bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated mean platelet volume in oral lichen planus and increased blood urea nitrogen level in its red-form: an observational study
Authors: Yao Hui , Deng Yiwen , Du Guanhuan , Wang Yufeng , Tang Guoyao
Published: June 2021

Background

This retrospective observational study aims to assess platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), blood biochemical tests for liver and kidney function in Chinese oral lichen planus (OLP) patients.

Methods

Eighty pathologically confirmed OLP patients and 51 healthy controls were enrolled. Data on full blood count and biochemical tests were obtained from the electronic medical record system of the hospital.

Results

MPV was elevated in OLP patients compared to controls (10.68 ± 0.97 fL versus 10.33 ± 0.89 fL, P = 0.042) while platelet count showed no difference between them. Red-form OLP group had increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN, 5.24 ± 1.15 mmol/L versus 4.69 ± 0.98 mmol/L, P = 0.036) than white-form OLP group. By contrast, there were no differences between those two groups in the other variables including MPV, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine. In terms of C-reactive protein (CRP), 92.5% of the OLP patients had a value of less than 3.48 mg/L. Besides, 75% of the OLP patients were overweight with body mass index (BMI) more than 25 kg/m2.

Conclusions

These findings indicate MPV might play roles in inflammation in OLP. The red-form OLP might be associated with damage or reduction of kidney function.
Root canal morphology of the mandibular second premolar: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wolf Thomas Gerhard , Anderegg A. L. , Wierichs R. J. , Campus G.
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim of this paper was to systematically review the root canal configuration (RCC) and morphology literature of the mandibular second premolar (Mn2P).

Methods

Systematic research of five electronic databases was performed to identify published literature concerning the root canal configuration (RCC) of the Mn2P up through July 2020. Studies were selected according to predefined search terms and keywords inclusion criteria: “root canal configuration”, “root canal system”, “root canal morphology”, “mandibular second premolar”, “mandibular premolars”, “morphology” and “anatomy”. Further possible studies were identified by cross-referencing and screening the bibliographies of the selected articles.

Results

From 1622 retrieved studies, 44 studies investigating the internal morphology of 17,839 Mn2Ps were included. Most examined Mn2Ps were single-rooted (89.5–100%); two-rooted (0.1–8%) and three-rooted (0.1–3.5%) Mn2Ps at lower frequency. Most frequent RCCs reported were 1–1–1/1 (55.3–99.6%) followed by 1–1–2/2 (0.5–57%) and 2–2–2/2 (0.6–18%). The meta-analysis of seven studies demonstrated that a significantly higher number of RCC type 1–2–1/1 (OR [95%CI] = 2.05 [1.27, 3.33]) and 2–2–2/2 (OR [95%CI] = 2.32 [0.65, 8.63]) were observed in male than in female patients.

Conclusions

Different RCC research methods have been reported. Whereas clearing and radiographs were commonly used in the past, CBCT has been prevalent in recent years. A globally high frequency of a 1–1–1/1 RCC in the Mn2P has been reported. Nevertheless, the probability that different, more complicated RCCs can appear in Mn2Ps should not be underestimated and, thus, should be taken into consideration when making decisions during an endodontic treatment.
The risk of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke in Chinese adults with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations < 70 mg/dL
Authors: Wu Zhijun , Huang Zhe , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Liu Yesong , Chen Shuohua , Jin Yao , Na Muzi , Bao Le , Wu Shouling , Gao Xiang
Published: June 2021

Background

The risk of stroke in individuals with very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations remains high. We sought to prioritize predictive risk factors for stroke in Chinese participants with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL using a survival conditional inference tree, a machine learning method.

Methods

The training dataset included 9327 individuals with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL who were free of cardiovascular diseases and did not use lipid-modifying drugs from the Kailuan I study (N = 101,510). We examined the validity of this algorithm in a second Chinese cohort of 1753 participants with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL from the Kailuan II study (N = 35,856).

Results

During a mean 8.5–9.0-year follow-up period, we identified 388 ischemic stroke cases and 145 hemorrhagic stroke cases in the training dataset and 20 ischemic stroke cases and 8 hemorrhagic stroke cases in the validation dataset. Of 15 examined predictors, poorly controlled blood pressure and very low LDL-C concentrations (≤ 40 mg/dL) were the top hierarchical predictors of both ischemic stroke risk and hemorrhagic stroke risk. The groups, characterized by the presence of 2–3 of aforementioned risk factors, were associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio (HR) 7.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.01–9.85 in the training dataset; HR 4.68, 95%CI 1.58–13.9 in the validation dataset) and hemorrhagic stroke (HR 3.94, 95%CI 2.54–6.11 in the training dataset; HR 4.73, 95%CI 0.81–27.6 in the validation dataset), relative to the lowest risk groups (presence of 0–1 of these factors). There was a linear association between cumulative average LDL-C concentrations and stroke risk. LDL-C concentrations ≤ 40 mg/dL was significantly associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke (HR 2.07, 95%CI 1.53, 2.80) and hemorrhagic stroke (HR 2.70, 95%CI 1.70, 4.30) compared to LDL-C concentrations of 55–70 mg/dL, after adjustment for age, hypertension status, and other covariates.

