bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant functional groups mediate effects of climate and soil factors on species richness and community biomass in grasslands of Mongolian Plateau
Authors: Li Zijing , Liang Maowei , Li Zhiyong , Mariotte Pierre , Tong Xuze , Zhang Jinghui , Dong Lei , Zheng Ying , Ma Wenhong , Zhao Liqing , Wang Lixin , Wen Lu , Tuvshintogtokh Indree , Gornish Elise S , Dang Zhenhua , Liang Cunzhu , Li Frank Yonghong
Published: March 2021

Aims

Functional group composition of a plant community is mainly driven by environmental factors and is one of the main determinants of grassland biodiversity and productivity. Therefore, it is important to understand the role of plant functional groups (PFGs) in mediating the impact of environmental conditions on ecosystem functions and biodiversity.

Methods

We measured plant biomass and species richness (SR) of grasslands in 65 sites on the Mongolian Plateau and classified 157 perennial herbaceous plants into two main PFGs (namely grasses and forbs). Using the random forest model and ordinary least squares regression, we identified that environmental factors (i.e. aridity index, soil total nitrogen [STN] and pH) were significantly related to the SR and aboveground biomass (AGB) of PFGs. We then used structural equation modeling to explore the relationship between the identified environmental factors and community SR and biomass, and the role of PFGs in driving this relationship.

Important Findings

We found that aridity index had unimodal relationships with both AGB and SR of the PFGs and the whole community. All SR and biomass metrics were significantly related to STN and pH. The relationship between aridity index and community biomass was mediated by an increase in the AGB of grasses. The influence of STN and pH on community SR was mainly due to their regulation in the SR of forbs. Our results indicate that community composition and the identity of the PFGs play a key role in linking environmental factors to ecosystem functioning.
Bulk Composition of Fast-Spreading Oceanic Crust: Insights from the Lower Cumulates of the East Pacific Rise and from Cocos–Nazca Rift Basalts, Hess Deep
Authors: Deasy R T , Wintsch R P , Meyer R
Published: March 2021

Cores recovered by International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 345 to the Hess Deep Rift (HDR) include lower crustal cumulates from the East Pacific Rise (EPR) and primitive basalts from the Cocos–Nazca Rift (CNR). This study presents major and trace element compositions of channel samples—the continuous strips of rock removed during core splitting—from this expedition. Consistently high Eu/Eu* anomalies (1·37–5·22) and strong correlations among major element oxides in samples of cumulates indicate that rock composition at the meter scale is controlled by the accumulation and segregation of plagioclase and olivine. However, constant Mg# (82·22 ± 0·66) among 13 samples through a ∼50 m interval suggests that this cumulus was host to percolating, replenishing melt(s). Modeling finds this rock composition to be in equilibrium with melts having Mg# = 58–61. This is identical to the mean value of EPR lavas (57·7 ± 6·2) and suggests that melt buffering by permeable crystal mush is a common and important process in controlling mid-ocean ridge basalt compositions at fast-spreading ocean centers. Analyses of the cumulates provide the most comprehensive composition of in situ, fast-spreading lower oceanic crust currently available. These are compiled with analyses of gabbros, dikes, and lavas from across the HDR to calculate the bulk composition of fast-spreading oceanic crust produced at the equatorial EPR. This bulk composition is strikingly similar to the composition of the primitive basalts from the CNR, and these compositions have nearly identical modeled fractional crystallization histories. Lower abundances of incompatible elements in the primitive basalt suggest that CNR magmatism is the result of the resumption of decompression melting in mantle that previously produced EPR crust. However, higher abundances of chalcophile elements in the CNR basalt point to a diversity of mantle melts that is not evident in calculations of the composition of bulk oceanic crust.
Truth Pluralism and Many-Valued Logic: Lesson from Suszko’s Thesis
Authors: Strollo Andrea
Published: March 2021

According to truth pluralism, sentences from different areas of discourse can be true in different ways. This view has been challenged to make sense of logical validity, understood as necessary truth preservation, when inferences involving different areas are considered. To solve this problem, a natural temptation is that of replicating the standard practice in many-valued logic by appealing to the notion of designated values. Such a simple approach, however, is usually considered a non-starter for strong versions of truth pluralism, since designation seems to embody nothing but a notion of generic truth. In this paper, I explore the analogy with many-valued logic by comparing the problem of mixed inferences with Suszko’s thesis, and argue that the strong pluralist has room to resist the commitment to a generic property of truth by undermining the semantic significance of Suszko’s reduction.
Apple Fruit Core Rot Agents in Greece and Control with Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor Fungicides
Authors: Ntasiou Panagiota , Samaras Anastasios , Karaoglanidis George
Published: March 2021

