bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for improving the physical health of children and adolescents taking antipsychotic medications: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hawker Patrick , Bellamy Jessica , McHugh Catherine , Wong Tsz Ying , Williams Katrina , Wood Amanda , Anderson Vicki , Tonge Bruce J , Ward Philip , Sciberras Emma , Bellgrove Mark A , Silk Tim , Lin Ping-I , Eapen Valsamma
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Children and adolescents are increasingly prescribed antipsychotic medications off-label in the treatment of behavioural disorders. While antipsychotic medications are effective in managing behavioural issues, they carry a significant risk of adverse events that compromise ongoing physical health. Of particular concern is the negative impact antipsychotic medications have on cardiometabolic health. Interventions that aim to modify lifestyle habits have the potential to alleviate the adverse effects of antipsychotic medication by enhancing weight management, increasing physical activity, promoting better nutritional practices, improving dietary habits and promoting healthier sleep patterns and sleep hygiene. However, a comprehensive review has not been performed to ascertain the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for children and adolescents who are at increased risk of antipsychotic-induced compromises to their physical health.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Four databases will be searched without any year constraints to identify randomised controlled trials that are published in the English language and report a lifestyle intervention compared with usual care with any physical health outcome measure. Trial registers and results repositories will be scoured to identify additional studies. Two reviewers will independently conduct screening, data extraction and quality assessment and compare the results. Quantitative data will be synthesised, where appropriate, through a random-effects meta-analysis model. Otherwise, data will be reported in a qualitative (narrative) synthesis. Heterogeneity will be quantified using the I2statistic. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool will be used for risk of bias assessment. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system will be used to evaluate the cumulative body of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. The publication plan will target high-impact, peer-reviewed journals that fall under the scope of Psychiatry and Mental Health.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022380277.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in Malaysia 2023: study protocol for a community-based nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wan Kim Sui , Mat Rifin Halizah , Mohd Yusoff Muhammad Fadhli , Yoga Ratnam Kishwen Kanna , Chan Wah Kheong , Mohamad Masni , Mohd Noor Nurain , Mustapha Feisul , Ahmad Noor Ani
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardio-metabolic dysfunctions characterised by increased fasting plasma glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides and reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Meanwhile, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the new term for fatty liver associated with MetS. People with MetS or MAFLD have higher risks for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortalities. However, large-scale data on MetS and MAFLD prevalence in Malaysia is mainly unknown. This study aims to determine the prevalence of MetS and MAFLD among the general adult population in Malaysia.

Methods and analysis

This is a community-based nationwide cross-sectional study in Malaysia. The data collection period is from July 2023 until September 2023, with a planned sample size of 1296 participants. We use a two-stage proportionate stratified random sampling method to ensure national representativeness. The definition of MetS follows the Harmonised Joint Interim Statement in 2009. A diagnosis of MAFLD is made if a participant has fatty liver, defined as having a Fatty Liver Index ≥60 and has type 2 diabetes, a body mass index ≥23 kg/m2, or ≥2 metabolic risk abnormalities. Complex sample analysis will be conducted, and the disease prevalence will be reported with 95% CIs, unweighted counts and estimated populations.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR ID-22–02845-GUT). The findings will be disseminated through a formal report, policy brief, scientific publications, conference presentations, social media, print media and stakeholder engagement activities.
Cardiac arrhythmia and hypoglycaemia in patients receiving haemodialysis with and without diabetes (the CADDY study): protocol for a Danish multicentre cohort study
Authors: Kofod Dea Haagensen , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Bomholt Tobias , Ørbæk Andersen Mads , Rix Marianne , Liem Ylian , Lindhard Kristine , Post Hansen Henrik , Rydahl Casper , Lindhardt Morten , Schandorff Kristine , Lange Theis , Nørgaard Kirsten , Almdal Thomas Peter , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Feldt-Rasmussen Bo , Hornum Mads
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Patients receiving haemodialysis are at increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, but data on arrhythmia burden and the pathophysiology remain limited. Among potential risk factors, hypoglycaemia is proposed as a possible trigger of lethal arrhythmias. The development of implantable loop recorders (ILR) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) enables long-term continuous ECG and glycaemic monitoring. The current article presents the protocol of a study aiming to increase the understanding of arrhythmias and risk factors in patients receiving haemodialysis. The findings will provide a detailed exploration of the burden and nature of arrhythmias in these patients including the potential association between hypoglycaemia and arrhythmias.

