bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time to Re-Think Broca: Extent of Resection and Neurological Outcome in Patients Harboring Tumors in the Dominant Inferior Frontal Gyrus
Authors: Suarez-Meade Paola , Marenco-Hillembrand Lina , Sabsevitz David , Okromelidze Lela , Perkidis Blake , Sherman Wendy J. , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Middlebrooks Erik H. , Chaichana Kaisorn L.
Published: August 2021

Introduction/Purpose: There is a general lack of consensus onboth the anatomic definition and function of Broca’s area. Given the belief that this region plays a critical role in expressive language, resective surgery is often avoided topreserve function. However, the putative role of Broca’s area in speech production has been recently challenged.The current study aims to investigatethe feasibilityof glioma resection and neurological outcomes in “Broca’s area” in 15 patients.Methods: We report a feasibility study describing the resection of gliomas within the IFG. Awake brain surgery for resection with mapping and intraoperative neuropsychological evaluation was carried out in all individuals. Results: All included patientshad tumors located in traditional “Broca’s area” and eight patients (53.33%) had tumors that additionally extendedinto the insula and subinsular regions. During stimulation, positive speech-language sites within the IFG were identified in ten patients. Two patients (13.33%) experienced a declinein naming during intraoperative cognitive monitoring and thirteen (86.66%) had a stable performance throughout surgery. With all patients had recovery of language functions at a two-week follow up. Extent of resection was stratified in anatomical regions within the IFG, being the pOr the area with the greatest EOR (97.4%), followed by the pT (84.1%), pOp (83.8%), and vPMC (80%).Conclusion: The belief that Broca’s area is not safe to resect is challenged. Adequate mapping and careful patient selection allow maximum safe resection of tumors located in thetraditional “Broca’s area”,with low risk of postoperative morbidity.
Transcription of Genes Involved in Biomineralization in Two Mantle Morphs of Pearl Oyster, Pinctada Persica
Authors: Parvizi Fatemeh , Akbarzadeh Arash , Farhadi Ahmad , Arnaud-Haond Sophie , Ranjbar Mohammad Sharif
Published: August 2021

A few species of mollusks display color variation in their soft tissues. In pearl oysters, the color polymorphism in mantle tissue is associated with the color and radiance of shell and pearl. The study of biomineralization related genes in mantle tissue of pearl oysters can be used as a suitable approach to better identify the molecular mechanisms that influence shell and pearl quality and color variations. In this study, we investigated the transcription of biomineralization-related genes in black and orange mantle morphotypes of pearl oyster, Pinctada persica in both warm and cool seasons using quantitative real-time PCR. Our results showed that the genes involved in biomineralization of the prismatic and nacre layer, i.e.; ASP, KRMP, MRNP34, SHELL, SHEM1B, LINKINE, PIF, SHEM5, NACREIN, and in pigmentation (TYR2A) were significantly highly expressed in orange phenotype compared to those of black one, suggesting the existence of different genetic processes between two color morphs of mantle tissue and the more active role of genes in orange morphotype. In black mantle phenotype, ASP, KRMP, SHEM5 and PIF and in the orange phenotype, only KRMP and PRISM showed difference in seasonal expression. This study provides an accurate understanding of the mantle trait of P. persica.
Significance of Plasma Circulating Endothelial Microparticles Combined with Von Willebrand Factor in Coronary Injury of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Cheng Mingye , Chen Tao , Zhao Jianmei , Tang Zhiyuan
Published: August 2021

Background:The greatest complication of Kawasaki disease (KD) is coronary artery injury, and the requirement for early diagnosis and treatment is paramount. Thus, markers of vascular endothelial injury are of important clinical significance. Methods:According to our diagnostic criteria, blood samples were collected from 43 patients with KD, who were then divided into coronary artery lesions (CALs) and non-CALs (NCALs) groups according to their Z-score. As the control group, an additional 26 blood samples were collected from healthy children. Flow cytometry (FCM) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to detect the expression levels of plasma endothelial microparticles (EMPs) and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Results:The expression levels of plasma CD31+/CD42b-EMPs, CD105+/CD54+EMPs, and vWF were higher in children with KD than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).Also, the expression levels of CD31+/CD42b-EMPs, CD105+/CD54+EMPs and vWF in those in the CALs group at the acute and subacute stages were significantly higher than those in the NCALs group (P<0.05). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) of CD31+/CD42b-EMPs combined with vWF was 0.896, which indicates a higher diagnostic value in predicting CALs in children with KD. Conclusions:In our study, expression levels of EMPs and vWFare expected to used for early diagnosis, and which are associated with coronary artery injury in KD.
Phenotypic Characterization of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase, Class C Cephalosporinase and Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella Species Isolated from Patients Consulted at Four Yaounde-Based Hospitals.
Authors: Mbamyah Emilia Enjema Lyonga , Kumcho Mangum Patience , Toukam Michel , Sedena Dieudonné , Enyeji Florence Anjabie , Teukam Aime-Caesar , Djuissi Modestine , Mesembe Martha Tongo , Ikomey George Mondinde , Betbeui Anicette Chafa , Baiye William , Eyoh Agnes Bedie , Gonsu Hortense Kamga
Published: August 2021

