bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulated Ventilation of Two Patients With a Single Ventilator in a Pandemic Setting
Authors: Schepat Pascal , Kober Benjamin , Eble Martin , Wenzel Volker , Herff Holger
Published: November 2021

Background: Simultaneous ventilation of two patients, e.g., due to a shortage of ventilators in a pandemic, may result in hypoventilation in one patient and hyperinflation in the other patient. Methods: In a simulation of double patient ventilation using artificial lungs with equal compliances (70mL∙mbar-1), we tried to voluntarily direct gas flow to one patient by using 3D-printed y-adapters and stenosis adapters during volume-, and pressure-controlled ventilation. Subsequently, we modified the model using a special one-way valve on the limited flow side and measured in pressure-controlled ventilation with the flow sensor adjusted on either side in a second and third setup. In the last setup, we also measured with different lung compliances.Results: Volume- or pressure-controlled ventilation using standard connection tubes with the same compliance in each lung resulted in comparable minute volumes in both lungs, even if one side was obstructed to 3mm (6.6±0.2vs.6.5±0.1L for volume-controlled ventilation, p=.25 continuous severe alarm and 7.4±0.1vs.6.1±0.1L for pressure-controlled ventilation, p=.02 no alarm). In the second setup, pressure-controlled ventilation resulted at a 3mm flow limitation in minute ventilation of 9.4±0.3vs3.5±0.1L∙min-1, p=.001. In a third setup using the special one-way valve and the flow sensor on the unobstructed side, pressure-controlled ventilation resulted at a 3mm flow limitation in minute ventilation of 7.4±0.2vs3±0L∙min-1, at the compliance of 70mL∙mbar-1 for both lungs, 7.2±0vs4.1±0L∙ min-1, at the compliances of 50 vs. 70mL∙mbar-1, and 7.2±0.2vs5.7±0L∙ min-1, at the compliance of 30 vs. 70mL∙mbar-1 (all p=.001).Conclusions: Overriding a modern intensive care ventilator's safety features are possible, thereby ventilating two lungs with one ventilator simultaneously in a laboratory simulation using 3D-printed y-adapters. Directing tidal volumes in different pulmonary conditions towards one lung using 3D-printed flow limiters with diameters <6mm was also possible. While this ventilation setting was technically feasible in a bench model, it would be volatile, if not dangerous in a clinical situation.
The cerebral mechanism of Tuina for treating knee osteoarthritis pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled parallel trial
Authors: Xu Hui , Xiao Lianbo , Zhao Chi , Xie Yuchen , Kang Bingxin , Xu Xirui , Xinyu A , Xie Jun
Published: November 2021

Background: Despite the high prevalence and socioeconomic impact of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), treatments for KOA are often unsatisfactory, with wide variation in effectiveness across patients. Tuina is one treatment that is frequently prescribed for patients with KOA. However, how Tuina influences the activity of the central nervous system to alleviate KOA pain remains unclear. Our randomized controlled parallel trial was designed to address this gap through a comparative evaluation of the effect of Tuina on the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the brain in patients with KOA compared to treatment using celecoxib as the control.Methods/design: This will be a randomized controlled parallel trial to be conducted between June 2022 and June 2024. Forty-eight participants with KOA will be enrolled and randomly allocated to one of two groups, the Tuina treatment group or the celecoxib (control) group. Participants in each of the two groups will undergo 6 weeks treatment. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be performed to quantify rsFC at baseline, before treatment, and at the end of the intervention, where rsFC will be used to evaluate the effects of treatment on brain activity. The following self-reported scales will be used as clinical measures of symptomology: the Numerical Rating Scale to quantify the severity of pain, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale to quantify emotional response to pain, and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Hamilton Depression Scale to quantify the cognitive response to pain. Scale scores will be obtained before and after treatment to measure clinical change. Adverse events will be documented and assessed throughout the trial.Discussion: The results of our trial will provide evidence of the effect of Tuina treatment on the rsFC of patients with KOA and identify the possible relationship between a change in the rsFC and improvement of clinical variables, thus elucidating the central mechanism by which Tuina improves pain in KOA.Trial registration: Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx, ChiCTR2100045990). Date of registration: 1 May 2021.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter Thrombosis Associated with a Free-Floating Thrombus on a Retrieval Hook: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Duan Ruihua , Li Weihao , Liu Min , Bai Chenhui , Wang Fangjun , Lin Yisheng
Published: November 2021

Background: It has been widely reported that IVCFT is a type of thrombotic disease. However, there are very few case reports regarding free-floating thrombi on retrieval hooks.Case presentation: This case report describes inferior vena cava filter thrombosis (IVCFT) associated with a free-floating thrombus on a retrieval hook in a 26-year-old male. Rotational digital subtraction angiography (RDSA) was used for the diagnosis and a second retrievable filter was placed above the original filter to prevent detachment of the thrombi. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and aspiration thrombectomy (AT) were used to treat the thrombosis, and both filter retrievals were performed successfully.Conclusions: Attention should be paid to the diagnosis and endovascular procedures of a free-floating thrombus on a retrieval hook. In the event of thrombosis, the therapeutic effect and safety level can be increased through CDT combined with AT.
Bilateral Synchronous 3-port Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Ureterolithotomy: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar Bharath N
Published: November 2021

Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a well-established minimally invasive procedure for management of large impacted ureteric stones since the last 3 decades. We present a case of a 51 years old gentleman, who presented with bilateral large upper ureteric calculi with obstructive uropathy and azotemia, managed successfully with bilateral synchronous 3-port transperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, and to our knowledge is the first such case to be reported in literature.
Key Regulatory Pathways, MicroRNAs, and Target Genes Participate in Adventitious Root Formation of Acer Rubrum L
Authors: Zhu Wenpeng , Zhang Manyu , Li Jianyi , Zhao Hewen , Zhang Kezhong , Ge Wei
Published: November 2021

BackgroundAcer rubrum L. is a colorful ornamental tree with great economic value. Because this tree is difficult to root under natural conditions and the seedling survival rate is low, vegetative propagation methods are often used. Because the formation of adventitious roots (ARs) is essential for the survival of asexual propagation of A. rubrum, it is necessary to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanisms in the formation of ARs of A. ruburm. To address this knowledge gap, we sequenced the transcriptome and sRNA of the A. rubrum variety ‘Autumn Fantasy’ using high-throughput sequencing and explored changes in gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression in response to exogenous auxin treatment. ResultsWe identified 82,468 differentially expressed genes between the treated and untreated ARs, as well as 48 known and 95 novel miRNAs. We also identified 172 target genes of the known miRNAs using degradome sequencing. Two regulatory pathways (ubiquitin mediated proteolysis and plant hormone signal transduction), Ar-miR160a and the target gene ArARF10 were shown to be involved in the auxin response. We further investigated the expression patterns and regulatory roles of ArARF10 through subcellular localization, transcriptional activation, plant transformation, qRT-PCR analysis, and GUS staining. ConclusionsDifferential expression patterns indicated the Ar-miR160a-ArARF10 interaction might play a significant role in the regulation of AR formation in A. rubrum. Our study provided new insights into mechanisms underlying the regulation of AR formation in A. rubrum.
All-optical logic gates using a plasmonic MIM waveguide and elliptical ring resonator
Authors: Haffar Rida El , mahboub oussama , Farkhsi Abdelkrim , Figuigue Mustapha
Published: November 2021

All - optical logic gates OR, XOR, AND and NOT based on two - dimensional ( 2D ) plasmonic metal - insulator - metal ( MIM ) coupled with Elliptical Ring Resonator ( ERR ) are presented , simulated and investigated by using the numerical method of the FEM (finite elements method ). The results are compared and validated with the finite difference time domain ( FDTD ) method . The proposed logic gates are achieved with the same structure using the constructive and destructive optical interferences between a control signal and input signal(s). Their characterization was mainly done for two spectral regions , visible and near - infrared . A high intensity contrast ratios (CR) between the logic states ( “1” and “0” ) can be achieved (28 dB ) at these spectral regions . We introduce a new parameter , "gap- threshold ratio ( GTR )", to characterize the gap between the maximum and minimum of the transmitted signal intensity for all logic gates. The suggested value of transmission threshold between logic 0 and logic 1 states is T th =0.2 . A comparison of the two parameters , (CR) and ( GTR ), with previous works shows that the proposed structure gives very good results for all logic gates configurations. The proposed all- optical logic gates configuration can be a key components in optical processing and telecommunication devices .
An Investigation on M-Polar Fuzzy Saturation Graph and Its Application
Authors: MAHAPATRA TANMOY , Pal Madhumangal
Published: November 2021

The saturation graph is a well-defined topic. But, saturation in a fuzzy graph was de ned recently and investigated many properties. In a fuzzy saturation graph, only one saturation is considered for every vertex. In a m-polar fuzzy graph (mPFG), each vertex and edge has a m number of membership values. So, defining saturation for mPFG is not easy and needs some new ideas. By considering m saturation for each component out of m components of membership values of a vertex, we defined saturation in mPFG. α-saturation as well as β-saturation in mPFG is introduced here. Many interesting properties of it are also presented. α-vertex count and β-vertex count in mPFG are also studied and the upper bound on some well known mPFG is also found here. Finally, a real-life application using saturation in mPFG is also presented.
Facile Synthesis of Crosslinked Cu:ZnS-Lignocellulose Nanocomposite: A Potent Antifungal and Antisporulant System Against The Tea Pathogen Exobasidium Vexans
Authors: Chaliha Chayanika , Baruah Julie , Kalita Eeshan
Published: November 2021

