bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved AlexNet with Inception-V4 for Plant Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Li Zhuoxin , Li Cong , Deng Linfan , Fan Yanzhou , Xiao Xianyin , Ma Huiying , Qin Juan , Zhu Liangliang
Published: September 2022

Timely disease detection and pest treatment are key issues in modern agricultural production, especially in large-scale crop agriculture. However, it is very time and effort-consuming to identify plant diseases manually. This paper proposes a deep learning model for agricultural crop disease identification based on AlexNet and Inception-V4. AlexNet and Inception-V4 are combined and modified to achieve an efficient but good performance. Experimental results on the expanded PlantVillage dataset show that the proposed model outperforms the compared methods: AlexNet, VGG11, Zenit, and VGG16, in terms of accuracy and F1 scores. The proposed model obtains the highest accuracy for corn, tomato, grape, and apple: 94.5%, 94.8%, 92.3%, and 96.5%, respectively. Also, the highest F1 scores for corn, tomato, grape, and apple: 0.938, 0.910, 0.945, and 0.924, respectively, are obtained. The results indicate that the proposed method has promising generalization ability in crop disease identification.
[Retracted] Ginkgolide A Participates in LPS‐Induced PMVEC Injury by Regulating miR‐224 and Inhibiting p21 in a Targeted Manner
Authors: Liu Zhonglin , Yang Yan
Published: September 2022

Most studies have focused on the protective effects of ginkgolide A against ischemia/reperfusion‐induced cardiomyopathy and injury of the brain, liver, and other organs, but there are few reports about the protection of lung tissues. This study was designed to clarify the protection of ginkgolide A against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (PMVEC) injury. PMVECs were extracted and fell into control, LPS, and ginkgolide A groups. Next, we delved into the growth activity and apoptosis rate of cells via the CCK‐8 assay and Hoechst staining, independently. Beyond that, western blotting (WB) was implemented for measurement of the expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and CDK inhibitor (p21) that pertained to the cell cycle. The target sites of ginkgolide A were confirmed by miRNA array and real‐time quantitative PCR. The relationship between miR‐224 and p21 was analyzed using dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Compared with the control group, the LPS group and ginkgolide A group had significantly decreased cell growth activity and relative expressions of cyclin D1 and CDK4 and elevated apoptosis rate and p21 expression. Pronounced elevations were observable in the cell growth activity and expressions of cyclin D1, CDK4, and p21, while the ginkgolide A group presented with a reduced apoptosis rate in comparison with the LPS group (P < 0.05). MiR‐224 was the target of ginkgolide A, which had targeted regulatory effects on p21. Ginkgolide A can modulate miR‐224 expression and regulate p21 expression in a targeted manner to enhance the resistance of PMVECs to LPS‐induced cell apoptosis.
Decompressive Hemicraniectomy and Favorable Outcome in a Pediatric Patient with Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
Authors: Barrientos Ricardo , Sisniega Carlos , Catueno Samanta , Hougen Robin , Hanna Ashley , Bhalala Utpal
Published: September 2022

We report a rare case of middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke in a teenage girl with initial improvement, followed by progression to malignant MCA infarction, requiring an urgent decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC). Additionally, we report improvement in all areas, including language, comprehension, and motor skills at discharge and the 4-month follow-up. This rare presentation highlights the importance of monitoring the neurological status of a patient with an MCA infarct for progression to a life-threatening malignant MCA infarct. This case report also highlights the importance of consideration of DHC for a favorable outcome of the MMCA infarction.
The Predictive Value of Three Variables in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Immune-Based Combination Therapies in Randomized Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hou Min , Xing Haiyan , He Shuangshuang , Yang Xue , Peng Dan , Li Yang , Zhang Qing , Zhang Pan , Ma Yunqi , Li Juan , Shan Jinlu , Liu Yao
Published: September 2022

Background. Sex, age, and International Metastatic Renal-Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) prognostic risk may influence the immune response. Nonetheless, the correlation between these factors and the survival benefits of immune-based combination therapies in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is controversial and undefined. As a result, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the potential differences of immune-based combination therapies on survival benefits from mRCC subgroups. Methods. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and http://www.clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception to March 17, 2022. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with mRCC treated by immune-based combinations vs. contemporary first-line therapies were included. Results. Five RCTs with a total of 4206 subjects were included. An OS and PFS benefit of immune-based combinations were found for patients of different sex, age, and IMDC intermediate/poor risk. No obvious difference in relative PFS benefit from immune-based combinations over the control group was found in patients of different genders (

P
=
0.71

, I2 = 0%), ages (

P
=
0.55

, I2 = 0%), or IMDC prognostic risks (

P
=
0.38

, I2 = 0%). However, the difference in OS benefit was significant regarding age (

P
=
0.009

, I2 = 85.5%) and IMDC prognostic risk (

P
=
0.004

, I2 = 82.2%). Conclusions. This meta-analysis found that immune-based combination therapies should not be restricted to certain patients with mRCC in gender categories. However, age and IMDC prognostic risk of mRCC patients are associated with different outcomes of OS and thus help identify those patients most probably to benefit from immune-based combination therapies.
Influence of Parallel Joint Spacing and Rock Size on Rock Bulk Modulus
Authors: Zhao Tao , Hu Gaojian , Wang Tao , Zhang Huan
Published: September 2022

