Many current counter-disinformation initiatives focus on addressing the production or 'supply side' of digital disinformation. Less attention tends to be paid to the consumption or the intended ...audiences of disinformation campaigns.
A central concept in understanding people's consumption of and vulnerability to digital disinformation is its imaginative dimension as a communication act. Key to the power of disinformation campaigns is their ability to connect to people's shared imaginaries. Consequently, counter-disinformation initiatives also need to attend to these imaginaries.
This report examines why the precarious middle class in the Philippines has been particularly susceptible to digital disinformation. It focuses on two key imaginaries that disinformation producers weaponized in the year leading up to the 2022 national elections. The first was a long-simmering anti-Chinese resentment, which racist social media campaigns about Philippines-China relations targeted. The other was a yearning for a 'strong leader', which history-distorting campaigns about the country's Martial Law era amplified. Ironically, some practices adopted by members of the public to protect themselves from the toxicity and vitriol of online spaces increased their vulnerability to digital disinformation. The cumulative impact of these was for people to dig deeper into their existing imaginaries, something that disinformation producers targeted and exploited.
To establish a similarly robust common ground of reality, counter-disinformation initiatives should themselves be programmatic, not ad hoc.
A Survey on Bias in Deep NLP Garrido-Muñoz , Ismael; Montejo-Ráez , Arturo; Martínez-Santiago , Fernando ...
Applied sciences,
04/2021, Volume:
11, Issue:
7
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
Deep neural networks are hegemonic approaches to many machine learning areas, including natural language processing (NLP). Thanks to the availability of large corpora collections and the capability ...of deep architectures to shape internal language mechanisms in self-supervised learning processes (also known as “pre-training”), versatile and performing models are released continuously for every new network design. These networks, somehow, learn a probability distribution of words and relations across the training collection used, inheriting the potential flaws, inconsistencies and biases contained in such a collection. As pre-trained models have been found to be very useful approaches to transfer learning, dealing with bias has become a relevant issue in this new scenario. We introduce bias in a formal way and explore how it has been treated in several networks, in terms of detection and correction. In addition, available resources are identified and a strategy to deal with bias in deep NLP is proposed.
Background
Lumbar facet joint pain (LFJP) is one of the main causes of chronic low back pain (LBP) and can be treated using radiofrequency (RF) sensory denervation. The aim of this work is to analyze ...the efficacy of RF in LFJP through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with placebo control.
Materials and methods
A systematic search was conducted in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science databases, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The variables of interest were pain, functional status, quality of life (QoL), and global perceived effect (GPE) measured at different time intervals: short (< 3 months), medium (> 3 and < 12 months), and long term (> 12 months).
Results
Eight RCTs with placebo control were included. RF showed significant benefits over placebo in pain relief in the short (MD − 1.01; 95% CI − 1.98 to -0.04;
p
= 0.04), medium (MD − 1.42; 95% CI − 2.41 to − 0.43;
p
= 0.005), and long term (MD − 1.12; 95% CI − 1.57 to − 0.68;
p
< 0.001), as well as improvement in functional disability in the short (SMD − 0.94; 95% CI − 1.73 to − 0.14;
p
= 0.02) and long term (SMD − 0.74; 95% CI − 1.09 to − 0.39;
p
< 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in QoL or quantitative GPE, but benefits for RF were observed in dichotomous GPE in the medium (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07–0.52;
p
= 0.001) and long term (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.06–0.78;
p
= 0.02). Subgroup analyses showed more benefits for RF in LBP < 1 year in the short term and in RCTs that did not require performing an MRI for patient selection.
Conclusions
RF demonstrated significant improvement in pain and functionality, but the benefits in terms of QoL and GPE are inconclusive. Future clinical trials should investigate the long-term effects of RF, its impact on quality of life, and define appropriate criteria for patient selection.
Abstract
Aims
In-stent restenosis and late stent thrombosis are complications associated with the use of metallic and drug-coated stents. Strategies that inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) ...proliferation without affecting endothelial cell (EC) growth would be helpful in reducing complications arising from percutaneous interventions. SMC hyperplasia is also a pathologic feature of graft stenosis and fistula failure. Our group previously showed that forced expression of the injury-inducible zinc finger (ZNF) transcription factor, yin yang-1 (YY1), comprising 414 residues inhibits neointima formation in carotid arteries of rabbits and rats. YY1 inhibits SMC proliferation without affecting EC growth in vitro. Identifying a shorter version of YY1 retaining cell-selective inhibition would make it more amenable for potential use as a gene therapeutic agent.
