bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atypical Presentations of Collagenous Gastritis Mimicking Celiac Sprue
Authors: Evans Mark G. , Guccione Jack P. , Crymes Anthony , Li Xiaodong , Johnson Cary A. , Chandan Vishal S. , Lu Yuxin
Published: February 2023

Collagenous gastritis has been reported as a rare cause of nausea, diarrhea, weight changes, and early satiety in female patients. Here, we describe two women aged 43 and 71 years who presented with similar symptoms. Gastric biopsies from both individuals showed thickened, irregular subepithelial collagen bands (>10 μm). The pathogenesis of collagenous gastritis is poorly understood, but it may be the presenting symptom for many underlying autoimmune conditions. In particular, there is a well-established connection between collagenous disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and celiac sprue, Sjögren syndrome, and lymphocytic colitis; however, none of these conditions had been diagnosed in our patients. The older woman had incidentally discovered hypogammaglobinemia and IgA deficiency, whereas the younger woman suffered from fibromyalgia. Although a gluten-free diet and budesonide have been effective in some cases, there is no standardized therapy for collagenous gastritis. Our patients trialed diet modification and have required no additional medical interventions.
Time-Frequency Connectedness between Shariah Indices in a Systemic Crisis Era
Authors: Alsubaie Shafi Madhkar , Mahmoud Khaled H. , Asafo-Adjei Emmanuel , Bossman Ahmed
Published: February 2023

We examine the time- and frequency-domain spillover connectedness between regional and world Shariah indices. The spillover index approach is employed with data over the period from April 30, 2012, to May 9, 2022, for African, American, Asian, European, and world emerging and developed markets’ Shariah-based equity indices. The results indicate significant time- and frequency-dependent spillovers between Shariah indices. The world and developed markets’ Shariah indices transmit the greatest return spillover to their African and Asian counterparts, which act as net recipients of system spillovers. Our findings show that Asian Shariah assets are a perfect hedge against all relevant market shocks over the last decade. Our findings have implications for Shariah market regulators, investors, practitioners, and policymakers.
Energy Consumption Optimization of an IoT Monitoring Center Based on a Max-Min Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Tong Yinghua
Published: February 2023

As a result of the green IoT, application layer users are increasingly seeking more services, and it is particularly important to reduce the energy consumption of an IoT monitoring center while ensuring service reliability. In this paper, the max-min ant colony algorithm is proposed to effectively solve the problems of user service reliability and energy consumption optimization of an IoT monitoring center. First, the service reliability of the application layer users is modeled based on a Markov chain, and the quantitative reliability performance indicators are given. Second, an optimization model between the user service reliability and the energy consumption of an IoT monitoring center is established. Finally, the optimization problem is solved based on the improved max-min ant system. Simulation experimental results show that compared with the improved FFD algorithm, the average power consumption of the max-min ant colony algorithm can be reduced by up to 7.14%.
Analysis on Logistics Efficiency Measurement of New Western Land-Sea Corridor under the Background of “Double Carbon” and Ecological Environment Protection
Authors: Zhou Tingyan , Li Wenxing
Published: February 2023

Under the research background of ecological environment protection and “double carbon” goal, this paper applies panel data on the logistics industry from 2010 to 2019 in 12 provinces of China’s new western land-sea corridor to statically measure the logistics industry’s technical efficiency after taking into account the impact of different environmental elements and to analyze the dynamics trends of total factor productivity in the logistics sector. It is measured by using the three-stage SBM model and the Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index, which considers undesirable output. The findings indicate the following: (1) In the context of “double carbon,” the overall technical efficiency of the logistics sector in the new western land-sea corridor seems to be relatively low; however, the average technical efficiency of the logistics sector in the southern portion of the new western land-sea corridor does seem to be higher than that of the northern part. (2) The logistics industry’s technical efficiency varies greatly by region, with locations near central China having much higher technical efficiency than remote inland areas. (3) The fundamental reason for the improvement of technical efficiency in the logistics industry is pure technical efficiency, and the driving force behind the increase in total factor productivity is technological advancement. (4) Economic development, informatization development, industrial market scale, and import and export all have a substantial influence on the logistics industry’s technical efficiency. Finally, depending on the findings, policy recommendations are offered.
Plant Species Composition and Conservation Values at Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden, Dilla, Ethiopia
Authors: Erenso Fikadu , Maunenenda Mitiku
Published: February 2023