Conclusion

Individuals with extremely low LDL-C concentrations without previous lipid-modifying treatment could still be at high stroke risk.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489. Registered on 24-08-2011.
Role of AmpG in the resistance to β-lactam agents, including cephalosporins and carbapenems: candidate for a novel antimicrobial target
Authors: D’Souza Roshan , Nguyen Le Phuong , Pinto Naina A. , Lee Hyunsook , Vu Thao Nguyen , Kim Hoyoung , Cho Hyun Soo , Yong Dongeun
Published: June 2021

Background

A complex cascade of genes, enzymes, and transcription factors regulates AmpC β-lactamase overexpression. We investigated the network of AmpC β-lactamase overexpression in Klebsiella aerogenes and identified the role of AmpG in resistance to β-lactam agents, including cephalosporins and carbapenems.

Methods

A transposon mutant library was created for carbapenem-resistant K. aerogenes YMC2008-M09-943034 (KE-Y1) to screen for candidates with increased susceptibility to carbapenems, which identified the susceptible mutant derivatives KE-Y3 and KE-Y6. All the strains were subjected to highly contiguous de novo assemblies using PacBio sequencing to investigate the loss of resistance due to transposon insertion. Complementation and knock-out experiments using lambda Red-mediated homologous recombinase and CRISPR–Cas9 were performed to confirm the role of gene of interest.

Results

In-depth analysis of KE-Y3 and KE-Y6 revealed the insertion of a transposon at six positions in each strain, at which truncation of the AmpG permease gene was common in both. The disruption of the AmpG permease leads to carbapenem susceptibility, which was further confirmed by complementation. We generated an AmpG permease gene knockout using lambda Red-mediated recombineering in K. aerogenes KE-Y1 and a CRISPR–Cas9-mediated gene knockout in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-YMC/2013/D to confer carbapenem susceptibility.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that inhibition of the AmpG is a potential strategy to increase the efficacy of β-lactam agents against Klebsiella aerogenes.
Dupilumab elicits a favorable response in type-2 inflammatory comorbidities of severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Nettis Eustachio , Masciopinto Lucia , Di Leo Elisabetta , De Candia Nicola , Albanesi Marcello , Di Bona Danilo , Quaranta Nicola , Macchia Luigi
Published: June 2021

Background

This case is the first report describing rapid, successful treatment of severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and comorbid type-2 inflammatory diseases in the same patient, with dupilumab treatment, with no side-effects.

Case presentation

We report on effects of dupilumab in a patient with severe AD, a long-standing history of a mild, perennial allergic rhino-conjunctivitis, moderate asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Conclusions

Patients suffering from AD, asthma, allergic rhinitis and CRSwNP may be eligible for dupilumab single treatment that is possibly advantageous also from the pharmaco-economic standpoint.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of risk terrain modelling (RTM) as a spatial forecasting method
Authors: Marchment Zoe , Gill Paul
Published: June 2021

Background

Several studies have tested the reliability of Risk Terrain Modelling (RTM) by focusing on different geographical contexts and types of crime or events. However, to date, there has been no attempt to systematically review the evidence on whether RTM is effective at predicting areas at high risk of events. This paper reviews RTM’s efficacy as a spatial forecasting method.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the RTM literature. We aggregated the available data from a sample of studies that measure predictive accuracy and conducted a proportion meta-analysis on studies with appropriate data.

Results

In total, we found 25 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The systematic review demonstrated that RTM has been successful in identifying at risk places for acquisitive crimes, violent crimes, child maltreatment, terrorism, drug related crimes and driving while intoxicated (DWI). The proportion meta-analysis indicated that almost half of future cases in the studies analysed were captured in the top ten per cent of risk cells. This typically covers a very small portion of the full study area.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that RTM is an effective forecasting method that can be applied to identify places at greatest risk of an event and can be a useful tool in guiding targeted responses to crime problems.
Geotechnical modelling of the climate change impact on world heritage properties in Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: Hemeda Sayed
Published: June 2021

Alexandria is one of the Mediterranean UNESCO World Heritage sites at risk from coastal flooding and erosion due to sea-level rise. The city’s position on the Mediterranean coast means it is especially vulnerable to rising sea levels. Alexandria is one of UNESCO sites in Egypt at risk from flooding. All the archaeological sites in the northern coast of Egypt are also said to be at risk from coastal erosion. The flood risk in Alexandria is expected to reach a tipping point by 2050. This research presents the numerical analysis of geotechnical and structural damage mechanism of Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa and El-Shatbi Necropolis; the sites have the lowest topography in Alexandria induced by the sea level rise and heavy rain due to the Climate Change, based on Finite Element PLAXIS Code. The purpose of the study was to investigate the behavior fully-saturated soft rock/ hard soil subjected to ground water intrusions. The main objective of this study is to very accurately record and analyze geotechnical problems and induced structural failure mechanisms that have been observed and accounted for in field, experimental and Numerical studies. The land area is also vulnerable to coastal flooding. It is widely expected that the numerical analysis of such geotechnical problems will contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. The present research presents an attempt and experimental study to design a PLAXIS 2D FE model to simulate hard soil/hard rock problems, distortion and stress analysis of the complex structure of the catacombs. Plastic modeling or Mohr—Coulomb model was used in advanced soils during various stages of numerical analysis. Results are recorded and discussed regarding stress and volumetric behavior of soil/rocks. Groundwater infiltration into pores or fissures of rock and soil has a great influence on the engineering mechanical properties of rocks and soils.
Quantitative measurement of toxic metals and assessment of health risk in agricultural products food from Markazi Province of Iran
Authors: Karimi Fereshteh , Shariatifar Nabi , Rezaei Mohammad , Alikord Mahsa , Arabameri Majid
Published: June 2021

