bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parking Space Detection and Path Planning Based on VIDAR
Authors: Xu Yi , Gao Shanshang , Jiang Guoxin , Gong Xiaotong , Li Hongxue , Sang Xiaoqing , Wang Liming , Zhu Ruoyu , Wang Yuqiong
Published: December 2021

The existing automatic parking algorithms often neglect the unknown obstacles in the parking environment, which causes a hidden danger to the safety of the automatic parking system. Therefore, this paper proposes parking space detection and path planning based on the VIDAR method (vision-IMU-based detection and range method) to solve the problem. In the parking space detection stage, the generalized obstacles are detected based on VIDAR to determine the obstacle areas, and then parking lines are detected by the Hough transform to determine the empty parking space. Compared with the parking detection method based on YOLO v5, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has higher accuracy in complex parking environments with unknown obstacles. In the path planning stage, the path optimization algorithm of the

A

∗

algorithm combined with the Bezier curve is used to generate smooth curves, and the environmental information is updated in real time based on VIDAR. The simulation results show that the method can make the vehicle efficiently avoid the obstacles and generate a smooth path in a dynamic parking environment, which can well meet the safety and stationarity of the parking requirements.
Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Traumatic Brain Injury in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Chen Peng , Deng Yongbing , Yu Xing , Huang Tao , Huang Jingrui
Published: December 2021

Objective. To evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of TBI patients from 2016 to 2019 admitted to Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and compare the results with previous researches to analyze current clinical characteristics and prognosis. Methods. A retrospective study was performed on 389 TBI patients in Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) over a 48-month period (from January 2016 to December 2019). The clinical and radiographic data were collected. Patients were followed up for at least 3 months, and outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to analyze the prognosis and intracranial infection of patients, as well as the effect of surgery on the prognosis of TBI patients. Results. The average age of the 389 TBI patients was 24.9 years old, and the most common age was 18-40 years old, accounting for 55.5%. The proportion of male patients was 79.4%, and the proportion of juvenile patients (≤18 years) was 30.8%. The most primary cause of injury was fighting and brawling (38.0%). At admission, patients had an average GCS score of 9.1, and patients with severe TBI accounted for 46.8%. Overall, 32.1% of the patients had a good prognosis, with a mortality rate of 13.9% (54 cases). Analyzing the relationship between surgical treatment and prognosis in 303 patients with moderate or severe TBI, there was no statistical significance. Univariate and logistic regression analyses for poor prognosis included gender, GCS, multiple injuries, Rotterdam CT scores, and intracranial infection. Univariate and logistic regression analyses for intracranial infection included GCS, open brain trauma, and postoperative drainage time. Conclusion. Despite there has been a secular trend towards reduced incidence of TBI, the prognosis of moderate or severe TBI patients who received surgery showed no significant improvement, indicating that PNG, as a backward developing country, faced a huge problem in TBI prevention and control.
Comparison of Mechanical Resistance to Maximal Torsion Stress in Original and Nonoriginal or Compatible Prosthetic Implant Screws: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Silva António Sérgio , Mendes José Manuel , Araújo Tiago , Aroso Carlos , Barreiros Pedro
Published: December 2021

Micromovements of the implant-abutment connection influence peri-implant bone preservation. The maximal torque after a cycle of implant prosthetic screw tightening using original components of different manufacturers and replicas produced by other companies is evaluated and quantified in this study. A total of 30 Mis Seven® standard platform implants and 30 interfaces were used, and 30 standard platform screws were tested, 10 Mis®, 10 Iconekt®, and 10 Exaktus®. The screws were tightened with an MIS® torquemeter until their respective fracture, and the fracture point was measured through the equipment’s load cell, CS-Dental Testing Machine®. The screws were analyzed under an Olympus® SZ61 microscope. The fracture points were recorded and compared among all samples. To compare the mean values of the fracture torques, t-tests were performed using the reference values associated with each brand and the sample results. The variable “Place of Fracture” between the original Mis® brand and the Exaktus® replica compared to the Iconekt® replica presented a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). When analyzing the variable “Fracture Torque,” although it was verified that the replica screws (Iconekt® and Exaktus®) had a lower maximum torque, 65.11 Nm and 62.89 Nm, respectively, compared to the original Mis® brand (70 Nm and 69 Nm), there were no statistically significant differences p > 0.05. Nonoriginal screws did not present different fracture resistances compared to the original Mis® brand screws. The fracture site of Iconekt® screws showed a different pattern compared to the other brands.
Sizing Algorithm for a Photovoltaic System along an Urban Railway Network towards Net Zero Emission
Authors: Binduhewa Prabath J.
Published: December 2021

