bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Causes and Consequences of Sympatric Morph Divergence in Salmonidae: A Search for Mechanisms
Authors: Salisbury S.J. , Ruzzante D.E.
Published: November 2021

Repeatedly and recently evolved sympatric morphs exhibiting consistent phenotypic differences provide natural experimental replicates of speciation. Because such morphs are observed frequently in Salmonidae, this clade provides a rare opportunity to uncover the genomic mechanisms underpinning speciation. Such insight is also critical for conserving salmonid diversity, the loss of which could have significant ecological and economic consequences. Our review suggests that genetic differentiation among sympatric morphs is largely nonparallel apart from a few key genes that may be critical for consistently driving morph differentiation. We discuss alternative levels of parallelism likely underlying consistent morph differentiation and identify several factors that may temper this incipient speciation between sympatric morphs, including glacial history and contemporary selective pressures. Our synthesis demonstrates that salmonids are useful for studying speciation and poses additional research questions to be answered by future study of this family.
Suicide in African American Adolescents: Understanding Risk by Studying Resilience
Authors: Robinson W. LaVome , Whipple Christopher R. , Keenan Kate , Flack Caleb E. , Wingate LaRicka
Published: November 2021

Historically, suicide rates for African American adolescents have been low, relative to rates for youth of other racial-ethnic backgrounds. Since 2001, however, suicide rates among African American adolescents have escalated: Suicide is now the third leading cause of death for African American adolescents. This disturbing trend warrants focused research on suicide etiology and manifestation in African American adolescents, along with culturally sensitive and effective prevention efforts. First, we revisit leading suicide theories and their relevance for African American adolescents. Next, we discuss health promotive and protective factors within the context of African American youth development. We also critique the current status of suicide risk assessment and prevention for African American adolescents. Then, we present a heuristic model of suicide risk and resilience for African American adolescents that considers their development within a hegemonic society. Finally, we recommend future directions for African American adolescent suicidology.
Score-Driven Time Series Models
Authors: Harvey Andrew C.
Published: November 2021

The construction of score-driven filters for nonlinear time series models is described, and they are shown to apply over a wide range of disciplines. Their theoretical and practical advantages over other methods are highlighted. Topics covered include robust time series modeling, conditional heteroscedasticity, count data, dynamic correlation and association, censoring, circular data, and switching regimes.
Temporal disruption of neuromuscular communication and muscle atrophy following noninvasive ACL injury in rats
Authors: Hunt Emily R. , Davi Steven M. , Parise Cassandra N. , Clark Kaleigh , Van Pelt Douglas W. , Confides Amy L. , Buckholts Kimberly A. , Jacobs Cale A. , Lattermann Christian , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E. , Butterfield Timothy A. , Lepley Lindsey K.
Published: November 2021

A novel preclinical model of ACL injury was used to establish that acute disruptions in neuromuscular communication precede atrophic events. These data help to establish the time course of muscle atrophy after ACL injury, suggesting that clinical care may benefit from the application of acute neurogenic interventions and early gait reloading strategies.
Postexercise urinary alpha-1 acid glycoprotein is not dependent on hypoxia
Authors: Joyce Kelsey E. , Balanos George M. , Bradley Christopher , Fountain Amy , Bradwell Arthur R. , Lucas Samuel J. E.
Published: November 2021

By superimposing hypoxic exposure and maximal exercise, we were able to investigate the impact of hypoxia on postexercise proteinuria. Urinalysis for α1-AGP (via particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetry) in specimens collected pre-/postexercise enabled the sensitive detection of altered glomerular permeability. Data indicated that exercise intensity, rather than the degree of exercise-induced hypoxemia, determines postexercise proteinuria.
Nonlinear ARIMA Models with Feedback SVR in Financial Market Forecasting
Authors: Su Shiwei
Published: November 2021

In recent years, as global financial markets have become increasingly connected, the degree of correlation between financial assets has become closer, and technological advances have made the transmission of information faster and faster, and information networks have integrated capital markets into one, making it easier for single financial market risk problems to form systemic risk through a high degree of market linkage effects. Based on the characteristics of financial markets containing both linear and nonlinear components, this paper chooses to use Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and feedback Support Vector Regression (SVR) models to effectively integrate the ARIMA model and the SVR model, taking into account their respective linear and nonlinear characteristics. The paper chooses to use the (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model and feedback Support Vector Regression (SVR) models to effectively integrate the strengths of the ARIMA and SVR models in terms of linearity and nonlinearity to perform forecasting analysis of financial markets. One of the important functions of forecasting is to transform future uncertainty into measurable risk, so that we can base our plans and actions on it. In this paper, the combined ARIMA-SVR model is compared with the single ARIMA model and SVR model in terms of the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), where MAE and RMSE measure the absolute error between the predicted and true values, and MAPE measures the relative error between the predicted and true values. and the relative error between the true value. The results show that the combined ARIMA-SVR model has a better forecasting effect and higher forecasting accuracy than the single ARIMA model and SVR model, and the SVR model has higher forecasting accuracy than the ARIMA model in forecasting financial markets.
Luteolin Improves Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis through TXNIP/NLRP3 and NF-κB Pathways
Authors: Zhang Hengshuai , Zhao Jiang , Lu Qudong , Sun Bishao , Liu Xin , Yang Chengfei , Li Shuai , Li Longkun , Yi Shanhong , Yang Zhenxing , Xu Jie
Published: November 2021

