bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study and Application of an Elevator Failure Monitoring System Based on the Internet of Things Technology
Authors: Yao Wei , Jagota Vishal , Kumar Rakesh , Ather Danish , Jain Vishal , Quraishi Suhail Javed , Osei-Owusu Jonathan
Published: September 2022

To prevent the occurrence of elevator safety accidents, in this study, an Internet of things-based elevator failure monitoring system is investigated. First, it introduces the Internet of things technology, preprocesses the relevant data, and extracts the features of the elevator operation data continuously collected by the elevator sensors. The objective of this paper is to study the application of IoT in elevators. Method. The Relief-F algorithm is used to evaluate the potential influencing factors. The results show that, as the batch size increases, the accuracy rate will gradually increase, but after more than 20, the accuracy rate will decrease. When the batch size is 20, the training result is the best. It can be seen that, as the time step increases, the accuracy of the prediction will be significantly improved. When the time step is 24, the prediction accuracy is the highest; after 24, the prediction rate will decline. In the diagram of the influence of learning rate on the model, the blue line indicates that the learning rate is 1.0, the red line is 0.1, and the black line is 0.01. With the increase of the iteration times, the effect is the best when the learning rate is 0.1. This system has high research value and broad application prospects and can make up for the current lack of monitoring in the elevator industry.
Promoting Environmental Protection through Art: The Feasibility of the Concept of Environmental Protection in Contemporary Painting Art
Authors: Zou Xiangping
Published: September 2022

With the development of society and the progress of science and technology, the impact of human beings on the environment is becoming more and more serious but also facing the crisis of resource exhaustion. The frequent occurrence of natural disasters has sounded the alarm to human beings, and people are paying more and more attention to the concept of green ecology. There is a close relationship between people and the environment, the development of industry, and the abuse of resources, so that today’s ecological environment has been greatly damaged, people’s requirements for the environment are constantly improving, and people’s environmental awareness is also increasing. While vigorously strengthening environmental management, the government also put forward the “people‐oriented” sustainable development strategy. Along with the development of The Times, the art of graphic design is an important service in the field of the society, serves people, is the service life of important activities, its art function must keep pace with The Times, should not only meet the needs of The Times, and to be able to meet the needs of The Times, and to be able to meet the needs of the market. More should make full use of the function of the design to influence and change the society through design ideas, to advocate environmental protection, to improve people’s thinking patterns and values, and to change those production and life styles that deviate from sustainable development. Therefore, this article will discuss and analyze the modern painting from the artistic concept, art education, green environment concept, green design, and so on.
Research on Development Strategy of Ethnic Sports Tourism Resources Based on Stochastic Forest Algorithm
Authors: Nie Chunli
Published: September 2022

The interactive development mode of combining sports industry with tourism industry has attracted more and more people’s attention and gradually been accepted by people. The organic combination of the two can effectively promote the healthy growth of regional economy. The development and operation mode of minority STRs (sports tourism resources) has become an important topic in the research of sports tourism development. It is not only important for the successful integration of minority traditional sports into tourism industry but also of great significance for promoting the development of sports tourism industry. In this paper, the personalized sports tourism service recommendation system based on multi-objective optimization is studied, and a tourism service combination method based on multi-objective optimization is proposed. This method is based on multi-objective optimization, and the historical data of tourists and their current preferences are considered, respectively. The converted data are used to train the RF (random forest) model offline, and online recommendation only needs to be scored and predicted according to the rules of the RF model. The results show that the online recommendation time of the proposed algorithm is basically below 100 s, which is much lower than that of other recommendation algorithms. The experimental results show that setting the weights of user evaluation information and related tourism information can further improve the matching degree between recommendation results and users’ needs.
Association of H-Type Hypertension with miR-21, miR-29, and miR-199 in Kazahks of Xinjiang, China
Authors: He Xin , Ma RuLin , Li Yu , Wang Haixia , Yan YiZhong , Mao YiDan , Liao ShengYu , Sun XueYing , Guo ShuXia , Guo Heng
Published: September 2022

Objective. This study aims to analyze the expressions of miR-21, miR-29, and miR-199 in the serum of the patients with H-type hypertension among Kazakhs. Then, we analyzed the effect of MTHFR 677C > T polymorphism on the association between the above miRNA and H-type hypertension. Method. In this study, the expression of miR-21, miR-29, and miR-199 was quantitatively measured in 120 serum samples and then stratified according to the C677T polymorphism to analyze the relationship between target miRNAs and HHcy. Results. The expression of miR-21/-29 in the hypertension group was higher than the normal group (

P
<
0.001

). And the expression of miR-199 was higher in the hcy group than in the normal group (

P
<
0.001

). In the CC and CT genotypes of MTHFR 677C > T, the expression of miR-21 was lower in the HHcy patients than in the normal individuals (

P
=
0.005

and

P
=
0.001

) and miR-199 was significantly higher in the HHcy patients than in the normal ones (

