bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moroccan Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Cancer: Ethnomedicinal Study and Insights into Pharmacological Evidence
Authors: El Hachlafi Naoufal , Benkhaira Nesrine , Ferioun Mohamed , Kandsi Fahd , Jeddi Mohamed , Chebat Abderrahim , Addi Mohamed , Hano Christophe , Fikri-Benbrahim Kawtar
Published: October 2022

Cancer is one of the major medical challenges, with an unacceptably high death toll worldwide. In Morocco, medicinal plants continue to play a pivotal therapeutic role despite the development of modern sanitation systems. In the current study, an ethnobotanical survey was carried out at the Moroccan national institute of oncology, Rabat, and we aimed at (1) establishing an exhaustive inventory of indigenous knowledge of Moroccan medicinal plants used to manage cancer and (2) confirming the reported ethnopharmacological uses through bibliometric review. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted with 291 cancer patients at the Moroccan National Institute of Oncology, Rabat, during a period of 4 months, from February to May 2019, through semistructured interviews. Ethnobotanical indices, including informant consensus factor (FIC), use report (UR), relative frequency citation (RFC), botanical family use value (FUV), fidelity level (FL), and index of agreement on remedies (IAR), were employed in data analyses. The survey revealed that 39 medicinal plants belonging to 27 botanical families and 38 genera were used to treat cancer. The most used ethnospecies were Aristolochia longa with the highest RFC value (0.096), followed by Nigella sativa, Ephedra alata, Euphorbia resinifera, and Lavandula dentata, éwith RFC values of 0.072, 0.054, 0.044, and 0.044, respectively. In regard to the plant families, Lamiaceae contributed the highest number of plants with five species (FUV = 0.034), followed by Asteraceae (4 species; FUV = 0.020), and Fabaceae (4 species; FUV = 0.020). The leaves are the most popular plant part used by the studied population against cancer; otherwise, decoction was the most commonly used method for remedy preparation and the highest FIC was noticed for uterine cancer treatment (0.86). Considering these findings, further investigations into the recorded plant species should be performed to assess phytochemical constituents and pharmaceutical benefits in order to identify their active compounds for any drug formulations.
Hybrid Modeling Method of SDR Interstage Valve Based on Mechanism and Data-Driven
Authors: Wang Hongfu , Zeng Qinghua , Chen Xianhe , Zhang Zongyu , Liu Weide
Published: October 2022

Variable-throat adjustment is the most practical flow regulation method of solid ducted rocket ramjet (SDR). The high-fidelity mathematical model of the interstage valve is the basis for realizing high-precision gas flow and thrust regulation. In this paper, the complex effect of gas was divided into load and throat deformation effect. The load was mainly determined by the clearance, friction torque, and pneumatic torque that the valve was subjected to during operation. And the throat deformation was determined primarily by the deposition and ablation of the valve faced in the gas. Therefore, we could divide the valve model into three parts: the servo motor model, the load characteristic model, and the deformation model of the actual acting throat (referred to as the throat). Given, we have designed a cold-air experiment program, using cold air to equalize the valve load. Furthermore, we analyzed its mechanism of action and established the load model using the experimental data and neural network. Finally, the deformation mechanism of the throat was investigated, and simultaneously, the deformation model was shown based on the flight test data. Compared with the traditional interstage valve model, the model established in this paper is closer to the actual working conditions, which is helpful to carry out the more comprehensive and practical ground simulation. It has essential reference value for further realizing the precise regulation of gas flow.
Advances in the Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Progression of Oral Cancer through Saliva: An Update
Authors: Rodríguez-Molinero Jesús , del Carmen Migueláñez-Medrán Blanca , Delgado-Somolinos Esther , Carreras-Presas Carmen Martín , López-Sánchez Antonio Francisco
Published: October 2022

The early detection of cancer, and in particular oral cancer, has been a priority objective of study in recent years. Saliva has been proposed as an easy‐to‐obtain means of providing the necessary information to diagnose malignant lesions in the oral cavity, since it can be obtained very easily and completely noninvasively. There are a number of molecules, known as biomarkers, which may be involved in the malignant transformation of oral lesions, and which have different natures. The involvement of proteins (“proteomics”), metabolites (“metabolomics”), and even certain genes in the structural changes of altered tissue has been investigated in order to establish validated parameters for the early diagnosis of oral cancer. In addition, the development of new analytical assay methods that can reduce costs and obtain better results in terms of sensitivity and specificity has been a key point in recent research in this field. Even though there are numerous biomarkers with results showing high sensitivity and specificity, there is still a need for more studies, with a larger sample and with analytical methods that can constitute a real advance in time and cost. Although salivary biomarkers are a promising new diagnostic tool for oral cancer, for the moment they do not replace biopsy as the “gold standard”.
Study of Impact Dynamic Characteristics and Damage Morphology of Layered Rock Mass
Authors: Tian Xingchao , Tao Tiejun , Xie Caijin
Published: October 2022

