bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Bioactivity of Pomegranate Peel Extract following Controlled Release from CaCO3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Baldassarre Francesca , Vergaro Viviana , De Castro Federica , Biondo Francesca , Suranna Gian Paolo , Papadia Paride , Fanizzi Francesco P. , Rongai Domenico , Ciccarella Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Pomegranate peel extract is rich of interesting bioactive chemicals, principally phenolic compounds, which have shown antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidative properties. The aim of this work was to improve extract’ bioactivity through the adsorption on calcium carbonate nanocrystals. Nanocrystals revealed as efficient tools for extract adsorption reaching 50% of loading efficiency. Controlled release of the contained metabolites under acidic pH has been found, as it was confirmed by quantitative assay and qualitative study through NMR analysis. Specific functionality of inorganic nanocarriers could be also tuned by biopolymeric coating. The resulting coated nanoformulations showed a great antimicrobial activity against B. cinerea fungus preventing strawberries disease better than a commercial fungicide. Furthermore, nanoformulations demonstrated a good antiproliferative activity in neuroblastoma and breast cancer cells carrying out a higher cytotoxic effect respect to free extract, confirming a crucial role of nanocarriers. Finally, pomegranate peel extract showed a very high radical scavenging ability, equal to ascorbic acid. Antioxidant activity, measured also in intracellular environment, highlighted a protective action of extract‐adsorbed nanocrystals twice than free extract, providing a possible application for new nutraceutical formulations.
Realization of Wireless Sensors and Intelligent Computer Aided Teaching in Physical Education and Training
Authors: Wu Guang , Zhang Xuezheng
Published: February 2022

Wireless sensors integrate a variety of high-tech, powered by engines to form network nodes, and randomly distributed sensors and data processing units form a network through a certain rule. The wireless sensor can directly transmit the collected digital signal to the computer for analysis and processing. Intelligent computer refers to a computer that can simulate and expand artificial intelligence. It is a dynamically developing concept and always represents the most advanced level of computer development. This article aims to study the role of wireless sensors and intelligent computer-assisted teaching in physical education and training. It is hoped that wireless sensors and intelligent computer technology will assist in physical training. This article briefly summarizes the status quo of the use of wireless sensors, briefly introduces the design and use of various wireless sensors, and briefly explains their differences. This article explains the theoretical basis and principles of use of intelligent computers. Aiming at the shortcomings of traditional multimedia courseware in the teaching process, an application idea is proposed, and a modular design method is adopted to design a computer-assisted teaching system based on integrated ware. The test results of this paper show that 40% of the students were very satisfied with the intelligent PC-assisted educational delivery system in PE lessons, 67% were satisfied with the usage of the intelligent CC-AS in PE lessons and 22% disagreed with the usage of the intelligent CC-AS in PE lessons; 14.2% of the teachers often used the intelligent CC-AS in PE lessons and 30% of teachers occasionally used ICDS in PE lessons and another 12% never used ICDS in PE lessons.
Analysis of Sepsis Markers and Pathogenesis Based on Gene Differential Expression and Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Liang Jifang , Wu Weidong , Wang Xiuzhe , Wu Wenjing , Chen Shuxian , Jiang Meini
Published: February 2022

Objective. The purpose of the present study is to screen the hub genes associated with sepsis, comprehensively understand the occurrence and progress mechanism of sepsis, and provide new targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. Methods. The microarray data of GSE9692 and GSE95233 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The dataset GSE9692 contained 29 children with sepsis and 16 healthy children, while the dataset GSE95233 included 102 septic subjects and 22 healthy volunteers. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by GEO2R online analysis. The DAVID database was applied to conduct functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs. The STRING database was adopted to acquire protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Results. We identified 286 DEGs (217 upregulated DEGs and 69 downregulated DEGs) in the dataset GSE9692 and 357 DEGs (236 upregulated DEGs and 121 downregulated DEGs) in the dataset GSE95233. After the intersection of DEGs of the two datasets, a total of 98 co-DEGs were obtained. DEGs associated with sepsis were involved in inflammatory responses such as T cell activation, leukocyte cell-cell adhesion, leukocyte-mediated immunity, cytokine production, immune effector process, lymphocyte-mediated immunity, defense response to fungus, and lymphocyte-mediated immunity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis suggested that sepsis was connected to bacterial and viral infections. Through PPI network analysis, we screened the most important hub genes, including ITK, CD247, MMP9, CD3D, MMP8, KLRK1, and GZMK. Conclusions. In conclusion, the present study revealed an unbalanced immune response at the transcriptome level of sepsis and identified genes for potential biomarkers of sepsis, such as ITK, CD247, MMP9, CD3D, MMP8, KLRK1, and GZMK.
Rectus Sheath Hematoma in COVID-19 Patients as a Mortal Complication: A Retrospective Report
Authors: Mahmoudabadi Hossein Zabihi , Hadadi Azar , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Kafan Samira , Ashouri Mohammad , Allahbeigi Rashad , Hajebi Reza
Published: February 2022

