bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low genetic diversity and predation threaten a rediscovered marine sponge
Authors: Quek Z. B. Randolph , Ng Juat Ying , Jain Sudhanshi S. , Long J. X. Sean , Lim Swee Cheng , Tun Karenne , Huang Danwei
Published: December 2022

Discovered in 1819 in the tropical waters off Singapore, the magnificent Neptune’s cup sponge Cliona patera (Hardwicke, 1820) was harvested for museums and collectors until it was presumed extinct worldwide for over a century since 1907. Recently in 2011, seven living individuals were rediscovered in Singapore with six relocated to a marine protected area in an effort to better monitor and protect the population, as well as to enhance external fertilisation success. To determine genetic diversity within the population, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA of these six individuals and found extremely limited variability in their genes. The low genetic diversity of this rediscovered population is confirmed by comparisons with close relatives of C. patera and could compromise the population’s ability to recover from environmental and anthropogenic pressures associated with the highly urbanised coastlines of Singapore. This lack of resilience is compounded by severe predation which has been shrinking sponge sizes by up to 5.6% every month. Recovery of this highly endangered population may require ex situ approaches and crossbreeding with other populations, which are also rare.
The Qixiangzhan eruption, Changbaishan-Tianchi volcano, China/DPRK: new age constraints and their implications
Authors: Pan Bo , de Silva Shanaka L. , Danišík Martin , Schmitt Axel K. , Miggins Daniel P.
Published: December 2022

Zircon double dating (ZDD) of comendite lava reveals an eruption age of 7.0 ± 0.9 ka for the Qixiangzhan eruption (QXZ), Changbaishan-Tianchi volcano, China/DPRK. This age is supported by new40Ar/39Ar sanidine experiments and a previous age control from charcoal at the base of the QXZ. The revised age supports correlations with distal ash in Eastern China and Central Japan and establishes a significant (estimated at Volcanic Explosivity Index 5+) eruption that may provide a useful Holocene stratigraphic marker in East Asia. The new age indicates that the QXZ lava does not record a ca. 17 ka Hilina Pali/Tianchi geomagnetic field excursion but rather a heretofore unrecognized younger Holocene excursion at ca. 7–8 ka. Comparison between U–Th zircon crystallization and ZDD as well as40Ar/39Ar sanidine ages indicates a protracted period of accumulation of the QXZ magma that extends from ca. 18 ka to the eruption age. This connotes an eruption that mixed remobilized early formed crystals (antecrysts) from prior stages of magma accumulation with crystals formed near the time of eruption. Based on these results, a recurrence rate of ca. 7–8 ka for the Changbaishan-Tianchi magma system is found over the last two major eruption cycles.
Stacked printed MoS2 and Ag electrodes using electrohydrodynamic jet printing for thin-film transistors
Authors: Can Thi Thu Thuy , Choi Woon-Seop
Published: December 2022

Transition metal dichalcogenide-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) have drawn intense research attention, but they suffer from high cost of materials and complex methods. Directly printed transistors have been in the limelight due to low cost and an environmentally friendly technique. An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printing technique was employed to pattern both MoS2 active layer and Ag source and drain (S/D) electrodes. Printed MoS2 lines were patterned on a silicon wafer using a precursor solution and simple annealing, and the patterns were transferred on other SiO2 substrates for TFT fabrication. On top of the patterned MoS2, Ag paste was also patterned for S/D electrodes using EHD jet printing. The printed TFTs had a high on–off current ratio exceeding 105, low subthreshold slope, and better hysteresis behavior after transferring MoS2 patterns. This result could be important for practical TFT applications and could be extended to other 2D materials.
Correlation of TROP-2 expression with clinical–pathological characteristics and outcome in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Izci Hava , Punie Kevin , Waumans Lise , Laenen Annouschka , Wildiers Hans , Verdoodt Freija , Desmedt Christine , Ardui Jan , Smeets Ann , Han Sileny N. , Nevelsteen Ines , Neven Patrick , Floris Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

Limited data exist regarding the associations between TROP-2 protein expression, clinical–pathological characteristics, and outcome in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TROP-2 expression was determined for patients diagnosed with TNBC between 2000 and 2017 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) (ab227689, Abcam) on whole slide tumor sections, and assessed as continuous and categorical variables (H-score high, 201–300, medium 100–200 and low < 100). We investigated the prognostic value of TROP-2 expression for relapse and survival, associations between TROP-2 expression and baseline patient and tumor characteristics, stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs), androgen receptor (AR), standardized mitotic index (SMI) and pathological complete response (pCR, in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy) were assessed. We included 685 patients with a median age at diagnosis of 54 years (range 22–90 years). After median follow-up of 9.6 years, 17.5% of patients experienced distant relapse. TROP-2 expression was high, medium and low in 97 (16.5%), 149 (25.3%) and 343 (58.2%) of patients, respectively. The presence of LVI, associated DCIS, nodal involvement, apocrine histology and AR expression were correlated with higher TROP-2 levels. There were no associations between TROP-2 expression and sTILs, time-to-event outcomes, or pCR rate after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. TROP-2 expression is not associated with sTILs level and has no prognostic value in our cohort of stage 1–3 TNBC. However, an association with histotype and AR expression was found, suggesting a histotype specific TROP-2 expression pattern with highest expression in apocrine subtype, warranting further research.
A case study on the bearing characteristics of a bottom uplift pile in a layered foundation
Authors: He Laping , Chen Xuwei , Wang Zhengzhen , Han Yun , Su Tiantao , Dai Guoliang , Zhang Enxiang , Long Zhao
Published: December 2022

