bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colitis aggravated by Mrgprb2 knockout is associated with altered immune response, intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota
Authors: Shao Ming , Liu Jingwen , Luo Hesheng
Published: November 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune‐related disease, and changes in the intestinal microbiota and damage to the intestinal barrier contribute to its pathogenesis. Mast cells (MCs) are widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract and are thought to be related to the pathogenesis of UC. Human mas‐related G protein‐coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) and its mouse homologue, Mrgprb2, are selectively expressed on MCs to recruit immune cells and modulate host defence against microbial infection. To investigate the role of Mrgprb2 in UC in mice, we compared the differences between Mrgprb2 knockout (b2KO) male mice and wild‐type (WT) male mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in the severity of clinical symptoms, inflammatory cell infiltration, degree of intestinal barrier damage and composition of the intestinal flora. The results showed that weight loss, disease activity index score, colon shortening and colonic pathological damage were significantly increased in b2KO mice while MC activation, cytokine and chemokine secretion, and inflammatory cell infiltration were decreased. In addition, the abundance and diversity of the intestinal microbiota were reduced in b2KO mice. B2KO mice also exhibited a reduction of probiotics such as norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillus and increase of harmful bacteria like Escherichia–Shigella. Intestinal mucosal barrier damage of b2KO mice was more severe than that of WT mice due to the attenuated expression of mucin‐2 and occludin. These results demonstrated that MRGPRB2 may have a protective effect on DSS‐induced colitis by altering the intestinal flora, participating in barrier repair and recruiting inflammatory cells to eliminate pathogens.
Cuestionar las cifras: Límites de Encuesta Intercensal 2015 para la población afrodescendiente en México
Authors: Lara Millán Gloria
Published: November 2022

En el contexto del Decenio internacional para los afrodescendientes (2015-2024) proclamado por la ONU, el gobierno mexicano elaboró un plan de trabajo acorde a los planteamientos internacionales y al cumplimiento de las observaciones realizadas por el Comité para la Eliminación de la Discriminación Racial (CERD). Una de las tareas gubernamentales todavía pendiente es la caracterización y comprensión de las dinámicas poblacionales afrodescendientes en el país. Lo anterior, supone la identificación numérica y espacial de las poblaciones en cuestión, así como indicadores asociados a sus condiciones de vida y oportunidades de desarrollo de las mismas. La encuesta intercensal (EIC) aplicada en 2015, constituye el primer registro gubernamental que recopila un muestreo de datos al respecto. La investigación que se presenta trata de analizar los resultados cuantitativos de la EIC2015 para contrastar y cuestionar las cifras de resultados que se arrojan. Los números que se muestran tienen serias implicaciones en torno a la comprensión de los contextos diversos en los que habitan estas poblaciones, así como en las demandas de reconocimiento étnico. El trabajo se sustenta en documentos y trabajo de campo realizado principalmente en el estado de Oaxaca, lugar donde se encuentra un importante número de organizaciones que promueven el reconocimiento étnico en la constitución del país. La comunicación pretende profundizar en las formas de inclusión de estas poblaciones a través de instrumentos censales.
Advances in diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer
Authors: Chovanec Michal , Cheng Liang
Published: November 2022

Testicular cancer is a curable cancer. The success of physicians in curing the disease is underpinned by multidisciplinary advances. Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy and the refinement of post-chemotherapy surgical procedures and diagnostic strategies have greatly improved long term survival in most patients. Despite such excellent outcomes, several controversial dilemmas exist in the approaches to clinical stage I disease, salvage chemotherapy, post-chemotherapy surgical procedures, and implementing innovative imaging studies. Relapse after salvage chemotherapy has a poor prognosis and the optimal treatment is not apparent. Recent research has provided insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance. Phase 2 studies with targeted agents have failed to show adequate efficacy; however, our understanding of cisplatin resistant disease is rapidly expanding. This review summarizes recent advances and discusses relevant issues in the biology and management of testicular cancer.
One-year mortality after acute stroke: a prospective cohort study from a comprehensive stroke care centre, Kerala, India
Authors: Nambiar Vivek , Raj Manu , Vasudevan Damodaran , Bhaskaran Renjitha , Sudevan Remya
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The primary objective was to report the 1-year all-cause mortality among patients with stroke. The secondary objectives were (1) to report the mortality stratified by type of stroke and sex and (2) to report predictors of 1-year mortality among patients with stroke.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

Institutional–stroke care unit of a tertiary care hospital

Participants

Patients who were treated in the study institution during 2016–2020 for acute stroke and were followed up for a period of 1 year after stroke in the same institution.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measures were the mortality proportion of any stroke and first ever stroke cohorts at select time points, including in-hospital stay, along with 2 weeks, 2 months, 6 months and 1 year after index stroke. The secondary outcomes were (1) mortality proportions stratified by sex and type of stroke and (2) predictors of 1-year mortality for any stroke and first ever stroke.

