bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelets Facilitate Wound Healing by Mitochondrial Transfer and Reducing Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Jin Panshi , Pan Qiao , Lin Yize , Dong Yunqing , Zhu Jie , Liu Tao , Zhu Weidong , Cheng Biao
Published: February 2023

As a critical member in wound healing, vascular endothelial cells (ECs) impaired under high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) would hamper neovascularization. Mitochondria transfer can reduce intracellular ROS damage under pathological condition. Meanwhile, platelets can release mitochondria and alleviate oxidative stress. However, the mechanism by which platelets promote cell survival and reduce oxidative stress damage has not been clarified. Here, first, we selected ultrasound as the best method for subsequent experiments by detecting the growth factors and mitochondria released from manipulation platelet concentrates (PCs), as well as the effect of manipulation PCs on the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Then, we found that sonicate platelet concentrates (SPC) decreased the level of ROS in HUVECs treated with hydrogen peroxide in advance, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced apoptosis. By transmission electron microscope, we saw that two kinds of mitochondria, free or wrapped in vesicles, were released by activated platelets. In addition, we explored that platelet-derived mitochondria were transferred to HUVECs partly by means of dynamin-dependent clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Consistently, we determined that platelet-derived mitochondria reduced apoptosis of HUVECs caused by oxidative stress. What is more, we screened survivin as the target of platelet-derived mitochondria via high-throughput sequencing. Finally, we demonstrated that platelet-derived mitochondria promoted wound healing in vivo. Overall, these findings revealed that platelets are important donors of mitochondria, and platelet-derived mitochondria can promote wound healing by reducing apoptosis caused by oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells. And survivin is a potential target. These results further expand the knowledge of the platelet function and provide new insights into the role of platelet-derived mitochondria in wound healing.
Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals Necroptosis-Related Prognostic Genes of Glioblastoma
Authors: Zheng Ping , Ren Dabin , Cong Yu , Xiaoxue Zhang  , Zhang Yisong
Published: February 2023

Background. Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant forms of brain cancer, with the extremely lower survival rate. Necroptosis (NCPS) is also one of the most wide types of cell death, and its clinical importance in GBM is not clear. Methods. We first identified necroptotic genes in GBM by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of our surgical samples and weighted coexpression network analysis (WGNCA) from TCGA GBM data. The cox regression model with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to construct the risk model. Then, KM plot and reactive operation curve (ROC) analysis were used to assess the prediction ability of the model. At last, the infiltrated immune cells and gene mutation profiling were investigated between the high- and low-NCPS groups as well. Result. The risk model including ten necroptosis-related genes was identified as an independent risk factor for the outcome. In addition, we found that the risk model is correlated with the infiltrated immune cells and tumor mutation burden in GBM. NDUFB2 is identified to be a risk gene in GBM with bioinformatical analysis and in vitro experiment validation. Conclusion. This risk model of necroptosis-related genes might provide clinical evidence for GBM interventions.
Competitive Relief Supply Chain under the Uncertain Conditions
Authors: Boroumand Amirabbass , Nojavan Majid , Mohammaditabar Davood , Ghaemi Reza
Published: February 2023

Relief operations and planning to implement them are essential due to the unpredictability of natural disaster occurrences and their concomitant damages. The Crisis and Disaster Management Organization’s responsibility is to execute plans, coordinate, control relief, and rescue operations to reduce the impacts and consequences of these disasters. Thus, this organization should attend to the struck regions’ needs with their maximum power as soon as possible. This study has initially reviewed the latest available literature regarding the humanitarian supply chain to determine the research gap. Accordingly, in this research, a mathematical model with a leader-follower approach for relief delivery in the crisis response phase was designed, which took into account the policies of the country of Iran for the distribution of relief items. The amount of inventory of suppliers was also considered as uncertain. Then, to validate it, a numerical example was solved by the metaheuristic algorithm MOEA/D. The results indicated that the designed model is valid and the selected algorithm to solve it has an acceptable performance. Finally, some effective parameters were selected in the model and the sensitivity of the model was evaluated based on their changes.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Geospatial Analysis in Smart Irrigation and Crop Monitoring on IoT Platform
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wang Meini , Pham V. T.
Published: February 2023

The geospatial analysis provides high potential for modeling, understanding, and visualizing artificial and natural ecosystems, utilizing big data analytics and the Internet of things as a pervasive sensing infrastructure. Precision agriculture, weed control, fertilizer distribution, and field management benefit from unmanned ariel vehicles (UAVs). Reduced production costs and improved crop quality are some of the benefits of using this method. Smart farming denotes geographical data utilization to identify field variability, guarantee optimal inputs, and enhance a farm’s output. Hence, in this paper, an IoT-assisted Smart Farming Framework (IoT-SFF) with big data analytics has been proposed using geospatial analysis. The use of wireless sensors in IoT devices and communication methods in agricultural applications is thoroughly examined. IoT sensors are available for particular agriculture applications, such as crop status, soil preparation, insect, pest detection, and irrigation scheduled. It is now possible to view our regions in various ways and make accurate agrotechnological decisions, thanks to a computer-generated geographic information system (GIS) for crop irrigation and monitoring. Analytical and monitoring processes that yield timely and accurate decision-making add value to big data, which is a key component for intelligently managing and operating farms. Still, it is constrained by both technical and socioeconomic variables. The simulation findings show that the proposed IoT-SFF model improves the crop yield ratio by 92.4%, prediction ratio by 97.7%, accuracy ratio by 94.5%, the average error by 38.3%, and low-cost rate by 34.4%.
Data‐Driven‐Based Study on Sustainable Improvement of the Regional Logistics Industry
Authors: Liu Yujia , Ding Heping
Published: February 2023