Hemorrhagic cystitis is an important complication of cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, and current therapies for the disease are limited. The natural flavonoid luteolin (LUT) has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its protective effect on cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced bladder toxicity has yet to be evaluated. This study aims to explore the protective effect of LUT on CYP-induced acute cystitis in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the control (CON) group, CON + LUT group, CYP group, and CYP + LUT group. A single intraperitoneal injection of CYP was administered to establish an acute hemorrhagic cystitis model. HE staining was performed to detect the degree of bladder tissue damage, and TUNEL staining was performed to count apoptotic cells. Oxidative stress indicators were measured using commercial kits, and bladder surgery was performed to assess urinary function. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related indicators, TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway, and NF-κB pathway were detected by western blot. We found that LUT treatment reduced bladder bleeding, congestion, and edema caused by CYP. Compared with the CYP + LUT group, the level of apoptosis was more highly expressed in the CYP group. We also found that caspase-3, caspase-8, and Bax were significantly upregulated and Bcl-2 was downregulated after LUT treatment. In addition, LUT inhibited the activation of NF-κB signal pathway in the rat bladder tissue after CYP exposure. LUT treatment can also reduce the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) and TXNIP in the bladder. Finally, LUT can reduce the increase in the urination frequency and maximum urination pressure caused by cystitis. These results indicate that LUT displays effective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties in CYP-induced acute hemorrhagic cystitis rats by inhibiting the TXNIP/NLRP3 and NF-κB pathways. LUT may be a potent therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis.
The Use of Digital Image Art under Visual Sensing Technology for Art Education
Authors: Mao Wenli , Zhang Bingyu
Published: November 2021

The traditional art education model often cannot achieve good teaching results due to the development of digital technology. Art is integrated with technology based on three‐dimensional (3D) panoramic vision sensing technology, so as to study the application of the combination of visual sensing technology and digital image art in the field of art education. With the application of projection virtual game “Whac‐A‐Mole” as an example, the integration of panoramic color volume structured light generation technology with single emission point and omnidirectional visual imaging technology with single view is proposed; the mathematical model of the active vision system is established, and the camera model, projector model, object surface illumination model, and their relationship are studied. On this basis, the mathematical relationship between the color of the projected light source and the color of the corresponding imaging point is proposed; a light source color correction algorithm based on the two‐color reflection model is proposed. The object surface color is corrected by three‐channel reflectance after the light source color correction algorithm is used for correction. The results suggest that the 3D panoramic vision sensing technology makes the current active stereo vision develop from the visual perception of surface structure to the visual perception of volume structure and reduces the error rate of recognition from 44% to 11%. Moreover, the algorithm does not need to know the coding method of the projected light source and the surface material of the object in advance. The scene teaching combined with technology overcomes the limitations of the teaching site and brings students into a completely realistic teaching situation. The presentation of digital image art using visual sensing technology can inspire children’s imagination, combine education and games, and perform edutainment. Thereby, the application research of digital image art based on 3D panoramic visual sensing technology has an irreplaceable development prospect in the field of art education.
Computerized Tomography Image Features under the Reconstruction Algorithm in the Evaluation of the Effect of Ropivacaine Combined with Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine on Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy
Authors: Cui Yan , Sun Yang , Xia Meng , Yao Dan , Lei Jun
Published: November 2021

This research was aimed to study CT image features based on the backprojection filtering reconstruction algorithm and evaluate the effect of ropivacaine combined with dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine on assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy to provide reference for clinical diagnosis. A total of 110 patients undergoing laparoscopic resection were selected as the study subjects. Anesthesia induction and nerve block were performed with ropivacaine combined with dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine before surgery, and chest CT scan was performed. The backprojection image reconstruction algorithm was constructed and applied to patient CT images for reconstruction processing. The results showed that when the overlapping step size was 16 and the block size was 32 × 32, the running time of the algorithm was the shortest. The resolution and sharpness of reconstructed images were better than the Fourier transform analytical method and iterative reconstruction algorithm. The detection rates of lung nodules smaller than 6 mm and 6–30 mm (92.35% and 95.44%) were significantly higher than those of the Fourier transform analytical method and iterative reconstruction algorithm (90.98% and 87.53%; 88.32% and 90.87%) (

P
<
0.05

). After anesthesia induction and lobectomy with ropivacaine combined with dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine, the visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased with postoperative time. The VAS score decreased to a lower level (1.76 ± 0.54) after five days. In summary, ropivacaine combined with dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine had better sedation and analgesia effects in patients with thoracoscopic lobectomy. CT images based on backprojection reconstruction algorithm had a high recognition accuracy for lung lesions.
Irisin Is Correlated with Blood Pressure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Wang Xing , Zhang Zhengjiao , Lan Xiaoxin , Fu Keyou , Xu Guanhua , Zhao Jingyi , Yuan Haibo
Published: November 2021

