bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The products of involutions in a matrix centralizer
Authors: De la Cruz Ralph John , Tañedo Raymond Louis
Published: August 2022

A square matrix $A$ is an involution if $A^{2} = I$. The centralizer of a square matrix $S$ denoted by $\mathscr{C}(S)$ is the set of all $A$ such that $AS = SA$ over an algebraically closed field of characteristic not equal to 2. We determine necessary and sufficient conditions for $A \in \mathscr{C}(S)$ to be a product of involutions in $\mathscr{C}(S)$ where $S$ is a basic Weyr matrix with homogeneous Weyr structure of length 3. Finally, we will show some results for the case when the length of the Weyr structure is greater than 3.
Multi-parameter influenced acquisition model with an in-orbit jitter for inter-satellite laser communication of the LCES system
Authors: Hu Siqi , Yu Hanghua , Duan Zheng , Zhu Ye , Cao Caixia , Zhou Miaomiao , Li Guotong , Liu Huijie
Published: August 2022

With the development of large low earth orbit (LEO) communication constellations, the efficiency of laser inter-satellite link (ISL) establishing become the bottleneck for subsequent large-scale launch and rapid networking applications of LEO communication constellations. Hence, we establish the pointing jitter error structure of LEO communication experiment satellites (LCES) system. The error structure can be used to trace the source of errors and evaluate the in-orbit jitter. And we derive an analytical expression of the acquisition probability density function (PDF) which comprehensively considering the influence of the scanning region, the pointing jitter error, the overlap factor and the in-orbit jitter error. The multi-parameter influenced acquisition model is validated by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and semi-physical tests. The results reveals that the multi-parameter influenced acquisition model can be used to guide the in-orbit ISL establishing.
Measurements of microjoule-level, few-femtosecond ultraviolet dispersive-wave pulses generated in gas-filled hollow capillary fibers
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Chen Tiandao , Pan Jinyu , Huang Zhiyuan , Liu Donghan , Wang Ding , Yu Fei , Wu Dakun , Zheng Yu , Yin Ruochen , Jiang Xin , Pang Meng , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin
Published: August 2022

To the best of our knowledge, we demonstrate the first time-domain measurement of µJ-level, few-fs ultraviolet dispersive-wave (DW) pulses generated in gas-filled hollow capillary fibers (HCFs) in an atmosphere environment using several chirped mirrors. The pulse temporal profiles, measured using a self-diffraction frequency-resolved optical gating setup, exhibit full width at half maximum pulse widths of 9.6 fs at 384 nm and 9.4 fs at 430 nm, close to the Fourier-transform limits. Moreover, theoretical and experimental studies reveal the strong influences of driving pulse energy and HCF length on temporal width and shape of the measured DW pulses. The ultraviolet pulses obtained in an atmosphere environment with µJ-level pulse energy, few-fs pulse width, and broadband wavelength tunability are ready to be used in many applications.
Demonstration of 100-Gbit/s 32-QAM signal transmission in a radio-over-fiber system with 2-bit DAC
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Zhiwei , Zou Dongdong , Ni Weihao , Yin Mingzhu , Yi Xingwen , Sui Qi , Li Zhaohui , Li Fan
Published: August 2022

In this Letter, a low-cost radio-over-fiber (RoF) system at the Ka band based on a low-resolution digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is proposed and investigated. The noise shaping (NS) technique is adopted to suppress the in-band quantization noise induced by the low-resolution DAC. To evaluate the performance of the proposed RoF system, the transmission of a 80/100-Gbit/s dual-polarization 16/32-QAM signal over 20-km single-mode fiber (SMF) and 1-m 2 × 2 multi-in multi-out (MIMO) wireless link coupled with a 2/3/4-bit DAC is experimentally demonstrated. The results show that the bit error rate (BER) of the signal generated by the 2-bit DAC can be effectively reduced by more than one order of magnitude when noise shaping is applied.
Three delays model applied to pediatric injury care seeking in Northern Tanzania: A mixed methods study
Authors: Keating Elizabeth M. , Sakita Francis , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Amiri Ismail , Nkini Getrude , Rent Sharla , Fino Nora , Young Bryan , Staton Catherine A. , Watt Melissa H.
Published: August 2022

