bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Differentiation is the Dominant Prognostic Factor for Patients with Colorectal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms with Distant Metastasis
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Shi Susheng , Ren Hongchang , Liu Qian
Published: December 2022

Purpose. Colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors. The prognosis and prognostic factors of metastatic colorectal NENs have not been fully elucidated. Methods. We retrospectively enrolled 77 consecutive patients diagnosed with colorectal NENs with synchronous distant metastases between 2000 and 2021. All patients were assigned to the neuroendocrine tumor (NET) group or the neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) group based on histological differentiation. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize confounding bias. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the survival rates. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. Results. In total, 35 (45.5%) and 42 (54.5%) patients had well-differentiated NETs and poorly differentiated NECs, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was 26 months for the entire cohort, and the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS rates were 69.4%, 41.4%, and 27.8%, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, the median OS was 62 and 10 months for NETs and NECs, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with a primary tumor located in the colon, ulcerative tumors and poorly differentiated tumors were at higher risk for poorer progression-free survival (PFS) and OS. However, only histological differentiation was identified as an independent factor affecting OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 8.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.98–23.01,

P
<
0.001

) in multivariate analysis. After PSM, histological differentiation was further confirmed as the dominant factor affecting OS (HR = 6.09, 95% CI: 1.96–18.95,

P
=
0.002

)). Conclusion. Histological differentiation was the most dominant prognostic factor in patients with metastatic colorectal NENs. Patients with well-differentiated NETs had a good chance of long-term survival.
Liangxue Tongyu Prescription Alleviates Brain Damage in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage Rats by Regulating Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zhang Zijian , Sun Yingying , Zhou Dandan , Zhao Yang , Li Jianxiang , Guo Weifeng
Published: December 2022

Background. Liangxue Tongyu prescription (LTP) is a commonly used formula for acute intracerebral hemorrhage (AICH) in clinical practice that has significant ameliorative effects on neurological deficits and gastrointestinal dysfunction, yet the mechanism remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathway by which LTP alleviates brain damage in AICH rats. Methods. The AICH rat models were established by autologous caudal arterial blood injection. The neurological function scores were evaluated before and after treatment. The water content and the volume of Evans blue staining in the brain were measured to reflect the degree of brain damage. RT-PCR was used to detect the inflammatory factors of the brain. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), occludin (OCLN), and claudin (CLDN) in the brain and colon, followed by mucin 2 (MUC2), secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) in the colon. Flow cytometry was used to detect the ratios of helper T cells 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in peripheral blood, and the vagus nerve (VN) discharge signals were collected. Results. LTP reduced the brain damage of the AICH rats. Compared with the model group, LTP significantly improved the permeability of the colonic mucosa, promoted the secretion of MUC2, SigA, and GPR43 in the colon, and regulated the immune balance of peripheral T cells. The AICH rats had significantly faster VN discharge rates and lower amplitudes than normal rats, and these abnormalities were corrected in the LTP and probiotics groups. Conclusion. LTP can effectively reduce the degree of brain damage in AICH rats, and the mechanism may be that it can play a neuroprotective role by regulating the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier.
Dry Reforming of Methane with Mesoporous Ni/ZrO2 Catalyst
Authors: Azeem Subhan , Aslam Rabya , Saleem Mahmood
Published: December 2022

Dry reforming of methane has exhibited significant environmental benefits as it utilizes two major greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) to produce synthesis gas, a major building block for hydrocarbons. This process has gained industrial attention as catalyst deactivation due to coke deposition being a major hindrance. The present study focuses on the dry reforming of methane over Ni-supported mesoporous zirconia support. Ni metal was loaded over in-house synthesized mesoporous zirconia within the 0–15 wt% range using the wet impregnation method. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalysts were studied using various characterization techniques, namely, XRD, SEM, FTIR, TGA, and N2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The activity of all the catalysts was evaluated at 750°C and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 72000 ml/h/gcat for 9 hours (540 min). The deactivation factor indicating a loss in conversion with time is reported for each catalyst. 10 wt% Ni/ZrO2 showed the highest feed conversion of about 68.8% for methane and 70.2% for carbon dioxide and the highest stability (15.1% deactivation factor and 21% weight loss) for dry reforming of methane to synthesis gas.
Desquamated Epithelial Cells of Unstimulated Human Whole Saliva Express Both EGF Transcript and Protein
Authors: Aidoukovitch Alexandra , Bodahl Sara , Tufvesson Ellen , Nilsson Bengt-Olof
Published: December 2022