Results

We recruited a total of 1336 patients. The mean age of participants was 61.6 years (13.5 years). The mortality figures for 2 weeks, 2 months, 6 months and 12 months after discharge were 79 (5.9%), 88 (6.7%), 101 (7.6%) and 114 (8.5%), respectively, in the full cohort. The in-hospital mortality was 45 (3.4%). The adjusted analysis revealed 3 predictors for 1-year mortality after first ever stroke—age, pre-treatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at baseline. The same for the full cohort had only two predictors—age and pre-treatment NIHSS score.

Conclusion

Mortality of stroke at 1-year follow-up in the study population is low in comparison to several studies published earlier. The predictors of 1-year mortality after stroke included age, NIHSS score at baseline and mRS score at baseline.
Exploration of physiotherapists’ use of motor control strategies for the treatment of idiopathic toe walking in children: a qualitative study
Authors: Caserta Antoni , Morgan Prue , Williams Cylie
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To explore how motor control interventions are conceptualised during treatment of children with idiopathic toe walking (ITW) by physiotherapists in Australia and USA.

Design

A thematic content framework qualitative design was used to triangular the theories underpinning motor control interventions and participant responses.

Participants

Ten paediatric physiotherapists were recruited from Australia and USA. Participation was only open to physiotherapists who provided treatment to children with ITW.

Results

Physiotherapists defined the motor control interventions used for children with ITW as having the following non-hierarchical key elements:use of repetition; task scaffolding; encouraging error recognition; and, active and/or passive movements. Physiotherapists also described two superordinate themes; (1) We see motor control through the lens of how we view managementand (2) Idiopathic toe walking treatment is a game with rules that are made to be broken.

Conclusions

Treatment of ITW continues to challenge clinicians. Physiotherapists viewed their approach to ITW management being evidence- informed, underpinned by motor learning theories, movement strategies and organisational treatment frameworks or guidelines to fit their individual childrens’ needs. Future research should investigate if this approach affords more favourable outcomes for children with ITW gait.
Remote monitoring in patients with heart failure with cardiac implantable electronic devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: McGee Michael J , Ray Max , Brienesse Stepehn C , Sritharan Shanathan , Boyle Andrew J , Jackson Nicholas , Leitch James W , Sverdlov Aaron L
Published: November 2022

Background

Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is now the standard of care, but whether the demonstrated benefits of RM translate into improvements in heart failure (HF) management is controversial. This systematic review addresses the role of RM in patients with HF with a CIED.

Methods and results

A systematic search of the literature for randomised clinical trials in patients with HF and a CIED assessing efficacy/effectiveness of RM was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase. Meta-analysis was performed on the effects of RM of CIEDs in patients with HF on mortality and readmissions. Effects on implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) therapy, healthcare costs and clinic presentations were also assessed.

607 articles were identified and refined to 10 studies with a total of 6579 patients. Implementation of RM was not uniform with substantial variation in methodology across the studies. There was no reduction in mortality or hospital readmission rates, while ICD therapy findings were inconsistent. There was a reduction in patient-associated healthcare costs and reduction in healthcare presentations.

Conclusion

RM for patients with CIEDs and HF was not uniformly performed. As currently implemented, RM does not provide a benefit on overall mortality or the key metric of HF readmission. It does provide a reduction in healthcare costs and healthcare presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019129270.
$$M_W$$, dark matter and $$a_\mu $$ in the NMSSM
Authors: Domingo Florian , Ellwanger Ulrich , Hugonie Cyril
Published: November 2022

We study regions in the parameter space of the NMSSM which are able to simultaneously explain the current measured values for the W mass $$M_W$$

M
W

and the muon anomalous magnetic moment $$a_\mu $$

a
μ

, and provide a dark matter relic density consistent with the observations as well as constraints from detection experiments. The corresponding regions feature light charginos and sleptons in the 100 GeV–1 TeV range, at least some of them with masses below 175 GeV such such that the electroweakly-interacting SUSY particles generate sufficiently large contributions to $$M_W$$

M
W

. The LSP is always singlino-like with a mass below 150 GeV, and could possibly remain invisible even at future detection experiments. Decays of electroweak sparticles proceed through cascades via staus and/or sleptons which makes their detection challenging. We propose benchmark points for future searches of such sparticles. The lightest CP-even scalar may have a mass in the 95–98 GeV range with, however, modest signal rates in view of the mild excesses reported in this range at LEP and by CMS at the LHC.
Symmetry analysis and soliton–cnoidal solutions of the negative-order Calogero–Bogoyavlenskii–Schiff equation in fluid mechanics
Authors: Hu Hengchun , Li Yaqi
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a special integrable negative-order Calogero–Bogoyavlenskii–Schiff equation (nCBS) in fluid mechanics is studied by means of the symmetry reduction method and consistent tanh expansion method. The Painlevé integrability is investigated to confirm the compatibility conditions. This integrable nCBS equation has been transformed into different reduction equations and the corresponding invariant solutions with arbitrary functions are obtained. The corresponding structures of the invariant solutions for the nCBS equation are also shown graphically. At last, new types of soliton–cnoidal interaction solutions for the nCBS equation are presented through the consistent tanh expansion method on the basis of the truncated Painlevé expansion.
A theoretical study on the impact of centrifugal potential and fragment identification in the decay of compound nuclei (ACN = 60&100)
Authors: Sarkar Gayatri , Kaur Amandeep , Maiti Moumita , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: November 2022

