bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A threshold hybrid encryption method for integrity audit without trusted center
Authors: Chen Yange , Liu Hequn , Wang Baocang , Sonompil Baljinnyam , Ping Yuan , Zhang Zhili
Published: January 2021

Cloud storage with sharing services is increasingly popular among data owners. However, it is difficult for the users to know if the cloud server providers (CSPs) indeed protect their data. To verify data integrity and preserve data and key privacy in the group, this paper proposes a new threshold hybrid encryption for integrity auditing method without trusted center. The proposed method is developed based on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and the Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) with Shamir secret sharing. In this way, the key can be distributed and managed without trusted center, preserving the privacy of the key of the AES and users’ private key. Besides, we design and implement a novel integrity auditing and re-signature method which verifies the data integrity and solves the collusion question of the cloud and the revoked users. Security analysis and performance evaluation demonstrate that the proposed scheme realizes the correctness, security, and efficiency with a low communication and computation cost.
Large-diameter trees, snags, and deadwood in southern Utah, USA
Authors: Lutz James A. , Struckman Soren , Furniss Tucker J. , Birch Joseph D. , Yocom Larissa L. , McAvoy Darren J.
Published: January 2021

Background

The epidemicDendroctonus rufipennis(spruce beetle) outbreak in the subalpine forests of the Colorado Plateau in the 1990s killed most largerPicea engelmannii(Engelmann spruce) trees. One quarter century later, the larger snags are beginning to fall, transitioning to deadwood (down woody debris) where they may influence fire behavior, regeneration, and habitat structure.

Methods

We tracked all fallen trees ≥ 1 cm in diameter at breast height (1.37-m high) and mapped all pieces of deadwood ≥ 10-cm diameter and ≥ 1 m in length within 13.64 ha of a high-elevation mixed-species forest in thePicea–Abieszone annually for 5 years from 2015 through 2019. We examined the relative contribution ofPicea engelmanniito snag and deadwood pools relative to other species and the relative contributions of large-diameter trees (≥ 33.2 cm at this subalpine site). We compared spatially explicit mapping of deadwood to traditional measures of surface fuels and introduce a new method for approximating vertical distribution of deadwood.

Results

In this mixed-species forest, there was relatively high density and basal area of livePicea engelmannii20 years after the beetle outbreak (36 trees ha−1and 1.94 m2 ha−1 ≥ 10-cm diameter) contrasting with the near total mortality of maturePiceain forests nearby. Wood from tree boles ≥ 10-cm diameter on the ground had biomass of 42 Mg ha−1, 7 Mg ha−1ofPicea engelmannii, and 35 Mg ha−1of other species. Total live aboveground biomass was 119 Mg ha−1, while snag biomass was 36 Mg ha−1. Mean total fuel loading measured with planar transects was 63 Mg ha−1but varied more than three orders of magnitude (0.1 to 257 Mg ha−1). Planar transects recorded 32 Mg ha−1of wood ≥ 7.62-cm diameter compared to the 42 Mg ha−1of wood ≥ 10-cm diameter recorded by explicit mapping. Multiple pieces of deadwood were often stacked, forming a vertical structure likely to contribute to active fire behavior.

Conclusion

Bark beetle mortality in the 1990s has madePiceaan important local constituent of deadwood at 20-m scales, but other species dominate total deadwood due to slow decomposition rates and the multi-centennial intervals between fires. Explicit measurements of deadwood and surface fuels improve ecological insights into biomass heterogeneity and potential fire behavior.
From innovation-as-usual towards unusual innovation: using nature as an inspiration
Authors: Ulhøi John P.
Published: January 2021

Innovation-as-usual employs synthetic input as the key source of inspiration to bring about innovations, whereas unusual innovation is inspired by designs in nature. The use of nature as a key stimulus for innovation represents a fundamental shift in management and business studies. It involves the translation of natural designs into cross-domain and ad hoc synthetic designs. This paper examines and discusses the phenomenon of biomimetics and different examples of its application. Efficient translation of biomimetics involves the critical processes of exploration, explanation and exploitation. This paper discusses a practical case of biomimetic translation and identifies some critical and greatly understudied translational processes. The paper proposes techniques to correct existing translational imperfections and to establish theoretical bridging points to responsible management practices. Before concluding, research and managerial implications are briefly addressed.
Regulation of gene expression in chickens by heat stress
Authors: Goel Akshat , Ncho Chris Major , Choi Yang-Ho
Published: January 2021