Ethiopia has a diverse topography with higher plant species composition and estimated to the higher proportion of endemic plant species. Currently, several factors drive natural forest destruction in the country, extensive agricultural land expansion triggered by increasing human population is probably the dominant force. The Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden was established targeting to rescue threatened flora from extinction, contribute towards conservation, and research on biodiversity and sustainable education as well as ecotourism development. The study was aimed to generate basic scientific information by identifying and documenting the formerly available plant species in to the garden and provide information for farther plant collection planning and research. Systematic sampling method was used to collect the vegetation data from 52 plots of 20 m × 20 m (400 m2) quadrats. To collect data for herbaceous plants, five 1 m × 1 m subplots were laid in each of the main plot, where four were at the corners and one at the centre. Vegetation classification was performed using R-programme version 3.6.1 software packages. Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index was used to calculate species diversity, richness, and evenness. A total of 408 plant species, including trees (30%), shrubs (25%), herb (30%), grass (6%), and 9% of other species, were collected. The identified species belong to 287 genera and 105 families. Out of this, 27 species of plants are endemic to Ethiopia and 72 plant species were screened as a medicinal plant used for the treatment of human diseases. Based on IUCN Red Data List, among the endemic plant species nineteen species were least concern; two were near threatened; two were endangered while four were vulnerable. Three vegetation community types were identified from the hierarchical clustering analysis. The result designates that Dilla University Botanical and Ecotourism Garden has high plant species composition and diversity with a good distribution. The higher composition of this ecologically, economically, and socially important plant species at its early stage makes the garden a unique garden in the country and realize to be a centre for research, education, and tourist destination.
A Statistical Synopsis of COVID-19 Components and Descriptive Analysis of Their Socio-Economic and Healthcare Aspects in Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Uddin Mahtab , Shawpnil Kazi , Mugdha Shafayat Bin Shabbir , Ahmed Ashek
Published: February 2023

The aim of the work is to analyze the socio-economic and healthcare aspects that arise in the contemporary COVID-19 situation from Bangladesh perspective. We elaborately discuss the successive COVID-19 occurrences in Bangladesh with consequential information. The components associated with the COVID-19 commencement and treatment policy with corresponding features and their consequences are patently delineated. The effect of troublesome issues related to the treatment is detailed with supporting real-time data. We elucidate the applications of modern technologies advancement in epidemiological aspects and their existent compatibility in Bangladesh. We statistically analyze the real-time data through figurative and tabular approaches. Some relevant measures of central tendency and dispersion are utilized to explore the data structure and its observable specifications. For a clear manifestation,Z−scores of the COVID-19 components are analyzed through the Box-Whisker plot. We have discovered that the gathered data exhibit features that are unsatisfactory for the normal distribution, are highly positively skewed, and are predominated by the earliest occurrences. Infections and deaths were initially lower than the global average, but they drastically rose in the first quarter of 2021 and persisted for the remainder of the year. Substantial preventive results were produced by the region-wisetime-worthy moves. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the infections and deaths noticeably decreased, and the number of recoveries was highly significant. In the middle of 2022, a lethal rise in infections was observed in Bangladesh and that was quickly stabilized, and the pandemic ingredients were under control. According to our assessment, some concluding remarks are made at the end of this work.
Epigenetic Changes Induced by High Glucose in Human Pancreatic Beta Cells
Authors: Alhazzaa Rasha A. , McKinley Raechel E. , Getachew Bruk , Tizabi Yousef , Heinbockel Thomas , Csoka Antonei B.
Published: February 2023

Epigenetic changes in pancreatic beta cells caused by sustained high blood glucose levels, as seen in prediabetic conditions, may contribute to the etiology of diabetes. To delineate a direct cause and effect relationship between high glucose and epigenetic changes, we cultured human pancreatic beta cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells and treated them with either high or low glucose, for 14 days. We then used the Arraystar 4x180K HG19 RefSeq Promoter Array to perform whole-genome DNA methylation analysis. A total of 478 gene promoters, out of a total of 23,148 present on the array (2.06%), showed substantial differences in methylation (

p
<
0.01

). Out of these, 285 were hypomethylated, and 193 were hypermethylated in experimental vs. control. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the main pathways and networks that were differentially methylated include those involved in many systems, including those related to development, cellular growth, and proliferation. Genes implicated in the etiology of diabetes, including networks involving glucose metabolism, insulin secretion and regulation, and cell cycle regulation, were notably altered. Influence of upstream regulators such as MRTFA, AREG, and NOTCH3 was predicted based on the altered methylation of their downstream targets. The study validated that high glucose levels can directly cause many epigenetic changes in pancreatic beta cells, suggesting that this indeed may be a mechanism involved in the etiology of diabetes.
Changes in Breast Cancer Risk and Risk Factor Profiles among U.S.-Born and Immigrant Asian American Women Residing in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: John Esther M. , Koo Jocelyn , Ingles Sue A. , Kurian Allison W. , Hines Lisa M.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Breast cancer incidence rates in women of Asian descent have been increasing in the United States and Asia.

Methods:

In a case–control study of Asian American women from the San Francisco Bay Area, we assessed associations with birthplace and migration-related characteristics and compared risk factors between Asian American and non-Hispanic White women by birthplace and birth cohort.

