bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does peripheral neuroinflammation predict chronicity following whiplash injury? Protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ridehalgh Colette , Fundaun Joel , Bremner Stephen , Cercignani Mara , Young Rupert , Trivedy Chetan , Novak Alex , Greening Jane , Schmid Annina , Dilley Andrew
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Whiplash-associated disorder grade 2 (WAD2) is characterised by musculoskeletal pain/tenderness but no apparent nerve injury. However, studies have found clinical features indicative of neuropathy and neuropathic pain. These studies may indicate peripheral nerve inflammation, since preclinical neuritis models found mechanical sensitivity in inflamed, intact nociceptors. The primary aim of this study is to establish the contribution of peripheral neuroinflammation to WAD2 and its role in prognosis. Participants will be invited to participate in a sub-study investigating the contribution of cutaneous small fibre pathology to WAD2.

Methods and analysis

115 participants within 1 month following whiplash injury and 34 healthy control participants will be recruited and complete validated questionnaires for pain, function and psychological factors. Data collection will take place at the Universities of Sussex and Oxford, UK. Clinical examination, quantitative sensory testing and blood samples will be undertaken. MRI scans using T2-weighted and diffusion tensor images of the brachial plexus and wrist will determine nerve inflammation and nerve structural changes. Skin biopsies from a substudy will determine structural integrity of dermal and intraepidermal nerve fibres. At 6 months, we will evaluate recovery using Neck Disability Index and a self-rated global recovery question and repeat the outcome measures. Regression analysis will identify differences in MRI parameters, clinical tests and skin biopsies between participants with WAD2 and age/gender-matched controls. Linear and logistic regression analyses will assess if nerve inflammation (MRI parameters) predicts poor outcome. Mixed effects modelling will compare MRI and clinical measures between recovered and non-recovered participants over time.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was received from London-Brighton and Sussex Research Ethics Committee (20/PR/0625) and South Central—Oxford C Ethics Committee (18/SC/0263). Written informed consent will be obtained from participants prior to participation in the study. Results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national/international conferences and social media.

Trial registration number

NCT04940923.
Development and validation of a mechanical power-oriented prediction model of weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yan Yao , Luo Jiye , Wang Yanli , Chen Xiaobing , Du Zhiqiang , Xie Yongpeng , Li Xiaomin
Published: December 2022

Objective

To develop and validate a mechanical power (MP)-oriented prediction model of weaning failure in mechanically ventilated patients.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Data were collected from the large US Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) V.1.0, which integrates comprehensive clinical data from 76 540 intensive care unit (ICU) admissions from 2008 to 2019.

Participants

A total of 3695 patients with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours and weaned with T-tube ventilation strategies were enrolled from the MIMIC-IV database.

Primary and secondary outcome

Weaning failure.

Results

All eligible patients were randomised into development cohorts (n=2586, 70%) and validation cohorts (n=1109, 30%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the development cohort showed that positive end-expiratory pressure, dynamic lung compliance, MP, inspired oxygen concentration, length of ICU stay and invasive mechanical ventilation duration were independent predictors of weaning failure. Calibration curves showed good correlation between predicted and observed outcomes. The prediction model showed accurate discrimination in the development and validation cohorts, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.828 (95% CI: 0.812 to 0.844) and 0.833 (95% CI: 0.809 to 0.857), respectively. Decision curve analysis indicated that the predictive model was clinically beneficial.

Conclusion

The MP-oriented model of weaning failure accurately predicts the risk of weaning failure in mechanical ventilation patients and provides valuable information for clinicians making decisions on weaning.
Impact of altering referral threshold from out-of-hours primary care to hospital on patient safety and further health service use: a cohort study
Authors: Svedahl Ellen Rabben , Pape Kristine , Austad Bjarne , Vie Gunnhild Åberge , Sarheim Anthun Kjartan , Carlsen Fredrik , Davies Neil M , Bjørngaard Johan Håkon
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To estimate the impact of altering referral thresholds from out-of-hours services on older patients’ further use of health services and risk of death.

Design

Cohort study using patient data from primary and specialised health services and demographic data from Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry.

Setting

Norway

Participants

491 653 patients aged 65 years and older contacting Norwegian out-of-hours services between 2008 and 2016.

Analysis

Multivariable adjusted and instrumental variable associations between referrals to hospital from out-of-hours services and further health services use and death for up to 6 months.

Physicians’ proportions of acute referrals of older, unknown patients from out-of-hours work were used as an instrumental variable (‘physician referral preference’) for their threshold of referral for such patients whose clinical presentations were less clear cut.

Results

For older patients, whose referrals could be attributed to their physicians’ threshold for referral, mean length of stay in hospital increased 3.30 days (95% CI 3.13 to 3.27) within the first 10 days, compared with non-referred patients. Such referrals also increased 6 months use of outpatient specialist clinics and primary care physicians. Importantly, patients with referrals attributable to their physicians’ threshold had a substantially reduced risk of death the first 10 days (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.91), an effect sustaining through the 6-month follow-up period (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.97).

