bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay between Nox2 Activity and Platelet Activation in Patients with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Prospective Study
Authors: Tiseo Giusy , Cavarretta Elena , Forniti Arianna , Nocella Cristina , Sciarretta Sebastiano , Spagnolello Ornella , Baldini Enrico , Peruzzi Mariangela , Bertazzoni Giuliano , Menichetti Francesco , Marullo Antonino G. M. , Miraldi Fabio , Morelli Andrea , Frati Giacomo , Carnevale Roberto , Falcone Marco
Published: October 2020

Background. Although preclinical studies highlighted the potential role of NADPH oxidase (NOX) in sepsis, only few studies evaluated the oxidative stress in patients with sepsis and septic shock. The objective of the study is to appraise the oxidative stress status and platelet function in patients with sepsis and septic shock compared to healthy controls. Methods and Results. Patients with sepsis or septic shock admitted to the hospital Policlinico Umberto I (Sapienza University, Rome) underwent a blood sample collection within 1 hour from admission. Platelet aggregation, serum thromboxane B2 (TxB2), soluble NOX2-derived peptides (sNox2-dp), and hydrogen peroxide breakdown activity (HBA) were measured and compared to those of healthy volunteers. Overall, 33 patients were enrolled; of these, 20 (60.6%) had sepsis and 13 (39.4%) septic shock. Compared to healthy controls (

n
=
10

, age

67.8
±
3.2

, male 50%), patients with sepsis and septic shock had higher platelet aggregation (49% (IQR 45-55), 60% (55.75-67.25), and 73% (IQR 69-80), respectively,

p
<
0.001

), higher serum TxB2 (77.5 (56.5-86.25), 122.5 (114-131.5), and 210 (195-230) pmol/L, respectively,

p
<
0.001

), higher sNox2-dp (10 (7.75-12), 19.5 (17.25-21), and 33 (29.5-39) pg/mL, respectively,

p
<
0.001

), and lower HBA (75% (67.25-81.5), 50% (45-54.75), and 27% (21.5-32.5), respectively,

p
<
0.001

). Although not statistically significant, a trend in higher levels of serum TxB2 and sNox2-dp in patients who died was observed. Conclusions. Patients with septic shock exhibit higher Nox2 activity and platelet activation than patients with sepsis. These insights joined to better knowledge of these mechanisms could guide the identification of future prognostic biomarkers and new therapeutic strategies in the scenario of septic shock.
Modeling and Analysis of Multiple Attached Masses Tuning a Piezoelectric Cantilever Beam Resonant Frequency
Authors: Li Yuejuan , Hou Xulei , Qi Wei , Wang Qiubo , Zhang Xiaolu
Published: October 2020

Mechanical vibrations have been an important sustainable energy source, and piezoelectric cantilevers operating at the resonant frequency are regarded as one of the effective mechanisms for converting vibration energy to electricity. This paper focuses on model and experimental investigations of multiple attached masses on tuning a piezoelectric cantilever resonant frequency. A discrete model is developed to estimate the resonant frequencies’ change of a cantilever caused by multiple masses’ distribution on it. A mechanism consisted of a piezoelectric cantilever with a 0.3 g and a 0.6 g movable mass along it, respectively, is used to verify the accuracy of the proposed model experimentally. And another mechanism including a piezoelectric cantilever with two 0.3 g attached masses on it is also measured in the designed experiment to verify the discrete model. Meanwhile, the results from the second mechanism were compared with the results from the first one in which the single attached mass is 0.6 g. Two mechanisms have wildly different frequency bandwidths and sensitivities although the total weight of attached masses is the same, 0.6 g. The model and experimental results showed that frequency bandwidth and sensitivity of a piezoelectric cantilever beam can be adjusted effectively by changing the weight, location, and quantity of attached masses.
Locating and Tracking Model for Language Radiation Transmission Based on Neural Network and FAHP
Authors: Zhu SongGui , He Hailang , Zheng Yuanyuan
Published: October 2020

With the development of internationalization, the distribution of languages and the office addresses of multinational companies are changing constantly. This paper makes the following research and exploration on this phenomenon: impact on the development of languages around the world. This paper studies the changes of native and second-language users and uses the historical data to predict the development trend by using the gray number series prediction model. Get the types of factors that affect the second language. Then, use fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to calculate the score of each factor. Finally, the global language trend equation is simulated: predictions for the development of language. In this paper, radiation propagation is calculated, and the method of CNN neural network is used to train big data, and the language trend positioning equation is drawn. Finally, the optimal language is obtained by using wavelet analysis and linear programming at different addresses. About model checking, according to the model’s internal prediction ability and the significance of internal parameters, it is concluded that the model has high practicability, sensitivity, and stability.
C-reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio and Acute Kidney Injury after Radical Cystectomy among Elderly Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Yu Jihion , Park Jun-Young , Ha Seungsoo , Hwang Jai-Hyun , Kim Young-Kug
Published: October 2020

