bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture Alleviates Menstrual Pain in Rat Model via Suppressing Eotaxin/CCR3 Axis to Weak EOS-MC Activation
Authors: Yu Wen-Yan , Ma Liang-Xiao , Tian Yuan , Mu Jie-Dan , Zhang Zhou , Sun Tian-Yi , Qian Xu , Wang Jun-Xiang
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Emerging data show that chemokine-mediated inflammation is involved in the occurrence and maintenance of pain. Recent evidence suggests that eotaxin levels rise when dysmenorrhea happens. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether eotaxin/CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) axis, a key regulatory pathway for eosinophils (EOS) recruitment, is involved in acupuncture analgesia for dysmenorrhea. Methods. After the cold congealing dysmenorrhea (CCD) rat model prepared, animals received perpendicular needling (PN) and transverse needling (TN) at SP6, respectively, for 20 min. The CCR3 agonist CCL11 was administered 30 min prior to acupuncture. Pain behavior was assessed via a writhing response. The uterine contraction test was detected by an electrophysiological method. Eotaxin, histamine (HIS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were evaluated by ELISA. The expression of CCR3 and histamine H1 receptor (H1R) was analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The expression of EOS, mast cells (MCs), eosinophil peroxidase (EPO), and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), Toluidine Blue staining (TB), and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results. Acupuncture prominently attenuated the menstrual pain in CCD rats, particularly TN technique. Electrophysiological recording data showed that the increased uterine contractility was ameliorated by acupuncture. In addition, TN decreased the release of eotaxin, HIS, IL-6, and the expression of CCR3 and H1R. HE, TB staining, and immunohistochemistry experiments showed that the increased expression of EOS, MCs, EPO, and ECP in uterine tissues was reversed by TN. Furthermore, we found that the effects of TN against CCD-induced menstrual pain, increased ECP expression, and HIS level were abolished by CCL11. Conclusion. TN alleviated menstrual pain by improving the uterine inflammatory environment via suppressing eotaxin/CCR3 axis to weak EOS-MC activation in CCD rats. The study findings support the acupuncture as a promising approach for dysmenorrhea, meanwhile, indicating the importance of performing appropriate needling technique.
Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis in Periodontitis in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Jabri B. , Iken M. , Ait- Ou-amar S. , Rida S. , Bouziane A. , Ennibi O. k.
Published: January 2022

Aim. This study aims to evaluate the association of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis with periodontitis in adolescents and young adults in a Moroccan population. Methods. 426 subjects aged between 12 and 25 years were recruited for the study. A pool of plaque sample was taken. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol medium at 37°C for 24–48 hours and then identified by the Vitek 2 YST system. Clinical data and presence of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis were analyzed using Jamovi (Version 1.8). Results. Candida albicans was observed in 25 subjects among 68 diseased patients (37%) and in 60 subjects among 358 healthy patients (17%). It can be reported that under normal yeast conditions, there is a statistically significant difference between these two groups (

P
<
0.001

). Candida dubliniensis was more prevalent in periodontitis than in healthy subjects (

P
=
0.026

). Regarding clinical variables, subgroups of periodontitis subjects showed significant statistical differences for periodontal probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and number of decayed teeth in advanced periodontitis in comparison with initial or mild periodontitis. The results also indicate that the presence of the two species of Candida is not related to gender or age (

P
>
0.05

) nor related to the severity of the periodontal disease in this population. Conclusion. Within the limits of our study, Candida albicans is more frequently associated with periodontitis. The potential role of C. albicans in periodontitis pathogenesis is very complex. More studies on biofilm associated with different forms of periodontitis are necessary. It is also important to assess the coexistence of periodontitis and caries and the associated biofilms.
A Disembarking Notification Application for Public Transportation Using Inaudible Frequency
Authors: Chung Myoungbeom
Published: January 2022

Currently, many people enjoy videos and music content through their smart devices while using public transportation. However, because passengers focus so much on content on their smart devices, they sometimes forget to disembark and miss their destination stations. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an application that can notify users via smart devices when they approach the drop-off point in public transportation using an inaudible high frequency. Inaudible frequency signals are generated with announcements from speakers installed on subways and city buses. Smart devices receive and analyze the signals through their built-in microphones and notify users when they reach the drop-off point. We tested destination notifications with the proposed system and 10 smart devices to evaluate its performance. According to the test results, the proposed system showed 99.4% accuracy on subways and 99.2% accuracy on city buses. Moreover, we compared these results to those using only subway app in subways, and our proposed system achieved far better outcomes. Thus, the proposed system could be a useful technology for notifying smart device users when to get off public transport, and it will become an innovative technology for global public transportation by informing users of their desired stations using speakers.
Application of the Truncated Zero-Inflated Double Poisson for Determining of the Effecting Factors on the Number of Coronary Artery Stenosis
Authors: Orooji Arezoo , Sahranavard Toktam , Shakeri Mohammad-Taghi , Tajfard Mohammad , Saffari Seyed Ehsan
Published: January 2022

