bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Affected‐Vertebra Fixation of Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw and Pedicle Screw for Lumbar Tuberculosis: A Minimum 3‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ye Jiekai , Huang Lixia , Ying Xiaozhang , Zhu Bo , Jin Yanghui , Fei Jun , Shi Shiyuan , Zheng Qi
Published: July 2022

Purpose. This study is aimed at comparing the clinical efficacy of cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw fixation and pedicle screw (PS) fixation of the affected vertebrae in lumbar tuberculosis. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes in 52 patients (27 cases in the CBT group, 25 cases in the PS group) with lumbar TB who underwent posterior affected‐vertebra fixation combined with anterior debridement and bone grafting. The intraoperative blood loss, operative time, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for incision pain and leg pain, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, bone grafting fusion, and complications were recorded. Results. All patients were followed up for 35‐52 months and achieved good clinical outcomes. There were no differences between the two groups in the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, JOA score, bone grafting fusion, and complications. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups in VAS scores for incision pain on the 1st day and 3rd day after surgery. At the last follow‐up, JOA scores were significantly improved in both groups compared to the preoperation. Conclusion. This retrospective study confirmed that both the affected‐vertebra CBT screw fixation and PS fixation for lumbar TB via posterior and anterior approaches could achieve satisfactory outcomes, while the former resulted in better improvement for postoperative VAS scores.
Technology Acceptance in Socially Assistive Robots: Scoping Review of Models, Measurement, and Influencing Factors
Authors: He Ying , He Qiu , Liu Qian
Published: July 2022

Objectives. We summarized technology acceptance and the influencing factors of elderly people toward socially assistive robots (SARs). Methods. A scoping review whereby a literature search was conducted in Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases (2006–2021) to retrieve studies. No restrictions on study methodology were imposed. Results. Out of the 1187 retrieved papers, 35 studies were finally included in the study. The articles covered various aspects, including general attitudes towards using SARs, technology acceptance theory models, and factors associated with technology acceptance. Twelve studies reported a positive attitude towards SARs. Three explicit theoretical frameworks were reported. Studies involving the elderly reported three themes that influence attitudes towards SARs: individual characteristics, concerns/problems regarding robots, and social factors. Conclusions. This review elucidates on the suitability of theory-based framework as applied to acceptance of SARs. We found that research on technology acceptance with regard to SARs is still in the developmental stages, and further studies of assessment tools for SARs are required. It is also essential to consider the factors that influence the acceptance of SARs by older people to ensure that they meet the end goal requirements of the user.
An Innovative Directional Blasting Technique for Coal Mine Exploration and Engineering Testing
Authors: Gao Rui , Jiang Ze , Lan Bo , Lin Yongqing , Dai Xianglin
Published: July 2022

Blasting is a key method of controlling large-area hanging roofs and strong mine pressure in coal mine. The crack propagation direction after blasting has a decisive influence on control effect, and the existing blasting techniques have poor directionality, making it difficult to form a continuous, precise crack. A compound blasting technique (CBT) was proposed; this could achieve a precision, directional crack by using the combination of perforating bullet and explosives, with perforating bullet detonation first and then explosive blasting. The principle of directional crack formation by CBT was studied and a complete set of equipment was introduced, and the effect of continuous directional crack forming was studied experimentally. A CBT test was conducted in Tashan coal mine (Datong mining area): the results showed that a single crack surface was formed in the borehole after the compound blasting, which indicated the desired blasting effect. The CBT improves the accuracy and controllability of fractures and realizes precise directional control of rock strata.
Study of Noodle Quality Based on Protein Properties of Three Wheat Varieties
Authors: Zhou Chenxia , Sun Yu , Yao Yaya , Li Huijing , He Junping
Published: July 2022

Waxy wheat offers unique benefits in food processing, including improving the smoothness and performance of the product. However, waxy wheat is not yet commercially available. The protein characteristics, including the protein content, subunit distribution, secondary structure, chemical interactions, and microstructure of the gluten, were explored to realize the full potential of waxy wheat. The results showed that the noodles prepared from waxy wheat had a gentle and glutinous texture compared with GY2018 and YM13. Partial-waxy and waxy wheat had a lower gluten index and glutenin macropolymer (GMP) content than GY2018, indicating a reduced gluten strength. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images showed that the starch granules were not securely attached to the partial-waxy and waxy wheat protein matrix. In addition, the waxy protein chains appeared more elongated and they weakened the protein network. In particular, HMW-GS subunit 2 + 12 may be the essential cause of the weak dough from SKN1. Compared with GY2018 and YM13, SKN1 had the highest number of free sulfhydryl groups. Rather than ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions increased the gluten network in GY2018, YM13, and SKN1. The weak molecular forces in the gluten will result in a soft noodle texture.
Design and Implementation of Local Threshold Segmentation Based on FPGA
Authors: Gao Shangshang , Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Zhaofeng , Zhou Feng , Wang Rugang , Guo Naihong
Published: July 2022