Background. The C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio is a useful index used to represent patient inflammation and nutritional status. Elderly patients are at the highest risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). We clarified the impact of the preoperative CRP/albumin ratio on AKI and evaluated the impact of postoperative AKI on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among elderly cystectomy patients. Methods. We included elderlypatients≥65 yearsof age who underwent radical cystectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to identify risk factors for AKI. Propensity score-matched analysis and conditional logistic regression analysis were performed to elucidate the impact of the CRP/albumin ratio on AKI. The incidence of ESRD was compared between the non-AKI and AKI groups at 12 months after radical cystectomy. Results. AKI occurred in 110 patients (32.2%). The CRP/albumin ratio and 6% hydroxyethyl starch amount were risk factors for postoperative AKI. The optimal cut-off value for the CRP/albumin ratio predicting AKI was 0.1. After propensity score matching, the AKI incidence in the CRP/albuminratio≥0.1group was higher than that in the CRP/albuminratio<0.1group (46.7% vs. 20.6%,P<0.001), and a CRP/albuminratio≥0.1was associated with a higher AKI incidence (odds ratio=4.111,P<0.001). The ESRD incidence was higher in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group (7.3% vs. 1.2%,P=0.017). Conclusion. A CRP/albuminratio≥0.1was associated with an increased incidence of AKI, which was associated with higher ESRD incidence among elderly cystectomy patients.
Study on Borehole Arrangement Methods for Gas Extraction by Hydraulic Slotting in Long-Distance Through-Coal Seam Tunnel
Authors: Zhu Cunfang , Cai Shuang
Published: October 2020

How to quickly eliminate outburst in long-distance through-coal seam tunnels is one of the major challenges faced by the tunnel industry in mountainous areas. Compared with coal mine rock crosscut coal uncovering, the work surrounding the rock of through-coal seam tunnels has a high degree of breakage, large cross-section of coal uncovering, and tight time and space. In this paper, a method of networked slotting in long-distance through-coal seam tunnels for rapid pressure relief and outburst elimination is proposed. Based on this method, the corresponding mathematical governing equations and numerical simulation models have been established. The optimal borehole arrangement spacing and the slot arrangement spacing obtained by numerical optimization are 2.85 m and 3.1 m, respectively. Field gas production data of through-coal seam tunnels show that compared with the traditional dense-borehole gas extraction, the method of networked slotting in long-distance through-coal seam tunnels for rapid pressure relief and outburst elimination can shorten the extraction time by about 66%, the net quantity of peak extraction is increased by 3.55 times, and the total quantity of gas extraction when reaching the outburst prevention index is increased by 1.26 times, which verifies the feasibility of this method and the reliability of numerical simulation results. This study could be used as a valuable example for other coal deposits being mined under similar geological conditions.
Study on the Mechanism and Control of Rock Burst of Coal Pillar under Complex Conditions
Authors: Lai Xingping , Xu Huicong , Fan Jingdao , Wang Zeyang , Yan Zhenguo , Shan Pengfei , Ren Jie , Zhang Shuai , Yang Yanbin
Published: October 2020

In order to explore the mechanism of coal pillar rock burst in the overlying coal body area, taking W1123 working face of Kuangou Coal Mine as the engineering background, the full mining stage of W1123 is simulated by FLAC3D. It is found that the high stress concentration area has appeared on both sides of the coal pillar when W1123 does not start mining. With the advance of the working face, the high stress concentration area forms X-shaped overlap. There is an obvious difference in the stress state between the coal pillar under the solid coal and the coal pillar under the gob in W1123. The concrete manifestation is that the vertical stress of the coal pillar below the solid coal is greater than the vertical stress of the coal pillar below the gob. The position of the obvious increase of the stress of the coal pillar in the lower part of the solid coal is ahead of the advancing position of the working face, and the position of the obvious increase of the stress of the lower coal pillar in the gob lags behind the advancing position of the working face. At the same time, in order to accurately reflect the true stress environment of coal pillars, the author conducted a physical similarity simulation experiment in the laboratory to study the local mining process of the W1123 working face, and it is found that under the condition of extremely thick and hard roof, the roof will be formed in the gob, the mechanical model of roof hinged structurer is constructed and analyzed, and the results show that the horizontal thrust of roof structure increases with the increase of rotation angle. With the development of mining activities, the self-stable state of the high stress balance in the coal pillar is easily broken by the impact energy formed by the sudden collapse of the key strata. Therefore, the rock burst of coal pillar in the overlying coal body area is the result of both static load and dynamic load. In view of the actual situation of the Kuangou Coal Mine, the treatment measures of rock burst are put forward from the point of view of the coal body and rock mass.
Cascaded Control of Flexible-Joint Robots Based on Sliding-Mode Estimator Approach
Authors: Xiong Genliang , Shi Jingxin , Chen Haichu
Published: October 2020

The inherent highly nonlinear coupling and system uncertainties make the controller design for a flexible-joint robot extremely difficult. The goal of the control of any robotic system is to achieve high bandwidth, high accuracy of trajectory tracking, and high robustness, whereby the high bandwidth for flexible-joint robot is the most challenging issue. This paper is dedicated to design such a link position controller with high bandwidth based on sliding-mode technique. Then, two control approaches ((1) extended-regular-form approach and (2) the cascaded control structure based on the sliding-mode estimator approach) are presented for the link position tracking control of flexible-joint robot, considering the dynamics of AC-motors in robot joints, and compared with the singular perturbation approach. These two-link position controllers are tested and verified by the simulation studies with different reference trajectories and under different joint stiffness.
Staphylococcus Derived from Desert and Its Solidified Ability on Aeolian Sandy Soil
Authors: Gao Yu , Yao De , Wang Cuiyan , Wang Yanxing , Li Chi
Published: October 2020