A reliable transportation system is essential for the development of a community. Especially in urban transportation, rail transportation is a faster, more comfortable way to travel for the commuters. These benefits can be valued further when the rail transportation system is with zero emissions. Electric trains can be considered a zero-emission transportation method. However, a rail transportation system operates with net-zero emissions when electricity is generated from zero-emission-based sources. Photovoltaic systems have already been integrated into railway stations and spare land owned by railways to achieve net-zero emissions. Furthermore, medium-voltage DC network and microgrid concepts have been proposed to incorporate more renewable energy sources into railway electrification systems. However, the energy generated from those systems is not enough to realise net-zero emissions, as the power requirements of an urban railway electrification system are high. Accordingly, this article investigates the possibility of implementing a photovoltaic system along the railway tracks to meet the energy demands of an urban railway electrification system so that net-zero emissions can be achieved. Other significant advantages of the proposed photovoltaic system are lower feeder losses due to distributed photovoltaic systems integrated into the railway electrification system, lower conversion losses due to the direct integration of the photovoltaic system into the railway electrification system, and the nonrequirement of additional space to install the photovoltaic system. In this paper, a photovoltaic system capacity sizing algorithm is proposed and presented by considering a railway electrification system, the daily schedule of trains, and historical photovoltaic weather data. This proposed photovoltaic system capacity sizing algorithm was evaluated considering a section of the urban railway network of Sri Lanka and a three-year, 2017-2020, photovoltaic weather data. The results indicated that the potential for photovoltaic generation by installing photovoltaic systems along a railway track is much higher than the requirement, and it is possible to meet the required train scheduling options with proper sizing. Furthermore, in the three-year analysis, it is possible to achieve 90% of the energy required for the railway electrification system with effective train scheduling methods.
Soxhlet Extraction versus Hydrodistillation Using the Clevenger Apparatus: A Comparative Study on the Extraction of a Volatile Compound from Tamarindus indica Seeds
Authors: Fagbemi Kehinde Oluwakemi , Aina Daniel Ayandiran , Olajuyigbe Olufunmiso Olusola
Published: December 2021

The present study aims to compare two traditional extraction techniques. A volatile compound from Tamarindus indica seed was obtained with Soxhlet extraction (SE) and hydrodistillation using the Clevenger apparatus (HDC). The extraction yield and chemical composition of the essential oil samples were compared. Both oils extracted were analyzed with GC-MS, and forty-one chemical compounds were identified in essential oil components from SE while forty chemical compounds were found in the HDC-extracted oil sample. The major essential oil components present in both the SE and HDC method are cis-vaccenic acid, 2-methyltetracosane, beta-sitosterol, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, and n-hexadecanoic acid in varying concentrations. Moreover, the essential oils obtained by both methods look similar quantitatively but differ qualitatively. The HDC method produced more oxygenated compounds that contribute to the fragrance of the oil. The major constituents observed in the essential oil extracted by SE methods include cis-vaccenic acid (17.6%), beta-sitosterol (12.71%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (11.82%), n-hexadecanoic acid (8.16%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (5.84%), oleic acid (4.54%), and 11-octadecenoic acid and methyl ester (3.94%). However, in the hydrodistillation technique, the oil was mostly composed of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (23.72%), cis-vaccenic acid (17.16%), n-hexadecanoic acid (11.53%), beta-sitosterol (4.53%), and octadecanoic acid (3.8%). From the data obtained, HDC seems to be a better method for extraction of Tamarindus indica essential oil compared to the Soxhlet extraction apparatus.
Soil Quality and Pomelo Productivity as Affected by Chicken Manure and Cow Dung
Authors: Van Dang Le , Ngoc Ngo Phuong , Hung Ngo Ngoc
Published: December 2021

Fruit orchards in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) are severely degraded due to many factors, such as low organic matter content, soil acidification, and poor soil management. Organic manures are considered to be a soil conservation measure that decreases soil degradation and acidity. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of soil organic amendments on the improvement of soil fertility and pomelo productivity. Two soil amendments, namely, chicken manure (CM) and cow dung (CD), were investigated for a period of three years at three pomelo orchards. The soil quality was assessed in two depths (0–20 and 20–50 cm), including the soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total nitrogen (Ntot), available phosphorus (Pavail), soil organic matter (SOM), bulk density (BD), and exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, and K). The results indicated that CD and CM improved soil fertility in topsoil layer (0–20 cm) due to an increase in soil pH, SOM, exchangeable Ca, Ntot, and Pavail. In addition, soil BD significantly reduced after CD and CM were supplied in the three consecutive years of study. The soil quality properties that significantly affected pomelo yield were SOM, Ntot, Pavail, and soil BD. Thus, these soil qualities may be considered as key factors for determining and assessing soil quality in fruit orchards in the VMD. More studies on the influence of organic manures on nutrient uptake and pomelo fruit quality are warranted.
The Neutrosophic Lognormal Model in Lifetime Data Analysis: Properties and Applications
Authors: Salem Sultan , Khan Zahid , Ayed Hamdi , Brahmia Ameni , Amin Adnan
Published: December 2021