P
=
0.002

and

P
=
0.048

). No such difference was found in the TT genotype. Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for sex, age, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and MTHFRC677 T gene polymorphism, miR-21 was negatively correlated with hcy (OR = 0.222, 95% CI (0.101–0.485),

P
<
0.001

) and miR-199 was positively correlated with hcy (OR = 1.823,95%CI (1.272∼2.614),

P
=
0.001

). Conclusion. miR-21, miR-29, and miR-199 are associated with H-type hypertension in the Kazakhs, especially hyperhomocysteinemia. And these three miRNAs may serve as biomarkers to provide clues to the potential pathogenesis of H-type hypertension.
Resting-State fMRI Whole Brain Network Function Plasticity Analysis in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Tang Yi , Zheng Shuxing , Tian Yin
Published: September 2022

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder in children, which is related to inattention and hyperactivity. These symptoms are associated with abnormal interactions of brain networks. We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) based on the graph theory to explore the topology property changes of brain networks between an ADHD group and a normal group. The more refined AAL_1024 atlas was used to construct the functional networks with high nodal resolution, for detecting more subtle changes in brain regions and differences among groups. We compared altered topology properties of brain network between the groups from multilevel, mainly including modularity at mesolevel. Specifically, we analyzed the similarities and differences of module compositions between the two groups. The results found that the ADHD group showed stronger economic small-world network property, while the clustering coefficient was significantly lower than the normal group; the frontal and occipital lobes showed smaller node degree and global efficiency between disease statuses. The modularity results also showed that the module number of the ADHD group decreased, and the ADHD group had short-range overconnectivity within module and long-range underconnectivity between modules. Moreover, modules containing long-range connections between the frontal and occipital lobes disappeared, indicating that there was lack of top-down control information between the executive control region and the visual processing region in the ADHD group. Our results suggested that these abnormal regions were related to executive control and attention deficit of ADHD patients. These findings helped to better understand how brain function correlates with the ADHD symptoms and complement the fewer modularity elaboration of ADHD research.
Power Option Pricing Based on Time‐Fractional Model and Triangular Interval Type‐2 Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Wang Tong , Zhao Pingping , Song Aimin
Published: September 2022

The problem of generalizing the power option‐pricing model to incorporate more empirical features becomes an urgent and necessary event. A new power option pricing method is designed for the financial market uncertainty that simultaneously involves randomness and fuzziness. The randomness in market uncertainty is modeled by a time‐fractional diffusion model, which describes trend memory in underlying asset prices. The fuzziness in market uncertainty is characterized by a triangular interval type‐2 fuzzy numbers, which better captures the fuzziness of underlying asset prices. Considering the decision‐maker’s subjective judgment, we show the price mean value with the possibility‐necessity weight and pessimistic‐optimistic index under the type‐2 fuzzy environment. We develop the power option pricing model with the time‐fractional diffusion model and the triangular interval type‐2 fuzzy numbers. Furthermore, the analytic solutions of pricing call power option and put power option are obtained and verified by the variational iterative reconstruction method. Our study shows that power option pricing, which adopts the time‐fractional model and the triangular interval type‐2 fuzzy numbers, can better capture the trend memory and double fuzziness of the real market. In addition, a numerical example is provided to illustrate that the power option means the value is decreasing with respect to the pessimistic‐optimistic index and is fluctuating with respect to the possibility‐necessity weight index.
Metformin Synergizes with PD-L1 Monoclonal Antibody Enhancing Tumor Immune Response in Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Its Molecular Mechanism Investigation
Authors: Wang Yifan , Hu Jingguo , Sun Yu , Song Bo , Zhang Yan , Lu Yusong , Ma Haitao
Published: September 2022

Despite non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment is proved to be effective using PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (PD-L1 MAb), it is commonly seen in immune-related adverse events reported. We aimed to explore metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb in treating NSCLC and its potential molecular mechanism. In mice, the transplantable lung cancer models were established and a co-culture system of CD8+T cells and LLC cells was constructed. The anti-tumor effect was assessed by xenograft tumor growth, proliferation signal Ki67 expression, and MTT assays. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assays were also conducted to determine tumor immune response as well as mechanism investigation. The results indicated that tumor volume and cell proliferation were markedly inhibited following metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb which was more effective than either single metformin or PD-L1 MAb. The cytokines TNF-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ secretion in CD8+ T cells was significantly increased, and the immune response was enhanced by metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb. Further, the WB results implied that metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb could activate the AMPK pathway and inhibit mTOR. AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) was added, and the results showed that the anti-tumor effect was reduced in metformin + PD-L1 MAb + CC than in metformin + PD-L1 MAb which indicates the metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb efficacy was AMPK pathway dependent. In conclusion, metformin synergized with PD-L1 MAb has better efficacy against NSCLC than metformin or PD-L1 MAb alone in an AMPK-dependent way and facilitates increasing CD8+ T cell infiltration and enhancing tumor immune response.
Autoimmune Hepatitis with Acute Presentation: Clinical, Biochemical, and Histological Features of 126 Patients
Authors: Urzúa Álvaro , Pizarro Carolina , Gajardo Abraham , Poniachik Rafael , Pavez Claudia , Cattaneo Máximo , Brahm Javier , Carreño Laura , Poniachik Jaime
Published: September 2022

