bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking spatially in computational social science
Authors: Akbaritabar Aliakbar
Published: February 2024

Deductive and theory-driven research starts by asking questions. Finding tentative answers to these questions in the literature is next. It is followed by gathering, preparing and modelling relevant data to empirically test these tentative answers. Inductive research, on the other hand, starts with data representation and finding general patterns in data. Ahn suggested, in his keynote speech at the seventh International Conference on Computational Social Science (IC2S2) 2021, that the way this data is represented could shape our understanding and the type of answers we find for the questions. He discussed that specific representation learning approaches enable a meaningful embedding space and could allow spatial thinking and broaden computational imagination. In this commentary, I summarize Ahn’s keynote and related publications, provide an overview of the use of spatial metaphor in sociology, discuss how such representation learning can help both inductive and deductive research, propose future avenues of research that could benefit from spatial thinking, and pose some still open questions.
Review of NORM occurrence and application of a tailored graded approach for the radiation protection in geothermal plants
Authors: Leonardi F. , Venoso G. , Bogi A. , Bucci S. , Caldognetto E. , De Stena A. , La Verde G. , Luzzi L. , Nuccetelli C. , Picciolo F. , Pratesi G. , Trotti F. , Ugolini R. , Pugliese M. , Trevisi R. , Peroni I.
Published: February 2024

In the present paper, the general methodological approach developed to manage legislative requirements for NORM involving industries was fitted to the geothermal industrial sector, which is in the indicative list of the European Directive 2013/59/Euratom (EU-BSS). A review of the state of the art about the radiological characterization of NORM in geothermal plants have been performed with the aim to identify matrices and exposure scenarios of radiological concern. From the analysis of collected data, it results that radiological content of NORM residues generally depends on the characteristics of the geothermal fluid as well as on the type of the plants. In several plants, residues (both scales and filtering materials) show generally high activity concentrations, especially for Ra-226 and Ra-228 decay segments, exceeding Exemption Levels of the EU-BSS. Several tables have been presented as tools to support the stakeholders in the application of the legislative requirements regarding radiation protection in the geothermal sector.
Determining Sets and Determining Numbers of Finite Groups
Authors: Wang Dengyin , Zhang Chi , Qu Haipeng
Published: February 2024

A subset [Formula: see text] of a group [Formula: see text] is a determining set of [Formula: see text] if every automorphism of [Formula: see text] is uniquely determined by its action on [Formula: see text], and the determining number of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], is the cardinality of a smallest determining set. A group [Formula: see text] is called a DEG-group if [Formula: see text] equals [Formula: see text], the generating number of [Formula: see text]. Our main results are as follows. Finite groups with determining number 0 or 1 are classified; finite simple groups and finite nilpotent groups are proved to be DEG-groups; for a given finite group [Formula: see text], there is a DEG-group [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to a normal subgroup of [Formula: see text] and there is an injective mapping from the set of all finite groups to the set of finite DEG-groups; for any integer [Formula: see text], there exists a group [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Flag Varieties of Type B/C and Twisted Yangian
Authors: Dong Zhijie , Ma Haitao
Published: February 2024

We study the convolution algebra [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]-equivariant homology group on the Steinberg variety of type B/C and define an algebra [Formula: see text] that maps to [Formula: see text]. We also study the [Formula: see text]-equivariant case and prove that there is a map from a certain twisted current algebra to [Formula: see text].
SoK: Security in Real-Time Systems
Authors: Hasan Monowar , Kashinath Ashish , Chen Chien-Ying , Mohan Sibin
Published: February 2024

Security is an increasing concern for real-time systems (RTS). Over the last decade or so, researchers have demonstrated attacks and defenses aimed at such systems. In this article, we
identify
,
classify
and
measure
the effectiveness of the security research in this domain. We provide a high-level summary [
identification
] and a taxonomy [
classification
] of this existing body of work. Furthermore, we carry out an in-depth analysis [
measurement
] of scheduler-based security techniques — the most common class of real-time security mechanisms. For this purpose, we developed a common metric, “
attacker’s burden
” , used to measure the effectiveness of (existing as well as future) scheduler-based real-time security measures. This metric, built on the concept of “work factor” [
1
], is adapted for, and normalized across, various scheduler-based real-time security techniques.
Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ghattas Souad , Al Bitar Jad , Chahine Georges , Kamar Francois , Haddad Marwan , Wakim Raja
Published: February 2024

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNETs) are extremely rare and account for about 0.3% of all neuroendocrine tumor cases. Resection is usually difficult because they are usually diagnosed in the late stages. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with PHNETs, initially classified as unresectable but then underwent a successful left hepatectomy. PHNETs are rare malignant tumors, and a high index of suspicion is warranted for the diagnosis after excluding the presence of a primary extrahepatic lesion. Radical hepatectomy can be curative when feasible along with a combination of multiple treatments that improve the prognosis.
A Dynamic Task Scheduling Algorithm for Airborne Device Clouds
Authors: Deng Bao , Zhai Zhengjun
Published: February 2024