High ambient temperatures are a critical challenge in the poultry industry which is a key producer of the animal-based food. To evaluate heat stress levels, various parameters have been used, including growth rates, blood metabolites, and hormones. The most recent advances have explored expression profiling of genes that may play vital roles under stress. A high ambient temperature adversely affects nutrient uptake and is known to modulate the expression of genes encoding for sodium-dependent glucose transporters, glucose transporters, excitatory amino acid transporters, and fatty acid-binding proteins which are responsible for the absorption of macronutrients in the intestine. Various defensive activities are stimulated to protect the cell of different tissues from the heat-generated stress, including expression of early stress response genes coding for heat shock protein (HSP), c-FOS like protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS); antioxidant enzyme genes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX4); and immune-related genes such as cytokines and toll-like receptors (TLRs). The potential role of HSPs in protecting the cell from stress and their presence in several tissues make them suitable markers to be evaluated under heat stress. BDNF and c-FOS genes expressed in the hypothalamus help cells to adapt to an adverse environment. Heat causes damage to the cell by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The NOX4 gene is the inducer of ROS under heat stress, which is in turns controlled by antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT. TLRs are responsible for protecting against pathogenic attacks arising from enhanced membrane permeability, and cytokines help in controlling the pathogen and maintaining homeostasis. Thus, the evaluation of nutrient transporters and defense mechanisms using the latest molecular biology tools has made it possible to shed light on the complex cellular mechanism of heat-stressed chickens. As the impacts of heat stress on the above-mentioned aspects are beyond the extent to which the reduced growth performance could be explained, heat stress has more specific effects on the regulation of these genes than previously thought.

Graphical abstract

Effect of heat exposure on the nutrient transporters, antioxidants, and immune inflammation in chickens. Most of the nutrient transporters were suppressed under heat stress. Increase in the production of reactive oxygen species resulted in enhanced production of antioxidant enzymes. Expression of various proinflammatory cytokines and toll-like receptors were enhanced due to heat stress in chicken.
Upper ocean response to tropical cyclones: a review
Authors: Zhang Han , He Hailun , Zhang Wen-Zhou , Tian Di
Published: January 2021

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are strong natural hazards that are important for local and global air–sea interactions. This manuscript briefly reviews the knowledge about the upper ocean responses to TCs, including the current, surface wave, temperature, salinity and biological responses. TCs usually cause upper ocean near-inertial currents, increase strong surface waves, cool the surface ocean, warm subsurface ocean, increase sea surface salinity and decrease subsurface salinity, causing plankton blooms. The upper ocean response to TCs is controlled by TC-induced mixing, advection and surface flux, which usually bias to the right (left) side of the TC track in the Northern (Southern) Hemisphere. The upper ocean response usually recovers in several days to several weeks. The characteristics of the upper ocean response mainly depend on the TC parameters (e.g. TC intensity, translation speed and size) and environmental parameters (e.g. ocean stratification and eddies). In recent decades, our knowledge of the upper ocean response to TCs has improved because of the development of observation methods and numerical models. More processes of the upper ocean response to TCs can be studied by researchers in the future.
Effects of infusing the engineering design process into STEM project-based learning to develop preservice technology teachers’ engineering design thinking
Authors: Lin Kuen-Yi , Wu Ying-Tien , Hsu Yi-Ting , Williams P. John
Published: January 2021

Background

This study focuses on probing preservice technology teachers’ cognitive structures and how they construct engineering design in technology-learning activities and explores the effects of infusing an engineering design process into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) project-based learning to develop preservice technology teachers’ cognitive structures for engineering design thinking.

Results

The study employed a quasi-experimental design, and twenty-eight preservice technology teachers participated in the teaching experiment. The flow-map method and metalistening technique were utilized to enable preservice technology teachers to create flow maps of engineering design, and a chi-square test was employed to analyze the data. The results suggest that (1) applying the engineering design process to STEM project-based learning is beneficial for developing preservice technology teachers’ schema of design thinking, especially with respect to clarifying the problem, generating ideas, modeling, and feasibility analysis, and (2) it is important to encourage teachers to further explore the systematic concepts of engineering design thinking and expand their abilities by merging the engineering design process into STEM project-based learning.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide initial evidence on the effects of infusing the engineering design process into STEM project-based learning to develop preservice technology teachers’ engineering design thinking. However, further work should focus on exploring how to overcome the weaknesses of preservice technology teachers’ engineering design thinking by adding a few elements of engineering design thinking pedagogy, e.g., designing learning activities that are relevant to real life.
Technology intervention to support caregiving for Alzheimer’s disease (I-CARE): study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Braly Tyler , Muriathiri Doris , Brown Janetta C. , Taylor Britain M. , Boustani Malaz A. , Holden Richard J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Informal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) manage a complex spectrum of patient behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Mobile health information technologies have quickly become sources for modern social support and chronic disease management. These technologies can improve our understanding of how to care for patients with ADRD and their informal caregivers. A mobile telehealth intervention could help reduce caregiver burden and BPSD.

Methods

This is a pilot randomized controlled trial of 60 dyads of patients living with ADRD and their caregivers, to test the feasibility and estimate the potential effect of the Brain CareNotes (BCN) mobile telehealth system. Participants will be recruited from two health systems. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the BCN intervention arm or usual care comparator. Data will be collected at baseline, 3- and 6-month follow-up. The primary objectives of this trial are to assess feasibility outcomes: (a) recruitment rate, (b) data completion, (c) BCN usability, (d) BCN acceptance, and (e) BCN use and assessed either on an ongoing basis or at 3- and 6-month post-intervention. A secondary objective was to estimate the intervention’s effects on caregiver burden and patient BPSD outcomes at 3 and 6 months, assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory.