In the process of the development of image processing technology, image segmentation is a very important image processing technology in the field of machine vision, pedestrian detection, medical imaging, and so on. However, the traditional image segmentation technology cannot solve the problems of reflection and uneven illumination. This paper presents a local threshold segmentation method based on FPGA, which can automatically select the optimal threshold according to different gray levels of images. First, the image is processed by mean filtering to remove noise interference in the image. Then, the idea of the mean value of the local neighborhood block and the Gaussian weighted sum in the local neighborhood is used to deal with the reflective and uneven light on the image. The process is designed and realized on FPGA. Finally, the design algorithm is verified by ModelSim simulation software and QT5 software. The experimental results show that the algorithm can effectively solve the problems of reflection and uneven illumination on the image surface, and the segmentation effect is significantly improved compared with the fixed threshold algorithm and Otsu algorithm. It also has certain reference value in medicine, agriculture, engineering, and other fields.
Construction of Educational Model for Computer Majors in Colleges and Universities
Authors: Jiang Bin , Li Ying
Published: July 2022

With the rapid development of the Internet era and the high popularity of computers, China’s economy, politics, and culture have made rapid progress in recent years. In order to adapt to this era of rapid change, China’s higher education has also undergone great changes and carried out reform and innovation. As the top priority in the Internet era, computers should be reformed first. The traditional education model is mainly teacher-centered and classroom-centered. The disadvantages of this teaching mode are that students’ subjective initiative cannot be fully developed and brought into play. Traditional teaching pays attention to knowledge teaching and ignores ability training. It emphasizes speaking and neglects practice. Therefore, in order to meet the development needs of the new era and cultivate modern talents, colleges and universities began to explore the innovation and entrepreneurship education mode. There is an application of TRIZ theory to the cultivation of innovation and entrepreneurship education, and TRIZ theory is a theory for solving invention problems. Its main content is to find its own laws in the process of technological evolution and analyze the laws to get a general solution, but there are many obstacles in exploring the mode of innovation and entrepreneurship education; for example, many governments do not support this education reform and do not broadcast relevant education and teaching funds for schools, resulting in uneven configuration of software and hardware in schools. According to the survey, the proportion of innovation and entrepreneurship education in the eastern coastal areas is as high as 70%, while the proportion of innovation and entrepreneurship education in the central and western regions is only 10%. This set of data shows that regional differences are the main reason for the differences in education development. In terms of the proportion of education funds, although the annual education funds will gradually increase in recent years, the proportion is still a drop in the bucket in front of huge fiscal revenue, with the highest being only 0.1%. Therefore, in order to improve the current situation of innovation and entrepreneurship education mode in colleges and universities, according to their own characteristics, the reform is carried out from the aspects of practical ability, competition participation, and training plan, and the BP neural network model is introduced to predict and analyze the effect of teaching methods. The results of this paper are investigated and analyzed. Finally, the investigation on the development of KAB course and SYB course and the analysis on the stability and error of BP neural network are within the allowable range, this shows that the model established in this paper is more favored by students than the traditional teaching methods, more in line with the social reality, the effect is more ideal, and the result is more stable.
Influencing Factors of Shale Permeability in the Longmaxi Formation, Southern Sichuan Basin and Northern Yunnan-Guizhou Depression
Authors: Han Changcheng , Liu Geng , Ma Cunfei , Qi Ming , Yang Yi , Li Guan
Published: July 2022

The current paper studies the influencing factors of permeability in shales of the Longmaxi Formation, located in the southern Sichuan Basin, China. The methodologies used in the present study include overburden pore permeability experiments, whole rock analysis and geochemical tests, NMR measurements of fluid saturation, pore size distribution and specific surface area distribution, SEM and extraction of pore structure parameters, and core analysis. The results show the following: (1) high TOC and high maturity generate a large number of organic pores, which may improve the permeability of shale. (2) Mineral composition and rock relative permeability also have influence on permeability to a certain degree, since different minerals have different effects on shale permeability. Clay in the study area has an adverse effect on permeability. The results show that the organic-rich siliceous clay mixed shale facies in this area has the best permeability. (3) A large specific surface area and total pore volume are associated with good shale permeability, while average pore size does not correlate with permeability. A small fractal dimension of pore morphology and simple pore structure result in good permeability, and bedding is the key controlling factor for the anisotropy of shale permeability. (4) Water in shales can influence the permeability of microfractures by binding to clay minerals. Low permeability in shales with high bound water saturation suggests that water and clay mineral absorption may block flow channels, resulting in poor permeability. The purpose of this study is to clarify the influencing factors on shale permeability of the Longmaxi Formation in the study area and to provide a reference for the exploration and development of shale gas in this area of the Sichuan Basin.
Electrocardiogram Parameters That Affect the Success Rate of Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Outflow Tract Ventricular Premature Complexes
Authors: Ye Zhen , Xu Zhe , Gong Kezeng , Chen Xuehai , Wang Weiwei , Chen Jianhua , Chen Lianglong , Zhang Feilong
Published: July 2022

Objectives. The objectives of this study are to assess the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with outflow tract (OT) ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) and to explore the electrocardiographic (ECG) features of initially successful procedures. Methods. Based on the outcome of ablation, 154 consecutive patients with OT-VPCs who underwent RFCA from January 2017 to December 2019 were divided into two groups. The rate of successful procedures and the ECG features were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results. The highest success rate was found in patients with VPCs from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), and the lowest success rate was evident among patients with complexes from both the RVOT and the left ventricular OT (LVOT). The patients with successful procedures (136) reflected a lower pseudo delta wave ratio (16.2% vs. 44.4%,

P
<
0.01

), a smaller R-wave amplitude in lead V1 (V1) (

0.23
±
0.24
 

mV vs.

