bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FMMEHO Based Workflow Scheduling in Virtualized Cloud Environment for Smart Irrigation System
Authors: Bhasker B. , Murali S.
Published: February 2023

Extensive and exhaustive water utilization for agriculture, industries and ground water consumption for domestic purposes has heavily deterioted the water bodies. Cloud and sensor technology is widely deployed in a several real-time applications, especially in agriculture. The transformation of data obtained from large sensor networks into a valuable knowledge and assests for applications can effectively leverage the techniques like Cloud Computing (CC). In CC, scheduling the workflow is the major concern that focuses on comprehensive execution of workflows without compromising the Quality of Service (QoS). But workflow scheduling augmented with resource allocation is extremely challenging task because of its inherent computational intensity, task dependencies, and heterogeneous cloud resources. In this article, a novel Optimum Energy and Resource Aware Workflow Scheduling (OERES) scheme that is motivated by popular Fuzzy Membership Mutation Elephant Herding Optimization (FMMEHO) algorithm is proposed, that aims to schedule the task workflow to Virtual Machines (VMs) that are involved in computation. This also concentrates on dynamically deploying and un-deploying the VMs pertaining to the task requirements. The FMMEHO algorithm is a popular nature inspired technique, which is rooted on herding patterns of the giant mammals, the elephants. This algorithm employs a clan operator that updates the location and distance of elephants depending resource and energy usage of each clan in the context of matriarch elephant. The proposed OERES schema elevates the resource utilization and simultaneously mitigates the energy usage without compromising the dependency and deadline constraints. This work uses the famous Cloud Sim simulator to simulate the underlying cloud environment to investigate the effectiveness of proposed model. The efficacy of the scheduling methods is examined based on important parameters like mean Resource Utilization (RU), Energy utilization or Consumption/ Task (ECT), Total Energy Consumption (TEC), Makespan and Execution Time per Task (ETT). The results very well portray the effectiveness of proposed OERES algorithm against already existing methods.
Blended Teaching in Health Professions Education
Authors: Samuel Anita
Published: February 2023

Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, etc.) use cutting-edge technologies in patient care. They interact with technologies daily. However, the use of technology for education has not been widely adopted by healthcare professions educators. This special issue explores how educators in different healthcare professions have adapted their teaching to the online environment. The articles in this special issue showcase the use of educational technologies in a broad health professions landscape: dental education, nursing education, medical school, and medical residency programs.
Suggested Guidelines for the Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides in Countries with Limited Resources
Authors: Ibrahim Mona Abdel-Halim , Eltayeb Nada , Ibrahim Mirna Michel , Nassar Ahmed , Daruish Maged , El-Zimaity Maha , El-Lithy Mahmoud , Mostafa Ahmed , El-Afifi Amal , Abdelbary Haitham , El-Sayed Mahira Hamdy
Published: February 2023

The treatment options for mycosis fungoides (MF) have been expanding but unfortunately many of the currently used treatment modalities are unavailable in Egypt and other African/Arab countries. In addition, there is a lack of consensus on the treatment of hypopigmented MF (HMF), which is a frequently encountered variant in our population. We aimed to develop regional treatment guidelines based on the international guidelines but modified to encompass the restricted treatment availability and our institutional experience. Special attention was also given to studies conducted on patients with skin phototype (III-IV). Treatment algorithm was formulated at Ain-Shams cutaneous lymphoma clinic through the collaboration of dermatologists, haematologists, and oncologists. Level of evidence is specified for each treatment option. For HMF, phototherapy is recommended as a first line treatment, while low-dose methotrexate is considered a second line. For early classical MF, we recommend Psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA), which is a well-tolerated treatment option in dark phenotype. Addition of either retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonist and/or methotrexate is recommended as a second line. Total skin electron beam (TSEB) is considered a third-line option. For advanced stage, PUVA plus RAR agonist and/or methotrexate is recommended as first line, TSEB or monochemotherapy is considered a second line option. Polychemotherapy is regarded as a final option. All patients with complete response (CR) enter a maintenance and follow-up schedule. We suggest a practical algorithm for the treatment of MF for patients with dark phenotype living in countries with limited resources.
Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Viral Pneumonia-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: An Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Lu-lu , Weng Heng , Li Hong-yan , Wang Xin-hang
Published: February 2023

Objectives. Appropriate mechanical ventilation may change the prognosis of patients with viral pneumonia-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the success of noninvasive ventilation in the management of patients with ARDS secondary to respiratory viral infection. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, all patients with viral pneumonia-associated ARDS were divided into the noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) success group and the NIV failure group. The demographic and clinical data of all patients were collected. The factors associated with the success of noninvasive ventilation were identified by the logistic regression analysis. Results. Among this cohort, 24 patients with an average age of 57.9 ± 17.0 years received successful NIVs, and NIV failure occurred in 21 patients with an average age of 54.1 ± 14.0 years. The independent influencing factors for the success of the NIV were the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (odds ratio (OR): 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–3.03) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (OR: 1.011, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02). When the oxygenation index (OI) is <95 mmHg, APACHE II > 19, and LDH > 498 U/L, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting a failed NIV were (66.6% (95% CI: 43.0%–85.4%) and 87.5% (95% CI: 67.6%–97.3%)); (85.7% (95% CI: 63.7%–97.0%) and 79.1% (95% CI: 57.8%–92.9%)); (90.4% (95% CI: 69.6%–98.8%) and 62.5% (95% CI: 40.6%–81.2%)), respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the OI, APACHE II scores, and LDH were 0.85, which was lower than the AUC of the OI combined with LDH and the APACHE II score (OLA) of 0.97 (

