bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial contributions to United Nations peacekeeping, 1990–2010: A new dataset
Authors: Passmore Timothy JA , Shannon Megan , Nadeau Morgan
Published: March 2022

Despite evidence that United Nations peacekeeping is a cost-effective tool for addressing civil and interstate conflict, it has consistently experienced financial shortfalls as member states neglect to pay their dues. To enable investigation into the dynamics of peacekeeping support, we present newly collected data on all member-state financial contributions to all UN peacekeeping operations from 1990 to 2010. The data also include dues assessed by the UN to gauge the extent to which states fall short of what they owe. We show that financial shortfalls are widespread and vary across both missions and contributors. The data offer opportunities to understand patterns of financial support for peacekeeping across states, missions, and time, and can ultimately provide insight into the factors that lead states to support international institutions and public goods. We illustrate how scholars can use the data with an analysis of the factors that drive states to meet their financial commitments. We find that wealthier states, those more engaged in global trade, democracies, and those that also contribute personnel to peacekeeping operations are the most likely to pay their dues. Conversely, the United States and countries in the Americas, Africa, and Asia are more likely to shirk part or all of their financial obligations in a given year.
Report of Low Incidence of Thrombosis with Early Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 from Two Saudi Tertiary Centers
Authors: Owaidah Tarek , Maghrabi Khalid , Alfraih Feras , Haroon Alfadil , Siddiqui Khawar , Alnounou Randa , AlOtair Hadeel , Alqahtany Fatmah S , Maghrabi Mohannad , Owaidah Mustafa , AlSaleh Khalid
Published: March 2022

Background

Thrombotic events can increase the COVID-19 associated disease mortality. The administration of prophylactic anticoagulants had been shown to decrease the incidence of thrombosis, mortality, and ICU admission rates in COVID-19 patients.

Aims

The present study investigates the rate of thrombosis with early anticoagulation prophylaxis, the various risk factors for thrombotic events, and the overall survival rate in hospitalized COVID-19 cases.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, 425 patients aged ≥14 years were included in the study who were hospitalized with COVID-19 related symptoms from March to October 2020 at two tertiary care hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) score was evaluated, and VTE prophylaxis was administered according to the hospital guidelines. Patients’ demographics, comorbidities, disease presentation, and sequential hematological profiles were also recorded. Samples were collected at different time points to determine the hematological profiles.

Results

Out of 425 with positive COVID-19 subjects, eight (1.9%) patients developed thrombosis during admission, with pulmonary embolism being the most common type. VTE prophylaxis was administered to 394 (92.7%) patients. These anticoagulants included enoxaparin (86.3%), heparin (12.7%), warfarin (0.8%) and apixaban (0.3%). Comorbid conditions were recorded in 253 (59.5%) patients. ICU admission rate was 28% (n = 119), with a median time to transfer to ICU of 1 day (r: 0-33 days). A trend of high VTE score (5.0) with ICU admission and mortality ( P = <.001) was observed. The observed mortality rate for our cohort was 5.9% (25 events out of 425); however, for patients admitted in ICU, it was 16% (19 events out of 119 admissions).

Conclusion

We are reporting a low incidence of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. We have demonstrated that the early administration of prophylactic anticoagulants might reduce the risk of thrombotic events and the associated mortality. We observed a higher VTE score and thrombosis in patients admitted to the ICU.
A fatal disseminated cryptococcal infection in a patient treated with zanubrutinib for Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia
Authors: Patel Dave , Sidana Megan , Mdluli Xolani , Patel Vallari , Stapleton Ann , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Zanubrutinib is a second generation, irreversible small-molecule Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTK) approved for the treatment of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, mantle cell lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma. As a class, BTKs have been linked with an increased risk of respiratory infections in clinical trials.

Case Report

We describe a 75-year-old patient who presented with generalized weakness, fevers, dyspnea, and dry cough four months after starting zanubrutinib therapy for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. He was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia. Septic work-up led to diagnosis of disseminated cryptococcal infection, complicated by fungal pneumonia and meningitis.

Management and outcome

Zanubrutinib was held on admission, and the patient was started on combination oral and intravenous antifungal therapy. Despite clearance of fungemia, aggressive resuscitation, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy, respiratory status deteriorated requiring intubation. His condition progressed to septic shock, multiorgan failure, and demise.