Decay analysis of compound nuclei such as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] formed in [Formula: see text]Ca and [Formula: see text]Ni reactions, respectively, is studied using two theoretical frameworks, dynamical cluster-decay model (DCM) and PACE4. To explore the decay dynamics in a relatively lighter mass region [Formula: see text], two more reactions are picked (i) [Formula: see text]Mg forming the [Formula: see text] compound nucleus, (ii) another one involving the odd mass projectile, [Formula: see text]. In DCM, the fusion excitation functions are calculated using sticking [Formula: see text] and nonsticking [Formula: see text] limits of the moment of inertia. For the chosen reactions, fusion cross-sections are equivalent to evaporation residue (ER) cross-sections [Formula: see text] as fission cross-sections are negligible. A lower magnitude of maximum angular momentum [Formula: see text] is obtained via the [Formula: see text] approach in comparison to the [Formula: see text] approach and the angular momentum obtained via the [Formula: see text] approach is closer to the experimental observations. The structure and magnitude of fragmentation potential and preformation probability [Formula: see text] depend on the choice of moment of inertia and the magnitude of angular momentum involved. Besides this, PACE4 is employed to address the fusion cross-section of chosen reactions. The most probable decay channel is identified using both DCM and PACE4 approaches.
THE GROWTH OF PRECIPITATES IN A SOLUTION WITH CROSS DIFFUSION BETWEEN SOLUTES
Authors: ZHANG MINGLI , CHEN MINGWEN , YANG CHUNMEI , WANG ZIDONG
Published: November 2022

The growth of precipitates in a solution system is studied using the asymptotic method, taking into account the cross diffusion between solutes. The resulting asymptotic solution for the dynamic model of the precipitate growing in the solution reveals that the concentration distribution is significantly changed by the cross diffusion between solutes and the growth of precipitate depends not only on the self diffusion of solutes, but also on the diffusive interaction between solutes. The attractive diffusive interaction between solutes in the solution enhances the solute diffusion and facilitates the growth of precipitate, whereas the repulsive diffusive interaction between solutes depresses the solute diffusion and inhibits the growth of precipitate.
Novel soliton solutions, local excitations and fractal structures of nonlinear breaking soliton equation
Authors: Wang S.-F.
Published: November 2022

The model of ([Formula: see text])-dimensional breaking soliton equation is proposed, and the novel soliton solutions are derived by using the variable separation and extended mapping approach of Riccati equation and then, the propagation dynamics of the solutions which include multi-dromions, ring breather, fusion solitons and other multi-solitons are also constructed. Furthermore, the rich local excitations and fractal structures are investigated. The simulation results verify the proposed scheme. It can get more abundant local excitation structures than the ([Formula: see text])-dimensional nonlinear systems and it has potential values for certain applications in optical field.
Research on the detection of early caries based on hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhang Haoying , Lai Guangyun , Hu Songzhu , Wang Jun , Zhang Dawei
Published: November 2022

Objective: We applied hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system to distinguish early caries from sound and pigmented areas. It will provide a theoretical basis and technical support, for research and development of an instrument that could be used for screening and detection of early dental caries.

Methods: Eighteen extracted human teeth (molars and premolars), with varying degrees of natural pathology and no degree of decay involving dentin were obtained. HSI system with a wavelength range from 400 to 1000[Formula: see text]nm was used to obtain images of all 18 teeth containing sound, carious and pigmented areas. We compared the spectra of the wavebands at both 500[Formula: see text]nm and 780[Formula: see text]nm from the different tooth states, and the reflectance difference between sound versus carious lesions and sound versus pigmented areas, respectively.

Results: There was a slight difference in reflectance between carious areas and pigmented areas at 500[Formula: see text]nm. A substantial difference was additionally noted in reflectance between carious areas and pigmented areas at 780[Formula: see text]nm.

Conclusion: The results have shown that the interference of tooth surface pigment can be eliminated in the near-infrared (NIR) waveband, and the caries can be effectively identified from the pigmented areas. Thus, it could be used to detect carious areas of teeth in place of the traditional visual inspection method or white light endoscopy.

