bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photolithographic Fabrication of P3HT Based Organic Thin-Film Transistors with High Mobility
Authors: Tarekegn E. N. , Harrell W. R. , Luzinov I. , Delaney W.
Published: February 2022

An original design and photolithographic fabrication process for Poly (3-hexylthiophene-2, 5-diyl) (P3HT) based Organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) is presented. The structure of the transistors was based on the bottom gate bottom contact OTFT. The fabrication process was efficient, cost-effective, and relatively straightforward to implement. Most of the fabrication steps were performed at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, with the only exceptions being the high temperatures used for annealing the films and the low pressures used for depositing the metal contacts. More than 226 transistors were fabricated on a single wafer. The electrical characteristics and the geometry of the transistors were consistent across the wafer. Current–voltage (I–V) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements were performed to characterize the primary electronic properties of the transistors and morphology of the P3HT, respectively. Two key performance parameters were extracted from these measurements, the threshold voltage and the field-effect mobility of the transistors. The measured mobility of these transistors was significantly higher than most results reported in the literature for other similar bottom gate bottom contact P3HT OTFTs. The higher mobility is explained primarily by the effectiveness of the fabrication process in keeping the interfacial layers free from contamination, as well as the annealing of the P3HT.
The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Natural Products Extracted from Plants in Cancer Treatment and Their Mechanisms Related to Anticancer Effects
Authors: Yuan Meng , Zhang Guoqing , Bai Weijun , Han Xin , Li Chan , Bian Siman
Published: February 2022

Cancer is one of the greatest causes of death worldwide. With the development of surgery, radiotherapy, and medical agents, the outcomes of cancer patients have greatly improved. However, the underlying mechanisms of cancer are not yet fully understood. Recently, natural products have been proven to be beneficial for various conditions and have played important roles in the development of novel therapies. A substantial amount of evidence indicates that bioactive compounds could improve the outcomes of cancer patients via various pathways, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, epigenetic modification, and modulation of oxidative stress. Here, we review the current evidence of bioactive compounds in natural products for the treatment of cancer and summarize the underlying mechanisms in this pathological process.
Analysis of Cardiac Adverse Reactions Caused by Different Doses of Adriamycin Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Hu Guangwen , Wang Daxin
Published: February 2022

Purpose. This paper is aimed at studying the adverse reactions of breast cancer patients after chemotherapy with different doses of adriamycin. Methods. 122 breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy in the Haining Central Hospital from June 2018 to June 2020 were selected as the research objects. Patients were divided into control group and study group according to the different dose of adriamycin given to patients during chemotherapy. Patients in the control group received intravenous drip of adriamycin at 50 mg/m2. Patients in the study group were given intravenous drip at 75 mg/m2. Patients in both the groups started intravenous drip of cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 on the first day of chemotherapy, and chemotherapy for 21 days was a cycle. A total of 6 cycles were carried out. Abnormal electrocardiograph (ECG) is compared between the two groups. Myocardial enzyme and oxidative stress indicators were tested, and Doppler ultrasound examination was conducted. Results. After chemotherapy, the abnormal rate of ECG in the study group was 56.46%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (46.67%). After chemotherapy, the indexes of myocardial enzymes and oxidative stress increased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased significantly, and the differences were statistically significant. At the end of chemotherapy, the differences of serum myocardial enzymes and oxidative stress indexes in the study group were higher than those in the control group. After chemotherapy, there was no significant difference between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and Sa in the study group and the control group, but Ea in the study group was higher than that in the control group and E/Ea was lower than that in the control group. Conclusion. High-dose adriamycin chemotherapy is more likely to cause accumulation of cardiotoxicity, resulting in decreased cardiac function and cardiac injury in breast cancer patients.
A Computationally Efficient Optimal Wigner Distribution in LCT Domains for Detecting Noisy LFM Signals
Authors: Wu An-Yang , Shi Xi-Ya , Sun Yun , Jiang Xian , Qiang Sheng-Zhou , Han Pu-Yu , Chen Yun-Jie , Zhang Zhi-Chao
Published: February 2022

Recently, Wigner distribution (WD) associated with linear canonical transforms (LCTs) is quickly becoming a promising technique for detecting linear frequency-modulated (LFM) signals corrupted with noises by establishing output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) inequality model or optimization model. Particularly, the closed-form instantaneous cross-correlation function type of WD (CICFWD), a unified linear canonical Wigner distribution, has shown to be competitive in detecting noisy LFM signals under an extremely low SNR. However, the CICFWD has up to nine LCT free parameters so that it requires a heavy computational load. To improve the efficiency of real-time processing, this paper focuses on the instantaneous cross-correlation function type of WD (ICFWD), which has only six LCT free parameters but is not a special case of the CICFWD. The main advantage of ICFWD is that it could be expected to reduce the computational complexity while maintaining detection performance. This paper first proposes an optimization model to the ICFWD’s output SNR with respect to deterministic signals embedded in additive zero-mean noises. It then deduces the model’s solution to a single component LFM signal added with white noise, leading to the optimal selection strategy on LCT free parameters. Simulation results demonstrate that the ICFWD improves almost a doubling of computing speed in comparison with the CICFWD while sharing the same level of detection performance. To be specific, the computing time of ICFWD in sampling frequencies 5 Hz, 10 Hz, 15 Hz, and 20 Hz is about 0.048 s, 0.111 s, 0.226 s, and 0.392 s, respectively, while 0.075 s, 0.233 s, 0.478 s, and 0.821 s for the computing time of CICFWD; the ICFWD and CICFWD have nearly the same output SNR higher than that of the WD.
Combination Therapy with GABA and MgSO4 Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Rat
Authors: Sohrabipour Shahla , Sharifi Mohammad Reza , Sharifi Mohammadreza , Talebi Ardeshir , Soltani Nepton
Published: February 2022

