bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IAMnet: Presentation of Parallelization Approach for Repetitive Mining on Network Topologies with an Improved Apriori Method
Authors: Bavarsad Salehpour Hooman , Asghari Parvaneh , Haj Seyyed Javadi Hamid , Shiri Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: February 2022

Recently, the discovery of association rules and the consequent mining frequent patterns have attracted the attention of many researchers to discover unknown relationships in big data, especially in networking and distributed environments. In this research, a parallelization-based approach is proposed to improve the performance of the Apriori algorithm in repetitive mining patterns on network topologies. The proposed approach includes two main features: (1) combining centrality criteria of the node and the Apriori algorithm to identify repetitive patterns and (2) using the mapping/reduction method to create parallel processing and achieve optimal values in the shortest time. This approach also pursues three main objectives: reducing the temporal and spatial complexity of the Apriori algorithm, improving the association rules mining process and identifying repetitive patterns, and comparing the proposed approach’s performance on different network topologies to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each topology. Comparing our proposed method and the basic Apriori algorithm, it is concluded that our approach provides acceptable efficiency in terms of evaluation criteria such as energy consumption, network lifetime, and runtime compared to other methods. Experimental results also show that when using our proposed method compared to the basic Apriori algorithm, network life is increased by 7.1%, the runtime is reduced by 43.2%, and the energy consumption is saved by about 41.2%.
Predictive Values of Coagulation Parameters to Monitor COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Seyit Murat , Avci Esin , Yilmaz Atakan , Senol Hande , Ozen Mert , Oskay Alten
Published: February 2022

Aims. In this study, we aim to unravel the relationship between coagulation parameters together with D-dimer and the severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during hospitalization as well as hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods. This retrospective study was conducted in the Emergency Department (ED) of Pamukkale University Hospital (Denizli, Turkey) between March 1 and April 30, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and laboratory tests, including international normalized ratio (INR), prothrombin time (PT), D-dimer, and activated thromboplastin time (APTT), were requested from 289 people presenting to the ED with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), such as cough, fever, and sore throat. Results. While 110 patients turned out to be polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive, 181 individuals were PCR negative. The mean D-dimer level of the patient group was 147 ng/ml DDU (min: 9, max: 2948), and their mean PT level was found as 12.8 seconds (min: 10.3, max: 34.7). Besides, the mean APTT was 31.25 seconds (min: 19, max: 46.9), and the mean INR level was calculated as 1.09 (min: 0.88, max: 2.93). 35 of the patients were not hospitalized, while 43 were admitted to the Infectious Diseases, 20 to the Chest Diseases, and 12 to the ICU. Conclusions. It can be concluded from our findings that D-dimer, PT, and INR levels remained elevated in the COVID-19-diagnosed patients, but these parameters were unable to discriminate accurately between the patients with positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 results. Our findings also suggest that coagulation parameters might occupy a critical role in documenting clinical severity in patients with COVID-19 infection and requiring hospitalization.
Body Mass Index and the Risk of Persistent Proteinuria in Middle-Aged Men: The Kansai Healthcare Study
Authors: Shibata Izumi , Shibata Mikiko , Sato Kyoko Kogawa , Takeuchi Yuka , Okamura Kaori , Koh Hideo , Oue Keiko , Morimoto Michio , Hayashi Tomoshige
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Proteinuria is a risk factor for end-stage renal failure. However, it is not known whether body mass index (BMI) is prospectively associated with the risk of future developing proteinuria, taking into account transient proteinuria. Methods: We enrolled 9,320 nondiabetic Japanese middle-aged men who had no proteinuria, an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, no history of cancer, and no use of antihypertensive medications at baseline. “Any proteinuria” was defined as proteinuria detected for the first time during the follow-up period regardless of its frequency. “Persistent proteinuria” was defined as proteinuria that was detected at least twice consecutively at annual examinations and did not return to negative until the end of the follow-up. Results: During the 11-year follow-up period, 1,972 cases of any proteinuria and 151 cases of persistent proteinuria were confirmed. Both lower and higher BMI were associated with the risk of any proteinuria. As for persistent proteinuria, in those with a BMI ≥20 kg/m2, higher BMI was associated with a higher risk of future persistent proteinuria. The association between BMI and the risk of persistent proteinuria was stronger than that between BMI and any proteinuria. In multiple-adjusted model, hazard ratios of persistent proteinuria for BMI <18.0, 18.0–19.9, 20.0–21.9, 22.0–23.9, 24.0–25.9, 26.0–27.9, and ≥28.0 kg/m2 were 1.52 (95% confidence interval 0.51–4.49), 1.07 (0.49–2.29), 1.00 (reference), 1.14 (0.64–2.01), 1.89 (1.09–3.27), 2.12 (1.15–3.93), and 3.85 (2.03–7.30), respectively. Discussion/Conclusion: In those with a BMI ≥20 kg/m2, higher BMI was associated with a higher risk of future persistent proteinuria and any proteinuria. This relationship was stronger for persistent proteinuria than for any proteinuria.
Preoperative Uterine Artery Embolization in Women Undergoing Uterus-Preserving Myomectomy for Extensive Fibroid Disease: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Russ Manon , Hees Katrin Alexandra , Kemmer Miriam , Richter Rolf , Kröncke Thomas , Schnapauff Dirk , Heimann Uwe , David Matthias
Published: February 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if a long versus short interval between preoperative uterine artery embolization (PUAE) and subsequent myomectomy impact perioperative blood loss and the complication rate in cases of enlarged multi-fibroid uterus. Design: In cases of an enlarged multi-fibroid uterus, operative myomectomy can lead to heavy blood loss and consequently increases the risk for transfusion and hysterectomy. PUAE can possibly contribute to a reduction of these risks. Our study was designed to determine if a long versus short interval between PUAE and subsequent surgery impacts perioperative blood loss and complication rate. Participants and Methods: PUAE was performed 24 h before the planned myoma enucleation in 21 patients between January 2011 and March 2016 (group 1) or 19 days before the operation in 23 patients from March 2016 to May 2018 (group 2). A comparison was made to a historical sample of 57 patients with large myomas (>10 cm) without PUAE (group 3). Perioperative blood loss, need for postoperative blood transfusion, and postoperative complications were recorded. Subjective improvement of myoma-related symptoms was assessed for each group by a questionnaire. Results: PUAE was carried out successfully without complications in all patients. Conversion to hysterectomy was not needed in any of the PUAE patients but was necessary in one of the control patients. In the three groups’ comparison, there was a significant lower risk for high blood loss (≥500 mL) in group 1 and a lower but not significant lower risk in group 2 compared to group 3 without an embolization preoperatively. Also, a significant lower risk for postoperative blood transfusion for group 1 (OR 0.02; 0.001–0.328; p = 0.01) and 2 (OR 0.02; 0.001–0.277; p = 0.01) compared to group 3 was observed. The postoperative complication risk was lower in group 2 (model 1: OR 0.12; 0.016–0.848; p = 0.03; model 2 OR 0.07; 0.009–0.588; p = 0.01) compared to group 3. In the context of the postoperative questionnaire, 10 of 11 patients in group 1, 12 of 12 patients in group 2, and 31 of 36 patients from the control group reported an improvement of their complaints. Conclusion: PUAE is beneficial for uterus-preserving removal of myomas from patients with a substantially enlarged uterus. There is a significant reduction of high blood loss (≥500 mL), need for postoperative blood transfusion, and postoperative complications in patients with extensive fibroid disease after PUAE compared to no intervention before myoma enucleation.
A three-year Herpetofauna survey from one of the largest remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest Biome (Reserva Natural Vale)
Authors: Pereira-Ribeiro Juliane , Ferreguetti Átilla Colombo , Bergallo Helena Godoy , Rocha Carlos Frederico Duarte
Published: February 2022