Discussion/Conclusion

We report herein a case of fatal disseminated cryptococcosis in the setting of zanubrutinib use for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. At the time of diagnosis, his Waldenström's macroglobulinemia was in a partial response. The mechanism by which Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKs) lead to invasive fungal infections in these patients remains to be explored. T- and B-cell immune defects accompanying low-grade B-cell lymphomas may contribute to the severity of these infections.
Possible Tacrolimus-Related Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: One Year After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Case Report
Authors: Løhde Linda W , Bentzon Adrian , Kornblit Brian T , Roos Peter , Fink-Jensen Anders
Published: March 2022

Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), an immunosuppressive agent used to prevent graft versus host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Side-effects of tacrolimus treatment include neuropsychiatric symptoms, for example, affective disturbances, psychosis, and akinetic mutism. The onset of side-effects is independent of tacrolimus blood concentration and can occur years after treatment initiation. To our knowledge, case-reports describing tacrolimus-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms following HCT are sparse. This article reports the case of a 60-year-old woman with T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, who developed memory loss, affective disturbances, and delusions, 1-year after HCT, and tacrolimus treatmentinitiation. Upon hospital admission, she was motionless and mute, albeit easily roused. The routine physical examination was without pathological findings. Blood work and microbiological analyses of blood and cerebrospinal fluid were normal. The neuroimaging showed chronic structural changes without relation to the debut of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Tacrolimus was discontinued on suspicion of tacrolimus-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms. The patient recovered within 48 hours of discontinuation. She was switch to prednisone treatment, and there has been no reemergence of neuropsychiatric symptoms since.
Livedoid Vasculitis in a Patient With Sjogren Syndrome Successfully Treated With Methotrexate
Authors: Aldehaim Abdulkarim Yousef , Alarfaj Abdurhman Saud
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Cutaneous vasculitis occurs in a sizable minority of patients with Sjogren syndrome. In addition, their response to different modalities of therapy is variable.

Case Description:

We present a case of a 66-year-old female with Sjogren syndrome cutaneous vasculitis in whom combination treatment with Rituximab and Azathioprine failed to show a favorable response. However, methotrexate proved to be an excellent alternative.

Discussion:

In cutaneous vasculitis, in addition to the necessary local therapy applied to the affected limbs, methotrexate produced a complete response when other treatment modalities failed. Therefore, it may be advisable to use methotrexate to treat cutaneous vasculitis before trying Rituximab.

Conclusion:

In cutaneous vasculitis associated with Sjogren syndrome, methotrexate can be an early effective therapeutic strategy.
The politics of data visualisation and policy making
Authors: Nash Kathryn , Trott Verity , Allen William
Published: March 2022

Data visualisation has become ubiquitous in everyday life, from seeing images in news media to tracking individual health indicators. While the effects of data visualisation on society and people have been explored within a range of literature, there has been far less attention paid to the interconnectedness of data visualisation and policy making. In this special issue, we explore how data visualisation matters for policy priorities, processes and outcomes; how it reflects the demands and constraints posed by specific policy problems; and finally, what data visualisations reveal about broader political, social, and cultural shifts and the implications for policy.
Under one roof: Material changes and familial estrangement in Puno, Peru
Authors: Narayanan Sandhya Krittika
Published: March 2022

Traditional, Indigenous houses in Puno, Peru, were built using adobe bricks, stone, and wood. Today, young Indigenous couples are building houses that utilize modern materials such as concrete, brick, and steel. In this paper, I analyze the effects that changing materialities of house construction practices have on the durability and breadth of kin-relationships in Puno . I argue that these changes are possible due to the kind of personhood that houses occupy within kin networks in the Puno and the Andes. Furthermore, I show how access to new materials allows younger families to build houses more quickly than their parents did, shortening the time to develop stronger kin relationships that were once afforded by building with traditional materials. These new materials affect the house's ability to make and maintain kinship in the future where the quality of kin relationships is directly influenced by the material qualia of the house.
How can critical reflection be promoted in professional learning communities? Findings from an innovation research project in four schools
Authors: Sæbø Grethe Ingebrigtsvold , Midtsundstad Jorunn H
Published: March 2022

This article presents findings from an innovation research project titled School-In, focusing on school staff’s reflection. Teachers in four schools participated in focus group discussions in the beginning and at the end of the innovation. Wackerhausen’s theory is used to understand reflection and how it develops in professional learning communities. Findings from the study indicate: (1) in the beginning of the innovation, reflection mainly of first order – focusing on how things are or should have been, and (2) at the end of the innovation, reflection mainly of second order – critical reflection on the school’s practices. Change is promoted by use of different reflective work forms in mixed groups, focusing on collective capacity and common expectations. The innovation releases teachers’ knowledge and experiences, enabling them to carry out second-order reflection and to critically analyzing their personal and the school’s practice.
Secondary debris resulting from concrete slabs subjected to contact detonations
Authors: Hupfauf Moritz , Gebbeken Norbert
Published: March 2022

