bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Retracted] Computer Vision‐Based Art Color in the Animation Film Performance Characteristics and Techniques
Authors: Zhang Rong
Published: September 2021

If an animated film wants to present extraordinary visual effects, the successful use of art colors is the key to the success or failure of an animated film. Although our country’s animated film started a short time ago, its development has been slow. In modern times, it is difficult to compete with excellent animation works of other countries; animation is an art form that requires the combination of modern technology and traditional cultural areas. Chinese cartoons are gradually declining today when the technology is taking off. The reason is that the traditional culture of the country has not been thoroughly explored. In today’s diversified world, if you want to revive the brilliance of Chinese animation, you must deeply and systematically study various elements of national art and form your own creative thinking and creation system. Particularly under computer vision, the gap is very obvious. Under the computer vision, in order to study the characteristics and techniques of the use of fine art colors in animated films, to promote the development of animated films in China, this article analyzes the role of art color in the animation of excellent Chinese and foreign animation works in recent years, through literature analysis, comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis, etc., to study the meaning and application of color symbols, hoping to be a Chinese animation providing useful help for film creation and development. Studies have shown that color has a strong influence on animated films. A good use of artistic color can add a lot of color to an animated film. According to statistics, art colors account for at least 20% of excellent animation works, which can be integrated into animation colors. Animation works with domestic characteristics are easier to succeed. This shows that the use of artistic colors can play a key role in animated films.
Clostridioides difficile Infection in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mihaescu Adelina , Augustine Arlyn Maria , Khokhar Hassan Tahir , Zafran Mohammed , Masood Syed Shah Mohammed Emmad , Gilca-Blanariu Georgiana-Emmanuela , Covic Adrian , Nistor Ionut
Published: September 2021

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a health issue of utmost significance in Europe and North America, due to its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality rate. The clinical spectrum of CDI is broad, ranging from asymptomatic to deadly fulminant colitis. When associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), CDI is more prevalent and more severe than in the general population, due to specific risk factors such as impaired immune system, intestinal dysmotility, high antibiotic use leading to disturbed microbiota, frequent hospitalization, and PPI use. We performed a systematic review on the issue of prevention and treatment of CDI in the CKD population, analysing the suitable randomized controlled cohort studies published between 2000 and 2021. The results show that the most important aspect of prevention is isolation and disinfection with chlorine‐based solution and hydrogen peroxide vapour to stop the spread of bacteria. In terms of prevention, using Lactobacillus plantarum (LP299v) proved to be more efficient than disinfection measures in transplant patients, leading to higher cure rates and less recurrent episodes of CDI. Treatment with oral fidaxomycin is more effective than with oral vancomycin for the initial episode of CDI in CKD patients. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is more effective than vancomycin in recurrent CDI in CKD patients. More large‐sample RCTs are necessary to conclude on the best treatment and prevention strategy of CDI in CKD patients.
Biodata Mining of Differentially Expressed Genes between Acute Myocardial Infarction and Unstable Angina Based on Integrated Bioinformatics
Authors: Guo Siyu , Huang Zhihong , Liu Xinkui , Zhang Jingyuan , Ye Peizhi , Wu Chao , Lu Shan , Jia Shanshan , Zhang Xiaomeng , Chen Xiuping , Wang Miaomiao , Wu Jiarui
Published: September 2021

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex syndrome of clinical symptoms. In order to accurately diagnose the type of disease in ACS patients, this study is aimed at exploring the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and biological pathways between acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and unstable angina (UA). The GSE29111 and GSE60993 datasets containing microarray data from AMI and UA patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. DEG analysis of these 2 datasets is performed using the “limma” package in R software. DEGs were also analyzed using protein‐protein interaction (PPI), Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) algorithm, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Correlation analysis and “cytoHubba” were used to analyze the hub genes. A total of 286 DEGs were obtained from GSE29111 and GSE60993, including 132 upregulated genes and 154 downregulated genes. Subsequent comprehensive analysis identified 20 key genes that may be related to the occurrence and development of AMI and UA and were involved in the inflammatory response, interaction of neuroactive ligand‐receptor, calcium signaling pathway, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor, human cytomegalovirus infection, and cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction pathway. The integrated bioinformatical analysis could improve our understanding of DEGs between AMI and UA. The results of this study might provide a new perspective and reference for the early diagnosis and treatment of ACS.
[Retracted] Oxidative Stress and Its Related Factors in Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults
Authors: Li Jinjin , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Jingyun , Dong Rongna , Guo Juanjuan , Zhang Qiumei
Published: September 2021