Here we present a three-year survey of amphibian and reptile species registered in the Vale Natural Reserve (VNR), located in the north of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. The VNR, along with the Sooretama Biological Reserve (SBR) and other surrounding areas, form a forest block that constitutes one of the largest remnants of continuous forest in the Atlantic Forest biome. We systematically sampled the herpetofauna community from 2015 to 2018, using the method of active search method in 27 plots of RAPELD distributed in the different types of vegetation present in the area. We recorded 39 species of amphibians belonging to the order Anura, distributed in seven families and 40 species of reptiles belonging to 20 families distributed in three orders: Crocodylia, Testudines and Squamata. The supplementation the samplings with those records from occasional encounters was important for the survey of the region's herpetofauna, mainly for reptiles. We added four species (two lizards, one amphisbaenid and one snake) to the known list for the VNR-SBR forest block: Micrablepharus maximiliani, Strobilurus torquatus, Amphisbaena alba and Tantilla sp. We demonstrated that VNR contains a high species richness of amphibians and reptiles, with a high number of anurans being endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome. The present species inventory provided the most current approximation of known the richness and composition of species of the existing herpetofauna at Vale Natural Reserve, since the period of the gathering of records is quite recent (2015-2018). Also, it brings the knowledge of some community parameters as species richness and composition not only for the whole area of the Vale Natural Reserve, but also for its different vegetation types, with no inclusion of environments outside this reserve. Furthermore, the presence of threatened species, the addition of four species to the current list, and the potential for new species to occur, reinforce the role of VNR as an important area for the protection of amphibian and reptile biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest.
El pueblo de la revolución. Las organizaciones armadas Argentinas en los años setenta
Authors: Slipak Daniela
Published: February 2022

Taking Claude Lefort´s arguments as a base, this article analyzes practices and representations of the two most important military organizations of Argentina, Montoneros and the Partido Revolucionario de los Trabajadores-Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo (PRT-ERP). Those non state organizations arose during the dictatorship governments of the Revolución Argentina (1966-1973) and incorporated militants to become the two insurgent groups with greater impact and political visibility of the time. A few years later, after the rule of another dictatorship government, the so called Proceso de Reorganización Nacional (1976-1983), Montoneros and the PRT-ERP felt in a breakdown and desestructration process. Studying documents, publications, statements and practices of Montoneros and the PRT-ERP, on one hand, this article questions about how this groups represented their political internal space and how they faced diversity and division of social relations. On the other hand, we tend to show the potential of Lefort’s reflections to understand the experience of armed groups in Latin America during the second half of twentieth century.
A tradição oral e o aparecimento da ficção
Authors: Martins Eduardo Vieira
Published: February 2022

