bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of atrial fibrillation and sinus pause in embolic stroke of undetermined sources by chest strap‐style 7‐day Holter monitoring
Authors: Toi Sono , Hosoya Megumi , Ishizuka Kentaro , Hoshino Takao , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: February 2023

Background

Long‐time monitoring of electrocardiogram with an implantable loop recorder is useful for detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in ESUS patients. However, usefulness of noninvasive 7‐day Holter monitoring has not been established. Furthermore, the incidence of other arrhythmias such as sinus pause (SP) remains unknown.

Aim

(1) The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of 7‐day Holter monitoring to detect PAF in both acute and chronic periods since index stroke and (2) to clarify the incidence of SP in ESUS patients.

Methods

Prospectively, a total of 738 patients including 241 consecutive ESUS patients were enrolled, from April 2016 to March 2021. One hundred forty patients among 241 consecutive ESUS patients underwent chest strap‐style 7‐day Holter monitor. We examined PAF and SP (≧3 s).

Results

The 7‐day Holter monitoring started since index stroke at a median of 17 days. Among 80 patients within 1 month since index stroke, PAF was detected in three patients (3.8%) and SP was in two patients (2.5%). By contrast, among 52 patients over 1 month since index stroke, PAF was found in only one patients (1.9%).

Conclusion

Although the incidence of PAF detected with this monitoring was low (3.8%) in ESUS patients, SP was also found in 2.5% within 1 month since index stroke. Within 1 month since stroke onset in ESUS patients, 7‐day Holter monitoring would be useful for detection of PAF and SP that would be potentially a cardiac source of embolism and might require urgent intervention.
Web decoration is important in mediating foraging site fidelity as well as prey supplement and predation risk in an orb‐web spider
Authors: Gong Deyong , Hua Zeyuan , Mao Aijia , Chen Luyao , Peng Yu , Zhang Shichang
Published: February 2023

Animals may consider both biotic and abiotic factors in foraging site choice. Among the biotic factors, food availability and predation risk are two widely reported important factors in determining foraging site fidelity. Their earlier investments, such as those retreat‐building species' efforts in retreats construction, however, have been largely ignored. The orb‐web spider Cyclosa monticola constructs a long column of masquerading detritus decoration in its web for predator avoidance purpose. This detritus decoration also functions as a retreat. However, the role of the detritus decoration for its foraging site fidelity is unknown. By manipulating three factors, presence of detritus decoration, prey availability and predation risk to the spider webs in the field, we show that the self‐constructed detritus decoration is as important as prey availability and predation risk in mediating foraging site fidelity. In addition, the web area also has a significant impact to the foraging site fidelity of the spider, those with larger webs were more likely to leave after being manipulated. However, other factors such as spider body size, decoration length and rain all have no significant impact. Our study may strengthen the current understanding of the movement and foraging of animals, especially those building retreats.
Drusen‐aware model for age‐related macular degeneration recognition
Authors: Pan Junjun , Ho Sharon , Ly Angelica , Kalloniatis Michael , Sowmya Arcot
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to build an automated age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) colour fundus photography (CFP) recognition method that incorporates confounders (other ocular diseases) and normal age‐related changes by using drusen masks for spatial feature supervision.

Methods

A range of clinical sources were used to acquire 7588 CFPs. Contrast limited adaptive histogram equalisation was used for pre‐processing. ResNet50 was used as the backbone network, and a spatial attention block was added to integrate prior knowledge of drusen features into the backbone. The evaluation metrics used were sensitivity, specificity and F1 score, which is the harmonic mean of precision and recall (sensitivity) and area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (AUC). Fivefold cross‐validation was performed, and the results compared with four other methods.

Results

Excellent discrimination results were obtained with the algorithm. On the public dataset (n = 6565), the proposed method achieved a mean (SD) sensitivity of 0.54 (0.09), specificity of 0.99 (0.00), F1 score of 0.62 (0.06) and AUC of 0.92 (0.02). On the private dataset (n = 1023), the proposed method achieved a sensitivity of 0.92 (0.02), specificity of 0.98 (0.01), F1 score of 0.92 (0.01) and AUC of 0.98 (0.01).