Background. Risk factors of coronary heart disease have been discussed in the literature; however, conventional statistical models are not appropriate when the outcome of interest is number of vessels with obstructive coronary artery disease. In this paper, a novel statistical model is discussed to investigate the risk factors of number of vessels with obstructive coronary artery disease. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 633 elderly cardiovascular patients at Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran from September 2011 to May 2013. Clinical outcome is number of vessels with obstructive coronary artery disease (=0, 1, 2, 3), and predictor variables are baseline demographics and clinical features. A right-truncated zero-inflated double Poisson regression model is performed which can accommodate both underdispersion and excess zeros in the outcome. The goodness-of-fit of the proposed model is compared with conventional regression models. Results. Out of 633 cardiovascular patients, 327 were male (51.7%). Mean age was

~
65
±
7

years (for individuals with zero, one ,and two coronary artery stenosis) and

~
66
±
7

years (for individuals with three coronary artery stenosis). BMI (

0.04
±
0.01

,

p
=
0.011

) and female gender (

0.19
±
0.09

,

p
=
0.032

) were significant associated with the count part of the model, and only BMI (

−
0.47
±
0.2

,

p
=
0.011

) was significantly predictive of logit part of the model. The goodness-of-fit measurements indicate that the proposed model outperforms the conventional regression models. Conclusion. The proposal regression model shows a better fit compared to the standard regression analysis in modeling number of vessels with obstructive coronary artery disease. Hence, using truncated zero-inflated double Poisson regression model—as an alternative model—is advised to study the risk factors of number of involved vessels of coronary artery stenosis.
Determination of 18 Trace Elements in 10 Batches of the Tibetan Medicine Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills by Direct Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fu Ke , Song Yinglian , Zhang Dewei , Xu Min , Wu Ruixia , Xiong Xueqing , Liu Xianwu , Wu Lei , Guo Ya , Zhou You , Li Xiaoli , Wang Zhang
Published: January 2022

Qishiwei Zhenzhu pills (QSW) was first recorded in the Tibetan medicine classic Si Bu Yi Dian and has been used to treat “Baimai” disease, stroke, paralysis, hemiplegia, cerebral hemorrhage, and other diseases till today. This prescription contains more than 70 medicines including myrobalan, pearl, agate, opal, bezoar, coral, musk, gold, silver, and a mineral mixture Zuotai. As a result, QSW contains a large amount of mercury, copper, lead, and other trace elements. The aim of this study was to determine the 18 trace elements (lithium, beryllium, scandium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, arsenic, strontium, argentum, cadmium, cesium, barium, lead, aurum, and mercury) in 10 batches of QSW produced by 5 pharmaceutical companies (Ganlu Tibetan Medicine Co., Ltd. has 6 different batches) by direct inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). ICP-MS is a rapid, sensitive, accurate methodology allowing the determination of 18 elements simultaneously. The results showed that each element had an excellent linear relationship in the corresponding mass concentration range. The results showed that the rank order of the elements in QSW was copper > mercury > lead from high to low, with the mass fraction higher than 6000 μg/kg; the mass fractions of argentum, arsenic, manganese, aurum, strontium, barium, chromium, and nickel were in the range of 33–1034 μg/kg; and the mass fractions of vanadium, cobalt, lithium, beryllium, cadmium, scandium, and cesium were lower than 10 μg/kg. The reproducibility from the same manufacturer (Tibet Ganlu Tibetan Medicine Co., Ltd.) was relatively high; however, the element amounts among 5 manufacturers were different, which could affect the efficacy and toxicity of QSW. All in all, ICP-MS can be used as an effective tool for the analysis of trace elements in QSW and standard quality control needs to be enforced across different manufactures.
Production and Characterization of Coffee Husk Fuel Briquettes as an Alternative Energy Source
Authors: Tesfaye Assefa , Workie Fentahun , Kumar Venkatesh S.
Published: January 2022

Biomass energy accounts for more than 92 percent of overall energy consumption in Ethiopia. As a result, Ethiopia is one of the world’s most biomass-dependent countries. The high reliance on wood fuels and agricultural residues for fuel harms society’s social, economic, and environmental well-being. This study aims to create and test the quality of fuel briquettes made from the coffee husk. Also built and produced are a carboniser/charcoal kiln, a manually operated molder system, and a briquette stove for burning the manufactured briquette. The carboniser converts 15 kg of raw coffee husk into 6 kg of carbonised char in 25 minutes, and the manually operated briquette molder can press 30 kg per hour. The efficiency of converting raw coffee husk into carbonised char content was 40.12%. In the geological survey of Ethiopia, the geochemical laboratory directorate received triplicate samples of the fuel briquette charcoal for analysis. Moisture content, fixed carbon content, ash content, sulfur content, and calorific value were determined using a bomb calorimeter and a ceramic lining furnace. Physical properties of fuel briquettes ranged from 10.03% moisture content, 970 kg/m3 density, 81% fixed carbon, 5.15% ash content, 0% sulfur, and 30.54 Kcal/kg higher heating value, according to laboratory results. The results of the study revealed that the coffee husk fuel briquettes produced have more positive characteristics. Fuel briquettes were cost-effective and environmentally friendly and reduced deforestation compared to firewood. This study clearly shows that briquettes made from coffee husk could be used as an alternative energy source when this kind of waste is well managed.
Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Atherosclerosis via RAGE/TLR4 Signaling Mediated-M1 Macrophage Polarization-Dependent Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Conversion
Authors: Xing Yujie , Pan Shuo , Zhu Ling , Cui Qianwei , Tang Zhiguo , Liu Zhongwei , Liu Fuqiang
Published: January 2022