Aims. Few research was reported to explore oxidative stress in individuals with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). Therefore, our goal is to study oxidative stress and related factors in LADA patients. Methods. In this study, 250 Chinese inpatients were diagnosed with LADA (n = 110) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 140) and 140 healthy volunteers were recruited. Moreover, individuals with LADA were followed for 6 months to evaluate whether short‐term glycemic control during hospitalization can improve oxidative stress. Clinical and laboratory measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood lipids, 8‐isoprostaglandin F2α (8‐iso‐PGF2α), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were performed. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to assess factors that related to oxidative stress in individuals with LADA. Results. Compared with patients with type 2 diabetes, individuals with LADA have better oxidative stress and worse oxidative stress than healthy volunteers. After multiple regression analyses, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, duration of diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy were associated with 8‐iso‐PGF2α and HbA1c. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic ketosis were associated with SOD in individuals with LADA. Our results also revealed that, after 6 months of follow‐up, oxidative stress was improved to some extent in persons with LADA. Conclusions. Our results show that compared with type 2 diabetes, LADA means less oxidative stress, and compared with healthy volunteers, it means more oxidative stress. Systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, duration of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, and ketosis were associated with oxidative stress in individuals with LADA. Furthermore, short‐term glycemic control can improve oxidative stress to some extent in individuals with LADA.
A Systematic Literature Review on Particle Swarm Optimization Techniques for Medical Diseases Detection
Authors: Pervaiz Sobia , Ul-Qayyum Zia , Bangyal Waqas Haider , Gao Liang , Ahmad Jamil
Published: September 2021

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the domain of computer science that focuses on the development of machines that operate like humans. In the field of AI, medical disease detection is an instantly growing domain of research. In the past years, numerous endeavours have been made for the improvements of medical disease detection, because the errors and problems in medical disease detection cause serious wrong medical treatment. Meta-heuristic techniques have been frequently utilized for the detection of medical diseases and promise better accuracy of perception and prediction of diseases in the domain of biomedical. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a swarm-based intelligent stochastic search technique encouraged from the intrinsic manner of bee swarm during the searching of their food source. Consequently, for the versatility of numerical experimentation, PSO has been mostly applied to address the diverse kinds of optimization problems. However, the PSO techniques are frequently adopted for the detection of diseases but there is still a gap in the comparative survey. This paper presents an insight into the diagnosis of medical diseases in health care using various PSO approaches. This study presents to deliver a systematic literature review of current PSO approaches for knowledge discovery in the field of disease detection. The systematic analysis discloses the potential research areas of PSO strategies as well as the research gaps, although, the main goal is to provide the directions for future enhancement and development in this area. This paper gives a systematic survey of this conceptual model for the advanced research, which has been explored in the specified literature to date. This review comprehends the fundamental concepts, theoretical foundations, and conventional application fields. It is predicted that our study will be beneficial for the researchers to review the PSO algorithms in-depth for disease detection. Several challenges that can be undertaken to move the field forward are discussed according to the current state of the PSO strategies in health care.
Research on the Architecture of Cold Chain Logistics Multimedia Monitoring and Tracking Service Platform Based on Fuzzy Sorting and Heuristic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Qi
Published: September 2021

With the continuous development of social economy, the logistics system has been continuously improved. In addition to traditional domestic postal transportation and car consignment, emerging logistics methods such as SF Express and Yunda have also emerged. Aiming at the features such as fragility of fruits and vegetables and high storage requirements, in this paper, a cold chain logistics multimedia monitoring and tracking service platform is built in an attempt to monitor the preservation environment and safety status of agricultural products relying on fuzzy sorting and heuristic algorithms, trace agricultural products with labels, and design the direction of the key data. The practice results show that the system is effective.
Multi-UAV Collaborative Path Planning Method Based on Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wang Tingzhong , Zhang Binbin , Zhang Mengyan , Zhang Sen
Published: September 2021

Aiming at the problem that traditional heuristic algorithm is difficult to extract the empirical model in time from large sample terrain data, a multi-UAV collaborative path planning method based on attention reinforcement learning is proposed. The method draws on a combined consideration of influencing factors, such as survival probability, path length, and load balancing and endurance constraints, and works as a support system for multimachine collaborative optimizing. The attention neural network is used to generate the cooperative reconnaissance strategy of the UAV, and a large amount of simulation data is tested to optimize the attention network using the REINFORCE algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed method is effective in solving the multi-UAV path planning issue with high real-time requirements, and the solving time is less than the traditional algorithms.
[Retracted] Construction of Live Broadcast Training Platform Based on “Cloud Computing” and “Big Data” and “Wireless Communication Technology”
Authors: Sun Zhidong , Li Xueqing
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of information technology, a scientific theory is brought by the rapid progress of science and technology. The advancement of science and technology of the impact on every field, changing the mode of transmission of information, the advent of big data for promotion and dissemination of resources played their part, let more and more people benefit. In the context of cloud computing, big data ushered in another upsurge of development and growth. Given this, the live broadcast training platform, which focuses on enterprise staff training and network education, arises at the right moment. People favor its convenience, real‐time performance, and high efficiency. However, the low‐value density of big data and cloud computing’s security problem has difficulties constructing a live broadcast training platform. In this paper, the live broadcast training platform’s structure is improved by constructing three modules: the live training module based on cloud computing, the user recommendation module based on big data, and the security policy guarantee module. In addition, to ensure that the trainees can receive training anytime and anywhere, this paper uses wireless communication technology to ensure the quality and speed of all users’ live video sources.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Chen Shichun , Xu Yongxiang , Han Weichao , Hu Runkai , Chen Minyi , He Ruirong , Ding Shaobo
Published: September 2021