P
=
0.0247

). Conclusions. Overall, patients with viral pneumonia-associated ARDS receiving successful NIV have lower mortality rates than those for whom NIV failed. In patients with influenza A-associated ARDS, the OI may not be the only indicator of whether NIV can be used; a new indicator of NIV success may be the OLA.
Decompression Mechanism of Radish Seed in Prehypertension Rats through Integration of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Methods
Authors: Jia Qiang , Qi Yuchen , Li Hanbo , Ding Hai , Qi Dongmei , Li Yunlun
Published: February 2023

Radish seed (RS), the dried ripe seed of Raphanus sativus L., is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to reduce blood pressure. However, the molecular and pharmacological mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effects of RS in a rat model of prehypertension and assessed the mechanistic basis by integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics. RS administration significantly reduced blood pressure in prehypertensive male Wistar rats, negatively regulated endothelin‐1, increased nitric oxide levels, and reduced the exfoliation of endothelium cells. In vitro vascular ring experiments further confirmed the effects of RS on vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, we identified 65 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; Padj < 0.05 and fold change (FC) > 2) and 52 metabolites (VIP > 1, P < 0.05 and FC ≥ 2 or ≤0.5) in the RS intervention group using RNA‐seq and UPLC‐MS/MS, respectively. A network of the DEGs and the metabolites was constructed,q which indicated that RS regulates purine metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, circadian rhythm, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway, and its target genes are Pik3c2a, Hspa8, Dnaja1, Arntl, Ugt1a1, Dbp, Rasd1, and Aldh1a3. Thus, the antihypertensive effects of RS can be attributed to its ability to improve vascular endothelial dysfunction by targeting multiple genes and pathways. Our findings provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying prehypertension, along with novel targets for the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Novel Results on Finite‐Time Stability of Solutions for Stochastic Ψ‐Hilfer Fractional System
Authors: Tian Mengquan , Luo Danfeng , Luo Zhiguo
Published: February 2023

This article studies a new kind of Ψ‐Hilfer fractional system driven by m‐dimensional Brownian motion. By utilizing the generalized Laplace transform and its inverse, the contraction mapping principle, and the properties of a semigroup, we establish the uniqueness of the solution. In addition, finite‐time stability is investigated by means of the properties of norm and inequalities scaling technique. As verification, an example is given to show the deduced conclusions.
Systematic Identification of Novel Ferroptosis-Associated Multigene Models for Predicting Patient Prognosis Based on Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Liu Xiqin , Lin Yingqi , Liu Xiaoling , Han Xia , Wu Jia
Published: February 2023

Objective. Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is a frequent epithelial cancer in females. The rate of UCEC occurrence increases year by year and the age is getting younger and younger, which requires more active treatments to improve its prognosis. Ferroptosis is a kind of regulatory cell death that relies on iron and may be triggered by sorafenib, which has been elucidated in several cancers, but the mechanism of ferroptosis-related genes in UCEC has yet to be fully defined and will need more investigation. Methods. The mRNA expression profiles and accompanying clinical data of UCEC patients included in this research were obtained from a publicly available database. We subsequently classified the patients into experimental and training sets. Next, utilizing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model, we established the multigene features of the TCGA experimental set and verified them in the validation set. Results. Per the findings of our investigation, the TCGA experimental set cohort had four differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were linked to overall survival (OS). An analysis was conducted using univariate Cox regression (with all variables corrected for

P
<
0.05

). To stratify the patients into two distinct categories, high- and low-risk, a diagnostic model premised on the identified four genes was formulated. In contrast with the low-risk population, the high-risk category exhibited a considerably lower OS (

P
<
0.0001

). The findings of the multivariate Cox regression analysis illustrated that the risk score independently served as a predictor of OS (HR > 1,

P
<
0.01

). The predictive capability of the model was verified by ROC curve analysis. Immune-related pathway enrichment was found using functional analysis, which illustrated that the two risk groups had significantly different immunological statuses. Conclusions. A unique model of genes linked to ferroptosis has the potential to be a treatment option for UCEC and can be utilized for the prognostic prediction of the disease.
Coefficient Estimates for Certain Families of Analytic Functions Associated with Faber Polynomial
Authors: Attiya Adel A. , Albalahi Abeer M. , Hassan Taher S.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we use the Faber polynomial expansion to obtain bounds for the general coefficients

a

n

of bi-univalent functions in the family of analytic functions in the open unit disk. Estimation of the bound value for the initial coefficients of the functions in these classes is also established.
RAB11A Promotes Cell Malignant Progression and Tumor Formation of Prostate Cancer via Activating FAK/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Weifang , Wang Junjun
Published: February 2023