A partir de uma questão sugerida por Antonio Candido na Formação da literatura brasileira — a difi-culdade que os escritores tiveram para elaborar um estilo adequado à representação dos costumes das comunidades do interior do país, inclusive dos dialetos regionais, desviantes da norma culta da língua portuguesa — este artigo tem o objetivo de dis-cutir algumas estratégias empregadas por Bernardo Guimarães para incorporar a tradição oral no romance, um gênero culto e vinculado ao livro, destinado ao público leitor urbano.
Candido: na trama das lembranças de Drummond e Murilo
Authors: Passos Cleusa Rios P.
Published: February 2022

Em “Poesia e ficção autobiográfica”, Antonio Candido aborda a questão da memória em autores mineiros ao longo da história, detendo-se em Carlos Drummond de Andrade, Murilo Mendes e Pedro Nava. A leitura aqui proposta retoma algumas de suas ideias no primeiro e no segundo, elegendo, especificamente, os livros Boitempo I e A idade do serrote, para revelar os fragmentos do vivido, apreendidos a partir de “cenas, casos e emoções”, traços específicos do passado de ambos, transfigurados e ressignificados literariamente nas duas obras. E aí entra Candido que, ao sublinhar com agudez pontos fulcrais dos textos de cada um, oferece aos leitores várias direções interpretativas, inclusive a que estabelece relações sutis com a psicanálise. É esse viés que se busca perseguir aqui.
Vida Cotidiana, Trabalho e Gênero: outras histórias para a história da cidade
Authors: Jayo Martin
Published: February 2022

Resenha da obra:
Matos, Maria Izilda Santos de. (2019). Cotidiano e Cultura: História, Cidade e Trabalho. 2. ed. São Paulo: e-Manuscrito.
Sistema Urbano e Segregação da Mulher Periférica
Authors: Araujo Marcelo Barbosa , Silva Jéssica Anunciação Araujo da , Traverssi Marcela Masson
Published: February 2022

A oferta de infraestrutura urbana é condicionada por diversos fatores. Um destes fatores se concentra na matriz emprego-trabalho-renda, que segrega a maior oferta de infraestrutura em torno das áreas onde habitam e circulam a parcela da sociedade de mais alta renda. Também forçosamente condicionado à moldura ditada pela matriz emprego-trabalho-renda está o gênero feminino, seu comportamento e modo de vida. Assim, um outro fator que conforma a oferta de infraestrutura urbana é relacionado ao gênero feminino, com destaque para a segregação da mulher no entorno de periferias precarizadas e excludentes. Logo, estudar a relação entre infraestrutura urbana e o atendimento das necessidades próprias do gênero feminino é um percurso necessário para o desenho de políticas de gestão urbana mais efetivas e menos desiguais para a mulher. Contribuindo nesta tarefa, este ensaio trata da conexão entre oferta de infraestrutura e o gênero feminino, expondo uma realidade pautada pela feminização da pobreza e pelo planejamento de infraestrutura que desconsidera as necessidades da mulher. A conexão da mulher periférica com a infraestrutura urbana das grandes cidades brasileiras é visitada em três perspectivas da vida cotidiana: habitação, trabalho e mobilidade.
Osteomodulin Gene Expression Is Associated With Plaque Calcification, Stability, and Fewer Cardiovascular Events in the CPIP Cohort
Authors: Gonçalves Isabel , Oduor Loureen , Matthes Frank , Rakem Narjess , Meryn Jakob , Skenteris Nikolaos-Taxiarchis , Aspberg Anders , Orho-Melander Marju , Nilsson Jan , Matic Ljubica , Edsfeldt Andreas , Sun Jiangming , Bengtsson Eva
Published: February 2022

Background:

Stable atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by thick fibrous caps of smooth muscle cells, collagen, and macrocalcifications. Identifying factors of plaque stability is necessary to design drugs to prevent plaque rupture and symptoms. Osteomodulin, originally identified in bones, is expressed by bone synthesizing osteoblasts and involved in mineralization. In the present study, we analyzed osteomodulin expression in human carotid plaques, its link with plaque phenotype, calcification, and future cardiovascular events.

Methods:

Osteomodulin gene expression
(OMD
; n=82) was determined by RNA sequencing and osteomodulin protein levels by immunohistochemistry (n=45) in carotid plaques obtained by endarterectomy from patients with or without cerebrovascular symptoms from the CPIP (Carotid Plaque Imaging Project) cohort, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden. Plaque components were assessed by immunohistochemistry, RNA sequencing, and multiplex analysis. Patients were followed for cardiovascular events or cardiovascular death during a median of 57 or 70 months, respectively, using national registers.