Background. Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare self-limited presentation that has become a concern in hospitalized COVID-19 patients receiving anticoagulant therapies. Method. A retrospective multicentric study was conducted in referral hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran, between June and August 2021. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 that were complicated with rectus sheath hematoma during hospitalization were included. Median (lower quartile to upper quartile) was used to report the distribution of the results. Result. This study was conducted on nine patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, including eight females and one male. The severity of viral pneumonia was above average in eight patients. The median age and median body mass index were 65 (55.5 to 78) years and 29.38 (23.97 to 31.71) kg/m2. The duration of anticoagulant therapy was 10 (6 to 14) days, and the median length of hospital stay was 20 (10 to 23.5) days. Rectus sheath hematoma occurred after a median reduction of 4 (2.7 to 6.6) units in blood hemoglobin. Although 66.7% received ICU care and all of them were under full observation in well-equipped hospitals, the mortality rate was 55.6%. Conclusion. In summary, increased levels of inflammatory markers such as lactic acid dehydrogenase along with an abrupt decrease in blood hemoglobin in COVID-19 patients should be considered as predisposing factors for rectus sheath hematoma, especially in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia under anticoagulant therapy. This complication had been considered a self-limited condition; however, it seems to be fatal in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Further studies in larger sample sizes should be conducted to find out suitable management for this complication.
Analysis of the Particle Characteristics of Aeolian Sand in Yulin Area, China
Authors: You Qinglong , Yang Zhang , Ma Jinglian , Yan Xili , Sesay Taiwo , Wang Haifeng , Liang Zhou
Published: February 2022

Aeolian sand is an important construction material in many desert regions. In order to study its engineering properties, samples were extracted from two sections within Yulin city, Shaanxi province of China. One set was collected from a site along the G210 highway that connects Yulin city and Inner Mongolia, and the other sampling site was along the provincial highway S204 that connects Yulin and Jingbian city. Sieve analyses using square mesh and round mesh sieves were conducted to determine the particle size distribution of the collected sand samples. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the surface microstructure and mineral composition of the sand particles, respectively. Based on the sieve analyses results, the size distribution of the Aeolian sand particles in this region is mainly between 0.075 mm and 0.3 mm with low clay content (0.69–10.3%). Also, it was found that the square mesh is more effective than the round mesh for conducting sieve analysis of Aeolian sand, with the 0.15 mm sieve identified as the key sieve size. Using the percentage passing rates in the 0.15 mm square sieve as a classification index, the particle gradation of the sand particles was simplified into three classes: Class A (less than 30%), Class B (between 30% and 60%), and Class C (more than 60%). SEM observation revealed different profile configurations on the surfaces of the Aeolian sand particles including intensive pitting, corrosion marks, and cracks, while the XRD results indicated the presence of quartz and feldspar in more than 95% of the entire mineral composition of the sand particles. Minerals that are deleterious to cement and mortar used in road construction were present in negligible amounts. From the particle size characterization, it is possible to use Aeolian sand as a subgrade material in road construction due its lower clay content. Also, the negligible amount of minerals such as calcite and chlorite in the Aeolian sand mineral composition indicates its potential for use in cement and mortar without causing any complex chemical reactions. The findings of this study indicate the possibility of utilizing the Aeolian sand deposits in Yulin area as a road construction material and also provide a theoretical guide to encourage its widespread application in this regard.
Sleep Quality and Emotional State of Medical Students in Dubai
Authors: Meer Hamdah , Jeyaseelan Lakshmanan , Sultan Meshal A.
Published: February 2022

Poor sleep quality has been reported to be common amongst medical students and healthcare professionals worldwide. Sleep disturbance has been associated with increased rates of burnout and depression. As a result, this has been negatively impacting performance and functioning. Research on this topic is limited in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study is aimed at exploring sleep pattern and the emotional state of medical and dental students in Dubai, UAE. This cross-sectional study was based on an electronic survey sent to 181 medical and dental students. Of the 181 invitations, 96 individuals agreed to participate and complete the rating scales. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was utilized to explore sleep duration, quality, and daytime functioning. The Positive and Negative Affect Scale was used to assess the emotional states of the participants. Overall, the findings revealed diminished sleep duration. The average duration of sleep amongst the study participants was 5 hours and 24 minutes, which is significantly below the recommended duration as per sleep guidelines. Results also showed a significant positive correlation between total sleep duration and overall sleep quality with enthusiasm during the day. Future research designed to explore factors contributing to sleep efficiency, in more depth, as well as strategies to enhance sleep quality is highly warranted.
Clear Aligner Treatments in Orthoperio Patients
Authors: Mampieri Gianluca , Condò Roberta , Di Caccamo Giovanni , Pirelli Paola , Giancotti Aldo
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Orthodontic treatment is a recognized approach to support specific periodontal issues thanks to its capability to manipulate periodontal tissues. This concept is certainly not new, but the use of aligners in certain clinical conditions can be considered as being innovative when a multidisciplinary treatment is necessary. Moreover, aligners enable to plan 3D tooth movements, root placement, staging, and range of dental movements, alongside the improvement of oral hygiene. Thus, aligners can be suitable for the treatment of periodontal issues. In this article, the authors present two clinical cases with different periodontal issues: one with superficial periodontal problems and the other with a deep one. Both cases were successfully treated with aligners, highlighting how this invisible and comfortable tool can simplify the management of complex adult treatments. Conclusion. Digital workflow is the key for success in the aligner technique. The possibility to design a virtual plan of treatment and to transfer it in the real clinical world represents a way to limit errors and to reduce the time of orthodontic therapy.
Sugarcane Bagasse as the Source of Nanocrystalline Cellulose for Gelatin-Free Capsule Shell
Authors: Sabara Zakir , Mutmainnah Alfirah , Kalsum Ummu , Afiah Irma Nur , Husna Ismalia , Saregar Antomi , Irzaman  , Umam Rofiqul
Published: February 2022