Background. RAB11A, a member of the GTPase family, acts as a regulator in diverse cancers development. The dysregulation of the FAK/AKT signaling pathway is mainly related to tumorigenesis. This study aimed to investigate the possible effect of RAB11A in prostate cancer and further explore the potential mechanisms. Results. In this study, we illustrated the tumor‐promoting effects of RAB11A based on in vivo and in vitro experiments. RAB11A expression was upregulated in prostate cancer cells. RAB11A knockdown decreased the prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RAB11A also induced the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. PF562271 suppressed the malignant characteristics of prostate cancer cells caused by RAB11A knockdown. Furthermore, the interference of RAB11A reduced the tumor growth and the protein levels of p‐FAK/FAK and p‐AKT/AKT in vivo. Conclusion. RAB11A promotes cell malignant progression and tumor formation in prostate cancer via activating FAK/AKT signaling pathway.
Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Damage Evolution Analysis of Sandstone under Three-Point Bending Test
Authors: Qin Tao , Jiang Chen , Duan Yanwei , Wang Yiwei , Ju Chao
Published: February 2023

In order to study the prevention of roadway roof bending, sinking, and breaking and the prevention of dynamic disasters such as the appearance of rock bursts, three-point bending experiments of sandstone under different spans were carried out. By using stress loading system and acoustic emission technology, the acoustic emission characteristic parameters of the sandstone fracture process were analyzed, the precursory information of rock bending fracture was explored, and the evolution law of sandstone damage based on acoustic emission characteristics was obtained. The results showed that according to the variation of acoustic emission ringing count, the load-time curve was divided into four typical stages: the first stage showed an overall increasing trend; the second stage showed an obvious increasing trend; the third stage showed obvious accelerated growth and the acoustic emission ringing count reached the maximum at the moment of rupture. In the fourth stage, the amplitude and frequency of the ringing count are large and high. With the increase in span, the cumulative ringing counts of AE decreased, and the rate of change gradually decreased. The fracture process of three-point bending sandstone can reflect the precursor information of rock fracture from time domain, frequency domain, and R value (ratio of cumulative acoustic emission ringing count to cumulative energy count). In time domain, the evolution characteristics of AE cumulative ringing count stage II can be used to predict the three-point bending fracture of sandstone. The peak frequency shows a linear increase after a spike and then an accelerated increase to a rupture, and the boundary point between the spike and the linear and nonlinear can be obtained. The decrease in R value can indicate that the main crack is growing in the specimen. According to the damage rate, the characteristics of the damage variables can be divided into five stages: stationary and low, gradually increasing, gradually decreasing, main crack coalescence, and complete fracture. With the increase in span, the fracture damage shows a decreasing trend. The residual damage fluctuates between 0.38 and 0.40 due to the difference in crack propagation trajectory. It has theoretical research value for revealing the internal mechanism of rock bending and fracture and has engineering guiding significance for mine pressure and rock strata control and dynamic disaster prevention.
Staged Percutaneous Management of Pulmonary Atresia and Intact Interventricular Septum: Stretching the Limits
Authors: El-Saiedi Sonia A. , Attia Wael A. , Hanna Baher M. , Aboudeif Mahmoud O. , Zakaria Rania , Abd ElMeguid Mohamad , Abd El Reheem Ashraf , Abuelatta Reda
Published: February 2023

Aims. Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS) can be treated by catheter-based interventions and complemented by various surgical procedures. We aim to determine a long-term treatment strategy to enable patients to be surgery free, depending solely on percutaneous interventions. Methods and Results. We selected five patients from among a cohort of patients with PA/IVS treated at birth with radiofrequency perforation and dilatation of the pulmonary valve. Patients had reached a pulmonary valve annulus of 20 mm or larger on their biannual echocardiographic follow-up, with right ventricular dilatation. The findings, together with the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary arterial tree, were confirmed by multislice computerised tomography. Based on the angiographic size of the pulmonary valve annulus, all patients were successfully implanted with either Melody® or Edwards® pulmonary valves percutaneously, regardless of their small weights and ages. No complications were encountered. Conclusion. We managed to stretch the age and weight limitations for performing percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI): interventions were attempted whenever a pulmonary annulus size of >20 mm was reached, which was rationalised by the prevention of progressive right ventricular outflow tract dilatation and accommodating valves between 24 and 26 mm, which is enough to sustain a normal pulmonary flow in adulthood.
Sequence Variants in MEGF8 and GJA1 Underlying Syndactyly
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Haack Tobias B. , Buchert Rebecca , Peralta Susana , Uddin Najum , Ali Raja Hussain , Liaqat Khurram , Ahmad Wasim
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Syndactyly is a common congenital limb malformation. It occurs due to embryological failure of digit separation during limb development. Syndactyly often runs in families with an incidence of about one out of every 2,500–3,000 live births. Methods: Here, we have reported two families presenting features of severe forms of syndactyly. The disorder segregated in autosomal recessive in one and in autosomal dominant manner in the second family. Search for the causative variants was carried out using whole-exome sequencing in family A and candidate gene sequencing in family B. Results: Analysis of the sequencing data revealed two novel missense variants, including p.(Cys1925Arg) in MEGF8 in family A and p.(Thr89Ile) in GJA1 in family B. Conclusion: In conclusion, the novel findings, presented here, not only expand the mutation spectrum in the genes MEGF8 and GJA1, but this will also facilitate screening other families carrying similar clinical features in the Pakistani population.
Mediação sanitária como instrumento de efetivação do direito fundamental à saúde
Authors: Lima Luiza Beattrys Pereira dos Santos , Aguiar Marcus Pinto
Published: February 2023