Clinical significance: The NIR diffused light signal enables the identification of early caries from pigment and other interference, providing a reasonable detection tool for early detection and early treatment of teeth diseases.
Emotional 3D speech visualization from 2D audio visual data
Authors: Guillermo Luis , Rojas Jose-Maria , Ugarte Willy
Published: November 2022

Visual speech is hard to recreate by human hands because animation itself is a time-consuming task: both precision and detail must be considered and match the expectations of the developers, but above all, those of the audience. To solve this problem, some approaches has been designed to help accelerate the animation of characters faces, as procedural animation or speech-lip synchronization, where the most common areas for researching these methods are Computer Vision and Machine Learning. However, in general, these tools can have any of these main problems: difficulty on adapting to another language, subject or animation software, high hardware specifications, or the results can be receipted as robotic. Our work presents a Deep Learning model for automatic expressive facial animation using audio. We extract generic audio features from expressive audio speeches rich in phonemes for nonidiom focus speech processing and emotion recognition. From videos used for training, we extracted the landmarks for frame-speech targeting and have the model learn animation for phonemes pronunciation. We evaluated four variants of our model (two function losses and with emotion conditioning) by using a user perspective survey where the one using a Reconstruction Loss Function with emotion training conditioning got more natural results and score in synchronization with the approval of the majority of interviewees. For perception of naturalness, it obtained a 38.89% of the total votes of approval and for language synchronization obtained the highest average score with 65.55% (98.33 of a 150 total points) for English, German and Korean languages.
Chapter 9. Application of sequence stratigraphy to the evaluation of selected North Sea Jurassic hydrocarbon fields and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects
Authors: Copestake Philip
Published: November 2022

The application of sequence stratigraphic concepts and methods augments the efficient development of North Sea hydrocarbon fields with Jurassic reservoirs. In particular, the approach provides enhancements to the development of robust reservoir zonations, more accurate assessments of the extent and continuity of reservoir zones and flow units, clearer identification and prediction of the most productive reservoir intervals, improved understanding of field-wide pressure barriers or baffles to fluid flow, and enhanced reservoir models. In addition, carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Jurassic rocks will benefit from the adoption of a sequence stratigraphic approach by enhancing the understanding of storage unit architecture, connectivity and top seals. In this chapter, these applications are discussed with reference to around 20 case studies from the North Sea Basin.
Spillover effects in online field experiments
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Liu Tracy Xiao
Published: November 2022

Here we provide an overview of an important issue in online field experiments: spillover effects. We include a reading list for researchers in both academia and industry who are interested in this topic.
Bioinformatic Exploration of Hub Genes and Potential Therapeutic Drugs for Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Chen Ai , Wu Weibin , Lin Siming , Xie Liangdi
Published: November 2022

Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a fatal chronic pulmonary circulatory disease, characterized by hypoxic pulmonary vascular constriction and remodeling. Studies performed to date have confirmed that endothelial dysfunction plays crucial roles in HPH, while the underlying mechanisms have not been fully revealed. The microarray dataset GSE11341 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between hypoxic and normoxic microvascular endothelial cell, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) annotation/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Next, GSE160255 and RT-qPCR were used to validate hub genes. Meanwhile, GO/KEGG and GSEA were performed for each hub gene to uncover the potential mechanism. A nomogram based on hub genes was established. Furthermore, mRNA-miRNA network was predicted by miRNet, and the Connectivity Map (CMAP) database was in use to identify similarly acting therapeutic candidates. A total of 148 DEGs were screened in GSE11341, and three hub genes (VEGFA, CDC25A, and LOX) were determined and validated via GSE160255 and RT-qPCR. Abnormalities in the pathway of vascular smooth muscle contraction, lysosome, and glycolysis might play important roles in HPH pathogenesis. The hub gene-miRNA network showed that hsa-mir-24-3p, hsa-mir-124-3p, hsa-mir-195-5p, hsa-mir-146a-5p, hsa-mir-155-5p, and hsa-mir-23b-3p were associated with HPH. And on the basis of the identified hub genes, a practical nomogram is developed. To repurpose known and therapeutic drugs, three candidate compounds (procaterol, avanafil, and lestaurtinib) with a high level of confidence were obtained from the CMAP database. Taken together, the identification of these three hub genes, enrichment pathways, and potential therapeutic drugs might have important clinical implications for HPH diagnosis and treatment.
Sinc Interpolation for Further Improvement in Frequency Estimation Using Three DFT Samples
Authors: Bayazit Hasan , Dilaveroğlu Erdoğan
Published: November 2022

This study presents three different sinc estimators and a method to estimate complex-valued exponential tone signal frequency using three DFT samples. The proposed method suggests using sinc interpolation together with the well-known Jacobsen estimator. According to simulation results, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the proposed algorithm is lower than those of the Jacobsen estimator and its improved version suggested by Candan. The price paid for improvements in the RMSE is a slight increase in computation time.
The Clinical, Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Prognostic Characteristics of Brain Metastases in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mirmoeeni Seyyedmohammadsadeq , Azari Jafari Amirhossein , Shah Muffaqam , Salemi Fateme , Hashemi Seyedeh Zohreh , Seifi Ali
Published: November 2022