Results:

OMD
levels were increased in plaques from asymptomatic patients compared to symptomatics. High
OMD
levels were associated with fewer cardiovascular events during follow-up.
OMD
correlated positively with smooth muscle α-actin (
ACTA2
;
r
=0.73,
P
=10
-13
) and collagen (
COL1A2
;
r
=0.4,
P
=0.0002), but inversely with
CD68
gene expression (
r
=−0.67,
P
=10
-11
), lipids (
r
=−0.37,
P
=0.001), intraplaque hemorrhage (
r
=−0.32,
P
=0.010), inflammatory cytokine, and matrix metalloproteinase plaque contents.
OMD
was positively associated with
MSX2
(Msh Homeobox 2) (
r
=0.32,
P
=0.003), a marker of preosteoblast differentiation,
BMP4
(bone morphogenetic protein) (
r
=0.50,
P
=0.000002) and
BMP6
(
r
=0.47,
P
=0.000007), plaque calcification (
r
=0.35,
P
=0.016), and was strongly upregulated in osteogenically stimulated smooth muscle cells, which was further increased upon BMP stimulation. Osteomodulin protein was present in calcified regions. Osteomodulin protein levels were associated with plaque calcification (
r
=0.41,
P
=0.006) and increased in macrocalcified plaques.

Conclusions:

These data show that osteomodulin mRNA and protein levels are associated with plaque calcification in human atherosclerosis. Furthermore, osteomodulin mRNA, but not protein levels, is associated with plaque stability.
The World Soul and the Emergence of Human Life
Authors: Corrias Anna
Published: February 2022

Marsilio Ficino’s view on ensoulment, which can be extrapolated from his critique of natal astrology, relies on the relations of metaphysical proportion between the different levels of life and being which are central to Platonic philosophy. Drawing primarily on Plotinus, Ficino describes the emergence of life in the embryo as a process in which the World Soul is the true agent. For him, the ‘human nature’ that is present in the developing embryo attracts into the mother’s womb the seed of ‘human nature’ which is present in the World Soul’s vegetative power. Once channelled into the womb, the World Soul’s vegetative power animates the embryo’s body. Now endowed with organic life, the embryo becomes irresistibly attractive to the rational soul, which in this way is drawn down to it and becomes embodied. For Ficino, the moment when ‘rational’ ensoulment happens is completely irrelevant to prefiguring one’s life path, contrary to what was claimed by natal astrology. Nevertheless, it leaves an important mark on one’s physio-psychological makeup.
Growing Drama: A New Integral Paradigm through Children’s Drama Experience Construction in Early Childhood
Authors: Zhang Jinmei
Published: February 2022

Traditional drama education in early childhood has been concentrated on the interdisciplinary level, barely integrating children’s mind, body, and spirit. Language, science, society, health and art are integrated through drama to establish connections among the various disciplines. However, it is very important for children to walk between the worlds of reality and fiction through drama, interact with body and mind, and construct a complete experience. To achieve maximum integration of body and mind that is based on “education as growth” as in Dewey’s Experience and Education (1938), Growing Drama, a new integrated paradigm, maintains that the drama education of young children drama follow their drama experience construction.
Breaking the Ice: Applying Feminist Methodologies to Parliamentary Research in Uganda
Authors: Muzee Hannah
Published: February 2022

Even though feminism and gender studies have become the mainstream in academics, carrying out multi-disciplinary research in the social sciences and humanities through a feminist lens remains a challenge. Moreover, with the increased popularity of mixed research methods, the feminist epistemological standpoint tends to seem one-sided. The question then is whether feminist standpoint theorists take precedence over feminist empiricists. This paper sets out not only to explore the challenges of carrying out multi-disciplinary research through a feminist lens but also to explore the benefits of applying a feminist methodology to multi-disciplinary studies. Drawing from a study that sought to assess the factors that influenced the voices of women legislators during deliberations in the Ugandan Parliament, this paper reveals how the use of feminist methodologies exposed patterns that suggest why social change and the feminization of political spaces is important.
The millipede family Striariidae Bollman, 1893. IV. Amplaria oedipus, n. sp., with a secondary sexual modification of males unique among millipedes (Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Striarioidea)
Authors: SHEAR WILLIAM A. , NOSLER PHILIP , MAREK PAUL E.
Published: February 2022

A new species, Amplaria oedipus, is described from Oregon, USA. Males of the new species have greatly inflated pyriform tarsi on the 5th and 6th legpairs, which is a secondary sexual modification previously not known from any other millipede.
Biocatalytic Synthesis and Characterization of Starch Ferulate Based on Ultrasonic Pretreatment of Substrate
Authors: Lu Xue-Chun , Xin Jia-Ying , Cui Tian-Yu , Liu Qing-Yun , Xia Chun-Gu
Published: February 2022