The rapid growth and development of the logistics industry has brought productivity to commerce and trade and greatly contributed to national economy, but at the expense of vast energy consumption, which significantly affects sustainability. To improve sustainability of the development of the logistics industry (LISD) and identify its potential influencing factors more directly and efficiently, this study proposes a data‐driven‐based evaluation and optimisation method. First, a comprehensive evaluation index system is constructed for LISD from the aspects of economy, society, and environment (including the logistics industry, degree of specialisation, environmental effects, and innovation capability). Second, considering the diversity of dimensions and units, a min‐max standardisation is utilised for data normalisation, providing dimensionless indicators for further weight determination via an entropy value method. Third, two coupling degree models are adopted to evaluate the degree of correlation among subsystems. Subsequently, a degree of obstacle model is applied to analyse the interaction between factors, providing theoretical support for improving regional LISD. Finally, an evaluation of LISD in Anhui Province is used as a case study to validate the practicability and feasibility of the proposed method, establish theoretical basis, and propose policy recommendations for future sustainable development.
An Enhanced Space Vector PWM Strategies for Three Phase Asymmetric Multilevel Inverter
Authors: Kumar B. Hemanth , Janardhan K. , Kumar R. Seshu , Rahul J. Ramesh , Singh Arvind R. , Naidoo Raj , Bansal Ramesh C.
Published: February 2023

This work presents the two space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM-I and SVPWM-II) strategies for eleven-level (11L) asymmetric cascaded H-bridge (CHB) multilevel inverter (MLI). Depending on the isolated structure and nonappearance of capacitor voltage balancing issues, the CHB MLI structure is favoured. These days, the SVPWM control method is accomplished superior consideration among the diverse PWM methods. In common, the SVPWM strategy is realized based on deteriorating higher-level hexagons into a lower level hexagon (2-level). Compared to the classical SVPWM strategy, the proposed SVPWM-I strategy decreases the memory and mathematical burden necessity included within the demonstration of eleven-level SVPWM devoid of losing the inverter output voltage (AC) contour by diminution the number of two-level hexagons. Also, the SVPWM-II strategy is presented, which incredibly diminishes the mathematical endeavours. The presented two SVPWM methods performed on an eleven-level asymmetric CHB multilevel inverter (MLI) by utilizing SIMULINK/MATLAB program tool and are compared with conventional sinusoidal PWM and Third harmonic injection (THI) PWM methods to confirm the proposed SVPWM methods. The proposed SVPWM methods give higher AC RMS voltage and lower harmonic distortion when compared to SPWM and THIPWM methods. To validate the presented two SVPWM control schemes, hardware results are taken on asymmetric eleven-level CHB MLI.
Influence of Drying-Wetting Cycles on Dynamic Tensile Properties of Red-Sandstone Using the Brazilian Test
Authors: Du Bin , Sun Wu , Cheng Qiangqiang
Published: February 2023

The phenomenon of the drying-wetting cycle is a component of the weathering process and has a significant impact on the characteristics of rock materials. In order to examine the physical and dynamic tensile properties of red sandstone subjected to drying-wetting cycles, physical tests and dynamic splitting tensile tests were performed on red sandstone specimens under varying drying-wetting conditions. First, the split Hopkins pressure bar was used to perform dynamic tensile tests on red sandstone samples after varying numbers of drying-wetting cycles (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80). Second, the effects of the loading rate and drying-wetting cycles on dynamic tensile strength and energy dissipation of red sandstone were studied. Finally, taking into account the effect of the loading rate, a model was developed to predict the trend of decay in the dynamic tensile strength of red sandstone following drying-wetting cycles. The findings indicate that as the number of drying-wetting cycles increases, there is a decrease in longitudinal wave velocity and a marked degradation of the red sandstone due to the effects of the drying-wetting cycles. The dynamic tensile strength and dissipation energy density of red sandstone samples increase with the increasing loading rate. Under consistent loading rate conditions, the dynamic tensile strength and dissipative energy density of red sandstone samples exhibit a decrease as the number of drying-wetting cycles increases.
Predicting the Clinical Outcome of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Based on the Gene Expression Characteristics of Necroptosis and Different Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Luo Peng , Shi Zhaoqi , He Changshou , Chen Guojun , Feng Ji , Zhu Linghua , Song Xiangyang
Published: February 2023