The bottom uplift pile, which has been applied in practical projects, has the following advantages: the pile body is not easy to crack, good bearing characteristics, and small displacement of the pile top. Based on the bearing capacity test of foundation piles in the third stage expansion project of Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, the upper part pile of the self-balancing test method was used to simulate the bottom uplift pile, and the anchor piles in the anchor pile method were regarded as normal uplift piles. The bearing characteristics of the bottom uplift pile in a layered foundation were studied by comparing these two kinds of piles. The results show that under the same displacement of the pile top, the ultimate uplift bearing capacity of the bottom uplift pile can be more than twice that of the normal uplift pile because of the fully exerted frictional resistance of the soil at the bottom of the pile, the Poisson effect of the pile body and the avoidance of the influence of pile body deformation on the pile top displacement. The maximum axial force of the bottom uplift pile appears at the bottom of the pile and gradually decreases from the bottom to the top, which is opposite to that of the normal uplift pile. The properties and thickness of the soil layers around the pile have a great influence on the distribution curves of the frictional resistance along the pile length of the two kinds of uplift piles. With changing soil layer conditions, the distribution curve may be a "parabola", a "straight line" or a "double line". The soil property plays a decisive role in the frictional resistance, which may cause softening. The influence of the pile diameter on the ultimate uplift bearing capacity is greater than that of the pile length, while the elastic modulus of the pile has little influence.
The role of valence, dominance, and pitch in perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) conversational agents’ voices
Authors: Shiramizu Victor Kenji M. , Lee Anthony J. , Altenburg Daria , Feinberg David R. , Jones Benedict C.
Published: December 2022

There is growing concern that artificial intelligence conversational agents (e.g., Siri, Alexa) reinforce voice-based social stereotypes. Because little is known about social perceptions of conversational agents’ voices, we investigated (1) the dimensions that underpin perceptions of these synthetic voices and (2) the role that acoustic parameters play in these perceptions. Study 1 (N = 504) found that perceptions of synthetic voices are underpinned by Valence and Dominance components similar to those previously reported for natural human stimuli and that the Dominance component was strongly and negatively related to voice pitch. Study 2 (N = 160) found that experimentally manipulating pitch in synthetic voices directly influenced dominance-related, but not valence-related, perceptions. Collectively, these results suggest that greater consideration of the role that voice pitch plays in dominance-related perceptions when designing conversational agents may be an effective method for controlling stereotypic perceptions of their voices and the downstream consequences of those perceptions.
JC2-11, a benzylideneacetophenone derivative, attenuates inflammasome activation
Authors: Lee Gilyoung , Ahn Huijeong , Yun Jang-Hyuk , Park Jeongho , Lee Eunsong , Oh Seikwan , Lee Geun-Shik
Published: December 2022

Dysregulation of inflammasome activation induces chronic and excess inflammation resulting in several disorders, such as metabolic disorders and cancers. Thus, screening for its regulator derived from natural materials has been conducted progressively. JC2-11 (JC) was designed to enhance the antioxidant activity based on a chalcone, which is abundant in edible plants and a precursor of flavonoids. This study examined the effects of JC on inflammasome activation in human and murine macrophages. JC inhibited the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and lactate dehydrogenases, and the cleavage of caspase-1 and gasdermin D in response to the tested activators (i.e., NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and non-canonical inflammasome triggers). In addition, JC attenuated IL-1β secretion from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected mice, an inflammasome-mediating disease model. Mechanistically, JC blocked the expression of the inflammasome components during the priming step of the inflammasome, and interrupted the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. In addition, JC inhibited the activity of caspase-1. In conclusion, JC may be a candidate pan-inflammasome inhibitor.
The technique and its role of dacryoendoscopy in the management of the false passage of the lacrimal drainage system
Authors: Kim Myungjin , Lew Helen
Published: December 2022

This is a retrospective study of patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) who underwent dacryoendoscopy (FT-203F; Fibertech Co., Tokyo, Japan) and sheath-guided silicone intubation for 830 cases with PANDO from March 2016 to December 2020. 19 cases (2.3%) were observed as false passage in the lacrimal drainage system (LDS). Dacryoendoscopic findings revealed that the following factors were associated with LDS obstruction (% cases): structural change of 63.2% (stenosis, 42.1%; fibrotic membrane, 21.1%), and secretory change of 36.8% (mucus, 15.8%; stone, 10.5%; and granulation, 10.5%). The obstruction sites were distributed through LDS. The false passages detected in LDS were managed as follow: usage of fluid irrigation pressure to check the true passage following the previously intubated silicone tube as a reference, and confirmation the end of passage through the inferior meatus with nasal endoscopy. The overall success rate was 73.7% using this management technique. Dacryoendoscopy enables real-time observation of the lumen of the LDS, thus facilitating management of pathological lesions including false passages. With this technique, we are better able to make customized treatment of patients with false passages, with a safer and more effective results leading to the success of dacryoendoscopy guided silicone tube intubation in PANDO patients.
On the configuration of the graphene/carbon nanotube/graphene van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Xu Tianyan , Jiang Jinwu
Published: December 2022

