bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of the von Willebrand factor/ADAMTS13 imbalance to COVID-19 coagulopathy
Authors: Seth Ryan , McKinnon Thomas A. J. , Zhang X. Frank
Published: December 2021

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although this infection has been shown to affect the respiratory system, a high incidence of thrombotic events has been observed in severe cases of COVID-19 and in a significant portion of COVID-19 nonsurvivors. Although prior literature has reported on both the coagulopathy and hypercoagulability of COVID-19, the specifics of coagulation have not been fully investigated. Observations of microthrombosis in patients with COVID-19 have brought attention to potential inflammatory endothelial injury. Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and its protease, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13), play an important homeostatic role in responding to endothelial injury. This report provides an overview of the literature investigating the role the VWF/ADAMTS13 axis may have in COVID-19 thrombotic events and suggests potential therapeutic strategies to prevent the progression of coagulopathy in patients with COVID-19.
Cystamine reduces vascular stiffness in Western diet-fed female mice
Authors: Ramirez-Perez Francisco I. , Cabral-Amador Francisco J. , Whaley-Connell Adam T. , Aroor Annayya R. , Morales-Quinones Mariana , Woodford Makenzie L. , Ghiarone Thaysa , Ferreira-Santos Larissa , Jurrissen Thomas J. , Manrique-Acevedo Camila M. , Jia GuangHong , DeMarco Vincent G. , Padilla Jaume , Martinez-Lemus Luis A. , Lastra Guido
Published: December 2021

This study evaluates the novel role of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) inhibition to directly treat vascular stiffness. Our data demonstrate that cystamine, a nonspecific TG2 inhibitor, improves vascular stiffness induced by a diet rich in fat, fructose, and salt. This research suggests that TG2 inhibition might bear therapeutic potential to reduce the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease in females in conditions of chronic overnutrition.
Design of Facial Recognition System Based on Visual Communication Effect
Authors: Fu Xuhui
Published: December 2021

At present, facial recognition technology is a very cutting‐edge science and technology, and it has now become a very hot research branch. In this research, first, the thesis first summarized the research status of facial recognition technology and related technologies based on visual communication and then used the OpenCV open source vision library based on the design of the system architecture and the installed system hardware conditions. The face detection program and the image matching program are realized, and the complete face recognition system based on OpenCV is realized. The experimental results show that the hardware system built by the software can realize the image capture and online recognition. The applied objects are testers. In general, the OpenCV‐based face recognition system for testers can reliably, stably, and quickly realize face detection and recognition in this situation. Facial recognition works well.
On‐Ground Distributed COVID‐19 Variant Intelligent Data Analytics for a Regional Territory
Authors: Khuhawar Umrah Zadi , Siddiqui Isma Farah , Arain Qasim Ali , Siddiqui Mokhi Maan , Qureshi Nawab Muhammad Faseeh
Published: December 2021

The onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the subsequent transmission among communities has made the entire human population extremely vulnerable. Due to the virus’s contagiousness, the most powerful economies in the world are struggling with the inadequacies of resources. As the number of cases continues to rise and the healthcare industry is overwhelmed with the increasing needs of the infected population, there is a requirement to estimate the potential future number of cases using prediction methods. This paper leverages data‐driven estimation methods such as linear regression (LR), random forest (RF), and XGBoost (extreme gradient boosting) algorithm. All three algorithms are trained using the COVID‐19 data of Pakistan from 24 February to 31 December 2020, wherein the daily resolution is integrated. Essentially, this paper postulates that, with the help of values of new positive cases, medical swabs, daily death, and daily new positive cases, it is possible to predict the progression of the COVID‐19 pandemic and demonstrate future trends. Linear regression tends to oversimplify concepts in supervised learning and neglect practical challenges present in the real world, often cited as its primary disadvantage. In this paper, we use an enhanced random forest algorithm. It is a supervised learning algorithm that is used for classification. This algorithm works well for an extensive range of data items, and also it is very flexible and possesses very high accuracy. For higher accuracy, we have also implemented the XGBoost algorithm on the dataset. XGBoost is a newly introduced machine learning algorithm; this algorithm provides high accuracy of prediction models, and it is observed that it performs well in short‐term prediction. This paper discusses various factors such as total COVID‐19 cases, new cases per day, total COVID‐19 related deaths, new deaths due to the COVID‐19, the total number of recoveries, number of daily recoveries, and swabs through the proposed technique. This paper presents an innovative approach that assists health officials in Pakistan with their decision‐making processes.
Language Intelligence Development of English Multimedia Teaching considering Collaborative Filtering Topic Search Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Huang Fen
Published: December 2021