Pediatric injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-and middle-income countries. Timely presentation to care is key for favorable outcomes. The goal of this study was to identify and examine delays that children experience between injury and receiving definitive care at a zonal referral hospital in Northern Tanzania. Between November 2020 and October 2021, we enrolled 348 pediatric trauma patients, collecting quantitative data on referral and timing information. In-depth interviews (IDIs) to explain and explore delays to care were completed with a sub-set of 30 family members. Data were analyzed according to the Three Delays Model. 81.0% (n = 290) of pediatric injury patients sought care at an intermediary facility before reaching the referral hospital. Time from injury to presentation at the referral hospital was 10.2 hours [IQR 4.8, 26.5] if patients presented first to clinics, 8.0 hours [IQR 3.9, 40.0] if patients presented first to district/regional hospitals, and 1.4 hours [IQR 0.7, 3.5] if patients presented directly to the referral hospital. In-hospital mortality was 8.2% (n = 30); 86.7% (n = 26) of these children sought care at an intermediary facility prior to reaching the referral hospital. IDIs revealed themes related to each delay. For decision to seek care (Delay 1), delays included emergency recognition, applying first aid, and anticipated challenges. For reaching definitive care (Delay 2), delays included caregiver rationale for using intermediary facilities, the complex referral system, logistical challenges, and intermediary facility delays. For receiving definitive care (Delay 3), wait time and delays due to treatment cost existed at the referral hospital. Factors throughout the healthcare system contribute to delays in receipt of definitive care for pediatric injuries. To minimize delays and improve patient outcomes, interventions are needed to improve caregiver and healthcare worker education, streamline the current trauma healthcare system, and improve quality of care in the hospital setting.
Implementation strategies to increase human papillomavirus vaccination uptake for adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Mwanahamuntu Mulindi , Chibwesha Carla , Mukosha Moses , Wamunyima Mercy Monde , Kawonga Mary
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is sexually transmitted and infects approximately 75% of sexually active people early in their sexual life. Persistent infection with oncogenic HPV types can lead to malignant conditions such as cervical cancer. In 2006, the World Health Organisation approved the use of an efficacious HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent HPV-related conditions. Despite the HPV vaccine being available for about 15 years, dose completion remains as low as 20% in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries implementing the vaccination program compared to 77% in Australia and New Zealand. A fraught of barriers to implementation exist which prevent adequate coverage. Achieving success for HPV vaccination in real-world settings requires strategies to overcome implementation bottlenecks. Therefore, a better understanding and mapping of the implementation strategies used in sub-Saharan Africa to increase HPV vaccination uptake is critical. This review aims to identify implementation strategies to increase HPV vaccination uptake for adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa and provide a basis for policy and future research, including systematic reviews to evaluate effective strategies as we accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer.

Materials and methods

This scoping review will consider studies pertaining to implementation strategies to increase HPV vaccination uptake for adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies targeted at different stakeholders to increase adolescent vaccine uptake will be included. Studies using interventions not fitting the definition of implementation strategies as defined by the refined compilation of implementation strategies from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change project will be excluded. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, CINAHL (via EBSCO), Scopus and Google Scholar will be searched. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts for studies that meet the review’s inclusion criteria, and the full text of eligible studies will be reviewed. Data will be extracted from eligible studies using a structured data charting table developed by this team for inclusion by two independent reviewers and presented in a table and graphical form with a narrative summary.
How does the selection of national development zones affect urban green innovation?-Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Xiaolin , Wan Kai
Published: August 2022

The launch of the selection process for National Development Zones(NDZs) marked a fundamental change in the construction of development zones, making it an essential position for local authorities to implement high-quality development. Based on the data of prefecture-level cities in China from 2000 to 2018, this paper examines the impact and mechanism of selecting NDZs on urban green innovation through a double-difference spatial durbin model using the selection of NDZs as a “quasi-natural experiment”. The study finds that the selection of NDZs can promote green innovation in cities and has a significant window-radiating effect. The heterogeneity test results show that the implementation of the selection policy for development zones in non-old industrial cities, large and medium-sized cities, cities with easy access to transportation, and cities with high market orientation are more likely to promote urban green innovation. At the same time, the higher the level of government governance and the better the level of economic development of the development zones, the more it helps to realize the effects of the selection policy. The results of the mechanism test show that the selection of NDZs has a positive impact on urban green innovation through environmental regulation effects, resource allocation effects, and policy amplification effects.
Safety and performance of surgical adhesives
Authors: Szymanski Lukasz , Gołaszewska Kamila , Małkowska Justyna , Gołębiewska Małgorzata , Kaczyńska Judyta , Gromadka Bartosz , Matak Damian
Published: August 2022

Background

Tissue adhesives are an alternative to conventional surgical sutures to reduce the time and cost of wound closure and to improve patient comfort. The use of tissue adhesives does not require any subsequent intervention and significantly lowers the volume and rate of blood loss, and reduces the need for transfusions during and after surgery. However, based on their formulation, tissue adhesives’ safety profile and functional properties may differ. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the basic safety and performance of NE’X Glue® Surgical Sealant, BioGlue® Surgical Sealant, and PREVELEAKTM Surgical Sealant in vitro.

Methods

The basic safety of commercially available tissue adhesives was evaluated using MEM elution assay according to ISO 10993–5 and endotoxin level according to 85. USP. The in vitro performance was evaluated using lap-shear by tension loading test, burst strength test, degradation, and swelling assays.