Background. Despite approximately 95% primary cases of hypertension, secondary hypertension seems to be common with resistant forms. Notably, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known as a common cause of secondary hypertension and has a major characteristic of obesity. Irisin acts as a link between muscles and adipose tissues in obesity, playing an essential role in human blood pressure (BP) regulation. However, whether irisin is associated with secondary hypertension caused by OSA and how it takes effect essentially have not been elucidated. Purpose. To investigate the changes of irisin and its relationship with BP in OSA. Methods. 72 snoring patients finished Epworth Sleep Scale (ESS) evaluation before polysomnography (PSG). BP was the average of three brachial BP values by mercury sphygmomanometer. Serum irisin level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were analyzed by SPSS software. Results. Irisin was higher in the severe and quite severe group than that in control and nonsevere groups (

p
<
0.05

). For BP, significant differences were found between the control group and the other three groups (

p
<
0.05

) and between the quite severe and the other three groups (

p
≤
0.001

). Positive correlations were found between irisin and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), AHI and BP, and irisin level and BP. Negative correlations were between irisin and SpO2 nadir and SpO2 nadir and BP. Positive correlation still existed between AHI and irisin even after adjusting for some obesity-related variables. Conclusions. Irisin may serve as a potential biomarker for severity of OSA independently of obesity and imply the development of hypertension.
Emergence of Deep Learning in Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosis
Authors: Yeoh Pauline Shan Qing , Lai Khin Wee , Goh Siew Li , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Hum Yan Chai , Tee Yee Kai , Dhanalakshmi Samiappan
Published: November 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA), especially knee OA, is the most common form of arthritis, causing significant disability in patients worldwide. Manual diagnosis, segmentation, and annotations of knee joints remain as the popular method to diagnose OA in clinical practices, although they are tedious and greatly subject to user variation. Therefore, to overcome the limitations of the commonly used method as above, numerous deep learning approaches, especially the convolutional neural network (CNN), have been developed to improve the clinical workflow efficiency. Medical imaging processes, especially those that produce 3‐dimensional (3D) images such as MRI, possess ability to reveal hidden structures in a volumetric view. Acknowledging that changes in a knee joint is a 3D complexity, 3D CNN has been employed to analyse the joint problem for a more accurate diagnosis in the recent years. In this review, we provide a broad overview on the current 2D and 3D CNN approaches in the OA research field. We reviewed 74 studies related to classification and segmentation of knee osteoarthritis from the Web of Science database and discussed the various state‐of‐the‐art deep learning approaches proposed. We highlighted the potential and possibility of 3D CNN in the knee osteoarthritis field. We concluded by discussing the possible challenges faced as well as the potential advancements in adopting 3D CNNs in this field.
Can Sensory- and Attachment-Informed Approaches Modify the Perception of Pain? An Experimental Study
Authors: Meredith Pamela Joy , Andrews Nicole Emma , Thackeray Jessica , Bowen Sophie , Poll Cory , Strong Jenny
Published: November 2021

Accumulating evidence linking pain with both attachment and sensory processing variables introduces the possibility that attachment- and sensory-informed strategies may modify pain experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate this proposition using an experimentally induced pain procedure. Pain perceptions of individuals using either a sensory-informed (weighted modality) or an attachment-informed (secure base priming) coping strategy were compared with those of individuals using no designated coping strategy. An independent measures experimental study design was used with a convenience sample of 272 pain-free adults. Experimental participants (n = 156) were randomly allocated to either an attachment (n = 75) or a sensory (n = 81) intervention group. Data from these participants were compared to those of 116 participants involved in an earlier cold pressor study in which no coping strategy was used. All participants completed the same sensory, attachment, and distress questionnaires and participated in the same cold pressor pain test. ANCOVAs revealed that participants in the sensory- and attachment-informed intervention groups reported significantly higher pain thresholds than the control group. Participants allocated to the sensory group also reported higher pain intensity scores than the control group. There were no significant differences in pain tolerance between the three groups after controlling for covariates. While further research is required, findings encourage further consideration of sensory- and attachment-informed strategies for people anticipating a painful experience.
Influence of Different Beverages on the Color Stability of Nanocomposite Denture Base Materials
Authors: Azmy Emad , Al-kholy Mohamed Reda Zaki , Gad Mohammed M. , Al-Thobity Ahmad M. , Emam Abdel-Naser M. , Helal Mohamed Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Background. The effect of beverages on nanocomposite denture base materials is neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of different beverages (coffee, tea, cola, and mineral water) on the color stability of nanoparticles-modified denture base materials (DBMs). Materials and Methods. A total of 280 specimens (n = 10/group) were prepared from heat-polymerized acrylic resin modified with different concentrations (3% and 7%) of zirconium dioxide (nano-ZrO2), titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2), and silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) nanoparticles, while 0% was taken as a control. Color change (∆E) of the specimens was evaluated after simulating 6-month immersion time in four commonly used beverages, coffee, tea, cola, and mineral water, as experimental groups. Color stability was measured using a spectrophotometer, and then values were converted to National Bureau of Standards units (NBS units). The one-way ANOVA test was applied to compare color change (ΔE) results followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results. The results showed that the heat-polymerized acrylic resin modified with different types of nanoparticles showed lower color changes after being immersed in beverage solutions compared to the unmodified group (