Conclusions

Out-of-hours patients whose referrals are affected by physician referral threshold contribute substantially to the use of health services. However, the referral seems protective by reducing the risk of death in the first 6 months after the referral. Thus, raising the threshold for referral to lower pressure on overcrowded emergency departments and hospitals should not be encouraged without ensuring the accuracy of the referral decisions, ideally through high-quality randomised controlled trial evidence.
Predictors and outcomes of delirium in the emergency department during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Milan
Authors: Damanti Sarah , Bozzolo Enrica , Franchini Stefano , Frangi Claudia , Ramirez Giuseppe Alvise , Pedroso Carla , Di Lucca Giuseppe , Scotti Raffaella , Valsecchi Davide , Cilla Marta , Cinel Elena , Santini Chiara , Castellani Jacopo , Manzo Emanuela , Vadruccio Stefania , Spessot Marzia , Borghi Giovanni , Monti Giacomo , Landoni Giovanni , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Yacoub Mona-Rita , Tresoldi Moreno
Published: December 2022

Background

Respiratory infections can be complicated by acute brain failure. We assessed delirium prevalence, predictors and outcomes in COVID-19 ED patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study conducted at the San Raffaele ED (Italy). Patients age >18 years attending the ED between 26 February 2020 and 30 May 2020 and who had a positive molecular nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 were included. The Chart-Based Delirium Identification Instrument (CHART-DEL) was used to retrospectively assess delirium. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate delirium predictors. Univariable binary logistic regression analyses, linear regression analyses and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between delirium and clinical outcomes. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted models were then run for the significant predictors of the univariable models.

Results

Among the 826 included patients, 123 cases (14.9%) of delirium were retrospectively detected through the CHART-DEL method. Patients with delirium were older (76.9±13.15 vs 61.3±14.27 years, p<0.001) and more frequently living in a long-term health facility (32 (26%) vs 22 (3.1%), p<0.001). Age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.09, p<0.001), dementia (OR 17.5, 95% CI 7.27 to 42.16, p<0.001), epilepsy (OR 6.96, 95% CI 2.48 to 19.51, p<0.001) and the number of chronic medications (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.17, p=0.03) were significant predictors of delirium in multivariable analyses. Delirium was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.03, p<0.001) and with a reduced probability of being discharged home compared with being institutionalised (adjusted OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.61, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Chart review frequently identified ED delirium in patients with COVID-19. Age, dementia, epilepsy and polypharmacy were significant predictors of ED delirium. Delirium was associated with an increased in-hospital mortality and with a reduced probability of being discharged home after hospitalisation. The findings of this single-centre retrospective study require validation in future studies.
Muscle cramps and contractures: causes and treatment
Authors: Dijkstra Jildou N. , Boon Eline , Kruijt Nick , Brusse Esther , Ramdas Sithara , Jungbluth Heinz , van Engelen Baziel G.M. , Walters Jon , Voermans Nicol C.
Published: December 2022

Muscle cramps are painful, sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that are generally self-limiting. They are often part of the spectrum of normal human physiology and can be associated with a wide range of acquired and inherited causes. Cramps are only infrequently due to progressive systemic or neuromuscular diseases. Contractures can mimic cramps and are defined as shortenings of the muscle resulting in an inability of the muscle to relax normally, and are generally myogenic. General practitioners and neurologists frequently encounter patients with muscle cramps but more rarely those with contractures. The main questions for clinicians are: (1) Is this a muscle cramp, a contracture or a mimic? (2) Are the cramps exercise induced, idiopathic or symptomatic? (3) What is/are the presumed cause(s) of symptomatic muscle cramps or contractures? (4) What should be the diagnostic approach? and (5) How should we advise and treat patients with muscle cramps or contractures? We consider these questions and present a practical approach to muscle cramps and contractures, including their causes, pathophysiology and treatment options.
Numerical investigation of the performance of geocell-reinforced granular base in inverted pavement systems using nonlinear finite element modeling
Authors: Ghanizadeh A.R. , Ghaderi F. , Tavassoti P.
Published: December 2022

The quality of granular base materials plays a key role in the enhanced performance of inverted pavement systems (IPSs). Typically, premium-quality materials are required for the construction of IPS structures. This study investigates the feasibility of geocell reinforcement of lower quality materials to be used as an alternative when premium base materials are not available. To this end, 16 different pavement structures were studied using nonlinear finite element (NL-FEM) models in ABAQUS. The results are validated using those of a full-scale field project, which confirms the reliability of the developed FEM model. It was concluded that geocell reinforcement of granular base layer can increase the fatigue and rutting performances. In all the cases, lower quality aggregates with reinforcement exhibited better performance than the non-reinforced base materials with premium aggregate quality. The findings confirm that in the absence of premium-quality aggregates, good-performing inverted pavement structures can still be achieved.
Performance of quantum kernel on initial learning process
Authors: Tomono Takao , Natsubori Satoko
Published: December 2022