The current study aims to investigate the levels of the toxic metal in agricultural products (legumes, wheat, and potato) collected in Markazi province, Iran, and human health risk by using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The levels of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in all samples were lower than the limit of detection (LOD), while the level of Cd in potato samples was lower than the maximum permisible level (MPL) of the European commission (EC). The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk assessment by direct ingestion of agricultural products was calculated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method. The highest mean of toxic metals was observed for lead (Pb) in legume samples (562.17 μg kg− 1). Mercury (Hg) and Pb levels in all samples were higher than LOD, while Pb level in wheat samples were lower than of EC. The rank order of Hg and Pb levels in all samples based on target hazard quotient (THQ) value was wheat> potato>legume. The THQ index of Hg and Pb by the deterministic method in wheat was 1.37 and 0.454; in potato 0.139 and 0.104; in legume 0.092 and 0.41, respectively. The carcinogenic risk index was at an acceptable range. The high hazard index values were estimated and the THQ index for Hg in wheat suggests a non-negligible health risk.
Risk of suicide among U.S. veterans who deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn
Authors: Bullman Tim , Schneiderman Aaron
Published: June 2021

Background

There has been concern about the risk of suicide among veterans returning from deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). This study assessed suicide risk among OEF/OIF/OND veterans by gender and unit component. Firearm related suicide was also briefly examined.

Findings

The study cohort was identified from records of the US Department of Defense. Vital status and cause of death through 2016 was obtained from the Mortality Data Repository, which obtains data from the National Death Index. Suicide risk was first assessed using standardized mortality ratios (SMR)s, comparing the rate of suicide among all veterans, both collectively and separately by gender and unit component (active vs. reserve/National Guard) to the expected based on the US population adjusted for age, race, sex, and calendar year. Risk of suicide among active duty compared to reserve/National Guard veterans and male compared to female veterans was assessed with hazard ratios (HR) s, generated by Cox proportional hazards models, that included the covariates race, age, marital status, rank, and branch of service. There was an increased risk of suicide when all OEF/OIF/OND Veterans were compared to the US population, (SMR = 1.42; 95%, C.I., 1.38,1.46). Both male and female veterans had an increased risk of suicide when compared to their gender specific non-veteran counterparts, (SMR = 1.40; 95%, C.I., 1.36,1.45 and SMR = 1.85; 95%, C.I., 1.60,2.13), respectively. Active duty veterans had an increased risk of suicide compared to reserve/National Guard veterans, (HR = 1.22; 95%, C.I., 1.14,1.30). Male veterans had an almost 3-fold increased risk compared to female veterans, (HR = 2.85; 95%, C.I., 2.47,3.29). Among all veteran suicides 68.3% involved a firearm, including 68.7% among males and 59.5% among females.

Conclusions

All OEF/OIF/OND veterans have an increased risk of suicide compared to non-veterans. Veterans will benefit from enhanced access to mental health services and initiatives to promote suicide prevention. Strategies that emphasize lethal means safety, an evidence based suicide prevention strategy which includes increasing safe storage practices (i.e., storing firearms unloaded and locked) can help address this increased risk of veteran suicide.
Correction to: Uptake of the child care expense deduction: exploring factors associated with the use of the child care expense deduction among families with a child under 12 years
Authors: Heidinger Loanna , Findlay Leanne C. , Guèvremont Anne
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Network analysis of potential risk genes for psoriasis
Authors: Wang Huilin , Chen Wenjun , He Jin , Xu Wenjuan , Liu Jiangwei
Published: June 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a complex chronic inflammatory skin disease. The aim of this study was to analyze potential risk genes and molecular mechanisms associated with psoriasis.

Methods

GSE54456, GSE114286, and GSE121212 were collected from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between psoriasis and controls were screened respectively in three datasets and common DEGs were obtained. The biological role of common DEGs were identified by enrichment analysis. Hub genes were identified using protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and their risk for psoriasis was evaluated through logistic regression analysis. Moreover, differentially methylated positions (DMPs) between psoriasis and controls were obtained in the GSE115797 dataset. Methylation markers were identified after comparison with the common genes.

Results

A total of 118 common DEGs were identified, which were mainly involved in keratinocyte differentiation and IL-17 signaling pathway. Through PPI network, we identified top 10 degrees as hub genes. Among them, high expression of CXCL9 and SPRR1B may be risk factors for psoriasis. In addition, we selected 10 methylation-modified genes with the higher area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value as methylation markers. Nomogram showed that TGM6 and S100A9 may be associated with an increased risk of psoriasis.