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) can cause severe low back pain, which will have a serious negative impact on the ability to perform daily tasks or activities. For the past few years, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of DDD. However, the clinical efficacy of MSC in the treatment of DDD still lacks clinical evidence and is controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of MSC transplantation in patients with DDD. We searched major databases using terms from the database’s inception through March 2021. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to assess quality. The analysis showed that MSC therapy could decrease visual analog scale (VAS) scores (

SMD
=
−
0.50

,

95
%
CI
=
−
0.68
~
−
0.33

,

P
<
0.00001

) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores (

SMD
=
−
0.27

,

95
%
CI
=
−
0.44
~
−
0.09

,

P
=
0.003

). The outcomes with subgroup analysis showed that MSC therapy could decrease VAS scores in 3 months (

P
=
0.001

), 6 months (

P
=
0.01

), 12 months (

P
=
0.02

), and ≥24 months (

P
=
0.002

) and ODI scores in ≥24 months (

P
=
0.006

). Pooled analysis showed that MSC therapy has a higher ratio of patients at most thresholds but particularly at the MIC (minimally important change) (

P
=
0.0002

) and CSC (clinically significant change) (

P
=
0.0002

) in VAS and MIC (

P
=
0.0005

) and CSC (

P
=
0.001

) pain responders in ODI. Adverse events (AE) of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE), back pain, arthralgia, and muscle spasms were not statistically significant between the two groups. However, our further statistical analysis showed that MSC therapy may induce AE of TEAE related to study treatment (

OR
=
3.05

,

95
%
CI
=
1.11
~
8.40

,

P
=
0.03

). In conclusion, this study pooled the main outcomes and showed that MSC therapy could significantly decrease VAS and ODI scores in patients with DDD. Distinctly, the findings of this meta-analysis suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and lumbar dysfunction by DDD.
Factors Associated with Attitude towards Wife-Beating among Married Women of the Reproductive Ages in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Andarge Eshetu , Gebru Zeleke , Sisay Yordanos , Shiferaw Yohannes
Published: September 2021

Evidence from demographic and health surveys in various countries and Ethiopia too showed that more women are generally believed to justify intimate partner violence (IPV) than men do. An attitude that justifies IPV is one of the factors affecting victimization and perpetration from IPV. However, women’s justification about the violence and factors affecting the justification are not well documented, particularly by addressing household factors such as household food conditions. Therefore, the present study aims to fill this gap among married women of childbearing age so that evidence can be drawn for holistic interventions. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 696 currently married women of childbearing age (15–49) by using a multistage cluster sampling technique to obtain the women from 11 kebeles (the smallest administrative unit in the government structure of Ethiopia) of Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed using IBM SPSS version 20. The odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was used to show the degree of association between the outcome variable and explanatory variables. Nearly two-thirds (59.5%) of the study women justified wife-beating in at least one of the five conditions. A higher odds of justification of wife-beating was observed among women whose marriage was arranged by any other person than the couples themselves, from food-insecure households, with a family size of 5 and above, in the age group of 30–39 years, and whose partner was in the age range of 31–39 years. In contrast, lower odds of justification of wife-beating was observed among women having an age difference of 10 or more years with their partner and those in a household wealth index of middle and higher category. Despite great efforts in realizing gender equality in the country, a higher proportion of women were having the attitude that justifies wife-beating in the five conditions specified to them. Interventions targeting the improvement of women’s attitude towards wife-beating should target against the traditional norms of arranged marriage, improve household food conditions, and decrease family size.
Overcoming Acquired Epigenetic Resistance to BTK Inhibitors
Authors: Shaffer Arthur L. , Phelan James D. , Wang James Q. , Huang DaWei , Wright George W. , Kasbekar Monica , Choi Jaewoo , Young Ryan M. , Webster Daniel E. , Yang Yandan , Zhao Hong , Yu Xin , Xu Weihong , Roulland Sandrine , Ceribelli Michele , Zhang Xiaohu , Wilson Kelli M. , Chen Lu , McKnight Crystal , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Thomas Craig J. , Häupl Björn , Oellerich Thomas , Rae Zachary , Kelly Michael C. , Ahn Inhye E. , Sun Clare , Gaglione Erika M. , Wilson Wyndham H. , Wiestner Adrian , Staudt Louis M.
Published: September 2021

The use of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors to block B-cell receptor (BCR)–dependent NF-κB activation in lymphoid malignancies has been a major clinical advance, yet acquired therapeutic resistance is a recurring problem. We modeled the development of resistance to the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib in the activated B-cell (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which relies on chronic active BCR signaling for survival. The primary mode of resistance was epigenetic, driven in part by the transcription factor TCF4. The resultant phenotypic shift altered BCR signaling such that the GTPase RAC2 substituted for BTK in the activation of phospholipase Cγ2, thereby sustaining NF-κB activity. The interaction of RAC2 with phospholipase Cγ2 was also increased in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells from patients with persistent or progressive disease on BTK inhibitor treatment. We identified clinically available drugs that can treat epigenetic ibrutinib resistance, suggesting combination therapeutic strategies.