For many manufacturing companies, the production line is very important. In recent years, the number of small-quantity, high-mix products have been increasing, and the identification of good and defective products must be carried out efficiently. At that time, machine learning is a very important issue on shipping inspection using small amounts of data. Quantum machine learning is one of most exciting prospective applications of quantum technologies. SVM using kernel estimation is one of most popular methods for classifiers. Our purpose is to search quantum advantage on classifier to enable us to classifier in inspection test for small size datasets. In this study, we made clear the difference between classical and quantum kernel learning in initial state and propose analysis of learning process by plotting ROC space. To meet the purpose, we investigated the effect of each feature map compared to classical one, using evaluation index. The simulation results show that the learning model construction process between quantum and classical kernel learning is different in initial state. Moreover, the result indicates that the learning model of quantum kernel is the method to decrease the false positive rate (FPR) from high FPR, keeping high true positive rates on several datasets. We demonstrate that learning process on quantum kernel is different from classical one in initial state and plotting to ROC space graph is effective when we analyse the learning model process.
Dynamic behavior of optical solitons to the Coupled-Higgs equation through an efficient method
Authors: Atas Sibel S. , Ali Karmina K. , Sulaiman Tukur Abdulkadir , Bulut Hasan
Published: December 2022

In this study, through the [Formula: see text]-expansion method, we extract soliton solutions to the coupled-Higgs equation. The studied nonlinear model is known to describe Higgs mechanism. The Higgs mechanism is essential to explain the generation mechanism of the property “mass” for gauge bosons. The proposed method is one of the most powerful methods for constructing soliton solutions for nonlinear partial differential equations. The obtained wave solutions include exponential, hyperbolic, and distinct structures of complex function solutions. The presented results may be helpful in explaining the physical features of various nonlinear physical phenomena. In order to analyze the dynamic behavior of all obtained solutions, we plot three-dimensional and two-dimensional graphs for the obtained solutions.
Analytical analysis of the fourth-order Boussinesq equation by traveling wave solutions
Authors: Haider Jamil Abbas , Muhammad Noor , Nadeem Sohail , Asghar Saleem
Published: December 2022

To find periodic solutions of nonlinear equations, the Jacobi elliptic function expansion method is used. This strategy is more extensive than expanding the hyperbolic tangent series. This approach can produce periodic shock wave solutions such as solitary wave solutions.
On Statistical Convergence of Uncertain Sequence of Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Baliarsingh P. , Nanda S. , Nayak L.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we extend the various ideas of convergence such as convergence in distribution, in mean, and in measure along with the convergence uniformly almost surely of the uncertain fuzzy sequence of real numbers in statistical context. We also establish some interesting results among these convergence.
Deep Learning Techniques for COVID-19 Diagnosis and Prognosis Based on Radiological Imaging
Authors: Hertel Robert , Benlamri Rachid
Published: December 2022

This literature review summarizes the current deep learning methods developed by the medical imaging AI research community that have been focused on resolving lung imaging problems related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 shares many of the same imaging characteristics as other common forms of bacterial and viral pneumonia. Differentiating COVID-19 from other common pulmonary infections is a non-trivial task. To help offset what commonly requires hours of tedious manual annotation, several innovative solutions have been published to help healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the absence of a comprehensive survey on the subject makes it challenging to ascertain which approaches are promising and therefore deserve further investigation. In this survey, we present an in-depth review of deep learning techniques that have recently been applied to the task of discovering the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19 patients. We categorize existing approaches based on features such as dimensionality of radiological imaging, system purpose, and used deep learning techniques, underlying core issues, and challenges. We also address the merits and shortcomings of various approaches, and finally we discuss future directions for this research.
Smart Approach for Botnet Detection Based on Network Traffic Analysis
Authors: Obeidat Alaa , Yaqbeh Rola
Published: December 2022

Today, botnets are the most common threat on the Internet and are used as the main attack vector against individuals and businesses. Cybercriminals have exploited botnets for many illegal activities, including click fraud, DDOS attacks, and spam production. In this article, we suggest a method for identifying the behavior of data traffic using machine learning classifiers including genetic algorithm to detect botnet activities. By categorizing behavior based on time slots, we investigate the viability of detecting botnet behavior without seeing a whole network data flow. We also evaluate the efficacy of two well-known classification methods with reference to this data. We demonstrate experimentally, using existing datasets, that it is possible to detect botnet activities with high precision.
Interpretable Machine Learning to Optimize Early In-Hospital Mortality Prediction for Elderly Patients with Sepsis: A Discovery Study
Authors: Ke Xiaowei , Zhang Fangjie , Huang Guoqing , Wang Aimin
Published: December 2022

Sepsis-related mortality rates are high among elderly patients, especially those in intensive care units (ICUs). Early prediction of the prognosis of sepsis is critical, as prompt and effective treatment can improve prognosis. Researchers have predicted mortality and the development of sepsis using machine learning algorithms; however, few studies specifically focus on elderly patients with sepsis. This paper proposes a viable model for early prediction of in-hospital mortality among elderly patients diagnosed with sepsis. We extracted patient information from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. We employed several machine learning algorithms to predict the in-hospital mortality of elderly ICU patients with sepsis. The performance of the model was evaluated by using the AUROC and

