bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of TCM constitutions and neurocognitive function in elderly Macau individuals
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Chuang Yaochen , Ke Xinyu , Wang Ji , Xu Youhua , Zhao Yonghua , Bian Ying
Published: April 2021

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution contributes to predicating disease occurrence and pathological progress. In this study, we investigate the correlation between TCM constitution and neurocognitive function in elderly Macau individuals.

Methods

A total of 313 older adults from elderly healthcare centers were recruited at random. The data of gender, age, education, sleeping hours, physical activities were collected, and the Geriatric Depression Scale, Hong Kong version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and categories of TCM constitution were administered.

Results

Of the 313 elderly individuals enrolled in this study, 86 (27.48%) were of balanced constitution. Among the other categories of TCM constitution, the most was Yin-deficiency (23.32%), followed by 53 (16.93%) with Phlegm-dampness. The average neurocognitive score of all elderly individuals was 18.01 ± 6.25. After adjusting for all possible confounds, multiple linear regression analysis showed that Qi-depressed constitution and neurocognitive scores were negatively correlated (β = − 2.66, 95%CI − 4.99 ~ − 0.33), Meanwhile, Yin-deficient constitution and neurocognitive scores were negatively correlated (β = − 2.10, 95%CI − 3.73 ~ − 0.47). Compared with balanced constitution, Qi-depressed constitution mainly affected visual–spatial ability dimension (β = − 0.91, 95%CI − 1.54 ~ − 0.28) and naming dimension (β = − 0.64, 95%CI − 1.04 ~ − 0.25), Yin-deficient constitution mainly affected visual space dimension (β = − 0.53, 95%CI − 0.97 ~ − 0.08).

Conclusion

Qi-depressed and Yin-deficient constitutions are associated with and contributed to the decline of neurocognitive function in senior adults, especially visual–spatial ability and naming dimensions. Further investigations into how TCM constitutions interact with neurocognitive function are needed.
Adiponectin-mimetic novel nonapeptide rescues aberrant neuronal metabolic-associated memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ali Tahir , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Khan Amjad , Badshah Haroon , Abid Noman Bin , Kim Min Woo , Jo Myeung Hoon , Chung Seung Soo , Lee Hyoung-gon , Rutten Bart P. F. , Kim Myeong Ok
Published: April 2021

Background

Recently, we and other researchers reported that brain metabolic disorders are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive, devastating and incurable neurodegenerative disease. Hence, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to explore potential and novel therapeutic targets/agents for the treatment of AD. The neuronal adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) is an emerging potential target for intervention in metabolic-associated AD. We aimed to validate this hypothesis and explore in-depth the therapeutic effects of an osmotin-derived adiponectin-mimetic novel nonapeptide (Os-pep) on metabolic-associated AD.

Methods

We used an Os-pep dosage regimen (5 μg/g, i.p., on alternating days for 45 days) for APP/PS1 in amyloid β oligomer-injected, transgenic adiponectin knockout (Adipo−/−) and AdipoR1 knockdown mice. After behavioral studies, brain tissues were subjected to biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. In separate cohorts of mice, electrophysiolocal and Golgi staining experiments were performed. To validate the in vivo studies, we used human APP Swedish (swe)/Indiana (ind)-overexpressing neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, which were subjected to knockdown of AdipoR1 and APMK with siRNAs, treated with Os-pep and other conditions as per the mechanistic approach, and we proceeded to perform further biochemical analyses.

Results

Our in vitro and in vivo results show that Os-pep has good safety and neuroprotection profiles and crosses the blood-brain barrier. We found reduced levels of neuronal AdipoR1 in human AD brain tissue. Os-pep stimulates AdipoR1 and its downstream target, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, in AD and Adipo−/− mice. Mechanistically, in all of the in vivo and in vitro studies, Os-pep rescued aberrant neuronal metabolism by reducing neuronal insulin resistance and activated downstream insulin signaling through regulation of AdipoR1/AMPK signaling to consequently improve the memory functions of the AD and Adipo−/− mice, which was associated with improved synaptic function and long-term potentiation via an AdipoR1-dependent mechanism.

Conclusion

Our findings show that Os-pep activates AdipoR1/AMPK signaling and regulates neuronal insulin resistance and insulin signaling, which subsequently rescues memory deficits in AD and adiponectin-deficient models. Taken together, the results indicate that Os-pep, as an adiponectin-mimetic novel nonapeptide, is a valuable and promising potential therapeutic candidate to treat aberrant brain metabolism associated with AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Out-of-hospital resuscitation of a 3 month old boy presenting with recurrent ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest: a case report
Authors: Kingsley Peter , Merefield Jonathan , Walker Robert G. , Chapman Fred W. , Faulkner Mark
Published: April 2021

A 3 month old boy, with no known health conditions, suffered a sudden collapse at home. On first EMS arrival, ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest was identified and resuscitation following UK national guidelines was initiated. He remained in cardiac arrest for over 25 min, during which he received 10 defibrillation shocks, each effective, but with VF reoccurring within a few seconds of each of the first 9. A return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved after the 10th shock. The resuscitation was conducted fully in his home, with the early involvement of Advanced Paramedic Practitioners specialising in critical care (APP- CC). Throughout his resuscitation, there remained a strong focus on delivering quality resuscitation in situ, rather than a ‘load and go’ approach that would have resulted in very early conveyance to hospital with on-going CPR.