As a consequence of terrorist attacks with explosives and malfunction of machinery detonations can lead to secondary debris on the protective side of a concrete wall. The term secondary debris in this context describes the debris resulting from a breakup of the loaded concrete structure in contrast to primary debris which results from the explosive or its casing. A test series has been conducted in order to investigate the physical phenomenology of the damaging process. A total of 15 reinforced concrete slabs with scaled thicknesses between 1.6 and 2.8 cm g−1/3 were loaded by contact detonations. The protective side of the concrete slabs was recorded with high-speed cameras during testing, and the damaged concrete slabs were measured with 3D-scans afterward. The acquired data will be evaluated for the velocity and mass of the secondary debris, to build the basis for an empirical model, which can make predictions about the occurring secondary debris. The objective of this paper is, to present the conducted experiments and propose the first part of an empirical model. This model predicts the geometry of the spalling crater on the protective side of the concrete slab, as well as the maximum velocity of the secondary debris. In following papers, the correlation between the mass and the velocity of the secondary debris will be derived from numerical simulations. With this, predictions can be made about the effects of the secondary debris on humans and installations on the protective side of the concrete slabs.
Prognosis of Patients With Brainstem Glioblastoma Based on “age, surgery and radiotherapy”: A SEER Database Analysis
Authors: Li Yitong , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Guo Wenchang , Lei Yuying , Hu Qilu , Guo Litao , Fan Ruitai , Liu Junqi , Sui Aixia
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Primary brainstem glioma is a rare tumor with a dismal prognosis that poses significant treatment challenges. The purpose of the current study is to identify and determine prognostic factors associated with survival in high-grade brainstem glioma patients. Methods: We gathered the data from the SEER database for the duration of years from 1973 to 2016 to examine the survival of patients particularly reported with the high-grade brainstem glioma and subsequently ascertained the potential impact of demographic features, tumor, and clinical characteristics on the overall survival of these patients. The survival patterns were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed between patients with or without radiation therapy based on age and surgical resection to investigate the effect of radiotherapy on overall survival (OS). Results: A total 232 patient's data were obtained from the SEER database and included in this study. The median overall survival was 8 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis delineated that the patients who were in younger age ( P = .001) and underwent surgery ( P = .001) exhibited typically a better prognosis. Among 232 patients, a total of 204 patients were categorized as radiotherapy group (RG) received radiation therapy whereas 28 patients were considered as nonradiotherapy group (NRG), who were not receiving radiotherapy. Radiotherapy was associated with an improvement in the overall survival without statistical significance ( P = .104). PSM was performed between RG and NRG based on age and surgical resection. After the PSM, 56 patients were included. Overall Survival was significantly different between both groups ( P = .038). Conclusion: Furthermore, the patients with high-grade brain glioma who received “both radiotherapy and chemotherapy” exhibited significantly longer survival compared to the patients who received chemotherapy alone. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment with surgery and radiotherapy were considered as the independent prognostic factors ( P < .05).
Osteoporosis in 10 years time: a glimpse into the future of osteoporosis
Authors: Adami Giovanni , Fassio Angelo , Gatti Davide , Viapiana Ombretta , Benini Camilla , Danila Maria I. , Saag Kenneth G. , Rossini Maurizio
Published: March 2022

Patients living with osteoporosis are projected to increase dramatically in the next decade. Alongside the forecasted increased societal and economic burden, we will live a crisis of fractures. However, we will have novel pharmacological treatment to face this crisis and, more importantly, new optimized treatment strategies. Fracture liaison services will be probably implemented on a large scale worldwide, helping to prevent additional fractures in high-risk patients. In the next decade, novel advances in the diagnostic tools will be largely available. Moreover, new and more precise fracture risk assessment tools will change our ability to detect patients at high risk of fractures. Finally, big data and artificial intelligence will help us to move forward into the world of precision medicine. In the present review, we will discuss the future epidemiology and costs of osteoporosis, the advances in early and accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis, with a special focus on biomarkers and imaging tools. Then we will examine new and refined fracture risk assessment tools, the role of fracture liaison services, and a future perspective on osteoporosis treatment.
What’s Really Going On in the South China Sea?
Authors: Raymond Mark , Welch David A.
Published: March 2022

Most analysts and commentators portray China's conduct in the South China Sea as a series of aggressive norm violations by an emerging peer competitor to the United States. We argue that this narrative misreads both the substance and dynamics of recent Chinese policy. Since 2016, China has strenuously sought – and largely managed – not to be in technical violation of the Philippines Arbitration Tribunal ruling despite having publicly disavowed it and has attempted to position itself as a champion of win–win co-operation. This stands in stark contrast to the previous four years in which China rather shockingly began asserting itself with little regard for either legality or diplomatic nicety – the period in which the “aggressive China” narrative gelled. What explains China's whiplash behaviour? Why has the international community largely failed to notice recent changes and adjust the narrative accordingly? We argue that the answers to these questions lie in an eclectic appeal to bureaucratic struggles, the regime's two-level game balancing domestic and international pressures, and psychological considerations. These do not, however, provide satisfactory accounts either of China's behaviour or of the international response in the absence of recognising the crucial importance of second-order rules for making, interpreting, and applying first-order rules in the international system. Social practices of rule-making, in short, provide vital context. Our analysis suggests a series of takeaways both for International Relations theory and for managing relations with China.
Halipanasterol, a New Sterol Isolated From the Marine Sponge Halichondria panicea
Authors: Van Kiem Phan , Trang Do Thi , Huu Tai Bui , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Hang Dan Thi Thuy , Thung Do Cong , Thi Thao Do , Yen Pham Hai , Huong Phan Thi Thanh
Published: March 2022