Many soil microorganisms in nature induce carbonate precipitation, which is used in soil improvement to reduce the pollution of soil environment by traditional chemical improvement. With the goal of expanding the geotechnical applications of biomineralizing bacteria, this study investigated the characteristics of a newly identified strain of soil bacteria, including its mineralization ability, its effect on Aeolian sandy soil, and biomineralization crust effect in the desert field test. The autogenous mineralized strain was isolated and purified from desert Aeolian sandy soil, and the strain was identified as Staphylococcus using 16SrRNA sequence homology. It is a kind of mineralized bacteria seldom used in geotechnical engineering at present, and it was found to have good mineralization ability; the living conditions of Staphylococcus were optimized. Under the determined amount of bacteria liquid, the amount of calcium carbonate precipitation after the bacteria liquid reacted with different volumes of calcium source solution was studied to determine the appropriate ratio of bacteria liquid and calcium source solution and the molar amount of calcium source solution. This study also investigated the effect of mineralization on the strength of sand and determined the particle size range of sand and suitable bacteria concentration that Staphylococcus can effectively stabilize. Field test results verified desert autogenous Staphylococcus had a good mineralization effect on sand. It was suitable for Aeolian sandy soil crust and improvement. In this paper, the autogenous strain was applied to the surface of the desert for the first time to form an in situ microbial mineralization crust. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the better application of autogenous strain in the desert.
Involvement of the Inflammasome and Th17 Cells in Skin Lesions of Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis
Authors: Gonzalez K. , Calzada J. E. , Corbett C. E. P. , Saldaña A. , Laurenti M. D.
Published: October 2020

Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) caused by Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis is an endemic disease in Panama. This condition causes ulcerated skin lesions characterized by a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response that is responsible for disease pathology. However, the maintenance of the in situ inflammatory process involves other elements, such as Th17 and inflammasome responses. Although these processes are associated with parasite elimination, their role in the increase in disease pathology cannot be discarded. Thus, the role in Leishmania infection is still unclear. In this sense, the present study aimed at characterizing the Th17 and inflammasome responses in the skin lesions of patients with LCL caused by L. (V.) panamensis to help elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease in Panama. Th17 and inflammasome responses were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHQ) in 46 skin biopsies from patients with LCL caused by L. (V.) panamensis. The Th17 immune response was assessed using CD3, CD4, RoRγt, IL-17, IL-6, IL-23, and TGF-β1 antibodies, and the inflammasome response was assessed by IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1 antibodies. The presence of the Th17 and inflammasome responses was evidenced by a positive reaction for all immunological markers in the skin lesions. An inverse correlation between the density of amastigotes and the density of RoRγt+, IL-17+, IL-1β+, and caspase-1+ cells was observed, but no correlation between Th17 and the inflammasome response with evolutionary disease pathology was reported. These data showed the participation of Th17 cells and the inflammasome in the inflammatory response of the skin lesions of LCL caused by L. (V.) panamensis infection. These results suggest a role in the control of tissue parasitism of IL-17 and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome dependent on IL-1β but cannot exclude their role in the development of disease pathology.
Effect of Combined Statin and Antihypertensive Therapy in Patients with Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Ying , Jiang Long , Feng Shu-Jun , Tang Xin-Ying , Kuang Ze-Min
Published: October 2020

Introduction: This meta-analysis aimed to explore the preventive effects of combined statin and antihypertensive therapy on major cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases and reference lists of published studies were systematically searched throughout October 9, 2019. Studies designed as randomized controlled trials and investigating the effects of combined statin and antihypertensive therapy versus antihypertensive therapy alone were included. Data abstraction and quality of included studies were assessed by 2 independent authors. The summary results were calculated using relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs employing a random-effects model. Results: A total of 8 randomized controlled trials including 38,618 patients were finally enrolled. The summary RRs indicated that the combined therapy significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with antihypertensive therapy alone (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.71–0.88; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the patients in the combined therapy group also experienced less myocardial infarction (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.53–0.84; p = 0.001) and stroke risks (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.72–0.94; p = 0.005), while no significant difference was observed between combined therapy and antihypertensive therapy alone regarding cardiac death (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.84–1.08; p = 0.465) and all-cause mortality (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.86–1.04; p = 0.277). Conclusion: These findings suggested that combined statin and antihypertensive therapy was associated with more cardiovascular benefits compared with antihypertensive therapy alone.
Role of PD-L1 Expression during the Progression of Submucosal Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ubukata Yasunari , Ogata Kyoichi , Sohda Makoto , Yokobori Takehiko , Shimoda Yuki , Handa Tadashi , Nakazawa Nobuhiro , Kimura Akiharu , Kogure Norimichi , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Ogawa Hiroomi , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Shirabe Ken , Oyama Tetsunari , Saeki Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is a prognostic marker for gastric cancer that correlates with tumor diameter and depth of penetration. But the role of PD-L1 and mechanism(s) employed in the initial phase of invasion in early gastric cancer is yet to be understood. Objective: This study aims to elucidate the role of PD-L1 during the progression of gastric cancer, specifically invading the submucosa beyond the lamina muscularis mucosa. Methods: Using 107 patients with pathological submucosal gastric cancer, we determined the expression of PD-L1 based on the staining of the cell membrane or cytoplasm of tumor cells in the central and invasive front of the tumor. Samples were categorized into 3 groups based on the intensity of PD-L1 expression. CD8+ lymphocytes expressing PD-1 and CD163+ macrophages were used to determine the number of cell nuclei at the invasive front, similar to PD-L1. CMTM6 levels were determined and used to stratify samples into 3 groups. Results: PD-L1 expression was higher in the invasive front (26.2%) than in the central portion of the tumors (7.4%; p < 0.001). Moreover, lymphatic and vascular invasion were more frequently observed in samples with high levels of PD-L1 (lymphatic invasion: 60.7 vs. 35.4%, p = 0.0026, and vascular invasion: 39.3 vs. 16.5%, p = 0.0018). There was no correlation between PD-L1 expression and the levels of PD-1, CD8, CD163, and CMTM6. Conclusions: PD-L1-expressing cancer cells at the invasive front of gastric cancer influence the initial stages of tumor invasion and lymphovascular permeation in early-stage gastric cancers. Immune checkpoint signaling may be the driving force in the invasive front during the invasion of the submucosa beyond the lamina muscularis mucosa.
CYP24A1 rs1570669 Variant Has a Protective Effect against Tumors of the Urinary System
Authors: Sun Yao , Wang Xiang , Wu Jiamin , Xiong Zichao , Li Haiyue , Liu Yuanwei , Liu Jianfeng , Ding Yipeng , Jin Tianbo
Published: October 2020

