bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renin-Angiotensin System Induced Secondary Hypertension: The Alteration of Kidney Function and Structure
Authors: Pezeshki Zahra , Nematbakhsh Mehdi
Published: October 2021

Long-term hypertension is known as a major risk factor for cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a key role in hypertension pathogenesis. Angiotensin II (Ang II) enhancement in Ang II-dependent hypertension leads to progressive CKD and kidney fibrosis. In the two-kidney one-clip model (2K1C), more renin is synthesized in the principal cells of the collecting duct than juxtaglomerular cells (JGCs). An increase of renal Ang I and Ang II levels and a decrease of renal cortical and medullary Ang 1–7 occur in both kidneys of the 2K1C hypertensive rat model. In addition, the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) increases, while ACE2’s activity decreases in the medullary region of both kidneys in the 2K1C hypertensive model. Also, the renal prolyl carboxypeptidase (PrCP) expression and its activity reduce in the clipped kidneys. The imbalance in the production of renal ACE, ACE2, and PrCP expression causes the progression of renal injury. Intrarenal angiotensinogen (AGT) expression and urine AGT (uAGT) excretion rates in the unclipped kidney are greater than the clipped kidney in the 2K1C hypertensive rat model. The enhancement of Ang II in the clipped kidney is related to renin secretion, while the elevation of intrarenal Ang II in the unclipped kidney is related to stimulation of AGT mRNA and protein in proximal tubule cells by a direct effect of systemic Ang II level. Ang II-dependent hypertension enhances macrophages and T-cell infiltration into the kidney which increases cytokines, and AGT synthesis in proximal tubules is stimulated via cytokines. Accumulation of inflammatory cells in the kidney aggravates hypertension and renal damage. Moreover, Ang II-dependent hypertension alters renal Ang II type 1 & 2 receptors (AT1R & AT2R) and Mas receptor (MasR) expression, and the renal interstitial fluid bradykinin, nitric oxide, and cGMP response to AT1R, AT2R, or BK B2-receptor antagonists. Based on a variety of sources including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science-Direct, in the current review, we will discuss the role of RAS-induced secondary hypertension on the alteration of renal function.
Determinants of Commodity Futures Prices: Decomposition Approach
Authors: Antwi Emmanuel , Gyamfi Emmanuel N. , Kyei Kwabena , Gill Ryan , Adam Anokye M.
Published: October 2021

Developing models to analyze time series is a very sophisticated, time-consuming, but interesting experience for researchers. Commodity price component determination is challenging due to remarkable price volatility, uncertainty, and complexity in the futures market. This study aims to determine the components that drive the market price of commodity futures. This study utilized the decomposition methods, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), and variational mode decomposition (VMD), to analyze three commodity futures prices data: corn from agricultural products, crude oil from energy, and gold from industrial metal. We applied these techniques to decompose the daily data of each commodity price from different periods and frequencies into individual intrinsic mode functions for EMD and modes for VMD. We used the hierarchical clustering method and Euclidean distance approach to classify the IMFs and modes into high-frequency, low-frequency, and trend. Next, applying statistical measures, particularly, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, Kendall rank correlation, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient, we observed that the trend and low-frequency parts of the market price are the main drivers of commodity futures markets’ price fluctuations. The low-frequencies are caused by special events. In a nutshell, commodity futures prices are affected by economic development rather than short-lived market variations caused by ordinary disequilibrium of supply-demand.
Multilevel Clustering-Evolutionary Random Support Vector Machine Cluster Algorithm-Based Blood Oxygenation Level-Dependent Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images in Analysis of Therapeutic Effects on Cerebral Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Zhili , Cheng Guo , Liu Guifang , Li Gaixia
Published: October 2021

The study aimed to explore the relationship between cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) and the patient’s limb movement through the blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) based on multilevel clustering-evolutionary random support vector machine cluster (MCRSVMC). Specifically, 20 CIS patients were defined as the experimental group; another 20 healthy volunteers were defined as the control group. All subjects performed finger movement and verb association task. The performance of support vector machine (SVM) and MCRSVMC algorithm was compared and applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of blood oxygen level in all subjects. The results showed that the average accuracy of MCRSVMC algorithm was significantly higher than that of support vector machine (86.75%, 65.84%;

P
<
0.05

). The sensitivity of MCRSVMC algorithm was significantly higher than that of support vector machine (92.52%, 75.41%;

P
<
0.05

). In addition, the specificity of MCRSVMC algorithm was significantly higher than that of support vector machine (86.39%, 68.24%;

P
<
0.05

). When CIS patients performed finger exercise, the sensory motor areas on both sides were significantly activated, and the activated sensory motor areas on both sides were significantly bigger than the ipsilateral area. The activation rate of the left-sensory motor area (L-SM1) was 87.5%, the activation rate of the right-sensory motor area (R-SM1) was 25%, the activation rate of the left-side auxiliary motor area (L-SMA) was 62.5%, and the activation rate of the right-side auxiliary motor area (R-SMA) was 37.5%. In conclusion, the MCRSVMC algorithm proposed in this study is highly efficient and stable. BOLD-fMRI diagnosis of motor function in CIS patients is mainly related to compensation around the lesion, which occurs on the healthy side after recovery.
On Impulsive Boundary Value Problem with Riemann-Liouville Fractional Order Derivative
Authors: Khan Zareen A. , Gul Rozi , Shah Kamal
Published: October 2021

