bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Novel Contralaterally Controlled Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Restoring Lower Limb Motor Performance and Activities of Daily Living in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shen Ying , Chen Lan , Zhang Li , Hu Shugang , Su Bin , Qiu Huaide , Xu Xingjun , Huang Guilan , Yin Zhifei , Yang Jinyu , Guo Chuan , Wang Tong
Published: January 2022

Background. Contralaterally controlled neuromuscular electrical stimulation (CCNMES) is a novel electrical stimulation treatment for stroke; however, reports on the efficacy of CCNMES on lower extremity function after stroke are scarce. Objective. To compare the effects of CCNMES versus NMES on lower extremity function and activities of daily living (ADL) in subacute stroke patients. Methods. Forty-four patients with a history of subacute stroke were randomly assigned to a CCNMES group and a NMES group (

n
=
22

per group). Twenty-one patients in each group completed the study per protocol, with one subject lost in follow-up in each group. The CCNMES group received CCNMES to the tibialis anterior (TA) and the peroneus longus and brevis muscles to induce ankle dorsiflexion motion, whereas the NMES group received NMES. The stimulus current was a biphasic waveform with a pulse duration of 200 μs and a frequency of 60 Hz. Patients in both groups underwent five 15 min sessions of electrical stimulation per week for three weeks. Indicators of motor function and ADL were measured pre- and posttreatment, including the Fugl–Meyer assessment of the lower extremity (FMA-LE) and modified Barthel index (MBI). Surface electromyography (sEMG) assessments included average electromyography (aEMG), integrated electromyography (iEMG), and root mean square (RMS) of the paretic TA muscle. Results. Values for the FMA-LE, MBI, aEMG, iEMG, and RMS of the affected TA muscle were significantly increased in both groups after treatment (

p
<
0.01

). Patients in the CCNMES group showed significant improvements in all the measurements compared with the NMES group after treatment. Within-group differences in all post- and pretreatment indicators were significantly greater in the CCNMES group than in the NMES group (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. CCNMES improved motor function and ADL ability to a greater extent than the conventional NMES in subacute stroke patients.
First Principles Study on Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of PMMA Doped InSb–Mn Alloy Polymer Matrix Composite
Authors: Kovilpalayam Palaniswamy Dhanabalakrishnan , Arumugan Pandiyan , Munusami Ravindiran , Chinnasamy A , Madhu S. , Paulraj Prathap , Palani Kumaran
Published: January 2022

InSb the group III-V semiconductor with narrow band gap is combined with Mn in various concentrations and that InSb–Mn alloy is doped with poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA). The optical properties and electronic structure of ternary InSb–Mn alloy with PMMA are investigated by first principles calculations using the DFT method. Varying Mn concentrations play an important role in the improvement of the absorption coefficient and optical conductivity. It is observed that the band gap of InSb–Mn: PMMA decreases monotonously with the increase in Mn concentration. Optical properties of InSb–Mn: PMMA, such as the optical absorption coefficient and optical conductivity, are greater than those of pure InSb. InSb–Mn: PMMA alloy is doped with PMMA polymer in order to make a thin film as PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic polymer. These results suggest a promising application of InSb–Mn: PMMA thin film in optoelectronics when the InSb doping is 24% with improved conductivity when compared with other doping ratios. This states the optimum doping ratio and the major finding in the carried out research based on modelling and simulation.
Magic of Choosing Suitable Course Coordinator Based on Students’ Feedback: A Single Center Experience from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Mansour Mubarak , Ahmed Sabina Nisar , Khan Muhammad Anwar , Martin Pedrito Nolasco , Aga Syed Sameer
Published: January 2022

Background. Medical education is an unusual field whereby a teacher does not receive formal training to become a teacher and is usually marred by quality and effectiveness in imparting the curriculum. To add to the insult, the additive burden of administrating the implementation of the courses does affect the teaching capabilities of a particular teacher. At the College of Medicine (COM), a rigorous procedure for selecting suitable “course coordinators” is followed as they not only serve as administrators for the curriculum implementation but also serve as the role models for the students and their peers as well. Each course coordinator is an important cogwheel in the curriculum as each one can have a positive impact on the overall quality and success of the program. At COM, twenty-one courses are taught in the curriculum, and the execution of each course is led by the duo of coordinator and co-coordinator. The course coordinator is the one primarily involved in the execution, selection of faculty, ensuring smooth flow and delivery of objectives, finalizing and execution of the exam, and responding to students and faculty’s needs during and after the course execution and is the primary person to suggest an effective action plan based on needs to improve the course for the upcoming academic year. Aim. The aim of our study was to assess whether a good teacher can be an effective course coordinator and what the impact of a good teacher/course coordinator is on student satisfaction levels. Methods. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out for five academic years from 2013-14 till 2017-18. The sample included both male and female sections of the medical program, and the courses for the study were selected as consecutive sampling techniques. The data was retrieved from the evaluation units’ records for the period of 2013–18. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Results. Our data reflects a strong positive correlation between course coordinator, course coordinator as a faculty, overall evaluation of the course, and mean faculty rating. Additionally, a strong positive correlation between the mean evaluation of all domains and overall course evaluation for both preclinical and clinical years of the medicine program was also found. Conclusions. Carefully selected effective teachers as course coordinators do have a positive impact on two domains of the course quality, that is, overall satisfaction and faculty ratings by medical students.
Multilayer Extreme Learning Convolutional Feature Neural Network Model for the Weak Feature Classification and Status Identification of Planetary Bearing
Authors: Yang Rui , An Zenghui , Song Shijun
Published: January 2022