F
1

score. Furthermore, the SHAP algorithm was used to explain the model, analyze how the individual features affect the model output, and visualize the Shapley value for a single individual. Our study included 18522 elderly patients, with a mortality of 15.4%. After screening, 59 clinical variables were extracted to develop models. Feature importance analysis showed that age, PO2, RDW, SPO2, WBC, and urine output were significantly related to the in-hospital mortality. According to the results of AUROC (0.871 (95% CI: 0.854–0.888)) and

F
1

score (0.547 (95% CI: 0.539–0.661)) analyses, the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model outperformed the other models (i.e., LGBM, LR, RF, DT, and KNN). Furthermore, SHAP force analysis illustrated how the constructed model visualized the individualized prediction of death. XGBoost machine learning framework gives good in-hospital mortality prediction of elderly patients with sepsis and can maximize prediction model accuracy. The XGBoost model could be an effective tool to assist doctors in identifying high-risk cases of in-hospital mortality among elderly patients with sepsis. This could be used to create a clinical decision support system in the future.
Identification of Key Genes from the Visceral Adipose Tissues of Overweight/Obese Adults with Hypertension through Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Liao Lanlan , Zhang Lihui , Chen Hongping , Teng Da , Xu Bowen , Gong Lei , Zhong Lin , Wang Chunxiao , Dong Haibin , Jia Wenjuan , Yang Jun , Shi Zhen
Published: December 2022

Overweight and obese (OW/OB) adults are at increased risk of hypertension due to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) inflammation. In this study, we explored gene level differences in the VAT of hypertensive and normotensive OW/OB patients. VAT samples obtained from six OW/OB adults (three hypertensive, three normotensive) were subjected to transcriptome sequencing analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis was conducted for all gene expression data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 1 and q < 0.05. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs, and hub genes were identified by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The proposed hub genes were validated using quantitative real-time PCR in ten other samples from five hypertensive and five normotensive patients. In addition, we performed ROC analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. A total of 84 DEGs were identified between VAT samples from OW/OB patients with and without hypertension, among which 21 were significantly upregulated and 63 were significantly downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that spleen function was related to hypertension in OW/OB adults. Meanwhile, PPI network analysis identified the following top 10 hub genes: CD79A, CR2, SELL, CD22, IL7R, CCR7, TNFRSF13C, CXCR4, POU2AF1, and JAK3. Through qPCR verification, we found that CXCR4, CD22, and IL7R were statistically significant. qPCR verification suggested that RELA was statistically significant. However, qPCR verification indicated that NFKB1 and KLF2 were not statistically significant. These hub genes were mainly regulated by the transcription factor RELA. The AUC of ROC analysis for CXCR4, IL7R, and CD22 was 0.92. What is more, VAT CXCR4 and CD22 were positively related to RELA relative expression levels. Taken together, our research demonstrates that CXCR4, IL7R, and CD22 related to VAT in hypertensive OW/OB adults could serve as future therapeutic targets.
HEAVY METAL BIOACCUMULATION IN DUCKS AND POSSIBLE RISKS TO HUMAN HEALTH
Authors: Susanti R , Widiyastuti Karima
Published: December 2022

Meat is part of duck carcass mostly consumed by humans compared to other parts. This study aimed to analyze the heavy metal bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of duck meat and its possible risks to human health. A total of 25 duck samples with their drinking water and feed were taken from five intensive duck farms in Central Java Province, i.e., Semarang (A), Temanggung (B), Magelang (C), Pati (D) and Salatiga (E). Heavy metals concentration (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were measured following the ICP-OES method. Heavy metals concentration data obtained were then compared with the quality standard. The BAF value was calculated and the risks to human health were assessed. Our study found that drinking water provided for ducks in all farms contained heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) concentrations exceeding the quality standards. Hg concentration of 0.089 - 5.01 ppm in duck feed exceeded the quality standard. Concentrations of Cd (0.0713 - 0.075 ppm) and Hg (3.1 - 4.84 ppm) in duck meat exceeded the quality standard. The average of BAFduck meat values was in the range of 0.443 - 0.955. The EDI value of heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) for adults and children through consumption of duck meat in the Central Java region was lower than RfD. This study showed that the health risk parameters (EDI, HQ, and HI) were within safe limits. Exposure to heavy metals through duck meat consumption both in adults and children was unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
TREES PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO AIR POLLUTION IN TAMAN MARGASATWA RAGUNAN AND UI DEPOK CAMPUS
Authors: HAMID DIANA SELVIA , YULIATI RATNA , PUTRIKA AFIATRY
Published: December 2022