Methods and analysis

The study is an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicentre cohort study recruiting 70 patients receiving haemodialysis: 35 with diabetes and 35 without diabetes. Participants are monitored with ILRs and CGM for 18 months follow-up. Data collection further includes a monthly collection of predialysis blood samples and dialysis parameters. The primary outcome is the presence of clinically significant arrhythmias defined as a composite of bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. Secondary outcomes include the characterisation of clinically significant arrhythmias and other arrhythmias, glycaemic characteristics, and mortality. The data analyses include an assessment of the association between arrhythmias and hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, baseline clinical variables, and parameters related to kidney failure and the haemodialysis procedure.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (H-20069767). The findings will be presented at national and international congresses as well as in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04841304.
Alternative lengthening of telomeres: mechanism and the pathogenesis of cancer
Authors: Mori Joakin O , Keegan Joshua , Flynn Rachel L , Heaphy Christopher M
Published: October 2023

Telomere maintenance and elongation allows cells to gain replicative immortality and evade cellular senescence during cancer development. While most cancers use telomerase to maintain telomere lengths, a subset of cancers engage the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway for telomere maintenance. ALT is present in 5%–10% of all cancers, although the prevalence is dramatically higher in certain cancer types, including complex karyotype sarcomas, isocitrate dehydrogenase-mutant astrocytoma (WHO grade II–IV), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, neuroblastoma and chromophobe hepatocellular carcinomas. ALT is maintained through a homology-directed DNA repair mechanism. Resembling break-induced replication, this aberrant process results in dramatic cell-to-cell telomere length heterogeneity, widespread chromosomal instability and chronic replication stress. Additionally, ALT-positive cancers frequently harbour inactivating mutations in either chromatin remodelling proteins (ATRX,DAXXandH3F3A) or DNA damage repair factors (SMARCAL1andSLX4IP). ALT can readily be detected in tissue by assessing the presence of unique molecular characteristics, such as large ultrabright nuclear telomeric foci or partially single-stranded telomeric DNA circles (C-circles). Importantly, ALT has been validated as a robust diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for certain cancer types and may even be exploited as a therapeutic target via small molecular inhibitors and/or synthetic lethality approaches.
NovelTFGmutation causes autosomal-dominant spastic paraplegia and defects in autophagy
Authors: Xu Ling , Wang Yaru , Wang Wenqing , Zhang Rui , Zhao Dandan , Yun Yan , Liu Fuchen , Zhao Yuying , Yan Chuanzhu , Lin Pengfei
Published: October 2023

Background

Mutations in the tropomyosin receptor kinase fused (TFG) gene are associated with various neurological disorders, including autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), autosomal dominant hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement (HMSN-P) and autosomal dominant type of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing were used, followed by Sanger sequencing for validation. Haplotype analysis was performed to confirm the inheritance mode of the novelTFGmutation in a large Chinese family with HSP. Additionally, another family diagnosed with HMSN-P and carrying the reportedTFGmutation was studied. Clinical data and muscle pathology comparisons were drawn between patients with HSP and patients with HMSN-P. Furthermore, functional studies using skin fibroblasts derived from patients with HSP and patients with HMSN-P were conducted to investigate the pathomechanisms ofTFGmutations.

Results

A novel heterozygousTFGvariant (NM_006070.6: c.125G>A (p.R42Q)) was identified and caused pure HSP. We further confirmed that the well-documented recessively inherited spastic paraplegia, caused by homozygousTFGmutations, exists in a dominantly inherited form. Although the clinical features and muscle pathology between patients with HSP and patients with HMSN-P were distinct, skin fibroblasts derived from both patient groups exhibited reduced levels of autophagy-related proteins and the presence of TFG-positive puncta.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that autophagy impairment may serve as a common pathomechanism among different clinical phenotypes caused byTFGmutations. Consequently, targeting autophagy may facilitate the development of a uniform treatment for TFG-related neurological disorders.
Functional annotation with expression validation identifies novel metastasis-relevant genes from post-GWAS risk loci in sporadic colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Thean Lai Fun , Wong Michelle , Lo Michelle , Tan Iain , Wong Evelyn , Gao Fei , Tan Emile , Tang Choong Leong , Cheah Peh Yean
Published: October 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third highest incidence cancer and is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Metastasis to distal organ is the major cause of cancer mortality. However, the underlying genetic factors are unclear. This study aimed to identify metastasis-relevant genes and pathways for better management of metastasis-prone patients.

Methods

A case-case genome-wide association study comprising 2677 sporadic Chinese CRC cases (1282 metastasis-positive vs 1395 metastasis-negative) was performed using the Human SNP6 microarray platform and analysed with the correlation/trend test based on the additive model. SNP variants with association testing −log10 p value ≥5 were imported into Functional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA) for functional annotation.

Results

Glycolysis was uncovered as the top hallmark gene set. Transcripts from two of the five genes profiled, hematopoietic substrate 1 associated protein X 1 (
HAX1
) and hyaluronan-mediatedmotility receptor (
HMMR
), were significantly upregulated in the metastasis-positive tumours. In contrast to disease-risk variants,
HAX1
appeared to act synergistically with
HMMR
in significantly impacting metastasis-free survival. Examining the subtype datasets with FUMA and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified distinct pathways demonstrating sexual dimorphism in CRC metastasis.