Significance:

In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, we show that primary resistance to BTK inhibitors is due to epigenetic rather than genetic changes that circumvent the BTK blockade. We also observed this resistance mechanism in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, suggesting that epigenetic alterations may contribute more to BTK inhibitor resistance than currently thought.

See related commentary by Pasqualucci, p. 555.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 549
A Case of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: Postpartum Cerebral Angiopathy in a 32-Year-Old Primigravid Treated with Intravenous Immunoglobulin
Authors: Perez John Angelo Luigi S. , Dueñas Manilen E. , Lim Senna S. , Mariano Geraldine Siena L. , Navarro Jose C.
Published: September 2021

This is a case of a 32-year-old primigravid who developed sudden severe headache on the 7th day postpartum associated with focal neurologic deficits and altered sensorium. She had a GCS score of 6, anisocoric pupils and an NIHSS score of 31. Cranial MRI with MRA showed multifocal hyperacute to acute infarcts on the left occipital lobe, left thalamus, and midbrain which was more prominent on the right. Due to clinical deterioration, a repeat Cranial MRI with MRA was done and showed progression of infarcts involving both thalami and right pons with interval appearance of contour irregularities in the proximal anterior cerebral, posterior cerebral, basilar and internal carotid arteries. Serial transcranial Doppler showed significant distal right middle cerebral artery vasospasm. She was managed as a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, associated with postpartum cerebral angiopathy. Intravenous pulse methylprednisolone was started subsequently IVIG was initiated. Intravenous immunoglobulin was given for 5 days. The patient gradually improved, underwent rehabilitation therapy, and was discharged stable after 6 weeks.
Elderly-Onset Multiple System Atrophy with Lewy Body Pathology: A Case Report
Authors: Fukushima Kazuhiro , Nakamura Akinori , Takei Yo-ichi , Oguchi Kenya , Itagaki Hiroko , Ohara Shinji , Yamada Mitsunori
Published: September 2021

An 81-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of progressive dysarthria and gait disturbance. Subsequently, she developed orthostatic hypotension, obstructive sleep apnea, right-sided resting tremor, and rigidity. Together with characteristic findings of imaging studies, she was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Despite progressive dysphagia and repeated choking episodes, the patient elected not to use artificial feeding or tracheostomy. She died suddenly at age 91 after 12 years of illness. The autopsy revealed neuropathological features of both MSA and of Parkinson’s disease. The peripheral autonomic ganglia revealed both pre- and postganglionic involvement by synucleinopathy, which may have underscored the sudden death of the patient. The patient survived 10 years after onset, despite the presence of multiple poor prognostic factors in MSA including the onset of old age and early appearance of orthostatic hypotension and falls, in addition to the complication of PD pathology found by autopsy. Multidisciplinary team approach and her preserved cognitive function may have been contributory to the long-term survival.
A Retrospective Study on Alopecia Areata in Children: Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Choices
Authors: Stefanaki Christina , Kontochristopoulos George , Hatzidimitraki Eleni , Stergiopoulou Aravella , Katsarou Alexandra , Vosynioti Vasiliki , Remountaki Eleni , Rigopoulos Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

