bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Forest Carbon Sequestration Based on FSC Model and DeepAR Algorithm
Authors: Xu Yin-di
Published: May 2022

Forestry resources play an irreplaceable role in solving the problem of climate change. Forest managers to find a balance between carbon sinks and forest products, decisions must therefore take into account many aspects of forest value. This paper clarifies that forest carbon sequestration is mainly influenced by three aspects: human, climate, and nonclimatic physical factors, constructs a model for estimating the carbon sequestration rate of forest ecosystems based on forest age and the logistic growth equation, and combines human behaviour and climate influencing factors to make comprehensive corrections to the carbon sequestration rate of forest ecosystems per unit area. A model for calculating the carbon sequestration rate over time in a forest system was developed, which combined with the DeepAR Algorithm to obtain carbon sequestration. Then, this paper then assesses the various values of the forest, dividing the 25 factors affecting forest value assessment into five indices to establish a model of the forest ecosystem value assessment system for application to forest value assessment under different conditions. After determining the index system, we use the EWM‐CVM to integrate the indexes into the value index based on the forest ecosystem to propose a management plan. And the PSO‐BP algorithm is used to determine the transition point for forest management in order to optimise the ecological value of the forest.
A Load-Aware Multistripe Concurrent Update Scheme in Erasure-Coded Storage System
Authors: Chen Junqi , Wang Yong , Ye Miao , Zhang Qinghao , Ke Wenlong
Published: May 2022

Erasure coding has been widely deployed in today’s data centers for it can significantly reduce extra storage costs while providing high storage reliability. However, erasure coding introduced more network traffic and computational overhead in the data update process. How to improve the efficiency and mitigate the system imbalance during the update process in erasure coding is still a challenging problem. Recently, most of the existing update schemes of erasure codes only focused on the single stripe update scenario and ignored the heterogeneity of the node and network status which cannot sufficiently deal with the problems of low update efficiency and load imbalance caused by the multistripe concurrent update. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a Load-Aware Multistripe concurrent Update (LAMU) scheme in erasure-coded storage systems. Notably, LAMU introduces the Software-Defined Network (SDN) mechanism to measure the node loads and network status in real time. It selects nonduplicated nodes with better performance such as CPU utilization, remaining memory, and I/O load as the computing nodes for multiple update stripes. Then, a multiattribute decision-making method is used to schedule the network traffic generated in the update process. This mechanism can improve the transmission efficiency of update traffic and make LAMU adapt to the multistripe concurrent update scenarios in heterogeneous network environments. Finally, we designed a prototype system of multistripe concurrent updates. The extensive experimental results show that LAMU could improve the update efficiency and provide better system load-balancing performance.
Caffeine Consumption among Various University Students in the UAE, Exploring the Frequencies, Different Sources and Reporting Adverse Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms
Authors: Kharaba Zelal , Sammani Nour , Ashour Samar , Ghemrawi Rose , Al Meslamani Ahmad Z. , Al-Azayzih Ahmad , Buabeid Manal Ali , Alfoteih Yassen
Published: May 2022

Background. Caffeine is widely consumed among students due to its cognitive and physical enhancing effects. However, little is known about the consumption pattern of different caffeinated products among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim. To investigate the frequency of caffeine consumption among the young population of students, assess types of caffeinated products consumed, and document adverse effects and withdrawal symptoms experienced by university students. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the UAE from December 2019 to March 2020. A random sample of 500 university students from different universities in the UAE were approached and asked to complete a self-administered online-based questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. Results. Of (n = 500) surveyed students, (n = 467) completed the survey 93.4%. The average level of caffeine consumption was significantly higher in females compared to male students (

p
<
0.005

). Coffee was the highest favored source of caffeine (67.7%) followed by tea (47.3%). The average daily intake of caffeine was found to be 264 mg/day. Surprisingly, almost a third of students reported a high level of daily consumption (>400 mg/day) and more than half of them consumed less than 199 mg/day. Large proportions of students 91.1% have their caffeinated beverage after or while eating meals and 42.8% considered that this habit helped in avoiding acid reflux. Interestingly, around one third of participants have poor knowledge of caffeine-containing medical products, which seemed to affect the level of consumption in the student population (

p
<
0.05

). The highest reported reason for caffeine intake was for studying purposes (59.4%). Conclusion. Caffeine consumption is highly prevalent among university students in the UAE. Yet, there is insufficiency in the current knowledge of safe caffeine consumption patterns reflecting the importance of health awareness programs and nutritional lectures to decrease the long-term health issues and unintentional overdose of caffeine.
[Retracted] Histopathological Investigations and Molecular Confirmation Reveal Mycobacterium bovis in One‐Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicorns)
Authors: Siddique Abu Baker , Hussain Riaz , Jamal Adil , Hossain Md. Belal , Ahmad Zulfiqar , Mansoor Muhammad Khalid , Khan Iahtasham , Zahra Kainat , Khan Ahrar
Published: May 2022