Discussion

The study will assess the intervention feasibility and potential effect size of the BCN telehealth system as a potentially scalable and lower-cost solution for addressing the ADRD public health crisis.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.NCT03119259. Registered on April 18, 2017.
Examining the key influencing factors on college students’ higher-order thinking skills in the smart classroom environment
Authors: Lu Kaili , Yang Harrison H. , Shi Yinghui , Wang Xuan
Published: January 2021

To understand the development of students’ higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) in the smart classroom environment, a structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine the relationships between key factors that influence students’ learning and their HOTS within a smart classroom environment. A sample of 217 first-year Chinese college students, who studied in a smart classroom environment for one semester, completed a survey that measures their smart classroom preferences, learning motivation, learning strategy, peer interaction, and HOTS. The results indicated that peer interaction and learning motivation had a direct impact on students’ HOTS. Furthermore, indirect effects were found between students’ learning strategy and HOTS through the mediator peer interaction, and between smart classroom preferences and HOTS through the following: learning motivation, the combination of learning strategy and peer interaction, and the combination of learning motivation, learning strategy and peer interaction. Based on these findings, this study recommends that instructors teaching in a smart learning environment should focus on improving peer interaction and learning motivation, as well as smart classroom preferences and learning strategy, to hone students’ HOTS.
High-speed high-resolution laser diode-based photoacoustic microscopy for in vivo microvasculature imaging
Authors: Li Xiufeng , Tsang Victor T C , Kang Lei , Zhang Yan , Wong Terence T W
Published: January 2021

Laser diodes (LDs) have been considered as cost-effective and compact excitation sources to overcome the requirement of costly and bulky pulsed laser sources that are commonly used in photoacoustic microscopy (PAM). However, the spatial resolution and/or imaging speed of previously reported LD-based PAM systems have not been optimized simultaneously. In this paper, we developed a high-speed and high-resolution LD-based PAM system using a continuous wave LD, operating at a pulsed mode, with a repetition rate of 30 kHz, as an excitation source. A hybrid scanning mechanism that synchronizes a one-dimensional galvanometer mirror and a two-dimensional motorized stage is applied to achieve a fast imaging capability without signal averaging due to the high signal-to-noise ratio. By optimizing the optical system, a high lateral resolution of 4.8 μm has been achieved. In vivo microvasculature imaging of a mouse ear has been demonstrated to show the high performance of our LD-based PAM system.
Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial of eRAPID: eHealth Intervention During Chemotherapy
Authors: Absolom Kate , Warrington Lorraine , Hudson Eleanor , Hewison Jenny , Morris Carolyn , Holch Patricia , Carter Robert , Gibson Andrea , Holmes Marie , Clayton Beverly , Rogers Zoe , McParland Lucy , Conner Mark , Glidewell Liz , Woroncow Barbara , Dawkins Bryony , Dickinson Sarah , Hulme Claire , Brown Julia , Velikova Galina
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Electronic patient self-Reporting of Adverse-events: Patient Information and aDvice (eRAPID) is an online eHealth system for patients to self-report symptoms during cancer treatment. It provides automated severity-dependent patient advice guiding self-management or medical contact and displays the reports in electronic patient records. This trial evaluated the impact of eRAPID on symptom control, healthcare use, patient self-efficacy, and quality of life (QOL) in a patient population treated predominantly with curative intent.

METHODS

Patients with colorectal, breast, or gynecological cancers commencing chemotherapy were randomly assigned to usual care (UC) or the addition of eRAPID (weekly online symptom reporting for 18 weeks). Primary outcome was symptom control (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General, Physical Well-Being subscale [FACT-PWB]) assessed at 6, 12, and 18 weeks. Secondary outcomes were processes of care (admissions or chemotherapy delivery), patient self-efficacy, and global quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General, EQ5D-VAS, and EORTC QLQ-C30 summary score). Multivariable mixed-effects repeated-measures models were used for analyses. Trial registration: ISRCTN88520246.

RESULTS

Participants were 508 consenting patients (73.6% of 690 eligible) and 55 health professionals. eRAPID compared to UC showed improved physical well-being at 6 ( P = .028) and 12 ( P = .039) weeks and no difference at 18 weeks (primary end point) ( P = .69). Fewer eRAPID patients (47%) had clinically meaningful physical well-being deterioration than UC (56%) at 12 weeks. Subgroup analysis found benefit in the nonmetastatic group at 6 weeks ( P = .0426), but not in metastatic disease. There were no differences for admissions or chemotherapy delivery. At 18 weeks, patients using eRAPID reported better self-efficacy ( P = .007) and better health on EQ5D-VAS ( P = .009). Average patient compliance with weekly symptom reporting was 64.7%. Patient adherence was associated with clinician's data use and improved FACT-PWB at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Real-time monitoring with electronic patient-reported outcomes improved physical well-being (6 and 12 weeks) and self-efficacy (18 weeks) in a patient population predominantly treated with curative intent, without increasing hospital workload.
Patterns and Results of Triage Advice Before Emergency Department Visits Made by Patients With Cancer
Authors: Hong Arthur S. , Chang Hannah , Courtney D. Mark , Fullington Hannah , Lee Simon J. Craddock , Sweetenham John W. , Halm Ethan A.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE:

Patients with cancer undergoing treatment frequently visit the emergency department (ED) for commonly anticipated complaints (eg, pain, nausea, and vomiting). Nearly all Medicare Oncology Care Model (OCM) participants prioritized ED use reduction, and the OCM requires that patients have 24-hour telephone access to a clinician, but actual reductions in ED visits have been mixed. Little is known about the use of telephone triage for acute care.