To improve the hydrophobicity and biological activity of corn starch, starch ferulate was prepared by Novozym 435 lipase catalyzed transesterification of ultrasonic pretreated corn starch and ethyl ferulate. The ferulic acylation of starch was confirmed by UV and Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR). Starch ferulate was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In addition, the hygroscopicity and free radical scavenging ability of esterified starch (ES) were evaluated. In the results,
the maximum degree of substitution (DS) of ES was 0.0728 under the optimal ultrasonic pretreatment conditions, which was much higher than that of 0.0142 without ultrasonic pretreatment. The XRD and DSC analysis showed that ferulic acylation destroyed the crystalline structure of corn starch
to a certain extent. Moreover, ferulic acylation can improve the hydrophobicity and free radical scavenging ability of starch. In conclusion, ES obtained with ultrasonic pretreatment followed by enzyme catalysis can improve physical and chemical properties of starch. Ultrasonic provides an
effective method for synthesizing high-quality modified starch and lays a theoretical foundation for expanding the application of corn starch.
A biomarker panel for risk of early respiratory failure following hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Rowan Courtney M. , Smith Lincoln , Sharron Matthew P. , Loftis Laura , Kudchadkar Sapna , Duncan Christine N. , Pike Francis , Carpenter Paul A. , Jacobsohn David , Bollard Catherine M. , Cruz Conrad Russell Y. , Malatpure Abhijeet , Farag Sherif , Renbarger Jamie , Little Morgan R. , Gafken Phillip R. , Krance Robert A. , Cooke Kenneth R. , Paczesny Sophie
Published: February 2022

Plasma biomarkers associated with respiratory failure (RF) following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have not been identified. Therefore, we aimed to validate early (7 and 14 days post-HCT) risk biomarkers for RF. Using tandem mass spectrometry, we compared plasma obtained at day 14 post-HCT from 15 patients with RF and 15 patients without RF. Six candidate proteins, from this discovery cohort or identified in the literature, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in day-7 and day-14 post-HCT samples from the training (n = 213) and validation (n = 119) cohorts. Cox proportional-hazard analyses with biomarkers dichotomized by Youden’s index, as well as landmark analyses to determine the association between biomarkers and RF, were performed. Of the 6 markers, Stimulation-2 (ST2), WAP 4-disulfide core domain protein 2 (WFDC2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), measured at day 14 post-HCT, had the most significant association with an increased risk for RF in the training cohort (ST2: hazard ratio [HR], 4.5, P = .004; WFDC2: HR, 4.2, P = .010; IL-6: HR, 6.9, P < .001; and TFNR1: HR, 6.1, P < .001) and in the validation cohort (ST2: HR, 23.2, P = .013; WFDC2: HR, 18.2, P = .019; IL-6: HR, 12.2, P = .014; and TFNR1: HR, 16.1, P = .001) after adjusting for the conditioning regimen. Using cause-specific landmark analyses, including days 7 and 14, high plasma levels of ST2, WFDC2, IL-6, and TNFR1 were associated with an increased HR for RF in the training and validation cohorts. These biomarkers were also predictive of mortality from RF. ST2, WFDC2, IL-6 and TNFR1 levels measured early posttransplantation improve risk stratification for RF and its related mortality.
Association of peripheral immunity with cognition, neuroimaging, and Alzheimer’s pathology
Authors: Hou Jia-Hui , Ou Ya-Nan , Xu Wei , Zhang Peng-Fei , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai ,   on behalf of Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2022

Background

Neuroinflammation has been considered to be a driving force of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the association between peripheral immunity and AD has been rarely investigated.

Methods

Separate regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations among peripheral immune markers and cognition, neuroimaging, and AD pathology. Causal mediation analyses were used to investigate whether the associations with cognition were mediated by AD pathology.

Results

A total of 1107 participants (43.9% female, mean age of 73.2 years) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were included. Regression analyses indicated that elevated neutrophils (NEU) count and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were associated with lower levels of global cognition, memory function (MEM), and executive function (EF), and reduced brain metabolism by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) as well as greater ventricular volume. An elevated NLR was associated with a lower level of β-amyloid (Aβ) and a higher level of total tau (T-tau) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), smaller hippocampal volume (HV), and lesser entorhinal cortex (EC) thickness. On the contrary, an elevated level of lymphocytes (LYM) was associated with a higher level of Aβ and a lower level of T-tau in CSF, better cognition, and less atrophy of brain regions (ventricular volume, HV, and EC thickness). The associations of LYM and NLR with cognition were mediated by Aβ and T-tau pathology (proportion: 18%~64%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We revealed that two types of peripheral immune cells (NEU and LYM) and the ratio of these two cell types (NLR) had associations with cognition, neuroimaging, and AD pathology. The associations might be mediated by Aβ and tau pathology.
Blood and brain transcriptome analysis reveals APOE genotype-mediated and immune-related pathways involved in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Panitch Rebecca , Hu Junming , Xia Weiming , Bennett David A. , Stein Thor D. , Farrer Lindsay A. , Jun Gyungah R.
Published: February 2022

Background

While Alzheimer disease (AD) is generally considered as a brain disorder, blood biomarkers may be useful for the diagnosis and prediction of AD brain pathology. TheAPOEε4 allele has shown cerebrovascular effects including acceleration of blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown.