The rapid development of mobile Internet has promoted the rapid rise of cloud computing technology. Mobile terminal devices have greatly expanded the service capacity of mobile terminals by migrating complex computing tasks to run in the cloud. However, in the process of data exchange between mobile terminals and cloud computing centers, on the one hand, it consumes the limited power of mobile terminals, and on the other hand, it results in longer communication time, which negatively affects user QoE. Mobile cloud can effectively improve user QoE by shortening the data transmission distance, reducing the power consumption, and shortening the communication time at the same time. In this paper, we utilize the property that genetic algorithm can perform global search seeking the global optimal solution and construct a dynamic task scheduling model by combining the device-cloud link. The task scheduling model based on genetic algorithm and random scheduling algorithm is compared through comparison experiments, which show that the assignment time of the task scheduling model based on genetic algorithm is shortened by 11.82% to 48.51% and the energy consumption is reduced by 22.28% to 47.52% under different load conditions.
Supplementary Table Legends from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplementary Table Legends
TABLE 2 from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

All grade 3 or higher treatment-related AEs for subjects receiving at least one dose of combination therapy. Grade 2 treatment-related AES are included if >10% frequency
TABLE 1 from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

Patient demographics and characteristics
Supplementary table S1 from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

MicroRNA levels are shown in responders and non-responders at baseline, after 3 cycles, and after 6 cycles of treatment. P-values suggest there is a trend toward differences in plasma miR 20a, miR 21, miR 125, miR 181, and miR 223 between responders and nonresponders. In the urine, only baseline levels of miR 21 suggest a difference.
Supplemental Table 5 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Table 5. NAseq from MAVS KO study.
FIGURE 3 from Low-dose Paclitaxel with Pembrolizumab Enhances Clinical and Immunologic Responses in Platinum-refractory Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Bitting Rhonda L. , Tooze Janet A. , Goodman Michael , Vile Donald C. , Brown Jessica M. , Thomas Christopher Y. , Neve Morgan , Kooshki Mitra , Addo Safoa , Triozzi Pierre L. , Dubey Purnima
Published: February 2024

miRNAs detected at baseline, after three cycles, and after six cycles of treatment in the urine (left) and plasma (right), separated by responders (CR+PR, solid circles) versus nonresponders (SD+PD, open circles). Plot is mean value and error bars show ± 1 SE. Y-axis is RQ, X-axis is baseline (bsl), after cycle 3 (C3), and after cycle 6 (C6).
Supplemental Table 2 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Table 2. RNAseq data from HCT116 cells treated 24h with 1000U/mlIFNalpha.
Supplemental Table 1 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Supplemental Table 1. Sequences of siRNAs, gRNAs, and antibodies used in this study.
FIGURE 6 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Alisertib induces IFN in tumors and depends on immune compartment and tumor-expressed Sting for efficacy in vivo. A, Alisertib and decitabine inhibit growth in HCT116 xenografts. Growth curves of HCT116 tumors in mice treated with vehicle, 30 mg/kg alisertib, or 0.5 mg/kg decitabine. B, IFN is induced in tumors after AURKi or DNMTi administration to mice. qPCR of IFNβ or IFNλ1 from endpoint tumors from mice in A. C, Alisertib inhibits tumor growth of CT26 cells. Growth curves of CT26 tumors in mice treated with vehicle or 20 mg/kg alisertib, 5 mice per group. D, Alisertib administration induced IFN and IFN signature genes in CT26 tumors. qPCR of Ifnβ, Ifit1 or Ifit3 from endpoint tumors from mice in C. E, Alisertib inhibits growth of CT26 tumors in WT but not immune-deficient mice. Growth curves of CT26 tumors grown in NSG or WT Balb/c mice, 10 mice per group, treated with PBS vehicle or alisertib. F,Ifnβ is induced by alisertib treatment of WT or immune-deficient mice. qPCR of Ifnβ from midpoint tumors (day 7) or endpoint tumors (day 15) from mice in E. G, Alisertib treatment causes an influx of CD8+ cells into CT26 tumors. Quantification and representative images of CD8 IHC from endpoint tumors from WT mice treated with vehicle or alisertib. H, Alisertib depends on Sting expression in CT26 cells to inhibit tumor growth. Growth curves of CT26 NTC control pooled clones or Sting KO pooled clones implanted into WT Balb/c mice, treated with 20 mg/kg alisertib or vehicle control (13 mice per group). I, Sting KO antagonizes the effects of alisertib on IFN signature genes. qPCR of Ifnβ, Ifit3, or Cxcl10 from endpoint tumors from mice in H or from the same CT26 WT or Sting KO cell lines grown in vitro for 5 days with or without µmol/L alisertib.
FIGURE 5 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Induction of endogenous retroviruses by Aurora kinase inhibitors and screen hit drugs. A, TPM heat maps for all significant TEs, Padj < 0.05 in at least one condition after 5 days treatment with the indicated drugs as described in Fig. 3A. B, TPM heat maps for all significant TEs, Padj < 0.05 in at least one condition in MAVS KO or control clones after 5 days alisertib treatment. C, Synergistic interaction between AURKi and DNTMi for IFN induction. HCT116-IFI27 cells were treated for 5 days with the indicated doses of alisertib and/or decitabine, then reporter luciferase activity was measured. D, No synergy between AURKi and irinotecan. As in C but with irinotecan instead of decitabine.
FIGURE 3 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