The patient was subsequently discharged home and is making an excellent recovery. The arrest was later determined to have been caused by a primary arrhythmia as a result of a previously unidentified non-obstructive variant hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

We present data downloaded from the defibrillator used during the resuscitation that illustrates clearly the recurrent nature of his fibrillation.
IOERT versus external beam electrons for boost radiotherapy in stage I/II breast cancer: 10-year results of a phase III randomized study
Authors: Ciabattoni Antonella , Gregucci Fabiana , Fastner Gerd , Cavuto Silvio , Spera Antonio , Drago Stefano , Ziegler Ingrid , Mirri Maria Alessandra , Consorti Rita , Sedlmayer Felix
Published: April 2021

Background

Intraoperative radiotherapy with electrons (IOERT) boost could be not inferior to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) boost in terms of local control and tissue tolerance. The aim of the study is to present the long-term follow-up results on local control, esthetic evaluation, and toxicity of a prospective study on early-stage breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving surgery with an IOERT boost of 10 Gy (experimental group) versus 5 × 2 Gy EBRT boost (standard arm). Both arms received whole-breast irradiation (WBI) with 50 Gy (2 Gy single dose).

Methods

A single-institution phase III randomized study to compare IOERT versus EBRT boost in early-stage breast cancer was conducted as a non-inferiority trial. Primary endpoints were the evaluation of in-breast true recurrences (IBTR) and out-field local recurrences (LR) as well as toxicity and cosmetic results. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and patient’s grade of satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes.

Results

Between 1999 and 2004, 245 patients were randomized: 133 for IOERT and 112 for EBRT. The median follow-up was 12 years (range 10–16 years). The cumulative risk of IBTR at 5–10 years was 0.8% and 4.3% after IOERT, compared to 4.2% and 5.3% after EBRT boost (p = 0.709). The cumulative risk of out-field LR at 5–10 years was 4.7% and 7.9% for IOERT versus 5.2% and 10.3% for EBRT (p = 0.762). All of the IOERT arm recurrences were observed at > 100 months’ follow-up, whereas the mean time to recurrence in the EBRT group was earlier (55.2 months) (p < 0.05). No late complications associated with IOERT were observed. The overall cosmetic results were scored as good or excellent in physician and patient evaluations for both IOERT and EBRT. There were significantly better scores for IOERT at all time points in physician and patient evaluations with the greatest difference at the end of EBRT (p = 0.006 objective and p = 0.0004 subjective) and most narrow difference at 12 months after the end of EBRT (p = 0.08 objective and p = 0.04 subjective analysis).

Conclusion

A 10-Gy IOERT boost during breast-conserving surgery provides high local control rates without significant morbidity. Although not significantly superior to external beam boosts, the median time to local recurrences after IOERT is prolonged by more than 4 years.
Investigating the sub-regions of the superior parietal cortex using functional magnetic resonance imaging connectivity
Authors: Alahmadi Adnan A. S.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Traditionally, the superior parietal lobule (SPL) is usually investigated as one region of interest, particularly in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. However, cytoarchitectonic analysis has shown that the SPL has a complex, heterogeneous topology that comprises more than seven sub-regions. Since previous studies have shown how the SPL is significantly involved in different neurological functions—such as visuomotor, cognitive, sensory, higher order, working memory and attention—this study aims to investigate whether these cytoarchitecturally different sub-regions have different functional connectivity to different functional brain networks.

Methods

This study examined 198 healthy subjects using resting-state fMRI and investigated the functional connectivity of seven sub-regions of the SPL to eight regional functional networks.

Results

The findings showed that most of the seven sub-regions were functionally connected to these targeted networks and that there are differences between these sub-regions and their functional connectivity patterns. The most consistent functional connectivity was observed with the visual and attention networks. There were also clear functional differences between Brodmann area (BA) 5 and BA7. BA5, with its three sub-regions, had strong functional connectivity to both the sensorimotor and salience networks.

Conclusion

These findings have enhanced our understanding of the functional organisations of the complexity of the SPL and its varied topology and also provide clear evidence of the functional patterns and involvements of the SPL in major brain functions.
Evaluation of the Spanish population coverage of a prospective HLA haplobank of induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Álvarez-Palomo Belén , García-Martinez Iris , Gayoso Jorge , Raya Angel , Veiga Anna , Abad María Luisa , Eiras Adolfo , Guzmán-Fulgencio María , Luis-Hidalgo Mar , Eguizabal Cristina , Santos Silvia , Balas Antonio , Alenda Raquel , Sanchez-Gordo Francisco , Verdugo Laura Ponce , Villa Juliana , Carreras Enric , Vidal Francisco , Madrigal Alejandro , Herrero María José , Rudilla Francesc , Querol Sergi
Published: April 2021

Background

iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) banks of iPSC lines with homozygous HLA (human leukocyte antigen) haplotypes (haplobanks) are proposed as an affordable and off-the-shelf approach to allogeneic transplantation of iPSC derived cell therapies. Cord blood banks offer an extensive source of HLA-typed cells suitable for reprogramming to iPSC. Several initiatives worldwide have been undertaken to create national and international iPSC haplobanks that match a significant part of a population.