Background. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) play a crucial role in glycemic control. Therefore, we studied the effect of combination therapy with GABA and MgSO4 to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetes induced by streptozotocin as well as high-fat diet in a diabetic rat model. Design and Methods. Forty randomly selected rats were assigned to four groups: nondiabetic control group was fed the normal diet, insulin-resistant diabetic rat model was induced by streptozotocin and high-fat diet, GABA + MgSO4 group received GABA and MgSO4, and insulin group was treated with insulin. Body weight, abdominal fat, blood glucose, serum insulin, and glucagon concentration were measured. The glucose clamp technique, glucose tolerance test, and insulin tolerance test were performed to study insulin sensitivity. Also, the expressions of glucose 6 phosphatase, glucagon receptor, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase genes in liver were assessed for the gluconeogenesis pathway. Protein translocation and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) genes expression in muscle were also assessed. Results. Combination of GABA + MgSO4 or insulin therapy enhanced insulin level, glycemic control, glucose and insulin tolerance test, some enzymes expression in the gluconeogenesis pathway, body fat, body weight, and glucagon receptor in diabetic rats. Moreover, an increase was observed in protein and gene expression of Glut4. Insulin sensitivity in combination therapy was more than the insulin group. Conclusions. GABA and MgSO4 enhanced insulin sensitivity via increasing Glut4 and reducing the gluconeogenesis enzyme and glucagon receptor gene expressions.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimisation Method for Performance Evaluation of Instructors
Authors: Yuanhong Mu
Published: February 2022

Performance evaluation of counselors plays a vital role for education industry (schools, colleges, universities, and vocational colleges). The problem can be stated with the phrases; how to design reasonable and appropriate performance indicators? The objective of this research is to design an effective performance evaluation. The purpose of this study is to explore a new method of performance evaluation that combines strategic goals with personal development goals. The purpose of performance evaluation is to better motivate the enthusiasm of counselors. With the methodology, a new issue faced at modern colleges and universities is being resolved. Therefore, for explaining methodology, this study has carried out the application analysis of the fusion particle swarm algorithm (FPSA) in the performance evaluation of instructors. First, on the basis of comprehensive analysis of performance evaluation, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of university performance evaluation. Secondly, particle swarm and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation methods are used in the research of instructor performance evaluation. Pass the superiority of this assessment system. Index parameter evaluation is from 2.5 to 3.0. The range indicates an excellent value. In result this improved particle swarm can be compared with the state of the art (Liu et al., 2019). In conclusive remarks, this study is to provide state-of-the-art study for the current research on the topic of instructor performance appraisal in colleges and universities.
Application and Visualization of Human 3D Anatomy Teaching for Healthy People Based on a Hybrid Network Model
Authors: Yin Gang , Zhang Luyao , Dai Tingting
Published: February 2022

With the development of computer technology, information technology, and 3D reconstruction technology of the medical human body, 3D virtual digital human body technology for human health has been widely used in various fields of medicine, especially in teaching students of application and anatomy. Its advantage is that it can view 3D human anatomy models from any angle and can be cut in any direction. In this paper, we propose an improved algorithm based on a hybrid density network and an element-level attention mechanism. The hybrid density network is used to generate feasible hypotheses for multiple 3D poses, solve the ambiguity problem in pose reasoning from 2D to 3D, and improve the performance of the network by adding the AReLU function combined with an element-wise attention mechanism. Teaching students in anatomy makes students’ learning more convenient and teachers’ teaching explanations more vivid. Comparative experiments show that the accuracy of 3D human pose estimation using a single image input is better than the other two-stage methods.
Preeclampsia, Natural History, Genes, and miRNAs Associated with the Syndrome
Authors: Parada-Niño Laura , Castillo-León Luisa Fernanda , Morel Adrien
Published: February 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disease that affects pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation. This disease is associated with an important risk of maternal and fetal mortality. PE is described as a placental pathology because, after delivery, most women recover normal arterial pressure. Poor invasion of the spiral arteries is a phenomenon well described in PE; this leads to a hypoxic uterine bed and imbalance of antiangiogenic and proangiogenic factors in the uteroplacental region, which in turn triggers the disease phenotype. The causes of the pathology are unclear; nevertheless, numerous approaches, including next-generation sequencing, association, and case control and miRNA studies, have shed light on the genetic/molecular basis of PE. These studies help us better understand the disease to advance new treatment strategies.
An Efficient User’s Attribute Revocation Scheme Suitable for Data Outsourcing in Cloud Storage
Authors: Zheng Fang , Peng Xinguang , Li Zhidan
Published: February 2022