P

 < 0.001), so the color stability of heat-polymerized acrylic resin was significantly enhanced by the addition of several nanoparticles; nano-ZrO2 showed the lowest ΔE followed by nano-TiO2 and then nano-SiO2. Regardless of the filler type, 3% concentration showed lower mean ΔE than 7% concentration. Regarding the beverage solutions, the greatest color change was found in the coffee group followed by tea and cola, while water showed the least changes. Conclusion. Modification of heat-polymerized acrylic resin with certain amounts of nano-ZrO2, nano-TiO2, and nano-SiO2 may be useful in improving color stability.
MiR-186 Suppressed Growth, Migration, and Invasion of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells via Targeting Dicer1
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhang Yi , Ge Fanghong
Published: November 2021

Objective. Globally, the fatal form of lung cancer is non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and its most common subtype is lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In cancer development and progression, miRNAs play key roles primarily in interacting with cancer-related genes. The main focus of this research was to examine the biological roles of miR-186 in LUAD. Methods. We examined tissues of LUAD and lung cancer cell lines. The expressions of miR-186, Dicer1, Ki-67, and PCNA were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR), and western blot assays. The CCK-8 and transwell assays were used to determine cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. To determine the association between miR-186 and Dicer1, a luciferase assay was used. Results. MiR-186 expression was found to be lower in LUAD tissues, and this was correlated to TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in LUAD patients. miR-186 upregulation significantly reduced the proliferation rate and the level of Ki67 and PCNA of LUAD cell lines HCC827 and A549. Transwell assay exhibited that miR-186 upregulation considerably reduced HCC827 and A549 cells' migration and invasion abilities. Furthermore, we also confirmed that Dicer1 was a direct target of miR-186. Importantly, Dicer1 overexpression abolished the suppression of miR-186 mimics on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC827 and A549 cells. Conclusion. These results indicated that the miR-186/Dicer1 pathway is critical for regulating LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
Fusion Mode and Style Based on Artificial Intelligence and Clothing Design
Authors: Qiu Jiali , Ma Lianghua
Published: November 2021

With the upgrading of intelligent manufacturing, industrial robots will play an important role in the garment industry. The purpose of this article was to study the pattern and style based on the integration of artificial intelligence and clothing design. In this article, the digital modeling of clothing design and the case analysis of intelligent clothing design are described using the method of comparative experiment. The experimental results are obtained from the analysis of fuzzy number of clothing design language evaluation, three-dimensional human body construction clothing size, clothing design elements and auxiliary functions, and the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of clothing design system. The popular clothing sample is D4 (0.4862), which is 20% higher than other products. It can be concluded that the model proposed in this article can grasp the needs of consumers and select the right one according to the market positioning. The fabric mass production fashion brand can significantly improve the efficiency and satisfaction of the fabric selection decision-making process. It provides enough technical support and style model for intelligent clothing design.
Treatment of Cervical Pregnancy with Ultrasound-Guided Intragestational Injection of Methotrexate: A Case Report
Authors: Rouvali Angeliki , Vlastarakos Panagiotis , Stavros Sofoklis , Giourga Maria , Pappa Kalliopi , Gerede Angeliki , Rodolakis Alexandros , Domali Ekaterini
Published: November 2021

This study is aimed at describing a noninvasive conservative strategy to the treatment of cervical pregnancy and highlighting the success of ultrasound-guided therapeutic techniques. A 43-year-old woman with a history of one previous cesarean section presented in our unit with vaginal spotting and a positive urine pregnancy test. She was diagnosed with a cervical pregnancy, and she was successfully treated conservatively with the administration of intragestational sac methotrexate under ultrasound guidance. Cervical pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that results from conceptus implantation in the cervical canal. The main concern is the associated life-threatening hemorrhage and subsequent need for urgent hysterectomy. The evolution of ultrasound over the past decades has enabled early diagnosis and has shifted the management from a radical surgical approach towards a stepwise conservative therapeutic approach, when possible.
Modeling and Analysis of Energy/Exergy for Absorber Pipes of Linear Parabolic Concentrating Systems
Authors: Alayi Reza , Mohkam Mahdi , Monfared Hossein , Issakhov Alibek , Khalilpoor Nima
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the physical parameters of the absorber pipe of a linear parabolic collector have been investigated. The types of solar collectors, specifically the linear parabolic collector, have been comprehensively studied. Then, the mathematical model of heat transfer in the absorber pipe of the collector has been presented based on valid references. Numerical solutions of the equations related to the absorber pipe were performed by MATLAB software, and the effects of the physical parameters of the absorber pipe on its efficiency were investigated. The results show that increasing the length of the absorber pipe causes a nonlinear decrease in the efficiency of the absorber pipe. One of the important results is the increase in fluid temperature due to the increase in the diameter of the adsorbent tube, which increases the diameter of the fluid temperature by 60 K, in which the parameter increases the efficiency by 0.38%.
Antimicrobial Activity and Characterization of Pomegranate Peel-Based Carbon Dots
Authors: Qureshi Waseem Akhtar , Vivekanandan B. , Jayaprasath J. Altrin , Ali Daoud , Alarifi Saud , Deshmukh Kalim
Published: November 2021