Necroptosis, a kind of programmed necrotic cell apoptosis, is the gatekeeper for the host to defend against the invasion of pathogens. It helps to regulate different biological processes regarding human cancer. Nevertheless, studies that determine the impact of death on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are scarce. Therefore, this paper has comprehensively examined the expression as well as clinical significance of necroptosis in TNBC. ConsensusClusterPlus was used to establish a stable molecular classification that used the expression regarding the necroptosis-linked genes. The clinical and immune characteristics of different subclasses were evaluated. Then, the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) assisted in determining key modules, and we selected the genes exhibiting obvious association with necroptosis prognosis through the relationship with prognosis. The univariate Cox regression analysis together with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) techniques served for the construction of the necroptosis-related prognostic risk score (NPRS) model, and the pathway characteristics of NPRS model grouping were further studied. Finally, the NPRS, taking into account the clinicopathological features, used the decision tree model for enhancing the prognostic model as well as the survival prediction. First, two stable molecular subtypes with different prognosis and immune characteristics were identified using necroptosis marker genes. Then, the key modules were identified, and 10 genes significantly related to the prognosis of necroptosis were selected. Then, the clinical prognostic model of NPRS was developed considering the prognosis-linked necroptosis genes. Finally, the NPRS model, taking into account the clinicopathological features, adopted the decision tree model for enhancing the prognostic model as well as the survival prediction. Herein, two new molecular subgroups considering necroptosis-linked genes are proposed, and an NPRS model composed of 10 genes is developed, which maybe assist in the personalized treatment and clinical treatment guidance of TNBC patients.
Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Damage Evolution of Sandstone with Different Pores under External Load
Authors: Wang Wencai , Li Junpeng , Wang Chuangye , Pei Zhenyu
Published: February 2023

The rock will be damaged and destroyed when the external load reaches the bearing limit, which will be accompanied by complex AE signals and damage evolution laws. Therefore, in order to obtain the relationship between AE signal and damage evolution characteristics of rocks, 4 kinds of sandstones of a mine are used for AE test. Firstly, the porosity of 4 kinds of sandstone is tested. Secondly, the AE signal parameter characteristics of sandstone with different porosity are analyzed. Finally, the AE parameters obtained are combined with cellular automata and damage theory to analyze the damage evolution law and critical damage value of different sandstones. The results show that the pore size of the four sandstones is QSYX > QSYZ > FSYX > FSYZ. The loading process is divided into compaction stage, elastic deformation stage, and plastic deformation stage, with peak strengths of 46.92 MPa, 43.32 MPa, 57.87 MPa, and 54.31 MPa, respectively. Or the AE event rate, the missing area, missing parts and missing number are different. The QSYX missing area is larger than QSYZ and FSYZ; the macrocrack growth speed is also faster; and the signs of fracture are obvious. The number of FSYX missing is more than QSYX, QSYZ, and FSYZ. The first two missing parts are caused by internal defects; the last two missing parts are signs of fracture; QSYX, QSYZ, and FSYZ are shear failure, and FSYX is tensile failure. The damage evolution process of the four sandstones corresponds to the loading process one by one. The calm stage of damage corresponds to the compaction stage, the damage expansion stage corresponds to the elastic deformation stage, and the damage acceleration stage corresponds to the plastic deformation stage. The critical damage values are 0.438, 0.499, 0.576, and 0.476, respectively, which are higher than the critical damage values of the sandstone cell model of 0.43, indicating that when the damage values reach the critical value, instability exists and instability failure will occur with continuous load.
Nigelladine A among Selected Compounds from Nigella sativa Exhibits Propitious Interaction with Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Study
Authors: Miraz Md Mehedy Hasan , Ullah Md Afif , Nayem Abdullah Al , Chakrobortty Brototi , Deb Sanjoy , Laskar Anee , Tithi Nishita Umaya , Saha Nilay , Chowdhury Anita Rani , Alam K. M. Khairul , Wahed Tania Binte , Khursheed Alam Mohammad , Kundu Sukalyan Kumar
Published: February 2023