The lognormal distribution is more extensively used in the domain of reliability analysis for modeling the life-failure patterns of numerous devices. In this paper, a generic form of the lognormal distribution is presented that can be applied to model many engineering problems involving indeterminacies in reliability studies. The suggested distribution is especially effective for modeling data that are roughly symmetric or skewed to the right. In this paper, the key mathematical properties of the proposed neutrosophic lognormal distribution (NLD) have been derived. Throughout the study, detailed examples from life-test data are used to confirm the mathematical development of the proposed neutrosophic model. The core ideas of the reliability terms, including the neutrosophic mean time failure, neutrosophic hazard rate, neutrosophic cumulative failure rate, and neutrosophic reliability function, are addressed with examples. In addition, the estimation of two typical parameters of the NLD by mean of maximum likelihood (ML) approach under the neutrosophic environment is described. A simulation experiment is run to determine the performance of the estimated parameters. Simulated findings suggest that ML estimators effectively estimate the unknown parameters with a large sample size. Finally, a real dataset on ball bearings failure times has been considered an application of the proposed model.
Effect of Environmental Stressors on the Distribution and Abundance of Macroinvertebrates in Upper Awash River at Chilimo Forest, West Shewa, Ethiopia
Authors: Dabessa Misgana , Lakew Aschalew , Devi Prabha , Teressa Hirpasa
Published: December 2021

Ethiopia is experiencing deterioration in river quality resulting in adverse effects on human health and hydrobionts. This study aimed to analyse the effects of specific environmental stressors on the distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrates in the Upper Awash River. The study was conducted from January 2018 to March 2018. Macroinvertebrates were collected from five sites using standard handheld nets. Physicochemical parameters including electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorous, nitrate-nitrogen, pH, dissolved oxygen and water temperature that can affect the distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrates were assessed. A total of 14,465 individuals belonging to 33 families of insects and 5 families of the noninsect group were identified. Among all recorded taxa, Diptera was the most abundant and diversified order. Macroinvertebrates among the five sites showed variation in species evenness, richness, and Shannon Diversity Index. Values obtained from biotic indices and environmental parameters indicated the presence of organic pollution at different levels. The impacted downstream site paper mill waste (Walgata) had the relatively highest H-FBI index followed by Osole (more agricultural activities) indicating that Walgata and Osole were poorer in benthic faunal diversity than other sites. In addition, as habitat and water quality degradation increased, the number and percentage of Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) decreased. The selected metrics will be also useful for the monitoring and assessment of the riverine systems and to access the impact of different stressors. As perturbation increased, species diversity, ETHbios index, Average Score Per Taxon, and family richness decreased, while the percentage of Chironomidae, Diptera, Dominant Taxa, and Hilsenhoff Family-Level Biotic Index increased indicating that tolerant species become abundant in degraded river bodies. Environmental protection agencies of governmental and nongovernmental organizations should make awareness for the local people so that they reduce activities that affect the river. Paper factory should also monitor its effluent from directly discharging into the Upper Awash River.
Numerical Modeling of Wave Reflection from Sloped Impermeable Seawalls Using the SPH Method: Case Study of Chabahar Port
Authors: Aghaei Behrouz , Arasteh Afshin Mohseni , Lari Kamran , Torabi Azad Masoud
Published: December 2021

In this research, a comprehensive study is performed to investigate the interaction of regular waves with the impermeable seawall of the Chabahar port. First, a MIKE 21 SW model is used to transform the deep‐water wave data to the nearshore zone. Then, the interaction of waves with the seawall is simulated using a well‐known numerical smoothed particle hydrodynamics model named DualSPHysics. After validating the numerical results with the experimental data, a parametric study is performed to evaluate the effects of the wave height, wave period, and the slope of the seawall on the water level fluctuations and the wave reflection coefficient. The results showed that increasing the wave height slightly decreases the reflection coefficient. Meanwhile, a direct relationship was found between the wave height and the water level fluctuations near the wall. Generally, increasing the wave period resulted in higher reflection coefficients and water level fluctuations. Both the reflection coefficient and the water level fluctuations are greatly dependent on the slope of the seawall. Steeper slopes resulted in higher reflection coefficients and lower water level fluctuations near the seawall.
Effect of Ropivacaine-Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles on Ankle Nerve Block in Rats
Authors: Liu Huanlin , Zhang Ri , Liang Guangying
Published: December 2021

Aim. Our study is to determine the influence of ropivacaine-loaded magnetic nanoparticles (MNP/Rop) on ankle nerve block in rats. Materials and Methods. MNP/Rop was prepared and then injected intravenously into rats to evaluate its anesthetic effect on rat limbs. Mechanical pain thresholds paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWL) were employed for the assessment of ankle nerve block in rats. Results. PWT increased from T1 to T4 in each group (

P
<
0.05

). The intergroup comparison determined no distinct difference in the PWT value among the three series at T1 (

P
>
0.05

); however, PWT values at T2-T4 were higher in nerve block control group (NBCG) and MNP/Rop group than in blank group (BG), and they remained slightly higher in MNP/Rop group than in NBCG. The intragroup comparison revealed that from T1 to T4, PWL in each group showed a rising trend. The PWL at T1 showed no evident difference among the three series (

P
>
0.05

); however, PWL values at T2-T4 were higher in NBCG and MNP/Rop group than in BG, and they remained slightly higher in MNP/Rop group than in NBCG. In MNP/Rop group, both PWT and PWL increased with the increase of Fe3O4 load in MNP/Rop (

