bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overall Survival Analyses following Adjuvant Chemotherapy or Nonadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Stage IB Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Tu Zegui , Tian Tian , Chen Qian , Li Caili
Published: July 2021

Background. Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) can improve prognosis for stages II-IIIA patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its implication in stage I patients is still an intractable puzzle. This study aims to seek ACT candidates for stage IB NSCLC and establish a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) of specific patient for clinician’s decision. Method. We performed a retrospective study on 16,765 patients (ACT group: n = 2,187; non-ACT group: n = 14,578) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Overall survival was assessed in two groups. We performed propensity-score matching for risk adjustment. The risk factors were identified and used to create nomogram. Concordance index (C-index), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and calibration were applied to evaluate model performance. To further evaluate the influence of tumor size on the selection of potential ACT candidates for patients with stage IB NSCLC, subgroup analyses were executed. Result. Survival analysis for the entire study cohort showed that ACT had better OS than non-ACT (HR = 0.800, CI: (0.751–0.851),

P
<
0.0001

). In matched cohort, ACT also presented better OS than non-ACT (HR = 0.775, CI: (0.704–0.853),

P
<
0.0001

). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that eight prognostic factors, including gender, age, grade, pathological subtype, tumor size, visceral pleural invasion, surgical procedure, and the number of removed lymph nodes, were significantly correlated with OS. The nomogram was further constructed based on these prognostic factors. The C-index of nomogram was 0.639 (95%CI: 0.632–0.646). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and calibration presented good congruence between the predictions and actual observations. Subgroup analyses of tumor size group showed that ACT shared similar OS to non-ACT in NSCLC patients with tumor size ≤20 mm (

P
>
0.05

). However, for NSCLC patients with 20 mm < size ≤30 mm (HR = 0.845, 95%CI (0.724–0.986),

P
=
0.032

) and 30 mm < size ≤40 mm (HR = 0.912, 95%CI (0.833–1.000),

P
=
0.049

), ACT associated with better OS. Conclusion. In this study, we found that ACT had better OS than non-ACT in patients with stage IB NSCLC. The nomogram provided an individual prediction of OS for patients after surgical resection. Patients with tumor size >20 mm and ≤40 mm may be potential candidates for ACT.
The Effect of WeChat-Based Online Instruction on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Knowledge
Authors: Namaziandost Ehsan , Hashemifardnia Arash , Bilyalova Albina Anvarovna , Fuster-Guillén Doris , Palacios Garay Jessica Paola , Ngoc Diep Le Thi , Ismail Hazhari , Sundeeva Ludmila A. , Hibana  , Rivera-Lozada Oriana
Published: July 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of online instruction through different mobile applications has become more common in education all over the world. Therefore, this research investigated the potential effects of using WeChat-based online instruction on Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary knowledge. To achieve this objective, 44 Iranian intermediate subjects were picked out among 67 students based on the findings of the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). The subjects were then randomly divided into two equal groups: experimental and control. After assigning the subjects to two groups, they were pretested by a vocabulary test. Then, the experimental group received vocabulary instruction using WeChat application, while the control group received a conventional vocabulary instruction. After the instruction, a vocabulary posttest was given to both groups to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. The gathered data were analyzed through independent samples t-test, one-way ANCOVA, and paired samples t-test. The outcomes attained in this research demonstrated that there was a significant difference between the posttests of both groups in favor of the experimental group. Eventually, the conclusions and the pedagogical implications of this study were explicated.
A Survey of Self-Sovereign Identity Ecosystem
Authors: Soltani Reza , Nguyen Uyen Trang , An Aijun
Published: July 2021

Self-sovereign identity is the next evolution of identity management models. This survey takes a journey through the origin of identity, defining digital identity and progressive iterations of digital identity models leading up to self-sovereign identity. It then states the relevant research initiatives, platforms, projects, and regulatory frameworks, as well as the building blocks including decentralized identifiers, verifiable credentials, distributed ledger, and various privacy engineering protocols. Finally, the survey provides an overview of the key challenges and research opportunities around self-sovereign identity.
[Retracted] Constructing a Predictive Model of Depression in Chemotherapy Patients with Non‐Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to Improve Medical Staffs’ Psychiatric Care
Authors: Hu Cheng , Li Qian , Shou Ji , Zhang Feng-xian , Li Xia , Wu Min , Xu Meng-jing , Xu Li
Published: July 2021