With the advances of cloud data centers and cloud service, many application scenarios are developed such as enterprise business, the Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANET), Sensor network. Confidentiality and efficiency are two key problems. CP-ABE is one of fine-grained access control cryptographic technologies and it is widely applied in outsourced data in cloud storage to protect the user’s privacy. In addition, besides confidentiality, computational cost is an important factor which makes the application of CP-ABE possible in the situations. In this paper, we propose a novel and fast scheme based on CP-ABE algorithm from the respect of the user’s attribute revocation to make it faster. In this scheme, we construct an identical tree T2 that has the same structure as the actual access control tree T1. When the user issues to request the encrypted text preserved on CSP, CSP first tries to decrypt CT2 which is encrypted according to the access policy based on the identical tree T2 and also preserved on it, with the subset of the secret keys corresponding to the indexes of the attributes provided by the user. If CSP can successfully decrypt it, it proves that he/she has the authorization to access the cryptographic text CT1 and CSP will send CT1 to the user. Otherwise, CSP recognizes that the user has no access to CT1 and rejects to send CT1 to the user. Namely, we can decide if we authorize the right to access CT1 by judging if the secret key provided by the user can decrypt CT2. Because CT1 and CT2 have the same access control structure, they have the same secret key for decryption; that is, when some attributes are revoked, if the secret key cannot decrypt CT2, it cannot decrypt CT1. While CSP can directly decrypt CT2, but not CT1, CSP can judge if the user has access to CT1 after the attribute revocation by decryption of CT2. Moreover, we propose the construction method of CT1 and CT2. Finally, we prove that the scheme is secure and viable.
Evaluation of the 3D Topographic Effect of Homogeneous and Inhomogeneous Media on the Results of 2D Inversion of Electrical Resistivity Tomography Data
Authors: Turarova Marzhan Kabdykalievna , Mirgalikyzy Tolkyn , Mukanova Balgaisha Gafurovna , Modin Igor Nikolaevich , Kaznacheev Pavel Aleksandrovich
Published: February 2022

This work is devoted to the creation of numerical 3D models for studying 3D topographic effects of homogeneous and inhomogeneous media on the results of 2D inversion. To solve the direct problem, the integral equations method (IEM) was applied to simulate the electric field and calculate the values of apparent resistivity. For the numerical solution of the integral equation, a computational mesh, adapted to the terrain features, was constructed. The calculation of the apparent resistivity of the medium was implemented for a pole-dipole array. Calculations have been performed for a conducting medium with 3D local inhomogeneity and the ground surface topography. The influence of the 3D model with topography, flat ground surface, and immersed inhomogeneity on the results of 2D inversion was estimated. Influencing factors of the 3D model, such as the slope angle of the topography, the resistivity ratio of the inhomogeneity and the host medium, the average size of inhomogeneity and topography, the distance from the inhomogeneity to the measuring line for the medium with and without topography, and the distance between the electrodes of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) array, were studied. Based on the research results, recommendations and conclusions that can be useful when conducting geophysical studies by the ERT method are drawn.
A Fitted Mesh Cubic Spline in Tension Method for Singularly Perturbed Problems with Two Parameters
Authors: Mekonnen Tariku Birabasa , Duressa Gemechis File
Published: February 2022

A numerical treatment via a difference scheme constructed by the Crank–Nicolson scheme for the time derivative and cubic spline in tension for the spatial derivatives on a layer resolving nonuniform Bakhvalov-type mesh for a singularly perturbed unsteady-state initial-boundary-value problem with two small parameters is presented. Error analysis of the constructed scheme is discussed and shown to be parameter-uniformly convergent with second-order convergence. Numerical experimentation is taken to confirm the theoretical findings.
An Intelligent Vehicle Alarm User Terminal System Based on Emotional Identification Technology
Authors: Wu Liping , Liu Maomao , Li Jingpeng , Zhang Yanjun
Published: February 2022

Negative emotions could increase the risks of traffic accidents. However, the driver’s emotional identification is rarely considered in the current design of intelligent vehicle alarm user terminals (IVAUTs). To solve the problem, this paper tries to design an IVAUT system based on emotional identification technology. Firstly, the transformer network was combined with a convolutional neural network (CNN) into a voice emotional identification system for intelligent vehicle alarm, and an emotional labeling approach was provided. Next, a bimodal fusion model was developed based on decompose-CNNs, which includes an appearance module, an optical flow module, and a bimodal fusion module. The proposed emotional identification approach was proved effective through experiments.
The Generalized Difference Operator Δi3 of Order Three and Its Domain in the Sequence Spaces ℓ1 and bv
Authors: Tuğ Orhan
Published: February 2022