The size effect on the bulk modulus of rocks has been reported by previous studies. The accuracy in selecting the parameter for the rock mechanics analysis determines further accuracy of the calculation results. Moreover, given the influence of the size effect and joint spacing, the rock bulk modulus often changes. Thus, it is essential to examine the size effect on the bulk modulus. This study elucidated the influence of rock size and parallel joint spacing on the bulk modulus using the regression analysis and 12 sets of numerical plans. The results demonstrated that the bulk modulus decreased with an increase in rock size, and the curve represents an exponential function. The bulk modulus linearly increased as the parallel joint spacing increased. Furthermore, the characteristic size of the bulk modulus linearly decreased as the parallel joint spacing increased. In contrast, the characteristic bulk modulus linearly increased as the parallel joint spacing increased. The specific forms of these relationships were also elucidated in this study.
Design and Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology-Driven Education and Teaching System in Universities
Authors: Zhang Fan
Published: September 2022

In recent years, many colleges and universities have been experimenting and exploring the evaluation of education and teaching system and have achieved certain results. In order to understand the quality of education and teaching system in colleges and universities, to improve the school conditions, and to promote the reform of teaching management, methods and means of evaluating the quality of education and teaching system in general higher education institutions are needed. Modern university education and teaching system should realize the combination of classroom teaching and practice teaching, and education and teaching system adopts the mode of the combination of on-campus practice and off-campus practice, so the design of teaching system is the key to the quality of teaching. Aiming at the current problem that talents cultivated by colleges and universities can hardly meet social demands in terms of engineering practice ability, innovation ability, and international competitiveness, this paper proposes the evaluation and adjustment of college education and teaching system driven by algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI). By designing the teaching system of talent cultivation, and then establishing a quantitative and controllable quality assurance system for practical teaching, a new mechanism for the design of university education system is further explored. Specifically, the framework of the instructional system is built with the aid of an actor-critic algorithm in reinforcement learning, which assists in the design of the university education system, allowing students to truly understand, master and flex their knowledge, and strengthening the correct understanding of the students’ internal learning mechanisms. The practical teaching effect shows that the AI-driven instructional designs are more popular with contemporary students and have higher evaluation scores. The numerical experiment results also show the stability of the instructional design, overcoming the drawbacks of traditional manual subjectivity in the design. AI-driven college education and teaching system is conducive to cultivating students’ solid technical theoretical foundation. Therefore, through the AI-driven teaching system to strengthen the training of practical ability, so as to comprehensively improve students' comprehensive quality and innovation ability.
Mine Personnel Positioning System Based on Dual-Wavelength Phase Unwrapping
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Zhang Lin , Zhao Zhixin
Published: September 2022

During the construction of coal mine laneway, due to the particularity of the geographical location and structure of the laneway, its accidents often occur, causing great trouble to the personal and property safety of the construction personnel. Therefore, according to the environmental characteristics of the coal mine tunnel and the positive correlation between the phase envelope range and the wavelength, this paper proposes a structural design of the personnel positioning system of the coal mine tunnel based on the dual wavelength phase unwrapping, which combines the coherent detection structure with the dual wavelength phase measurement method in digital holography. In order to reduce false positives in the position information, the synthetic wavelength is used to increase the spread range of the phase. The experiment shows that this structure can reduce the false positioning without reducing the positioning accuracy, and the average double wavelength phase demodulation can reduce the positioning false alarm by 82.5%, which greatly improves the accuracy of the prediction of the tunnel construction safety, brings great protection to the personal and property safety of the tunnel construction personnel, and improves the mining efficiency of the coal mine.
Cell Competition Shapes Metastatic Latency and Relapse
Authors: Kim Kangsan , Huang Huocong , Parida Pravat Kumar , He Lan , Marquez-Palencia Mauricio , Reese Tanner C. , Kapur Payal , Brugarolas James , Brekken Rolf A. , Malladi Srinivas
Published: September 2022

Cell competition, a fitness-sensing process, is essential for tissue homeostasis. Using cancer metastatic latency models, we show that cell competition results in the displacement of latent metastatic (Lat-M) cells from the primary tumor. Lat-M cells resist anoikis and survive as residual metastatic disease. A memodeled extracellular matrix facilitates Lat-M cell displacement and survival in circulation. Disrupting cell competition dynamics by depleting secreted protein and rich in cysteine (SPARC) reduced displacement from orthotopic tumors and attenuated metastases. In contrast, depletion of SPARC after extravasation in lung-resident Lat-M cells increased metastatic outgrowth. Furthermore, multiregional transcriptomic analyses of matched primary tumors and metachronous metastases from patients with kidney cancer identified tumor subclones with Lat-M traits. Kidney cancer enriched for these Lat-M traits had a rapid onset of metachronous metastases and significantly reduced disease-free survival. Thus, an unexpected consequence of cell competition is the displacement of cells with Lat-M potential, thereby shaping metastatic latency and relapse.

