bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha-Mangostin Activates MOAP-1 Tumor Suppressor and Mitochondrial Signaling in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Simon Samson Eugin , Lim Hui Sin , Jayakumar Fairen Angelin , Tan Ee Wern , Tan Kuan Onn
Published: January 2022

α-Mangostin, one of the major constituents of Garcinia mangostana, has been reported to possess several biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities associated with the inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of apoptosis. However, the cellular signaling pathway mediated by α-mangostin has not been firmly established. To investigate the cellular activities of α-mangostin, human cancer cells, MCF-7 and MCF-7-CR cells, were treated with α-mangostin to measure the cellular responses, including cytotoxicity, protein-protein interaction, and protein expression. Cancer cells stably expressed Myc-BCL-XL and HA-MOAP-1 were also included in the studies to delineate the cell signaling events mediated by α-mangostin. Our results showed that the apoptosis signaling mediated by α-mangostin involves the upregulation of endogenous MOAP-1, which interacts with α-mangostin activated BAX (act-BAX) while downregulating the expression of BCL-XL. Moreover, α-mangostin was found to induce BAX oligomerization, the release of mitochondrial cytochrome C, and activation of caspase in MCF-7 cells. In overexpression studies, MCF-7 cells and spheroids stably expressed HA-MOAP-1 and Myc-BCL-XL exhibited differential chemosensitivity toward α-mangostin in which the stable clones expressing HA-MOAP-1 and MYC-BCL-XL were chemosensitive and chemoresistant to the apoptosis signaling events mediated by α-mangostin, respectively, when compared to untreated cells. Together, the data suggest that the cytotoxicity of α-mangostin involves the activation of MOAP-1 tumor suppressor and its interaction with act-BAX, leading to mitochondria dysfunction and cell death.
Effects of Hypoxic Environment on Periodontal Tissue through the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway
Authors: Zhu Rui , Mi Xiaohui , Li Yongming
Published: January 2022

There is low evidence for the possible association between obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and periodontitis, necessitating further research. This study was aimed at investigating this association. For the in vitro study, 8‐day‐old Wistar rats were divided into the unilateral nasal obstruction group (UNO) and the sham surgery group (SHAM). Rats in the former group were subjected to UNO by cauterization of the external nostril at the age of 8 days. Immunofluorescence analysis, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and western blot were performed to assess the expression of thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP), NLR family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome‐associated factors, and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). Throughout the experimental period, the weights of rats in the two groups were similar. The mRNA and protein expression of TXNIP and IL-1β was significantly higher in the UNO than in the SHAM groups. Compared with SHAM, NLRP3 inflammasome‐associated factors were activated in the UNO group. For the in vitro study, a cellular hypoxia model was established by treating human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) with cobalt chloride. The studies showed that hypoxia can induce an excessive production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HPDLCs and induce abnormal expression of TNXIP, NLRP3 inflammasome‐related factors, and IL‐1β. More importantly, N‐acetylcysteine induced reduction of ROS in HPDLCs, downregulated TXNIP expression, inhibited the expression and aggregation of NLRP3 inflammasome‐related factors, and abrogated the inflammatory response to hypoxia. In conclusion, hypoxia‐induced ROS can activate the TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in response to oxidative stress, resulting in the increased expression of inflammatory factors in HPDLCs. Our findings provide evidence for the mechanism underlying the possible association between OSAHS and periodontal disease.
Recent Advances and Future Research Directions for Hearing Loss Treatment Based on Nanoparticles
Authors: Dindelegan Maximilian George , Blebea Cristina , Perde-Schrepler Maria , Buzoianu Anca Dana , Maniu Alma Aurelia
Published: January 2022

Sensorineural hearing loss is a prevailing health issue worldwide which usually occurs due to sensory inner ear cell destruction. These cells, once damaged, do not regenerate in mammals resulting in permanent hearing loss. Effective treatment of inner ear diseases is strongly correlated with efficient drug delivery to the inner ear. Researchers have made important efforts to deliver drugs locally to the inner ear in a safe and controllable manner. Different strategies and drug delivery systems were used to mitigate the resistance exerted by the multiple anatomical barriers found in the inner ear. Nanoparticles represent an option for sustained drug delivery to the inner ear. Nanocarrier‐based systems can diffuse through the round and oval window membrane allowing for direct delivery into the inner ear components. Certain types of enhanced nanoparticles can focus on specific parts of the inner ear, providing targeted delivery which might represent the future therapy for sensorineural hearing loss. In this article, we will present the latest advances in the treatment of hearing loss based on nanoparticles.
Analysis on the Influence of Table Tennis Elective Course on College Students’ Health
Authors: Zhu Ke , Xu Lina
Published: January 2022

College physical education elective course is the last physical education course for college students. It also plays an irreplaceable positive role in the formation of College Students’ lifelong physical education. Table tennis, as China’s national ball, is of great significance to enhance the physique of elective courses. As an elective course of college physical education, table tennis is widely loved by college students. It is a very popular course in college physical education elective courses. This paper discusses the influence of table tennis on health. This paper puts forward the reform scheme of teaching plan design of table tennis elective course in colleges and universities, which has a certain reference value for the development of College Physical Education in China.
Blasting Vibration Characteristics Calculation Formula considering Cylindrical Charge Delay Time
Authors: Yang En , Wang Zhong-Qi , Xu Qian
Published: January 2022