0.35
±
0.44

 mV,

P
<
0.05

), shorter intrinsicoid deflection time in lead V2 (V2) (

44.00
±
18.33
 

ms vs.

57.41
±
20.67
 

ms,

P
<
0.01

), a shorter RS duration in V2 (

93.67
±
21.33

 ms vs.

106.93
±
18.76

 ms,

P
<
0.01

), and smaller R/S-waveratios in V2. Furthermore, multivariate analysis demonstrated that RS duration in V2 was above 109.17 ms and R/S ratio in V2 was above 0.28, forecasting a failed procedure. Conclusions. The ECG predictors of failed ablation were characterized by RS duration and R/S ratio in V2.
Classification Method of Emotional Characteristics of Vocal Singing under Multicultural Values
Authors: Ji Kai
Published: July 2022

In today’s world economic integration development, the development of cultural pluralism and diversity has become a major trend of social development in this era. In the process of development of the times, China’s vocal singing is constantly adapting to and meeting the growing and changing aesthetic needs of people, while also constantly seeking its own perfection and development and releasing its unique artistic tension. Accordingly, the author explores the inheritance and development of China’s vocal singing from the background of multiculturalism, explores the main characteristics of China’s vocal singing through an in-depth interpretation of the concept of multiculturalism, analyzes and studies the emotional characteristics of vocal singing from the perspective of multiculturalism, and constructs an effective classification method for vocal singing under the value of multiculturalism, in order to bring enlightenment to promote the better development of China’s vocal singing The purpose is to bring enlightenment for the better development of vocal singing in China.
An Overview on Rumex dentatus L.: Its Functions as a Source of Nutrient and Health-Promoting Plant
Authors: Khalil Atif Ali Khan , Zeb Falak , Khan Raees , Shah Sayed Afzal , Küpeli Akkol Esra , Khan Ishaq N. , Khan Jawad , Babar Jamal Syed , Khuda Fazli , Haider Adnan , Ahmed Saeed , Rehman Naveed Ur
Published: July 2022

Rumex dentatus L. (Polygonaceae), also known as toothed dock or Aegean dock, is a medicinal plant with a high culinary value in addition to being used as an ethnomedicinal plant. This review focuses on the botanical, nutritional, phytochemical, and pharmacological activities of R. dentatus, as well as the future prospects for systematic investigations into these areas. R. dentatus has been subjected to scientific evaluation, which has confirmed its traditional uses and demonstrated a wide range of biological and pharmacological potentials, including antioxidant, anticancer, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other biological properties. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of anthraquinones, chromones, flavonoids, and essential oils. As a result of this current review, the medicinal significance of R. dentatus has been confirmed, and future research on its unexplored aspects, such as the identification of pharmacologically active chemical constituents and related mechanisms and safety, may be stimulated, with the goal of developing it into a drug.
Computer-Visualized Sound Parameter Analysis Method and Its Application in Vocal Music Teaching
Authors: Yu Zhenming
Published: July 2022

In order to improve the quality of vocal music teaching, this paper applies the computer visualization sound parameter analysis method to vocal music teaching and discusses the scheme of parametric coding. Moreover, this paper adopts the transient signal detection mechanism to divide the signal. For frames that have detected a shock signal, frequency-domain parametric differential predictive coding can be used like temporal noise shaping (TNS) techniques. In addition, based on the short-term periodicity and short-term stationarity of speech signals, an analytical synthesis model based on harmonic decomposition is proposed. Through the simulation data analysis, it can be seen that the computer visualization sound parameter analysis method proposed in this paper has a very good application effect in vocal music teaching and can improve the quality of vocal music teaching.
Monitoring of Physical Fitness and Tactical Ability Based on Data-Driven Technology
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Zhou Yang
Published: July 2022

Tennis is a competitive sport, which requires players to have good physical fitness and long-lasting endurance. Monitoring the physical training and technical and tactical abilities of tennis players is a necessary work to improve the physical fitness and competitive status of tennis players. Monitoring the physical training and technical and tactical capabilities of tennis players is necessary to improve their physical fitness and competitive status. Most of the traditional monitoring systems are incomplete, inaccurate, and inefficient, which can no longer meet the requirements of tennis training monitoring in the new era. Therefore, it is urgent to establish an efficient and more accurate tennis training monitoring system. With the rise of big data, data-driven technology has been concerned about and frequently used. It means using data as a production material, applying it in a scientific way to business operations, and giving continuous positive feedback to facilitate business optimisation. This study selected tennis sports training, physical fitness, and technical and tactical abilities as the monitoring object, and it analyzed the monitoring system combined with the grey relation algorithm and TOPSIS algorithm. The experiment showed that the monitoring system based on data-driven technology can comprehensively and accurately monitor the physical ability and technical and tactical abilities of tennis sports training, and the accuracy improves by 5.9%.
Cognition/Psychological Burden and Resilience in Cutaneous T‐Cell Lymphoma and Psoriasis Patients: Real‐Life Data and Implications for the Treatment
Authors: Damiani Giovanni , Tacastacas Joselin D. , Wuerz Timothy , Miller Lindsay , Fastenau Philip , Bailey Christopher , Chawa Mansi Sethi , Argenas Amanda , Fiore Marco , Cooper Kevin D. , Lerner Alan J.
Published: July 2022