Aurora kinase inhibitors activate IFN signaling. A, Heat map of RNA-seq data from the HCT116-IFI27 reporter line treated for 5 days with 100 nmol/L decitabine, 1 µmol/L 5-azacytidine, 1 µmol/L alisertib, 1 µmol/L tozasertib, 830 nmol/L foretinib, 2.5 µmol/L axitinib, 2.5 µmol/L irinotecan, 1 µmol/L selumetib, 830 nmol/L binimetinib, or an equivalent volume of DMSO. Heat map shows all significant genes using a Padj < 1e-10 in at least one condition. B, Top 20 most induced genes after alisertib treatment in the RNA-seq data shown in A, filtered for qval ≤ 0.05. Yellow colored genes are members of the Hallmark IFN Alpha gene set. C, GSEA hallmark IFN alpha gene set enrichment plot of RNA-seq data shown in A resulting from alisertib treatment. D, Summary of all positively or negatively enriched hallmark GSEA from the RNA-seq data after either alisertib or decitabine treatments, with a cutoff of FDR qval of <0.05. NES = normalized enrichment score. IFNα is the most highly induced of the enriched gene sets after AURK inhibition. E, Colorectal cancer cell lines were treated for 5 days with AURKi (1 µmol/L alisertib except for CT26, 1 µmol/L tozasertib) or the DNMTi decitabine (200 nmol/L), then RNA-seq performed and subjected to GSEA. GSEA normalized enrichment scores (NES) for the hallmark interferon alpha gene set are indicated along with the corresponding q values for each analysis. n/a = not applicable. F, qPCR measurement of expression of IFNβ, IFNλ1, and IFNλ2 across the human colorectal cancer cell line panel after 5 days treatment with 1 µmol/L alisertib or 100 nmol/L barasertib. Values are relative to HT-29 with DMSO control treatment. Significance shown for each treatment versus DMSO for each cell line; n.d = not detected. G, CT26 cells were treated with DMSO, 10 µmol/L ruxolitinib, 1 µmol/L alisertib, or 200 nmol/L decitabine, and RNA collected at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or 5 days. qPCR was performed to illustrate induction of Ifnβ and target genes Ifit1, Ifit2, and Cxcl10. Significance is shown for comparison between DMSO versus decitabine or alisertib for each timepoint.
FIGURE 1 from Inhibition of Aurora Kinase Induces Endogenous Retroelements to Induce a Type I/III IFN Response via RIG-I
Authors: Choy Lisa , Norris Stephen , Wu Xiumin , Kolumam Ganesh , Firestone Ari , Settleman Jeffrey , Stokoe David
Published: February 2024

An endogenous IFN reporter generated at the IFI27 locus was screened against an annotated drug library to identify Aurora kinase inhibitors as a novel hit. A, qPCR of canonical IFN target genes in HCT116 cells after 6, 24, or 48 hours after treatment with 1,000 U/mL IFNα. Significance shown for each gene at each timepoint versus the t = 0 value for that gene. B, Schematic of reporter construct. 2A = P2A or T2A skipper peptide sequence; NLS = SV40 nuclear localization signal; secreted = signal sequence from IL6 to cause export of nanoLuciferase from cells. C,IFI27 luciferase reporter induction after treatment with 2.5 µmol/L 5-azacytidine or 100 nmol/L decitabine for 2, 3, or 5 days. Significance shown for DMSO versus treatment for each timepoint. D, Raw nanoLuc and cell titer glo viability data from the IFI27 reporter screen showing relationships between cell viability and reporter activation. Aurora kinase inhibitors are circled. E, Major active drugs from IFI27 reporter screen, grouped by class and expressed as a ratio of nLuc/CTG. The median value of all compounds in the screen is overlaid as a red dashed line. F, Time course of reporter activation after alisertib treatment. Drugs were added as indicated and nanoluciferase activity of supernatants was assayed after the indicated number of days. Significance shown for DMSO versus treatment for each cell line at each timepoint (only day 5 achieved P < 0.05).
Assessment of diversity of Odonata fauna in selected sites of Purba Barddhaman district, West Bengal, India
Authors: Mukherjee Sulagna , Mandal Rabindranath
Published: February 2024