To explore the dynamic mechanical properties and damage evolution law of the more common layered rock masses in geotechnical engineering, this paper determined the Holmquist–Johnson–Cook (HJC) constitutive model parameters of dolomite, gray sandstone, and limestone according to the static mechanical parameters of the rock mass. We used Hypermesh/ANSYS software to establish the numerical analysis model, carried out the dynamic impact numerical simulation of the layered rock mass, and analyzed the stress wave propagation characteristics, dynamic stress–strain relationship, energy dissipation, and damage evolution laws of layered rock masses under different combinations. At the same time, this paper analyzed the stress characteristics of the layered rock mass and studied its failure characteristics. The research results show that the wave impedance matching relationship alters the dynamic characteristics of the layered rock mass; however, with the increase in impact velocity, the difference gradually weakens. The difference in elastic modulus leads to different initial failure modes of layered rock masses, and the quality of the wave impedance matching relationship leads to differences in the law of damage evolution of layered rock masses. Under different combination forms, the failure degree and failure modes of the two parts of the layered rock mass are different.
Spectral Collocation Methods for Fractional Integro‐Differential Equations with Weakly Singular Kernels
Authors: Shi Xiulian
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we propose and analyze a spectral approximation for the numerical solutions of fractional integro‐differential equations with weakly kernels. First, the original equations are transformed into an equivalent weakly singular Volterra integral equation, which possesses nonsmooth solutions. To eliminate the singularity of the solution, we introduce some suitable smoothing transformations, and then use Jacobi spectral collocation method to approximate the resulting equation. Later, the spectral accuracy of the proposed method is investigated in the infinity norm and weighted L2 norm. Finally, some numerical examples are considered to verify the obtained theoretical results.
Bioefficacy of Composite Medicinal Plant Extracts and Gum Arabic on Improving Postharvest Quality in Dragon Fruit
Authors: Bordoh Paa Kwesi , Ali Asgar , Dickinson Matthew , Siddiqui Yasmeen , Ansah Francisca Aba
Published: October 2022

Several natural preservative techniques including plant extracts are used to minimize postharvest losses caused by pathogens. Our recent findings elucidated that the application of crude extracts of ginger, turmeric, and “dukung anak” (Phyllanthus niruri Linn.) alone causes phytotoxicity and adversely affects the postharvest quality of dragon fruit, especially at high concentrations. This study investigated the effect of a composite coating of 10% gum arabic (GA) and crude extracts of ginger, turmeric, and “dukung anak” separately at 5, 10, and 15 g L-1 on postharvest quality of dragon fruit stored at

11
±

2

°

C

, 80% RH for 28 days. After 28 days of cold storage, anthracnose was significantly reduced in fruit coated with 10% GA plus 10 or 15 g L-1 of any of the crude extracts and resolved the problem of phytotoxicity while maintaining the postharvest quality of fruit for 28 days. The reduction of anthracnose was pronounced at 10% GA+10 g L-1 of turmeric extract (38.6%) which was not significantly different at 10% GA+10 g L-1 of ginger extract compared to control (41.3%). Composite coating of 10% GA+10 g L-1 of turmeric extract maintained the postharvest quality of dragon fruit as was evident with a reduction in weight loss (2.53%), delayed degradation of titratable acids (0.15%), and maintained fruit firmness (28.72 N) and the overall acceptability of the fruit after 28 days. We conclude that incorporation of 10% GA with turmeric extract at a high concentration can serve as a potential biofungicide in postharvest management of fresh produced by reducing phytotoxicity while improving the overall acceptability of fruit.
Dietary Histidine Supplementation Maintained Amino Acid Homeostasis and Reduced Hepatic Lipid Accumulation of Juvenile Largemouth Bass, Micropterus Salmoides
Authors: Liang Hualiang , Xu Gangchun , Xu Pao , Zhu Jian , Li Songlin , Ren Mingchun
Published: October 2022

This 56-day research aimed to evaluate the recommended histidine requirement and the influence of dietary histidine levels on the protein and lipid metabolism of juvenile largemouth bass (Mieropterus salmoides). The initial weight of the largemouth bass was12.33±0.01 g, which was fed with six graded levels of histidine. The results showed that appropriate dietary histidine had a positive effect on growth, with a higher specific growth rate, final weight, weight gain rate, protein efficiency rate, and a lower feed conversion rate and feed intake rate being observed in 1.08-1.48% dietary histidine groups. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of GH, IGF-1, TOR, and S6 showed an increasing trend first and then declined, similar to the trend of the growth and protein content of the whole body composition. Meanwhile, dietary histidine levels could be sensed by the AAR signaling pathway, representing as downregulation of core genes of AAR signaling pathway with the increased dietary histidine levels, including GCN2, eIF2α, CHOP, ATF4, and REDD1. In addition, increased dietary histidine levels decreased the lipid content of the whole body and the liver by upregulating the mRNA levels of core genes of the PPARα signaling pathways, including PPARα, CPT1, L-FABP, and PGC1α. However, increased dietary histidine levels downregulated the mRNA levels of core genes of the PPARγ signaling pathways such as PPARγ, FAS, ACC, SREBP1, and ELOVL2. These findings were also supported by the positive area ratio of hepatic oil red O staining and the TC content of plasma. According to the specific growth rate and feed conversion rate, the recommended histidine requirement of juvenile largemouth bass was 1.26% of the diet (2.68% of dietary protein) by regression lines calculated using a quadratic model. In general, histidine supplementation promoted protein synthesis and lipid decomposition and reduced lipid synthesis by activating the TOR, AAR, PPARα, and PPARγ signaling pathways, which provided a new perspective to solve the fatty liver problem of largemouth bass by nutritional means.
Influence Factors on EGS Geothermal Reservoir Extraction Performance
Authors: Wang Haitao , Wang Lijuan , Cheng Zude
Published: October 2022