Introduction. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease with a relevant inflammatory component and an unknown etiology. Evidence for clinical characteristics and risk factors in large cohorts of patients with acute AIH (AAIH) is lacking. We clinically characterized patients with AAIH, the prevalence of a combined adverse outcome (death or liver transplantation (LT)), and its risk factors. Methods. A retrospective study of adult patients diagnosed with AAIH at three centers (Santiago, Chile; 2000–2018) was conducted. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were obtained. A liver biopsy was performed for all patients. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used. Results. A total of 126 patients were admitted; 77% were female, 33 (26.2%) had a severe presentation, and 14 (11.1%) had a fulminant presentation. Overall, 24 patients (19.0%) lacked typical autoantibodies, and 26.2% had immunoglobulin G levels in the normal range. The most frequent histological findings were plasma cells (86.5%), interface hepatitis (81.7%), and chronic hepatitis (81.0%). Rosettes were uncommon (35.6%). Advanced fibrosis was present in 27% of patients. Combined adverse outcomes occurred in 7.9% of cases, all fulminant with histological cholestasis. Alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and prothrombin less than 50% were independent risk factors for in-hospital death or LT (

p

value <0.05). Although corticosteroid treatment was associated with better outcomes (OR 0.095,

p

value = 0.013), more severe patients were less likely to receive this therapy. Discussion. In this large cohort of patients with AAIH, clinical characteristics differ from those reported in patients with chronic AIH. Fulminant hepatitis, histological cholestasis, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and prothrombin were associated with death/LT.
[Retracted] Value Exploration and Application of Digital Archive Information Resources under the Information Ecological Environment
Authors: Xiao Xianghua
Published: September 2022

A significant amount of electronic documents have been produced as a result of the quick advancements in computer and network technology as well as the ongoing promotion of e‐government, and the amount of material available in digital archives has significantly expanded. It is challenging for traditional archives focused on entity management to fulfil modern demands. It is essential to gradually encourage the creation of digital archives in order to meet the utilization needs of archival information resources in the information age. Many issues that are not favourable to the development and utilization of information resources of digital archives have gradually emerged in the course of the development and utilization of information resources of digital archives. These issues are influenced by a number of factors, including service concept and personnel information literacy. The related attributes of information resources are sorted and processed using the ID3 algorithm in this study. Decision‐making attributes of management techniques are identified, and the data mining Apriori algorithm is used to address the issue of increasing the retrieval speed of users of digital archives. When the new software system is finished, archive resources can be developed and used in a complete and practical way, increasing the utilization efficiency of archive information resources by 37.32 percent. As a result, it is possible to fully exploit the information resources of the digital archives, further appreciate their value, and ensure their long‐term growth.
Inequalities for the Class of Warped Product Submanifold of Para-Cosymplectic Manifolds
Authors: Mofarreh Fatemah , Srivastava Sachin Kumar , Dhiman Mayrika , Othman Wan Ainun Mior , Ali Akram
Published: September 2022

The aim of this paper is to study the warped product pointwise semislant submanifolds in the para-cosymplectic manifold with the semi-Riemannian metric. For which, firstly we provide the more generalized definition of pointwise slant submanifolds and related characterization results followed by the definition of pointwise slant distributions and pointwise semislant submanifolds. We also derive some results for different foliations on distribution, and lastly, we defined pointwise semislant warped product submanifold, given existence and nonexistence results, basic lemmas, theorems, and optimal inequalities for the ambient manifold.
Research on Auxiliary Devices for English Teaching under Intelligent Internet of Things
Authors: Zheng Ping , Jiang Tingting , Wang Fachang
Published: September 2022

The advancement of Internet technology is promptly entering English classes, which fundamentally modifies the mode of English teaching. Internet of Things (IoT) is a better-linked and collaborative future for English education. The proliferation of smartphones and the Internet of Things (IoT) has made it easier for educational institutions to boost campus security, monitor vital resources, and broaden students' access to knowledge. Auxiliary devices and IoT devices give learners better access to everything from learning material to communication channels, and they give educators the capability to measure pupil learning process in real time. The response time is long in conventional English education, with low student satisfaction. Hence, in this study, the Internet of Things-assisted English Education Auxiliary Teaching Model (IoT-EEATM) has been proposed to increase teacher-student satisfaction. This study focuses on the education field, where the IoT can be utilized to create more important learning spaces using the Electronic Learning platform. This research suggests a system that allows learners to interact with surrounding physical objects virtually connected with a learning subject. An algorithm optimization technique is proposed, and data transformation technology is used to increase real-time teaching and management efficiency. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm further enhances the students' speculative abilities in English education. The authenticity and effectiveness of the particle swarm optimization method in the English teaching model are validated. The experimental results show that the proposed IoT-EEATM model improves student learning outcomes by 97.8%, satisfaction ratio by 96.4%, student-teacher interaction ratio by 98.8%, and participation ratio by 95.5%, reducing the execution time by 9.8% compared to other popular models.
Towards the Optimal Performance of Washing Machines Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Olalekan Salau Ayodeji , Takele Haymanot
Published: September 2022