With the opening up of our country, English has become one of the necessary skills for foreign communication. Traditional English teaching can no longer meet the needs of learning. It is necessary to introduce computer, multimedia, and other technologies to supplement students to improve students’ autonomous learning ability and learning interest. This is extremely important for the evaluation of English multimedia teaching. Based on the collaborative filtering topic search algorithm, this article tries to sort out the influence of English synthesis and English specialization on the development of language intelligence for English multimedia teaching and analyzes and promotes the improvement of students’ interest in learning English and the improvement of classroom self-learning awareness. The results of simulation experiments show that the collaborative filtering topic search algorithm is effective and can support the development of language intelligence in English multimedia teaching.
Australian Community and Health Professionals Perceptions of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Authors: Stapleton P. , Grimmett K. T.
Published: December 2021

Mental health conditions are increasingly prevalent in the Australian population, and despite the large evidence-based support for contemporary treatments, there are barriers which inhibit their efficacy. Thus, there is a perceived need for therapists to consider other therapeutic options which have potential to enhance treatment outcomes. There is increasing acceptance for complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) among general practitioners and clients/general community. Specifically, more than 70% of Australians utilize CAM. Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an underutilized, culturally sensitive, complementary therapy, which has the potential to mitigate barriers of conventional therapy. The present study aimed to determine the level of knowledge about and general acceptance of EAP as a treatment for general psychopathology symptomology within community members and health professionals. The current sample included 144 community members and 55 health professionals, all with Australian citizenship. Data analysis comprised the independent t-test and two hierarchical multiple regressions. Results indicated that community members are significantly more accepting of EAP as a treatment compared to health professionals. Of the predictors tested, higher social support and openness within community members were significant predictors of accepting perceptions, and rural location was the only significant predictor for health professional’s accepting perceptions of EAP. This is one of the first studies to investigate perceptions of EAP outside the EAP field and through comparison between community members and health professionals. The current study identifies the need for future research to further investigate perceptions of EAP among Australian health professionals.
Preclinical Evaluation of a Novel 3D‐Printed Movable Lumbar Vertebral Complex for Replacement: In Vivo and Biomechanical Evaluation of Goat Model
Authors: Zhang Feng , Liu Jiantao , He Xijing , Wang Rui , Lu Teng , Zhang Ting , Liu Zhiyu
Published: December 2021

Purpose. This was an in vivo study to develop a novel movable lumbar artificial vertebral complex (MLVC) in a goat model. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and biomechanical characteristics of MLVC and to provide preclinical data for a clinical trial in the future. Methods. According to the preoperative X‐ray and CT scan data of the lumbar vertebrae, 3D printing of a MLVC was designed and implanted in goats. The animals were randomly divided into three groups: intact, fusion, and nonfusion. In the intact group, only the lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs were exposed during surgery. Both the fusion and nonfusion groups underwent resection of the lumbar vertebral body and the adjacent intervertebral disc. Titanium cages and lateral plates were implanted in the fusion group. MLVC was implanted in the nonfusion group. All groups were evaluated by CT scan and micro‐CT to observe the spinal fusion and tested using the mechanical tester at 6 months after operation. Results. The imaging results showed that with the centrum, the artificial endplates of the titanium cage and MLVC formed compact bone trabeculae. In the in vitro biomechanical test, the average ROM of L3‐4 and L4‐5 for the nonfusion group was found to be similar to that of the intact group and significantly higher in comparison to that of the fusion group (P < 0.05). The average ROM of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation in the L2‐3 intervertebral space significantly increased in the fusion group compared with the intact group and the nonfusion group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation between the nonfusion and intact groups (P > 0.05). The average ROM of flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation in the L2‐5 intervertebral space was not significantly different between the intact group, the fusion group, and the nonfusion group, and there was no statistical significance (P > 0.05). HE staining results did not find any metal and polyethylene debris caused by abrasion. Conclusion. In vivo MLVC can not only reconstruct the height and stability of the centrum of the operative segment but also retain the movement of the corresponding segment.
Mobile Learning Model of Tour Guide Business in Universities from the Perspective of Distributed Cognition
Authors: Lin Chuanhong , Wang Liangju , Li Yamei
Published: December 2021

In order to promote the better development of tour guide business, this article takes the tour guide business teaching in colleges and universities as an example and analyzes the current situation and the effect of students’ learning in the tour guide business course through investigating and researching the current situation of ideological and political teaching of the tour guide business course. It also proposes corresponding improvement measures for the existing problems, so as to improve the ideological and political teaching effect of the tour guide business course. To this end, this study relies on the powerful functions of UMU platform and builds a hybrid mobile learning mode based on UMU platform by improving the traditional teaching method of “face to face instruction + online lecture.” Although the UMU-based blended mobile learning model is formally divided into online learning and offline activities, in the actual teaching process, there are both you and me. In the process of online learning, students can realize the convenient learning through mobile APP terminal anytime and anywhere, or they can sit comfortably at the study table through the computer; in the offline activity classroom, students can sit in the classroom of UMU and communicate with teachers face to face, or they can use their cell phones to project their check-in, opinions, test results, etc. to the big screen. In the whole UMU-based hybrid mobile learning model, there is no clear boundary between online learning and offline activities, and online and offline are integrated with each other and crossed according to the actual learning needs to maximize learning efficiency.
Financial Performance Management System and Wireless Sharing Network Optimization of Listed Enterprises under BPNN
Authors: Lin Shanwei
Published: December 2021