Core rot is a major postharvest disease of apple fruit that occurs worldwide and is caused by a complex of fungi. Despite the importance of the disease, little is known about its etiology in Greece. In this study, 325 fungal isolates obtained from fruit with core rot symptoms were identified to the species level using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. Fungal identification revealed that Alternaria alternata was the major disease agent (57.8% of the isolates), followed by Kalmusia variispora (27.8%), Botrytis cinerea (12%), and Fusarium spp. (3.3%). K. variispora is reported for the first time as an agent of core rot of apple and its pathogenicity was confirmed by artificial inoculation tests. In addition to disease etiology, field experiments were performed at two different orchards for 3 consecutive years (2017 to 2019). Experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of several classes of fungicides and the timing of application for control of the disease. Greater efficacy was achieved when fungicides were applied at the petal fall stage (flowers fading BBCH 67), while the most effective fungicides were the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors fluxapyroxad, fluopyram, adepidyn, and penthiopyrad. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the optimization of disease management and reduce the yield losses caused by core rot pathogens in Greece.
Genome Sequence Data of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 Idiomorphs from Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Zhang Ya-duo , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Chen Jie-Yin , Huang Jin-Qun , Zhang Jian , Liu Lin , Wang Dan , Zhao Jun , Song Jian , Li Ran , Yang Lin , Kong Zhi-Qiang , Klosterman Steven J. , Subbarao Krishna V. , Dai Xiao-Feng , Zhang Dan-dan
Published: March 2021

Though Verticillium dahliae is an asexually reproducing fungus, it is considered heterothallic owing to the presence of only one of the two mating-type idiomorphs (MAT1-1 or MAT1-2) in individual isolates. But sexual reproduction has never been observed either in nature or in the laboratory. All of the genomic information in the literature thus far has therefore come from studies on isolates carrying only the MAT1-2 idiomorph. Herein, we sequenced and compared high-quality reference genomes of MAT1-1 strain S011 and MAT1-2 strain S023 obtained from the same sunflower field. The two genomic sequences displayed high synteny, and encoded similar number genes, a similarity especially notable among pathogenicity-related genes. Homolog analysis between these two genomes revealed that 80% of encoded genes are highly conserved (95% identity and coverage), but only 20% of the single copy genes were identical. These novel genome resources will support the analysis of the structure and function of the two idiomorphs and provide valuable tools to elucidate the evolution and potential mechanisms of sexual reproduction in V. dahliae.
Transition From the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Home
Authors: Shillington Jessica , McNeil Deborah
Published: March 2021

Background:

A successful transition from the neonatal intensive care unit to home is fundamental for the long-term health and well-being of preterm infants; however, the process parents' experience during their transition home is poorly understood. An improved understanding of this concept will allow nurses to offer families comprehensive and collaborative discharge preparation.

Purpose:

To describe the defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences for the concept of transition in the context of the neonatal intensive care unit to home.

Methods:

Databases, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched for articles containing “transition” in combination with “neonatal intensive care unit” or variants of these terms. The Walker and Avant method was used for this concept analysis.

Results:

The defining attributes of transition in the context of the neonatal intensive care unit to home are “mix of emotions,” “uncertainty,” and “coming into parenthood.” The principal antecedent is “hospital discharge preparation” and consequences include “feeding and medical needs,” “family life changes,” and “parental confidence.”

Implications for Practice:

Gradually increasing parents' participation in their infant's care and forming a partnership and collaborative plan with families will help ease the uncertainty parents experience during their transition home.

Implications for Research:

Further investigation is needed to determine how best to provide emotional support for parents during their transition home and to explore a feasible option for neonatal nurses to follow up with parents after hospital discharge.
Computational Audiology: New Approaches to Advance Hearing Health Care in the Digital Age
Authors: Wasmann Jan-Willem A. , Lanting Cris P. , Huinck Wendy J. , Mylanus Emmanuel A.M. , van der Laak Jeroen W. M. , Govaerts Paul J. , Swanepoel De Wet , Moore David R. , Barbour Dennis L.
Published: March 2021

The global digital transformation enables computational audiology for advanced clinical applications that can reduce the global burden of hearing loss. In this article, we describe emerging hearing-related artificial intelligence applications and argue for their potential to improve access, precision, and efficiency of hearing health care services. Also, we raise awareness of risks that must be addressed to enable a safe digital transformation in audiology. We envision a future where computational audiology is implemented via interoperable systems using shared data and where health care providers adopt expanded roles within a network of distributed expertise. This effort should take place in a health care system where privacy, responsibility of each stakeholder, and patients’ safety and autonomy are all guarded by design.
Medial Column Support in Pilon Fractures Using Percutaneous Intramedullary Large Fragment Fixation
Authors: Goodnough L. Henry , Tigchelaar Seth S. , Van Rysselberghe Noelle L. , DeBaun Malcolm R. , Gardner Michael J. , Hecht Garin G. , Lucas Justin F.
Published: March 2021