Purba-Barddhaman, a newly emerged district of West Bengal was surveyed for listing its odonate diversity. The district is located in southern West Bengal, and two major rivers, Damodar and Ajay, run through it. It also has a lot of small rivers, perineal and seasonal water bodies, grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields, making it a great place for odonates. Five different sites of the district were surveyed by direct search and opportunistic sighting methods for a period of two years (March 2021 to February 2023) and odonate diversity was listed. We have found a total of 47 species belonging to 35 genera and six families from this district. The most diverse family was Libellulidae, with 24 species. A few major findings from this study were Macrogomphus montanus, Platygomphus dolabratus, Lathrecista asiatica, Libellago indica, and Agriocnemis kalinga. This is the first systematic study of odonates from this district, and it illustrates the value of this densely populated district for further exploration due to its high agricultural fertility.
Utilization of Afzelia africana Sm. ex Pers. (Magnoliopsida: Fabales: Fabaceae) in Nigeria and its implications for conservation
Authors: Bamigboye Samuel Oloruntoba , Jimoh Muhali Olaide , Lawal Falilat Abeni , Osiyemi Zainab Temitope , Laubscher Charles Petrus , Kambizi Learnmore
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the ethnobotanical uses of Afzelia africana Sm. ex Pers., a threatened tree species in Nigeria to determine the impact of uses of this species on the risk of its extinction. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted by means of semi-structured questionnaires with the local community called Ijebu Igbo in Ogun state of Nigeria and a total of 60 respondents were interviewed from this community. Herbalists, artisans, Islamic scholars, traders, and retirees were interviewed to document their knowledge of the uses of A. africana. This study revealed that there are different uses of A. africana, among which its spiritual and medicinal uses were the most dominant. An unsustainable harvest of A. africana for these uses will aggravate the decline of its population, thereby increasing the risk of extinction. This study recommends local awareness of the indigenous people of possible ways this species can be utilized in a sustainable manner to prevent its extinction.
First confirmed reproduction by a translocated female Siamese Crocodile Crocodylus siamensis (Crocodylidae: Crocodilia) with observations of nest attendance and nest-associated fauna
Authors: Platt Steven G. , Boutxakittilah Sounantha , Thongsavath Oudomxay , Leslie Samuel C. , McCaskill Lonnie D. , Singh Randeep , Rainwater Thomas R.
Published: February 2024

The Siamese Crocodile Crocodylus siamensis is considered one of the most imperiled and poorly-studied crocodilians in the world. Translocations (reintroductions) - often in conjunction with head-starting of juveniles - are a critical component of efforts to restore viable wild populations of C. siamensis. We here report the first confirmed nesting by a known-age, head-started, and translocated female C. siamensis together with observations of nest attendance and nest-associated fauna based on camera trap imagery. Our observations occurred in the Greater Xe Champhone Wetland Complex (GXCWC) in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR. GXCWC encompasses 45,000 ha of seasonally inundated natural and anthropogenic wetlands, agricultural ecosystems, scrubland, and forest. While collecting eggs for incubation in May 2022, we were able to identify a unique series of notched tail scutes on a female C. siamensis as she aggressively defended a nest. From these markings we determined the female was hatched on 11 August 2012 (age = 9.75 years) and released in March 2014, approximately 3.5 km from the nest site. A game camera placed at the nest on 11 May 2022 and recovered on 5 July 2022 (34 trap nights) recorded 1724 images. These images indicated the female remained in attendance at the nest throughout the monitoring period. Camera trap imagery captured eight nest repair events and two nest defense events; during the latter the female defended the nest from village dogs. Eleven species of nest-associated fauna were recorded by the game camera, including eight and three species of birds and mammals, respectively. Our observations are the first confirmed nesting by a head-started, translocated female C. siamensis indicating these are effective conservation strategies for restoring wild populations. We also unequivocally established that head-started female C. siamensis are capable of reproducing when nine-years-old.
Hunteria zeylanica (Retz.) Gardner ex Thwaites (Magnoliopsida: Gentianales: Apocyanaceae)—new addition and first genus record to the flora of Karnataka
Authors: G. Ramachandra Rao
Published: February 2024

The present study reports the new distribution record of Hunteria zeylanica (Retz.) Gard. ex Thw., tree from Karnataka part of Central Western Ghats.
Comparative analyses of complete plastid genomes of representative species of subfamily Convallarioideae (Asparagaceae)
Authors: CHEN XINGRU , WU SHAODE , NIE ZELONG , WEN JUN , MENG YING
Published: February 2024