P
<
0.05

), while PWT and PWL remained unchanged when the load was 2.189%; moreover, PWT and PWL elevated as Rop concentration increased in MNP/Rop (

P
<
0.05

), while they kept unaltered under 40 μL 1% Rop. Conclusion. Intravenous injection of MNP/Rop into rats and inhalation of MNP into the ankle joint can effectively block ankle nerve conduction in rats.
[Retracted] Empirical Analysis of Financial Depth and Width Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ye Mengqi , Zhang Lijun
Published: December 2021

There are great differences in financial and economic development in different regions. In different time series and different regions, the effects of financial depth and width on economic development are also different. This paper selects neural network to establish the economic benefit model of financial depth and breadth, which can deeply explore the relationship between financial data and economic data. In order to determine the optimal convolutional neural network parameters, the optimal convolutional neural network parameters are determined through comparative simulation analysis. The convolutional neural network model based on the optimal parameters is applied to the empirical analysis of the effect of financial and economic development in X region. In order to obtain the optimal convolutional neural network parameters, different convolution layers, convolution core size, and convolution core number are compared and simulated. The convolutional neural network model with optimal parameters is used to simulate the financial and economic data of X region. The simulation results show that the density of financial personnel has a certain impact on economic development, so it is necessary to improve the comprehensive quality of financial personnel and promote regional economic development. Therefore, this paper seeks an effective method to study the effect of financial breadth and depth on economic development which can provide a feasible idea for the in‐depth research method of financial and economic development.
The Determination of Efficacy of CircuCare on Blood Circulation and Metabolism: An Animal Model Study
Authors: Chien Kai-Ting , Chen Ching-Chen , Chu Chien-Ming , Chan Ya-Lin , Chung Hsiu-Yun , Chang Ting-Kuo
Published: December 2021

Objectives. To determine whether feeding CircuCare to rats improves blood circulation, metabolism, immune regulation, endocrine activity, and oxidative stress. Methods. 28 eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were evenly randomized into control and experimental groups. The control group was fed with ordinary drinking water, while the experimental group was fed with CircuCare at a daily dose of 93.75 mg per 300 g of body weight over eight weeks. Both groups were subjected to a swimming test, and blood samples were taken to observe any variations in various biochemical parameters before and after the test. Key Findings. The experimental group’s mean swimming exhaustion duration was 53.2% longer and had a significantly higher lactic acid removal ratio. Their mean prostaglandin E2 level and mean glucose, cortisol, and glutathione level (30 minutes after swimming test) were also significantly higher. No undesirable impacts from CircuCare relating to general blood biochemistry values and bone mineral density were reported. Conclusions. The present results show that CircuCare can be safely used to increase stamina and exercise capability, expedite the metabolism of lactic acid, accelerate muscle repair, and promote the antioxidant activity of cells in rats.
A Tale of Two Histologies: Dissecting the Biology of Lineage Transformation in Lung Cancer
Authors: Meador Catherine B. , Lovly Christine M.
Published: December 2021

Lineage plasticity is an important, and likely underappreciated, mechanism of treatment resistance in lung cancer. Here, Quintanal-Villalonga and colleagues integrate results from multiomic analyses to provide key new insights into the biology of lineage plasticity.

See related article by Quintanal-Villalonga et al., p. 3028.
Combinatorial Natural Killer Cell–based Immunotherapy Approaches Selectively Target Chordoma Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Hoke Austin T.K. , Padget Michelle R. , Fabian Kellsye P. , Nandal Anjali , Gallia Gary L. , Bilusic Marijo , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Hodge James W. , London Nyall R.
Published: December 2021

Chordoma is a rare tumor derived from notochord remnants that has a propensity to recur and metastasize despite conventional multimodal treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSC) are implicated in chordoma's resistant and recurrent behavior; thus, strategies that target CSCs are of particular interest. Using in vitro cytotoxicity models, we demonstrated that anti-programmed death ligand 1 (anti–PD-L1; N-601) and anti-EGFR (cetuximab) antibodies enhanced lysis of chordoma cells by healthy donor and chordoma patient NK cells through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Treatment of NK cells with an IL15 superagonist complex (N-803) increased their cytotoxicity against chordoma cells, which was further enhanced by treatment with N-601 and/or cetuximab. PD-L1–targeted chimeric antigen receptor NK cells (PD-L1 t-haNKs) were also effective against chordoma cells. CSCs were preferentially vulnerable to NK-cell killing in the presence of N-601 and N-803. Flow cytometric analysis of a chordoma CSC population showed that CSCs expressed significantly more NK-activating ligand B7-H6 and PD-L1 than non-CSCs, thus explaining a potential mechanism of selective targeting. These data suggest that chordoma may be effectively targeted by combinatorial NK cell–mediated immunotherapeutic approaches and that the efficacy of these approaches in chordoma and other CSC-driven tumor types should be investigated further in clinical studies.