This investigation reports the use of agrowaste pomegranate peels as an economical source for the production of fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) and their potential application as an antimicrobial agent. The carbon dots were prepared through low-temperature carbonization at 200°C for 120 min. The obtained C-dots were found to be small in size and exhibited blue luminescence at 350 nm. Further, the synthesized C-dots were characterized with the help of analytical instruments such as DLS, UV-visible, FT-IR, TEM, and fluorescence spectrophotometer. Antimicrobial activity of the C-dot PP was estimated by the agar diffusion method and MIC. S. aureus and K. pneumoniae are showing susceptibility towards C-dot PP when compared to the standard and showing a moderate activity against P. aeruginosa and resistance towards E. coli. The obtained C dot PPs were found to be around 5-9 nm in size confirmed from DLS analysis and supported by TEM. The synthesized C-dots were investigated to understand their microbial efficiency against pathogens and found to have antimicrobial efficiency. These results suggest that pomegranate peels are a potential source of carbon dots with antimicrobial efficiency.
SPARC Aggravates Blood‐Brain Barrier Disruption via Integrin αVβ3/MAPKs/MMP‐9 Signaling Pathway after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Okada Takeshi , Suzuki Hidenori , Travis Zachary D. , Altay Orhan , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: November 2021

Blood‐brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a common and critical pathology following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We investigated the BBB disruption property of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) after SAH. A total of 197 rats underwent endovascular perforation to induce SAH or sham operation. Small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) for SPARC or scrambled siRNA was administered intracerebroventricularly to rats 48 h before SAH. Anti‐SPARC monoclonal antibody (mAb) 236 for functional blocking or normal mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) was administered intracerebroventricularly 1 h after SAH. Selective integrin αVβ3 inhibitor cyclo(‐RGDfK) or phosphate‐buffered saline was administered intranasally 1 h before SAH, along with recombinant SPARC treatment. Neurobehavior, SAH severity, brain edema, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot were evaluated. The expression of SPARC and integrin αVβ3 was upregulated after SAH in the endothelial cells. SPARC siRNA and anti‐SPARC mAb 236 prevented neuroimpairments and brain edema through protection of BBB as measured by IgG extravasation 24 and 72 h after SAH. Recombinant SPARC aggravated neuroimpairments and cyclo(‐RGDfK) suppressed the harmful neurological effects via inhibition of activated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, p38, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 followed by retention of endothelial junction proteins. SPARC may induce post‐SAH BBB disruption via integrin αVβ3 signaling pathway.
An In Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinal Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Neuroretinal Degeneration
Authors: Wang Qiyun , Zhang Xinyuan , Wang Kaiyue , Zhu Ling , Qiu Bingjie , Chen Xiaosi , Lin Xiao , Nie Yao
Published: November 2021

Background. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in working-age populations. Proper in vitro DR models are crucial for exploring pathophysiology and identifying novel therapeutic targets. This study establishes a rational in vitro diabetic retinal neuronal-endothelial dysfunction model and a comprehensive downstream validation system. Methods. Human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were treated with different glucose concentrations with mannitol as matched osmotic controls. Cell proliferation and viability were evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit-8. Cell migration was measured using a transwell migration assay. Cell sprouting was assessed by a tube formation assay. The VEGF expression was assessed by ELISA. RGCs were labeled by neurons and RGC markers TUJ1 and BRN3A for quantitative and morphological analysis. Apoptosis was detected using PI/Hoechst staining and TUNEL assay and quantified by ImageJ. Results. Cell proliferation and migration in HRMECs were significantly higher in the 25 mM glucose-treated group (

p
<
0.001

) but lower in the 50 mM and 100 mM groups (

p
<
0.001

). The permeability and the apoptotic index in HRMECs were statistically higher in the 25 mM, 50 mM, and 100 mM groups (

p
<
0.05

). The tube formation assay found that all the parameters were significantly higher in the 25 mM and 50 mM groups (

p
<
0.001

) concomitant with the elevated VEGFA expression in HRMECs (

p
=
0.016

). Cell viability was significantly lower in the 50 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM groups in RGCs (

p

50
mM

=
0.013

,

p

100
mM

=
0.019

, and

p

150
mM

=
0.002

). Apoptosis was significantly elevated, but the proportion of RGCs with neurite extension was significantly lower in the 50 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM groups (

p

50
mM

<
0.001

,

p

100
m
M

<
0.001

, and

p

150
mM

<
0.001

). Conclusions. We have optimized glucose concentrations to model diabetic retinal endothelial (25-50 mM) or neuronal (50-100 mM) dysfunction in vitro, which have a wide range of downstream applications.
Bilateral Adie’s Pupil following Laser Treatment of the Ischemic Peripheral Retina for Uveitis: A Case Report
Authors: Akahane Satoko , Hirano Takao , Shu Sayuri , Murata Toshinori
Published: November 2021