Air pollution is a common environmental problem. Planting trees can minimize the adverse effects of air pollution. Plants can absorb and accumulate air pollutants through stomata. Biochemical changes in the leaves will appear as a physiological response of plants to air pollution that can be known by calculating the APTI (Air Pollution Tolerance Index) value. This study aimed to analyze the differences in physiological responses of five tree species in Taman Margasatwa Ragunan (TMR) South Jakarta and Universitas Indonesia (UI) Depok Campus as well as to find out the proper tree species planted in areas with high levels of air pollution. The leaves of five species (Hevea brasiliensis, Manilkara kauki, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Ficus septica, and Mangifera indica) were used to examine the effect of air pollution. Biochemical parameters (relative water content, leaf extract pH, total chlorophyll content, and ascorbic acid content) were observed from each species. The value of each parameter was calculated into the APTI equation. H. brasiliensis, F. septica, and M. indica were categorized as moderately tolerant plants, M. kauki were included as intermediate plants, and A. heterophyllus was a sensitive plant to air pollution in both locations. The highest APTI values were observed in M. indica in both locations. Thus, the recommended species planted in a polluted area was M. indica.
YEAST PROBIOTICS WITH POTENTIAL TO ASSIMILATE CHOLESTEROL IN VITRO
Authors: RAMONA YAN , ARIWATHI NI LUH PUTU
Published: December 2022

In the last two decades the use of yeasts as new probiotics has increased significantly. Therefore, our current research was focused on the investigation of yeasts for novel probiotic development in Bali. The main objectives of this research were to isolate and characterize yeasts isolated from ragi tape (dried mix cultures of microorganisms normally used in the fermentation of rice or cassava in Indonesia) and tape ketan (fermented sticky rice) for possible use as yeast-based novel probiotics, with capability to assimilate cholesterol in vitro. In this study, the potential yeast isolates were evaluated for survival at low pH conditions (pH 2, 3, or 4) and in high levels of sodium deoxicholic (NaDC), at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 mM. In addition, the yeast isolates were also evaluated for their ability to assimilate cholesterol in vitro and to elucidate biotransformation of cholic acid into deoxycholic acid. This study led to 10 isolates that were resistant to pH levels of 2, 3, or 4 and to NaDC at concentration of higher than 0.4 mM. Most of those isolates were also found to assimilate cholesterol in vitro at the rate of between 18% and 76% in 24 hours incubation. In the biotransformation test, none of those isolates transformed cholic acid into deoxycholic acid, indicating that they are safe and have potential to be developed into novel probiotics, either for human or cattle
indústria açucareira no final do século XVII
Authors: Carmo Marcelo Lunardi
Published: December 2022

Durante o século XVII os rendimentos do açúcar passaram por um período de forte volubilidade. Ao iniciar-se a centúria o produto encontrava-se num momento de valorização: os preços dispararam e o número de engenhos no Brasil cresceu significativamente. Já no último quartel do século os produtores enfrentavam uma situação totalmente oposta: queda dos preços no mercado internacional e aumento nos custos de produção. A queda nos preços do produto teve como uma de suas principais causas o aumento da oferta no mercado internacional, gerada pela concorrência do açúcar produzido nas Antilhas. A desvalorização somada aos altos custos dos gêneros necessários à produção dos engenhos deixava os senhores cada vez mais endividados e muitos enfrentavam dificuldades para saldar suas dívidas. Em decorrência da queda dos preços a falsificação avolumou-se, afetando a reputação da indústria da colônia. Mesmo com os problemas enfrentados o açúcar do Brasil se mantinha como uma importante fonte de recursos para os cofres régios, e era de conhecimento da Coroa que os altos ganhos com a tarifação do comércio açucareiro só seriam restituídos com políticas que lograssem modificar o quadro vivido pela indústria. Ademais a estrutura social dos principais centros urbanos da colônia estava fortemente vinculada à cultura açucareira. Nesse contexto as políticas de fomento à indústria açucareira inserem-se num conjunto maior de ações, tomadas pela Coroa no final do século XVII, que visavam promover a economia do Brasil.
A utopia do consumo: breve história do varejo de alimentos em Recife
Authors: Toscano Frederico de Oliveira
Published: December 2022

Visando discutir a evolução do mercado varejista de alimentos em Recife e compreender sua relação com o consumidor entre meados do século XIX e a década de 1960, o artigo realiza uma revisão bibliográfica de trabalhos acadêmicos e livros sobre o varejo, bem como análise da publicidade de supermercados publicada no Diário de Pernambuco na década de 1950. Tendo por base as ideias de Michel de Certeau, o intuito do texto é entender as formas pelas quais a distribuição de alimentos produzidos no interior de Pernambuco se transformou ao longo do tempo. Esse estudo é feito por meio da análise das primeiras feiras de rua e mercados públicos. Aborda-se ainda como as antigas mercearias surgiram, além dos supermercados, modelo importado dos Estados Unidos e símbolo da nova forma de consumir, divulgada pelos meios de comunicação como eficiente, barata, prática e sobretudo moderna. Para isso, investiga-se a gênese desse tipo de estabelecimento em seu país de origem e de que forma ele alterou os hábitos de consumo dos norte-americanos. Pretende-se, enfim, debater a trajetória dos supermercados e compreender, em parte, as diferenças e semelhanças entre os modelos de autosserviço no varejo de alimentos no Brasil e nos Estados Unidos de 1850 a 1960.
Uma interpretação rawlsiana da Constituição: considerações agonísticas sobre a democracia brasileira
Authors: Schargel Sergio , Leal João Gabriel Ribeiro Pessanha
Published: December 2022