Conclusions

Combining genome-wide association testing with in silico functional annotation and wet-bench validation identified metastasis-relevant genes that could serve as features to develop subtype-specific metastasis-risk signatures for tailored management of patients with stage I-III CRC.
Evaluation of the promotion criteria in an academic medical centre in Singapore
Authors: Yeo May May , Lim Shih-Hui , Kumar Anshul , Thompson Anne W
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Academic medical centres (AMCs) have the tripartite mission of performing research to advance healthcare delivery, educating future clinicians and providing healthcare services. This study investigates the criteria associated with being promoted in a Singaporean AMC.

Methods

Using a dataset of 255 candidates for promotion at the studied AMC, we employ logistic regression to determine if these factors are associated with the likelihood of promotion. Further, we use interaction effects to test if the relationship between the H-index and likelihood of promotion differs across the academic levels of the candidates.

Results

The logistic regression results based on the best of our three tested models suggest that the H-index is positively associated with promotion for those applying to become clinical associate professors (OR=1.43, p=0.01). Moreover, candidates who provide well-developed education portfolios (OR=3.61, p=0.02) and who have held service/leadership roles (OR=6.72, p<0.001) are more likely to be promoted.

Conclusions

This study affirms the correlation between promotion and the advancement criteria outlined by the AMC. This is important for transparency and trust between the AMC and its faculty in their applications for promotion and success in an academic career. Further, our study is one of the few empirical studies linking promotion criteria to promotion outcomes.
Chorea and polycythaemia vera
Authors: Gribbin Catriona , Yasmin Arshi , Gallagher Paul
Published: October 2023

We report two patients with chorea associated with polycythaemia vera, in whom the haematocrit and haemoglobin were within the reference range. Polycythaemia vera is potentially easily treatable and so is important to consider in people developing late-onset chorea.
Investigation into the local continuous heating calibration process of a 304 stainless steel pipe by electrically assisted roll bending
Authors: Tang Zejun , Ai Yucong , Xu Aijun
Published: October 2023

A promising technology of the local continuous heating calibration process (LCHCP) was investigated by applying different parameters of electropulsing to the circumferential arc shell of a 304 stainless steel pipe during the roll bending process. In comparison to the cold calibration process, the roundness of the pre-deformed 304 stainless steel pipe was significantly improved by increasing the current density and the electropulsing width. The ring gaps in the characterization of the springback possessed a similar response to both the current density and the electropulsing width. Meanwhile, a stress relaxation constitutive model considering the electropulsing was employed to greatly fit the ring gaps.
Raychaudhuri equation and bouncing cosmology
Authors: Chakraborty Madhukrishna , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: October 2023

This work deals with an exhaustive study of bouncing cosmology in the background of homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker spacetime. The geometry of the bouncing point has been studied extensively and used as a tool to classify the models from the point of view of cosmology. Raychaudhuri equation (RE) has been furnished in these models to classify the bouncing point as regular point or singular point. Behavior of time-like geodesic congruence in the neighborhood of the bouncing point has been discussed using the Focusing Theorem which follows as a consequence of the RE. An analogy of the RE with the evolution equation for a linear harmonic oscillator has been made and an oscillatory bouncing model has been discussed in this context.
Image Object Detection Method Based on Improved Faster R-CNN
Authors: Yin Xiuye , Chen Liyong
Published: October 2023

Aiming at the problems about the incompleteness and low accuracy in classifying image feature extraction in existing image object detection methods. First, an improved image object detection method based on faster Region-Convolutional Neural Network (RCNN) is proposed, and Region of Interest (ROI) align is used instead of RoI pooling to reduce the error in the pooling process. Second, it adds the layer of convolution before adding network full-connection layer, thus reducing its parameters, enhance the performance of the classifier and avoid over-fitting. Finally, the combination of softmax and central loss functions is for training network-based model to increase the differences between categories and reduce the changes within categories, and thus the model with network could have more targeted and diversified features. Research results found that in total, method average accuracy is 91.04%, indicating higher than the accuracy of other methods and has good image target detection ability.
An Improved Convolution Neural Network-Based Fast Estimation Method for Construction Project Cost
Authors: Zeng Yun , Chen Honglin
Published: October 2023

At present, most network models do not fully consider the prior information on construction project cost, and do not do much research to find out more information or effectively utilize the information the find on construction project cost; conversely, some previous networks mainly consider the depth of the network for the reconstruction results. In addition, there is no detailed discussion on the selection of loss functions for various algorithms, and some common error loss functions are directly used. In view of these shortcomings, a fast estimation model of construction cost based on an improved convolutional neural network is proposed. The construction project is decomposed according to the project characteristics. The project characteristic factors that have a greater impact on the project cost and the main project quantity are selected and analyzed. Then, the convolutional neural network principle is used to analyze the project characteristic factors, the project cost and main project quantities. We simulate and compare the established convolutional neural network models, verify the usability of the model, and finally get a model with high reliability. The establishment of this model provides a new method for the estimation of project cost and main economic indicators, which can meet the actual work requirements to a certain extent.
Improving Haze Detection Using Deep Learning-Based Optimal Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization
Authors: Joshi Shivani , Kumar Rajiv , Rai Vipin , Rai Praveen Kumar , Singhal Manoj
Published: October 2023