Pilon fractures are complex injuries to the tibial plafond requiring stable fixation in the setting of effective soft tissue management, particularly in high-energy injuries, open fractures, or in geriatric individuals. Medial column support of the distal tibial metaphysis is often an essential component when applying balanced fixation. However, the biologic implications of multiple surgical approaches in the setting of damaged tissue, devitalized bone, or significant bone loss may contribute to increased complications. Percutaneous intramedullary large fragment screws offer both stability and a soft tissue–friendly approach for stabilizing the medial column. Here, we present our technique and indications for medial column support in pilon fractures using percutaneous large fragment fixation, along with our early clinical experience in a case series of 7 patients. At minimum 6-month follow-up, all patients healed their injuries with maintained alignment and without complications or further reoperation. Medial column support with percutaneous large fragment fixation in pilon fractures is a viable option to provide mechanical stability while effectively managing tenuous soft tissue envelopes.
Cucurbitacin B exhibits antitumor effects on CD133+ HepG2 liver cancer stem cells by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Bai Yudi , Yan Xue , Li Jin , Lin Bingxue , Dai Linzhi , Xu Cheng , Li Hua , Li Dong , Yang Tai , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a crucial cancer cell subpopulation, possess stemness phenotypic characteristics. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a tetracyclic triterpenoid isolated from Cucurbitaceae, exerts widely pharmacological activities in many diseases. The aim of this study was to enrich, identify liver CSCs and investigate antitumor effects of CuB as well as explore the underlying molecular mechanisms in these liver CSCs. HepG2 cell lines were used for the enrichment of liver CSCs by serum-free medium culture and magnetic-activated cell sorting. The CSC characteristics were analyzed by immunofluorescent staining, sphere-forming, western blot and xenograft tumorigenicity assay. CuB’ antitumor effects and underlying molecular mechanism were measured by cell counting kit-8, colony formation, sphere-forming, cell cycle, xenograft and western blot assay. Our results showed that we could enrich 97.29% CD133+ HepG2 cells, which possessed CSC characteristics including re-renewal capacity, proliferative ability, sorafenib resistance, overexpressed stemness-related molecules and enhanced tumorigenic potential. Furthermore, we also found that CuB inhibited cell viability, sphere formation, colony formation and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase as well as sensitized CD133+ HepG2 cells to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo. Western blot assay indicated that CuB inhibited expression levels of cyclin B1, CDK1, CD133, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3. In conclusion, our findings indicated that CuB could exhibit antitumor effects on CD133+ HepG2 CSCs by inhibiting the Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 signaling pathway, expanding basic and preclinical investigations on liver CSCs.
Stachydrine inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Xiangni , Yan Ning
Published: March 2021

Stachydrine is a bioactive alkaloid that has been found to exert tumor-suppressive potential. However, the effect of stachydrine on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been previously investigated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HepG2 cells. Our results showed that stachydrine significantly suppressed TGF-β1-induced HepG2 cell migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Stachydrine prevented TGF-β1-induced EMT in HepG2 cells, as proved by the increased expression level of E-cadherin and decreased expression levels of N-cadherin and vimentin. In addition, stachydrine attenuated TGF-β1-induced upregulation of TGF-β receptor I (TβRI) in both protein and mRNA levels. Further mechanism investigations proved that stachydrine prevented TGF-β1-induced activation of Smad2/3 and phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that stachydrine prevented TGF-β1-induced EMT in HCC cells through Smad2/3 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Thus, stachydrine might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC.
Ethics and Values Surrounding the Radiation Protection of Animals
Authors: Martinez Nicole E.
Published: March 2021

Ethics and societal values form one of the three pillars supporting and informing the system of radiological protection, complementing the science and building from our individual and collective experience. Although the International Commission on Radiological Protection has recently highlighted the ethical foundations of the system of radiological protection (the System) with Publication 138, with Publication 91 outlining ethical principles of environmental radiation protection, the System has yet to specifically address the ethics associated with animals outside of the natural environment such as livestock, pets, or research animals. Therefore, in conjunction with the Commission’s recent efforts in elaborating on the application and implementation of the System in veterinary practice is the consideration of the associated ethical values and principles foundational to the practice, with special attention given to the animal exposed. This paper outlines progress made in the latter area and proposes a practical, consistent approach to the ethics and values of the radiation protection of animals. Complementary to the ethical values of the System specified in Publication 138 are the correlated ethical values of respect for life, animal welfare, sustainable development, solidarity, and autonomy that are particularly relevant in veterinary practice. In addition to the procedural and ethical values of transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, additional procedural values of empathy and stewardship are needed in the implementation of the System in veterinary practice and in its application to non-human biota in general.
Rescuing an Akreos 4-Point Haptic Intraocular Lens: A Novel Surgical Technique
Authors: Fan Kenneth C. , Smiddy William E.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To present a surgical technique that allows rescue (repositioning) of a dislocated Akreos AO model intraocular lens using scleral sutures.

Methods:

The surgical technique is described with supplemental video.

