os fantasmas totalitários: o caso do judiciário aplicado à obra de Claude Lefort
Authors: Bezerra André Augusto Salvador
Published: February 2022

As ideias de Claude Lefort são aplicáveis à realidade brasileira posterior à década de 1980. Trata-se do período coincidente a um amplo processo de invenção democrática, produto de mobilização social cujas bandeiras políticas transformaram-se em direitos previstos na Constituição de 1988. Por outro lado, a sociedade não logrou eliminar antigas estruturas ditatoriais do Estado e nem evitar o crescimento de um Poder Administrativo politicamente excludente, oriundo de ideias neoliberais. É o que ocorre no Judiciário brasileiro, chamado pela população para efetivar os direitos, mas ainda estruturado ditatorialmente e submetido a reformas que ampliam o Poder Administrativo a pretexto de garantir segurança jurídica. O presente trabalho pretende relacionar as ideias de Lefort ao atual contexto de fortalecimento de estruturas autoritárias no Judiciário em plena vigência de Constituição democrática.
"Pode-se levar uma vida boa em uma vida ruim?", por Judith Butler
Authors: Bretas Aléxia Cruz
Published: February 2022

Este texto corresponde à conferência proferida por Judith Butler por ocasião da cerimônia de entrega do Prêmio Adorno em 11 de setembro de 2012. Indicando sua filiação ao programa teórico-crítico de transformação social, a filósofa se reporta às reflexões adornianas sobre a moral e a política, a fim de questionar as próprias condições de possibilidade de uma “vida boa” à luz dos dispositivos de desumanização, precarização da vida e distribuição diferencial da vulnerabilidade, tão centrais para a articulação de seus trabalhos recentes.
O erro e o método proustiano
Authors: Almeida Alexandre Bebiano de
Published: February 2022

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir o erro no romance de Marcel Proust.  O que configura um erro em um romance como Em busca do tempo perdido? Talvez se possa dizer que o acerto é o que respeita ali o jogo retórico da ficcção, ao passo que o erro é o que revela aspectos falhos desse jogo. Veremos, contudo, que os virtuais erros encontrados no romance não desmerecem sua construção, mas antes salientam seu caráter composto e, mais do que isso, inacabado.
Um radical democrático
Authors: Aguiar Joaquim Alves de
Published: February 2022

Excerto de “Ensaios de Antonio Candido: um roteiro de leitura”, primeira parte da tese de livre-docência, O crítico luminoso e o narrador acabrunhado O crítico luminoso e o narrador acabrunhado em dois estudos, defendida pelo professor do Departamento de Teoria Literária e Literatura Comparada da FFLCH USP, no ano de 2012. O texto foi adaptado para esta publicação.
Lower Socioeconomic Position Is Associated with Greater Activity in and Integration within an Allostatic-Interoceptive Brain Network in Response to Affective Stimuli
Authors: Alvarez Gabriella M. , Rudolph Marc D. , Cohen Jessica R. , Muscatell Keely A.
Published: February 2022

Socioeconomic inequities shape physical health and emotional well-being. As such, recent work has examined the neural mechanisms through which socioeconomic position (SEP) may influence health. However, there remain critical gaps in knowledge regarding the relationships between SEP and brain function. These gaps include a lack of research on: (1) the association between SEP and brain functioning in later life, (2) relationships between SEP and functioning of the whole brain beyond specific regions of interest, and (3) how neural responses to positive affective stimuli differ by SEP. The current study addressed these gaps by examining the association between SEP (i.e., education, income) and neural responses to affective stimuli among 122 mid- to late-life adults. During MRI scanning, participants viewed 30 positive, 30 negative, and 30 neutral images; activation and network connectivity analyses explored associations between SEP and neural responses to these affective stimuli. Analyses revealed that those with lower SEP showed greater neural activity to both positive and negative images in regions within the allostatic-interoceptive network, a system of regions implicated in representing and regulating physiological states of the body and the external environment. There were no positive associations between SEP and neural responses to negative or positive images. In addition, graph–theory network analyses showed that individuals with lower SEP demonstrated greater global efficiency within the allostatic-interoceptive network and executive control network, across all task conditions. The findings suggest that lower SEP is associated with enhanced neural sensitivity to affective cues that may be metabolically costly to maintain over time and suggest a mechanism by which SEP might get “under the skull” to influence mental and physical well-being.
Dietrich of Freiberg’s Theory of Perfectional Forms
Authors: Roudaut Sylvain
Published: February 2022

This article investigates the philosophical elaboration of the concept of “perfectional form” (forma perfectionalis) in Dietrich of Freiberg’s works. Although Dietrich draws on the traditional notion of perfection to a certain extent, it appears that in his view, what he calls perfectional forms represent a special type of form distinct from the classical division between substantial and accidental forms. The main part of the article analyzes the different uses of this concept made by Dietrich, from his theory of light to his views on the essence of the intellect. The final part of this study aims to evaluate the influence of Dietrich’s theory on the so-called German Dominican school. It is argued that, while Dietrich’s influence on Nicholas of Strasbourg is possible but cannot be firmly established, his theory was explicitly taken up and extended to a more metaphysical dimension by Berthold of Moosburg.
A Review of Drama Education (UK) and Integral Drama Based Pedagogy (China), Western and Eastern Perspectives and Influences
Authors: Holmwood Clive
Published: February 2022