Our manuscript is devoted to investigating a class of impulsive boundary value problems under the concept of the Riemann-Liouville fractional order derivative. The subject problem is of implicit type. We develop some adequate conditions for the existence and puniness of a solution to the proposed problem. For our required results, we utilize the classical fixed point theorems from Banach and Scheafer. It is to be noted that the impulsive boundary value problem under the fractional order derivative of the Riemann-Liouville type has been very rarely considered in literature. Finally, to demonstrate the obtained results, we provide some pertinent examples.
Copy Adaptive Routing Algorithm Based on Network Connectivity in Flying Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Wu Honghai , Sang Qianqian , Wang Yingda , Ma Huahong , Xing Ling
Published: October 2021

The Flying Ad Hoc Network (FANET) is a kind of mobile network which is composed of flying UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) as network nodes. With the high node mobility and dynamic topology, data transmission in FANETs is faced with severe challenges, such as unstable communication links and limited resources in the network. Due to the uncertainty of node encounters, data transmission is usually carried out by opportunistic transmission. However, the opportunistic delivery of data using multicopy routing not only consumes a large amount of network resources but also causes too much transmission overhead and low delivery quality. Thus, this paper designs a connectivity-based copy adaptive transmit routing algorithm (CCAT). Considering the network interruptions caused by high-speed node movement, CCAT makes packet forwarding decisions by estimating network connectivity and uses node transmit prediction value as forwarding utility value to control the number of copies of packets. Simulation results show that the delivery rate of CCAT can be improved by about 30% at the peak compared with traditional multicopy routing strategies and the transmission latency of CCAT is minimal.
Masked Face Detection Algorithm in the Dense Crowd Based on Federated Learning
Authors: Zhu Rui , Yin Kangning , Xiong Hang , Tang Hailian , Yin Guangqiang
Published: October 2021

Wearing masks is an effective and simple method to prevent the spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic in public places, such as train stations, classrooms, and streets. It is of positive significance to urge people to wear masks with computer vision technology. However, the existing detection methods are mainly for simple scenes, and facial missing detection is prone to occur in dense crowds with different scales and occlusions. Moreover, the data obtained by surveillance cameras in public places are difficult to be collected for centralized training, due to the privacy of individuals. In order to solve these problems, a cascaded network is proposed: the first level is the Dilation RetinaNet Face Location (DRFL) Network, which contains Enhanced Receptive Field Context (ERFC) module with the dilation convolution, aiming to reduce network parameters and locate faces of different scales. In order to adapt to embedded camera devices, the second level is the SRNet20 network, which is created by Neural Architecture Search (NAS). Due to privacy protection, it is difficult for surveillance video to share in practice, so our SRNet20 network is trained in federated learning. Meanwhile, we have made a masked face dataset containing about 20,000 images. Finally, the experiments highlight that the detection mAP of the face location is 90.6% on the Wider Face dataset, and the classification mAP of the masked face classification is 98.5% on the dataset we made, which means our cascaded network can detect masked faces in dense crowd scenes well.
Downregulation of miR‐128 Ameliorates Ang II‐Induced Cardiac Remodeling via SIRT1/PIK3R1 Multiple Targets
Authors: Zhan Heqin , Huang Feng , Niu Qian , Jiao Mingli , Han Xumeng , Zhang Kaina , Ma WenZhuo , Mi Shan , Guo Shiyu , Zhao Zhenghang
Published: October 2021

Recent studies reported that miR‐128 was differentially expressed in cardiomyocytes in response to pathologic stress. However, its function and mechanism remain to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR‐128 in chronic angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion‐induced cardiac remodeling and its underlying mechanism. The cardiac remodeling and heart failure in vivo were established in C57BL/6 mice by chronic subcutaneous Ang II delivery. Knocking down miR‐128 was conducted in the hearts of the mice by intravenous injection of HBAAV2/9‐miR‐128‐GFP sponge (miR‐128 inhibitor). In vitro experiments of cardiac hypertrophy, apoptosis, and aberrant autophagy were performed in cultured cells after Ang II treatment or transfection of miR‐128 antagomir. Our results showed that chronic Ang II delivery for 28 days induced cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, fibrosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in the mice, while the miR‐128 expression was notably enhanced in the left ventricle. Silencing miR‐128 in the hearts of mice ameliorated Ang II‐induced cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, fibrosis apoptosis, and oxidative stress injury. Moreover, Ang II induced excessive autophagy in the mouse hearts, which was suppressed by miR‐128 knockdown. In cultured cells, Ang II treatment induced a marked elevation in the miR‐128 expression. Downregulation of miR‐128 in the cells by transfection with miR‐128 antagomir attenuated Ang II‐induced apoptosis and oxidative injury probably via directly targeting on the SIRT1/p53 pathway. Intriguingly, we found that miR‐128 inhibition activated PIK3R1/Akt/mTOR pathway and thereby significantly damped Ang II‐stimulated pathological autophagy in cardiomyocytes, which consequently mitigated cell oxidative stress and apoptosis. In conclusion, downregulation of miR‐128 ameliorates Ang II‐provoked cardiac oxidative stress, hypertrophy, fibrosis, apoptosis, and dysfunction in mice, likely through targeting on PIK3R1/Akt/mTORC1 and/or SIRT1/p53 pathways. These results indicate that miR‐128 inhibition might be a potent therapeutic strategy for maladaptive cardiac remodeling and heart failure.
Image Texture Analysis and Edge Detection Algorithm Based on Anisotropic Diffusion Equation
Authors: Li Xiaoqin
Published: October 2021