Background: Klebsiella spp. are bacteria of medical importance for their role in opportunistic infections. These infections are often difficult to treat because of acquired resistance to one or several families of antimicrobials. The present study aimed at detecting Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL), Class C cephalosporinase (AmpC) and carbapenemase resistant phenotypes of Klebsiella spp. isolated from patients consulted at four Yaounde-based hospitals. Results: The frequency of the species isolated was Klebsiella pneumoniae (69%), K. oxytoca (14%), K. ozaenae (12%) and K. rhinoscleromatis (5%). Isolates were most resistant to penicillins (90%), sulphonamides (84%), cepaholosporins (80%), and least resistant to carbapenems (10.2%). Three isolates namely: two K. oxytoca and one K. pneumoniae were resistant to all twenty-eight (28) antibiotics tested. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the species with the most multidrug resistant isolates (59.4%). Most isolates (83.6%) expressed at least one resistance phenotype, while 63.6% of the isolates expressed all three phenotypes. Many of the isolates were ESBL producers (71.6%), while fewer isolates were carbapenemase (26.7%) and AmpC (6.6%) producers. Three carbapenemases (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-KPC, Metallo-Beta Lactamase-MBL and OXA-48) were detected from 26.7% of the isolates and the combination KPC and MBL were the most detected phenotypes (12.9%). Conclusion: These results reveal that resistance of Klebsiella spp. to cephalosporins is high and this may be exacerbated as a result of the co-expression of AmpC and carbapenemases. About a quarter of the isolates had acquired carbapenemases that confer resistance to all beta-lactamases and carbapenems which constitute last line drugs. The resistance burden is further strengthened in isolates that acquired more than one carbapenemase aggravating associated patient morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to continue monitoring antimicrobial resistance of local strains for better informed decisions on empirical treatment guide and better patient care.
Association Among B Lymphocyte Subset and Rheumatoid Arthritis in A Chinese Population
Authors: You Haiyan , Cheng Mengwei , Ma Cui , Zheng Wenjuan , Jiang Yu , Chen Di , Tang Yu
Published: August 2021

Background and aim:
Autoantibody production are the main risk factors for inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate differences in B lymphocyte subsets (native B, memory B, and plasmablasts) and several cytokines in RA patients and their correlation with the clinical parameters.
Methods
In total, 81 RA patients (active RA and inactive RA) and 40 healthy subjects were recruited between September 2018 and October 2020. The distribution of B lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood samples was measured via flow cytometry and the plasma cytokines were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the value of each index for RA diagnosis and activity prediction.
Results
The percentages of native B and memory B cells in RA patients did not differ significantly from the percentages of those in healthy controls. However, the percentage of plasmablasts in active RA patients was significantly higher compared with healthy subjects and inactive RA patients. The percentage of plasmablasts was significantly related to C reaction protein. ROC curve analysis showed that when the best cutoff value of plasmablasts/B cell was 1.08%, the area under the curve (AUC) for diagnosing APN was 0.831 (95% CI 0.748ཞ0.915), the specificity was 91.4%, and the sensitivity was 67.5%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the percentage of plasmablast varies among RA patients in different stages. The percentage of plasmablasts can be used as an early diagnosis marker for RA.
Sex Disparities in Thyroid Cancer: A SEER Population Study
Authors: Li Peng , Ding Ying , Liu Mengyuan , Wang Wenlong , Li Xinying
Published: August 2021