Background. Psoriasis and cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) expose patients to chronic inflammation as well as physical and psychological disabilities, but the impact of such alterations on cognitive function is unknown. Objective. This study is aimed at determining if CTCL and psoriasis impact cognitive functioning in relation to psychological and health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) status. Methods. A cross‐sectional study was performed in an outpatient dermatology clinic of a university teaching hospital. Thirty‐nine subjects with CTCL (N = 20) or psoriasis (N = 19) who met eligibility criteria were included. The cognitive domains of memory, attention and processing speed, and executive function were assessed with standard neuropsychological tests. Subjects were assessed for depression, anxiety, and HR‐QOL (using the SKINDEX‐29 questionnaire). Results. Study participants were CTCL and psoriasis subjects; cognitive impairment was found in the domain of memory in 17.9% subjects with CTCL or psoriasis. Lower scores on executive function tests were predicted by higher (worse HR‐QOL) SKINDEX‐29 functioning scores (p = 0.01). A higher estimated baseline intellectual functioning predicted lower scores (better HR‐QOL) on the symptoms and functioning domains of SKINDEX‐29 (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively) and a statistical trend (p = 0.07) for the emotion domain. Memory and acute anxiety were adversely impacted by shorter disease duration (p = 0.01 for both). Conclusions. Memory impairment may be associated comorbidity in CTCL and psoriasis. Subjects with stronger cognitive resources appear to cope better with health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) challenges.
Real-Time Incident-Responsive Signal Control Strategy under Partially Connected Vehicle Environment
Authors: Chandan Kancharla K. K. , Seco Álvaro J. M. , Bastos Silva Ana M. C.
Published: July 2022

The performance of the traffic system can drastically drop when nonrecurrent congestion caused by incidents occurs. Early detection and clearing of traffic incidents will enable the mitigation of the congestion and early restoration of normal traffic conditions. The research in this paper utilized the vehicle information from the recent technological advancement in transportation systems, connected vehicles (CV), and loop-detector information for nonconnected vehicles (NCVs) and developed a novel algorithm to (1) control traffic signals for normal traffic conditions in the absence of incidents, (2) detect traffic incidents using CV/NCV information, and (3) control traffic signals during the occurrence and dissipation of incidents. All the 3 strategies were integrated into one algorithm, which runs as per the real-time traffic conditions, in the presence or absence of incidents. Space-mean speeds of the vehicles on nonincident lanes and throughput maximization criteria were taken as the indicators for the activation of specific signal timings directed at the incident-affected approach. Diverse incident scenarios were tested on a four-legged isolated intersection using the VISSIM simulation tool. Incident detection results showed a higher detection rate and lower mean detection time at higher CV penetration and higher traffic volumes, and at the incident locations nearer to the stop-line. The proposed incident-responsive signal control strategy at 40% and higher CV penetration showed better performance over EPICS adaptive signal control solution, in reducing average travel time delay and the average number of stops per vehicle.
Perceptions and Treatment of Precocious Puberty: A Questionnaire Survey among Caregivers in South Korea
Authors: Shim Soo Bo , Song Ji Hyun , Lee Hye Lim
Published: July 2022

This study aims to provide the basis for developing complementary and alternative treatment approaches for precocious puberty (PP) by examining caregivers’ awareness, along with their preferences and expectations from various treatments. It included data collected between July 2019 and March 2020, from 175 caregivers of children who were undergoing or had undergone treatment for PP. The questionnaire comprised 53 questions on the awareness, acquisition of information, perceptions of treatments, and concerns about PP, as well as awareness of habit management (HM) and children’s actual habits. The collected data were analysed using the Chi-square test, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance. The caregivers responded that PP could be recognized on the basis of breast development (79.8%) in girls and hair and body odor (73.1%) in boys. However, 86.9% of respondents were getting inaccurate information from the Internet. With respect to PP treatment approaches, 16% of respondents hoped to manage PP through conventional treatment (CT), 21.1% preferred traditional Korean medicine (TKM), and 62.3% preferred HM. Expectations of the effectiveness were highest in HM, followed by CT and TKM. Only the TKM group had statistically significant higher expectations than the nontreatment experience group (F = 4.566,

p
=
0.004

). The caregivers were concerned about the side effects and high costs of CT. Around 43% of respondents had difficulties with the management of their children’s diet, 64.6% with exercise, and 57.1% with smart device usage. Clinicians should be aware of caregivers’ information acquisition patterns, preferences and expectations of various treatments, and their concerns. Considering these results, clinicians should try to establish more appropriate treatment plans for children with PP.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis Induced by Bartonella henselae (Cat-Scratch Disease) Might Be Reversible
Authors: Niedziela Marek , Szydlowski Jarosław , Dopierala Michal , Maldyk Jadwiga , Klimecka Iwona , Kurzawa Pawel
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Bartonella henselae infection leads to development of cat-scratch disease (CSD) but may also trigger of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Case Presentation: We describe a 4-year-old boy with a severe fever of unknown etiology, disseminated neck lymphadenopathy, and a headache. Treatment with antibiotics was employed, but finally a left tonsillectomy, selective left lymphadenectomy, and immunophenotyping were performed to exclude lymphoma. Histologic examination excluded lymphoma but revealed CSD. IgG against B. henselae and Bartonella quintana was positive. A goiter was also found and positive anti-thyroid antibodies confirmed AIT. Two months later, the thyroid was not palpable, normal on ultrasound, and both anti-thyroid antibodies were negative. The full reversibility was documented, and 6-year follow-up showed that the patient remains disease free. Conclusion: This is the first report that AIT triggered by B. henselae/B. qunitana might be reversible if the pathogenetic factor is eliminated at an early stage of disease.
Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor in Hypertension
Authors: Yang Tianxin
Published: July 2022