Background: Common malignant tumors of the urinary system include renal cell carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, and prostate cancer. The research on the CYP24A1 gene for prostate cancer is mainly concentrated in European and American populations, and there are few studies in the Chinese population. Therefore, we selected bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cancer as the research objects to explore the influence of CYP24A1 on the genetic susceptibility of urinary system tumors. Materials and Methods: rs6068816, rs2296241, rs2762934, and rs1570669 in 529 patients and 523 controls were genotyped via the Agena MassARRAY. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of two SNPs with susceptibility of urinary system cancer. Database predicts the expression of the CYP24A1 gene in urinary system cancer. Results: Individuals with the AG genotype of CYP24A1 rs1570669 has a 28% lower risk of developing urinary system tumors (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56–1.13, p = 0.016) and has a 31% lower risk of developing renal cancer (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51–0.92, p = 0.012). Conclusions: CYP24A1 rs1570669 may play an important role in the susceptibility of tumors of the urinary system and renal cancer.
The Degree of the Predischarge Pulmonary Congestion in Patients Hospitalized for Worsening Heart Failure Predicts Readmission and Mortality
Authors: Kleiner-Shochat Michael , Kapustin Daniel , Fudim Marat , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Glantz Juliya , Kazatsker Mark , Kleiner Ilia , Weinstein Jean Marc , Panjrath Gurusher , Roguin Ariel , Meisel Simcha R.
Published: October 2020

Background: Prediction of readmission and death after hospitalization for heart failure (HF) is an unmet need. Aim: We evaluated the ability of clinical parameters, NT-proBNP level and noninvasive lung impedance (LI), to predict time to readmission (TTR) and time to death (TTD). Methods and Results: The present study is a post hoc analysis of the IMPEDANCE-HF extended trial comprising 290 patients with LVEF ≤45% and New York Heart Association functional class II–IV, randomized 1:1 to LI-guided or conventional therapy. Of all patients, 206 were admitted 766 times for HF during a follow-up of 57 ± 39 months. The normal LI (NLI), representing the “dry” lung status, was calculated for each patient at study entry. The current degree of pulmonary congestion (PC) compared with its dry status was represented by ΔLIR = ([measured LI/NLI] – 1) × 100%. Twenty-six parameters recorded during HF admission were used to predict TTR and TTD. To determine the parameter which mainly impacted TTR and TTD, variables were standardized, and effect size (ES) was calculated. Multivariate analysis by the Andersen-Gill model demonstrated that ΔLIRadmission (ES = 0.72), ΔLIRdischarge (ES = –3.14), group assignment (ES = 0.2), maximal troponin during HF admission (ES = 0.19), LVEF related to admission (ES = –0.22) and arterial hypertension (ES = 0.12) are independent predictors of TTR (p < 0.01, χ2 = 1,206). Analysis of ES showed that residual PC assessed by ∆LIRdischarge was the most prominent predictor of TTR. One percent improvement in predischarge PC, assessed by ∆LIRdischarge, was associated with a likelihood of TTR increase by 14% (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.15, p < 0.01) and TTD increase by 8% (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.07–1.09, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The degree of predischarge PC assessed by ∆LIR is the most dominant predictor of TTR and TTD.
Hypoxia-Preconditioned Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mitigate Hypoglycemic Testicular Injury Induced by Insulin in Rats
Authors: Dessouky Arigue A. , Gouda Zienab A. , Arafa Mona A.A. , Elewa Yaser H.A. , Abo-Ouf Amany M. , Askar Eman M.
Published: October 2020