Adie’s pupil is a neurological condition of unknown origin with unusual, asymmetric presentation known as anisocoria with the enlarged pupil failing to react to light. It is believed that this pupillary abnormality results from damage to the ciliary ganglion or postganglionic short ciliary nerves. Affected individuals (usually female) may be symptomatic with photophobia or difficulty reading in the diseased eye. Although most Adie’s pupil cases are idiopathic, previous studies have associated photocoagulation and uveitis with symptom onset. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of specific means of preventing Adie’s pupil. We describe a patient who experienced varying severities of Adie’s pupil after separate laser treatments of the ischemic peripheral retina for uveitis. Fluorescein angiography revealed peripheral retinal nonperfusion in the bilateral eyes of a 37-year-old Japanese female who had been suffering from posterior uveitis. To avoid proliferative changes, 360° laser photocoagulation of the retinal nonperfusion region located in the far periphery was first delivered to the left eye over 2 sessions. Soon after treatment, the patient complained of acute photophobia and blurred vision in the treated eye. Ocular examination revealed left pupil dilation and poor light sensitivity, although the pupil was reactive to a close stimulus. The left pupil also displayed positive denervation sensitivity based on the dilute pilocarpine (0.125%) test. Adie’s pupil was diagnosed based on these observations. Three months later, similar, albeit milder, findings were observed in her right eye after 360° peripheral laser photocoagulation that was more conservatively performed over 4 sessions. Four months after the first treatment, her subjective visual function had improved, and the pupil diameter had decreased to a normal size in both eyes without additional treatment. We encountered a patient whose severity of Adie’s pupil was apparently reduced by more conservative laser photocoagulation of the ischemic peripheral retina.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals that Activating Transcription Factor 3/c-Jun/Lgals3 Axis Is Associated with Central Diabetes Insipidus after Hypothalamic Injury
Authors: Zhou Mingfeng , Ou Yichao , Wu Guangsen , Li Kai , Peng Junjie , Wang Xingqin , Che Mengjie , Gong Haodong , Niu Peirong , Liu Yawei , Feng Zhanpeng , Qi Songtao
Published: November 2021

Background: Hypothalamic injury causes several complicated neuroendocrine-associated disorders, such as water-electrolyte imbalance, obesity, and hypopituitarism. Among these, central diabetes insipidus (CDI), characterized by polyuria, polydipsia, low urine specific gravity, and deficiency of arginine vasopressin contents, is a typical complication after hypothalamic injury. Methods: CDI was induced by hypothalamic pituitary stalk injury in male animals. Behavioral parameters and blood sample were collected to evaluate the characteristics of body fluid metabolism imbalance. The brains were harvested for high-throughput RNA sequencing and immunostaining to identify pathophysiological changes in corresponding hypothalamic nuclei. Results: Based on transcriptomic analysis, we demonstrated the upregulation of the activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3)/c-Jun axis and identified Lgals3, a microglial activation-related gene, as the most significant target gene in response to the body fluid imbalance in CDI. Furthermore, we found that the microglia possessed elevated phagocytic ability, which could promote the elimination of arginine vasopressin neurons after hypothalamic injury. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that the Atf3/c-Jun/Lgals3 axis was associated with the microglial activation, and might participate in the loss of functional arginine vasopressin neurons in CDI after hypothalamic injury.
Biological Sex and Its Impact on Clinical Characteristics in Patients Presenting with Myocarditis
Authors: Mirna Moritz , Schmutzler Lukas , Topf Albert , Hoppe Uta C. , Lichtenauer Michael
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Biological sex has a paramount influence on the pathophysiology of diseases, and thus on clinical presentation. In this study, we provide a comprehensive analysis of sex-specific differences in patients with myocarditis. Materials and Methods: Patients with myocarditis who were admitted to our study center in the time-period of 2009–2019 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Clinical data, laboratory parameters, and measurements from transthoracic echocardiography were extracted from hospital records. Follow-up was acquired for 2 years after admission. Results: Two hundred twenty-four patients with myocarditis were enrolled in this study. Of these, 78% were men and 22% women. Female patients were older (median 50 years vs. 35 years, p < 0.0001), had a higher prevalence of respiratory tract infections, and had less frequently ST-segment elevations on electrocardiogram (ECG) (28% vs. 59%, p = 0.003). Furthermore, C-reactive protein was lower in women (median 0.60 mg/dL vs. 3.90 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), but showed a less pronounced decrease within 3 days when compared to men (fold-change 1.00 vs. 0.80, p = 0.002). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was conducted less often in women, whereas time to coronary angiography was significantly longer. We found no difference in left ventricular systolic function or all-cause-mortality between the 2 sexes. Conclusion: We observed sex-specific differences in laboratory parameters, abnormalities on ECG, and diagnostic procedures conducted in patients with myocarditis. Understanding these differences, both at the cellular level and in regard to the clinical presentation of patients, could be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, and could further expand our understanding of its pathophysiology.
El humor en el teatro breve de Juan Mayorga
Authors: Molanes Rial Mónica
Published: November 2021