Objectives. Depression is highly prevalent in non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) patients undergoing chemotherapy. The social stress associated with malignancy induces neurovascular pathology promoting clinical levels of depressive symptomatology. The purpose of this study was to establish an effective depressive symptomatology risk prediction model to those patients. Methods. This study included 238 NHL patients receiving chemotherapy, 80 of whom developed depressive symptomatology. Different types of variables (sociodemographic, medical, and psychosocial) were entered in the models. Three prediction models (support vector machine‐recursive feature elimination model, random forest model, and nomogram prediction model based on logistic regression analysis) were compared in order to select the one with the best predictive power. The selected model was then evaluated using calibration plots, ROC curves, and C‐index. The clinical utility of the nomogram was assessed by the decision curve analysis (DCA). Results. The nomogram prediction has the most efficient predictive ability when 10 predictors are included (AUC = 0.938). A nomogram prediction model was constructed based on the logistic regression analysis with the best predictive accuracy. Sex, age, medical insurance, marital status, education level, per capita monthly household income, pathological stage, SSRS, PSQI, and QLQ‐C30 were included in the nomogram. The C‐index was 0.944, the AUC value was 0.972, and the calibration curve also showed the good predictive ability of the nomogram. The DCA curve suggested that the nomogram had a strong clinical utility. Conclusions. We constructed a depressive symptomatology risk prediction model for NHL chemotherapy patients with good predictive power and clinical utility.
A Review of 3D Printing in Dentistry: Technologies, Affecting Factors, and Applications
Authors: Tian Yueyi , Chen ChunXu , Xu Xiaotong , Wang Jiayin , Hou Xingyu , Li Kelun , Lu Xinyue , Shi HaoYu , Lee Eui-Seok , Jiang Heng Bo
Published: July 2021

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies are advanced manufacturing technologies based on computer-aided design digital models to create personalized 3D objects automatically. They have been widely used in the industry, design, engineering, and manufacturing fields for nearly 30 years. Three-dimensional printing has many advantages in process engineering, with applications in dentistry ranging from the field of prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral implantology to orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontology. This review provides a practical and scientific overview of 3D printing technologies. First, it introduces current 3D printing technologies, including powder bed fusion, photopolymerization molding, and fused deposition modeling. Additionally, it introduces various factors affecting 3D printing metrics, such as mechanical properties and accuracy. The final section presents a summary of the clinical applications of 3D printing in dentistry, including manufacturing working models and main applications in the fields of prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral implantology. The 3D printing technologies have the advantages of high material utilization and the ability to manufacture a single complex geometry; nevertheless, they have the disadvantages of high cost and time-consuming postprocessing. The development of new materials and technologies will be the future trend of 3D printing in dentistry, and there is no denying that 3D printing will have a bright future.
Photobiomodulation Regulation as One Promising Therapeutic Approach for Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gao Xinlu , Zhang Wenwen , Yang Fan , Ma Wenya , Cai Benzhi
Published: July 2021

Myocardial infarction refers to myocardial necrosis caused by acute or persistent coronary ischemia and hypoxia. It is considered to be one of the significant crises threatening human health in the world. Following myocardial infarction, collagen gradually replaces the original tissue due to the loss of many cardiomyocytes, myocardial contractile function decreases, and myocardial fibrosis eventually leads to heart failure. Phototherapy is a new treatment which has shown superior efficacy on the nerve, skeletal muscle, skin, and other tissues. Likewise, there is growing evidence that phototherapy also has many positive effects on the heart. Therefore, this article introduces the progress of research on phototherapy as a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of myocardial infarction. The wavelength of photobiomodulation in the treatment of myocardial infarction is specific, and the influence of light source power and light duration on the tissue presents a bell‐shaped distribution. Under these conditions, phototherapy can promote ATP synthesis and angiogenesis, inhibit the inflammatory response, improve heart function, reduce infarct size, and protect myocardium. In addition, we summarized the molecular mechanisms of phototherapy. According to the location of photoreceptors, they can be divided into mitochondrial and nonmitochondrial parts.
A Mild Phenotype of Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome Type 13 with a Novel FBXL4 Variant
Authors: Oncul Ummuhan , Kose Engin , Eminoglu Fatma Tuba
Published: July 2021

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes (MDDS) are a group of rare genetic disorders caused by defects in multiple genes involved in mitochondrial DNA maintenance. Among these, FBXL4 gene variants result in encephalomyopathic mtDNA depletion syndrome 13 (MTDPS13), which commonly presents as a combination of failure to thrive, neurodevelopmental delays, encephalopathy, hypotonia, a pattern of mild facial dysmorphisms, and persistent lactic acidosis. To date, 53 pathogenic FBXL4 variants and 100 cases have been described in the literature. In the present case report, we report on a 4.5-year-old boy with MTDPS13 and a novel variant. The patient had a history of antenatal hydrocephalus, severe developmental delay and mental motor retardation with psychomotor delay, severe hypotonia, mild left ventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, mild facial dysmorphism, and elevated lactate levels. Symptoms suggested mitochondrial myopathy; subsequently, whole-exome sequencing was performed and a novel homozygous variant FBXL4 (NM_012160.4): c.486T>G (p.Tyr162Ter) was identified. While most of the patients with FBLX4 gene mutation have severe clinical manifestation and die at a very young age, clinical progress of our case was milder than previously reported. MDDS are very rare and can present with many different clinical signs and symptoms. In this report, we identified a novel pathogenic variant in the FBXL4 gene. This report shows that patients with FBLX4 gene mutations may present with a milder clinical phenotype than previously reported.
Pretreatment with Coenzyme Q10 Combined with Aescin Protects against Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Ali Fares E.M. , Ahmed Salwa F. , Eltrawy Amira H. , Yousef Reda S. , Ali Howaida S. , Mahmoud Amany R. , Abd-Elhamid Tarek H.
Published: July 2021

Sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical condition characterized by severe inflammatory response and mitochondrial dysfunction. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and aescin (AES) are well-known for their anti-inflammatory activities. However, their effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury have not been explored yet. Here, we asked whether combined pretreatment with CoQ10 and AES synergistically prevents LPS-induced lung injury. Fifty male rats were randomized into 5 groups: (1) control; (2) LPS-treated, rats received a single i.p. injection of LPS (8 mg/kg); (3) CoQ10-pretreated, (4) AES-pretreated, or (5) combined-pretreated; animals received CoQ10 (100 mg/kg), AES (5 mg/kg), or both orally for 7 days before LPS injection. Combined CoQ10 and AES pretreatment significantly reduced lung injury markers; 52.42% reduction in serum C-reactive protein (CRP), 53.69% in alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and 60.26% in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities versus 44.58, 37.38, and 48.6% in CoQ10 and 33.81, 34.43, and 39.29% in AES-pretreated groups, respectively. Meanwhile, combination therapy significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expressions compared to monotherapy (p < 0.05). Additionally, combination therapy prevented LPS-induced histological and mitochondrial abnormalities greater than separate drugs. Western blotting indicated that combination therapy significantly suppressed nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors-3 (NLRP-3) inflammasome compared to separate drugs (p < 0.05). Further, combination therapy significantly decreased the expression of signaling cascades, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-p65, and extracellular-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) versus monotherapy (p < 0.05). Interestingly, combined pretreatment significantly downregulated high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) by 72.93%, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by −0.93-fold versus 61.92%, −0.83-fold in CoQ10 and 38.67%, −0.70-fold in AES pretreatment, respectively. Our results showed for the first time that the enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of combined CoQ10 and AES pretreatment prevented LPS-induced ALI via suppression of NLRP-3 inflammasome through regulation of HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway and mitochondrial stabilization.
Asymptomatic Eosinophilic Infiltration with Endoscopic and Histological Findings Consistent with Eosinophilic Gastritis
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuki , Okamoto Takeshi , Fukuda Katsuyuki
Published: July 2021

Eosinophilic gastritis often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of abnormal endoscopic findings. On the other hand, endoscopic changes due to eosinophilic infiltration in an asymptomatic patient are rare. A 29-year-old woman with a history of asthma on steroid inhalers presented for an annual medical checkup. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed diffuse white granular patches in the body of the stomach, suggestive of eosinophilic gastritis. Histology showed over 100 eosinophils per high-power field, also consistent with eosinophilic gastritis. As the absence of symptoms precluded the diagnosis of eosinophilic gastritis, the patient was diagnosed with asymptomatic eosinophilic infiltration of the stomach.
Evolutionary Turnover in Wnt Gene Expression but Conservation of Wnt Signaling during Ovary Determination in a TSD Reptile
Authors: Rhen Turk , Even Zachary , Brenner Alaina , Lodewyk Alexandra , Das Debojyoti , Singh Sunil , Simmons Rebecca
Published: July 2021

Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) is a well-known characteristic of many reptilian species. However, the molecular processes linking ambient temperature to determination of gonad fate remain hazy. Here, we test the hypothesis that Wnt expression and signaling differ between female- and male-producing temperatures in the snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina. Canonical Wnt signaling involves secretion of glycoproteins called WNTs, which bind to and activate membrane bound receptors that trigger β-catenin stabilization and translocation to the nucleus where β-catenin interacts with TCF/LEF transcription factors to regulate expression of Wnt targets. Non-canonical Wnt signaling occurs via 2 pathways that are independent of β-catenin: one involves intracellular calcium release (the Wnt/Ca2+ pathway), while the other involves activation of RAC1, JNK, and RHOA (the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway). We screened 20 Wnt genes for differential expression between female- and male-producing temperatures during sex determination in the snapping turtle. Exposure of embryos to the female-producing temperature decreased expression of 7 Wnt genes but increased expression of 2 Wnt genes and Rspo1 relative to embryos at the male-producing temperature. Temperature also regulated expression of putative Wnt target genes in vivo and a canonical Wnt reporter (6x TCF/LEF sites drive H2B-GFP expression) in embryonic gonadal cells in vitro. Results indicate that Wnt signaling was higher at the female- than at the male-producing temperature. Evolutionary analyses of all 20 Wnt genes revealed that thermosensitive Wnts, as opposed to insensitive Wnts, were less likely to show evidence of positive selection and experienced stronger purifying selection within TSD species.
Starvation Ketosis and the Kidney
Authors: Palmer Biff F. , Clegg Deborah J.
Published: July 2021