The configuration of the graphene/carbon nanotube/graphene heterostructure is investigated theoretically, based on the interplay between the bending energy and the adhesion energy.
Improving the performance of portable aerosol size spectrometers for building dense monitoring networks
Authors: Li Yiran , Hao Jiming , Jiang Jingkun
Published: December 2022

A new charging method is deployed to improve the accuracy of portable size spectrometers with reduced size and maintenance, thus, more suitable for building dense monitoring networks.
Boosting the growth and aggregation of sulfide nanoparticlesviaregulating heterogeneous nucleation for enhanced sedimentation
Authors: Li Chunxue , Zhang Wenchao , Wu Jiahui , Liu Junqin , Wang Han , Li Qingzhu , Chai Liyuan , Wang Qingwei , Lin Zhang
Published: December 2022

Promoting the growth of sulfide particles by regulating heterogeneous nucleation and aggregation to facilitate their sedimentation and separation.
Novel irreversible peptidic inhibitors of transglutaminase 2
Authors: Cundy Nicholas J. , Arciszewski Jane , Gates Eric W. J. , Acton Sydney L. , Passley Kyle D. , Awoonor-Williams Ernest , Boyd Elizabeth K. , Xu Nancy , Pierson Élise , Fernandez-Ansieta Catalina , Albert Marie R. , McNeil Nicole M. R. , Adhikary Gautam , Eckert Richard L. , Keillor Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2022

A novel peptidic scaffold was used to design a library of inhibitors that exhibit exceptional efficiency against tissue transglutaminase, providing a framework for the development of potent research tools.
Effect of Sr and Ti substitutions on optical and photocatalytic properties of Bi1−xSrxFe1−xTixO3 nanomaterials
Authors: Benyoussef Manal , Saitzek Sébastien , Rajput Nitul S. , El Marssi Mimoun , Jouiad Mustapha
Published: December 2022

Effect of downsizing and substitution of BFO on band alignments of Bi1−xSrxFe1−xTixO3 systems. Good hydrogen production yield of 190 μmol g−1 is obtained for x = 15% of STO.
High-safety and high-efficiency electrolyte design for 4.6 V-class lithium-ion batteries with a non-solvating flame-retardant
Authors: Chen Li , Nian Qingshun , Ruan Digen , Fan Jiajia , Li Yecheng , Chen Shunqiang , Tan Lijiang , Luo Xuan , Cui Zhuangzhuang , Cheng Yifeng , Li Changhao , Ren Xiaodi
Published: December 2022

This paper develops a high-safety and high-performance electrolyte with a carbonate–ether hybrid solvent and a highly fluorinated phosphazene-based flame-retarding diluent.
Regulation of the Si/Al ratios and Al distributions of zeolites and their impact on properties
Authors: Li Jialiang , Gao Mingkun , Yan Wenfu , Yu Jihong
Published: December 2022

This review highlights the basic principles and the state-of-the-art methodologies for regulating the Si/Al ratios and Al distributions as well as their impact on performances. A perspective on their precise control is presented.
A decacationic ferrocene-based metallostar
Authors: Rupf Susanne Margot , Moshtaha Amina Leoni , Malischewski Moritz
Published: December 2022

We present the structures of unprecedented decacationic derivatives of permercurated ferrocene that can chemically be oxidized to undecacationic ferrocenium species.
Zn–Y dual atomic site catalyst featuring metal–metal interactions as a nanozyme with peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Jin Xiangyuan , Feng Xiaowei , Wang Guo , Tan Renjian , Peng Yi , Zheng Lirong , Chen Wenxing , Chen Zhengbo
Published: December 2022

We constructed a Zn–Y–DACs/NC with Zn–Y interactions by using a host–guest strategy, and their outstanding peroxidase-like activity was well evaluated.
Photo-reactive polymers for the immobilisation of epidermal growth factors
Authors: Wu Liang-Chun , Tada Seiichi , Isoshima Takashi , Serizawa Takeshi , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: December 2022

Photo-reactive polymers affect the interaction of immobilized EGF with the cells as the immobilizing matrices.
Tunable luminescence thermal stability in YVxAs1−xO4:Eu3+ through the introduction of As5+ ions for remote temperature sensing applications
Authors: Piotrowski W. M. , Kardach M. , Sobierajska P. , Watras A. , Reeks J. M. , Kinzhybalo V. , Marciniak L. , Wiglusz R. J.
Published: December 2022

Thermometric properties of the GSA/ESA excited luminescent thermometers in YVxAs1−xO4:Eu3+ can be tuned by the As5+ ions concentration.
Enhanced field emission stability of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes through anchoring for X-ray imaging applications
Authors: Liu Xinchuan , Li Yuanxun , Xiao Jianfeng , Zhao Jiuzhou , Li Chi , Li Zhenjun
Published: December 2022