The study aims to respond to the difficulties in establishing an index system in financial performance management and ensuring the security of wireless sharing network and the local extremum and slow convergence speed of the traditional BP neural network (BPNN). First, Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) is used to optimize BPNN, and an improved BPNN is proposed. Second, the financial performance evaluation system of listed companies based on BPNN is constructed. Finally, a wireless network infusion detection system based on the improved BPNN is proposed and tested by constructing datasets and a real test environment. The results show that (1) the financial performance evaluation system of listed enterprises constructed can evaluate the financial performance of listed enterprises with fewer errors. It is easy to operate, and it has high accuracy and the abilities of self-learning and self-adaptation; (2) Wireless Infusion Detection System (WIDS) based on the improved BP algorithm has a high detection rate and a low error rate. The study provides important technical support for listed enterprises to improve the financial performance management level and market competitiveness and strengthen the security protection of networks.
Comparisons of Two Approaches for Geotechnical Model Calibration with Scarce Data
Authors: Lei Yuanxin , Liu Huifen , Lu Zhixiong
Published: December 2021

Geotechnical models are usually built upon assumptions and simplifications, inevitably resulting in discrepancies between model predictions and measurements. To enhance prediction accuracy, geotechnical models are typically calibrated against measurements by bringing in additional empirical or semiempirical correction terms. Different approaches have been used in the literature to determine the optimal values of empirical parameters in the correction terms. When measured data are abundant, calibration outcomes using different approaches can be expected to be practically the same. However, if measurements are scarce or limited, calibration outcomes could differ significantly, depending largely on the adopted calibration approach. In this study, we examine two most commonly used approaches for geotechnical model calibration in the literature, namely, (1) purely data‐catering (PDC) approach, and (2) root mean squared error (RMSE) method. Here, the purely data‐catering approach refers to selection of empirical parameter values that minimize coefficient of variation of model factor while maintains its mean value of one, based solely on measured data. A real case of calibrating the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) simplified facing load model for design of soil nail walls is illustrated to thoroughly elaborate the differences in practical calibration and design outcomes using the two approaches under scarce data conditions.
The Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognoses of dMMR Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Wang Jie , Xi Yanfeng , Zhao Jian , Rong Xuetong , Lu Weidong , Wang Yusheng
Published: December 2021

Background. Few studies on the clinicopathological features and prognosis of DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) gastric cancer (GC) have been reported, and no clear conclusions have been drawn about the factors affecting the prognosis of dMMR GC. The aim of this study was to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of dMMR GC patients. Methods. From May 2011 to November 2020, GC patients who underwent surgery with dMMR confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were selected. The patients’ clinical and pathological data were collected. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of the patients were determined through follow-up. SPSS 26.0 was used to analyze the patients’ clinicopathological features and prognoses. Results. A total of 162 dMMR GC patients met the inclusion criteria, and the median age was 63.5 years (32–89 years). dMMR GC was more common in males (65% vs. 35%), and most of the cases were stage II (the prevalence of stage I was 22%, that of stage II was 43%, that of stage III was 30%, and that of stage IV was 5%). Most of the lesions were located in the antrum (49%), followed by the cardia (25%). PMS2 and MLH1 (57%) deficiency was most common. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that factors related to OS were family history (

P
=
0.048

), number of lymph node (LN) metastases (

P
<
0.001

), vascular tumor thrombus (

P
<
0.001

), HER2 expression status (

P
=
0.025

), and clinical stage (

P
<
0.001

). The factors related to RFS included vascular tumor thrombus (

P
<
0.001

), number of LN metastases (

P
<
0.001

), and clinical stage (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. In this study, dMMR GC was more common in men, and the median age was 63.5 years. Most of the lesions were in the antrum and showed the combined deletion of MLH1 and PMS2. dMMR GC patients tended to be early stage, and the prognosis of those with early-stage GC was better. dMMR GC patients with vascular tumor thrombus or >6 LN metastases had a high recurrence rate and poor survival outcome.
Analysis of Economic Development Trend in Postepidemic Era Based on Improved Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Guo Li , Zhu Kunlin , Duan Ruijun
Published: December 2021

In order to explore the economic development trend in the postepidemic era, this paper improves the traditional clustering algorithm and constructs a postepidemic economic development trend analysis model based on intelligent algorithms. In order to solve the clustering problem of large-scale nonuniform density data sets, this paper proposes an adaptive nonuniform density clustering algorithm based on balanced iterative reduction and uses the algorithm to further cluster the compressed data sets. For large-scale data sets, the clustering results can accurately reflect the class characteristics of the data set as a whole. Moreover, the algorithm greatly improves the time efficiency of clustering. From the research results, we can see that the improved clustering algorithm has a certain effect on the analysis of economic development trends in the postepidemic era and can continue to play a role in subsequent economic analysis.
Preparation and Characterization of Auricularia cornea Ehrenb Polysaccharide-Zn Complex and Its Hypoglycemic Activity through Regulating Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Liu Tingting , Zhang Shanshan , Wang Nan , Xu Xinle , Liu Hongcheng , Wang Dawei , Zhang Yanrong
Published: December 2021