The objective of the present study was to synthesize Cu doped ZnS nanocore crosslinked with lignocellulose (represented as Cu:ZnS-lignocellulose nanocomposite) for antifungal action against the devastating tea blister blight pathogen Exobasidium vexans. The characteristic features of the nanocomposite were analyzed via different physicochemical techniques like FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, SEM-EDX, Elemental mapping, PCS, and UV-PL studies. The FTIR and XPS investigations revealed the crosslinking between lignocellulose and the Cu:ZnS. The presence of lignocellulose was seen to attribute a potent antifungal efficacy, also enhancing the stability of the resulting nanocomposite in aqueous suspensions. The antifungal efficacy confirmed through disk diffusion and broth dilution assays have a maximum zone of inhibition of 1.75 cm2 and a MIC50 of 0.05 mg/ml against E. vexans. Additionally, the antisporulant activity was evident as the basidiospores failed to germinate in presence of the Cu:ZnS-lignocellulose nanocomposites. This shows potential for stemming the rapid infectivity of E. vexans by achieving disease inhibition at the early stage. Finally, the comparison with two commonly used commercial fungicides (copper oxychloride and fluconazole) demonstrated > 10-fold higher antifungal activity for Cu:ZnS-lignocellulose nanocomposites.
The Variabilities of Convective Precipitation and Large-scale Precipitation in Southern China under Global Warming
Authors: zhang han , Zhao Junhu , Huang Bicheng , Zang Naihui , Yang Jie , Guolin Feng
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the spatial and temporal characteristics of convective precipitation (CP) and large-scale precipitation (LSP) in southern China during 1980-2020 are analyzed using monthly mean precipitation data from MERRA-2. In addition, the possible effects of relative humidity on CP and LSP are explored. The results indicate the following. (1) The LSP dominates the proportion of total precipitation (TP). Both LSP and CP are more prevalent in the south and less prevalent in the north, but there is a difference in the regions of their maximum centers. (2) Significant interannual and seasonal variations are observed in precipitation. TP and LSP tended to be higher than average after the 1990s, while for the CP, a negative trend has dominated the past years with considerable fluctuation. There are obvious increasing trends for TP and LSP, with area-averaged linear trends of 7.0 mm/year and 8.9 mm/year, respectively, while that of CP is -1.9 mm/year. The increasing trends of LSP are mainly contributed by the precipitation of summer and autumn. (3) The variations of LSP are affected by relative humidity in the troposphere, while CP is only influenced by the changes in relative humidity due to air temperature or specific humidity. The trend of relative humidity is -0.32%/decade, mainly due to rising temperature in the troposphere. (4) Changes in specific humidity caused by temperature or specific humidity alone act on large-scale precipitation through both interannual and interdecadal processes, causing large-scale precipitation to increase. And the convective precipitation is mainly affected by the interdecadal processes.
Does intestinal peristalsis cause suture failure after instrument suture?
Authors: Rino Yasushi , Maezawa Yukio , Aoyama Toru , Atsumi Yosuke , Kazama Keisuke , Numata Masakatsu , Tamagawa Hiroshi , Sato Tsutomu , Yamada Takanobu , Oshima Takashi , Yukawa Norio , Masuda Munetaka
Published: November 2021

Introduction Gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy is a standard treatment for gastric cancer. Anastomotic leakage remains a potentially fatal complication of gastrectomy. Forceful stapler extraction may cause anastomotic complications. We focused on the duodenal peristalsis, as we hypothesized that it might cause forceful stapler extraction. We then retrospectively investigated duodenal peristalsis. We reviewed videos of Da Vinci system cases to clarify the relationship between peristalsis and anastomotic complications. Methods Forty-nine cases with stored videos of laparoscopic surgery using the Da Vinci system from 2015 to March 2021 were included. Peristalsis was defined by repeated contraction and expansion that was clearly visible three or more times in a row, and that there was no peristalsis in other cases. We investigated the duodenum because it is frequently observed during gastrectomy. We evaluated suture failure in cases with and without peristalsis. Results The study population included 49 patients (male, n=32; female, n=17; median age, 71 [42-82] years). Duodenal peristalsis was observed in 14 (28.6%) cases. Three patients experienced complications. A comparative study of cases with and without complications showed significant peristalsis in cases with complications (p=0.0198). Discussion Anastomotic leakage remains a serious and potentially fatal complication of gastrectomy, and surgeons should make efforts to prevent anastomotic leakage. Various risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage have been reported. This is the first retrospective study to evaluate duodenal peristalsis during gastrectomy for gastric cancer. We hypothesized that duodenal peristalsis would apply extreme tension on the stapler. Peristalsis would twist and increase the pressure on the stapler. In this study, we defined a new scale to evaluate duodenal peristalsis. Anastomotic complications were significantly more frequent in cases with peristalsis (p=0.0198). Our results suggest the utility of manual over-sewing or the use of reinforcement material.
Patient Reported Outcomes in Penile Cancer
Authors: Youssef Irini , Hoogland Aasha , Chahoud Jad , Spiess Philippe , Jim Heather , Johnstone Peter
Published: November 2021

Objective: Patient reports of their symptom burden (i.e., patient-reported outcomes or PROs) have been shown to direct clinicians’ ability to personalize care and improve outcomes. A disciplined assessment of PRO in the population of patients with penile cancer (PeCa) has not previously been undertaken. Our center has both a significant cadre of patients with PeCa and a significant experience with a well-established PRO: the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS).Methods: After IRB approval, we screened ESAS surveys of 14,781 patients completed between 2/2017 and 2/2021. Of these, those with PeCa were divided into three cohorts: (A) Those after any partial penectomy procedure without lymph node dissection (LND); (B) Those after partial penectomy procedure with LND; and (C) Those after total penectomy and LND. Patients with recurrent disease were analyzed separately. ESAS scores were collated and compared both by individual symptom and cumulatively.Results: 22 PeCa patients completed 122 ESAS surveys in this time and are included in this analysis: a median of 4 ESAS surveys (mean=5, range=1-19) were completed by each patient. The symptom with the highest median ESAS score was Tiredness (3.00). Patients with recurrent disease had the highest cumulative symptom score (median score = 30). Patients after total penectomy with LND had a higher cumulative symptom score (14.4) than those with partial penectomy and LND (7.9).Conclusions: PROs provide an insight into the morbidity of therapies for PeCa, and the most symptoms are reported by patients with recurrent disease.
Investigation of Anxiety Sensitivity Levels of Cancer Patients In Terms of Covid 19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: İŞCAN GÖKÇE , ÇETİN BÜLENT , KILIÇ FARUK , KALAYCI HAKAN , KALAYCI AYŞEGÜL
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