We reported the anchored carbon nanotube emitters shows enhanced field emission stability.
Fabrication of biodegradable fibrous systems employing electrospinning technology for effluent treatment
Authors: Subash Alsha , Naebe Minoo , Wang Xungai , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian
Published: December 2022

The fabrication of biopolymer fibers through electrospinning technology with the elucidation of the adsorption and biodegradation mechanism of the employed electrospun biopolymer fibers in wastewater treatment for the removal of toxic entities.
Improved equation to describe the induction motor currents during nearby three‐phase short‐circuits
Authors: Sorrentino Elmer , Vera Andres
Published: December 2022

This article shows an improved equation to describe the induction motor currents during a three‐phase short‐circuit near to motor terminals. The proposed equation considers three details which are not in the equation shown in the IEEE Std. 551: (a) the equivalent frequency of these currents is not strictly equal to the grid frequency; (b) the magnitude of the DC component is not strictly equal to the magnitude of the AC component; (c) an angle is included to consider the instant of fault occurrence. The proposed equation was verified by experimental results, which were also verified by simulations. It is shown that the equivalent frequency of analysed currents is not exactly the grid frequency due to the sudden change of the machine speed (caused by the high braking torque originated by high transient currents during the short‐circuit). This effect is larger in smaller motors. The AC and DC components of the analysed currents have their own time constants, which are usually estimated from motor equivalent circuit. The application of the improved equation was useful to demonstrate that such a procedure does not lead to accurate results in case of the DC time constants of small motors. Finally, an example illustrates a case that cannot be well described by the equation from the IEEE Std. 551, whereas the result from the proposed equation is very similar to the measured current.
Defining a new index to compare the resilience of different structures of an electrical energy network
Authors: Dehghani Arash , Sedighizadeh Mostafa , Haghjoo Farhad
Published: December 2022

The issue of resilience in electrical distribution systems has been proposed increasingly with the frequent occurrence of natural disasters in recent years and the imposition of high costs due to widespread power outages. To date, various resilience indices have been proposed, some of which have been improved upon over time by extensive research, leading to more comprehensive indices. However, a standard index has not yet been approved and presented in this regard by international committees, despite the efforts made. The issue of resilience in electrical networks was examined by curve analysis index in more detail compared to other proposed indices, although it is not yet complete and should be investigated from various aspects and its shortcomings be eliminated. The present study aims to evaluate some fundamental obstacles in the “curve analysis” index and correct it in a new index called “Combining Investment and Reform” (CIR) index. Two issues of “costs in terms of investment and repairs imposed by the event” and “need to separate critical and non‐critical loads” are considered simultaneously in the proposed index. Finally, the capabilities of the proposed index are evaluated and compared in a sample electrical network in the face of events with different intensities.
SRI3D: Two‐stream inflated 3D ConvNet based on sparse regularization for action recognition
Authors: Yang Zhaoqilin , An Gaoyun , Zhang Ruichen , Zheng Zhenxing , Ruan Qiuqi
Published: December 2022

Although most state‐of‐the‐art action recognition models have adopted a two‐stream 3D convolutional structure as a backbone network, few works have studied the impact of loss functions on action recognition models. In addition, sparsity is used as a key prior knowledge in many fields. However, as far as is known, no one has studied the influence of the sparsity of network output on the output of deep learning‐based action recognition models. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel two‐stream inflated 3D ConvNet based on the sparse regularization (SRI3D) model for action recognition. In order to allow the network to learn the sparsity of output, the ℓ1 norm is embedded in the loss function in regularization form in a plug‐and‐play manner. It can make the classification result after the fusion of the two‐stream network only be the category with the highest confidence in one of the streams and not the other cases. The proposed loss function based on sparse regularization makes the output vector of the neural network as sparse as possible so that the classification results will not be ambiguous. Experimental results show that compared with other state‐of‐the‐art models, this SRI3D has a competitive advantage on Kinetics‐400, Something‐Something V2, UCF‐101 and HMDB‐51.
A stochastic multi‐objective model for energy efficiency and renewable resource planning in energy communities: A sustainably cost‐effective trade‐off
Authors: Afzali Peyman , Rashidinejad Masoud , Abdollahi Amir , Salehizadeh Mohammad Reza , Farahmand Hossein
Published: December 2022

The integration of energy efficiency programs and renewable resources in energy communities (EC) incorporating smart microgrids might be the future development of sustainable cities. Cooperation among EC with high penetration of renewable energy resources will support energy procurement. Mutual energy efficiency programs in EC associated with deploying renewable resources can guarantee sustainable development significantly. This paper proposes a new sustainability index (SI) influenced by the loss of load reduction while increasing the penetration of renewable energies. A multi‐objective optimization method is used to determine the optimal size and location of renewable resources incorporating energy efficiency programs. The objective functions, that is, the total cost and SI, are based upon social, economic, environmental, and technical (SEET) considerations. Since the outputs of renewable energies are uncertain, it may increase the loss of load probability. Therefore, this paper introduces a model that can handle the uncertainties of renewable energies. A new method so‐called adaptive multi‐objective crow search algorithm (AMCSA) is developed for the trade‐off between cost and sustainability in the optimization problem. The proposed methodology cannot only minimize the total cost in EC but also will maximize the SI. Simulation studies and results analysis indicates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology for the development of sustainability and renewable energies in the smart grid.
Uso de placa malla en el manejo de fracturas conminutas de patela: Reporte de caso
Authors: Franulic Nicolás , Laso José Ignacio , Rojas Carlos , Olivieri Rodrigo , Gaggero Nicolás
Published: December 2022

Objetivos Describir la técnica quirúrgica para el uso de placa malla en un caso de fractura conminuta de patela y sus resultados en el seguimiento a mediano plazo.