Washing machines (WMs) are common household appliances that help to save time and effort used in brushing and washing clothes. It is a common practice to use manually operated WMs, and based on their uses, WMs are classified into top and front open cloth washing machines, which operate based on an automatic control mechanism. In this paper, we present the design and simulation of an Arduino fuzzy logic-based WM control system, with an emphasis on improvement in its operating algorithm. Simulations were performed to determine the optimal time the WM takes to wash clothes, the maximum number of clothes the WM can wash per time, the acceptable dirtiness level of cloths, and the type of clothes that the machine can wash. The number of clothes to be washed, the degree of dirtiness, and the type of clothes govern the fuzzy logic control process adopted by the WM. The output voltage of the WM varies as the degree of dirtiness of the water varies from 0 to 1.95 V for very dirty water output from washed clothes and varies from 4 to 4.89 V for low-contaminated water. Another constraint considered was the load current, which increased as the number of clothes increased. The WM’s operation time is determined by the amount of voltage and load current used during its operation. As a result, the control of the WM is dependent on the dirtiness level of the clothes and the amount of load.
Association of Pathology Markers with Somatostatin Analogue Responsiveness in Acromegaly
Authors: Kontogeorgos George , Markussis Vyron , Thodou Eleni , Kyrodimou Efi , Choreftaki Theodossia , Nomikos Panagiotis , Lampropoulos Kostas I. , Tsagarakis Stylianos
Published: September 2022

Background. Somatotroph adenomas (SAs) exhibit a variable responsiveness to somatostatin analogue (SS-a) treatment, a process that is not well understood. We investigated established and novel histological markers as predictors of SS-a responsiveness. Methods. We retrospectively investigated pathology samples from 36 acromegalic patients that underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Clinical, hormonal, and imaging data were available in 24/36 patients, before and after SS-a treatment. Specimens were semiquantitatively analyzed with immunocytochemistry for Ki-67, KER, SSTR-2, SSTR-5, ZAC-1, E-cadherin, and AIP. Results. Collectively, 18 (50%) adenomas were each classified as densely/sparsely granulated somatotroph adenomas (DGSAs/SGSAs), respectively. Patients that received preoperative SS-a had lower expression of SSTR-2 compared to those that did not (2.0 (1.0, 3.0) vs. 3.0 (3.0, 3.0), p = 0.042). Compared with DGSAs, SGSAs had higher Ki-67 labeling index (LI) (1.0 (0.5, 1.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0, 3.5), p = 0.013), and a higher proportion of high MR T2 signal (1 (6%) vs. 6 (33%), p = 0.035), and tended to express less ZAC-1 (p = 0.061) and E-cadherin (p = 0.067). In linear regression corrected for baseline growth hormone (GH), ZAC-1 immunostaining was significantly associated with a decrease in GH levels after SS-a treatment (beta (95% confidence interval): −1.53 (−2.80, −0.26), p = 0.021). No markers were associated with changes in circulating insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) after treatment with SS-a. Conclusion. The novel marker ZAC-1 was associated with GH response to medical treatment with SS-a. The SGSA cases were characterized by higher Ki-67 values and MR T2 signals indicative of an inferior response to SS-a. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying SA response to medical treatment.
Calcification, Posterior Acoustic, and Blood Flow: Ultrasonic Characteristics of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Kangjian , Zou Zongkai , Shen Haolin , Huang Guimei , Yang Shuping
Published: September 2022

Previous studies suggest that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) may have unique imaging characteristics, however, studies focused on the imaging characteristics of TNBC are still limited. The aim of the present study is to analyze the ultrasonic characteristics of TNBC and to provide more reliable information on imaging diagnosis of TNBC. This retrospective study was performed including 162 TNBC patients with 184 TNBC lesions. 174 non-TNBC cases with 196 lesions were used as the control group. The median size of TNBC lesions and non-TNBC lesions were 23 mm × 16 mm and 21 mm × 15 mm, respectively. The shape of most breast cancer lesions was irregular. However, 15.30% (28/183) TNBC lesions and 16.84% (33/196) non-TNBC lesions were oval-shaped. Most breast cancer lesions (79.78% TNBC & 85.71% non-TNBC) were ill-defined. In comparison to non-TNBC, the distinctive ultrasonic characteristics of TNBC were summarized as three features: calcifications, posterior acoustic, and blood flow. Microcalcifications was less common in non-TNBC. The remarkable posterior acoustic characteristics on TNBC were no posterior acoustic features (136, 73.91%). Avascular pattern (21.74%) was also more common in TNBC. The other feature of TNBC was markedly hypoechoic lesions (23.91%). The above-mentioned differences between TNBC and non-TNBC were significant. 93.48% TBNC and 94.39% non–TNBC lesions were in BI-RADS-US category of 4A-5. The results indicate that TNBC has some distinctive ultrasound characteristics. Ultrasound is a useful adjunct in early detection of breast cancer. A combination of ultrasound with mammography is excellent for detecting breast cancer.
Effects of Special Therapeutic Footwear on the Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Luo Bo , Cai Yuying , Chen Dawei , Wang Chun , Huang Hui , Chen Lihong , Gao Yun , Ran Xingwu
Published: September 2022