Methods and results
We dissected YY1 into a range of shorter fragments (YY1A-D, YY1Δ) and found that the first two ZNFs in YY1 (construct YY1B, spanning 52 residues) repressed SMC proliferation. Receptor binding domain analysis predicts a three-residue (339KLK341) interaction domain. Mutation of 339KLK341 to 339AAA341 in YY1B (called YY1Bm) abrogated YY1B’s ability to inhibit SMC but not EC proliferation and migration. Incubation of recombinant GST-YY1B and GST-YY1Bm with SMC lysates followed by precipitation with glutathione–agarose beads and mass spectrometric analysis identified a novel interaction between YY1B and BASP1. Overexpression of BASP1, like YY1, inhibited SMC but not EC proliferation and migration. BASP1 siRNA partially rescued SMC from growth inhibition by YY1B. In the rat carotid balloon injury model, adenoviral overexpression of YY1B, like full-length YY1, reduced neointima formation, whereas YY1Bm had no such effect. CD31+ immunostaining suggested YY1B could increase re-endothelialization in a 339KLK341-dependent manner.
Conclusion
These studies identify a truncated form of YY1 (YY1B) that can interact with BASP1 and inhibit SMC proliferation, migration, and intimal hyperplasia after balloon injury of rat carotid arteries as effectively as full length YY1. We demonstrate the therapeutic potential of YY1B in vascular proliferative disease.
Graphical Abstract
Percutaneous Microwave Ablation of Desmoid Fibromatosis Martínez-Martínez, Alberto; García-Espinosa, Jade; Láinez Ramos-Bossini, Antonio Jesús ...
Korean journal of radiology,
06/2021, Volume:
22, Issue:
6
Journal Article
Open access
To demonstrate the feasibility of percutaneous microwave ablation in desmoid fibromatosis with respect to tumor volume control and improvement in the quality of life.
Twelve microwave ablations were ...performed in 9 patients with a histological diagnosis of desmoid fibromatosis between January 2010 and January 2019. The study population included 6 female and 3 male, with an age range of 21-76 years (mean = 46.6 years; standard deviation SD = 19.3 years). The mean major axis of the tumors was 10.9 cm (SD = 5.2 cm) and mean lesion volume was 212.7 cm³ (SD = 213 cm³). Their anatomical distribution was as follows: 3 lesions in the thigh, 2 in the gluteus, 2 in the leg and 2 in the periscapular region. We evaluated the reduction in tumor volume and improvement in the quality of life based on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale.
An average tumor volume reduction of 70.4% (SD = 24.9) was achieved, while the quality of life (ECOG scale) improved in 88.9% of patients.
Percutaneous microwave ablation may potentially be a safe, effective, and promising technique for controlling tumor volume and improving the quality of life in patients with desmoid fibromatosis.
Background Vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and network formation are key proangiogenic processes involving the prototypic immediate early gene product, Egr-1 (early growth ...response-1). Egr-1 undergoes phosphorylation at a conserved Ser26 but its function is completely unknown in endothelial cells or any other cell type. Methods and Results A CRISPR/Cas9 strategy was used to introduce a homozygous Ser26>Ala mutation into endogenous Egr-1 in human microvascular endothelial cells. In the course of generating mutant cells, we produced cells with homozygous deletion in
caused by frameshift and premature termination. We found that Ser26 mutation in Egr-1, or Egr-1 deletion, perturbed endothelial cell proliferation in models of cell counting or real-time growth using the xCELLigence System. We found that Ser26 mutation or Egr-1 deletion ameliorated endothelial cell migration toward VEGF-A
(vascular endothelial growth factor-A) in a dual-chamber model. On solubilized basement membrane preparations, Ser26 mutation or Egr-1 deletion prevented endothelial network (or tubule) formation, an in vitro model of angiogenesis. Flow cytometry further revealed that Ser26 mutation or Egr-1 deletion elevated early and late apoptosis. Finally, we demonstrated that Ser26 mutation or Egr-1 deletion increased VE-cadherin (vascular endothelial cadherin) expression, a regulator of endothelial adhesion and signaling, permeability, and angiogenesis. Conclusions These findings not only indicate that Egr-1 is essential for endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and network formation, but also show that point mutation in Ser26 is sufficient to impair each of these processes and trigger apoptosis as effectively as the absence of Egr-1. This highlights the importance of Ser26 in Egr-1 for a range of proangiogenic processes.
Aging drives progressive loss of the ability of tissues to recover from stress, partly through loss of somatic stem cell function and increased senescent burden. We demonstrate that bone ...marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) rapidly senescence and become dysfunctional in culture. Injection of BM‐MSCs from young mice prolonged life span and health span, and conditioned media (CM) from young BM‐MSCs rescued the function of aged stem cells and senescent fibroblasts. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from young BM‐MSC CM extended life span of Ercc1−/− mice similarly to injection of young BM‐MSCs. Finally, treatment with EVs from MSCs generated from human ES cells reduced senescence in culture and in vivo, and improved health span. Thus, MSC EVs represent an effective and safe approach for conferring the therapeutic effects of adult stem cells, avoiding the risks of tumor development and donor cell rejection. These results demonstrate that MSC‐derived EVs are highly effective senotherapeutics, slowing the progression of aging, and diseases driven by cellular senescence.