This paper uses partial differential equation image processing techniques to establish image texture analysis models based on nonlinear anisotropic diffusion equations for image denoising, image segmentation, and image decomposition. This paper proposes a class of denoising models based on the hybrid anisotropic diffusion equation from the characteristics of different noise types. The model exhibits anisotropic diffusion near the image boundary, which can protect the boundary well, and isotropic diffusion inside the image; so, it can remove the noise effectively. We use the immovable point theory to prove the uniqueness of the model solution and further discuss other properties such as asymptotics of the solution. We propose a class of image texture analysis algorithms based on anisotropic diffusion equations and discrete gray level sets. First, a class of nonconvex generalized functions is proposed to remove the noise from the original image to obtain a smooth image while sharpening the edges. Then, an energy generalization function based on the gray level set is proposed, and the existence of the global minimum of this energy generalization function is discussed. Finally, an equivalent form of this energy generalization is given in the discrete case, and an image texture analysis algorithm is designed based on the equivalent form. The algorithm is improved by initial position optimization, dynamic adjustment of parameters, and adaptive selection of thresholds so that the ants can search along the real edges. Experiments show that the improved algorithm for image edge detection can obtain more complete edges and better detection results. The energy generalization function is calculated directly on the discrete gray level set instead of solving the corresponding partial differential equation, which can avoid the selection of the initial level set and the reinitialization of the level set, thus greatly improving the segmentation efficiency. The new algorithm has a high improvement in segmentation efficiency and can efficiently handle large size complex images.
Exploring the Mechanism of Resveratrol in Reducing the Soft Tissue Damage of Osteoarthritis Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Pharmacology
Authors: Long Zhiyong , Xiang Wang , Li Jun , Yang Tiejun , Yu Ganpeng
Published: October 2021

Aim. To explore the mechanism of resveratrol in reducing the soft tissue damage of osteoarthritis (OA) based on network pharmacology. Methods. Pharmmapper was used to predict the target of resveratrol, OMIM and Genecards were used to collect OA-related disease genes, and David ver 6.8 was used for enrichment analysis. Then, animal experiments were carried out for verification. The rat OA model was established and the rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: model group, resveratrol low-dose group, resveratrol high-dose group, and blank control group for follow-up experiments. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the degree of pathological damage of rat bones and joints. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the content of inflammatory factors. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor kappa B protein (NF-κB), cysteine protease-9 (CASP-9), Bcl-2 protein, and Bax protein. Results. Through network pharmacological analysis, this study found that resveratrol may regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, Osteoclast differentiation, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the pathological damage of bone and joint in the resveratrol low-dose and high-dose groups was significantly improved. Compared with the model group, the serum levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in the resveratrol low-dose and high-dose groups were significantly reduced (

P

 < 0.05); protein levels of TLR-4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 were significantly reduced (

P

 < 0.05); caspase-9 and Bax protein levels were significantly reduced (

P

 < 0.05), and Bcl-2 was significantly increased (

P

 < 0.05). Conclusion. Resveratrol may inhibit the activation of the TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway and has a repairing effect on soft tissue damage in OA.
PET Study of Sphingosine-1-phosphate Receptor 1 Expression in Response to S. aureus Infection
Authors: Jiang Hao , Gu Jiwei , Zhao Haiyang , Joshi Sumit , Perlmutter Joel S. , Gropler Robert J. , Klein Robyn S. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Tu Zhude
Published: October 2021

