bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Perspective Roadmap for IoMT-Based Early Detection and Care of the Neural Disorder, Dementia
Authors: Juneja Sapna , Dhiman Gaurav , Kautish Sandeep , Viriyasitavat Wattana , Yadav Kusum
Published: November 2021

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has emerged as one of the most important key applications of IoT. IoMT makes the diagnosis and care more convenient and reliable with proven results. The paper presents the technology, open issues, and challenges of IoMT-based systems. It explores the various types of sensors and smart equipment based on IoMT and used for diagnosis and patient care. A comprehensive survey of early detection and postdetection care of the neural disorder dementia is conducted. The paper also presents a postdiagnosis dementia care model named “Demencare.” This model incorporates eight sensors capable of tracking the daily routine of dementia patient. The patients can be monitored locally by an edge computing device kept at their premises. The medical experts may also monitor the patients’ status for any deviation from normal behavior. IoMT enables better postdiagnosis care for neural disorders, like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The patient’s behavior and vital parameters are always available despite the remote location of the patients. The data of the patients may be classified, and new insights may be obtained to tackle patients in a better manner.
Effectiveness and Prognosis: Drainage Skin-Bridge Sparing Surgery Combined with Fistulotomy versus Fistulotomy Only in the Treatment of Anal Fistula
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wang Chunliang , Qi Ruihua
Published: November 2021

Objective. This study intends to analyze the difference in the efficacy of drainage skin-bridge sparing surgery combined fistulotomy (DSCF) and fistulotomy alone. Methods. 125 patients with anal fistula were enrolled as study subjects and randomly divided into control group (CG) and observation group (OG) by double-blind lottery. The CG received drainage skin-bridge sparing surgery with fistulotomy and the OG received fistulotomy only. Results. The VAS scores of the trauma in the OG were lower than those in the CG on 1st day of surgery and 7 days after surgery (

P
<
0.05

). The length of hospital stay and time to wound healing were shorter in the OG than in the CG (

P
<
0.05

). The incidence of postoperative bleeding in the OG was 9.52%, which was lower than 22.58% in the CG (

P
<
0.05

). The rectal examination scores were lower in the OG than in the CG at 3 and 5 days postoperatively (

P
<
0.05

). The Wexner scores of solid incontinence (0 to 4), liquid incontinence (0 to 4), gas incontinence (0 to 4), pad wearing (0 to 4), and lifestyle alteration (0 to 4) in the OG were lower than those of the CG at 5 days postoperatively (

P
<
0.05

). Voiding function scores were lower in the OG than in the CG at 2 and 3 days postoperatively (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusions. The efficacy of drainage skin-bridge sparing surgery combined fistulotomy is better than that of fistulotomy alone, which can accelerate postoperative healing, enhance urinary function, reduce postoperative bleeding, and improve anal function.
Metal Detection of Wood Based on Thermal Signal Reconstruction Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hong , Yang Ruizhen , Chen Wenhui , Wu Ruikun
Published: November 2021

In this paper, eddy current thermography is used to detect metal in wood materials, and thermal signal reconstruction (TSR) algorithm has been proposed to solve the problem of low resolution of metal detection. The basic principle of current nondestructive testing technologies for wood materials has been briefly reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages have been analyzed. TSR algorithm can significantly enhance the contrast ration between metal and surrounding areas, different quantities of metal can be effective identified, and metal positions can be accurately realized. The experimental results show that the proposed eddy current thermography technology can quickly detect metal in wood materials and improve the efficiency and accuracy. The size and quantity of metal can be intuitively observed through thermal images.
Approximations of Tangent Polynomials, Tangent –Bernoulli and Tangent – Genocchi Polynomials in terms of Hyperbolic Functions
Authors: Corcino Cristina B. , Corcino Roberto B. , Ontolan Jay M.
Published: November 2021

Asymptotic approximations of Tangent polynomials, Tangent-Bernoulli, and Tangent-Genocchi polynomials are derived using saddle point method and the approximations are expressed in terms of hyperbolic functions. For each polynomial there are two approximations derived with one having enlarged region of validity.
Statistical Modeling and Kinetic Studies on the Adsorption of Reactive Red 2 by a Low-Cost Adsorbent: Grape Waste-Based Activated Carbon Using Sulfuric Acid Activator-Assisted Thermal Activation
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Alireza , Shahbazi Davood , Mahmoudi Arezoo , Mohammadi Parviz , Massahi Tooraj
Published: November 2021