METHODS:

We identified adults aged 18+ years newly diagnosed with cancer, linked to ED visits from a single institution within 6 months after diagnosis, and then analyzed the telephone and secure electronic messages in the preceding 24 hours. We coded interactions to classify the reason for the call, the main ED referrer, and other attempted management. We compared the acuity of patient self-referred versus clinician-referred ED visits by modeling hospitalization and ED visit severity.

RESULTS:

From 2011 to 2018, 3,247 adults made 5,371 ED visits to the university hospital and self-referred to the ED 58.5% of the time. Clinicians referred to outpatient or oncology urgent care for 10.3% of calls but referred to the ED for 61.3%. Patient self-referred ED visits were likely to be hospitalized (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR], 0.89, 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.22) and were not more severe (aOR, 0.75, 95% CI, 0.55 to 1.02) than clinician referred.

CONCLUSION:

Although patients self-referred for six of every 10 ED visits, self-referred visits were not more severe. When patients called for advice, clinicians regularly recommended the ED. More should be done to understand barriers that patients and clinicians experience when trying to access non-ED acute care.
Identification of Targetable Gene Fusions and Structural Rearrangements to Foster Precision Medicine inKRASWild-Type Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Fusco Michael J. , Saeed-Vafa Daryoush , Carballido Estrella M. , Boyle Theresa A. , Malafa Mokenge , Blue Kirsten L. , Teer Jamie K. , Walko Christine M. , McLeod Howard L. , Hicks J. Kevin , Extermann Martine , Fleming Jason B. , Knepper Todd C. , Kim Dae Won
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

It has recently been described that alternative oncogenic drivers may be found in KRAS wild-type ( KRASWT) pancreatic cancers. This study aimed to determine the incidence of targetable gene fusions present in KRASWTpancreatic adenocarcinoma and response to targeted therapy.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent targeted next-generation sequencing using DNA sequencing with RNA sequencing (n = 47) or without RNA sequencing (n = 53) at a single institution were included in the study. The frequency and landscape of targetable fusions in KRASWTpancreatic adenocarcinoma was characterized and compared with the frequency of fusions in KRAS-mutated ( KRASMUT) pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Results were validated in two independent cohorts using data from AACR GENIE (n = 1,252) and TCGA (n = 150). The clinical history of fusion-positive patients who received targeted treatment is described.

RESULTS

Pancreatic cancers from 13 of 100 patients (13%) were found to be KRASWT. Targetable fusions were identified in 4/13 (31%) KRASWTtumors compared with 0/87 (0%) KRASMUTpancreatic adenocarcinomas ( P = .0002). One patient with a novel MET fusion had a complete response to targeted therapy with crizotinib that is ongoing at 12+ months of treatment. In the validation cohorts, gene fusions were identified in 18/97 (19%) and 2/10 (20%) KRASWTtumors reported in the AACR GENIE and TCGA cohorts, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Oncogene fusions are present in KRASWTpancreatic adenocarcinomas at an increased frequency when compared with KRASMUTpancreatic adenocarcinomas. As these fusions may be susceptible to targeted therapy, molecular analyses for the detection of fusions in KRASWTpancreatic adenocarcinomas may warrant increased consideration.
Inherited Susceptibility to Hematopoietic Malignancies in the Era of Precision Oncology
Authors: Roloff Gregory W. , Drazer Michael W. , Godley Lucy A.
Published: January 2021

As germline predisposition to hematopoietic malignancies has gained increased recognition and attention in the field of oncology, it is important for clinicians to use a systematic framework for the identification, management, and surveillance of patients with hereditary hematopoietic malignancies (HHMs). In this article, we discuss strategies for identifying individuals who warrant diagnostic evaluation and describe considerations pertaining to molecular testing. Although a paucity of prospective data is available to guide clinical monitoring of individuals harboring pathogenic variants, we provide recommendations for clinical surveillance based on consensus opinion and highlight current advances regarding the risk of progression to overt malignancy in HHM variant carriers. We also discuss the prognosis of HHMs and considerations surrounding the utility of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation in these individuals. We close with an overview of contemporary issues at the intersection of HHMs and precision oncology.
Brachyury controls Ciona notochord fate as part of a feed-forward network
Authors: Reeves Wendy M. , Shimai Kotaro , Winkley Konner M. , Veeman Michael T.
Published: January 2021

The notochord is a defining feature of the chordates. The transcription factor Brachyury (Bra) is a key regulator of notochord fate but here we show that it is not a unitary master regulator in the model chordate Ciona. Ectopic Bra expression only partially reprograms other cell types to a notochord-like transcriptional profile and a subset of notochord-enriched genes is unaffected by CRISPR Bra disruption. We identify Foxa.a and Mnx as potential co-regulators, and find that combinatorial cocktails are more effective at reprogramming other cell types than Bra alone. We reassess the network relationships between Bra, Foxa.a and other components of the notochord gene regulatory network, and find that Foxa.a expression in the notochord is regulated by vegetal FGF signaling. It is a direct activator of Bra expression and has a binding motif that is significantly enriched in the regulatory regions of notochord-enriched genes. These and other results indicate that Bra and Foxa.a act together in a regulatory network dominated by positive feed-forward interactions, with neither being a classically defined master regulator.
Hit the brakes – a new perspective on the loop extrusion mechanism of cohesin and other SMC complexes
Authors: Matityahu Avi , Onn Itay
Published: January 2021