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) plays a crucial role in infectious diseases. Targeting S1PR1 provides protection against pathogens, such as influenza viruses. This study is aimed at investigating S1PR1 in response to bacterial infection by assessing S1PR1 expression in S. aureus-infected mice. A rodent local muscle bacterial infection model was developed by injecting S. aureus to the lower hind limb of Balb/c mice. The changes of S1PR1 expression in response to bacterial infection and blocking treatment were assessed using ex vivo biodistribution and in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) after intravenous injection of an S1PR1-specific radiotracer [18F]TZ4877. The specificity of [18F]TZ4877 was assessed using S1PR1-specific antagonist, NIBR-0213, and S1PR1-specific DsiRNA pretreated the animals. Immunohistochemical studies were performed to confirm the increase of S1PR1 expression in response to infection. Ex vivo biodistribution data showed that the uptake of [18F]TZ4877 was increased 30.6%, 54.3%, 74.3%, and 115.3% in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and thymus of the infected mice, respectively, compared to that in normal control mice, indicating that S1PR1 is involved in the early immune response to bacterial infection. NIBR-0213 or S1PR1-specific DsiRNA pretreatment reduced the tissue uptake of [18F]TZ4877, suggesting that uptake of [18F]TZ4877 is specific. Our PET/CT study data also confirmed that infected mice have increased [18F]TZ4877 uptake in several organs comparing to that in normal control mice. Particularly, compared to control mice, a 39% increase of [18F]TZ4877 uptake was observed in the infected muscle of S. aureus mice, indicating that S1PR1 expression was directly involved in the inflammatory response to infection. Overall, our study suggested that S1PR1 plays an important role in the early immune response to bacterial infection. The uptake of [18F]TZ4877 is tightly correlated with the S1R1 expression in response to S. aureus infection. PET with S1PR1-specific radiotracer [18F]TZ4877 could provide a noninvasive tool for detecting the early S1PR1 immune response to infectious diseases.
γδ T Cells Support Antigen-Specific αβ T cell–Mediated Antitumor Responses during BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ji Niannian , Mukherjee Neelam , Shu Zhen-Ju , Reyes Ryan M. , Meeks Joshua J. , McConkey David J. , Gelfond Jonathan A. , Curiel Tyler J. , Svatek Robert S.
Published: October 2021

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the most effective intravesical agent at reducing recurrence for patients with high-grade, non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nevertheless, response to BCG is variable and strategies to boost BCG efficacy have not materialized. Prior work demonstrated a requirement for either conventional αβ or nonconventional γδ T cells in mediating BCG treatment efficacy, yet the importance of T-cell antigen specificity for BCG's treatment effect is unclear. Here, we provide direct evidence to show that BCG increases the number of tumor antigen–specific αβ T cells in patients with bladder cancer and protects mice from subsequent same-tumor challenge, supporting BCG induction of tumor-specific memory and protection. Adoptive T-cell transfers of antigen-specific αβ T cells into immunodeficient mice challenged with syngeneic MB49 bladder tumors showed that both tumor and BCG antigen–specific αβ T cells contributed to BCG efficacy. BCG-specific antitumor immunity, however, also required nonconventional γδ T cells. Prior work shows that the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin induces the proliferation and effector function of γδ T cells. Here, rapamycin increased BCG efficacy against both mouse and human bladder cancer in vivo in a γδ T cell–dependent manner. Thus, γδ T cells augment antitumor adaptive immune effects of BCG and support rapamycin as a promising approach to boost BCG efficacy in the treatment of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Efficacy of Bandage Contact Lenses versus Eye Patching in Early Postoperative Period of Müller’s Muscle-Conjunctival Resection
Authors: Mangan Mehmet Serhat , Tekcan Hatice , Yurttaser Ocak Serap
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Patients with blepharoptosis who are treated with Müller’s muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) may experience postoperative pain and discomfort related to the suture material on the palpebral conjunctiva. This study aims to compare the postoperative subjective complaints, such as pain and discomfort, with a visual analog scale (VAS), and objectively evaluate the cornea with a tear break-up time (TBUT) test and fluorescein staining following MMCR that was managed by either a bandage contact lens (BCL) or eye patching. Methods: Forty patients who had undergone a unilateral MMCR were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 20) received a BCL, and group 2 (n = 20) received an eye patch following the MMCR. Patients were evaluated postoperatively at 1 and 7 days in this prospective study. The postoperative pain was measured using a VAS, and the requirement for anti-inflammatory medication was analyzed. A slit-lamp examination was performed to evaluate the cornea with a TBUT test and fluorescein staining by objectively using the National Eye Institute (NEI) classification. Results: BCL treatment decreased the VAS score, the need for anti-inflammatory medications, and fluorescein staining using the NEI score and increased the TBUT score significantly compared with the eye patch treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the use of a BCL may be beneficial in terms of reducing early postoperative pain and eye stinging, protecting the cornea, and retaining the ability to perform daily activities following a MMCR.
Follow-Up Study of Growth Hormone Therapy in Children with Kabuki Syndrome: Two-Year Treatment Results
Authors: van Montfort Lieke , Gerver Willem Jan M. , Kooger Berbel L.S. , Plat Jogchum , Bierau Jörgen , Stumpel Connie T.R.M. , Schott Dina A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder with characteristic facial dysmorphisms, short stature, hypertension, and obesity later in life. The aim of this study was to evaluate catch-up growth and cardiovascular markers before and during growth hormone (rhGH) treatment in KS children. Methods: This prospective study included 18 children whose KS was genetically established. Each KS subject received rhGH for a period of 2 years. Several measurements were performed before and during treatment: anthropometry, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, markers for endothelial function, and low-grade inflammation. Results: This study found an increase in delta height standard deviation score (SDS) for the whole group of 1.1 SDS after 2 years of rhGH treatment. Baseline metabolic profiles showed no cardiometabolic abnormalities in these children. Although 4 out of 18 children were obese, there were no signs of the metabolic syndrome. During rhGH treatment, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly (2.16–1.91 mmol/L, p = 0.04). Apolipoprotein B100 concentrations also showed a reduction after 24 months of treatment, but the other lipid and (apo)lipoprotein parameters did not change. While other endothelial function markers were stable, only vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1 concentrations increased (1,084–1,161 pg/mL, p < 0.01) during rhGH therapy. Furthermore, BMI and waist circumference improved during treatment. There were no signs of hypertension. Conclusions: At baseline and during rhGH therapy, there were no signs of the metabolic syndrome. This is the first study demonstrating that rhGH treatment in KS children is a safe and effective therapy and that it positively influences linear height without exerting adverse effects on a wide array of cardiovascular risk markers.
As estórias que as coisas contam e por que elas contam
Authors: Taussig Michael
Published: October 2021