Gelatin-free capsules are possibly produced through an innovation which involves utilizing environmentally friendly materials derived from plants such as bagasse which are produced into nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). This research was conducted to report the extraction and characterization of NCC from the abundant industrial plantation waste of sugarcane and its application as the base material for gelatin-free capsule shell material. The process involved using different concentrations of NCC at 1%, 2%, 4%, and 7% (in wt. %) with the addition of 1% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (in wt. %) and 1% carbopol (in wt. %). Moreover, the NCC capsules obtained from sugarcane bagasse were tested for moisture content, tensile strength, elongation, solubility, and pH. The results showed that sugarcane bagasse contains 40–50% cellulose, 6.15%–9.5% moisture content which indicates they are potentially better in terms of storage, 7.25–7.85 pH, and 0.05–0.136 MPa gel strength, and the elongation value ranges from 7.19 to 87.51%. These values were discovered to have satisfied the standard requirements as indicated by the optimal concentration of 4% NCC +1% HPMC, which is in line with the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), thereby leading to the consideration of the material safe to be used as raw material in making capsule shells.
Probing the Thermal Behavior and Stability of Metal‐Fe3O4 Heterodimer Nanoparticles Utilizing In Situ Pulsed Laser Heating TEM
Authors: Mitchell Garrett M. , Shuvo Shoumya Nandy , Kundu Subhajit , Manto Michael J. , Wang Chao , Ortalan Volkan
Published: February 2022

In situ laser heating with transmission electron microscopy (ILH‐TEM) is utilized as a neoteric method to probe the thermal behavior and stability of metal‐ (Pt, Au‐) metal oxide (Fe3O4) heterodimer (HD) nanoparticles. Two different supporting membrane types are used for the laser heating: pure‐carbon and silicon‐nitride, requiring different amounts of laser power to induce morphological changes. Diffraction pattern analysis and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) are utilized to analyze reduction of the iron oxide under laser heating, which has differing effects depending on the support film heating mode and the heterodimer particle. A unique wetting behavior of Pt and Au onto Fe3O4 is observed in both heterodimers of Au and Pt. However, this wetting behavior is found to be partially reversible only in the case of the Au‐Fe3O4 HD system, whereas for the Pt‐Fe3O4 HD system, this wetting process was found to be irreversible under the applied experimental conditions. This observation of a novel wetting behavior has future implications for understanding the performance of oxide supported metal nanoparticles in high temperature applications, such as catalysis.
Targeting the Ubiquitin–Proteasome System Using the UBA1 Inhibitor TAK-243 is a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Majeed Safa , Aparnathi Mansi K. , Nixon Kevin C.J. , Venkatasubramanian Vidhyasagar , Rahman Fariha , Song Lifang , Weiss Jessica , Barayan Ranya , Sugumar Vijithan , Barghout Samir H. , Pearson Joel D. , Bremner Rod , Schimmer Aaron D. , Tsao Ming S. , Liu Geoffrey , Lok Benjamin H.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Treatment for SCLC with cisplatin/etoposide chemotherapy (C/E) ± radiotherapy has changed modestly over several decades. The ubiquitin-proteasome system is an underexplored therapeutic target for SCLC. We preclinically evaluated TAK-243, a first-in-class small molecule E1 inhibitor against UBA1.

Experimental Design:

We assessed TAK-243 in 26 SCLC cell-lines as monotherapy and combined with C/E, the PARP-inhibitor, olaparib, and with radiation using cell viability assays. We interrogated TAK-243 response with gene expression to identify candidate biomarkers. We evaluated TAK-243 alone and in combination with olaparib or radiotherapy with SCLC patient-derived xenografts (PDX).

Results:

Most SCLC cell lines were sensitive to TAK-243 monotherapy (EC50 median 15.8 nmol/L; range 10.2 nmol/L–367.3 nmol/L). TAK-243 sensitivity was associated with gene-sets involving the cell cycle, DNA and chromatin organization, and DNA damage repair, while resistance associated with cellular respiration, translation, and neurodevelopment. These associations were also observed in SCLC PDXs. TAK-243 synergized with C/E and olaparib in vitro across sensitive and resistant SCLC cell lines. Considerable TAK-243–olaparib synergy was observed in an SCLC PDX resistant to both drugs individually. TAK-243 radiosensitization was also observed in an SCLC PDX.