Methods

To create an iPSC haplobank that serves the Spanish population (IPS-PANIA), we have searched the Spanish Bone Marrow Donor Registry (REDMO) to identify the most frequently estimated haplotypes. From the top ten donors identified, we estimated the population coverage using the criteria of zero mismatches in HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 with different stringencies: high resolution, low resolution, and beneficial mismatch.

Results

We have calculated that ten cord blood units from homozygous donors stored at the Spanish cord blood banks can provide HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 matching for 28.23% of the population.

Conclusion

We confirm the feasibility of using banked cord blood units to create an iPSC haplobank that will cover a significant percentage of the Spanish and international population for future advanced therapy replacement strategies.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosomes suppress phosphate-induced aortic calcification via SIRT6–HMGB1 deacetylation
Authors: Wei Wenqian , Guo Xiaodong , Gu Lijie , Jia Jieshuang , Yang Man , Yuan Weijie , Rong Shu
Published: April 2021

Background

Vascular calcification associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can increase the risk of mortality. Elevated serum levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) promotes vascular calcification in CKD via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) prevents fibrosis in CKD by blocking the expression of β-catenin target genes through deacetylation. This study aimed to investigate whether the inhibition of vascular calcification by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes is related to SIRT6 activity and assess the regulatory relationship between HMGB1 and SIRT6.

Methods

CKD characteristics, osteogenic markers, calcium deposition, and the differential expression of HMGB1 and SIRT6 have been measured in a 5/6 nephrectomized mouse CKD model fed a high-phosphate diet to induce aortic calcification. In vitro assays were also performed to validate the in vivo findings.

Results

High phosphate promotes the translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytosol and induces the expression of Runx2, osteopontin, and Msx2. However, BMSC-derived exosomes were found to alleviate CKD-related fibrosis and the induction of osteogenic genes although less significantly when SIRT6 expression is suppressed. SIRT6 was found to modulate the cytosol translocation of HMGB1 by deacetylation in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that BMSC-derived exosomes inhibit high phosphate-induced aortic calcification and ameliorate renal function via the SIRT6–HMGB1 deacetylation pathway.
Lateral migration of explosive hazards during maar eruptions constrained from crater shapes
Authors: Graettinger A. H. , Bearden A. T.
Published: April 2021

Maar volcanoes are produced by subsurface phreatomagmatic explosions that can move vertically and laterally during an eruption. Constraining the distances that maar-forming explosions move laterally, and the number of relocations common to these eruptions, is vital for informing hazard scenarios and numerical simulations. This study uses 241 intact Quaternary maar crater shapes to establish global trends in size and spacing of explosion position relocations. Maar craters are sorted into shape classes based on the presence of uniquely identifiable combinations of overlapping circular components in their geometry. These components are used to recognize the minimum number of explosion locations responsible for observed crater shapes. Craters with unique solutions are then used to measure the size and spacing of the explosion footprints, the circular area of the largest crater produced by a single explosion of a given energy, that produce the crater shape. Thus, even in the absence of abundant observations of maar-type eruptions, the typical range, size and spacing of explosion positions are derived from maar crater shapes. This analysis indicates that most Quaternary maar eruptions involved at least three different explosion locations spanning distances of 200–600 m that did not always follow the trend of the dike feeding the eruption. Additional evaluation of larger maars, consistent with stratigraphic studies, indicates that centers of explosive activity, and thus the origin of ballistic and density current hazards, can move as many as twenty times during a maar-forming eruption. These results provide the first quantitative constraints on the scale and frequency of lateral migration in maar eruptions and these values can directly contribute to hazard models and eruption event trees in advance of future maar-type eruptions.
Synchronization in 5G networks: a hybrid Bayesian approach toward clock offset/skew estimation and its impact on localization
Authors: Goodarzi Meysam , Cvetkovski Darko , Maletic Nebojsa , Gutiérrez Jesús , Grass Eckhard
Published: April 2021

Clock synchronization has always been a major challenge when designing wireless networks. This work focuses on tackling the time synchronization problem in 5G networks by adopting a hybrid Bayesian approach for clock offset and skew estimation. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth analysis of the impact of the proposed approach on a synchronization-sensitive service, i.e., localization. Specifically, we expose the substantial benefit of belief propagation (BP) running on factor graphs (FGs) in achieving precise network-wide synchronization. Moreover, we take advantage of Bayesian recursive filtering (BRF) to mitigate the time-stamping error in pairwise synchronization. Finally, we reveal the merit of hybrid synchronization by dividing a large-scale network into local synchronization domains and applying the most suitable synchronization algorithm (BP- or BRF-based) on each domain. The performance of the hybrid approach is then evaluated in terms of the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the clock offset, clock skew, and the position estimation. According to the simulations, in spite of the simplifications in the hybrid approach, RMSEs of clock offset, clock skew, and position estimation remain below 10 ns, 1 ppm, and 1.5 m, respectively.
Outage prediction for ultra-reliable low-latency communications in fast fading channels
Authors: Traßl Andreas , Schmitt Eva , Hößler Tom , Scheuvens Lucas , Franchi Norman , Schwarzenberg Nick , Fettweis Gerhard
Published: April 2021