The efficiency of activated carbon produced from grape waste as a low-cost, nontoxic, and available adsorbent to remove Reactive Red 2 from aqueous solution has been investigated. The prepared activated carbon has been characterized by FTIR, SEM, and BET. The results of characterization indicate the successful conversion of grape waste into mesoporous AC with desirable surface area consist of different functional groups. The results of statistical modeling displayed high [Formula: see text] value of 0.97% for dye removal that shows the developed model has acceptable accuracy. The effect of independent variables indicated that the highest adsorption (96.83%) obtained at pH 3, adsorbent dosage of 12.25 g/L, and initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L when the adsorption time was 90 min. The results of isotherms modeling showed that the data fit well with the Langmuir (type II). The kinetic studies using pseudofirst-order and pseudosecond-order models pointed out that the type (I) of pseudosecond-order kinetic model provided the best fit to the adsorption data. Parameters of thermodynamics including Gibbs energy ([Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] were calculated. The values of [Formula: see text] indicated that the dye adsorption of RR2 is spontaneous. The agricultural wastes due to special points such as low-cost, availability, and high ability to produce an adsorbent with high efficiency to remove dye can be proposed for water and wastewater treatment.
A Super Wideband Directional Compact Vivaldi Antenna for Lower 5G and Satellite Applications
Authors: Paul Liton Chandra , Islam Md. Mohiminul
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a super wide band (SWB) Vivaldi antenna has been proposed for lower 5G bands in Sub-6 GHz and satellite applications (S, C, X, Ku, and K band) using various performance improvement techniques. In the presented Vivaldi antenna, different slots are applied not only to increase the gain and directivity but also to get operating frequency at the intended specific frequency range. All dimensions of those slots were chosen by using the sweep parameter method. Ten corrugated side slots, two circular slots, and one via have been used to enhance the performance especially bandwidth and gain of the antenna. At the edge of wireless communication, we want to enhance two key aspects within the communication systems: the quality of service and the cost. The proposed antenna incorporates a simple structure and small size with dimensions of 45 × 35 × 0.79 mm3. Thus, after design, optimization, and simulation, the antenna produces a good reflection coefficient over the very large operating bandwidth of 23.19 GHz, 1 < VSWR < 2, maximum gain of 10.2 dBi, and average radiation efficiency of above 90%, which can be recommended as a suitable antenna for lower 5G as well as satellite applications. The antenna is designed, simulated, and analyzed by using computer simulation technology microwave studio (CST-MWS). Finally, the performance of the Vivaldi antenna has been validated by FEKO and HFSS software, and we achieved a very good matching among the results.
Comparison of Saddle‐Shaped Region of Head‐Flow Curve between Axial‐Flow Pump and Its Corresponding Axial‐Flow Pump Device
Authors: Ji Dongtao , Lu Weigang , Lu Linguang , Xu Lei , Liu Jun , Shi Wei , Zhu Ye
Published: November 2021

In engineering, the highest operating head of the pumping station is usually controlled to be slightly lower than the lowest saddle bottom head of the axial‐flow pump. However, in the practical operation, it is found that the highest operating head of the pumping station is obviously lower than the saddle bottom head of the pump device, which leads to the reduction of the operating range of the pumping station. To investigate the difference of lowest saddle bottom head between axial flow pump and axial flow pump device and apply it correctly, the energy performance tests of the TJ04‐ZL‐06 hydraulic model and its corresponding pump device were carried out to obtain the external curves, and numerical simulation was carried out to analyze and compare the internal flow field and pressure distribution. The results show that when the flow rate decreases, the first saddle‐shaped region of the axial‐flow pump and the saddle‐shaped region of the pump device are caused by the decrease of the lift coefficient due to the increase of the attack angle between flow and blade. When the flow rate is less than 0.32Qd, the influence range of backflow in the inlet pipe is large, which leads to the high‐pressure zone near the wall of the inlet pressure measurement section during the pump performance test, and hence the second saddle‐shaped region of the axial‐flow pump is essentially a measurement illusion. It is suggested that the inlet pressure measurement section should be set at least 4Dp away from the inlet flange of the impeller when testing the performance of the axial‐flow pump under the condition of small flow rate, and the first saddle bottom head of the axial‐flow pump or the saddle bottom head of the corresponding pump device can be considered as the control value of the highest head of the pumping station.
Independent Factors Affecting Postoperative Short-Term Urinary Continence Recovery after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Deng Wen , Chen Ru , Jiang Xian , Zheng Ping , Zhu Ke , Zhou Xiaochen , Liu Xiaoqiang , Guo Ju , Chen Luyao , Wang Gongxian , Fu Bin
Published: November 2021

Background. Our team had firstly applied the transvesical approach to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients afflicted with localized prostate cancer (PCa). The present study aims to present the postoperative recovery of urinary continence (UC) following the anterior, transvesical, and posterior approaches to RARP for localized PCa and evaluate the independent predictors to early UC recovery after RARP. Methods. Patients harboring localized PCa and receiving anterior, transvesical, and posterior approaches to RARP between January 2017 and June 2020 were enrolled in this analysis. Results on UC recovery were compared between these three approaches with the Kaplan–Meier method. All clinical and pathological variables were further analyzed via univariable and multivariable regression analysis to determine the independent factors contributing to short-term UC recovery after RARP. Results. A total of 135, 73, and 66 instances were included in the anterior, transvesical, and posterior groups, respectively. Over the postoperative follow-up period, both the transvesical and posterior approaches showed an advantage over the anterior approach in promoting postoperative UC recovery (both

p

values <0.001). Three months after surgery, 55 (40.7%), 4 (5.5%), and 5 (7.6%) patients failed to UC in the anterior, transvesical, and posterior groups, respectively. Patient age, preoperative PSA, prostate volume, biopsy Gleason score, surgical approach, extended lymph node dissection technique, nerve-sparing technique, and positive lymph node were related to UC status based on univariable analyses (