Na concepção de John Rawls, o consenso sobreposto consiste na formulação de uma instância de tolerância mútua que torna democracias possíveis. Entendimento de que para uma democracia funcionar é necessário que os agentes políticos respeitem direitos de seus oponentes, ainda que discordem de suas crenças, uma noção que dialoga com a ideia de Chantal Mouffe sobre democracia agonística. A democracia agonística, casando as ideias de Rawls com as de Bobbio e Mouffe, depende do respeito pelo consenso sobreposto, pela própria existência da democracia. É pertinente utilizar as reflexões teóricas desses autores para perceber suas absorções pela Constituição Federal de 1988, em especial as noções rawlsianas. Da mesma forma, perceber a fragilização das noções dos princípios de justiça e do consenso sobreposto conforme sucessivas crises – política, saúde, econômica – colocam a própria Constituição em cheque. Assim, a proposta deste trabalho é deslocar a teoria de John Rawls para compreender seus diálogos com a Constituição de 1988, ante a hipótese de que a fragilização democrática brasileira, seguida da eleição de um nacionalista autoritário em 2018, erode essas próprias noções por dentro. Destarte, através do diálogo entre a base teórica e o objeto apreendido, será possível contribuir para o estado da arte ao alargar os conceitos rawlsianos para a interpretação de um objeto periférico na academia, e permitindo, em última instância, perceber a essencialidade das concepções de Rawls para a existência de uma democracia liberal saudável e estável.
ANDRADE, Everaldo de Oliveira (Org.). Economia socialista: experiências históricas de planificação econômica e debates sobre transição hoje. São Paulo: Maria Antônia, 2022. 295 p.
Authors: Paulino Davi Luiz
Published: December 2022

Resenha do livro ANDRADE, Everaldo de Oliveira (Org.). Economia socialista: experiências históricas de planificação econômica e debates sobre transição hoje. São Paulo: Maria Antônia, 2022. 295 p.
Bicuspid Aortic Valve–Associated Regulatory Regions Reveal
GATA4
Regulation and Function During Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Based Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition—Brief Report
Authors: Huang Tingting , Cheng Jiaxi , Feng Hao , Zhou Wei , Qiu Ping , Zhou Dong , Yang Dongshan , Zhang Jifeng , Willer Cristen , Chen Y. Eugene , Mizrak Dogukan , Yang Bo
Published: December 2022

Background:

The endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a fundamental process for heart valve formation and defects in EndoMT cause aortic valve abnormalities. Our previous genome-wide association study identified multiple variants in a large chromosome 8 segment as significantly associated with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). The objective of this study is to determine the biological effects of this large noncoding segment in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based EndoMT.

Methods:

A large genomic segment enriched for BAV-associated variants was deleted in hiPSCs using 2-step CRISPR/Cas9 editing. To address the effects of the variants on
GATA4
expression, we generated CRISPR repression hiPSC lines (CRISPRi) as well as hiPSCs from BAV patients. The resulting hiPSCs were differentiated to mesenchymal/myofibroblast-like cells through cardiovascular-lineage endothelial cells for molecular and cellular analysis. Single-cell RNA sequencing was also performed at different stages of EndoMT induction.

Results:

The large deletion impaired hiPSC-based EndoMT in multiple biallelic clones compared with their isogenic control. It also reduced
GATA4
transcript and protein levels during EndoMT, sparing the other genes nearby the deletion segment. Single-cell trajectory analysis revealed the molecular reprogramming during EndoMT. Putative GATA-binding protein targets during EndoMT were uncovered, including genes implicated in endocardial cushion formation and EndoMT process. Differentiation of cells derived from BAV patients carrying the rs117430032 variant as well as CRISPRi repression of the rs117430032 locus resulted in lower
GATA4
expression in a stage-specific manner. TWIST1 was identified as a potential regulator of
GATA4
expression, showing specificity to the locus tagged by rs117430032.

Conclusions:

BAV-associated distal regions regulate
GATA4
expression during hiPSC-based EndoMT, which in turn promotes EndoMT progression, implicating its contribution to heart valve development.
Unveiling Utricularia amethystina’s true colours: a taxonomic revision of one of the largest species complexes (U. sect. Foliosa, Lentibulariaceae)
Authors: BALEEIRO PAULO C. , GONELLA PAULO M. , SANO PAULO T. , JOBSON RICHARD W.
Published: December 2022

The genus Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) is the most diverse and cosmopolitan among carnivorous plants. Utricularia sect. Foliosa sensu Taylor (1989) is composed of three South American species, U. amethystina, U. tricolor and U. tridentata, the first species being recognized as highly diverse. In his taxonomic revision of the genus Utricularia, Taylor (1989) circumscribed the polymorphic U. amethystina comprising 27 synonyms involving a wide variation in corolla size and colour, morphology of corolla parts, indumentum, and overall plant size. The original publications of the synonyms provide limited information disencouraging a revision study and therefore inflating U. amethystina as new variations were discovered. In order to shed light onto the problem, a taxonomic revision, a morphometric and a molecular study showed evidence of a larger complex than previously thought, and U. amethystina s.str. sister to U. tricolor. A previously published molecular phylogeny provided strong support for all sampled U. amethystina synonyms and potential new taxa found to be nested outside the U. amethystina s.str. and U. tricolor clade. Here, we incorporate these new relationships and describe and comment on the species that comprise U. sect. Foliosa, including the restablishment of six synonyms, the description of three new species and lectotypification of five names. The current study disentangles U. amethystina complex so that further studies can approach it in a more realistic way, especially studies using population genetics tools. Our study shows that more needs to be done and here U. hirtella is presented as a new complex.
Clarification of the type locality and geographical distribution of Gentiana damyonensis (Gentianaceae, Gentianeae)
Authors: MA XIN-YIN , SHEN JIA-MIN , GUO XIN-QIANG
Published: December 2022