Results

NE’X Glue®, BioGlue®, and PREVELEAKTM did not cause cytotoxicity in MEM elution assay. All surgical adhesives are below the general limit of endotoxin contamination of 20 EU/device. NE’X Glue® and BioGlue® showed the highest and comparable strength properties in lap shear and burst strength tests compared to PREVELEAKTM. NE’X Glue® and PREVELEAKTM are characterized by lower degradation potential than BioGlue®. PREVELEAKTM is characterized by the highest swelling when compared to NE’X Glue® and BioGlue®.

Conclusions

NE’X Glue® is most versatile in terms of functional properties while maintaining the same safety profile as BioGlue® and PREVELEAKTM.
Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis, exhibits a flexible feeding ecology in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Portner Elan J. , Snodgrass Owyn , Dewar Heidi
Published: August 2022

Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis, migrates from spawning grounds in the western Pacific Ocean to foraging grounds in the California Current System (CCS), where they are thought to specialize on high energy, surface schooling prey. However, there has been substantial variability in estimates of forage availability in the CCS over the past two decades. To examine the foraging ecology of juvenile T. orientalis in the face this variability, we quantified the diet and prey energetics of 963 individuals collected in the Southern California Bight (SCB) from 2008 to 2016. Using classification and regression tree analysis, we observed three sampling periods characterized by distinct prey. In 2008, T. orientalis diet was dominated by midwater lanternfishes and enoploteuthid squids. During 2009–2014, T. orientalis consumed diverse fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Only in 2015–2016 did T. orientalis specialize on relatively high energy, surface schooling prey (e.g. anchovy, pelagic red crab). Despite containing the smallest prey, stomachs collected in 2009–2014 had the highest number of prey and similar total energetic contents to stomachs collected in 2015–2016. We demonstrate that T. orientalis is an opportunistic predator that can exhibit distinct foraging behaviors to exploit diverse forage. Expanding our understanding of T. orientalis foraging ecology will improve our ability to predict its responses to changes in resource availability as well as potential impacts on the fisheries it supports.
An approach in medical diagnosis based on Z-numbers soft set
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Xiao Qian , Liu Zheng , Wang Yanhong
Published: August 2022

Background

In the process of medical diagnosis, a large amount of uncertain and inconsistent information is inevitably involved. There have been many fruitful results were investigated for medical diagnosis by utilizing different traditional uncertainty mathematical tools. It is found that there is limited study on measuring reliability of the information involved are rare, moreover, the existed methods cannot give the measuring reliability of every judgment to all symptoms in details.

Objectives

It is quite essential to recognize the impact on the reliability of the fuzzy information provided under inadequate experience, lack of knowledge and so on. In this paper, the notion of the Z-numbers soft set is proposed to handle the reliability of every judgment to all symptoms in details. The study in this paper is an interdisciplinary approach towards rapid and efficient medical diagnosis.

Methods

An approach based on Z-numbers soft set (ZnSS)to medical diagnosis has been developed and is used to estimate whether two patterns or images are identical or approximately. The notion of Z-numbers soft set is proposed by combing the theory of soft set and Z-numbers theory. The basic properties of subset, equal, intersection, union and complement operations on the Z-numbers soft sets are defined and the similarity measure of two Z-numbers soft sets are also discussed in this paper.

Results

An illustrative example similar to existing studies is showed to verify the effectiveness and feasibility, which can highlight the proposed method and demonstrate the solution characteristics.

Conclusion

Diagnosing diseases by uncertainty symptoms is not a direct and simple task at all. The approach based on ZnSS presented in this paper can not only measure reliability of the information involved, but also give the measuring reliability of every judgment to all symptoms in details.
Interactome overlap between risk genes of epilepsy and targets of anti-epileptic drugs
Authors: Lv Yu-Qin , Wang Xing , Jiao Yu-Zhuang , Wang Yan-Hua , Wang Na , Gao Lei , Zhang Jing-Jun
Published: August 2022

Aanti-epileptic drugs have been used for treating epilepsy for decades, meanwhile, more than one hundred genes have been identified to be associated with risk of epilepsy; however, the interaction mechanism between anti-epileptic drugs and risk genes of epilepsy was still not clearly understood. In this study, we systematically explored the interaction of epilepsy risk genes and anti-epileptic drug targets through a network-based approach. Our results revealed that anti-epileptic drug targets were significantly over-represented in risk genes of epilepsy with 17 overlapping genes and P-value = 2.2 ×10 −16. We identified a significantly localized PPI network with 55 epileptic risk genes and 94 anti-epileptic drug target genes, and network overlap analysis showed significant interactome overlap between risk genes and drug targets with P-value = 0.04. Besides, genes from PPI network were significantly enriched in the co-expression network of epilepsy with 22 enriched genes and P-value = 1.3 ×10 −15; meanwhile, cell type enrichment analysis indicated genes in this network were significantly enriched in 4 brain cell types (Interneuron, Medium Spiny Neuron, CA1 pyramidal Neuron, and Somatosensory pyramidal Neuron). These results provide evidence for significant interactions between epilepsy risk genes and anti-epileptic drug targets from the perspective of network biology.
A prevalence-based transmission model for the study of the epidemiology and control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis
Authors: Chong Nyuk Sian , Hardwick Robert J. , Smith? Stacey R. , Truscott James E. , Anderson Roy M.
Published: August 2022