Background: Although children are affected frequently with alopecia areata (AA), data are limited on clinical characteristics and treatment choices. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of the pediatric dermatology department over a 12-year period to identify children with AA. Clinical data were collected. Results: Three hundred and sixty-four children with AA were identified, aged 1–12 years, 214 males and 150 females. The mean age of onset was 6.6 years (±3.3). The disease presented with patches on the scalp in the majority (90.7%), whereas only 6 children had alopecia totalis or universalis. The most commonly prescribed treatment was topical steroids (69.1%), followed by the combination of topical steroids and minoxidil 2% (14.3%). Oral steroids were prescribed in only 16 children. Follow-up at 3 months was available for only 70 children and the majority (84.3%) had some hair regrowth. Hair regrowth was unrelated to the number of plaques (p = 0.257), disease location (p = 0.302), and atopy (p = 0.999). Hair regrowth only correlated with the type of treatment (p = 0.003) with potent topical and intralesional steroids giving the best results. Conclusion: AA usually presents with a mild form in children, and potent topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment.
Circular Ribonucleic Acid Expression Alteration in the Spinal Cord Tissue after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Xu Chongxi , Hu Hui , Yi Tong , Zeng Xihang , Hu Yu , Ma Junpeng
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose: Increased researches focus into pathophysiological mechanisms of spinal cord injury (SCI), particularly toward the relationship between relevant biomarkers and the degree of SCI and prognosis. Circular ribonucleic acids (circRNAs) possess microRNA (miRNA) binding sites that can play the role of miRNA sponges and thus participate in the expression of parental gene modification. This study focused on rat SCI models and explore the relationship between circRNAs and SCI at a genomic level. Methods: We first established a rat SCI model and extracted the target spinal cord tissue according to 4 time points. Then investigated the alterations in the circRNA expression by high-throughput whole transcriptome sequencing, analyzed data by gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and constructed the circRNA-miRNA network. Results: A total of 178 circRNAs were dysregulated (89 upregulated/89 downregulated). Differential circRNAs were found to be mainly involved in the composition of specific organelles in the cytoplasm and are mainly involved in the energy transfer process associated with electron transfer (and similar activities). In all the signaling pathways identified in this study, the MAPK, Wnt, and mTOR signaling pathways are intimately associated with the pathophysiological process of rats post-SCI. In this study, 10 circRNAs with obvious dysregulation were selected for prediction, 26 miRNAs with additional interactions were obtained, and a network diagram of circRNAs-miRNAs was constructed. In this manner, one can understand in further detail the pathogenesis of SCI and to provide new strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of SCI-related injuries at the genetic level.
Efficacy of the Antigenicity-Retaining Ability of Fixative Solutions for Liquid-Based Cytology: Immunocytochemistry of Long-Term Storage
Authors: Sato Hiaki , Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Irino Satoshi , Nishikawa Takeshi
Published: September 2021

Introduction/Objective: Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is advantageous as multiple stained specimens can be prepared and used for additional assays such as immunocytochemical and molecular-pathological investigations. Two types of preservative-fixative solutions (fixatives) are used for nongynecologic specimens used in the BD SurePath-LBC (SP-LBC) method, and their components vary. However, few studies have evaluated the differences in antigen-retaining ability between these fixatives. Therefore, we investigated and compared the antigen-retaining ability of the fixatives in immunocytochemical staining (ICC) under long-term storage conditions. Materials and Methods: Sediments of cultured RAJI cells (derived from Burkitt’s lymphoma) were added to each fixative (red and blue) and stored at room temperature for a specified period (1 h; 1 week; and 1, 3, and 6 months). The specimens were then prepared using the SP-LBC method and subjected to ICC. Positivity rate was calculated using the specimens fixed at room temperature for 1 h as a control. Antibodies against Ki67 expressed in the nucleus and against CD20 and leukocyte common antigen (LCA) expressed on the cell membrane were used. Results: For CD20 and LCA, the positivity rate increased with time in the red fixative compared with that in the control. In the blue fixative, the positivity rate was highest at 1 h and was maintained at a high level throughout the storage period. In contrast, the Ki67 positivity rate was highest at 1 h in both red and blue fixatives and markedly decreased with time. Therefore, although refrigerated (8°C) storage was used, no improvement was noted. Conclusions: Long-term storage is possible for cell membrane antigens at room temperature; however, it is unsuitable for intranuclear antigens. Therefore, we conclude that suitable fixative type and storage temperature differ based on antigen location. Further investigation is warranted.
DNA Methylation Profile of the SREBF2 Gene in Human Fetal Aortas
Authors: Schiano Concetta , D’Armiento Maria , Franzese Monica , Castaldo Rossana , Saccone Gabriele , de Nigris Filomena , Grimaldi Vincenzo , Soricelli Andrea , D’Armiento Francesco Paolo , Zullo Fulvio , Napoli Claudio
Published: September 2021

Increasing evidence suggests that maternal cholesterol represents an important risk factor for atherosclerotic disease in offspring already during pregnancy, although the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Eighteen human fetal aorta samples were collected from the spontaneously aborted fetuses of normal cholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic mothers. Maternal total cholesterol levels were assessed during hospitalization. DNA methylation profiling of the whole SREBF2 gene CpG island was performed (p value <0.05). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between the 2 groups. For the first time, our study revealed that in fetal aortas obtained from hypercholesterolemic mothers, the SREBF2 gene shows 4 significant differentially hypermethylated sites in the 5′UTR-CpG island. This finding indicates that more effective long-term primary cardiovascular prevention programs need to be designed for the offspring of mothers with hypercholesterolemia. Further studies should be conducted to clarify the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the association between early atherogenesis and maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy.
Temporal Trends in the Severity and Mortality of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in the Era of Hypothermia
Authors: Vega-Del-Val Cristina , Arnaez Juan , Caserío Sonia , Gutiérrez Elena Pilar , Benito Marta , Castañón Leticia , Garcia-Alix Alfredo ,   on behalf of the IC-HIE Study Group
Published: September 2021