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate if desquamated oral epithelial cells (DOECs) express the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and if these cells thereby may contribute to salivary EGF contents. Background. DOECs have recently been shown to harbor the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, proposing that they may also store other biologically important salivary peptides/proteins. The EGF peptide is a growth factor which plays a critical role to maintain epithelial integrity and promote epithelial healing. The EGF is produced by salivary glands, but it is not known whether DOECs contain the EGF and thereby contribute to salivary EGF levels. Materials and Methods. DOECs were isolated from unstimulated whole saliva collected from four healthy volunteers. EGF protein expression was determined in cell lysates by dot blot and ELISA. Cellular distribution of cytokeratin, the proliferation marker Ki67, and EGF immunoreactivity were assessed by immunocytochemistry. EGF gene expression was investigated by qPCR. Expression of EGF transcript and protein in DOECs was compared to that in the human cultured keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells. Results. EGF protein expression was detected in DOEC cell lysates by both dot blot and ELISA. Strong cytoplasmic EGF immunoreactivity was observed in DOECs, although some cells showed only a weak immunoreactive signal for EGF. Moreover, DOECs, besides containing EGF protein, also expressed transcript for EGF. Interestingly, ELISA analysis revealed that EGF protein contents were higher in DOECs than in HaCaT cells. ELISA analysis also disclosed that EGF concentration was about 10 times higher in whole saliva compared to DOECs. EGF transcript expression was about 50% lower in HaCaT cells stimulated with high (10%) compared to low (0.1%) concentration of fetal bovine serum, representing growth-stimulated and growth-restricted conditions, respectively, implying that growth-stimulus exerts negative feedback on EGF gene activity in HaCaT cells. Conclusion. Here, we show for the first time that DOECs express the EGF, arguing that these cells contribute to salivary EGF contents and hence may play a role in gingival epithelial repair and wound healing.
Performance of Prestressed Anchor Cables Supporting Deep Foundation Pit of a Subway Station during Spring Thaw
Authors: Feng Chuntao , Cheng Zhihe , Zhu Lei
Published: December 2022

Based on the deep foundation pit for a subway station in Changchun (China), a 3D numerical model of water–heat coupling in a prestressed pile anchor system was established to determine its performance in freezing and thawing seasons in alpine areas. Its reliability was confirmed using field monitoring data on the prestressed anchor cables, which demonstrated changes in surface subsidence, anchor cable axial force, and pile horizontal displacement during spring thaw. The results demonstrated different degrees of elevation of the ground surface at the beginning of the spring thaw depending on whether the ground surface was at 2, 5, or 8 m from the pit excavation surface. Moreover, they demonstrated the occurrence of melting and surface subsidence when the temperature rises above 0°C, and that the axial force of the anchor cables fluctuates at the beginning of spring thaw but stabilizes in its middle and late stages. The phenomenon of pile horizontal displacement during the spring thaw could be roughly divided into three stages, with the second stage resulting in the most significant displacement. These results can provide certain reference for deep foundation pit projects in alpine areas.
A Coordination Mechanism for Scheduling Game on Parallel-Batch Machines with Deterioration Jobs
Authors: Yu Ganhua
Published: December 2022

In this study, we consider a parallel-batch machines scheduling game problem with deterioration jobs. The processing time of a job is a simple linear function of its starting time. Each of the parallel-batch machines can process up to

B

jobs simultaneously as a batch. The processing time of a batch is the processing time of the job with the longest deteriorating rate in the batch. All jobs in the same batch start and complete at the same time. Each job as an agent and its individual cost is the completion time of the job. We present a coordination mechanism for the scheduling game problem with social cost of minimizing the makespan in this paper, namely fully batch longest deteriorating rate. For this problem, we precisely quantify the inefficiency of Nash equilibrium by the logarithm price of anarchy. It is defined to be the ratio between the logarithm of social cost of the worst Nash equilibrium and the logarithm of social cost of an optimum schedule. In addition, we discuss the existence of Nash equilibrium and present an upper bound and lower bounds on the logarithm price of anarchy of the coordination mechanism. We show that the mechanism has a logarithm price of anarchy at most

2
−

1
/

3
 
m
a
x
 

m
,
B

−

2
/

3
B

.
Synthesis, Structure, and Hydrolytic Activation of Ruthenium (III)-Pyrazole Complex
Authors: Planques Mylene , Shyam Arushi , Perkins Richard S. , Fronczek Frank R. , Srivastava Radhey S.
Published: December 2022

We report here the synthesis of water-soluble mer-[RuCl3(DMSO-S) (pyz)2] 2 prepared by the reaction of mer-RuCl3(DMSO-S)31 with pyrazole in anhydrous CH2Cl2. Compound 2 was characterized by IR and UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, and DFT calculations. The X-ray diffraction analysis disclosed that compound 2 has two independent molecules present in the asymmetric unit with different conformations for one of the pyrazoles and different hydrogen bonding. The DFT calculations suggest the structure-activity relationship and hydrolytic activity of these complexes.
Advanced Vector Controller for a Four-Switch Three-Phase Rectifier under Unbalanced Grid Voltage
Authors: Alizadeh Bidgoli M. , Honarbari S.
Published: December 2022