Results:

The technique was used in 4 eyes of 3 patients with 2 to 18 months of follow-up information. The intraocular lens was well positioned, and the visual acuity (as limited by other disease) was good, without adverse events.

Conclusion:

Scleral suture techniques for repositioning of the Akreos AO intraocular lens offer a suitable alternative to intraocular lens exchange.
FULL-THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE SIZE BY HYPERTRANSMISSION SIGNAL ON SPECTRAL-DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Louzada Ricardo N. , Ferrara Daniela , Moult Eric M. , Fujimoto James G. , Abu-Qamar Omar , Duker Jay S. , Alves Milton R. , Waheed Nadia K.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To assess the full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) size using the choroidal hypertransmission signal on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and to compare this method to the standard aperture measurement of the minimum aperture size at the level of the neurosensory retina.

Design:

Cross-sectional study of retrospective data.

Methods:

Eyes with FTMH imaged on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were included. Two independent masked graders used the device's built-in caliper tool to measure the FTMH minimum aperture size at the level of the neurosensory retina and the size of the corresponding hypertransmission signal below the level of the retinal pigment epithelium/Bruch membrane complex. To assess the reproducibility of the hypertransmission measurement in tilted scans, two measurements were obtained and compared; the first was traced parallel to the retinal pigment epithelium (parallel hypertransmission), and the second was horizontal to the image frame (horizontal hypertransmission), both using Image J software.

Results:

A total of 31 eyes were enrolled. The mean FTMH minimum aperture size was smaller compared with both the choroidal parallel hypertransmission and horizontal hypertransmission measurements (mean ± SD: 335.7 ± 139.5 µm, 376.7 ± 150.6 µm, 375.1 ± 150.0 µm, respectively. P < 0.001 for both comparisons).

Conclusion:

The proposed hypertransmission measurement is a feasible and reproducible alternative to assess FTMH size and could provide the basis for an automated FTMH measurement on cross-sectional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans, as presented in this study, or on the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography volumetric data set by using an en face projection.
Outcomes After Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Children Living With HIV in Latin America
Authors: Somerville Kayla , Jenkins Cathy A. , Carlucci James G. , Person Anna K. , Machado Daisy M. , Luque Marco T. , Pinto Jorge A. , Rouzier Vanessa , Friedman Ruth K. , McGowan Catherine C. , Shepherd Bryan E. , Rebeiro Peter F.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Little is known about the long-term outcomes of children living with HIV in Latin America. Few studies have examined antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen switches in the years after the introduction of ART in this population. This study aimed to assess clinical outcomes among children who started second-line ART in the Caribbean, Central and South America network for HIV epidemiology.

Methods:

Children (<18 years old) with HIV who switched to second-line ART at sites within Caribbean, Central and South America network for HIV epidemiology were included. The cumulative incidence and relative hazards of virologic failure while on second-line ART, loss to follow-up, additional major ART regimen changes, and all-cause mortality were evaluated using competing risks methods and Cox models.

Results:

A total of 672 children starting second-line ART were included. Three years after starting second-line ART, the cumulative incidence of death was 0.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08 to 0.13], loss to follow-up was 0.14 (95% CI: 0.11 to 0.17), and major regimen change was 0.19 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.22). Of those changing regimens, 35% were due to failure and 11% due to toxicities/side effects. Among the 312 children with viral load data, the cumulative incidence of virologic failure at 3 years was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.56 to 0.68); time to virologic failure and regimen change were uncorrelated (rank correlation −0.001; 95% CI −0.18 to 0.17).

Conclusions:

Poor outcomes after starting second-line ART in Latin America were common. The high incidence of virologic failure and its poor correlation with changing regimens was particularly worrisome. Additional efforts are needed to ensure children receive optimal ART regimens.
Temporal Variation in One-Time Partnership Rates Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women
Authors: Janulis Patrick , Goodreau Steven M. , Birkett Michelle , Phillips Gregory , Morris Martina , Mustanski Brian , Jenness Samuel M.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Volatility in sexual contact rates has been recognized as an important factor influencing HIV transmission dynamics. One-time partnerships may be particularly important given the potential to quickly accumulate large number of contacts. Yet, empirical data documenting individual variation in contact rates remain rare. This study provides much needed data on temporal variation in one-time partners to better understand behavioral dynamics and improve the accuracy of transmission models.

Methods:

Data for this study were obtained from a longitudinal cohort study of young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Chicago. Participants provided sexual network data every 6 months for 2 years. A series of random effects models examined variation in one-time partnership rates and disaggregated within and between associations of exposure variables. Exposure variables included prior number of one-time partners, number of casual partners, and having a main partner.

Results:

Results indicated substantial between-person and within-person variation in one-time partners. Casual partnerships were positively associated and main partnerships negatively associated with one-time partnership rates. There remained a small positive association between prior one-time partnerships and the current number of one-time partnerships.