The surrounding rock is divided into the elastic zone and the plastic zone according to the motion and deformation characteristics of the medium in rock blasting. The vibration caused by the cylindrical charge blasting is outlined on the basis of previous research concerning the blasting elastic-plastic theory. Meanwhile, a superposition model is used to calculate the vibration of cylindrical charge blasting on the premise of considering the influence of detonation velocity, the number of drug columns, and the time delay between holes. The analysis results show that the blasting causes the uneven spatial distribution of vibration, containing both strong and weak directions. The velocity of the vibration along weak directions decreases slowly with the increase of distance. But generally, the velocity along weak directions is faster. The vibration distribution of a cylindrical charge is closely related to the detonator location. Furthermore, more vibration distributes towards the forward direction of the detonation wave.
Prognostic Factors for COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients with Preexisting Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fu Yuanyuan , Hu Ling , Ren Hong-Wei , Zuo Yi , Chen Shaoqiu , Zhang Qiu-Shi , Shao Chen , Ma Yao , Wu Lin , Hao Jun-Jie , Wang Chuan-Zhen , Wang Zhanwei , Yanagihara Richard , Deng Youping
Published: January 2022

Background. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a worldwide chronic disease combined with the COVID-19 pandemic prompts the need for improving the management of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with preexisting T2D to reduce complications and the risk of death. This study aimed to identify clinical factors associated with COVID-19 outcomes specifically targeted at T2D patients and build an individualized risk prediction nomogram for risk stratification and early clinical intervention to reduce mortality. Methods. In this retrospective study, the clinical characteristics of 382 confirmed COVID-19 patients, consisting of 108 with and 274 without preexisting T2D, from January 8 to March 7, 2020, in Tianyou Hospital in Wuhan, China, were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were performed to identify specific clinical factors associated with mortality of COVID-19 patients with T2D. An individualized risk prediction nomogram was developed and evaluated by discrimination and calibration. Results. Nearly 15% (16/108) of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with T2D died. Twelve risk factors predictive of mortality were identified. Older age (HR = 1.076, 95% CI = 1.014–1.143,p=0.016), elevated glucose level (HR = 1.153, 95% CI = 1.038–1.28,p=0.0079), increased serum amyloid A (SAA) (HR = 1.007, 95% CI = 1.001–1.014,p=0.022), diabetes treatment with only oral diabetes medication (HR = 0.152, 95%CI = 0.032–0.73,p=0.0036), and oral medication plus insulin (HR = 0.095, 95%CI = 0.019–0.462,p=0.019) were independent prognostic factors. A nomogram based on these prognostic factors was built for early prediction of 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day survival of diabetes patients. High concordance index (C-index) was achieved, and the calibration curves showed the model had good prediction ability within three weeks of COVID-19 onset. Conclusions. By incorporating specific prognostic factors, this study provided a user-friendly graphical risk prediction tool for clinicians to quickly identify high-risk T2D patients hospitalized for COVID-19.
Curcumin-Based Inhibitors of Thrombosis and Cancer Metastasis Promoting Factor CLEC 2 from Traditional Medicinal Species Curcuma longa
Authors: Chandra Manivannan Arun , Bargueňo Minguel Carmena , Devaraju Vinitha , Sen Punam , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Mohammed Ghilan Abdul Kareem , Farasani Abdullah , Oyouni Atif Abdulwahab A. , Aljohani Saad Ali S. , Alzahrani Othman R. , Altayar Malik A. , Sahal Aeban Riyadh Hussain , Velmurugan Palanivel , Mohanavel Vinayagam , Sathiamoorthi Thangavelu , Krishnaraj Ramaswamy
Published: January 2022

The CLEC-2 receptor protein belongs to the C-type lectin superfamily of transmembrane receptors that have one or more C-type lectin-like domains. CLEC-2 is a physiological binding receptor of podoplanin (PDPN), which is expressed on specific tumour cell types and involved in tumour cell-induced platelet aggregation and tumour metastasis. CLEC-2 and podoplanin-expressing tumour cells interact to increase angiogenesis, tumour development, and metastasis. CLEC-2 is a hemi-immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (hemi-ITAM) receptor located on platelets and a subset of dendritic cells that are expressed constitutively. This molecule is secreted by activated platelets around tumours and has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and tumour metastasis in colon carcinoma by binding to the surface of tumour cells. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried using a DrugLiTo, and molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 (ADT). Twenty-nine bioactive compounds were included in the study, and four of them, namely, piperine, dihydrocurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demothoxycurcumin, showed potential antagonist properties against the target. The resultant best bioactive was compared with commercially available standard drugs. Further, validation of respective compounds with an intensive molecular dynamics simulation was performed using Schrödinger software. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on major bioactive found on clove as natural antagonists for CLEC-2 computationally. To further validate the bioactive and delimit the screening process of potential drugs against CLEC-2, in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to prove their efficacy.
Some Resolving Parameters in a Class of Cayley Graphs
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Zafari Ali
Published: January 2022