Background: The remarkable ability of the body to adapt to long-term starvation has been critical for survival of primitive man. An appreciation of these processes can provide the clinician better insight into many clinical conditions characterized by ketoacidosis. Summary: The body adapts to long-term fasting by conserving nitrogen, as the brain increasingly utilizes keto acids, sparing the need for glucose. This shift in fuel utilization decreases the need for mobilization of amino acids from the muscle for purposes of gluconeogenesis. Loss of urinary nitrogen is initially in the form of urea when hepatic gluconeogenesis is dominant and later as ammonia reflecting increased glutamine uptake by the kidney. The carbon skeleton of glutamine is utilized for glucose production and regeneration of consumed HCO3−. The replacement of urea with NH4+ provides the osmoles needed for urine flow and waste product excretion. Over time, the urinary loss of nitrogen is minimized as kidney uptake of filtered ketone bodies becomes more complete. Adjustments in urine Na+ serve to minimize kidney K+ wasting and, along with changes in urine pH, minimize the likelihood of uric acid precipitation. There is a sexual dimorphism in response to starvation. Key Message: Ketoacidosis is a major feature of common clinical conditions to include diabetic ketoacidosis, alcoholic ketoacidosis, salicylate intoxication, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy, and calorie sufficient but carbohydrate-restricted diets. Familiarity with the pathophysiology and metabolic consequences of ketogenesis is critical, given the potential for the clinician to encounter one of these conditions.
Age as an Independent Predictor of Adult Spinal Cord Stimulation Pain Outcomes
Authors: Bondoc Melanie , Hancu Maria , DiMarzio Marisa , Sheldon Breanna L. , Shao Miriam M. , Khazen Olga , Pilitsis Julie G.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an efficacious chronic pain treatment most commonly used in middle-aged patients. Results from previous studies that investigated SCS′ effects in older patient populations have been equivocal. We examine whether SCS outcomes correlate with age. Methods: We retrospectively examined prospectively collected outcomes from 189 patients who underwent SCS at Albany Medical Center between 2012 and 2020. The patients completed the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. The mean percent change in each outcome was determined and compared via a regression analysis to determine relationships between patient age and each respective outcome metrics. Demographics were compared between patients aged under 65 versus those aged 65 and older via χ2 tests. Results: All subjects demonstrated the expected improvement on NRS, BDI, PCS, and MPQ from baseline to 1-year follow-up, with several demonstrating statistically significant changes: NRS-worst pain (18.66%, p < 0.001), NRS-least pain (26.9%, p < 0.001), NRS-average pain (26.9%, p < 0.01), NRS-current pain (26.4%, p < 0.001), ODI (19.6%, p < 0.001), PCS (29.8%, p < 0.001), and MPQ (29.4%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between patients aged under 65 versus those aged 65 and older based on lead type (p = 0.454). Six patients (3.1%) had lead migration, one of whom was 65 or older. Regression analysis revealed improvements in MPQ-sensory and MPQ-affective scores as age increased (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.09; p = 0.046, R2 = 0.05, respectively). Age did not correlate with NRS, ODI, BDI, or PCS. Diagnosis, spinal level of SCS, and lead type were not found to influence any respective outcome measure based on covariate analysis. Conclusion: This study represents the largest study where age was correlated to specific pain, depression, and disability outcomes following SCS. We provide evidence that SCS outcomes are equivalent, or better, in older patients following SCS. Based on these findings, SCS is a viable option for treatment of chronic pain in elderly patient populations.
A Case of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Induced Bone Marrow Aplasia That Was Successfully Treated with Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Kamijo Kimimori , Shimomura Yoshimitsu , Yamashita Daisuke , Ishikawa Takayuki
Published: July 2021

Here, we present a rare case of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-induced bone marrow aplasia. A 58-year-old man presented with leukocytosis and was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. He was initially treated with imatinib for 6 years and abruptly discontinued treatment by himself. He was administered dasatinib 5 years after treatment interruption, and presented with pancytopenia 6 months after dasatinib initiation. Bone marrow biopsy revealed severe hypocellularity without blasts. Dasatinib was discontinued, and he recovered from pancytopenia 3 months later; however, BCR-ABL1 was positive for almost all white blood cells in the peripheral blood. We retreated with ponatinib, but pancytopenia developed again. The clinical course indicated TKI-induced bone marrow aplasia. Therefore, ponatinib was discontinued and the patient received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a haploidentical daughter using post-transplant cyclophosphamide. He had a major molecular response and had normal complete blood counts and bone marrow 1 year after transplantation.
Stunting and Combined Overweight with Stunting among Schoolchildren in Kuwait: Trends over a 13-Year Period
Authors: Al-Taiar Abdullah , Alqaoud Nawal , Sharaf Alddin Reem , Alanezi Faheema , Subhakaran Monica , Dumadag Anne , Albatineh Ahmed N.
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the sex- and age-specific trends of stunting and combined overweight with stunting among schoolchildren over a 13-year period in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: The Kuwait Nutrition Surveillance System objectively measured the height of 172,573 schoolchildren (5–19 years) over a 13-year period (2007–2019). Data on gender and date of birth were extracted from school records. Stunting was defined as height 2 standard deviations (SD) below the World Health Organization growth reference median. Logistic regression models were used to examine the trends of stunting over the study period while stratifying by gender. Results: In males, the prevalence of stunting increased from 2.46% in 2007 to 4.18% in 2019 (p for trend <0.001). In females, the prevalence of stunting fluctuated but remained around 3.80% in both 2007 and 2019. The odds of stunting significantly increased in the period 2017–2019 compared to the period 2007–2010 among males, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–1.76); p = 0.009, but not females, AOR 0.89 (95% CI: 0.73–1.07); p = 0.176. Although not statistically significant, there was a tendency for the odds of combined overweight with stunting to increase in males, AOR 1.65 (95% CI: 0.90–3.04); p = 0.087, but not females, AOR 1.13 (95% CI: 0.88–1.45); p = 0.248. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of stunting and combined stunting with overweight is low, there is an emerging upward trend in schoolboys that warrants further investigation and monitoring. This highlights the need for gender-specific interventions to reduce nutritional abnormalities in high-income countries in the Middle East countries like Kuwait.
O enigma da quimbanda: formas de existência e de exposição de uma modalidade religiosa afro-brasileira no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Giumbelli Emerson Alessandro , Almeida Leonardo Oliveira de
Published: July 2021