When gathering optical satellite pictures, light reflected from the surface due to water vapor, snow, fog, haze, and more tiny particles in the environment is generally seen as a gap in the propagation process. Haze has a greater number of suspended particles like aerosols and water droplets. These particles have absorption effects and scattering in the light. Although haze translucency grants a chance for image restoration, a well-organized and broadly relevant haze removal procedure for holding several hazes is quite an extensive provocation. To address this issue, this paper proposed an Optimal Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (OCLAHE) to capture further intricate features and patterns connected to haze, enabling more accurate haze detection and removal. The deeper network can learn complicated descriptions and recognize between hazy and nonhazy regions with higher precision. The proposed method is validated in I-Haze and O-Haze datasets, and its performance is quantified by various performance metrics such as MSE, SSIM, PSNR, WPSNR, and Running time. The experimental consequences demonstrate that the developed model performs better than other techniques and attains an MSE from both datasets as 0.0054 and 0.0051. Overall, the proposed model amends the accuracy and reliability of haze detection in images.
GraphPack: A Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for Strip Packing Problem Using Graph Neural Network
Authors: Xu Yang , Yang Zhouwang
Published: October 2023

Considerable advances have been made recently in applying reinforcement learning (RL) to packing problems. However, most of these methods lack scalability and cannot be applied in dynamic environments. To address this research gap, we propose a hybrid algorithm called GraphPack to solve the strip packing problem. Two graph neural networks are designed to fully incorporate the problem’s structure and enhance generalization performance. SkylineNet encodes the geometry of free space as the context feature, while PackNet, supporting the symmetry of rectangles, chooses the next rectangle to pack from the remaining rectangles at each timestep. We conduct fixed-scale, variable rectangle number and variable strip width experiments to test our method. The experimental results show that our method outperforms classical heuristic methods as well as previous RL methods. Notably, our method exhibits strong generalization ability and produces stable results even when the number of rectangles or strip width differs from that during training.
Supercontinents, orogenesis and magmatism: a tribute to the career of J. Brendan Murphy
Authors: Nance R. Damian , Strachan Robin A. , Quesada Cecilio , Lin Shoufa
Published: October 2023

Special Publication 542 is a tribute to the remarkable career of J. Brendan Murphy and features 32 articles by 134 authors from 17 different countries; a testament to the high-profile and far-reaching influence of Brendan's work. The topics are wide-ranging in accord with Brendan's diverse research interests, but fall into three broad categories that encompass Brendan's main fields of influence: (i) supercontinents and the supercontinent cycle, including reconstructions and modelling, (ii) orogenesis and terranes, with a focus on the Appalachian–Variscan and Central Asian orogenic belts and the oceans with which they are associated and (iii) magmatism and magmatic processes, with an emphasis on the geochemistry and isotopic compositions of magmas in arc and rift settings. Like Brendan's own research, the scope of the papers spans the globe from Canada to China and ranges from regional field-based studies to conceptual global analyses. All of the articles, however, are focused on unravelling some critical aspect of geology or aimed at clarifying some crucial geologic process. Hence they also share a theme common to Brendan's many contributions in emphasizing the importance of process-oriented research.
Multiply-and-Fire: An Event-Driven Sparse Neural Network Accelerator
Authors: Yu Miao , Xiang Tingting , Miriyala Venkata Pavan Kumar , Carlson Trevor E.
Published: October 2023

Deep neural network inference has become a vital workload for many systems from edge-based computing to data centers. To reduce the performance and power requirements for deep neural networks (DNNs) running on these systems, pruning is commonly used as a way to maintain most of the accuracy of the system while significantly reducing the workload requirements. Unfortunately, accelerators designed for unstructured pruning typically employ expensive methods to either determine non-zero activation-weight pairings or reorder computation. These methods require additional storage and memory accesses compared to the more regular data access patterns seen in structurally pruned models. However, even existing works that focus on the more regular access patterns seen in structured pruning continue to suffer from inefficient designs, which either ignore or expensively handle activation sparsity leading to low performance.