O paradigma de resolução de conflitos sanitários representado pela prestação judicial encontra-se em crise e não consegue responder aos litígios inerentes de forma qualitativa e quantitativamente adequada. Diante disso, este artigo buscou responder à questão: a mediação sanitária pode ser um instrumento adequado de acesso à justiça para o tratamento de conflitos relativos ao direito à saúde pública no Brasil? Analisaram-se aspectos teóricos (e jurídicos) do direito à saúde, enquanto direito humano e fundamental, e os contornos da crise da judicialização do direito à saúde, enquanto relevante para a quebra de paradigmas, para, por fim, investigar se a mediação sanitária pode ser ferramenta adequada de acesso à justiça, com suas respectivas implicações. Foi utilizada como procedimento metodológico a pesquisa documental, de caráter exploratório e de natureza qualitativa. Quanto às técnicas de pesquisa, de documentação direta e indireta, utilizaram-se notadamente a bibliográfica e a documental. O objeto de pesquisa possui relevância jurídica, social e econômica, haja vista que a crise dos direitos sociais representa uma crise de direitos humanos, afetando diretamente a dignidade da vida humana. A mediação sanitária revelou-se como uma ferramenta adequada de acesso à justiça nos conflitos jurídico-sanitários, pois transforma os antagonismos em pontos de convergência e colaboração, prevenindo e tratando os litígios de maneira dialógica, consensual e democrática.
“Nada de romances, nada de desculpas”: narrativa da experiência e da memória em Alejandro Zambra
Authors: Lopes Isabela Cordeiro
Published: February 2023

Este ensaio procura investigar as estruturas ficcionais do romance Formas de voltar para casa, de Alejandro Zambra. Construída em torno de memórias de infância, testemunhos sobre a ditadura chilena e conflitos com o tempo presente, a narrativa elabora uma forma particular de dar dicção a traumas e experiências. O interesse deste trabalho se volta para a tensão entre ficção e não-ficção, bem como para o uso de múltiplas vozes, artifícios e jogos na produção de um romance capaz de responder ao real por meio de uma imaginação intimista.
“Camadas de Vidro” e o Narcisismo Cínico. Comentários sobre minissérie Capitu
Authors: Corrêa Gabriel
Published: February 2023

O artigo apresenta uma síntese parcial do caminho interpretativo em que é analisada a minissérie Capitu, dirigida por Luiz Fernando Carvalho em 2008. A análise busca explicar as ligações entre a minissérie televisiva, a obra literária original e outras referências, em uma organização formal interna e específica, a qual traz a representação de aspectos da sociedade contemporânea. Para isso, a interpretação é realizada dentro dos pressupostos de uma adaptação literária, dos gêneros televisivos, das condições culturais e técnicas, e por meio dos aspectos específicos da linguagem audiovisual. As conclusões sobre o processo de ressignificação do romance de Machado de Assis estão em perspectiva para uma comparação futura.
Simbologia e Realismo no libreto de A Village Romeo and Juliet, de Frederick Delius
Authors: Lopes Juliana
Published: February 2023

O presente artigo propõe a análise da ópera A Village Romeo and Juliet, de Frederick Delius, que a compôs e escreveu o libreto com base na novela de Gottfried Keller, Romeu e Julieta na aldeia (Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe), obra que integra o período da segunda metade do século XIX na Alemanha, conhecido como Realismo Poético. A análise se estrutura da seguinte maneira: primeiramente se retoma características gerais da narrativa de Romeu e Julieta na aldeia e seu posicionamento dentro do Realismo Poético. Já que a dimensão simbólica é um dos principais aspectos desta novela de Keller, no segundo capítulo é proposta a análise da releitura de tais símbolos na linguagem operística. O terceiro capítulo discute a relação entre os atributos realistas da ópera de Delius e sua atmosfera lírica e/ou simbólica. Por último, procura-se compreender como Delius elaborou um dos temas mais elevados da história da ópera: o Liebestod (morte de amor).
Entre iscas e anzóis: ideologias da natureza em Ninfomaníaca, de Lars von Trier
Authors: Nascimento Junior Roberto Freire do
Published: February 2023

O objetivo deste texto é apresentar um estudo sobre as representações ideológicas da “natureza” em Ninfomaníaca (Nymphomaniac, 2013), de Lars von Trier. Focando no prólogo e no primeiro capítulo, partimos de uma análise da “moldura épica” da narrativa e de seus elementos estruturais objetivando mostrar como ela mantém sua independência com relação às personagens-narradoras e como, a partir dessa distância crítica, podemos caracterizar os seus discursos.
"Cravinho" e "Homem atravessando pontes"
Authors: Brito Ronaldo Correia de
Published: February 2023