Quimbanda, no Rio Grande do Sul, é uma modalidade ritual que assumiu um estatuto sem par no restante do Brasil. Designando o culto de exus e pombagiras, a quimbanda alcançou um lugar proeminente em relação a outras expressões afrorreligiosas, como são o batuque e a umbanda. O objetivo deste texto é apontar as condições de possibilidade da quimbanda, mostrando como ela corresponde a um deslocamento em relação a princípios caros uns ao batuque, outros à umbanda. Também as formas de exposição de exus e pombagiras, que encadeiam manifestações espirituais, registros fotográficos e divulgação na internet, são abordadas como parte constitutiva do desenvolvimento da quimbanda. As análises baseiam-se na discussão de bibliografia sobre a quimbanda, na etnografia de rituais e em entrevistas com religiosos, buscando contribuir para o debate acerca das modalidades religiosas geradas pelo culto aos orixás no Brasil.
Em busca do limiar sonoro: gestos, sons e riscos na afinação das folias
Authors: Chaves Wagner Diniz
Published: July 2021

O artigo aborda a afinação dos instrumentos musicais no contexto religioso e festivo das folias na Taboquinha, localidade rural pertencente ao município de São Francisco, norte de Minas Gerais. O texto chama a atenção para a dinâmica envolvida no processo de afinação, entendendo o fenômeno como uma prática coletiva realizada na interação entre pessoas por meio de uma economia expressiva e comunicativa, envolvendo gestos, objetos, movimentos corporais, olhares, palavras e sonoridades. Nessa direção, a pergunta que anima este exercício não é tanto qual é a afinação ou o que é afinação, mas:  como se afinam os instrumentos? O que acontece quando a prática é realizada? Quais os efeitos produzidos pela afinação? Como a afinação se relaciona com outras situações e momentos do ciclo ritual das folias? O artigo sugere ainda que a afinação, se por um lado cria um enquadramento, um sentido de coletividade e integração; por outro, é permeada de perigos, riscos e incertezas, fazendo dela uma busca constante, um movimento contínuo, um limiar entre tensões, alturas e frequências.
Animais e direitos: as fronteiras do humanismo e do sujeito em questão
Authors: Franco Ana Paula Perrota
Published: July 2021

Através de diferentes áreas e percursos teóricos, alguns autores vinculados às Ciências Sociais refletem sobre as divisões que caracterizam a modernidade, tais como natureza e cultura, humano e não humano e humanidade e animalidade. Em diálogo com as reflexões promovidas por esses autores, a Antropologia brasileira conformou um novo campo de estudos intitulado “relações humano-animal”. A partir desse conjunto de discussões, o objetivo do artigo é analisar a mobilização dos defensores dos animais, perguntando sobre como o questionamento do exclusivismo humano acionado por esses atores ganha a forma de um projeto político. Para tanto, analisei o conteúdo de textos e palestras dos defensores que reivindicam a igualdade moral e jurídica entre humanos e animais. E foi possível observar que esses atores acionam os princípios do humanismo que sacralizam a vida humana para fazer dos animais seres implicados com a justiça e a moral.
Novel Role of GPR35 (G-Protein–Coupled Receptor 35) in the Regulation of Endothelial Cell Function and Blood Pressure
Authors: Li Hainan , Nguyen Huong , Meda Venkata Sai Pranathi , Koh Jia Yi , Kowluru Anjaneyulu , Li Li , Rossi Noreen F. , Chen Wei , Wang Jie-Mei
Published: July 2021