Aim. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common nonskin malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. The most common site of metastasis in PCa is the axial skeleton which may lead to back pain or pathological fractures. Hematogenous spread to the brain and involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) are a rare occurrence. However, failed androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may facilitate such a spread resulting in an advanced metastatic stage of PCa, which carries a poor prognosis. Methods. In this systematic review, we searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science online databases based on the PRISMA guideline and used all the medical subject headings (MeSH) in terms of the following search line: (“Brain Neoplasms” OR “Central Nervous System Neoplasms”) and (“Prostatic Neoplasms” OR “Prostate”). Related studies were identified and reviewed. Results. A total of 59 eligible studies (902 patients) were included in this systematic review. In order to gain a deeper understanding, we extracted and presented the data from included articles based on clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and prognostic status of PCa patients having BMs. Conclusion. We have demonstrated the current knowledge regarding the mechanism, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and prognosis of BMs in PCa. These data shed more light on the way to help clinicians and physicians to understand, diagnose, and manage BMs in PCa patients better.
A Two-Stage Optimization Model of Capacity Allocation and Regulation Operation for Virtual Power Plant
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Fulin , Wang Zhiyi , Zhang Bo , Qu Diqing , Lv Qi , Liu Dunnan
Published: November 2022

Capacity allocation and optimal scheduling of virtual power plants (VPP) are important aspects to ensure the effectiveness of system investment and operational economy. In this study, a two-stage optimization model for capacity planning and regulation operation of VPPs considering source-load-storage resources is constructed. In the first stage, a capacity optimization model is constructed for the VPP with the lowest annual economic cost under the refinement constraints of source-storage resources. In the second stage, based on the capacity allocation results and load characteristics, a source-load interactive operation optimization model with the lowest typical daily operating cost and incentive-based demand response is constructed under the resource capacity constraint, so as to realize the capacity allocation and energy control of the VPPs in all stages of source-load-storage resources. Finally, a planning solver is applied to solve the algorithm. The proposed model is validated. The results show that the presence or absence of demand response, the form of demand response, and the charge state of energy storage all have an impact on the allocation and operation results. Adequate consideration of the source-side, load-side, and storage-side interactions can provide a reference for more accurate planning and optimization. The research results are intended to be able to provide VPPs investors and operators with a full process of construction and operation solutions.
Wideband mmWave MIMO: One Prior-Aided LAMP-Based Network Combining with Residual Learning for Beamspace Channel Estimation
Authors: Zhu Chunhua , Ji Qinwen , Guo Xinying
Published: November 2022

Existing channel estimation schemes for wideband systems generally estimate the channel matrix by pre-estimating the common support, which has a limited validity owing to the effect of beam squint. It is worth noting that the learned approximate message passing (LAMP) network need not pre-estimate the support and has obtained a relatively reliable estimation quality in the narrowband systems. In order to degrade the performance penalty caused by inaccurate estimation of the support in the wideband millimeter-wave MIMO systems, a prior-aided Gaussian mixture LAMP (GM-LAMP) network combining with residual learning is presented. Specifically, the multicarrier Gaussian mixture threshold shrinkage function is constructed for the GM-LAMP network, which can directly estimate the wideband beamspace channel while avoiding pre-estimating the support; then, considering the impact of channel noise and the coarse estimation error by the GM-LAMP, a residual network (ResNet) is designed to improve the estimation performance. Simulation results validate the efficiency of the proposed network (referred to as GLAMP-ResNet) with the lower computational complexity compared with the existing schemes.
Three-dimensional Imaging Reveals Immune-driven Tumor-associated High Endothelial Venules as a Key Correlate of Tumor Rejection Following Depletion of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Milutinovic Stefan , Abe Jun , Jones Emma , Kelch Inken , Smart Kathryn , Lauder Sarah N. , Somerville Michelle , Ware Carl , Godkin Andrew , Stein Jens V. , Bogle Gib , Gallimore Awen
Published: November 2022

High endothelial venules (HEV) are specialized post capillary venules that recruit naïve T cells and B cells into secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) such as lymph nodes (LN). Expansion of HEV networks in SLOs occurs following immune activation to support development of an effective immune response. In this study, we used a carcinogen-induced model of fibrosarcoma to examine HEV remodeling after depletion of regulatory T cells (Treg). We used light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging to visualize entire HEV networks, subsequently applying computational tools to enable topological mapping and extraction of numerical descriptors of the networks. While these analyses revealed profound cancer- and immune-driven alterations to HEV networks within LNs, these changes did not identify successful responses to treatment. The presence of HEV networks within tumors did however clearly distinguish responders from nonresponders. Finally, we show that a successful treatment response is dependent on coupling tumor-associated HEV (TA-HEV) development to T-cell activation implying that T-cell activation acts as the trigger for development of TA-HEVs which subsequently serve to amplify the immune response by facilitating extravasation of T cells into the tumor mass.