Mycobacterium bovis causes tuberculosis in dairy and wild animals. Presence of tuberculosis in animals poses a threat not only to their herd mates but also for public. No reports are available about the clinical, pathological, and molecular investigation of naturally occurring tuberculosis (TB) due to M. bovis in one‐horned rhinoceros. One‐horned female rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicorns) at the age of 41 years died in a public park in Pakistan. Postmortem and other investigations were carried out to know the cause of death. The present study describes necropsy, histopathology, and molecular‐based confirmation of TB in a captive female rhinoceros that died of this infection. Clinically, the rhinoceros showed nonspecific clinical signs including anorexia, lethargy, dyspnoea, coughing, and sudden death. At necropsy, the trachea exhibited mild congestion and contained catarrhal exudate at the bronchial bifurcation. Macroscopic examination revealed characteristic tubercles on all parenchymatous organs. The lungs showed consolidation, grey hepatization, and contained granulomatous lesions packed with cheesy exudate. Histopathological examination showed severe pneumonic changes in the form of granulomatous inflammation consisting of lymphocytes, multinucleated giant cells, caseous materials, and mineralized foci surrounded by a fibrous capsule. PCR amplicon of 500 bp confirmed the presence of M. bovis in multiple hepatic and pulmonary tissue samples, as well as in uterine exudates. It was concluded that the presence of tuberculosis in rhinoceros may pose potential transmission risk to other animals and the application of practical tools to determine TB status in the rhinoceros is crucial.
The Effect and Safety of Thunder-Fire Moxibustion for Low Back Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yao Yao , Zhou Lin , Chen Feng-qin , Zhang Rui , Pang Xiang-tian , Leng Yu-fei , Xu Xiao , Sun Zhi-ling
Published: May 2022

Background. Low back pain (LBP) is considered the leading cause of people living with years of disability worldwide. Notably, thunder-fire moxibustion (TFM) is a new type of moxibustion, which has been widely applied to treat pain syndromes for thousands of years. This study aims to provide evidence to evaluate the effect and safety of TFM in treating LBP. Methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, EBSCO, CNKI, Wanfang Data, CBM, and VIP (until April 2021) was used to identify studies reporting pain intensity, disability, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and quality of life in patients with LBP. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared TFM and other therapies in LBP, were included. Meanwhile, methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane criteria for risk of bias, and the level of evidence was rated utilizing the GRADE approach. Results. Twenty-one RCTs, including 2198 patients, satisfied the inclusion criteria. Compared with other therapies, the effect of TFM was statistically significant, pain intensity decreased (SMD = 0.94; 95% CI (0.74, 1.14);

p
<
0.00001

), disability improved (SMD = 1.39; 95% CI (0.19, 2.59);

p
=
0.02

), and the JOA score increased (SMD = −1.34; 95% CI (−1.88, −0.80);

p
<
0.00001

). It was also reported that the patient’s quality of life improved after treatment for a period of 4 weeks (SMD = −0.29; 95% CI (−0.42, −0.16);

p
<
0.0001

) and after a follow-up of 1 month (SMD = −0.20; 95% CI (−0.34, −0.07);

p
=
0.003

). The evidence level of the results was determined to be very low to low. Conclusions. Based on the existing evidence, it can be concluded that TFM may have a better effect than other treatments on LBP. However, it is not yet possible to assess the safety level of TFM therapy. Due to the universal low quality of the eligible trials and low evidence level, rigorously designed large-scale RCTs must be conducted in order to further confirm the results in this review.
Exploring the Influence of Big Data Technology on the Innovation of the Enterprise Economic Management Mode
Authors: Wu Yingning
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study is to help financial enterprises establish a solid foundation in a big data ecosystem (BDE) and fully play their competitive edges in the fierce business competition. This paper innovatively conducts research studies on the reform of enterprise financial management. First, it expounds on the relevant concepts of big data technology (BDT) alongside financial management. Afterward, the impact of BDT on enterprise financial management is examined. Consequently, a financial enterprise-oriented economic management model is proposed by integrating BDT, enterprise economic management (EEM), and enterprise performance evaluation methods. Further, an experiment is designed to verify the proposed model on estimating the annual enterprise operating income (OI) and human resource (HR) structure. The research findings show that the predicted and actual OI error is within 6%. The predicted enterprise personnel deployment only deviates slightly from actual personnel deployment. Thus, the proposed economic management model can accurately predict OI and cost. It provides a reliable reference for enterprise innovation management, optimizing recruitment conditions, sales strategy, and development strategy. Lastly, the research deficiencies are pointed out alongside corresponding suggestions.
Integration of SOM and PCA for Analyzing Sports Economic Data and Designing a Management System
Authors: Cao Lijing
Published: May 2022