A new sterol (1) and 8 known (2-9) compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of the Vietnamese marine sponge Halichondria panicea (Pallas, 1766) by various chromatographic methods. Their chemical structures were determined as 5 α,6 α-epoxy-(22 E)-ergosta-3 β,7 α-diol-8,22,25-triene (1), (22 E)-ergosta-7,22,25-triene-3 β,5 α,6 β-triol (2), 3 β-hydroxycholest-5ene-7-one (3), cholesterol sulfate (4), 3-formamidotheonellin (5), para-hydroxybenzylideneacetone (6), indole-3-carbaldehyde (7), thymidine (8), and adenosine (9) by using a combination of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectral data, as well as by comparison with the previous literature. This is the first report of these compounds from H panicea. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxic effects on Hep-G2, SK-Mel-2, LU-1, and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 values of 9.27 ± 1.25, 11.34 ± 1.18, 15.45 ± 1.47, and 10.85 ± 1.19 µM (for 1), and 6.45 ± 0.77, 9.74 ± 1.03, 7.08 ± 0.64, 5.61 ± 0.39 µM (for 2), compared to the positive control compound, ellipticine, 1.60 ± 0.37, 2.53 ± 0.51, 1.82 ± 0.20, and 2.17 ± 0.66 µM, respectively.
Bringing back the social into the sociology of religion: A response to Jean-Pierre Reed
Authors: Altglas Veronique
Published: March 2022

This piece is a response to Jean-Pierre Reed’s review of Bringing Back the Social into the Sociology of Religion published in Critical Research on Religion. Aside from his appreciation for the contributions of this volume, Jean-Pierre Reed’s critique concentrates on three fundamental issues in relation to the agenda for a critical sociology of religion we advance: scientificism, interdisciplinarity, and politics. This response focuses on scientificism and politics in particular, since they are intimately related and at the core of this book’s evaluation of the subfield.
The Role of Procrastination Between Personality Traits and Addictive Mukbang Watching Among Emerging Adults
Authors: Kircaburun Kagan , March Evita , Balta Sabah , Emirtekin Emrah , Kışla Tarık , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: March 2022

The role of personality traits in the development of addictive use of different online activities has been extensively demonstrated in the previous studies. One new type of online activity is the watching of mukbang (the South Korean term for “eating broadcasts”). However, very little is known about addictive mukbang watching (AMW) and its relationship to personality constructs. The present study investigated the direct and indirect associations of Big Five personality traits (i.e., extroversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness) and dark personality traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, sadism, spitefulness) with AMW via procrastination. An online survey that comprised items assessing the aforementioned variables was completed by 222 university students who had watched mukbang at least once in the previous week. Path analysis indicated that extroversion was indirectly negatively associated with AMW via procrastination. Furthermore, conscientiousness, sadism, and procrastination were directly positively associated with higher AMW. Findings suggest that individuals may develop and maintain uncontrolled mukbang watching in order to procrastinate and personality traits may play a contributing role in this association.
Multilevel Analysis of Lifestyle and Household Environment for Toddlers With Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in Indonesia in 2007, 2012, and 2017
Authors: Lutpiatina Leka , Sulistyorini Lilis , Notobroto Hari Basuki , Raya Reynie Purnama , Utama Ricko Darmadji , Thuraidah Anny
Published: March 2022

Introduction. The morbidity and mortality rate of Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI) in children under 5 is relatively high in Indonesia. Socio-demographic characteristic is considered one of the factors causing ARI in Indonesia. However, no study analyzed the prevalence of ARI among toddlers and the differences among the determinant factors in multiple periods. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the prevalence trends and determinant factors associated with ARI symptoms in children under 5 in Indonesia in 2007, 2012, and 2017. Methods. This study analyzed cross-sectional survey data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Indonesia during 2007, 2012, and 2017. Bivariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression was performed using Stata version 15. The final results were expressed in Adjusted Odds Ratio (AORs) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results. The findings showed a progress in prevalence trends with a decrease in the percentage of children with ARI symptoms from 11.25% (2007), then 5.12% (2012) to 4.22% (2017). Risk factors for toddlers experiencing ARI symptoms were as follows: younger maternal age (OR: 1.13, 95% Cl 0.70-1.81 in 2007, OR: 1.72, 95% Cl 1.03-2.88 in 2012 and OR: 0.98, 95% Cl 0.48-1.97 in 2017), smoking habits of family members (OR: 1.12, 95% Cl 0.85-1.48 in 2012, OR: 1.23, 95% Cl in 2017), poor drinking water quality (OR: 1.12, 95% Cl 0.85-1.48 in 2012 and OR: 1.23, 95% Cl in 2017), unavailable toilet facilities (OR: 1.27, 95% Cl 1.04-1.56 in 2007, OR: 1.24, 95% Cl 0.95-1.63 in 2012 and OR: 1.28, 95% Cl 0.97-1.68 in 2017). Conclusion. There was a decrease in the prevalence of ARI symptoms among children in 2007, 2012, and 2017, with no prominent differences in other related factors. The lifestyle and household environmental factors such as the use of dirty fuel, the presence of smokers in the household, the poor quality of drinking water, unavailable toilet facilities in addition to the maternal age and child age were the determinant factors that must be prioritized and improved. Family self-awareness should also be enhanced for better prospects for toddler survival.
Early-Stage Lung Cancer Patients’ Perceptions of Presurgical Discussions
Authors: Schwartz Rebecca M. , Yip Rowena , You Nan , Gillezeau Christina , Song Kimberly , Yankelevitz David F. , Taioli Emanuela , Henschke Claudia I. , Flores Raja M. ,   for the IELCART Investigators
Published: March 2022