The addition of redundancy is a promising solution to achieve a certain quality of service (QoS) for ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) in challenging fast fading scenarios. However, adding more and more redundancy to the transmission results in severely increased radio resource consumption. Monitoring and prediction of fast fading channels can serve as the foundation of advanced scheduling. By choosing suitable resources for transmission, the resource consumption is reduced while maintaining the QoS. In this article, we present outage prediction approaches for Rayleigh and Rician fading channels. Appropriate performance metrics are introduced to show the suitability for URLLC radio resource scheduling. Outage prediction in the Rayleigh fading case can be achieved by adding a threshold comparison to state-of-the-art fading prediction approaches. A line-of-sight (LOS) component estimator is introduced that enables outage prediction in LOS scenarios. Extensive simulations have shown that under realistic conditions, effective outage probabilities of$$10^{-5}$$10-5can be achieved while reaching up-state prediction probabilities of more than$${90}{\%}$$90%. We show that the predictor can be tuned to satisfy the desired trade-off between prediction reliability and utilizability of the link. This enables our predictor to be used in future scheduling strategies, which achieve the challenging QoS of URLLC with fewer required redundancy.
Afterload-related cardiac performance identifies cardiac impairment and associates with outcome in patients with septic shock: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Wei-yan , Zhang Zhen-hui , Tao Li-li , Xu Qi , Wei Xing , Chen Min-sheng
Published: April 2021

Background

Septic patients with cardiac impairment are with high mortality. Afterload-related cardiac performance (ACP), as a new tool for diagnosing septic cardiomyopathy (SCM), still needs to be evaluated for its impact on the prognosis for patients with septic shock.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 100 patients with septic shock undertaken PiCCO monitoring were included. The ability of ACP, cardiac index (CI), and cardiac power index (CPI) to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors was tested by comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess the associations of ACP with day-28 mortality. Curve estimation was used to describe the relationship between the hazard ratio (HR) of death and ACP.

Results

ACP had a strong linear correlation with CI and CPI (P < 0.001). ACP demonstrated significantly greater discrimination for day-28 mortality than CI before adjusted [AUROC 0.723 (95% CI 0.625 to 0.822) vs. 0.580 (95% CI 0.468 to 0.692), P = 0.007] and CPI after adjusted [AUROC 0.693 (95% CI 0.590 to 0.797) vs. 0.448 (0.332 to 0.565), P < 0.001]. Compared with ACP > 68.78%, HR for ACP ≤ 68.78% was 3.55 (1.93 to 6.54) (P < 0.001). When adjusted with age, APACHE-II score, Vasoactive Inotropic Score, Lactate, CRRT, day-1 volume, fibrinogen and total bilirubin as possible confounders, and decrease ACP are still associated with increasing day-28 mortality (P < 0.05). An exponential relationship was observed between ACP12h and HR of day-28 death.

Conclusions

Our results suggested thatACP could improve mortality predictions when compared to CI and CPI. Decreased ACP was still an independent risk factor for increased day-28 mortality.
The first single-incision plus one-port transverse colon resection using Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System: a case report
Authors: Minagawa Yume , Hirano Yasumitsu , Kataoka Atsuko , Shimamura Satoshi , Kataoka Masahiro , Asari Masahiro , Fujii Takatsugu , Ishikawa Shintaro , Ishii Toshimasa , Sato Hiroshi , Sakuramoto Shinichi , Okamoto Kojun , Koyama Isamu
Published: April 2021

Background

We have introduced the Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System and actively use for colorectal cancer surgery. Recently, we also try to perform surgery by reduce port as less invasive method. For the first time, we report a case of single-incision plus one-port transverse colectomy using Senhance system.

Case presentation

The case was a 57-year-old woman, diagnosed with transverse colon cancer referred to our department. The preoperative diagnosis was cT1bN0M0, Stage I. We performed single-incision plus one-port transverse colon resection using Senhance system without any problems. The operative time was 203 min and the blood loss was 35 ml.

Conclusion

We report the first case of single-incision plus one-port transverse colectomy using Senhance system. We trust this approach will find increasing use, enabling a safer means of minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma with extension into the main pancreatic duct: a case report
Authors: Kayahara Masato , Onishi Ichiro , Makita Naoki , Kano Shunsuke , Munemoto Masayoshi , Yagi Yasumichi , Minami Makiko , Orita Noriaki , Komura Takuya , Kurose Nozomu
Published: April 2021

Background

Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC) is a rare exocrine malignant tumor. Its widespread intraductal extension into the main pancreatic duct (MPD) is also rare.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 71-year-old man with PACC with MPD extension. The patient was assessed with laboratory and radiographic investigations that facilitated a preoperative diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and dynamic thin-slice multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) were useful for determining the resection line of the pancreas. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was also helpful in determining the tumor biology and treatment strategy. Distal pancreatectomy was performed. The MPD was occupied by the tumor 35 mm downstream and 5 mm upstream. Histopathologically, the pancreatic tail tumor extended continuously into the MPD. The tumor was solid with cells showing eosinophilic and granular cytoplasm, indicating the diagnosis of PACC. This is an interesting case of PACC with intraductal extension into the MPD. We discuss the possible mechanisms of tumor extension in this rare case together with a review of the literature.