Conclusions:

TAK-243 displays efficacy in SCLC preclinical models. Enrichment of gene sets is associated with TAK-243 sensitivity and resistance. TAK-243 exhibits synergy when combined with genotoxic therapies in cell lines and PDXs. TAK-243 is a potential therapeutic strategy to improve SCLC patient outcomes, both as a single agent and in combination with existing therapies.
Tumor Drug Concentration and Phosphoproteomic Profiles After Two Weeks of Treatment With Sunitinib in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma
Authors: van Linde Myra E. , Labots Mariette , Brahm Cyrillo G. , Hovinga Koos E. , De Witt Hamer Philip C. , Honeywell Richard J. , de Goeij-de Haas Richard , Henneman Alex A. , Knol Jaco C. , Peters Godefridus J. , Dekker Henk , Piersma Sander R. , Pham Thang V. , Vandertop William P. , Jiménez Connie R. , Verheul Henk M.W.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have poor efficacy in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Here, we studied whether this is predominantly due to restricted blood–brain barrier penetration or more to biological characteristics of GBM.

Patients and Methods:

Tumor drug concentrations of the TKI sunitinib after 2 weeks of preoperative treatment was determined in 5 patients with GBM and compared with its in vitro inhibitory concentration (IC50) in GBM cell lines. In addition, phosphotyrosine (pTyr)-directed mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics was performed to evaluate sunitinib-treated versus control GBM tumors.

Results:

The median tumor sunitinib concentration of 1.9 μmol/L (range 1.0–3.4) was 10-fold higher than in concurrent plasma, but three times lower than sunitinib IC50s in GBM cell lines (median 5.4 μmol/L, 3.0–8.5; P = 0.01). pTyr-phosphoproteomic profiles of tumor samples from 4 sunitinib-treated versus 7 control patients revealed 108 significantly up- and 23 downregulated (P < 0.05) phosphopeptides for sunitinib treatment, resulting in an EGFR-centered signaling network. Outlier analysis of kinase activities as a potential strategy to identify drug targets in individual tumors identified nine kinases, including MAPK10 and INSR/IGF1R.

Conclusions:

Achieved tumor sunitinib concentrations in patients with GBM are higher than in plasma, but lower than reported for other tumor types and insufficient to significantly inhibit tumor cell growth in vitro. Therefore, alternative TKI dosing to increase intratumoral sunitinib concentrations might improve clinical benefit for patients with GBM. In parallel, a complex profile of kinase activity in GBM was found, supporting the potential of (phospho)proteomic analysis for the identification of targets for (combination) treatment.
Very High-Frequency Ultrasonography Signs in Bilateral Acute Choroidal Effusion Associated with Systemic Sulphonamide Medications: 2 Cases
Authors: Piñeiro Ces Antonio , Bande Rodriguez Manuel , Rodriguez Blanco María , Peña Madrid Lourdes , Lopez Valladares María J. , Blanco Teijeiro María J.
Published: February 2022

Sulphonamides are commonly used in medicine for several purposes; however, they can lead to significant adverse effects, including idiosyncratic reactions and choroidal detachment corresponding to a forward rotation of the iris-lens diaphragm; this could also evolve into acute transient myopia with possible acute angle closure glaucoma. The risk of such reactions to sulphonamides is approximately 3%. In our communication, we have reported on 2 cases involving patients who suffered choroidal detachments after starting sulphonamide treatments and who were diagnosed with the help of ultrasound biomicroscopy. Patient 1 was an 87-year-old male with bilateral pseudophakia who developed an acute change in vision in both eyes after he started taking chlorthalidone, a classic thiazide diuretic antihypertensive that is characterized by having a sulpha-based group. Patient 2 was a 42-year-old female who developed dramatic visual loss after beginning a new treatment (topiramate) for weight loss. We were able to successfully detect the choroidal detachments in these patients with ultrasound biomicroscopy, which aided us in quickly diagnosing the condition. Subsequently, the drugs were immediately discontinued, and appropriate treatment was administered resulting in the full recovery of both patients.
Recurrent Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Intraocular Tumor Extension after Topical Erythropoietin: A Case Report
Authors: Feizi Sepehr , Esfandiari Hamed
Published: February 2022

Topical erythropoietin has been recently introduced for the treatment of avascular conjunctival and scleral lesions. Before this treatment can be routinely used, however, its safety profile and contraindications should be determined. Herein, we report a case of recurrent conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and intraocular tumor extension after treatment with topical erythropoietin for excisional biopsy-induced scleral necrosis. An 87-year-old man underwent excisional biopsy for a conjunctival leukoplakic mass. Histological examination showed a well-differentiated SCC on the postoperative day 10. All borders of the specimen were reported to be involved with tumoral cells. The patient did not receive further surgical intervention or topical mitomycin since he developed surgically induced scleral necrosis on the postoperative day 14. Topical erythropoietin 3,000 IU/mL was started every 6 h, and avascular scleral lesion healed over 21 days of treatment with topical erythropoietin. However, 4 months after complete improvement, the tumor recurred with extension into the anterior chamber. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed the involvement of sclera, iris root, and ciliary body with blunting of the anterior chamber angle. Orbital extension was not detected in magnetic resonance imaging. Topical erythropoietin administered in eyes with a history of conjunctival SCC could be linked to tumor recurrence and intraocular invasion. We recommend avoiding topical erythropoietin in eyes with existing conjunctival SCC or a previous history of conjunctival SCC that was incompletely removed.
Gastric Signet-Ring-Cell Adenocarcinoma with Delayed Retroperitoneal Metastasis and Fibrosis
Authors: Benesch Matthew G.K. , Mathieson Alexander
Published: February 2022