Background

Patients with early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have high survival rates, but patients often say they did not anticipate the effect of the surgery on their postsurgical quality of life (QoL). This study adds to the literature regarding patient and surgeon interactions and highlights the areas where the current approach is not providing good communication.

Design

Since its start in 2016, the Initiative for Early Lung Cancer Research on Treatment (IELCART), a prospective cohort study, has enrolled 543 patients who underwent surgery for stage I NSCLC within the Mount Sinai Health System. Presurgical patient and surgeon surveys were available for 314 patients, postsurgical surveys for 420, and both pre- and postsurgical surveys for 285.

Results

Of patients with presurgical surveys, 31.2% said that their surgeon recommended multiple types of treatment. Of patients with postsurgical surveys, 85.0% felt very well prepared and 11.4% moderately well prepared for their postsurgical recovery. The median Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Lung Cancer score and social support score of the patients who felt very well prepared was significantly higher than those moderately or not well prepared (24.0 v. 22.0, P < 0.001) and (5.0 [interquartile range: 4.7–5.0] v. 5.0 [IQR: 4.2–5.0], p = 0.015).

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the areas where surgeons are communicating well with their patients as well as the areas where patients still feel uninformed. Most surgeons feel that they prepare their patients well or very well for surgical recovery, whereas some patients still feel that their surgeons did not prepare them well for postsurgical recovery. Surgeons may want to spend additional time emphasizing postsurgical recovery and QoL with their patients or provide their patients with additional avenues to get their questions and concerns addressed.

Highlights

Pretreatment discussions could help surgeons understand patient priorities and patients understand the anticipated outcomes for their surgeries. There is an association between feeling prepared for surgery and higher quality of life and social support scores after adjustment for confounders. Despite these pretreatment discussions, patients still feel that they are not well prepared about what to expect during their postsurgical recovery.
A fragility-oriented approach for seismic retrofit design
Authors: Aljawhari Karim , Gentile Roberto , Galasso Carmine
Published: March 2022

This study proposes a practical fragility-oriented approach for the seismic retrofit design of case-study structures. This approach relies on mapping the increase of the global displacement-based ratio of capacity to life-safety demand ( CDRLS) to the building-level fragility reduction. Specifically, the increase of CDRLS due to retrofitting is correlated with the corresponding shift in the fragility median values of multiple structure-specific damage states, observing that a pseudo-linear trend is appropriate under certain conditions. Accordingly, a practical approach is proposed to fit such a (structure-specific) linear trend and then use it by first specifying the desired fragility median and subsequently finding the corresponding target value of CDRLS that must be achieved through retrofit design. The validity of the proposed approach is illustrated for an archetype reinforced concrete (RC) structure not conforming to modern seismic design requirements, which has been retrofitted using various techniques, namely, fiber-reinforced polymers wrapping of columns and joints, RC jacketing, and steel jacketing.
Guite, the spinel-structured Co2+Co3+2O4, a new mineral from the Sicomines copper–cobalt mine, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Lei Zhilan , Chen Xinghai , Wang Jianxiong , Huang Yingchun , Du Fangfang , Yan Zier
Published: March 2022