Conclusion

The proposed drusen‐aware model outperformed baseline and other vessel feature‐based methods in F1 and AUC on the AMD/normal CFP classification task and achieved comparable results on datasets that included other diseases that often confound classification. The method also improved results when a five‐category grading protocol was used, thereby reflecting discriminative ability of the algorithm within a real‐life clinical setting.
Long Noncoding RNA PCGEM1 Facilitates Tumor Growth and Metastasis of Osteosarcoma by Sponging miR‐433‐3p and Targeting OMA1
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Yuanjin , Sun Farui , Zhang Guofu , Pan Xi‐an , Zhou Qian
Published: February 2023

Objective

Osteosarcoma (OS) is regarded as one of the most common malignant bone tumors, mainly occurring in children and adolescents with high mortality. The dysregulation of lncRNAs is reported to regulate tumor development and be closely related to patient prognosis. Nevertheless, the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) prostate‐specific transcript 1 (PCGEM1) in OS remains uncharacterized. The current study aimed to explore the role of PCGEM1 in OS.

Methods

Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was performed to examine the expression of PCGEM1 in OS cell lines. CCK‐8, colony formation, Transwell, and western blotting analyses were applied to measure OS cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) after PCGEM1 downregulation. Nuclear‐cytoplasmic fractionation, RNA pulldown, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the relationship among PCGEM1, miR‐433‐3p. and OMA1 in OS. The xenograft tumor models were established to evaluate the effect of PCGEM1 on tumor growth of OS.

Results

In this study, we discovered that PCGEM1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in OS (P < 0.05). Additionally, PCGEM1 directly bound to miR‐433‐3p (P < 0.01). OMA1 was confirmed to be a target gene of miR‐433‐3p (P < 0.05), positively regulated by PCGEM1 but negatively regulated by miR‐433‐3p. Rescue assays further verified that overexpression of OMA1 reversed the PCGEM1 knockdown‐mediated inhibitory effect on the malignant phenotype in OS cells (P < 0.05). Moreover, knockdown of PCGEM1 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, PCGEM1 mediated tumor growth and metastasis of OS by sponging miR‐433‐3p and regulating OMA1, which might provide an innovative strategy for OS diagnosis or treatment.
Leukocyte Esterase Strip Quantitative Detection Based on RGB Photometry is a Probable Method to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Zheng Qing‐yuan , Ren Peng , Cheng Long , Liu Hao , Zhao Runkai , Lv Yicun , Geng Zongjie , Lu Kuan , Ni Ming , Zhang Guo‐qiang
Published: February 2023

Objective

Leucocyte esterase (LE) strip test is the most rapid, convenient, and cheap method to diagnose chronic periprosthesis joint infection (PJI). However, the determination of LE strip mainly relies on colorimetric method with strong subjectivity, which leads to low diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, we try to convert LE strip images into digital data through the RGB photometric system to achieve objective diagnosis. This method will greatly improve the accuracy of LE strip detection and diagnosis of PJI.

Methods

From January 2021 to September 2021, 46 patients with suspected PJI after total hip and knee arthroplasty underwent diagnostic joint puncture. After effective joint fluid samples were harvested, they were divided into original fluid and centrifuged fluid for LE strip detection. Real‐time images of LE strip were taken at 90 s, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min after sampling, and their brightness (Y) was obtained after they were input into an RGB photometric system. Grouping was based on centrifugation, infection, and time points, and then the differences in brightness among groups were compared. The correlation between LE strip image brightness and WBC count was evaluated. Student t‐test was used for the parametric data and chi‐square test for qualitative data. Simple linear regression was utilized to analyze the correlation between brightness and WBC count in each group.