The three-dimensional structure of chromatin is determined by the action of protein complexes of the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) family. Eukaryotic cells contain three SMC complexes, cohesin, condensin, and a complex of Smc5 and Smc6. Initially, cohesin was linked to sister chromatid cohesion, the process that ensures the fidelity of chromosome segregation in mitosis. In recent years, a second function in the organization of interphase chromatin into topologically associated domains has been determined, and loop extrusion has emerged as the leading mechanism of this process. Interestingly, fundamental mechanistic differences exist between mitotic tethering and loop extrusion. As distinct molecular switches that aim to suppress loop extrusion in different biological contexts have been identified, we hypothesize here that loop extrusion is the default biochemical activity of cohesin and that its suppression shifts cohesin into a tethering mode. With this model, we aim to provide an explanation for how loop extrusion and tethering can coexist in a single cohesin complex and also apply it to the other eukaryotic SMC complexes, describing both similarities and differences between them. Finally, we present model-derived molecular predictions that can be tested experimentally, thus offering a new perspective on the mechanisms by which SMC complexes shape the higher-order structure of chromatin.
Concurrent depletion of Vps37 proteins evokes ESCRT-I destabilization and profound cellular stress responses
Authors: Kolmus Krzysztof , Erdenebat Purevsuren , Szymańska Ewelina , Stewig Blair , Goryca Krzysztof , Derezińska-Wołek Edyta , Szumera-Ciećkiewicz Anna , Brewińska-Olchowik Marta , Piwocka Katarzyna , Prochorec-Sobieszek Monika , Mikula Michał , Miączyńska Marta
Published: January 2021

Molecular details of how endocytosis contributes to oncogenesis remain elusive. Our in silico analysis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients revealed stage-dependent alterations in the expression of 112 endocytosis-related genes. Among them, transcription of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-I component VPS37B was decreased in the advanced stages of CRC. Expression of other ESCRT-I core subunits remained unchanged in the investigated dataset. We analyzed an independent cohort of CRC patients, which also showed reduced VPS37A mRNA and protein abundance. Transcriptomic profiling of CRC cells revealed non-redundant functions of Vps37 proteins. Knockdown of VPS37A and VPS37B triggered p21 (CDKN1A)-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and sterile inflammatory response driven by the nuclear factor (NF)-κB transcription factor and associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Co-silencing of VPS37C further potentiated activation of these independently induced processes. The type and magnitude of transcriptional alterations correlated with the differential ESCRT-I stability upon individual and concurrent Vps37 depletion. Our study provides novel insights into cancer cell biology by describing cellular stress responses that are associated with ESCRT-I destabilization.
Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical Properties of Extended Tetrathiafulvalene Dimers Linked by Flexible Butylene Chain
Authors: Kawasaki Yuji , Sakakibara Ryo , Fujisaki Masahiro , Yamashita Masaki , Yoshimura Aya , Shirahata Takashi , Yao Masaru , Misaki Yohji
Published: January 2021

Tetrathiafulvalene derivatives bridged by butylene units were successfully synthesized. X-ray structure analysis of the dimeric EBDT 1 revealed that C–C bonds have staggered arrangement and all substituents are arranged anti to each other in the butylene bridge. Cyclic voltammograms of the molecules 1 and the fused TTF analog 2 consisted of two-pairs of two-electron and four pairs of two-electron redox waves, respectively. X-ray structure analysis and calculation of overlap integrals of a dicationic salt of unsubstituted-1 (1Aa) indicated that the EBDT units are stacked with strong dimerization. Coin-type cells using the molecule 2 (2Ce) as a positive electrode material showed initial discharge capacity of 179 mAh g−1, initial energy density of 600 mWh g−1, and an average voltage of 3.35 V.
Multivalvular destruction as the primary presentation of aggressive infective endocarditis with subaortic valve membrane
Authors: Alshoabi Sultan Abdulwadoud , Aljaber Nouradden Noman , Gameraddin Mowia Bushra , Omer Awatef Mohammed
Published: January 2021

Multivalvular destruction may be a clinical manifestation of infective endocarditis (IE), which is a devastating infection of the heart either alone or superimposed with congenital subaortic membrane as in this case report. Here, we report a case of multivavular destruction with severe vegetation presented as a manifestation of infective endocarditis (IE) in a neglected case of 18-year-old male with previous rheumatic heart disease. Transesophageal echocardiography is an important imaging modality for diagnosis of superimposed aortic and heart lesions. Early necessary investigation and correct diagnosis is mandatory to prevent bad complications.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2798