Much effort has been devoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections by 2030 using mass drug administration targeted at particular risk groups alongside the availability to access water, sanitation and hygiene services. The targets set by the WHO for the control of helminth infections are typically defined in terms of the prevalence of infection, whereas the standard formulation of STH transmission models typically describe dynamic changes in the mean-worm burden. We develop a prevalence-based deterministic model to investigate the transmission dynamics of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in humans, subject to continuous exposure to infection over time. We analytically determine local stability criteria for all equilibria and find bifurcation points. Our model predicts that STH infection will either be eliminated (if the initial prevalence value,y(0), is sufficiently small) or remain endemic (ify(0) is sufficiently large), with the two stable points of endemic infection and parasite eradication separated by a transmission breakpoint. Two special cases of the model are analysed: (1) the distribution of the STH parasites in the host population is highly aggregated following a negative binomial distribution, and (2) no density-dependent effects act on the parasite population. We find that disease extinction is always possible for Case (1), but it is not so for Case (2) ify(0) is sufficiently large. However, by introducing stochastic perturbation into the deterministic model, we discover that chance effects can lead to outcomes not predicted by the deterministic model alone, with outcomes highly dependent on the degree of worm clumping,k. Specifically, we show that if the reproduction number and clumping are sufficiently bounded, then stochasticity will cause the parasite to die out. It follows that control of soil-transmitted helminths will be more difficult if the worm distribution tends towards clumping.
Mitigation of noise-induced bias of PET radiomic features
Authors: Somasundaram Ananthi , Vállez García David , Pfaehler Elisabeth , van Sluis Joyce , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , de Vries Elisabeth G. E. , Boellaard Ronald
Published: August 2022

Introduction

One major challenge in PET radiomics is its sensitivity to noise. Low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) affects not only the precision but also the accuracy of quantitative metrics extracted from the images resulting in noise-induced bias. This phantom study aims to identify the radiomic features that are robust to noise in terms of precision and accuracy and to explore some methods that might help to correct noise-induced bias.

Methods

A phantom containing three 18F-FDG filled 3D printed inserts, reflecting heterogeneous tracer uptake and realistic tumor shapes, was used in the study. The three different phantom inserts were filled and scanned with three different tumor-to-background ratios, simulating a total of nine different tumors. From the 40-minute list-mode data, ten frames each for 5 s, 10 s, 30 s, and 120 s frame duration were reconstructed to generate images with different noise levels. Under these noise conditions, the precision and accuracy of the radiomic features were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and similarity distance metric (SDM) respectively. Based on the ICC and SDM values, the radiomic features were categorized into four groups: poor, moderate, good, and excellent precision and accuracy. A “difference image” created by subtracting two statistically equivalent replicate images was used to develop a model to correct the noise-induced bias. Several regression methods (e.g., linear, exponential, sigmoid, and power-law) were tested. The best fitting model was chosen based on Akaike information criteria.

Results

Several radiomic features derived from low SNR images have high repeatability, with 68% of radiomic features having ICC ≥ 0.9 for images with a frame duration of 5 s. However, most features show a systematic bias that correlates with the increase in noise level. Out of 143 features with noise-induced bias, the SDM values were improved based on a regression model (53 features to excellent and 67 to good) indicating that the noise-induced bias of these features can be, at least partially, corrected.

Conclusion

To have a predictive value, radiomic features should reflect tumor characteristics and be minimally affected by noise. The present study has shown that it is possible to correct for noise-induced bias, at least in a subset of the features, using a regression model based on the local image noise estimates.
Evidence for a functional role of Start, a long noncoding RNA, in mouse spermatocytes
Authors: Otsuka Kai , Yang Hong , Matsubara Shin , Shiraishi Akira , Kurihara Misuzu , Satake Honoo , Kimura Atsushi P.
Published: August 2022

A mouse testis-specific long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), Start, is localized in the cytosol of Leydig cells and in the nucleus of pachytene spermatocytes. We previously showed that Start regulates steroidogenesis through controlling the expression of Star and Hsd3b1 genes in Leydig cells, but its function in germ cells was not known. Here we verified that a spermatocyte-specific protease gene, Prss43/Tessp-3, was downregulated in Start-knockout testes. To investigate the transcriptional regulatory activity of Start in spermatocytes, we first performed a series of reporter gene assays using a thymidine kinase promoter in spermatocyte-derived GC-2spd(ts) cells. A 5.4-kb genome sequence encompassing Start exhibited enhancer activity for this promoter, and the activity was decreased by knockdown of Start. Deletion of the Start promoter and replacement of the Start sequence abolished the enhancer activity and, consistently, the activity was detected in further experiments only when Start was actively transcribed. We then examined whether the Prss43/Tessp-3 gene could be a target of Start. A reporter gene assay demonstrated that the 5.4-kb sequence exhibited enhancer activity for a Prss43/Tessp-3 promoter in GC-2spd(ts) cells and that the activity was significantly decreased by knockdown of Start. These results suggest that Start functions in transcriptional activation of the Prss43/Tessp-3 gene in spermatocytes. Given that Start is presumed to regulate steroidogenic genes at the posttranscriptional level in Leydig cells, the function in spermatocytes is a novel role of Start. These findings provide an insight into multifunctionality of lncRNAs in the testis.
Reference rate for post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage in Australia—A 2000–2020 national hospital morbidity database analysis
Authors: Li Jonathan C. , Forer Martin , Veivers David
Published: August 2022