The heat extraction performance of the enhanced geothermal system is simulated by using COMSOL software. The effects of six factors, such as the thermal conductivity of heat reservoir, matrix permeability, fracture width, injection temperature, injection flow rate, and the number of wells, on the heat extraction performance of EGS heat reservoir for 40 years are analyzed. The results show that the matrix permeability and injection flow are the main factors affecting the heat production performance of the EGS geothermal reservoir, while the thermal conductivity, fracture width, and injection temperature have little effect on the heat production performance of the EGS geothermal reservoir. Although increasing the number of production wells can improve the uneven distribution of the flow field to improve the system heat performance, taking into account the existing drilling technology and cost, the cost is higher, and the two-well system is still the basic form of absorbing rock heat.
Hierarchical Routing with Optimal Clustering Using Fuzzy Approach for Network Lifetime Enhancement in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kumaran R. Senthil , Bagwari Ashish , Nagarajan G. , Kushwah Sanjay Singh
Published: October 2022

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is one of the major emerging fields in real-time scenarios due to the features of sensors. Sensors are used in remote areas because of their usability. Energy is the major issue to be addressed in sensor networks. This energy affects the entire network lifetime. To resolve the energy issues of WSN, clustering and proper routing are the two major procedures that have to be focused on. In this paper, hierarchical routing with optimal clustering using a fuzzy system (HROCF) is proposed for network lifetime enhancement in WSNs. This proposed scheme uses two phases: selection of a cluster leader with a fuzzy inference system and the hierarchical routing strategy are implemented for routing to consume the energy of the sensors resourcefully. During the first phase, a proper cluster leader can be nominated through the fuzzy inputs, namely: residual energy, cost, and position. In the second phase, hierarchical routing can communicate the information from the lower region to the sink node through the cluster leaders in higher regions. These two phases help to prolong the lifetime. The simulation analysis demonstrates that the HROCF scheme reduces the overall energy spent in the network and supports an increase in the lifespan in terms of more alive sensors compared to the existing schemes.
Application of O‐RADS Ultrasound Lexicon‐Based Logistic Regression Analysis Model in the Diagnosis of Solid Component‐Containing Ovarian Malignancies
Authors: Luo Hui , Lin Ziqing , Wu Lijuan , Wang Yuying , Ning Haojie , Feng Yanping , Cheng Yulu , Wen Xiaoyi , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: October 2022

Objective. To use the logistic regression model to evaluate the value of ultrasound characteristics in the Ovarian‐Adnexal Reporting and Data System ultrasound lexicon in determining ovarian solid component‐containing mass benignancy/malignancy. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 172 patients with adnexal masses discovered by ultrasound, and diagnosis was confirmed by postoperative pathological tests from January 2019 to December 2021. Thirteen ovarian tumor‐related parameters in the benign and malignant ovarian tumor groups were selected for univariate analyses. Statistically significant parameters were included in multivariate logistic regression analyses to construct a logistic regression diagnosis model, and the diagnostic performance of the model in predicting ovarian malignancies was calculated. Results. Of the 172 adnexal tumors, 104 were benign, and 68 were malignant. There were differences in cancer antigen 125, maximum mass diameter, maximum solid component diameter, multilocular cyst with solid component, external contour, whether acoustic shadows were present in the solid component, number of papillae, vascularity, presence/absence of ascites, and presence/absence of peritoneal thickening or nodules between the benign ovarian tumor and malignancy groups (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed that maximum solid component diameter, whether acoustic shadows were present in the solid component, number of papillae, and presence/absence of ascites were included in the logistic regression model, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this regression model in predicting ovarian malignancy was 0.962 (95% confidence interval: 0.933~0.990; p < 0.001). Logit (p) ≥ −0.02 was used as the cutoff value, and the prediction accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values were 93.6%, 86.8%, 98.1%, 96.7%, and 91.9%, respectively. Conclusion. The logistic regression model containing the maximum solid component diameter, whether acoustic shadows were present in the solid component, number of papillae, and presence/absence of ascites can help in determining the benignancy/malignancy of solid component‐containing masses.
Epidemiological Investigation of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dromedary Camels in Administrative Zone Three of Afar Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Juhar Tesfaye , Aregawi Weldegebrial G. , Wegi Fekadu Gutema , Geletu Abel Sorsa , Tesfamariam Woldegebreil
Published: October 2022