A convolutional neural network has the characteristics of sharing information between layers, which can realize high-dimensional data processing. In general, the convolutional neural network uses a feedback mechanism to realize parameter self-regulation, which solves the disadvantages of manual parameter adjustment. However, it is unable to determine the iteration number with the best calculation accuracy. Calculation efficiency cannot be guaranteed while achieving the best accuracy. In this paper, a multilayer extreme learning convolutional neural network model is proposed for feature recognition and classification. Firstly, two-dimensional spatial characteristics of planetary bearing status data were enhanced. Then, extreme learning machine is embedded in a convolution layer to solve convex optimization problems. Finally, the parameters obtained from the training model were nested into a network to initialize the model parameters to separate each status feature. Planetary bearing experimental cases show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed model in the recognition and classification of weak signals.
Analysis and Impact Evaluation of Entrepreneurs’ Improvisational Behavior Trigger Patterns
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Sheng-Yuan , Wu Xiao-Lan , Liang Jing
Published: January 2022

How entrepreneurial firms can enhance the level of exploratory and exploitative improvisation in a balanced manner to enhance organizational dynamics has become an important research topic. Current research on the triggers of duality entrepreneurial improvisation has just started, exploring mainly abstract characteristic variables, and has not paid attention to the impact of entrepreneurs’ daily behaviors. In order to make up for the shortcomings of current research, the research goal of this paper is to construct a triggering model of entrepreneurs’ improvisation based on the research of entrepreneurs’ daily behaviors and then to evaluate the influence of the improvisational behavior trigger patterns. Based on the paradoxical and theoretical perspective of duality, a structured observation method is used to explore which behavioral patterns of entrepreneurs tend to trigger dual improvisational behaviors in themselves, their teams, and their organizations. After observing and recording the creators and collecting phenomenal data, six entrepreneurial behavior patterns containing 39 specific operational behaviors have been extracted from the phenomenal data by drawing on the rooted theory approach. In addition, the influence of entrepreneurial patterns is evaluated and ranked using the pairwise hesitant fuzzy set evaluation method. This study reveals the relationship between entrepreneurs’ daily behaviors and dyadic entrepreneurial improvisation at the operational level and provides guiding plans for entrepreneurs to improve their own and their organizations’ improvisation levels.
Correlation Analysis between Cultural Differences and Normal Music Perception Based on Embedded Voice Multisensor
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Zhao Zhenjiang , Wei Lujia
Published: January 2022

In order to effectively improve the sense of difference brought by the extracorporeal machine to users and minimize the related derived problems, the implementation based on embedded multisensor has become a major breakthrough in the research of cochlear implant. To explore the impact of different cultural differences on timbre perception, effectively evaluate the correlation between cultural differences and music perception teaching based on embedded multisensor normal hearing, evaluate the discrimination ability of embedded multisensor normal hearing to music timbre, and analyse the correlation between cultural differences and timbre perception, it provides a basis for the evaluation of music perception of normal hearing people with embedded multisensor and the design and development of evaluation tool. In this paper, adults with normal hearing in different cultures matched with music experience are selected to test their recognition ability of different musical instruments and the number of musical instruments by using music evaluation software, and the recognition accuracy of the two tests is recorded. The results show that the accuracy of musical instrument recognition in the mother tongue group is 15% higher than that in the foreign language group, and the average recognition rates of oboe, trumpet, and xylophone in the foreign language group are lower than those in the mother tongue group, the recognition rate of oboe and trumpet in wind instruments was low in both groups, and the recognition rate of oboe and trumpet in foreign language group was high.
Adaptive Robust Control for Uncertain Systems via Data-Driven Learning
Authors: Zhao Jun , Zeng Qingliang
Published: January 2022