Currently, sports economic data have attracted more attention because they normally exist with a high dimensionality manner that reflects the historical behavior and the potential decision trend of users or players. Traditional analysis techniques dealing with such kinds of data rely heavily on the empirical knowledge of the manager. With the development of data science, traditional experience-based knowledge barely meets the requirements of multiple features and high-dimensional data analysis. In this regard, machine learning-based data analysis techniques nowadays can give more importance to the process of extracting latent information hidden in chaotic data, which helps users make decisions and take appropriate actions. In this paper, we integrate principal component analysis (PCA) and a self-organizing map (SOM) to exploit the hidden features in the high-dimensional data. Specifically, PCA considers an orthogonal transformation operation to linearly transform the observed data to the low-dimensional one. SOM clusters the data by constructing a two-layered neural network without manual intervention and knowing the category in the training stage. The integration of PCA and SOM helps promote the research on pattern recognition and visualization of high-dimensional data. The experimental results obtained from economic data indicate the effectiveness of the combination of PCA and SOM.
Personalized Hybrid Education Framework Based on Neuroevolution Methodologies
Authors: Yin Wenjing
Published: May 2022

The future pedagogical systems need anthropocentric inclusive educational programs in which the goal should be adjustable according to the knowledge requirements, intelligence, and learning objective of each student. Prioritizing these needs, innovative AI methods are required to assist and ensure the making of conscious educational decisions, in terms of clear identification and categorization with high accuracy of various forms of skills and knowledge of each student. This paper proposes a neuroevolution emerging technique that combines the searchability of evolutionary computation and the learning capability of a hybrid artificial neural networks method. Specifically, the proposed growing semiorganizing neural gas (GsONG) is a practical AI methodology utilizing advanced clustering techniques to enhance the learning experience by categorizing the true abilities, skills, and needs of learners, in an inclusive differentiated learning framework. It is a neural network architecture that includes competing and cooperating neurons with an unstructured mode whereby a cooperation-competition process delimits the topological neighborhood of neurons in a grid to identify patterns for which their classes are not known. To optimize the above process, a heuristic method was used that investigates the space of an objective function by regulating the optimal topologies of neurons that form pathway segments in a semi-contemplative manner. Based on the extensive experiments and results obtained from the GsONG clustering approach, the proposed algorithm can compensate with high accuracy for difficulties in multicriteria grouping and differentiation of uncertainty structures such as in small or tiny data sets.
Finite‐Time Pinning Synchronization Control for Coupled Complex Networks with Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Zhang Hebing , Zheng Xiaojing , Li Ning
Published: May 2022

The finite‐time pinning synchronization control problem is studied for coupled complex networks with time‐varying delays. Based on the finite‐time stability theorem, a finite‐time tractive synchronous controller is designed. In addition, the selection process of tractive nodes is developed to control as few nodes as possible such that all nodes are synchronized in the network in finite time. At the same time, sufficient conditions of the finite‐time constraint synchronization of the drive‐response network are obtained using the Lyapunov stability theory and the matrix inequality method. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified by numerical simulation. This approach can be applied to large‐scale complex networks with time‐varying delays.
[Retracted] Relationship between Prognosis, Immune Infiltration Level, and Differential Expression of PARVG Gene in Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Fei , Bi Juan , Yi Chunxia , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Yu , Yue Qingfang
Published: May 2022

Endometrial cancer (UCEC) is very common in gynecological diseases and ranks second in the death cause of gynecological cancer in developed countries. The connection between the overall survival of UCEC patients and immune invasion of the tumor microenvironment is positive. The PARVG gene has not been given notice in cancer, and its mechanism is unknown. The research utilized TCGA data to test the function of PARVG in UCEC. The manifestation of PARVG in UCEC was studied by GEPIA. By assessing the survival module, the authors learned the impact of PARVG on the survival of people with UCEC and then obtained UCEC information from TCGA. This study uses logistic regression to prove the possible relationship between PARVG expression and clinical information. From the research of Cox regression, clinicopathological characteristics of people with TCGA were connected with overall survival. Furthermore, the “correlation” module of GEPIA and CIBERSORT was used to study the association between cancer immune invasion and PARVG. Using univariate logistic regression analysis with PARVG expression as a categorical variable (median expression value of 2.5), the result suggested that raised PARVG expression was considerably connected with tumor status, pathological stage, and lymph nodes. Multiple factor studies have shown that upregulation of PARVG, distant metastasis, and negative pathological stage are absolute elements of excellent prognosis. In addition, CIBERSORT analysis was utilized to determine that raised PARVG expression has a positive connection with immune infiltration by T cells, mast cells, neutrophils, and B cells. This is recognized in GEPIA’s “correlation” module. The above outcomes show us that the raised expression of PARVG is associated with a good prognosis and it raises the proportion of immune cells (such as T cells, mast cells, neutrophils, and B cells) in UCEC. These outcomes tell us that PARVG can be utilized as a possible biomarker to evaluate UCEC’s immune infiltration levels and prognosis.
Integration of Edge Computing and Blockchain for Provision of Data Fusion and Secure Big Data Analysis for Internet of Things
Authors: Dong Jingya , Song Chunhe , Zhang Tao , Li Yuanjian , Zheng Hao
Published: May 2022