Significance:

We demonstrate that cell competition within the primary tumor results in the displacement of Lat-M cells. We further show the impact of altering cell competition dynamics on metastatic incidence that may guide strategies to limit metastatic recurrences.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Fault Lines in Financial Inclusion
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: September 2022

Financial inclusion has been a global development policy priority over the last two decades. Financial inclusion involves providing access to basic financial services and the use of basic financial services to improve the welfare of individuals, households, and businesses. This article identifies the fault lines or vulnerabilities in the way financial inclusion is achieved. These fault lines or vulnerabilities arise from the overreliance on profit-oriented financial institutions to achieve financial inclusion, the multiple self-interest in the financial inclusion agenda, the unsustainability of policyinduced demand for basic financial services, the lack of safety net to protect poor banked adults from systemic risk events, and the prevalence of financial inclusionwashing that allow agents to misrepresent their support for financial inclusion. The article argued that the world needs to pay serious attention to these fault lines and seek solutions that promote financial inclusion in a sustainable way. The ideas in this article can help policymakers, academics, practitioners, and researchers in assessing the fault lines created by financial inclusion policies and strategies as this is the first step to finding solutions to address the fault lines.
Additions to the description of the genus Brevisiphonaphis (Hemiptera, Aphididae)
Authors: STEKOLSHCHIKOV ANDREY V. , QIAO GE-XIA
Published: September 2022

During the final printing of our recent article on a new genus and species of tribe Macrosiphini from northeast China (Stekolshchikov & Qiao 2008), a table of data was omitted for reasons beyond the control of the authors. The Table is presented here, with measurements (in μm) and indices of extreme variants with the arithmetical means in brackets, for example 591–635 (611).
Blanchardaphis poikila syn. n. to B. capitophoroides and Blanchardaphis syn. n. to Lambersius (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini, Uroleucon)
Authors: ORTEGO JAIME , LICHT MEGAN A. , DURANTE M. PILAR MIER , DOHLEN CAROL D. VON , NAFRÍA JUAN M. NIETO
Published: September 2022

Blanchardaphis was erected for two Argentinian species of aphids very similar to Uroleucon, but distinguished by several characters. Here, we examined morphology and DNA sequences of Blanchardaphis specimens from Argentina and Chile. We further conducted a phylogenetic analysis to determine the relationship of Blanchardaphis to Uroleucon. We found minor morphological and genetic differences between Blanchardaphis samples based on geography, which appear to be population-level variation. On the basis of current evidence, we conclude that B. poikila (Ortego, Nieto Nafría & Mier Durante, 1997) is synonymous with B. capitophoroides (Blanchard, 1942), and that Blanchardaphis Ortego, Nieto Nafría & Mier Durante, 1998 is synonymous with Lambersius Olive, 1965 (subgenus of Uroleucon) sensu Nieto Nafría et al. 2007 or alternatively with the subgenus Uroleucon.
Canadaphis mordvilkoi, Kononova 1976 (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Canadaphididae)—redescription and neotype designation
Authors: OGŁAZA BARTOSZ , PERKOVSKY EVGENY E. , WEGIEREK PIOTR
Published: September 2022

Here we present a redescription of an aphis species Canadaphis mordvilkoi Kononova, 1976 based on a recently found specimen originating from the same locality as holotype (Yantardakh (Kheta Formation), Taimyr Peninsula, Russia). The new specimen is far better preserved and many characters invisible and not mentioned in original description are available for our analysis. As a result, we were capable to indicate affinities with other species belonging to the Canadaphididae family. As the holotype is destroyed we decided to designate this specimen as a neotype. We also provide the photos of the type genus of this family for the first time.
Taxonomic revision of the Tetraneura akinire species group (Insecta, Aphididae, Eriosomatinae), with description of a new species and a correction of a nomenclatural confusion
Authors: WATANABE TOMOKO , LEE WONHOON , SANO MASAKAZU , MURAKAMI KEISUKE , AKIMOTO SHIN-ICHI
Published: September 2022

Gall-forming aphid species Tetraneura nigriabdominalis and T. fusiformis and its closely related species are taxonomically revised. By referring to the original descriptions, the name T. nigriabdominalis (Sasaki, 1899) is discarded as an erroneous combination, and T. akinire Sasaki, 1904 is adopted as a valid name. The T. akinire species group is defined as having long claws in the first instar nymphs of the root generation. Of the T. akinire species group distributed in Korea and Japan, T. ovaliformis sp. nov., which induces globular galls on the leaves of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, is described, and T. akinire and T. sorini Hille Ris Lambers, 1970 are redescribed. A molecular phylogeny based on partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) indicates that T. akinire is composed of two clusters, one (type A) which is distributed widely from Europe to East Asia on Ulmus spp., and the other (type B) which is found in Hokkaido, northern Japan on U. davidiana var. japonica and in tropical regions as anholocyclic lineages. Tetraneura fusiformis Matsumura, 1917, which has often been treated as a junior synonym of T. nigriabdominalis, likely corresponds to type B. The taxonomic status of T. fusiformis is discussed and this species is tentatively considered as a junior synonym of T. akinire sensu novo.
Description of a new Myzocallis (Hemiptera Aphididae) living on Valonia oak in Southern Italy with DNA barcoding accounts on allied species-group
Authors: BARBAGALLO SEBASTIANO , COCUZZA GIUSEPPE E. MASSIMINO
Published: September 2022