Objective. To reduce diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) occurrence or recurrence, diabetic therapeutic footwear is widely recommended in clinical practice for at-risk patients. However, the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear is controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine whether special therapeutic footwear could reduce the incidence of DFU. Method. We systematically searched multiple electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, and EMB databases) to identify eligible studies published from inception to June 11, 2021. The database search, quality assessment, and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. Efficacy (i.e., incidence of DFU) was explored using the R’meta’ package (version 4.15-1). To obtain more robust results, the random-effects model and the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method were selected to assess pooled data. Metaregression analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to explore heterogeneity, and publication bias was assessed by a visual inspection of funnel plots and the AS-Thompson test. Results. Eight RCTs with a total of 1,587 participants were identified from the search strategy. Compared with conventional footwear, special therapeutic footwear significantly reduced the incidence of DFU (RR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28-0.84), with no evidence of publication bias (

P
=
0.69

). Unexpectedly, the effectiveness of special therapeutic footwear had a reverse correlation with the intervention time (

coefficient
=
0.085

,

P
<
0.05

) in the metaregression analysis. Conclusion. Special therapeutic footwear with offloading properties is effective in reducing the incidence of DFU. However, the effect may decrease gradually over time. Despite undefined reasons, the optimal utility time and renewal frequency of special therapeutic footwear should be considered.
Ciencia de Datos, Inteligencia Artificial, y sus impactos sobre la sociedad
Authors: Crespo Fernando , Alves Tiago , Soto Mónica
Published: September 2022

Al hablar de ciencia de datos nos referimos a macroprocesos que contienen una serie de subprocesos complejos, que buscan convertir los datos en patrones útiles para la toma de decisiones. Distintas herramientas de la Inteligencia Artificial son parte del arsenal disponible para este fin. La definición de la Ciencia de Datos deja abierta la descripción de las tareas a realizar, porque cada una de ellas es un arte en su ejecución más que la aplicación de técnicas específicas. Se requiere un amplio conocimiento de herramientas y técnicas para manipular datos, como conocimientos científicos, matemáticos, estadísticos y de inteligencia artificial (IBM, 2021). Continuar leyendo...
Sensitization to Ionizing Radiation by MEK Inhibition Is Dependent on SNAI2 in Fusion-Negative Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Hensch Nicole R. , Bondra Kathryn , Wang Long , Sreenivas Prethish , Zhao Xiang R. , Modi Paulomi , Vaseva Angelina V. , Houghton Peter J. , Ignatius Myron S.
Published: September 2022

In fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS), a pediatric malignancy with skeletal muscle characteristics, >90% of high-risk patients have mutations that activate the RAS/MEK signaling pathway. We recently discovered that SNAI2, in addition to blocking myogenic differentiation downstream of MEK signaling in FN-RMS, represses proapoptotic BIM expression to protect RMS tumors from ionizing radiation (IR). As clinically relevant concentrations of the MEK inhibitor trametinib elicit poor responses in preclinical xenograft models, we investigated the utility of low-dose trametinib in combination with IR for the treatment of RAS-mutant FN-RMS. We hypothesized that trametinib would sensitize FN-RMS to IR through its downregulation of SNAI2 expression. While we observed little to no difference in myogenic differentiation or cell survival with trametinib treatment alone, robust differentiation and reduced survival were observed after IR. In addition, IR-induced apoptosis was significantly increased in FN-RMS cells treated concurrently with trametinib, as was increased BIM expression. SNAI2’s role in these processes was established using overexpression rescue experiments, where overexpression of SNAI2 prevented IR-induced myogenic differentiation and apoptosis. Moreover, combining MEK inhibitor with IR resulted in complete tumor regression and a 2- to 4-week delay in event-free survival (EFS) in preclinical xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of MEK inhibition and IR results in robust differentiation and apoptosis, due to the reduction of SNAI2, which leads to extended EFS in FN-RMS. SNAI2 thus is a potential biomarker of IR insensitivity and target for future therapies to sensitize aggressive sarcomas to IR.
Invasive alien plant species of Hassan District, Karnataka, India
Authors: G.M. Prashanth Kumar  , Shiddamallayya Nagayya
Published: September 2022