Results

Included were 19 cases of PJI and 27 Non‐PJI subjects diagnosed against ICM2018 diagnostic criteria. The brightness was lower in the PJI group than in Non‐PJI group (p < 0.05). The brightness of the uncentrifuged group was lower than that of the centrifuged group (p < 0.05). Irrespective of centrifugation or infection, the brightness of LE strip decreased with the exposure time after sampling. The brightness of LE strip was correlated with WBC count at different time points, with the correlation being strongest 5 min after sampling (R2 (5 min) = 0.86, p < 0.0001). The correlation between LE strip brightness and WBC count was also found in the centrifugation group, with the correlation being most robust 15 min after sampling (R2 (15 min) = 0.73, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

A remarkable correlation was found between LE strip brightness and the WBC count. It is feasible to directly quantify LE strip image on a RGB photometer to achieve quantitative detection of LE strip to diagnose PJI.
Single Motherhood and Multigenerational Coresidence in Europe
Authors: Hogendoorn Bram , Härkönen Juho
Published: February 2023

Single motherhood has increased throughout Europe. Single mothers assume the dual role of provider and caregiver and often need external support from public policies or kin to meet their needs. Research has focused primarily on public policies, disregarding the role of kin support—and of multigenerational coresidence in particular. This study provides the first detailed description of single mothers’ multigenerational coresidence in Europe. To do so, we combine census and survey microdata from 31 European countries. The data reveal large geographic variation in single mothers’ coresidence. Whereas coresidence is a rare and temporary living arrangement in Northern and Western Europe, it is common and more permanent in Southern, Central, and especially Eastern Europe. At the same time, coresidence has declined in almost all countries with data from the past half‐century. These findings suggest large and persistent variation in kin support for single mothers and thus question the assumption of its marginal role in Europe.
Error traps in the perioperative care of children with chronic pain
Authors: D'souza Genevieve , Walia Anureet , Agarwal Rita
Published: February 2023

Pediatric patients with a history of chronic pain frequently have complex health needs that are challenging to meet in the perioperative period. Error traps are consequences or errors that are known to occur due to either gaps in knowledge or cognitive errors. Avoiding common error traps in these children can contribute to improved patient care and patient outcomes and overall better patient and family satisfaction. In patients with chronic pain, common errors during their perioperative care included as follows: failure to adequately prepare the patient and family; failure to incorporate past pain history and therapy into current treatment plans; failure to provide adequate multimodal analgesia; and failure to provide multidisciplinary and multimodal analgesia by incorporating other services such as mental health services and physical therapy. Cognitive errors may play a role in these error traps. Recognizing and avoiding them may improve and optimize pain care and outcome.
Caring for a friend or family member who has experienced suicidal behaviour: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Marshall Paul , Sansom Keith , Jagfeld Glorianna , Jones Steven , Lobban Fiona
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Friends and family members can be important sources of support for people who are or have been suicidal. This review aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence regarding carers' perspectives of supporting someone who has experienced suicidal behaviour.

Methods

Five electronic databases (Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and SocINDEX) were searched from inception to May 2022. Eligible qualitative studies were published in English and investigated the caring experiences of friends or family members of people who had experienced suicidal behaviour, defined as any form of suicidal ideation and/or attempts. Studies focused on non‐suicidal self‐injury or suicide bereavement were excluded. Data from 19 eligible studies were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results

Initial carer reactions to suicidal behaviour included profound anxiety and intensive monitoring for signs of increased suicide risk amongst those they supported. Carers also reported significant challenges with understanding how to provide effective interpersonal support following suicidal crises. Professional support was perceived to be most effective when provided in a timely, interpersonally sensitive and safety‐focused manner. However, several studies detailed carers' difficulties accessing appropriate support and challenges managing their own distress.

Conclusions

Carers face significant challenges with knowing how to respond to suicidal behaviour, where to find appropriate help, and how to manage their own distress. Future research should seek to investigate the effectiveness of easily accessible methods of information provision and support tailored for carers of people who have experienced suicidal behaviour.
Genomic insight into changes of root architecture under drought stress in maize
Authors: Li Chunhui , Guo Jian , Wang Dongmei , Chen Xiaojing , Guan Honghui , Li Yongxiang , Zhang Dengfeng , Liu Xuyang , He Guanhua , Wang Tianyu , Li Yu
Published: February 2023