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the involved mechanisms of advanced glycation end product- (AGE-) exacerbated atherosclerosis (AS). Methods. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor was administrated to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) AS rats. Atherosclerotic plaque, M1 macrophage infiltration, and VSMCs phenotypes were evaluated. AGE-exposed primary macrophages were treated with specific siRNAs knocking down receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and TLR4. Phenotypes of M1 macrophage and VSMCs were identified by fluorescent stains. Contact and noncontact coculture models were established. VSMCs and macrophages were cocultured in these models. ELISA was used to detect inflammatory cytokine concentrations. Relative mRNA expression levels were determined by real-time PCR. Relative protein expression and phosphorylation levels were evaluated by Western blots assays. Results. TLR4 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced arterial stenosis, infiltration of M1 polarized macrophages, and contractile-to-synthetic phenotype conversion of VSMCs in DM AS animals. RAGE and TLR4 silencing dramatically reduced AGE-induced macrophage M1 polarization, inflammatory cytokine secretion, and RAGE/TLR4/forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2)/signaling which inhibited delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) expression in macrophages. AGE-treated macrophages induced VSMC phenotypic conversion via activating Notch pathway in a contact coculture model rather than a noncontact model. The VSMC phenotypic conversion induction capability of macrophages was attenuated by RAGE and TLR4 silencing. Conclusions. AGEs induced activation of RAGE/TLR4/FOXC2 signaling, which featured macrophage with Dll4 high expression during M1 polarization. These macrophages promoted contractile-synthetic phenotypic conversion of VSMCs through the Dll4/Notch pathway after direct cell-to-cell contacts.
Cost Control of Mining Personnel Based on Wireless Communication Network from the Perspective of Operations Research
Authors: Wang Hongyi , Zhang Meichang
Published: January 2022

The sublevel caving method without sill pillar is used to improve the cost of mining. The analysis is performed according to unique geographical environment and the current mining technology of the mine. The wireless communication network is used to budget and control the work cost of mining. Simulation operation about unit explosive dosage, fan-shaped deep hole interval, hole bottom distance, and collapse step distance is performed. Experiments have shown that budget and control of the cost of mining workers with wireless communication technology can manage mining data and guide the design of mining data.
Clinical Utility of Reflex Testing with Cancer Biomarkers to Improve Diagnostic Accuracy of Primary Human Papillomavirus Screening
Authors: Johnson Lauren G. , Saidu Rakiya , Svanholm-Barrie Cecilia , Boa Rosalind , Moodley Jennifer , Tergas Ana , Persing David , Campbell Scott A. , Tsai Wei-Yann , Wright Thomas C. , Denny Lynette , Kuhn Louise
Published: January 2022

Background:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is the cornerstone of cervical cancer screening, with outstanding sensitivity but only moderate specificity. We evaluated whether reflex testing for cancer biomarkers improves the sensitivity/specificity balance of screening.

Methods:

Cervical samples from women in Cape Town, South Africa, ages 30–65 years, were collected and tested with Xpert HPV and with real-time PCR to detect mRNA for cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), topoisomerase 2 alpha (TOP2A), and Ki67 (MKi67). Women with histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+; 85 women without and 166 with HIV) and women with no cervical disease (331 without and 257 with HIV) were included.

Results:

When used as reflex tests after a positive HPV result, biomarkers discriminated well between women with and without CIN2+. The inclusion of both CDKN2A and MKi67 had the best performance, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9171 and 0.8734 in women without and with HIV, respectively. Although excellent, these performance parameters did not improve on an approach utilizing only HPV testing with more stringent cycle threshold cutoffs and HPV genotype selection, which achieved AUC of 0.9059 and 0.8705 in women without and with HIV, respectively.

Conclusions:

Biomarkers can be used as triage after positive HPV results but do not outperform an approach utilizing higher viral load cutoffs on selected high-risk genotypes.

Impact:

A screening approach using HPV testing alone can be more easily implemented at the point of care.
Progress in Transplants for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Gale Robert Peter
Published: January 2022

Hematopoietic cell transplants are used to treat some adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially those with high-risk features, such as those with BCR::ABL1. This strategy may be changing given the safety and efficacy of modern tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Although these transplants are often successful, leukemia relapse remains the dominant cause of transplant failure. There are several approaches to this problem discussed by the authors of a recent article in the journal. The good news is therapy of recurrent leukemia posttransplant seems increasingly successful and for diverse reasons, survival is increasing substantially.