This study was undertaken to document alien and invasive flowering plant species in the Western Ghats (Hassan district, Karnataka, India), with background information on family, habit, habitat, longevity, nativity, and uses. A total of 312 alien species belonging to 236 genera in 79 families are listed. The majority belong to family Asteraceae (36 species), followed by Fabaceae (21 species), and Amaranthaceae (17 species). Herbs constitute the majority (59%) of alien species followed by shrubs (17 %). Around 36% the alien taxa are native to tropical America. Of 314 alien species, 122 were intentional introductions, with a majority (39%) introduced for ornamental purposes; 24% of species have naturalized, while 33% display as invasive. There is an urgent need to gather regional data on the diversity of invasive alien plant species in order to study the impact on native vegetation and biodiversity.
Conservation of Tiger Panthera tigris in Nepal: a review of current efforts and challenges
Authors: Ghimire Pramod
Published: September 2022

The Tiger Panthera tigris is one of the most charismatic and well known Asian big cats. In the lowlands of Nepal, Tigers along with the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis and the Asiatic Elephant Elephas maximus serve as ﬂagship species gathering global conservation attention. Current surveys estimate a population of 235 tigers in Nepal. Tigers in Nepal are strictly protected in five protected areas located in the lowlands and their adjoining forest areas which cover 7,668.20 km2. However, over the last century, tiger population and their distribution range drastically declined with the species heading towards extinction. The long-term survival of this charismatic species is challenging largely due to the loss and fragmentation of habitat, climate change, increasing human-wildlife interface and poaching for illegal trade of body parts. In response to this, the Government of Nepal along with conservation agencies and local communities have proceeded to execute various conservation initiatives both at national and international level. This paper tries to scrutinize the current status of tiger population, conservation efforts, and existing challenges to conserve tiger species in Nepal.
First record of Chlorophorus jucundus (Perroud, 1855) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) from Maharashtra, India
Authors: Yogesh K. Mane  , Gaikwad Sunil M.
Published: September 2022

The beetle Chlorophorus jucundus (Perroud, 1855) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is being reported for the first time from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, which is part of the northern Western Ghats. This communication briefly describes the species with colour photographs showing important diagnostic characters.
Hematological value of captive Asian Elephants Elephas maximus around Chitwan National Park, Sauraha, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Roshan , Regmi Sagar , Rakshya Shrestha  , Amir Sadaula  , Janardan Dev Joshi
Published: September 2022

Veterinary hematology serves as an important screening procedure to assess general health conditions, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. This study aims to interpret and establish a set of hematology reference ranges for Asian Elephants managed by private and government facilities in Nepal. Blood samples from 50 elephants around Chitwan National Park, Sauraha were collected and hematological parameters such as total erythrocyte count and total leukocyte count were determined. The results show that the majority of hematological values were in line with the values previously published by different authors. The mean erythrocyte and leukocyte counts were reported as 3.32±0.93 × 10^6 cell/µL and 10448±335.49 cells/µL respectively. No sex-associated significant difference was observed in the case of total erythrocyte count, whereas total leukocyte counts varied significantly within sexes. Our findings revealed no significant difference in hematological parameters between government and privately owned elephants. The hematological values from our study can be used as reference values for assessing the health condition of elephants in Nepal. Further research work should be conducted to evaluate the factors affecting hematological parameters.
First camera-trap confirmation of Tibetan Brown Bear Ursus arctos pruinosus Blyth, 1854 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ursidae) with a review of its distribution and status in Nepal
Authors: Chetri Madhu
Published: September 2022

The Tibetan Brown Bear Ursus arctos pruinosus is a large mammalian carnivore of high-altitude environments that is closely associated with the pastoral landscape. Limited information is available on this species, probably due to its rarity in the Himalaya. To date, scientific evidence of the presence of Tibetan Brown Bears has not been reported officially. The information presented here is based on data collected in the central Himalayan region of Nepal in 2003–2014 during biodiversity surveys and other research. Methods included random walks along livestock trails, transect surveys, opportunistic camera trapping, and herders’ reports & interviews. This is the first camera-trap confirmation of the Tibetan Brown Bear in the central Himalaya. The distribution map was updated based on direct observation, signs and field reports gathered from reliable sources. The presence of signs (diggings, footprints, and feces) and direct observation in the Annapurna-Manaslu landscape reveal that bears are closely associated with Himalayan marmots and other small rodents. Local folklore, legends, and cultural beliefs have played important roles in Brown Bear conservation in the central Himalaya.
Population density and nesting behaviour of Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica (Erxlebeln, 1777) in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Rathod Ganesh , Bharucha Erach , Yardi Kranti
Published: September 2022

The Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica (Erxlebeln, 1777) has been officially designated as Maharashtra’s state animal. It is restricted to the eco-sensitive Western Ghats region and is currently classified as Least Concern species on the IUCN Red List. However, the species is dependent on intact habitat and is negatively impacted by habitat fragmentation. Population density and nesting behavior were studied in a major habitat in the tropical semi-evergreen and evergreen forest of India’s Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Two-hundred-and-twenty-three direct sighting along 60 km line transects were used to estimate squirrel density. It averaged 13.9±0.18 squirrels/km2. Nesting characteristics were evaluated using 4,224 nests. The squirrel uses 52 different tree species for nesting, with Mangifera indica (15.57%), Olea dioica (14.65%), and Mallotus phillippensis (9.78%) being the most popular. The drays were found on trees that are taller than average, have a massive girth at the breast height, and have continuous closed canopies. To avoid predators, Indian Giant Squirrels usually flee to the nearest adjacent tree.
Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death and Life-Threatening Arrhythmias in Clinically Manifest Cardiac Sarcoidosis With and Without Current Indications for an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: Nordenswan Hanna-Kaisa , Pöyhönen Pauli , Lehtonen Jukka , Ekström Kaj , Uusitalo Valtteri , Niemelä Meri , Vihinen Tapani , Kaikkonen Kari , Haataja Petri , Kerola Tuomas , Rissanen Tuomas T. , Alatalo Aleksi , Pietilä-Effati Päivi , Kupari Markku
Published: September 2022