The aphid Myzocallis macrolepidis sp. n. is described from the Apulia region, Italy, where it was collected on Quercus macrolepis. The new taxon has a pale-yellow colour in life as alate viviparous females and paler nymphs. Its life cycle remains unknown at present, as sexual morphs were not yet collected; nevertheless, being the aphid host plant a deciduous oak species, very probably the insect performs a monoecious holocycle. Morphologically most similar aphids are M. occidentalis and M. schreiberi from which the new species can be mainly distinguished by the different ratio of last rostral joint to second hind tarsomer and a few other morphological and ecological features. The molecular analysis also confirms the genetic difference of the new taxon from the other allied congeneric species, and molecular differences are briefly discussed.
New Lipaphis species (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Macrosiphini) from central Türkiye living on Sisymbrium sp. (Brassicaceae)
Authors: ÖZDEMÝR IŞIL
Published: September 2022

Lipaphis (Lipaphis) erdemi sp. nov. is described from apterous and alatae viviparous females collected in Central Anatolia (Türkiye) on Sisymbrium sp. (Brassicaceae). The new species is markedly different from the other species of the subgenus Lipaphis by having secondary rhinaria on the antennal segments III, IV and frequently V in apterous viviparous females, and always having secondary rhinaria on the antennal segments III, IV and V in alate viviparae. Other features that allow to separate the new species from the other species of the subgenus are presented. The new species is morphologically most similar to L. erysimi and L. pseudobrassicae. An identification key based on apterous viviparous females of the genus Lipaphis known from Türkiye is provided.
A second Aleurodicinae from the Eocene Baltic amber—Medocellodes blackmani gen. et sp. nov. (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Aleyrodidae)
Authors: DROHOJOWSKA JOWITA , TOMANEK NATALIA , GRÖHN CARSTEN , SZWEDO JACEK
Published: September 2022

A new genus and species of Aleurodicinae whiteflies from the Eocene Baltic amber is described. Medocellodes blackmani Drohojowska et Szwedo gen. et sp. nov. is the second representative of Aleurodicinae from Baltic amber, presenting mixture of plesiomorphic characters, as retention of median ocellus, with apomorphic states, shared also with other contemporaneous Aleurodicinae from Rovno amber. Morphological characters of the newly described fossil are briefly discussed.
A new species of Aphis (Aphidinae: Aphidini) feeding on Rubus from China
Authors: XU YING , JIANG LIYUN , CHEN JING , QIAO GEXIA
Published: September 2022

A new species of the genus Aphis feeding on Rubus ellipticus in China, Aphis rogeri Qiao sp. nov. is described. The new species is distinguished by the presence in life of successive pleuro-marginal wax spots, rostrum reaching over meta-coxae and short siphunculi. The new species is supported by molecular data and morphological features. An updated key to Aphis species feeding on Rubus is provided.
A new gall-producing species of Geoica Hart, 1894 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Eriosomatinae) from Israel
Authors: BARJADZE SHALVA , HALBERT SUSAN E. , BEN-SHLOMO RACHEL
Published: September 2022

Geoica inbari sp. nov., living on Pistacia palaestina Boiss. (Anacardiaceae), is described based on apterous fundatrigeniae, fall migrants, embryos of apterous exules within fall migrants (fundatrispuriae) and the first instar larva of an apterous exule borne by a fall migrant, collected in the Mount Hermon area of Northern Israel. The new species differs from all other known Geoica species in its mitochondrial DNA, and from those known from Pistacia by the shape of the galls. It makes ‘coral’-shaped galls, while all congeners produce spherical galls. The new species is a member of the Geoica utricularia group and morphologically resembles Geoica wertheimae Brown & Blackman, 1994.
Morphology, molecular phylogenetics, and DNA barcoding revealed a new unusual species of the aphid genus Pleotrichophorus from the USA (Insecta, Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: BARJADZE SHALVA , HALBERT SUSAN E. , MOORE MATTHEW R. , KANTURSKI MARIUSZ
Published: September 2022

Here, we present the descriptions of a new aphid species in the genus Pleotrichophorus Börner, 1930 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Macrosiphini), found by Kenneth L. Hibbard, inspection supervisor for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. It is associated with Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt. (Asteraceae) a native plant species in Florida, USA. Apterous and alate viviparous and oviparous females of Pleotrichophorus blackmani sp. n. are described and illustrated using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images of apterous viviparous female of Pleotrichophorus glandulosus (Kaltenbach, 1846), type species of the genus Pleotrichophorus, are given for the first time. Taxonomic notes are given, and an updated key to the apterae of the Euthamia-feeding aphids is provided. A multigene phylogenetic analyses of two New World Pleotrichophorus species places the genus in the tribe Macrosiphini sensu stricto. Pleotrichophorus glandulosus, the type species of the genus, was described from Germany. European specimens of P. glandulosus from France had similar molecular sequences to both Florida species, strongly suggesting that the new species belongs in Pleotrichophorus. COI and gnd sequence data indicate that P. blackmani sp. n. can be identified reliably by DNA barcodes.
Aphis mirabilis sp. n. (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidina), a South American species resembling A. craccivora, and further data on A. tropaeoli
Authors: NAFRÍA JUAN MANUEL NIETO , MORENO-GONZÁLEZ VÍCTOR , ORTEGO JAIME , FAVRET COLIN , DURANTE M. PILAR MIER
Published: September 2022