COVID-19 has been a threat to the entire world for more than two years since its outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent, had been reported to mutate over time exposing new variants. To date, no impeccable cure for the disease has been unveiled. This study outlines an extensive in silico approach to scrutinize certain phytochemical compounds of Nigella sativa (mainly the black cumin seeds) targeting the spike protein and the main protease (Mpro) enzyme of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study is to investigate the extracted compounds with a view to developing a potential inhibitor against the concerned SARS-CoV-2 variant. The investigation contemplates drug-likeness analysis, molecular docking study, ADME and toxicity prediction, and molecular dynamics simulation which have been executed to elucidate different phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the tested compounds. Based on drug-likeness parameters, a total of 96 phytochemical compounds from N. sativa have been screened in the study. Interestingly, Nigelladine A among the compounds exhibited the highest docking score with both the targets with the same binding affinity which is −7.8 kcal/mol. However, dithymoquinone, kaempferol, Nigelladine B, Nigellidine, and Nigellidine sulphate showed mentionable docking scores. Molecular dynamics up to 100 nanoseconds were simulated under GROMOS96 43a1 force field for the protein-ligand complexes exhibiting the top-docking score. The root mean square deviations (RMSD), root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), and the number of hydrogen bonds have been evaluated during the simulation. From the findings, the present study suggests that Nigelladine A showed the most promising results among the selected molecules. This framework, however, interprets only a group of computational analyses on selected phytochemicals. Further investigations are required to validate the compound as a promising drug against the selected variant of SARS-CoV-2.
Functional Homologous Recombination Assay on FFPE Specimens of Advanced High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Predicts Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Pikkusaari Sanna , Tumiati Manuela , Virtanen Anni , Oikkonen Jaana , Li Yilin , Perez-Villatoro Fernando , Muranen Taru , Salko Matilda , Huhtinen Kaisa , Kanerva Anna , Koskela Heidi , Tapper Johanna , Koivisto-Korander Riitta , Joutsiniemi Titta , Haltia Ulla-Maija , Lassus Heini , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Färkkilä Anniina , Hynninen Johanna , Hietanen Sakari , Carpén Olli , Kauppi Liisa
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Deficiency in homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA damage is characteristic of many high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSC). It is imperative to identify patients with homologous recombination–deficient (HRD) tumors as they are most likely to benefit from platinum-based chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors (PARPi). Existing methods measure historical, not necessarily current HRD and/or require high tumor cell content, which is not achievable for many patients. We set out to develop a clinically feasible assay for identifying functionally HRD tumors that can predict clinical outcomes.

Experimental Design:

We quantified RAD51, a key HR protein, in immunostained formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples obtained from chemotherapy-naïve and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)-treated HGSC patients. We defined cutoffs for functional HRD separately for these sample types, classified the patients accordingly as HRD or HR-proficient, and analyzed correlations with clinical outcomes. From the same specimens, genomics-based HRD estimates (HR gene mutations, genomic signatures, and genomic scars) were also determined, and compared with functional HR (fHR) status.

Results:

fHR status significantly predicted several clinical outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), when determined from chemo-naïve (PFS, P < 0.0001; OS, P < 0.0001) as well as NACT-treated (PFS, P < 0.0001; OS, P = 0.0033) tumor specimens. The fHR test also identified as HRD those PARPi-at-recurrence–treated patients with longer OS (P = 0.0188).

Conclusions:

We developed an fHR assay performed on routine FFPE specimens, obtained from either chemo-naïve or NACT-treated HGSC patients, that can significantly predict real-world platinum-based chemotherapy and PARPi response.