Background:

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) predisposes to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Guidelines for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in CS have been issued by the Heart Rhythm Society in 2014 and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society consortium in 2017. How well they discriminate high from low risk remains unknown.

Methods:

We analyzed the data of 398 patients with CS detected in Finland from 1988 through 2017. All had clinical cardiac manifestations. Histological diagnosis was myocardial in 193 patients (definite CS) and extracardiac in 205 (probable CS). Patients with and without Class I or IIa ICD indications at presentation were identified, and subsequent occurrences of SCD (fatal or aborted) and sustained ventricular tachycardia were recorded, as were ICD indications emerging first on follow-up.

Results:

Over a median of 4.8 years, 41 patients (10.3%) had fatal (n=8) or aborted (n=33) SCD, and 98 (24.6%) experienced SCD or sustained ventricular tachycardia as the first event. By the Heart Rhythm Society guideline, Class I or IIa ICD indications were present in 339 patients (85%) and absent in 59 (15%), of whom 264 (78%) and 30 (51%), respectively, received an ICD. Cumulative 5-year incidence of SCD was 10.7% (95% CI, 7.4%–15.4%) in patients with ICD indications versus 4.8% (95% CI, 1.2%–19.1%) in those without (χ
2
=1.834,
P
=0.176). The corresponding rates of SCD were 13.8% (95% CI, 9.1%–21.0%) versus 6.3% (95% CI, 0.7%–54.0%; χ
2
=0.814,
P
=0.367) in definite CS and 7.6% (95% CI, 3.8%–15.1%) versus 3.3% (95% CI, 0.5%–22.9%; χ
2
=0.680,
P
=0.410) in probable CS. In multivariable regression analysis, SCD was predicted by definite histological diagnosis (
P
=0.033) but not by Class I or IIa ICD indications (
P
=0.210). In patients without ICD indications at presentation, 5-year incidence of SCD, sustained ventricular tachycardia, and emerging Class I or IIa indications was 53% (95% CI, 40%–71%). By the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society guideline, all patients with complete data (n=245) had Class I or IIa indications for ICD implantation.

Conclusions:

Current ICD guidelines fail to distinguish a truly low-risk group of patients with clinically manifest CS, the 5-year risk of SCD approaching 5% despite absent ICD indications. Further research is needed on prognostic factors, including the role of diagnostic histology. Meanwhile, all patients with CS presenting with clinical cardiac manifestations should be considered for an ICD implantation.
Regnase-1 Prevents Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Through mRNA Degradation of Interleukin-6 and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Yaku Ai , Inagaki Tadakatsu , Asano Ryotaro , Okazawa Makoto , Mori Hiroyoshi , Sato Ayuko , Hia Fabian , Masaki Takeshi , Manabe Yusuke , Ishibashi Tomohiko , Vandenbon Alexis , Nakatsuka Yoshinari , Akaki Kotaro , Yoshinaga Masanori , Uehata Takuya , Mino Takashi , Morita Satoshi , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Morinobu Akio , Tsujimura Tohru , Ogo Takeshi , Nakaoka Yoshikazu , Takeuchi Osamu
Published: September 2022

Background:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a type of pulmonary hypertension (PH) characterized by obliterative pulmonary vascular remodeling, resulting in right-sided heart failure. Although the pathogenesis of PAH is not fully understood, inflammatory responses and cytokines have been shown to be associated with PAH, in particular, with connective tissue disease-PAH. In this sense, Regnase-1, an RNase that regulates mRNAs encoding genes related to immune reactions, was investigated in relation to the pathogenesis of PH.

Methods:

We first examined the expression levels of
ZC3H12A
(encoding Regnase-1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with PH classified under various types of PH, searching for an association between the
ZC3H12A
expression and clinical features. We then generated mice lacking Regnase-1 in myeloid cells, including alveolar macrophages, and examined right ventricular systolic pressures and histological changes in the lung. We further performed a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome of alveolar macrophages and pulmonary arteries to identify genes regulated by Regnase-1 in alveolar macrophages.