Although solving the robust control problem with offline manner has been studied, it is not easy to solve it using the online method, especially for uncertain systems. In this paper, a novel approach based on an online data-driven learning is suggested to address the robust control problem for uncertain systems. To this end, the robust control problem of uncertain systems is first transformed into an optimal problem of the nominal systems via selecting an appropriate value function that denotes the uncertainties, regulation, and control. Then, a data-driven learning framework is constructed, where Kronecker’s products and vectorization operations are used to reformulate the derived algebraic Riccati equation (ARE). To obtain the solution of this ARE, an adaptive learning law is designed; this helps to retain the convergence of the estimated solutions. The closed-loop system stability and convergence have been proved. Finally, simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.
Clinicopathological Profile of Thyroid Carcinoma in Young Patients: An Indonesian Single-Center Study
Authors: Harahap Agnes Stephanie , Sari Desty Gusti , Stephanie Marini , Siswoyo Alvita Dewi , Zaid Litta Septina Mahmelia , Kartini Diani , Ham Maria Francisca , Tarigan Tri Juli Edi
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Thyroid cancer is the third most common cancer that occurs in children and adolescents. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid malignancy. Although the mortality rate of thyroid malignancy in children is usually low, the disease recurrence is higher in children with more severe clinical presentation than in adults. This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics and outcome of pediatric and adolescent patients with thyroid malignancy in Indonesia. Methods. The retrospective study included all patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma aged <20 years, from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. Twenty-nine subjects fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We retrieved baseline characteristics, pathology features, TSH and fT4 status, radioactive iodine therapy data, and patients’ outcomes. Then, data were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact method. Results. We identified 29 eligible subjects, including 3 boys and 26 girls. The most common type of thyroid carcinoma was PTC (96.5%), and follicular type (31%) was the predominant variant of PTC. Lymph node involvement occurred in 24% of patients, while distant metastasis occurred in 17.2% of patients with PTC. Twenty-four (82.7%) patients had stage 1 disease. Disease recurrence was recorded in 31% of patients during the study period with a median follow-up time of 24 months. Conclusion. PTC is the most frequent type of thyroid carcinoma among children and adolescents. This malignancy has a low mortality rate, but the recurrence rate remains high among younger patients than adults even during a short-term follow-up analysis. Distant metastasis and lymph node involvement are commonly found in this age group.
Aberrant Salience among Young Healthy Postgraduate University Students: The Role of Cannabis Use, Psychotic-Like Experiences, and Personality
Authors: Patti Andrea , Santarelli Gabriele , D’Anna Giulio , Ballerini Andrea , Ricca Valdo
Published: January 2022

Aberrant salience (AS) is an anomalous world experience which plays a major role in psychotic proneness. In the general population, a deployment of this construct – encompassing personality traits, psychotic-like symptoms, and cannabis use – could prove useful to outline the relative importance of these factors. For this purpose, 106 postgraduate university students filled the AS Inventory (ASI), the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Lifetime cannabis users (n = 56) and individuals who did not use cannabis (n = 50) were compared. The role of cannabis use and psychometric indexes on ASI total scores was tested in different subgroups (overall sample, cannabis users, and nonusers). The present study confirmed that cannabis users presented higher ASI scores. The deployment of AS proved to involve positive symptom frequency (assessed through CAPE), character dimensions of self-directedness and self-transcendence (TCI subscales), and cannabis use. Among nonusers, the role of personality traits (assessed through the TCI) was preeminent, whereas positive psychotic-like experiences (measured by means of CAPE) had a major weight among cannabis users. The present study suggests that pre-reflexive anomalous world experiences such as AS are intertwined with reflexive self-consciousness, personality traits, current subclinical psychotic symptoms, and cannabis use. In the present study, subthreshold psychotic experiences proved to play a major role among cannabis users, whereas personality appeared to be more relevant among nonusers.
Increased Risk of Meconium-Related Ileus in Extremely Premature Infants Exposed to Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate
Authors: Sung Se In , Ahn So Yoon , Choi Suk-Joo , Oh Soo-young , Roh Cheong-Rae , Yang Misun , Chang Yun Sil , Park Won Soon
Published: January 2022

Introduction: We experienced an increased incidence of meconium-related ileus (MRI) in extremely premature infants (EPIs) while adopting the antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) protocol for fetal neuroprotection in our neonatal intensive care unit. This study aimed to test whether antenatal MgSO4 use was associated with increased risk of MRI in EPIs. Methods: The incidences of complicated MRI requiring aggressive enema or surgical intervention and other intestinal complications were compared among period 1 (January 2012–December 2013, n = 79), before adoption of the antenatal MgSO4 protocol for fetal neuroprotection; period 2 (January 2014–March 2016, n = 72), when the protocol was adopted; and period 3 (April 2016–September 2018, n = 75), when the protocol was temporarily withdrawn due to concern regarding intestinal complications in EPIs. Results: Despite similar baseline clinical characteristics among infants across the study periods, the MRI and MRI with surgical treatment incidences were higher in period 2 than those in periods 1 and 3 (13% vs. 8% and 6%, p = 0.391, and 11% vs. 0% and 1%, p = 0.001, respectively). In multivariable analysis, exposure to antenatal MgSO4 independently increased the risk of MRI (adjusted odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4, 10.6). Conclusion: Antenatal MgSO4 may increase the risk of MRI, frequently requiring surgical intervention, in EPIs with a gestational age of 25 weeks or less.
Preliminary Clinical Validation of a Filtration-Based CTC Assay for Tumor Burden and HER2 Status Monitoring in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiuwen , Han Chao , Liang Jizhen , Yi Jiqun , Pan Zhaojun , Wang Yadi
Published: January 2022