Hypoglycemia is a neglected metabolic disorder. Thus, we evaluated the protective effect of hypoxia-preconditioned human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) on hypoglycemic testicular injury. We examined 56 testes from 28 animals: 7 rats with insulin-induced hypoglycemia (HG group), 7 hypoglycemic rats which received an intratesticular injection of hUCB-MSCs (HG-MSC group), and 14 untreated control rats. Testosterone level, testicular catalase (CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were analyzed. Immunostaining for specific testicular germ and somatic cell markers was performed. Proliferating and apoptotic cells were detected by anti-PCNA and anti-caspase-3, respectively. Morphometrical data were statistically analyzed. The hypoglycemic rats showed a significant decrease in testosterone level and CAT activity and a significant increase in MDA production. Examination of histological structure and protein expression of diverse germ cell markers revealed collapsed tubules that were lined by degenerated germ cells, decreased lactate dehydrogenase type C immune expression, as well as decreased proliferating and increased apoptotic cells number in hypoglycemic testes. Injection of MSCs improved testicular biochemical parameters, preserved germ cells and somatic cells, and decreased apoptosis. In conclusion, hypoxia-preconditioned hUCB-MSCs attenuate rat testicular injury caused by insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Avoidance and rapid management of hypoglycemia are necessary to avoid significant testicular injury.
Cognitive Profile of the Logopenic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia Using the Dépistage Cognitif de Québec
Authors: Montreuil Sarah , Poulin Elizabeth , Bergeron David , Sellami Leila , Verret Louis , Fortin Marie-Pierre , Poulin Stéphane , Macoir Joël , Hudon Carol , Bouchard Rémi W. , Lavoie Monica , Laforce Robert
Published: October 2020

Background/Aims: The logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) is characterized by impaired word-finding and sentence repetition with phonologic errors but spared motor speech and grammar and semantic knowledge. Although its language deficits have been well studied, the full spectrum of cognitive changes in the lvPPA remains to be defined. We aimed to explore the neurocognitive profile of the lvPPA using a newly developed cognitive screening tool for atypical dementias, the Dépistage Cognitif de Québec (DCQ). Methods: We compared 29 patients with lvPPA to 72 amnestic variant Alzheimer disease (aAD) to 438 healthy control (HC) participants. Performance on the 5 indexes of the DCQ (Memory, Visuospatial, Executive, Language and Behavioral) was compared between the 3 groups. Results: Results showed a significantly lower performance for lvPPA participants in all neurocognitive domains, when compared to HC. When compared to aAD, lvPPA participants had significantly lower scores for language, executive, and visuospatial abilities, but not for memory and behavior. Conclusion: Altogether, these findings better define the neurocognitive changes of lvPPA.
Monensin-Induced Increase in Intracellular Na+ Induces Changes in Na+ and Ca2+ Currents and Regulates Na+-K+ and Na+-Ca2+ Transport in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tsuchida Katsuharu , Hirose Hitomi , Ozawa Sachiyo , Ishida Haruka , Iwatani Tomomi , Matsumoto Uraka
Published: October 2020

Background/Aims: Monensin, an Na ionophore, increases intracellular Na ([Na]i). Alteration of [Na]i influences ion transport through the sarcolemmal membrane. So far, the effects of monensin on ventricular myocytes have not been examined in detail. The main objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism via which monensin-evoked increases in [Na]i affect the membrane potential and currents in ventricular myocytes of guinea pigs. Methods: Membrane potentials and currents were measured using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in single myocytes. The concentration of intracellular Ca ([Ca]i) was evaluated by measuring fluorescence intensity of Fluo-4. Results: Monensin (10−5M) shortened the action potential duration (APD) and reduced the amplitude of the plateau phase. In addition, monensin decreased the sodium current (INa) and shifted the inactivation curve to the hyperpolarized direction. Moreover, it decreased the L-type calcium current (ICa). However, this effect was attenuated by increasing the buffering capacity of [Ca]i. The Na-Ca exchange current (INa-Ca) was activated particularly in the reverse mode. Na-K pump current (INa-K) was also activated. Notably, the inward rectifying K current (IK1) was not affected, and the change in the delayed outward K current (IK) was not evident. Conclusion: These results suggest that the monensin-induced shortened APD and reduced amplitude of the plateau phase are primarily due to the decrease in the ICa, the activation of the reverse mode of INa-Ca, and the increased INa-K, and second due to the decreased INa. The IK and the IK1 may not be associated with the abovementioned changes induced by monensin. The elevation of [Na]i can exert multiple influences on electrophysiological phenomena in cardiac myocytes.
Intravenous Edaravone plus Therapeutic Hypothermia Offers Limited Neuroprotection in the Hypoxic-Ischaemic Newborn Piglet
Authors: Yamato Satoshi Hamano , Nakamura Shinji , Htun Yinmon , Nakamura Makoto , Jinnai Wataru , Nakao Yasuhiro , Mitsuie Tsutomu , Koyano Kosuke , Wakabayashi Takayuki , Morimoto Aya Hashimoto , Sugino Masashiro , Iwase Takashi , Kondo Sonoko Ijichi , Yasuda Saneyuki , Ueno Masaki , Miki Takanori , Kusaka Takashi
Published: October 2020