Gastrointestinal parasites are the major threats to camel production and productivity losses in pastoral communities of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted starting from September 2017 to April 2018 in Administrative Zone three of the Afar Region, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for gastrointestinal parasites in camels. Fecal samples were collected aseptically from the rectum, and floatation and sedimentation techniques were used to identify the parasite in the laboratory. Out of 450 fecal samples collected from camels, 76% (71.8–79.7) of them were harboring at least one parasite in their gastrointestinal tract. The majority of infections were mixed parasitic infections. Nematodes, trematodes, protozoa, and cestodes were encountered in descending order of their prevalence. Strongyle, Trichostrongylus, and Haemonchus eggs were the most frequently encountered parasite eggs. The occurrence of parasite eggs was statistically significantly associated with the age of the camels and their origin (

p

value <0.05). Older camels in the Amibara district were the most likely affected groups (OR = 2.34 (1.01–5.44)). However, the sex of the camels was not associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Generally, the present study indicated a high prevalence of parasites which were economically important in the study area. So, awareness about the magnitude and control options should be given to the camel owners in the study area. Infected animals should be treated with effective anthelmintics like albendazole and ivermectin. Routine and scheduled deworming and good husbandry practices should be implemented. Further study on seasonal occurrences and species identification of the parasites should be studied.
Comparing Two Methods for the Isolation of Exosomes
Authors: Aziz Mohammad A. , Seo Benedict , Hussaini Haizal M. , Hibma Merilyn , Rich Alison M.
Published: October 2022

Exosomes are membrane-bound nanovesicles released by cells into their extracellular environment. They carry different types of RNA including mRNA which may be useful in the diagnosis of various diseases. Exosome isolation has been a challenge because of their small size; therefore, two exosome isolation methods were compared in this study. The Exoquick-TC PLUS™ exosome isolation kit (kit) was compared with the classic ultracentrifugation (UC) method for exosome isolation. In samples obtained using both methods, cryo-electron microscopy showed round or slightly elongated vesicles with diameters ranging from 50 to 150 nm and delimited by a bilayered membrane. Dynamic light scattering resulted in multiple peaks for kit exosomes, whereas a single peak was observed for UC exosomes. Significantly, more total RNA was present in UC exosomes in contrast to kit exosomes (

P
<
0.0001

). This was reflected in subsequent mRNA analysis using qPCR, where UC exosomes had lower Ct values compared to kit exosomes. In conclusion, exosome characterization revealed the presence of exosomes in both UC and the kit samples. The kit samples presented additional peaks from DLS which might be due to impurities. Overall, due to a higher total RNA and mRNA content, UC is a better option for subsequent mRNA analysis; nevertheless, the kit can still be used if an ultracentrifuge is not available as four out of the five genes selected were detected and quantified using the kit.
Analytical Analysis of Infinite Heterogeneous Slope Stability considering Suction Influence
Authors: Liu Kang , Yue Jian , Yang Fan
Published: October 2022

Soil heterogeneity in an infinite unsaturated slope increases the difficulty of analysing its stability. A common method of modelling the spatial variability in the slope stability analysis is to use random fields together with Monte Carlo simulation, but this requires an impressive amount of computational efforts. To reduce the computing time, this paper develops an analytical approach to study the stability of infinite heterogeneous unsaturated slopes. The analytical method provides a newly time-efficient way of analysing such kinds of slopes. It has been used to investigate the stability of four different kinds of unsaturated soil slopes. Meanwhile, the influences of the correlation between the strength parameters and the autocorrelation length of the strength parameters are investigated. The analysed results show that the suction has influences on the distribution of the FOS for both homogeneous slopes and heterogeneous slopes. In addition, the correlation coefficient between the strength parameters and the autocorrelation length of the strength parameters affects the mean and standard deviation of FOS for homogeneous slopes and the probability of failure for heterogeneous slopes.
Immune System Acts on Orthodontic Tooth Movement: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Gao Yajun , Min Qingqing , Li Xingjia , Liu Linxiang , Lv Yangyang , Xu Wenjie , Liu Xudong , Wang Hua
Published: October 2022

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is a tissue remodeling process based on orthodontic force loading. Compressed periodontal tissues have a complicated aseptic inflammatory cascade, which are considered the initial factor of alveolar bone remodeling. Since skeletal and immune systems shared a wide variety of molecules, osteoimmunology has been generally accepted as an interdisciplinary field to investigate their interactions. Unsurprisingly, OTM is considered a good mirror of osteoimmunology since it involves immune reaction and bone remolding. In fact, besides bone remodeling, OTM involves cementum resorption, soft tissue remodeling, orthodontic pain, and relapse, all correlated with immune cells and/or immunologically active substance. The aim of this paper is to review the interaction of immune system with orthodontic tooth movement, which helps gain insights into mechanisms of OTM and search novel method to short treatment period and control complications.
Identification and Validation of a Novel Necroptosis‐Related Long Noncoding RNA Prognostic Signature for Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zeng Cheng , Yu Huayi , Liu Xiuling , Liu Qian , Jin Jianhua
Published: October 2022