See related article by Bazarbachi et al., p. 1004
Video-Based Pose Estimation for Gait Analysis in Stroke Survivors during Clinical Assessments: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Lonini Luca , Moon Yaejin , Embry Kyle , Cotton R. James , McKenzie Kelly , Jenz Sophia , Jayaraman Arun
Published: January 2022

Recent advancements in deep learning have produced significant progress in markerless human pose estimation, making it possible to estimate human kinematics from single camera videos without the need for reflective markers and specialized labs equipped with motion capture systems. Such algorithms have the potential to enable the quantification of clinical metrics from videos recorded with a handheld camera. Here we used DeepLabCut, an open-source framework for markerless pose estimation, to fine-tune a deep network to track 5 body keypoints (hip, knee, ankle, heel, and toe) in 82 below-waist videos of 8 patients with stroke performing overground walking during clinical assessments. We trained the pose estimation model by labeling the keypoints in 2 frames per video and then trained a convolutional neural network to estimate 5 clinically relevant gait parameters (cadence, double support time, swing time, stance time, and walking speed) from the trajectory of these keypoints. These results were then compared to those obtained from a clinical system for gait analysis (GAITRite®, CIR Systems). Absolute accuracy (mean error) and precision (standard deviation of error) for swing, stance, and double support time were within 0.04 ± 0.11 s; Pearson’s correlation with the reference system was moderate for swing times (r = 0.4–0.66), but stronger for stance and double support time (r = 0.93–0.95). Cadence mean error was −0.25 steps/min ± 3.9 steps/min (r = 0.97), while walking speed mean error was −0.02 ± 0.11 m/s (r = 0.92). These preliminary results suggest that single camera videos and pose estimation models based on deep networks could be used to quantify clinically relevant gait metrics in individuals poststroke, even while using assistive devices in uncontrolled environments. Such development opens the door to applications for gait analysis both inside and outside of clinical settings, without the need of sophisticated equipment.
Potentials of CCL21 and CBS as Therapeutic Approaches for Breast Cancer
Authors: Peng Jing , Zhang Danhua
Published: January 2022

Objective: The present research set out to ascertain the roles of CC chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) and cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) in breast cancer (BC) cell biological behaviors and the relationship of CCL21 and CBS expression with the clinicopathological features of patients with BC. Methods: Immunohistochemistry of CCL21 or CBS was performed in 18 intraductal cancer tissues, 124 invasive BC tissues, 50 paraneoplastic tissues, 50 lobular hyperplasia tissues, and 30 normal breast tissues. For cell experiments, two human BC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and a human breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10A) were utilized to detect the expression of CCL21 and CBS. After loss- and gain-of-function assays for CCL21 or CBS, the expression of CBS and CCL21 was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Additionally, BC cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine staining, and BC cell migration was determined by scratch test and Transwell assay. Results: In the clinical data, the positive rate of CCL21 or CBS was significantly higher in invasive BC tissues than in intraductal BC tissues, lobular hyperplasia tissues, paraneoplastic tissues, and normal breast tissues (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). CBS or CCL21 expression shared close association with the clinicopathological characteristics and the poor prognosis of BC patients. In cell experiments, overexpression of CCL21 or CBS enhanced the proliferative and migratory abilities of BC cells. Conclusion: CCL21 and CBS promoted BC cell migration and proliferation. CCL21 or CBS expression was strongly related to the poor prognosis of BC patients.
Effectiveness of Blended Learning Modules as Correlates of Self-Efficacy of ALS Students: Basis for an Action Plan
Authors: Anduyan Dennis B.
Published: January 2022

The study determined the effectiveness of blended learning modules as correlates to students' self-efficacy among students in the Alternative Learning Systems in Tagum, Davao del Norte during the second quarter of 2021. Findings will serve as bases for a proposed action plan. The researcher utilized quantitative, descriptive-correlational and predictive designs among 211 students in the Alternative Learning System in different centers in the Central Cluster in Tagum, Davao del Norte selected through random sampling. The researcher used adapted-and-modified questionnaires from the following: "Evaluating the Quality, Usability, and Potential Effectiveness of Online Learning Modules: A Case Study of Teaching with Technology Grant Recipients at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville" from Goode (2003) and “Self-Efficacy as an Engaged Learner” from Schunk and Mullen (2017). The researcher utilized mean and standard deviation, Pearson-r, and linear regression for data treatment. The effectiveness of blended learning module is high. Moreover, the student’s self-efficacy is also high. Both are manifested most of the time. There is a significant relationship between effectiveness of blended learning and student’s self-efficacy. Student’s self-efficacy is influenced on the following domains of effectiveness of blended learning modules: quality of content, usability, and potential tool for effective learning. The researcher recommends seminar and training for teachers particularly on creating and enhancing contents in the blended learning modality to improve the student’s self-efficacy.
Disturbance of Mangrove Forest Due To Climate Change: The Prospects of Sundarban
Authors: Gupta Shimul
Published: January 2022