With Auricularia cornea Ehrenb polysaccharide (ACEP) as raw material, the purpose of the study was to prepare Auricularia cornea Ehrenb polysaccharide-zinc (ACEP-Zn) complex. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and other means are used to analyze the physical-chemical properties and structure of ACEP and ACEP-Zn, to investigate the inhibition of α-glycosidase and α-amylase enzymes, and to explore its effects on the glucose metabolism of insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results show that a group of COO-, -CH3, and -OH in the sugar chain binds to Zn2+. Compared with the original polysaccharides, the surface morphology of ACEP-Zn changed obviously, and the molecular weight (Mn) of ACEP-Zn decreased, but the molecular agglomeration of ACEP-Zn increased. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of ACEP-Zn on α-glucosidase and α-amylase was stronger than that of the original polysaccharide. The results indicated that the structure of Auricularia cornea Ehrenb polysaccharide was changed obviously after the zinc complex, and its hypoglycemic activity was enhanced in vitro. In the cell experiment, the glucose consumption of IR-HepG2 cells was significantly increased at a concentration of 50–200 μg/mL (

P
<
0.05

). The activity of SOD and NOS significantly increased (

P
<
0.01

), and the activity of intracellular PK increased (

P
<
0.05

). Therefore, it was speculated that the hypoglycemic effect of Auricularia cornea Ehrenb polysaccharide combined with zinc was related to the alleviation of liver cell damage caused by oxidative stress and the improvement of glucose metabolism of IR-HepG2 cells. The study provides a theoretical basis for the application of the polysaccharide-zinc complex in the hypoglycemic functional food field.
A Novel Sparrow Particle Swarm Algorithm (SPSA) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Path Planning
Authors: Yu Wangwang. , Liu Jun. , Zhou Jie.
Published: December 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been widely used in various fields, and meeting practical high-quality flight paths is one of the crucial functions of UAV. Many algorithms have the problem of too fast convergence and premature in UAV path planning. This study proposed a sparrow particle swarm algorithm for UAV path planning, the SPSA. The algorithm selects a suitable model for path initialization, changes the discoverer position update, and reinforces the influence of start-end line on path search, which can significantly reduce blind search. The number of target points reached is increased by adaptive variable speed escapes in areas of deadlock. In this case, the planned trajectory will fluctuate, and adaptive oscillation optimization can effectively reduce the fluctuation of the path. Finally, the optimal path is simplified, and the path nodes are interpolated with cubic splines to improve the smoothness of the path, which improves the smoothness of the UAV flight trajectory and makes it more suitable for use as the UAV real flight trajectory. By comparison, it can be concluded that the improved SPSA has good convergence speed and better search results and can avoid local optimality.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Problematic Internet Use among Ethiopian Undergraduate University Students in 2019
Authors: Mengistu Nebiyu , Tarekegn Desalegn , Bayisa Yesuneh , Yimer Solomon , Madoro Derebe , Assefa Dawit Getachew , Zeleke Eden Dagnachew , Molla Wondwosen , Wudneh Aregahegn , Shumye Seid , Duko Bereket
Published: December 2021

Background. Problematic Internet use is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behavior regarding computer use and Internet access which lead to impairment or distress. It has been found that the occurrence rate of problematic Internet use among university students ranges from 0.8% to 47.7%. Despite this, there are multiple challenges that relate to problematic Internet use, which remain underrecognized and largely ignored by stakeholders and are not well known, especially in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted aiming to assess the prevalence of problematic Internet use and its associated factors among undergraduate students. Methods. Cross-sectional study was employed from May 1st to June 1st, 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to get a total of 846 undergraduate students. Data were collected by using self-administered structured questionnaires of Young’s Internet Addiction Test. The collected data were coded and entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 22; bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with problematic Internet use, and statistical significance was considered at

P

value <0.05. Results. For a total of 846 study participants, the response rate was 761 (90%) and the prevalence of problematic Internet use was 19.4%. Multiple logistic regression model revealed that being male [AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.80, 6.41], depression [AOR = 3.61, 95% CI: 2.40, 5.43], and khat or caffeinated drinks [AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.87] were significantly associated with problematic Internet use. Conclusion. This study revealed that there was high prevalence of problematic Internet use among Dilla University students and there were various factors associated with increased prevalence of problematic Internet use. Therefore, students need to be educated about the safe, valuable, and healthy practices of Internet use. Furthermore, it is better to counsel on substance use and its consequences to overcome the anticipated increase in problematic Internet use.
Behaviors of the Solutions via Their Closed-Form Formulas for Two Rational Third-Order Difference Equations
Authors: Abo-Zeid Raafat , Khan Abdul Qadeer
Published: December 2021