Background. Several cancers, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), are caused by genes related to necroptosis. However, it is still unknown how necroptosis‐related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be involved in LUAD. In order to predict the prognosis of LUAD patients and personalize immunotherapy, this study set out to construct a necroptosis‐related lncRNA prognostic signature (NLPS). Methods. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to download the LUAD transcriptome data and the associated clinical data. lncRNAs associated with necroptosis were screened using coexpression analysis. An NLPS was built using univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database’s GSE30219 was used to validate the NLPS. The prognostic value of the risk score was assessed using Kaplan‐Meier survival, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) Cox regression, multivariate Cox regression, and nomogram analyses. Then, we looked into the differences between the low‐ and high‐risk groups in the tumor immune microenvironment, immunotherapy response, and half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Results. The 14 lncRNAs in a novel NLPS were created. With further validation in the GSE30219 dataset, the risk score according to the NLPS was an independent prognostic indicator for LUAD patients. Patients with better overall survival (OS) in the low‐risk group, who were characterized by increased immune cell infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and immunophenoscore (IPS), may have hot tumors and higher immunotherapy response rates. In addition, the risk score was also closely linked to sensitivity to various anticancer medications. Conclusions. We constructed a novel NLPS that could predict OS and sensitivity to immunotherapy in LUAD patients.
Cell-free DNA Predicts Prolonged Response to Multi-agent Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Christenson Eric S. , Lim Su Jin , Durham Jennifer , De Jesus-Acosta Ana , Bever Katherine , Laheru Daniel , Ryan Amy , Agarwal Parul , Scharpf Robert B. , Le Dung T. , Wang Hao
Published: October 2022

The treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently characterized by significant toxicity and rapid development of resistance to current approved therapies. More reliable biomarkers of response are needed to guide clinical decision making.

We evaluated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) using a tumor-agnostic platform and traditional biomarkers (CEA and CA19-9) levels in 12 patients treated at Johns Hopkins University on NCT02324543 “Study of Gemcitabine/Nab-Paclitaxel/Xeloda (GAX) in Combination With Cisplatin and Irinotecan in Subjects With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.” The pretreatment values, levels after 2 months of treatment, and change in biomarker levels with treatment were compared with clinical outcomes to determine their predictive value.

The variant allele frequency (VAF) of KRAS and TP53 mutations in cfDNA after 2 months of treatment was predictive of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In particular, patients with a lower-than-average KRAS VAF after 2 months of treatment had a substantially longer PFS than patients with higher posttreatment KRAS VAF (20.96 vs. 4.39 months). Changes in CEA and CA19-9 after 2 months of treatment were also good predictors of PFS.

Comparison via concordance index demonstrated KRAS or TP53 VAF after 2 months of treatment to be better predictors of PFS and OS than CA19-9 or CEA. This pilot study requires validation but suggests cfDNA measurement is a useful adjunct to traditional protein biomarkers and imaging evaluation and could distinguish between patients who are likely to achieve prolonged responses versus those that will have early progression and may benefit from a change in treatment approach.

Significance:

We report on the association of cfDNA with response durability for patients undergoing treatment with a novel metronomic chemotherapy regimen (gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, capecitabine, cisplatin, irinotecan; GAX-CI) for metastatic PDAC. This investigation offers encouraging evidence that cfDNA may prove to be a valuable diagnostic tool to guide clinical management.
Jamaican Susumber Berry Poisoning Mimicking Acute Stroke
Authors: Tamaiev Jonathan , Trebach Joshua , Rosso Michela , Moriarty Jeremy , DiSalvo Phil , Biary Rana , Su Mark , Perk Jonathan , Levine Steven R.
Published: October 2022