Intelligent computing provides efficient, real-time, and secure data analysis services for the Internet of Things (IoT). As the number of IoT devices increases, IoT generates massive, diverse, and multisourcing datasets that can be used to improve IoT services further. Models trained by intelligent computing from a single system or sensor are often not global, and sending all data directly to the computing platform wastes network bandwidth and may cause network congestion and even privacy leakage. To ensure IoT applications’ quality of service and privacy, we propose a framework that integrates edge computing and blockchain to provide lightweight data fusion and secure data analysis for IoT. We propose a lightweight data fusion method that can reduce the amount of data at the node level and prevent network congestion and bandwidth waste. Furthermore, we propose a hierarchical fuzzy hashing method to check and locate anomalies of IoT machine learning models to ensure the validity of IoT intelligent computing and the security of sensitive data. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper through experiments.
Research and Implementation of Distributed Computing Management System for College Students’ Sports Health Based on Integrated Regional Collaborative Medical Care
Authors: Wang Mian , Li Lijuan
Published: May 2022

This paper constructs and applies a university student sports health management system through the theory of integrated regional collaborative medical care and distributed computing technology. Firstly, it analyzes the current situation and problems of cross-regional medical care, the root causes, and the corresponding business scenarios, reflecting the development trend of cross-regional medical care, in the light of the current practical needs of cross-regional medical care. In response to the strong demand for cross-regional medical care, this paper gives the overall design of the distributed computing system, for the deployment and architecture of the cross-regional platform; the registration of cross-regional patients, regional platforms, and health events and documents; and data exchange, service integration, and process integration, etc. The corresponding design is given. The research was conducted on several medical institutions to refine the functional requirements for the construction of the regional collaborative medical platform, and the requirements were analyzed to present the research results of the collaborative medical project. Based on this, requirements were made for the preparation of the project construction data center and medical institutions, and the remote consultation and two-way referral modules of the distributed collaborative medical platform were designed, which are processed and analyzed through a system composed of multiple servers. The results are returned to the user, and the design results were tested for functionality, compatibility, security, and other usability tests. The necessity and feasibility of the college physical health test data platform were analyzed. Students have various needs for physical test data management, the necessity of designing the college physical health test data platform, and the feasibility of the college physical health test data platform in terms of technical means, theoretical basis, and social environment.
Rotational Thromboelastometry-Guided Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Treatment of Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Authors: Wothe Jillian K. , Elfstrand Elizabeth , Mooney Michael R. , Wothe Donald D.
Published: May 2022

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare and often fatal complication of pregnancy that occurs during the puerperium. The low incidence of AFE has resulted in few large studies, which makes evidence-based management of AFE challenging. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been reported but is limited by availability and challenges managing anticoagulation. In this report, we detail the case of a 29-year-old female who suffered from an AFE leading to cardiac arrest and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. She was treated with protocolized A-OK (adenosine, ondansetron, and ketorolac), emergency c-section, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, massive blood transfusion, and rotational thromboelastometry-guided ECMO, allowing her to forgo initial anticoagulation. After a prolonged rehabilitation with initial poor neurological status, she made a complete recovery. In this report, we describe the protocols that contributed to her recovery and detail management of complicated AFE for other clinicians.
Blockchain-Based Trust Management Framework for Cloud Computing-Based Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): A Systematic Review
Authors: Rahmani Mohammad Khalid Imam , Shuaib Mohammed , Alam Shadab , Siddiqui Shams Tabrez , Ahmad Sadaf , Bhatia Surbhi , Mashat Arwa
Published: May 2022