Damyon, the type locality of Gentiana damyonensis, is determined to be a sizeable massif situated in Zogang county in southeastern Xizang (Tibet), China, not in southwestern Sichuan or more specifically Dêrong or Muli counties. Consulting of literature and survey of herbarium specimens indicate that G. damyonensis does not occur in southwestern Sichuan as previously recorded, and is currently known only from northwestern Yunnan and southeastern Xizang, China, and northern Kachin, Myanmar. A distribution map is thus provided for this species.
Oligophlebia hibiscivora sp. nov., a new species from south-eastern China (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae)
Authors: YU TIANTIAN , LIU WENFANG , HUANG PENGYING , KALLIES AXEL , ARITA YUTAKA , WANG MIN
Published: December 2022

A new species, Oligophlebia hibiscivora Yu, Kallies & Arita sp. nov., is described from south-eastern China. Superficially, it is similar to Oligophlebia insurgia Kallies, 2020 but it differs by external features of the abdomen as well as the male genitalia characters. The larva of this new species feed in Hibiscus tiliaceus L. (Malvaceae) and was found in the urban area of Xiamen (Fujian Province) and in Hongkong. Images of male and female specimens, genitalia and pupa of the new species are provided as well as the image of the female genitalia of Oligophlebia minor Xu & Arita, 2014. An updated catalogue of the species of the genus Oligophlebia Hampson, 1893 and a key of Chinese species are provided.
A new troglophilic species of Erebonyx (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) from Brazilian caves
Authors: MERLO RAYANNE LAYS SANT’ANA , CASTRO-SOUZA RODRIGO ANTÔNIO , DE MEDEIROS BENTO DIEGO , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: December 2022

The genus Erebonyx was proposed to accommodate a single troglobitic species from northeastern Brazil. A second cricket belonging to this genus is herein described, but although it was also found in caves, it does not bear any troglomorphic traits, suggesting it is a troglophilic species. The new species differs from the other species on the genus in the phallic sclerites, presence of developed eyes (with ommatidia), pigmented integument, and the presence of stridulatory file on the tegmina. In addition, we present the description of the external morphology, together with the staining and description of tegmina. Finally, we present a brief discussion regarding its habitat, distribution and possible conservation actions for the species.
The Serum- and Glucocorticoid-Inducible Kinase 1 (SGK1) as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Li Jiao , Yu Hui , Wang Xing , Ye Yingying , Fang Wei , Ding Ning , Mi Lan , Ping Lingyan , Wang Xiaogan , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive and incurable B-cell-derived malignant disease. MCL is treated using general chemotherapy; however, disease progression and relapse are common; thus, the development of novel therapeutic targets for treatment of MCL is urgently required. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) is involved in various cellular activities, and its dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple types of cancer. However, little is known regarding its functional roles and associated molecular mechanisms in MCL.

Methods

SGK1 inhibition mediated by either shRNA or treatment with SGK1 inhibitor (GSK650394) was conducted in MCL cell lines. Western blotting analysis was performed to figure out the expression of related proteins. MCL-cell-derived xenograft models were constructed to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of SGK1 inhibition or/and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibition in vivo.

Results

In this study, it was shown that inhibition of SGK1 significantly reduced cell proliferation, invasion and migration, increased apoptosis and blocked cell cycle progression in MCL cells. Furthermore, SGK1 inhibition significantly reduced the activation of ERK, AKT/mTOR, JAK2/STAT3 and the NF-κB signaling pathways. Using MCL-cell-derived xenograft mice models, SGK1 inhibition decreased tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth. Importantly, SGK1 overexpression significantly promoted xenograft tumor growth. Moreover, simultaneous inhibition of SGK1 and Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) resulted in synergistic anti-tumor effects on MCL both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

SGK1 may be a novel candidate therapeutic target and simultaneous inhibition of SGK1 and BTK may be a promising therapeutic strategy for MCL patients. Further pre-clinical and even clinical studies of SGK1 inhibitor or combination with BTK inhibitor are essential.
Polatuzumab vedotin with infusional chemotherapy for untreated aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Lynch Ryan C. , Poh Christina , Ujjani Chaitra S. , Warren Edus H. , Smith Stephen D. , Shadman Mazyar , Morris Karolyn , Lee Sydney , Rasmussen Heather , Ottemiller Susan , Shelby Megan , Keo Sarith , Verni Kaitlin , Kurtz David M. , Alizadeh Ash A. , Chabon Jacob J. , Hogan Gregory J. , Schulz Andre , Gooley Ted , Voutsinas Jenna M. , Gopal Ajay K.
Published: December 2022