Background: The incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer vary according to race and sex. Male and female thyroid cancer patients are also given differences in some clinical characteristics, such as tumor size and distant metastasis. However, whether there are sex differences in the prognosis of thyroid cancer remains controversial. Therefore, the present study is intended to explore the relationship between sex and prognosis of patients with thyroid cancer and to provide guidelines for the treatment and management of thyroid cancer patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with pathologically proven thyroid cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. The sex disparities in the prognosis of different cohorts derived by propensity score matching was investigated using Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier functions. Results: Among 41,270 female and 13,188 male with thyroid cancer, sex was an independent prognostic factor for overall (OS) and cancer-specific (CSS) survival (HR=1.632, 95%CI=1.499-1.777, P<0.001; HR= 1.473, 95% CI= 1.245-1.741, P<0.001). Male developed a larger tumor size (17.44 vs. 23.51cm) and had a larger proportion of metastasis (lymph nodes: 33.2 vs. 21.0%; distant: 2.3 vs. 0.9%), through female had a higher incidence and were diagnosed with thyroid cancer at an earlier age (47.98 vs. 52.45 years old). Survival month of male patients was significantly lower than that of female patients (72.39 vs. 76.8 months). In Kaplan-Meier analyses of cohorts derived by propensity score matching, OS and CSS declined more sharply for male (P<0.01). The mean number (2.0 vs 4.0) and mean ratio (0.192 vs 0.297) of positive nodes supported that male patients have a worse prognosis. Factors including race, age, surgery, histology recode, T, N, M stage and combined summary stage affected the CSS of male and female, plus median income had an extra impact in male (≥$55000 versus <$55,000: HR= 0.739, 95% CI= 0.574-0.953, P= 0.020).Conclusion: Thyroid cancer is a tumor with a female prevalence but a male bias in poor prognosis. Sex was an independent prognostic factor for OS and CSS. Other factors including race, age, income, histological type, surgery, T, N, M stage influenced OS of male and female with thyroid cancer. But race had no impact on CSS of thyroid cancer patients and median income only affected male CSS.
Biological features between miRNA and their targets are unveiled from deep learning models
Authors: Gu Tongjun , Xie Mingyi , Barbazuk W. Brad , Lee Ji-Hyun
Published: August 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22 nucleotide ubiquitous gene regulators. They modulate a broad range of essential cellular processes linked to human health and diseases. Consequently, identifying miRNA targets and understanding how they function are critical for treating miRNA associated diseases. In our earlier work, we developed a hybrid deep learning-based approach (miTAR) for predicting miRNA targets at significantly higher accuracy compared to existing methods. It integrates two major types of deep learning algorithms: convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). However, the features in miRNA:target interactions learned by miTAR have not been investigated. In the current study, we demonstrated that miTAR captures known features, including the involvement of seed region and the free energy, as well as multiple novel features, in the miRNA:target interactions. Interestingly, the CNN and RNN layers of the model behave differently at capturing the free energy feature: the feature captured by the CNN layer units, but not the RNN layer units, is overlapped within and across feature maps. Although deep learning models are commonly thought “black-boxes”, our discoveries support that the biological features in miRNA:target can be unveiled from deep learning models, which will be beneficial to the understanding of the mechanisms in miRNA:target interactions.
Image Preprocessing and Filtering Effect on the Estimate of Myocardial Radiomic Features From T1 and T2 Mapping in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Marfisi Daniela , Tessa Carlo , Marzi Chiara , Meglio Jacopo Del , Linsalata Stefania , Borgheresi Rita , Lilli Alessio , Lazzarini Riccardo , Salvatori Luca , Vignali Claudio , Barucci Andrea , Mascalchi Mario , Casolo Giancarlo , Diciotti Stefano , Traino Antonio Claudio , Giannelli Marco
Published: August 2021

Radiomics is emerging as a promising and useful tool in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging applications. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effect of image preprocessing and filtering on radiomic features estimation from quantitative CMR T1 and T2 mapping. Specifically, T1 and T2 maps of 26 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) were used to estimate 98 radiomic features for 7 different resampling voxel sizes (at fixed bin width), 9 different bin widths (at fixed resampling voxel size), and 7 different spatial filters (at fixed resampling voxel size/bin width). While we found a remarkable dependence of myocardial radiomic features from T1 and T2 mapping on image filters, many radiomic features showed a limited sensitivity to resampling voxel size/bin width, in terms of intraclass correlation coefficient (>0.75) and coefficient of variation (<30%). The estimate of several textural radiomic features showed a linear significant (p<0.05) correlation with resampling voxel size/bin width. Overall, radiomic features from T2 maps have proven to be less sensitive to image preprocessing than those from T1 maps, especially when varying bin width. Our results might corroborate the potential of radiomics from T1/T2 mapping in HCM and hopefully in other myocardial diseases.
Evaluation of the Reliability of Lower Extremity Alignment Measurements Using EOS Imaging System While Standing in an Even Weight-Bearing Posture
Authors: Cho Byung Woo , Lee Tae-Ho , Kim Sungjun , Choi Chong-Hyuk , Jung Min , Lee Koo Yeon , Kim Sung-Hwan
Published: August 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the reproducibility and reliability of the alignment parameters measured using the EOS image system in both limbs while standing with an even weight-bearing posture.Methods: Overall, 104 lower extremities in 52 patients were analyzed retrospectively. The patients stood with an even load over both lower extremities then rotated 15° in both directions. Two EOS images were acquired and 104 pairs of lower extremities were compared according to the position of the indexed lower extremities. Then, the inter-observer reliability of the EOS system and the inter-modality reliability between EOS and computed tomography (CT) were evaluated.Results: Femoro-tibial rotation (FTR) and tibial torsion demonstrated a significant difference between the anterior and posterior positions of the indexed lower extremity. All values except for FTR and tibial torsion demonstrated good or very good reliability. In the anterior position, FTR demonstrated moderate, and tibial torsion demonstrated poor reliability. In the posterior position, both FTR and tibial torsion demonstrated poor reliability. In the reliability analysis between the three-dimensional (3D) EOS model and 3D CT images, all measurements of the femur demonstrated very good reliability, but measurements of the tibia did not.Conclusions: For the coronal and sagittal alignment parameters measured by the EOS 3D system with rotated standing posture, except for the measurement including tibial torsion., there were no significant difference for either position of the indexed extremities with high agreement between the observers as well as with the CT 3D model.
Patient Specific Finite Element Modeling of Shoulder Implant Based on CT scan: The Concept of Modelling Explained
Authors: György Kocsis , Henap Gabor
Published: August 2021