En este trabajo se propone constatar la consideración del humor como rasgo constitutivo de la obra dramática de Juan Mayorga. En particular, se hace un análisis de algunas piezas de su teatro breve a partir de ciertos temas de carácter político cuyo abordaje supone uno de los acercamientos más interesantes a la comicidad como herramienta para la crítica y la denuncia social.
Recursos videoescénicos en la dramaturgia intermedial. Análisis de The Mountain de Agrupación Señor Serrano
Authors: Teira Alcaraz José Manuel
Published: November 2021

En el teatro contemporáneo la videoescena se ha consolidado en la plástica escénica como la integración de audiovisuales en escena con múltiples objetivos. Agrupación Señor Serrano es una compañía española que incorpora el vídeo a sus escenificaciones bajo la premisa de la intermedialidad, es decir, la puesta en escena se articula por medio de la hibridación entre teatro y audiovisual. Utiliza recursos de la cultura popular sumados a un ácido sentido crítico, que desarrolla a través de la simultaneidad, la yuxtaposición, la alternancia y los múltiples puntos de vista mostrados por la videoescena. Este artículo presenta un análisis de la intermedialidad de su espectáculo The Mountain (2020). Para ello se discriminan las funciones dramatúrgicas del vídeo, a fin de exponer cómo la inserción del audiovisual en la dramaturgia espectacular ensancha la teatralidad al crear una forma teatral a partir del permanente diálogo entre escena y videoescena.
Alan Pauls: vida de lector
Authors: Rodríguez Montiel Victor Emiliano
Published: November 2021

Este trabajo se propone explorar y analizar los componentes formales, teóricos y autofigurativos a las que Alan Pauls apela para construir, en el pasaje final de La vida descalzo, su ficción del origen como lector. Poniendo en marcha lo aprendido de sus maestros literarios (Borges, Puig, Cortázar y Piglia), Pauls pergeña un relato de iniciación a la lectura con el propósito de que la máquina de sentido que sostiene y legitima tanto a su obra como a su imagen autoral se afirme –asimile y afilie– a un mito fundacional específico: la de una infancia feliz gracias a la ficción. La hipótesis sostiene que esta fábula figura el lugar discipular que Pauls desea para sí en la literatura argentina, uno que, entre la rebeldía y la legitimación, pivotea entre dos grandes identidades: la del «alumno ejemplar», que ostenta un lugar privilegiado junto a los hacedores del canon, y la del «enfant terrible», al que se le consiente y permite todo.
A Double-Layer Multi-Resolution Classification Model for Decoding Spatiotemporal Patterns of Spikes With Small Sample Size
Authors: She Xiwei , Berger Theodore W. , Song Dong
Published: November 2021

We build a double-layer, multiple temporal-resolution classification model for decoding single-trial spatiotemporal patterns of spikes. The model takes spiking activities as input signals and binary behavioral or cognitive variables as output signals and represents the input-output mapping with a double-layer ensemble classifier. In the first layer, to solve the underdetermined problem caused by the small sample size and the very high dimensionality of input signals, B-spline functional expansion and L1-regularized logistic classifiers are used to reduce dimensionality and yield sparse model estimations. A wide range of temporal resolutions of neural features is included by using a large number of classifiers with different numbers of B-spline knots. Each classifier serves as a base learner to classify spatiotemporal patterns into the probability of the output label with a single temporal resolution. A bootstrap aggregating strategy is used to reduce the estimation variances of these classifiers. In the second layer, another L1-regularized logistic classifier takes outputs of first-layer classifiers as inputs to generate the final output predictions. This classifier serves as a meta-learner that fuses multiple temporal resolutions to classify spatiotemporal patterns of spikes into binary output labels. We test this decoding model with both synthetic and experimental data recorded from rats and human subjects performing memory-dependent behavioral tasks. Results show that this method can effectively avoid overfitting and yield accurate prediction of output labels with small sample size. The double-layer, multi-resolution classifier consistently outperforms the best single-layer, single-resolution classifier by extracting and utilizing multi-resolution spatiotemporal features of spike patterns in the classification.
Ophiopogon elatior, a new species of Asparagaceae from Yunnan, China
Authors: LIN QIN-WEN , LE CHI-TOAN , YU ZHI-YONG , SUN GUO-FENG , LIU BING
Published: November 2021

Ophiopogon elatior from south-eastern Yunnan Province of China is described here as new to science. This species is morphologically similar to O. grandis, but differs from the latter species by leaf size (60–80 cm × 5–6 mm vs 25–55 cm × 7–11 mm), scape size (80–100 cm vs 15–20 cm), and flower color (purple-dotted vs white). Moreover, the new species can be easily distinguished from all known species of Ophiopogon with its erect and very tall scape highly overtopping the basal grass-like foliage.
Dlhawksworthia flavoparmeliae sp. nov., a new endolichenic fungus in Phaeosphaeriaceae
Authors: SI HONG-LI , ZHENG XIAO-XIAO , Lin Xinchao , SU YUE-MIN , BOSE TANAY , CHANG RUN-LEI
Published: November 2021