Resolving parameters are a fundamental area of combinatorics with applications not only to many branches of combinatorics but also to other sciences. In this study, we construct a class of Toeplitz graphs and will be denoted by T2n(W) so that they are Cayley graphs. First, we review some of the features of this class of graphs. In fact, this class of graphs is vertex transitive, and by calculating the spectrum of the adjacency matrix related with them, we show that this class of graphs cannot be edge transitive. Moreover, we show that this class of graphs cannot be distance regular, and because of the difficulty of the computing resolving parameters of a class of graphs which are not distance regular, we regard this as justification for our focus on some resolving parameters. In particular, we determine the minimal resolving set, doubly resolving set, and strong metric dimension for this class of graphs.
Pharmacological Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Licorice-Derived Flavonoids
Authors: Wu Yufan , Wang Zhuxian , Du Qunqun , Zhu Zhaoming , Chen Tingting , Xue Yaqi , Wang Yuan , Zeng Quanfu , Shen Chunyan , Jiang Cuiping , Liu Li , Zhu Hongxia , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2022

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the most frequently prescribed natural medicine in China and has been used for more than 2,000 years. The flavonoids of licorice have garnered considerable attention in recent decades due to their structural diversity and myriad pharmacological effects, especially as novel therapeutic agents against inflammation and cancer. Although many articles have been published to summarize different pharmacological activities of licorice in recent years, the systematic summary for flavonoid components is not comprehensive. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the pharmacological and mechanistic data from recent researches on licorice flavonoids and their bioactive components.
Xanthohumol Protects the Rat Myocardium against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury-Induced Ferroptosis
Authors: Lin Jian-Hong , Yang Kun-Ta , Lee Wen-Sen , Ting Pei-Ching , Luo Yu-Po , Lin Ding-Jyun , Wang Yi-Shun , Chang Jui-Chih
Published: January 2022

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death caused by the inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and accumulation of lipid peroxides. Ferroptosis has been found to participate in the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, leading to heart dysfunction and myocardial cell death. Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated flavonoid isolated from Humulus lupulus, has multiple pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This study is aimed at investigating whether XN could attenuate the I/R-induced ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes and the underlying mechanisms. Cardiomyocytes were treated with Fe-SP and RSL3, and the rat hearts were treated with I/R. The results from the present study show that XN was able to protect cardiomyocytes against Fe-SP- and RSL3-induced ferroptotic cell death by decreasing the production of lipid peroxidation and ROS, chelating iron, reducing the NRF2 protein level, and modulating the protein levels of GPX4. Moreover, XN significantly decreased the mRNA levels of ferroptosis markers, Ptgs2 and Acsl4, and the protein levels of ACSL4 and NRF2 and modulated the protein levels of GPX4 in I/R-treated hearts. The findings from the present study suggest that XN might have the therapeutic potential for the I/R-induced ferroptosis injury.
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for a Landfill Site Selection in Chachapoyas and Huancas (NW Peru): Modeling in a GIS‐RS Environment
Authors: Silva López Jhonsy O. , Salas López Rolando , Rojas Briceño Nilton B. , Gómez Fernández Darwin , Terrones Murga Renzo E. , Iliquín Trigoso Daniel , Barboza Castillo Elgar , Oliva Cruz Manuel , Barrena Gurbillón Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2022

The evaluation of suitable landfill sites is a complex process and requires various legislative, technical, social, and environmental criteria. Therefore, this study provides a management tool for identifying suitable sites for landfills through the integrated use of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), geographic information systems (GISs), and remote sensing (RS). Accordingly, fourteen subcriteria were identified and grouped into physical (7), environmental (3), and socioeconomic (4) criteria and were weighed using pairwise comparison matrices (PCMs). The weighted linear combination (WLC) approach of maps allowed us to generate models and submodels of land suitability. From the territory of the districts of Chachapoyas and Huancas, 0.9% (1.71 km2), 71.1% (141.89 km2), 21.0% (41.86 km2), 0.0%, and 7.7% (14.21 km2) have highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable, unsuitable, and restricted conditions, respectively, for a landfill site. Twelve highly suitable sites were identified, of which three were selected based on their shape and the minimum area required for the operation of the landfill until 2040. In fact, this study proposes a management tool for decision‐makers (DMs) that improve the process of selecting landfill sites, supported by engineering and its applications for territorial sustainability.
The Potential Therapeutic Effect of Orexin-Treated versus Orexin-Untreated Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy on Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Boushra Amy F. , Mahmoud Rania H. , Ayoub Shymaa E. , Mohammed Rehab A. , Shamardl Hanan A. , El Amin Ali Amani M.
Published: January 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by resistance to peripheral insulin actions. Mesenchymal stem cells have been studied for years in T2DM therapy, including adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). Orexin neuropeptides (A and B) are well-known regulators of appetite and physical activity. The aim of this work was to elucidate the possible therapeutic effect of AD-MSC preconditioning with orexin A (OXA) on insulin resistance in rats. Twenty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups: a normal control group and 3 diabetic groups (a control T2DM group, diabetic rats treated by an AD-MSCs group, and diabetic rats treated by AD-MSCs preconditioned with OXA). We noticed that the treated groups showed a significant alleviation of insulin resistance parameters as shown in lowering the serum levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and HOMA-IR as compared to the control diabetic group with more significant reduction observed in the OXA-pretreated AD-MSCs-administrated group. More improvement was also noted in the glucose uptake and GLUT-4 gene expression in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in the OXA-pretreated AD-MSCs-administrated group compared to the untreated diabetic group. Conclusion. Preconditioning of AD-MSCs with OXA can significantly increase their potential to reduce the insulin resistance in the rat model of T2DM.
Differential Immunomodulatory Potential of Silver Nanoparticles and Effect on the Kynurenine Pathway in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Adeyemi Oluyomi Stephen , Afolabi Lawrence Boluwatife , Rotimi Damilare Emmanuel , Atanu Francis O. , Ofume Dubem Sharon , Ogunleye Tolulope , Oluwalana Deborah Oluwatobiloba , Oluwole Tomisin Praise , Youssef Amal , Mostafa-Hedeab Gomaa , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: January 2022