Gastric signet-ring-cell adenocarcinoma (SRCC) is a rare disease entity, often characterized by early age of the onset and sometimes attributable to heritable genetic mutations. Overall prognosis is usually poor due to diagnosis at late stages. There are a handful of case reports that describe patient presentation with retroperitoneal fibrosis secondary to malignancy from a concurrent gastric SRCC found on the workup. No information exists on timing from primary tumor development to retroperitoneal disease. Further, there is speculation that gastric SRCC may have an indolent phase prior to symptomatic disease, but its natural history is essentially entirely unknown. In this case report, we describe a 39-year-old male with an incidentally discovered gastric SRCC who then underwent multimodality treatment with curative intent. No evidence of recurrence was documented on interval surveillance scans for 4.5 years, at which point, he rapidly developed a large retroperitoneal mass that was biopsied for metastatic disease. He succumbed to his pathology within 6 months. This presentation suggests that gastric SRCC could have both a relatively long indolent phase and an unpredictable propensity for explosive metastatic progression. Tumor biology factors that affect this balance are not understood.
Intensity of Treatment as Usual and Its Impact on the Effects of Face-to-Face and Internet-Based Psychotherapy for Depression: A Preregistered Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Munder Thomas , Geisshüsler Alessia , Krieger Tobias , Zimmermann Johannes , Wolf Markus , Berger Thomas , Watzke Birgit
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Treatment as usual (TAU) is the most frequently used control group in randomized trials of psychotherapy for depression. Concerns have been raised that the heterogeneity of treatments in TAU leads to biased estimates of psychotherapy efficacy and to an unclear difference between TAU and control groups like waiting list (WL). Objective: We investigated the impact of control group intensity (i.e., amount and degree to which elements of common depression treatments are provided) on the effects of face-to-face and internet-based psychotherapy for depression. Methods: We conducted a preregistered meta-analysis (www.osf.io/4mzyd). We included trials comparing psychotherapy with TAU or WL in patients with symptoms of unipolar depression. Six indicators were used to assess control group intensity. Primary outcome: Standardized mean difference (SMD) of psychotherapy and control in depressive symptoms at treatment termination. Results: We included 89 trials randomizing 14,474 patients to 113 psychotherapy conditions and 89 control groups (TAU in 42 trials, WL in 47 trials). Control group intensity predicted trial results in preregistered (one-sided ps < 0.042) and exploratory analyses. Psychotherapy effects were significantly smaller (one-sided p = 0.002) in trials with higher intensity TAU (SMD = 0.324, CI 0.209 to 0.439) than in trials with lower intensity TAU (SMD = 0.628, CI 0.455 to 0.801). Psychotherapy effects against lower intensity TAU did not differ from effects against WL (two-sided p = 0.663). Conclusions: Our results suggest that variation in TAU intensity impacts the outcome of trials. More scrutiny in the design of control groups for clinical trials is recommended.
Metastasis of Primary Cutaneous Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma to the Nasal Septum after 17 years: A Case Report
Authors: Takada Yohei , Takada Tomoko , Takayasu Sachie , Ogino Yuhei , Higashiyama Yuka , Fukui Kenta , Sakamoto Daiki , Asako Mikiya , Iwai Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma (PCACC) is extremely rare, and although distant metastasis has been reported, to date, there are no reports regarding metastasis to the nasal septum. We report a rare case of PCACC that metastasized to the nasal septum 17 years after the first surgery in a 59-year-old woman. She initially presented with a mass under the skin of her left mammary papilla. After a biopsy revealed the presence of an adenoid cystic carcinoma, the tumor was excised and definitively diagnosed as a PCACC. Five years after surgery, the patient presented with left lung metastasis and underwent a partial resection of the left lung. However, 8 years after this procedure, the patient had to undergo a partial resection of the right lung because of right lung metastasis. Four years thereafter, the patient presented with nasal septal metastasis. The tumor was excised successfully using a combined technique integrating intranasal and extranasal approaches. The patient is currently undergoing regular follow-up tests. Thus, in such cases, lifelong follow-up is necessary while checking for both distant metastasis and instances of local recurrence.
Clinical Correlates of Placental Pathologic Features in Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Spinillo Arsenio , Meroni Anna , Melito Chiara , Scatigno Annachiara Licia , Tzialla Chryssoula , Fiandrino Giacomo , Cesari Stefania , Gardella Barbara
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between placental pathologic features of maternal (MVM) or fetal (FVM) vascular malperfusion and clinical characteristics, sonographic findings and neonatal outcome in a cohort of pregnancies complicated by early-onset (diagnosed before 32 weeks of gestational age) fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: A prospective cohort study included 250 singleton early-onset FGR pregnancies diagnosed, followed up and delivered at a single center. Placental pathologic lesions were classified according to standard recommendations. Logistic regression and Cox analysis were used to evaluate outcomes adjusting for confounders. Results: Overall features of severe placental MVM and FVM were observed in 29.6% (74/250) and 12.8% (32/250) of the subjects, respectively. Severe placental MVM lesions were more common among subjects with umbilical artery Doppler Pulsatility Index >95th than ≤95th percentile (50/120 as opposed to 24/130, Adj odds ratio [OR] = 3, 95% CI = 1.6–5.4) and Cerebroplacental ratio <5th than ≥5th percentile (48/115 as opposed to 26/135, Adj OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.5–4.9). Mean time from FGR diagnosis to delivery was shorter among subjects with severe MVM (25.5 days, 95% CI = 20.6–30.2, Adj. OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5) when compared to both those with mild/moderate MVM (36.5 days [95% CI = 27.2–45, p = 0.04]) or no MVM (39.4, 95% CI = 35.4–43.4, p < 0.001). Finally, severe FVM was associated with an increased risk of perinatal/neonatal death or severe brain lesions (9/28 in subjects with perinatal/neonatal death/brain lesions as compared to 23/222 in controls, Adj OR = 3, 95% CI = 1.05–8.6) or severe adverse neonatal outcomes (13/46 in subjects with severe adverse outcome as compared to 19/204 among controls, Adj OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.2–8.5). Conclusions: In early-onset FGR, placental pathologic features of MVM and FVM are, in different regards, associated to severity of clinical picture, abnormal Doppler markers of placental and fetal circulation and of neonatal outcome, respectively.
Successful Use of Direct Splenic Vein Anastomosis to the Interposition Internal Jugular Vein Graft after Extended Pancreatoduodenectomy to Avoid Sinistral Portal Hypertension
Authors: Dhakre Vijay W. , Suryawanshi Shrikant S. , Shewale Vijay P. , Rathod Chetan , Galande Sneha Tukaram , Sethna Kaiumarz S.
Published: February 2022