Drought stress is a central environmental factor that severely limits maize production worldwide. Root architecture plays an important role in drought tolerance and can be targeted in breeding programmes. Here, we conducted phenotyping of root architecture under different water treatments for 373 maize inbred lines, representative germplasm from both China and the United States in different breeding eras. We found that seminal root length in response to drought stress experienced convergent increase during breeding in both countries. Using a genome‐wide association study, we identified a total of 221 associated loci underlying 13 root traits under well‐watered and water‐stressed conditions. These loci harboured many reported root‐ and abiotic stress‐related genes. Furthermore, a total of 75 strong candidate genes were prioritised by integrating candidate genes associated with seminal root length and differentially expressed genes in seminal root. One of high‐confidence candidate genes, ZmCIPK3 was functionally characterised and probably plays a role in enhancing drought tolerance through regulating seminal root growth. This study provides valuable information for genetic improvement of root architecture and drought tolerance in maize.
Determining maximum shipping age requirements for shelf life and food waste management
Authors: Akkas Arzum , Honhon Dorothee
Published: February 2023

Products approaching the end of their shelf life on retail store shelves are more likely to result in food waste. For this reason, manufacturers establish shipping policies related to the age of the products that leave their warehouses, that is, they set a maximum age beyond which shipping to retail stores is no longer allowed. In practice, most existing policies are simple one‐size‐fits‐all rules that do not accommodate the varying characteristics of the products. We offer a framework that manufacturers can use to determine maximum shipping age thresholds based on a Markov chain model, where the objective is to maximize profit, net of the cost of expiration at the warehouse and retail stores. We derive analytical insights about the impact of a shipping age threshold on food waste in the supply chain and obtain sufficient conditions under which a maximum shipping age threshold is suboptimal within the class of Ship‐Oldest‐First (a.k.a. First‐In‐First‐Out) issuing policies. We also numerically investigate the relationship between different system parameters (e.g., demand rate, waste cost at warehouse and retail, warehouse inventory, total shelf life) and the optimal shipping age threshold. Using real data from our industry collaborator, we compute the optimal shipping age thresholds at the stock‐keeping‐unit (SKU) level for over 450 products and find that 9–10% of the SKUs currently have suboptimal shipping age thresholds. This presents an opportunity to improve profits by up to 8.7% and reduce food waste by up to 14.7%. These improvements correspond to up to $292,561 savings and 1846 truckloads of waste reduction annually. Our framework can be adopted by any firm and satisfies a much emphasized need in industry to control food waste through shelf life management.
Characterisation of personalised air pollution exposure in pregnant women participating in a birth cohort study
Authors: Ghassabian Akhgar , Afanasyeva Yelena , Yu Keunhyung , Gordon Terry , Liu Mengling , Trasande Leonardo ,   program collaborators for Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes
Published: February 2023

Background

Air pollution is a health risk in pregnant women and children. Despite the importance of refined exposure assessment, the characterisation of personalised air pollution exposure remains a challenge in paediatric and perinatal epidemiology.

Objective

We used portable personal air monitors to characterise personalised exposure to air pollutants in pregnant women.

Methods

Between November 2019 and May 2022, we offered personal air monitors to pregnant women participating in a birth cohort in New York City. During pregnancy, women used air monitors, which measured particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and volatile organic compounds (average use = 14 days). Data were stored in real‐time on a secure database via synchronisation with a smartphone application. Of 497 women who agreed to use air monitors, 273 women (55%) were successful in using air monitors for longer than a day. For these participants, we identified daily patterns of exposure to air pollutants using functional principal component analysis (3827 days of air monitoring).

Results

Compared to women with no pollution data (n = 224), women who successfully used monitors were more likely to be non‐Hispanic White and Asian (vs. Hispanic), nulliparous, unemployed, married/partnered, and received the device in‐person (vs. mailed). We identified different daily patterns of exposure to air pollutants. The most dominant pattern for all pollutants was low exposure levels with little variations within 24 h, followed by a pattern that showed differences between day and night levels. NO2 had higher daily variations compared to PM.