The goal of our research was to look into the perspectives of cancer patients who had not yet been vaccinated, aged from 21 to 88 years old and had applied to Süleyman Demirel University's oncology outpatient clinic in May and June, as well as their anxieties and concerns about vaccination.
Methods

The goal of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to investigate cancer patients’ perceptions of Covid vaccination. We applied 3 questionnaires, one of them prepared by us, the other two questionnaires were The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) form and Anxiety Sensitivity index to a total of 497 participants. Chi-Square, Spearmen correlation test, multivariable multinomial logistic regression tests were used when comparing.
Results

Our participants were between the ages of 21 and 88, with a mean age of 61,38 (SD = 11,68). 48,6% (n=251) of all participants were female. We discovered that 79.1% (n=408) of respondents were not afraid of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. 27,7 % (n=143) of this population's respondents were concerned about the COVID-19 vaccine's negative effects and 24,2% (n=125) were afraid of its side effects with their treatments. 91,1% (n=470) of the patients did not know which vaccine they would have and the type of the vaccine. Due to the high level of anxiety in women in general, it was thought that anxiety scores were higher in patients with breast and ovarian cancer, which are important cancers in women during the pandemic period, while anxiety scores were lower in patients with prostate cancer since it was seen in men. Special patient groups should not be neglected during this vaccine season, and their concerns should be addressed. When a new vaccine is found, it can have long-term effects, which should not be ignored.
Comorbidities and COVID-19 Status Influence the Survival Rate of Geriatric Patients in Intensive Care Units: a Prospective Cohort Study From the Indonesian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy
Authors: Rehatta Nancy Margarita , Chandra Susilo , Sari Djayanti , Lestari Mayang Indah , Senapathi Tjokorda Gde Agung , Nurdin Haizah , Wirabuana Belindo , Pramodana Bintang , Pradhana Adinda Putra , Isngadi Isngadi , Anggraeni Novita , Sikumbang Kenanga Marwan , Halimi Radian Ahmad , Jasa Zafrullah Khany , Nasution Akhyar Hamonangan , Mochamat Mochamat , Purwoko Purwoko
Published: November 2021

Background: With the more advanced science in the field of medicine and disease management, the population of geriatric intensive care patients is increasing. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare management around the globe, especially on critically-ill elderly patients. We aim to analyse the relationship between underlying illnesses, including COVID-19, and the survival rate of elderly patients who are treated in the intensive care setting.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study at 14 teaching hospitals for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Education in Indonesia. We selected all subjects with 60 years of age or older in the period between February to May 2021. Variables recorded included subject characteristics, comorbidities, and COVID-19 status. Subjects were followed for 30-day mortality as an outcome. We analysed the data using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Results: We recruited 982 elderly patients, and 728 subjects were in the final analysis (60.7% male; 68.0 ± 6.6 years old). The 30-day mortality was 38.6%. The top five comorbidities are hypertension (21.1%), diabetes (16.2%), moderate or severe renal disease (10.6%), congestive heart failure (9.2%), and cerebrovascular disease (9.1%). Subjects with Charlson's Comorbidity Index Score >5 experienced 66% death. Subjects with COVID-19 who died were 57.4%. Subjects with comorbidities and COVID-19 had lower survival rates than subjects without those conditions (p < 0.005).Conclusion: Approximately one in four elderly intensive care patients die, and the number is increasing with comorbidities and COVID-19 status.
Second stage African Trypanosomiasis presented as Non Convulsive Status Epilepticus
Authors: Ibrahim Etedal Ahmed A. , Elmahal Mohammed Gasm Elseed M , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla
Published: November 2021

Human African Trypanosomiasis also known as sleeping sickness is a common disease in South Sudan. There are two recognized sstage, The early hemolymphatic stage and The late encephalitic stage when the CNS is involved specially with Gambians infection, broad neurologic spectrum has been reported such as psychiatric, motor, sensory.
Three Dimensional Potential Energy Surface For The F3
Authors: Cao Jing , Hu Chunmei , Yu Hongmei , Bai Yuxuan , Li Yanchun , Wang Dequan , Huang Xuri
Published: November 2021