p
<
0.05

). Multivariable analysis results point patient age, prostate volume, surgical approach, and nerve-sparing technique as independent factors that affect postoperative UC recovery after RARP. Conclusions. The application of transvesical approach to RARP for localized PCa could obtain promising outcomes in terms of postoperative UC recovery. In addition, surgical strategies encompassing the nerve-sparing technique and the Retzius-sparing procedures, namely, the transvesical or posterior approach, during RARP could independently enable early achievement of postoperative continence.
A Case of Terbinafine-Resistant Tinea Cruris Caused by Trichophyton tonsurans
Authors: Firooz Alireza , Lotfali Ensieh , Fattahi Mahsa , Fattahi Maryam , Miramin Mohammadi Akram , Shahrzad Kavkani Mahshid
Published: November 2021

A 26-year-old male patient referred to our center with a history of extremely itchy crusted skin lesions in his groins for one year. Moreover, his friend, a 25-year-old male, also developed similar lesions in the groin after using the shared pool, whose condition also did not improve with similar treatment. A regular mycology test (direct and culture test) was performed, as well as molecular examination. The antifungal susceptibility assay to terbinafine, itraconazole, posaconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole was conducted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38 third ed. The sequencing study identified T. tonsurans as the causative organism in both patients. The abovementioned organism isolated from both patients displayed resistance against terbinafine and fluconazole (MIC ≥ 4 µg/ml and MIC ≥ 8 µg/ml, respectively). Moreover, the susceptibility of both subjects to posaconazole (0.313 µg/ml), voriconazole (0.25–0.0625 µg/ml), and (1 µg/ml) itraconazole increased. The present report aimed to emphasize the increase in antifungal resistance and a demand for antifungal stewardship, to control this public health threat.
Intelligent Recognition Algorithm-Based Color Doppler Ultrasound in the Treatment of Dangerous Placenta Previa
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiao , Li Xiaoqiong , Xu Jinxia , Wei Yunbo
Published: November 2021

The study focused on the clinical diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasound of dangerous placenta previa patients under the guidance of intelligent recognition algorithms. 58 patients with placenta previa and placenta accreta admitted to the hospital for treatment were selected as research subjects. The color Doppler ultrasound under the guidance of intelligent recognition algorithm was compared with the two-dimensional ultrasound for specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy. The color Doppler ultrasound results showed that, of the 58 patients, there were 32 cases of complete placenta previa and 26 cases of incomplete placenta previa, which were consistent with the surgical pathology results. It was found that patients with malignant placenta previa and placenta accreta had thickened placenta, disappeared posterior placental space, myometrium <2 mm, and increased incidence of cervical enlargement (

P

 < 0.05). In conclusion, the recognition accuracy of color Doppler ultrasound under the guidance of the intelligent recognition algorithm is more than 90%, and it can effectively identify dangerous placenta previa, assisting doctors in diagnosis and treatment of dangerous placenta previa.
Anlotinib Induces a T Cell–Inflamed Tumor Microenvironment by Facilitating Vessel Normalization and Enhances the Efficacy of PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Su Yudong , Luo Bingying , Lu Yao , Wang Daowei , Yan Jie , Zheng Jian , Xiao Jun , Wang Yangyang , Xue Zhenyi , Yin Jie , Chen Peng , Li Long , Zhao Qiang
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Anlotinib has achieved good results in clinical trials of a variety of cancers. However, the effects of anlotinib on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and systemic immunity have not been reported. There is an urgent need to identify the underlying mechanism to reveal new opportunities for its application in neuroblastoma (NB) and other cancers. Understanding the mechanism will hopefully achieve the goal of using the same method to treat different cancers.

Experimental Design:

This study used bioinformatics, NB syngeneic mouse models, flow cytometry, RNA-seq, and immunofluorescence staining to explore the mechanisms of anlotinib on the TME, and further explored anlotinib-containing combination treatment strategies.

Results:

We proved that anlotinib facilitates tumor vessel normalization at least partially through CD4+ T cells, reprograms the immunosuppressive TME into an immunostimulatory TME, significantly inhibits tumor growth, and effectively prevents systemic immunosuppression. Moreover, the combination of anlotinib with a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor counteracts the immunosuppression caused by the upregulation of PD-L1 after monotherapy, extends the period of vascular normalization, and finally induces NB regression.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this study is the first to dynamically evaluate the effect of a multitarget antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor on the TME. These findings have very important clinical value in guiding the testing of related drugs in NB and other cancers. Based on these findings, we are conducting a phase II clinical study (NCT04842526) on the efficacy and safety of anlotinib, irinotecan, and temozolomide in the treatment of refractory or relapsed NB, and hopefully we will observe patient benefit.
Progestin Significantly Inhibits Carcinogenesis in the Mogp-TAg Transgenic Mouse Model of Fallopian Tube Cancer
Authors: Nelson Omar L. , Rosales Rebecca , Turbov Jane M. , Thaete Larry G. , Cline J. Mark , Rodriguez Gustavo C.
Published: November 2021