Conclusions

Small wearables are useful for the measurement of personalised air pollution exposure in birth cohorts and identify daily patterns that cannot be captured otherwise. Successful participation, however, depends on certain individual characteristics. Future studies should consider strategies in design and analysis to account for selective participation.
Constructing Sebastiano del Piombo: Pietro Aretino and the Artistic Landscape of Clementine Rome☆
Authors: Baker‐Bates Piers
Published: February 2023

Sebastiano del Piombo's heyday in Rome coincided with that of Pietro Aretino, and they benefitted there from the same patrons, first Agostino Chigi and then Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici. Both men flourished especially, in the brief 4 years of the pontificate of Giulio, between his election as Pope Clement VII and the traumatic Sack of 1527, although Aretino had already had to leave the city in 1525. Aretino is now most famous as the friend and supporter of Titian but perhaps his first close relationship with an artist had been with Sebastiano in Rome. The magnificent but damaged portrait, still in Arezzo, 20 years before that by Titian bears enduring witness to this. There has been much recent work on Aretino's relationship with the fine arts, culminating in the curtailed Uffizi exhibition in 2019/2020 and its concomitant publications, but relatively little on this relationship that was so significant for both men. This essay will consider that relationship, particularly in relation to the urban development of Rome in these years, how the careers of both men covered the rise and fall of ‘High Renaissance’ Rome and will problematize the continuing use of that term. It will also address the circles of influence that sustained both men's careers at Rome, in terms not only of their patrons but also of their contemporaries.
Adapting to the new normal: A sustainable livelihood framework for the informal sectors during COVID‐19
Authors: Nguyen‐Anh Tuan , Leu Shawn , Nguyen‐Thi‐Phuong Anh , Ngo‐Dang Thanh , To‐The Nguyen
Published: February 2023

The extraordinary COVID‐19 outbreak has heightened the existential dangers to the informal sector. This study explores the informal sector's tactics in Vietnam for mitigating the pandemic's effects and better adapting to the new normal. Using a sustainable livelihood approach (SLA) and multivariate model for ordered choices (MVOC) to conduct surveys on 513 subjects from the informal labor, our findings indicate that financial management is the most prevalent technique for mitigating the effects of COVID‐19. Notably, the perception of the COVID‐19 pandemic's impact on income and health is crucial to the adoption of mitigation efforts. The Vietnamese government, State Bank, and financial institutions should provide more help to the informal sector, particularly those operating in remote locations so that they can increase their resilience through mitigating measures. In parallel, the informal sector should participate in more deliberate forward mitigation planning in the anticipation of inevitable future shocks.
Demographic and psychosocial factors associated with recent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among trans and gender diverse people in Australia
Authors: Hill Adam O. , Cook Teddy , McNair Ruth , Amos Natalie , Carman Marina , Hartland Ellis , Lyons Anthony , Bourne Adam
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Correlates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among a large cross‐section of trans and gender diverse populations in Australia were examined.

Methods

A national survey was conducted that included 1466 trans and gender diverse participants aged 18+ years. Multivariable regressions identified factors associated with recent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

Results

Overall, 62.4% reported suicidal ideation and 9.5% suicide attempt in the past 12 months. The likelihood of suicidal ideation was higher for younger participants or those who felt treated unfairly or socially excluded due to their gender identity in the past 12 months. It was lower for those with a postgraduate degree, who felt accepted by family or work, or who felt their gender identity was respected when accessing a mainstream medical clinic in the past 12 months. The likelihood of suicide attempts was greater for those aged younger or who had recently experienced sexual harassment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, and lower for those who were non‐binary.

Conclusion

Urgent attention for suicide prevention is necessary for trans and gender diverse communities. These findings point to a range of risk and protective factors, which may help inform the targeting and design of suicide prevention strategies.
Calf blood flow is augmented in habitually aerobically trained versus untrained postmenopausal women in association with favorable modulation of vasculo‐metabolic interactions
Authors: Craig Jennifer , Akam Elizabeth C. , Bailey Stephen J. , Ferguson Richard A. , O'Donnell Emma
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Menopause is associated with vascular dysfunction and increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Associations between vascular and metabolic health, and interactions with aerobic exercise training, are unknown in postmenopausal women (PMW).