Não há.
Out of the Outback, into the Art World: Dotting in Australian Aboriginal Art and the Navigation of Globalization
Authors: Mason Matthew J.
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, the popularity of Australian Aboriginal dot painting overseas has exploded, with works by some of Australia's leading artists selling for millions of dollars at auction, as well as featuring in major international exhibitions like the Venice Biennale and documenta. While this carries with it the risk of Aboriginal art and culture becoming diluted or commodified, this essay explores the origins and use of the ‘dotting’ typical of much Australian Aboriginal art of the Western and Central Deserts of Australia, as well as Aboriginal dot painting's circulation internationally, to consider how Aboriginal art's entry into the global art world might also represent an act of Indigenous self-determination. By leveraging the Western fascination with the ‘secret/sacred’ content often assumed to be hidden by these dots, Aboriginal artists have been able to generate an international market for their works. While Aboriginal communities remain among the most economically disadvantaged in Australia, Aboriginal art nevertheless provides a critical means by which Indigenous communities can support themselves, and, more importantly, operates as a form of cultural preservation and a tool by which Aboriginal peoples can assert their sovereignty.
More Phemes
Authors:   Slavs and Tatars
Published: February 2023

A reading of Hurufism, a Sufi movement based on the science and mysticism of letters, the authors consider a range of affective, performative becomings in this unlikely Persian and Anatolian movement. Hurufism sees multiples of 14 and 28 (from the Perso-Arabic alphabet) in the corresponding hairs of the human face. Accordingly, Slavs and Tatars consider the implications for gender variation and fluidity in these otherwise overburdened graphemes.
Two New species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Myanmar
Authors: LATT MYO MIN , TANAKA NOBUYUKI , PARK BYUNG BAE
Published: February 2023

Impatiens yinyinkyii M.M.Latt, B.B.Park & Nob.Tanaka and I. horizontalis M.M.Latt, B.B.Park & Nob.Tanaka (Balsaminaceae) are described and illustrated. Those new species were discovered in Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, northwestern Myanmar. Description, photographic data as well as the comparative characters with their similar species are provided. Impatiens yinyinkyii is similar to I. masonii Hook.f., but differs in having three dark purple blotches in center of flower, specifically at base of dorsal and upper petals of united petals. Impatiens horizontalis resembles I. stenantha Hook.f., I. prostrata Hook. f., I. repens Moon, I. procumbens Franch and I. reptans Hook. f. in having larger, glabrous and elliptic to lanceolate leaves, serrate margin with antrorse bristles, deeply bucciniform lower sepal, twisted spur with abruptly capitate tip, linear ovary, spheroid seed and finally uncommon conspicuous stout stem which is horizontally creeping.
Redescription of the genus Antrosedes Reitter, 1912 (Insecta, Coleoptera, Leiodidae, Cholevinae, Leptodirini)
Authors: ČEPLÍK DÁVID
Published: February 2023

A redescription of the genus Antrosedes Reitter, 1912 is given. An identification key for both species of the genus, as well as data on their distribution is provided.
Two new species of Amphinemura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from Yunnan Province, southwestern China
Authors: LI MENGYU , YANG DING , LI WEIHAI
Published: February 2023

Two new species of nemourid stonefly, Amphinemura kondratieffi sp. nov. and A. setosa sp. nov., are described from Yunnan Province of southwestern China. The relationships between the new species and their related species within the genus or species group are discussed.
Cancer Exosome Loaded with Paclitaxel for Targeted Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sun Zhengui , Zang Leilei , Cheng Yusheng , Qin Lilong
Published: February 2023

Lung cancer is a serious issue to threat the health of human and the treatment using currently available chemotherapy drug, such as paclitaxel (PTX) is significantly impaired by the poor solubility and targetability. In this study, we used the cancer exosome (CE) derived from lung cancer
cell line A549 to load PTX (CE/PTX) and construct a drug delivery system (DDS) for the treatment of A549 tumor in a mice mode. The DDS realized better inhibition on both A549 cells and tumors as compared to commercial PTX formulation (Taxol). Therefore, we believe this strategy can be applied
to clinical trials for better cancer treatment.
miR-181a-3p from Exosome Excreted by BMSCs Promotes Apoptosis of Lung Cancer Cells Through Activating PR-ERAD Signal Pathway
Authors: Long Bo , Ren Dan
Published: February 2023