Conclusions

We describe a rare pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma that could be adequately treated using preoperative precise imaging and histopathological evaluations. When an intraductal tumor extension in the MPD is encountered, the diagnosis of a rare pancreatic tumor should be considered, as in our case.
Successful laparoscopic treatment for sustained abdominal pain due to fish bone migrating into the neck of the pancreas: a case report and thinking about surgical approach through the literature review
Authors: Wang Yang , Luo Xianzhang , Zhang Jiefeng
Published: April 2021

Background

The majority of ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract smoothly, with less than 1% requiring surgery. Fish bone could perforate through the wall of stomach or duodenum and then migrate to other surrounding organs, like the pancreas and liver.

Case presentation

We report herein the case of a 67-year-old male who presented with sustained mild epigastric pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a linear, hyperdense, foreign body along the stomach wall and pancreatic neck. We made a final diagnosis of localized inflammation caused by a fish bone penetrating the posterior wall of the gastric antrum and migrating into the neck of the pancreas. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed firstly, but no foreign body was found. Hence, a laparoscopic surgery was performed. The foreign body was removed safely in one piece and was identified as a 3.2-cm-long fish bone. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the fifth day after surgery without any postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery has proven to be a safe and effective way to remove an ingested fish bone embedded in the pancreas.
Integration of PV system with SMES based on model predictive control for utility grid reliability improvement
Authors: Bakeer Abualkasim , Salama Hossam S. , Vokony Istvan
Published: April 2021

This paper describes the integration of a photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy source with a superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) system. The integrated system can improve the voltage stability of the utility grid and achieve power leveling. The control schemes employ model predictive control (MPC), which has gained significant attention in recent years because of its advantages such as fast response and simple implementation. The PV system provides maximum power at various irradiation levels using the incremental conductance technique (INC). The interfaced grid side converter of the SMES can control the grid voltage by regulating its injected reactive power to the grid, while the charge and discharge operation of the SMES coil can be managed by the system operator to inject/absorb active power to/from the grid to achieve the power leveling strategy. Simulation results based on MATLAB/Simulink® software prove the fast response of the system control objectives in tracking the setpoints at different loading scenarios and PV irradiance levels, while the SMES injects/absorbs active and reactive power to/from the grid during various events to improve the voltage response and achieve power leveling strategy.
Structural validation of the “Teacher’s report form” attention problems scale in a Brazilian sample
Authors: Pires Thiago , Rocha Marina , Assis Simone , Nobre Flavio
Published: April 2021

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental syndromes. Although clinical evaluation is considered the gold standard in diagnosing psychiatric disorders, in epidemiological studies, this evaluation is rarely used for practical and financial reasons. Instead, psychometric instruments are used to screen for the disorders. In this case, it is essential to investigate whether these instruments are suitable for measuring the proposed problem. This study aims to verify the structural validation of the Attention Problems Scale of the Teacher’s Report Form (TRF).

Methods

A random sample of 445 TRF filled out by the teacher of children from São Gonçalo/RJ was selected. The confirmatory factor analysis was applied to validate some factor structures that have been raised in the literature. A second aspect analyzed was the use of structural equation models to verify the validated factorial structure’s relationship with some comorbidities.

Results

The bifactor model was the most suitable to explain the TRF child’s Attention Problems Scale’s factor structure. It presented the best-fit quality scores for confirmatory factor analysis than other tested structures. Although it presented good indicators for structural validity, some symptoms could be reassessed to have a more consistent instrument. The bifactor model as an explanatory structure in SEM was able to predict important mental health outcomes. These results are an additional validation to the bifactor model.

Conclusions

The results suggest the validity of the TRF’s Attention Problems Scale. The instrument’s factor structure was also appropriate because it corroborated most of the association’s assumptions between subtypes of attention problems and other aspects of mental health. The existence of screening scales adapted to Brazilian Portuguese can substantially impact many children who have difficulty learning. Also, the screening scales can be a useful tool for the health sector to facilitate referral to the professional to make the diagnosis.
A High Activity Level Is Required for Augmented Muscle Capillarization in Older Women
Authors: Gliemann Lasse , Rytter Nicolai , Yujia Liu , Tamariz-Ellemann Andrea , Carter Howard , Hellsten Ylva
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of lifelong regular physical activity on skeletal muscle capillarization in women.

Methods

Postmenopausal women, 61±4 yr old, were divided according to self-reported physical activity level over the past 20 yrs: sedentary (SED; n = 14), moderately active (MOD; n = 12), and very active (VERY; n = 15). Leg blood flow (LBF) was determined by ultrasound Doppler, and blood samples were drawn from the femoral artery and vein for calculation of leg oxygen uptake (LVO2) at rest and during one-legged knee extensor exercise. A skeletal muscle biopsy was obtained from the vastus lateralis and analyzed for capillarization and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mitochondrial OXPHOS proteins. Platelets were isolated from venous blood and analyzed for VEGF content and effect on endothelial cell proliferation.

Results

The exercise-induced rise in LBF and LVO2 was faster (P = 0.008) in VERY compared with SED and MOD. Steady-state LBF and LVO2 were lower (P < 0.04) in MOD and VERY compared with SED. Capillary–fiber ratio and capillary density were greater (P < 0.03) in VERY (1.65 ± 0.48 and 409.3 ± 57.5) compared with MOD (1.30 ± 0.19 and 365.0 ± 40.2) and SED (1.30 ± 0.30 and 356.2 ± 66.3). Skeletal muscle VEGF and OXPHOS complexes I, II, and V were ~1.6-fold and ~1.25-fold (P < 0.01) higher, respectively, in VERY compared with SED. Platelets from all groups induced an approximately nine-fold (P < 0.001) increase in endothelial cell proliferation.