Convallarioideae are a subfamily of Asparagaceae, a morphologically diverse group comprising seven tribes, i.e., Eriospermeae, Rusceae, Dracaeneae, Nolineae, Convallarieae, Ophiopogoneae and Polygonateae, and two genera unclassified to tribe. In this study, we conducted comparative plastid genome (plastome) analyses of seven species representing seven clades of the subfamily. The results showed that all plastomes exhibited standard conserved quadripartite structures with inverted repeats (26,261–26,522 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (83,007–85,692 bp) and a small single-copy region (18,205–18,707 bp). Each plastome has 137 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 transfer RNAs and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. Furthermore, we detected 33–61 simple sequence repeats in six categories and 39–57 long repeats in four categories. We selected eleven hotspots as primer sites for potential molecular markers. Phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily revealed that all the tribes are strongly supported except for Polygonateae, but weak support was observed among the main clades in the subfamily.
Two new species of Rhodoveronaea (Rhamphoriales, Ascomycota) from terrestrial habitats in China
Authors: CHEN XUE-MEI , TANG XIA , DU TIAN-YE , LU YONG-ZHONG , SUWANNARACH NAKARIN , XU RUI-FANG , YANG ER-FU , ELGORBAN ABDALLAH M. , TIBPROMMA SAOWALUCK , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C.
Published: February 2024

During a microfungi investigation carried out in a terrestrial forest in Guizhou Province in China, hyphomycetes on a decaying wood log in a terrestrial habitat were collected. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 sequence data revealed that the collected hyphomycetes represent two distinct new species in Rhodoveronaea. The two new species introduced in this paper are Rhodoveronaea hyalina and R. lignicola. Full descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of the two new species are provided.
Swertia kashmirensis subsp. darii (Gentianaceae), a new taxon from Kashmir Himalaya, India
Authors: ISLAM TAJAMUL , RASRAY BILAL A. , KHUROO ANZAR AHMAD , GANIE AIJAZ H. , MUGAL MUZAMIL AHMAD , NAWCHOO IRSHAD A.
Published: February 2024

Swertia kashmirensis subsp. darii (Gentianaceae), a new taxon from Kashmir Himalaya, India is described here with description and photographic illustrations. The new taxon resembles in few morphological characters with congeneric S. kashmirensis, but differs clearly in having basal leaves with apices acute, petals elliptic-oblong, apices obtuse with an apical notch, whitish adaxially and purplish with dull whitish margins abaxially, size of nectaries and fimbriae, carpel ovoid, anthers ovate, capsule ellipsoid, seeds brownish, round with wings narrow.
A study of the mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of sisal fiber-reinforced polylactic acid bio-composites with tributyl 2-acetylcitrate as a plasticizer
Authors: Kassegn Eshetie , Sirhabizu Belete , Berhanu Temesgen , Buffel Bart , Desplentere Frederik
Published: February 2024

In this study, bio-composites were developed using polylactic acid (PLA) as the matrix and sisal fibers (SFs) derived from agave sisalana leaves as the reinforcement. The bio-composites were prepared through injection molding with the addition of tributyl 2-acetylcitrate (ATBC) plasticizer. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of these bio-composites were investigated to understand the effects of fiber and plasticizer contents. The results showed that the addition of SFs improved the tensile and flexural moduli of the bio-composites but led to a decrease in tensile strength compared to neat PLA. The flexural strength initially decreased with low fiber content but recovered to the level of neat PLA as the fiber content increased. The impact strength increased with the incorporation of SFs and ATBC. However, the presence of ATBC had a negative impact on the tensile and flexural properties of the bio-composites. The thermal conductivity of the materials was influenced by the fiber content and processing temperature, increasing with SFs inclusion but decreasing with temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed increased crystallinity of PLA with the presence of SFs and ATBC. The specific heat capacity increased with ATBC but decreased with increasing SFs. Dynamic mechanical property testing showed variations in storage and loss moduli of the bio-composites at different temperatures. The storage modulus increased with higher fiber content and abruptly dropped around glass transition temperature. Rheological characterization demonstrated effective interactions between the fibers and matrix with good fiber dispersion, resulting in uniform shear viscosity versus shear rate for different capillary dimensions. The shear viscosity of the SFs/PLA mixture increased with increasing fiber content but decreased with the addition of plasticizer. Furthermore, the compounding and molding processes had a notable impact on the microstructure of the fibers, specifically resulting in fiber breakage and fiber separation during processing.
The frequency of colorectal lesions in the first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal lesions among PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study population (PGCS)
Authors: Matin Somaieh , Joukar Farahnaz , Maroufizadeh Saman , Asgharnezhad Mehrnaz , Karimian Paridokht , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the frequency of colorectal lesions in the first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal lesions among the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN )Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS) population.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 162 first-degree relatives with a history of colorectal lesions were randomly selected from 52 participants in PGCS. All subjects underwent total colonoscopy by a gastroenterologist, and a pathologist evaluated colorectal biopsies. Also, individuals’ demographic information, clinical data, and dietary habits were recorded.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 56.55 ± 7.04. Of 86 colon polyps, 52 neoplastic and 34 non-neoplastic polyps were observed in 56 patients (34.6%). Individuals with age > 60 years had 3.29-fold increased odds of developing colorectal polyps (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.13–9.56, P = 0.029). The smokers were 2.73 times more susceptible to developing colorectal polyps than non-smokers (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.24–6.02, P = 0.013). Moreover, consumption of vegetables more than three times per day was associated with decreased OR of colorectal polyp development (OR = 0.43, CI: 0.19–0.98, P = 0.045).