Silver nanoparticles are increasingly being used in a wide variety of ways that may lead to frequency of exposure for humans and the environment. Thus, it is necessary to understand the biological effect(s) of these nanoparticles. Previously, we showed that AgNPs activated the kynurenine pathway in rat brain independently of oxidative stress in rats. This present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of AgNPs on some selected cytokines, redox parameters, and on the kynurenine level in rats. Male Wistar rats (130‐150 g) were divided into 4 groups. Rats were grouped into control, AgNPs only (50 mg/kg bw), coadministration of AgNPs (50 mg/kg bw), and dexamethasone (100 mg/kg bw) and dexamethasone only (100 mg/kg bw). Results indicated that AgNPs did not significantly elevate MDA levels in rat plasma and brain relative to the control group. AgNPs caused a significant alteration in the level of rat brain and plasma total protein concentration. Meanwhile, AgNPs led to an elevation in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in rat plasma but decreased plasma kynurenine level significantly. Furthermore, IFN‐γ level was reduced following AgNPs administration, IL‐1β decreased across the treatment groups, while NF‐κB was reduced in the dexamethasone only and AgNPs + dexamethasone groups when compared with the control. AgNPs led to increased IL‐4 levels, while IL‐10 levels decreased across the treatment groups. Taken together, our data showed a differential immunomodulatory potential of AgNPs in rats.
A Urinary Drug-Disposing Approach as an Alternative to Intravesical Chemotherapy for Treating Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Bellat Vanessa , Michel Adam O. , Thomas Charlene , Stokol Tracy , Choi Benjamin B. , Law Benedict
Published: January 2022

The standard treatment of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is transurethral resection of the tumors, followed by intravesical therapy (IT), which comprises a direct instillation of a solution of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine or chemotherapy into the bladder. However, the recurrence rate in this disease remains unacceptably high. IT is a local treatment that fails to reach tumors developed in the upper urinary tract (ureter and renal pelvis). The catheterization procedure required for IT is invasive, painful, and poses an increased infection risk, resulting in poor patient quality of life and compliance. There is an unmet need for a potent, comprehensive, and noninvasive option. Without chemical modifications, peptides are rapidly removed by renal clearance. This “shortcoming” can be advantageous when used as a drug carrier for directing therapy to NMIBC. Here we develop a urinary drug-disposing (UDD) approach to improve NMIBC treatment. A 12-amino acid bio-inert peptide (Bdd) that can be exclusively eliminated via renal filtration was generated for delivering the microtubule inhibitor DM1 to NMIBC with minimal nonspecific accumulation in other organs. The UDD approach prolonged survival of mice bearing human bladder tumors. Unlike IT, the treatment was given noninvasively (intravenously). Furthermore, it was more effective at suppressing tumor growth than clinically used IT (mitomycin) and safer than free DM1. The application of this UDD approach to treat kidney tumors and deliver other drugs such as doxorubicin was also demonstrated. Overall, the rapid renal clearance of peptides can be exploited to direct cancer therapies to the urinary system.

Significance:

A noninvasive drug delivery approach that targets the urinary system overcomes the current barriers facing effective treatment of bladder cancer.
Human-Monkey Conflicts in Sri Lanka: A Comment on Dittus et al., 2019
Authors: Rudran Rasanayagam
Published: January 2022