Introduction: There is a paucity of studies examining temporal trends in the incidence and mortality of moderate-to-severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) during the last decade of therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Methods: Multicenter cross-sectional study of all infants ≥35 weeks gestational age diagnosed with moderate-to-severe HIE within 6 h of birth in an extensive region of Spain between 2011 and 2019, in order to detect trend changes over time in the (1) annual incidence, (2) severity of neurological and systemic organ involvement, and (3) neonatal death from HIE. Results: Annual incidence rate of moderate-to-severe HIE was 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–0.97) per 1,000 births, without trend changes over time (p = 0.8), although the proportion of severe HIE infants showed an average annual decline of 0.86 points (95% CI 0.75–0.98). There were 102 (70%) infants diagnosed with moderate HIE and 44 (30%) with severe HIE. TH was offered to 139/146 (95%) infants. Infants with clinical and/or electrical seizures showed a decreasing trend from 56 to 28% (p = 0.006). Mortality showed a nonstatistically significant decline (p = 0.4), and the severity of systemic damage showed no changes (p = 0.3). Obstetric characteristics remained unchanged, while higher perinatal pH values (p = 0.03) and Apgar scores (p = 0.05), and less need for resuscitation (p = 0.07), were found over time. Conclusion: The annual incidence of moderate-to-severe HIE has stabilized at around 1 per 1,000 births, with a temporal trend toward a decrease in severe HIE infants and a slight decline of mortality. No association was found between temporal trends and changes in perinatal/obstetric characteristics over time.
A 3-Gene-Based Diagnostic Signature in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Huimin , Zhang Yanqiu , Zheng Chengyao , Yang Songqi , Chen Xiuju , Wang Heng , Gao Sheng
Published: September 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. In this study, potential diagnostic biomarkers were identified for AD. Methods: All AD samples and healthy samples were collected from 2 datasets in the GEO database, in which differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by using the limma package of R language. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment was conducted basing on the DEGs via the clusterProfiler package of R. And, the PPI network construction and gene prediction were performed using the STRING database and Cytoscape. Then, a logistic regression model was constructed to predict the sample type. Results: Bioinformatic analysis of GEO datasets revealed 2,063 and 108 DEGs in GSE5281 and GSE4226 datasets, separately, and 15 overlapping DEGs were found. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed terms associated with neurodevelopment. Then, we built a logistic regression model based on the hub genes from the PPI network and optimized the model to 3 genes (ALDOA, ENC1, and NFKBIA). The values of area under the curve of the training set GSE5281 and testing set GSE4226 were 0.9647 and 0.7857, respectively, which implied the efficacy of this model. Conclusion: The comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of gene expression in AD patients and the effective logistic regression model built in our study may provide promising research value for diagnostic methods of AD.
Microvessel Density: Integrating Sex-Based Differences and Elevated Cardiovascular Risks in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Wong Angelina , Chen Shu Qing , Halvorson Brayden D. , Frisbee Jefferson C.
Published: September 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex pathological state consisting of metabolic risk factors such as hypertension, insulin resistance, and obesity. The interconnectivity of cellular pathways within various biological systems suggests that each individual component of MetS may share common pathological sources. Additionally, MetS is closely associated with vasculopathy, including a reduction in microvessel density (MVD) (rarefaction) and elevated risk for various cardiovascular diseases. Microvascular impairments may contribute to perfusion-demand mismatch, where local metabolic needs are insufficiently met due to the lack of nutrient and oxygen supply, thus creating pathological positive-feedback loops and furthering the progression of disease. Sexual dimorphism is evident in these underlying cellular mechanisms, which places males and females at different levels of risk for cardiovascular disease and acute ischemic events. Estrogen exhibits protective effects on the endothelium of pre-menopausal women, while androgens may be antagonistic to cardiovascular health. This review examines MetS and its influences on MVD, as well as sex differences relating to the components of MetS and cardiovascular risk profiles. Finally, translational relevance and interventions are discussed in the context of these sex-based differences.
Formas e funções das políticas públicas brasileiras para a cultura: uma reflexão a partir do modelo de publicização do Programa Fábricas de Cultura
Authors: Dias Natacha
Published: September 2021

O artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre os modelos de políticas públicas culturais adotados historicamente pelos gestores do Estado brasileiro, com foco especial no modelo de publicização aplicado ao Programa Fábricas de Cultura. A partir de uma metodologia qualitativa, de viés documental, reflete sobre os eventos da greve de artistas-educadores e ocupação de aprendizes do Programa, em 2016, propondo uma análise sobre a relação entre os modos de condução dessa crise pela OS gestora na ocasião e os discursos sociais a ela intrínsecos, à luz dos princípios básicos da administração pública.
Metodologia de pesquisa no sistema prisional e as contribuições de fora e de dentro das grades: a pesquisa tradicional e a cartografia do sujeito interno-pesquisador
Authors: Silvério André Yan César , Dias Camila Caldeira Nunes
Published: September 2021