Materiales y Métodos Presentamos un caso de fractura conminuta de patela manejada con el uso de una placa malla y un tornillo canulado asociado, evitando de esta forma la patelectomía parcial y sus posibles complicaciones.

Resultados El paciente presentó una evolución satisfactoria, con rango de movimiento de rodilla completo y en condiciones de alta laboral a los cuatro meses desde la cirugía, sin complicaciones ni reintervenciones.

Discusión El uso de placas malla permite el manejo de fracturas conminutas de patela preservando stock óseo y restaurando la indemnidad del aparato extensor, con una osteosíntesis estable y poco prominente. Casos en que antiguamente la única alternativa era la patelectomía parcial y reinserción del tendón patelar ahora tienen etas placas como opción de manejo.

Conclusión El uso de placas malla en fracturas conminutas de patela es una alternativa atractiva por la estabilidad que brindan, la capacidad de preservar stock óseo, y la baja tasa de reintervenciones.

Nivel de evidencia V.
The Relationship between Unilateral Palatal Maxillary Canine Impaction and the Morphology of the Maxilla: A CBCT Study in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shahin Suliman Y. , Tabassum Afsheen , Fairozekhan Arishiya Thapasum , Tuwaylib Ahmed Al , Al-Sheyoukh Saeed , Alzaher Shuaib , Siddiqui Intisar Ahmad , Alhareky Muhanad
Published: December 2022

Objective This study aimed to examine the correlation between the morphology of the maxilla and unilateral palatally impacted maxillary canine (PIMC) among the Saudi population in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 36 patients' records [(17 PIMC, 8 male, 9 female, mean age 16.75 ± 2.12 years) (19 control; 9 male,10 female, mean age: 17.16 ± 2.12 years)] were included from a teaching dental hospital. On cone-beam computed tomographic images, measurements of maxillary arch length (MAL), palatal vault depth (PVD), intermolar width, sum of widths of 4 maxillary incisors, available arch space (AAS), palatal maxillary width (PMW) in the molar and premolar regions, nasal cavity width (NCW), maxillary arch shape (MAS) (arch length/intermolar width x 100), and palatal vault shape (PVS) (the PVD/intermolar width x100) were performed. Data were analyzed by SPSS-20.0. p-value less than or equal to 0.05 reflected statistical significance.

Results This study's findings depicted that AAS (p = 0.012), PVD (p = 0.028), and PMW in the molar and premolar regions at the level of the alveolar crest (p = 0.002 and p = 0.034) and mid-root (p = 0.004 and p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the control compared to the PIMC group. PVS showed a significant difference between the PIMC and control groups (p = 0.037). However, regarding MAS, no significant difference was observed (p = 0.707).

Conclusion MAS was narrower in PIMC compared to the control group. The control group had a deeper palatal vault and greater AAS compared to the PIMC group. However, no significant difference was observed between groups regarding tooth size or NCW.
Dysplasia at the Anal Transition Zone after IPAA
Authors: Church James
Published: December 2022

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is a popular way of reconstruction the gastrointestinal tract after total proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. The pouch-anal anastomosis is usually stapled, which requires the preservation of a small amount of upper anal canal and lower rectum. This includes the anal transition zone (ATZ), a surprisingly small and irregular ring of tissue at and just above the dentate line. The ATZ and rectal cuff is prone to inflammation and neoplasia, particularly in patients who had a colon cancer or dysplasia at the time their large bowel was removed. This high-risk group needs ATZ/rectal cuff surveillance before and after the surgery. Those without colorectal dysplasia preoperatively are at low risk of developing ATZ/rectal cuff dysplasia postoperatively and follow-up can be more relaxed. Treatment of ATZ dysplasia is difficult and may mean mucosectomy, pouch advancement, pouch removal, or a redo pelvic pouch.
Use of lacosamide in children: experience of a tertiary medical care center in Brazil
Authors: Romão Tayla Taynan , Angelim Abraão Iuri Medeiros , Prado Henrique Jannuzzelli Pires do , Goes Fernanda Veiga de , Pires Maria Elisa Paiva , Fontana Rosiane da Silva , Pires Lais de Carvalho , Fernandes Alexandre Ribeiro , D'Andrea-Meira Isabella
Published: December 2022

Background Lacosamide (LCM) is a third-generation anti-seizure drug approved in Europe and the United States, either as a monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, to treat partial-onset seizures in adults, adolescents, and children. In Brazil, LCM is licensed for treatment only in patients older than 16 years of age.