The POLARIX trial demonstrated the superiority of polatuzumab vedotin (Pola) over vincristine in the rituximab-cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisone (R-CHOP) regimen for large B-cell lymphomas, but it is unknown whether Pola can be safely incorporated into intensified regimens (eg, dose-adjusted [DA]–EPOCH-R [etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and rituximab]) typically used for the highest risk histologies. This was a single-center, open-label, prospective clinical trial of 6 cycles of Pola-DA-EPCH-R (vincristine omitted) in aggressive large B-cell lymphomas. The primary end point was to estimate the safety of Pola-DA-EPCH-R as measured by the rate of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in the first 2 cycles with prespecified suspension rules. Secondary and exploratory end points included efficacy and correlation with circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels. We enrolled 18 patients on study, and with only 3 DLTs observed, the study met its primary end point for safety. There were 5 serious adverse events, including grade 3 febrile neutropenia (3, 17%), grade 3 colonic perforation in the setting of diverticulitis, and grade 5 sepsis/typhlitis. Among 17 evaluable patients, the best overall response rate was 100%, and the complete response rate was 76%. With a median follow-up of 12.9 months, 12-month event-free survival was 72%, and 12-month overall survival was 94%. No patient with undetectable ctDNA at the end of treatment has relapsed to date. Using Pola to replace vincristine in the DA-EPOCH-R regimen met its primary safety end point. These data support the further evaluation and use of this approach in histologies where the potential benefit of both an intensified regimen and Pola may be desired. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04231877.
Improved Subthreshold Characteristics by Back-Gate Coupling on Ferroelectric ETSOI FETs
Authors: Zhang Zhaohao , Li Yudong , Xu Jing , Tang Bo , Xiang Jinjuan , Li Junjie , Zhang Qingzhu , Wu Zhenhua , Yin Huaxiang , Luo Jun , Wang Wenwu
Published: December 2022

In this work, extremely thin silicon-on-insulator field effective transistors (ETSOI FETs) are fabricated with an ultra-thin 3 nm ferroelectric (FE) hafnium zirconium oxides (Hf0.5Zr0.5O2) layer. Furthermore, the subthreshold characteristics of the devices with double gate modulation are investigated extensively. Contributing to the advantages of the back-gate voltage coupling effects, the minimum subthreshold swing (SS) value of a 40 nm ETSOI device could be adjusted from the initial 80.8–50 mV/dec, which shows ultra-steep SS characteristics. To illustrate this electrical character, a simple analytical model based on the transient Miller model is demonstrated. This work shows the feasibility of FE ETSOI FET for ultra-low-power applications with dynamic threshold adjustment.
Challenges of using external data in clinical trials- an illustration in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Chevret Sylvie , Timsit Jean-François , Biard Lucie
Published: December 2022

Background

To improve the efficiency of clinical trials, leveraging external data on control and/or treatment effects, which is almost always available, appears to be a promising approach.

Methods

We used data from the experimental arm of the Covidicus trial evaluating high-dose dexamethasone in severely ill and mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, using published data from the Recovery trial as external data, to estimate the 28-day mortality rate. Primary approaches to deal with external data were applied.

Results

Estimates ranged from 0.241 ignoring the external data up to 0.294 using hierarchical Bayesian models. Some evidence of differences in mortality rates between the Covidicus and Recovery trials were observed, with an matched adjusted odds ratio of death in the Covidicus arm of 0.41 compared to the Recovery arm.

Conclusions

These indirect comparisons appear sensitive to the method used. None of those approaches appear robust enough to overcome randomized clinical trial data.

Trial registration

Covidicus Trial: NCT04344730, First Posted: 14/04/2020; Recovery trial: NCT04381936
Lipid accumulation product, visceral adiposity index and risk of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bullen Alexander L. , Katz Ronit , Kumar Ujjala , Gutierrez Orlando M. , Sarnak Mark J. , Kramer Holly J. , Shlipak Michael G. , Ix Joachim H. , Judd Suzanne E. , Cushman Mary , Garimella Pranav S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) are novel, non-imaging markers of visceral adiposity that are calculated by using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and serum lipid concentrations. We hypothesized that LAP and VAI are more strongly associated with adverse kidney outcomes than BMI and WC.

Methods

Using data from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, we used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations of LAP, VAI, BMI and WC with incident chronic kidney disease (CKD), (incident eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 and > 25% decline).

Results

Among the overall cohort of 27,550 participants, the mean baseline age was 65 years; 54% were women; and 41% were African American. After a median of 9.4 years (IQR 8.6, 9.9) of follow-up, a total of 1127 cases of incident CKD were observed. Each two-fold higher value of VAI (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04, 1.20), LAP (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13, 1.29), WC (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.60, 2.76) and BMI (OR: 2.66, 95% CI 1.88, 3.77), was associated with greater odds of incident CKD.

Conclusions

LAP and VAI as measures of visceral adiposity are associated with higher odds of incident CKD but may not provide information beyond WC and BMI.