The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) was originally cloned as a specific single-transmembrane receptor for prorenin and renin and has now emerged as a multifunctional protein implicated in a wide variety of developmental and physiopathological processes. Activation of PRR in the kidney causes Na+ and water retention, contributing to elevation of blood pressure in response to various hypertensive stimuli. Part of the renal action of PRR depends on activation of intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. In recent years, accumulating evidence suggests that the prohypertensive action of renal PRR was largely mediated by production of the 28-kDa soluble (pro)renin receptor through protease-mediated cleavage of the extracellular domain of PRR. The generation of multiple isoforms of PRR due to the protease-mediated cleavage partially explains diversified actions of PRR. The current review will summarize recent advances in understanding the roles of sPPR in animal models of hypertension.
Incidence and Importance of Calcium Deposition in Kidney Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Gaddy Anna , Schwantes-An Tae-Hwi , Moorthi Ranjani N. , Phillips Carrie L. , Eadon Michael T. , Moe Sharon M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Calcification on native kidney biopsy specimens is often noted by pathologists, but the consequence is unknown. Methods: We searched the pathology reports in the Biopsy Biobank Cohort of Indiana for native biopsy specimens with calcification. Results: Of the 4,364 specimens, 416 (9.8%) had calcification. We compared clinical and histopathology findings in those with calcification (n = 429) compared to those without calcification (n = 3,936). Patients with calcification were older, had more comorbidities, lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), were more likely to have hyaline arteriosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, and a primary pathologic diagnosis of acute tubular injury or acute tubular necrosis when compared to patients without calcification. Patients with calcium oxalate deposition alone, compared to calcium phosphate or mixed calcifications, had fewer comorbidities but were more likely to have a history of gastric bypass surgery or malabsorption and take vitamin D. In patients with two or more years of follow-up, multivariate analyses showed the presence of calcification (HR 0.59, 0.38–0.92, p = 0.02) and higher eGFR (HR 0.76, 0.73–0.79, p < 0.001), was associated with decreased likelihood of progressing to end-stage renal disease. The presence of calcification was also associated with a reduced slope/decline in eGFR compared to known biopsy and clinical risk factors for decline in kidney function. We hypothesized this was due to more recoverable acute kidney injury (AKI) and found more severe acute kidney injury network stage in patients with kidney calcification but also greater improvement over time. Discussion/Conclusion: In summary, we demonstrated that calcification on kidney biopsy specimens was associated with a better prognosis than those without calcification due to the association with recoverable AKI.
Diagnostic Performance of IgE Anti-Der p 10 to Identify Patients with Shrimp Allergy
Authors: Sánchez Jorge , Calvo Víctor-Daniel , López Juan-Felipe , Díez Libia-Susana , Puerta Leonardo
Published: July 2022