Recent studies suggest that the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE) harbors the precursor for high-grade ovarian cancer, creating opportunities for targeting the FTE for ovarian cancer prevention. Preclinical evidence supports progestins as ovarian cancer preventives, but the effect of progestins on the FTE is not well characterized. The murine oviduct–specific glycoprotein promotor-driven simian virus 40 large T-Antigen (mogp-TAg) transgenic mouse model develops neoplastic lesions in the fallopian tube in a manner similar to that described in human fallopian tube and ovarian cancers. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of the progestin depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on fallopian tube carcinogenesis following treatment for 3 and 7 weeks in 5-week-old mogp-TAg mice. Overall, compared with vehicle-treated mice, the fallopian tube of DMPA-treated mice was significantly smaller (P < 0.0005), accumulated fewer p53-positive cells, had normal distribution of ciliated cells, less nuclear pleomorphism and epithelial tufting, and had a significantly lower proliferative index (P = 0.001). Accumulation of p53 signatures and serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STIC) in the fallopian tube was significantly reduced in the DMPA (P < 0.0005) treatment group. Moreover, the fallopian tube of the DMPA-treated mice developed significantly less adenocarcinoma compared with vehicle (P < 0.005) at both treatment time points. DMPA treatment significantly induced cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.0005) in the FTE compared with vehicle suggesting that apoptosis is involved in DMPA-related clearance of abnormal cells from the fallopian tube. These data demonstrate that DMPA targets early events in fallopian tube carcinogenesis by clearing genetically damaged cells, leading to marked reduction in adenocarcinoma, supporting progestins as chemopreventive agents for fallopian tube and ovarian cancers.

Prevention Relevance:

The fallopian tube is thought to harbor the cell of origin for most ovarian cancers. We show in a mouse model of fallopian tube cancer that progestin eradicates the earliest known precancerous lesions and markedly inhibits fallopian tube carcinogenesis, adding to growing preclinical evidence supporting progestins as potent ovarian cancer chemopreventive agents.
DISTRIBUTION AND QUANTITATIVE CHANGES OF MAST CELLS IN GUINEA PIGS LUNG IN OVALBUMIN-INDUCED ALLERGIC INFLAMMATION
Authors: Popko S. S. , Yevtushenko V. M.
Published: November 2021

Background. One of the most important cells in local immunity in lung are mast cells. They are involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses to inhaled allergens. The question of distribution of these both cell types in guinea pig lung in case of experimental allergic inflammation in most aspects remains open.
Objective. The aim of this research is to study the distribution and quantitative changes of mast cells in lung of guinea pigs in ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation.
Methods. the lungs of 48 male guinea pigs have been studied using histological, morphometric and statistical methods in cases of experimental ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation. The total number of mucosa related must cells and perivascular mast cells in guinea pig lungs were counted.
Results. It has been established that mucosa related mast cells are normally more abundant in guinea pigs lung than perivascular ones. Maximum increase in a number of mucosa related mast cells was revealed in the early period of allergic inflammation, as evidenced by maximum increase coefficient of 1.4 in the 1st experimental group, compare to the control (P*/**<0.05). However, maximum increase in number of perivascular mast cells in 5 times was found during the late period of allergic inflammation in the 4th experimental group (P*/**<0.05).
Conclusion. Experimental sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin leads to statistically significant increase in average number of both types of mast cells but predominantly the latter ones. It has been proved that cells dynamics is multidirectional.
ADULT-ONSET CYSTIC HYGROMA IN AXILLA: A RARE CASE REPORT FROM INDIA AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Pandey R. , Kumar R. , Maheshwari S. , Singh T. S. , Bhalla S. , Khan I. D.
Published: November 2021

Background. Cystic hygroma (CH), occurs in 1/6000 live births and in 90% of cases develops in age less than 2 years old. They are mainly located in cervicofacial region. Adult-onset CH is very rare.
Objective. The aim of this study is to review literature to discuss the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CH in adults through a case report of unilocular CH in the axillary region in an adult male from India.
Methods. A first case report of unilocular CH in axillary region in an adult male from India is being investigated.
Results. Here we report a case of unilocular CH in the axillary region in a 49-year-old male with a 14x16x8 cm cystic swelling in left axilla with a history of aspiration failure. Contrast-enhanced MRI (CEMRI) showed well-defined thin walled, unilocular cystic lesion which appeared hyperintense on T2 & STIR and hypointense on T1W1 and showed thin peripheral rim of enhancement on post contrast images. The patient underwent surgical excision and the diagnosis of a pathological CH was established. His postoperative recovery was uneventful and had no evidence of recurrence.
Conclusion. Due to rarity of adult-onset unilocular CH in axilla, its evaluation for prompt diagnosis and definitive treatment to prevent recurrence and complications is urgent. Furthermore, this is the first reported case from India which has been successfully managed at a peripheral hospital in Northeast-India and our report of this case contributes to the evidences supporting the role of CH in a differential diagnosis for masses in the adult axilla, especially in acute phase with no predisposing factors.
A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF LIPID PROFILE IN NON-DIABETICS WITH STROKE IN URBAN CHITRADURGA
Authors: Vijeth S. B. , Mangasuli V. , Amrutha A. M. , Bhoovanchandra N. , Sidenur B.
Published: November 2021