Mangrove forest has a significant importance in protecting natural disaster, environmental sustainability and in local economy. In Bangladesh, only mangrove forest Sundarban also servicing for environmental sustainability, protecting tropical cyclone, local employment generation and so on. Thus, its natural properties are being hampered through people involvement and natural calamities. Moreover, Rapid population growth and climate change stimulating these disturbances of natural properties of Sundarbans. This paper aim at how climate change is disturbing mangrove forest in Bangladesh and how this disturbance may be threatful for future environmental sustainability. Interrelation between climate change and disturbance of Sundarbans has been established through various exiting literature review and for quantifying the amount of disturbance remote sensing data has been applied and future threat of environmental sustainability has been assessed by comparing regeneration capacity of Sundarban after a tropical cyclone and amount of disturbance by a tropical cyclone. Result found that climate change increasing the frequency of natural calamities and affecting significantly on mangrove forest due to its complex bio-diversity and strategic location before regeneration of disturbance. On the other hand, threat of mangroves as well as environment is associated with temperature rising, ice melting and sea level rising are increasing because of frequent  occurrence, magnitude as comparing with regeneration capacity.
Experience of Science Teachers in Practicing Rewards System to Increase Students’ Participation in Class
Authors: Tolero Josue A. , Tabile Delyn O. , Achacoso Jal M.
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to determine the Experience of Science teachers’ in practicing rewards system to increase student’s participation in class. A qualitative - phenomenology research design was adopted in this study. Interview guide question was used to examine the Experience of Science teachers’ in practicing rewards system to increase student’s participation in class. Data was collected through an interview. Total of 10 teachers were selected as a sample from 8 secondary schools in the Botolan District. The results of this study showed that reward system is effective in the performance of the students and encouragement to give the students good motivation   in the learning process. Most of the participant find the rewards system as an effective tool in increasing student’s participation. Recognition such as giving praise and compliments is the usual form of rewards given by the teacher. In addition to extra grades, scores and test or homework exemptions. Preferred rewards of the teachers aside from giving praise and additional grades, are useful rewards such as school supplies, candies, and other food treats. Effective motivation of the student’s in participating in learning activities is the foreseen effects of rewards system.
Tendência temporal da incidência de tuberculose e sua distribuição espacial em Macapá-AP
Authors: Giacomet Clóvis Luciano , Santos Marcio Souza , Berra Thaís Zamboni , Alves Yan Mathias , Alves Luana Seles , Costa Fernanda Bruzadelli Paulino da , Ramos Antonio Carlos Vieira , Crispim Juliane de Almeida , Monroe Aline Aparecida , Pinto Ione Carvalho , Fiorati Regina Célia , Arcoverde Marcos Augusto Moraes , Gomes Dulce , Freitas Giselle Lima de , Yamamura Mellina , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre
Published: January 2022

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a tendência temporal da incidência da tuberculose após a implementação do teste rápido molecular, identificar se a tuberculose apresenta variação sazonal e classificar o território de acordo com a densidade de casos e as áreas de risco em Macapá-AP. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico composto por casos de tuberculose registrados no SINAN entre 2001 e 2017. Foi utilizado o teste Prais-Winsten para classificar a tendência temporal da incidência e a Série Temporal Interrompida para identificar mudanças na tendência temporal antes e depois da implementação do teste rápido molecular, além de verificar a sazonalidade no município. Utilizou-se o estimador de Kernel para classificar a densidade de casos e estatística de varredura para identificar áreas de risco da tuberculose. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 1730 casos, observando-se que a tendência temporal da incidência de tuberculose foi decrescente (-0,27% por mês, IC95% −0,13 a −0,41). Não houve mudança de nível na série temporal após a implantação do teste molecular GeneXpert® MTB/RIF, porém, o período pós teste foi classificado como crescente em termos da incidência (+2,09% por mês, IC95% 0,92 a 3,27). Quanto à variação sazonal, apresentou crescimento (+13,7%/mês, IC95% 4,71 a 23,87) nos meses de dezembro a junho, referente ao período de chuvas – chamado inverno amazônico – e decréscimo (-9,21% por mês, IC95% −1,37 a −16,63) nos demais períodos. Por meio de Kernel, foram classificadas áreas com alta densidade de casos nos distritos Central e Norte e, com a estatística de varredura, foram identificados três aglomerados de proteção, AE1 (RR = 0,07), AE2 (RR = 0,23) e AE3 (RR = 0,36), e um aglomerado de alto risco, AE4 (RR = 1,47). CONCLUSÃO: A tendência temporal da incidência de tuberculose se revelou decrescente na série temporal, todavia, um crescimento na detecção foi observado após introdução do TRM-TB, e ainda se evidenciou que há comportamento sazonal da tuberculose. A distribuição dos casos foi heterogênea, com tendência de concentração em territórios vulneráveis e de risco, evidenciando um padrão de desigualdade da doença no território.
Endothelial Tyrosine Kinase Tie1 Is Required for Normal Schlemm’s Canal Development—Brief Report
Authors: Du Jing , Thomson Benjamin R. , Onay Tuncer , Quaggin Susan E.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Schlemm’s canal (SC) is a large vessel residing in the iridocorneal angle and is required to regulate aqueous humor outflow. Normal SC structure and function is indispensable for maintaining normal intraocular pressure, and elevated intraocular pressure is a risk factor for development of glaucoma. Recent reports have identified a key role of the angiopoietin-Tie2 pathway for SC development and function; however, the role of the orphan receptor Tie1 has not been clarified.