Conclusions:

Despite the preponderance of a low number of one-time partners, substantial variation in one-time partnership rates exists among young men who have sex with men and transgender women. Accordingly, focusing on high contact rate individuals alone may be insufficient to identify periods of highest risk. Future studies should use these estimates to more accurately model how volatility impacts HIV transmission and better understand how this variation influences intervention effectiveness.
Inferior Colliculus’s Hypermetabolism
Authors: Chammas Agathe , Namer Izzie Jacques , Lersy François , Kremer Stéphane , Bund Caroline
Published: March 2021

We present the case of a 64-year-old man presenting an episode of confusion during SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection with a positive oropharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction test. He was hospitalized for dyspnea related to pneumonia demonstrated on chest CT. FDG PET performed after the confusion phase, but still in the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019)–positive phase, showed high glucose metabolism of the inferior colliculi. Morphological MRI was normal. The first-pass perfusion MRI shows hyperperfusion of the inferior colliculi, corresponding to FDG PET hypermetabolism.
Cost Analysis and National Trends in the Treatment of Thumb Basal Arthritis
Authors: Jain Abhishek , Herrera Fernando A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Thumb basal arthritis (TBA) is a common form of arthritis characterized by wearing away of cartilage in the crarpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. The purpose of the study was to analyze cost trends of the 2 common surgical treatments options: ligament reconstruction/tendon interposition (LRTI) and trapeziectomy/hematoma distraction arthroplasty (THDA).

Methods

The Vizient Clinical Data/Resource Manager electronic database was reviewed for the 3 treatment procedures of TBA from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019. Cases were placed into 1 of 2 categories: LRTI or THDA. Total and direct costs were averaged and compared nationally and regionally. One-tailed t test and Pearson correlation analyses were performed (P < 0.05 and r > 0.9 or r < −0.9 was considered significant).

Results

A total of 28,887 total cases (26,405 LRTI, 2482 THDA) were analyzed. There was a 49% increase in number of surgical procedures to treat TBA between 2015 and 2018. Ligament reconstruction/tendon interposition (91%) had larger market share than THDA (9%). However, market share percentage of each procedure stayed the same over time. Trapeziectomy/hematoma distraction arthroplasty had lower average cost (US $4157) compared with that of LRTI (US $4446, P = 0.06) However, THDA had a significant positive trend in cost, increasing 14% in 4 years. In 2019, 30% of procedures performed were in the Midwestern United States, 27% Northeastern United States, 24% Southern United States, and 19% Western United States.

Conclusions

Most patients with TBA seem to be treated with LRTI. The market share seems to be greatest for LRTI and lowest for THDA nationally and regionally. Although the average cost for THDA was less than that of LRTI, this difference was not significant.
State of the Art Care in Computer-Assisted Facial Prosthetic Rehabilitation
Authors: Seelaus Rosemary , Arias Eduardo , Morris David , Cohen Mimis
Published: March 2021

Autologous reconstruction for major facial defects is primarily considered for patient's lifetime care. There are situations, however, when autologous reconstruction is not ideal or feasible, and prosthetic reconstruction is necessary to reconstruct missing anatomy or to complement surgical reconstruction. The history of facial prosthetic reconstruction can be traced for millennia. At our craniofacial center, craniomaxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation has been incorporated in the care provided to our patients since the center's inception, more than 70 years ago.

The purpose of this review is to present the evolution of our current thinking based on our long experience since the implementation of computer-assistive technologies over 15 years ago, to further improve our patients’ overall rehabilitation.

These applications include all stages of prosthetic care from planning, design through device delivery, and for lifetime maintenance. The collaboration among surgeons and anaplastologists is fundamental to achieving optimal patient outcomes and in the success of our technology-based practice. Such collaboration starts with the patient's decision to proceed with prosthetic rehabilitation and continues with postoperative care and lifetime management of the patient's prosthetic device and prosthesis-bearing soft tissue.

Although computer-assistive techniques often represent a substantial financial investment, the benefits of using them demonstrate clear advantages to both the clinician and patient. These benefits include: Improved predictability of outcomes, surgeon preparedness, reduction in operating room time, reduction in overall treatment times, improved precision and anatomical accuracy, improved treatment efficiencies, and overall treatment experience, particularly for those patients traveling great distances for access to care.