Significance:

Combinatory immunotherapy using NK-mediated approaches demonstrates robust antitumor activity in preclinical models of chordoma and selectively targets chordoma CSCs.
Cytokine Adsorption Therapy during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Adult Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Rodeia Simão C. , Martins Francisca Lopes , Fortuna Philip , Bento Luís
Published: December 2021

Respiratory failure and systemic inflammation are paramount features of severe SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy has a potential role in patients with refractory disease. An inflammatory response due to blood contact with hemofilters, functioning as a synergic inflammatory stimulus, can lead to a hyperinflammatory state, relatable to cytokine release syndromes. After the first patient succumbed to a refractory vasodilatory shock believed to be due to hyperinflammatory state, a strategy of blood purification through cytokine adsorption therapy (CAT) with CytoSorb® was designed. In this case series, the authors describe the initial experience with such strategy. CAT was employed with no direct complications and helped controlling the inflammatory state, with all patients halting vasopressor support in 72 h and biomarker levels (C-reactive protein, ferritin, and interleukin-6) showing negative trends in most patients. Analysis of inflammatory biomarkers evolution highlighted 2 biomarker profiles related to the presence or absence of superinfection at the time of CAT implementation. In this case series of severe COVID-19 patients, 3 patients died – irreversible lung fibrosis, complications of critical hypoxemia before ECMO induction and complications of systemic anticoagulation were the causes. This case series aimed to contribute to the body of evidence substantiating CAT utilization in hyperinflammatory patients, namely, COVID-19 patients requiring ECMO rescue.
Bi-Allelic c.1746G>T; p.Leu582= Variants in TUBGCP4 in a Boy with Autism: Clinical Data and Literature Review
Authors: Martín Fernández-Mayoralas Daniel , Albert Jacobo , López-Martín Sara , de la Peña Mar Jiménez , Fernández-Perrone Ana Laura , Jiménez de Domingo Ana , Calleja-Pérez Beatriz , Martínez-García Mónica , Álvarez Sara , Fernández-Jaén Alberto
Published: December 2021

Bi-allelic mutations in the TUBGCP4 gene have been recently associated with autosomal recessive microcephaly with chorioretinopathy. However, little is known about the genotype-phenotype characteristics of this disorder. Here, we describe a 5-year-old male patient with autism and a normal occipitofrontal circumference. No retinal abnormalities were observed. Brain MRI revealed the presence of enlarged sheaths of both tortuous optic nerves; both eyes had shorter axial lengths. Whole-exome sequencing in trio revealed synonymous TUBGCP4 variants in homozygous state: c.1746G>T; p.Leu582=. This synonymous variant has been previously described and probably leads to skipping of exon 16 of TUBGCP4. These results broaden the clinical spectrum of this new syndrome and suggest that TUBGCP4 bi-allelic mutations may underlie complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
Lower Serum Potassium Levels at Admission are Associated with the Risk of Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Wang Anxin , Cao Shuang , Tian Xue , Zuo Yingting , Meng Xia , Chen Pan , Li Hao , Zhao Lu , Wang Yongjun
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Serum potassium abnormality is a risk factor of incident stroke, but whether it is associated with recurrent stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum potassium with the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with AIS or TIA. Methods: We included 12,425 patients from the China National Stroke Registry III. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to tertiles of potassium. The outcomes were recurrence of stroke and combined vascular events at 1 year. Cox proportional hazards regression was adopted to explore the associations by calculating hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Among 12,425 enrolled patients, the median (interquartile range) of potassium was 3.92 (3.68–4.19) mmol/L. Compared with the highest tertile, after adjusted for confounding factors, the lowest tertile potassium was associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke at 1 year. The adjusted HR with 95% CI was 1.21 (1.04–1.41). There was an independent, linear association between serum potassium and stroke recurrence. Per 1 mmol/L decrease of potassium was associated with 19% higher risk of recurrent stroke (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.04–1.37). Similar trends were found in ischemic stroke and combined vascular events. Conclusions: Lower serum potassium level was independently associated with elevated risk of recurrent stroke in patients with AIS or TIA. The finding suggested that monitoring serum potassium may help physicians to identify patients at high risk of recurrent stroke and to stratify risk for optimal management.
Heart Rate Recovery at 1 Min after Exercise Is a Marker of Disease Severity and Prognosis in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Jin Qi , Li Xin , Zhang Yi , Zhao Zhihui , Zhao Qing , Yan Lu , Duan Anqi , Luo Qin , Liu Zhihong
Published: December 2021