Objective To evaluate a cohort of children presenting with refractory epilepsy who received LCM as an add-on therapy and observe the response and tolerability to the LCM treatment.

Methods A retrospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary health care facility, which included 26 children, aged up to 16 years, who presented with refractory epilepsy and received LCM as an add-on treatment. The follow-up visits were scheduled every 3 months until 9 months of treatment with LCM.

Results After 3 months of LCM administration, in 73.1% of the children, there was a reduction of > 50% in the frequency of seizures, and this clinical improvement was maintained in most patients (73.9%) for the following 9 months. Mild (such as, somnolence and behavioral changes) or severe (seizure worsening) adverse effects were observed in two and three children respectively. Among responders to LCM, there was a higher prevalence of males, fewer concomitant anti-seizure drugs, and lower percentage of patients using sodium channel blockers.

Conclusions Lacosamide should be considered as an early treatment option in pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy, mainly focal seizures.
Interaction between apolipoprotein E genotypes, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cognitive function in obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Balthazar Fernanda Maurer , Moraes Walter André dos Santos , Hunter James Richard , Prado Gilmar Fernandes do , Carvalho Luciane Bizari Coin de
Published: December 2022

Background Some studies show an association between the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (ApoEε4) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), and other studies, an association between ApoEε4 and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), but there are no data in the literature on the interaction between EDS, cognitive function, and ApoEε4 in patients with OSA.

Objective To examine the cognitive function of adults with and without EDS and with and without ApoEε4.

Methods A total of 21 male and female patients aged between 33 and 79 years, underwent a clinical interview, ApoE genotyping, neuropsychological evaluation, polysomnography, and the application of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results Excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with lower intelligence quotient (IQ; total performance) and worse immediate visual memory, regardless of the ApoE genotype. Patients carrying the ApoEε3/ε4 genotype had a worse performance in divided attention, constructional praxis, perceptual organization, and cognitive flexibility. A combination of the ε4 allele and EDS potentiates the negative effect on cognition, except for immediate visual memory. In this case, patients had a worse performance in terms of processing speed, selective attention, and visuomotor coordination.

Conclusions Excessive daytime sleepiness and the ApoEε3/ε4 genotype are associated with worse cognitive performance in OSA patients. The combination of EDS and ε4 allele potentiates cognitive impairment.
Depressive symptoms and axial motor disorders in individuals with Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Artigas Nathalie Ribeiro , Dutra Ana Carolina Leonardi , Soares Nayron Medeiros , Pereira Gabriela Magalhães , Leotti Vanessa Bielefeldt , Krimberg Julia Schneider , Pagnussat Aline de Souza , Rieder Carlos Roberto de Mello
Published: December 2022

Background Depression is an important nonmotor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD) and has been associated with the motor symptoms in these individuals.

Objectives To determine whether there are relationships between depressive symptoms and abnormalities in axial postural alignment and axial motor deficits, especially postural instability, and trunk rigidity in PD.

Methods In this cross-sectional study, 65 individuals were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) for the analysis of depressive symptoms and underwent a postural assessment of head, trunk, and hip sagittal alignment through computerized photogrammetry. The MDS-UPDRS was used to assess clinical aspects of PD, the Trunk Mobility Scale was used to assess axial rigidity, and the MiniBESTest to assess balance. To determine the relationship between depressive symptoms and postural alignment, multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

Results The participants with depressive symptoms had more severe motor deficits as well as greater trunk rigidity and worse postural instability (p < 0.05). When the postural angles were compared between men and women using Student's t-test, it was found that men had greater flexion angles of the head (p = 0.003) and trunk (p = 0.017). Using multiple linear regression analysis corrected for the age and sex of the participants, we verified that the anterior trunk inclination was significantly larger in the PD population with depressive symptoms (R2 = 0.453, β = 0.116, and p = 0.045).

Conclusion PD individuals with depressive symptoms have more severe flexed trunk posture, mainly in older men. Additionally, more severe depressive symptoms are associated with worsening postural instability, trunk rigidity and motor deficits in this population.
Anatomical description of the brain wax models of Museu da Pharmacia de Ouro Preto
Authors: Sousa Luiz Eduardo , Borges Ingrid da Silva , Seidel Helen , Pereira Isadora Lopes , Farias Juliana de Paula
Published: December 2022

Background In 1839, the Escola de Farmácia de Ouro Preto pioneered the teaching of pharmaceutical sciences in Brazil. At the end of the 19th century, the Escola de Farmácia possessed a French collection of anatomical models, some made of wax and paper-mâché. The models were a critical part of teaching anatomy, particularly in an era of paradigm changes about how the human brain works.

Objective The present study aimed to anatomically describe the brain models through a comparative analysis with the current anatomical description.

Methods Comparative analysis of the brain models with modern anatomical descriptions.

Results In the individual analysis of the wax models, we verified excellent anatomical accuracy of the cortical and subcortical regions. Our results identified internal structures, like the basal ganglia and white matter. Compared with modern anatomical books and websites, the wax brain models have high scientific quality.