O presente trabalho coloca em perspectiva as metodologias utilizadas na pesquisa em instituições prisionais a partir de duas posições relacionais: a posição externa, que se estabelece a partir de uma separação entre o pesquisador e a prisão, demarcada pelo processo de entradas e saídas no território do trabalho de campo, e a posição interna, que se estabelece por meio da experiência e da vivência involuntária do sujeito na instituição prisional. Apresentamos as respectivas estratégias de pesquisa, os desafios e dificuldades enfrentadas, e as possibilidades de ação no contexto de cada uma destas perspectivas a fim de propiciar uma reflexão metodológica sobre a realização de pesquisas em instituições prisionais. Devido à menor produção acadêmica relativa especificamente à posição interna aqui proposta, desenvolvemos estas possibilidades investigativas com maior escopo neste texto, procurando para tanto articular ferramentas e estratégias da autoetnografia e da cartografia.
Pesquisa-ação, observação participante e a extensão rural
Authors: Antuniassi Maria Helena Rocha
Published: September 2021

O artigo expõe algumas reflexões sobre a metodologia da pesquisa-ação, na modalidade observação participante, realizadas no CERU/NAP/USP, a partir de um estudo de sociologia, desenvolvido no âmbito de um programa de extensão rural realizado no Vale do Ribeira/SP, juntamente com o Prof. Dr. Luís Carlos Ferreira de Almeida do curso de agronomia da UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulista Campus Experimental de Registro.
Studying Stroke Thrombus Composition After Thrombectomy: What Can We Learn?
Authors: Staessens Senna , François Olivier , Brinjikji Waleed , Doyle Karen M. , Vanacker Peter , Andersson Tommy , De Meyer Simon F.
Published: September 2021

The composition of ischemic stroke thrombi has gained an increasing amount of interest in recent years. The implementation of endovascular procedures in standard stroke care has granted researchers the unique opportunity to examine patient thrombus material. Increasing evidence indicates that stroke thrombi are complex and heterogenous, consisting of various biochemical (eg, fibrin, von Willebrand Factor, and neutrophil extracellular traps) and cellular (eg, red blood cells, platelets, leukocytes, and bacteria) components. This complex composition may explain therapeutic limitations and also offer novel insights in several aspects of stroke management. Better understanding of thrombus characteristics could, therefore, potentially lead to improvements in the management of patients with stroke. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the lessons learned by examining stroke thrombus composition after endovascular thrombectomy and its potential relevance for thrombectomy success rates, thrombolysis, clinical outcomes, stroke etiology, and radiological imaging.
Spatial Variability of Diapycnal Mixing in the South China Sea Inferred from Density Overturn Analysis
Authors: Lu Yuan-Zheng , Cen Xian-Rong , Guo Shuang-Xi , Qu Ling , Huang Peng-Qi , Shang Xiao-Dong , Zhou Sheng-Qi
Published: September 2021

The nominal spatial distribution of diapycnal mixing in the South China Sea (SCS) is obtained with Thorpe-scale analysis from 2004 to 2020. The inferred dissipation rate ε and diapycnal diffusivity Kz between 100 and 1500 m indicated that the strongest mixing occurred in the Luzon Strait and Dongsha Plateau regions, with ε ~ 3.0 × 10−8 W kg−1 (εmax = 5.3 × 10−6 W kg−1) and Kz ~ 3.5 × 10−4 m2 s−1 (Kzmax = 4.2 × 10−2 m2 s−1). The weakest mixing occurred in the thermocline of the central basin, with ε ~ 6.2 × 10−10 W kg−1 and Kz ~ 3.7 × 10−6 m2 s−1. The ε and Kz in the continental slope indicated that the mixing in the northern part [O(10−8) W kg−1 and O(10−4) m2 s−1, respectively] was comparatively stronger than that in the Xisha and Nansha regions [O(10−9) W kg−1 and O(10−5) m2 s−1, respectively]. The Kz in the continental slope region (200–2000 m) decayed at a closed rate from the ocean bottom to the main thermocline when the measured depth D was normalized by the ocean depth H as D/H, whether in the shallow or deep oceans. The diapycnal diffusivity was parameterized as Kz = 3.3 × 10−4[1 + (1 − D/H)/0.22]−2 − 6.0 × 10−6 m2 s−1. The vertically integrated energy dissipation was nominally 15.8 mW m−2 for all data and 25.6 mW m−2 for data at stations H < 2000 m. This was about one order of magnitude higher than that in the open oceans (3.0–3.3 mW m−2), which confirmed the active mixing state in the SCS.
Management of Civil Liberties During Pandemic
Authors: Sharma Tanushka , Arunima
Published: September 2021