To address these inefficiencies, we leverage structured pruning and propose the multiply-and-fire (MnF) technique, which aims to solve these problems in three ways: (a) the use of a novel event-driven dataflow that naturally exploits activation sparsity without complex, high-overhead logic; (b) an optimized dataflow takes an activation-centric approach, which aims to maximize the reuse of activation data in computation and ensures the data are only fetched once from off-chip global and on-chip local memory; and (c) based on the proposed event-driven dataflow, we develop an energy-efficient, high-performance sparsity-aware DNN accelerator. Our results show that our MnF accelerator achieves a significant improvement across a number of modern benchmarks and presents a new direction to enable highly efficient AI inference for both CNN and MLP workloads. Overall, this work achieves a geometric mean of 11.2× higher energy efficiency and 1.41× speedup compared to a state-of-the-art sparsity-aware accelerator.
Hybrid Methodology for Parametrisation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Model for Diagnostics and Control Applications
Authors: Kravos Andraž , Voglar Tit , Kregar Ambrož , Katrašnik Tomaž
Published: October 2023

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a very powerful tool for the diagnosis and characterization of fuell cells (FC). However, there is still a lack of physico-chemically consistent models that include parameters with a clear physical meaning and can be related to intrinsic parameters of FC. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper presents a novel, mechanistically based and computationally efficient FC modelling framework for time and frequency domain simulations. Furthermore, the model consistently handles forward and backward reactions, ensuring its validity at all current densities. These features enable the development of a hybrid methodology for parameterising the FC model in both domains, resulting in unprecedented accuracy in determining the internal states around which the EIS perturbation is applied. Furthermore, innovative modelling framework incorporates a 1D analytical solution of FC impedance that for the first time accounts for both electrodes, the membrane and individual effects of the electrodes coupled to the respective GDL and channel, all significantly impacting the accuracy of the model. This was confirmed by state-of-the-art reproduction of experimental data with R2 values exceeding 0.965 for data not used in the parameterisation. The presented modelling framework thus provides a modelling basis for observer functionalities beyond the state-of-the-art.
Active Microvibration Control of Tool Platforms Installed on the Floors Subjected to Moving Vehicles in Industrial Factories
Authors: Lee Chien-Liang , Chen Yung-Tsang , Su Ray Kai Leung , Wang Yen-Po
Published: October 2023

The vibration responses of tall flexible tool (or equipment) platforms subjected to floor excitations at the platform base are considered more crucial than those of the short ones. This study examined the microvibration control performance of the proposed active piezoelectric mass damper (APMD) or driver for tall platforms subjected to internal automated guided vehicle- (AGV-) induced floor vibrations with larger intensity and broader bandwidth in liquid-crystal-display (LCD) fabrication factories (fabs). The APMD did not require auxiliary spring and damping elements to tune the natural frequency and reduce the stroke of the mass block as required by typical active tuned mass dampers (ATMDs). The motion equation of the proposed analytical model including a continuous three-span beam (or floor) system and an active-controlled tool platform under the action of the AGV moving forces was derived. The APMD, consisting of piezoelectric stacks and a mass block, was installed on the platform subjected to the base rotation excitation, which could be attributed to the uneven vertical floor vibrations induced by AGVs. Moreover, the direct output feedback control algorithm was adopted to determine the optimal feedback gain matrix for calculating the active control force. Time history analyses of the continuous beam-platform model under different AGV weights moving at the same speed were performed, and the corresponding velocity vibration spectra of the floor and platform were further obtained through one-third octave band spectrum analysis. Numerical simulation results revealed that the microvibrations of the platform without APMD generally exceed the VC-A level regardless of the AGV weight. Significant reductions of over 90% on the platform microvibrations could be achieved after the platform was implemented with the APMD, and vibrations met the desired vibration limit (VC-B). Moreover, the APMD exhibits comparable microvibration control performance to the ATMD and requires less mass of the mass block, stroke, and applied voltage under the same active control force. In real-life high-tech production fabs, AGV-induced platform microvibrations occur all the time; therefore, the proposed APMD with less power consumption could be an economical and feasible approach for persistent microvibration control of tall platforms in LCD fabs.
Therapy Efficacy of Idiopathic Ventricular Extrasystoles: A Real Life Study
Authors: Lönnrot Aliisa , Inkovaara Jaakko , Arola Olli , Penttilä Tero , Mäkynen Heikki , Aalto-Setälä Katriina , Yli-Mäyry Sinikka
Published: October 2023

Background. Ventricular extrasystoles (VESs) are common and often harmless in a healthy heart, but they can significantly affect the quality of life. If changes in lifestyle and antiarrhythmic medication are not enough, invasive and often curative catheter ablation can be considered. Better understanding of the conformation of VESs with a 12-lead ECG, as well as their precise localization, have increased their treatment with catheter ablation. Our goal was to determine whether the anatomical site of VES had an effect on procedure success. We also analyzed the safety of the procedure and patient-related factors affecting the results. Materials and Methods. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the medical records of 63 consecutive patients with multiple idiopathic VESs treated by catheter ablation at Heart Hospital, Tampere University Hospital, during 2017 and 2018. Patients with structural heart disease were excluded. Ablation success was estimated with two endpoints, primary and follow-up success. Results. The majority of the patients received treatment on the right ventricular outflow tract (66.7%), others on the left ventricle (17.5%), or the aortic cusp (9.5%). The site of origin remained unknown in four procedures (6.3% of patients). Primary success was observed in 48 procedures (76.2%). During the follow-up period of three months, the procedure was successful in 70.3% of the cases. The anatomical site of VES had no significant effect on either primary or follow-up success. Those with a successful follow-up result had a lower body mass index (BMI = 26.4) than those who had an unsuccessful result (BMI = 28.7;