Splenic vein (SV) ligation may be needed during portomesenteric junction resection, in pancreatoduodenectomy. Sinistral portal hypertension is a concern if the SV is not drained. Various techniques are described to reconstruct SV to avoid the variceal formation and sinistral portal hypertension which may lead to GI bleed. We describe a case of a 19-year-old female who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm with portal-superior mesenteric vein junction resection and splenic venous was anastomosed into the interposition graft. We here share our unique experience of using an interposition internal jugular vein graft for a long venous defect and diverging morbidity of sinistral portal hypertension.
Neck Circumference and Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Kornej Jelena , Lin Honghuang , Trinquart Ludovic , Jackson Corban R. , Ko Darae , Benjamin Emelia J. , Preis Sarah R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Increased neck circumference, a proxy for upper‐body subcutaneous fat, is associated with cardiovascular risk and metabolic risk factors, accounting for body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. The association between neck circumference and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. The aim of current study was to evaluate the association between neck circumference and incident AF.

Methods and Results

We selected participants from the Framingham Heart Study aged ≥55 years without diagnosed AF and with available neck circumference, BMI, and waist circumference measurements. We defined high neck circumference as ≥14 inches in women and ≥17 inches in men on the basis of the Contal and O’Quigley changepoint method. We used Fine‐Gray models to estimate subdistribution hazards ratios (sHRs) for the association between neck circumference and incident AF accounting for the competing risk of death. We adjusted models for clinical risk factors. We then additionally adjusted separately for BMI, waist circumference, and height/weight. The study sample included 4093 participants (mean age 64±7 years, 55% female). During 11.2±5.7 mean years of follow‐up, incident AF occurred in 571 participants. High neck circumference was associated with incident AF (sHR for high versus low: 1.58; 95% CI, 1.32–1.90,
P
<0.0001). The association remained significant after adjustment for BMI (sHR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.21–1.89;
P
=0.0003), waist circumference (sHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.18–1.83;
P
<0.0001), and height/weight (sHR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09–1.72;
P
=0.007).

Conclusions

High neck circumference was associated with incident AF adjusting for traditional adiposity measures such as BMI and waist circumference.
Seasonal Variation of Atrial Fibrillation Admission and Quality of Care in the United States
Authors: Sheehy Shanshan , Fonarow Gregg C. , Holmes DaJuanicia N. , Lewis William R. , Matsouaka Roland A. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Zhi Lillian , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Currently, little is known regarding seasonal variation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in the United States and whether quality of care for AF varies between seasons.

Methods and Results

The GWTG‐AFib (Get With The Guidelines–AFib) registry was initiated by the American Heart Association to enhance national guideline adherence for treatment and management of AF. Our analyses included 61 291 patients who were admitted at 141 participating hospitals from 2014 to 2018 across the United States. Outcomes included numbers of AF admissions and quality‐of‐care measures (defect‐free care, defined as a patient’s receiving all eligible measures). For quality‐of‐care measures, generalized estimating equations accounting for within‐site correlations were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs, adjusting patient and hospital characteristics. The proportion of AF admissions for each season was similar, with the highest percentage of AF admissions being observed in the fall (spring 25%, summer 25%, fall 27%, and winter 24%). Overall, AF admissions across seasons were similar, with no seasonal variation observed. No seasonal variation was observed for incident AF. There were no seasonal differences in care quality (multivariable adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were 0.93 (0.87–1.00) for winter, 1.09 (1.01–1.18) for summer, and 1.08 (0.97–1.20) for fall, compared with spring).