Dittus et al. [Folia Primatologica 2019;90: 89–108] discuss conflicts in Sri Lanka between people and 4 subspecies of purple-faced langurs, 3 subspecies of toque macaques and a single grey langur subspecies. All of these subspecies are endemic and also listed by the IUCN as endangered or threatened with extinction due to extensive deforestation. Nevertheless, in order to mitigate conflicts with macaques, the above article recommended buffer zones that “should be at least 100–200 m wide, devoid of trees, shrubs and food sources: pasture could serve this purpose” [Dittus et al., 2019, p. 100]. This recommendation is presented without an explicit statement that buffer zones should not be carved out of existing primate habitats. Therefore, it could be misused by corrupt politicians and timber contractors to justify deforestation, even by expanding existing pastures that do not meet the width specifications prescribed by the article. These actions could undermine the survival of both langurs that rely exclusively on a vegetarian diet. Therefore, in my opinion, buffer zones as proposed by Dittus et al. [2019] are not a valid recommendation to mitigate human-monkey conflicts (HMCs) in Sri Lanka. I consider several other statements in the article also to have questionable relevance to mitigating HMCs in Sri Lanka. However, I discuss a commercially viable activity reported by Dittus et al. [2019] that could be used to mitigate HMCs and also promote monkey conservation in Sri Lanka. It derives from a time-tested and, therefore, successful business enterprise based on peaceful coexistence with monkeys that the authors of that article have undertaken at their field site in Polonnaruwa. However, they do not discuss the enterprise’s proven ability to promote peaceful coexistence with monkeys.Therefore, I explain how the enterprise could help communities throughout Sri Lanka to accrue financial benefits, by practicing peaceful coexistence with all monkey subspecies and promoting their conservation at the same time. This business model has the potential to strengthen Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its unique contribution to global biological diversity from extinction.
Cilostazol for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Jiangfeng , He Jingli , Chen Xun , Feng Yanjin , Wang Chen , Awil Mohamed Arab , Wang Yan , Tian Yi , Hou Deren
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose: Delayed cerebral ischemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, was reported to reduce cerebral vasospasm and improve outcomes. We aimed to conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the efﬁcacy and safety of cilostazol in aSAH. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for articles published in English with the latest publishing time in August 2020. Articles reporting favorable outcome as the primary outcome and reporting severe angiographic vasospasm (aVS), symptomatic vasospasm (sVS), new cerebral infarction, or mortality as the secondary outcome were included in this review. Furthermore, we examined whether clinical outcomes were associated with the dosage of cilostazol (300 mg/day vs. 100–200 mg/day). Results: Data from 405 patients in 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 461 patients in 4 observational studies (OSs) were included. In RCT studies, cilostazol was associated with significant favorable outcomes at discharge or 1 month (risk ratio [RR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.97, p = 0.04) or 3 or 6 months (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05–1.28, p = 0.002). However, in OSs, no significant difference was indicated in favorable outcomes at discharge or 1 month (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.94–1.60, p = 0.14) nor 3 or 6 months (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.92–1.81, p = 0.14). The analyses found that cilostazol significantly reduced the incidences of severe aVS (RCT: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41–1.01, p = 0.05; OS: RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.88, p = 0.007), sVS (RCT: RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31–0.70, p = 0.0002; OS: RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21–0.68, p = 0.001), and new cerebral infarction (RCT: RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.24–0.67, p = 0.0005; OS: RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23–0.64, p = 0.0002). However, no significant difference in mortality (RCT: RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.23–3.21, p = 0.82; OS: RR 0.16, 95% CI 0.02–1.24, p = 0.08) was found. In 3 OSs which reported different doses of cilostazol (300 mg/day vs. 100–200 mg/day) for aSAH, the 300-mg/day cilostazol groups showed decreased delayed cerebral infarction (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.81, p = 0.02) but no significant difference in shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.33–2.60, p = 0.88) or functional outcomes (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.74–1.75, p = 0.56) compared with the 100–200 mg/day cilostazol groups. Conclusions: The meta-analyses suggest the credible efficacy and safety of cilostazol in treating aSAH. Furthermore, 300-mg/day cilostazol treatment appeared to be more effective than 100–200 mg/day treatment.
Serologic Abnormalities in Macular Lymphocytic Arteritis with Case Presentation
Authors: Bender Nicole R. , Bisbee Elizabeth L. , Robins Douglas , Motaparthi Kiran , Vincek Vladimir
Published: January 2022

Macular lymphocytic arteritis (MLA) is an indolent cutaneous small-medium-vessel vasculitis characterized by widespread asymptomatic livedo racemosa. A number of serologic abnormalities have been reported including an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and antibodies associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. We present a case of MLA with multiple serologic abnormalities, including those that have yet to be reported, such as anti-U1 ribonucleotide protein, anti-RNA polymerase III, anti-smith, and anti-proteinase 3 antibodies. We also provide a brief review of this unfamiliar entity with a focus on the appropriate workup.
Two Cases of ALK-Altered Cancers of Unknown Primary Diagnosed by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Kato Yoriko , Shimazu Kazuhiro , Fukuda Koji , Yoshida Taichi , Taguchi Daiki , Shinozaki Hanae , Nanjyo Hiroshi , Shibata Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) accounts for 5% of all malignancies. Patients with CUP may live averagely for 8 months after diagnosis, and thus, rapid and reasonable diagnosis is necessary. Among patients with CUP, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-overexpressing CUPs, whose primary sites were confirmed to be the lungs (Lung-CUP) by using antibodies against cytokeratin 7, thyroid transcription factor-1, and Napsin A, along with clinical characteristics progressed rapidly and were very sensitive to the ALK inhibitor alectinib. The incidence of ALK alteration in Lung-CUP is 19%. Consequently, it is advised that Lung-CUP be examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with an anti-ALK antibody. Alternative examinations, such as a cancer genome test, require as much as 2 months to complete, whereas IHC can be completed within days. In this report, a rapid assessment by IHC led to alectinib treatment, which resulted in good outcomes in 2 cases of Lung-CUP. Alectinib was effective for ALK-altered Lung-CUPs.
Chaos Behavior Analysis of Alaryngeal Voices Including Esophageal and Tracheoesophageal Voices
Authors: Liu Boquan , Zhang Fan , Chen Ling , Silverman Matthew A. , Liu Hengxin , Fu Dehui , Huang Yongwang , Pan Jing , Jiang Jack J.
Published: January 2022