One of the main challenges of a four-switch three-phase rectifier (FSTPR) is a DC imbalance in capacitor voltages. On the other hand, under unbalanced grid voltage conditions, unbalanced three-phase input current and the DC-link voltage affect the performance of the FSTPR. Although many papers focus on designing a controller to balance DC-link capacitor voltage, a few papers are available to cope with the imbalance of DC-link capacitor voltages and input current simultaneously under unbalanced grid voltage. In this paper, first, the operation of the FSTPR under unbalanced grid voltage conditions is investigated. It can be seen that under these conditions, the oscillatory parts of the active and reactive input power, i.e., sin and cos components, are the leading cause of the problems that can severely degrade the FSTPR performance of the controller. Therefore, this paper presents a promising control technique to eliminate the mentioned oscillation components. Aiming at this purpose, the current control loops in the dq axis are divided into two positive and negative sequences, i.e., idq+ and idq−. Simulation results in MATLAB/SimPowerSystem™ show that the proposed controller can reduce the output voltage ripple, the total harmonic distortion, and the unbalancing of input current compared to a conventional controller. Under these conditions, the DC-link capacitor voltages are more balanced, significantly reducing the voltage limiter of the FSTPR.
Study on the Low Temperature Cracking Mechanism of Steel Slag Asphalt Mixture by Macroscale and Microscale Tests
Authors: Wang Lan , Bai Xuefeng
Published: December 2022

Steel slag’s physical and mechanical properties are close to natural gravel, which can replace natural aggregate with paving asphalt mixture pavement. Based on macro- and microscales, it is necessary to study the low-temperature cracking characteristics of steel slag asphalt mixture (SAM). This paper aims to study the low-temperature cracking characteristics and influence mechanism of steel slag asphalt mixture by macro- and microscale tests. This article analyzes the strain field distribution and cracks propagation law of SAM at low temperatures by the three-point bending test combined with digital image correlation (DIC). The microscopic pore characteristics of SAM were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Based on fracture mechanics and weight function theory, the variation law of the stress intensity factor at the crack tip of the asphalt mixture with crack propagation is derived. The correlation between microscopic pores and low-temperature cracking characteristics of asphalt mixture was analyzed based on the grey correlation theory. The results show that SAM has more small and less large pores, and its total porosity is lesser than that of the basalt asphalt mixture (BAM). The initial elastic stage of SAM resisting bending deformation is longer than that of BAM, the bending strain energy density (dW/dV) is larger, and the crack penetration is slower. The horizontal strain energy density (DE) of SAM is greater than BAM, and the crack tip stress is greater. The porosity correlates well with the low-temperature crack resistance of the asphalt mixture.
Edoxaban Monotherapy in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Fukamachi Daisuke , Okumura Yasuo , Matsumoto Naoya , Tachibana Eizo , Oiwa Koji , Ichikawa Makoto , Haruta Hironori , Nomoto Kazumiki , Arima Ken , Hirayama Atsushi
Published: December 2022

Background. Current guidelines recommend an oral anticoagulant (OAC) monotherapy in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) 1 year postpercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It might be possible to shorten the time for de-escalation from a dual therapy to monotherapy, but data regarding de-escalation to an edoxaban monotherapy are lacking. This study aimed to assess the clinical safety of an edoxaban monotherapy in patients with NVAF and stable CAD. Methods. A multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, and parallel group study was established to investigate the safety of an edoxaban monotherapy in patients with NVAF and stable CAD including over 6 months postimplantation of a third-generation DES and 1 year postimplantation of other stents (PRAEDO AF study). Between March 2018 and June 2020, 147 patients from 8 institutions in Japan were randomized to receive either an edoxaban monotherapy (n = 74) or combination therapy (edoxaban plus clopidogrel, n = 73). The primary study endpoint was the composite incidence of major bleeding and clinically significant bleeding, defined according to the ISTH criteria. Results. Major or clinically significant bleeding occurred in 2 patients in the monotherapy group (1.67% per patient-year) and in 5 patients in the combination therapy group (4.28% per patient-year) (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.08–2.02). There was no incidence of a myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, unstable angina requiring revascularization, ischemic stroke, systemic stroke, or hemorrhagic stroke in either of the groups. Conclusions. The edoxaban monotherapy was shown to have acceptable clinical safety in patients with NVAF and stable CAD. The study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031180119).
Morroniside Regulates Endothelial Cell Function via the EphrinB Signaling Pathway after Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation In Vitro
Authors: Liu Tingting , Zheng Songyang , Sun Fangling , Tian Xin , Zhu Zixin , Zheng Wenrong , Wang Yufeng , Xing Jianguo , Wang Wen
Published: December 2022

Proangiogenic treatment is a potential treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Morroniside was previously discovered to increase post-AMI angiogenesis in rats as well as the proliferation of rat coronary artery endothelial cells (RCAECs). However, the effects of morroniside on other endothelial cell (EC) functions and underlying mechanisms are unknown. To further clarify the vascular biological activity of morroniside, this work focused on investigating how morroniside influenced endothelial cell functions, such as cell viability, tube formation capacity, migration, and adhesion, and to explore the signaling pathway. Oxygen-glucose deprivation causes ischemic damage in RCAECs (OGD). In vitro investigations were carried out to explore the involvement of morroniside in EC function and pathways mediated by ephrinB. The results revealed that the number of BrdU+ cells and cell viability in the high-dose group were considerably greater than in the OGD group (