In order to study the F3 system, an accurate global adiabatic potential energy surface is reduced in the present work. The high level ab initio (MCSCF/MRCI level) methods with big basis set aVQZ are used to calculate 27690 potential energy points in MOLPRO quantum chemistry package using Jacobi coordinate. Meanwhile, B-spline fit method is used to reduce the global potential energy surface in this present work. The shallow well complexes are found in the present work when the angles θ = 30°, 60°, and 90°. Analysing the global potential energy surfaces one can get the conclusion that reactants should overcome at least 0.894 eV energy to cross transition state and reach products.
The Pozzolanic Activity of the Sediment Treated by the Flash Calcination Method
Authors: CHU DUC CHINH , AMAR Mouhamadou , KLEIB Joelle , BENZERZOUR Mahfoud , BETRANCOURT Damien , ABRIAK Nor-Edine , NADAH Jaouad
Published: November 2021

The dredged sediment has been positioned for years as alternative materials in the construction field. However, it is often necessary to apply a treatment to improve their reactivity and performance. This article aims to study the pozzolanic reactivity of fluvial sediment treated by flash calcination method at different temperatures 650 °C, 750 °C, and 800 °C. The physico-chemical, mineralogical, and environmental characteristics were studied for treated (flash-calcined sediment) and raw sediment. The pozzolanic reactivity of the flash-calcined sediments was estimated with Frattini’s test, isothermal calorimetry test, lime consumption analysis and compressive strength then compared to metakaolin which is considered as the reference. The results of the compressive strength of mortars show the detrimental effect of raw sediment on the development of resistance. Contrary to the raw sediment, the treatment of the sediments by flash calcination activates the pozzolanic reactivity of the clay phases and considerably improves the contribution of the sediments to the development of resistance and the porous structure. Moreover, the sediment calcined at 750 °C gives better properties than those obtained at 650 °C and 800 °C. The result demonstrates the feasibility of using calcined sediments as a pozzolanic mineral addition in a cementitious material.
Effect of Aging-Related Genes on the Prognosis of Colon Cancer
Authors: Liu Yushu , Gong Jiantao , Huang Yanyi , Jiang Qunguang
Published: November 2021

Background:Colon cancer is a common malignant cancer with high incidence and poor prognosis. Cell senescence and apoptosis are important mechanisms of tumor occurrence and development, in which aging-related genes(ARGs) play an important role. This study aimed to establish a prognostic risk model based on ARGs for diagnosis and prognosis prediction of colon cancer .Methods: We downloaded transcriptome data and clinical information of colon cancer patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database and the microarray dataset(GSE39582) from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database. Univariate COX, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) regression algorithm and multivariate COX regression analysis were used to construct a 6-ARG prognosis model and calculated the riskScore. The prognostic signatures is validated by internal validation cohort and external validation cohort(GSE39582).In addition, functional enrichment pathways and immune microenvironment of aging-related genes(ARGs) were also analyzed. We also analyzed the correlation between rsikScore and clinical features and constructed a nomogram based on riskScore. We are the first to construct prognostic nomogram based on ARGs.Results: Through univariate COX,LASSO regression algorithm and multivariate COX regression analysis,6 prognostic ARGs (PDPK1,RAD52,GSR,IL7,BDNF and SERPINE1) were screened out and riskScore was constructed. We have verified that riskScore has good prognostic value in both internal validation cohort and external validation cohort. Pathway enrichment and immunoanalysis of ARGs provide a direction for the treatment of colon cancer patients. We also found that riskScore was closely related to the clinical characteristics of patients. Based on riskScore and related clinical features, we constructed a nomogram, which has good predictive performance.Conclusion: The 6-ARG prognostic signature we constructed has a certain clinical predictive ability. Its riskScore is also closely related to clinical characteristics, and nomogram based on this has stronger predictive ability than a single indicator. ARGs and the nomogram we constructed may provide a promising treatment for colon cancer patients.
The in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of leaves of medicinal plants with phytobiotic potential in animal production
Authors: Aroche Roisbel , Jiang Xianren , Martínez Yordan , Rodríguez Román , Li Xilong , Arévalo Ana Carolina , Avellaneda Mavir Carolina
Published: November 2021