Methods

We evaluated the differential expression of previously established AD genes in brains from 344 pathologically confirmed AD cases and 232 controls and in blood from 112 pathologically confirmed AD cases and 67 controls from the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project. Differential gene expression between AD cases and controls was analyzed in the blood and brain jointly using a multivariate approach in the total sample and withinAPOEgenotype groups. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed withinAPOEgenotype groups using the results from the combined blood and brain analyses to identify biologically important pathways. Gene co-expression networks in brain and blood samples were investigated using weighted correlation network analysis. Top-ranked genes from networks and pathways were further evaluated with vascular injury traits.

Results

We observed differentially expressed genes withP< 0.05 in both brain and blood for established AD genesINPP5D(upregulated) andHLA-DQA1(downregulated).PIGHP1andFRAS1were differentially expressed at the transcriptome-wide level (P< 3.3 × 10−6) within ε2/ε3 and ε3/ε4 groups, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed 21 significant pathways (false discovery rateP< 0.05) in at least oneAPOEgenotype group. Ten pathways were significantly enriched in the ε3/ε4 group, and six of these were unique to these subjects. Four pathways (allograft rejection, interferon gamma response, peroxisome, and TNFA signaling via NFKB) were enriched for AD upregulated genes in the ε3/ε4 group and AD downregulated genes in subjects lacking ε4. We identified a co-expressed gene network in the brain that reproduced in blood and showed higher average expression in ε4 carriers. Twenty-three genes from pathway and network analyses were significantly associated with at least one vascular injury trait.

Conclusion

These results suggest that theAPOEgenotype contributes to unique expression network profiles in both blood and brain. Several genes in these networks are associated with measures of vascular injury and potentially contribute to ε4’s effect on the BBB.
Long persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 swab positivity in a drowned corpse: a case report
Authors: Bonelli Martina , Rosato Enrica , Locatelli Marcello , Tartaglia Angela , Falco Pietro , Petrarca Claudia , Potenza Francesca , Damiani Verena , Mandatori Domitilla , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Stuppia Liborio , D’Ovidio Cristian
Published: February 2022

Background

Since the beginning of the worldwide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to date, important knowledge has been obtained about the virus behavior in living subjects and on inanimate surfaces; however, there is still a lack of data on virus persistency on dead bodies and the risk of contagion from cadavers.

Case presentation

The present case shows the persistency of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral genome in nasopharyngeal swabs performed on a drowned Caucasian man, aged 41 years old, who was completely asymptomatic when he was alive, up to 41 days after death. Specific real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan 2019-nCoV Assay Kit v2; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Italy and Realquality RQ-SARS-CoV-2, AB Analytical) was used to evaluate the swabs.

Conclusions

This data reflect the importance of postmortem swabs in all autopsy cases, and not only in potential severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-related death, and also highlight the necessity to evaluate virus positivity a long time after the moment of death, even if a low initial viral load was assessed.
Intratumoural spatial distribution of S100B + folliculostellate cells is associated with proliferation and expression of FSH and ERα in gonadotroph tumours
Authors: Ilie Mirela Diana , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Chanal Marie , Gadot Nicolas , Chinezu Laura , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Hennino Ana , Raverot Gérald , Bertolino Philippe
Published: February 2022

Folliculostellate cells are S100B-expressing cells with numerous functions in the normal anterior pituitary. These cells have also been identified in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (PitNETs), where their precise role remains elusive. Here, we aimed to build a refined cartography of S100B-expressing cells to characterise their interpatient and intratumoural spatial distribution, and to start identifying their potential functions in PitNETs. High-throughput histological analysis of S100B-stained tumour sections of 54 PitNETs revealed a significant decrease in S100B + cells in PitNETs compared to the normal anterior pituitary. A Ki67 index ≥ 3, a mitosis count > 2/10 per high power fields, and a proliferative status, were all associated with fewer S100B + cells in gonadotroph tumours. Gonadotroph tumours also showed interpatient and intratumoural heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of S100B + cells. The existence of an intratumoural heterogeneity was further confirmed by the incorporation to our spatial analysis of additional markers: Ki67, FSH, LH, ERα and SSTR2. The tumour areas with fewer S100B + cells displayed a higher percentage of Ki67 + cells, whereas strong positive correlations were observed between S100B + , FSH + , and ERα + cells. Such spatial associations suggest that S100B + folliculostellate cells could play a role in gonadotroph tumorigenesis, and may contribute to the maintenance of tumour cells in a low proliferating, FSH + /ERα + differentiated state. Albeit, further in-depth functional studies are required to decipher the mechanisms underlying these spatial associations and to potentially identify a therapeutic use.
On the performance of position-domain sidereal filter for 30-s kinematic GPS to mitigate multipath errors
Authors: Itoh Yuji , Aoki Yosuke
Published: February 2022