Conclusion The models of the present study gave students hands-on experience of human anatomy in the 19th century. Nowadays, the models are part of the memory of Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto and Museu da Pharmacia de Ouro Preto . The collection of wax models shows the appreciation of neuroanatomy teaching at the turn of the century concomitant with advances in neurology and anatomy around the world.
Experiencia con el uso de toxina botulínica en niños con vejiga hiperactiva neurogénica: Una serie de casos
Authors: Bolaños Andrea , Larios Carlos , Ramos Hernandez Anamaria , López de Mesa Rodríguez Byron Eduardo , Peralta Sara Rocío , Noreña Luisa
Published: December 2022

Objetivo Describir la experiencia con la administración de inyección de toxina botulínica en niños con vejiga hiperactiva neurogénica refractaria a manejo de primera línea.

Materiales y Métodos Estudio observacional descriptivo (serie de casos) que incluyó a 14 niños con diagnóstico de vejiga hiperactiva neurogénica refractarios a tratamiento de primera línea sometidos a administración intravesical de toxina botulínica entre 2015 y 2021; se realizó el seguimiento teniendo en cuenta las variables clínicas, con evaluación de la respuesta y de los eventos adversos. Se reportaron frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes para las variables cualitativas; para las variables cuantitativas, se reportaron medidas de tendencia central y dispersión.

Resultados Se incluyeron 6 niños y 8 niñas, con una media de edad 10,1 (desviación estándar [DE]: ± 4,4) años. Todos los pacientes fueron tratados previamente con anticolinérgico y cateterismos limpios intermitentes, con una media de uso de 2,8 (DE: ± 1.0) pañales al día; 11 (78,5%) pacientes tenían antecedente de infección urinaria, 13 (92,8%), estreñimiento, y 2 (15,3%), incontinencia fecal. En la ecografía, 7 (50,0%) pacientes presentaban engrosamiento de las paredes vesicales, y 6 (42,8%), hidronefrosis. Tras el procedimiento, 1 paciente presentó infección urinaria como complicación, 6 presentaron una respuesta completa, 7, respuesta parcial, y 1 paciente no obtuvo respuesta con la primera inyección, con un tiempo promedio efectivo de la terapia 8 (DE: ± 6,3) meses. Una segunda inyección fue necesaria en 6 (42.8%) pacientes, y, de estos, 3 (50%) requirieron una tercera inyección.

Conclusión La inyección de toxina botulinica intravesical como terapia de segunda línea de manejo para vejiga hiperactiva neurogénica tiene buenos resultados, con bajas tasas de complicaciones.
Efecto del consumo de marihuana sobre los parámetros espermáticos humanos: Aproximación in vivo
Authors: Morales Angie Carolina , Morales Adriana Cruz , Vanegas Natalia A. Taborda , Maya Walter D. Cardona
Published: December 2022

La evidencia sugiere que la exposición a sustancias psicoactivas se relaciona con alteraciones en la espermatogénesis que afectan la calidad espermática. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar los parámetros espermáticos en consumidores habituales de cigarrillos de marihuana. Se analizaron muestras seminales de 42 consumidores activos de cigarrillos de marihuana y de 16 voluntarios no consumidores de marihuana. Mediante un análisis de semen, se determinaron los parámetros seminales convencionales (viabilidad, movilidad, morfología, y concentración de los espermatozoides) siguiendo los lineamientos establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Adicionalmente, se evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del plasma seminal mediante la determinación del porcentaje de inhibición del radical estable 1,1-difenil-2-picril-hidracilo. Los valores de la mediana de los consumidores respecto al grupo control fueron: volumen – 2,98 mL versus 3,95 mL (p = 0,0221); concentración total – 189 millones/mL versus 291,1 millones/mL (p = 0,0636); movilidad progresiva – 50% versus 56,5% (p = 0,0052); viabilidad – 65,3% versus 73,1% (p = 0,0732); y morfología normal – 5% versus 7% (p = 0,0167), respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio indican que el consumo de cigarrillos de marihuana afecta negativamente la movilidad progresiva, la morfología normal y la concentración total de espermatozoides; además, la concentración total de espermatozoides está afectada por la frecuencia del consumo de cigarrillos de marihuana.
Neuropathic pain in peroneal nerve entrapment at the fibular head
Authors: Öztürk İlker , Fidanci Halit , Arlier Zülfikar
Published: December 2022

Background Peroneal neuropathy at the fibular head (PNFH) is a mononeuropathy that typically presents with drop foot and sensory abnormalities over the skin area innervated by the peroneal nerve.

Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate neuropathic pain in patients with PNFH.

Methods Patients with clinical and electrodiagnostic features consistent with PNFH associated with weight loss, leg postures, or prolonged sleep were included in the present retrospective cohort study. Nerve conduction studies were performed in the bilateral lower extremities of all patients. The Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs scale (LANSS) was applied to all patients.

Results Thirty-two PNFH patients (78% males) were included in the study. The LANSS score in the majority of patients was lower than 12. There was 1 patient with a LANSS score of 12. The electrodiagnostic features of 16 patients were compatible with axonal degeneration. The mean LANSS scores of PNFH patients with and without axonal degeneration were 4.3 ± 3.7 and 5.2 ± 2.9, respectively (p = 0.255).