Background: Patients with allergic rhinitis to house dust mites have an increased risk of shrimp allergy. Der p 10 is a candidate biomarker to predict the risk of shrimp allergy among allergic rhinitis patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of anti-Der p 10 IgE as a predictor of shrimp allergy. Methods: A nested case-control study was carried out with eighty-six allergic rhinitis patients sensitized to mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and shrimp (Litopenaeu vannamei). Cases and controls were defined by anti-Der p 10 IgE results. Oral challenge with shrimp was used as the gold standard for the evaluation of diagnostic performance. Results: All shrimp oral challenge test (OCT)-positive patients were positive for IgE against Der p 10. The level of anti-Der p 10 IgE >1.2 kUA/mL had the best diagnostic performance (sensitivity 100%, specificity 65%) Conclusion: Anti-Der p 10 IgE is useful for predicting shrimp allergy diagnosis and could reduce the requirement of an OCT.
Indeterminate Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspirations in Pediatrics: Exploring Clinicopathologic Features and Utility of Molecular Profiling
Authors: Baran Julia A. , Halada Stephen , Bauer Andrew J. , Ricarte-Filho Julio C. , Isaza Amber , Surrey Lea F. , McGrath Cindy , Bhatti Tricia , Jalaly Jalal , Mostoufi-Moab Sogol , Franco Aime T. , Adzick N. Scott , Kazahaya Ken , Cahill Anne Marie , Baloch Zubair
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The diagnostic utility of molecular profiling for the evaluation of indeterminate pediatric thyroid nodules is unclear. We aimed to assess pediatric cases with indeterminate thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) alongside clinicopathologic features and mutational analysis. Methods: A retrospective review of 126 patients with indeterminate cytology who underwent FNA between January 2010 and December 2021 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was performed. Indeterminate cases defined by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (AUS/FLUS or TBSRTC III; FN/SFN or TBSRTC IV; SM or TBSRTC V) were correlated to clinicopathologic and genetic characteristics. Results: Of the 114 surgical cases, 48% were malignant, with the majority of malignant cases diagnosed as follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (28/55). Risk of malignancy increased with TBSRTC category: 23% for AUS/FLUS, 51% for FN/SFN, and 100% for SM nodules. There were significant differences in surgical approach (p < 0.01), performance of lymph node dissection (p < 0.01), histological diagnosis (p < 0.01), primary tumor focality/laterality (p = 0.04), and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.02) based on TBSRTC classification, with resultant differences in post-surgical risk stratification per American Thyroid Association (ATA) Pediatric Guidelines (p = 0.01). Approximately 89% (49/55) of cases were classified as ATA low risk, and 5 of 6 patients with ATA intermediate- or high-risk disease had SM cytology. Somatic molecular testing was performed in 40% (51/126) of tumors; 77% (27/35) of malignant cases and 38% (6/16) of benign cases harbored driver alteration(s). Of the driver-positive malignant cases, 52% (14/27) were associated with low risk (DICER1, PTEN, RAS, and TSHR mutations), 33% (9/27) were associated with high risk (BRAF mutations and ALK, NTRK, and RET fusions), and 15% (4/27) had unreported risk for invasive disease (APC, BLM, and PPM1D mutations and TG-FGFR1 fusion). Incidence of high-risk drivers increased with TBSRTC category. Approximately 23% (8/35) of patients harboring thyroid malignancy did not have an identifiable driver alteration. Conclusions: Molecular analysis is useful to discriminate benign and malignant thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. Patients with driver genetic alteration(s) and indeterminate cytology should consider surgical management secondary to the high incidence (82%; 27/33) of thyroid malignancy in these patients.
Investigation of MAl2−xSixO4−xNx:Eu2+ phosphor for improving luminescence properties of white LEDs
Authors: Binh Ly Thanh , Xuan Le Phan
Published: July 2022

We implement a solid-state reaction technique to make MAl2−xSixO4−xNx (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) as well as its variant doped with Eu at 1300 – 1400°C in a nitrogen hydrogen environment. Then, we measure the solubility of (SiN)+ in MAl2O4. By replacing (AlO)+ with (SiN)+, whose solubility is dependent on M cations, nitrogen may be integrated into MAl2O4. (SiN)+ has poor solubility in CaAl2O4 (x ≈ 0.025) and SrAl2O4 lattices (x ≈ 0.045) but a considerable integrated quantity of (SiN)+ against BaAl2O4 (x ≈ 0.6). Because of the low solubility of (SiN)+, incorporation of (SiN)+ barely affects the luminescence characteristics of MAl2O4 when doped with Eu2+ (M = Ca, Sr), resulting in discharges in green as well as blue at nearly constant wavelengths measured at 440 as well as 515 nm, respectively. With certain concentrations of (SiN)+ as well as Eu2+, Eu2+-doped BaAl2−xSixO4−xNx emits one wide green discharge line under a maximum within the region 500 – 526 nm. Furthermore, once we add nitrogen, both the excitation as well as discharge lines for Eu2+ exhibit one substantial redshift. BaAl2−xSixO4−xNx: Eu2+ is a compelling transmuting phosphor that can be utilized for WLED devices because of its efficient stimulation in the range of 390–440 nm radiation.
Subsídios para implementação de H-BIM na Gestão de Facilidades no Edifício Vilanova Artigas da FAU USP
Authors: Noia Paula Regina da Cruz
Published: July 2022

O presente artigo representa um trabalho inicial que contextualiza as recentes intervenções espaciais do Edifício Vilanova Artigas, circunstancia os recentes esforços visando a conservação de seu patrimônio edificado, analisa as dinâmicas atuais das partes interessadas nos processos de gestão dos espaços físicos e consequentemente os de gestão de facilidades do edifício sede da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade de São Paulo (FAU - USP).  Tal primeira etapa de investigação visa fomentar subsídios para a compreensão dos procedimentos internos de gestão e alavancar a implementação do H-BIM, propondo assim o aprimoramento das praticas atuais e a preservação do patrimônio arquitetônico. Através de uma metodologia com abordagem qualitativa centrada no estudo de caso, a pesquisa elabora uma observação circunstanciada das ações recentes de gestão dos espaços físicos do edifício objeto de estudo. Pautada em fontes primarias de dados pertencentes à FAU e à USP (arquivos do SVInfra, documentos do sistema Proteos USP, relatórios de atividades SVInfra 2014-2020, ordens de serviços no sistema Help Desk do SVInfra 2014-2020 entre outros) o trabalho levanta nas imprecisões das praticas atuais possibilidades para a incursão da tecnologia H-BIM como ferramenta de gerenciamento de ciclo de vida do edifício. Acredita-se assim que que a implementação do H-BIM pode ser uma ferramenta que facilitará a integração dos trabalhos teóricos, desenvolvidos no âmbito de pesquisa da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da FAU USP e a atuação pratica do Serviço Técnico de Infraestrutura, através da gestão da informação. Resultaria assim em uma importante contribuição para a preservação do patrimônio histórico, bem como uma melhor utilização dos recursos físico-financeiros da esfera publica.
Fluxo de trabalho automatizado para otimização multiobjetivo de vigas de concreto armado
Authors: Calixto Caio , Miceli Junior Giuseppe , Pellanda Paulo
Published: July 2022