Background: Attenuated heart rate recovery at 1 min (HRR1) was demonstrated to correlate with poor prognosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, whereas its role in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between HRR1 and functional status, echocardiography, hemodynamics, and prognosis of CTEPH. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients with CTEPH who underwent right heart catheterization and cardiopulmonary exercise test between June 2014 to October 2020 in Fuwai hospital. The primary outcome was clinical worsening. Linear regression was performed to assess the association between HRR1 and established markers of CTEPH severity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff of HRR1. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between HRR1 and clinical worsening. Results: A total of 211 patients with CTEPH were included in the study. After adjusting for confounders, HRR1 positively correlated with 6-min walk distance, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and peak oxygen consumption, and negatively correlated with NT-proBNP, pulmonary vascular resistance, and ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide. Compared with patients with HRR1 ≥16 beats, patients with HRR1 <16 beats had approximately a 3-fold risk of experiencing clinical worsening and the risk escalated with time. Conclusion: HRR1 could reflect disease severity and was independently associated with prognosis in patients with CTEPH.
Association between Circulating Osteoprogenitor Cells and Sarcopenia
Authors: Al Saedi Ahmed , Phu Steven , Vogrin Sara , Gunawardene Piumali , Duque Gustavo
Published: December 2021

Background: Circulating osteoprogenitor (COP) cells are a surrogate of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with high levels observed in osteoporosis and the initial stages of fracture healing. Conversely, a low percentage of COP cells (%COP) is strongly associated with frailty and disability. However, it is unknown whether %COP is associated with sarcopenia, a musculoskeletal disease closely related to frailty. Objectives: This study sought to determine the associations between %COP and sarcopenia defined using the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) criteria. Methods: Data from a random sample of 73 community-dwelling older persons enrolled in the Nepean Osteoporosis and Frailty study (median age 74 years; 60% female) were analyzed. %COP was quantified by flow cytometry using selective gating of CD45/osteocalcin (OCN) + cells. Sarcopenia was defined using handgrip strength and gait speed with cut points as per the SDOC criteria. Linear regression was used for analysis. Results: Sarcopenia was identified in 19% of participants, all of whom were frail. After adjusting for age, sex, and interleukin 6, sarcopenic participants had 36% lower %COP (95% confidence interval [CI] −56%, −6%, p = 0.024). Both grip strength and gait speed showed associations with %COP (p = 0.065 and 0.002, respectively); however, after adjusting for age and frailty, only gait speed remained associated with %COP (0.1 m/s increase in gait velocity was associated with a 5% increase in %COP cells (95% CI 0%, 10%, p = 0.052). Conclusions: High levels of %COP are associated with better muscle function. Future longitudinal studies are required to elucidate the clinical utility of %COP as a potential biomarker or disease stratifier for sarcopenia.
Ocular Surface Erosion after Suspected Exposure to Evaporated COVID-19 Vaccine
Authors: Chantra Somporn , Chaitanuwong Pareena , Seresirikachorm Kasem , Brinks Mitchell , Serirat Onsiri , Chamberlain Winston , Ruamviboonsuk Paisan
Published: December 2021