Methods

In habitually aerobically trained PMW (PMWtr; n = 10; 57 ± 1 years; 40 ± 1 mL/kg/min), strain‐gauge plethysmography was used to compare resting and peak calf blood flow (CBFr and CBFpk, respectively) and vascular resistance (CVRr; CVRpk) versus untrained PMW (PMWun; n = 13; 56 ± 1 years; 29 ± 1 mL/kg/min) and premenopausal women (PreM; n = 14; 26 ± 1 years; 40 ± 1 mL/kg/min). Vascular measures were taken before and 1 hour after 45 minutes of aerobic exercise (60% V̇O2peak), a known nitric oxide stimulus. Blood analyses included low‐ (LDLc) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), insulin, and glucose.

Results

Pre‐exercise, CBFr and CVRr did not differ (p > 0.05) between PMW groups, nor between PreM and PMWtr. CBFpk was highest (p < 0.05) and CVRpk was lowest (p < 0.05) in PMWtr. Blood markers were similar (p > 0.05) in PMW groups. However, in PMWtr, CBFpk was associated inversely (p < 0.05) with insulin (r = −0.725). Conversely, in PMWun, CBFpk correlated (p < 0.05) inversely with glucose (r = −0.717), positively with HDLc (r = 0.633), and CVRpk positively (p < 0.05) with LDLc (r = 0.568). Post‐exercise, CBF increased and CVR decreased (p < 0.05) in all groups, yet CBFpk remained higher and CVRpk lower (p < 0.05) in PMWtr.

Conclusion

In untrained PMW, peak CBF is associated inversely with circulating pro‐atherogenic lipids and glucose. In contrast, peak CBF is associated inversely with insulin levels only in trained PMW. Habitual aerobic exercise may favorably modulate vasculo‐metabolic interactions in PMW.
Genome size evolution in grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Caelifera: Acrididae)
Authors: Sun Kuo , Lu Yingchun , Huang Yuan , Huang Huateng
Published: February 2023

Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) are known for their significantly enlarged genome compared to other insects. However, our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of genome size (GS) with this family is still limited. This study measured the GS of 62 grasshopper species using flow cytometry and assembled 10 new mitochondrial genomes for comparative phylogenetic analyses. An expanded species sampling discovered several grasshopper species with giant GS surpassing the previous insect record. We then applied recently developed methods to test more complicated, heterogeneous evolutionary models. We found that grasshopper GS has a strong phylogenetic signal and does not correlate with species' body size or flight ability. These results support the neutral or near‐neutral hypotheses of GS evolution. However, GS had accelerated rates of evolution on some grasshopper lineages, suggesting heterogeneity in its evolutionary dynamics. Ancestral state reconstruction indicates that the large genome evolved before the origin of the Acrididae family. Future studies with more species measurements will help assess the frequency of macroevolutionary shifts and identify possible mechanisms for these shifts in grasshopper GS evolution.
CT volumetric analysis permits comparison of tongue size and tongue fat in different canine brachycephalic and mesaticephalic breeds
Authors: Song Ava , Phillips Heidi , Oliveira Cintia R. , McCoy Annette M.
Published: February 2023

While macroglossia is a newly accepted component of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in dogs, macroglossia with increased tongue fat is a well‐known cause for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people, and targeted reduction procedures such as midline glossectomy are used to treat people with OSA. While midline glossectomy has been described in dogs, tissue contributions to macroglossia have not been characterized. The purpose of this retrospective, descriptive, case‐control study was to describe and compare volumetric dimensions of the tongue and tongue fat in brachycephalic (BC) and mesaticephalic (MC) dogs using CT images. Data collected included head and neck CT images from 17 BC and 18 control MC dogs. Multiplanar reformatted and 3D reconstructed images were created using image segmentation and specialized visualization software to calculate volumetric dimensions of the total tongue, tongue fat, and tongue muscle. Rostral and caudal topographical distributions of fat were compared. Total tongue and tongue muscle volume (P < 0.0001) and tongue fat volume (P = 0.01) normalized to body weight (BW) were greater in BC dogs. More fat was localized in the caudal tongue in both groups (P < 0.04). In regression analysis, BC conformation and increased weight were significant predictors of increased tongue fat volume. As in people, increased tongue fat may contribute to macroglossia and sleep‐disordered breathing in BC dogs. Use of CT volumetry to identify tongue fat deposits may permit targeted surgical reduction of tongue volume in BC dogs and contribute substantially to treatment of BOAS.
Automated flow pattern recognition for liquid-liquid flow in horizontal pipes using machine-learning algorithms and weighted majority voting
Authors: Wahid Md F , Tafreshi Reza , Khan Zurwa , Retnanto Albertus
Published: February 2023