Conclusions

Considering the high prevalence of neoplastic colorectal polyps among the first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal lesions, early screening is recommended for individuals with a family history of colorectal lesions.
Development and validation of comprehensive nomograms from the SEER database for predicting early mortality in metastatic rectal cancer patients
Authors: Li Yanli , Tao Ting , Liu Yun
Published: February 2024

Background

Metastatic rectal cancer is an incurable malignancy, which is prone to early mortality. We aimed to establish nomograms for predicting the risk of early mortality in patients with metastatic rectal cancer.

Methods

In this study, clinical data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.We utilized X-tile software to determine the optimal cut-off points of age and tumor size in diagnosis. Significant independent risk factors for all-cause and cancer-specific early mortality were determined by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, then we construct two practical nomograms. In order to assess the predictive performance of nomograms, we performed calibration plots, time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC).

Results

A total of 2570 metastatic rectal cancer patients were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that age at diagnosis, CEA level, tumor size, surgical intervention, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and metastases to bone, brain, liver, and lung were independently associated with early mortality of metastatic rectal cancer patients in the training cohort. The area under the curve (AUC) values of nomograms for all-cause and cancer-specific early mortality were all higher than 0.700. Calibration curves indicated that the nomograms accurately predicted early mortality and exhibited excellent discrimination. DCA and CIC showed moderately positive net benefits.

Conclusions

This study successfully generated applicable nomograms that predicted the high-risk early mortality of metastatic rectal cancer patients, which can assist clinicians in tailoring more effective treatment regimens.
Nasopharyngeal angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression as a risk-factor for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in concurrent hospital associated outbreaks
Authors: Nikiforuk Aidan M. , Kuchinski Kevin S. , Short Katy , Roman Susan , Irvine Mike A. , Prystajecky Natalie , Jassem Agatha N. , Patrick David M. , Sekirov Inna
Published: February 2024

Background

Widespread human-to-human transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two (SARS-CoV-2) stems from a strong affinity for the cellular receptor angiotensin converting enzyme two (ACE2). We investigate the relationship between a patient’s nasopharyngeal ACE2 transcription and secondary transmission within a series of concurrent hospital associated SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in British Columbia, Canada.

Methods

Epidemiological case data from the outbreak investigations was merged with public health laboratory records and viral lineage calls, from whole genome sequencing, to reconstruct the concurrent outbreaks using infection tracing transmission network analysis. ACE2 transcription and RNA viral load were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The transmission network was resolved to calculate the number of potential secondary cases. Bivariate and multivariable analyses using Poisson and Negative Binomial regression models was performed to estimate the association between ACE2 transcription the number of SARS-CoV-2 secondary cases.

Results

The infection tracing transmission network provided n = 76 potential transmission events across n = 103 cases. Bivariate comparisons found that on average ACE2 transcription did not differ between patients and healthcare workers (P = 0.86). High ACE2 transcription was observed in 98.6% of transmission events, either the primary or secondary case had above average ACE2. Multivariable analysis found that the association between ACE2 transcription (log2 fold-change) and the number of secondary transmission events differs between patients and healthcare workers. In health care workers Negative Binomial regression estimated that a one-unit change in ACE2 transcription decreases the number of secondary cases (β = -0.132 (95%CI: -0.255 to -0.0181) adjusting for RNA viral load. Conversely, in patients a one-unit change in ACE2 transcription increases the number of secondary cases (β = 0.187 (95% CI: 0.0101 to 0.370) adjusting for RNA viral load. Sensitivity analysis found no significant relationship between ACE2 and secondary transmission in health care workers and confirmed the positive association among patients.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that ACE2 transcription has a positive association with SARS-CoV-2 secondary transmission in admitted inpatients, but not health care workers in concurrent hospital associated outbreaks, and it should be further investigated as a risk-factor for viral transmission.
Urokinase prophylactic anticoagulation in children with nephrotic syndrome: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Nan , Chen Ruyue , Tang Hanyun , Lin Qiang , Li Xiaozhong
Published: February 2024

Objective

To analyze the clinical effect of urokinase on the prevention of thrombosis in children with primary nephrotic syndrome.

Methods

A total of 370 children diagnosed with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University and Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were selected as the research objects. The patients were divided into a urokinase adjuvant therapy group and non-urokinase adjuvant therapy group according to the application of drugs. The clinical data of the children were collected, including sex, age, drug application, bleeding during treatment, and telephone follow-up, to record whether thromboembolism occurred in the acute stage and remission stage. The clinical pattern of PNS, renal biopsy, histopathological type, and related laboratory indexes before and after treatment were recorded.