Background. The amount of evidence regarding the relation between serum lipids, lipoproteins and cerebrovascular accident is not adequate. The atherogenecity of diabetics and non-diabetics are different. Therefore, non-diabetic patients were included in the study.
Objective. To study lipid abnormalities in non-diabetic stroke patients in our setup.
Methods. The study was carried out at the Department of General Medicine, BMCH, Chitradurga, during the period from June 2020 to December 2020. The lipid profile and the fasting blood sugar rates of 50 stroke patients without diabetes were studied. Their serum samples were assessed for fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) by using standard biochemical methods.
Results. The age distribution of the subjects was from 19 to 72 years with a mean age of patients 54.8±15.75 years. Among patients 31 (62%) were males and 19 (38%) were females. Among the study subjects 58% were hypertensive, 76% were smokers, 32% were alcoholics and 34% had family history of cerebrovascular accident. Among ischemic stroke group, the most common deranged value in the ischemic group was decreased HDL deranged in 54.1% of patients; the second most common deranged value – increased VLDL deranged in 40.5%. Among the hemorrhagic group the most common deranged value was also decreased HDL, which was deranged in 46.1% of patients and the second most common deranged value – increased total cholesterol, which was deranged in 53.8% patients.
Conclusion. Lipid profile should be considered while predicting the risk of stroke.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON THE PSYCHOMETRIC, RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY PROPERTIES OF TRANSLATED NEUROPATHIC PAIN SCREENING TOOLS (DN4, LANSS AND PDQ) 1 JANUARY 2005 – 19 JULY 2019
Authors: Fagbohun T. R.
Published: November 2021

Background. Different neuropathic pain screening tools (DN4, LANSS and PDQ) have been developed, translated into several local languages, and validated. To determine the reliability of these tools and their ability to differentiate between diagnosing neuropathic pain quality from nociceptive pain, a systematic review was conducted to synchronize properties and suggest the reliability of the translated version of these neuropathic pain-screening tools.
Objective. To conduct an evidence-based systematic review to assess the psychometric, reliability and validity of the translated version of DN4, LANSS and PDQ between January 2005 and 2019.
Methods. Two independent reviewers adopted the use of online (Internet) search machine (Pubmed, Scopus and Web of science) to search for the relevant articles based on JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) inclusion criteria. Data extracted from the articles were synthesis in tabular form.
Results. Twenty-six articles were included from DN4 (n=11), LANSS (n=8) and PDQ (n=4) translated from English language to eight local languages. The sensitivity and specificity of the DN4 studies ranged from 75% to 98% and 37.3% to 96%, respectively. The internal reliability (α) of the translated version of the DN4 ranged from 0.55-0.862. The sensitivity and specificity of the LANSS studies ranged from 75% to 98% and 37.3% to 96%, respectively. The internal reliability (α) of the translated version of the LANSS ranged 0.67-0.96. The sensitivity and specificity of the PDQ studies ranged from 75% to 98% and 37.3% to 96%, respectively. The internal reliability (α) of the translated version of the PDQ ranged 0.81-0.86.
Conclusions. All the translated instruments reviewed showed good internal consistency of the items, high sensitivity and Positive predictive value (PPV) but not to a suitable level compared with the original version. Therefore, these screening tools are suggested to be used in conjunction with the clinical testing for appropriate diagnosis of patients with neuropathic pain quality.
SIGNIFICANCE OF DETECTION OF FREE/TOTAL PSA RATIO AND OTHER BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH BPH, CARCINOMA PROSTATE AND ITS CLINICOPATHOLOGIC CORRELATION
Authors: Joshi S. , Tilak M. A. , Jadhav S.
Published: November 2021

Background. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can raise prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels two to three times higher than the normal level. An increased PSA level does not indicate Prostate Cancer (PCa), but the higher the PSA level, the higher the chance of having PCa. Detection and treatment have been profoundly affected by the advent of Free/Total PSA ratio testing.
Objectives. The aim of the study was to estimate free, total PSA levels and its ratio for serum levels of calcium, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in patients with BPH and PCa; to correlate clinical, biochemical and histopathological findings in the above patients.
Methods. PSA levels were detected by Chemiluminescent assay; serum calcium – by Modified Arsenazo method; serum acid phosphatase – by Doumas et al method; and Alkaline phosphatase – by Lowry et al method.
Results. Present study found high levels of total PSA in BPH and PCa. Levels of free PSA were high in BPH as compared to PCa rate. Free/Total PSA ratio is reduced considerably in PCa as compared to BPH. Serum acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase were considerably higher in PCa as compared to BPH. Serum calcium levels did not show significant difference in control and study groups.
Conclusions. It was established that patients with PCa have a greater fraction of bound PSA and a lower percentage of free PSA than in those without PCa. Therefore, in clinical practice Free/Total PSA ratio helps clinicians to decide if a biopsy is necessary.
Objectives: The study was carried out with the following objectives: to estimate free, total PSA levels and calculate Free/Total PSA ratio in patients with BPH and Carcinoma Prostate, to study the serum levels of calcium, acid phosphates, and alkaline phosphatase in patients with BPH and PCa. and to correlate clinical, biochemical and histopathological findings in the above patients.
Methods. Free and total PSA levels were detected by  Chemiluminescent assay; Serum Calcium was detected by Modified Arsenazo method. Serum  acid phosphatase was detected by Doumas et al method and Alkaline phosphatase were detected by Lowry et al  method
Results: Present study found high levels of Total PSA in BPH and PCa. Levels of free PSA were high in BPH as compared to PCa ate. Free /Total PSA ratio is reduced considerably in PCa as compared to BPH. Serum acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase were slightly raised in PCa as compared to BPH. Serum calcium levels did not show a significant difference in control and study groups.
Conclusion: We concluded that patients with PCa have a greater fraction of bound PSA and a lower percentage of free PSA than in men without PCa. There was a negative correlation found between the free/total PSA ratio and the histopathologic findings. The lower the ratio higher is the grade of malignancy. Therefore in clinical practice Free/Total PSA ratio helps clinicians to decide if a biopsy is necessary
Por uma radicalidade concreta: Henry Flynt contra a vanguarda
Authors: Trochmann Bruno , Paraguai Luisa
Published: November 2021