See related commentary by Garg and Oza, p. 2957
Kann die Einstellung gegenüber Psychotherapie von Alkoholabhängigen anhand einer kurzen Videointervention verändert werden?
Authors: Braun-Koch Kristina , Rief Winfried
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund: Patienten mit einer Alkoholabhängigkeit beschreiben häufig geringe Therapieerwartungen oder negative Einstellungen gegenüber Psychotherapie. Da realis­tische Therapieerwartungen substanziell zum Therapieergebnis beitragen, ist eine frühe erwartungsfokussierte Intervention bei dieser Patientengruppe indiziert. Kurze Vi­deointerventionen mit Patienten als Rollenmodelle zeigten sich bereits als sinnvolle Methode zur Veränderung von Therapieerwartungen. Patienten und Methoden: Es wurden insgesamt 92 Patienten mit einer Alkoholabhängigkeit in zwei Gruppen randomisiert: (1) eine Kontrollgruppe, die ein Video mit Patienten sah, die lediglich Informationen zu ihren Symptomen gaben, oder (2) in eine Experimentalgruppe, die ein Video mit den gleichen Patienten sah, die zusätzlich Informationen zu dem vorwiegend positiven Ausgang einer Psychotherapie gaben. Ergebnisse: Es zeigte sich kein differentieller Effekt zwischen den Gruppen, jedoch konnte eine signifikante Verbesserung der Therapieerwartung und Einstellung gegenüber Psychotherapie nach Betrachten beider Videos festgestellt werden. Nach einem Pooling der Gruppen ließen sich als Moderatoren die Selbstwirksamkeit, die Symptomschwere und die Krankheitsdauer identifizieren. Schlussfolgerung: Eine kurze Videointervention mit Patienten als Rollenmodelle verbessert Therapieerwartungen und Einstellung gegenüber Psychotherapie von Patienten mit einer Alkoholabhängigkeit, insbesondere wenn diese eine kurze Erkrankungsdauer, geringe Selbstwirksamkeit und schwere Symptomatik vorweisen. Frühe Interventionen bei therapieunerfahrenen Patienten scheinen indiziert. Es sind weitere Studien nötig, um die effektiven Videoanteile zur erfolgreichen Erwartungs- und Einstellungsveränderung zu identifizieren.
Serum Amyloid A: A Potential New Marker of Severity in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Iannone Michela , Salvia Giorgia , Fidanzi Cristian , Bevilacqua Matteo , Janowska Agata , Morganti Riccardo , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with systemic inflammation and high impact on quality of life. Treatment strategies are still inadequate with a lack of inflammation biomarkers. We conducted a prospective study to assess the correlation between serum amyloid A (SAA) levels and active lesion count; disease severity; Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI); smoking; BMI; and lesion sites. Methods: Forty-one patients (M/F: 22/19) were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data were assessed at baseline on patients not under treatment or in wash-out from systemic treatment for at least 2 weeks. Associations were investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: SAA levels were significantly associated with number of nodules (p = 0.005), abscesses (p < 0.001), fistulas (p = 0.016), and severe IHS4 (p = 0.088 and r = 0.514). Gluteal localization was correlated with high values of mSartorius and severe IHS4. Conclusions: We recommend assessment of SAA levels to monitor therapeutic response in patient with HS in order to prevent disease’s flare and potential complications.
Visual Cue to Reduce False No-Show Registration in Riyadh Primary Healthcare: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Aldosari Muath A. , Batarfi Bader S. , Al-Mullah Moyser Z. , Binjassas Abdulatif A. , Alshammari Sara T. , Alsuhaibani Sara A. , BinBaz May S.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Preliminary field visits to the Saudi Ministry of Health’s primary healthcare centers (PHCs) confirmed a proportion of prior reported no-show appointments to be false due to staff registering patient arrivals inappropriately. We sought to investigate whether visual cue reminders would prime the staff to register patients properly. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2019 involving 35 PHCs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Visual posters were installed in the intervention PHCs wherever patient arrivals were registered. The primary outcome was patient no-show appointments. Staff who registered appointment arrivals were observed and interviewed. Multilevel logistic regression analyzed the change in no-shows across an intervention group and a control group. Results: The intervention group had lower odds ratio (OR) of no-shows than the control group, although not significantly (OR 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50–1.31). The period during Ramadan saw fewer no-shows than pre-Ramadan (OR 1.60, 95% CI = 1.55–1.66). Compared to family medicine appointments, no-shows were higher for the smoking cessation clinic (OR 3.95, 95% CI = 3.43–4.54), dental appointments (OR 2.14, 95% CI = 1.97–2.32), and vaccine appointments (OR 1.31, 95% CI = 1.27–1.35). Qualitative analysis shows that PHCs’ appointment processing was arbitrary without a unified structure. Conclusion: The reduction in no-show rates using visual cues was not significant. However, certain confounders, if not addressed prior to intervention implementation, can lead to cognitive overload and burnout, inviting unwanted behavior. Further implications are discussed.
Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound: Current Indications and Future Perspectives
Authors: Canakis Andrew , Baron Todd H.
Published: February 2023

The transcendence of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) from diagnostic to therapeutic tool has revolutionized management options in the field of gastroenterology. Through EUS-guided methods, pancreaticobiliary obstruction can now be utilized as an alternative to surgical and percutaneous approaches. This modality also allows for gallbladder drainage in patients who are not ideal operative candidates. By utilizing its unique imaging capabilities, EUS also allows for drainage access points in cases of gastric outlet obstruction as well as windows to ablate pancreatic cystic lesions. As technical progress continues to evolve, interventional gastroenterology continues to push the envelope of minimally invasive therapeutic procedures in a multidisciplinary setting. In this comprehensive review, we set out to describe current indications and innovations through EUS.
Acquired Von Willebrand Syndrome following a SARS-CoV2 Infection
Authors: Iarossi Michael , Hermans Cedric
Published: February 2023

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome is a rare clinical entity with approximately 700 cases described in the literature. Different etiologies can be responsible for the occurrence of this condition, including mainly lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative syndromes, as well as cardiac diseases. Several mechanisms have been implicated depending on the etiology. Viral infections are an extremely rare cause, with only one case reported after an Epstein-Barr virus infection. In this case report, we have described the very likely association between SARS-CoV2 infection and the development of a time-limited acquired von Willebrand syndrome.
Markers of Kidney Tubular Function Deteriorate While Those of Kidney Tubule Health Improve in Primary Aldosteronism After Targeted Treatments
Authors: Wu Vin‐Cent , Chan Chieh‐Kai , Chueh Jeff S. , Chen Yung‐Ming , Lin Yen‐Hung , Chang Chin‐Chen , Lin Po‐Chih , Chung Shiu‐Dong ,   TAIPAI group
Published: February 2023

Background

Targeted treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) or adrenalectomy in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) causes a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate; however, the associated simultaneous changes in biomarkers of kidney tubule health still remain unclear.