Background: Bearing multidimensional tumor-relevant information ranging from genomic alterations to proteomic makeup, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) constitute a promising material for liquid biopsy. The clinical validity of CTCs has been most extensively studied in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The Cellsearch assay is currently the most widely used, while alternative strategies are pursued. A filtration-based microfluidic device has been described for CTC enrichment, but its clinical relevance remains unknown. Methods: In this preliminary study, we prospectively enrolled 47 MBC patients and evaluated the performance of the abovementioned CTC assay for tumor burden monitoring and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status determination. Results: At baseline, 51.1% patients (24/47) were CTC positive. CTC count and positivity were also significantly higher in samples that accompanied poorer radiographic response evaluations. Serial blood draws suggested that CTC count enabled more accurate monitoring of tumor burden than serum markers carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 15-3. Also, in contrast to previous reports, CTC-HER2 status was moderately consistent with tumor-HER2 status. CTC-HER2 status assessment was further supported by HER2 copy number measurements in select samples. Conclusion: The preliminary results from this study suggest promise for the interrogated CDC assay in several aspects, including sensitive CTC detection, accurate disease status reflection, and HER2 status determination. More studies are warranted to validate these findings and further characterize the value of CTC assay.
Contribution of Kazal-Like Domains of the Serine Protease Inhibitor-1 from Toxoplasma gondii in Asthma Therapeutic Vaccination Effectiveness
Authors: Soto Ariadna , Perrone Sibilia Matías , Sánchez Vanesa Roxana , Arcón Nadia , Martin Valentina , Fenoy Ignacio Martín , Goldman Alejandra
Published: January 2022

Background: We have previously showed rTgPI-1 tolerogenic adjuvant properties in asthma treatment, turning it a promising candidate for allergen-specific immunotherapy. This therapy is an alternative treatment to control asthma that still presents several concerns related to its formulation. rTgPI-1 contains independent inhibitory domains able to inhibit trypsin and neutrophil elastase, both involved in asthma pathology. Objectives: In view of the need to design rational therapies, herein we investigated the contribution of the different inhibitory domains in rTgPI-1 therapeutic effectiveness. Methods: BALB/c mice were rendered allergic by intraperitoneal OVA-alum sensitization and airway challenged. Once the asthmatic phenotype was achieved, mice were intranasally treated with OVA combined with the full-length recombinant protein rTgPI-1 or its truncated versions, Nt (containing trypsin-inhibitory domains) or Ct (containing neutrophil elastase-inhibitory domains). Afterward, mice were aerosol re-challenged. Results: Asthmatic mice treated with the neutrophil elastase- or the trypsin-inhibitory domains separately failed to improve allergic lung inflammation. Only when all inhibitory domains were simultaneously administered, an improvement was achieved. Still, a better outcome was obtained when mice were treated with the full-length rTgPI-1. Conclusions: Adjuvant ability depends on the presence of all its inhibitory domains in a single entity, so it should be included in potential asthma treatment formulations as a full-length protein.
Small-Cell Malignancies of Thyroid: Challenge Solved?
Authors: Canberk Sule , Thodou Eleni , Bongiovanni Massimo
Published: January 2022

“Small-cell malignancies of thyroid” is an unsolved dilemma. This term represents an umbrella terminology in thyroid, encompassing for a small group of tumors in which some of them are well-recognized tumors like medullary thyroid carcinoma, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and primary thyroid lymphomas and teratoma, whereas the remaining are less known as primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of thyroid, primary extraskeletal Ewing family tumors, and adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma. When the issue comes to evaluate a cytological sample predominantly composed of small-cell morphology, metastatic small-cell carcinomas to thyroid also should be excluded. In this review, our group focused on the main cytomorphological and clinical clues of each entity that help to set up a correct differential diagnosis. The literature discussions were also included for the entities that are not yet recognized by the mother publication WHO. A key point of the issue’s simple algorithm based on FNAC with small-cell morphology of thyroid was suggested by the authors.
Electroacupuncture Prevents the Depression-Like Behavior by Inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway in Hippocampus of Mice Subjected to Chronic Mild Stress
Authors: Wang Qi , Bi Hongsheng , Huang Hongfei , Wang Yitong , Gong Lili , Qi Na , Li Dongdong , Jin Xin , Xu Tianchao , Shi Baoguang
Published: January 2022