Little is known about which secondary metabolites are responsible for inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and reducing the pro-oxidant effect on the leaves of four medicinal plants used as phytobiotic in animal production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of four medicinal plants (Anacardium occidentale, Psidium guajava, Morinda citrifolia and Moringa oleifera.) in vitro. A total of six bacterial strains were inoculated, then minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was evaluated in fine powder and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MBC were determined on the aqueous extract. Also, the in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated through 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, as well as the main secondary metabolites were identified and quantified by chromatographic analysis. The results showed that Anacardium occidentale and Psidium guajava leaves had higher antimicrobial activity against all bacterial strains. In addition, Morinda citrifolia inhibited S. aureus in the aqueous extract, although without in vitro bactericidal effect, while Moringa oleifera leaf did not show antimicrobial effect. All plants showed antioxidant capacity, standing out Anacardium occidentale and Psidium guajava. Mainly the leaves of Anacardium occidentale showed high concentrations of quercetin 3-O-glucoside-7-O-rhamnoside, kaempeferol-7-O-glucoside, quercetin, caffeic acid, and cinnamic acid. Apparently, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity are due to the main polyphenolic compounds identified in medicinal plants (mainly Anacardium occidentale and Psidium guajava); however, further studies are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanism.
Funciones ejecutivas y autoestima en el desempeño académico: un análisis mediacional
Authors: Quílez-Robres Alberto , Moyano Nieves , Cortés-Pascual Alejandra
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: Superado el paradigma de la inteligencia como predictor único del rendimiento académico, se estudia la influencia de otras variables como el razonamiento, fluidez verbal, funciones ejecutivas, motivación y autoestima. Método: Para ello, se sirvió de un diseño de investigación de carácter exploratorio e incidental en una muestra de 132 sujetos de 6 a 9 años. Se administraron diferentes instrumentos, como las pruebas RAVEN, Lectura Eficaz, Brief II, MAPE II y Escala Coopersmith respectivamente. Resultados: Los resultados señalan que el modelo predictivo formado por razonamiento, fluidez verbal, funciones ejecutivas y autoestima explica un 55.4% de los resultados académicos. Como variables mediadoras emergen la autoestima, sobre variables tanto de carácter cognitivo como motivacional, y las funciones ejecutivas sobre variables emocionales y motivacionales. Discusión: Esto supone implicaciones teóricas y prácticas de carácter educativo con implicaciones prácticas en las aulas de primaria para la implementación de planes de desarrollo de la autoestima y las funciones ejecutivas.
Performance analysis of healthcare-focused special purpose acquisition companies
Authors: Gigante Gimede , Notarnicola Daniele
Published: November 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated some structural changes in the healthcare industry, and several health-tech start-ups thrived by providing innovative solutions to the challenges imposed by the pandemic. To finance their growth, many of these companies went through mergers with Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The paper investigates the market performance of healthcare-focused US-listed SPACs. The study aims to analyze the returns that healthcare SPACs offer to their investors and ascertain the determinants that drive these returns over a sample of 33 SPACs that merged with a healthcare firm between 2018 and 2021. Linear regression is employed to identify the drivers of SPACs’ market performance. Portfolio analysis is also performed and compared against the Russell 2000 and the S&P500 Healthcare Indexes.The first outcome accomplished by the analysis is that a portfolio made of healthcare-SPACs underperforms small-cap firms by 2.14% and the healthcare industry by 6.72% over a two-year period, even if the difference in the returns of the healthcare SPACs portfolio and the two benchmarks is not statistically significant. Moreover, a high level of redemptions, the presence of serial SPAC sponsors, cross-border deals, private equity and venture capital funds as sellers, and a high percentage of boutique investment banks among the sell-side advisors seem to negatively affect the returns of healthcare-focused SPACs with a significance level of at least 10%. Instead, a larger number of buy-side advisors appears to be beneficial for healthcare-focused SPACs’ market performance.
An Embedded System for NILM Using Machine Learning
Authors: Braglia Giovanni , Lazzaretti André Eugênio
Published: November 2021

The interest in power managing systems has been growing in recent years since every industrial or domestic plant moves towards techniques to efficiently reduce energy demand and costs related to it. An attractive solution is represented by Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) systems, whose primary purpose is to find a more appropriate way of keeping track of the power consumption caused by each of the loads that are connected to the monitored plant. A possible real-life implementation of a NILM system is addressed in this work, discussing all the fundamental blocks in its structure, including detecting events, feature extraction, and load classification, using publicly available datasets. Additionally, we provide a solution for an embedded system, able to analyze aggregated waveforms and to recognize each appliance’s contribution in it. The main algorithm, its features, drawbacks, and implementation are thus explained, showing current and future challenges for the final application.
A study on handling intrinsic motivation for devising sample efficient actor-critic agents
Authors: Quadros André , Xavier Junior Roberto , Souza Kleber , Gomes Bruno , Saraiva Filipe , Alves Ronnie
Published: November 2021

Reinforcement learning has evolved in recent years,and overcoming challenges found in this field. This area, unlikeconventional machine learning, does not learn through a setof observational instances, but through interaction with anenvironment. The sampling efficiency of a reinforcement learningagent is a challenge. That is, how to make an agent learn withinan environment with as little interaction as possible. In this workwe perform an experimental study on the difficulties to integratea strategy of intrinsic motivation to an actor-critic agent toimprove the sampling efficiency. We found results that point to theeffectiveness of the intrinsic motivation as a approach to improvethe agent’s sampling efficiency, as well as its performance. Weshare practical guidelines to assist in the implementation of actor-critic agents to deal with sparse reward environments whilemaking use of intrinsic motivation feedback.
Informação Especialista para um Sistema de Filtragem Online com Ensemble de Redes Neurais em um Ambiente com Alta Taxa de Eventos
Authors: Souza Edmar , Marin Juan , Simas Filho Eduardo Furtado , Farias Paulo , Pinto João , Araújo Micael , Seixas José Manoel
Published: November 2021