Background: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is a standard therapy for neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. One potential additional therapy is the free radical scavenger edaravone (EV; 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one). Objectives and Methods: This study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effects of edaravone plus therapeutic hypothermia (TH + EV) with those of TH alone after a hypoxic-ischaemic insult in the newborn piglet. Anaesthetized piglets were subjected to 40 min of hypoxia (3–5% inspired oxygen), and cerebral ischaemia was assessed using cerebral blood volume. Body temperature was maintained at 39.0 ± 0.5°C in the normothermia group (NT, n = 8) and at 33.5 ± 0.5°C (24 h after the insult) in the TH (n = 7) and TH + EV (3 mg/kg intravenous every 12 h for 3 days after the insult; n = 6) groups under mechanical ventilation. Results: Five days after the insult, the mean (standard deviation) neurological scores were 10.9 (5.7) in the NT group, 17.0 (0.4) in the TH group (p = 0.025 vs. NT), and 15.0 (3.9) in the TH + EV group. The histopathological score of the TH + EV group showed no significant improvement compared with that of the other groups. Conclusion: TH + EV had no additive neuroprotective effects after hypoxia-ischaemia in neurological and histopathological assessments.
Mepolizumab Effectiveness and Allergic Status in Real Life
Authors: Sposato Bruno , Scalese Marco , Camiciottoli Gianna , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Pelaia Corrado , Santus Pierachille , Maniscalco Mauro , Corsico Angelo , Grosso Amelia , Baglioni Stefano , Murgia Nicola , Folletti Ilenia , Pelaia Girolamo , Masieri Simonetta , Cavaliere Carlo , Musarra Antonino , Bargagli Elena , Ricci Alberto , Latorre Manuela , Paggiaro Pierluigi , Rogliani Paola
Published: October 2020

Background: It is not clear whether mepolizumab is differently effective in allergic and nonallergic severe eosinophilic asthmatics (SEA) in real life. Objective: We tested mepolizumab effectiveness in allergic/nonallergic SEA in real life. A strict criterion to identify the 2 phenotypes was used. Method: We retrospectively considered 134 consecutive patients divided into allergic, with a positivity to at least 1 allergen to prick tests and/or IgE values ≥100 UI/mL (severe allergic eosinophilic asthma [SAEA]; n: 97–72.4%), and nonallergic, with no prick test results and normal IgE levels <100 UI/mL (severe nonallergic eosinophilic asthma [SNAEA]; n: 37–27.6%). They had taken mepolizumab for at least 6 months. Results: After 10.9 ± 3.7 months, improvements in FEV1%, FEF25–75%, exacerbation numbers, blood eosinophil (BE) counts, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) (ppb), percentages of patients that stopped/reduced short-acting β2-agonists (SABAs) or oral corticosteroid (OC), observed after treatment, were similar in both groups. Only Asthma Control Test (ACT) increases were higher in SNAEA (8 [5–9]) than in SAEA (5 [2.5–8.5]; p = 0.016). However, no differences were found after treatment in percentages of subjects with ACT ≥20, as well as with FEV1 >80%, FEF25–75 >65%, exacerbations ≤2, BE <300 cells/µL, and FENO <25 ppb between SAEA and SNAEA. Besides, no significant relationships were found, comparing SNAEA with SAEA, for FEV1% (β = −0.110; p = 0.266), FEF25–75% (β = −0.228; p = 0.06), BE counts (β = −0.012; p = 0.918), FENO (β = 0.234; p = 0.085), ACT (β = 0.046; p = 0.660), and exacerbations (β = −0.070; p = 0.437). No different associations between lung function and SNAEA occurrence when compared to SAEA condition (FEV1 >80%: OR = 1.04 [95% CI: 0.43–2.55], p = 0.923; FEF25–75 >65%: OR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.08–2.03], p = 0.272) were detected. Neither all other parameters, such as ACT >20 (OR = 0.73 [95% CI: 0.32–1.63], p = 0.440), presence of exacerbations (OR = 1.35 [95% CI: 0.55–3.27], p = 0.512), SABA discontinuation (OR = 1.16 [95% CI: 0.40–3.39], p = 0.790), and OC cessation/reduction (OR = 3.44 [95% CI: 0.40–29.27], p = 0.258), were differently associated with 1 or the other phenotype. Conclusion: Mepolizumab can be considered as a valid therapeutic choice for either allergic or nonallergic SEA in real life.
Impact of Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol in Home Care Services on the Prevalence of Pressure Injuries in the Dubai Community
Authors: Prasad Sajitha , Hussain Nazneen , Sharma Sangeeta , Chandy Somy , Kurien Jessy
Published: October 2020

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) in the community have emerged as a health care burden in the past few years, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality among the elderly population. There is evidence that simple risk assessment tools and protocols have reduced the prevalence of PIs considerably by shifting the focus to timely prevention and adequate management. The prevalence of PIs is high in home care setting and utilizes a major share of the organizational resources for its treatment and prevention. Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of the newly developed PI prevention protocol for home care patients in Dubai. The objectives are to evaluate effective implementation of the proposed protocol and its impact on the prevalence of PIs in the community to identify the gaps for improvement in the future. Methods: This retrospective observational was conducted in 13 primary health care centers in Dubai, UAE. Data were collected from 249 patients’ records at an average age of 75.5 ± 14.5 years old with compromised mobility (bedbound/chairbound) from January to July 2019. The PI prevalence was assessed before and after 6 months of implementing the PI prevention protocol and comparison was done using a standardized skin assessment scale (Braden Scale). Internationally validated tools from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence were used to ensure the reliable use of the Braden Scale and PI protocol compliance. The prevalence was calculated from the existing key performance indicators in the home care office and considering the significant improvement at p value of <0.05. Results: The findings in the first quarter revealed a significant drop in both prevalence (9.0%) and incidence rate (6.0%) to approximately 2.0%. Overall PIs prevalence declined significantly after implementing the protocol (p < 0.0001) among both genders. Also, a significant improvement was detected in the use of Braden Scale and multidisciplinary care plan (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study indicates that standardization of care delivery reduces the increased risk and incidence of PIs with a potentially positive outcome on PI prevalence.
Arte pictórica e Cartografia Turística
Authors: Fiori Sérgio Ricardo
Published: October 2020