The noise level of kinematic Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates is much higher than static daily coordinates. Therefore, it needs to be improved to capture details of small sub-daily tectonic deformation. Multipath is one of the dominant error sources of kinematic GPS, which the sidereal filter can mitigate. With increasing interest in applying kinematic GPS to early postseismic deformation studies, we investigate the characteristics of multipath errors and the performance of the position-domain sidereal filter using 30-s kinematic coordinates with a length of nearly 5 days. Experiments using three very short baselines mostly free from atmospheric disturbances show that multipath signature in position-domain has better repeatability at longer periods, and sidereal filtering without low-pass filtering yields a lift of power spectral density (PSD) at periods shorter than 200 s. These results recommend an empirical practice of low-pass filtering to a sidereal filter. However, a moderate cut-off period maximizes the performance of the sidereal filter because of the smaller multipath signature at longer periods. The amplitude of post-sidereal-filtered fluctuation is less than 6 mm in standard deviation, which demonstrates the nearly lowest noise level of kinematic GPS used for postseismic and other tectonic deformation studies. Our sidereal filter is proven to mitigate several peaks of power spectral density at periods up to 100,000 s, but the period dependency of PSD is not fully alleviated by sidereal filtering, which needs future investigation.

Graphical Abstract
Rapid and quantitative uncertainty estimation of coseismic slip distribution for large interplate earthquakes using real-time GNSS data and its application to tsunami inundation prediction
Authors: Ohno Keitaro , Ohta Yusaku , Hino Ryota , Koshimura Shunichi , Musa Akihiro , Abe Takashi , Kobayashi Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

This study proposes a new method for the uncertainty estimation of coseismic slip distribution on the plate interface deduced from real-time global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data and explores its application for tsunami inundation prediction. Jointly developed by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan and Tohoku University, REGARD (REal-time GEONET Analysis system for Rapid Deformation monitoring) estimates coseismic fault models (a single rectangular fault model and slip distribution model) in real time to support tsunami prediction. The estimated results are adopted as part of the Disaster Information System, which is used by the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan to assess tsunami inundation and damage. However, the REGARD system currently struggles to estimate the quantitative uncertainty of the estimated result, although the obtained result should contain both observation and modeling errors caused by the model settings. Understanding such quantitative uncertainties based on the input data is essential for utilizing this resource for disaster response. We developed an algorithm that estimates the coseismic slip distribution and its uncertainties using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. We focused on the Nankai Trough of southwest Japan, where megathrust earthquakes have repeatedly occurred, and used simulation data to assume a Hoei-type earthquake. We divided the 2951 rectangular subfaults on the plate interface and designed a multistage sampling flow with stepwise perturbation groups. As a result, we successfully estimated the slip distribution and its uncertainty at the 95% confidence interval of the posterior probability density function. Furthermore, we developed a new visualization procedure that shows the risk of tsunami inundation and the probability on a map. Under the algorithm, we regarded the Markov chain Monte Carlo samples as individual fault models and clustered them using the k-means approach to obtain different tsunami source scenarios. We then calculated the parallel tsunami inundations and integrated the results on the map. This map, which expresses the uncertainties of tsunami inundation caused by uncertainties in the coseismic fault estimation, offers quantitative and real time insights into possible worst-case scenarios.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring Bangladeshi university students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in English classes through a qualitative study
Authors: Alam Md Rabiul , Ansarey Diana , Abdul Halim Huzaina , Rana Md Masud , Milon Md Rashed Khan , Mitu Rabeya Khatun
Published: February 2022

English is regarded as a compulsory subject in Bangladesh, which learning starts at the very early stage of a learner. However, after spending almost 12 years in learning English, learners’ oral skill is not seen up to the mark when they enter the university for tertiary education. Sometimes, they are noticed to have their unwillingness to communicate with others. Hence, the current study aims to explore the experiences of Bangladeshi university students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) by employing a multiple case study method. 10 undergraduate students from a private university were interviewed. Apart from semi-structured interview, classroom observations were also carried out for data collection. The obtained data were analysed through the content analysis process. The findings show that students’ earlier experiences of learning English have been positive; however, they think grammar-based English learning is an obstacle in the development of their oral communication. The study also reveals that learners’ WTC is greatly influenced by classroom environment that enhances or declines their interest to communicate with others. Based on the findings, the study suggests that incorporating more drills in English classes by engaging learners with real-life based conversations, dialogues and so forth can enhance learners’ WTC. Hence, learners’ real voice would help the policymakers and language instructors to take the issue into consideration and way-out timely measures.
GIS and remote sensing coupled with analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for the selection of appropriate sites for landfills: a case study in the province of Ouarzazate, Morocco
Authors: Abdelouhed Farah , Ahmed Algouti , Abdellah Algouti , Yassine Baiddane , Mohammed Ifkirne
Published: February 2022