The following work introduces a method to carry out patient specific implant design based on computer tomography (CT) imaging technique. Point cloud bone model and the solid model creation process is described in detail. Using the radiodensity level of the CT-scan the continuous distribution of the elastic properties of the bone is also been recorded and used for the material model of the finite element procedure. For this purpose, a continuous mass density – elastic modulus curve is suggested, based on previous results in the literature. Stress shielding poses a serious issue regarding the survival of an implant. Strain energy density (SED) is a good indicator of the effects that drive the remodeling. Based on local SED difference caused by the implant this phenomenon can be quantified and visualized. This makes it possible to classify or redesign the implant in order to minimize the potential bone loss caused by the altered stress state.
The Expression of Serum Ferritin and Its Clinical Predictive Value in Patients With Hemorrhagic Fever With Renal Syndrome
Authors: Hu Haifeng , Wang Pingzhong , Lian Jianqi , Wang Xiaoyan , Li Jing , Zhan Jiayi , Du Hong
Published: August 2021

As a natural focus disease characterized by systemic immunopathological injury, there is a considerable diversity and heterogeneity in clinical course and prognosis of the patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Therefore, the importance of early prediction and prognostic evaluation of severe patients in reducing mortality is self-evident. In this study, we detected the expression of serum ferritin and investigated its role on disease severity assessment and prognosis prediction in HFRS patients. The levels of serum ferritin in acute phase were higher than that of healthy controls and in convalescent phase of the same type, and gradually increased with the aggravation of the disease, which showed highest expression in the critical-type patients. Serum ferritin demonstrated significant correlations with conventional laboratory parameters (WBC, PLT, AST, ALB, APTT, Fib) and the length of hospital stay. High levels of ferritin were significantly associated with the death of HFRS, with a hazard ratio of 4.12. Serum ferritin showed a comparable predictive efficacy for the prognosis (death) of HFRS with that of conventional laboratory parameters, which with the AUC of 0.860 (95%CI: 0.782 ~ 0.938, P < 0.001). These results indicated that the detection of serum ferritin might be beneficial to early prediction and prognosis evaluation in severe HFRS patients and which is worthy of clinical application.
Plant Stem Tissue Modeling and Parameter Identification using Meta-heuristic Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Ghoneim Mohamed S. , Ismail Samar I. , Said Lobna A. , Eltawil Ahmed M. , Radwan Ahmed G. , Madian Ahmed H.
Published: August 2021

Bio-impedance non-invasive measurement techniques usage is rapidly increasing in the agriculture industry. These measured impedance variations reflect tacit biochemical and biophysical changes of living and non-living tissues. Bio-impedance circuit modeling is an effective solution used in biology and medicine to fit the measured impedance. This paper proposes two new fractional-order bio-impedance plant stem models. These new models are compared among three commonly used bio-impedance fractional-order circuit models in plant modeling (Cole, Double Cole, FO Double-shell). The two proposed models represent the characterization of the biological cellular morphology of the plant stem through a non-invasive method. Experiments are conducted on two samples of three different medical plant species under the family Lamiaceae, and each sample is measured at two inter-electrode spacing distances. Bio-impedance measurements are done using an electrochemical station (SP150) in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. All employed models are compared by fitting the measured data to find the most suitable circuit model that models the plant stem. The proposed models give the best results in all inter-electrode spacing distances. Four different meta-heuristic optimization algorithms are used in the fitting process to extract all models parameter and find the best optimization algorithm in the bio-impedance problems.
Large Voltage-Induced Coercivity Change in Pt/Co/CoO/Amorphous TiOx Structure and Heavy Metal Insertion Effect
Authors: Nozaki Tomohiro , Tamaru Shingo , Konoto Makoto , Nozaki Takayuki , Kubota Hitoshi , Fukushima Akio , Yuasa Shinji
Published: August 2021

There is urgent need for spintronics materials exhibiting a large voltage modulation effect to fulfill the great demand for high-speed, low-power-consumption information processing systems. Fcc-Co (111)-based systems are a promising option for research on the voltage effect, on account of their large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and high degree of freedom in structure. Aiming to observe a large voltage effect in a fcc-Co (111)-based system at room temperature, we investigated the voltage-induced coercivity (Hc) change of a perpendicularly magnetized Pt/heavy metal/Co/CoO/amorphous TiOx structure. The thin CoO layer in the structure was the result of the surface oxidation of Co. We observed a large voltage-induced Hc change of 20.2 mT by applying 2 V (0.32 V/nm) to a sample without heavy metal insertion, and an Hc change of 15.4 mT by applying 1.8 V (0.29 V/nm) to an Ir-inserted sample. The relative thick Co thickness, Co surface oxidation, and large dielectric constant of TiOx layer could be related to the large voltage-induced Hc change. Furthermore, we demonstrated the separate adjustment of Hc and a voltage-induced Hc change by utilizing both upper and lower interfaces of Co.
Effect of tobacco smoke on the growth, biochemical composition, and biodiesel characteristics of two Chlamydomonas strains
Authors: Barati Bahram , Zafar Fatemeh Fazeli , Wang Shuang , Abomohra Abd El-Fatah
Published: August 2021