Background: The precise physiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of depression are still unknown. This study aimed to observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on depression-like behavior of mouse in chronic mild stress (CMS) model and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods: The depression model was established by using CMS method for 6 weeks. After the third week of the CMS paradigm, EA treatment was performed daily for 15 min over a period of 3 weeks. The antidepressant-like effects of EA were evaluated using the sucrose preference test and the forced swimming test (FST). The protein levels of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), p-NF-κB, inhibitor of NF-κB, p-IκBα, NOD-like receptor protein 3, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hippocampus of mice were detected. Results: Sucrose preference was decreased after 6 weeks of CMS and the effects of CMS was reversed by EA. CMS increased immobility time and decreased latency to the first immobility in the FST test, but these effects were reversed by EA. CMS-induced nuclear entry of NF-κB (nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of NF-κB) with an increase in protein levels of p-NF-κB and p-IκBα in the hippocampus. The CMS also increased NLRP3 levels in the hippocampus. However, these effects were reversed by EA. In addition, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α in the hippocampus were increased by CMS, and these effects of stress were reversed by EA. Conclusion: EA prevented CMS-induced depressive-like behaviors by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway.
Effect of Caring of Critically Sick Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia at Undesignated ICU Wards on Secondary Infections
Authors: Nadeem Rashid , Elzeiny Moatz Galal Mohamed Ali , Elsousi Ahmed Nazir , Elhoufi Ashraf , Saad Reham Helmy Amin , Kumar Kishore , Kamat Sahish , Bon Islam , Mehmood Akhter , Basheer Irshad
Published: January 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 has caused high rates of mortality. During pandemic peak, a significant number of patients were admitted to undesignated ICU areas before transferring to designated ICU, owing to unavailability of ICU beds. We aimed to record the effect of care of critically sick patients with COVID-19 on prevalence of secondary bacterial infection. Methods: We retrospectively studied all critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia meeting ICU admission criteria who were admitted to Dubai hospital between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020. All the patients who transferred to wards other than designated ICU constitute category as cases. All patients who directly admitted to the designated ICU ward from emergency department constitute controls. The demographics, clinical parameters, and treatment profile of these patients were recorded and compared. Prevalence of secondary bacterial infection was calculated. Results: Patients with COVID-19 had high prevalence of secondary bacterial infection. Patients who stayed at undesignated ICU wards had higher occurrence of inpatient fever, hypoxemia, and they were more likely to be sedated and paralyzed than patients who stayed in designated ICU wards. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed care outside designated ICU ward does not predict increase in secondary nonviral microbial infections. Conclusion: Care of patients at undesignated ICU wards prior to admission to designated ICU does not impact prevalence of secondary bacterial infection.
Challenges in the Intraoperative Consultation of Low-Grade Epilepsy-Associated Neuroepithelial Tumors by Cytomorphology in Squash Preparations
Authors: Kurtulan Olcay , Bilginer Burçak , Soylemezoglu Figen
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Low-grade epilepsy-associated neuroepithelial tumors (LEATs) create a diagnostic challenge in daily practice and intraoperative pathological consultation (IC) in particular. Squash smears are extremely useful in IC for accurate diagnosis; however, the knowledge on cytopathologic features of LEATs is based on individual case reports. Here, we discuss the 3 most common and well-established entities of LEATs: ganglioglioma (GG), dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT), and papillary glioneuronal tumor (PGNT). Methods: Thirty patients who underwent surgery for GG, DNT, and PGNT between 2001 and 2021 were collected. Squash smears prepared during intraoperative consultation were reviewed by 1 cytopathologist and an experienced neuropathologist. Results: Among the 30 tumors, 16 (53.3%) were GG, 11 (36.6%) DNT, and 3 (10%) PGNT. Cytomorphologically, all of the 3 tumor types share 2 common features such as dual cell population and vasculocentric pattern. GG smears were characteristically composed of dysplastic ganglion cells and piloid-like astrocytes on a complex architectural background of thin- to thick-walled vessels. DNT, on the other hand, showed oligodendroglial-like cells in a myxoid thin fibrillary background associated with a delicate capillary network. Common cytological features of PGNT were hyperchromatic cells with narrow cytoplasm surrounding hyalinized vessels forming a pseudopapillary pattern and bland cells with neuroendocrine nuclei dispersed in a neuropil background. Conclusion: A higher diagnostic accuracy can be obtained when squash smears are applied with frozen sections. However, it is important to integrate clinical and radiologic features of the patient as well as to know the cytopathologic features of the LEAT spectrum in the context of differential diagnosis to prevent misinterpretation in the IC.
An Unusual Case of Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Marano Laura , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Monfrecola Giuseppe , Martora Fabrizio
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Pemphigus is a potential life-threatening skin disorder belonging to the group of the autoimmune bullous diseases affecting the skin and mucosa. The most common subtypes are pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and pemphigus vulgaris. Case Presentation: We present the case of a young woman with scalp manifestations diagnosed as seborrhiasis who came to our office where a more careful history and clinical examination directed us toward another diagnostic suspicion. The histological examination confirmed our suspicion of pemphigus and therefore we believe it is important to report our experience to avoid misdiagnosis. Discussion/Conclusion: Our case may be useful in the literature to identify cases of PF with atypical manifestations that may mimic other diseases.