Results:

Birthplace and migration-related characteristics were associated with breast cancer risk only among women in the younger birth cohort (1951–1984) that comprised 355 cases diagnosed at age ≤55 years and 276 sister and population controls. Breast cancer risk was marginally increased among foreign-born women [OR = 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.97–2.03] and two-fold among foreign-born Chinese women (OR = 2.16; 95% CI, 1.21–3.88). Two-fold increased risks were associated with migration at age ≥40 years and longer U.S. residence (≥30 years or ≥75% of life). The education level was high among both cases and controls. Differences in the prevalence of risk factors by birthplace and birth cohort suggest temporal changes in reproductive and lifestyle-related factors. The prevalence in risk factors was similar between foreign-born and U.S.-born women in the younger birth cohort, and did not fully explain the observed associations with birthplace and other migration characteristics.

Conclusions:

In contrast to studies from earlier decades, younger foreign-born Asian American women had a higher risk of breast cancer than U.S.-born Asian American women.

Impact:

It is important and urgent to understand what factors drive the increasing burden of breast cancer in women of Asian descent and implement effective prevention programs.
Serum Lipid Profiles and Cholesterol-Lowering Medication Use in Relation to Subsequent Risk of Colorectal Cancer in the UK Biobank Cohort
Authors: Yuan Fangcheng , Wen Wanqing , Jia Guochong , Long Jirong , Shu Xiao-Ou , Zheng Wei
Published: February 2023

Background:

Dyslipidemia is closely associated with metabolic syndrome, a known risk factor for colorectal cancer. However, the association of dyslipidemia with colorectal cancer risk is controversial. Most previous studies did not consider cholesterol-lowering medication use at the time of lipid measurements, which could bias findings.

Methods:

We analyzed data from 384,862 UK Biobank participants to disentangle the associations between blood lipids and colorectal cancer risk. Serum levels of total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C), and triglyceride were measured at study baseline. Multivariable-adjusted Cox models were used to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

During a median follow-up time of 8.2 years, 3,150 incident primary colorectal cancer cases were identified. Triglyceride levels were positively, while HDL-C levels were inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk (both Ptrend < 0.005). No significant associations were found for total cholesterol and LDL-C. However, among nonusers of cholesterol-lowering medications, a high total cholesterol level (> 6.7 mmol/L, HR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.00–1.24) and LDL-C level (>4.1 mmol/L, HR = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.99–1.23) was associated with an increased colorectal cancer risk compared with the referent group (5.2–6.2 mmol/L and 2.6–3.4 mmol/L for total and LDL cholesterol, respectively). Compared with nonusers, cholesterol-lowering medication users had 15% increased colorectal cancer risk (HR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04–1.26).

Conclusions:

Circulating total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride were modestly associated with colorectal cancer risk.

Impact:

Our findings call for careful consideration of cholesterol-lowering medication use in future studies of blood lipid–colorectal cancer associations.
Pilot Study of Recurrent Ewing's Sarcoma Management with Vigil/Temozolomide/Irinotecan and Assessment of Circulating Tumor (ct) DNA
Authors: Anderson Peter , Ghisoli Maurizio , Crompton Brian D. , Klega Kelly S. , Wexler Leonard H. , Slotkin Emily K. , Stanbery Laura , Manning Luisa , Wallraven Gladice , Manley Meghan , Horvath Staci , Bognar Ernest , Nemunaitis John
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Treatment options for recurrent or refractory Ewing's sarcoma (ES) are limited. Vigil is a novel autologous tumor cell therapy expressing bi-shRNA furin/GMCSF plasmid, which previously demonstrated monotherapy activity in advanced ES. Herein we report safety and evidence of benefit to Vigil for ES as potential treatment.

Patients and Methods:

In this pilot trial, eligible patients with recurrent or refractory ES who failed initial standard-of-care therapy received treatment with temozolomide (TEM) 100 mg/m2/day oral and irinotecan (IRI) 50 mg/m2/day oral, Days 1 to 5, in combination with Vigil (1 × 106–107 cells/mL/day intradermal, Day 15), every 21 days (Vigil/TEM/IRI). Objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.1, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Circulating tumor (ct) DNA analysis was done by patient-specific droplet digital PCR on baseline and serially collected on-treatment samples.

Results:

Eight of 10 enrolled patients were evaluable for safety and efficacy (mean age 24.6; 12.6–46.1 years old); 2 did not receive Vigil. Seven of 8 patients previously received TEM/IRI. No Vigil-related adverse events were reported. Common ≥Grade 3 chemotherapy-related toxicity included neutropenia (50%) and thrombocytopenia (38%). We observed two partial response patients by RECIST; both showed histologic complete response without additional cancer therapy. Median PFS was 8.2 months (95% confidence interval, 4.3–NA). Five patients showed stable disease or better for ≥6 months. Patient-specific EWS/FLI1 ctDNA was detectable in all 8 evaluable patients at baseline. Changes in ctDNA levels corresponded to changes in disease burden.