Hypothesis/Objectives: This study’s objective was to develop a method to evaluate the chaotic characteristic of alaryngeal speech. The proposed method will be capable of distinguishing between normal and alaryngeal voices, including esophageal (SE) and tracheoesophageal (TE) voices. It has been previously shown that alaryngeal voices exhibit chaotic characteristics due to the aperiodicity of their signals. The proposed method will be applied for future use to quantify both chaos behavior (CB) and the difference between SE and TE voices. Study Design: A total of 74 voice recordings including 34 normal and 40 alaryngeal (26 SE and 14 TE) were used in the study. Voice samples were analyzed to distinguish alaryngeal voices from normal voices and to investigate different chaotic characteristics of SE and TE speech. Methods: A chaotic distribution detection-based method was used to investigate the CB of alaryngeal voices. This CB was used to detect the difference between SE and TE voice types. Quantification of the CB parameter was performed. Statistical analyses were used to compare the results of the CB analysis for both the SE and TE voices. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that CB effectively differentiated between all normal and alaryngeal voice types (p < 0.01). Subsequent multiclass receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that CB (area under the curve) possessed the greatest classification accuracy relative to correlation dimension (D2). Conclusions: The CB metric shows strong promise as an accurate, useful metric for objective differentiation between all normal and alaryngaeal, SE and TE voice types. The CB calculations showed expected results, as SE voices have significantly more CB than TE voices, constituting substantial improvement over previous methods and becoming the first SE and TE classification method. This metric can help clinicians obtain additional acoustic information when monitoring the efficacy of treatment for patients undergoing total laryngectomies.
Demographic Data Differences in Perceived Control over Nursing Practice among Nurses Caring for Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Rababa Mohammad , Al-Sabbah Shatha , Bani Hamad Dania
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Control over nursing practice is crucial for improved quality of life for nursing home (NH) residents. Nevertheless, little is known about the association of nurses’ demographic data with their perceived control over nursing practice in Jordan and beyond. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the differences in nurses’ levels of perceived control over nursing practice based on their demographic characteristics. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on a convenience sample of 163 nurses caring for NH residents. Nurses’ perceived control over nursing practice was measured by the Control Over Nursing Practice (CONP) scale. Results: The participating nurses were found to have low levels of perceived control over nursing practice which varied between the nurse groups according to gender, level of experience, and type of NHs. Discussion/Conclusion: This study is the first quantitative study to examine association between nurses’ demographic characteristics, such as age or years of nursing experience, and their perceived control over nursing practice. Despite the preliminary findings of this study, the findings of this study provide a better understanding of the impact of nurses’ sociodemographic and professional characteristics on their levels of perceived control over nursing practice.
Feasibility of Diagnosing Initial Orthostatic Hypotension Using a Continuous Blood Pressure Device in Geriatric Rehabilitation Inpatients: RESORT
Authors: Tran Jennifer , Mol Arjen , Iseli Rebecca K. , Lim Wen Kwang , Meskers Carel G.M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: January 2022

Background: Initial orthostatic hypotension (IOH) is highly prevalent in older adults and may interfere with the ability to regain function after acute hospitalization. IOH assessment requires a non-invasive, beat-to-beat continuous blood pressure device, which is not widely used in geriatric rehabilitation. Our aim was to test the feasibility of diagnosing IOH using a continuous blood pressure device in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Methods: Geriatric rehabilitation inpatients of the REStORing Health of Acutely Unwell AdulTs (RESORT) cohort admitted to a tertiary hospital were randomly selected to undergo continuous blood pressure monitoring (Finapres) for 5 min in the supine position and 3 min of standing or sitting when unable to stand. Interventions to warm hands and adjusting the cuff pressure sizes were attempted if no signal was obtained or an error message occurred. Results: Of 37 randomly selected inpatients, 29 {55.2% female; mean age 82.8 (standard deviation [SD]) 6.6 years} agreed to the continuous blood pressure measurement. Successful measurements were achieved in 20 out of 29 inpatients, two after hand warming. Patients with unsuccessful measurements were likely to be older (mean age 87.2 [SD] 4.4 years, p = 0.03), have cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.006), lower body mass index (p = 0.012), and a lower short physical performance battery score (p = 0.039). Eight out of 20 patients had IOH. Conclusion: The number of unsuccessful continuous blood pressure measurements was high in a population with high IOH prevalence despite multiple interventions to establish a signal. Future research should focus on improving the efficiency of continuous blood pressure devices in hospitalized patients with unsuccessful signals.
The Role of ADAMTS-4 in Atherosclerosis and Vessel Wall Abnormalities
Authors: Novak Rudjer , Hrkac Stela , Salai Grgur , Bilandzic Josko , Mitar Luka , Grgurevic Lovorka
Published: January 2022