p
=
0.069

); this did not reach statistical significance, potentially due to the small study population size. Complications were observed in three patients (4.5%). All of them were related to the catheter insertion site. Conclusions. For a symptomatic patient, catheter ablation is an effective and often fully curative treatment. The success rate was similar regardless of the site of VESs. This suggests that catheter ablation should also be assessed early on for other cases besides classic right ventricular outflow tract VESs. A high BMI was the only factor associated with a poor procedure success rate. The procedure itself is safe, and adverse effects are rare. The radiation dose is also low partly due to the current magnetic navigation method.
Effectiveness of Robotics in Stroke Rehabilitation to Accelerate Upper Extremity Function: Systematic Review
Authors: Carrillo Cora , Tilley Devyn , Horn Kaitlyn , Gonzalez Michelle , Coffman Cassidy , Hilton Claudia , Mani Karthik
Published: October 2023

Objective. To examine the effectiveness of robot-assisted therapy (RAT) combined with conventional therapy (CT) compared to CT alone in accelerating upper extremity (UE) recovery poststroke. Data Sources. We searched five databases: Ovid, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus Study Selection. Studies were selected for this review using the following inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials of adults, RAT combined with CT compared to CT, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) as an outcome measure. Studies focused on children with neurological impairments, and studies that used RAT to facilitate lower extremity recovery and/or improve gait were excluded. Data Extraction. The initial search yielded 3,019 citations of articles published between January 2011 and May 2021. Fourteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Randomization, allocation sequence concealment, blinding, and other biases were assessed. Data Synthesis. Current evidence suggests that the use of RAT along with CT may accelerate upper extremity recovery, measured by FMA, in the beginning of rehabilitation. However, the progress fades over time. More empirical research is needed to validate this observation. Also, the findings related to cost-benefit analyses of RAT are inconclusive. Conclusions. It is unclear whether RAT accelerates UE recovery poststroke when used in conjunction with conventional therapy. Given the capital and maintenance costs involved in developing and delivering RAT, more controlled studies examining the effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis of RAT are needed before it can be used widely. This trial is registered with CRD42021270824.
Experimental Study on Sleep Quality in Naturally Ventilated Rooms under Moderate Climate Conditions
Authors: Kondo Kyohei , Asawa Takashi
Published: October 2023

Optimizing the thermal environment of a bedroom is desirable for good sleep. In moderate climatic conditions, natural ventilation is a viable method for enhancing the quality of sleep by improving indoor air conditions. This study examined the effects of air temperature and wind speed on sleep quality in naturally ventilated rooms with windows open and closed, during autumn. Thirteen young males in healthy conditions participated in this study. Two adjacent test rooms (for opened and closed conditions) were selected on a university campus, with standardized indoor conditions. Air temperature and wind speed were measured near the height of the participants’ heads. Sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were calculated using physiological wearable sensors based on heart rate and body movement. The participants completed questionnaires on thermal sensation and comfort before and after sleep. The results showed that the lowest percentage of WASO was observed when the nocturnal mean temperature was 23–24°C with a quadratic regression curve regardless of the window opening conditions. Conversely, subjective sleep satisfaction and WASO did not show any significant differences between the conditions. The results revealed no significant impact of varying thermal and airflow conditions during autumn on thermal/airflow comfort, although significant differences were observed in the thermal/airflow sensation before and after sleep. Thus, these results suggest that natural ventilation through the opening of windows might not affect thermal/airflow comfort, while a nocturnal indoor air temperature of 23–24°C is recommended for good sleep and thermal comfort, regardless of window opening conditions under moderate climate conditions.
Exosomal lncRNA NEAT1 Inhibits NK-Cell Activity to Promote Multiple Myeloma Cell Immune Escape via an EZH2/PBX1 Axis
Authors: Wang Qing-Ming , Lian Guang-Yu , Sheng Su-Mei , Xu Jing , Ye Long-Long , Min Chao , Guo Shu-Fang
Published: October 2023

Exosomal long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) derived from cancer cells are implicated in various processes, including cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and immunomodulation. We investigated the role and underlying mechanism of exosome-transmitted lncRNA NEAT1 in the immune escape of multiple myeloma cells from natural killer (NK) cells. Multiple myeloma cells and samples from patients with multiple myeloma were obtained. The effects of multiple myeloma cell-derived exosomes (multiple myeloma exosomes) and exosomal NEAT1 on the functions of NK cells were evaluated using EdU staining, CCK-8, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Chromatin and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to identify interactions between NEAT1, enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), and pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 1 (PBX1). A xenograft tumor model was constructed to verify the effects of exosomal NEAT1 on tumor growth. qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and IHC were conducted to detect related genes. NEAT1 levels were upregulated in multiple myeloma tumor tissues, multiple myeloma cells, and multiple myeloma exosomes. Multiple myeloma exosomes suppressed cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, reduced natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D)-positive cells, and the production of TNFα) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in NK cells, whereas NEAT1-silenced exosomes had little effect. NEAT1 silenced PBX1 by recruiting EZH2. PBX1 knockdown abrogated the effects of NEAT1-silenced exosomes on NK and multiple myeloma cells. NEAT1-silenced exosomes inhibited tumor growth in mice, decreased Ki67 and PD-L1, and increased NKG2D, TNFα, and IFNγ in tumor tissues. In summary, multiple myeloma cell–derived exosomal NEAT1 suppressed NK-cell activity by downregulating PBX1, promoting multiple myeloma cell immune escape. This study suggests a potential strategy for treating multiple myeloma.