The internet of medical things (IoMT) is a smart medical device structure that includes apps, health services, and systems. These medical equipment and applications are linked to healthcare systems via the internet. Because IoT devices lack computational power, the collected data can be processed and analyzed in the cloud by more computationally intensive tools. Cloud computing in IoMT is also used to store IoT data as part of a collaborative effort. Cloud computing has provided new avenues for providing services to users with better user experience, scalability, and proper resource utilization compared to traditional platforms. However, these cloud platforms are susceptible to several security breaches evident from recent and past incidents. Trust management is a crucial feature required for providing secure and reliable service to users. The traditional trust management protocols in the cloud computing situation are centralized and result in single-point failure. Blockchain has emerged as the possible use case for the domain that requires trust and reliability in several aspects. Different researchers have presented various blockchain-based trust management approaches. This study reviews the trust challenges in cloud computing and analyzes how blockchain technology addresses these challenges using blockchain-based trust management frameworks. There are ten (10) solutions under two broad categories of decentralization and security. These challenges are centralization, huge overhead, trust evidence, less adaptive, and inaccuracy. This systematic review has been performed in six stages: identifying the research question, research methods, screening the related articles, abstract and keyword examination, data retrieval, and mapping processing. Atlas.ti software is used to analyze the relevant articles based on keywords. A total of 70 codes and 262 quotations are compiled, and furthermore, these quotations are categorized using manual coding. Finally, 20 solutions under two main categories of decentralization and security were retrieved. Out of these ten (10) solutions, three (03) fell in the security category, and the rest seven (07) came under the decentralization category.
Trichoscopy-Derived Hairline Recession Equivalent in Monitoring Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Authors: Sicińska Justyna , Kasprzak Michał , Walecka Irena
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a relatively recently described scarring hair loss condition. Frontal hair recession is observed in a vast majority of patients; other scalp areas may be included. Assessment of hair loss progression in FFA remains challenging mainly due to difficulties in unambiguous determination of the hairline. Various patterns of scarring and subtle progression rate are among factors which make naked-eye observations of limited use. Methods: Trichoscopy of the frontal hairline with hair-to-hair matching was conducted in patients with FFA patients with disease progression and clinically stable hairline. Hair loss was assessed based on analysis of trichoscopy-derived follicular maps. A relative hair density loss was calculated, and the hairline recession equivalent (HRE) was proposed as a novel hair loss progression measure. Results: Two patterns of hair loss were observed: one with significant decrease of hair density within a width of 1 mm and one with diffuse loss within a width of 10 mm. Conclusion: The hair density profile may be a useful tool to characterize different disease progression patterns. The HRE is potentially a very accurate and sensitive parameter to quantify local hair loss progression in FFA.
Efficacy of App-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder with Coach Support: Initial Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Wilhelm Sabine , Weingarden Hilary , Greenberg Jennifer L. , Hoeppner Susanne S. , Snorrason Ivar , Bernstein Emily E. , McCoy Thomas H. , Harrison Oliver T.
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is severe, chronic, and undertreated. Apps could substantially improve treatment access. Objective: We provide an initial test of the usability and efficacy of coach-supported app-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for BDD. The Perspectives app covers core treatment components: psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, exposure with response prevention, mindfulness, attention retraining, and relapse prevention. Methods: A randomized waitlist-controlled trial was conducted. Adults (N = 80) with primary BDD were assigned to 12 weeks of Perspectives or waitlist. Coaches promoted engagement and answered questions via in-app messaging and phone calls. BDD severity was measured at baseline, mid-treatment, and end of treatment by blinded independent evaluators (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for BDD; BDD-YBOCS). Secondary outcomes included BDD-related insight, depression, quality of life, and functioning. Results: App uptake and satisfaction were high. In intent-to-treat analyses, Perspectives app-based CBT was associated with significantly lower BDD-YBOCS severity at end of treatment (M [SD]: 16.8 [7.5]) compared to the waitlist (26.7 [6.2]; p < 0.001, d = 1.44). App-based CBT was associated with greater improvements across all secondary measures, with medium to large effects. Conclusions: Perspectives, supported by a bachelor’s-level coach, is an efficacious, scalable treatment for adults with BDD.
Hypernatremia in Newborns: A Practical Approach to Management
Authors: Durrani Naveed Ur Rehman , Imam Abubakr A. , Soni Naharmal
Published: May 2022

Hypernatremia is a potentially serious condition in both term and preterm babies, which can lead to severe and permanent neurological damage. There are many physiological changes in sodium homeostasis that occur soon after birth. Understanding this physiological process, early anticipation of hypernatremia and familiarization with the neonatal management of hypernatremia can prevent mortality and long-term morbidity associated with this condition. This review aims to provide a practical and understandable approach to the diagnosis and management of hypernatremia in neonates.
Delusional Perception Revisited
Authors: Nielsen Kasper Møller , Nordgaard Julie , Henriksen Mads Gram
Published: May 2022