Ulinastatin Improves Renal Microcirculation by Protecting Endothelial Cells and Inhibiting Autophagy in a Septic Rat Model
Authors: Li Tian , Ji Xiaojun , Liu Jingfeng , Guo Xinjie , Pang Ran , Zhuang Haizhou , Dong Lei , Duan Meili , Li Ang
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Increased permeability of the renal capillaries is a common consequence of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin is a strictly endothelial-specific adhesion molecule that can control the permeability of the blood vessel wall. Additionally, autophagy plays an important role in maintaining cell stability. Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, attenuates the systemic inflammatory response and visceral vasopermeability. However, it is uncertain whether ulinastatin can improve renal microcirculation by acting on the endothelial adhesion junction. Methods: We observed the effect of ulinastatin in a septic rat model using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to evaluate the perfusion of the renal cortex and medulla. Male adult Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture and divided into the sham, sepsis, and ulinastatin groups. Ulinastatin (50,000 U/kg) was injected into the tail vein immediately after the operation. The CEUS was performed to evaluate the renal microcirculation perfusion at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after the operation. Histological staining was used to evaluate kidney injury scores. Western blot was used to quantify the expression of VE-cadherin, LC3II, and inflammatory factors (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in kidney tissue, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected serum inflammatory factors and kidney function and early kidney injury biomarker levels. Results: Compared with the sham group, ulinastatin reduced the inflammatory response, inhibited autophagy, maintained the expression of VE-cadherin, and meliorated cortical and medullary perfusion. Conclusion: Ulinastatin effectively protects the adhesion junction and helps ameliorate the perfusion of kidney capillaries during sepsis by the inhibition of autophagy and the expression of inflammatory factors.
The Prognostic Impact of MYC Gene-Related Abnormalities on Multiple Myeloma Outcome through Fluorescence in situ Hybridization Analysis
Authors: Okada Yosuke , Teramoto Masahiro , Tachi Noriaki , Kawamura Toshikuni , Horiuchi Toshikatsu , Kato Shoichiro , Maekawa Takaaki , Osawa Yukiko , Kobayashi Shinichi , Kimura Fumihiko
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Chromosomal abnormalities (CAs) have been identified as important factors in determining the biological features and prognostic value of multiple myeloma (MM). MYC gene-related abnormalities (MYC GAs) are one of the CAs, but their unfavorable impact has not been fully investigated in daily clinical practice. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the prognostic impact of MYC GAs on 81 patients through fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis in our institute. Results: MYC GAs were associated with poor overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 3.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–7.73; p = 0.017), progression-free survival (PFS) (HR, 2.96; 95% CI: 1.58–5.53; p < 0.001), and time to next treatment (TNT) (HR, 2.11; 95% CI: 1.13–3.93; p = 0.018) in the median follow-up of 34.7 months. Furthermore, MYC GAs with an additional chromosome 8 (MYC-Ch8(+)) were associated with shorter PFS (HR, 3.15; 95% CI: 1.38–7.2; p = 0.0064), whereas MYC GAs without an additional chromosome 8 (MYC-Ch8(−)) were associated with shorter PFS (HR, 3.62; 95% CI: 1.51–8.68; p = 0.004) and shorter TNT (HR, 3.72; 95% CI: 1.41–9.81; p = 0.0078). Conclusion: These findings could help identify high-risk patients with MM. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the significance of MYC GAs for the MM prognostic effect.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Non-Communicable Disease: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study at AYUSH Set-Ups of Krishna and Darjeeling District, India
Authors: Varanasi Roja , Nayak Debadatta , Kumar Arvind , Choubey Gurudev , Chinta Raveendar , Oberai Praveen , Khurana Anil
Published: January 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 in patients suffering from NCDs in terms of their knowledge, awareness, perception about COVID-19, use of AYUSH immune boosters (AIB), and management of chronic condition during the pandemic. Method: During the unlock down period (October 2020), a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Krishna and Darjeeling district of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, India. 499 individuals suffering from at least one chronic disease were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the relationship of socio-demographic characteristics, AIB, and morbidity with pandemic-related care challenges. Principal component analysis was applied to minimize the dimensionality of factors related to COVID care challenges. Results: 499 individuals were surveyed. 91% identified at least three correct COVID appropriate behaviours. 92.2% considered the coronavirus to be a potential threat (mean ± SD: 5.8 ± 2.6). 44.7% and 55.3% lived with one and 2 or more chronic conditions, respectively. Hypertension alone (27.4%) and diabetes with hypertension (33%) were leading presentations. Out of 499, participants, 88.8% had at least one form of AIB. 52% took Ars. alb. with other AIB and 40% took Ars. alb. alone. Only 9 participants were infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: In the interest of a densely populated country like India, the inclusion of simple and safe AYUSH measures is realistic, ethical, and cost-effective. AYUSH interventions as COVID-19 prophylactic and treatment as well as integrative care of chronic illnesses such as NCDs are suggested.
The Knowledge of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among The Patients Under Tubercular Therapy in Teaching Hospital Dera Ghazi Khan
Authors: Leghari Shazia Yasmeen , Parveen Zubaida , Mukhtar Madiha
Published: January 2022