Significance:

We used three-dimensional imaging methods with computational tools to analyze networks of specialized blood vessels called HEVs in LNs and tumors. By applying these techniques in a mouse model of carcinogen-induced tumors, we could identify network changes after depletion of Tregs.
Proposição de wetlands como Solução Baseada na Natureza para situações emergenciais: o caso da Vila Gênesis, Campinas
Authors: Murakava Karen , Luz Vera Santana
Published: November 2022

Perante a contradição entre o direito à habitação e o direito ao meio ambiente, são priorizadas formas de provimento imediato e emergencial de populações, como suprimento da demanda não atendida pelo estado quanto ao déficit de moradia e de saneamento, inclusive para proteção do sistema hídrico. Mediante a precariedade da infraestrutura sanitária em áreas periféricas urbanas, caracterizadas por fragilidades socioespaciais e ambientais, elegeu-se o estudo de caso de setor da Vila Gênesis, Campinas, onde há uma comunidade ocupando área definida como de proteção ambiental, lindeira ao Ribeirão Anhumas. O artigo apresenta a investigação de tratamento de esgotos através de processo de fitorremediação por wetlands ou jardins filtrantes como Solução baseada na Natureza (SbN), buscando evitar a contaminação, com técnicas de fácil instalação e manutenção, com potencial de qualidade paisagística, no recorte territorial estabelecido, que padece pela precariedade das habitações e ausência de infraestruturas, vertendo o esgoto diretamente no córrego. A metodologia consiste na investigação de referências bibliográficas e documentais sobre o saneamento no Brasil e em São Paulo e de técnicas de fitorremediação por sistemas wetlands ou jardins filtrantes, para proceder a ensaios de instalação no estudo de caso, mediante levantamento cartográfico e aerofotogramétrico. Os estudos teóricos e os dados urbano-territoriais e marcos legais levantados apontaram para o déficit de saneamento de esgotos, cujo desdobramento corrobora na importância desses sistemas para atender a carência em comunidades caracterizadas por fragilidades socioespaciais e ambientais. Os resultados alcançados apresentam um ensaio de implantação de wetlands de sistema francês como processo de tratamento de efluentes descentralizado para o estudo de caso, cujo alcance aponta para a possibilidade de replicabilidade em situações semelhantes.
Disseminação de ideias de Soluções Baseadas na Natureza: uma análise da implementação do Parque Orla de Piratininga, Niterói (RJ)
Authors: Vellozo Leticia Domingos , Santos Leticia Costa de Oliveira , Weins Niklas Werner
Published: November 2022

No processo de colocar em prática as Soluções baseadas na Natureza (SbN) no nível local, as definições e conjuntos de ferramentas se difundem entre lugares em escala global. Healey (2012) afirma que ideias “viajantes” são muito moldadas por seus locais de origem e pelos canais pelos quais viajam, mas que a história completa só é contada quando se olha para o que acontece quando a ideia “pousa”. Baseado no marco teórico sobre comunidades epistêmicas de Haas (1992) e adotando as categorias de análise sobre a transferência de política de Stone et al. (2020), esta pesquisa visa delimitar os principais atores e respectivas comunidades envolvidas na implementação de SbN. Para isso, o presente artigo traz uma análise a partir do caso do Parque Orla de Piratininga, em Niterói (RJ), apresentado como um dos primeiros projetos no Brasil que acionam SbN de forma explícita. O objetivo é traçar o uso desse termo, documentando os envolvidos direta ou indiretamente em sua implementação para analisar seu posicionamento nos arranjos internacionais e locais que favorecem sua entrada e a disseminação. Conduzimos uma análise de documentos relevantes à implementação do parque de modo a identificar os atores e outros documentos relevantes. Concluímos que para a aterrissagem da ideia é tão fundamental ter um contexto local favorável, quanto atravessamento de diferentes escalas. Estes podem ser organizações transnacionais, que pautam agendas, ou indivíduos que atuam em várias arenas. Além disso, o momento de adoção do termo SbN no nosso estudo de caso é posterior ao momento da adoção da técnica, o que sugere que há uma dinâmica de alinhamento entre os envolvidos e as técnicas já aplicadas no local, em diálogo com diretrizes de políticas globais, transformando o vocabulário técnico. Finalmente, a transferência da ideia de SbN tanto depende de uma rede de atores quanto a fortalece.
Mercantilização de Parques: o SbN na produção de Espaços Verdes em Lima
Authors: Peña Guillen Victor
Published: November 2022