Conclusion

This suggests that immune and inflammatory responses are active in keratinocytes of psoriatic skin. CXCL9, SPRR1B, TGM6 and S100A9 may be potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis.
SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity and Seroconversion in Patients Undergoing Active Cancer-Directed Therapy
Authors: Sun Lova , Surya Sanjna , Goodman Noah G. , Le Anh N. , Kelly Gregory , Owoyemi Olutosin , Desai Heena , Zheng Cathy , DeLuca Shannon , Good Madeline L. , Hussain Jasmin , Jeffries Seth D. , Kry Yolanda R. , Kugler Emily M. , Mansour Maikel , Ndicu John , Osei-Akoto AnnaClaire , Prior Timothy , Pundock Stacy L. , Varughese Lisa A. , Weaver JoEllen , Doucette Abigail , Dudek Scott , Verma Shefali Setia , Gouma Sigrid , Weirick Madison E. , McAllister Christopher M. , Bange Erin , Gabriel Peter , Ritchie Marylyn , Rader Daniel J. , Vonderheide Robert H. , Schuchter Lynn M. , Verma Anurag , Maillard Ivan , Mamtani Ronac , Hensley Scott E. , Gross Robert , Wileyto E. Paul , Huang Alexander C. , Maxwell Kara N. , DeMichele Angela
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE:

Multiple studies have demonstrated the negative impact of cancer care delays during the COVID-19 pandemic, and transmission mitigation techniques are imperative for continued cancer care delivery. We aimed to gauge the effectiveness of these measures at the University of Pennsylvania.

METHODS:

We conducted a longitudinal study of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity and seroconversion in patients presenting to infusion centers for cancer-directed therapy between May 21, 2020, and October 8, 2020. Participants completed questionnaires and had up to five serial blood collections.

RESULTS:

Of 124 enrolled patients, only two (1.6%) had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies on initial blood draw, and no initially seronegative patients developed newly detectable antibodies on subsequent blood draw(s), corresponding to a seroconversion rate of 0% (95% CI, 0.0 TO 4.1%) over 14.8 person-years of follow up, with a median of 13 health care visits per patient.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that patients with cancer receiving in-person care at a facility with aggressive mitigation efforts have an extremely low likelihood of COVID-19 infection.
A Truly Invisible Hand
Authors: Palacios Carlos
Published: June 2021

Critical theory has long resisted the notion that an “invisible hand” can operate within the real social dynamics of a free market. But despite the most radical desires of the socially critical imagination, the optimization of that “spontaneous order” or depersonalized way of ordering things known as “the economy” has become the dominant playing field and decisive electoral issue of modern politics. Within this broad contemporary context, Michel Foucault made a strange theoretical intervention that, to this day, continues to baffle readers. During a lecture, he argued that Adam Smith's invisible hand was, after all, truly and purposively, that is, for technical rather than ideological reasons, “invisible.” This article argues that there is a counter-positivism or tactical irony contained within the logic of such a controversial thesis; namely, that when one acknowledges that the principle of economic competition encourages an efficient self-organizing effect at all times, regardless of context, one is also immediately in a position to appreciate why the art of government should always maintain its political primacy over the spontaneous order of the market.
Personality Traits and Physical Activity: Helping Exercise Professionals Maximize Client Outcomes
Authors: Newsome A’Naja , Kilpatrick Marcus , Mastrofini Gianna , Wilson Kathryn
Published: June 2021

Apply It

• Understand the relationship between personality traits and exercise behaviors

• Integrate personality scales as meaningful tools for client goal setting and exercise programming

• Identify strategies for using personality traits to increase client performance
Arte, criação e criatividade: entre a utilidade e a inutilidade na epistemologia ocidental.
Authors: Medeiros José Afonso
Published: June 2021

Tanto para o senso comum quanto para o senso acadêmico, criação e criatividade são, respectivamente, um princípio privilegiado pelo campo da arte e uma habilidade desenvolvida principalmente por artistas. Desse modo, a arte tem sido considerada a atividade por excelência na qual imaginação e criatividade parecem indissociáveis. Essa concepção foi construída plenamente ao longo do século XIX. Entretanto, considerando-se a própria história da arte, nem sempre os artistas e os teóricos deram como certa essa aliança entre imaginação e criatividade no processo de produção artística, pois houve (e há) pensadores que defendem a ideia de que a criação/recriação artística seria inútil na lida do ser humano com o mundo e com a vida e, sobretudo, na constituição do conhecimento.
Cultural mediation and its creative potency in collaborative and participative processes in educators’ formation.
Authors: Peixoto de Alencar Valeria
Published: June 2021

La mediación cultural y su potencia creativa en los procesos colaborativos y participativos en la formación de educadores | A mediação cultural e sua potência criativa em processos colaborativos e participativos na formação de educadores
A arte (auto)educação para a consciência de si e do outro.
Authors: Negreiros do Amaral Maria das Vitórias
Published: June 2021