Our study aimed to assess the effect of miR-181a-3p from exosome excreted by BMSCs on lung cancer cell apoptosis. Lung cancer cells A549 and normal pulmonary epithelial cells were cultivatedin vitroto measure ERAD and PR mRNA level by qRT-PCR or Western blot assay along with analysis of cell proliferative activity by CCK-8, apoptosis by flow cytometry and level of ERAD, PR and p-AKT. ERAD in A549 cells was significantly elevated compared with BEAS-2B cells and PR was reduced. A549 cell proliferation was restrained after treated with miR-181a-3p from exosome excreted by BMSCs and cell apoptosis was promoted in a dose-dependent manner. ERAD was down-regulated and PR was up-regulated by miR-181a-3p from exosome excreted by BMSCs in varied concentrations. The proliferation and cell growth of lung cancer could be restrained by exosome derived from BMSCs through restraining the proliferative signal pathway. The activity of PR-ERAD was affected by the miR-181a-3p from exosome excreted by BMSCs, leading to inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of lung cancer cells.
Effects of Hederin (Hed) on Alveolar Bone Microstructure During Tooth Movement in Rats
Authors: Tian Ruixue , Xie Xiaofei , Li Jie , Du Yue , Yin Xiaoxuan , Lu Xiaomiao
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To discuss effects of Hederin (Hed) to tooth movement process in rats. Materials and methods: 54 rats were divided into Model and Hed groups at 7 d, 14 d and 21 d, establishment of rat tooth movement model, the Hed and Model group injected Hed [5 mg/(kg·
d)] and equal volume normal saline intraperitoneally respectively, Take the medicine regularly every night. After 14 days, 9 rats in each group were killed, BV/TV, Tb. SP and trabecular number (Tb. N) were measured by Mirco CT. Using TRAP staining and HE staining to observe osteoclasts number
and pathology change. The relative protein expressions were measured by SP staining. Results: Compared with Model group, BV/TV and Tb.N were significantly down-regulation and Tb.Sp was significantly up-regulation in Hed group (P < 0.05, respectively); meanwhile, tooth movement
and osteoclast number were significantly improved in Hed groups at 7 d, 14 d and 21 d (P <0.05, respectively). By SP staining, compared with Model group, ADRB2 and RANKL proteins expression were significantly enhanced at 7 d, 14 d and 21 d (P <0.05, respectively). Conclusion:
Hed could promote alveolar bone resorption and increase the expression of ADRB2 and RANKL during orthodontic tooth movement.
Exosomal miR-29a Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Mouse Bone Development and Formation
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Huang Xingru , Xie Jie , Fang Jian , Fu Huaili
Published: February 2023

Bone undergoes constant remodeling during development, and the maintenance of its function requires a dynamic balance between bone formation and resorption by osteoclasts. With unique bone resorption capabilities, as large multinucleated cells, osteocytes participate in bone remodeling
and they are produced by the mononuclear/macrophage cells under activation of Wnt and Runx2. The mechanism underlying osteogenesis remains unclear. We investigated the impact of exosomal miR-29a derived from BMSCs on bone development and formation. In this study, BMSCs were transfected and
then injected into mice followed by analysis of femur and skull development and regeneration by HE staining and CT scanning, and the expression of DKK1, Runx-2, and osteogenic biomarkers (Osterix, Satb2, ALP, and BSP) by western blot and RT-qPCR. Compared with mice in miR-29a inhibitor group,
the femur and skull of mice in miRNA NC group were more complete. miR-29a derived from BMSCs induced a decrease of DKK1 expression and increase of the expression of β-catenin and osteogenic transcription factors. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that BMSC-derived exosomes
miR-29a facilitates osteogenesis in mice through inhibition of DKK1 expression.
10–30-Day Subseasonal Features Associated with Multiple and Isolated Persistent Rainfall Events over South China
Authors: Zheng Bin , Lin Ailan , Huang Yanyan
Published: February 2023

In this study, persistent rainfall (PR) over South China (SC) is divided into two types. One type occurs multiple times in succession [defined as multiple PR (MPR)]; another type represents isolated PR (IPR), for which no new PR occurs for 10 days after the previous PR. The spatiotemporal structures of the 10–30-day intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) associated with the two types of PR are compared and analyzed. The results reveal that the low-level moisture and air temperature perturbations always have a leading phase relative to the anomalous precipitation. In addition, the positive low-level moisture tendency appears in the MPR ending phase, whereas that in the IPR is close to zero. This difference results in convective development after the MPR ending phase, though not after the IPR. The moisture budget shows that the difference in moisture tendency between MPR and IPR is mainly due to meridional advection, including advections by the mean meridional flow across the perturbation moisture gradient and by the perturbation meridional flow across the mean moisture gradient. For the former, the difference is attributed to the perturbation moisture gradients, while the mean moisture gradients are responsible for the difference of the latter. Furthermore, an essential cause of the difference is the influence of higher-latitude disturbances that affect the IPR more significantly than the MPR. Two associated mechanisms are proposed. One is the perturbation stacking effect, and the other is the effect of angular momentum conservation. By contrast, the low-level temperature anomalies are not the key factor causing the difference between MPR and IPR.

Significance Statement

The persistent rainfall over South China sometimes occurs multiple times in succession, though most are in isolation. We want to understand the structures of the related 10–30-day ISOs and then find the possible cause of why convection develops after the ending stage of the multiple persistent rainfall events but not after the isolated rainfall events. We reveal that the effect of higher-latitude disturbances is an essential factor for the development of the two types of persistent rainfall over South China, with two proposed mechanisms of the perturbation stacking effect and angular momentum conservation. This is helpful for predicting persistent rainfall over South China. Future work should examine the findings by numerical experiments with a climate model.
Abatacept GVHD prophylaxis in unrelated hematopoietic cell transplantation for pediatric bone marrow failure
Authors: Stenger Elizabeth O. , Watkins Benjamin , Rogowski Kelsey , Chiang Kuang-Yueh , Haight Ann , Leung Kathryn , Qayed Muna , Raghunandan Sharmila , Suessmuth Yvonne , Kean Leslie , Horan John
Published: February 2023