Background: Stroke mimics are non-vascular conditions that present with acute focal neurological deficits, simulating an acute ischemic stroke. Susumber berry (SB) toxicity is a rare cause of stroke mimic with limited case reports available in the literature. Objectives: We report four new cases of SB toxicity presenting as stroke mimic, and we performed a systematic review. Methods: MEDLINE/EMBASE/WoS were searched for “susumber berries,” “susumber,” or “solanum torvum.” Results: 531 abstracts were screened after removal of duplicates; 5 articles and 2 conference abstracts were selected describing 13 patients. A total of 17 patients who ingested SB and became ill were identified, including our 4 patients. All but one presented with acute neurologic manifestation; 16 (94%) presented with dysarthria, 16 (94%) with unstable gait, 8 (47%) with nystagmus/gaze deviation, 10 (59%) with blurry vision, and 5 (29%) with autonomic symptoms. Six (35%) required ICU admission, and 3 (18%) were intubated. Fourteen (82%) had a rapid complete recovery, and 3 were hospitalized up to 1 month. Conclusions: SB toxicity can cause neurological symptoms that mimic an acute stroke typically with a posterior circulation symptom complex. Altered SB toxins (from post-harvest stressors or temperature changes) might stimulate muscarinic/nicotinic cholinergic receptors or inhibit acetylcholinesterase, causing gastrointestinal, neurological, and autonomic symptoms. In cases of multiple patients presenting simultaneously to the ED with stroke-like symptoms or when stroke-like symptoms fail to localize, a toxicological etiology (such as SB toxicity) should be considered.
Vernakalant for Cardioversion of Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department: The SPECTRUM Study
Authors: Bager Johan-Emil , Martín Alfonso , Carbajosa Dalmau José , Simon Alexander , Merino José L. , Ritz Beate , Hartikainen Juha E.K.
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Intravenous vernakalant is a therapeutic option for symptomatic, recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). This secondary analysis from the large SPECTRUM study assessed the safety and effectiveness of vernakalant when used in the emergency department setting (ED group) or in an inpatient hospital setting (non-ED group). Methods: This post hoc analysis of the international, observational, post-authorization SPECTRUM study included 1,289 and 720 recent-onset AF episodes in adults in the ED and non-ED groups, respectively. Safety endpoints included the evaluation of pre-defined health outcomes of interest (HOIs) and other serious adverse events (SAEs) during vernakalant treatment and during the first 24 h after the last infusion. Effectiveness endpoints comprised the rate of successful vernakalant cardioversion, the time from the start of the vernakalant infusion to cardioversion, and the length of hospital stay. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The safety profile of vernakalant was similar in the ED and non-ED groups. In the ED group, 12 pre-defined HOIs were reported in 11 patients (0.9%); all but one occurred within 2 h after start of the first infusion. These events comprised nine significant bradycardia cases, of which one was associated with transient hypotension and three with sinus arrest, and 2 cases of atrial flutter with 1:1 conduction. Five other SAEs were reported. All patients with vernakalant-related events recovered without sequelae. No Torsade de Pointes, ventricular fibrillation, or deaths occurred. Successful cardioversion was reported in 67.8% (95% confidence interval: 65.2–70.4) and 66.4% (62.5–70.1) of episodes, with a median time to conversion of 11.0 and 10.0 min in the ED and non-ED groups, respectively. Patients had a median length of hospital stay of 7.4 h and 17.1 h in the ED and non-ED groups, respectively. Conclusion: Intravenous vernakalant was well tolerated with similar cardioversion rates in patients treated in the ED or non-ED setting and does not require admission to a coronary care unit or intensive care unit. First-line treatment with vernakalant could allow an early discharge in patients with recent-onset AF treated in the ED.
Case Fatality Rates of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Are Decreasing with Substantial between-Country Variation: A Systematic Review of Population-Based Studies between 1980 and 2020
Authors: Mahlamäki Kasper , Rautalin Ilari , Korja Miikka
Published: October 2022

Background: The declining prevalence of smoking and hypertension has been associated with the decrease of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) incidence in the 21st century. Since these same risk factors are linked to SAH mortality, the case fatality rate (CFR) of SAH has potentially also decreased during recent decades. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to address SAH CFR changes over the last 40 years. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in OVID Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. We focused on population-based studies published between 1980 and 2020 that had included both hospitalized and nonhospitalized SAH cases, and reported 1-month CFRs for at least two individual study periods for the same population. Finally, we used a linear regression analysis to estimate the annual CFR changes in each identified population and pooled the regional changes for larger geographical and sex-specific analyses. Results: Of the 4,562 initial publications, we included 22 studies (three of which reached a high-quality classification) consisting of 17,593 SAH patients from 16 different populations and 10 countries. Between 1980 and 2020, SAH CFR declined in all but two populations by an average of −1.5%/year. In the continent-based pooled geographical analyses, CFR decline was the most noticeable in North America (−2.4%/year) and Oceania (−2.2%/year). The decline was more moderate in Northern Europe (−0.8%/year) and Southern Europe (−0.7%/year). Overall, CFRs declined both in women (−1.9%/year) and in men (−1.2%/year). When comparing the first and second half of the study period, CFRs declined from 41% to 31%. Conclusion: Short-term SAH CFRs seem to have declined since 1980. Time trends of SAH CFRs can still be identified for only a few populations, and high-quality data are scarce. Whether the observed decline relates to changes in risk factors, treatment outcomes or diagnostics remains to be studied.
Characteristics of Bilateral Retinal Detachment
Authors: Radeck Viola , Schindler Frank , Helbig Horst , Gamulescu Maria-Andreea , Cvetkov Yordan , Barth Teresa , Maerker David
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) is still a sight-threatening and potentially blinding disease, especially if both eyes are affected. The purpose of this study is analysing the specific characteristics of bilateral rhegmatogenous RD. Methods: The files of all 5,791 consecutive eyes undergoing vitreoretinal surgery for uncomplicated RD in a single tertiary retinal centre between January 2005 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 300 patients (600 eyes) had bilateral retinal detachment. Interval between initial and subsequent RD surgery was 2.6 ± 2.8 (mean ± SD, median 1.5) years. Symptoms were reported by the patients for 20 ± 75 (median 5) days before presentation in the initial eye and 12 ± 32 (median 4) days in the subsequent eye. 220 patients were male (73%), and mean age at initial RD was 55 years. 183 (61%) of the initial RD eyes were phakic. In the initial eye, more patients had a detached macula, worse visual acuity, and more quadrants involved. Primary anatomic success rate was higher in the subsequent eye (90%) compared to the initial eye (83%). There was no difference in the reattachment rate of fellow eyes with primary failure in the first eye (91%) compared to those with primary success in the first eye (90%). There was a high symmetry between the eyes in terms of type of retinal break, number of breaks, and presumed localization of the causative retinal break. Conclusion: Patients with bilateral RD were more commonly male and younger than the group of all RD patients. The proportion of pseudophakia was not different. The majority of fellow eye RD occurred within 2 years after the RD in the first eye. Second eye RD was less advanced and had a better anatomical repair rate. Despite their experience in the first eye and despite typical symptoms, patients presented only after a mean of 12 days with RD in the second eye. RD in the initial and the subsequent eye showed a high symmetry. The anatomic result in the first eye is not a predictor for the anatomic result in the subsequent eye.
Throughput analysis of non-orthogonal multiple access and orthogonal multiple access assisted wireless energy harvesting K-hop relaying networks
Authors: That Phung Ton , Nguyen Nhat-Tien , Ha Duy-Hung , Voznak Miroslav
Published: October 2022