Extracellular vesicles from young bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) reduce markers of senescence in vitro. EVs derived from MSCs generated from human embryonic stem cells reduced expression of senescence markers in culture and in vivo in accelerated and naturally aged mice and improved measures of healthspan. This work demonstrates the senotherapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles in suppressing senescence‐driven age related disease.
Ultrasound guided injections in ankle and foot Ruiz Santiago, Fernando; Moraleda Cabrera, Beatriz; Láinez Ramos-Bossini, Antonio Jesús
Journal of ultrasound,
03/2024, Volume:
27, Issue:
1
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Ultrasound guidance is particularly useful for percutaneous injections in the diagnosis and management of painful conditions of the ankle and foot. The injectates used include steroids and local ...anesthetics, such as lidocaine, mepivacaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, and platelet-rich plasma. Osteoarthritis is the main indication for joint injections. Joints amenable to being injected include the tibiotalar, subtalar, midtarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints. Tendon injections mainly involve the Achilles, peroneus, extensors, and tibialis tendons, while plantar fascia injections are useful for treating plantar fasciitis and plantar fibromatosis. Forefoot injections include joint arthritis, intermetatarsal bursitis, and Morton neuroma. The standardized approaches and doses reviewed in this paper are based on the authors' experience and can lead to high success in symptomatic relief for various conditions. These injections can be curative or serve as a guide to identify the source of pain when surgery or other therapeutic options are planned.
Objectives
This work compares the effectiveness of blind versus ultrasound (US)–guided injections for Morton neuroma (MN) up to 3 years of follow-up.
Methods
This is an evaluator-blinded randomised ...trial in which 33 patients with MN were injected by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon based on anatomical landmarks (blind injection, group 1) and 38 patients were injected by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist under US guidance (group 2). Patients were assessed using the visual analogue scale and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability index (MFPDI). Injections consisted of 1 ml of 2% mepivacaine and 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide in each web space with MN. Up to 4 injections were allowed during the first 3 months of follow-up. Follow-up was performed by phone calls and/or scheduled consultations at 15 days, 1 month, 45 days, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months and 1, 2 and 3 years. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired Student’s
t
tests.
Results
No differences in age or clinical measures were found at presentation between group 1 (VAS, 8.5 ± 0.2; MFPDI, 40.9 ± 1.1) and group 2 (VAS, 8.4 ± 0.2; MFPDI, 39.8 ± 1.2). Improvement in VAS was superior in group 2 up to 3 years of follow-up (
p
< 0.05). Improvement in MFPDI was superior in group 2 from 45 days to 2 years of follow-up (
p
< 0.05). Satisfaction with the treatment was higher in group 2 (87%) versus group 1 (59.1%) at 3 years of follow-up.
Conclusion
Ultrasound-guided injections lead to a greater percentage of long-term improvement than blind injections in MN.
Key Points
• Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections in Morton neuroma provide long-term pain relief in more than 75% of patients.
•
Ultrasound-guided injections in Morton neuroma led to greater long-term pain relief and less disability than blind injections up to 3 years of follow-up.
• The presence of an ipsilateral neuroma is associated with worse long-term disability score.
Kyrgyzstan is facing a strategically important period in its history. The government’s ambition of reindustrializing is affecting its engagement with various international organizations and donors. ...As these plans will lead to societal transition and affect such areas as social development, national economy, and environment, a careful consideration of their impacts is required, especially given the country’s need to achieve sustainable development. At the same time, the geographical position of Kyrgyzstan puts it at the cross-roads of three distinct regional economic connectivity processes: the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and various connectivity initiatives and projects taking place under the umbrella of the European Union (EU). A major issue is the extent to which Kyrgyzstan can leverage these processes to boost its economic revitalization plans and decarbonize its economy in line with international climate change mitigation and energy security policies, while ensuring a reliable energy supply. As a result, novel governance mechanisms need to be established that address the possible impacts of these economic connectivity processes; this is especially important given the frequently diverging perceptions and opinions of the various Kyrgyz and foreign stakeholders involved in industrial policymaking. Perceptual heterogeneity influences the development of solutions based on compromise and participatory governance that are crucial to implementing different industrial policy options; it also impacts the nature of the economic relationship between Kyrgyzstan and other countries in the Central Asian region. The aim of this paper is to understand the implications of perceptual heterogeneity for the various connectivity processes in Kyrgyzstan, their benefits, and their impacts. The methodology of this paper includes a variety of methods such as surveys and interviews with key stakeholders, scenario development, and participatory workshops in various regions of the country.
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