Implications:

This study reveals that exosomal NEAT1 regulates EZH2/PBX1 axis to inhibit NK-cell activity, thereby promoting multiple myeloma cell immune escape, which offers a novel therapeutic potential for multiple myeloma.
Morganella sp. infection in scent gland of corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) - case report
Authors: Prazeres Júnior Fabiano Rocha , Moreira Amanda de Carvalho , Melo Neto José Alvim de , Pedri Maria Clara Nascimento , Malta Vitor Fernando Mendes
Published: October 2023

The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a non-venomous snake from the Colubridae family. The pair of scent glands is indispensable in the physiology of reproduction and defense of the species. This structure is located caudal to the cloaca. It is responsible for releasing a thick material based on lipids containing pheromones that perform functions associated with animal behavior and survival. This work aims to report infection by Morganella sp. in a scent gland in a female corn snake, evidencing the diagnosis and treatment. An increase in volume was seen in the final third, proximal to the cloaca, firm consistency, immobile, and approximately 4 cm long and painful to touch. Samples of the material were collected for bacterial culture and antibiogram examination, being positive for bacteria of the genus Morganella. Based on the result of the antibiogram, it was possible to determine the most appropriate therapeutic protocol, with the referral to perform the surgical procedure to remove the tissue compromised by the infection, remaining stable until the removal of the stitches 40 days after the procedure, with total surgical wound healing.
Literatura engajada
Authors: Perrone-Moisés Leyla
Published: October 2023

O presente artigo coloca em questão a “literatura engajada”, que voltou a dominar parte da literatura contemporânea. Examina o percurso histórico e os pressupostos teóricos dessa tendência, que agora se apoia na discussão sobre identidade e lugar de fala, conceitos discutíveis quando se fala de literatura. Desse modo, através de diversos críticos e escritores, como Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Theodor W. Adorno, Joseph Conrad, Clarice Lispector e Kasereka Kavwahirehi, entre outros, serão reconstituídas as diferenças entre o engajamento e uma visão que valoriza e encontra a força da literatura não apenas por sua temática, mas pelo seu trabalho com (e na) linguagem. Sendo capaz de expressar sentimentos, motivações e ações que são comuns à humanidade, a literatura é uma forma poderosa de pôr em contato pessoas de diversas etnias e culturas.
Para além do Binário: Reflexões sobre a linguagem neutra
Authors: Oliveira Arthur Marques de , Ramos Juliana Marschal
Published: October 2023

Esta resenha apresenta a obra lançada em 2022 e coordenada por Fábio Ramos Barbosa Filho e  Gabriel de Ávila Othero, ambos professores e pesquisadores da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Sua apresentação dividiu-se em três partes: a primeira descreve sobre a obra em geral e sua importância para os estudos sobre linguagem e gênero atualmente; a segunda parte,  são discutidos os capítulos do livro bem como uma apresentação dos autores de cada texto; por último, são apontadas algumas críticas no sentido de melhorias tendo como objetivo o facilitar o acesso de pessoas que não sejam, necessariamente, da academia.
OLHARES ALTERNATIVOS SOBRE A HISTÓRIA DA MÍDIA
Authors: Garcia Wilton
Published: October 2023

Indicadores e evidências (re)formulam noções, princípios e fundamentos para fomentar as instâncias comunicacionais de nossa contemporaneidade. Esta edição Especial da Revista ALTERJOR de Jornalismo popular e alternativo apresenta o Dossiê Alcar Sudeste 2022, realizado na Escola de Comunicações e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo – ECA-USP, nos dias 30 de novembro e 1 de dezembro de 2022, de forma presencial e gratuita.
MÚSICA SERTANEJA: ENTRE A TRADIÇÃO, O MERCADO E A REPRESENTATIVIDADE
Authors: Faria Paula Beatriz Coelho Domingos
Published: October 2023