Microalgae has been known as one of the efficient biological carbon dioxide (CO2) sequesters. In recent years, they have been applied to improve the air quality by reducing CO2 concentration and boosting oxygen (O2) level, and have the ability to tolerate diverse toxic elements in the air. The current study investigates the effect of tobacco smoke on the growth, biochemical, and biodiesel characteristics of two Chlamydomonas strains. For this purpose, strains were exposed to seven days of tobacco smoke by burning one cigarette per hour in a closed box containing the air supply. CHL-2220 continued its proliferation without demonstrating any inhibition, while the growth of the other strain (CHL-2221) was inhibited severely. Tobacco smoke significantly altered the biochemical composition of CHL-2221, and caused the accumulation of more carotenoids and carbohydrates as part of the stress response. The analyzed biodiesel parameters presented poor quality from the extracted lipid of both strains. However, the fatty acid profile of the studied strain demonstrated their promising application as nutrient food supplements and feed for animals.
T Ransradial Peripheral Vascular Intervention Using Fowler’s Position and Terumo R2P System for Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Nakamura Akihiro , Sato Kenjiro , Endo Hideaki
Published: August 2021

BackgroundPositioning a patient on the catheterization table is important for proper cardiac or respiratory function during peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs). Fowler’s position, where the patient’s head is a 45-degree angle, is more effective in reducing venous blood volume returning to the heart from the periphery compared to the supine position. The Terumo R2P® system has been developed for transradial PVI.Case presentationTwo patients with heart failure (HF) underwent lower-extremity PVI in Fowler’s position to prevent worsening HF. Because their head position was opposite the C-arm of the X-ray machine, the left radial artery was selected as the access site. The Terumo R2P® system was used for transradial PVI. We successfully treated superficial artery diseases with long shaft balloons and rapid-exchange Terumo R2P® Misago® stents. ConclusionsAlthough lower-extremity PVI using Fowler’s position and the Terumo R2P® system has several limitations, including device availability and technical complexity, it may be effective for particular patients who have higher risk of worsening HF in the supine position.
Rhombic Calcite Microcrystals as a Textural Proxy for Meteoric Diagenesis
Authors: Hashim Mohammed S. , Kaczmarek Stephen E.
Published: August 2021

Numerous Phanerozoic limestones are characterized by diagenetic calcite microcrystals formed during mineralogical stabilization of metastable carbonate sediments in various diagenetic environments. Laboratory experiments show that calcite precipitating under conditions similar to those that characterize meteoric settings (impurity-free, low supersaturation, high fluid:solid ratio) exhibits the rhombic form, whereas calcite precipitating under conditions similar to those that prevail in marine burial settings (impurity-rich, high supersaturation, low fluid:solid ratio) exhibits non-rhombic forms. This prediction is tested here using new and previously published textural and geochemical data from the rock record. These data show that the vast majority of Phanerozoic limestones characterized by rhombic microcrystals also exhibit petrographic and/or geochemical evidence (depleted 𝛿13C, 𝛿18O, and trace elements) indicative of meteoric diagenesis. In contrast, non-rhombic forms are associated with marine burial conditions, suggesting that rhombic calcite microcrystals may provide a valuable textural proxy for meteoric diagenesis in Phanerozoic limestones.
Application of Convolutional Neural Networks for Prediction of 1 Disinfection By-Products
Authors: Peleato Nicolás M.
Published: August 2021

Fluorescence spectroscopy can provide high-level chemical characterization and quantification that is suitable for use in online process monitoring and control. However, the high-dimensionality of excitation-emission matrices and superposition of underlying signals is a major challenge to implementation. Herein the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) is investigated to interpret fluorescence spectra and predict the formation of disinfection by-products during drinking water treatment. Using deep CNNs, mean absolute prediction error on a test set of data for total trihalomethanes, total haloacetic acids, and the major individual species were all < 6 µg/L and represent a significant difference improved by 39% - 62% compared to dense neural networks. Heat maps that identify spectral areas of importance for prediction showed unique humic-like and protein-like regions for individual disinfection by-product species that can be used to validate models and provide insight into precursor characteristics. The use of fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with deep CNNs shows promise to be used for rapid estimation of DBP formation potentials without the need for extensive data pre-processing or dimensionality reduction. Knowledge of DBP formation potentials in near real-time can enable tighter treatment controls and management efforts to minimize the exposure of the public to DBPs.
On the formation of Martian blueberries
Authors: Eberl D. D.
Published: August 2021

The Martian blueberries, first discovered by NASA’s Opportunity rover, are concretions likely formed in sediments from hydrothermal solutions resulting from bolide impact into groundwater or permafrost. Evidence for this conclusion comes from the shapes of particle size distributions measured from Opportunity photos by Royer et al. (2006, 2008). These distributions, which exhibit a unique negative skew and lognormal positive skews, fit theoretical and experimental shapes determined for minerals precipitated from solution at higher and lower levels of supersaturation, respectively. The authors of these particle size measurements suggested that the blueberries were formed by aggregation or vapor condensation from a large meteoritic impact cloud. This origin is unlikely because such an event would not have created both negative and positive skews that closely fit distribution shapes expected for mineral crystallization from solution.
Estabelecendo prioridade de conservação para plantas medicinais no Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Nunes Guilherme Muniz , Souza André dos Santos , Ferreira Ezequiel da Costa , Nunes Mariana Muniz , Lins Filho João Alberto , Lucena Camilla Marques de , Lucena Reinaldo Farias Paiva de
Published: August 2021