P
<
0.05

). The ability of tube formation evaluated by total tube length, tube-like structural junction, and tube area was significantly higher in the morroniside group than in the OGD group (

P
<
0.001

). Morroniside considerably improved migration and adhesion abilities compared to OGD group (

P
<
0.05

,

P
<
0.01

,

P
<
0.001

). The protein expression levels of the ephrinB reverse signaling pathway were substantially greater in the morroniside group than in the OGD group (

P
<
0.05

,

P
<
0.01

). In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that morroniside modulates endothelial cell function via ephrinB reverse signaling pathways and provided a novel insight and therapeutic strategy into vascular biology.
Role of Advanced Glycation End Products in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Yang Fengguang , Zhu Daxue , Wang Zhaoheng , Ma Yingping , Huang Liangzeng , Kang Xuewen , Ma Bing
Published: December 2022

The incidence of low back pain caused by lumbar disc degeneration is high, and it can lead to loss of work ability and impose heavy social and economic burdens. The pathogenesis of low back pain is unclear, and there are no effective treatments. With age, the deposition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in intervertebral disc (IVD) gradually increases and is accelerated by diabetes and a high-AGEs diet, leading to destruction of the annulus fibrosus (AF), nucleus pulposus (NP), and cartilage endplate (CEP) and finally intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Reducing the accumulation of AGEs in IVD and blocking the transmission of downstream signals caused by AGEs have a significant effect on alleviating IDD. In this review, we summarize the mechanism by which AGEs induce IDD and potential treatment strategies.
Short‐Term In Vitro ROS Detection and Oxidative Stress Regulators in Epiretinal Membranes and Vitreous from Idiopathic Vitreoretinal Diseases
Authors: Balzamino Bijorn Omar , Dinice Lucia , Cacciamani Andrea , Re Agnese , Scarinci Fabio , Bruno Luca , Cosimi Pamela , Micera Alessandra
Published: December 2022

Background. A plethora of inflammatory, angiogenic, and tissue remodeling factors has been reported in idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERMs). Herein we focused on the expression of a few mediators (oxidative, inflammatory, and angiogenic/vascular factors) by means of short‐term vitreal cell cultures and biomolecular analysis. Methods. Thirty‐nine (39) ERMs and vitreal samples were collected at the time of vitreoretinal surgery and biomolecular analyses were performed in clear vitreous, vitreal cell pellets, and ERMs. ROS products and iNOS were investigated in adherent vitreal cells and/or ERMs, and iNOS, VEGF, Ang‐2, IFNγ, IL18, and IL22 were quantified in vitreous (ELISA/Ella, IF/WB); transcripts specific for iNOS, p65NFkB, KEAP1, NRF2, and NOX1/NOX4 were detected in ERMs (PCR). Biomolecular changes were analyzed and correlated with disease severity. Results. The higher ROS production was observed in vitreal cells at stage 4, and iNOS was found in ERMs and increased in the vitreous as early as at stage 3. Both iNOS and NOX4 were upregulated at all stages, while p65NFkB was increased at stage 3. iNOS and NOX1 were positively and inversely related with p65NFkB. While NOX4 transcripts were always upregulated, NRF2 was upregulated at stage 3 and inverted at stage 4. No significant changes occurred in the release of angiogenic (VEGF, Ang‐2) and proinflammatory (IL18, IL22 and IFNγ) mediators between all stages investigated. Conclusions. ROS production was strictly associated with iNOS and NOX4 overexpression and increased depending on ERM stadiation. The higher iNOS expression occurred as early as stage 3, with respect to p65NFkB and NRF2. These last mediators might have potential prognostic values in ERMs as representative of an underneath retinal damage.
Credit Risk Assessment of Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises under the Financial Model of Online Supply Chain
Authors: Chen Shengli , Wang Dong , Wan Zheng
Published: December 2022

The rapid development of Internet technology meant that online supply chain finance has become an important source of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) finance. From a review of associated studies, this study constructed an online supply chain financial credit risk evaluation index system that had eleven level 2 indicators and 28 level 3 indicators for the four dimensions of financing enterprise qualification, core enterprise qualification, supply chain operations, and the macroenvironment. To assess the viability of this indicator system, data on 368 SMEs in four industries, clothing, home appliances, pharmaceutical, and construction, were selected as research samples. An online supply chain financial credit risk evaluation model for the different industries was then constructed using principal component analysis (PCA) and logistic regression methods. It was concluded that when evaluating online supply chain financial credit risk, it is necessary to focus on the solvency, profitability, and asset structure efficiencies of the financing enterprises. Due to the different production and operating characteristics of industries, significant variations in the degree and direction of the credit risk factors between industries were found; therefore, evaluating credit risks by industry significantly improved the accuracy of the model’s credit risk predictions. For example, home appliance SMEs need to pay greater attention to their inventory turnover and construction industry SMEs should pay greater attention to their sales growth rate, return on common stockholders’ equity, and GDP growth rate. Based on these results, some suggestions for commercial banks, supply chain core enterprises, and SMEs are given to improve supply chain financing. The conclusion of this study enriches the related research on credit risk assessment of SMEs and also provides decision support for improving SMEs to prevent credit risk.
Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia Presenting as Cardiac Failure
Authors: Boi-Doku Pepra-Ameyaw Nii , Ghunney William Kwasi , Baafi Ampofo Eugene , Olayemi Edeghonghon
Published: December 2022

Chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) is a rare chronic myeloproliferative disorder characterized by sustained eosinophilia. Although the incidence of CEL is uncertain, it can be clinically devastating as it has a propensity to affect several important organ systems. This is of particular significance in Sub-Saharan Africa where helminthic infections are a more prevalent cause of eosinophilia. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first reported case of CEL complicated by cardiac disease in a Ghanaian. He presented with a history of orthopnoea and dyspnoea on exertion, and examination revealed a pansystolic murmur over the mitral region and moderate splenomegaly. Good symptomatic control was achieved using hydroxyurea after which haematologic and cytogenetic remission was achieved after 12 weeks on a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Physicians working in low resource environments should exclude clonality in patients presenting with eosinophilia and end-organ damage.
Hydromagnetic Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow in a Convergent Conduit
Authors: Wawira Njue Caroline , Kinyanjui Mathew , Giterere Kang’ethe
Published: December 2022

In the present study, a hydromagnetic non-Newtonian (dilatant) fluid flow in a convergent conduit, in the presence of a variable transverse magnetic field, has been investigated. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are reduced to system of ordinary differential equations. These equations are solved numerically by the collocation method and implemented in MATLAB. The study determines the flow profiles and the impact of the flow parameters on the flow variables. Joule heating, variable viscosity, viscous dissipation, skin friction, the rate of heat transfer, and the induced magnetic field are taken into account. The obtained results are presented graphically and the impact of varying flow parameters on the skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number is presented in tabular form. These results indicate that an increase in the Reynolds number, Eckert’s number, and the Joule heating parameter increases the fluid’s velocity, while an increase in the Hartmann number and the unsteadiness parameter decreases the convective heat transfer and the fluid’s velocity. Further, the skin friction coefficient decreases with increase in the Reynolds number, the Hartmann number, and the Joule heating parameter. Therefore, a less viscous fluid is appropriate to facilitate the fluid’s motion, but the presence of high magnetic field reduces the fluid’s motion.
High Phenotypic Diversity Does Not Always Hide Taxonomic Diversity: A Study Case with Cheilosia soror (Zetterstedt, 1843) (Diptera: Syrphidae) in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Ballester-Torres Iván , Ricarte Antonio , Nedeljković Zorica , Marcos-García M. Ángeles
Published: December 2022

Comprising nearly 500 species worldwide, Cheilosia Meigen is the largest genus of Syrphidae in the Palaearctic region. Within Cheilosia, phenotypic diversity has been assessed in different species groups, including the group of Cheilosia longula (Zetterstedt, 1838). However, the phenotypic variability of Cheilosia soror (Zetterstedt, 1843), a highly variable member of the C. longula group, has never been assessed in western Europe. In the present work, morphological and molecular analyses were conducted to assess the phenotypic variability found in 300+ specimens of C. soror from the Iberian Peninsula. A total of 16 variable characters were identified and defined for the C. soror morphology, with the highest variation found in the colour of the mesonotum pilosity and the metatibia colour. Morphological variation was assessed against molecular variation based on two molecular markers, one mitochondrial, the 5

′

end of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI-5

′

), and one nuclear, the large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S). Phylogenetic analyses rendered trees with topologies in disagreement with the defined morphological variation. Two haplotypes were identified amongst the analysed specimens of C. soror, together with a haplotypic variant exclusive to the Iberian region. Potential distributions were used to identify unexplored areas of occurrence of C. soror and other species of the C. longula group in the Iberian Peninsula. Unassessed areas of occurrence of C. soror should be surveyed in the future to confirm the absence of hidden taxonomic diversity within the range of phenotypic variation for this species. Phenotypic variation of the other two Iberian species of the C. longula group, C. longula and C. scutellata (Fallén, 1817), was also assessed to find that they are species with less-variable morphology than C. soror and with molecular characters in accordance with other conspecific populations in Europe. New distributional data are provided for C. soror and C. scutellata from Spain, and a leg abnormality is identified for the first time in C. soror.
Advanced Ovarian Pregnancy: A Case Report of Misdiagnosis and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Whangteeranon Noppamart , Pinyochotiwong Pang
Published: December 2022