Conclusions:

Results demonstrated safety of combination Vigil/TEM/IRI.
BRD9 Degradation Disrupts Ribosome Biogenesis in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Kurata Keiji , Samur Mehmet K. , Liow Priscilla , Wen Kenneth , Yamamoto Leona , Liu Jiye , Morelli Eugenio , Gulla Annamaria , Tai Yu-Tzu , Qi Jun , Hideshima Teru , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

BRD9 is a defining component of the noncanonical SWI/SNF complex, which regulates gene expression by controlling chromatin dynamics. Although recent studies have found an oncogenic role for BRD9 in multiple cancer types including multiple myeloma, its clinical significance and oncogenic mechanism have not yet been elucidated. Here, we sought to identify the clinical and biological impact of BRD9 in multiple myeloma, which may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Experimental Design:

We performed integrated analyses of BRD9 in vitro and in vivo using multiple myeloma cell lines and primary multiple myeloma cells in established preclinical models, which identified the molecular functions of BRD9 contributing to multiple myeloma cell survival.

Results:

We found that high BRD9 expression was a poor prognostic factor in multiple myeloma. Depleting BRD9 by genetic (shRNA) and pharmacologic (dBRD9-A; proteolysis-targeting chimera; BRD9 degrader) approaches downregulated ribosome biogenesis genes, decreased the expression of the master regulator MYC, and disrupted the protein-synthesis maintenance machinery, thereby inhibiting multiple myeloma cell growth in vitro and in vivo in preclinical models. Importantly, we identified that the expression of ribosome biogenesis genes was associated with the disease progression and prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma. Our results suggest that BRD9 promotes gene expression by predominantly occupying the promoter regions of ribosome biogenesis genes and cooperating with BRD4 to enhance the transcriptional function of MYC.

Conclusions:

Our study identifies and validates BRD9 as a novel therapeutic target in preclinical models of multiple myeloma, which provides the framework for the clinical evaluation of BRD9 degraders to improve patient outcome.
Bepotastine Sensitizes Ovarian Cancer to PARP Inhibitors through Suppressing NF-κB–Triggered SASP in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Jin Ping , Li Xin , Xia Yu , Li Huayi , Li Xiaoting , Yang Zong-Yuan , Wang Zhen , Xu Cheng , Fang Tian , Zhou Dongchen , Xiong Xiaoming , Wang Si-Yuan , Xu Sen , Gao Qinglei
Published: February 2023

Therapy-induced senescence (TIS) is common in tumor cells treated with PARP inhibitors (PARPis) and can serve as a promising target for improving PARPi efficacy. However, whether stromal components within the tumor microenvironment undergo TIS caused by PARPis and contribute to consequential treatment failure remain unclear. We previously revealed that PARPis triggered a senescence-like secretory phenotype in stromal fibroblasts. Here, we further explored PARPi-induced senescence in the stroma, its contribution to PARPi resistance, and opportunities to leverage stromal TIS for improved PARPi sensitivity. In this study, we demonstrated that tumor tissues from patients treated with neoadjuvant PARPis showed a significant senescence-like phenotype in the stroma. Moreover, PARPi-induced senescent cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) displayed a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) profile that was sufficient to induce tumor resistance to PARPis in both homologous recombination–deficient (HRD) and –proficient ovarian cancer cells. Using the GLAD4U database, we found that bepotastine, an approved H1-antihistamine, inhibited the SASP of PARPi-primed CAFs at clinical serum concentrations. We further demonstrated that bepotastine attenuated fibroblast-facilitated tumor resistance to PARPis in three-dimensional organotypic cultures and HRD-positive patient-derived xenograft models. Mechanistically, bepotastine suppressed PARPi-triggered SASP by inhibiting NF-κB signaling independent of the histamine H1 receptor. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of stromal TIS and SASP in PARPi resistance, and targeting SASP with bepotastine may be a promising therapeutic option for improving PARPi sensitivity in ovarian cancer.
Efficacious Combination Drug Treatment for Colorectal Cancer That Overcomes Resistance to KRAS G12C Inhibitors
Authors: Matsubara Hiroyuki , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Kakizaki Fumihiko , Morimoto Tomonori , Kawada Kenji , Yamamoto Takehito , Obama Kazutaka , Sakai Yoshiharu , Taketo Makoto Mark
Published: February 2023

Recent advances in combinatorial chemistry led to the discovery of inhibitors targeting the KRAS G12C-mutant protein. However, efficacy of its monotherapy on colorectal cancer is limited. Thus, effective combination drugs should be explored for applicable patients with colorectal cancer to fully benefit from the KRAS G12C inhibitor treatment. Here we used a patient-derived colorectal cancer stem cell (PD–CRC-SC) spheroid culture and showed that three-drug combination of inhibitors against KRAS G12C, EGFR, and FGFR synergistically suppressed the growth of colorectal cancer cells carrying the KRAS G12C mutation. Likewise, a combination of KRAS G12C and SHP2 inhibitors was also effective. Importantly, activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in heregulin-responsive colorectal cancer cells canceled out the effect of KRAS G12C inhibition, which was largely overcome by PI3K inhibitors. These results reveal that evaluating efficacy of combination therapies with PD–CRC-SC spheroids can be a promising strategy to find the best regimen for patients with colorectal cancer.
A Phase I Study of Combination Olaparib and Radium-223 in Men with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) with Bone Metastases (COMRADE)
Authors: Pan Elizabeth , Xie Wanling , Ajmera Archana , Araneta Arlene , Jamieson Christina , Folefac Edmund , Hussain Arif , Kyriakopoulos Christos E. , Olson Adam , Parikh Mamta , Parikh Rahul , Saraiya Biren , Ivy S. Percy , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Lindeman Neal I. , Kochupurakkal Bose S. , Shapiro Geoffrey I. , McKay Rana R.
Published: February 2023

Given that radium-223 is a radiopharmaceutical that induces DNA damage, and olaparib is a PARP inhibitor that interferes with DNA repair mechanisms, we hypothesized their synergy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We sought to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of olaparib + radium-223.