As atividades humanas associadas à superexploração de habitats sensíveis à destruição ocasionaram uma elevada e rápida diminuição da população de espécies vegetais. Dessa forma, estudos ao redor do mundo têm se esforçado para compreender o nível de exploração, bem como definir estratégias para a conservação da biodiversidade utilizando métodos quantitativos de mensuração de impacto. O presente estudo teve como objetivo utilizar o índice de prioridade de conservação em diferentes mesorregiões do estado da Paraíba (Agreste, Borborema e Sertão), como ferramenta para medir o nível de exploração de plantas medicinais, buscando responder a seguinte pergunta: Existe variação dos escores do índice de prioridades de conservação nas mesorregiões estudadas? Foram selecionados oito municípios, todos situados na Região Semiárida do Estado da Paraíba, e subdivididos em Regiões do Agreste, Borborema e Sertão. Para o inventário etnobotânico, foram conduzidas entrevistas semiestruturadas com chefes de famílias (homem e mulher), e as espécies citadas foram coletadas pelo método de turnê guiada, como também por meio do inventário fitossociológico realizados nos oitos municípios. O levantamento fitossociológico dos oito municípios inventariados resultaram num total de 33 espécies, distribuídas em 14 famílias. Fabaceae e Euphorbiaceae foram as famílias mais significativas, com nove e seis espécies, respectivamente. Para a categoria de alto risco, foram registradas 21 espécies, considerando que em pelo menos um município estudado, a espécie demonstrou prioridade alta de conservação. As 11 espécies restantes enquadraram-se no médio e baixo risco, o que demonstra que estão nessa categoria por estarem presentes em altas densidades ou não possuírem quantidades significantes de usos atribuídos. O estudo demonstrou de maneira geral que todas as mesorregiões da Paraíba possuem espécies com alta prioridade de conservação, que independentemente de uma região ter comportamentos de extração de recursos diferentes umas das outras, as estratégias de coleta e utilização de recursos permanecem de forma insustentável. Também se deve levar em consideração essas particularidades relacionadas à biologia da espécie, como também de sua utilização, para que se possa estabelecer prioridades, principalmente para espécies que possuem baixas densidades e uma alta quantidade de usos.
Valor da liquidez: análise em empresas brasileiras ISE e não ISE
Authors: Calda Raquel Alves dos Santos , Zanolla Ercílio , Machado Lúcio de Souza , Oliveira Luiz Carlos da Silva
Published: August 2021

Este estudo buscou identificar a relação entre a classificação de sustentabilidade das empresas brasileiras em ISE (índice de sustentabilidade empresarial) e não ISE, e o desempenho financeiro mensurado pelo valor da liquidez (vliq). Analisou-se 28 empresas, 11 ISE e 18 não ISE, no período de 2012 a 2016. A análise dos resultados pautou-se na estatística descritiva e no Teste de Mann-Whitney para duas amostras independentes. As empresas do grupo ISE apresentaram maior vliq estatisticamente significante a 5%. Conclui-se que as empresas com gestão sustentável podem ter maior desempenho financeiro através da gestão eficiente do capital de giro mensurado pelo vliq.
Vigilância em saúde aplicada em unidades revendedoras de combustível: estudo sobre ambiente e segurança do trabalho
Authors: Gomes Francisco Bruno Monte , Khan Ahmad Saeed , Andrade Marcus Vinicius Freire , Ribeiro Suely Torquato , Morais Maria Alcilene
Published: August 2021

As unidades revendedoras de combustíveis derivados de petróleo se caracterizam como uma atividade potencialmente poluidora, tanto do ponto de vista ambiental, quanto de saúde das populações que vivem na sua zona de influência. Com isso, o alinhamento de estudos em monitoramento por ambos os setores são de extrema importância. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar em 38 postos de combustíveis, localizados no Município de Sobral, Estado do Ceará, nordeste do Brasil, os níveis de exposição a contaminantes químicos de populações e, posteriormente, descrevendo um prévio diagnóstico realizado por equipe técnica de saúde do trabalho sobre os graus de possíveis agressões a saúde dos trabalhadores ao desenvolverem suas funções. A pesquisa foi realizada entre os anos de 2018 e 2019, contou com uma equipe multidisciplinar sob representação da Vigilância em Saúde Ambiental e em Saúde do Trabalhador do município, optou-se por utilizar uma metodologia baseada na condução técnica definida pelo Programa do Ministério da Saúde VIGISOLO e complementado por vistorias técnicas in loco. Foi possível concluir ao longo dos levantamentos que as populações que residem nas proximidades de até 1 km dos postos, estão em caráter suspeito de possíveis contaminações; esses fatores se elevam principalmente nas zonas rurais, onde contatou-se em vários pontos o descarte irregular de subprodutos oriundos das atividades, é necessário também que haja uma maior integração entre outros órgãos, para assim poder aprofundar de forma mais técnica até que ponto essas alterações podem causar. Em relação a saúde ocupacional dos trabalhadores ainda há fragilidades nos processos de cuidado com prevenção, evidenciando que os gestores devem intensificar ações internas de monitoramento e acompanhamento.
Maritime security cooperation within the ASEAN institutional framework: a gradual shift towards practical cooperation
Authors: Agastia I Gusti Bagus Dharma
Published: August 2021