Guite (IMA2017-080), Co3O4, is a new mineral species and an important economic mineral found in the Sicomines copper-cobalt mine, located ~11 km southwest of Kolwezi City, Democratic Republic of Congo. The mineral occurs as a granular agglomerate, 50 to 500 μm in size, and is associated closely with heterogenite in a quartz matrix. Guite is opaque, has a dark grey colour with metallic lustre and a black streak. In reflected light microscopy, it is white with no internal reflections. The reflectance values (in air,Rin %) are: 27.0 (470 nm); 25.6 (546 nm); 25.2 (589 nm), and 24.6 (650 nm). The average of 20 electron-microprobe analyses is Co 71.53, Cu 0.58, Mn 0.67, Si 0.25, O 26.78, total 99.82 wt.%, corresponding to the empirical formula calculated on the basis of 4 O apfu: (Co2+0.92Cu2+0.02Si4+0.02)Σ0.96(Co3+1.98Mn3+0.03)Σ2.01O4.00, with Co2+and Co3+partitioned using charge balance. The ideal formula is Co2+Co3+2O4. Guite is cubic with space groupFd$\bar{3}$m. The unit cell parameters refined from the single crystal X-ray diffraction data are:a= 8.0898(1) Å,V= 529.436(11) Å3andZ= 8. The calculated density of guite is 6.003 g/cm3. The eight strongest observed powder X-ray diffraction lines [din Å (I/I0) (hkl)] are: 4.6714 (16.7) (111), 2.8620 (18.4) (220), 2.4399 (100) (311), 2.3348 (10.4) (222), 2.0230 (24.8) (400), 1.5556 (26.3) (511, 333), 1.4296 (37.7) (440) and 1.0524 (10.1) (731, 553). The crystal structure of guite was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and refined toR= 0.0132 for 3748 (69 unique) reflections. Guite has a typical spinel-type structure with Co2+in tetrahedral coordination with a Co2+–O bonding length of 1.941(1) Å, and Co3+in octahedral coordination with a Co3+–O bonding length of 1.919(1) Å. The structure is composed of cross-linked framework of chains of Co3+–O6octahedra sharing the equilateral triangle edges (2.550 Å) in three directions [0 1 1], [1 1 0], [1 0 1] with Co2+filling the tetrahedral interstices among the chains. Guite is named in honour of Prof. Xiangping Gu (1964–).
Targeting platelet-derived CXCL12 impedes arterial thrombosis
Authors: Leberzammer Julian , Agten Stijn M. , Blanchet Xavier , Duan Rundan , Ippel Hans , Megens Remco T. A. , Schulz Christian , Aslani Maria , Duchene Johan , Döring Yvonne , Jooss Natalie J. , Zhang Pengyu , Brandl Richard , Stark Konstantin , Siess Wolfgang , Jurk Kerstin , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Hackeng Tilman M. , Mayo Kevin H. , Weber Christian , von Hundelshausen Philipp
Published: March 2022

The prevention and treatment of arterial thrombosis continue to be clinically challenging, and understanding the relevant molecular mechanisms in detail may facilitate the quest to identify novel targets and therapeutic approaches that improve protection from ischemic and bleeding events. The chemokine CXCL12 augments collagen-induced platelet aggregation by activating its receptor CXCR4. Here we show that inhibition of CXCR4 attenuates platelet aggregation induced by collagen or human plaque homogenate under static and arterial flow conditions by antagonizing the action of platelet-secreted CXCL12. We further show that platelet-specific CXCL12 deficiency in mice limits arterial thrombosis by affecting thrombus growth and stability without increasing tail bleeding time. Accordingly, neointimal lesion formation after carotid artery injury was attenuated in these mice. Mechanistically, CXCL12 activated via CXCR4 a signaling cascade involving Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) that led to integrin αIIbβ3 activation, platelet aggregation, and granule release. The heterodimeric interaction between CXCL12 and CCL5 can inhibit CXCL12-mediated effects as mimicked by CCL5-derived peptides such as [VREY]4. An improved variant of this peptide, i[VREY]4, binds to CXCL12 in a complex with CXCR4 on the surface of activated platelets, thereby inhibiting Btk activation and preventing platelet CXCL12-dependent arterial thrombosis. In contrast to standard antiplatelet therapies such as aspirin or P2Y12 inhibition, i[VREY]4 reduced CXCL12-induced platelet aggregation and yet did not prolong in vitro bleeding time. We provide evidence that platelet-derived CXCL12 is involved in arterial thrombosis and can be specifically targeted by peptides that harbor potential therapeutic value against atherothrombosis.
Investigation of empty container shortage based on SWARA-ARAS methods in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Toygar Arda , Yildirim Umut , İnegöl Gani Mustafa
Published: March 2022

A shortage of empty containers has become a global crisis with more devastating effects than during previous periods when combined with various problems arising from the COVID-19, such as an increase in an imbalance of global trade between supply and demand, a decrease in the workforce, and restrictions by countries or regional quarantine practices. The absence of empty containers in regions where they are needed slows down industrial activities and locks the global supply networks, necessitating the use of alternative methods that are inefficient. Although this shortage causes many disruptions in global trade, solutions to the issue have not been studied in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the issues caused by the shortage of empty containers and to rank the appropriate solutions. Four main criteria and sixteen subcategories used to define the issues, as well as a multi criteria decision model comprising five criteria for the solutions, were proposed based on information from the literature, sectorial publications, and expert opinions. The issues’ weighted order of importance in our proposed model was calculated using the SWARA (Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) method; solutions were ranked using the ARAS (Additive Ratio Assessment) method. The results of the study revealed that the issues were ranked in importance as cost increases, uncertainty in the supply chain, volume loss, and increases in blank sailing announcements. Appropriate solutions were ranked as booking guarantee applications and information communication technologies, using shipper-owned containers, inducement calls, and E2E (end to end) delivery services.
QTL detection for bread wheat processing quality in a nested association mapping population of semi-wild and domesticated wheat varieties
Authors: Hu Junmei , Xiao Guilian , Jiang Peng , Zhao Yan , Zhang Guangxu , Ma Xin , Yao Jie , Xue Lixia , Su Peisen , Bao Yinguang
Published: March 2022

Background

Wheat processing quality is an important factor in evaluating overall wheat quality, and dough characteristics are important when assessing the processing quality of wheat. As a notable germplasm resource, semi-wild wheat has a key role in the study of wheat processing quality.