Depois de 39 anos trabalhando como professora de arte, inicialmente na Educação Básica (escolas públicas e privadas) e posteriormente no Ensino Superior (UFPE), venho descobrir a educação informal como um processo de ensino-aprendizagem, considerando-a de grande relevância para a aprendizagem da arte, pensando nessa possibilidade de se autoeducar e, consequentemente, educar quem está próximo. Depois de orientar várias/vários estudantes que não têm experiência na educação formal ou mesmo na não formal, fui identificando essa aprendizagem. E foi então que surgiu a arte (auto)educação, uma consciência de si e do outro por meio do processo artístico. Neste artigo, trago como esse termo vem tomando corpo em minhas pesquisas e parte do resultado dessas reflexões apresentei em Paris, em 2017. Essas reflexões sobre si na produção artística se aprofundou nesse tempo de pandemia, entre 2020 e 2021, momento em que as/os estudantes estão em casa e, com isso, identifico que estão mergulhados na produção artística para se compreender, se fortalecer e não adoecer nesse tempo de solidão que o isolamento, por causa da Covid-19, provoca. O ensino de arte formal, na formação de professoras e professores na Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, campo que tomo como meu lugar de fala, vai além da sala de aula, seja nas escolas ou nos espaços não formais como ongs, ateliês e outros, se dá no próprio corpo dessas professoras e professores em formação. Com base nas experiências vividas em sala de aula e fora dela vamos aprendendo e reaprendendo a ser quem somos; o processo artístico e a criatividade são elementos fundamentais para essa arte (auto)educação, formação de si e aprendizagem da arte. Com ela, vamos elaborando e reelaborando as imagens que nos constituem. A produção de arte contaminada pelas imagens cotidianas, a contextualização, aquilo que você sente, expressa, vê, e a conscientização de si e do grupo com o qual se convive... e é assim que acontece a aprendizagem da arte em uma (auto)educação.
ECG of the month
Authors: Bloe Charles
Published: June 2021

In this issue's ECG of the month, Charles Bloe presents a case of a 48-year-old man who began experiencing severe, acute chest pain while taking a leisurely bicycle ride.
A Study on Art Interests and Critical Thinking Dispositions of Students in Fine Arts Department of the Faculty of Education
Authors: Taskesen Selma
Published: June 2021

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between the art interests and critical thinking dispositions of the students who study fine arts education in the faculty of education. The sample of the research consisted of 236 fine arts education students including 123 from the department of painting teaching and 113 from the department of music education. In the research, relational survey method was used. It was found in the research that the art interests of the students were at the level that can be considered as good. In addition, it was noticed that the average scores of critical thinking dispositions of the students were at moderate level. One of the findings obtained from the study was that there was no significant difference between the scores of art interest and critical thinking according to gender. Another finding was that art interests of the students in the music department were significantly higher compared with the scores of the students in the department of art education. In addition, a positive moderate level of relationship was found between the art interest and critical thinking, analyticity, inquisitiveness sub-dimensions; significantly low positive relationship with self-confidence, systematicity, searching truth and cognitive maturity sub-dimensions.
Parametric comparison between sparsity-based and deep learning-based image reconstruction of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Chen Junjie , Chen Yun
Published: June 2021

Sparsity-based and deep learning-based image reconstruction algorithms are two promising approaches to accelerate the image acquisition process for localization-based super-resolution microscopy, by allowing a higher density of fluorescing emitters to be imaged in a single frame. Despite the surging popularity, a comprehensive parametric study guiding the practical applications of sparsity-based and deep learning-based image reconstruction algorithms is yet to be conducted. In this study, we examined the performance of sparsity- and deep learning-based algorithms in reconstructing super-resolution images using simulated fluorescent microscopy images. The simulated images were synthesized with varying levels of sparsity and connectivity. We found the deep learning-based VDSR recovers image faster, with a higher recall rate and localization accuracy. The sparsity-based SPIDER recovers more zero pixels truthfully. We also compared the two algorithms using images acquired from a real super-resolution experiment, yielding results agreeing with the results from the evaluation using simulated images. We concluded that VDSR is preferable when accurate emitter localization is needed while SPIDER is more suitable when evaluation of the number of emitters is critical.
Controlling the quality of SiO2 colloidal crystals by temperature ramping on the vertical convective self-assembly method
Authors: Castañeda-Uribe Octavio A. , Méndez-Pinzón Henry A. , Salcedo-Reyes Juan C.
Published: June 2021

Traditionally, the vertical convective self-assembly method (VCSA) uses time-invariant temperature conditions to obtain high-quality colloidal crystal (CC) films, leaving unexplored possible effects due to temperature variations during the elaboration process. Here, the quality of colloidal crystal films grown by the VCSA method when applying temperature ramps is investigated. This study is conducted by combining experimental measurements and simulations of concentration profile and meniscus displacement, using the temperature dependent Kynch’s theory. The quality of the elaborated CC films is evaluated by analyzing the resulting optical Bragg diffraction. Colloidal crystal films deposited under controlled parameters showed that high-quality films can be achieved by positioning the meniscus into the uniform zone under temperature ramping, as a definite relation between sedimentation velocity and evaporation rate, in agreement with modelling results.
Afraid of the dark: Light acutely suppresses activity in the human amygdala
Authors: McGlashan Elise M. , Poudel Govinda R. , Jamadar Sharna D. , Phillips Andrew J. K. , Cain Sean W.
Published: June 2021