Most recently, the generalized difference operator of order three was defined and its domain in Hahn sequence space h was calculated. In this paper, the spaces and are introduced as the domain of generalized difference operator of order three in the sequence spaces ℓ1 and bv. Then, some topological properties of and are given, and some inclusion relations are shown. Additionally, algebraic dual, α−, β−, and γ− dual spaces of and are computed. In the last section, the classes and of matrix transformations are characterized, where μ = {ℓ1, bv} and λ = {c, c0, ℓ1, ℓ∞, bs, cs, bv, h}.
Research on Collaborative Interaction Model of Knowledge Sharing in Industry-University Cooperation
Authors: Li Jing
Published: February 2022

Knowledge sharing between the enterprises and universities, across the field of economy and science education, may bring many differences that may lead to conflicts of all kinds in the process of cooperation. How to improve the performance of knowledge sharing in industry-university cooperation has become an urgent problem to be solved. Based on knowledge management, using qualitative and quantitative analysis, literature search, normative analysis, and academic surveys, the thesis has made a series of studies on the key factors which companies and universities are faced with in improving knowledge sharing performance. The paper takes knowledge sharing in industry-university cooperation as an organic system composed of four elements which are subject elements, object elements, media elements and environmental elements. On this basis, it gives an analysis about the whole working process of these elements and builds a compound cooperating and interactive model in industry-university cooperation and knowledge sharing based on role-playing to illustrate the process and the purpose. With the shorter and shorter transformation cycle between technology and productivity, the process of knowledge sharing in industry-university cooperation is often a complex collaborative process of multiple dynamic, repeated operations and spiral rise.
Establishment and Verification of Logistic Regression Model for Qualitative Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Based on MRI and Ultrasound Signs
Authors: Guo Xiao , Zhao Guangcai
Published: February 2022

Objective. To explore the establishment and verification of logistic regression model for qualitative diagnosis of ovarian cancer based on MRI and ultrasonic signs. Method. 207 patients with ovarian tumors in our hospital from April 2018 to April 2021 were selected, of which 138 were used as the training group for model creation and 69 as the validation group for model evaluation. The differences of MRI and ultrasound signs in patients with ovarian cancer and benign ovarian tumor in the training group were analyzed. The risk factors were screened by multifactor unconditional logistic regression analysis, and the regression equation was established. The self-verification was carried out by subject working characteristics (ROC), and the external verification was carried out by K-fold cross verification. Result. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, menstruation, dysmenorrhea, times of pregnancy, cumulative menstrual years, and marital status between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). After logistic regression analysis, the diagnostic model of ovarian cancer was established:

logit
 

P

=
−
1.153
+

MRI
 
signs
:
morphology
×
1.459
+
boundary
×
1.549
+
reinforcement
×
1.492
+
tumor
 
components
×
1.553

+

ultrasonic
 
signs
:
morphology
×
1.594
+
mainly
 
real
×
1.417
+
separated
 
form
×
1.294
+
large
 
nipple
×
1.271
+
blood
 
supply
×
1.364

; self-verification: AUC of the model is 0.883, diagnostic sensitivity is 93.94%, and specificity is 80.95%; K-fold cross validation: the training accuracy was

0.904
±
0.009

and the prediction accuracy was

0.881
±
0.049

. Conclusion. Irregular shape, unclear boundary, obvious enhancement in MRI signs, cystic or solid tumor components and irregular shape, solid-dominated shape, thick septate shape, large nipple, and abundant blood supply in ultrasound signs are independent risk factors for ovarian cancer. After verification, the diagnostic model has good accuracy and stability, which provides basis for clinical decision-making.
A Combined PWM and AEM-Based AC Voltage Controller for Resistive Loads
Authors: Peter Geno , Praghash K. , Sherine Anli , Ganji Vivekananda
Published: February 2022

AC voltage controller using PWM technique integrated with equal area digital modulation technique and connected to resistive loads is discussed in this paper. The proposed technique reduces the harmonics in the lower order significantly and improves the power factor compared to the existing conventional line commutated voltage controllers. The voltage and current waveforms are smoothened; therefore, a sinusoidal nature is achieved. The power factor is considerably improved at the low output voltage range when compared to existing methods. The capabilities of the proposed technique are computed mathematically and simulation results are compared with the existing methods.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Strategy for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection of Left Main Coronary Artery with Extensive Intramural Hematoma in the Main Side Branch
Authors: Muraishi Makio , Maeda Kosuke , Okada Takuya , Noguchi Masahiko
Published: February 2022