This study aims to provide a national benchmark rate of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) in Australia. Using data from Australia’s National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD) from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2020, we have conducted a nation-wide population-based study to estimate a reference rate of PTH. Outcomes of interest included the overall rate and time-trend of PTH, the relationship between PTH rates with age and gender as well as the epidemiology of tonsillectomy procedures. A total of 941,557 tonsillectomy procedures and 15,391 PTH episodes were recorded for the study period. Whilst the incidence of tonsillectomy procedures and the number of day-stay tonsillectomy procedures have increased substantially over time, the overall rate of PTH for all ages has remained relatively constant (1.6% [95% CI: 1.61 to 1.66]) with no significant association observed between the annual rates of PTH and time (year) (Spearman correlation coefficient, Rs = 0.24 (95% CI: -0.22 to 0.61), P = 0.3). However, the rate of PTH in adults (aged 15 years and over) experienced a statistically significant mild to moderate upward association with time (year) Rs = 0.64 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.84), P = 0.003. Analysis of the odds of PTH using the risk factors of increasing age and male gender showed a unique age and gender risk pattern for PTH where males aged 20 to 24 years had the highest risk of PTH odds ratio 7.3 (95% CI: 6.7 to 7.8) compared to patients aged 1 to 4 years. Clinicians should be mindful of the greater risk of PTH in male adolescents and young adults. The NHMD datasets can be continually used to evaluate the benchmark PTH rate in Australia and to facilitate tonsillectomy surgical audit activities and quality improvement programs on a national basis.
Development and validation of a prediction algorithm to identify birth in countries with high tuberculosis incidence in two large California health systems
Authors: Fischer Heidi , Qian Lei , Skarbinski Jacek , Bruxvoort Katia J. , Wei Rong , Li Kris , Amsden Laura B. , Wood Mariah S. , Eaton Abigail , Spence Brigitte C. , Shaw Sally F. , Tartof Sara Y.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Though targeted testing for latent tuberculosis infection (“LTBI”) for persons born in countries with high tuberculosis incidence (“HTBIC”) is recommended in health care settings, this information is not routinely recorded in the electronic health record (“EHR”). We develop and validate a prediction model for birth in a HTBIC using EHR data.

Materials and methods

In a cohort of patients within Kaiser Permanente Southern California (“KPSC”) and Kaiser Permanent Northern California (“KPNC”) between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2019, KPSC was used as the development dataset and KPNC was used for external validation using logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operator curve (“AUCROC”) and area under the precision and recall curve (“AUPRC”). We explored various cut-points to improve screening for LTBI.

Results

KPSC had 73% and KPNC had 54% of patients missing country-of-birth information in the EHR, leaving 2,036,400 and 2,880,570 patients with EHR-documented country-of-birth at KPSC and KPNC, respectively. The final model had an AUCROC of 0.85 and 0.87 on internal and external validation datasets, respectively. It had an AUPRC of 0.69 and 0.64 (compared to a baseline HTBIC-birth prevalence of 0.24 at KPSC and 0.19 at KPNC) on internal and external validation datasets, respectively. The cut-points explored resulted in a number needed to screen from 7.1–8.5 persons/positive LTBI diagnosis, compared to 4.2 and 16.8 persons/positive LTBI diagnosis from EHR-documented birth in a HTBIC and current screening criteria, respectively.

Discussion

Using logistic regression with EHR data, we developed a simple yet useful model to predict birth in a HTBIC which decreased the number needed to screen compared to current LTBI screening criteria.

Conclusion

Our model improves the ability to screen for LTBI in health care settings based on birth in a HTBIC.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of dental implant after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with rhBMP-2/hydroxyapatite compared to deproteinized bovine bone
Authors: Han Jeong Joon , Moon Ji Eun , Lee Eun-Hyuk , Yang Hoon Joo , Hwang Soon Jung
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of early implant placement and functional loading in maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2/hydroxyapatite (rhBMP-2/HA) and to compare these outcomes with those of the conventional protocol in MSFA using deproteinized bovine bone (DBB).

Materials and methods

The rhBMP-2/HA and DBB groups consisted of 14 and 13 patients who underwent MSFA with BMP and DBB, respectively. After placement of 22 implants and 21 implants in the rhBMP-2/HA and DBB groups, respectively, abutment connections were performed 3 months after implant placement for the rhBMP-2/HA group and 6 months after implant placement for the DBB group. Changes in grafted sinus height (GSH), marginal bone loss (MBL), and implant stability were evaluated up to one year after functional loading.