Conclusion

A very active lifestyle is associated with superior skeletal muscle exercise hemodynamics and greater potential for oxygen extraction concurrent with a higher skeletal muscle capillarization and mitochondrial capacity.
Η επίδραση της υποξαιμικής έναντι της νορμοξαιμικής ανάταξης του σοβαρού αιμορραγικού shock στην επερχόμενη σήψη και στις διαταραχές του ενδοθήλιου της πνευμονικής κυκλοφορίας
Authors: Αυγουστάτου Καλλιρρόη
Published: April 2021

Σκοπός : H υποξαιμική επαναιμάτωση μειώνει την εγκεφαλική βλάβη στην σοβαρή εγκεφαλική ισχαιμία, την μυοκαρδιακή και εντερική βλάβη που εμφανίζεται στο μετισχαιμικό shock στο έντερο, και προσφέρει αιμοδυναμική σταθεροποίηση και μείωση της φλεγμονώδους απάντησης. Ερευνήσαμε στην παρούσα την επίδραση της υποξαιμικής επαναιμάτωσης στο πνευμονικό ενδοθήλιο κατά την ανάταξη του αιμορραγικού shock. Σχεδιασμός: προοπτική τυχαιοποιημένη, ελεγχόμενη μελέτη σε πειραματόζωα. Τόπος Διεξαγωγής: Πειραματικό εργαστήριο Πανεπιστημιακής Μονάδας Εντατικής Θεραπείας. Πειραματόζωα : Αρσενικοί λευκοί κόνικλοι της Νέας Ζηλανδίας βάρους 3-3,5 kg. Παρεμβάσεις: Το αιμορραγικό shock εφαρμόστηκε –έως ότου να επιτευχθεί η μέση αρτηριακή πίεση των 40 mmHg- με αφαίμαξη για 60 min, σε αναισθητοποιημένα, μηχανικά αεριζόμενα πειραματόζωα. Η ανάταξη έγινε με αυτόλογο αίμα και Ringer’s lactate υπό νορμοξαιμία (Normox-Res group, PaO2 = 95-105 mmHg, n=9) ή υποξαιμία (Hypox-Res group, PaO2=35-40 mmHg, n=7). Οι μετρήσεις έγιναν στην αρχική τιμή αναφοράς κατάσταση και 120min μετά την ανάταξη. Μετρήσεις και κύρια αποτελέσματα: Χρησιμοποιώντας την τεχνική αραιώσεως δείκτη μετρήσαμε -στην αρχική κατάσταση αναφοράς και μετά την ανάταξη- την ενζυμική δραστικότητα του συνδεδεμένου με τα ενδοθηλιακά πνευμονικά τριχοειδή μετατρεπτικού ενζύμου της αγγειοτενσίνης, που εκφράστηκε ως ποσοστό του μεταβολισμού (%M) και υδρόλυση (v) του υποστρώματος 3H-benzoyl-Phe-Ala-Pro. Οι Normox-Res κόνικλοι εμφάνισαν μειωμένο %M (p<0.05) και v (p<0.05) μετά την ανάταξη εν σχέση με την αρχική τιμή αναφοράς κατάσταση, ενώ καμμία διαφορά δεν εμφανίστηκε στην ομάδα των Hypox-Res. Η μυελοπεροξειδάση και η μαλονδιαλδεΰδη μετρήθηκαν στον ιστό των πνευμόνων και ήταν υψηλότερες στα Normox-Res εν σχέση με τα Hypox-Res πειραματόζωα (p<0.01). Η πνευμονική βλάβη υπολογίστηκε μικροσκοπικά, ενώ η έκφραση των μορίων προσκόλλησης (ICAM-1) και των αγγειακών μορίων προσκόλλησης(VCAM-1) αξιολογήθηκε με ανοσοιστοχημεία σε τομές από τα ίδια block. Οι Hypox-Res κόνικλοι συγκριτικά με τους Normox-Res εμφάνισαν μειωμένη οξεία πνευμονική βλάβη ως εκφράζεται από την μειωμένη ιστοπαθολογική βαθμονόμηση (p<0.01) και την μειωμένη συγκέντρωση μαλονδιαλδεΰδης (p<0.01), καθώς και την μειωμένη έκφραση ICAM-1 και VCAM-1 σε φλεγμονώδη κύτταρα (p<0.01) και αγγεία (p<0.05). Συμπεράσματα: H νορμοξαιμική ανάταξη του αιμορραγικού shock συνδέεται με τον πνευμονική ενδοθηλιακή δυσλειτουργία και οξεία πνευμονική βλάβη (ALI) που μπορεί να μειωθεί από την υποξαιμική ανάταξη.
A pan-genome method to determine core regions of the Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli genomes
Authors: Sutton Granger , Fogel Gary B. , Abramson Bradley , Brinkac Lauren , Michael Todd , Liu Enoch S. , Thomas Sterling
Published: April 2021

Background: Synthetic engineering of bacteria to produce industrial products is a burgeoning field of research and application. In order to optimize genome design, designers need to understand which genes are essential, which are optimal for growth, and locations in the genome that will be tolerated by the organism when inserting engineered cassettes.