Há séculos, a arte pictórica é utilizada como um dos recursos no desenvolvimento de mapas. O artigo se atém mais especificamente aos produtos cartográficos direcionados a orientação do visitante em momentos de lazer e turismo, que se caracteriza por três fatores essenciais: deve ser informativo (o que é, onde, a que distância), meio de divulgação (marketing), e tem como público potencial pessoas que em geral desconhecem a linguagem cartográfica. Neste contexto, demonstra-se a grande importância do uso da arte pictórica em mapas para o turismo, ressaltando o lúdico, e ao mesmo tempo, a eficácia do produto.
Cartilha Deserto Verde no Rio de Janeiro como recurso didático no ensino de Geografia e Literatura
Authors: Silva Thiago Lucas Alves da , Nascimento Débora Ventura Klayn
Published: October 2020

Este trabalho é um esforço interdisciplinar de desenvolver, a partir da ligação entre Geografia e Literatura, uma cartilha baseada em uma narrativa com a temática da monocultura do eucalipto, denominada politicamente pelos movimentos sociais como Deserto Verde. A criação e o uso de uma cartilha como recurso pedagógico na educação básica têm como intuito valorizar o tema da monocultura do eucalipto, que tem sido palco de disputas e debates, além de facilitar o aprendizado de conceitos e conteúdos associados à Geografia e à Literatura. Essa opção metodológica busca possibilitar a abordagem do tema, por meio de uma linguagem mais próxima à realidade dos alunos, contribuindo para a apropriação e ressignificação da temática, por meio da linguagem literária.
Deslocamentos LGBTQI+ na/para Região Metropolitana da Grande Vitória – Espírito Santo
Authors: Adão Matheus de Oliveira Fernandes
Published: October 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender um pouco das dinâmicas do deslocamento de jovens estudantes universitários LGBTQI+ (vindos do interior do Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, e também de outros estados) buscando conhecer os significados que essas pessoas atribuem aos novos lugares que passam a incorporar às suas vivências na Região Metropolitana da Grande Vitória. Foram elaborados mapas de fluxos que mostram de quais cidades vêm os respondentes da pesquisa e nuvens de palavras com os nomes dos lugares onde essas pessoas dizem se sentir mais seguras, mais livres, mais alegres e mais amedrontadas. Mais da metade das pessoas respondentes do questionário afirmam que a orientação sexual e/ou identidade de gênero foi um fator influenciador na escolha por estudar fora, e 84,4% afirmam já terem sido vítimas de violências de cunho LGBTfóbico na cidade de origem. Percebe-se que locais majoritariamente frequentados por pessoas heterossexuais estão atrelados a sensação de medo.
On a collection of freshwater and estuarine crabs (Crustacea: Brachyura) from Mindanao Island, the Philippines
Authors: LAGARE NICKEL JEAN S. , MAPI-OT EMMARIE F. , MOLINA ZILJIH S. , NERI JEMATEO B. , NUÑEZA OLGA M. , MENDOZA JOSE CHRISTOPHER E.
Published: October 2020

The brachyuran fauna of the large southern Philippine island of Mindanao is poorly known, with only a few freshwater and estuarine crab species described or recorded in the last 30 years. Renewed interest in crab biodiversity has led to recent, small-scale surveys (2016–2019) of freshwater and estuarine habitats in various localities in Mindanao, which have yielded a good diversity of brachyuran crabs. As a result, a total of 26 species of brachyuran crab, representing 6 families (Hymenosomatidae, Oziidae, Gecarcinidae, Sesarmidae, Varunidae, and Ocypodidae), are reported here. Of these, 15 species are new records for the main island of Mindanao, 6 of which are also new records for the Philippines. Remarks on the taxonomy, distribution, and natural history of these species are also provided.
Review of the leafhopper genus Thaia Ghauri and related genera (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Erythroneurini)
Authors: CAO YANGHUI , DMITRIEV DMITRY A. , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: October 2020

The leafhopper genus Thaia Ghauri, 1962 and two related genera, Parathaia Kuoh, 1982 and Pseudothaia Kuoh, 1982, are revised. Nlunga Dworakowska, 1974, previously treated as a subgenus of Thaia, is elevated to the genus level, and Parathaia Kuoh, 1982, previously treated as a synonym of Thaia, is reinstated to valid status. The Oriental species lacking foveae on the pronotum are excluded from Nlunga and transferred to a new genus, Etmaria gen. n. Two species, Pseudothaia caudata Song & Li, 2013 and Thaia (Nlunga) leishanensis (Song & Li, 2007), are treated as Incertae sedis within Erythroneurini. Moreover, nine additional new species are described and illustrated: Nlunga parareeneni, Etmaria brevis, E. chaiyaphumica, E. dentata, E. indonesica, E. magna, E. triquetra, E. ulterior and Pseudothaia forcipis spp. nov.
Two new species of the genus Scaphidium Olivier (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scaphidiinae) from Southwest China
Authors: LI XIAO-YAN , CHEN HAI-FENG , LÜ LIANG
Published: October 2020