Results

A total of 313 patients were treated with urokinase and 57 patients were not. More thrombotic events was observed in non-urokinase group compared to the urokinase group(2 versus 0 episodes, p = 0.02). The thrombotic events observed included one patient had pulmonary embolism combined with right ventricular thrombosis, and another had intracranial venous thrombosis. More minor bleeding events occurred in urokinase group compared to the non-urokinase group(7 versus 1 episodes, p = 1.0). No major bleeding events occurred in either group.

Conclusion

The rational prophylactic use of urokinase anticoagulation in children with PNS can prevent the formation of thromboembolism and has good safety.
Assessing the causal relationship between 731 immunophenotypes and the risk of lung cancer: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Ming , Li Chengkai , Xiang Liyan , Chen Siyue , Chen Lin , Ling Gongxia , Hu Yanqing , Yang Lan , Yuan Xiang , Xia Xiaodong , Zhang Hailin
Published: February 2024

Background

Previous studies have observed a link between immunophenotypes and lung cancer, both of which are closely associated with genetic factors. However, the causal relationship between them remains unclear.

Methods

Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed on publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to analyze the causal relationships between 731 immunophenotypes and lung cancer. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the robustness, heterogeneity, and potential horizontal pleiotropy of our findings.

Results

Following Bonferroni adjustment, CD14− CD16+ monocyte (OR = 0.930, 95%CI 0.900–0.960, P = 8.648 × 10− 6, PBonferroni = 0.006) and CD27 on CD24+ CD27+ B cells (OR = 1.036, 95%CI 1.020–1.053, P = 1.595 × 10 − 5, PBonferroni = 0.012) were identified as having a causal role in lung cancer via the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. At a more relaxed threshold, CD27 on IgD+ CD24+ B cell (OR = 1.035, 95%CI 1.017–1.053, P = 8.666 × 10− 5, PBonferroni = 0.063) and CD27 on switched memory B cell (OR = 1.037, 95%CI 1.018–1.056, P = 1.154 × 10− 4, PBonferroni = 0.084) were further identified. No statistically significant effects of lung cancer on immunophenotypes were found.

Conclusions

The elevated level of CD14− CD16+ monocytes was a protective factor against lung cancer. Conversely, CD27 on CD24+ CD27+ B cell was a risk factor. CD27 on class-switched memory B cells and IgD+ CD24+ B cells were potential risk factors for lung cancer. This research enhanced our comprehension of the interplay between immune responses and lung cancer risk. Additionally, these findings offer valuable perspectives for the development of immunologically oriented therapeutic strategies.
Outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in primary congenital glaucoma treatment: a retrospective study
Authors: Lai Junyi , Qiao Yunsheng , Tan Chen , Chen Junyi
Published: February 2024

Background

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in Chinese patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and identify factors influencing surgical success.

Methods

Fourteen patients (24 eyes) diagnosed with PCG who underwent gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy were recruited, and data on intraocular pressure (IOP), antiglaucoma medication, surgery-related complications, and additional treatments were collected during preoperative and postoperative visits. Surgical success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and a reduction of > 30% from baseline, with (partial success) or without (complete success) antiglaucoma medication.

Results

Mean preoperative IOP was 30.41 ± 6.09 mmHg. At the final visit, mean IOP reduction was 16.1 ± 9.1 mmHg (52%), and 19 of 24 eyes were topical medication–free. IOP was significantly decreased at each postoperative visit compared with baseline (P < 0.05 for all time points). Cumulative proportions of complete and partial success were 79.2% and 95.8%, respectively, at three years postsurgery. Patients without prior antiglaucoma procedures, without postoperative IOP spikes, and those undergoing complete trabeculotomy exhibited improved surgical prognosis. No permanent vision-threatening complications occurred in the 24 eyes by the end of the respective follow-ups.

Conclusion

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy emerged as a safe and effective procedure for PCG treatment, characterized by outstanding IOP reduction efficacy and high surgical success rates.
The threaten of typhoons to the health of residents in inland areas: a study on the vulnerability of residents to death risk during typhoon “Lekima”
Authors: Ma Yiwen , Zhang Xianhui , Zhang Yingjian , Du Jipei , Chu Nan , Wei Jinli , Cui Liangliang , Zhou Chengchao
Published: February 2024

Background

Studies had suggested increased risk of death of residents was associated with typhoons, particularly coastal regions. However, these findings ignored the impact of inland typhoons on the health of residents, especially the indirect death risk caused by typhoons. This study aimed to investigate the acute death risk of residents during inland typhoon Lekima in Jinan, further identify vulnerable populations and areas.