The simultaneous liquid-liquid flow usually manifests various flow configurations due to a diverse range of fluid properties, flow-controlling processes, and equipment. This study investigates the performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms to classify nine oil-water flow patterns (FPs) in the horizontal pipe using liquid and pipe geometric properties. The MLs include Support Vector Machine, Ensemble learning, Random Forest, Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network, k-Nearest Neighbor, and weighted Majority Voting (wMV). Eleven hundred experimental data points for nine FPs are extracted from the literature. The data are balanced using the synthetic minority over-sampling technique during the MLs training phase. The MLs' performance is evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1-score, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient. The results show that the wMV can achieve 93.03% accuracy for the oil-water FPs. Seven out of nine FPs are classified with more than 93% accuracies. A Friedman's test and Wilcoxon Sign-Rank post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction show that the FPs accuracy using wMV is significantly higher than using the MLs individually (p<0.05). This study demonstrated the capability of MLs in automatically classifying the oil-water FPs using only the fluids' and pipe's properties, and is crucial for designing an efficient production system in the petroleum industry.
Tribological Evaluation of Few-Layer Nitrogen-Doped Graphene as an Efficient Lubricant Additive on Engine Cylinder Liner: Experiment and Mechanism Investigation
Authors: Lei Wenwu , Tang Wentao , Mo Xiaoyu , Tian Zhiqun , Shen Peikang , Ouyang Tiancheng
Published: February 2023

The restricted adsorption capacity of ordinary graphene at high temperature limits its application in engine lubrication. To address this, nitrogen-doped element-modified graphene with strong adsorption and superior lubricating properties is prepared by a bottom-up chemical strategy in this study. The reciprocating tribometer is aimed at simulating the piston operating environment to determine the lubrication performance of nitrogen-doped graphene. The characterization and analysis of the wear marks are performed by means of depth-of-field microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, and other instruments. The experimental data demonstrate that the friction-reduction and anti-wear properties of PAO 6 base oil are enhanced by 22.4% and 56.9% (100 °C), respectively, after the addition of 0.4 wt% nitrogen-doped graphene. Besides, the abrasive and adhesive wear are significantly reduced, which are attributed to its inter-layer slip along the sliding direction and superior adsorption performance. Finally, the interfacial lubrication mechanism of lubricant protective film under high-temperature conditions is revealed.
Transient longitudinal waves on impact excited viscoelastic rods with lateral inertia
Authors: Stepanishen Peter R.
Published: February 2023

An analytical and numerical Fourier transform based approach is presented to investigate the space-time dependence for the longitudinal velocity resulting from the longitudinal impact force excitation of viscoelastic rods with lateral inertia. A one-dimensional dissipative Rayleigh-Love wave equation including material memory, dissipation, and/or transverse effects due to Poisson coupling is developed from a generic model of the time dependent stress strain relationship for the rod material. A Gaussian signal with a suitable time scale is used to represent the hammer impact forces. Fourier transform, standing wave, and modal methods are utilized to develop analytical solutions for the longitudinal velocity resulting from the impact excitation of semi-infinite and finite length free-free elastic rods with no transverse effects to provide a baseline and segue to analogous results for viscoelastic rods with transverse effects. Numerical results from an FFT approach are presented to illustrate the effects of material losses and transverse effects on attenuation and dispersion in viscoelastic rods using the Kelvin-Voigt model for the constitutive equation of the rods.
Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test Anterior Reach Asymmetry and Noncontact Lower Limb Injury in Subelite Young Male Soccer Players With Different Training Experiences
Authors: Krombholz Dirk , Leinen Peter , Muehlbauer Thomas , Panzer Stefan
Published: February 2023