We conducted a multicenter phase I 3+3 dose escalation study of olaparib with fixed dose radium-223 in patients with mCRPC with bone metastases. The primary objective was to establish the RP2D of olaparib, with secondary objectives of safety, PSA response, alkaline phosphatase response, radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), overall survival, and efficacy by homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene status.

Twelve patients were enrolled; all patients received a prior androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI; 100%) and 3 patients (25%) prior docetaxel. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) included cytopenias, fatigue, and nausea. No DLTs were seen in the observation period however delayed toxicities guided the RP2D. The RP2D of olaparib was 200 mg orally twice daily with radium-223. The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue (92%) and anemia (58%). The rPFS at 6 months was 58% (95% confidence interval, 27%–80%). Nine patients were evaluable for HRR gene status; 1 had a BRCA2 alteration (rPFS 11.8 months) and 1 had a CDK12 alteration (rPFS 3.1 months).

Olaparib can be safely combined with radium-223 at the RP2D 200 mg orally twice daily with fixed dose radium-223. Early clinical benefit was observed and will be investigated in a phase II study.
Primary Dentition Caries Patterns as Predictors of Permanent Dentition Caries: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Feldens Carlos Alberto , Braga Vanessa Simas , Kramer Paulo Floriani , Vítolo Márcia Regina , Rodrigues Priscila Humbert , de Barros Coelho Elisa Maria Rosa , Chaffee Benjamin W.
Published: February 2023

The aims of this study were to estimate the risk of caries in the permanent teeth at 12 years of age and to describe the diagnostic accuracy of caries patterns in the primary dentition at age 4 years to predict caries at age 12 years. A prospective cohort study followed children from birth to age 12 years in the city of São Leopoldo, Brazil. Sociodemographic variables were collected at birth, and dental caries was measured at 4 and 12 years of age (n = 204). At 4 years, children were classified according to the presence of caries (cavitated and non-cavitated lesions), number of lesions, affected segment (anterior or posterior), and affected surface (occlusal, smooth, or proximal). Prediction of permanent dentition caries occurrence (DMFT ≥1) (primary outcome) involved Poisson regression with robust variance and standard diagnostic accuracy measures. The prevalences of caries at age 4 years (including non-cavitated lesions) and 12 years were 61.8% and 42.2%, respectively. All caries patterns in the primary dentition were associated with caries in the permanent dentition. In multivariable analysis, the strongest associations were carious lesions on the primary posterior teeth (RR 2.2; 95% CI 1.5–3.2) and occlusal surfaces (RR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4–3.0). Among patterns evaluated, the presence of any tooth with caries (cavitated or non-cavitated) had the highest sensitivity (73%), but any tooth with cavitated decay had the highest accuracy (67%). In conclusion, any dental caries experience in early childhood is strongly predictive of dental caries experience in early adolescence. Primary dentition carious lesions on the posterior teeth or occlusal surfaces and the presence of cavitated lesions were stronger predictors.
Sex Differences in 10-Year Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Drug-Eluting Stents: Insights From the DECADE Cooperation
Authors: Coughlan J.J. , Räber Lorenz , Brugaletta Salvatore , Kufner Sebastian , Maeng Michael , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Ortega-Paz Luis , Bär Sarah , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Madsen Morten , Heg Dik , Aytekin Alp , Windecker Stephan , Olesen Kevin Kris Warnakula , Sabaté Manel , Kastrati Adnan , Cassese Salvatore
Published: February 2023

Background:

Although some studies have investigated sex-related outcomes up to 5 years after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), analyses at longer follow-up (ie, to 10 years) in large cohorts treated exclusively with drug-eluting stent (DES) platforms are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to define whether sex-related differences in long-term outcomes after PCI persist both in the DES era and at longer-term follow-up.

Methods:

Individual data of patients treated with DES in 5 randomized controlled trials with 10-year follow-up were pooled. Patients were divided into 2 groups by sex. The analysis of individual participant data was performed using a 1-stage approach by entering a clustering effect by parent study in all univariable and multivariable models focusing on sex. The main outcomes of interest for this analysis included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and definite stent thrombosis to 10 years after PCI. Survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate the time to first event, and differences between the 2 groups were tested with the log-rank test. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were calculated with a Cox proportional hazards model. Conventional multivariable analyses with adjustment for relevant variables were performed.