Delusional perception designates a sudden, idiosyncratic, and often self-referential delusion triggered by a neutral perceptual content. In classical psychopathology, delusional perception was considered almost pathognomonic for schizophrenia. Since delusional perception has been erased from ICD-11 and always been absent in DSM, it risks slipping out of clinical awareness. In this article, we explore the clinical roots of delusional perception, elucidate the psychopathological phenomenon, and discuss its two predominant conceptualizations, i.e., Schneider’s well-known two-link model and Matussek’s lesser known one-link model. The two-link model posits that delusional perception amounts to an abnormal interpretation of an intact perception, whereas the one-link model posits that the delusional meaning is contained within a changed perception. Despite their differences, both models stress that delusional perception is a primary delusion that takes place within an altered experiential framework that is characteristic of the psychopathological Gestalt of schizophrenia. We discuss the role of delusional perception in future psychopathological and diagnostic assessment and argue that such assessments must be conducted in comprehensive manner, eliciting the psychopathological context within which symptoms and signs are embedded. Finally, we discuss the compatibility of the two models of delusional perception with contemporary cognitive models on delusion and cognitive psychotherapeutic approaches.
Komplementärmedizin: Worüber Patientinnen informiert werden sollten
Authors: Witt Claudia
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The aim of this multicenter cross-sectional study was to analyze a cohort of breast (BC) and gynecological cancer (GC) patients regarding their interest in, perception of and demand for integrative therapeutic health approaches. Methods: BC and GC patients were surveyed at their first integrative clinic visit using validated standardized questionnaires. Treatment goals and potential differences between the two groups were evaluated. Results: 340 patients (272 BC, 68 GC) participated in the study. The overall interest in IM was 95.3% and correlated with older age, recent chemotherapy, and higher education. A total of 89.4% were using integrative methods at the time of enrolment, primarily exercise therapy (57.5%), and vitamin supplementation (51.4%). The major short-term goal of the BC patients was a side-effects reduction of conventional therapy (70.4%); the major long-term goal was the delay of a potential tumor progression (69.3%). In the GC group, major short-term and long-term goals were slowing tumor progression (73.1% and 79.1%) and prolonging survival (70.1% and 80.6%). GC patients were significantly more impaired by the side-effects of conventional treatment than BC patients [pain (p = 0.006), obstipation (< 0.005)]. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a high overall interest in and use of IM in BC and GC patients. This supports the need for specialized IM counseling and the implementation of integrative treatments into conventional oncological treatment regimes in both patient groups. Primary tumor site, cancer diagnosis, treatment phase, and side effects had a relevant impact on the demand for IM in our study population.
Ampullary Neuroendocrine Neoplasm: Clinicopathological Characteristics and Novel Endoscopic Entity
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhide , Fujimori Nao , Hata Yoshitaka , Minoda Yosuke , Murakami Masatoshi , Teramatsu Katsuhito , Takamatsu Yu , Takeno Ayumu , Oono Takamasa , Ihara Eikichi , Nakata Kohei , Nakamura Masafumi , Yamamoto Takeo , Koga Yutaka , Oda Yoshinao , Ito Tetsuhide , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: May 2022

Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the ampulla of Vater (ampullary NEN) have features of both gastrointestinal and pancreato-biliary (PB) NEN. However, the limited number of studies examining ampullary NEN makes it difficult to clarify their unique characteristics. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of ampullary NEN. Methods: We enrolled 162 patients with PB-NEN diagnosed at Kyushu University Hospital between 2011 and 2020. Clinical features, pathological diagnoses, treatments, and prognoses were retrospectively analyzed. We also compared ampullary NEN with pancreatic NEN (PanNEN). Results: We analyzed 10 ampullary NEN cases and 149 PanNEN cases. The ampullary NEN cases consisted of 4 cases of neuroendocrine tumor Grade 1 (NET G1), 1 NET G2 (Grade 2), and 5 neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). The incidences of NEC and cholangitis were significantly higher in ampullary NEN than in PanNEN. All ampullary NETs had a submucosal tumor-like appearance, as identified by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. We treated small NET G1 (<10 mm) with endoscopic papillectomy and large NET G1 with pancreaticoduodenectomy. There were no cases of recurrence after resection. All ampullary NECs presented with the characteristic endoscopic finding of a “crater sign” similar to deep-mining ulcers seen in gastric malignant lymphoma. Four cases underwent surgical resection, and 1 case was unresectable. Two patients who underwent multidisciplinary treatment were maintained without recurrence for over 2 years. Conclusions: Endoscopic findings showed identifiable distinctions between ampullary NETs and NECs.
ELSA-Brasil: a 4-year incidence of hearing loss in adults with and without hypertension
Authors: Padilha Fernanda Yasmin Odila Maestri Miguel , Oenning Nágila Soares Xavier , Santos Itamar de Souza , Rabelo Camila Maia , Moreira Renata Rodrigues , Bensenor Isabela M. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Samelli Alessandra Giannella
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of hearing loss among adults stratified by the occurrence of hypertension, and to investigate the association between hypertension and hearing loss. METHODS Longitudinal observational study, part of the Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil, Longitudinal Study on Adult’s Health). Data from the first and second waves were analyzed, including information from audiological assessment and general health of the subjects. As outcome, we considered the presence of hearing loss (hearing thresholds above 25 dBHL at frequencies from 500 Hz to 8 kHz) and, as exposure variable, hypertension (report of medical diagnosis of hypertension; and/or use of drugs to treat hypertension; and/or pressure systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg; or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg). As covariables for adjustment were considered: sex, age, education, race / ethnicity, income, smoking, diabetes, and occupational exposure to noise. Poisson regression analysis was conducted, estimating the crude and adjusted relative risks, with 95% confidence intervals, in order to assess the factors associated with hearing loss. RESULTS In crude analyses, the incidence of hearing loss was higher for subjects with hypertension (9.7% versus 5.4%). The crude relative risks for hearing loss was almost double (1.93; 95%CI: 1.10–3.39) for subjects with hypertension in the right ear. In the adjusted analyses, the relative risks was not significant for the hypertension variable (1.42; 95%CI: 0.75–2.67). Being 60 years or older (RR: 5.41; 95%CI: 2.79–10.50) showed a statistically significant association with hearing loss, indicating that older adults have higher relative risks for hearing loss. CONCLUSION In the adjusted analyses controlled for multiple risk factors there was no association between hypertension and hearing loss. The dichotomous variable age (being 60 years or older), on the other hand, has shown a significant association with hearing loss.
Episiotomy in Southern Brazil: prevalence, trend, and associated factors
Authors: Cesar Juraci A. , Marmitt Luana P. , Mendoza-Sassi Raúl A.
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVE To identify and analyze the prevalence, trend, and factors associated with episiotomy in Rio Grande, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. METHODS A single, standardized questionnaire was applied to all pregnant women, residents in the municipality of Rio Grande, who had children in local hospitals between January 1 and December 12 of the years 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were investigated, as well as the assistance received during pregnancy and delivery. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions and Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment was used for multivariable analysis. Prevalence ratio (PR) was used as effect measure. RESULTS Among the 12,645 births that occurred in the five years, 5,714 (45.2%) were vaginal delivery. Of these mothers, 2,930 (51.3%; 95%CI: 50.0%–52.6%) underwent episiotomy. Over this period, the episiotomy rate decreased from 70.9% (68.4–73.5) in 2007 to 19.4% (17.1–21.7) in 2019. Adjusted analysis showed a high PR of episiotomy occurrence among women who were young (PR = 2.23; 95%CI: 1.89–2.63), had higher education (PR = 1.21; 95%Cl: 1.03–1.42), had a higher family income (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.10–1.41), were primiparous (PR = 3.41; 95%CI: 2.95–3.95), had prenatal care in the private sector (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.07–1.46), had oxytocin-induced labor (PR = 1.18; 95%CI:1.09–1.27), underwent forceps (PR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.16–1.50), and whose newborn weighed 4,000 g or more (PR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.14–1.80). CONCLUSION Although the prevalence of episiotomy fell sharply within the studied period, its occurrence is more likely among women at lower risk of birth complications.
Lack of ApoA-I in ApoEKO Mice Causes Skin Xanthomas, Worsening of Inflammation, and Increased Coronary Atherosclerosis in the Absence of Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Busnelli Marco , Manzini Stefano , Colombo Alice , Franchi Elsa , Bonacina Fabrizia , Chiara Matteo , Arnaboldi Francesca , Donetti Elena , Ambrogi Federico , Oleari Roberto , Lettieri Antonella , Horner David , Scanziani Eugenio , Norata Giuseppe Danilo , Chiesa Giulia
Published: May 2022