The genus Dlhawksworthia presently includes three species. All the previously described species have been isolated from plants. Besides, none of these three species have ever been recorded in China. We conducted surveys in various regions of China to isolate and identify endolichenic fungi associated with diverse lichen species. During these surveys, we isolated both previously known and undescribed fungi associated with lichens. Among these, there was an isolate of an unknown fungus. The morphological and molecular analyses indicated that this isolate represented a new species from the genus Dlhawksworthia. As a consequence, we described this fungus as Dlhawksworthia flavoparmeliae sp. nov. This is the first report of Dlhawksworthia isolated from a lichen in China and globally.
Nomenclature of supra-generic units within the Family Scincidae (Squamata)
Authors: SHEA GLENN M.
Published: November 2021

The modern classification of skinks is based on a nomenclature that dates to the 1970s. However, there are a number of earlier names in the family group that have been overlooked by recent workers. These names are identified and their validity with respect to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature investigated, along with their type genera. In most cases, use of these names to supplant junior synonyms in modern day use is avoidable by use of the Reversal of Precedence articles of the Code, but the names remain available in case of future divisions at the tribe and subtribe level. Other names are unavailable due to homonymy, either of their type genera or the stems from similar but non-homonymous type genera. However, the name Egerniini is replaced by Tiliquini, due to a limited timespan of use of Egerniini. A new classification of the Family Scincidae is proposed, providing a more extensive use of Code-regulated levels of classification, including tribes and subtribes, and a detailed synonymy provided for each taxonomic unit.
Removal of Trace Mercury in Water by Iron Manganese Oxide Modified Biochar
Authors: Liu Sheng , Li Xujie , Su Zilin , Yi Linya , Chen Zhanli , Zhou Mengyan , Yan Chenhui
Published: November 2021

Mercury wastewater is a kind of heavy metal wastewater discharged from many industrial processes. The treatment of a large amount of mercury-containing wastewater increasingly requires high-efficiency, low-cost, and low-cost treatment materials, treatment processes and technologies
to ensure compliance with mercury standards. This paper mainly studies the effect of iron-manganese oxide modified biochar on the removal of trace mercury in water. The prepared activated carbon is added to a mercury solution with a proper concentration, and a single factor adsorption experiment
of pH, initial concentration, amount of activated carbon, particle size, temperature, and time is performed. In this paper, iron manganese oxide modified biochar is listed as the research object. The activated carbon is studied through the adsorption characteristics, adsorption mechanism and
influencing factors of mercury in the solution, and the process technology and optimization parameters of the modified activated carbon to treat mercury-containing wastewater are explored. The maximum adsorption capacity of modified activated carbon calculated by Lagergren quasi-first-order
kinetic model is 16.62 mg/g. This indicates that the adsorption kinetics of Hg by iron-manganese oxide modified biochar is more consistent with the Lagergren quasi-secondary kinetic model and is also more efficient.
Functional Effects of Pomegranate Peel Extracts on Milk: Antibacterial Measurements, Antioxidant Activities, and Photochemical Characterizations
Authors: Sami Rokayya , Khojah Ebtihal , Alharbi Mona , A. M. Al-Mushhin Amina , Saeed Alkaltham Mohammed , Mohammad Salamatullah Ahmad , Ahmed Ismail Khadiga , Helal Mahmoud
Published: November 2021

Consumers are interested in antimicrobial by-products from natural sources. The present study aims to estimate the antibacterial effects of different concentrations and solvent extracts such as methanol, ethanol, and water extract of pomegranate peels with the milk quality application
in-vitro. Listeria monocytogens, E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus were used as bacteria growth indicators in two pomegranate varieties (i.e., Wonderful and Francis). Besides, evaluating somephysical characterization, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Results showed
that the highest inhibition zone of 18.88 mm was observed with 90% ethanol extract of Wonderful variety against Listeria monocytogens, at 0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/mL concentrations, while the lowest inhibition zone of 11.29 mm was observed with 90% methanol extract of Francis variety,
at 12.5 mg/mL concentration. The milk treated with WPE of Wonderful variety maintained the bacterial growth from 1.19 ±0.29 x 109 to 1.43 x 1011 CFU/mL at 4 °C. Punicalagin was the most abundant polyphenolic compound (165.05–190.43 µg/mL) followed
by gallic acid (153.08–177.65 µg/mL), and p-Hydroxybenzoic acid (91.29–92.5 mg/mL). Acetaldehyde (23.09–27.15 PPM), followed by acetoin (9.65–15.33 PPM) were the most predominant volatile compounds. The WPE treated milk maintained the sensory evaluations such
as taste, color, texture, and overall acceptance longer time longer time (i.e., 144 h) than FPE treated milk (i.e., 168 h) at 4°C. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging of capacity (IC50 values) of FPE treated milk were found to be lower than WPE treated milk (i.e., 159.65 µg/mL and 131.87
µg/mL), respectively. While, FPE treated milk reported a higher viscosity content than WPE treated milk (13.11 cP). In conclusion, pomegranate peel extracts especially Wonderful variety may be used to prolong the shelf-life of milk in dairy products manufacturers.