Methods and Results

We matched 104 patients with newly diagnosed unilateral PA who underwent adrenalectomy with 104 patients with unilateral PA who were treated with MRAs, 104 patients with bilateral PA treated with MRAs, and 104 patients with essential hypertension who served as controls. Functional biomarkers were measured before the targeted treatment and 1 year after treatment, including serum markers of kidney function (cystatin C, creatinine), urinary markers of proximal renal tubular damage (L‐FABP [liver‐type fatty‐acid binding protein], KIM‐1 [kidney injury molecule‐1]), serum markers of kidney tubular reserve and mineral metabolism (intact parathyroid hormone), and proteinuria. Compared with the patients with essential hypertension, the patients with PA had higher pretreatment serum intact parathyroid hormone and urinary creatinine‐corrected parameters, including L‐FABP, KIM‐1, and albumin. The patients with essential hypertension and with PA had similar cystatin C levels. After treatment with MRAs or adrenalectomy of unilateral PA and MRAs of bilateral PA, the patients with PA had increased serum cystatin C and decreased urinary L‐FABP/creatinine, KIM‐1/creatinine, creatinine‐based estimated glomerular filtration rate, intact parathyroid hormone, and proteinuria (all
P
<0.05). In multivariable regression models, a higher urinary L‐FABP/creatinine ratio and older age were significantly correlated with the occurrence of kidney failure (estimated glomerular filtration rate dip ≥30%) in the patients with PA after targeted treatment.

Conclusions

Compared with the matched patients with essential hypertension, the incident patients with PA at diagnosis had higher levels of several biomarkers, including markers of kidney damage, tubular reserve/mineral metabolism, and proteinuria. Functional kidney failure in the patients with PA after treatment could be predicted by a higher baseline urinary L‐FABP/creatinine ratio and older age. After targeted treatments in the patients with bilateral or unilateral PA, these biomarkers of kidney tubule health were restored, but creatinine‐based estimated glomerular filtration rate declined, which may therefore reflect hemodynamic changes rather than intrinsic damage to kidney tubular cells.
Understanding the “Marmeleiros”: a taxonomic treatment of Croton sect. Lasiogyne (Euphorbiaceae) in Brazil
Authors: ROSSINE YURI , DE MELO ANDRÉ LAURÊNIO , ATHIÊ-SOUZA SARAH MARIA , DE SALES MARGARETH FERREIRA
Published: February 2023

We present here a taxonomic treatment of Croton sect. Lasiogyne occurring in Brazil. This study is based on field collections and analyses of more than 1,300 specimens held in 47 herbaria. Eleven species are recorded in Brazil, occurring in almost all phytogeographic domains (except the Pampa). Six species of those species are endemic to that country (Croton blanchetianus, C. claussenianus, C. compressus, C. jacobinensis, C. limae, and C. suassunae). The total absence of extrafloral nectaries and reduplicate-valvate sepals, or valvate sepals, are proposed here as morphological characteristics for the recognition of Brazilian species of the section Lasiogyne. The main characters used to differentiate the species are: branching pattern, stipule shape, venation, trichome type, shape of the sepals of the pistillate flower, shape and number of ramifications of the style, capsule shape, and seed surface texture. Croton macrocalyx is excluded here from this section and positioned in C. sect. Barhamia.
Taxonomic notes on the genus Brachypterum (Fabaceae: Millettieae)
Authors: SONG ZHU-QIU
Published: February 2023

Brachypterum was highly supported as a distinct genus from Derris within the tribe Millettieae by recent molecular and mophological evidence. Brachypterum pseudorobustum (basionym: Derris pseudorobusta) and Derris robusta var. assamica were originally described on fruiting collections from Northeast India, and their flowers were never described. The former species was considered be unique in having habit of scandent shrub, 15-foliolate leaves with minutely puberulous hairs, and one-winged pods usually with multiple seeds per pod. The latter taxon is still remained in Derris, although D. robusta has been accepted as Brachypterum robustum. However, our comparision of characters suggests the former species is quite similar with B. eriocarpum in various characters including its habit, leaf and pod traits, and the latter taxon most closely matches the features of Robinia pseudoacacia from the tribe Robinieae. As a result, Brachypterum pseudorobustum and Derris robusta var. assamica are both excluded from the accepted species list of Brachypterum in this study. A key to all the eleven accepted species of Brachypterum is first provided.
Further insights into the Stellaria media aggregate (Caryophyllaceae, Alsinoideae, Alsineae) in Africa: first reports of S. ruderalis in North Africa and S. cupaniana in Tunisia, with nomenclatural notes on the name Alsine cupaniana
Authors: EL MOKNI RIDHA , DEL GUACCHIO EMANUELE , IAMONICO DUILIO
Published: February 2023

Stellaria ruderalis and S. cupaniana (Caryophyllaceae, Alsinoideae, Alsineae) are recorded from Tunisia for the first time, S. ruderalis being also new to continental Africa. Descriptions, notes on habitat, ecology, and distribution in Tunisia are given. Original photographs together with a key to the Stellaria taxa of Tunisia are also provided. The typification of the name Alsine cupaniana is discussed and a specimen preserved at LY is designated as the lectotype.
Kalanchoe ×sampsonii [K. ×hankeyi × K. sexangularis] (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a horticulturally successful nothospecies from South Africa with enhanced vegetative and reproductive characters
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: February 2023