Methods: We present a pan-genome based method for the identification of core regions in a genome that are strongly conserved at the species level.

Results: We show that the core regions determined by our method contain all or almost all essential genes. This demonstrates the accuracy of our method as essential genes should be core genes. We show that we outperform previous methods by this measure. We also explain why there are exceptions to this rule for our method.

Conclusions: We assert that synthetic engineers should avoid deleting or inserting into these core regions unless they understand and are manipulating the function of the genes in that region. Similarly, if the designer wishes to streamline the genome, non-core regions and in particular low penetrance genes would be good targets for deletion. Care should be taken to remove entire cassettes with similar penetrance of the genes within cassettes as they may harbor toxin/antitoxin genes which need to be removed in tandem. The bioinformatic approach introduced here saves considerable time and effort relative to knockout studies on single isolates of a given species and captures a broad understanding of the conservation of genes that are core to a species.
On the Use of the Likert Scale for Assessing the Didactic Complexity of Educational Concepts
Authors: Mayer Robert
Published: April 2021

The problem of assessing the semantic complexity of educational concepts, which is equal to the number of words needed to explain their essence, is considered. The following attributes of concepts that affect their semantic complexity are highlighted: 1) the possibility of observing the designated object in everyday life; 2) the possibility of experimental study at school; 3) the possibility of perception of the designated object by the senses; 4) the physical complexity of the object, depending on the number of constituent elements and the connections between them; 5) the degree of entry into the thesaurus of graduates of the first, fifth and eleventh grades; 6) the frequency of the word use in the Russian language. The concepts that denote objects of living and inanimate nature are selected; the category of complexity is determined for each concept by the method of pair comparison. Their attributes were evaluated on the Likert scale with 5 gradations; the correlation coefficients between the attributes and the complexity level, as well as the corresponding linear regression coefficients, are determined. A mathematical model is constructed that connects the complexity of concepts with the values of their attributes; it is shown that due to errors in attribute estimates, it does not allow us to accurately determine the semantic complexity of the concepts. An algorithm for evaluating the concepts complexity based on their division into three groups, depending on the frequency of use in the Russian language, is developed. The results of the evaluation of the semantic complexity of the selected concepts that can be used as reference points are presented.
Promotion of Educational Organization Services (on the example of Ulyanovsk State Technical University)
Authors: Saburova Marina
Published: April 2021

The article describes the promotion of the bachelor’s degree marketing program (38.03.02. «Management») in Ulyanovsk State Technical University and outlines the stages of its realization. The presented experience is of some value and can be used as part of the career guidance work of institutions of higher and secondary vocational education.
Online Technologies As an Innovative Form of Working with Applicants
Authors: Bakurova N.
Published: April 2021

This article offers an analysis of the system of professional orientation of modern students. The main problems of pre-university training arising from the digitalization and informatization of education are disclosed. The main ideas of applying social networks and online services in career guidance activities are substantiated. Significant advantages of online career guidance services over traditional methods are shown.
The Content of the Educational Function in the Family
Authors: Gavrilova A.
Published: April 2021

The article examines the content of the upbringing function in the family, the component of society's demands on the child and the reflection of these demands in the parents' knowledge of raising children. The results of the analysis of this knowledge are presented and the directions of accentuation and filling of the experience of parents in the implementation of the educational function in four basic competencies (physical health and safety, emotional and behavioral competence, social competence and cognitive competence) are determined.
What happened to the nuclear-powered pacemaker?
Authors: Jones Chris
Published: April 2021

This article examines the history of the development of nuclear-powered implanted cardiac pacemakers. The reasons why these devices were regarded as necessary and what advantages they were thought to bring are discussed, along with the safety issues of implanting plutonium-fuelled units into cardiac patients that eventually brought the practice to an end. The article concludes by examining the possible return of this type of technology to meet modern priorities and problems. Contemporary accounts from the designers and clinicians of the atom-powered pacemakers, who to this day defend the devices that were inserted, will be examined, along with the work of historians of medicine.
Applying Transcript Based Lesson Analysis in Enhancing Communication Pattern between Teacher and Students in Chemistry Classroom
Authors: Winarti Atiek , Saadi Parham , Rajiani Ismi
Published: April 2021