The degree of infection and consequent deaths have differed vastly, but Covid-19 pandemic has spared no country. The focus of this article is not to analyse India’s success in responding to this global pandemic but rather to draw lessons from this experience for effective public management in other fields of development. There seems to be an emerging consensus that civil liberties and public management matters. In a public health emergency, the primary responsibility of the government is to balance the foundation which paves way for equity, public welfare, individual and group rights, and a smooth functioning of democratic processes. Specific to the global crisis, the article focuses on how crucial it is to have a broad and free dialogue about civil liberties. Several countries are imposing some or the other form of problematic restrictions on civil liberties of an individual during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to changing societal scenarios in a negative manner. Therefore, the article highlights the expertise of new public management and deployment of enhanced role of society stakeholders defence of civil liberties, especially in the area of social justice and misinformation.
Unplanned but well prepared: A reinterpreted success story of international agricultural research, and its implications
Authors: Glover Dominic , Mausch Kai , Conti Costanza , Hall Andy
Published: September 2021

A recent study found that adoption rates of improved chickpea varieties were above 90 per cent in Andhra Pradesh, India. In this paper, we use a novel perspective to reconstruct and attribute how this outcome came about. The accepted success narrative is that the public international agricultural research system developed some excellent new chickpea varieties, which were well suited to local agro-ecologies, farming systems and cropping patterns, and highly appreciated by farmers. We argue that this narrative is incomplete, because it constitutes only a partial explanation of the confluence of factors that led to the outcome. We reconstruct the success story using a recent conceptual framework that decomposes the technological change process into four aspects: propositions, encounters, dispositions and responses (PEDR). We show that many of the factors which contributed to the spread of modern chickpea varieties in Andhra Pradesh lay beyond the control of the international agricultural research system, and operated across large spatial and temporal scales. In conclusion, we argue that the success of improved chickpeas in Andhra Pradesh underscores the value of basic plant breeding and research, which aim to produce public goods. We relate our analysis to current discussions about the future strategic direction of international agricultural research organisations and the CGIAR. Our argument implies a criticism of the drive to develop new varieties which conform to product profiles that are based on predictions of current and near-term demand. While that approach makes sense for product developers seeking to serve commercial markets, basic research is needed to create and diversify technical options, which anticipate a range of future needs that are hard to predict in the present.
Comparing of two dimensional and three dimensional fully convolutional networks for radiotherapy dose prediction in left-sided breast cancer
Authors: Bai Xue , Liu Ze , Zhang Jie , Wang Shengye , Hou Qing , Shan Guoping , Chen Ming , Wang Binbing
Published: September 2021

Fully convolutional networks were developed for predicting optimal dose distributions for patients with left-sided breast cancer and compared the prediction accuracy between two-dimensional and three-dimensional networks. Sixty cases treated with volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy were analyzed. Among them, 50 cases were randomly chosen to conform the training set, and the remaining 10 were to construct the test set. Two U-Net fully convolutional networks predicted the dose distributions, with two-dimensional and three-dimensional convolution kernels, respectively. Computed tomography images, delineated regions of interest, or their combination were considered as input data. The accuracy of predicted results was evaluated against the clinical dose. Most types of input data retrieved a similar dose to the ground truth for organs at risk ( p > 0.05). Overall, the two-dimensional model had higher performance than the three-dimensional model ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the two-dimensional region of interest input provided the best prediction results regarding the planning target volume mean percentage difference (2.40 ± 0.18%), heart mean percentage difference (4.28 ± 2.02%), and the gamma index at 80% of the prescription dose are with tolerances of 3 mm and 3% (0.85 ± 0.03), whereas the two-dimensional combined input provided the best prediction regarding ipsilateral lung mean percentage difference (4.16 ± 1.48%), lung mean percentage difference (2.41 ± 0.95%), spinal cord mean percentage difference (0.67 ± 0.40%), and 80% Dice similarity coefficient (0.94 ± 0.01). Statistically, the two-dimensional combined inputs achieved higher prediction accuracy regarding 80% Dice similarity coefficient than the two-dimensional region of interest input (0.94 ± 0.01 vs 0.92 ± 0.01, p < 0.05). The two-dimensional data model retrieves higher performance than its three-dimensional counterpart for dose prediction, especially when using region of interest and combined inputs.
Research on damage progression of drill string material based on the extended finite element method
Authors: Ying Zhang , Zhanghua Lian , Chenxin Wei , Brice Nguejio Florent
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the process of crack propagation is investigated using the extended finite element method at the mesoscale to study the drill pipe fracture mechanism. Firstly, the property of the S135 drill pipe was analyzed through physical and chemical experiments and the scanning electron microscope method. After that, a grain distribution model of the drill pipe material at the mesoscale was established by the Python scripting language on ABAQUS platform. Furthermore, the extended finite element method was applied to study crack dynamic propagation. And the distribution of stress and strain during the crack propagation were obtained at the mesoscale grain model. Finally, by the mesomechanics “homogenization” method, the stress and strain of the crack propagation model at different times were analyzed, and the influence of crack propagation on drill pipe material was obtained. Simulation results show that, although drill pipe material at the macroscopic scale is in the elastic stage, plastic zone and micro-crack propagation may also exist at the mesoscale. The proposed method in this paper studied the stress distribution in the crack tip during the propagation, which is a benefit for exploring the fracture mechanism of drill pipe.