A new, shrubby nothospecies, Kalanchoe ×sampsonii (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is described from South Africa. The parents of the nothospecies are K. ×hankeyi and K. sexangularis, both of which are included in K. subg. Kalanchoe. When exposed to direct solar irradiation, virtually all vegetative plant parts of K. ×hankeyi, one of the parents of K. ×sampsonii, will be reddish-infused, a character inherited from K. sexangularis, which is also one parent of K. ×hankeyi. This desirable horticultural trait was further enhanced through back-crossing with K. sexangularis. At reproductive maturity, plants of K. ×sampsonii bear large, dense-flowered inflorescences that structurally more closely resemble those of K. longiflora, the other parent of K. ×hankeyi. The flowers of K. ×sampsonii are larger than those of K. sexangularis and the corolla tube and lobes are more intensely yellow than those of both K. ×hankeyi and K. sexangularis.
Nomenclatural updates to the taxonomy of Naucoridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: SITES ROBERT W.
Published: February 2023

N/A
A Simple Approach for Disentangling Vortical and Wavy Motions of Oceanic Flows
Authors: Wang Chuanyin , Liu Zhiyu , Lin Hongyang
Published: February 2023

A long-standing challenge in dynamical oceanography is to distinguish nonlinearly intermingled dynamical regimes of oceanic flows. Conventional approaches focus on time-scale or space-scale decomposition. Here, we pursue a dynamics-based decomposition, where a mean flow is introduced to extend the classic theory of wavy and vortical modes. Mainly based on relative magnitudes of the relative vorticity and the modified horizontal divergence in spectral space, the full flow is decomposed into wavy and vortical motions. The proposed approach proves simple and efficient and can be used particularly for online disentangling vortical and wavy motions of the simulated flows by ever-popular tide-resolving high-resolution numerical models. This dynamical approach, combined with conventional time-scale- or space-scale-based approaches, paves the way for online mixing parameterizations using model simulated vortical (for isopycnal mixing) and wavy (for diapycnal mixing) motions and for understanding of multiregime and multiscale interactions of oceanic flows.
Evaluation of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta Complications in a Community-Based Trauma Center
Authors: DeClerk Andrew C. , Helmer Stephen D. , Quinn Karson R. , Haan James M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a method of management of noncompressible torso hemorrhage in trauma patients. Increased utilization has shown increased vascular complications and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate complications of REBOA placement in a community trauma setting.

Methods

A 3-year retrospective review was performed of all trauma patients that underwent REBOA placement. Data collection included demographics, injury characteristics, complications, and mortality.

Results

Twenty-three patients were included, and the overall mortality was 65.2%. Most patients suffered blunt trauma (73.9%), and median ISS and TRISS (survival probability) were 24 and 42.2%, respectively. The median time to REBOA placement was 22 minutes, and hemorrhagic control was achieved in all patients. The most common complication was acute kidney injury at 34.8%. There was one complication associated with placement that required vascular intervention but did not lead to limb amputation.

Conclusion

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta was shown to have higher rates of acute kidney injury, similar rates of vascular injury, and lower rate of limb complications compared to published literature. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta remains a useful tool for trauma resuscitation without the fear of increased complications.
Common Injury Patterns in Trauma Patients Arriving in Extremis
Authors: Dhillon Navpreet K. , Scalea Thomas M.
Published: February 2023

Resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) may be utilized to obtain a perfusing rhythm, but identifying and treating bleeding immediately after successful RT is mandatory for survival. Trauma surgeons must be able to manage all injuries in these cases as there will likely not be enough time to obtain specialty consultation or to use endovascular management. We sought to determine common injuries in patients arriving in extremis and the injuries that require operative management. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent a RT at a high-volume Level 1 trauma center from 2010 to 2020. Those who had an autopsy report or lived to discharge were included in the study. High-grade cardiac, high-grade liver injuries, and pelvic fractures are commonly seen when trauma patients arrive in extremis and often require hemorrhage control. Trauma surgeons must be able to manage such injuries as obtaining specialty consultation or using endovascular therapy is not feasible.
Assessment of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Systemic Inflammation-Response Index in Different Coronary Artery Plaque Types
Authors: Yildiz Cennet , Yuksel Yasin , Rakici Ibrahim T , Katkat Fahrettin , Ayça Burak , Turhan Çağlar Fatma Nihan
Published: February 2023

Coronary computed tomography angiography can evaluate coronary arterial plaque composition with high resolution. We aimed to determine and compare the values of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation-response index (SIRI) in different plaque types. Highest values of SIRI and SII were found in mixed plaque type followed by non-calcified plaque type. SII value of 463.07 predicted one-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) with a sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 64.3% and SIRI value of 1.14 predicted one-year MACE with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 62%. Paired analysis of area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curves showed that SIRI had higher AUC than coronary calcium score and SII. Univariate logistic regression results showed that age, creatinine level, coronary calcium score, SII, and SIRI were the independent predictors of one-year MACE. According to the results of multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting other factors, age, creatinine level, and SIRI were the independent predictors of one-year MACE. SIRI seemed to improve the risk prediction in coronary artery disease. Therefore, special attention may need to be paid to patients who have a high SIRI.
Book review: Upinder Singh, ed., The World of India’s First Archaeologist: Letters from Alexander Cunningham to J. D. M. Beglar
Authors: Suvrathan Uthara
Published: February 2023