A 46-year-old pregnant woman, presented with worsening episodes of intermittent chest pain. The patient was diagnosed with a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. On arrival, she had a stable hemodynamic status without chest pain. She was initially treated with conservative medical therapy. One day later, she complained of severe chest pain, and an electrocardiogram showed ST elevation in leads I, aVL, and V2-5. Emergency coronary angiography showed total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and intermediate stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCA). The intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) revealed an intramural hematoma (IMH) from the LMCA to the LAD, extending to the left circumflex artery (LCX) ostium. This finding was consistent with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). After stent implantation from the LMCA to the LAD, severe stenosis was noted at the proximal site of the LCX. IVUS showed that the IMH extended to the LCX. The provisional crush stent technique was performed, and the final angiography revealed satisfactory results with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade 3 in the LAD and LCX. This case report highlighted that stent implantation in the SCAD lesions facilitated the extension of the IMH longitudinally and laterally into the side branch, resulting in stenosis or occlusion. Therefore, the side branch should be evaluated using IVUS before stent implantation. In cases where the IMH extends to the ostium of the side branch, two-stent techniques that do not require guidewire recrossing, such as crush stents, should be considered to avoid side branch occlusion.
Parsonage-Turner Syndrome Following COVID-19 Vaccination: Clinical and Electromyographic Findings in 6 Patients
Authors: Shields Lisa B.E. , Iyer Vasudeva G. , Zhang Yi Ping , Burger John T. , Shields Christopher B.
Published: February 2022

Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) following COVID-19 infection or vaccination is rare. The pathophysiology may involve an immune-mediated inflammatory reaction against brachial plexus nerve fibers in a genetically predisposed individual. We describe the clinical and electromyographic features of 6 patients presenting with the clinical picture of PTS following COVID-19 vaccination. All patients were referred for electromyographic studies to evaluate the acute onset of pain in the shoulder girdle/upper limb accompanied by muscle weakness in the distribution of one or more branches of the brachial plexus. Each patient had received the COVID-19 vaccine within a few weeks prior to the onset of symptoms. Patients underwent detailed neurological examinations followed by nerve conduction and EMG studies. The patients developed symptoms after a mean duration of 17 days (5 days–8 weeks) after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The initial symptom was pain in the shoulder girdle/upper limb, followed within days by muscle weakness. Physical examinations and EMG studies showed upper trunk brachial plexopathy in 2 patients, lower trunk plexopathy in 1 patient, posterior cord brachial plexopathy in 1 patient, and anterior/posterior interosseous nerve involvement in 2 patients. All patients either improved or attained complete resolution of the arm pain at follow-up. Three (50%) patients did not have any improvement in the arm/hand weakness, while 3 (50%) patients had some recovery in strength. PTS may occur after the COVID-19 vaccine and should be suspected in patients with symptoms and signs suggestive of acute brachial plexopathy. Studies of a larger series may provide insight into predisposing factors.
Contributions to the Portuguese National Plan for Patient Safety 2021–2026: A Robust Methodology Based on the Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Sousa Paulo , Paiva Sofia Guerra , Lobão Maria João , Van-Innis Ana Luísa , Pereira Carla , Fonseca Válter
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Several countries prioritize patient safety in their health policies. In Portugal, following the implementation of the National Plan for Patient Safety (NPPS) 2015–2020, the research team of the National School of Public Health (NSPH) carried out extensive work to continue improving aspects of the previous Plan. This work was focused on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of NPPS 2015–2020 and aspects related to its applicability and main challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the NPPS 2021–2026. Methods: Methodological dynamic process was based on the most relevant international and national guidelines and the feedback from key patient safety stakeholders. We developed a cross-sectional mixed-methods study from January to August 2021. We used documentation and periodical reports from National Health Service (NHS) healthcare institutions as secondary sources of information. For primary data collection, we used an online survey (applied to elements in the different quality and safety structures of hospitals and primary care units), interviews, and focus groups to collect information from patient safety experts. Results and Discussion: Strengthening safety culture, patient safety training, communication, leadership involvement, patient and family engagement, and monitorization process is considered essential. We also identified local limitations such as the lack of resources and protected time for the healthcare professionals and lack of leadership involvement on patient safety strategies for dedicating to patient safety actions. Most of the patient safety stakeholders agreed that the safety and health of clinical teams and new modalities of healthcare (such as telemedicine, home hospitalization, home care) should be a priority for patient safety strategies. Conclusions: In our study, we used a robust methodology with a participatory process involving different stakeholders. An alignment between local, regional, and national levels in terms of measuring indicators, the definition of priorities, and actions and activities to improve patient safety is recommended. Reinforced partnerships and alignment between the institution’s mission, and safety priorities will be crucial to enhance patient safety. Additionally, this work highlights the added value for health systems achieved through strong partnerships between public administration and academic institutions to improve healthcare quality and patient safety.
First-In-Human Effects of PPT1 Inhibition Using the Oral Treatment with GNS561/Ezurpimtrostat in Patients with Primary and Secondary Liver Cancers
Authors: Harding James J. , Awada Ahmad , Roth Gael , Decaens Thomas , Merle Philippe , Kotecki Nuria , Dreyer Chantal , Ansaldi Christelle , Rachid Madani , Mezouar Soraya , Menut Agnes , Bestion Eloïne Nadeige , Paradis Valérie , Halfon Philippe , Abou-Alfa Ghassan K. , Raymond Eric
Published: February 2022