How to cite this:Alshoabi SA, Aljaber NN, Gameraddin MB, Omer AM. Multivalvular destruction as the primary presentation of aggressive infective endocarditis with subaortic valve membrane. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(2):600-604. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.2.2798

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Stratigraphy and tectonic evolution of Late Miocene - Quaternary Basins in Eastern Albania: A Review
Authors: Pashko Pandeli , Aliaj Shyqyri
Published: January 2021

The new stratigraphic data and tectonic evolution of the Late Miocene-Quaternary basins developed in Eastern Albania are presented. The reviewed stratigraphic data for deposits filling the Ohrid, Prespa and Devolli basins show that they began to form in Late Miocene. The stratigraphic evidences from eastern Albania are confronted with the stratigraphic data from the lake basins in western North Macedonia and northwestern Greece that all show the same age of infilling. The Cenozoic tectonic evolution of Eastern Albania consists of two phases of extensional deformations, the first in Middle Eocene-Late Miocene (Pannonian/Tortonian) and the second starting in Late Miocene (Pontian s. l.). The two phases are separated by a short compressive phase at the Late Miocene (end of Pannonian/Tortonian) or pre-Pontian s. l. time. In Late Miocene (Pontian) began forming the system of the Ohrid, Prespa and Devolli basins developed along the Drini fault zone. The Korça, Kolonja, Kukesi and Tropoja basins began to form since Pliocene and the Peshkopi Basin since Early Pleistocene. Finally, only the Ohrid and Prespa lakes are still active. The Late Miocene-Pleistocene basins were filled by lacustrine, lacustrine-fluvial and terrestrial sediments of the great thickness and of varied lithology: conglomerates, gravels, sandstones, sands, claystone and marls with lignite seams. Molluscs, microflora and flora, ostracods and vertebrates are found. The Lake Ohrid is a tectonically active graben formed during two main phases of deformation: (1) a trans-tensional phase which generated a pull-apart basin, and (2) an extensional phase which leads to its present geometry. All basins in Eastern Albania are situated in a basin and range-like (graben and horst) geodynamical setting. The inferred stratigraphic and tectonic evolution of Late Miocene-Quaternary basins in Eastern Albania as well as the relief formation and thermochronological data show that the Late Miocene-Quaternary period which led to the recent geological structure of Albania and its rapid relief formation, can be accepted as ‘Neotectonic period’.
A semi-quantitative method to combine tectonic stress indicators: example from the Southern Calabrian Arc (Italy)
Authors: Scudero Salvatore , De Guidi Giorgio , Caputo Riccardo , Perdicaro Vincenzo
Published: January 2021

Databases of tectonic stress indicators are commonly based on different types of observations at different spatial and temporal scales. Each single indicator can be variously representative of the real stress field and the relative importance of all the indicators should be accounted for before any following elaboration. We propose a semi-quantitative procedure which assigns weights to each indicator on the basis of its quality and its representative volume. In this way the indicators can be reliably combined to produce, for example, stress field maps or stress trajectories. The proposed weighting criterion has been applied to a dataset of 440 crustal stress indicators specifically compiled, gathering focal mechanisms and geological data from the literature, and original data from structural features derived from devoted fieldwork, for the southern part of the Calabrian Arc (Italy). This area represents an interesting case study because of its complex geodynamic and structural arrangement. Data were ranked and the orientation of the minimum horizontal stress (Sh) has been interpolated and smoothed on a regular grid. We drew maps of the principal stress axes and inferred the stress regimes over the investigated area. Results are in agreement with independent information from the literature and display the non-uniform orientation of the tectonic stresses and the occurrence of perturbations both at regional and local scale.
The Concept of Moral Conscience in Ancient Greek Philosophy
Authors: Mantzanas Michail
Published: January 2021

The concept of consciousness in ancient Greek philosophy, concerns the internal autonomy and philosophical freedom from the condemnation of ignorance of both the foreign and the domestic world. The ancient Greek philosophers pointed out the value of the dialectic with the inner self to the problem of moral conscience and handed us a legacy of values and the primacy of reason. The concept of moral consciousness in ancient Greek philosophy. The article examines the concept of moral consciousness in ancient Greek philosophy. The purpose of the article is to investigate the moral question related to whether moral concepts have a subjective or an objective basis. In addition, the article demonstrates the unaffected by time significance of the concept of moral consciousness, as well as its connection with the reality of moral concepts, moral propositions, moral judgments, moral man, moral law, moral idealism, moral naturalism and moral relativism. Moral consciousness is the mirror of our self-knowledge.
Enhancement of pyocyanin production by subinhibitory concentration of royal jelly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Amly Dina Auliya , Hajardhini Puspita , Jonarta Alma Linggar , Yulianto Heribertus Dedy Kusuma , Susilowati Heni
Published: January 2021

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacterium, produces pyocyanin, a virulence factor associated with antibiotic tolerance. High concentrations of royal jelly have an antibacterial effect, which may have the potential to overcome antibacterial resistance. However, in some cases, antibiotic tolerance can occur due to prolonged stress of low-dose antibacterial agents. This study aimed to investigate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of royal jelly on bacterial growth and pyocyanin production of P. aeruginosa.