The province of Ouarzazate has a population of 10,744 and is divided into 17 communes (15 rural communes and 2 urban communes), the majority of which have a population of less than 2000 people. Currently, more than 42% of the total population does not have access to a controlled landfill that meets all the socio-environmental criteria defined by Law 28-00 and its implementing regulations. The most typical landfills are located in small villages that resemble illegal dumps or dark areas close to the inhabitants. Moreover, in 2009, a controlled landfill was established near the city of Ouarzazate. Over time, urban extensions tend to move towards the site of the landfill following the development plans of the city, which influences the environmental life and health of the new population. Indeed, this landfill is considered to be located in the wrong place according to the results of our study; it does not meet all the main socio-environmental criteria. For these reasons, this study was conducted to identify appropriate landfill sites and waste transfer centers using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing coupled with multi-criteria evaluation techniques such as AHP. Eleven criteria were selected, including distance to protected areas, wind direction, subsurface geology, lineament density, distance to surface water (river systems and dams), soil quality, distance to roads, elevation, and slope. The rasters of all the criteria were prepared, processed, and overlaid in the GIS environment by assigning each parameter its weight according to its importance. In the field, five sites have been provisionally selected, but only sites D and B have been given higher priority because of their geographical location, large surface area, geological imperviousness, zero risks, better soil quality, distance from any protection zone, any water point or hydrographic network, and their accessibility by provincial roads. These sites are located very close to the province’s waste hubs, which helps reduce the cost of transporting waste to the new landfill.
VIABILITY AND RESILIENCE OF THE MODERN STATE: PATTERNS OF PUBLIC-LEGAL ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATION
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kokurina O.Yu.
Published: February 2022

The modern understanding of the state as a complex social system allows us to assert that its resilience is based on ensuring systemic homeostasis as a stabilizing dynamic mechanism for resolving contradictions arising in society associated with the threat of losing control over the processes of public administration and legal regulation. Public administration is a kind of social management that ensures the organization of social relations and processes, giving the social system the proper coordination of actions, the necessary orderliness, sustainability and stability. The problem of state resilience is directly related to the resilience of state (public) administration requires a «breakthrough in traditional approaches» and recognition of «the state administration system as an organic system, the constituent parts and elements of which are diverse and capable of continuous self-development». Within the framework of the «organizational point of view» on the control methodology, there are important patterns and features that determine the viability and resilience of public administration and regulation processes in the state and society. These include: W. Ashby's cybernetic law of required diversity: for effective control, the degree of diversity of the governing body must be no less than the degree of diversity of the controlled object; E. Sedov’s law of hierarchical compensations: in complex, hierarchically organized and networked systems, the growth of diversity at the top level in the structure of the system is ensured by a certain limitation of diversity at its lower levels; St. Beer’s principle of invariance of the structure of viable social systems. The study was supported by the RFBR and EISI within the framework of the scientific project No. 21-011-31155.
Assessment of body image distortion and dissatisfaction in students and healthcare professionals
Authors: Lopes Lays Fernanda Soares , Coletro Hillary Nascimento , Guimarães Nathália Sernizon , Chaves Larissa Oliveira , Vidigal Fernanda De Carvalho , Bressan Josefina , Carraro Júlia Cristina Cardoso
Published: February 2022

Introdução: Os distúrbios alimentares são síndromes comportamentais que têm uma etiologia multifatorial envolvendo fatores genéticos, psicológicos e socioculturais. A preocupação com a imagem corporal e, como consequência, a maior incidência de distúrbios alimentares, tornou-se um grande fardo entre os profissionais de saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar a distorção e insatisfação da imagem corporal e o risco de distúrbios alimentares. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com 225 profissionais e estudantes dos últimos dois anos de cursos da área de saúde, de um município da Região Sudeste do Brasil. A distorção da imagem corporal e a insatisfação corporal foram medidas pela escala de silhuetas e comparadas com o índice de massa corporal real. O risco de distúrbios alimentares foi avaliado por meio do Teste de Atitude Alimentar (EAT-26). Resultados: A prevalência da distorção da imagem corporal no nível "percepção de ver-se maior" foi de 76,89%; 52,00% dos participantes desejavam perder peso, com a maior prevalência entre as mulheres (78,63%). Alguns fatores foram determinantes para estes resultados, entre eles, ser do sexo feminino, ter excesso de gordura corporal, maior circunferência da cintura e IMC. Ao avaliar o risco de desenvolver transtorno alimentar, os profissionais que se viam menores do que realmente são (20,51%) e aqueles que estavam satisfeitos com sua imagem corporal (22,64%) tinham o maior risco. Conclusão: Distorção e insatisfação com a imagem corporal foram altamente prevalentes entre os profissionais de saúde, especialmente os nutricionistas. A circunferência da cintura acima ou igual a 94 cm para homens e 80 cm para mulheres e o IMC elevado aumentaram as chances de distorção e insatisfação da imagem corporal.
Improving sepsis recognition through use of the Sepsis Trust's community screening tool
Authors: Baker Edward
Published: February 2022

Sepsis is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. All healthcare professionals have a responsibility to ensure they have sufficient knowledge to effectively screen patients for signs and symptoms of sepsis. In the community setting, screening for sepsis can be challenging, due to the complexity within the patient population and difficulties associated with observation for changes in the patient's condition. The Sepsis Trust community nursing sepsis screening tool provides decision-making support to community healthcare professionals, enabling them to make a rapid assessment for risk factors for sepsis, ensuring a proportionate, consistent and appropriate response. Through implementation of a decision-support tool within the clinical setting, it is likely that patients at risk of sepsis will be identified earlier, and patients will be escalated in a more consistent manner. This process of improving consistency in practice can improve patient outcomes, including mortality, morbidity and overall patient experience.