This study introduces the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique into the wireless energy harvesting K-hop relay network to increase throughput. The relays have no dedicated energy source and thus depend on energy harvested by wireless from a power beacon (PB). Recently, NOMA has been promoted as a technology with the potential to enhance connectivity, reduce latency, increase fairness amongst users, and raise spectral effectiveness compared to orthogonal multiple access (OMA) technology. For performance considerations, we derive exact throughput expressions for NOMA and OMA-assisted multi-hop relaying and compare the performance between the two. The obtained results are validated via Monte Carlo simulations.
Asymmetric Complexity in a Pupil Control Model With Laterally Imbalanced Neural Activity in the Locus Coeruleus: A Potential Biomarker for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Kumano Hiraku , Nobukawa Sou , Shirama Aya , Takahashi Tetsuya , Takeda Toshinobu , Ohta Haruhisa , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Iwanami Akira , Kato Nobumasa , Toda Shigenobu
Published: October 2022

Locus coeruleus (LC) overactivity, especially in the right hemisphere, is a recognized pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and may be related to inattention. LC activity synchronizes with the kinetics of the pupil diameter and reflects neural activity related to cognitive functions such as attention and arousal. Recent studies highlight the importance of the complexity of the temporal patterns of pupil diameter. Moreover, asymmetrical pupil diameter, which correlates with the severity of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in ADHD, might be attributed to a left-right imbalance in LC activity. We recently constructed a computational model of pupil diameter based on the newly discovered contralateral projection from the LC to the Edinger–Westphal nucleus (EWN), which demonstrated mechanisms for the complex temporal patterns of pupil kinetics; however, it remains unclear how LC overactivity and its asymmetry affect pupil diameter. We hypothesized that a neural model of pupil diameter control featuring left-right differences in LC activity and projections onto two opponent sides may clarify the role of pupil behavior in ADHD studies. Therefore, we developed a pupil diameter control model reflecting LC overactivity in the right hemisphere by incorporating a contralateral projection from the LC to EWN and evaluated the complexity of the temporal patterns of pupil diameter generated by the model. Upon comparisons with experimentally measured pupil diameters in adult patients with ADHD, the parameter region of interest of the neural model was estimated, which was a region in the two-dimensional plot of complexity versus left-side LC baseline activity and that of the right. A region resulting in relatively high right-side complexity, which corresponded to the pathophysiological indexes, was identified. We anticipate that the discovery of lateralization of complexity in pupil diameter fluctuations will facilitate the development of biomarkers for accurate diagnosis of ADHD.
On the Explainability of Graph Convolutional Network With GCN Tangent Kernel
Authors: Zhou Xianchen , Wang Hongxia
Published: October 2022

Graph convolutional network (GCN) is a powerful deep model in dealing with graph data. However, the explainability of GCN remains a difficult problem since the training behaviors for graph neural networks are hard to describe. In this work, we show that for GCN with wide hidden feature dimension, the output for semisupervised problem can be described by a simple differential equation. In addition, the dynamics of the behavior of output is decided by the graph convolutional neural tangent kernel (GCNTK), which is stable when the width of hidden feature tends to be infinite. And the solution of node classification can be explained directly by the differential equation for a semisupervised problem. The experiments on some toy models speak to the consistency of the GCNTK model and GCN.
Two new genera and one new species of freshwater crabs of the subfamily Pseudothelphusinae (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae) from southwestern Mexico
Authors: MORENO-JUÁREZ ERIC G. , VILLALOBOS JOSÉ LUIS , ÁLVAREZ FERNANDO
Published: October 2022