This article will consider similarities to and connections with western progressive based drama education and recent developments in China, namely Integral Drama Based Pedagogy (idbp). It will also consider links between dramatherapy and idbp which considers drama from a more emotional and integral education perspective. It will begin by giving a brief history of drama and progressive education in the UK followed by the development of integral education in general and then make connections between the training of dramatherapists in the west to that of student of idbp.
On two species of Gymnomitrion (Gymnomitriaceae, Marchantiophyta) in the Eastern Sino-Himalaya
Authors: BAKALIN VADIM , VILNET ANNA , LONG DAVID , KLIMOVA KSENIA , MALTSEVA YULIA , NGUYEN VAN SINH , MA WEN ZHANG
Published: February 2022

Two Sino-Himalayan taxa of Gymnomitrion are reviewed, based on materials from South China and North Vietnam. Gymnomitrion sichuanicum is newly described from Sichuan Province of China and is characterized by the dioicous inflorescence, very short semi-crescentic leaf sinus and acute to obtuse leaf lobes. The habit of the species is superficially similar to Marsupella sprucei, but it differs in a number of features including perianth absence, dioicy, smaller leaf cells and distribution pattern. The genetically closely related Gymnomitrion africanum differs in its deeply gibbous sinus and rounded leaf lobes. Another taxon, Gymnomirion rubidum – still a poorly-known species, although described much earlier – is found to be genetically polymorphous with two defined haplotypes which are not easily distinguished morphologically; one of these is described as a new subspecies. The species is newly recorded from North Vietnam; collected in a degenerating relict Abies delavayi stand on a substrate very unusual for Gymnomitriaceae (decaying wood). Both taxa are described, discussed and supplemented with illustrations. These findings extend a series of similar records showing the great importance of the Eastern Sino-Himalaya and its surroundings in the survival of a unique complex of narrowly distributed montane taxa.
Contribution to the knowledge of Chinese Gryllacrididae (Orthoptera) V: Further study on the Chinese Capnogryllacris and comment on the phylogenetic relationships of the Gryllacrididae
Authors: LIU JING , LU XIANGYI , ZHANG QIANWEN , WU XIANGYI , YANG DONGDONG , BIAN XUN
Published: February 2022

Based on the specimens deposited in Guangxi Normal University, the paper mainly deals with Capnogryllacris and reports one new species and four new subspecies, viz. Capnogryllacris sequestris Liu, Lu & Bian sp. nov. (Chinese name: 断纹烟蟋螽), Capnogryllacris erythrocephala maculates Liu, Lu & Bian ssp. nov. (Chinese name: 斑背烟蟋螽), Capnogryllacris nigromarginata hainanensis Liu, Lu & Bian ssp. nov. (Chinese name: 海南黑缘烟蟋螽), Capnogryllacris nigromarginata rectispina Liu, Lu & Bian ssp. nov. (Chinese name: 直刺黑缘烟蟋螽) and Capnogryllacris xichou flavifrons Liu, Lu & Bian ssp. nov. (Chinese name: 黄面西畴烟蟋螽). The next-generation sequencing technology was used to sequence the mitochondrial genomes of 13 specimens of Gryllacrididae, and the characteristics of newly obtained mitogenomes were introduced. The gene arrangements are completely consistent with other known orthopteran insects, and there is a long IGS of 166 bp–217 bp between trnK and cox2 genes in three individuals of C. erythrocephala maculatis ssp. nov.. Meanwhile, fourteen specimens of Capnogryllacris were delimited using COI barcode by constructing NJ tree and two distance-based barcoding methods (ABGD and jMOTU). Among the three methods, C. erythrocephala maculatis, C. rufonotata and C. spinosa can be correctly identified, but C. nigromarginata shows some differences in morphological and genetic distance, and Capnogryllacris melanocrania is divided into two clades. The Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum likelihood (ML) trees based on the 13 protein-coding genes data supported the division of Gryllacrididae into two groups according to whether the male ninth abdominal tergite with median furrow or split along the midline or not.
Description of three new Boulenophrys species from eastern Guangdong, China, emphasizing the urgency of ecological conservation in this region (Anura, Megophryidae)
Authors: WANG JIAN , ZENG ZHAO-CHI , LYU ZHI-TONG , QI SHUO , LIU ZU-YAO , CHEN HONG-HUI , LU YU-HONG , XIAO HUI-WEN , LIN CAN-RONG , CHEN KAI , WANG YING-YONG
Published: February 2022

The hilly region in eastern Guangdong, China lacks comprehensive scientific investigations for decades, especially in terms of herpetofauna. In recent years, several highly threatened amphibians have been gradually discovered from this region. In this work, three new species of the genus Boulenophrys are described, which are endemic from only one or two known localities in eastern Guangdong. These discoveries enrich the diversity of Boulenophrys in eastern Guangdong. With the large number of threatened urodeles and anuran species occurring in this densely populated area, the unique herpetological diversity in eastern Guangdong is facing the impacts of habitat degradation and fragmentation, and conservation actions are urgently required.