Tem-se empregado o Building Information Modeling (BIM) em conjunto com modernas ferramentas computacionais na automatização de processos envolvidos na elaboração de projetos. Uma das atividades facilitadas pelos recursos citados é a busca por soluções otimizadas em diversos aspectos de uma construção. Este artigo objetiva propor um fluxo de trabalho que auxilie projetistas nas definições das seções transversal de vigas e da resistência característica à compressão do concreto (Fck). A presente abordagem utiliza um modelo BIM para extrair informações geométricas de um edifício e realizar análise estrutural através do software Robot Structural Analysis. Com auxílio da Application Programming Interface (API) fornecida por este software, foi implementado um algoritmo genético multiobjetivo para obtenção de estruturas otimizadas do ponto de vista financeiro e ambiental. A aplicação do fluxo de trabalho, no modelo da construção avaliado, proporcionou a escolha de configurações estruturais otimizadas dentro do espaço de projeto, com de reduções de 12,2% do custo e 13,7% do potencial de aquecimento global.
De símbolos da opressão a padrões da liberdade: a preservação de pelourinhos coloniais e o apagamento da memória da escravidão (sécs. XVI-XX)
Authors: Andrade Francisco
Published: July 2022

No Brasil, permanece ainda bastante desconhecida a história dos pelourinhos coloniais. As menções feitas a eles, geralmente em monografias locais ou em manuais de História Urbana, costumam basear-se em generalizações imprudentes de alguns poucos exemplos mais bem conhecidos ou em meras pressuposições. Diante da impossibilidade de traçar um panorama geral da história dos pelourinhos brasileiros, o presente artigo pretende estabelecer uma linha interpretativa sobre o seu significado no âmbito da cultura urbanística luso-brasileira e sobre os contextos que influíram na sua destruição ao longo do século XIX. Em seguida, busca-se analisar como a sua transformação em relíquias históricas, preservadas in situ ou em museus, contribuiu para o apagamento da memória da escravidão.
Divulgação e internalização do neoliberalismo na Argentina: a atuação dos think tanks (1983-1999)
Authors: Friderichs Lidiane Elizabete
Published: July 2022

Esse artigo visa debater as políticas de divulgação e internalização do neoliberalismo na Argentina durante as décadas de 1980 e 1990. A análise é construída a partir da atuação do think tank Instituto para el Desarrollo Empresarial de la Argentina (IDEA), buscando compreender a forma como esse elaborou estratégias para convencer a sociedade argentina, especialmente os empresários, de que a adoção do livre mercado era a solução para enfrentar a crise econômica e construir um país desenvolvido e rico. Nos anos 1990, com o governo de Menem, a Argentina vai adotar o receituário neoliberal, o qual obteve ampla aceitação social a partir de um trabalho sistemático de convencimento e internalização realizado por associações e think tanks como o IDEA.
Ressurgimento do sarampo no Brasil: análise da epidemia de 2019 no estado de São Paulo
Authors: Makarenko Cristina , San Pedro Alexandre , Paiva Natalia Santana , Santos Jefferson Pereira Caldas dos , Medronho Roberto de Andrade , Gibson Gerusa
Published: July 2022

OBJETIVO Analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos e o padrão de difusão espacial da maior epidemia de sarampo do Brasil ocorrida no período pós-eliminação, no estado de São Paulo. MÉTODO Estudo transversal, baseado em casos confirmados de sarampo em 2019. Foi conduzida análise bivariada das variáveis socioeconômicas, clínicas e epidemiológicas, segundo vacinação prévia e ocorrência de hospitalização, combinada a uma análise de difusão espacial dos casos por meio da metodologia de interpolação pela ponderação do inverso da distância. RESULTADOS Dos 15.598 casos confirmados, 2.039 foram hospitalizados e 17 evoluíram para o óbito. O pico epidêmico ocorreu na semana epidemiológica 33, após a confirmação do primeiro caso, na semana epidemiológica 6. A maioria dos casos era homem (52,1%), com idade entre 18 e 29 anos (38,7%), identificados como brancos (70%). Adultos jovens (39,7%) e menores de cinco anos (32,8%) foram as faixas etárias mais acometidas. Observou-se maior proporção de vacinação prévia em brancos, quando comparados a pretos, pardos, amarelos e indígenas (p < 0,001), assim como no grupo mais escolarizado, quando comparado às demais categorias (p < 0,001). O risco de hospitalização foi maior em crianças, quando comparado à faixa etária mais idosa (RI = 2,19; IC95% 1,66–2,88), assim como entre não vacinados, quando comparado a vacinados (RI = 1,59; IC95% 1,45–1,75). O padrão de difusão por contiguidade combinado à difusão por realocação seguiu a hierarquia urbana das regiões de influência das principais cidades. CONCLUSÃO Além da vacinação de rotina em crianças, os achados indicam a necessidade de campanhas de imunização de adultos jovens. Adicionalmente, estudos que busquem investigar a ocorrência de clusters de populações vulneráveis, propensas a menor cobertura de vacinação, são essenciais para ampliar a compreensão sobre a dinâmica de transmissão da doença e, assim, reorientar estratégias de controle que garantam a eliminação da doença.
Cobertura de políticas públicas e acesso a medicamentos no Brasil
Authors: Moraes Ricardo Montes de , Santos Maria Angelica Borges dos , Vieira Fabiola Sulpino , Almeida Rosimary Terezinha de
Published: July 2022