Tuberculosis is a significant medical issue in numerous pieces of the world. For legitimate administration, learning about Tuberculosis is essential among the patients under anti-tubercular treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perception about Tuberculosis in the DHQ teaching hospital of Dera ghazi khan. This study is a cross-sectional descriptive research design. A self-reported questionnaire was filled by 100 registered patients of the antidote therapy program. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The results showed 68.80% male, and41.60% females have known about the treatment of Tuberculosis. 72.50% male,41.60% female have known the diagnosis. 41.33% male and 24.33% female have known about prevention.65% male, and47% females have known signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis. Conclusions included that males have more knowledge about Tuberculosis than females and common source of knowledge among patients in the hospital.
Acoplamento estrutural turístico: um estudo sobre a estrutura estética de publicações em ambiências digitais a partir da semiótica peirceana
Authors: Costa Moabe Breno Ferreira , Alves Maria Lúcia Bastos
Published: January 2022

O artigo problematiza procedimentos e técnicas que definem especificidades de publicações que representam a comunicação turística na fanpage da Prefeitura Municipal de Salvador, com objetivo de analisar a estrutura estética dessas publicações. Para isso, são aplicadas as categorias triádicas da semiótica peirceana, que constituem um processo sistemático de investigação, por meio da fragmentação e delimitação dos componentes do objeto de análise, identificando possíveis sentidos por ele produzidos. O procedimento operacional envolve monitoramento da fanpage, seleção de postagens turísticas, revisão de literatura e a análise pretendida. Assim, o artigo contribui com a aplicação da semiótica peirceana ao estudo do turismo e com a delimitação de um padrão estético para postagens turísticas em ambiências digitais, construído pela associação simbiótica e sincrética de aspectos das áreas de programação de mídia – jornalismo, publicidade e entretenimento. Denominada acoplamento estrutural turístico, a estrutura potencializa interatividades, estimula debates sobre a cultura turística e constrói fronteiras entre turismo e cotidiano, podendo gerar processos educativos e de empoderamento dos usuários.
O turismo criativo na agenda política e urbana: possibilidades de contribuição para os objetivos do desenvolvimento sustentável
Authors: Silva Luana Alexandre , Paiva Júnior Fernando Gomes de , Santana Rebeka Cristiny Barbosa de
Published: January 2022

A promoção do turismo criativo tem se estabelecido como parte das políticas públicas adotadas para fomentar a economia criativa nos territórios de destino turístico. Ao serem valorizadas as práticas criativas e culturais particulares de uma região por meio de envolvimento ativo entre os participantes, essa abordagem de turismo cultural se apresenta como modalidade favorável ao desenvolvimento sustentável daquela localidade. A Organização das Nações Unidas busca a sustentabilidade ao reunir, na Agenda 2030, os Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS), destinados a orientar os formuladores de políticas públicas em prol de parâmetros econômicos, sociais e ambientais. O propósito deste estudo é compreender o modo como determinadas políticas públicas de fomento ao turismo criativo se alinham com o ODS número 11, que propõe a construção de cidades e comunidades sustentáveis. O estudo de caso único foi realizado a partir da pesquisa documental do Plano de Turismo Criativo instituído na cidade do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Os resultados oriundos da análise de conteúdo indicam que a formulação de tal Plano tende a colaborar para o alcance das metas propostas pela Agenda 2030 nos quesitos de urbanização, gestão dos territórios e valorização do patrimônio cultural e natural. A política pública proposta demanda ênfase em fatores de infraestrutura relacionados a segurança, igualdade social, habitação, inclusão de pessoas em situação de vulnerabilidade e proteção ao patrimônio intelectual e ambiental.
O poeta enquanto ensaísta, modos de leitura: Manuel de Freitas e Al Berto
Authors: Amaral Rodolpho Pereira do
Published: January 2022

Este artigo procura elaborar uma dialogia entre os papéis de crítico/ensaísta e poeta praticados por Manuel de Freitas. Destacamos, num primeiro momento, alguns elementos temáticos do interesse de Freitas enquanto ensaísta da obra poética de Al Berto, textos trazidos a público com os títulos Noite dos Espelhos e Me, Myself and I. Em seguida, procuramos discorrer sobre os pontos sublinhados e as dimensões que assumem na obra poética de Manuel de Freitas – ou seja, de ensaísta a poeta, as duas escritas estarão em diálogo. Levamos em consideração o próprio teor crítico de Freitas, seus protocolos de leitura e recepção de obras poéticas, além da retomada pontual de outros trabalhos críticos – nomeadamente Pedacinhos de Ossos e o prefácio à antologia Poetas sem qualidades. Em relação à sua obra poética, detemo-nos com mais afinco no livro Ubi Sunt, contudo não deixamos de mencionar outras produções.
Há precedentes: estória(s) de uma leitura
Authors: Costa Felipe Marcondes da
Published: January 2022

O texto se debruça sobre uma interpretação do livro O senhor Henri e a enciclopédia, de Gonçalo M. Tavares. A referida leitura desdobra de modo inusitado a aparição de um elemento textual que, à primeira vista, parece um mero deslize de revisão da edição, mas que, colocado sob escrutínio, tem potencial para reordenar em redor de si todo o material textual, o que dá margem para que se teça considerações acerca de horizontes críticos na contemporaneidade.
Relação entre universal, particular e singular em análises feministas marxistas: por uma ontologia integrativa
Authors: Moraes Lívia de Cássia Godoi
Published: January 2022

Este artigo, de base teórico-bibliográfica, tem por objetivo desenvolver, em defesa do método materialista histórico-dialético como arma teórica e política do feminismo marxista, a proposta de ontologia integrativa a partir da teoria unitária, alicerce da Teoria da Reprodução Social (TRS). Para tanto, apresentamos os embates em torno das aproximações e distanciamentos entre feminismo(s) e marxismo desde a década de 1970, bem como o diálogo crítico da TRS com os sistemas duplos e triplos. Analisamos um dos elementos que consideramos mais relevantes no método: a relação entre universal, particular e singular, pela chave da categoria totalidade. Tal relação nos permite, por um lado, enfatizar os desafios postos pela realidade no que concerne aos níveis de abstração na análise do concreto, síntese de múltiplas determinações; por outro, auxilia no desenvolvimento do diálogo crítico com a interseccionalidade e a consubstancialidade. Trata-se de um exercício teórico que enfatiza a categoria mediação (particularidade) como fundamental para pensar os desafios postos à sociabilidade generificada e racializada e a totalidade social capitalista, de uma perspectiva feminista marxista.
A ontologia marxista na perspectiva da ser-outra
Authors: Berg Tábata
Published: January 2022