GPR35 (G-protein–coupled receptor 35) is a poorly characterized receptor that has garnered increased interest as a therapeutic target through its implications in a range of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, but its biological functions stay largely unknown. The current study evaluated the effect of GPR35 on endothelial cell (EC) functions and hemodynamic homeostasis. In primary human aortic ECs, the expression of GPR35 was manipulated by transfections of adenovirus carrying either GPR35 cDNA or shRNA against GPR35, using adenovirus carrying β-gal as control. Mouse aortic ECs were isolated and cultured from GPR35 knockout and wild-type control mice. Our results indicated that genetic inhibition of GPR35 in human and mouse ECs significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. The GCH1 (guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I)-mediated biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin was enhanced, reducing intracellular superoxide. Knocking down GCH1 or eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) significantly blunted the robust angiogenesis induced by GPR35 suppression. Male GPR35 knockout mice demonstrated reduced basal arterial blood pressure and an attenuated onset of hypertension in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt induced hypertensive model compared with male GPR35 wild-type control mice in vivo, with concomitant improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation and decreased superoxide in isolated aortas. The difference in arterial blood pressure was absent between female GPR35 wild-type control and female GPR35 knockout mice. Our study provides novel insights into the roles of GPR35 in endothelial function and vascular tone modulation that critically contribute to the pathophysiology of blood pressure elevation. Antagonizing GPR35 activity might represent a potentially effective therapeutic approach to restore EC function and hemodynamic homeostasis.
Detection of Nonadherence to Antihypertensive Treatment by Measurements of Serum Drug Concentrations
Authors: Bergland Ola Undrum , Halvorsen Lene V. , Søraas Camilla L. , Hjørnholm Ulla , Kjær Vibeke N. , Rognstad Stine , Brobak Karl Marius , Aune Arleen , Olsen Eirik , Fauchald Ylva M. , Heimark Sondre , Thorstensen Christian W. , Liestøl Knut , Solbu Marit D. , Gerdts Eva , Mo Rune , Rostrup Morten , Kjeldsen Sverre E. , Høieggen Aud , Opdal Mimi S. , Larstorp Anne Cecilie K. , Fadl Elmula Fadl Elmula M.
Published: July 2021

Nonadherence to drugs is a challenge in hypertension treatment. We aimed to assess the prevalence of nonadherence by serum drug concentrations compared with 2 indirect methods and relate to the prescribed drug regimens in a nationwide multicenter study. Five hundred fifty patients with hypertension using ≥2 antihypertensive agents participated. We measured concentrations of 23 antihypertensive drugs using ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry and compared with patients’ self-reports and investigators’ assessment based on structured interview. We identified 40 nonadherent patients (7.3%) using serum drug concentrations. They had higher office diastolic blood pressure (90 versus 83 mm Hg,
P
<0.01) and daytime diastolic blood pressure (85 versus 80 mm Hg,
P
<0.01) though systolic blood pressures did not differ significantly. They had more prescribed daily antihypertensive pills (2.5 versus 2.1 pills,
P
<0.01) and total daily pills (5.5 versus 4.4 pills,
P
=0.03). Prescription of fixed-dose combination pills were lower among the nonadherent patients identified by serum concentrations (45.0 versus 67.1%,
P
<0.01). Fifty-three patients self-reported nonadherence, while the investigators suspected 69 nonadherent patients. These groups showed no or few differences in drug regimens, respectively. In summary, we detected 7.3% prevalence of nonadherence by serum drug measurements in patients using ≥2 antihypertensive agents in a nationwide study; they had higher office and ambulatory diastolic blood pressures, higher number of prescribed daily pills, more daily antihypertensive pills, and less frequent prescriptions of fixed-dose combination pills. Indirect methods showed poor overlap with serum drugs concentrations and no or minimal medication differences. Thus, serum measurements of drugs were useful in detection and characterization of nonadherence to antihypertensive treatment.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03209154.
Mobile Technology Improves Adherence to Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Propensity Score–Matched Study
Authors: Imran Tasnim F. , Wang Na , Zombeck Stephanie , Balady Gary J.
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite its established effectiveness, adherence to cardiac rehabilitation remains suboptimal. The purpose of our study is to examine whether mobile technology improves adherence to cardiac rehabilitation and other outcomes.

Methods and Results

We identified all enrollees of the cardiac rehabilitation program at Boston Medical Center from 2016 to 2019 (n=830). Some enrollees used a mobile technology application that provided a customized list of educational content in a progressive manner, used the patient’s smartphone accelerometer to provide daily step counts, and served as a 2‐way messaging system between the patient and program staff. Adherence to cardiac rehabilitation was defined as the number of attended sessions and completion of the program. Enrollees had a mean age of 59 years; 32% were women, and 42% were Black. Using 3:1 propensity matching for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, smoking status, transportation time, diagnosis, and baseline depression survey score, we evaluated change in exercise capacity, weight, functional capacity, and nutrition scores. Those in the mobile technology group (n=114) attended a higher number of prescribed sessions (mean 28 versus 22; relative risk, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04–1.32;
P
=0.009), were 1.8 times more likely to complete the cardiac rehabilitation program (
P
=0.01), and had a slightly greater weight loss (pounds) following rehabilitation (−1.71; 95% CI, −0.30 to −3.11;
P
=0.02) as compared with those in the standard group (n=213); other outcomes were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

In a propensity‐matched, racially diverse population, we found that adjunctive use of mobile technology is significantly associated with improved adherence to cardiac rehabilitation and number of attended sessions.
Wartime Commercial Policy and Trade between Enemies
Authors: Grinberg Mariya
Published: July 2021

Why do states trade with their enemies during war? States make deliberate choices when setting their wartime commercial policies, and tailoring policies to match the type of war the states are expecting to fight. Specifically, states seek to balance two goals–maximizing revenue from continued trade during the war and minimizing the ability of the opponent to benefit militarily from trade. As a result, states trade with the enemy in (1) products that their opponents take a long time to convert into military capability, and (2) products that are essential to the domestic economy. Furthermore, states revise their wartime commercial policies based on how well they are doing on the battlefield. An analysis of British wartime commercial policy in World War I finds that a product's conversion time into military capabilities determines if and when that product will be prohibited from trade during the war. Alternatively, domestic political pressures play only a marginal role in wartime commercial policy decisions.
Restricted Boltzmann Machines as Models of Interacting Variables
Authors: Bulso Nicola , Roudi Yasser
Published: July 2021