Light improves mood. The amygdala plays a critical role in regulating emotion, including fear-related responses. In rodents the amygdala receives direct light input from the retina, and light may play a role in fear-related learning. A direct effect of light on the amygdala represents a plausible mechanism of action for light’s mood-elevating effects in humans. However, the effect of light on activity in the amygdala in humans is not well understood. We examined the effect of passive dim-to-moderate white light exposure on activation of the amygdala in healthy young adults using the BOLD fMRI response (3T Siemens scanner;n= 23). Participants were exposed to alternating 30s blocks of light (10 lux or 100 lux) and dark (<1 lux), with each light intensity being presented separately. Light, compared with dark, suppressed activity in the amygdala. Moderate light exposure resulted in greater suppression of amygdala activity than dim light. Furthermore, functional connectivity between the amygdala and ventro-medial prefrontal cortex was enhanced during light relative to dark. These effects may contribute to light’s mood-elevating effects, via a reduction in negative, fear-related affect and enhanced processing of negative emotion.
Impact of a mobile decision support tool on antimicrobial stewardship indicators in St. John’s, Canada
Authors: Doyle Daniel , McDonald Gerald , Pratt Claire , Rehan Zahra , Benteau Tammy , Phillips Jennifer , Daley Peter
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance. The SpectrumTM app provides antibiotic decision support, based on local antimicrobial resistance rates. We determined the impact of regional implementation of the app on inpatient antimicrobial appropriateness, inpatient antimicrobial usage (AMU), population-based Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) rates and cost, using a retrospective, before and after quasi-experimental design, including a one-year study period.

Methods

The SpectrumTM app was released to prescribers in February, 2019. We performed two one-day inpatient point prevalence surveys using the National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey tool, six months before (June 25, 2018) and six months after (June 25, 2019) app dissemination. Inpatient AMU in Defined Daily Dose/1000 patient days and CDI incidence were compared, before and after app dissemination.

Results

The pre-survey included 184 prescriptions, and the post-survey included 197 prescriptions. Appropriateness was 97/176 (55.1%) pre, and 126/192 (65.6%) post (+10.5%, p = 0.051). Inpatient AMU declined by 6.6 DDD/1000 patient days per month, and CDI declined by 0.3 cases per month. Cost savings associated with reduced AMU were $403.98/bed/year and associated with reduced CDI were $82,078/year.

Conclusion

We observed improvement in antimicrobial stewardship indicators following SpectrumTM implementation. We cannot determine the cause of these improvements.
Novel low shear 3D bioreactor for high purity mesenchymal stem cell production
Authors: Burns Andrew B. , Doris Corinna , Vehar Kevin , Saxena Vinit , Bardliving Cameron , Shamlou Parviz A. , Phillips M. Ian
Published: June 2021

Bone marrow derived human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) are an attractive candidate for regenerative medicine. However, their harvest can be invasive, painful, and expensive, making it difficult to supply the enormous amount of pure hMSCs needed for future allogeneic therapies. Because of this, a robust method of scaled bioreactor culture must be designed to supply the need for high purity, high density hMSC yields. Here we test a scaled down model of a novel bioreactor consisting of an unsubmerged 3D printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) lattice matrix wetted by culture media. The growth matrix is uniform, replicable, and biocompatible, enabling homogenous cell culture in three dimensions. The goal of this study was to prove that hMSCs would culture well in this novel bioreactor design. The system tested resulted in comparable stem cell yields to other cell culture systems using bone marrow derived hMSCs, while maintaining viability (96.54% ±2.82), high purity (>98% expression of combined positive markers), and differentiation potential.
Right bundle branch block is not associated with worse short- and mid-term outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Weferling Maren , Liebetrau Christoph , Renker Matthias , Fischer-Rasokat Ulrich , Choi Yeoung-Hoon , Hamm Christian W. , Kim Won-Keun
Published: June 2021

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the standard treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) at intermediate or high surgical risk. Preexisting right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a strong predictor of new pacemaker implantation (PPM) after TAVI, and previous data indicate a worse short- and long-term outcome of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preexisting RBBB has an effect on the short- and mid-term outcome of patients undergoing TAVI in a German high-volume TAVI center.

Methods

For the present retrospective analysis, a total of 1,891 patients with native severe AS with successful TAVI without preexisting PPM were included. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality after 30 days and 12 months. Baseline RBBB was present in 190 (10.1%) of cases.

Results

Patients with preexisting RBBB had a considerably higher rate of new PPM after TAVI compared with patients without RBBB (87/190 [45.8%] vs. 219/1,701 [12.9%]; p<0.001). RBBB had no impact on all-cause mortality at 30 days (2.1% vs. 2.7%; p = 0.625) and at 12 months (14.4% vs. 13.6%; p = 0.765). Further stratification according to the presence of new PPM showed a difference in mid-term survival rates between the four groups, with the worst outcome for patients without RBBB and new PPM (log rank p = 0.024). However, no difference in mid-term cardiovascular survival was found.

Conclusion

Preexisting RBBB is a common finding in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI and is associated with considerably higher PPM rates but not with worse short- and mid-term outcome.
El estudio de las marcas de uso, un gran desconocido
Authors: Vicente Santos Francisco José
Published: June 2021