Results

In this study, four dough rheological characteristics were collected in four environments using a nested association mapping (NAM) population consisting of semi-wild and domesticated wheat varieties to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for wheat processing quality. A total of 49 QTL for wheat processing quality were detected, explaining 0.36–10.82% of the phenotypic variation. These QTL were located on all wheat chromosomes except for 2D, 3A, 3D, 6B, 6D and 7D. Compared to previous studies, 29 QTL were newly identified. Four novel QTL, QMlPH-1B.4, QMlPH-3B.4, QWdEm-1B.2 and QWdEm-3B.2, were stably identified in three or more environments, among which QMlPH-3B.4 was a major QTL. Moreover, eight important genetic regions for wheat processing quality were identified on chromosomes 1B, 3B and 4D, which showed pleiotropy for dough characteristics. In addition, out of 49 QTL, 15 favorable alleles came from three semi-wild parents, suggesting that the QTL alleles provided by the semi-wild parent were not utilized in domesticated varieties.

Conclusions

The results show that semi-wild wheat varieties can enrich the existing wheat gene pool and provide broader variation resources for wheat genetic research.
Association between early detected heart failure stages and future cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular events in the elderly (Copenhagen Heart Failure Risk Study)
Authors: Parveen Saaima , Zareini Bochra , Arulmurugananthavadivel Anojhaan , Kistorp Caroline , Faber Jens , Køber Lars , Hassager Christian , Sørensen Tor Biering , Andersson Charlotte , Zahir Deewa , Iversen Kasper , Wolsk Emil , Gislason Gunnar , Gaborit Freja , Schou Morten
Published: March 2022

Background

Early stages of heart failure (HF) are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and increased mortality, however the course of progression and the impact of non-cardiovascular comorbidities on adverse events in elderly high-risk patients are unknown.

Aim

To examine the risk of future cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV events in early stages of HF in a cohort of elderly patients (age ≥ 60 with ≥ 1 risk factor for HF and without known or clinically suspected HF).

Methods

A total of 400 patients (American Heart Association HF stage A: N = 177; stage B: N = 150; stage C: N = 73) from the Copenhagen Heart Failure Risk Study were identified and followed for the main composite outcome of a HF hospitalization (HFH), ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and all-cause death, recorded within the Danish nationwide registries. Non-CV hospitalization was a secondary outcome. Absolute risk was calculated by the Aalen-Johansen estimator.

Results

The median follow-up time was 3.3 years, total number of events were 83, and the 3-year risk (95% confidence interval) of the main outcome was 12.8% (7.8–17.9), 22.8% (16.1–29.6) and 31.8% (21.0–42.6) for patients with stage A, B, and C, respectively. 1.1% (0.0–2.7), 3.4% (1.0–6.3) and 10.0% (2.8–16.3) experienced HFH as their first event, whereas 37.3% (30.2–44.4), 49.7% (41.6–57.8) and 54.8% (43.4–66.2) were admitted for non-CV causes as their first event.

Conclusion

The risk of HFH, IHD, stroke and all-cause death increased with severity of HF stage, and 10% of patients with undiagnosed HF stage C were admitted for HF within 3 years. However, the risk of non-CV hospitalizations was greater compared to the risk of experiencing HFH.
Barriers and facilitators to providing home-based care in a pandemic: policy and practice implications
Authors: Bell Sue Anne , Krienke Lydia , Brown Allyson , Inloes Jen , Rettell Zoe , Wyte-Lake Tamar
Published: March 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study is to describe the experiences of home-based care providers (HBCP)  in providing care to older adults during the pandemic in order to inform future disaster planning, including during pandemics.

Design

Qualitative inquiry using an abductive analytic approach.

Setting and participants

Home-based care providers in COVID-19 hotspots.

Methods

Telephone interviews were conducted with 27 participants (administrators, registered nurses and other members of the allied healthcare team), who provided in-home care during the pandemic in Medicare-certified home health agencies. Interviews focused on eliciting experiences from HBCP on challenges and successes in providing home-based care to older adults, including barriers to care and strategies employed to keep patients, and providers, safe in their homes during the pandemic.

Results

Data was distilled into four major themes that have potential policy and practice impact. These included disrupted aging-in-place resources, preparedness actions contributing to readiness for the pandemic, limited adaptability in administrative needs during the pandemic and challenges with unclear messaging from public health officials.

Conclusions

Home-based care plays an essential role in maintaining the health of older adults in disaster contexts, including pandemics. Innovative solutions, informed by policy that generate evidence-based best practices to support HBCP are needed to reduce barriers and increase protective factors, in order to maintain continuity of care for this vulnerable population during disruptive events.
Prior pregnancy complications and maternal cardiovascular disease in young Korean women within 10 years after pregnancy
Authors: Cho Geum Joon , Um Ji Soo , Kim Sa Jin , Han Sung Won , Lee Soo Bin , Oh Min-Jeong , Shin Jae Eun
Published: March 2022

Background

This study aimed to compare obstetric outcomes in Korean women with and without future cardiovascular disease (CVD) within 10 years after pregnancy, and assessed whether pregnancy complications are independent risk factors, and whether the combination of pregnancy complications has an additive function for risk factors for CVD.