We study the type of distributions that restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs) with different activation functions can express by investigating the effect of the activation function of the hidden nodes on the marginal distribution they impose on observed binary nodes. We report an exact expression for these marginals in the form of a model of interacting binary variables with the explicit form of the interactions depending on the hidden node activation function. We study the properties of these interactions in detail and evaluate how the accuracy with which the RBM approximates distributions over binary variables depends on the hidden node activation function and the number of hidden nodes. When the inferred RBM parameters are weak, an intuitive pattern is found for the expression of the interaction terms, which reduces substantially the differences across activation functions. We show that the weak parameter approximation is a good approximation for different RBMs trained on the MNIST data set. Interestingly, in these cases, the mapping reveals that the inferred models are essentially low order interaction models.
Apologie der deutschen Sprache und Dichtkunst in Johann Fischarts Geschichtklitterung
Authors: Kellner Beate
Published: July 2021

In competing with Rabelais’ French novel Garguanta, the German author Fischart aims to illustrate the richness of the German language and its poetry in his comic novel Geschichtklitterung. Focusing on the second chapter of this text, which has so far been viewed as nothing more than an absurd play on language, this article offers a new interpretation and demonstrates how the German author stylizes himself as a poeta vates in his Pantagruelian prophecy and presents himself as a being purified by wine in his poem “Glucktratrara”. In the end, inspired by Apollo and the Muses, he seems to create an epic poem praising both Germans and the German language.
Hippologischer Fachdiskurs und dialogische Fiktion
Authors: Stockhorst Stefanie
Published: July 2021

This contribution analyses the textual strategies in Danup’s literary dialogue, which is enriched in many ways with literary topoi and rhetorical devices. It is, in fact, a specialised text on the art of horsemanship, which proves to be surprisingly innovative in this regard. However, it is not only relevant to the hippological, but also to the political culture of the early modern period. For the author updates a literary genre pattern, takes up literary traditions and uses aesthetic means for successful self-promotion as an expert.
Der Atheismus in Enzyklopädien der Frühen Neuzeit
Authors: Spiekermann Björn
Published: July 2021

This article examines definitions and evaluations of as well as alternative terms for ‘atheism’ in encyclopedias of the early modern period. In a representative overview it will be shown that the early modern discourse about atheism must be interpreted in the light of the history of concepts, of ideas and of knowledge: Not only was the scope of the term ‘atheism’ much broader in the 16th and 17th centuries than it is today, but the sometimes highly ambitious attempts to classify the phenomenon of atheism according to the early modern orders of knowledge remained influential during the 18th and well into the 19th century.
Beyond Personalistic Politics: A Progressive Congresswoman’s Challenge to a Political Dynasty in Dinagat Islands, Philippines
Authors: Hara Tamiki
Published: July 2021

Political dynasties remain powerful in Philippine politics to this day. However, in recent years, the Philippines has experienced some significant transformations in the realm of traditional politics. Some politicians have emerged at the local level willing to confront those supported by dynastic politics. Since most literature on Philippine politics have emphasized the durability of elite domination, such changes have not yet been fully studied. This article addresses how progressive politics evolves in contention with a political dynasty based on a qualitative, exploratory case study approach by highlighting the case of Dinagat Islands where a progressive congresswoman who ran for Congress defeated a candidate from an entrenched political dynasty by practicing programmatic governance. It explores how government capacity to respond to demands of the people can be improved. As a result of this, the article clarifies a new, though not common, dynamic of Philippine politics in the 2010s and provides important implications for the possibility of future political development and theorizing in the country.
Unpacking Presidential Satisfaction: Preliminary Insights from Survey Data on the Bottom Poor in Metro Manila
Authors: Canare Tristan A. , Mendoza Ronald U. , Yap Jurel K. , Jaminola Leonardo M. , Mendoza Gabrielle Ann S.
Published: July 2021

Measures of presidential satisfaction have long been in the public’s attention, but the factors that drive them have brought about much discussion. As a contribution to the literature, this study empirically examines presidential approval data in the Philippines using a unique survey of 1200 low-income voting age residents of Metro Manila. Using individual-level data, this study unpacks the possible factors underpinning survey results on citizens’ satisfaction with leadership in the Philippines. While accounting for the personal circumstances of the respondents, this study finds evidence of bandwagoning among survey respondents; and partial evidence of personal economic conditions and disinformation possibly linked to presidential satisfaction. The findings here suggest there should be more caution in interpreting presidential satisfaction indicators.
Toward a Global History of Young Israel
Authors: Heilbronner Oded
Published: July 2021