We examined 1367 apterous viviparae from 151 samples to study Aphis craccivora, A. tropaeoli and a third, possibly new species in Argentina, resembling both. Principal component analysis (PCA), followed by hierarchical clustering of principal components (HCPC), revealed clusters based on 33 morphological characters of 206 selected specimens. The delimitation of possible taxonomic entities was assessed by logistic regression. PCA confirmed that A. tropaeoli is a valid species. HCPC revealed the existence of a new species distinct from A. craccivora. Recently published data on the variability of A. craccivora, mainly regarding Asian populations, are presented and discussed; the general appearance of the sexuals of this species is also presented. The new species is described with the name Aphis mirabilis Nieto Nafría and Ortego sp. n., based on apterous and alate viviparae, oviparae, and males collected in Mendoza and Neuquén (Argentina) on Adesmia volckmannii (Fabaceae), Atriplex nummularia and At. lampa (Amaranthaceae), Bougainvillea spinosa (Nyctaginaceae), and Robinia pseudoacacia (Fabaceae). This new species has also been collected on plants of another 18 species from 8 additional families, although these specimens are not included in the type series. Features to distinguish A. mirabilis Nieto Nafría and Ortego sp. n. from A. craccivora are presented together with a logistic regression model. The males of A. tropaeoli are described. The list of host plants of A. craccivora in Argentina is updated.
Two species of Brachyunguis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) new to Iran, and a key to the Iranian species of this genus
Authors: BARJADZE SHALVA , ÖZDEMIR IŞIL , EBRAHIMI EBRAHIM
Published: September 2022

Brachyunguis dendrostellerae Kadyrbekov, 2014 and B. monstratus Kadyrbekov, 1999, both living on Diarthron lessertii (Wikstr.) Kit Tan. (Thymelaeaceae), are recorded for Iranian aphid fauna for the first time. The hitherto unknown alate viviparous females of B. dendrostellerae are described, and the little-known apterous viviparous females are redescribed. An identification key for apterous viviparous females of Brachyunguis species known from Iran is provided.
A new species of Metopolophium Mordvilko, 1914 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae) on Rosa beggeriana from Iran
Authors: MEHRPARVAR MOHSEN , ROKNI MOEIN , RAKHSHANI EHSAN
Published: September 2022

A new species of the genus Metopolophium Mordvilko, 1914 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae: Macrosiphini) is described and illustrated. Apterous and alate viviparous females, oviparous females, and apterous males of Metopolophium rogeri sp. nov. on Rosa beggeriana (Rosaceae) are collected from Kerman Province, Iran. The new species is morphologically most similar to M. alpinum Hille Ris Lambers, 1966, but is characterized by the low ratio of processus terminalis to basal segment of antennal segment VI, high ratio of siphunculus to cauda length and the presence of many more accessory setae on the ultimate rostral segment. This holocyclic aphid is monoecious and not attended by ants. The biometric data are given, and the key to the aphids associated with Rosa species in Blackman and Eastop (2021) is modified to accommodate the new species.
Two Co(II) and Zn(II)-Related Coordination Polymers: The Diversity of Structure and Treatment Activity on Orthodontic Root Resorption Repair
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Li Jing , Yang Xuan , Zhao Jing , Xu Baohua
Published: September 2022

Co(II)- and Zn(II)-related coordination polymers (CPs): [Co(OPBT)(GA)]n (1) and {[Zn2TTPA(GA)2] · 2H2O}n (2), where TTPA represents tris(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine) and OPBT represents
1.1′-(oxybis(1,4-phenylene))bis(1H-1,2,4-triazole), were prepared through mixed-ligand synthesis. The raw materials were flexible glutaric acid (H2GA) with Co(II)/Zn(II) nitrate salts, TTPA, and bi- and tritopic 1,2,4-disparate triazole derivatives. The application value of
the CPs in orthodontic root resorption repair was evaluated, and their relevant mechanisms were explored. ELISA assay was used in determining the content of tumor necrosis factor-α released in the gingiva groove. Then, real time RT-PCR was utilized in assessing whether the nuclear
factor kappa-B inflammatory activity was activated. Additionally, the CCK-8 method was used in investigating positive effects on osteoblast proliferation. Finally, the expression of the wnt protein in osteoblasts was detected with Western blotting assay.
PDA-PEG-Ce6-Mn Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Images-Guided Photo-Dynamic/Photo-Thermal Therapy
Authors: Xiao Feng , Huang Jie , Zhao Yi , Qu Hang , Yu Han , Wang Wei
Published: September 2022