Tradução de "The Stories Things Tell and Why They Tell Them", de Michael Taussig, feita por Felipe Neis Araujo. O original está disponível no livro "The Corn Wolf".
Taussig, Michael. 2015. The Stories Things Tell and Why They Tell Them. In The Corn Wolf. Chicago e Londres: University of Chicago Press, 15-30.
Fluxos, quebrada e musicar funk – se sentir dentro da música
Authors: Del Picchia Meno
Published: October 2021

O artigo apresenta dados de uma etnografia realizada entre 2017 e 2019, num bairro periférico da zona sul de São Paulo, onde acontecem bailes conhecidos como fluxos. Proponho uma análise a partir do verbo-conceito de "musicar" de Cristopher Small (1998). Sob tal perspectiva é fundamental entender todos os agentes engajados na produção da festa, mesmo aqueles que aparentemente não estão produzindo música, e mesmo aqueles considerados não-humanos. Que elementos estão por trás de uma manifestação musical nas ruas de uma quebrada? No caso dos fluxos, veremos a centralidade dos sistemas de som de funk nesse musicar e que tipo de sensações e reações eles causam. O funk e a festa atuam na construção sentimental e simbólica dessas localidades e na produção de identidades compartilhadas.
O musicar do atajo de negritos da família Ballumbrosio: uma etnografia da performance
Authors: Hermoza Ellis Regina Sanchez
Published: October 2021

Os atajos de negritos são grupos de homens, meninos e meninas afrodescendentes que saem às ruas de El Carmen-Peru na época do Natal, geralmente do dia 23 de dezembro a 07 de janeiro, onde performam danças e canções. São tropas tradicionais performativas na medida em que são formadas por amadores, moradores e pessoas com ligações a El Carmen. O objetivo desta pesquisa é ilustrar por meio da etnografia da performance como a música, a performance e o repertório do atajo estão configurados, e compreender como estão atrelados com a localidade em que ocorrem. Esta investigação contribuiu para o seu campo de investigação ao dissertar sobre as formas como os negros do Peru contemporâneo estão se voltando para formas expressivas tradicionais como meio de conquistar espaço e redefinir sua posição local.
Arrullando a la Virgen: negociaciones sonoras durante la celebración de las Balsadas en Guapi (Pacífico colombiano)
Authors: Estupiñán Juan Pablo
Published: October 2021

Este artículo presenta una etnografía de la celebración de las Balsadas a la Virgen Inmaculada en Guapi (Pacífico colombiano) narrada a partir de sus sonoridades. El análisis de la celebración busca profundizar en el conocimiento del contexto sociocultural de las comunidades afrocolombianas del Pacífico sur, en el cual música, espiritualidad y cultura popular se articulan de manera compleja como expresión de la identidad comunitaria. Las sonoridades experimentadas durante la celebración me permitieron reflexionar sobre el trasfondo social e identitario que está en juego, los actores que intervienen, sus relaciones y tensiones, y desde una perspectiva más amplia, las articulaciones con las dinámicas de reconocimiento e inclusión de los afrocolombianos a la nación multicultural.
Editorial
Authors: Novaes Sylvia Caiuby , Barbosa Andrea , Cunha Edgar Teodoro da , Giesbrecht Érica , Barbosa Francirosy Campos , Dawsey John Cowart , Lopes Paula Morgado Dias , Hikiji Rose Satiko G. , Grunvald Vitor
Published: October 2021

Editorial do volume 6 da GIS - Gesto, Imagem e Som - Revista de Antropologia.
Editora do Volume: Francirosy Campos Barbosa.
Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Myocardial Injury After Noncardiac Surgery: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Ruetzler Kurt , Smilowitz Nathaniel R. , Berger Jeffrey S. , Devereaux P.J. , Maron Bradley A. , Newby L. Kristin , de Jesus Perez Vinicio , Sessler Daniel I. , Wijeysundera Duminda N. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation; Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia
Published: October 2021

Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery is defined by elevated postoperative cardiac troponin concentrations that exceed the 99th percentile of the upper reference limit of the assay and are attributable to a presumed ischemic mechanism, with or without concomitant symptoms or signs. Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery occurs in ≈20% of patients who have major inpatient surgery, and most are asymptomatic. Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery is independently and strongly associated with both short-term and long-term mortality, even in the absence of clinical symptoms, electrocardiographic changes, or imaging evidence of myocardial ischemia consistent with myocardial infarction. Consequently, surveillance of myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery is warranted in patients at high risk for perioperative cardiovascular complications. This scientific statement provides diagnostic criteria and reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and prognosis of myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery. This scientific statement also presents surveillance strategies and treatment approaches.
The Use of Intraoperative Transit Time Flow Measurement for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Systematic Review of the Evidence and Expert Opinion Statements
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Sandner Sigrid , Di Giammarco Gabriele , Di Franco Antonino , Arai Hirokuni , Asai Tohru , Bakaeen Faisal , Doenst Torsten , Fremes Stephen E. , Glineur David , Kieser Teresa M. , Lawton Jennifer S. , Lorusso Roberto , Patel Nirav , Puskas John D. , Tatoulis James , Taggart David P. , Vallely Michael , Ruel Marc
Published: October 2021

Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) allows quality control in coronary artery bypass grafting but remains largely underused, probably because of limited information and the lack of standardization. We performed a systematic review of the evidence on TTFM and other methods for quality control in coronary artery bypass grafting following PRISMA standards and elaborated expert recommendations by using a structured process. A panel of 19 experts took part in the consensus process using a 3-step modified Delphi method that consisted of 2 rounds of electronic voting and a final face-to-face virtual meeting. Eighty percent agreement was required for acceptance of the statements. A 2-level scale (strong, moderate) was used to grade the statements based on the perceived likelihood of a clinical benefit.

The existing evidence supports an association between TTFM readings and graft patency and postoperative clinical outcomes, although there is high methodological heterogeneity among the published series. The evidence is more robust for arterial, rather than venous, grafts and for grafts to the left anterior descending artery. Although TTFM use increases the duration and the cost of surgery, there are no data to quantify this effect. Based on the systematic review, 10 expert statements for TTFM use in clinical practice were formulated. Six were approved at the first round of voting, 3 at the second round, and 1 at the virtual meeting.

In conclusion, although TTFM use may increase the costs and duration of the procedure and requires a learning curve, its cost/benefit ratio seems largely favorable, in view of the potential clinical consequences of graft dysfunction. These consensus statements will help to standardize the use of TTFM in clinical practice and provide guidance in clinical decision-making.
Cardiac Surgery in Women in the Current Era: What Are the Gaps in Care?
Authors: Cho Leslie , Kibbe Melina R. , Bakaeen Faisal , Aggarwal Niti R. , Davis Melinda B. , Karmalou Tara , Lawton Jennifer S. , Ouzounian Maral , Preventza Ourania , Russo Andrea M. , Shroyer Annie-Laurie W. , Zwischenberger Brittany A. , Lindley Kathryn J.
Published: October 2021

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality for women in United States and worldwide. One in 3 women dies from cardiovascular disease, and 45% of women >20 years old have some form of CVD. Historically, women have had higher morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Sex influences pathogenesis, pathophysiology, presentation, postoperative complications, surgical outcomes, and survival. This review summarizes current cardiovascular surgery outcomes as they pertain to women. Specifically, this article seeks to address whether sex disparities in research, surgical referral, and outcomes still exist and to provide strategies to close these gaps. In addition, with the growing population of women of reproductive age with cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors, indications for cardiac surgery arise in pregnant women. The current review will also address the unique issues associated with this special population.
Isolated Diastolic Hypertension in the IDACO Study: An Age-Stratified Analysis Using 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements
Authors: McEvoy John W. , Yang Wen-Yi , Thijs Lutgarde , Zhang Zhen-Yu , Melgarejo Jesus D. , Boggia José , Hansen Tine W. , Asayama Kei , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Dolan Eamon , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Malyutina Sofia , Casiglia Edoardo , Lind Lars , Filipovský Jan , Maestre Gladys E. , Li Yan , Wang Ji-Guang , Imai Yutaka , Kawecka-Jaszcz Kalina , Sandoya Edgardo , Narkiewicz Krzysztof , O’Brien Eoin , Vanassche Thomas , Staessen Jan A. ,   on behalf of the International Database on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Relation to Cardiovascular Outcomes (IDACO) Investigators
Published: October 2021