Methods:

We used Tie1 knock out mice to study the function of Tie1 in SC development and function. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses were used to verify Tie1 deletion. High-resolution microscopy of mouse SC whole mount and cross sections were used to study SC morphology. Measurement of intraocular pressure in live mice was used to study the impact of Tie1 on SC function.

Results:

Tie1 is highly expressed in both human and mouse SC. Tie1 knock out mice display hypomorphic SC and elevated intraocular pressure as a result of attenuated SC development.

Conclusions:

Tie1 is indispensable for SC development and function, supporting it as a novel target for future SC-targeted glaucoma therapies and a candidate gene for glaucoma in humans.
Carotid Artery Stiffness Mechanisms Associated With Cardiovascular Disease Events and Incident Hypertension: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Pewowaruk Ryan J. , Korcarz Claudia , Tedla Yacob , Burke Gregory , Greenland Philip , Wu Colin , Gepner Adam D.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Elastic arteries stiffen via 2 main mechanisms: (1) load-dependent stiffening from higher blood pressure and (2) structural stiffening due to changes in the vessel wall. It is unknown how these different mechanisms contribute to incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.

Methods:

The MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) is a longitudinal study of 6814 men and women without CVD at enrollment, from 6 communities in the United States. MESA participants with B-mode carotid ultrasound and brachial blood pressure at baseline Exam in (2000–2002) and CVD surveillance (mean follow-up 14.3 years through 2018) were included (n=5873). Peterson’s elastic modulus was calculated to represent total arterial stiffness. Structural stiffness was calculated by adjusting Peterson’s elastic modulus to a standard blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg with participant-specific models. Load-dependent stiffness was the difference between total and structural stiffness.

Results:

In Cox models adjusted for traditional risk factors, load-dependent stiffness was significantly associated with higher incidence of CVD events (hazard ratio/100 mm Hg, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.09–1.34]
P
<0.001) events while higher structural stiffness was not (hazard ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.99–1.07]
P
=0.10). Analysis of participants who were normotensive (blood pressure <130/80, no antihypertensives) at baseline exam (n=2122) found higher load-dependent stiffness was also associated with significantly higher incidence of hypertension (hazard ratio, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.35–1.75]
P
<0.001) while higher structural stiffness was not (hazard ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.99–1.07]
P
=0.16).

Conclusions:

These results provide valuable new insights into mechanisms underlying the association between arterial stiffness and CVD. Load-dependent stiffness was significantly associated with CVD events but structural stiffness was not.
Respective Mediating Effects of Social Position and Work Environment on the Incidence of Common Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Hoertel Nicolas , Sanchez Rico Marina , Limosin Frédéric , Ménard Joël , Ribet Céline , Bonenfant Sébastien , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Meneton Pierre
Published: January 2022

Background

Social position and work environment are highly interrelated and their respective contribution to cardiovascular risk is still debated.

Methods and Results

In a cohort of 20 625 French workers followed for 25 years, discrete‐time survival analysis with reciprocal mediating effects, adjusted for sex, age, and parental history of early coronary heart disease, was performed using Bayesian structural equation modeling to simultaneously investigate the extent to which social position mediates the effect of work environment and, inversely, the extent to which work environment mediates the effect of social position on the incidence of common cardiovascular risk factors. Depending on the factor, social position mediates 2% to 53% of the effect of work environment and work environment mediates 9% to 87% of the effect of social position. The mediation by work environment is larger than that by social position for the incidence of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, sleep complaints, and depression (mediation ratios 1.32–41.5, 6.67 when modeling the 6 factors together). In contrast, the mediation by social position is larger than that by work environment for the incidence of nonmoderate alcohol consumption, smoking, and leisure‐time physical inactivity (mediation ratios 0.16–0.69, 0.26 when modeling the 3 factors together).

Conclusions

The incidence of behavioral risk factors seems strongly dependent on social position whereas that of clinical risk factors seems closely related to work environment, suggesting that preventive strategies should be based on education and general practice for the former and on work organization and occupational medicine for the latter.
Diastolic Dysfunction With Preserved Ejection Fraction After the Fontan Procedure
Authors: Chowdhury Shahryar M. , Graham Eric M. , Taylor Carolyn L. , Savage Andrew , McHugh Kimberly E. , Gaydos Stephanie , Nutting Arni C. , Zile Michael R. , Atz Andrew M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Heart failure phenotyping in single‐ventricle Fontan patients is challenging, particularly in patients with normal ejection fraction (EF). The objective of this study was to identify Fontan patients with abnormal diastolic function, who are high risk for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and characterize their cardiac mechanics, exercise function, and functional health status.