Relegado a notas de rodapé da história do Fluxus e cena pós-Cage de Nova Iorque, Henry Flynt desenvolveu, entre 1960 e 1966, uma abordagem crítica da vanguarda a partir de postura revolucionária, procurando respostas para perguntas que seus contemporâneos artistas aparentemente ignoravam. Trabalhamos aqui com três textos que radicalizam um discurso crítico à vanguarda que vai de uma crítica formalista até uma crítica total de caráter anticolonial e marxista. Estes três momentos são apresentados em rounds, um para cada enfrentamento com a vanguarda, passando por suas estruturas formal, social e política, em um percurso que vai do abstrato ao concreto e se manifesta em uma práxis revolucionária.
Retrato sem parede
Authors: Silva Claudinei Roberto da
Published: November 2021

Neste artigo, o artista, curador e educador Claudinei Roberto da Silva entrelaça experiência pessoal, reconstrução histórica e análise social, de modo a delinear um quadro da presença do negro no Brasil na área da cultura, nas instituições de arte, no sistema educativo, entre outros. Nessa trama, o autor recorda as contribuições de nomes como Clóvis Moura, Abdias do Nascimento, Lélia Gonzalez, Emanoel Araujo, Sidney Amaral, Kabengele Munanga e do Movimento Negro Unificado. Dessa forma, revela os avanços da luta antirracista e por direitos sociais, ao mesmo tempo que pontua os impasses e contradições que ainda lhe são impostos – sem, contudo, perder de vista o horizonte utópico da ação.
Raça, povo e alteridade na modernidade brasileira
Authors: Francisco Flávio Thales Ribeiro
Published: November 2021

Resenha do livro Modernity in Black and White, art and image, race and identity in Brazil, 1890–1945, de Rafael Cardoso. Cambridge University Press: Nova York, 2021, 263p.
NAD
+
Metabolism in Cardiac Health, Aging, and Disease
Authors: Abdellatif Mahmoud , Sedej Simon , Kroemer Guido
Published: November 2021

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
+
) is a central metabolite involved in energy and redox homeostasis as well as in DNA repair and protein deacetylation reactions. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of NAD
+
-degrading enzymes, external supplementation of NAD
+
precursors, and transgenic overexpression of NAD
+
-generating enzymes have wide positive effects on metabolic health and age-associated diseases. NAD
+
pools tend to decline with normal aging, obesity, and hypertension, which are all major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and NAD
+
replenishment extends healthspan, avoids metabolic syndrome, and reduces blood pressure in preclinical models. In addition, experimental elevation of NAD
+
improves atherosclerosis, ischemic, diabetic, arrhythmogenic, hypertrophic, or dilated cardiomyopathies, as well as different modalities of heart failure. Here, we critically discuss cardiomyocyte-specific circuitries of NAD
+
metabolism, comparatively evaluate distinct NAD
+
precursors for their preclinical efficacy, and raise outstanding questions on the optimal design of clinical trials in which NAD
+
replenishment or supraphysiological NAD
+
elevations are assessed for the prevention or treatment of major cardiac diseases. We surmise that patients with hitherto intractable cardiac diseases such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction may profit from the administration of NAD
+
precursors. The development of such NAD
+
-centered treatments will rely on technological and conceptual progress on the fine regulation of NAD
+
metabolism.
Why Do Muslim Youths Participate in Environmental Volunteering?
Authors: Rahman Norshariani Abd , Abdul Rahman Alya Nasuha , Syed-Abdullah Sharifah Intan Sharina , Halim Lilia , Syed Zakaria Sharifah Zarina , Ahmad Abdul Razaq
Published: November 2021

Understanding youth environmental volunteering participation is a crucial strategy for building a citizenry that can contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Thus, this research investigated the environmental volunteering values orientation held by Malay Muslim youths in Malaysia that motivated them to engage in environmental volunteering programmes. This study started with semi-structured interviews which were then followed by a survey. The interviews were conducted with 10 participants who are environmental volunteers. Based on the interview findings, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 267 Malay Muslim environmental volunteers. The results revealed there are four values highly held by the Malay Muslim environmental volunteers that motivated them to participate in environmental volunteering, namely religious, biospheric, altruistic, and egoistic values, in that order. For this reason, there is a need to integrate religious values in environmental volunteering program to encourage communities to jointly engage in environmental conservation efforts.
Compassion and Self-Concern in Halakhic Environmental Decision-Making
Authors: Yoreh Tanhum
Published: November 2021