Background:

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and its major protein component, apoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I), play a unique role in cholesterol homeostasis and immunity. ApoA-I deficiency in hyperlipidemic, atheroprone mice was shown to drive cholesterol accumulation and inflammatory cell activation/proliferation. The present study was aimed at investigating the impact of apoA-I deficiency on lipid deposition and local/systemic inflammation in normolipidemic conditions.

Methods:

ApoE deficient mice, apoE/apoA-I double deficient (DKO) mice, DKO mice overexpressing human apoA-I, and C57Bl/6J control mice were fed normal laboratory diet until 30 weeks of age. Plasma lipids were quantified, atherosclerosis development at the aortic sinus and coronary arteries was measured, skin ultrastructure was evaluated by electron microscopy. Blood and lymphoid organs were characterized through histological, immunocytofluorimetric, and whole transcriptome analyses.

Results:

DKO were characterized by almost complete HDL deficiency and by plasma total cholesterol levels comparable to control mice. Only DKO showed xanthoma formation and severe inflammation in the skin-draining lymph nodes, whose transcriptome analysis revealed a dramatic impairment in energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation pathways. An increased presence of CD4
+
T effector memory cells was detected in blood, spleen, and skin-draining lymph nodes of DKO. A worsening of atherosclerosis at the aortic sinus and coronary arteries was also observed in DKO versus apoE deficient. Human apoA-I overexpression in the DKO background was able to rescue the skin phenotype and halt atherosclerosis development.

Conclusions:

HDL deficiency, in the absence of hyperlipidemia, is associated with severe alterations of skin morphology, aortic and coronary atherosclerosis, local and systemic inflammation.
Back to the Past—An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Immersive Historical Environments on Empathy and Morality
Authors: Frentzel-Beyme Lea , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: May 2022