Methods

We selected the daily death from 11 to 27th August 2019 in Jinan as case period, and conducted a time-stratified case-crossover design to match the contemporaneous data from 2016 to 2018 as control period. We used the generalized linear Poisson models to estimate the related effects of death risk during typhoon Lekima and lag days.

Results

During the Lekima typhoon month, there were 3,366 deaths occurred in Jinan. Compared to unexposed periods, the acute death risk of non-accidental diseases (especially circulatory diseases), female and the older adults increased significantly in the second week after the typhoon. The maximum significant effect of circulatory disease deaths, female and older adult deaths were appeared on lag9, lag9, and lag13 respectively. And the typhoon-associated RR were 1.19 (95%CI:1.05,1.34), 1.28 (95%CI:1.08,1.52), and 1.22 (95%CI:1.06,1.42) respectively. The acute death risk of residents living in TQ and CQ increased significantly on Lag2 and Lag6 after the typhoon, respectively, while those living in LX, LC, HY, JY, and SH occurred from Lag 8 to Lag 13 after the typhoon. LC lasted the longest days.

Conclusions

Typhoons would increase the vulnerability of residents living in Jinan which mainly occurred from the seventh day after the typhoon. Residents suffering from non-accidental diseases (circulatory diseases), female and the older adults were more vulnerable. The vulnerability of TQ and CQ occurred on Lag2 and Lag6 after typhoon Lekima, respectively, and the other areas except ZQ and PY occurred from Lag 8 to Lag 13. LC lasted the longest duration. Our findings emphasized the importance of the emergency response, which would help policymakers to identify vulnerable regions and populations accurately during typhoons and formulate the emergency response plan.
Exposure and power of TV food advertising during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a content analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Michele Bittencourt , de Paula Matos Juliana , Oliveira Santana Marina , Martins Ana Paula Bortoletto , Claro Rafael Moreira , Horta Paula Martins
Published: February 2024

Background

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the Brazilian population has increased the time spent at home and watching television (TV). Since food advertising exposure is a key driver of food choices, this study described the content of food advertisements (ads) on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This is an exploratory study. A total of 684 h of TV programming comprised of three free-to-air channels and two pay-per-view channels was recorded from 06 a.m. to 12 a.m. for eight non-consecutive days in June 2020. A content analysis of all the food-related ads was carried out. The data collection process followed INFORMAS Protocol for TV food advertising monitoring.

Results

The sample was composed of 7,083 ads, 752 (10.6%) of which were food-related and 487 (6.9%) were promoting ultra-processed foods. The content analysis indicated seven thematic categories, all of them with reference to the COVID-19 pandemic: brand and product differentials (79.8%); visual and sound effects (70.2%); thematic campaigns (56.0%); digitization (22.9%); convenience (16.5%); economic benefits (11.9%); and commensality and social interaction (6.1%). Ads content varied according to the day of the week, the time of the day, the length of the ad, and the channel type.

Conclusions

The thematic of food advertising on Brazilian TV during the COVID-19 pandemic is aligned with the country’s health crisis context and varied during the programming.
Development and preliminary evaluation of the Comprehensive Health Self-Assessment Questionnaire (CHSAQ) for individuals in the Chinese People Liberation Army
Authors: Wang Tao , Tang Han , Li Xinrui , Wu Lin , Li Ning , Zhang Wei , Shao Qiongjie , Cai Min , Shang Lei
Published: February 2024

Objective

There is currently no widely accepted multidimensional health assessment questionnaire for individuals in the Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA). This study developed a multidimensional health survey questionnaire (Comprehensive Health Self-Assessment Questionnaire, CHSAQ) suitable for personnel in the PLA and conducted a preliminary examination of its reliability, validity, and discriminative ability.

Methods

After 183 items from 32 dimensions were selected to form the initial version of the CHSAQ, three groups of soldiers were selected from May 2022 to April 2023 and completed three survey rounds (with 183, 131, and 55 valid items). The items were screened based on classic test theory. After screening, the final questionnaire entries were formed, the structure of the questionnaire was explored through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, and its reliability, structural validity, and discriminative ability were evaluated.

Results

The final questionnaire consisted of 8 dimensions and 55 items on job satisfaction, anxiety and depression, daily activities, physical function, the otolaryngology system, the integumentary system, sleep disorders, and the visual system. The total cumulative variance contribution rate was 64.648% according to exploratory factor analysis. According to the confirmatory factor analysis, the normed fit index (NFI) was 0.880, and the comparison fit index (CFI) was 0.893 (close to 0.90). The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the total questionnaire was 0.970, the split half reliability coefficient was 0.937, and the retest reliability coefficient was 0.902. The results are presented as different pairwise comparisons.

Conclusion

Our study developed a self-report questionnaire for evaluating the comprehensive health status of personnel in the PLA in accordance with the standard procedure for questionnaire development. Our findings also showed that the CHSAQ for individuals in the PLA has good reliability and structural validity.