In this work, we derive the solution formulas and study their behaviors for the difference equations

x

n
+
1

=

α

x

n

x

n
−
3

/

−
β

x

n
−
3

+
γ

x

n
−
2

,
n
∈

ℕ

0

and

x

n
+
1

=

α

x

n

x

n
−
3

/

β

x

n
−
3

−
γ

x

n
−
2

,
n
∈

ℕ

0

with real initials and positive parameters. We show that there exist periodic solutions for the second equation under certain conditions when

β

2

<
4
α
γ

. Finally, we give some illustrative examples.
Investor Sentiment and Stock Price Crash Risk in the Chinese Stock Market
Authors: Wu Binghui , Cai Yuanman , Zhang Mengjiao
Published: December 2021

This paper uses the partial least squares method to construct the investor sentiment index in Chinese stock market. The Shanghai Stock Exchange 180 Index and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange 100 Index are used as samples. From the perspectives of holistic sentiment and heterogeneous sentiment, this paper studies the impact of investor sentiment on stock price crash risk. The results show that investor sentiment can significantly affect stock price crash risk in Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets, especially in the Shenzhen A-share market no matter from which perspective. And investor pessimism has a greater impact on stock price crash risk in the Shenzhen A-share market from the perspective of heterogeneous sentiment. Compared with the available researches, this paper makes two contributions: (i) the comparative analysis is adopted to discuss the differences between Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets, abandoning the research approach that takes the two markets as a whole in existing literature, and (ii) this paper not only studies the impact of investor holistic sentiment on stock price crash risk from a macro perspective, but also adds a more micro heterogeneous sentiment and conducts a comparative analysis.
Exosomes Derived from M2 Macrophages Exert a Therapeutic Effect via Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Rats with Knee Osteoarthritic
Authors: Da-wa Zha Xi , Jun Ma , Chao-Zheng Liu , Sen-Lin Yang , Chuan Lu , De-chun Li , Zu-Nan Dong , Hong-tao Zhao , Shu-qing Wei , Xian-wei Pei , Wenbo Liu , Ke-wen Li
Published: December 2021

Macrophages are commonly classified as M1 macrophages or M2 macrophages. M2 macrophages are obtained by stimulation of IL‐4 with anti‐inflammatory and tissue repair effects. Exosomes are 30–150 nm lipid bilayer membrane vesicles derived from most living cells and have a variety of biological functions. Previous studies have shown that macrophage exosomes can influence the course of some autoimmune diseases, but their effect on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has not been reported. Here, we analyze the roles of exosomes derived from M2 macrophage phenotypes in KOA rats. Exosomes were isolated from the supernatant of M2 macrophages and identified via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Western blotting, and DLS. The results showed that M2 macrophage exosomes significantly attenuated the inflammatory response and pathological damage of articular cartilage in KOA rats. In addition, a key protein associated with KOA including Aggrecan, Col‐10, SOX6, and Runx2 was significantly increased, while MMP‐13 was significantly suppressed following treatment with M2 macrophage exosomes. The present study indicated that M2 macrophage exosomes exerted protective effects on KOA rats mainly mediated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway. These findings provide a novel approach for the treatment of KOA.
Investigation of Neuron Latency Modulated by Bilateral Inferior Collicular Interactions Using Whole-Cell Patch Clamp Recording in Brain Slices
Authors: Ma Jinzhe , Han Yangyang , Yao Yiting , Wang Huimei , Chen Mengxia , Fu Ziying , Chen Qicai , Tang Jia
Published: December 2021

As the final level of the binaural integration center in the subcortical nucleus, the inferior colliculus (IC) plays an essential role in receiving binaural information input. Previous studies have focused on how interactions between the bilateral IC affect the firing rate of IC neurons. However, little is known concerning how the interactions within the bilateral IC affect neuron latency. In this study, we explored the synaptic mechanism of the effect of bilateral IC interactions on the latency of IC neurons. We used whole-cell patch clamp recordings to assess synaptic responses in isolated brain slices of Kunming mice. The results demonstrated that the excitation-inhibition projection was the main projection between the bilateral IC. Also, the bilateral IC interactions could change the reaction latency of most neurons to different degrees. The variation in latency was related to the type of synaptic input and the relative intensity of the excitation and inhibition. Furthermore, the latency variation also was caused by the duration change of the first subthreshold depolarization firing response of the neurons. The distribution characteristics of the different types of synaptic input also differed. Excitatory-inhibitory neurons were widely distributed in the IC dorsal and central nuclei, while excitatory neurons were relatively concentrated in these two nuclei. Inhibitory neurons did not exhibit any apparent distribution trend due to the small number of assessed neurons. These results provided an experimental reference to reveal the modulatory functions of bilateral IC projections.
Application of Cloud Computing in the Optimization of College Calisthenics Teaching Mode
Authors: Wang Huafeng , Huang Rong
Published: December 2021