Immersive environments are known for fostering empathy via their technological properties that offer users the opportunity to get immersed in a virtual environment and take other perspectives. As empathy and perspective-taking are considered to be the basis of moral development, the present study examines the potential of historical immersive media applications for the individual's moral development according to Kohlberg's stage model (1958). An integrative approach was used to examine the role of technological immersion as well as the recipients’ immersion (presence, transportation) in eliciting empathy and promoting moral development and behavior. Therefore, an online experiment with one factorial between-subject design was conducted in which participants (N = 289) were exposed to historical media that differed only in their extent of technological immersion; participants either read a text, or watched a video, or a 360° video. In line with previous research, results showed that technological immersion positively affects presence, while transportation was not influenced by technological aspects. Furthermore, results revealed positive effects of transportation and presence on empathy which, in turn, was positively related to moral orientation and behavior. The study indicates that immersive historical environments can promote empathy and morality due to their immersive characteristics.
Philology and Microhistory: A Conversation with Carlo Ginzburg
Authors: Dayeh Islam
Published: May 2022

In this Philological Conversation, Carlo Ginzburg reflects on the place of philology in his work and explores the connections between philology, microhistory, and casuistry. We talk about the people who inspired his early thinking, including his father Leone Ginzburg, his mother Natalia, and his grandfather, moving on to Erich Auerbach, Leo Spitzer, and Sebastiano Timpanaro. We discuss the ethical and political implications of his research and reflect on the power of philology to give voice to the marginalized and suppressed. The conversation, which was edited for readability, took place during the Corona pandemic over three meetings via Zoom on July 13, September 10, and September 17, 2021.
Taxonomic revision of Lychnocephalus (Lychnophorinae, Vernonieae, Asteraceae), an endemic genus of the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: BATISTA GOMES FRANCISCA MAIARA , LOEUILLE BENOIT
Published: May 2022

Lychnocephalus, as circumscribed here, contains eight species that occur in the campos rupestres of the Espinhaço mountain range in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The following species are revised in the current treatment, L. cipoensis, L. grazielae, L. humillimus, L. mellobarretoi, L. jolyanus, L. sellovii, L. tomentosus, and a new species, L. canus, is described and discussed. Taxonomic comments, preliminary conservation status, distribution maps, illustrations and an identification key of all described species are provided.
A new species of Boletellus Section Chrysenteroidei (Boletaceae, Boletales) from southeast Yunnan, China
Authors: ZHANG XIN , WU GANG
Published: May 2022

Species of Boletellus Section Chrysenteroidei are widely distributed in the world, especially in the subtropical to tropical regions. By means of molecular techniques, the species diversity of this section has become clearer and new taxa have been uncovered. In this study, a new species of this section from the southeast Yunnan of China, namely Boletellus wenshanensis, was identified based on molecular and morphological evidence. This species can be distinguised by the combination of morphological characters: a quick dark blue reaction on all parts of the basidiome when bruised, a brown to brownish orange pileus uncracking with age, a scaly stipe covered with brownish punctate squamules, yellow hymenophore, interwoven pileipellis, ellipsoid to broadly fusoid basidiospores ornamented with longitudinal ridges, and a hyphohymeniform stipitipellis. The new species is presented with illustrated description and comparisons with allied species.
Rediscovery and systematics of the rarely encountered Blue-bellied kukri snake (Oligodon melaneus Wall, 1909) from Assam, India
Authors: DAS ABHIJIT , GOWER DAVID J. , NARAYANAN SURYA , PAL SAUNAK , BORUAH BITUPAN , MAGAR SANJAY , DAS SANJIB , MOULICK SOUMABRATA , DEEPAK V.
Published: May 2022

We report the rediscovery of Oligodon melaneus 112 years after its original description and document the third, and only non-type, specimen for the species. The new specimen was found 267 km east of the type locality (Tindharia, West Bengal state) from Assam state, India. We designate a lectotype for the species, and provide an extended description of a freshly collected male specimen. Phylogenetic analyses of 16s and cytb mitochondrial genes provide support for O. melaneus being closely related to the widespread South Asian endemic O. arnensis.
Two species of metallic Microlepidoptera, one new species of Adela Latreille, [1796] (Adeloidea, Adelidae) and one unrecorded species of Coleophora Hübner, 1822 (Gelechioidea, Coleophoridae), from Korea
Authors: KOO JUN-MO , CHO SOOWON
Published: May 2022

One new species of Adela Latreille, [1796], A. palella Koo & Cho, sp. nov., belonging to Adelidae is described from Korea, and one species of Coleophora Hübner, 1822, C. fuscocuprella Herrich-Schäffer, 1855, belonging to Coleophoridae is reported for the first time. Diagnostic characters and descriptions are provided along with close-up photographs of notable features of adults.
Review of the genus Stictane Hampson (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae) in Thailand with description of a new species
Authors: BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , CHA YEONG-BIN , ČERNÝ KAREL , KWON HYUNG-WOOK , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: May 2022

The genus Stictane Hampson is reviewed in Thailand, which is represented with 11 species including seven newly recorded and one newly described species, S. bokorensis, S. cambodiensis, S. fuscus, S. gemina, S. kualabohi, S. mlcochi, S. transversana and S. trigonica sp. n. Females of S. kualabohi and S. cambodensis are studied for the first time. Illustrations showing the general view of the body of adults and genitalia of all examined species from Thailand are provided.