Conclusions

In a nationwide quality improvement registry, no seasonal variation was observed in hospital admissions for AF or quality of care for AF.
Transitions of Care Among Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Stable Angina: Insights From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment Reporting and Tracking Program
Authors: Waldo Stephen W. , Glorioso Thomas J. , Barón Anna E. , Doll Jacob A. , Plomondon Mary E. , Ho P. Michael
Published: February 2022

Background

Effective transitions from the procedural to outpatient setting are essential to ensure high‐quality cardiovascular care across health care systems, particularly among patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures. We evaluated the association of postprocedural follow‐up visits and antiplatelet prescriptions with clinical outcomes among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for stable angina at community or Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals.

Methods and Results

Patients who actively received care within the VA Healthcare System and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for stable angina at a community or VA hospital between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2019, were identified. We compared mortality for patients receiving community or VA care, and among subgroups of community‐treated patients by the presence of a postprocedural follow‐up visit within 30 days or prescription for antiplatelet (P2Y12) medication within 120 days of the procedure. Among 12 837 patients who survived the first 30 days, 5133 were treated at community hospitals, and 7704 were treated in the VA. Prescriptions for antiplatelet therapy were less common for those treated in the community (85%) compared with the VA at 1 year (95%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; 95% CI, 0.44–47). Compared with VA‐treated patients, the hazards for death were similar for patients treated in the community with a follow‐up visit (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.97–1.40) or with a fill for an antiplatelet therapy (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.90–1.30). However, patients treated in the community without a follow‐up visit had an 86% (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.40–2.48) increased hazard of death, and those without antiplatelet prescription fill had a 144% increased hazard of death (HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.85–3.21) compared with all VA‐treated patients.

Conclusions

Patients treated at community facilities have a decreased chance of receiving antiplatelet prescriptions after percutaneous coronary intervention with a concordant increased hazard of mortality, emphasizing the importance of transitions of care across health care systems when assessing cardiovascular quality.
Christian-Buddhist Intercommunication of Late Antiquity
Authors: Schumann Andrew
Published: February 2022

The paper is devoted to a historical reconstruction of cultural and commercial contacts which took place between Egypt and India at the peak of the maritime Silk Road to the West in antiquity, i.e. from the first to the fifth century AD, and to how these contacts were reflected by the Roman authors of that time. It is shown that in this context the story of Siddhārtha Gautama can have been transmitted to the West from the first to the fifth century AD. This study is based on the world-systems approach to late antiquity and it has the following two complementary dimensions: (i) reconstructing archeological evidences for the contacts of that time; (ii) cross-cultural textual analysis. As a result, it was detected that almost all the main claims of late antique authors about Buddhism and the ways of its expansion are well confirmed by archeology.
Rules for Connecting the Tones of Two-Syllable Words in Beijing Mandarin
Authors: Wu Wei
Published: February 2022

When two Chinese syllables are uttered sequentially, the tone of each syllable has its own pitch and contour. Two adjacent tones in spontaneous speech must overcome the contradictions in pitch and contour in order to form a tonally smooth unit, and there must be some rules governing the process. Taking the tonal pattern of two-syllable words in Beijing Mandarin as the object of study and based on analyses of experimental phonetics, this paper reveals three rules in connecting two tones in actual speech, namely connection at the same pitch level, connection with pitch adjustment, and connection with highlighting.
Generalization of Meaning and Debuccalization
Authors: Sun Jingtao
Published: February 2022

Debuccalization of initial consonant is sometimes phonologically conditioned, and sometimes determined by other causes. This paper is an attempt to investigate the latter case, finding in Chinese dialects that some single cases of debuccalization are actually caused by the combined influences of meaning generalization and phonological conditioning. After analyzing the debuccalization of kh-, th-, s- and ʂ-, this paper also makes an investigation into the reason why this is the case.
Acoustic analysis of Zhuang long and short vowels
Authors: Zhou Xuewen
Published: February 2022

The contrast of long and short vowels and the acoustic features and physiological rules of long vowels in Hongshuihe (lit. Red Water River) dialect of Zhuang are investigated in this paper. The results show that in isolated words read at normal speed, there are evident differences in the durations of long and short vowels. But different vowels behave differently. Due to phonetic physiology, when long vowels are pronounced, the tongue is higher for high vowels, lower for low vowels, more front for front vowels and more back for back vowels. The pitch and power of short vowels are higher than for corresponding long vowels. Finally, physiological explanations for the above phenomena are given.
A systematic study of Old World Phyllomya Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Tachinidae)
Authors: SHIMA HIROSHI
Published: February 2022