Soluções baseadas na natureza (SbN), propor alternativas para aumentar o acesso aos serviços ecossistêmicos da cidade, por meio a instalação de infraestrutura natural. No entanto, devido ao seu caráter tecnicamente, essas propostas não questionam o mecanismo que produz o espaço; seu papel é principalmente orientado para fornecer o procedimento de planejamento e projetar usando as funções do ecossistema, disponíveis no local, para criar um valor que seja aceito pela sociedade. Nesse sentido, o SbN eles intervêm melhorando as funções do ecossistema. Ainda assim, a configuração territorial subjacente permanece funcional para a dinâmica capitalista de circulação de bens e distribuição desigual e acumulação de riqueza no espaço. O estudo atual aborda as estratégias de SbN e as questiona em relação à estrutura descrita de distribuição de espaço no mercado livre. O método selecionado é empregado para identificar e analisar essas estratégias utilizando o referencial teórico da Ecologia Política Urbana. Esta análise busca identificar as contribuições do NbS que buscam uma solução estrutural para a distribuição e acesso desigual dos espaços verdes urbanos. Sugere-se um direcionamento para garantir ao SbN um papel na promoção da ação social junto com a valorização dos espaços verdes. A chave para esse esforço é abraçar o caráter espacial do SbN e o grande papel que ele tem na prática e na experiência da vida social.
Quantification of the benefits derived from the Nature Based Solutions in the very arid and densified urban context of metropolitan Lima
Authors: Limache Carol Torres
Published: November 2022

Increasing the proportion of local vegetated surfaces within the highly densified context of Lima, Peru is considered a key local strategy of sustainable development. However, it may experience limitations as it could exacerbate water stress in the city. Therefore, quantifying the scale of benefits derived from local vegetated surfaces, mainly in terms of sensitivity to water use and urban temperature regulation, is necessary to optimize the management of water use for its preservation. The application of the international tool, Green Area Ratio at the local level, could contribute so that the increase in the proportion of vegetated surfaces in Lima considers a multifunctional sense to improve urban quality in different social, urban and environmental aspects.The results show that in order to be applied in the arid context of Lima, the tool would require adaptation, mainly of the scoring system, especially high values commonly assigned by foreign versions to some vegetated-based systems. This would make the version of the Green Area Ratio suggested for Lima in this study a novel and unique system, which demands further deeper research. However, it can be used as a preliminary framework based on scientific evidence, in case its official application is considered to support local sustainability guidelines and/or quality improvement plans for green areas. Its application could strengthen the implementation of multifunctional vegetable surfaces and nature-based solutions adapted to the aridity of the context.
Subverting Aristotelianism through Aristotle
Authors: Zaffino Valentina
Published: November 2022

This paper examines whether Giordano Bruno’s philosophy should be considered pantheist or immanentist—two philosophies that scholars regard as partly equivalent. However, this paper distinguishes them and argues that Bruno either identified the whole of nature with God or recognized a primary principle that is immanent, yet distinguishable, from matter. In terms of Bruno’s interpretation of the Aristotelian notions of form and matter, the difference between an immanentist view and a pantheist one lies in the role that form (or act) assumes with regard to matter (or potency). This paper maintains that Bruno interpreted and adapted Aristotle’s philosophy to find his own immanentist metaphysics, which is built on the traditional Aristotelian system. This argument was based on the reconstruction of how he used Aristotelian thought as an instrument to subvert Aristotelianism. In particular, Bruno attested that intellect exists within nature, but it is not co-extensive with the whole nature. Finally, the paper highlights how Bruno applied Aristotle’s language, method, and themes to criticize the fundamentals of Aristotelian philosophy and the related traditions.
Minimally Invasive Management of Epiphrenic Esophageal Diverticula
Authors: Matthews Brent D. , Nelms Cynthia D. , Lohr Charles E. , Harold Kristi L. , Kercher Kent W. , Heniford B. Todd
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to review our initial experience with a minimally invasive approach to manage symptomatic epiphrenic esophageal diverticula. Five patients with symptomatic epiphrenic esophageal diverticula underwent surgical management between August 1997 and December 2002. All patients complained of dysphagia; had experienced symptoms for at least 12 months; and were evaluated preoperatively by a barium esophagram, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and esophageal manometry. The epiphrenic esophageal diverticula measured 5 cm or less in all patients. Manometry demonstrated esophageal dysmotility in three patients. A minimally invasive technique was completed in all five patients. Four patients underwent laparoscopic diverticulectomy and myotomy including a concomitant Toupet fundoplication, and one patient underwent thoracoscopic diverticulectomy and myotomy. The mean operative time was 245 minutes (range 175–334). The longest operative time was for the thoracoscopic procedure. The estimated blood loss was minimal (range 30–100 cm3). The laparoscopic patients had a mean postoperative length of stay of 2.75 days (range 2–4) and the patient undergoing a thoracoscopic approach was discharged on postoperative day 6 due to a history of lung disease and home oxygen requirements. There were no other postoperative complications. After a mean follow-up of 16.2 months (range 3–36) all patients are asymptomatic. Short-term follow-up after our initial experience with minimally invasive approaches for epiphrenic esophageal diverticula demonstrates that thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approaches are feasible; safe; and effectively alleviate dysphagia, regurgitation, and other associated symptoms. Long-term outcomes should be monitored during the evolution of these novel minimally invasive techniques to ensure outcomes comparable to those of a transthoracic open approach.
Short-Term Predictors and Long-Term Outcome after Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Piper Greta , Patel Nilesh A. , Chandela Sweeta , Benckart Daniel H. , Young Joseph C. , Collela Joseph J. , Healy Dean A.
Published: November 2022