Background. Ovarian pregnancy is rare and difficult to diagnose preoperatively, especially in advanced gestational age. Misdiagnosis can increase the chance of emergent complications. Case. A misdiagnosed case of a 33-week ovarian pregnancy woman who underwent surgery due to a preoperative diagnosis of a dead fetus in utero, and transverse lie was reported with eventful surgical outcomes. This case resulted in the delivery of a dead fetus and a sudden massive hemorrhage that occurred after placental detachment. Oophorectomy could not be performed due to severe bowel adhesions and multiple feeding vessels from the bowel at the posterior part of the left ovary. The placental site was sutured at multiple sites, and local hemostatic agents were placed for hemostasis. Postoperatively, she received multiple transfusions and was safely discharged after 10 days. Conclusion. Obstetricians must be acutely aware of this condition, especially while performing sonography preoperatively, for better outcomes.
Evaluation of Genotoxic Effect and Antigenotoxic Potential against DNA Damage of the Aqueous and Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Annona muricata Using an In Vivo Erythrocyte Rodent Micronucleus Assay
Authors: Sánchez-De-La-Rosa Susana Vanessa , Lazalde-Ramos Blanca Patricia , Morales-Velazquez Gabriela , Zúñiga-González Guillermo Moisés , Gómez-Meda Belinda Claudia , Sánchez-Rivera Saulo Oswaldo , Ortiz-García Yveth Marlene , Guerrero-Velazquez Celia , Zamora-Perez Ana Lourdes
Published: December 2022

Annona muricata have been extensively used in traditional medicine to treat multiple diseases, including cancers. This study evaluated the genotoxic potential and antigenotoxic activities of A. muricata aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts by employing an in vivo erythrocyte rodent micronucleus assay. Different doses (187.5, 375, and 750 mg/kg) of both extracts were administered orally for 5 days alone and combined with cyclophosphamide (CP, 60 mg/kg) to BALB/c mice. Also, it was administered orally to Wistar rats for 5 days through the final stage of gestation. No genotoxic or cytotoxic effects were observed in the two adult rodent models when A. muricata was administered orally nor in newborn rats transplacentally exposed to the extracts. Moreover, A. muricata aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts demonstrated a protective effect against CP‐induced DNA damage. Due to its lack of genotoxic effect and its capacity to decrease DNA damage, A. muricata is likely to open an interest field regarding its potential safe use in clinical applications.
Status of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination in People Aged 18 Years and over in a Town: A Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey
Authors: Medeni Volkan , Medeni Irem
Published: December 2022

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cases of COVID-19 infection in people >18 years old and to investigate attitudes against vaccination and vaccine hesitancy and the factors affecting them. Methods. The data collection form used in the study was prepared by the researchers by screening the relevant literature. People over the age of 18 who agreed to participate in the study were invited to the family health center, and a questionnaire was applied by face-to-face interview method. The application time of a survey was 5-10 minutes. A total of 229 people were reached. Percentage of reaching was 95,4%. Results. The mean age of the participants was

44
,
13
±
14
,
18

years. 31,9% of the participants in the study had COVID-19 infections. 69,9% of those who had COVID-19 infection caught the disease in the last year, and 93,2% were followed at home. Among the people with whom the participants lived, 21,6% of those who had COVID-19 infection were hospitalized and 5,7% died. Of the participants who expressed their opinion, 32,1% think that COVID-19 vaccines have serious side effects. Postvaccine side effects developed in 32,9% of the participants who had the COVID-19 vaccine, and 11,0% had a postvaccine infection. Conclusion. The results of our study revealed that the COVID-19 vaccine was highly accepted among the adult population in Turkey during the pandemic period. However, through this study, we found concerns about the side effects of the vaccine, the lack of confidence in the vaccine ingredient, and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Aspectos da crônica luso-brasileira: o caso de José Saramago e seus correspondentes no Brazil
Authors: Santos Rosemary Conceição dos , Abdala Júnior Benjamin
Published: December 2022

Tendo como objeto de estudo as crônicas saramaguianas, e ciente de que José Saramago não exerceu o jornalismo como repórter, tampouco como redator de notícias, mas, sim, como comentarista das atualidades da época, ou seja, o jornalismo de opinião, este artigo apresenta alguns pensamentos e reflexões presentes nas mesmas, que preveem, ou determinam, a construção de seu discurso alegórico, contextualizados às características jornalísticas luso-brasileiras do referido período e aos seus correspondentes cronistas no Brasil.
Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Control on Troponin and Natriuretic Peptide Levels: Findings From SPRINT
Authors: Berry Jarett D. , Chen Haiying , Nambi Vijay , Ambrosius Walter T. , Ascher Simon B. , Shlipak Michael G. , Ix Joachim H. , Gupta Rajesh , Killeen Anthony , Toto Robert D. , Kitzman Dalane W. , Ballantyne Christie M. , de Lemos James A.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Given the important role of cardiac injury and neurohormonal activation in the pathways leading from hypertension to heart failure and strong associations observed between hypertension and its sequelae on hs-cTnT (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T) and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) levels, we hypothesized that intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering would decrease levels of hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP.