The purpose is to report ocular surface erosion of health personnel who were exposed to evaporated CoronaVac during a vaccination campaign. A campaign for CoronaVac vaccination was conducted in a closed space of 11.04 × 5.96 m, partially divided into 6 rooms with interconnected area among the rooms. A total of 20 health personnel worked in the vaccination rooms. On the third day of campaign, a vial, containing a single dose of 0.5 mL, of the vaccine was dropped accidentally onto the floor and broken by an administering nurse. A total of 15 personnel had symptoms and signs of ocular surface erosion at the average time from the accident to the onset of 10.2 ± 7.1 h; 4 personnel also had skin rash. These personnel included all 13 persons who already worked in the rooms when the accident occurred and continued for additional 4–6 h and 2 personnel who presented in the rooms 1–2 h after the accident and stayed for 2–3 h. Proximity and timing suggest CoronaVac correlation with the ocular and skin reactions. Cautions should be taken to avoid broken vials, spills, and aerosolization of CoronaVac during the vaccination.
Circulating Irisin Levels in Preadolescents and Adolescents Born Preterm
Authors: Koutroumpa Arsinoi , Kanaka Gantenbein Christina , Mantzou Aimilia , Doulgeraki Artemis , Bacopoulou Flora , Bouza Helen , Chrousos George , Siahanidou Tania
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Prematurity is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk later in life. The adipomyokine irisin has been acknowledged as a modulator of energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate circulating levels of irisin and their relation to anthropometric measurements and cardiometabolic phenotype in a population of preterm-born children versus full-term-born peers. Methods: A total of 160 children (87 born preterm aged 8.1–14.8 years and 73 born full-term of similar age and gender distribution) were studied. Arterial blood pressure, anthropometry, body composition assessments with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and skinfold measurements were performed. Blood biochemistry and circulating levels of irisin, insulin, cortisol, leptin, and adiponectin were also determined. Results: The preterm group had higher diastolic blood pressure, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold (SSSF), and abdominal skinfold measurements and more central adiposity than the full-term group. Irisin was significantly lower (p = 0.002), whereas leptin was higher (p = 0.03) in the preterm than the full-term group. Irisin correlated positively with gestational age (r = 0.19, p = 0.01), birth weight (r = 0.23, p = 0.003), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.20, p = 0.01) and negatively with SSSF (r = −0.25, p = 0.003) and chronological age (r = −0.21, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Lower levels of irisin and a slightly unhealthy adiposity and cardiometabolic pattern were detected in preterm-born children in comparison to their full-term-born peers. Whether low irisin levels in preadolescents and adolescents born prematurely could be of prognostic value for the development of cardiometabolic sequelae later in life remains to be further studied.
Vasopressin Resets the Central Circadian Clock in a Manner Influenced by Sex and Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide Signaling
Authors: Rohr Kayla E. , Inda Thomas , Evans Jennifer A.
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims: Circadian rhythms in behavior and physiology are programmed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. A subset of SCN neurons produce the neuropeptide arginine vasopressin (AVP), but it remains unclear whether AVP signaling influences the SCN clock directly. Methods: Here, we test that AVP signaling acting through V1A and V1B receptors influences molecular rhythms in SCN neurons. V1 receptor agonists were applied ex vivo to PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE SCN slices, allowing for real-time monitoring of changes in molecular clock function. Results: V1A/B agonists reset the phase of the SCN molecular clock in a time-dependent manner, with larger magnitude responses by the female SCN. Further, we found evidence that both Gαq and Gαs signaling pathways interact with V1A/B-induced SCN resetting, and that this response requires vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) signaling. Conclusions: Collectively, this work indicates that AVP signaling resets SCN molecular rhythms in conjunction with VIP signaling and in a manner influenced by sex. This highlights the utility of studying clock function in both sexes and suggests that signal integration in central clock circuits regulates emergent properties important for the control of daily rhythms in behavior and physiology.
Relationship Between Maternal Education and Knowledge on Coverage of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Ten Stunting Locus Villages in Pandeglang District, Banten
Authors: Wuryanti Sri , Marsiati Himmi
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Until now, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding is still far from the national target. The success of exclusive breastfeeding is determined by many factors, including the mother’s education, knowledge, and awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for child growth. This study aims to determine the relationship between the mother’s level of education and knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding in ten stunting locus villages located in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, Indonesia. Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional design with data collection methods through interviews and direct observation. The population consists of mothers who have children under 2 years of age. The study was conducted for 6 months from November 2019. The variables studied included the mother’s age, occupation, number of children, education, and knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. Result: As many as 99.6% of respondents have a good level of knowledge about exclusive breastfeeding. The level of education is low at 44.6%, medium at 50.9%, and high at 4.4%. The results showed there was no significant relationship between the mother’s last education and exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.860) and there was no significant relationship between the mother's level of knowledge and exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.558). Conclusion: No significant relationship was observed between the mother’s education and knowledge on exclusive breastfeeding in ten stunting locus villages located in Pandeglang Regency, Banten.
Psychological profile of pet owners in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Rahmani Negin , Barazandeh Amin , Sepehrtaj Seyedeh Samaneh
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to compare the psychological profile of pet owners with the ones who didn’t own any pets. The research method was a casual-comparative study. Pet owners and people without pets were included in this research which was done in Iran in February 2017. One hundred and sixty people were selected in this sample in a nonrandom available sampling method and matched in terms of demographic characteristics. Eighty people, pet owners, were referred to the veterinary clinics and 80 didn’t own any pets. They were assessed by a psychological signs inventory. The result of ANOVA indicated that pet owners and those without any pets were indifferent in the characteristics of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hostility, paranoid, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychosis, while those without any pets, statistically had a higher average in somatization and depression than the pet owners and it could be justified by corrective emotional experience, displacement, and sublimation in the pet owner. This statistic can be based on the fact that pet owners use these animals as an object for thrilling topics which is a factor to decrease their psychological stress and increase their physical health.
“Tenho medo, logo vivo”: Roland Barthes em "Não escrever", de Paloma Vidal
Authors: Kaspar Katerina Blasques
Published: December 2021

A parodia do cogito cartesiano “tenho medo, logo vivo” é enunciada por Roland Barthes em “L’image”, no colóquio Prétexte : Roland Barthes. A frase é emprestada por Paloma Vidal, no desfecho de seu livro cartonero Não escrever, em que Barthes é simultaneamente personagem e referência para a composição da narrativa. Acompanharemos como o medo presente em Não escrever é alimentado pela leitura de Vidal da obra barthesiana e por seu interesse em eventos biográficos da vida de Barthes. Nossa discussão aportará reflexões do ensaio “La Peur”, de Tiphaine Samoyault, e apontamentos de uma seleção de escritos de Barthes, notadamente Diário de luto, Roland Barthes por Roland Barthes e “L’image”.
Um pássaro de canto particular, literário: a paisagem escritural barthesiana e a inscrição da morte na vida
Authors: Fidelis Kaio Adriano Batista , Rocha Guilherme Massara
Published: December 2021

Percorrendo o Diário de luto de Roland Barthes, este artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre o ponto de virada na escrita barthesiana nomeado por ele de Vita Nova. Acompanhamos esse movimento a partir de três inscrição recolhidas de seu diário: seu processo de escrita, sua narrativa onírica e seu investimento libidinal. Atravessado e profundamente marcado pelo luto de sua mãe, Barthes inscreve um projeto de romper com sua lógica de escrita anterior, acrescentando um desejo por uma nova forma de escrita. Todavia, extraímos a partir desse percurso no diário um intervalo escrito entre a continuidade mortífera e a particularidade entoada pela literatura.
Troubler les certitudes du langage: Barthes pour penser l'allophonie à l'école française
Authors: Marchadour Matthieu
Published: December 2021