Informatization teaching has become an important method of physical education. Especially with the support of big data and cloud computing technology, physical education teaching pays more attention to the use of information technology to provide rich data information, focusing on the development of physical education under the rich virtual reality environment, targeted scene atmosphere layout, and abundant learning resources. The reform and practical research of college aerobics teaching mode has gradually become an important topic in college aerobics teaching and research, and it has gradually attracted wide attention from teachers and students in colleges and universities. This article explores the status quo of sports aerobics teaching under the conditions of informationization and explores the application methods and methods of information technology in aerobics teaching, practically applies microclass and MOOC resources to physical education, and strives to organize and develop sports teaching intelligence with the help of information technology. In order to improve the quality of physical education and training with the help of information technology, it can meet the needs of students’ independent learning and growth and optimize the efficiency of physical education.
Granzyme B PET Imaging Stratifies Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Goggi Julian L. , Ramasamy Boominathan , Tan Yun Xuan , Hartimath Siddesh V. , Tang Jun Rong , Cheng Peter , Msallam Rasha , Chacko Ann-Marie , Hwang You Yi , Robins Edward G.
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a notoriously difficult cancer to treat. The recent development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionised HCC therapy; however, successful response is only observed in a small percentage of patients. Biomarkers typically used to predict treatment response in other tumour types are ineffective in HCC, which arises in an immune-suppressive environment. However, imaging markers that measure changes in tumour infiltrating immune cells may supply information that can be used to determine which patients are responding to therapy posttreatment. We have evaluated [18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP, a radiolabeled peptide targeting granzyme B, to stratify response to ICIs in a HEPA 1-tumours, a syngeneic model of HCC. Posttherapy, in vivo tumour retention of [18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP was correlated to changes in tumour volume and tumour-infiltrating immune cells. [18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP successfully stratified response to immune checkpoint inhibition in the syngeneic HEPA 1-6 model. FACS indicated significant changes in the immune environment including a decrease in immune suppressive CD4+ T regulatory cells and increases in tumour-associated GZB+ NK+ cells, which correlated well with tumour radiopharmaceutical uptake. While the immune response to ICI therapies differs in HCC compared to many other cancers, [18F]AlF-mNOTA-GZP retention is able to stratify response to ICI therapy associated with tumour infiltrating GZB+ NK+ cells in this complex tumour microenvironment.
Super Enhancer-Mediated Upregulation ofHJURPPromotes Growth and Survival of t(4;14)-Positive Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Jia Yunlu , Zhou Jianbiao , Tan Tze King , Chung Tae-Hoon , Chen Yongxia , Chooi Jing-Yuan , Sanda Takaomi , Fullwood Melissa J. , Xiong Sinan , Toh Sabrina H.M. , Balan Kalpnaa , Wong Regina W.J. , Lim Julia S.L. , Zhang Enfan , Cai Zhen , Shen Peng , Chng Wee Joo
Published: December 2021

Multiple myeloma is an incurable malignancy with marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The cytogenetic abnormality t(4;14) (p16.3;q32.3) confers aggressive behavior in multiple myeloma. Recently, essential oncogenic drivers in a wide range of cancers have been shown to be controlled by super-enhancers (SE). We used chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing of the active enhancer marker histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) to profile unique SEs in t(4;14)-translocated multiple myeloma. The histone chaperone HJURP was aberrantly overexpressed in t(4;14)-positive multiple myeloma due to transcriptional activation by a distal SE induced by the histone lysine methyltransferase NSD2. Silencing of HJURP with short hairpin RNA or CRISPR interference of SE function impaired cell viability and led to apoptosis. Conversely, HJURP overexpression promoted cell proliferation and abrogated apoptosis. Mechanistically, the NSD2/BRD4 complex positively coregulated HJURP transcription by binding the promoter and active elements of its SE. In summary, this study introduces SE profiling as an efficient approach to identify new targets and understand molecular pathogenesis in specific subtypes of cancer. Moreover, HJURP could be a valuable therapeutic target in patients with t(4;14)-positive myeloma.

Significance:

A super-enhancer screen in t(4;14) multiple myeloma serves to identify genes that promote growth and survival of myeloma cells, which may be evaluated in future studies as therapeutic targets.
Late Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Patient 10 Years after Liver Transplantation Unrelated to Transplanted Organ
Authors: Morisson-Sarapak Kornelia , Wrzesiński Maciej , Zeair Samir , Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska Marta
Published: December 2021