This article argues that the first two decades of Israeli state-building can be compared structurally to some main processes in postwar Western-European societies, and that this approach productively situates Israel within a global perspective, uncovering new relationships between the local and the global. In addition, it proposes a methodological reading of the young Israeli society before the Six-Day War and a theoretical framework in which to place it. It provides an analysis of this young society from the perspective of Western history, constituting a new reference point that does not strive to negate other common approaches. If, until now, the history of the first two decades of Israel has been examined from a local and particular point of view – whether the state-building process or political, social, and national controversies – I propose to view the Israel of the 1950s–1960s as a postwar society that underwent the same structural processes as other Western European societies during those years, despite domestic differences.
Typification of seven names in the genus Antirrhinum (tribe Antirrhineae, Plantaginaceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO P. PABLO , FABADO JAVIER , GÜEMES JAIME
Published: July 2021

The typification of seven names in the genus Antirrhinum (tribe Antirrhineae, Plantaginaceae): A. charidemi, A. latifolium, A. molle var. mollissimum, A. molle var. marianum, A. sempervirens, A. siculum, and A. valentinum is discussed. The designation of the nomenclatural types is based on the consultation of original material and the literature cited in the respective protologues. The names are lectotypified using specimens from BC, C, MA, and an illustration of Boccone published in 1697. An epitype is also designated for A. latifolium due to ambiguity in the interpretation of the lectotype. The name A. siculum is neotypified from a specimen preserved at VAL, and a second-step lectotypification is applied for the names A. sempervirens and A. valentinum. Finally, a comment on the nomenclatural type of A. cirrhigerum is reported.
Thalictrum changii (Ranunculaceae), a new species from southern Xizang (Tibet), China
Authors: YUAN QIONG , ZENG YOU-PAI , FEI WEN-QUN , YANG QIN-ER
Published: July 2021

Thalictrum changii (Ranunculaceae), a new species from southern Xizang (Tibet), China, is illustrated and described. Morphologically, T. changii is most closely similar to T. yunnanense in habit and in having 2–3-ternate leaves, paniculate-corymbiform inflorescence, clavate filaments, sessile, fusiform achenes, and glandular-pubescent leaves, inflorescence rachis, pedicels and achenes, but differs by having subcoriaceous (vs. papery) leaflets, narrowly elliptic (vs. suborbicular), longer (ca. 5 mm vs. ca. 3.5 mm) and persistent (vs. caducous) sepals, and longer (ca. 3 mm vs. ca. 1.5 mm) carpels with longer (ca. 1.5 mm vs. ca. 0.5 mm) styles. The confusion in the geographical distribution of T. yunnanense and its closely allied species T. scabrifolium is clarified. Morphological distinction between the two varieties of T. yunnanense, namely var. yunnanense and var. austroyunnanense, is discussed. An identification key to T. changii and its closely allied taxa is also provided.
New species of Asterina and Balladyna (black mildew fungi) from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India
Authors: BHISE MAHENDRA R. , PATIL CHANDRAHAS R. , SALUNKHE CHANDRAKANT B. , KAMBHAR SIDANAND V.
Published: July 2021

Two new black mildew fungal species, Asterina rubiacearum sp. nov. and Balladyna canthiigena sp. nov., which infect the leaves of Canthium dicoccum var. umbellatum (Rubiaceae) are described from Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra (India). Taxonomic descriptions, photomicrographs, line drawings and comparative account of close associate species are provided.
Three new species of agathotanaids (Tanaidacea: Paratanaoidea: Tanaidomorpha) from the lower bathyal zone off southwestern Java, Indonesia, Indian Ocean with notes on the global distribution and diversity of Agathotanaidae
Authors: CHIM C. K. , TONG SAMANTHA J. W.
Published: July 2021

Three new species of agathotanaids belonging to the genera Agathotanais, Bunburia and Paranarthrura are described. The descriptions were based on material collected from southwestern Java, Indonesia, Indian Ocean during the research cruise SJADES in 2018. The specimens were obtained using a box corer from lower bathyal depths of 836–2,355 m. These three genera are recorded from Southeast Asia for the first time.
Systematic review of the effects of evidence-based psychotherapies on neurocognitive functioning in mood disorders
Authors: Groves Samantha J , Douglas Katie M , Milanovic Melissa , Bowie Christopher R , Porter Richard J
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Neurocognitive impairment is considered a core feature of mood disorders. Research has shown that neurocognitive impairment often persists beyond mood symptom resolution and can have significant deleterious effects on interpersonal relationships, academic achievement, occupational functioning and independent living. As such, neurocognitive impairment has become an important target for intervention. In this systematic review, we aimed to examine the extant literature to ascertain whether current standard evidence-based psychotherapies can improve neurocognitive functioning in mood disorders.

Method:

Studies examining changes in neurocognitive functioning following evidence-based psychotherapy were identified using MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Given the heterogeneity of study procedures, treatment protocols and patient samples, a narrative rather than meta-analytic review technique was employed.

Results:

Nineteen studies (21 articles) met inclusion criteria. There was preliminary evidence of improved executive functioning following evidence-based psychotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. There was also some signal of reduced negative biases in emotional information processing following psychotherapy in depression. Due to methodological variability across studies however, it was difficult to draw clear conclusions.

Conclusion:

Findings from the current review suggest that evidence-based psychotherapies may influence some aspects of neurocognitive functioning in mood disorders. This continues to be an ongoing area of importance and warrants further research.