Twenty-one species of the genus Phyllomya Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 are recognized from the Old World, three of which are described as new to science: P. arctogena Shima & Tachi, sp. nov., P. chaoi Shima & Zhang, sp. nov., and P. sichuana Shima & Zhang, sp. nov. Phyllomya pubiseta (Mesnil, 1953) comb. nov. is proposed for Hypostena pubiseta Mesnil, 1953. The male and female terminalia of most species are described and illustrated and the first instar larvae of 15 species are described and photographed for the first time. A key to the 21 known species of Old World Phyllomya is provided.
Australian Melolonthini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae): a third species of Allothnonius Britton, 1978, and notes on the other known species
Authors: ALLSOPP PETER G. , SMITH ANDREW B.T.
Published: February 2022

The genus Allothnonius Britton, 1978 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Melolonthini) is revised based on material of the two previously described Queensland species, A. barretti Britton, 1978 and A. brooksi Britton, 1978; and A. mouldsi Allsopp & Smith, new species, from the northwest of the Northern Territory. The diagnostic characters of the genus are revised, distinguishing it from other Australian Melolonthini. The female of A. brooksi is described for the first time. An identification key, distribution map and notes on the natural history of the three species are included.
Two new species of Castiarina Gory and Laporte, 1838 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Stigmoderini) from Australia
Authors: HUTCHINSON PAUL M. , ALLSOPP PETER G.
Published: February 2022

Two new species of Castiarina Gory & Laporte, 1838 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Stigmoderini) are described from Australia. Castiarina testudocaput sp. n. is recorded from Turtle Head Island off the tip of Cape York Peninsula, northern Queensland, whilst Castiarina notocrux sp. n. is recorded from southern Western Australia. Characters distinguishing them from other species of Castiarina are discussed.
Structural Response of Multi-Layered Aluminium Foam Core Sandwich Structure Against Blast Loading
Authors: Gupta Manjeet , Tiwari G.
Published: February 2022

In the present study, three dimensional finite element analysis were carried out to know the structural response of the sandwich panels having closed cell Aluminium foam cored material against blast loading. The foam cored material were used in the form of layers of different Relative
Density (R.D.) 6%, 10%, and 16% whereas the material for top and bottom face plate was considered as Aluminium Alloy (AA2024 T3) and Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) steel respectively. The thickness of face plate was kept as 3 mm and total equivalent thickness of core material was considered
as 50 mm and the length and breadth of the sandwich panel is 500 mm × 500 mm. The sandwich panel subjected to blast load equivalent to 700 gm. TNT at a stand-off distance of 350 mm from the front plate along the centerline of the panel. The numerical investigation was carried out through
LS-DYNA software with varying charge mass, stand-off distance, individual layer thicknesses by keeping total core thickness constant and results were validated through the findings available in the literature and found close to each other. The influence of relative density, Stand-Off Distance
(SOD), individual foam layer and mass of charge was explored. Results show that the various layers of foam with different densities improve the blast resistance of panel compared to panel with single layer of foam with uniform density.
Temporal Greenness Trends in Stable Natural Land Cover and Relationships with Climatic Variability across the Conterminous United States
Authors: Ji Lei , Brown Jesslyn F.
Published: February 2022

Assessment of temporal trends in vegetation greenness and related influences aids understanding of recent changes in terrestrial ecosystems and feedbacks from weather, climate, and environment. We analyzed 1-km normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series data (1989–2016) derived from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and developed growing-season time-integrated NDVI (GS-TIN) for estimating seasonal vegetation activity across stable natural land cover in the conterminous United States (CONUS). After removing areas from analysis that had experienced land-cover conversion or modification, we conducted a monotonic trend analysis on the GS-TIN time series and found that significant positive temporal trends occurred over 35% of the area, whereas significant negative trends were observed over only 3.5%. Positive trends were prevalent in the forested lands of the eastern one-third of CONUS and far northwest, as well as in grasslands in the north-central plains. We observed negative and nonsignificant trends mainly in the shrublands and grasslands across the northwest, southwest, and west-central plains. To understand the relationship of climate variability with these temporal trends, we conducted partial and multiple correlation analyses on GS-TIN, growing-season temperature, and water-year precipitation time series. The GS-TIN trends in northern forests were positively correlated with temperature. The GS-TIN trends in the central and western shrublands and grasslands were negatively correlated with temperature and positively correlated with precipitation. Our results revealed spatial patterns in vegetation greenness trends for different stable natural vegetation types across CONUS, enhancing understanding gained from prior studies that were based on coarser 8-km AVHRR data.

Significance Statement

Assessing vegetation trends, cycles, and related influences is important for understanding the responses and feedbacks of terrestrial ecosystems to climatic and environmental changes. We analyzed vegetation greenness trends (1989–2016) for stable natural land cover across the conterminous United States, based on vegetation index time series derived from coarse-resolution optical satellite sensors. We found greening trends in the forests of the east and far northwest and the grasslands of the northern central plains that correlated with increasing temperature in the regions. We observed browning and no trends mainly in the shrublands and grasslands across the northwest, southwest, and western central plains, associated with increasing temperature and decreasing precipitation. Future research should focus on vegetation greenness analysis using finer-resolution satellite data.