The prevailing stance in Jewish orthodoxy is that environmental issues are extra-legal and not under the purview of halakhah (Jewish law). While considered important, environmental protection falls only under “midat haḥasidut” (extraordinary piety). This ultimately translates into environmental protection being treated as non-obligatory and only under the purview of righteous behavior rather than obligation. This has created a significant barrier to halakhically driven environmental decision-making. I argue that this worldview emerges from the process of conceptualizing the prohibition of bal tashḥit—“waste not,” the prohibition against wastefulness originating in Deuteronomy 20:19. This verse gave rise to two worldviews: one which was prioritized of not destroying the environment out of compassion for the non-human world, and another marginalized worldview that emphasized a self-concerned environmentalism which equates harm to the environment as self-harm. Privileging this latter worldview creates a pathway to advance Jewish legal discourse and align it with mainstream environmentalism.
Patent and innovation during the Industrial Revolution in England
Authors: Liu Deming
Published: November 2021

The article explores the role of patent or lack thereof in Josiah Wedgwood’s business. It first discusses the motive behind his opposition of extension of Richard Champion’s patent and then delves into his defence of his own patent in the dispute with the alleged infringer. It aims to show the incongruence of words and deeds of a tradesman with respect to patents; more importantly, it sets out to demonstrate that the claim of patent as an incentivising measure does not bear out as far as Wedgwood is concerned; rather, it is lack of patent protection that facilitates innovation in his pottery business.
A new species of the genus Aeolosoma (Annelida: Aphanoneura: Aeolosomatidae) with peculiar sigmoid chaetae from fresh waters of Vietnam
Authors: GUSAKOV VLADIMIR A. , DIEN TRAN DUC , THANH NGUYEN THI HAI
Published: November 2021

A new species of the Aeolosomatidae, Aeolosoma vietnamicum sp. n., found in freshwater bodies of Vietnam, is illustrated and described. The new species differs from its congeners in the presence of specific sigmoid chaetae in the dorsal and ventral bundles of all segments, beginning from II. These chaetae are characterized by tips with two apical teeth and an additional row of three to nine distinct denticles on the concave side of the chaetae’s distal part. Aeolosoma vietnamicum sp. n. also differs from closely related species in the length, pattern and number of hair chaetae per bundle.
Leadership and Follower Voice: The Role of Inclusive Leadership and Group Faultlines in Promoting Collective Voice Behavior
Authors: Chen Hui , Liang Qiaozhuan , Feng Chao , Zhang Yue
Published: November 2021

We developed and tested a theoretical model to examine how and when inclusive leadership affected collective voice behavior in this study. We identified two voice-relevant mediators—group psychological safety (an emergent state) and information elaboration (a group process) to clarify the mechanisms between inclusive leadership and collective voice behavior. Further, according to the person–situation interaction approach, we brought the faultlines theory to the inclusive leadership literature and considered group faultlines as a positive moderator to maximize the effects of inclusive leadership. With a two-wave, two-source design, we collected data from 301 employees within 67 research and development groups in China. We found that inclusive leadership positively affected collective voice behavior through the mediating mechanisms of both group psychological safety and information elaboration. Additionally, this effect was stronger in high faultlines situation. The findings suggest that leaders should show inclusiveness to motivate collective voice, especially in groups with high faultlines.
Delays in a traumatic brain injury: A case report
Authors: Sawa Brice , Assoumane Ibrahim , Ngoko Yvan , Chaibou Sode Haboubacar , Sanoussi Samuila
Published: November 2021

We present a case highlighting bottlenecks on the care chain for a victim of an open traumatic brain injury. Risks of severe complications, infectious in particular, escalate with every hour.
Doctor or Monster? The Pink Tide and Its Aftermath
Authors: Barbosa dos Santos Fabio Luis , Feldmann Daniel
Published: November 2021

The recent evolution of capitalism has shifted the ground on which developmentalism stood as a civilizing utopia in Latin America, making the neodevelopmentalism that inspired different nuances of progressivism in the twenty-first century an idea “out of place.” Starting from this premise, the notions of progressivism as regression and containment as accelerating desocialization form the foundations of an interpretation of the Pink Tide that emphasizes the contradictions inherent in its own dynamics, which reinforced the neoliberal rationale. The attempt to govern social tensions through containment of the ongoing dissociative movement did not stop the regression of the structure of production and the intensification of a self-destructive social dynamic. Progressivism is revealed as a political rationale that is different from but not contradictory to its opponents in a reality in which capital governs as a totalizing extraparliamentary force.