El interés generado por los útiles líticos retocados del paleolítico es un hecho lejano y las disecciones realizadas para saber su función son algo temprano. Las especulaciones sobre la función eran obtenidas por su variación morfología, por datos o relatos etnológicos etc. Estas cabalas comienzan a desaparecer, cuando en 1957 es publicada la obra de S. A. Semenov Tecnología Prehistórica , comenzando una nueva línea de investigación, seguido por otros muchos científicos que guiaran hacia la disciplina sus esfuerzos como: L. H. Keeley, G. H. Odell, M. E. Masur-Franchomme, H. Plisson, P. C. Anderson-Gerfaud,Korokoba o los españoles C. Gutiérrez, I. Clemente, J. J. Ibáñez, J. E. González, J. F. Gibaja, I. Martín, R. Domingo, C. Mazo, M. Calvo o P. Jardón. La nueva línea pretende analizar los estigmas o marcas, resultado del uso de los diferentes objetos dando respuesta a¿Cómo, sobre qué y para qué han sido utilizados?, así se inicia la investigación funcional o traceológica. El texto pretende dar a conocer de forma general este tipo de investigaciones, sus métodos y sus resultados.
Acercamiento a través de un análisis espacial al poblamiento de la Edad del Bronce Final y la Edad del Hierro en el sector sudoccidental de la Submeseta Norte
Authors: Hernández Sánchez David
Published: June 2021

El análisis espacial se ha confirmado en las últimas décadas como unametodología muy válida para avanzar en el conocimiento de las formas de poblamiento y la relación de los grupos humanos con el paisaje circundante. En este trabajo se muestran las bases de una investigación que aborda esta cuestión en los grupos humanos establecidos en el sector más sudoccidental de la Submeseta Norte durante las últimas etapas Protohistóricas. Se presenta un primer acercamiento que pretende confirmar la validez de la línea metodológica usada, ya que los datos de partida no permiten mayor profundidad por el momento. Se lleva a cabo la medición mediante un SIG de una serie de variables espaciales en su relación con los hábitats. Los resultados obtenidos son sometidos a análisis estadísticos multivariables, que nos llevan a la consecución de patrones de emplazamiento los cuales, puestos en relación con los datos cronológico-culturales conocidos, nos permiten vislumbrar marcas cronológico-culturales en el Paisaje.
Arquitectura defensiva protohistórica. Perspectivas metodológicas
Authors: López García Juan Pablo
Published: June 2021

La arquitectura defensiva es entendida como un fenómeno complejo enel que intervienen multitud de factores. Estructuras como las murallas fueron sometidas acontinuas reconstrucciones y reelaboraciones en relación a las necesidades, los gustos o lascapacidades técnicas de cada momento histórico. En este texto se propone un método integradordonde tiene cabida la exhaustividad de la toma de datos propuesta desde tendencias neopositivistas, el vínculo arquitectónico entre arquitectura y paisajes, sin desdeñar los aspectos simbólicos y culturales intrínsecos al edificio. La intención última es la creación de modelos y tipos susceptibles de comparación, estableciendo en la medida de lo posible patrones cronológicos y culturales repetitivos.
Género y Realeza en el Antiguo Egipto, del Dinástico Temprano al Imperio Nuevo
Authors: Bravo Yonte Alba
Published: June 2021

La historiografía tradicional ha tenido hasta hace relativamente poco al varón como único protagonista, pero, desde 1960, se han desarrollado estudios, en diversos campos, para devolver a las mujeres su historia, y a la historia la otra mitad de la humanidad,omitida e invisibilizada, voluntaria o involuntariamente. En este caso concreto pretendemos plantear una investigación, a través de diversos tipos de fuentes, sobre el papel económico, social, político y religioso de las mujeres en la realeza del Antiguo Egipto, desde el Dinástico Temprano (c. 3000- 2686 a.n.e.) al Imperio Nuevo (c. 1550-1069 a.n.e.), por medio de la comparación de casos concretos, estudio de nombres y titulaturas, relaciones familiares, principios de la realeza egipcia, etc. De este modo, intentaremos comprobar si la hipótesis de un sistema dual de realeza existió verdaderamente. La metodología a seguir será el materialismo histórico, junto a métodos y técnicas de la metodología de género y herramientas propias de la antropología sociológica.
La explotación de recursos en los márgenes del Nilo durante el Reino Medio: la Dinastía XII
Authors: González-Tablas Nieto Javier
Published: June 2021

Los márgenes del Valle del Nilo siempre estuvieron en el punto de mirade los faraones, debido a la riqueza y variedad de productos que aportaban, desde los importantes recursos minerales obtenidos en el desierto oriental o el Sinaí, hasta los exotica y aromata que llegaban al país a través de Nubia. En los periodos de mayor debilidad de la monarquía egipcia, estas zonas solían caer en desuso, como ocurrió durante el Primer Periodo Intermedio. Pero con la reunificación del país en el Reino Medio, la actividad egipciaen el exterior conoció un nuevo impulso, documentándose expediciones mineras en casi todos los yacimientos conocidos, así como la presencia egipcia en las zonas limítrofes, como Kerma, Siria-Palestina o Punt. La naturaleza de las relaciones entre los egipcios y los habitantes nativos de estas regiones puede vislumbrarse a través del estudio de las inscripciones y vestigios arqueológicos que dejaron tras de sí.
Oraciones de Relativo Circunnominales en Miles Gloriosus de Plauto
Authors: Merlo Gustavo Daniel
Published: June 2021

Las oraciones de relativo circunnominales son un modelo especial de subordinadas que se incrustan en el sintagma nominal y actúan como modificadores del sustantivo. Su particularidad es que el elemento al que se refieren –denominado en algunas tradiciones gramaticales como “antecedente”- sigue al pronombre relativo que encabeza la construcción. Esta investigación procura examinar las oraciones de relativo circunnominales en Miles Gloriosus de Plauto desde el punto de vista tipológico-funcional. La metodología base de este trabajo es el análisis de este sintagma postulado como una unidad que aparece motivado por su función comunicativa.
El juramento de fidelidad a Octaviano del año 32 a. C.
Authors: Rosado Martín María Concepción
Published: June 2021