Extracellular matrix proteins are regulated by metzincin proteases, like the disintegrin metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family members. This review focuses on the emerging role which ADAMTS-4 might play in vascular pathology, which has implications for atherosclerosis and vessel wall abnormalities, as well as for the resulting diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, aortic aneurysms, and dissections. Major substrates of ADAMTS-4 are proteoglycans expressed physiologically in smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Good examples are versican and aggrecan, principal vessel wall proteoglycans that are targeted by ADAMTS-4, driving blood vessel atrophy, which is why this metzincin protease was implicated in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases with an atherosclerotic background. Despite emerging evidence, it is important not to exaggerate the role of ADAMTS-4 as it is likely only a small piece of the complex atherosclerosis puzzle and one that could be functionally redundant due to its high structural similarity to other ADAMTS family members. The therapeutic potential of inhibiting ADAMTS-4 to halt the progression of vascular disease after initialization of treatment is unlikely. However, it is not excluded that it might find a purpose as a biomarker of vascular disease, possibly as an indicator in a larger cytokine panel.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a New Tool for Neuroendocrine Research in Sheep
Authors: Tillet Yves
Published: January 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain analysis is used in rodents and for clinical investigation in humans, and it becomes also possible now for large animal models studies. Specific facilities are available with clinical scanners and benefit to neuroendocrine investigations in sheep. Sheep has a large gyrencephalic brain and its organization is very similar to primates and human, and among physiological regulations, oestrous cycle of the ewes is similar to women. Therefore, this animal is a good model for preclinical researches using MRI, as illustrated with steroids impact on the brain. New data were obtained concerning the effect of sexual steroids on neuronal networks involved in the control of reproduction and in the influence of sexual steroids on cognition. In addition to the importance of such data for understanding the role of these hormones on brain functions, they give new insights to consider the sheep as a powerful model for preclinical studies in the field of neuroendocrinology. These points are discussed in this short review.
Ética, Reputação e Posicionamento no Supremo Tribunal Federal sobre a ótica das Relações Públicas
Authors: Costa Gustavo
Published: January 2022

Esta pesquisa analisa o modo como se comunica o Supremo Tribunal Federal, seu posicionamento em relação a suas estruturas de poder e a consequência de suas decisões na política e sociedade. Buscando compreender, o porquê de o Supremo Tribunal Federal não ter sinalizado, autonomamente, nenhuma mudança estrutural em sua comunicação, que torne a base de suas decisões mais acessíveis e democráticas para a população. Em virtude dessa falta de atualização dos processos comunicacionais, e do distanciamento que isso causa, vem sofrendo uma crise de reputação tendo, inclusive, sua ética questionada. Neste cenário viu-se a oportunidade de articular a necessidade do Supremo Tribunal Federal numa reflexão que considere as teorias das Relações Públicas.
Jornalismo de solução e a produção de um jornalismo engajador
Authors: Gerevini Isadora Dezorzi
Published: January 2022

O presente artigo teve como objetivo investigar se o programa Cidades e Soluções, veiculado pela GloboNews, se enquadra na categoria de Jornalismo de Solução (JS), a partir dos conceitos propostos pela Solutions Journalism Network (2020). O artigo também se apoiou nas pesquisas de Wenzel, Gerson e Moreno (2016) sobre o tema. Através de pesquisa bibliográfica, buscou as origens do JS em correntes antigas, como o Jornalismo para a Paz, descrita por Johan Galtung (1970) e o Jornalismo Cívico (1980), para entender as semelhanças e diferenciações. Para a análise, foram escolhidas quatro edições do Cidades e Soluções, dando sequência a metodologia que consistiu em uma análise de conteúdo. A partir dos resultados da análise, foi possível concluir que Cidades e Soluções se enquadra na categoria de JS pois nas edições avaliadas constam as características delimitadas pela Solutions Journalism Network.
teia da informação e os desafios dos gestores do varejo de moda
Authors: Magalhães Valeria Ayres , Crivellari Helena Maria Tarchi
Published: January 2022

O artigo aborda o processo de busca de informações de gestores de lojas de varejo de moda. Baseado em resultados de pesquisa de mestrado, que estudou empresas de micro e pequeno porte de Belo Horizonte, o artigo tem como objetivo focalizar as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos gestores. Do ponto de vista teórico, centrou-se em elementos da sociologia da moda e na proposta das três arenas de Choo, elaborada a partir de modelos de busca de informação, a saber: Sense-Making, Information Seeking Process – ISP e Modelo Situacional. A metodologia do estudo empírico englobou um processo quanti/qualitativo, com aplicação de questionários, seguido de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com os gestores. As conclusões apontam a existência de diversas dificuldades decorrentes da rotina desses lojistas de moda; além disso, observou-se que alguns entraves relevantes são fruto de uma especificidade do campo da moda: o excesso de informações, produzidas por diversas fontes e agentes, formando uma teia complexa de dados e informações.
Entre o computador e a lira: a obra e as tribulações de um homem de ciência
Authors: Schnaiderman Boris
Published: January 2022