Methods

This was a nationwide population-based study combining the database of the Korea National Health Insurance claims and National Health Screening Programs to assess preeclampsia, low birth weight (LBW), and preterm delivery as risk factors for CVD. Cox proportional hazards models was used to evaluate the risk of total CVD, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke after the pregnancy complications, with adjustment for potential confounding variables.

Results

Women with CVD were likely to have a higher prevalence of pregnancy complications than women without CVD. The risk of total CVD was associated with preeclampsia (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50–1.72]), LBW (1.20 [1.12–1.28]), and preterm delivery (1.32 [1.22–1.42]), after adjustment for confounders, including cardiovascular risk factors before pregnancy. The risk estimates of pregnancy complications for IHD were higher than those for stroke. In this study, the risk of total CVD was higher in the combined presence of preeclampsia and preterm delivery (2.23 [1.57–3.17] or all three complications (2.06 [1.76–2.40]), relative to no complications. The highest HR was noted in the risk of all pregnancy complications for IHD (2.39 [1.98–2.89]).

Conclusion

Preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and LBW were independently associated with CVD in young Korean women. In addition, the combination of pregnancy complications had less-than-additive effects on CVD incidence.
Previous exposure to antipsychotic drug treatment is an effective predictor of metabolic disturbances experienced with current antipsychotic drug treatments
Authors: Yang Ye , Xie Peng , Long Yujun , Huang Jing , Xiao Jingmei , Zhao Jingping , Yue Weihua , Wu Renrong
Published: March 2022

Background

Antipsychotic drugs are associated with adverse events, but serious side effects are not frequent. This study aimed to ascertain whether previous exposure to antipsychotic treatment was associated with metabolic disturbances induced by current antipsychotic medication.

Methods

A total of 115 antipsychotic-naïve patients, 65 patients with previous exposure to low-metabolic-risk antipsychotics, and 88 patients with previous exposure to high-metabolic-risk antipsychotics were enrolled in our case-control study. All patients were administered olanzapine. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), biochemical indicators of blood glucose and lipids, the proportion of patients who gained more than 7% of their body weight at baseline, and the percentage of dyslipidemia were evaluated. All assessments were conducted at baseline and at 4 and 6 weeks after treatment.

Results

Olanzapine treatment resulted in a significant increase in body weight and BMI in antipsychotic-naïve patients compared with the other two groups (both p < 0.05). However, increases in lipid levels in the high-metabolic-risk antipsychotics group were significantly higher than that in the other two groups (both p < 0.05). A history of antipsychotics use was not associated with weight gain (all p > 0.05). Higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥3.37 mmol/L–1 was observed in antipsychotics exposure group compared with no history of antipsychotics exposure (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.07-3.52). Particularly, a history of high-metabolic-risk antipsychotics use was associated with a higher risk of LDL-C ≥3.37 mmol/L–1(aOR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.03-3.32) compare with other two groups.

Conclusions

A history of exposure to antipsychotics, particularly high-metabolic-risk antipsychotics, is associated with current antipsychotic-induced metabolic disturbances.
Radial arteriovenous fistula complicated with ischemic steal syndrome after transradial cardiac catheterization: a case report and literature review
Authors: Gu Fengming , Yu Jiong , Mi Jingyi
Published: March 2022

Background

The radial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare complication occurring after transradial cardiac catheterization. Patients with AVF typically present with signs of venous dilation, such as swelling or palpable thrills. However, neurological complications secondary to radial AVFs are rare. This paper reported a rare case of ischemic steal syndrome that occurred 11 months after the transradial cardiac catheterization, most likely as a consequence of radial arteriovenous fistula.

Case presentation

This paper described a case of a 73-year-old female, who complained of right forearm swelling and radial 1–3 fingers numbness for several months after the catheterized stent surgery through radial approach. Upon Clinical examination, this patient presented with a slight bump and palpable thrill at the distal third of right forearm, and the sensory of radial 1–3 fingers and pinch force was compromised. The Ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the upper extremity revealed AVF between the right radial artery and the adjacent vein. Microsurgery was performed successfully to ligate the fistula and reconstruct the radial artery. The numbness has gradually improved about 1 week after the surgery, with no recurred swelling. The two-point pinch force and digital sensitivity recovered at the 20-month follow-up. What’s more, due to the scarcity of cases, the optimal therapy for iatrogenic radial AVF is controversial. Accordingly, we provided a literature review of previous reports of catheter-related radial AVFs and proposed an algorithm to manage them.

Conclusions

We believe that once an AVF is diagnosed, early treatment options such as compression or surgery are necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications. Otherwise, serious complications can occur, including the ischemic steal syndrome.