Transcript Based Lesson Analysis (TBLA) is a transcript-based learning analysis method developed at Nagoya University, Japan. This new method is believed to justify the success of instructional design planned by the teacher. So far, the success of learning design has been reflected in student learning outcomes, even though the learning outcome data are not sufficient to provide an overview of the actual classroom conditions. This study aims to analyse the communication patterns in learning Chemistry using the TBLA method. This research is a descriptive qualitative study that analysed the lesson of Chemical Bonds and Carbon Atoms Characteristics, which were conducted in two Senior High Schools in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The data were collected using observation and documentation study. The lessons recorded using cameras and camcorders devices were transcribed and analysed using the Excel program based on the number of words spoken by teachers and students and the frequency of keywords in learning chemistry. The data were transformed into graphs. The results showed that analysis using TBLA provided integrated information about communication patterns and classroom quality. In these two classes, communication pattern occurs in Chemistry learning was teacher-student interaction only. The multi-ways transactions pattern has not occurred. The low quality of teacher questions and the incomplete deep learning phase in learning chemistry caused the expected multi-directional transaction communication has not been conducted. The result implies that TBLA is an effective tool to reflect on teacher practices and improve their teaching process for better instructional practices.
A Reliable and an Efficient Approach for Diagnosis of Brain Tumor Using Transfer Learning
Authors: Panwar Sarika A , Munot Mousami V , Gawande Suraj , Deshpande Pallavi S
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The World Brain Tumor Day is seen on eighth June, in a year. Despite exhaustive research in the medical field, the prevalence of this deadly disease is increasing globally with over new 28,000 braintumor cases being reported annually, in India alone. Recent advancements in the field of machine learning facilitate minimally invasive, efficient and reliable procedures for the diagnosis of Brain tumor. Objective: This research intends to design and devlop a reliable framework for accurate diagnosis of brain tumor mainly meningioma type, gliomatype and pituitary cerebrum tumor utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), one of the most mainstream non-obtrusive procedure Methods: In the proposed system, pre-trained AlexNet is used to classify meningioma, glioma and pituitary brain tumor. The concept of transfer learning is applied using AlexNet for extracting the features from brain MRI images.The AlexNet contains eight layers in which the first five are convolution layer and the remaining three are fully connected layers. The last layer is a softmax layer which gets the output from fully connected layers. The ReLU non-linearity is applied to the output of every convolution and fully connected layer. The idea of transfer learning is applied utilizing AlexNet for computing thefeatures from brain MRI pictures. The AlexNet contains eight layers in which the initial five are convolution layers and the staying three layers are fully connected layers. a softmax is the last layer , which is feeded by the fully connected layers. The ReLUactivation function is applied to the output of convolution layer and fully connectedlayer Result: The proposed system framework recorded the best order precision of 100 % to classify the brain tumor when validated using a practical dataset. Conclusion: The proposed work presents accurate and automatic brain tumor classification using transfer learning. The features extracted using AlexNet has proven to be efficient in obtaining good discriminative power in diagnosis of brain tumor
Multivariate Analysis of Factors that Influence the Clinical Outcome Oswestry Disability Index in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Post Percutaneous Stenoscopic Lumbar Decompression
Authors: Fauzi Ahmad , Gatham Rizky , Phedy Phedy , Ajiantoro Ajiantoro , Gatam Luthfi , Mahadipta Harmantya , Aprizal Riza
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to assess the factors that influence The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) clinical outcomes in patients with Lumbal Spinal Stenosis (LSS) after Percutaneous Stenoscopic Lumbar Decompression (PSLD). A total of 92 patients were analyzed for factors that affecting ODI clinical outcome. These factors were age, sex, body mass index, cigarette consumption, alcohol consumption, sports history, pain onset, radicular pain, VAS pain score, paresis and paresthesia symptoms, duration and conservative management, length of operation, duration of treatment, recurrence of pain, and duration of postoperative healing. Data were collected by direct examination, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and patient medical records. A Pearson correlation or Spearman Rank test and independent T-test or Mann Whitney was conducted to determine the significant relationship between these factors and ODI clinical outcomes. Multiple linear regression was performed to find out which factor most influences ODI clinical outcome. Some factors influence ODI outcome in the sample as resulted by statistical analysis. From the statistic analysis, only three factors that influence the ODI postoperative there was age (p=0.003), VAS preoperative (p=0.001), and ODI preoperative (p=0.001). There was no statistical significance found in the other factors with p>0.005. Factors influencing clinical outcomes by ODI in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis after PSLD was the age of the patient, preoperative ODI, and preoperative VAS.
Comparison of Urinary Calculi Size Between Bone and Soft Tissue Window in Computed Tomography
Authors: Thampi Silpa , Parambil Irshad Cheriya , Karegowda Lakshmikanth Halegubbi , Priyanka Priyanka
Published: April 2021

Computed Tomography is an important technique for imaging the urinary calculi using cross sectional images. The size and site of the calculi are significant aspect that are necessary for treatment. Therefore, present study aims to compare diameters of calculi measured using bone and soft tissue window settings in CT and also determinesmost frequent site for occurrence of calculi in urinary system. This is a retrospective study including total of 126 patients (91 males, 35 females, age range: 20-50 years). The patients who had undergone non contrast enhanced computed tomography of Kidney Ureter and Bladder (NCCT KUB) and diagnosed with urinary calculi were included in study. For each calculus found on CT image, two diameters such as maximum diameter and perpendicular diameter was measured on coronal plane using soft tissue and bone window settings. Site of calculi was also noted.To compare diameters measured using soft tissue and bone window settings Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used.Mean of maximum diameter and perpendicular diameter of the calculi measured by soft tissue and bone window settings in CT was 0.74±0.5, 0.82 ±1.8 and 0.79 ± 0.5 ,0.67 ± 0.49 respectively. It was found that there was significant difference in diameters of calculi measured using soft tissue and bone window setting (p<0.0001). The study concludes that there was mean difference of0.08 cms and 0.12 cms for maximum axial diameter and perpendicular diameter respectively measured using soft tissue and bone window settings in CT. Calculi in kidneys was most common site in our study population.