The prognostic implications of isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), as defined by 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, have not been tested using ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitor thresholds (ie, 24-hour mean systolic BP <125 mm Hg and diastolic BP ≥75 mm Hg). We analyzed data from 11 135 participants in the IDACO (International Database on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Relation to Cardiovascular Outcomes). Using 24-hour mean ambulatory BP monitor values, we performed Cox regression testing independent associations of IDH with death or cardiovascular events. Analyses were conducted in the cohort overall, as well as after age stratification (<50 years versus ≥50 years). The median age at baseline was 54.7 years and 49% were female. Over a median follow-up of 13.8 years, 2836 participants died, and 2049 experienced a cardiovascular event. Overall, irrespective of age, IDH on 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor defined by 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association criteria was not significantly associated with death (hazard ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.79–1.13]) or cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.94–1.40]), compared with normotension. However, among the subgroup <50 years old, IDH was associated with excess risk for cardiovascular events (2.87 [95% CI, 1.72–4.80]), with evidence for effect modification based on age (
P
interaction <0.001). In conclusion, using ambulatory BP monitor data, this study suggests that IDH defined by 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association criteria is not a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults aged 50 years or older but is a risk factor among younger adults. Thus, age is an important consideration in the clinical management of adults with IDH.
A Robust Deep Learning Segmentation Method for Hematoma Volumetric Detection in Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Yu Nannan , Yu He , Li Haonan , Ma Nannan , Hu Chunai , Wang Jia
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose:

Hematoma volume (HV) is a significant diagnosis for determining the clinical stage and therapeutic approach for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The aim of this study is to develop a robust deep learning segmentation method for the fast and accurate HV analysis using computed tomography.

Methods:

A novel dimension reduction UNet (DR-UNet) model was developed for computed tomography image segmentation and HV measurement. Two data sets, 512 ICH patients with 12 568 computed tomography slices in the retrospective data set and 50 ICH patients with 1257 slices in the prospective data set, were used for network training, validation, and internal and external testing. Moreover, 13 irregular hematoma cases, 11 subdural and epidural hematoma cases, and 50 different HV cases into 3 groups (<30, 30–60, and >60 mL) were selected to further evaluate the robustness of DR-UNet. The image segmentation performance of DR-UNet was compared with those of UNet, the fuzzy clustering method, and the active contour method. The HV measurement performance was compared using DR-UNet, UNet, and the Coniglobus formula method.

Results:

Using DR-UNet, the segmentation model achieved a performance similar to that of expert clinicians in 2 independent test data sets containing internal testing data (Dice of 0.861±0.139) and external testing data (Dice of 0.874±0.130). The HV measurement derived from DR-UNet was strongly correlated with that from manual segmentation (R
2
=0.9979;
P
<0.0001). In the irregularly shaped hematoma group and the subdural and epidural hematoma group, DR-UNet was more robust than UNet in both hematoma segmentation and HV measurement. There is no statistical significance in segmentation accuracy among 3 different HV groups.

Conclusions:

DR-UNet can segment hematomas from the computed tomography scans of ICH patients and quantify the HV with better accuracy and greater efficiency than the main existing methods and with similar performance to expert clinicians. Due to robust performance and stable segmentation on different ICHs, DR-UNet could facilitate the development of deep learning systems for a variety of clinical applications.
Toward Cumulative Cognitive Science: A Comparison of Meta-Analysis, Mega-Analysis, and Hybrid Approaches
Authors: Koile Ezequiel , Cristia Alejandrina
Published: October 2021

There is increasing interest in cumulative approaches to science, in which instead of analyzing the results of individual papers separately, we integrate information qualitatively or quantitatively. One such approach is meta-analysis, which has over 50 years of literature supporting its usefulness, and is becoming more common in cognitive science. However, changes in technical possibilities by the widespread use of Python and R make it easier to fit more complex models, and even simulate missing data. Here we recommend the use of mega-analyses (based on the aggregation of data sets collected by independent researchers) and hybrid meta- mega-analytic approaches, for cases where raw data are available for some studies. We illustrate the three approaches using a rich test-retest data set of infants’ speech processing as well as synthetic data. We discuss advantages and disadvantages of the three approaches from the viewpoint of a cognitive scientist contemplating their use, and limitations of this article, to be addressed in future work.
Exploration of non-pharmacological interventions in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
Authors: Md Hussin Nur Sabiha , Karuppannan Mahmathi , Gopalan Yogheswaran , Tan Kit Mun , Gnanasan Shubashini
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are considered integral parts of dementia. While pharmacotherapy is reserved for severe symptoms of BPSD, the associated adverse effects can be detrimental. Therefore, non-pharmacological intervention is recommended as the first line of treatment in the management of BPSD. This study aimed to explore the non-pharmacological approaches for the management of BPSD and the strategies and barriers to implementing them in secondary care facilities in Malaysia.

Methods:

A qualitative study design was employed. Data were collected through observations and semi-structured interviews of 12 caregivers and 11 people with dementia (PWD) at seven secondary care facilities. Observations were written in the field notes, and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. All data were subjected to thematic analysis.

Results:

Some personalised non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical exercise, music therapy, reminiscence therapy and pet therapy, were conducted in several nursing care centres. Collaborative care from the care providers and family members was found to be an important facilitating factor. The lack of family support led to care providers carrying additional workload beyond their job scope. Other barriers to non-pharmacological interventions were cultural and language differences between the care providers and PWD, inadequate staff numbers and training, and time constraints.