Results:

Among 9700 patients undergoing PCI with DES implantation included in the present analysis, 2296 were women and 7404 were men. Through to 10 years, cardiovascular death occurred in 407 of the 2296 female patients and 1012 of the 7404 male patients (adjusted HR [HR
adj
], 0.94 [95% CI, 0.80–1.11]). Female sex was associated with a lower risk of repeat revascularization of the target lesion (HR
adj
, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.74–0.87]), target vessel (HR
adj
, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.76–0.87]), and nontarget vessels (HR
adj
, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.62–0.77]). Compared with male patients, female patients displayed an increased risk of myocardial infarction in the first 30 days after PCI with DES (HR
adj
, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.24–2.19]) but a comparable risk of myocardial infarction thereafter. The risk of definite stent thrombosis was not significantly different between female and male patients (HR
adj
, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.89–1.47]).

Conclusions:

Through to 10-year follow-up after PCI with DES, female patients are at increased risk of early myocardial infarction, receive fewer repeat revascularizations, and have no difference in cardiovascular mortality compared with male patients.
Relationships of Hemoglobin Concentration, Ischemic Lesions, and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Roh David J. , Boehme Amelia , Mamoon Rayan , Hooper Destiny , Cottarelli Azzurra , Ji Robin , Mao Eric , Kumar Aditya , Carvalho Poyraz Fernanda , Demel Stacie L. , Spektor Vadim , Carmona Jerina , Hod Eldad A. , Ironside Natasha , Gutierrez Jose , Guo Jia , Konofagou Elisa , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Woo Daniel
Published: February 2023

Background:

Hemoglobin concentration and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) ischemic lesions are separately known to be associated with poor intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcomes. While hemoglobin concentrations have known relationships with ischemic stroke, it is unclear whether hemoglobin concentration is associated with DWI ischemic lesions after ICH. We sought to investigate the hypothesis that hemoglobin concentrations would associate with DWI lesions after ICH and further investigated their relationships with clinical outcomes.

Methods:

Supratentorial ICH patients enrolled between 2010 and 2016 to a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study (ERICH study [Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage]) were assessed. Patients from this study with baseline, admission hemoglobin, and hospitalization magnetic resonance imaging were analyzed. Hemoglobin was examined as the primary exposure variable defined as a continuous variable (g/dL). Magnetic resonance imaging DWI ischemic lesion presence was assessed as the primary radiographic outcome. Primary analyses assessed relationships of hemoglobin with DWI lesions. Secondary analyses assessed relationships of DWI lesions with poor 3-month outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 4–6). These analyses were performed using separate multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results:

Of 917 patients with ICH analyzed, mean baseline hemoglobin was 13.8 g/dL (±1.9), 60% were deep ICH, and DWI lesions were identified in 27% of the cohort. In our primary analyses, increased hemoglobin, defined as a continuous variable, was associated with DWI lesions (adjusted odds ratio, 1.21 per 1 g/dL change in hemoglobin [95% CI, 1.07–1.37]) after adjusting for sex, race, ICH severity, time to magnetic resonance imaging, and acute blood pressure change. In secondary analyses, DWI lesions were associated with poor 3-month outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.24–2.69]) after adjusting for similar covariates.

Conclusions:

We identified novel relationships between higher baseline hemoglobin concentrations and DWI ischemic lesions in patients with ICH. Further studies are required to clarify the role of hemoglobin concentration on both cerebral small vessel disease pathophysiology and ICH outcomes.
HUSS: A Heuristic Method for Understanding the Semantic Structure of Spreadsheets
Authors: Wu Xindong , Chen Hao , Bu Chenyang , Ji Shengwei , Zhang Zan , Sheng Victor S.
Published: February 2023

Spreadsheets contain a lot of valuable data and have many practical applications. The key technology of these practical applications is how to make machines understand the semantic structure of spreadsheets, e.g., identifying cell function types and discovering relationships between cell pairs. Most existing methods for understanding the semantic structure of spreadsheets do not make use of the semantic information of cells. A few studies do, but they ignore the layout structure information of spreadsheets, which affects the performance of cell function classification and the discovery of different relationship types of cell pairs. In this paper, we propose a Heuristic algorithm for Understanding the Semantic Structure of spreadsheets (HUSS). Specifically, for improving the cell function classification, we propose an error correction mechanism (ECM) based on an existing cell function classification model [11] and the layout features of spreadsheets. For improving the table structure analysis, we propose five types of heuristic rules to extract four different types of cell pairs, based on the cell style and spatial location information. Our experimental results on five real-world datasets demonstrate that HUSS can effectively understand the semantic structure of spreadsheets and outperforms corresponding baselines.
Morpho-phylogeny characterization of Linocarpon bambusina sp. nov. (Linocarpaceae, Chaetosphaeriales) associated with bamboo in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: ZHANG XIAN , DAI DONGQIN , DU TIANYE , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C. , TIBPROMMA SAOWALUCK
Published: February 2023