El juramento de fidelidad del año 32 a. C. situó a Octaviano al frente de un bloque, liderado por Italia y secundado por las provincias occidentales, preparado para enfrentarse a Marco Antonio, quien estaba secundado por Cleopatra y por los territoriosorientales. Suetonio, Dión Casio y el propio Augusto en las Res Gestae Divi Augusti nos han transmitido la existencia de este juramento. El texto original no se conserva por lo quese ha comparado con otros juramentos de fidelidad, tanto de época republicana como imperial. Nuestro objetivo es estudiar cómo se gestó este juramento, en qué consistía y analizar otros juramentos de fidelidad parecidos al del año 32 a. C. Con este juramento, Italia y Occidente quedaron unidos políticamente a Octaviano de cara al inminente enfrentamiento de éste contra Marco Antonio cuya consecuencia será el paso de la República al Principado.
La aristocracia galorromana ante las migraciones bárbaras del siglo V: la invención del burgundio
Authors: Hernández Lobato Jesús
Published: June 2021

La presente comunicación se propone elucidar el papel de la poesía tardoantigua en la construcción social del “otro” bárbaro, esencial en la crisis identitaria del bajo Imperio Romano. Nos centraremos para ello en el cáustico carmen 12 de Sidonio Apolinar (430/431-489 d. C.), más comúnmente conocido como la “sátira de los Burgundios”.Esta pieza compuesta en torno al año 461 denuncia en clave de humor la extrema precariedad que atravesaba la maltratada capital lionesa ante la presencia masiva en sus calles y plazas de refugiados burgundios, que habían pasado de la noche a la mañana a enseñorearse de la colapsada ciudad galorromana, imponiendo a cada paso sus “incívicos” usos y costumbres. El poema –de una amarga comicidad– nos revela la frustración de un aristócrata nostálgico, que –ansioso por preservar el legado cultural del mundo romano– debe afrontar los cambios que necesariamente comporta la presencia de ese gran “otro” en el horizonte del Imperio y confesar, en último término, la inviabilidad de su proyecto, la imposibilidad de la poesía.Partiendo del evidente sesgo ideológico de este prisma literario, intentaremos reconstruir la historia del colectivo humano de los burgundios, uno de los más pujantes y creativos del panorama protogermánico.
El partido ignaciano: estructuración en el exilio y supervivencia tras la muerte del patriarca Ignacio I
Authors: Prieto Domínguez Óscar
Published: June 2021

La deposición del patriarca Ignacio I el 23 de noviembre de 858 y su posterior exilio sumieron a la Iglesia Bizantina en la primera de las grandes crisis post-iconoclastas que habría de conocer. La consagración de Focio como su sustituto el día de Navidad del año 858 lejos de solventar el malestar creado en el seno de la cristiandad de Oriente radicalizó las posiciones de clérigos, hegúmenos y metropolitas dando origen a la disputa conocida como querella fociana. Este conflicto que marcó la segunda mitad del siglo IXbizantino se vio acentuado con el destierro y excomunión de Focio y la restauración de Ignacio (867-877) a la que siguió un segundo patriarcado de Focio (877-886). La presente comunicación pretende analizar la estructuración del partido ignaciano durante los difícilesaños en los que carecieron de su líder y el modo en el que su causa sobrevivió tras la muerte de Ignacio, toda vez que Focio ejercía su ministerio sin tener que lidiar ya con ningún grupo disidente. Para ello nos centraremos principalmente en una fuente que hasta ahora ha pasado inadvertida y cuyo testimonio resulta tremendamente elocuente: el epistolario del patriarca Focio.
Lo visible y lo invisible en el románico: fuentes y simbología de lo profano
Authors: Ledesma González Antonio
Published: June 2021

Lo profano se define como “aquello que no es sagrado ni sirve a usos sagrados”, sin embargo,enlaculturamedieval resultará excesivamente complejo independizar mundo profanoy religioso, así como el conocimiento específico de la función que desempeñan las imágenes desacralizadas, dentro de contextos estrictamente eclesiásticos. En el marco de estas interrogantes, se genera la necesidad de abordar un estudio específico sobre lo profano en la escultura románica en Salamanca, que nos permita ofrecer algunas respuestas desde nuevos enfoquesmetodológicos. Las investigaciones efectuadas sobreestamaterianosonmuynumerosas y las escasas fuentesdocumentales,y lapérdidade lamemoriavisual, junto a las transformaciones que han sufrido los templos, limitan aún más la labor a desempeñar.
Artificial Neural Network Model with Adaptive GMDH Technique for Non-Linear Regression Prediction
Authors: Fofanah Abdul Joseph , Koroma Saidu , Sesay Alpha Bilhal , Fofana Ahmed
Published: June 2021

A theoretical concept of the GMDH technique using a non-linear regression model, multilayered neural nets, model assessment, and selection to determine the prediction error versus selection model complexity was reviewed and evaluated. The model selection was experimented and evaluated with MATLAB.