Results:

ZC3H12A
expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was inversely correlated with the prognosis and severity of disease in patients with PH, in particular, in connective tissue disease-PAH. The critical role of Regnase-1 in controlling PAH was also reinforced by the analysis of mice lacking Regnase-1 in alveolar macrophages. These mice spontaneously developed severe PAH, characterized by the elevated right ventricular systolic pressures and irreversible pulmonary vascular remodeling, which recapitulated the pathology of patients with PAH. Transcriptomic analysis of alveolar macrophages and pulmonary arteries of these PAH mice revealed that
Il6, Il1b
, and
Pdgfa/b
are potential targets of Regnase-1 in alveolar macrophages in the regulation of PAH. The inhibition of IL-6 (interleukin-6) by an anti–IL-6 receptor antibody or platelet-derived growth factor by imatinib but not IL-1β (interleukin-1β) by anakinra, ameliorated the pathogenesis of PAH.

Conclusions:

Regnase-1 maintains lung innate immune homeostasis through the control of IL-6 and platelet-derived growth factor in alveolar macrophages, thereby suppressing the development of PAH in mice. Furthermore, the decreased expression of Regnase-1 in various types of PH implies its involvement in PH pathogenesis and may serve as a disease biomarker, and a therapeutic target for PH as well.
Assessing the cardiotoxicity of Epirubicin-based chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2
Authors: Isemede Daniel A , Sharma Aabha , Bailey Joseph
Published: September 2022

Background

Cardiac toxicity resulting in long-term complications are recognised side effect of anthracycline-based chemotherapy used in the treatment of breast cancer. Current management modality involves measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction which has inherent limitations due to its dependence on haemodynamic conditions, and inability to detect subclinical changes in left ventricular systolic function. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the concentration of cardiac biomarkers present in serum as indicators of cardiac toxicity in breast cancer patients undergoing Epirubicin-based chemotherapy.

Methods

Eighty-one breast cancer patients elected to undergo Epirubicin chemotherapy were recruited. Blood samples taken at baseline, mid-cycle and final cycle of chemotherapy were analysed for hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP and sST2. Longitudinal changes in biomarkers were compared to pre-treatment baseline values and between treatment groups.

Results

At mid-cycle, mean cumulative dose of 265 mg/m2 of FEC elicited a 270% change in hs-cTnT but with no significant change in NT-proBNP and sST2. At the final cycle, mean cumulative dose of 340 mg/m2 of FEC elicited a 565% change in hs-cTnT with no significant change in NT-proBNP and sST2. There was progressive increase in hs-cTnT from baseline with increasing cumulative dose of Epirubicin. At mid-cycle, median hs-cTnT was 7.4 ng/L (IQR: 5.6–9.3) vs. baseline of 2.0 ng/L (IQR: 2.0–4.7) p < 0.001. Final cycle median hs-cTnT versus baseline was 13.3 ng/L (IQR: 8.2–22.1) vs. 2.0 ng/L (IQR: 2.0–4.7) p < 0.001.

Conclusion

Serial measurement of hs-cTnT but not NT-proBNP or sST2 during Epirubicin chemotherapy has important value in the early determination cardiomyocytes damage.
Completing a soundscape questionnaire reduces the psychological distance of sound and hearing
Authors: Welch David , Rana Komal , Reddy Ravi
Published: September 2022

Objective:

People are often resistant to hearing-health education messages such as those aimed at the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. This resistance may be due to psychological distance: the perceived relevance of hearing and awareness of sound to daily life. The soundscape is the internal, perceptual, experience of a sound environment. The objective of this study was to explore people’s thought processes when completing a questionnaire designed to assess the soundscape and, in particular, to investigate whether the experience reduced psychological distance of sound and their hearing.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews and qualitative data analysis.

Setting:

Questionnaires were completed on personal phones in any environment participants wished. Interviews were conducted via online video connection.

Method:

A soundscape questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of adult volunteers who were then interviewed about the experience of completing it, and how doing so had influenced their views of sound and their hearing.

Results:

Themes in three main areas were identified: the questions, which were found to be challenging but interesting; the soundscape, and the insights of participants about their own soundscape experience; and participants’ new awareness of sound and their own hearing.

Conclusion:

The findings provide interesting feedback about the meaning of responses to the questionnaire and on how people thought while using it. Furthermore, the findings imply that bringing the soundscape to a person’s conscious awareness may successfully reduce psychological distance for them about their hearing and may, therefore, be a useful preliminary to hearing-health education interventions.
Does Violence Against Journalists Deter Detailed Reporting? Evidence From Mexico
Authors: Dorff Cassy , Henry Colin , Ley Sandra
Published: September 2022

Over the last 12 years, Mexico has become one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist. We examine how this risk-environment influences the content and strategies of reporting at one of Mexico’s most well known national newspapers, Reforma. We argue that as the risk environment worsens, journalists use less specific language about armed actors to report on violent events. To test our claims, we turn to three novel sources of data: the first captures granular information about attacks against journalists, the second uses natural language processing to measure changes in reporting overtime; and the third incorporates interviews from journalists themselves. We show that as violence against journalists increases, news story specificity decreases. Importantly, our findings reveal the ways in which journalists develop protection strategies to ensure high quality reporting, even under risky conditions and highlight the critical link between risk and information environments in areas of protracted violence.