O experimento ATLAS é projetado para observar os constituintes fundamentais em colisões de partículas no Grande Colisor de Hádrons (LHC). Na próxima tomada de dados, espera-se aumentar a energia de colisão e a taxa de produção de informações, o que requer melhorias no sistema de filtragem online. O NeuralRinger é o algoritmo padrão de identificação online de elétrons no ATLAS (etapa rápida) e usa informações do calorímetro (medição de energia) organizadas em anéis concêntricos para alimentar um conjunto de redes neurais. Uma das principais características utilizadas para a discriminação de elétrons e jatos hadrônicos é o perfil lateral do chuveiro de partículas de energia decrescente, medido no calorímetro. Neste trabalho, é investigada a utilização do perfil lateral do chuveiro combinado com os anéis. O método proposto pondera os anéis gerados pelo NeuralRinger pela energia e distância até a célula mais energética. Os resultados indicaram uma redução do falso alarme de 1,37 pontos percentuais quando comparado ao desempenho do NeuralRinger em dados experimentais o que é relevante, haja vista a alta taxa de eventos gerados no ATLAS.
Modelos de Aprendizado de Máquina Aplicados à Detecção de Câncer de Mama
Authors: Silva Neto José de Deus , Silva André Oliveira Carvalho , Campos Matheus Leão , Matos Wendler Luis Nogueira , Silva Orlando Fonseca
Published: November 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho é construir um algoritmo classificador binário de câncer de mama, baseado em dados de exame de sangue e fisiológicos (Idade, Índice de Massa Corporal, Glicose, Insulina, Modelo de Avaliação da Homeostase, Leptina, Adiponectina, Resistina e Proteína Quimiotática de Monócitos-1) de 116 pacientes. Para tal estudo, realizou-se comparativo de desempenho dos seguintes modelos de aprendizado de máquina: Árvore de Decisão, Floresta Aleatória, K-Vizinhos mais Próximos, Redes Neurais Artificiais, Máquinas de Vetores de Suporte e Regressão Logística. Quanto a metodologia aplicada nos dados, teve-se duas: validação cruzada por k-fold (k=10); divisão dos dados em 80% treino e 20% teste. Para a primeira, avaliou-se média da acurácia e da sensibilidade. Na segunda, valores de acurácia, sensibilidade, especificidade e área sob a curva da característica de operação do receptor. Além disso, a partir do valor-p, por correlação de Pearson e Spearman, dependendo da variável de entrada, realizou-se o teste apenas com as variáveis com nível de significância de 5%, que foram: Glicose, Insulina, Resistina e Modelo de Avaliação da Homeostase. Como melhor classificador final, teve-se a Floresta Aleatória, no método treino/teste e com 9 variáveis, com 83,3% de acurácia, 100% de sensibilidade, 64% de especificidade e 0,881 de área sob a curva.
Estudo da variabilidade em testes na verificação de locutores com redes neurais profundas
Authors: Beraldo Victor Costa , Loiola Murilo Bellezoni
Published: November 2021

A verificação automática de locutores revela-se de grande importância para segurança na autenticação de pessoas. Concebida através de dados de voz, seu papel como ferramenta de autenticação tem sido feito, com melhores desempenhos, por meio do aprendizado profundo de redes neurais utilizando d-vectors. Entre seus benefícios está a desnecessidade de treinar novos modelos para verificar locutores inexistentes nas bases de treinamento. Neste contexto, notou-se a necessidade de comparar diferentes modelos baseados nos d-vectors, em situações onde temos dados para treinamento que não foram obtidos pela mesma origem que as possíveis bases de teste, representando um problema real devido a diferentes fontes de variabilidade nos dados de voz, como diferentes idiomas, áudios gravados com dispositivos diferentes e ruídos de fundo diferentes, onde necessita-se escolher um modelo, porém não há dados de treinamento e teste com as mesmas características. As comparações foram realizadas entre os modelos SincNet, GE2E, redes ResNet Triplet Loss e o modelos proposto neste trabalho SincNet + GE2E, cujo desempenho supera o a rede GE2E original, porém até então não superou o desempenho da SincNet original.
A Comparative Study for Open Set Semantic Segmentation Methods
Authors: Brilhador Anderson , Gutoski Matheus , Lazzaretti André Eugênio , Lopes Heitor Silvério
Published: November 2021

Typical semantic segmentation methods do not recognize unknown pixels during the test or deployment stage. This capability is critical for open-world environment applications where unseen objects appear all the time. Recently, to solve those limitations, Open Set Semantic Segmentation (OSSS) was introduced. This task aims to produce known and unknown pixels semantic segments. However, due to its recent introduction, few works are found in the literature, and consequently, few datasets are publicly available. This work carried out a comparative study between the existing OSSS methods on a new synthetic dataset of images and the well-known PASCAL VOC 2012 dataset. The compared methods include SoftMax-T, OpenMax-based, and OpenIPCS. The results are encouraging and show some of the advantages and main limitations of each technique. However, in general, they demonstrate that the problem of OSSS remains open and demands further research aiming at real applications, such as autonomous driving and robotics.
Central Nervous System Disorders Associated to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: de Souza Felipe Fanine , Trevisani Julia Petry , Breis Letícia Caroline , Sizenando Luís Gustavo Marcelino , Schlindwein Marco Antônio Machado , Silva Paola Herreira , da Cunha Ribas Gustavo , Gonçalves Marcus Vinicius Magno
Published: November 2021