Boris Schnaiderman percorre o seu intenso relacionamento intelectual com V. V. Ivánov ao longo de 48 anos, detalhando a amplitude de sua trajetória nos mais variados campos artísticos e científicos.
Valores emancipatórios, personalidade e a pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Ribeiro Ednaldo , Borba Julian , Okado Lucas Toshiaki Archangelo
Published: January 2022

O artigo analisa os impactos da pandemia de covid-19 sobre as prioridades valorativas individuais e societais dos brasileiros. Analisamos também, com base na Big Five Theory, como as diferenças individuais em termos de personalidade desempenham papel importante na forma como as pessoas lidam com mudanças. Os resultados indicam que a situação de pandemia não provocou alterações substanciais nos valores emancipatórios dos brasileiros. Além disso, veri ca-se que o apoio a tais valores é determinado sobretudo pela posse de recursos como escolarização e renda, mas também é impactado por aspectos relacionados aos traços de personalidade.
Transformação do sertão paulista na pintura "O lavrador de café" de Cândido Portinari
Authors: Zonetti Vitor Moretti
Published: January 2022

A pintura “O lavrador de café” de Cândido Portinari possibilita uma análise sobre as transformações no sertão paulista a partir da linguagem utilizada pelo artista. Sua composição simbólica recriou o contexto social no qual está imerso o personagem da obra, podendo ser interpretado por um conjunto de conceitos geográficos. Utilizando-se do materialismo histórico como percurso metodológico para se alcançar a experiência particular do sujeito, é possível compreender essa pintura como uma representação de conflitos ontológicos.
Review of Proxima DeLong & Freytag (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Gyponini) with description of two new species from Brazil and identification key to species
Authors: LARANJEIRA VANESSA CRISTINA , GONÇALVES CLAYTON CORRÊA , DOMAHOVSKI ALEXANDRE CRUZ , TAKIYA DANIELA MAEDA
Published: January 2022

The previously monotypic genus Proxima DeLong & Freytag, 1975 is reviewed and new diagnostic characters are added. The type-species Proxima ocellata DeLong & Freytag, 1975 described from the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, is redescribed and newly recorded from the State of Minas Gerais. Also, two new species are described and illustrated: Proxima nigromaculata sp. nov. from the states of Espírito Santo, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul and Proxima meloi sp. nov. from the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. An identification key to the species of the genus is provided.
Poor Parenting on Underage Drinking Through Frustration and Impulsivity
Authors: Baek Hyunin , Lee Selye , Posadas Carlos E.
Published: January 2022

Underage drinking continues to be a perilous social problem in the United States with its numerous negative consequences. Contributing to our understanding of this issue, the current study examined the relationship between poor parenting, frustration, impulsivity, and underage drinking. Based on the theoretical framework of Agnew’s general strain theory (GST), this study tested three structural models with national youth data ( N = 5,030). Results showed that poor parenting had a significant influence on frustration, impulsivity, and underage drinking. Particularly, frustration and impulsivity mediated the relationship between poor parenting and underage drinking. Further, impulsivity played a crucial role in GST. Additionally, an alternative model with a potential mediator (i.e., impulsivity) will provide insight to further our understanding of underage drinking.
Numerical analysis of the in-plane shear behavior of commingled fiber glass–polypropylene composite reinforcement using hypoelastic constitutive model
Authors: Deghboudj Samir , Boukhedena Wafia , Hamid Satha
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed description of a hypoelastic constitutive model. An accurate and robust numerical algorithm is developed and implemented in the Abaqus/Explicit finite element code by means of a vectorized user material (VUMAT) subroutine written in FORTRAN. To validate this model, several elementary tests with different loading conditions were performed on two different types of commingled fiberglass–polypropylene woven composite. The numerical values obtained for the simple tensile test, simple shear test, and objectivity test, were in good agreement with the analytical results of the same tests. The second part of this study was dedicated to the extension of the validation process by performing more realistic simulations of the standard in-plane shear test (picture frame). The numerical responses obtained from the simulation of the picture frame and those from the benchmark curried out by Cao et al. are in good agreement.
Iterative learning fault-tolerant control for discrete-time nonlinear systems subject to stochastic actuator faults
Authors: Yang Xuan , Ruan Xiaoe , Geng Yan
Published: January 2022

This paper is concerned with an iterative learning fault-tolerant control strategy for discrete-time nonlinear systems where actuator faults arbitrarily occur. First, the stochastic faults occurring in multiplicative and additive manner are considered. Then, statistical behaviors of both faults-corrupted control signals from the actuator to the plant and faults-free ones from the iterative learning controller to the actuator are analyzed. Meanwhile, sufficient conditions of convergence for the proposed strategy are established by resorting to the time-weighted norm technique. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed results. Both theoretical analysis and simulations indicate that the developed strategy is satisfactory in preserving decent tracking accuracy of the addressed systems subject to actuator faults.