Conclusion:

Although non-pharmacological approaches have been used to some extent in Malaysia, continuous education and training of healthcare providers and the family members of PWD is needed to overcome the challenges to their successful implementation.
Colonic stenting in acute malignant large bowel obstruction: audit of efficacy and safety in a Singapore tertiary referral centre
Authors: Li James Weiquan , Ngu James Chi-Yong , Lim Kok Ren , Tay Shu Wen , Jiang Bochao , Wijaya Ramesh , Yusof Sulaiman , Ong Calvin Jianming , Kwek Andrew Boon Eu , Ang Tiing Leong
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Acute malignant large bowel obstruction (MBO) occurs in 8%–15% of colorectal cancer patients. Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) have progressed from a palliative modality to use as bridge to surgery (BTS). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of SEMS for MBO in our institution.

Methods:

The data of patients undergoing SEMS insertion for MBO were reviewed. Technical success was defined as successful SEMS deployment across tumour without complications. Clinical success was defined as colonic decompression without requiring further surgical intervention. Rates of complications, median time to surgery, types of surgery and rates of recurrence were studied.

Results:

Seventy-nine patients underwent emergent SEMS placement from September 2013 to February 2020. Their mean age was 68.8 ± 13.8 years and 43 (54%) patients were male. Mean tumour length was 4.2 cm ± 2.2 cm; 89.9% of malignant strictures were located distal to the splenic flexure. Technical and clinical success was 94.9% and 98.7%, respectively. Perforation occurred in 5.1% of patients, with none having stent migration or bleeding. Fifty (63.3%) patients underwent SEMS insertion as BTS. Median time to surgery was 20 (range 6–57) days. Most (82%) patients underwent minimally invasive surgery. Primary anastomosis rate was 98%. Thirty-nine patients had follow-up beyond 1-year posttreatment (median 34 months). Local recurrence and distant metastasis were observed in 4 (10.3%) and 5 (12.8%) patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

Insertion of SEMS for acute MBO has high success rates and a good safety profile. Most patients in this audit underwent minimally invasive surgery and primary anastomosis after successful BTS.
Increased behavioural problems associated with corticosteroid use in children with nephrotic syndrome: a Southeast Asian perspective
Authors: Mahmud Mohamad Nizam , Othman Azizah , Ilias Mohamad Ikram
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

The study was performed to determine the psychological problems in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) while they were on steroid therapy, as compared to healthy children.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study was conducted in a paediatric clinic of a tertiary hospital. Parents of the participants in the INS group and control group (comprising children without chronic illness) completed questionnaires using the Child Behavioural Checklist (CBCL). The CBCL measures a range of age-specific emotional and psychological problems, including internalising and externalising domains. Analyses of the CBCL scores between groups were done using Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:

A total of 140 children were recruited with an equal number in the INS and control groups. There was a significant difference in the mean total CBCL scores between the INS group and the control group, specifically in the withdrawal, somatic, anxious and aggressiveness subdomains. Similar findings were demonstrated in correlation between total psychological problems and corticosteroid dosage. In the INS group, steroid dose and cushingoid features were found to have a significant positive association with internalising psychological problems.

Conclusion:

Children with INS on corticosteroid treatment showed an increase in internalising and externalising scores, as compared to healthy children.
A 15-year pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma experience in a single centre: a Singapore perspective
Authors: Lee Yingshan , Tan Leon Yuan Rui , Abdul Shakoor Shaikh Abdul Kader Kamaldeen
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) and paragangliomas (PGL) are rare endocrine tumours. The objective of this study was to describe our experience with these two entities in a Singapore population.

Methods:

We identified patients with positive histopathological confirmations of PCC and PGL who were treated at a tertiary Singapore hospital between January 2000 and December 2015. The results were analysed for clinical presentations, treatment and long-term outcomes.

Results:

A total of 27 cases (20 PCC, 7 PGL) were identified over a 15-year period. One case of PGL developed bilateral disease on follow-up. There were 17 male and 10 female patients with a median age of 57 (range 24–77) years. A positive family history was uncommon and present in only 3.7% of patients. Uniquely, the top three presenting symptoms were abdominal discomfort, palpitations and diaphoresis. Despite adequate preoperative preparation, intraoperative haemodynamic instability occurred in 70.4% and early postoperative hypotension occurred in 11.1% of patients. After surgery, hypertension was resolved in 41.2% (7/17) and diabetes mellitus in 60% (3/5). Disease recurrence was reported in 22.2% and distant metastases in 14.8%. At the end of the follow-up period (median 35 [range 3–148] months), 70.4% were still alive.

Conclusion:

PCC and PGL can present with a wide range of symptoms. Intraoperative haemodynamic instability was frequent despite good preoperative preparation. Disease recurrences and metastasis occurred in up to one-fifth of the patients. Genetic screening should be offered to patients with PCC and PGL.