Introduction: GNS561/Ezurpimtrostat is a first-in-class, orally bioavailable, small molecule that blocks cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting late-stage autophagy and dose-dependent build-up of enlarged lysosomes by interacting with the palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1). Methods: This phase I, open-label, dose-escalation trial (3 + 3 design) explored two GNS561 dosing schedules: one single oral intake 3 times a week (Q3W) and twice daily (BID) continuous oral administration in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma or colorectal adenocarcinomas with liver metastasis. The primary objective was to determine GNS561 recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and schedule. Secondary objectives included evaluation of the safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of GNS561. Results: Dose escalation ranged from 50 to 400 mg Q3W to 200–300 mg BID. Among 26 evaluable patients for safety, 20 were evaluable for efficacy and no dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Adverse events (AEs) included gastrointestinal grade 1–2 events, primarily nausea and vomiting occurred in 13 (50%) and 14 (54%) patients, respectively, and diarrhea in 11 (42%) patients. Seven grade 3 AEs were reported (diarrhea, decreased appetite, fatigue, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase increased). Q3W administration was associated with limited exposure and the BID schedule was preferred. At 200 mg BID GNS561, plasma and liver concentrations were comparable to active doses in animal models. Liver trough concentrations were much higher than in plasma a median time of 28 days of administration with a mean liver to plasma ratio of 9,559 (Min 149–Max 25,759), which is in accordance with rat preclinical data observed after repeated administration. PPT1 expression in cancer tissues in the liver was reduced upon GNS561 exposure. There was no complete or partial response. Five patients experienced tumor stable diseases (25%), including one minor response (−23%). Conclusion: Based on a favorable safety profile, exposure, and preliminary signal of activity, oral GNS561 RP2D was set at 200 mg BID. Studies to evaluate the antitumor activity of GNS561 in hepatocarcinoma cells and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are to follow NCT 03316222.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Chronic Total Occlusion and Multivessel Disease
Authors: Lin Shen , Guan Changdong , Wu Fan , Xie Lihua , Zou Tongqiang , Shi Yanpu , Chen Sipeng , He Li , Xu Bo , Zheng Zhe
Published: February 2022

Background:

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been used increasingly as an alternative means of revascularization for patients with chronic total occlusion and multivessel disease. We investigated 5-year clinical outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and PCI in patients with chronic total occlusion and multivessel disease.

Methods:

In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, 4324 consecutive patients with ≥1 chronic total occlusion and multivessel disease were treated with either CABG (n=2264) or PCI (n=2060) between 2010 and 2013. The primary outcome was 5-year composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. An inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting method was used adjusting for both patient and lesion characteristics.

Results:

The unadjusted 5-year composite outcomes were similar between CABG group and PCI group (12.1% [258/2264] versus 11.4% [218/2060];
P
=0.52). After adjustment for baseline variables, PCI was associated with significantly higher risk of composite outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.21 [95% CI, 1.02–1.44];
P
=0.03). The inferiority of PCI in 5-year composite outcome was significant in patients with CABG recommendation according to SYNTAX (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery) score II (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.55 [95% CI, 1.14–2.09];
P
=0.005) but not evident in patients with PCI or PCI/CABG equipoise recommendation according to SYNTAX score II (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.94 [95% CI, 0.75–1.17];
P
=0.56). A similar risk of 5-year composite outcomes was observed between CABG and PCI with residual SYNTAX score ≤8.

Conclusions:

In this single-center retrospective study among patients with chronic total occlusion and multivessel disease, PCI was associated with higher risk of 5-year composite death, myocardial infarction, or stroke.
Racial Differences in XO (Xanthine Oxidase) and Mitochondrial DNA Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns in Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Butts Brittany , Brown Jamelle A. , Denney Thomas S. , Ballinger Scott , Lloyd Steven G. , Oparil Suzanne , Sanders Paul , Merriman Tony R. , Gaffo Angelo , Singh Jasvinder , Kelley Eric E. , Calhoun David A. , Dell’Italia Louis J.
Published: February 2022

Background:

We previously reported increased plasma XO (xanthine oxidase) activity in patients with resistant hypertension. Increased XO can cause mitochondrial DNA damage and promote release of fragments called mitochondrial DNA damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDNA DAMPs). Here, we report racial differences in XO activity and mtDNA DAMPs in Black and White adults with resistant hypertension.

Methods:

This retrospective study includes 91 resistant hypertension patients (44% Black, 47% female) with blood pressure >140/90 mm Hg on ≥4 medications and 37 normotensive controls (30% Black, 54% female) with plasma XO activity, mtDNA DAMPs, and magnetic resonance imaging of left ventricular morphology and function.