New therapies and alternatives for the containment of tumor progression are being proposed
for the treatment of cancer. In this context, monoclonal therapies using Immune Checkpoint
Inhibitors (ICI) come as a therapeutic proposal. They are responsible for immunological control by
blocking PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 molecules. However, among the effects caused by therapy, the
use of medications is associated with neurological diseases reported as an adverse effect, affecting
the Central Nervous System (CNS) and causing a wide range of symptoms. In this regard, the present
bibliographic review presents the main CNS disorders associated with this therapy, in addition
to the incidence, symptoms and treatment of these diseases.
Gisekia pharnaceoides Restores Colonic Mucosal Homeostasis by Regulating
Antioxidant Enzyme System and Cytokines Signaling in Ulcerative
Colitis Mice Model
Authors: Javaid Faraza , Aslam Naveed , Arshad Hafiza Maida , Awan Ambreen Mehmood , Majeed Wafa , Jabeen Qaiser
Published: November 2021

Background:

Gisekia pharnaceoides Linn. (Aizoaceae), traditionally known as baluka saag or sareli is commonly found in the deep Cholistan region of Pakistan. It is used by native community for the mitigation of a range of diseases, including inflammatory disorders and gastric ulcers.

Objective:

This study is designed to evaluate the defensive impact of G. pharnaceoides in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in mice and to discover the mechanism for anti-inflammatory action. Method: The ethanolic crude extract of G. pharnaceoides (Gp.Cr) was prepared and evaluated for phytochemical substances by preliminary screening and HPLC analysis. Anti-inflammatory activity of Gp.Cr (300 and 500 mg/kg) was examined by administration of 200 µl of 7.5% acetic acid intra-rectally to induce ulcerative colitis and colonic mucosal injury, while mucosal homeostasis was evaluated by disease activity index, colonic ulcer score and hematological parameters. Anti-inflammatory potential was quantified by assessing antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPX-1), lipid peroxides, nitric oxide and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) immunoassays and further analyzed by histological analysis of colon tissues.

Results:

Phytochemical screening of Gp.Cr revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, tannins and saponins, while HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, coumaric and sinapic acid. In acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model, Gp.Cr (300 and 500 mg/kg) along with sulphasalazine (500 mg/kg) decreased disease activity index, ulcer scores and hematological parameters. Gp.Cr showed a significant anti-inflammatory potential by increasing antioxidant enzymes and decreasing lipid peroxides, nitric oxide and cytokines levels. Histopathological examination showed significant decline in ulceration and tissue disruption.

Conclusion:

Hence, the findings confirmed the effectiveness of G. pharnaceoides crude extract in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and might be a promising remedy to manage inflammatory disorders.
Idarubicin and Ara-C Treatment Associated with Fungal Infection in Acute Leukemia Patients with Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Wanitpongpun Chinadol , Teawtrakul Nattiya , Lanamtieng Theerin , Chansung Kanchana , Sirijeerachai Chittima , Amampai Worakamol , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak
Published: November 2021

Background:

Pateints with acute leukemia along with febrile neutropenia is at risk for
fungal as well as bacterial infections. Fungal infection is a more serious and common infection in
this setting, leading to a high mortality rate. There is limited data on clinical factors predictive of
fungal infection in acute leukemia with febrile neutropenia.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate clinical predictive factors of fungal infection in acute
leukemia patients with FN.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analytical study and included adult patients diagnosed with
acute leukemia, who developed FN, and had positive culture with either bacterial or fungal infection.
Predictors for fungal infection were calculated by using logistic regression analysis. A subgroup
analysis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was also performed.

Results:

There were 94 patients who met the study criteria. Of those, 29 patients had positive culture
for fungus (30.82%), categorized as Aspergillus (19 patients; 65.51%) and Candida (10 patients;
34.49%). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the fungal infection group than the
bacterial infection group (24.14% vs. 6.15%; p 0.031). There were six factors in the final model predictive
of fungal infection with one independent predictor: treatment regimen of Idarubicin plus
Ara-C with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.188 (95% CI of 1.386, 19.419). A subgroup analysis for fungal
infection in patients with AML showed that only the treatment regimen of Idarubicin plus Ara-
C was a significant factor. Its adjusted odds ratio was 5.138 (95% CI of 1.156, 24.467).

Conclusion:

Treatment with idarubicin and Ara-C may increase the risk of fungal infection in
acute leukemia patients with FN.
Research on development of remote communication system exercise guidance tools and evaluation of social implementation
Authors: Kishimoto Hiro
Published: November 2021

Japan has one of the most elderly populations in the world and it is important to support the country's ageing society through social programmes. It is also important to ensure that the elderly remain physically and mentally healthy as, with the pension rate declining, more and more
elderly people may need to work for longer. Associate Professor Hiro Kishimoto, Kishimoto Laboratory, Core Education Institute, Japan, is conducting research to advocate and support the concept of keeping healthy, including the development of a remote communication system that can provide
exercise guidance from afar, benefiting Japanese society. The system is called "Enkaku Undo-kun 2" as a remote exercise system and can be used by instructors to enable them to exercise with elderly people online. Kishimoto plans to develop a communication system that is easy for elderly people
to use, allowing them to use a remote control to go online and receive exercise guidance as he believes existing online conference systems such as Zoom and Microsoft Team aren't particularly accessible for the elderly. Kishimoto envisions a global community of elderly people all exercising
in their homes or care homes together, through a simple internet connection, which would have significant benefits for mental and physical health. Looking ahead, Kishimoto dreams of the elderly people in the UK participating in the frailty prevention exercise class held in Itoshima City, Fukuoka
Prefecture.