A evolução recente do capitalismo modificou as bases materiais que davam sentido ao desenvolvimentismo como utopia civilizatória na América Latina, tornando o neodesenvolvimentismo que inspirou diferentes nuances de progressismo no século XXI, uma ideia fora do lugar. A partir desta premissa, são discutidas as noções de progressismo como regressão e de contenção como aceleracion de dissocializacion, como alicerces de uma interpretação da onda progressista que enfatiza as contradições inerentes à sua própria dinâmica que reforçou a razão neoliberal. A pretensão de governar as tensões sociais por meio de políticas de contenção do movimento dissocializante em curso não evitou a regressão da estrutura produtiva e o aprofundamento de uma dinâmica social autofágica. O progressismo revela-se como uma racionalidade política diferente, mas não contraditória em relação aos seus opositores em uma realidade em que o capital se impõe como uma força extra-parlamentar totalizante.
A Parametric Framework to Generate Visual Illusions Using Python
Authors: Makowski Dominique , Lau Zen J. , Pham Tam , Paul Boyce W. , Annabel Chen S.H.
Published: November 2021

Visual illusions are fascinating phenomena that have been used and studied by artists and scientists for centuries, leading to important discoveries about the neurocognitive underpinnings of perception, consciousness, and neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or autism. Surprisingly, despite their historical and theoretical importance as psychological stimuli, there is no dedicated software, nor consistent approach, to generate illusions in a systematic fashion. Instead, scientists have to craft them by hand in an idiosyncratic fashion, or use pre-made images not tailored for the specific needs of their studies. This, in turn, hinders the reproducibility of illusion-based research, narrowing possibilities for scientific breakthroughs and their applications. With the aim of addressing this gap, Pyllusion is a Python-based open-source software (freely available at https://github.com/RealityBending/Pyllusion ), that offers a framework to manipulate and generate illusions in a systematic way, compatible with different output formats such as image files (.png, .jpg, .tiff, etc.) or experimental software (such as PsychoPy).
Research on Performance Prediction of Highway Asphalt Pavement Based on Grey–Markov Model
Authors: Zhu Yunsheng , Chen Jinxu , Wang Kaifeng , Liu Yong , Wang Yanting
Published: November 2021

Reasonable and accurate forecasts can be used by the highway maintenance management department to determine the best maintenance timing and strategy, which can keep the highway performing well and maximize its social and economic benefits. A Grey–Markov combination model is established in this paper to predict highway pavement performance accurately based on the Grey GM (1, 1) model (a single-variable Grey prediction model with a first-order difference equation) and revised by the Markov model. The advantages of the short-term forecast Grey model and the probabilistic Markov model, which considers the fate of pavement performance prediction, are comprehensively applied to the combined forecasting model. The Grey GM (1, 1), Grey–Markov model and Liu-Yao model are adopted to predict the pavement condition index (PCI) based on the actual PCI values measured in Shanxi, Chongqing, and Shaoguan. The average relative errors of the above three models’ predicted values in Shanxi are 0.73%, 1.18%, and 0.67%, respectively, from 2012 to 2014. Thus, the prediction errors of the three models are relatively close. The average relative errors of the prediction values predicted by the three models are 3.89%, 0.67%, and 0.50%, respectively, from 2015 to 2019. The latter two errors are more minor than the Grey GM (1, 1) model. Two other regions have similar conclusions. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the combination Grey–Markov prediction model established in this paper is feasible to predict asphalt pavement performance in China.
Motives, Supporting Activities, and Selection Criteria of Social Impact Incubators: An Experimental Conjoint Study
Authors: Hirschmann Mirko , Moritz Alexandra , Block Joern H.
Published: November 2021

Social impact incubators (SIIs) are a new type of incubator that support social enterprises (SEs) in their early business stages to foster and develop their hybrid objectives. However, research on SIIs is still scarce, and little is known about SIIs’ motives, supporting activities, and selection criteria. In investigating 71 SII decision-makers, we find the societal duty motive stated as “most important,” while the financial motive is stated as “least important.” Furthermore, we identify the authenticity of the founding team and the importance of the societal problem addressed as SIIs’ most important selection criteria. However, significant heterogeneity exists within the group of SIIs with regard to their selection criteria. In particular, SIIs with strong innovation and societal duty motives stand out and differ in their SE selection criteria from other SIIs. Our results extend prior research on SIIs and contribute to the discussion on the selection criteria of SE supporters.
How gathering wild rice under human-mediated drought stress could have inadvertently paved the way to Asian rice incipient domestication and cultivation
Authors: Svizzero Serge
Published: November 2021

In eastern China, on the southern end of the Yangtze Valley, early Holocene hunter-gatherers were foraging various plants, including wild rice – Oryza rufipogon Griff. – an aquatic and perennial plant which is the wild progenitor of domesticated rice. According to optimal foraging theory, these foragers should have tried to enhance the efficiency of harvesting wild rice seeds by draining water around the plants before seeds ripened and shattered. This proto-cultivation practice led to unintended consequences given that wild rice responds to drought stress owing to its phenotypic plasticity. Plant and panicle architectures were modified with transitions to more compact and erect tillers and to a closed panicle shape. They provide incentives to early foragers for intensifying their proto-cultivation practices and so could have also triggered initial cultivation of rice. They also triggered incipient domestication of rice, starting by the transition to selfing. According to this narrative, it is even possible that rice incipient domestication preceded cultivation.