One of the most common brain cancer type is gliomas. Although traditional multi-modal therapy has made some progress, overall poor prognosis and low long-run rate of patient’s survival still persist. Due to its selective, noninvasive and repetitive nature, photo-dynamic/photo-thermal
therapy (PDT/PTT) is considered to enhance therapeutic effect of glioma. We report a new type of polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticle with targeting ability and excellent PDT/PTT synergistic effect. The Mn2+ chelated nanocomposite material exhibited a favorable contrast T1-weighted magnetic
resonance images (MRI). In the U251 tumor-bearing mouse model, near-infrared (NIR) imaging and MRI-guided PDT/PTT achieved significant synergistic therapeutic effects compared to their single treatment methods. Conclusively, PDA-PEG-Ce6-Mn nanoparticle demonstrated high potential in the diagnosis
and treatment of glioma.
Public Infrastructure Strategically Supplied by Governments and Trade in a Ricardian Economy
Authors: Suga Nobuhito , Tawada Makoto , Yanase Akihiko
Published: September 2022

In a simple two-country Ricardian economy with public infrastructures, we consider a simultaneous and non-cooperate game between governments with respect to public infrastructure supply. Then it is shown that a country with larger (smaller) factor endowment exports a good whose production is more (less) dependent on public infrastructures, and both countries will gain from trade as long as factor endowment differs between countries. However, the following special features appear. (i) Any incompletely specialising country produces two goods at an inner point of the production possibility set. (ii) If factor endowment is the same between countries, the trading equilibrium is attained by the pattern of specialisation such that each country specialises in one good different from each other and both countries become better off. Which country specialises in which good is indeterminate. The result shows a typical case of symmetric breaking.

JEL codes: F11, H41
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 ameliorates high glucose-mediated proliferation, migration, and MCP-1 secretion of vascular smooth muscle cells by inhibiting MAPK phosphorylation
Authors: Kaizu Xu , Ying Wu , Mei-fang Wu , Li-ming Lin
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To explore the impacts of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) on the proliferation, migration, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) secretion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in a high glucose environment and its possible mechanism.

Methods

We extracted VSMCs from the thoracic aorta of a male Sprague–Dawley rats before culturing them in a 25-mM glucose-containing medium in the presence or absence of 1,25(OH)2D3 (10−9 –10−7 M). Cell proliferation was determined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays. Subsequently, cell migratory capacity was examined by performing a transwell assay. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to assess MCP-1 levels. Protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), cyclin D1, and phosphorylated MAPKs were determined by immunoblotting.

Results

1,25(OH)2D3 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and MCP-1 secretion of VSMCs mediated by high glucose in a dose-dependent manner, diminished the enhanced protein expression of MMP-9 and cyclin D1, and attenuated MAPK phosphorylation. The p38 inhibitor SB203580 and ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 suppressed high glucose-mediated upregulation of MMP-9 and cyclin D1 protein expression and MCP-1 secretion, respectively.

Conclusions

1,25(OH)2D3 ameliorates high glucose-mediated proliferation, migration, and MCP-1 secretion of VSMCs by inhibiting MAPK phosphorylation, implying a potential therapeutic approach using 1,25(OH)2D3 for diabetic macrovascular complications.
Off-Earth infrastructure assembly: A conceptual method for scaffoldless and mortarless component-based structures in static equilibrium
Authors: Konstantatou Marina , Navarro Perez Salvador C. , Piker Daniel , Dall’Igna Miriam , Gallou Irene
Published: September 2022

Extra-terrestrial infrastructure design and architecture are experiencing a resurgence due to the prospect of permanent human presence on celestial bodies such as our moon and Mars. There, the conditions and constraints within which structural design and assembly should be developed are extreme – for example, scarcity of processed structural material, labour, machinery and imports from Earth. Consequently, the guiding design principles for building off-Earth should include efficient In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) and reusability. Significantly, these aspects have striking similarities to some characteristics of our vernacular construction history on Earth, such as inherent material efficiency and use of local materials. The majority of contemporary proposals for off-Earth design concern 3D-printed monolithic structures which are not reusable nor reconfigurable. As a result, there is scope for developing component-based, recyclable infrastructure which is based on efficient ISRU. In this research paper, we propose a two-fold assembly and structural design methodology which synthesises three-dimensional geometries in static equilibrium and vernacular construction techniques for deriving scaffoldless, component-based structures. This framework is underpinned by the development of a bespoke mechanically interlocking system which enables mortarless construction. This minimises the need for importing material binders and maximises the reconfigurability and reusability of off-Earth infrastructure.
HIV-related Merkel cell carcinoma: A report of three cases from the UK
Authors: Panou Evdoxia , Nikolaou Christos , Payagala Sashini , Bakkour Waseem , Shaw Heather , Perrett Conal , French Patrick , Ratynska Marzena , Brock Cathryn , Rayment Michael , Bunker CB
Published: September 2022