Methods:

hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were measured at baseline and 1 year from stored specimens in SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial). Changes in biomarkers were evaluated continuously on the log scale and according to categories (≥50% increase, ≥50% decrease, or <50% change). The effect of intensive SBP lowering on continuous and categorical changes in biomarker levels were assessed using linear and multinomial logistic regression models, respectively. The association between changes in biomarkers on heart failure and death was assessed using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

Randomization to intensive SBP lowering (versus standard SBP management) resulted in a 3% increase in hs-cTnT levels over 1-year follow-up (geometric mean ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.01–1.04]) and a higher proportion of participants with ≥50% increase (odds ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.13, 1.90]). In contrast, randomization to intensive SBP lowering led to a 10% decrease in NT-proBNP (geometric mean ratio, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.87–0.93]) and a lower probability of ≥50% increase in NT-proBNP (odds ratio, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.46–0.72]). The association of randomized treatment assignment on change in hs-cTnT was completely attenuated after accounting for changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate over follow-up, whereas the association of treatment with NT-proBNP was completely attenuated after adjusting for change in SBP. Increases in hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP from baseline to 1 year were associated with higher risk for heart failure and death, with no significant interactions by treatment assignment.

Conclusions:

Intensive SBP lowering increased hs-cTnT, mediated by the effect of SBP lowering on reduced kidney filtration. In contrast, intensive SBP lowering decreased NT-proBNP, a finding that was explained by the decrease in SBP. These findings highlight the importance of noncardiac factors influencing variation in cardiac biomarkers and raise questions about the potential role of hs-cTnT as a surrogate marker for heart failure or death in SBP-lowering studies.
Elimination of lipaemic interference by high-speed centrifugation
Authors: Spataro Nino , Solé-Enrech Gemma , Cano-Corres Ruth , Aparicio-Calvente Maria Isabel
Published: December 2022

IntroductionIn order to deliver high quality results, detection and elimination of possible analytical interferences, such as lipaemia, is crucial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of high-speed centrifugation in eliminating lipaemic interference and to define own lipaemic index (LI) for the studied biochemical analytes.
Materials and methodsEvaluated analytes were: albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), calcium, creatinine, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), glucose, phosphates, total proteins, urea and total bilirubin. Those analytes and LIs have been analysed in duplicate in the Roche Diagnostics-c8000 analyser in samples centrifuged at 3000 rpm/10 minutes in the SL16 (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, USA) centrifuge and according to an own high-speed centrifugation protocol (12,900 rpm/15 minutes) in the MicroCL17R (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, USA) centrifuge. Lipaemia has been measured in each sample. The efficiency of high-speed centrifugation is verified by the Wilcoxon test (P < 0.05). In cases where significant differences are observed, our own LI is calculated. For ALT and AST, it is verified by McNemar test (P < 0.05). For creatinine, both Wilcoxon and McNemar test were applied.
ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in analyte concentration before and after high-speed centrifugation for: albumin, creatinine, GGT, glucose, phosphates, urea and total bilirrubin. Own LI is calculated. McNemar test shows statistically significant diferences in the proportion of delivered results before and after high-speed centrifugation in ALT, AST and creatinine.
ConclusionsThis study confirms the efficacy of high-speed centrifugation protocol for all the considered analytes, excepting calcium, alkaline phosphatase and total proteins.
Sharing divine ideas: the theological trajectory of Mark A. McIntosh
Authors: Torbeck Jacob W.
Published: December 2022

The late Rev. Mark A. McIntosh, PhD, was well-known as a spiritual theologian and a scholar of divine ideas tradition. In his roughly thirty-year career as a priest and professor of systematic, historical, and spiritual theology, McIntosh remained focused on articulating his developing theological vision. In this retrospective of McIntosh’s theological writings, I organize McIntosh’s theological trajectory into three main stages focused on communicating the mutually nourishing unity of spirituality and theology, attuning Christian laity and theologians to the mystical dimension of doctrine and, finally, to enriching this dimension via a recovery of the divine ideas tradition. Throughout these stages, McIntosh hoped to instill his readers with a robust understanding and a deep love for all creation, a disposition he saw as increasingly urgent in the church and in the world.
Service use preceding and following first referral for psychiatric emergency care at a short-stay crisis unit: A cohort study across three cities and one rural area in England
Authors: Goldsmith Lucy Pollyanna , Anderson Katie , Clarke Geraldine , Crowe Chloe , Jarman Heather , Johnson Sonia , Lomani Jo , McDaid David , Park A-La , Smith Jared G , Gillard Steven
Published: December 2022

Background:

Internationally, hospital-based short-stay crisis units have been introduced to provide a safe space for stabilisation and further assessment for those in psychiatric crisis. The units typically aim to reduce inpatient admissions and psychiatric presentations to emergency departments.

Aims:

To assess changes to service use following a service user’s first visit to a unit, characterise the population accessing these units and examine equality of access to the units.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study design (ISCTRN registered; 53431343) compared service use for the 9 months preceding and following a first visit to a short-stay crisis unit at three cities and one rural area in England. Included individuals first visited a unit in the 6 months between 01/September/2020 and 28/February/2021.