Results:

Black-resistant hypertension patients were younger (mean age 52±10 versus 59±10 years;
P
=0.001), with higher XO activity and left ventricular wall thickness, and worse diastolic dysfunction than White resistant hypertension patients. Urinary sodium excretion (mg/24 hour per kg) was positively related to left ventricular end-diastolic volume (
r
=0.527,
P
=0.001) and left ventricular mass (
r
=0.394,
P
=0.02) among Black but not White resistant hypertension patients. Patients with resistant hypertension had increased mtDNA DAMPs versus controls (
P
<0.001), with Black mtDNA DAMPS greater than Whites (
P
<0.001). Transmission electron microscopy of skeletal muscle biopsies in resistant hypertension patients demonstrates mitochondria cristae lysis, myofibrillar loss, large lipid droplets, and glycogen accumulation.

Conclusions:

These data warrant a large study to examine the role of XO and mitochondrial mtDNA DAMPs in cardiac remodeling and heart failure in Black adults with resistant hypertension.
Comparison of Large Animal Models for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Which Model to Use?
Authors: Taha Aladdin , Bobi Joaquim , Dammers Ruben , Dijkhuizen Rick M. , Dreyer Antje Y. , van Es Adriaan C.G.M. , Ferrara Fabienne , Gounis Matthew J. , Nitzsche Björn , Platt Simon , Stoffel Michael H. , Volovici Victor , del Zoppo Gregory J. , Duncker Dirk J. , Dippel Diederik W.J. , Boltze Johannes , van Beusekom Heleen M.M.
Published: February 2022

Translation of acute ischemic stroke research to the clinical setting remains limited over the last few decades with only one drug, recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator, successfully completing the path from experimental study to clinical practice. To improve the selection of experimental treatments before testing in clinical studies, the use of large gyrencephalic animal models of acute ischemic stroke has been recommended. Currently, these models include, among others, dogs, swine, sheep, and nonhuman primates that closely emulate aspects of the human setting of brain ischemia and reperfusion. Species-specific characteristics, such as the cerebrovascular architecture or pathophysiology of thrombotic/ischemic processes, significantly influence the suitability of a model to address specific research questions. In this article, we review key characteristics of the main large animal models used in translational studies of acute ischemic stroke, regarding (1) anatomy and physiology of the cerebral vasculature, including brain morphology, coagulation characteristics, and immune function; (2) ischemic stroke modeling, including vessel occlusion approaches, reproducibility of infarct size, procedural complications, and functional outcome assessment; and (3) implementation aspects, including ethics, logistics, and costs. This review specifically aims to facilitate the selection of the appropriate large animal model for studies on acute ischemic stroke, based on specific research questions and large animal model characteristics.
Improving Domain Repository Connectivity
Authors: Habermann Ted
Published: February 2022

Domain repositories, i.e. repositories that store, manage, and persist data pertaining to a specific scientific domain, are common and growing in the research landscape. Many of these repositories develop close, long-term communities made up of individuals and organizations that collect, analyze, and publish results based on the data in the repositories. Connections between these datasets, papers, people, and organizations are an important part of the knowledge infrastructure surrounding the repository.

All these research objects, people, and organizations can now be identified using various unique and persistent identifiers (PIDs) and it is possible for domain repositories to build on their existing communities to facilitate and accelerate the identifier adoption process. As community members contribute to multiple datasets and articles, identifiers for them, once found, can be used multiple times.

We explore this idea by defining a connectivity metric and applying it to datasets collected and papers published by members of the UNAVCO community. Finding identifiers in DataCite and Crossref metadata and spreading those identifiers through the UNAVCO DataCite metadata can increase connectivity from less than 10% to close to 50% for people and organizations.
Anathema und Übergabe an den Satan als Aktualisierungen des göttlichen Gerichts in den paulinischen Gemeinden
Authors: Zimmermann Christiane
Published: February 2022

Curses are an exegetically increasingly current topic. In this discussion the cultural-historical classification of these texts against the background of the Greek-Roman practice of cursing, in particular the defixiones, is central. The present contribution focuses on the Pauline use of the lexeme anathema (Gal 1:8–9; 1 Cor 16:22) and the syntagma “delivering to Satan” (1 Cor 5:5) against the background of their respective specific semantics, history of tradition, and contexts of reception. It sheds light on the theological dimension of these “curses,” whose effects beyond the Pauline letters can also be observed in the grave-robber curses from the context of the Galatian and Corinthian communities.
Her Body Healed
Authors: Soon Isaac T.
Published: February 2022

This article revives an accentuation of ιαται present in a number of medieval minuscules that has been neglected by most critical editions of the Greek New Testament since Erasmus. It argues that there is good external and internal evidence for reading ιαται in Mark 5:29 as the present tense-form (ἰᾶται) rather than the universally accepted perfect tense-form (ἴαται). The accentuation in medieval Greek witnesses provides both the present and the perfect as viable interpretations. Although the perfect ἴαται occurs dramatically less often than the present tense-form, the Markan text’s use of present tense-form verbs for indirect internal discourse strongly supports reading ιαται in Mark 5:29 as ἰᾶται, a reading that the Old Latin versions confirm. In light of the lexical semantics of ἰᾶται in ancient Greek literature and the OG, as well as the grammatical subject implied by ἰᾶται in Mark 5:29 (which the author argues to be the woman’s body), one should understand the verb as a passive middle.
Education, Health Care, and Poverty in Cuba
Authors: Rivera Isaias
Published: February 2022