Results

Survival rates for the rhBMP-2/HA and DBB groups after one year of functional loading were 90.9% and 90.5%, respectively. Both groups exhibited no significant time-course changes in GSH until one year of functional loading (rhBMP-2/HA, p = 0.124; DBB, p = 0.075). Although significant MBL occurred after one year of functional loading for both groups (rhBMP-2/HA, p < 0.001; DBB, p < 0.001), there were no significant differences in time-course changes in MBL between the two groups (p = 0.450). The mean implant stability quotient values in the rhBMP-2/HA and DBB groups were 75.3 and 75.4 after one year of functional loading, respectively, and there were no significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.557).

Conclusions

MSFA using rhBMP-2/HA allowed implant rehabilitation with early implant placement and functional loading and led to a comparable survival rate and implant stability after 1 year of functional loading with acceptable MBL and stable maintenance of GSH compared to the MSFA using DBB with 6 months of healing after implant placement.
Lower airway microbiota and decreasing lung function in young Brazilian cystic fibrosis patients with pulmonary Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas infection
Authors: Kussek Paulo , Mesa Dany , Vasconcelos Thaís Muniz , Rodrigues Luiza Souza , Krul Damaris , Ibanez Humberto , Faoro Helisson , Palmeiro Jussara Kasuko , Dalla Costa Libera Maria
Published: August 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene that leads to respiratory complications and mortality. Studies have shown shifts in the respiratory microbiota during disease progression in individuals with CF. In addition, CF patients experience short cycles of acute intermittent aggravations of symptoms called pulmonary exacerbations, which may be characterized by a decrease in lung function and weight loss. The resident microbiota become imbalanced, promoting biofilm formation, and reducing the effectiveness of therapy. The aim of this study was to monitor patients aged 8–23 years with CF to evaluate their lower respiratory microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing. The most predominant pathogens observed in microbiota, Staphylococcus (Staph) and Pseudomonas (Pseud) were correlated with clinical variables, and the in vitro capacity of biofilm formation for these pathogens was tested. A group of 34 patients was followed up for 84 days, and 306 sputum samples were collected and sequenced. Clustering of microbiota by predominant pathogen showed that children with more Staph had reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) compared to children with Pseud. Furthermore, the patients’ clinical condition was consistent with the results of pulmonary function. More patients with pulmonary exacerbation were observed in the Staph group than in the Pseud group, as confirmed by lower body mass index and pulmonary function. Additionally, prediction of bacterial functional profiles identified genes encoding key enzymes involved in virulence pathways in the Pseud group. Importantly, this study is the first Brazilian study to assess the lower respiratory microbiota in a significant group of young CF patients. In this sense, the data collected for this study on the microbiota of children in Brazil with CF provide a valuable contribution to the knowledge in the field.
Clustering ball possession duration according to players’ role in football small-sided games
Authors: Coutinho Diogo , Gonçalves Bruno , Laakso Timo , Travassos Bruno
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to explore which offensive variables best discriminate the ball possession duration according to players specific role (defenders, midfielders, attackers) during a Gk+3vs3+Gk football small-sided games. Fifteen under-15 players (age 13.2±1.0 years, playing experience 4.2±1.0 years) were grouped according to their positions (team of defenders, n = 5; team of midfielders, n = 7; team of attackers, n = 3). On each testing day (n = 3), each team performed one bout of 5-min against each team in a random order, accounting for a total of nine bouts in the following scenarios: i) defenders vs midfielders; ii) defenders vs attackers; iii) midfielders vs attackers. Based on video, a notational analysis process allowed to capture individual and collective actions. According to each playing position group, discriminant analysis was used to identify relevant variables that discriminate different ball possession sequences (short, medium, and long). The analysis revealed the existence of three clusters according to ball possession duration, classified as short sequence (~4 seconds), medium sequence (~10 seconds) and long sequence (~18 seconds). The number of touches per possession was the variable that discriminates the ball possession duration from all playing positions while passing actions were related to midfielders and attackers. In addition, different ball possessions sequences in the attackers were also discriminated by the number of players involved per possession. Accordingly, to increase the duration of the offensive phase during small-sided games, coaches should foster the players’ ability to stay on the ball, as it may amplify their opportunities to maintain the ball possession. In addition, coaches may also include reward rules to encourage midfielders and attackers’ passing actions and the number of attackers involved during the attack to promote longer ball possessions durations.
A Boolean approach for novel hypoxia-related gene discovery
Authors: Stobdan Tsering , Sahoo Debashis , Haddad Gabriel G.
Published: August 2022