O ensaio tem como objetivo lançar uma perspectiva feminista às bases epistemológicas da ontologia marxista, situada geneticamente na visão e estrutura de mundo masculina. Para tanto apresentarei um rascunho da categoria que estou nomeando por ser-outra cuja construção proponho em oposição ao sujeito universal, todavia, historicamente situado. O intuito é oferecer um olhar mais plural à abordagem do ser social, recuperando autoras que permanecem marginalizadas pela tradição filosófica.
Marxismo e feminismo: perspectivas políticas para a sociologia
Authors: Della Torre Bruna , Marcelino Giovanna
Published: January 2022

O feminismo envolve muito mais do que a igualdade de gênero. E envolve muito mais do que gênero. O feminismo deve envolver uma consciência em relação ao capitalismo [...] O feminismo insiste em métodos de pensamento e de ação que nos encorajam a uma reflexão que une coisas que parecem estar separadas e que desagrega coisas que parecem estar naturalmente unidas.
(Angela Davis, A liberdade é uma luta constante, 2018)
Morphological variation and new distributional records of Rhadinella dysmica (Serpentes: Dipsadidae), with comparisons with other dark-colored congeners
Authors: Palacios-Aguilar Ricardo , Santos-Bibiano Rufino , Campbell Jonathan Atwood , Beltrán-Sánchez Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

Small, secretive snakes comprise an important part of the herpetofauna of the Neotropics and yet most species are known from a handful of specimens due to their habits and relatively inaccessible localities. The Mexican endemic Rhadinella dysmica is the westernmost species of the genus and was described based on a single adult female. Herein we provide information on new specimens, including their morphological variation and hemipenial structure, expand the known geographic range for the species, and comment on the morphological similarities of the “dark-colored” species of the genus.
Comparative vulnerability of Indosylvirana temporalis and Clinotarsus curtipes (Anura: Ranidae) tadpoles to water scorpions: importance of refugia and swimming speed in predator avoidance
Authors: Mogali Santosh M. , Shanbhag Bhagyashri A. , Saidapur Srinivas K.
Published: January 2022

The comparative vulnerability of two co-existing tadpole species (Indosylvirana temporalis and Clinotarsus curtipes) to their common predator, water scorpions (Laccotrephes sp.; Hemiptera: Nepidae), and the importance of refugia in predator avoidance were studied in the laboratory. In a total of 60 experimental trials, 10 tadpoles each of I. temporalis and C. curtipes of comparable body sizes were exposed to water scorpions (starved for 48 h). Thirty trials included refugia while 30 did not. The results of this study showed that in both the absence and the presence of refugia C. curtipes tadpoles fell prey to water scorpions more frequently than I. temporalis tadpoles. A main difference between the two species is the speed of swimming; Vmax of C. curtipes (24.73 cm/s) tadpoles is lower than that of I. temporalis (30.78 cm/s) tadpoles. This is likely to be the reason why more C. curtipes tadpoles were preyed upon than were I. temporalis tadpoles. Predation risk of tadpoles of both species was affected significantly by the presence of refuge sites. The vulnerability of both tadpole species was lower where refuge sites were available. The present study clearly shows that I. temporalis tadpoles avoid predation by water scorpions more effectively than do C. curtipes tadpoles.
High prevalence of anomalies in Nyctimantis brunoi (Anura: Hylidae) from a restinga protected area in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Carmo Luiz Fernando , Guimarães Suellen de Oliveira , Miguel Ingrid Ribeiro , Pinna Pedro H. , Fernandes Daniel Silva , Woitovicz-Cardoso Manoela
Published: January 2022

In the present study we monitored a population of Nyctimantis brunoi, a species commonly found in restingas of southeastern Brazil. Field activities were carried out in the Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba (PNRJ), a protected area located in the northern portion of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Specimens were sampled through a complete species inventory. We analyzed 218 individuals, 32 (14.7%) of which have anomalies. Additionally, a subsample of 15 specimens were radiographed to verify the occurrence of skeletal anomalies not externally detectable and to verify if the classification of anomalies attributed by means of external examination are detectable in the osteological structure of the specimen. There are 12 types of anomalies recognized in this population, three of them only detectable through internal investigation (radiography). We verified that most of anomalies externally detectable were correctly classified when compared to the osteological morphology of the radiographed specimens. Thus, in this investigation, the study of external malformations was capable to detect 60% of the types of anomalies. We conclude that further ecotoxicological and epidemiological studies of the population of N. brunoi in the PNRJ are necessary to establish the origins of anomalies in this species.