OBJETIVO Descrever padrões de consumo de medicamentos com e sem desembolso direto de recursos, segundo faixas de idade e de renda, destacando os fármacos associados a programas de saúde com garantias específicas de acesso. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo observacional usando microdados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF/IBGE) 2017–2018. Inicialmente, foram definidas as garantias específicas de acesso a medicamentos do SUS pela sistematização de programas/políticas com essa previsão. A partir dos medicamentos do quadro 29 do questionário de despesas individuais (POF-4), foram selecionados tipos de medicamentos associados a essas garantias. Foram descritas as frequências e os percentuais de pessoas sem consumo e com consumo (aquisição com e sem desembolso direto de recursos), segundo faixas de idade e de renda. Para medicamentos vinculados a garantias específicas, comparou-se valores médios mensais de aquisições e padrões de consumo por faixa etária e renda. RESULTADOS Entre as pessoas com renda domiciliar até dois salários mínimos, 63% não declararam consumo de medicamentos no mês. Entre as acima de 25 salários mínimos, foram 44,3%. Aquisições sem desembolso direto foram feitas principalmente por pessoas na faixa com até 10 salários mínimos e entre os mais idosos. O consumo sem desembolso direto representou 20,5% do consumo total de medicamentos (em valor). Para políticas com garantias específicas de acesso, o consumo sem desembolso foi de 33,6% com variações desse percentual entre os medicamentos selecionados no estudo: vacinas, 83,3%; medicamentos para câncer, 70,3%; diabetes, 47,9%; hipertensão, 35,9%; asma e bronquite, 29,2%; problemas oftalmológicos, 14%; medicamentos para próstata e vias urinárias, 10,7%; para problemas ginecológicos, 11,6%; e anticoncepcionais, 9,7%. CONCLUSÃO O consumo sem desembolso ainda é baixo, mas beneficia principalmente pessoas de menor renda e idosos. Políticas e programas com garantias específicas de acesso a medicamentos têm aumentado esse acesso. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de fortalecer e ampliar as políticas de assistência farmacêutica.
Race in public health dentistry: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Reginaldo Isabela , Fernandes Isabelle Aparecida Monteiro , Nuernberg Giulia Nicoladeli , Bastos João Luiz
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE To carry out a critical review of the literature on the use of race, color, and ethnicity in the field of public health dentistry. METHODS A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed for articles published between 2014 and 2019. Using a data extraction form, we collected information on (1) bibliographic characteristics of the selected papers; (2) race, color, and ethnicity of the study participants and their sociodemographic profiles; and (3) the extent to which the original publications followed the recommendations by Kaplan and Bennett (2003) on the use of race, color, or ethnicity in biomedical research. RESULTS Our initial search identified 2,032 articles, 53 of which were selected for full-text examination and assessment following pre-established eligibility criteria. Around 60% (n = 32) of the included studies did not justify the use of race, color, or ethnicity in their analyses, and 9% (n = 5) took these variables as indicators of the participants’ genetic makeup. On the other hand, 68% (n = 36) of the reviewed papers considered race, color, and ethnicity as risk markers – not risk factors – for adverse oral health outcomes, whereas 80% (n = 42) adjusted racial/ethnic inequities for a range of socioeconomic and demographic factors in statistical models. Only one study (2%) explicitly took race, color, or ethnicity as a contextually dependent dimension of the participants’ identities. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that research on oral health inequities is often based on reductionist and stigmatizing conceptions of race, color, or ethnicity. Such harmful misconceptions should be replaced with anti-racist narratives in order to effectively address racial oral health inequities.
Covid-19 pandemic impacts on follow-up of child growth and development
Authors: Andrade Gisele Nepomuceno de , Matoso Leonardo Ferreira , Silva Tércia Moreira Ribeiro da , Beinner Mark Anthony , Romano Márcia Christina Caetano , Vieira Ed Wilson Rodrigues
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the use of primary health care services to follow-up the child growth and development in Brazil. METHOD A total of 7.9 million consultations of children (0–2 years old) across Brazil between March 2017 and May 2020 were studied. Differences between medians were analyzed using non-parametric tests, the Global Moran Index (IGM) and the Local Indicators of Spatial Association. RESULTS During the initial period of the pandemic, the median number of consultations was significantly lower than the same period in previous years, reducing more than 50%. The drop in 2020, compared to 2019, ranged from 49% to 62.2% across all regions of the country, except the South. The percentage reduction registered in 2019–2020 showed significant spatial autocorrelation (IGM = 0.20; p = 0.04), with the presence of low-low (states with reduction between 29% and 51%) and high-high (states with reduction between 55% and 69%) spatial clusters. CONCLUSION The covid-19 pandemic impacted the follow-up of child growth and development in primary health care services in Brazil, with a geographically uneven reduction.