Results:

The prospective cohort included 1189 individuals aged 36 years on average, significantly younger (by 5–13 years) than the population of local service users (<.001). Seventy percent were White British and most were without a psychiatric diagnosis (55%–82% across sites). The emergency department provided the largest single source of referrals to the unit (42%), followed by the Crisis and Home Treatment Team (20%). The use of most mental health services, including all types of admission and community mental health services was increased post discharge. Social-distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic were in place for slightly over 50% of the follow-up period. Comparison to a pre-COVID cohort of 934 individuals suggested that the pandemic had no effect on the majority of service use variables.

Conclusions:

Short-stay crisis units are typically accessed by a young population, including those who previously were unknown to mental health services, who proceed to access a broader range of mental health services following discharge.
Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients Recovered From COVID-19
Authors: Huynh Giao , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Nguyen Han Thi Ngoc , Le Ngoc Thi , An Pham Le , Tran Tuan Diep
Published: December 2022

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted the lives and well-being of individuals worldwide, affecting both short-term and long-term quality of life. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and associated factors among patients who have recovered from COVID-19. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 2 hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam between January and March 2022. Data were obtained from patients who recovered from COVID-19 using a structured questionnaire which included the EuroQoL-5 Dimension-5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) scale to quantify problems in 5 health dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) and the EuroQoL-Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) to determine self-rated health status. Factors associated with HRQoL were determined using a generalized linear model (GLM). A total of 325 participants were included in the analysis. The overall mean score from the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS was 0.86 (SD 0.21) and 78.6 (SD 19.9), respectively. Anxiety/Depression and Pain/Discomfort were the major problems experienced by the participants. Lower HRQoL scores were reported among those who were 60 years and older, female, had comorbidities, persistent symptoms, living alone and experiencing stress (all P < .05). This study showed that there was a significant reduction in HRQoL among individuals who recovered from COVID-19, compared with the general population. The findings suggest that more interventions need to be implemented to increase such individuals’ quality of life, particularly for those who exhibit high-risk factors such as females, those with comorbidities, persistent symptoms, living alone and experiencing from stress.
Differences in religious and spiritual practice variables between Canadian counselors and psychologists
Authors: Willman Thomas , Douce Thomas B , Bedi Robinder
Published: December 2022

This article investigates whether there are differences in religious and spiritual (R/S) beliefs, attitudes, practices, training, and self-assessed competence between counselors and psychologists in Canada. Researchers surveyed 307 mental health professionals in Canada with two standardized measures (the Assessment of Spirituality and Religious Sentiments Scale and the Duke University Religion Index) and various other questions corresponding to variables investigated or alluded to in past research. We hypothesized that, compared with psychologists, counselors would (a) have stronger personal R/S beliefs, (b) demonstrate more positive attitudes about the appropriateness of using R/S techniques with clients, (c) utilize R/S techniques more in sessions, (d) possess more positive attitudes toward training in this area, and (e) have higher self-assessed competence for working with R/S clients. These hypotheses were generally supported except for the last one: there were no significant differences found between counselors and psychologists in self-assessed competence in working with R/S clients. We compare our findings to those of extant research, particularly the study by Plumb who examined counselors in Canada. On the basis of our findings, we advocate for more systematic cultivation of R/S competence in programs for both counselors and psychologists in Canada.
Can we use link-based indicators to find highly cited publications? The case of the Trust Flow score
Authors: Orduña-Malea Enrique , Aguillo Isidro F
Published: December 2022

The Majestic’s Trust Flow (TF) is a link-based score aimed at measuring the influence of online objects (e.g. scientific publications) by considering the weighted number of links received from trusted websites. This study describes the bibliographic characteristics and impact of those publications with the highest TF score. In order to do this, 20,810 URL-based Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) were identified and analysed. The results show that these DOIs mainly represent recent publications (57.1% of publications were published between 2010 and 2020), journal articles (93.75%) published in the first SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) quartile (81.7%), written with international collaboration (40.4%) and biased towards the field of medicine (36.9%). While the TF score is a discovering tool with the potential to be used in webometric studies to find influential publications, a few technical limitations jeopardise the general applicability of this indicator for research evaluation at the publication level.
In-Cites research fronts and its relationship with citations per document and highly cited papers: Spanish universities as a case study
Authors: Mañana-Rodríguez Jorge , Bautista-Puig Núria , Sanz-Casado Elías
Published: December 2022

Research fronts (RFs) represent the most dynamic areas of science and technology and the topics that receive higher attention in a specific field. Their identification has become the focus of global scientific and technological competition. In this study, we performed an analysis of the In-Cites RFs from Web of Science (WoS) in seven Spanish universities as a case study in the period 2015–2019. Our purpose is threefold: (1) to develop a methodology for approximating the ‘alignment’ of scientific articles with the RFs, (2) to test if Highly Cited Papers (HCP) from these universities are more aligned with RFs than the rest of the output, and (3) to test if papers aligned with RFs receive more citations per document than those not aligned. The study uses a novel retrieval method, and the analysis is conducted using a coincidence method (comparison with a standard), in which Mann–Kendall’s test and Pearson’s correlation are used. The results show that there is alignment between output and the HCP and those better aligned, present greater mean ranks of citations per article. This study shows the usefulness of RFs for orienting the research priorities at the institutional level for the university.