Conclusion The present study showed that neuropathic pain is a rare symptom in patients with PNFH associated with weight loss, leg postures, or prolonged sleep.
Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to chronic meningitis in Brazil: a narrative review
Authors: Silva Guilherme Diogo , Guedes Bruno Fukelmann , Junqueira Ióri Rodrigues , Gomes Hélio Rodrigues , Vidal José Ernesto
Published: December 2022

Background Chronic meningitis (CM) is characterized by neurological symptoms associated with the evidence of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis lasting > 4 weeks. Studies on the management of CM in Brazil are scarce.

Objective To critically review the literature on CM and propose a rational approach in the Brazilian scenario.

Methods Narrative literature review discussing the epidemiology, clinical evaluation, basic and advanced diagnostic testing, and empirical and targeted therapy for the most relevant causes of CM. The present review was contextualized with the local experience of the authors. In addition, we propose an algorithm for the management of CM in Brazil.

Results In Brazil, tuberculosis and cryptococcosis are endemic and should always be considered in CM patients. In addition to these diseases, neurosyphilis and other endemic conditions should be included in the differential diagnosis, including neurocysticercosis, Baggio-Yoshinari syndrome, and endemic mycosis. After infectious etiologies, meningeal carcinomatosis and autoimmune diseases should be considered. Unbiased and targeted methods should be used based on availability and clinical and epidemiological data.

Conclusion We propose a rational approach to CM in Brazil, considering the epidemiological scenario, systematizing the etiological investigation, and evaluating the timely use of empirical therapies.
An economic study of neuro-oncological patients in a large developing country: a cost analysis
Authors: Paiva Aline Lariessy Campos , Vitorino-Araujo João Luiz , Lovato Renan Maximilian , Costa Guilherme Henrique Ferreira da , Veiga José Carlos Esteves
Published: December 2022

Background Neuro-oncological patients require specialized medical care. However, the data on the costs incurred for such specialized care in developing countries are currently lacking. These data are relevant for international cooperation.

Objective The present study aimed to estimate the direct cost of specialized care for an adult neuro-oncological patient with meningioma or glioma during hospitalization in the largest philanthropic hospital in Latin America.

Methods The present observational economic analysis describes the direct cost of care of neuro-oncological patients in Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brazil. Only adult patients with a common primary brain tumor were included.

Results Due to differences in the system records, the period analyzed for cost estimation was between December 2016 and December 2019. A group of patients with meningiomas and gliomas was analyzed. The estimated mean cost of neurosurgical hospitalization was US$4,166. The cost of the operating room and intensive care unit represented the largest proportion of the total cost. A total of 17.5% of patients had some type of infection, and 66.67% of these occurred in nonelective procedures. The mortality rate was 12.7% and 92.3% of all deaths occurred in emergency procedures.

Conclusions Emergency surgeries were associated with an increased rate of infections and mortality. The findings of the present study could be used by policymakers for resource allocation and to perform economic analyses to establish the value of neurosurgery in achieving global health goals.
Les démoniaques dans l'art: Charcot and the “hysterical saints”
Authors: Coutinho Léo , Caeira Marlon Wycliff , Paola Luciano de , Walusinski Olivier , Cardoso Francisco Eduardo Costa , Lima Plinio Marcos Garcia de , Teive Hélio A. Ghizoni
Published: December 2022

Professor Jean-Martin Charcot was the founder of clinical neurology and one of the prominent researchers in the field of hysteria in the 19th century. His book Les démoniaques dans l'art is a representation of hysterical symptoms in religion and religious art. This paper aims to discuss Charcot's descriptions of hysteria in religion and his “hysterical saints”.
Frequency and economic burden of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in patients applying for disability benefits due to epilepsy
Authors: Peköz Mehmet Taylan , Aslan-Kara Kezban , Demir Turgay , Aktan Gulfem , Balal Mehmet , Cakmak Soner , Bozdemir Hacer
Published: December 2022

Background Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) resemble epileptic seizures and are often misdiagnosed as epilepsy.

Objective To investigate the frequency of PNES and to calculate the economic burden of the patients who admitted to video-electroencephalographicmonitoring (VEM) to obtain a diagnosis of epilepsy in order to apply for disability retirement.

Methods The present retrospective study included 134 patients who required disability reports between 2013 and 2019 and had their definite diagnoses after VEM. Following VEM, the patients were divided into three groups: epilepsy, PNES, and epilepsy + PNES.

Results In total, 22.4% (n = 30) of the patients were diagnosed with PNES, 21.6% (n = 29) with PNES and epilepsy, and 56% (n = 75), with epilepsy. The frequency of PNES among all patients was of 44% (n = 59). In patients with PNES alone, the annual cost of using anti-seizure medication was of 160.67 ± 94.04 dollars; for psychostimulant drugs, it was of 148.3 ± 72.48 dollars a year; and the mean direct cost for diagnostic procedures was of 582.9 ± 330.0 (range: 103.52–1601.3) dollars.

Conclusions Although it is challenging to determine the qualitative and quantitative total cost in these patient groups, early diagnosis and sociopsychological support will reduce the additional financial burden on the health system and increase the quality of life of the patients.