Few data exist in regard to long-term and functional outcome after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair. The present study provides such follow-up and defines the impact of variables used to grade resuscitation efforts [base deficit (BD) and core temperature (cT)]. One hundred forty-seven patients presenting with rAAA were retrospectively reviewed. Overall perioperative mortality was 35 per cent (51/147) and mean age was 72 years. Survival data were available for 99 per cent of patients with a mean and median follow-up of 45 months. Life table analysis revealed one-, 2-, and 5-year survival to be 81, 75, and 58 per cent, respectively. Eighty-three per cent of patients reported a quality of life equal to that of their preoperative status. Both initial cT ( P = 0.02) and BD ( P = 0.03) were significantly associated with perioperative mortality. Using a logistic regression model cT remained a significant factor ( P = 0.006) associated with survival. Smoking, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mode of transportation, and surgeon's training were not significant. Despite the advanced age of the present cohort, acceptable perioperative mortality and long-term survival rates were attained. The majority of patients resumed a lifestyle comparable to that of their preoperative state; therefore, long-term longitudinal follow-up suggests that aggressive management with rapid correction of BD and cT results in excellent functional outcome.
Increased Biliary Fistulas after Liver Resection with the Harmonic Scalpel
Authors: Kim Joseph , Ahmad Syed A. , Lowy Andrew M. , Buell Joseph F. , Pennington Linda J. , Soldano Debbie A. , James Laura E. , Matthews Jeffrey B. , Hanto Douglas W.
Published: November 2022

The Harmonic Scalpel (HS) is frequently used for hepatic resection. Yet, no current study addresses its utility compared to conventional methods. We reviewed our experience with this device to determine if it decreased perioperative complications when compared to the traditional clamp crushing technique. One hundred forty-nine anatomic hepatic resections were performed at our institution from September 1992 to February 2002. Patients were divided into two groups based on the technique of resection: HS [53% (n = 79)] versus clamp crushing [47% (n = 70)]. Use of the HS was associated with a shorter mean operative time (357 ± 15.0 vs. 404 ± 19.1 min; p = 0.05) and a trend toward decreased blood loss (1211 ± 125.5 vs. 1411 ± 180.7 mL; P = NS) and transfusion requirements (2.6 ± 0.5 vs. 1.7 ± 0.3 units; P = 0.10). However, use of the HS was associated with a significant increase in biliary fistulas [24% (n = 19) vs. 7% (n = 5); P = 0.01]. Use of the Harmonic Scalpel was associated with decreased operative time and a trend toward decreased blood loss and transfusion requirements. Its use was also associated with a significant increase in the incidence of postoperative bile leaks, and, therefore, surgeons must be vigilant during liver parenchymal transection when using this device.
The Evolving Management of Blunt Hepatic Trauma in a Rural Setting
Authors: Somasundar Ponnandai S. , Mucha Peter , Mcfadden David W.
Published: November 2022

Over the past decade, a nonoperative approach toward the management of blunt hepatic trauma has become prevalent at most major urban trauma centers. To determine the applicability of the nonoperative approach in a rural setting, a 10-year retrospective review was conducted at a level I rural university-based trauma center. The Census Bureau defines ruralized areas to provide a better separation of urban and rural territory and population. A ruralized area is composed of one or more places and the adjacent surrounding territory that together have a maximum of 50,000 persons. West Virginia University is classified as a rural academic medical center and is situated in Morgantown, whose permanent population does not exceed 35,000. All patients with documented blunt hepatic trauma between July 1990 and June 2000 were identified and reviewed. To evaluate evolving trends, the patients were divided into two groups: group A (July 1, 1990—June 30, 1995) and group B (July 1, 1995-June 30, 2000). There were 236 patients with documented blunt hepatic trauma identified between July 1,1990, and June 30,2000). Overall, 70 per cent of patients were managed conservatively. When comparing the two groups, statistical significance was obtained in mean hospital length of stay (LOS) [19.8 days A vs. 9.1 days B ( P < 0.0001)]; mean intensive care unit (ICU) days [15.2 days A vs. 5.3 days B ( P < 0.0001)], blood transfusion [10 units A vs. 4.2 units B ( P < 0.0016)], number of patients requiring surgery [52 (46%) A vs. 37 (30%) B ( P < 0.022)]. There was only one death associated with nonoperative management. We have shown a definite trend toward nonoperative management of blunt hepatic trauma in a rural setting over the past decade. More than 70 per cent of our liver injury patients over the past 5 years have been managed nonoperatively, with statistically significant reductions in hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and transfusion requirements. We have found a definite trend over the past decade toward nonoperative management of blunt hepatic trauma in a rural setting. The rural setting with a delay in transport time to level I trauma center also did not significantly affect the outcome of the patients with nonoperative management of liver injuries. Approximately 78 per cent of our liver injury patients over the past 5 years have been managed nonoperatively and are associated with statistically significant reductions in hospital and ICU LOS and transfusion requirements.