Upinder Singh, ed., The World of India’s First Archaeologist: Letters from Alexander Cunningham to J. D. M. Beglar. Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2021.
Potential Implications of Covid-19 on Tourism Industry: Charting A Road Map for Future
Authors: Ratha Keshab Chandra
Published: February 2023

Covid-19 has transformed the world for days ahead in every conceivable respect impacting massively the international travel, tourism demand and hospitality industry. The major thrust of the present article is to map out the implication of the Covid-19 outbreak on the global tourism industry in all countries and finds out the challenges they encountered in tourism and the plan of action to overthrow those challenges in the short and long periods of time. The study is an intellectual endeavour to examine the impact of the other supporting sectors, such as hospitality, air travel, transport and communication in the global context. The governments need to outline a master plan to keep workers in the tourism industry safe, without neglecting to render financial contributions supported with low-interest loans or grants to revive the industry. An exploration into how the industry will recover after Covid-19 and how the industry can be made sustainable in a drastically changed world is the need of the hour. Open communication is a key to strongly strive against the pandemic and government-sponsored loans are all-important for the continued existence of the tourism industry.
The Necessity to Discuss ‘Deterrence Failure’ Regarding North Korea’s Nuclear Threat
Authors: Park Hwee-Rhak
Published: February 2023

This article introduces the ‘deterrence failure’ concept and applies it to North Korea’s nuclear threat situation. For this purpose, it selects five factors, including retaliation posture; credibility of retaliation; probability of the challenger’s success; challenger’s irrational leader; and situational desperateness, to evaluate the US–South Korea nuclear deterrence posture against North Korea. Except for the retaliation posture, most factors are very concerning. Therefore, to strengthen their deterrence posture against North Korea, the United States and South Korea should take a few practical measures to ensure the implementation of the US extended deterrence, including the forward-deployment of more US retaliation assets around the Korean Peninsula.
Social Withdrawal in Adolescence: Developmental and Humanistic Perspectives
Authors: Chen Yunxiang , Liu Xiangping
Published: February 2023

In both the West and East, social withdrawal, manifested as solitude and shyness, has distinct developmental implications for adolescent mental health. Representative countries in the West (e.g., North America and Europe) and East (e.g., China) were selected to compare cultural differences. This literature review aims to discuss how adolescents experience solitude and shyness differently in North America, Europe, and China from a developmental perspective, and adopts a cross-cultural perspective to explain the distinct outcomes of adolescent social withdrawal. Furthermore, humanistic perspectives are discussed to link adolescent development and humanism in terms of previous empirical evidence and counseling practices. In North America and Europe, solitude has both adaptive and harmful effects on adolescents’ mental health. However, solitude in China and shyness in both cultural settings tend to adversely affect adolescent mental health. These findings from previous studies correspond to developmental perspectives in terms of mental health, personal adaptation, and self-development during adolescence. The strengths, weaknesses, and implications of this literature review are also discussed.
Effect of quercetin on the structure and oxidation resistance of polyphenylene sulfide fiber prepared by melt spinning
Authors: Dandan Lian , Jianjun Lu , Lixin Yin , Chao Ge , Baojun Wang
Published: February 2023

Polyphenylene sulfide fiber is easily oxidized at high temperature, thus vastly reducing its application range. In this study, polyphenylene sulfide/quercetin fibers were prepared via melt spinning. The effect of quercetin on the spinnability of the composite fibers was explored, and their cross-sectional morphology, crystalline properties, orientation, tensile properties, thermal stability and oxidation stability were investigated. At the quercetin content of 1.5 wt.%, particle agglomerates and some gasification, causing fluctuations in melt pressure, fiber breakage and poor spinnability, were observed in the polyphenylene sulfide matrix. The addition of quercetin can increase the crystallization temperature of polyphenylene sulfide, shorten its crystallization time, refine the crystalline particles therein, and improve the degree of fiber orientation. At the quercetin content of 1.0 wt.%, the tensile strength and elongation at break of composite fibers increased by 30.8% and 7.6%, respectively, as compared to those of pure polyphenylene sulfide fibers. Moreover, the decomposition temperature and the oxidation induction temperature at a 5% weight loss were 16.3°C and 13.4°C higher than those of the unmodified PPS fibers. The loss of strength of composite fibers subjected to oxidation for 240 h was only 18.4%. The X-ray diffraction results showed that the phenolic hydroxyl groups in the quercetin structure were able to capture free radicals generated during the oxidation of polyphenylene sulfide fibers, as well as inhibit the oxidative degradation reaction and improve the oxidative stability of the fiber. The oxidation resistance mechanism of composite fibers was also proposed.