How does ASEAN fare in addressing maritime security problems? This paper examines the shifting character of maritime security cooperation in Southeast Asia. In doing so, this paper looks at the outcomes of three maritime security-oriented fora that exist within the ASEAN regional framework: the ASEAN Regional Forum, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting, and the ASEAN Maritime Forum. By compiling and analysing data on the forms and frequency of existing cooperative activities from 2003 gathered from publicly available sources, this paper finds that maritime security cooperation among ASEAN members continue to be largely dialogue-based, with few instances of practical cooperation. By comparing the three fora, this paper argues that the organisational design of these forums tends to affect the forms of cooperation. This paper concludes that despite ASEAN showing progress in adopting practical security cooperation, there remain hurdles in achieving regional maritime security.
Western Centric Research Methods?
Authors: Jones Catherine
Published: August 2021

Data curated by humans reflects the biases and imperfections of humans (O’Neil, 2017; 2016). For example, in autonomous weapons systems, the initial data entered produces algorithms from which weapons systems learn, and, as a result, the systems mirror and amplify existing biases in the data sets (O’Neil, 2017). In political science and international relations, biases are also both inherent and amplified through the research approaches and methods adopted. They, too, are frequently hidden. A stark example of this is in the debate between area and disciplinary studies. Although there is a growing recognition that area studies can make valuable contributions to the study of international relations and that there is a need to ‘decolonise’ the discipline (Suzuki, 2021), the debate so far has not recognized the gulf of differences in research methods between these two approaches. This article argues that in the study of international relations and particularly regarding institutions, area studies approaches should be more frequently adopted. The limited use of these approaches not only hampers new research but also hides a colonial hangover.
Current trends in the rehabilitation of patients with spastic paresis with focal brain damage
Authors: Krylova L. V. , Khasanova D. R. , Agafonova N. V.
Published: August 2021

Spasticity is one of the most frequent movement disorders and its development is associated with such CNS lesions as stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, craniocerebral and spinal injuries, CNS tumors, neurodegenerative diseases. Post-stroke spasticity develops in about 40% of patients, and about 15% of patients have severe and disabling spasticity. According to statistics, after TBI, about 75% of patients develop spasticity, and half of them require treatment.

Spasticity worsens walking, complicates hygiene, dressing, complicates rehabilitation measures, and reduces the quality of life of patients and his family members. In recent years, this movement disorder has been actively studied, new data have appeared on the pathophysiology of spastic paresis and encouraging data on improving function in patients receiving botulinum toxin injections as part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

The article presents data from the latest systematic reviews on the effectiveness of various rehabilitation technologies for the treatment of spasticity.

The use of botulinum neurotoxin for the treatment of spastic paresis of the upper and lower extremities is the preferred method of complex multidisciplinary rehabilitation of patients with spasticity and has the highest level of evidence.

Currently, there is no doubt that botulinum toxin should be used as early as possible in patients with an emerging pathological movement pattern, which can contribute to pattern change and muscle length maintenance. But the question remains: which rehabilitation technology is most effective for enhancing and prolonging the action of botulinum neurotoxin. To date, there is no clear answer to this question.
Therapeutic niche of hyaluronic acid derivatives in osteoarthritis
Authors: Krasivina I. G. , Dolgova L. N. , Dolgov N. V.
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread disease of synovial joints, the treatment of which determines a significant number of tactical and strategic directions. Currently, there is experience in the local use of so-called synovial fluid (SF) prostheses, which are viscoelastic substances that improve the cushioning properties of the native intra-articular environment. The overwhelming majority of viscoelastic additives are represented by hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives, a natural component of SF, whose biological role consists in maintaining the rheological properties of fluid and the presence of anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and chondro-protective properties. In the development of HA drugs, the main goals are the sustained and controlled release of therapeutic doses of the drug, taking into account the choice of carrier, drug molecule and target articular tissue. Assessing the quality and physiological feasibility of introducing a particular viscoelastic drug into the joint involves determining the so-called crossover frequency - the point of intersection of the viscosity modulus G’ and the elastic modulus G” (G’/G”), which reflects changes in the viscoelastic properties of the SF with increasing load frequency when transitioning from walking to running. Physiological range of frequencies out of the majority of investigated medical products corresponds to a single one, among which there are also variants of domestic production. Numerous studies of local application of some HA drugs in patients with OA confirm their effectiveness and safety, in particular, reduction of pain syndrome, reduction of the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, improvement of the quality of life. However, unfortunately, most HA drugs available on the market have not undergone full-fledged clinical trials, so there is a need to study the comparative effectiveness of drugs of this group approved for use and determine their place in the treatment of OA with different variants of the course.
Priorities of medical rehabilitation of patients with recent experience of transient ischemic attack
Authors: Kostenko E. V. , Petrova L. V. , Eneeva M. A. , Kravchenko V. G.
Published: August 2021

Introduction.Transient ischemic attacks can be a predictor of a more severe cardiovascular event, the risk of which depends on many factors that requires a personalized approach. Neuropsychological disorders (cognitive, emotional) have a significant impact on quality of life and social activity and are often underestimated in patients with TIA. Comprehensive medical rehabilitation with the inclusion of antithrombotic therapy and psychocorrection measures may reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with TIA.