O trabalho discute a hipótese de busca da música sertaneja pela legitimação como gênero representante dos interiores do Brasil em contraposição com os argumentos ligados à estigmatização do gênero, considerando suas diversas vertentes, sua inserção na cultura de massa, o apelo ao melodrama e o afastamento de tradições consideradas importantes para a classificação como música rural. Para isso, são explorados conceitos como o de sertanejo universitário e o de MPB e recorre-se a estudiosos do tema como Alonso (2013 e 2015), Caldas (2004) e Candido (2010), além de pesquisadores ligados à música popular, como Wisnik (2004), Sandroni (2004) e Vianna (1995).
JORNALISMO ANTIGORDOFÓBICO: POSSIBILIDADES NAS BRECHAS DA NARRATIVA DO PROFISSÃO REPÓRTER
Authors: Arruda Agnes de Sousa , Martini Mara Rovida
Published: October 2023

O programa jornalístico Profissão Repórter é conhecido por apresentar, em suas narrativas, o contraditório e a diversidade de perspectivas. No entanto, a partir de uma leitura mais detida, é possível perceber que, mesmo com a premissa diversa, o programa se atém ao senso comum no contexto da gordofobia. O fato foi observado na edição de 14 de junho de 2022, cujo tema em pauta era a cirurgia bariátrica. Tendo sido a gordofobia identificada como um problema de pesquisa na área da Comunicação, bem como uma dificuldade na cobertura jornalística, este artigo investiga brechas deixadas pela equipe de reportagem responsável pelo episódio em questão, que poderiam ter sido aproveitadas como possibilidades de desestigmatização das pessoas gordas. A metodologia se dá na análise de conteúdo e na revisão de literatura.
A necessidade da geografia eleitoral: as possibilidades do campo
Authors: Azevedo Daniel Abreu de
Published: October 2023

A atual difusão de softwares de georreferenciamento e novas técnicas estatísticas expandiram as possibilidades na geografia eleitoral. O artigo tem como objetivo analisar a produção desse campo, revelando lacunas na produção brasileira em comparação à anglófona. A metodologia utilizada foi a revisão narrativa de literatura a partir do protocolo SANRA, que sistematiza e revela possíveis caminhos de pesquisa. A pesquisa revelou que, dentre as três grandes temáticas da geografia eleitoral, há uma concentração de interesse distinta entre a produção nacional e estrangeira, sendo a primeira focada no efeito composicional e a segunda no efeito contextual. Além disso, apenas 4% da produção no Brasil é realizada por geógrafos e 14% em revistas especializadas em geografia. Por fim, sugere-se superar a suposta dicotomia entre efeito composicional e efeito contextual, posicionando ambas como campos ricos da geografia eleitoral.
Exu contra o messianismo: crítica de Esperando Godot no fim do mundo, encenada pelo Teatro Oficina
Authors: Marino Rafael
Published: October 2023

Este ensaio intenta fazer uma leitura crítica da peça Esperando Godot no fim do mundo, encenada pelo Teatro Oficina Uzyna Uzona em 2022. O argumento explorado ao longo do texto é que, com escolhas cênicas e textuais específicas, a companhia reorientou a peça de Samuel Beckett em um sentido afro-antropofágico, distinguindo significativamente essa montagem do sentido original do texto.
Domesticação, infidelidade abusiva e a ilusória invisibilidade do tradutor: o caso dos memes na dublagem brasileira da animação (Des)encanto
Authors: Brezolin Adauri , Perretta Gabriela Favero
Published: October 2023

Neste manuscrito, discutiremos como um texto, mesmo altamente domesticado, consegue deixar seu tradutor visível. Coletamos 15 falas originais da primeira temporada da série norte-americana (Des)encanto (Netflix, 2018) e as respectivas falas dubladas (caracterizadas por memes) em português brasileiro para posterior cotejo. Para tanto, apresentaremos noções relacionadas à dublagem e ao seu processo; à tradução em geral e à tradução para dublagem, dando ênfase às estratégias de domesticação e estrangeirização de Venuti (1995) e aos memes. Inferimos que o principal fator responsável pela visibilidade do tradutor nesse texto domesticado foi a presença do conceito de “infidelidade abusiva” em oposição ao conceito de “fidelidade abusiva” de Lewis (1985), discutido por Venuti (1995).
Tempos Fantásticos e Onde Habitam: O Oxímoro do Efêmero Eterno
Authors: Tufaile Adriana Pedrosa Biscaia , Tufaile Alberto
Published: October 2023

Discutimos algumas formas de interpretação do tempo no campo das Ciências da Natureza e Cultura, um assunto que estudamos e sobre o qual escrevemos um ensaio com o título “Questões de Tempo para Gurus, Cientistas, Filósofos e Terapeutas”. Neste trabalho revisitamos o capítulo II desse ensaio, no qual citamos o escritor da literatura fantástica Jorge Luis Borges, que discute a evolução dos estudos do tempo na metafísica, que se fixa no conceito de Eternidade. A seguir adicionamos uma interpretação do conceito de Efêmero nas obras do pintor do Rococó francês Jean Simeon Chardin. Adicionamos também aspectos físicos dos relógios mais precisos da atualidade, associando a medida mais precisa do tempo com conceito de Instantâneo.