Representative examples will be presented.
Outcome Assessment for Surgical Reconstruction of Mandibular Continuity Defects
Authors: AL-Anee Auday M. , Al-Jarsha Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Mandibular continuity defects are associated with multiple functional and esthetic problems. Nonvascularized bone grafting is one of several surgical corrective techniques for such defects with good success predictability. This retrospective clinical study reviewed the outcome of this technique when applied in its 2 protocol variations while minimizing the effect of as many confounding factors as possible through the application of strict eligibility criteria. The surgical records of 16 patients constituted the final sample: 10 patients in the one-stage and 6 patients in the two-stage reconstruction groups. It was found that mandibular reconstruction with nonvascularized bone graft is a good first option as well as a viable alternative in the absence of free flap procedure facilities. Patients’ initial expectations should be a crucial factor in deciding the appropriate surgical treatment protocol form the early planning stage. Standardizing success parameters in such cases could further improve objectivity and allow for multi-center research data pooling with reduced effect of heterogeneity featuring these complex injuries.
The Effects of Septorhinoplasty Techniques and Poly-P-Dioxanone Plate Use on Maxillofacial Growth: An Experimental Study
Authors: Ugurlu Burak Numan , Celik Hatice , Aslan Felek Sevim , Aktar Ugurlu Gulay , Ciledag Nazan , Kaygusuz Hidir
Published: March 2021

Since the septum plays a key role in maxillofacial growth, the effect of septorhinoplasty maneuvers and the use of poly-p-dioxanone plate during growth on maxillofacial growth was investigated in our study. Thirty-three New Zealand rabbits each with an age of 8 weeks were included in the study. Maxillofacial computed tomography was performed on all 8-weeks old rabbits. Then, the rabbits were divided into 5 groups randomly. No intervention was done on the rabbits in group 1. Nasal dorsum of the rabbits in the 2nd group were opened, and the mucosae were bilaterally elevated. In the third group underwent limited cartilage resection by preserving the nasal dorsum. Removed cartilage was crushed and placed back between the mucoperichondrial flaps for the rabbits in the 4th group. Crushed cartilage with Poly-P-Dioxanone plate was used for the rabbits in the 5th Group. Maxillofacial computed tomography was performed at the end of the 20th week and growth parameters were investigated. When the group 2 was compared with the control group, the nasal bone length was observed to be significantly shorter (P < 0.05). Group 5 compared with group 4, incisive bone volume remained significantly low (P < 0.05) and malocclusion developed. Nasal bone length was affected negatively in the group that underwent osteotomy and mucosa elevation. Although positive results related to poly-p-dioxanone plate use have been reported for adults, incisive bone development retarded in noses that had not yet reached adult size in our study and the maxillofacial development was affected adversely.
Automated Time-Released Reminders Improve Patient Access to Colonoscopy
Authors: Wynter Jamila , Hurwitz Shelley , Saltzman John R. , Nayor Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Unscheduled colonoscopy orders lead to missed opportunities for early diagnosis and screening. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an automated time-released reminder program on conversion of colonoscopy orders to scheduled cases. In this prospective study, we compared patients ordered for a colonoscopy who were enrolled in an automated reminder program (intervention) with a historical cohort of patients ordered for a colonoscopy who did not receive scheduling reminders (control). The intervention group received automated text message and email reminders using a software platform at 1, 7, and 14 days after a colonoscopy order was placed. The percentage of colonoscopies scheduled within 14 days of order placement improved from 66.0% in the control group to 73.4% in the intervention group (p = .001). The percentage of colonoscopies scheduled within 30 days improved from 73.6% to 90.0% (p < .0001). For colonoscopies ordered by a nongastroenterologist, the percentage of cases scheduled within 30 days of order placement improved from 65.8% in the control group to 90.0% in the intervention group (p < .0001). There was a 10% decrease in phone calls with endoscopy staff for the intervention group relative to the control group. Automated reminders for colonoscopy scheduling improve efficiency in colonoscopy scheduling.
Risk Prediction for Delayed Allograft Function: Analysis of the Deterioration of Kidney Allograft Function (DeKAF) Study Data
Authors: Matas Arthur J. , Helgeson Erika , Fieberg Ann , Leduc Robert , Gaston Robert S. , Kasiske Bertram L. , Rush David , Hunsicker Lawrence , Cosio Fernando , Grande Joseph P. , Cecka J. Michael , Connett John , Mannon Roslyn B.
Published: March 2021

Background.

Delayed graft function (DGF) of a kidney transplant results in increased cost and complexity of management. For clinical care or a DGF trial, it would be ideal to accurately predict individual DGF risk and provide preemptive treatment. A calculator developed by Irish et al has been useful for predicting population but not individual risk.

Methods.

We analyzed the Irish calculator (IC) in the DeKAF prospective cohort (incidence of DGF = 20.4%) and investigated potential improvements.

Results.

We found that the predictive performance of the calculator in those meeting Irish inclusion criteria was comparable with that reported by Irish et al. For cohorts excluded by Irish: (a) in pump-perfused kidneys, the IC overestimated DGF risk; (b) in simultaneous pancreas kidney transplants, the DGF risk was exceptionally low. For all 3 cohorts, there was considerable overlap in IC scores between those with and those without DGF. Using a modified definition of DGF—excluding those with single dialysis in the first 24 h posttransplant—we found that the calculator had similar performance as with the traditional DGF definition. Studying whether DGF prediction could be improved, we found that recipient cardiovascular disease was strongly associated with DGF even after accounting for IC-predicted risk.