Purpose of the study: to substantiate the efficiency of complex medical and non-pharmacological rehabilitation in patients who underwent TIA by analyzing the characteristics of the main and leading concomitant diseases.

Materials and methods. The morbidity of 351 TIA patients was studied and analyzed. The average age of the examined patients was 58.6 ± 2.2 years, there were 64.9% of women and 35.1% of men. All patients received an individualized medical rehabilitation program for 12 months with correction of identified neuropsychological disorders. Depending on background and concomitant diseases the antiplatelet or anticoagulants therapy was differently administrated.

Results and dicussion. Psychological, cognitive, and physical disorders (based on subjective complaints) are common in patients with TIA. The prevalence of mental disorders in patients with TIA was 138.2 cases per 100 patients. The correction of cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms is associated with improved quality of life (p < 0.05). Repeated acute cerebrovascular events (TIA, ischemic stroke) were recorded during the first 6 months after TIA in 29 patients (10.4%) with severe stenosis of the brachiocephalic arteries, severe arterial hypertension and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion.The importance of comprehensive medical and social rehabilitation of patients with TIA is determined. The participation of a psychotherapist as a member of a multidisciplinary team is necessary. A significant role of the secondary prevention of acute cerebrovascular events is assigned to rational antithrombotic therapy.
Chronic musculoskeletal low back pain: comorbid disorders and therapy
Authors: Parfenov V. A. , Lamkova I. A.
Published: August 2021

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention. Musculoskeletal (nonspecific) pain is the most common (90%) cause of chronic pain. Depressive and anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, mainly in the form of insomnia, which negatively affect the course of the disease, are often encountered as comorbid disorders in patients with chronic musculoskeletal low back pain (CMLBP). When managing patients, it is effective to use an integrated approach: drug therapy, kinesitherapy and psychological methods. Kinesitherapy uses various types of exercise and walking; it is important that they are performed regularly under the supervision of a specialist, excluding excessive physical and static loads. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective psychological effect in CMLBP, which should be directed not only to pain, but also to insomnia, depression and anxiety disorders. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used as drugs for chronic pain. It is important to take into account the presence of risk factors, concomitant diseases, interactions with other drugs. The use of etoricoxib (Arcoxia) for chronic low back pain is discussed. The author presents his own experience in managing 71 patients (average age 55) with CMLBP using kinesitherapy, psychological methods, and NSAIDs. As a result of treatment after 3 months, a significant decrease in VAS was achieved from 8 (6-8) to 2 (0-4) points (p < 0.0001), the depression decreased from 7 (5-9) to 4 (3-6) points in HADS (p = 0.002), the anxiety from 7 (5-10) to 5 (3-7) points in HADS (p = 0.0003), a decrease in disabilities according to the Oswestry question-naire from 46 (34-57.77) to 11.11 (4.44-26) percent (p < 0.0001), increase in physical activity according to IPAQ-SF from 11 (7-16) to 23 (15-26 ) points (p = 0.0002), decrease insomnia according to ISI from 12 (7-15) to 6 (2-10) points (p < 0.001), improvement in sleep quality according to PSQI from 9 (7-13) points up to 4 (2-9) points (p < 0.001). The widespread introduction of complex treatment of patients with CMLBP is of great medical and social importance.
Treatment of acute pain in general medical practice
Authors: Vorob’eva O. V. , Morozova T. E. , Gertsog A. A.
Published: August 2021

One-third of patients attending a general practitioner’s office have some type of medical problem associated with pain. The most common types of acute pain in patients who consult a general practitioner are musculoskeletal pain in the neck and lower back with or without irradiation to the extremities and joint pain. The primary source of pain is very difficult to ascertain in the usual outpatient setting. However, therapeutic strategies do not directly depend on the primary source of pain, but are based on the pathogenetic mechanisms of pain. Acute nociceptive pain is often accompanied by inflammation, which is a key component of the transition of acute pain to the chronic phase, which should be taken into account when choosing therapeutic strategies. To date, the mechanisms associated with chronic pain are not fully understood due to their complex nature and the involvement of both peripheral and central mechanisms. In addition, complex interacting individual physical (age, female gender and overweight) and psychological factors also affect the transition from acute to chronic pain. The clinical management of acute pain requires an optimal balance between effective pain relief and the associated safety risks. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most effective drugs for the relief of inflammatory pain. To achieve optimal results, a personalized approach is needed to ensure that the properties of the drugs best match the patient’s characteristics. Because of its multifactorial mechanism of analgesic action, nimesulide is an attractive therapeutic choice for the treatment of patients with acute pain.