Methods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC® 10145™ and clinical isolates were cultured in BHI media for 18 hours followed by optical density measurements at 600 nm wavelength to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). After 36 hours of incubation, pyocyanin production was observed by measuring the absorbance at 690 nm. Pyocyanin concentrations were calculated using extinction coefficient 4310 M-1cm-1.

Results: Results of the MIC tests of both strains were 25%. The highest production of pyocyanin was observed in the subinhibitory concentration group 6.25%, which gradually decreased along with the decrease of royal jelly concentration. Results of one-way ANOVA tests differed significantly in pyocyanin production of the two strains between the royal jelly groups. Tukey HSD test showed concentrations of 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125% significantly increased pyocyanin production of ATCC® 10145™, and the concentrations of 12.5% and 6.25% significantly increased production of the clinical isolates.

Conclusions: This study concluded royal jelly concentrations of 25% or above could inhibit bacterial growth; however, only the concentrations of 12.5% and 6.25% could increase pyocyanin production in P. aeruginosa, both in ATCC® 10145™ and clinical isolates. In conclusion, it is advisable to determine the appropriate concentration of royal jelly to obtain beneficial virulence inhibiting activity.
Case Report: Successful revascularization in massive pulmonary embolism with a large protruding thrombus and dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Susilo Hendri , Julario Rerdin , Dyah Kencono Wungu Citrawati
Published: January 2021

Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition. Despite advances in diagnostics, lack of consensus and delays in determining the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism are still important problems. We report the diagnosis and management of a 37-year-old man suffering from massive pulmonary embolism, a large protruding thrombus, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography showed dilatation of all cardiac chambers, a large protruding thrombus in the right atrium to the inferior vena cava, impaired left and right ventricular systolic function, and global hypokinetic of the left ventricle with eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy. A thoracic computerized tomography scan showed pulmonary embolism with infarction. The patient’s blood pressure was 60/40 mmHg and heart rate was 110 bpm. The patient was diagnosed with high-risk acute pulmonary embolism. We gave him hemodynamic support and reperfusion therapy with a loading dose of 250,000 units of Streptokinase followed by 100,000 units/hour for 24 hours. After revascularization, the patient's hemodynamic condition improved. The diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism is based on clinical symptoms, hemodynamic changes, or radiological examination. Unstable hemodynamic underlies high-risk stratification. Hypotension or shock results from obstruction of the pulmonary artery which causes increased right ventricular afterload and acute right ventricular dysfunction. Reperfusion with thrombolysis therapy could provide good outcomes in this patient. Prolonged anticoagulation should be given to prevent the recurrence of venous thromboembolism.
Always leave the audience wanting more: An entertaining approach to stimulate engagement with health research among publics in coastal Kenya through ‘Magnet Theatre’
Authors: Sanga Gladys , Jao Irene , Mumba Noni , Mwalukore Salim , Kamuya Dorcas , Davies Alun
Published: January 2021

Background: Magnet Theatre (MT), a form of participatory community theatre, is one of several public engagement approaches used to facilitate engagement between KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) researchers and public audiences in Coastal Kenya. We describe how we used MT as an entertaining forum where audiences learn about research, and where researchers learn about how the public views research.

Methods: Drama scripts depicting community interaction with different aspects of research were developed iteratively with research staff, a theatre company and community members. Six fortnightly theatre outreaches per site over two months, attracting a total of 1454 audience members were held in Mida, a rural village 30 km north of Kilifi; and in Mtwapa, a peri-urban town 45 km to the south. Audiences were presented with dramatized health research-related dilemmas and subsequently invited to enact their responses. Evaluation comprised, notes and observations from meetings, rehearsals and outreaches, transcripts from a review workshop with repeat audience members (n=21), a reflection meeting with KWTRP engagement staff (n=12), and a group discussion with the theatre company (n=9). Discussions were recorded, transcribed, translated to English and analysed using thematic approach.

Results: Despite being costly in terms of time and expense, we argue that MT in public spaces can assist audience members to navigate ‘border-crossings’ between everyday contexts and scientific/research concepts. This can enable audiences to share their views and concerns and enact their responses to research-related dilemmas.

Conclusions: While reporting on MT’s successes, drawing from literature on rumours, we acknowledge the limitations of individual engagement activities in providing long-term solutions to address alternative interpretations and rumours about research, in the context of local and global inequities. MT, however, presents an opportunity for researchers to express respect to public audiences through making research more accessible and providing opportunities to listen to public views and concerns.
O MÉTODO MULTITRAÇO-MULTIMÉTODO NA VALIDAÇÃO DE INSTRUMENTOS DE MEDIDA EM DIETA INFANTIL
Authors: Marchitto Rebeca Regly , Barros Maria Elisa , Lanzillotti Regina Serrão , Lanzillotti Haydée Serrão
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a validade convergente e discriminante de um questionário destinado a responsáveis pela alimentação da criança sobre a adoção do óleo vegetal in natura de acréscimo na dieta infantil como estratégia de aumento da densidade energética. Metodologia: Algoritmo Matriz Multitraço-Multimétodo (MTMM) tendo como entrada matrizes de correlação dos escores dos itens do questionário referentes a Escala Likert.  Resultados: O estudo amostral transversal com 300 responsáveis pela alimentação de crianças menores de dois anos realizado nos ambulatórios de pediatria de uma operadora de planos de saúde (SJM) e da Policlínica Piquet Carneiro da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PPC). Os valores da matriz Multitraço-Monométodo foram considerados de significância aceitável para as duas Unidades de Saúde, mas ao agregá-las, há uma perda na qualidade inferencial das correlações, explicada pela diferença da estrutura funcional das unidades. A matriz de correlação Multitraço-Multimétodo apresentou um grande número de correlações fracas entre diferentes traços (itens) medidos em PPC/UERJ e SJM (método), variando de -0,20 a 0,20, o que corrobora a validade discriminante. As correlações na diagonal de validade convergente para a PPC/UERJ variaram de -0,41 a 0,36 até 0,79, o que denota validade convergente. De forma análoga, em SJM, as correlações variaram de -0,23 a 0,90, podendo-se inferir sobre o alcance desta validade. Conclusão: O instrumento proposto apresentou evidências de validade discriminante e convergente.
LENDO A QUARENTENA
Authors: Carvalho Lucas Bandeira de Melo
Published: January 2021