Liver transplantation (LTx) is an accepted method of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment in cirrhotic patients; however, it has many limitations, and there is a substantial risk of recurrence. Most relapses occur within the first 2 posttransplant years. We aimed to present a late extrahepatic recurrence of HCC 10 years after LTx, and we discuss the possible risk factors and ways to improve transplantation results. A 68-year-old patient with liver cirrhosis and HCC on the background of chronic HCV and past HBV infection was transplanted urgently due to the rapid decompensation. Anti-HCV treatment before surgery was unsuccessful. Pretransplant computed tomography showed 1 focal 4.5 cm lesion consistent with HCC. Histopathology of the explanted organ showed 2 nodules outside the Milan criteria. Angioinvasion was not found. The patient achieved a sustained viral response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin 2 years post-LTx. Eight years were uneventful. CT of the abdomen performed occasionally was normal. Ten years after LTx, the patient unexpectedly presented with shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. Two metastatic nodules of HCC in the lungs and pelvis were found. Although late HCC recurrence post-LTx is rare, it should be always considered, especially when risk factors such as viral infections and underestimation of tumor advancement were identified. We advocate that oncological surveillance of HCC relapse has to be continued during the whole posttransplant period. High AFP levels, the unfavorable neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and better estimation of primary tumor size seem to be useful in the identification of good candidates for transplantation.
Reduction of Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Open Radical Cystectomy with Ileal Conduit Is Feasible: Results of a Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Schneidewind Laila , Torabi Laura , Dräger Desiree L. , Hakenberg Oliver W.
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The aim of this study is to perform a prospective clinical trial in antibiotic prophylaxis, infectious complication, and colonization of ileal conduit (IC) following radical cystectomy (RC) since urinary tract infections (UTIs) and surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute significantly to the morbidity associated with RC and IC. Moreover, an optimal regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis has not been established, yet. Material and Methods: After a positive vote of ethical review committee and the registration at the German Clinical Trials Register (DKRS 00020406), we started a prospective clinical unicentric not interventional study. The urine samples were collected by sterile catheterization of the IC. All patients received an antibiotic prophylaxis with 3 × 500 mg metronidazole and 3 × 1.5 g cefuroxime intravenously for 3 days starting on the day before RC. Ureteral stents got removed on days 9 and 10 after surgery without prior antibiotic administration. The student t test and the χ2 test or the Fisher exact test were used. For risk factor assessment, the univariate Cox regression method was applied. Results: Nineteen male (63.3%) and 11 female patients (36.7%) with a median age of 70.5 years were included. Three patients developed complicated UTI (10%) on day 12 after RC with E. faecium and needed antibiotic treatment with meropenem (Clavien-Dindo II). Two patients (6.7%) developed SSI with E. faecium and needed surgery (Clavien-Dindo IIIb). Palliative RC (p < 0.0001), prior radiation therapy (p < 0.0001), and timeframe >3 months from diagnosis to RC (p = 0.036) are significantly associated with the development of complicated UTI. Interestingly, the IC got colonized with Staph. haemolyticus at day 12 after RC (n = 12; 40.0%). We must assume that our data have some limitations like a unicentric study population. Conclusion: Further evaluation of reduction to single-shot antibiotic prophylaxis in nonpalliative RC with IC could be feasible.
The Percentage of Vaccine Hesitancy among Married Individuals in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Study in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud , Alanazi Maha M. , Albarrak Maha S. , Aljarba Najd K. , Almutairi Nehal G.
Published: December 2021

Background: Vaccines are largely regarded as one of medicine’s greatest breakthroughs, yet vaccination rates have been declining in many parts of the world in recent years. Although there are numerous contributing variables to decreased vaccination rates, it is critical to evaluate the impact of the relevant factors. Also, because we are in the midst of a sad epidemic and vaccination for COVID-19 is critical to maintaining public health and limiting the virus’s spread, there is a risk of vaccine rejection on the horizon. Methods: Five hundred and fourteen married Riyadh inhabitants aged 18 years and over were issued an online Web-based survey. The research took place from June to October 2020. The study calculates the percentage of vaccination apprehension and analyzes immunization attitudes and knowledge. It also contrasts the participants’ attitudes regarding vaccines before and during the COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as the associated causes for vaccine reluctance and rejection. Result: The majority of the respondents (48.1%) were between 37–47 and 26–36 years of age (37.5%). Females (80%) made up the majority of the group. Around 66.3% of participants have a bachelor’s degree, and 80.8% have an average monthly income. During the pandemic, 38.5% of participants said they do not want to be vaccinated. When comparing vaccine-hesitant participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, it was discovered that the percentage of vaccine-hesitant participants was significantly higher in the younger age-group (<36 years), those who had been married for more than 10 years, those with 1–3 children (p < 0.001), and those who did not work (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The percentage of people who are hesitant to get vaccinated has grown by 5.2% from the previous level, and the level of reluctance has increased by 2.3%.
Recurrent Strokes as the First Presentation of Occult Pancreatic Cancer; Trousseau Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Al Nidawi Firas , Mohamed Mohamed Wael , Taha Fatima , Alarab Daher , Hussein Amr Elsayed M.
Published: December 2021