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the skin is a rare, aggressive and often fatal neuroendocrine skin cancer. The incidence of MCC has significantly increased in the last decades. Factors that have been associated with the development of MCC include infection with Merkel Cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), ultraviolet exposure, hematologic malignancies and immunosuppression.We present three cases of patients living with HIV who were diagnosed with MCC. HIV cases associated with MCC have been rarely reported and to our knowledge, not yet before in the UK.
The emerging scientific public sphere in China’s digital economy: Weibo discussions on facial recognition technology
Authors: Guan Tianru , Chen Xiaotong
Published: September 2022

The present study investigates the Chinese public’s perception toward the widely adopted (and often accused of misuse) technology of face recognition. Through topic modeling and a social network analysis of 151,654 Weibo posts, we examine the “content dimension” and the “actor dimension” of civic discussions on facial recognition technology. Our results demonstrate that there is rising social concern and skepticism directed at the commercial use of this biodata-collected technology in China’s cyberspace, despite the state’s adoption, supervision, and regulation of facial recognition technology being broadly granted. Moreover, while our findings illustrate an extent of openness and equality within the public debates on facial recognition technology, they also show the Chinese government becoming an important “interlocutor” within the said debates, with discursive engagement from industry and academia largely marginalized. Drawing on the results, we suggest that further investigation into the formation of China’s scientific public sphere should be located within the broader context of China’s vision of a centrally planned digital economy.
Mid-Term Follow-Up in Patients with Biocor Porcine Bioprostheses
Authors: Bottio Tomaso , Rizzoli Giulio , Gerosa Gino , Thiene Gaetano , Casarotto Dino
Published: September 2022

Background:

Prosthetic cardiac valves have increased life expectancy of patients (pts) with valvular heart disease. Bioprosthetic complications required devices replacements within 10 years of implantation; structural valve deterioration (SVD) has emerged as the major cause of reoperation. We reviewed survival and prosthetic complications of Biocor porcine bioprostheses implanted in mitral, aortic and mitro-aortic position.

Methods:

Between January 1991 and January 2001 446 pts (192 males; 254 females; mean age 73.4±6.7 year, range 40–91) received 258 aortic, 138 mitral and 50 mitro-aortic Biocor porcine valves; of these 83 pts have previous different types of prosthetic devices (15 aortic, 53 mitral and 15 double). Concomitant cardiac procedures, namely myocardial revascularization, were performed in 91/446 pts (20.5%). All explanted bioprostheses (BPS) were available for pathologic investigation. Follow-up included 1319 pt.-years and was 98% complete with a median time of 36 pt.-months.

Results:

Perioperative mortality was 6.8% (30/446 pts; 12 aortic, 17 mitral and 1 double) and was mostly related to reoperations. At the end of follow-up 18.5% of pts died (77/416), 12 deaths were valve-related with freedom from valve related mortality of 94% at 9 years. Survival was 54% at 9 years. It was 63%, 41% and 62% for aortic, mitral and double valve replacement, respectively. At follow-up 87% of pts. were in NYHA I—II class and 13% were in III—IV class; 55% were in sinus rhythm, 36% in atrial fibrillation and 9% had a pace-maker. Eighty-five percent of pts were anticoagulated. There were 6 thromboembolic and 5 anticoagulant-related haemorrhagic episodes with no significant difference between aortic and mitral position ( p=0.7). The event freeedom was respectively 92% and 98.5% at 9 years. Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and non-SVD freedom were 96% and 93% at 9 years. SVD due to tissue degeneration, calcification and cusp's tears affected 2 pts with 94% freedom at 9 years. Overall freedom from all valve-related complications was 80% at 9 years and freedom from reoperation was 92% at 9 years.

Conclusions:

(1) Our intermediate-term follow-up of the Biocor porcine valve (BPS) showed excellent durability in all positions. (2) The aortic patients and especially the oldest group had better results than the mitral patients (41% vs. 63% 9 years survival, p=0.0004). (3) Higher mitral risk was related to higher prevalence of reoperations. (4) The incidence of anticoagulation-related complications is low in both aortic and mitral position without significant difference ( p=0.7). 4) A longer follow-up is required to get more information about SVD timing.
Hallmarks of Atherosclerotic Lesion Development with Special Reference to Immune Inflammatory Mechanisms
Authors: Lord R. S. A. , Bobryshev Y. V.
Published: September 2022

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease that starts during childhood and becomes clinically evident later in life. Atherosclerosis results from an interaction between diverse factors including lipid metabolism, blood coagulation elements, cytokines and hemodynamic stress. Humoral and cellular immune reactions are key events in pathogenesis with the balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory stimuli being crucial for the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Atherosclerotic lesions are characterised by the presence of immune competent cells including T-cells and dendritic cells. Dendritic cell interactions with T-cells might be responsible for T-cell activation in atherogenesis. Despite increasing acknowledgment that immune-inflammatory processes participate in atherogenesis. the immune mechanisms remain incompletely defined.
Choice of Material for Internal Carotid Artery Bypass Grafting: Vein or Prosthetic? Analysis of 44 Procedures
Authors: Roddy Sean P. , Darling R. Clement , Ozsvath Kathleen J. , Mehta Manish , Chang Benjamin B. , Paty Philip S. K. , Kreienberg Paul B. , Shah Dhiraj M.
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

Although infrequent, reconstruction of the internal carotid artery due to recurrent or extensive disease, tumor, or difficulty in completing the endarterectomy, may be necessary. Few studies evaluate the type of material used as conduit in regard to outcome. In this report we detail our results using both prosthetic and vein bypass of the internal carotid artery for atherosclerotic bifurcation stenosis.