Conclusions.

The IC can be a useful population guide for predicting DGF in the population for which it was intended but has limited scope in expanded populations (SPK, pump) and for individual risk prediction. DGF risk prediction can be improved by inclusion of recipient cardiovascular disease.
Regulations and Procurement Surgery in DCD Liver Transplantation: Expert Consensus Guidance From the International Liver Transplantation Society
Authors: Hessheimer Amelia J. , Polak Wojciech , Antoine Corinne , Dondero Pozzo Federica , Maluf Daniel , Monbaliu Diethard , Oniscu Gabriel
Published: March 2021

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors are an increasingly more common source of livers for transplantation in many parts of the world. Events that occur during DCD liver recovery have a significant impact on the success of subsequent transplantation. This working group of the International Liver Transplantation Society evaluated current evidence as well as combined experience and created this guidance on DCD liver procurement. Best practices for the recovery and transplantation of livers arising through DCD after euthanasia and organ procurement with super-rapid cold preservation and recovery as well as postmortem normothermic regional perfusion are described, as are the use of adjuncts during DCD liver procurement.
High-Throughput and High-Dimensional Single Cell Analysis of Antigen-Specific CD8+T cells
Authors: Ma Ke-Yue , Schonnesen Alexandra A. , He Chenfeng , Xia Amanda Y. , Sun Eric , Chen Eunise , Sebastian Katherine R , Balderas Robert , Kulkarni-Date Mrinalini , Jiang Ning
Published: March 2021

Although critical to T cell function, antigen specificity is often omitted in high-throughput multi-omics based T cell profiling due to technical challenges. We describe a high-dimensional, tetramer-associated T cell receptor sequencing (TetTCR-SeqHD) method to simultaneously profile TCR sequences, cognate antigen specificities, targeted gene-expression, and surface-protein expression from tens of thousands of single cells. Using polyclonal CD8+T cells with known antigen specificity and TCR sequences, we demonstrated over 98% precision for detecting the correct antigen specificity. We also evaluated gene-expression and phenotypic differences among antigen-specific CD8+T cells and characterized phenotype signatures of influenza- and EBV-specific CD8+T cells that are unique to their pathogen targets. Moreover, with the high-throughput capacity of profiling hundreds of antigens simultaneously, we applied TetTCR-SeqHD to identify antigens that preferentially enrich cognate CD8+T cells in type 1 diabetes patients compared to healthy controls, and discovered a TCR that cross reacts between diabetic and microbiome antigens. TetTCR-SeqHD is a powerful approach for profiling T cell responses.
ChromeBat: A Bio-Inspired Approach to 3D Genome Reconstruction
Authors: Collins Brandon , Brown Philip N. , Oluwadare Oluwatosin
Published: March 2021

Background

With the advent of Next Generation Sequencing and the Hi-C experiment, high quality genome-wide contact data is becoming increasingly available. This data represents an empirical measure of how a genome interacts inside the nucleus. Genome conformation is of particular interest as it has been experimentally shown to be a driving force for many genomic functions from regulation to transcription. Thus, the Three Dimensional Genome Reconstruction Problem seeks to take Hi-C data and produce the complete physical genome structure as it appears in the nucleus for genomic analysis.

Results

We propose and develop a novel method to solve the Chromosome and Genome Reconstruction problem based on the Bat Algorithm which we called ChromeBat. We demonstrate on real Hi-C data that ChromeBat is capable of state of the art performance. Additionally, the domain of Genome Reconstruction has been criticized for lacking algorithmic diversity, and the bio-inspired nature of ChromeBat contributes algorithmic diversity to the problem domain.

Conclusions

ChromeBat is an effective approach at solving the Genome Reconstruction Problem. The source code and usage guide can be found here:https://github.com/OluwadareLab/ChromeBat.
Exploring the impact of an economic‐centric approach to evaluating cultural activities: Evidence from a regional music festival
Authors: Safari Dominik , Glow Hilary , Noblet Andrew , Pyman Amanda
Published: March 2021

Despite the numerous benefits associated with state‐funded festivals, little is known about how New Public Management ideals (e.g. emphasis on economic returns, short‐term funding cycles) influence the extent to which these events can create value across social, cultural, and economic dimensions. Drawing on recent theoretical advancements around ecology of culture, we used a single‐case study design that included an embedded sub‐case to examine how value is assessed in an Australian‐based regional music festival and the implications for generating economic (e.g. ticket sales), social (e.g. sense of belonging), and cultural value (e.g. revitalising local traditions). The findings suggest that although prioritising economic value ahead of social and cultural outcomes can ultimately prove counterproductive, the experiences of those involved in the sub‐case indicate that a more holistic approach to festival self‐assessment can strengthen social, cultural, and economic outcomes and enhance the functioning of the sub‐case. These findings have important theoretical and practical implications, particularly in terms of reinforcing key elements of the ecosystem framework and helping to identify the ways in which festival ecosystems can be supported to enhance value creation.
Drug‐ and alcohol‐related emergency department patient presentations during the 2018 Commonwealth Games: A multi‐site retrospective analysis
Authors: Delany Catherine , Crilly Julia , Ranse Jamie
Published: March 2021

Objective

To examine the impact of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on ED patient presentations related to drug(s) and/or alcohol.