Two new genera from the Chimalapas region in eastern Oaxaca, and from Zongolica, Veracruz, Mexico are presented. Mokayathelphusa angelsotoi n. gen., n. sp., which is described from Oaxaca, is placed in the subfamily Pseudothelphusinae due to the presence of a caudomarginal projection that ends apically in an ornamented plate. Alvarezius n. gen. is erected to accommodate A. zongolicae (Alvarez, Villalobos & Moreno, 2012) n. comb. This species was described in Pseudothelphusa, but a recent molecular phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of three genes (COI, 16S and H3) places this species outside the genus Pseudothelphusa and as a sister lineage to Tehuana. These results in combination with a morphological analysis support the establishment of the new genus.
Taxonomic diversity of the Hipposideros larvatus species complex (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in mainland Asia
Authors: YUZEFOVICH ALEXANDER P. , ARTYUSHIN ILYA V. , SKOPIN ALEXEY E. , SON NGUYEN TRUONG , KRUSKOP SERGEI V.
Published: October 2022

Hipposideros larvatus sensu lato constitutes a widespread species complex consisting of morphologically similar forms with a taxonomy that is in need of a revision. Here we present the results of a phylogenetic analysis of members of this species complex based on two mitochondrial (CytB and COI) and seven nuclear (ABHD11, ACOX2, COPS, RAG2, ROGDI2, SORBS2 and THY) genes, and a morphometric analysis. Morphological data, although showing certain diversity, does not allow an accurate delimitation of the taxonomic boundaries and occasionally contradict to genetic grouping. The molecular analyses based on mitochondrial data support the paraphyly of the H. larvatus species complex, with H. armiger recovered nested within. The nuclear data recovered all the lineages of H. larvatus sensu lato forming a monophyletic clade. Within it, apparently four different species-level clades could be revealed in Southeast Asia. One is distributed in northern Myanmar, southern China (including Hainan) and northern Vietnam, and also reaches into central Vietnam along the coast (Cham Islands). The valid name for this taxon must be H. poutensis Allen. The second clade is comprised by populations inhabiting the Malay Peninsula and the Sunda Islands, we identify this taxon as H. larvatus sensu stricto. The third taxon was identified only from southern Myanmar. The fourth taxon is distributed in southern and central Indochina. Its representatives were not related to any of the forms identified in Myanmar, and therefore, its previous identification with H. grandis sounds questionable. Since both the third and fourth taxa cannot now be unambiguously associated with a particular named form, we conventionally designate them as H. cf. grandis 1 and 2.
Understanding the Drivers of Atlantic Multidecadal Variability Using a Stochastic Model Hierarchy
Authors: Liu Glenn , Kwon Young-Oh , Frankignoul Claude , Lu Jian
Published: October 2022

The relative importance of ocean and atmospheric dynamics in generating Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) remains an open question. Comparisons between climate models with a slab ocean (SLAB) and fully dynamic ocean components (FULL) are often used to explore this question, but cannot reveal how individual ocean processes generate these differences. We build a hierarchy of physically interpretable stochastic models to investigate the contribution of two upper-ocean processes to AMV: the role of seasonal variation and mixed-layer entrainment. This interpretability arises from the stochastic model’s simplified representation of sea surface temperature (SST), considering only the local upper-ocean response to white-noise atmospheric forcing and its impact on surface heat exchange. We focus on understanding differences between SLAB and FULL non-eddy-resolving preindustrial control simulations of the Community Earth System Model 1 (CESM), and estimate the stochastic model parameters from each respective simulation. Despite its simplicity, the stochastic model reproduces temporal characteristics of SST variability in the SPG, including reemergence, seasonal-to-interannual persistence, and power spectra. Furthermore, the unrealistically persistent SST of the CESM-SLAB ocean simulation is reproduced in the equivalent stochastic model configuration where the mixed-layer depth (MLD) is constant. The stochastic model also reveals that vertical entrainment primarily damps SST variability, thus explaining why SLAB exhibits larger SST variance than FULL. The stochastic model driven by temporally stochastic, spatially coherent forcing patterns reproduces the canonical AMV pattern. However, the amplitude of low-frequency variability remains underestimated, suggesting a role for ocean dynamics beyond entrainment.
Bone Marrow Adipokine Expression Was Associated With Decreased Erythroid Colony Growth After Trauma
Authors: Kelly Lauren S. , Kannan Kolenkode B. , Munley Jennifer A. , Pons Erick E. , Parvataneni Hari K. , Hagen Jennifer E. , Efron Philip A. , Mohr Alicia M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Proinflammatory and immunomodulatory adipokines are linked to inflammation in critically ill patients but are poorly studied after injury. We hypothesized that trauma would induce systemic adipokine release and influence erythroid suppression.

Methods

Blood and bone marrow (BM) were collected from trauma patients (ISS > 15, n = 90) and compared to patients undergoing elective hip replacement (n = 37). Plasma adipokine levels were measured, and BM was assayed for adipokine transcription and erythroid progenitor growth potential. Differences were detected using t-tests and correlations using simple linear regression.

Results

Trauma patients exhibited decreased adiponectin (1.8* vs 3.4 mg/mL) and increased leptin (7.8* vs 4.6 ng/mL) and resistin (3.1* vs 2.5 ng/mL), with sex- and age-specific differences. They also showed increased BM visfatin transcription. Adipokine transcription negatively correlated with erythroid progenitor growth.

Conclusion

Adipose tissue activity is linked to inflammatory responses after injury, with variability by age and sex. Bone marrow adipose tissue may influence erythroid recovery after trauma.