Yunnan Province (China) is one of the most bamboo-rich regions in the world. In this study, a saprophytic fungus was collected from dead bamboo in Yunnan Province. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, SSU, and tef1-α sequence data, our collections grouped within Linocarpon and formed a separate clade with high statistical support. The morphological comparison showed that our collections has some characteristics such as semi-immersed ascomata, fusiform asci, and ascospores with 28–30 septa, which are different from other species in Linocarpon. Therefore, based on morpho-phylogenetic evidence, our collection is identified as a new bambusicolous species in China and named Linocarpon bambusina sp. nov. A full description, photo plate, and a phylogenetic tree are provided for the new species.
Two new records of Begonia for the flora of India from Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: TARAM MOMANG , BORAH DIPANKAR , HUGHES MARK
Published: February 2023

We report two taxa (Begonia medogensis and B. asperifolia) as new records for the flora of India.
Improving Short-Term QPF Using Geostationary Satellite All-Sky Infrared Radiances: Real-Time Ensemble Data Assimilation and Forecast during the PRECIP 2020 and 2021 Experiments
Authors: Zhang Yunji , Chen Xingchao , Bell Michael M.
Published: February 2023

The Prediction of Rainfall Extremes Campaign In the Pacific (PRECIP) aims to improve our understanding of extreme rainfall processes in the East Asian summer monsoon. A convection-permitting ensemble-based data assimilation and forecast system (the PSU WRF-EnKF system) was run in real time in the summers of 2020–21 in advance of the 2022 field campaign, assimilating all-sky infrared (IR) radiances from the geostationary Himawari-8 and GOES-16 satellites, and providing 48-h ensemble forecasts every day for weather briefings and discussions. This is the first time that all-sky IR data assimilation has been performed in a real-time forecast system at a convection-permitting resolution for several seasons. Compared with retrospective forecasts that exclude all-sky IR radiances, rainfall predictions are statistically significantly improved out to at least 4–6 h for the real-time forecasts, which is comparable to the time scale of improvements gained from assimilating observations from the dense ground-based Doppler weather radars. The assimilation of all-sky IR radiances also reduced the forecast errors of large-scale environments and helped to maintain a more reasonable ensemble spread compared with the counterpart experiments that did not assimilate all-sky IR radiances. The results indicate strong potential for improving routine short-term quantitative precipitation forecasts using these high-spatiotemporal-resolution satellite observations in the future.

Significance Statement

During the summers of 2020/21, the PSU WRF-EnKF data assimilation and forecast system was run in real time in advance of the 2022 Prediction of Rainfall Extremes Campaign In the Pacific (PRECIP), assimilating all-sky (clear-sky and cloudy) infrared radiances from geostationary satellites into a numerical weather prediction model and providing ensemble forecasts. This study presents the first-of-its-kind systematic evaluation of the impacts of assimilating all-sky infrared radiances on short-term qualitative precipitation forecasts using multiyear, multiregion, real-time ensemble forecasts. Results suggest that rainfall forecasts are improved out to at least 4–6 h with the assimilation of all-sky infrared radiances, comparable to the influence of assimilating radar observations, with benefits in forecasting large-scale environments and representing atmospheric uncertainties as well.
A novel model-free adaptive terminal sliding mode controller for bridge cranes
Authors: Wang Tianlei , Tan Nanlin , Qiu Jiongzhi , Zheng Zhaoming , Lin Chengmin , Wang Hongmin
Published: February 2023

To achieve stabilisation control of an underactuated bridge crane system, a new robust control strategy for the sliding mode is proposed in this paper. It can realise finite-time-convergent stabilisation control under the conditions of model uncertainty, parameter perturbation and external interference. In contrast to the existing methods, our method does not need prior information of the dynamic characteristics of the bridge crane system, and can make the system converge to the equilibrium state at the preset time. Specifically, the nonlinear model of the bridge crane system is linearised with partial feedback, and adaptive signals are introduced. Then, according to the form of the transformed system, a fast terminal sliding mode surface is constructed, and an adaptive terminal sliding mode controller is designed. According to strict analysis, the proposed control law ensures that the system converges to the equilibrium point in finite time and provides the convergence time. Finally, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control method are verified by comparing the simulation and experimental results with existing methods.
The Temporal Dynamics of Stop Consonant Perception: Evidence from Context Effects
Authors: Liu Wenli , Pan Xiaoguang , Zhou Xiang
Published: February 2023

Empirical evidence and theoretical models suggest that phonetic category perception involves two stages of auditory and phonetic processing. However, few studies examined the time course of these two processing stages. With brief stop consonant segments as context stimuli, this study examined the temporal dynamics of stop consonant perception by varying the inter-stimulus interval between context and target stimuli. The results suggest that phonetic category activation of stop consonants may appear before 100 ms of processing time. Furthermore, the activation of phonetic categories resulted in contrast context effects on identifying the target stop continuum; the auditory processing of stop consonants resulted in a different context effect from those caused by phonetic category activation. The findings provide further evidence for the two-stage model of speech perception and reveal the time course of auditory and phonetic processing.
The Uncertain Certainty: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Personal Meanings of Death and Preliminary Insights Into Their Relationship With Worldview
Authors: Spitzenstätter Daniel , Schnell Tatjana
Published: February 2023