Cerebrovascular disorders (CVDs) are widespread in cancer patients, exacerbating their condition and lowering their prognosis. Approximately 15% of cancer patients have a coexisting CVD. Stroke may occur after the initial cancer diagnosis or before the diagnosis of malignant disease. The underlying causes of stroke in cancer patients are distinct from those in noncancer patients and are related to both cancer itself and the type of treatment. Cardio-embolism, large vessel atherosclerosis, and small vessel occlusion have all been identified as important causes of ischemic stroke, but nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis has been documented only infrequently. We present a case of a 64-year-old female with recurrent ischemic stroke of unknown cause and involving different arterial territories, who was discovered to have metastatic pancreatic cancer. The initial workup with brain imaging revealed multiple acute/subacute ischemic strokes and a negative cardiac assessment. Accordingly, she underwent a whole-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography which revealed a hypermetabolic mass lesion in the pancreaticoduodenal area. Our case indicates that cancer-associated stroke should be seriously evaluated. It demonstrates the critical nature of contemplating hidden cancer in survivors of ischemic stroke and identifies factors that may necessitate further investigation as part of a comprehensive approach to ischemic stroke, especially embolic stroke of unknown sources.
Luanda, cidade-mundo, ou da estética do desenvolvilmento desigual em Os Transparentes, de Ondjaki
Authors: Rodrigues Adriana Cristina Aguiar
Published: December 2021

A entrada de Angola na economia neoliberal e o fim da guerra civil deram a Luanda o aspecto de um canteiro de obras que visava conferir a ela o status de cidade global. Todavia, as mudanças econômicas advindas das relações (assimétricas) com o capital internacional não foram capazes de obliterar a permanência de desigualdades e da lógica espacial de exclusão incrustrada na urbe. Tomando esse contexto e as concepções de literatura-mundo definidas por membros do Warwick Research Collective (2015), o artigo analisa as contradições do sistema-mundo capitalista no romance Os transparentes (2013), de Ondjaki, compreendido aqui como expressão cultural da lógica contraditória da modernidade.
Association of Region‐Specific Cardiac Adiposity With Dysglycemia and New‐Onset Diabetes
Authors: Sung Kuo‐Tzu , Kuo Jen‐Yuan , Yun Chun‐Ho , Lin Yueh‐Hung , Tsai Jui‐Peng , Lo Chi‐In , Hsiao Chih‐Chung , Lai Yau‐Huei , Tsai Cheng‐Ting , Hou Charles Jia‐Yin , Su Cheng‐Huang , Yeh Hung‐I , Chien Chen‐Yen , Hung Ta‐Chuan , Hung Chung‐Lieh
Published: December 2021

Background

Visceral adipose tissue is assumed to be an important indicator for insulin resistance and diabetes beyond overweight/obesity. We hypothesized that region‐specific visceral adipose tissue may regulate differential biological effects for new‐onset diabetes regardless of overall obesity.

Methods and Results

We quantified various visceral adipose tissue measures, including epicardial adipose tissue, paracardial adipose tissue, interatrial fat, periaortic fat, and thoracic aortic adipose tissue in 1039 consecutive asymptomatic participants who underwent multidetector computed tomography. We explored the associations of visceral adipose tissue with baseline dysglycemic indices and new‐onset diabetes. Epicardial adipose tissue, paracardial adipose tissue, interatrial fat, periaortic fat, and thoracic aortic adipose tissue were differentially and independently associated with dysglycemic indices (fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, HbA1c, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) beyond anthropometric measures. The superimposition of interatrial fat and thoracic aortic adipose tissue on age, sex, body mass index, and baseline homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance expanded the likelihood of baseline diabetes (from 67.2 to 86.0 and 64.4 to 70.8,
P
for ∆ ꭕ
2
: <0.001 and 0.011, respectively). Compared with the first tertile, the highest interatrial fat tertile showed a nearly doubled risk for new‐onset diabetes (hazard ratio, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.38–3.15],
P
<0.001) after adjusting for Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index.

Conclusions

Region‐specific visceral adiposity may not perform equally in discriminating baseline dysglycemia or diabetes, and showed differential predictive performance in new‐onset diabetes. Our data suggested that interatrial fat may serve as a potential marker for new‐onset diabetes.
From Stone to Dust: The Life of the Kufic-Inscribed Frieze of Wuqro Cherqos in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Muehlbauer Mikael
Published: December 2021

Until 2010 (when it was broken by a tourist), a curious Kufic-inscribed sandstone block greeted those who entered the narthex of the eleventh-century church of Wuqro Cherqos in East Tigray, Ethiopia. My paper identifies the origin of this misunderstood fragment and presents it in the longue durée, from its architectural placement as part of an inscribed arch in the great mosque of a Fatimid trading colony to its medieval spoliation and use as a chancel arch in the church of Wuqro Cherqos, after northern Ethiopia emerged as a centralized power under the Zagwe dynasty. As the chancel in Wuqro Cherqos, the stone took on new meaning as a luxurious liturgical threshold, complementing the Egyptian and Indian silks that hung alongside it. After the arch came apart in the late 1990s, I show how modern Ethiopian scholars promoted the remaining Arabic-inscribed fragment as an ancient Ethiopian inscription. The life story of this stone fragment reveals a larger picture of Islam’s changing reception in Ethiopia from the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century.