Methods and Results

Data were obtained from the Pediatric Heart Network Fontan Cross‐sectional Study database. EF was considered abnormal if <50%. Diastolic function was defined as abnormal if the diastolic pressure:volume quotient (lateral E:e’/end‐diastolic volume) was >90th percentile (≥0.26 mL
‐1
). Patients were divided into: controls=normal EF and diastolic function; systolic dysfunction (SD) = abnormal EF with normal diastolic function; diastolic dysfunction (DD) = normal EF with abnormal diastolic pressure:volume quotient. Exercise function was quantified as percent predicted peak VO
2
. Physical Functioning Summary Score (FSS) was reported from the Child Health Questionnaire. A total of 239 patients were included, 177 (74%) control, 36 (15%) SD, and 26 (11%) DD. Median age was 12.2 (5.4) years. Arterial elastance, a measure of arterial stiffness, was higher in DD (3.6±1.1 mm Hg/mL) compared with controls (2.5±0.8 mm Hg/mL),
P
<0.01. DD patients had lower predicted peak VO
2
compared with controls (52% [20] versus 67% [23],
P
<0.01). Physical FSS was lower in DD (45±13) and SD (44±13) compared with controls (50±7),
P
<0.01.

Conclusions

Fontan patients with abnormal diastolic function and normal EF have decreased exercise tolerance, decreased functional health status, and elevated arterial stiffness. Identification of patients at high risk for HFpEF is feasible and should be considered when evaluating Fontan patients.
Neural Circuits for Dynamics-Based Segmentation of Time Series
Authors: Teşileanu Tiberiu , Golkar Siavash , Nasiri Samaneh , Sengupta Anirvan M. , Chklovskii Dmitri B.
Published: January 2022

The brain must extract behaviorally relevant latent variables from the signals streamed by the sensory organs. Such latent variables are often encoded in the dynamics that generated the signal rather than in the specific realization of the waveform. Therefore, one problem faced by the brain is to segment time series based on underlying dynamics. We present two algorithms for performing this segmentation task that are biologically plausible, which we define as acting in a streaming setting and all learning rules being local. One algorithm is model based and can be derived from an optimization problem involving a mixture of autoregressive processes. This algorithm relies on feedback in the form of a prediction error and can also be used for forecasting future samples. In some brain regions, such as the retina, the feedback connections necessary to use the prediction error for learning are absent. For this case, we propose a second, model-free algorithm that uses a running estimate of the autocorrelation structure of the signal to perform the segmentation. We show that both algorithms do well when tasked with segmenting signals drawn from autoregressive models with piecewise-constant parameters. In particular, the segmentation accuracy is similar to that obtained from oracle-like methods in which the ground-truth parameters of the autoregressive models are known. We also test our methods on data sets generated by alternating snippets of voice recordings. We provide implementations of our algorithms at https://github.com/ttesileanu/bio-time-series.
Dynamical Mechanism of Sampling-Based Probabilistic Inference Under Probabilistic Population Codes
Authors: Ichikawa Kohei , Kataoka Asaki
Published: January 2022

Animals make efficient probabilistic inferences based on uncertain and noisy information from the outside environment. It is known that probabilistic population codes, which have been proposed as a neural basis for encoding probability distributions, allow general neural networks (NNs) to perform near-optimal point estimation. However, the mechanism of sampling-based probabilistic inference has not been clarified. In this study, we trained two types of artificial NNs, feedforward NN (FFNN) and recurrent NN (RNN), to perform sampling-based probabilistic inference. Then we analyzed and compared their mechanisms of sampling. We found that sampling in RNN was performed by a mechanism that efficiently uses the properties of dynamical systems, unlike FFNN. In addition, we found that sampling in RNNs acted as an inductive bias, enabling a more accurate estimation than in maximum a posteriori estimation. These results provide important arguments for discussing the relationship between dynamical systems and information processing in NNs.
Manifold Alignment Aware Ants: A Markovian Process for Manifold Extraction
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Tino Peter , Bunte Kerstin
Published: January 2022

The presence of manifolds is a common assumption in many applications, including astronomy and computer vision. For instance, in astronomy, low-dimensional stellar structures, such as streams, shells, and globular clusters, can be found in the neighborhood of big galaxies such as the Milky Way. Since these structures are often buried in very large data sets, an algorithm, which can not only recover the manifold but also remove the background noise (or outliers), is highly desirable. While other works try to recover manifolds either by pushing all points toward manifolds or by downsampling from dense regions, aiming to solve one of the problems, they generally fail to suppress the noise on manifolds and remove background noise simultaneously. Inspired by the collective behavior of biological ants in food-seeking process, we propose a new algorithm that employs several random walkers equipped with a local alignment measure to detect and denoise manifolds. During the walking process, the agents release pheromone on data points, which reinforces future movements. Over time the pheromone concentrates on the manifolds, while it fades in the background noise due to an evaporation procedure. We use the Markov chain (MC) framework to provide a theoretical analysis of the convergence of the algorithm and its performance. Moreover, an empirical analysis, based on synthetic and real-world data sets, is provided to demonstrate its applicability in different areas, such as improving the performance of t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and spectral clustering using the underlying MC formulas, recovering astronomical low-dimensional structures, and improving the performance of the fast Parzen window density estimator.
Analysis of Chemical Compounds of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants from the Open Burning of Agricultural HDPE Film Waste
Authors: Kim Tae-Han , Choi Boo-Hun , Kook Joongjin
Published: January 2022