Methods and materials:

All patients undergoing carotid artery reconstruction over the last 10 years were retrieved from our vascular registry. Those patients requiring bypass of the internal carotid artery were included. Demographics, indication, complications, and long term follow-up were reviewed. Chi square and log rank analysis was used to compare bypass with PTFE to those with vein as conduit.

Results:

Over the last 10 years, 44 reconstructions of the internal carotid artery were performed in 41 patients. Twenty-two procedures used prosthetic and 22 used vein. Asymptomatic carotid artery occlusive disease was identified in 14 of the 22 procedures with PTFE. and in 10 of 22 patients with vein. There was no operative mortality in the prosthetic group, and one patient died of a stroke (4.5%) in the vein graft group. There were no strokes or occlusions in the PTFE group. Two permanent neurologic deficits (9%) and one occlusion occurred in the vein bypass group. In follow-up, there have been no late occlusions in the PTFE group, and three in the vein group.

Conclusion:

While endarterectomy is the procedure of choice in carotid bifurcation stenosis, internal carotid artery bypass can be performed with reasonable outcomes whenever necessary. Prosthetic reconstruction of the internal carotid artery had acceptable results that was comparable to vein graft reconstruction.
The Pathophysiology of Skeletal Muscle Ischemia and the Reperfusion Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Blaisdell F. William
Published: September 2022

There are two components to the reperfusion syndrome, which follows extremity ischemia. The local response, which follows reperfusion. consists of limb swelling with its potential for aggravating tissue injury and the systemic response, which results in multiple organ failure and death. It is apparent that skeletal muscle is the predominant tissue in the limb but also the tissue that is most vulnerable to ischemia. Physiological and anatomical studies show that irreversible muscle cell damage starts after 3 h of ischemia and is nearly complete at 6 h.

These muscle changes are paralleled by progressive microvascular damage. Microvascular changes appear to follow rather than precede skeletal muscle damage as the tolerance of capillaries to ischemia vary with the tissue being reperfused. The more severe the cellular damage the greater the microvascular changes and with death of tissue microvascular flow ceases within a few hours—the no reflow phenomenon. At this point tissue swelling ceases.

The inflammatory responses following reperfusion varies greatly. When muscle tissue death is uniform, as would follow tourniquet ischemia or limb replantation, little inflammatory response results. In most instances of reperfusion, which follows thrombotic or embolic occlusion, there will be a variable degree of ischemic damage in the zone where collateral blood flow is possible. The extent of this region will determine the magnitude of the inflammatory response, whether local or systemic. Only in this region will therapy be of any benefit, whether fasciotomy to prevent pressure occlusion of the microcirculation, or anticoagulation to prevent further microvascular thrombosis. Since many of the inflammatory mediators are generated by the act of clotting, anticoagulation will have additional benefit by decreasing the inflammatory response. In instances in which the process involves the bulk of the lower extremity, amputation rather than attempts at revascularization may be the most prudent course to prevent the toxic product in the ischemic limb from entering the systemic circulation.
Issues concerning Consent in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery—The Need for Patient-Directed Improvements: A UK Perspective
Authors: Vohra H. A. , Ledsham J. , Vohra H. , Patel R. L.
Published: September 2022

Aims

To determine the extent to which informed patient consent for cardiac surgery corresponds with standard guidelines and to assess patient satisfaction with the consent process.

Methods

A questionnaire developed in accordance with consent guidelines published by the Medical Defence Union (MDU) and the Practicalities Of Producing Patient information (POPPi) Guide was administered to 82 patients after they were consented for cardiac surgery.

Results

Patients were informed about i) type of operation [ n=80, 97.5%] ii) reason for surgery [n=78, 95%] iii) surgical procedure [ n=77, 94%] iv) length of hospital stay [ n=73, 89%] and v) post-surgical care [ n=79, 96.3%]. However, a decreasing number of patients were notified about i) possible risks of surgery [ n=64, 78%] and ii) consequences of no surgery [ n=62, 75.6%]. Interestingly, patients received less adequate information about i) alternative methods of treatment ( n=34, 41.4%]. ii) future lifestyle ( n=55, 67%] and iii) medications following surgery [ n=40, 48.7%]. 81% ( n=67) were overall ‘satisfied’ with the information provided. More than 95% ( n=78) patients were invited to ask questions. The most commonly asked questions were about i) quality of life ii) length of operation and hospital stay iii) surgical procedure iv) consequences of no surgery.

Conclusions

The study has highlighted areas of informed consent in cardiac surgical patients that need attention. Although, patients were generally satisfied and well informed about the procedure, less information was presented covering alternative treatments, future lifestyle and medications. This was reflected in the questions asked by patients and their suggested improvements for the consent procedure.