Hypoxia plays a major role in the etiology and pathogenesis of most of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, whether cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases or stroke. Despite active research on hypoxia-signaling pathways, the understanding of regulatory mechanisms, especially in specific tissues, still remain elusive. With the accessibility of thousands of potentially diverse genomic datasets, computational methods are utilized to generate new hypotheses. Here we utilized Boolean implication relationship, a powerful method to probe symmetrically and asymmetrically related genes, to identify novel hypoxia related genes. We used a well-known hypoxia-responsive gene, VEGFA, with very large human expression datasets (n = 25,955) to identify novel hypoxia-responsive candidate gene/s. Further, we utilized in-vitro analysis using human endothelial cells exposed to 1% O2 environment for 2, 8, 24 and 48 hours to validate top candidate genes. Out of the top candidate genes (n = 19), 84% genes were previously reported as hypoxia related, validating our results. However, we identified FAM114A1 as a novel candidate gene significantly upregulated in the endothelial cells at 8, 24 and 48 hours of 1% O2 environment. Additional evidence, particularly the localization of intronic miRNA and numerous HREs further support and strengthen our finding. Current results on FAM114A1 provide an example demonstrating the utility of powerful computational methods, like Boolean implications, in playing a major role in hypothesis building and discovery.
Pediatric Clinical Classification System for use in Canadian inpatient settings
Authors: Gill Peter J. , Thavam Thaksha , Anwar Mohammed Rashidul , Zhu Jingqin , To Teresa , Mahant Sanjay ,   on behalf of the Canadian Paediatric Inpatient Research Network (PIRN)
Published: August 2022

Background

A classification system that categorizes International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis codes into clinically meaningful categories is important for pediatric clinical and health services research using administrative data. While a Pediatric Clinical Classification System (PECCS) is available for the United States ICD-10 system (i.e, ICD-10-CM), differences in the ICD-10 system between countries limits PECCS use in Canada.

Objective

To translate PECCS from ICD-10-CM to ICD-10-CA for use in Canada (PECCS-CA), and examine the utility of PECCS-CA in administrative data of pediatric hospital encounters in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

PECCS was translated by mapping each ICD-10-CA code to its corresponding ICD-10-CM code, based on code description and alphanumeric code, using automated functions in Microsoft Excel. All unmatched ICD-10-CA codes were manually matched to an ICD-10-CM code. The ICD-10-CA codes were mapped to a PECCS category based on the placement of the corresponding ICD-10-CM code. Finally, in this cross-sectional study, the utility of PECCS-CA was examined in pediatric hospital encounters in children <18 years of age with an inpatient or same day surgery encounter, between April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2019 in Ontario.

Results

In total, 16,992 ICD-10-CA diagnosis codes were mapped to 781 mutually exclusive condition categories that included pediatric specific conditions and treatments in PECCS-CA. From the 781 categories, 777 (99.5%) were derived from the original PECCS, 3 (0.4%) from merging the original PECCS categories, and 1 (0.1%) was newly developed. The PECCS-CA was applied to health administrative data of 911,732 hospital encounters in children. The most prevalent condition in children was low birth weight (n = 54,100 encounters).

Conclusion

The PECCS-CA is an open-source classification system which maps ICD-10-CA codes into 781 clinically important pediatric categories. The PECCS-CA can be used for pediatric health services and outcomes research in Canada.
The importance of human factors in therapeutic dietary errors of a hospital: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Khan Amanullah , Malik Sidra , Ahmad Fayaz , Sadiq Naveed
Published: August 2022

An accurate therapeutic diet can help people improve their medical condition. Any discrepancy in this regard could jeopardize a patient’s clinical condition. This study was aimed to determine prevalence of dietary errors among in-patients at an international private hospital’s food department, and to explore causes of error to suggest strategies to reduce such errors in the future. Thus, a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was carried out. For the quantitative part, secondary data were collected on a daily basis over one-month. For qualitative data, errors arising during the meal flow process were traced to the source on the same day of error followed by qualitative interviews with person responsible. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS v.25 as percentages. Qualitative data were analyzed by deductive-inductive thematic analysis. Out of a total of 7041 diets, we found that only 17 had errors. Of these, almost two-thirds were critical. Majority of these errors took place during diet card preparation (52.94%), by dietitians (70.59%), during weekdays (82.35%), breakfasts (47.06%), and in the cardiac care ward (47.06%). The causes identified through interviews were lack of backup or accessory food staff, and employee’s personal and domestic issues. It was concluded that even though the prevalence of dietary errors was low in this study, critical errors formed majority of these errors. Adopting organizational behavior strategies in the hospital may not only reduce dietary errors, but improve patients’ well-being, and employee satisfaction in a long run.
The baseline immunological and hygienic status of pigs impact disease severity of African swine fever
Authors: Radulovic Emilia , Mehinagic Kemal , Wüthrich Tsering , Hilty Markus , Posthaus Horst , Summerfield Artur , Ruggli Nicolas , Benarafa Charaf
Published: August 2022