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only readily available cure for many life-threatening pediatric nonmalignant diseases (NMD), but most patients lack a matched related donor and are at higher risk for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Use of abatacept (Aba) to target donor T-cell activation has been safe and effective in preventing GVHD after unrelated donor (URD) HCT for malignant diseases (Aba2 trial). Our primary objective was to evaluate the tolerability of Aba added to standard GVHD prophylaxis (cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil) in pediatric patients with NMD undergoing URD HCT. In this single-arm, single-center phase 1 trial, 10 patients receiving reduced intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning underwent URD HCT. Immune reconstitution was assessed longitudinally via flow cytometry and compared to pediatric patients on Aba2. Nine patients successfully engrafted, with 1 primary graft rejection in the setting of inadequate cell dose; secondary graft rejection occurred in 1 patient with concurrent cytomegalovirus viremia. Two deaths occurred, both unrelated to Aba. One patient developed probable posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, responsive to rituximab and immune suppression withdrawal. No patients developed severe acute or chronic GVHD, and 8 patients were off systemic immunosuppression at 1 year. Immune reconstitution did not appear to be impacted by Aba, and preservation of naïve relative to effector memory CD4+ T cells was seen akin to Aba2. Thus, 4 doses of Aba were deemed tolerable in pediatric patients with NMD following URD HCT, with encouraging preliminary efficacy and supportive immune correlatives in this NMD cohort.
Prevalence of visual impairment in older people living with dementia and its impact: a scoping review
Authors: Zhang Wanyu , Roberts Timothy V. , Poulos Christopher J. , Stanaway Fiona F.
Published: February 2023

Background and objectives

Visual impairment (VI) and dementia both increase with age, and it is likely that many older people are living with both conditions. This scoping review aims to investigate the prevalence and types of VI among older people living with dementia, and the impact of VI on older people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Methods

This scoping review used Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. Studies in any setting involving people living with dementia and some assessment of either VI, eye diseases causing VI or the impact of VI were included.

Results

Thirty-six studies were included. Thirty-one studies reported the prevalence of VI in older people living with dementia, while ten studies reported on impacts of VI on people living with dementia. Only one study reported on impacts on caregivers. The prevalence of VI or specific eye diseases among older people living with dementia ranged from 0.2 to 74%. The impacts of VI on older people living with dementia included increased use of hospital services, increased disability and dependency, reduced social engagement, negative emotions, increased abnormal behaviours, loss of hobbies, difficulty in using visual aids or memory aids, and greater Neuropsychiatric Inventory symptoms. And the impacts on caregivers included increased conflict and physical exhaustion.

Conclusion

VI is common in older people living with dementia and is associated with negative impacts on those with dementia and their caregivers. However, heterogeneity between studies in terms of setting and method for assessing and defining VI make it difficult to compare findings among studies. Further research is needed, particularly assessing the impact on caregivers.
Survey on electronic visual field data transfer practices among Japan Glaucoma Society board members
Authors: Tanito Masaki , Hara Takeshi , Aihara Makoto
Published: February 2023

Background

Visual field (VF) testing in combination with a specialized VF analysis software is critical for characterizing and monitoring visual loss in glaucoma. Although performing glaucoma progression analysis requires original VF data rather than printouts or image files, extent of VF data transfer between referring and referred ophthalmologists is unclear. Here, we surveyed glaucoma specialists who belong to the Japan Glaucoma Society (JGS).

Methods

An internet survey of daily practice patterns regarding electronic VF data transfer at the time of glaucoma referrals (referring/referred) was sent to all 50 JGS board members. The survey consisted with 11 questionnaires, and the response rate was 100%.

Results

The respondents included 33 university hospital ophthalmologists (66%) (Q1), and those scattered throughout Japan (Q2). All respondents used Humphrey Visual Filed Analyzer (HFA) (Q3) and at least one of a VF progression analysis software (Q4). Ten respondents (20%) actively transferred electronic VF data, while 40 (80%) did not (Q5). The major reasons for not actively transferring data electronically were that there was no support for data transfer by neighboring (n = 26, 65%) and/or own (25, 63%) institutes (Q6). All 40 inactive respondents responded that electronic data transfer is ideal (Q7). All 10 active respondents transferred data using USB flash memory (Q8). Of the 10 active respondents, seven (70%) reported that the percentage of referral letters accompanying electronic VF data in a format that allows for progression analysis from the beginning was less than 25% (Q9). When the referral letters did not accompany the electronic VF data, four (40%) reported that they further requested the data transfer in < 25% of cases (Q10). When the 10 active respondents were requested to transfer data, six (60%) had experienced rejection due to various reasons (Q11).

Conclusion

An internet survey showed that 80% of the JGS board members were not actively transferring VF data mainly because of the absence of a system in place at institutions for sending and receiving data, although they feel that the electronic VF data transfer is ideal. The results provide basic data for future discussions on the promotion of the VF data transfer.
Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among children and adolescents of Kabul: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Sediqi Mohammad Sharif , Mansoor Abdul Rasheed , Mangal Mohmand
Published: February 2023

Background

Vitamin D is one of the most important fat-soluble vitamins necessary for normal growth and development of the human body. According to a study done in Kabul shows that economic, racial, and social concerns are thought to be the main impediments to receiving appropriate amounts of this vitamin through dietary sources in countries like Afghanistan. Hypovitaminosis D, on the other hand, is now recognized as a pandemic in both industrialized and developing countries.