L’objectif de cet article, inspiré des travaux de Barthes sur le langage, est de proposer une vision du langage qui implique pluralité et multiplicité. Dans la société française, au sein de laquelle l’immigration et la pluralité linguistique soulèvent des questions politiques liées à l’altérité et à l’étrangeté, nous voudrions faire référence au travail de Barthes pour rappeler qu’étrangeté et altérité font déjà partie du langage. Liant le langage et les langues, selon une perspective sociolinguistique qui prend les locuteurs comme premier intérêt de l’étude des langues, nous proposons ainsi de réfléchir au fait que l’altérité et l’altération sont inhérentes aux discours. Selon cette perspective, traduction et trahison (traduttore, traditore) sont impliquées dès lors que l’on parle, y compris au sein d’une même langue. Dès lors, l’altérité langagière et linguistique n’est pas circonscrite aux locuteurs désignés com me allophones.
Uma região montanhosa e hospitaleira: resenha de "Vivos na mem´ória", de Leyla Perrone-Moisés"
Authors: Pino Claudia Amigo , Brandini Laura Taddei
Published: December 2021

Resenha de Vivos na Memória, de Leyla Perrone-Moisés.
Novel
CUL3
Variant Causing Familial Hyperkalemic Hypertension Impairs Regulation and Function of Ubiquitin Ligase Activity
Authors: Chatrathi Harish E. , Collins Jason C. , Wolfe Lynne A. , Markello Thomas C. , Adams David R. , Gahl William A. , Werner Achim , Sharma Prashant
Published: December 2021

Familial hyperkalemic hypertension is caused by pathogenic variants in genes of the CUL3 (cullin-3)-KLHL3 (kelch-like-family-member-3)-WNK (with no-lysine [K] kinase) pathway, manifesting clinically as hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and high systolic blood pressure. The ubiquitin E3 ligase CUL3-KLHL3 targets WNK kinases for degradation to limit activation of the thiazide-sensitive NCC (Na-Cl cotransporter). All known variants in
CUL3
lead to exon 9 skipping (CUL3Δ9) and typically result in severe familial hyperkalemic hypertension and growth disturbances in patients. Whether other variants in
CUL3
cause familial hyperkalemic hypertension is unknown. Here, we identify a novel de novo heterozygous
CUL3
variant (CUL3Δ474–477) in a pediatric familial hyperkalemic hypertension patient with multiple congenital anomalies and reveal molecular mechanisms by which CUL3Δ474–477 leads to dysregulation of the CUL3-KLHL3-WNK signaling axis. Using patient-derived urinary extracellular vesicles and dermal fibroblasts, in vitro assays, and cultured kidney cells, we demonstrate that CUL3Δ474–477 causes reduced total CUL3 levels due to increased autoubiquitination. The CUL3Δ474–477 that escapes autodegradation shows enhanced modification with NEDD8 (neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8) and increased formation of CUL3-KLHL3 complexes that are impaired in ubiquitinating WNK4. Proteomic analysis of CUL3 complexes revealed that, in addition to increased KLHL3 binding, the CUL3Δ474–477 variant also exhibits increased interactions with other BTB (Bric-a-brac, Tramtrack, and Broad complex) substrate adaptors, providing a rationale for the patient’s diverse phenotypes. We conclude that the pathophysiological effects of CUL3Δ474–477 are caused by reduced CUL3 levels and formation of catalytically impaired CUL3 ligase complexes.
Because We Are Christian and Filipino
Authors: Cornelio Jayeel , Aldama Prince Kennex
Published: December 2021

As part of his campaign against criminality, President Duterte has called for the reinstatement of the death penalty in the Philippines. Its most vocal supporters are evangelical and independent Christian leaders and lawmakers. Although a religious minority, these entities are politically influential. In this article we show that they support the death penalty because they are Christian and Filipino. They articulate their support in two respects: it is biblical and it must be administered on heinous crimes for the sake of innocent people. We unpack these statements in terms of a religious citizenship that disregards the reality of religious diversity in Philippine society.
Cultural Deference, Community Survival
Authors: Brown Bernardo
Published: December 2021

After the military defeat of the Tamil insurgency in Sri Lanka, nationalist sectors backed by Sinhala Buddhist ideology turned to religious minorities in search of new enemies of the State. These have included Muslims and Evangelical Christians who are described as foreign intruders that contaminate the traditions of the nation. Catholics have been spared of accusations of proselytism and the introduction of foreign cultures partly due to the Church leadership’s explicit stance against Evangelical missionary activities and its support of Sinhala nationalist discourse. Catholic communities of Sri Lanka thus find themselves in an ambiguous position: incorporated into the national citizenry, yet a visible minority anxious not to become marginalized like other religious minorities.