Cuba’s economic integration into European socialist countries, led by the Soviet Union, offered the possibility of Cubans studying in these countries. A large number of professionals were trained in different fields. This at the same time created better opportunities and higher quality for the national education system at all levels due to academic mobility at all levels. To think about the term ‘revolution’ in Cuba, one must believe in a movement of ideas that promote progress. However, most of us in the Western world come to believe that progress has an equivalency of economic gain.
Coffee in the Global Economy
Authors: Redden John
Published: February 2022

This article describes the origin of coffee, and how it became a globalized commodity leading into the current global landscape of coffee exchange. Significant contours of coffee production taking place in the various geographies are examined. Then notable organizations that influence global coffee markets are referenced. Finally, I state a few suggestions for progressive action with respect to global coffee exchange.
Morphological variability of Alveolophora jouseana (Bacillariophyta) from type material
Authors: USOLTSEVA MARINA V.
Published: February 2022

A morphological variability study was carried out on the type material of Alveolophora jouseana using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new observations allowed us to extend diagnostic descriptions for the ultrastructure of this taxon, as well as its biometrics regarding diameter, number of areolar rows in 10 μm, and number of costae in 10 µm. Alveolophora jouseana shows a close similarity to A. baicalensis, another species of the same genus with which it co-occurs.
A new giant dung midge from Miocene Ethiopian amber (Diptera: Scatopsidae)
Authors: SZADZIEWSKI RYSZARD , BOJARSKI BŁAŻEJ , SONTAG ELŻBIETA , SZWEDO JACEK
Published: February 2022

Fossil new genus and species Afroscatopse haennii gen. et sp. nov. from Miocene Ethiopian amber are described and illustrated and placed in the tribe Colobostematini. The gigantic adults of this scavenger fly, largest within the family, with dull body, long antennae and broad wings evidently were adapted to live on bark of trees. It is suggested that it was a myrmecophilous species with larvae living in the nests of tree ants.
Danowhetaksa gen. nov. with two species from the early Eocene Ølst Formation from Denmark, the first Palearctic Whetwhetaksidae (Odonata: Cephalozygoptera)
Authors: SIMONSEN THOMAS J. , ARCHIBALD S. BRUCE , RASMUSSEN JAN A. , SYLVESTERSEN RENÉ L. , OLSEN KENT , WARE JESSICA L.
Published: February 2022

We propose Danowhetaksa n. gen. (Odonata: Whetwhetaksidae) with two new species: D. birgitteae n. gen. et sp. and D. rusti n. gen. et sp. from the earliest Ypresian Stolleklint clay of the Ølst Formation in northwestern Denmark. Whetwhetaksidae has previously been known only from the Ypresian Okanagan Highlands of far-western North America, the new records are, therefore, the first from the Palearctic Region.
New data on the genus Lathrobium Gravenhorst (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) of Guangxi, South China
Authors: LIN XIAO-BIN , TAN FEI , PENG ZHONG
Published: February 2022

Lathrobium caiyujiei Lin & Peng sp. n. (Guangxi: Jinwanshan N. R.), L. jiuwanshanense Lin & Peng sp. n. (Guangxi: Jinwanshan N. R.) and L. zhusha Lin & Peng sp. n. (Guangxi: Jinwanshan N. R.) are described and illustrated. Additional records of L. damingense Peng & Li, 2013, L. dayaoshanense Peng & Li, 2012, L. hujiayaoi Peng & Li, 2013, L. maoershanense Peng & Li, 2012 and L. zhujianqingi Peng & Li, 2012 are reported. Including the new taxa, 227 Lathrobium species are currently known from mainland China.
Spatial Patterns, Mechanisms, and Predictability of Barents Sea Ice Change
Authors: Efstathiou Elina , Eldevik Tor , Årthun Marius , Lind Sigrid
Published: February 2022

Recent Arctic winter sea ice loss has been most pronounced in the Barents Sea. Here we explore the spatial structure of Barents Sea ice change as observed over the last 40 years. The dominant mode of winter sea ice concentration interannual variability corresponds to areal change (explains 43% of spatial variance) and has a center of action in the northeastern Barents Sea where the temperate Atlantic inflow meets the wintertime sea ice. Sea ice area import and northerly wind also contribute to this “areal-change mode”; the area increases with more ice import and stronger winds from the north. The remaining 57% variance in sea ice, individually and combined, redistributes the sea ice without changing the total area. The two leading redistribution modes are a dipole of increase in sea ice concentration south of Svalbard with decrease southwest of Novaya Zemlya, and a tripole of increase in the central Barents Sea with decrease east of Svalbard and in the southeastern Barents Sea. Redistribution is mainly contributed by anomalous wind and sea ice area import. Basic predictability (i.e., the lagged response to observed drivers) is predominantly associated with the areal-change mode as influenced by temperature of the Atlantic inflow and sea ice import from the Arctic.