The present mixed methods study investigated personal meanings of death, i.e., concepts, views, and expectations associated with one’s own death, and explored their relation to worldview. To this end, a sample of 202 young, German-speaking adults completed the Death Statements Test, a new qualitative assessment tool, as well as quantitative measures of religiosity, spirituality, atheism, and agnosticism. Qualitative data was transformed to enable quantitative analyses. Results indicated that the spectrum of personal meanings of death is generally broad and multifaceted. The most prevalent view on death was “death as source of motivation and meaning in life.” The frequencies of emotionally positive and negative death meanings were relatively balanced, while neutral statements dominated. Relationships between participants’ death meanings and worldview dimensions turned out to be small but existent. The Death Statements Test proved to be a valuable and economic assessment tool, eliciting rich qualitative material on personal meanings of death.
Cognitive Functioning of Preadolescent Gymnasts, Including Bioelectrical Brain Activity
Authors: Bidzan-Bluma Ilona , Jochimek Magdalena , Lipowska Małgorzata
Published: February 2023

Our main aim in this study was to investigate cognitive functioning in young gymnasts. The study group consisted of 86 children, aged 10–12 years: (a) a criterion group of 41 juvenile athletes ( Mage = 11.23; SDage = 0.93) who trained six times per week; and (b) a comparison group of 45 children ( Mage = 11.11; SDage = 0.61) who were not involved competitively in sports but who were mostly quite physically active. We measured attention, memory processes, and bioelectrical brain activity in the central region (Cz; where there are connections to motor control, movement, and sensation). We found significant differences between our two participant groups in short-term memory, deferred naming memory, and long-term memory of visual material. Children who practiced gymnastics had a better attention span than those who did not, and children who were non-athletes but who undertook physical activity more frequently than five times per week had a different theta/sensory motor rhythm (SMR) brain wave ratio (with SMR higher), meaning that they felt calmer and more relaxed.
Sexual harassment and abuse in law enforcement: Best practices for creating safety for female officers
Authors: Williams Monnica T , Bartlett Amy , Zare Manzar , Custer Nathan , Osman Muna
Published: February 2023

Organizational culture, policies, and procedures can prevent or promote sexual violence. Lensed through a case study of one woman police officer and her abuse, this paper examines the organizational issues surrounding sexual harassment and abuse in law enforcement and the impact on officers' psychological well-being. We review issues surrounding workplace discrimination that pose hurdles to reporting. We present concrete guidelines for promoting gender equity, workplace safety, and accountability for reports of sexual abuse and misconduct in law enforcement. This paper is a call-to-action and resource to improve practices for managing sexual harassment and abuse to improve safety of female officers.
Fuzzy L1 adaptive controller for chaos synchronization of uncertain fractional-order chaotic systems with input nonlinearities
Authors: Boulham Ihab Abderraouf , Boubakir Ahsene , Labiod Salim
Published: February 2023

This research work proposes a fuzzy fractional-order [Formula: see text] adaptive controller to deal with projective chaos synchronization problems for a general class of uncertain fractional-order chaotic systems subject to unknown input nonlinearities (dead-zone and sector nonlinearities). The suggested control architecture includes a fractional-order sliding surface, a fuzzy system, and an [Formula: see text] adaptive controller. The latter consists of a predictor, a control law, and its adaptive mechanism. The fuzzy system takes the role of an online estimator for system nonlinear uncertain functions which helps in the handling of the input nonlinearities. A designed low-pass filter is placed within the input channel of the [Formula: see text] adaptive controller to ensure that the control loop is decoupled from the estimation loop, which preserves response robustness along with improving transient performances. Finally, the closed-loop stability is rigorously proved, and the acquired results are demonstrated by two simulation examples as well as a comparative study.
Partial eigenstructure assignment for descriptor high-order linear systems via proportional plus derivative state feedback: A parametric approach
Authors: Gu Da-Ke , Wang Rui-Yuan , Liu Yin-Dong
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we present a parametric method to design proportional plus derivative (PD) state feedback for the problem of partial eigenstructure assignment (PESA) in a type of descriptor high-order linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. By dividing the original eigenstructure into replaced and remaining parts and using the solutions to the high-order generalized Sylvester equations (HGSEs), complete parameterized expressions of PD feedback controller and the replaced part of the right eigenvector matrix are established. With the proposed approach, the unsatisfactory eigenstructure in the open-loop system is changed into the expected eigenstructure in the closed-loop system, while the satisfactory part in the open-loop system is retained. Meanwhile, the regularity of the closed-loop system can also be well-guaranteed by the selection of arbitrary parameters. Finally, a numerical example and a flexible-joint robot system are presented to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method, respectively.