African Swine Fever virus (ASFV) is a large double-enveloped DNA virus of the Asfarviridae family that causes a lethal hemorrhagic disease in domestic pigs and wild boars. Since 2007, a highly virulent genotype II strain has emerged and spread in Europe and South-East Asia, where millions of animals succumbed to the disease. Field- and laboratory-attenuated strains of ASFV cause highly variable clinical disease severity and survival, and mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that the immunological and hygienic status of pigs is a determinant of ASF disease course. Here we compared the immunological profile at baseline and in response to ASFV infection in specific pathogen-free (SPF) and farm-raised Large White domestic pigs. At steady state, SPF pigs showed lower white blood cell counts and a lower basal inflammatory and antiviral transcriptomic profile compared to farm pigs, associated with profound differences in gut microbiome composition. After inoculation with a highly virulent ASFV genotype II strain (Armenia 2008), severe clinical signs, viremia and pro-inflammatory cytokines appeared sooner in SPF pigs, indicating a reduced capacity to control early virus replication. In contrast, during infection with an attenuated field isolate (Estonia 2014), SPF pigs presented a milder and shorter clinical disease with full recovery, whereas farm pigs presented severe protracted disease with 50% lethality. Interestingly, farm pigs showed higher production of inflammatory cytokines, whereas SPF pigs produced more anti-inflammatory IL-1ra early after infection and presented a stronger expansion of leukocytes in the recovery phase. Altogether, our data indicate that the hygiene-dependent innate immune status has a double-edge sword impact on immune responses in ASF pathogenesis. While the higher baseline innate immune activity helps the host in reducing initial virus replication, it promotes immunopathological cytokine responses, and delays lymphocyte proliferation after infection with an attenuated strain. Such effects should be considered for live vaccine development and vigilance.
Universal protection against influenza viruses by multi-subtype neuraminidase and M2 ectodomain virus-like particle
Authors: Kim Ki-Hye , Li Zhuo , Bhatnagar Noopur , Subbiah Jeeva , Park Bo Ryoung , Shin Chong Hyun , Pushko Peter , Wang Bao-Zhong , Kang Sang-Moo
Published: August 2022

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended to update the variable hemagglutinin antigens. Here, we first designed a virus-like particle (VLP) displaying consensus multi-neuraminidase (NA) subtypes (cN1, cN2, B cNA) and M2 ectodomain (M2e) tandem repeat (m-cNA-M2e VLP). Vaccination of mice with m-cNA-M2e VLP induced broad NA inhibition (NAI), and M2e antibodies as well as interferon-gamma secreting T cell responses. Mice vaccinated with m-cNA-M2e VLP were protected against influenza A (H1N1, H5N1, H3N2, H9N2, H7N9) and influenza B (Yamagata and Victoria lineage) viruses containing substantial antigenic variations. Protective immune contributors include cellular and humoral immunity as well as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Furthermore, comparable cross protection by m-cNA-M2e VLP vaccination was induced in aged mice. This study supports a novel strategy of developing a universal vaccine against influenza A and B viruses potentially in both young and aged populations by inducing multi-NA subtype and M2e immunity with a single VLP entity.
Functional Lumen Imaging Probe Panometry Helps Identify Clinically Relevant Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction per Chicago Classification v4.0
Authors: Carlson Dustin A. , Schauer Jacob M. , Kou Wenjun , Kahrilas Peter J. , Pandolfino John E.
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction (EGJOO) per Chicago Classification v4.0 (CCv4.0) represents a high-resolution manometry (HRM) diagnosis with uncertain clinical significance. This study aimed to evaluate functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry among patients with EGJOO on HRM/CCv4.0 to assess clinical/manometric associations and treatment outcomes.

METHODS:

An observational cohort study was performed on patients who completed FLIP during endoscopy and had an HRM/CCv4.0 diagnosis of EGJOO, i.e., HRM-EGJOO (inconclusive). Abnormal FLIP panometry motility classifications were applied to identify FLIP-confirmed conclusive EGJOO. Rapid drink challenge on HRM and timed barium esophagram were also assessed. Clinical management plan was determined by treating physicians and assessed through chart review. Clinical outcome was defined using the Eckardt score (ES) during follow-up evaluation: ES < 3 was considered a good outcome.

RESULTS:

Of 139 adult patients with manometric EGJOO (inconclusive per CCv4.0), a treatment outcome ES was obtained in 55 after achalasia-type treatment (i.e., pneumatic dilation, peroral endoscopic myotomy, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, or botulinum toxin injection) and 36 patients after other nonachalasia-type treatment. Among patients with conclusive EGJOO by HRM-FLIP complementary impression, 77% (33/43) had a good outcome after achalasia-type treatment, whereas 0% (0/12) of patients had a good outcome after nonachalasia-type treatment. Of patients with normal EGJ opening on FLIP, one-third of patients treated with achalasia-type treatment had a good outcome, while 9 of the 10 treated conservatively had a good outcome.

DISCUSSION:

FLIP panometry provides a useful complement to clarify the clinical significance of an HRM/CCv4.0 EGJOO diagnosis and help direct management decisions.