Methods

Retrospective observational study comparing ED patient presentations made pre, during and post the 2018 Commonwealth Games with either an International Classification of Diseases‐10 diagnosis or presenting complaint related to drug and or alcohol misuse.

Results

Drug‐ and alcohol‐related presentations accounted for 5% (n = 890) of all ED presentations across the 36‐day study period with no significant difference between pre (n = 312), during (n = 301) and post (n = 277) periods (P = 0.2). Overall, drug‐ and alcohol‐related patient presentations made to the EDs tended to be young (median age 35 years, interquartile range 24–48), Australian (n = 820, 92%) and male (n = 493, 55%). The majority arrived by ambulance (n = 650, 73%), were allocated an Australasian Triage Scale category of 3 (n = 505, 57%), and arrived between 15.00 and 22.59 hours (n = 365, 41%). No demographic characteristics, ED characteristics or outcomes differed significantly over time.

Conclusions

During the 2018 Commonwealth Games, minimal impact on the ED was noted pertaining to drug and alcohol misuse. Further research is required to understand whether this held true for other types of ED presentations and during other types and locations of mass gathering events.
Long‐term outcomes of microwave ablation for secondary hyperparathyroidism in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Wang Kai , Gao Zhanhui , Liu Sijia , Xiao Leijuan , Yao Zhiyong
Published: March 2021

Microwave ablation has been increasingly used to secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with maintenance hemodialysis. However, the current data are inconclusive. This study was to assess the long‐term outcomes of microwave ablation on SHPT. We enrolled 53 SHPT patients who underwent microwave ablation. Primary outcome measures were the rate of achieving recommended goal for iPTH and the events of all‐cause death during the follow‐up period. Survival analysis was performed to assess the long‐term prognosis. During follow‐up period of 42.4 ± 15.6 months (range, 12–70 months), there were 12 all‐cause deaths, and the cumulative proportion surviving was 0.74. The rates of achieving the recommended goal for iPTH were 62.3% at 1 month, 57.7% at 6 months, 51.0% at 12 months, 62.5% at 24 months, and 68.8% at 36 months, respectively. Microwave ablation produces a lasting resolution of secondary hyperparathyroidism in about 60% of patients with maintenance hemodialysis. The characteristics of patients suitable for microwave ablation should be clarified in the future.
Leading through paradox in a COVID‐19 world: Human resources comes of age
Authors: Collings David G. , Nyberg Anthony J. , Wright Patrick M. , McMackin John
Published: March 2021

The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic is unprecedented. At an organisational level, the crisis has been hugely disruptive, complex and fraught with ambiguity for leaders. The crisis is fundamentally a human one, making human resource (HR) leaders central in enabling organisations to manage through and ultimately exit the crisis successfully. We apply a paradox lens to understand the HR leadership challenges posed by the COVID‐19 crisis. We argue that how the HR function responds to the challenges of the crisis and its role in mapping the exit route from the crisis are likely to shape the trajectory of the function for decades to come. The pandemic creates an unprecedented opportunity to elevate the status of the HR function in organisations where it has struggled to gain status and to reinforce the influence of the function in those where it already enjoys legitimacy. The value of this is likely to be reflected in more sustainable performance through the alignment of people and purpose and balancing the short and long term objectives of the organisation.
Liver and serum adiponectin levels in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mavilia Marianna G. , Wu George Y.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Adiponectin is an adipokine that has anti‐steatotic, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic effects. The impact of these different activities impact on the development and progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not well understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate both liver and serum adiponectin levels in patients with and without NAFLD and determine any clinical correlations.

Methods

Liver tissue and serum samples were collected from patients undergoing liver biopsy between April 2014 and July 2020, and categorized based on histopathological diagnosis into hepatic steatosis (HS), non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatitis control (HC). A Luminex xMAP assay was performed on both liver and serum samples to measure adiponectin levels. Statistical analysis compared liver adiponectin (LA) and serum adiponectin (SA) levels between groups.

Results

A total of 48 participants were included in the analysis. The mean LA level was lowest in the HS group, followed by the NASH group and the HC group (P = 0.036). The mean SA level was 3.61 μg/mL for the NAFLD group and was significantly lower than that in the HC (7.51 μg/mL; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Adiponectin levels are lower in NAFLD compared to HC in both serum and liver tissue. LA levels in patients with HS were significantly lower than in both the NASH and HC groups, suggesting that adiponectin is related to inflammation in the liver and probably reflects its role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.