Background and objective Illegal open-air incineration, which is criticized as a leading source of air pollutants among agricultural activities, currently requires constant effort and attention. Countries around the world have been undertaking studies on the emission of heavy metal substances in fine dust discharged during the incineration process. A precise analytical method is required to examine the harmful effects of particulate pollutants on the human body. Methods In order to simulate open-air incineration, the infrastructure needed for incineration tests complying with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 5G was built, and a large-area analysis was conducted on particulate pollutants through automated scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). For the test specimen, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste collected by the DangJin Office located in Choongcheongnam-do was used. To increase the identifiability of the analyzed particles, the incineration experiment was conducted in an incinerator three times after dividing the film waste into 200 g specimens. Results Among the metal particulate matters detected in the HDPE waste incineration test, transition metals included C (20.8–37.1 wt%) and O (33.7–37.9 wt%). As for other chemical matters, the analysis showed that metal particulate matters such as metalloids, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and transition metals reacted to C and C-O. Si, a representative metalloid, was detected at 14.8–20.8 wt%, showing the highest weight ratio except for C and O. Conclusion In this study, the detection of metal chemicals in incinerated particulate matters was effectively confirmed through SEM-EDS. The results of this study verified that HDPE waste adsorbs metal chemicals originating from soil due to its own properties and deterioration, and that when incinerated, it emits particulate matters containing transition metals and other metals that contribute to the excessive production and reduction of reactive oxygen species.
Analysis of Morphological Characteristics and Variation in Five Populations of Zabelia tyaihyonii in South Korea
Authors: Nam Jae Ik , Kim Mun Seop , Song Jeong Ho , Seo Jeong Min , Choi Go Eun , Kim Young Ki
Published: January 2022

Background and objective Native to the limestone zones of the Korean Peninsula, Zabelia tyaihyonii is a popular plant for landscaping. As it is now classified as a rare species, the conservation of its genetic resources is necessary. Methods In this study, which aimed to understand the morphological variation of Z. tyaihyonii, 18 characteristics of Z. tyaihyonii from five habitats were examined. Results Of these 18 characteristics, 16 characteristics showed significant differences among sites, and the coefficient of variation ranged from 5.4% (for corolla lobe number) to 31.3% (for flower number). Notable variations were observed in the size of flower and calyx lobe. When the corolla length and calyx lobe length were used as the classification key of Z. tyaihyonii, the sites were divided into those with small, intermediate, and large values. Hair was observed on the filament of all samples, a finding which conflicts with an earlier report. Rather than classifying Z. tyaihyonii into different species on the basis of corolla length (COL) and calyx lobe length (CALL) values, we recommend modifying the species description to incorporate the variation in these characteristics of interest. Principal component analysis results showed that the first main component was highly correlated with the traits related to the size of the calyx lobe (length: 0.819, width: 0.758), and the second main component was highly correlated with the traits related with the size of the inflorescence (length: 0.790, width: 0.626). Conclusion Several notable variations were identified among the characteristics related to inflorescence and calyx lobe. There is little genetic exchange among groups, or each group is influenced by micro environmental factors, because sites that are located nearby. In addition, the difference between COL and CALL, which is used as the classification key for Z. tyaihyonii, was divided into small group, large group, and intermediate group, regardless of the sites’ geographical distance.
Revisiting the Religious Openness Hypothesis in a Migration Context: The Case of Muslims with a Turkish Migration Background in Germany
Authors: Demmrich Sarah , Akçe Havagül
Published: January 2022

The religious openness hypothesis, which states that religious traditions have the potential to integrate faith with intellect, is examined in this study within a migration context for the first time. Based on two lines of research, our central question is whether the sociological context or the Islamic tradition per se explains the (in)compatibility of faith and intellect orientation and their relation to psychological openness. Religious openness, psychological openness (ambiguity tolerance and acculturation strategies) and religiosity were measured among Muslims with a Turkish migration background in Germany. Our findings show a non-significant relationship between faith and intellect orientation and we therefore propose that the secular context is the crucial explaining factor. Religious reflection also moderates the link between different forms of religiosity and ambiguity tolerance. Finally, heterogeneous religious rationalities were uncovered that challenge the negative view of Muslims as fanatic, closed-minded people which prevails among the German majority society.
Hieracium racemosum subsp. spinidentatum (Asteraceae), a new hawkweed from Lombardy, Italy
Authors: GOTTSCHLICH GÜNTER , VILLA MILENA
Published: January 2022

A new hawkweed endemic to Northern Italy, Hieracium racemosum subsp. spinidentatum, is described and illustrated. Information on its morphology, distribution, ecology and taxonomic relationship is provided.
Three new synonyms of Camellia kissi (Theaceae)
Authors: ZHAO DONGWEI
Published: January 2022

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