Two new species of the genus Scaphidium Olivier from Xizang (Tibet Autonomous Region), China are described: 1) S. rhopaliparamerosum sp. nov. [棒侧叶出尾蕈甲], distinguished by four dark red big fasciae on apical 1/3 and basal 1/3 parts of elytra; and 2) S. russipenne sp. nov. [绛鞘出尾蕈甲], distinguished by the unified brownish red colour on elytra. For both new species, we provide descriptions and colour plates of normal light photos for the diagnostic characters: habitus in both dorsal and ventral views, an antenna, a prefemur, and the detailed structures of the aedeagus (if male available). Additionally, a new spot pattern of S. formosanum Pic is reported from Yunnan.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using an Ensemble Transfer Support Vector Machine
Authors: Peng Lifang , Chen Kefu , Huang Bin , Zhou Leyuan
Published: October 2020

As the number of breast cancer patients increases and the age of onset is younger, early detection and prevention have become the key to prevention and treatment of breast cancer. At present, many classification or clustering algorithms are used to diagnose breast cancer data. However,
these algorithms directly lose the minimum source domain information, resulting in a significant improvement in the recognition rate. Based on this, this paper proposes an ensemble transfer support vector machine (ET-SVM) algorithm based on classic support vector machine (SVM). The algorithm
can effectively use the knowledge in the source domain to guide the learning of the target task. The result of a single SVM is usually the local optimal solution. And its performance is unstable and its generalization performance is poor. Therefore, this article introduces an ensemble strategy
based on AdaBoost algorithm. Experiments on the Wisconsin breast cancer data set proved that the proposed ET-SVM algorithm can achieve better classification results and good generalization performance.
A Descriptive Analysis for a Collaborative Work Process: A Complex Real Medical Case in the Radiological Field
Authors: Aguilera Ana , Quintero José
Published: October 2020

Collaborative acts occur daily in every human activity. In the case of medicine, and particularly in the diagnostic decision process, these acts are very frequent and occur naturally. It is very important to properly understand how these collaborative acts are developed in order to
provide tools that facilitate and support them. In this article, we describe this collaborative work process in the framework of a complex real medical case in the radiological field. Usually, complex cases require several specialists. In this work, we have analyzed the intervention of several
specialists and the exchange and interaction of different reasoning strategies among specialists, while considering their temporal dimension. Two types of collaboration are presented in the case analysis (1) exchange between specialists from different specialties and (2) exchange between specialists
from the same specialty. The method of analysis follows five steps: (1) Case synopsis, (2) Temporal representation of the case, (3) Analysis of the general decision in the case, (4) Analysis of the reasoning in the medical case using the different strategies, and (5) Analysis of radiological
collaboration. We have presented different reasoning strategies, data, hypotheses and complementary tests from different sources in the diagnostic resolution process and we have shown that collaboration is present during the entire process. The temporality and the intervention of different
specialists is shown using a graphical representation. We have focused special attention on radiological collaboration, and have shown how a radiological diagnosis is achieved. We have discussed different elements present in the collaboration process. Our study has produced meta-knowledge
derived from these exchanges that is of value in the context of artificial intelligence progress, in particular for the comprehension of collaborative medical work.
An Efficacy of Spectral Features with Boosted Decision Tree Algorithm for Automatic Heart Sound Classification
Authors: Arora Vinay , Leekha Rohan Singh , Chana Inderveer
Published: October 2020

This research work aims to classify the audio signals received from heart into normal/abnormal. The heart sound perceived has been referred as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals. An attempt has been made to identify a set of features that provide more accurate results for classifying PCG
under designated categories using a variant of decision tree algorithm. After applying 6th order butter worth band-pass filter on PCG signals, the new features, viz. Tonnetz, Spectral contrast, and Chroma have been extracted. Further, XGBOOST, a variant of the decision tree has been used for
classifying unsegmented PCG signals. The benchmark datasets, PhysioNet 2016, and PASCAL 2011 have been taken for validating the proposed methodology presented here. PhysioNet 2016 is comprised of sub-datasets, viz. A–F which contain a total of 3,240 PCG recordings, whereas the PASCAL
2011 contains 415 heart sound signals. The proposed approach considers a new feature set in conjunction with the existing ones; and it has resulted in mean accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity scores as 95.2, 94.22 and 96.18 respectively.
An Improved Fuzzy C-Means Clustering for Brain MR Images Segmentation
Authors: Chen Aiguo , Yan Haoyuan
Published: October 2020

In this paper, an improved fast FCM (HF-KFCM) algorithm was proposed based on histogram statistics of brain MR images. The algorithm firstly uses the multi-scale window traversal method to find the peak point of the histogram, then uses it as the initialization center of fuzzy clustering,
and finally uses the fast clustering method based on statistical information to traverse, so as to reduce the computation amount of each iteration. Experimental results show that compared with the standard FCM algorithm and other improved algorithms, the proposed algorithm is significantly
improved in clustering effectiveness and fuzzy segmentation.