Este artigo é uma tentativa de abordar as práticas de leitura e escrita em momentos de emergência usando como método o ensaio pessoal, isto é, uma investigação, a partir de uma experiência individual mas compartilhada, da relação entre sujeito e texto durante eventos que modificam a percepção de tempo e espaço. Parte-se dessa experiência compartilhada – a reclusão mais ou menos voluntária no primeiro semestre de 2020 em decorrência da pandemia mundial da Covid-19 – para investigar de que maneira um evento como esse transforma a maneira como escolhemos e nos relacionamos com textos antigos e contemporâneos, artísticos e jornalísticos, com ênfase na leitura dos diários produzidos e publicados durante o primeiro semestre de 2020. O artigo também pretende fazer um mapeamento inicial e subjetivo dos textos testemunhais publicados sobre a pandemia. O objetivo não é construir uma tipologia atemporal das formas de leitura ou dos diários, mas descrever estratégias possíveis de leitura e escrita mediadas pela ideia de emergência.
A ficção e o documento Uma leitura de Mulheres Empilhadas de Patrícia Melo e de Garotas Mortas de Selva Almada
Authors: AZEVEDO LUCIENE
Published: January 2021

O ensaio tem como principal objetivo refletir sobre a relação entre a literatura e o documento. Se por um lado podemos identificar um interesse teórico por essa relação e um incremento de uma nomenclatura que tenta captura esse impulso, como a ideia de narrações documentais (RUFFEL, 2012), factografias (ZENETTI, 2011) ou ainda o que Paula Klein (2019) chama de uma poética de arquivos, também é possível identificar que nos últimos anos muitas obras incorporam fotos, materiais de arquivo e anotações do processo de escrita para construir narrativas que põem em xeque seu estatuto ficcional, embora nem sempre essas obras repudiem a chancela do gênero romance. Nesse sentido, me interessa resgatar o argumento principal desenvolvido por Flora Sussekind em Tal Brasil, qual Romance (1984) para pensar o que poderia ser considerada uma outra guinada documental da literatura contemporânea. Sussekind afirma que a insistência cíclica da literatura brasileira em uma estética naturalista (mais que realista) faz com que as obras neguem sua própria construção enquanto linguagem, pois tomam como paradigma a objetividade e a veracidade que o documento pode garantir à ficção. Se é verdade que desde o início do século XXI podemos falar de uma “fome de real” (SHIELDS, 2010), o ensaio quer investigar como a utilização de dados factuais (como reprodução de processos jurídicos e reportagens) pode ter muitas nuances. Por um lado, pode servir, sim, para revigorar uma tradição realista que valoriza o mimetismo da ficção em relação ao real, utilizando o documento como prova, mas também é possível arriscar que a tensão criada pela apropriação de fontes documentais por muitas narrativas contemporâneas pode indiciar uma tentativa de redefinir o valor e novas fronteiras para o que entendemos como ficção. Para discutir melhor esse pressuposto, tomaremos para análise Mulheres Empilhadas (2019) de Patrícia Melo e Garotas Mortas (2014) de Selva Almada.
A ORGANIZAÇÃO ARGUMENTATIVA NO ACONSELHAMENTO DO PASTOR SILAS MALAFAIA SOBRE O CANDIDATO À PRESIDÊNCIA FERNANDO HADDAD
Authors: Melo Mônica Souza
Published: January 2021

Este artigo tem visa estudar a organização argumentativa de um aconselhamento do pastor Silas Malafaia publicado nas redes sociais e abordar a articulação entre os domínios de prática discursiva religioso e político nessa publicação. Trata-se de um vídeo publicado pelo pastor Silas Malafaia, no qual ele aconselha os internautas a não votarem no então candidato à presidência da República do Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT), Fernando Haddad. Adotamos, para isso, como eixo teórico a Análise Semiolinguística de Charaudeau. Tal estudo nos permitiu identificar como o discurso de Malafaia concilia componentes dos domínios religioso e político, recorrendo a categorias linguísticas e discursivas, ordenadas em função da finalidade de incitação, e submetidas à organização argumentativa do discurso.