Methods

To find out how common hypovitaminosis D is in children aged one month to eighteen years in afghan children Kabul, Afghanistan. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are defined as serum levels of less than 20 ng/mL and 20 to 30 ng/mL, respectively. Children aged between 1 month to 18 years attending our hospital, AMC (Ariana Medical Complex) for health examination were checked for their 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Age, gender and address were recorded. 25(OH)D were determined using immunoassay auto analyzers. According to their serum 25(OH)D, the 25(OH)D were categorized into five categories: sufficiency: ≥ 30-100 ng/mL; insufficiency: ≥ 20-29 ng/mL; deficiency: < 20 ng/mL; severe deficiency: < 10 ng/mL; and intoxication: > 150 ng/mL. Participants who were intoxicated with vitamin D were excluded from the study.

Results

A total of 4008 children aged 1 month to 18 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Hypovitaminosis D was found to be prevalent in 62.5 percent of the population. When compared to boys, female children were 1.2 times more likely to be vitamin D deficient. When compared to children of illiterate women, the odds of hypovitaminosis D were 1.4, 1.9, and 5.8 times lower in children with mothers educated up to primary school, graduation, and post-graduate. The average vitamin D level was 23 ng/mL, with a median of 15 ng/mL and maximum and minimum values of 135 ng/mL and 3 ng/mL, respectively.

In all, 2500 (62.5%) of the children had low levels of vitamin D in their serum. Only 400 (16%) of the patients were sufficient, whereas 917 (36.7%) were severely deficient, 733 (29.3%) were deficient, and 450 (18%) were insufficient. With a female to male ratio of 1.2:1, the majority of those, 1335 (53.4%), were females and 1165 (46.6%) were males. Patients were 8.14 years old on average, with a median age of 7 years. The majority of the patients, 2152 (86.1%), were urban, while 348 (13.9%) were rural.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was very high in Afghan children. Female sex, higher socio economic status, higher educational status of the mother and living at urban areas were the factors with strong positive association with hypovitaminosis D.
Effects of a water-soluble formulation of tylvalosin on disease caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus alone in sows or in combination with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in piglets
Authors: Rodriguez Alfonso Lopez , Fowler Veronica L. , Huether Michael , Reddick David , Tait-Burkard Christine , O’Shea Marie , Perkins Stephanie , Dias Nirosh , Buterbaugh Robin , Benchaoui Hafid A.
Published: February 2023

Background

The effect of a water-soluble formulation of tylvalosin (Aivlosin® 625 mg/g granules) on disease caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) andMycoplasma hyopneumoniae(Mhyop) was investigated in two animal studies.In a PRRSV challenge model in pregnant sows (n = 18), six sows received water medicated at target dose of 5 mg tylvalosin/kg body weight/day from 3 days prior to challenge until the end of gestation. Six sows were left untreated, with a third group remaining untreated and unchallenged. Sows were challenged with PRRSV-2 at approximately 85 days of gestation. Cytokines, viremia, viral shedding, sow reproductive parameters and piglet performance to weaning were evaluated. In a dual infection study (n = 16), piglets were challenged withMhyopon days 0, 1 and 2, and with PRRSV-1 on day 14 and euthanized on day 24. From day 10 to 20, eight piglets received water medicated at target dose of 20 mg tylvalosin/kg body weight/day and eight piglets were left untreated. Cytokines, viremia, bacteriology and lung lesions were evaluated.

Results

In the PRRSV challenge study in pregnant sows, tylvalosin significantly reduced the levels of serum IL-8 (P < 0.001), IL-12 (P = 0.032), TNFα (P < 0.001) and GM-CSF (P = 0.001). IL-8 (P = 0.100) tended to be lower in uterus of tylvalosin sows. All piglets from tylvalosin sows surviving to weaning were PRRSV negative in faecal swabs at weaning compared to 33.3% PRRSV positive piglets from untreated sows (P = 0.08).

In the dual challenge study in piglet, tylvalosin reduced serum IL1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1α, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-18, GM-CSF, TGFβ1, TNFα, CCL3L1, MIG, PEPCAM-1 (P < 0.001) and increased serum IFNα, IL-1ra and MIP-1b (P < 0.001). In the lungs, tylvalosin reduced IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12 compared to untreated pigs (P < 0.001) and tended to reduce TNFα (P = 0.082). Lung lavage samples from all tylvalosin treated piglets were negative forMhyop(0 cfu/mL) compared to the untreated piglets which had meanMhyopcounts of 2.68 × 104 cfu/mL (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

Overall, tylvalosin reduced both local and systemic proinflammatory cytokines after challenge with respiratory pathogens in sows and in piglets. Tylvalosin was effective in reducingMhyoprecovery from the lungs and may reduce virus shedding in piglets following transplacental PRRSV infection in sows.