Poor single-leg balance performance is associated with an increased risk of sustaining lower limb injuries in team sports. However, it is unclear whether this relationship is modified by the level of training experience (years of training experience). The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether soccer players’ single-leg balance performance is related to lower limb injuries in noncontact situations with different levels of training experience. Subelite young male soccer players performed the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test with the dominant and the nondominant leg at the beginning of the preseason. Due to COVID-19 rules, the occurrence of lower limb injuries during the second half of the competitive season was documented. The odds of injury were calculated based on a previously reported Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test cut-off score for side-to-side anterior reach difference (≥4 cm). Twelve soccer players sustained a lower leg injury in noncontact situations. Only four of them had an anterior reach difference equal to or above the cut-off score. Soccer training experience has no significant influence on the association between Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test anterior reach asymmetry and noncontact lower limb injury in young male players.
The Effect of Real-Time Tibial Acceleration Feedback on Running Biomechanics During Gait Retraining: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xiaohan , Yu Junwu , Bai Jianjuan , Huang Huiming , Ying Shanshan , Wang Aiwen , Wang Ping
Published: February 2023

Objectives: To explore the immediate and retention effect of real-time tibial acceleration feedback on running biomechanics during gait retraining. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies published before May 2022. The included studies were evaluated for methodological quality and bias risk, and data were extracted. A meta-analysis was conducted on the primary outcomes, including peak tibial acceleration (PTA) and vertical ground reaction force. Subgroup analysis was performed by gender, feedback criterion, mode, dosage, fading, retention period, and running environment to evaluate the source of heterogeneity. Qualitative analysis was performed to describe other variables. Results: Fourteen studies (174 participants) were eligible. Meta-analysis showed that real-time tibial acceleration feedback reduced PTA (P < .01, P < .01), vertical impact peak (P = .004, P < .01), vertical average loading rate (P < .01, P < .01), and vertical instantaneous loading rate (P < .01, P < .01) after feedback and during retention period (5 min–12 mo). Subgroup analysis showed that the immediate effect of vertical impact peak was more noticeable with mixed gender (P = .005) and fading feedback (P = .005) conditions, and the retention effect of PTA was more noticeable with high feedback dosage (P < .01) and fading feedback (P < .01) conditions. Conclusions: Real-time tibial acceleration feedback can reduce PTA and vertical ground reaction force during gait retraining, and for periods of 5 minutes to 12 months when the feedback is removed.
Positron Emission Tomography-Based Pharmacokinetic Analysis To Assess Renal Transporter-Mediated Drug-Drug Interactions of Antimicrobial Drugs
Authors: Hernández-Lozano Irene , Mairinger Severin , Filip Thomas , Löbsch Mathilde , Stanek Johann , Kuntner Claudia , Bauer Martin , Zeitlinger Markus , Hacker Marcus , Helbich Thomas H. , Wanek Thomas , Langer Oliver
Published: February 2023

Transporter-mediated drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are of concern in antimicrobial drug development, as they can have serious safety consequences. We used positron emission tomography (PET) imaging-based pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis to assess the effect of different drugs, which may cause transporter-mediated DDIs, on the tissue distribution and excretion of [
18
F]ciprofloxacin as a radiolabeled model antimicrobial drug.
Pseudorabies Virus Regulates the Extracellular Translocation of Annexin A2 To Promote Its Proliferation
Authors: Weng Maoyang , Guo Zhenhua , Lu Qingxia , Jin Qianyue , Jiang Yao , Wang Fangyu , Guo Junqing , Xing Guangxu , Qiao Songlin , Zhang Gaiping
Published: February 2023

PRV belongs to the alphaherpesvirus and has recently re-emerged in China, causing severe economic losses. Recent studies also indicate that PRV may pose a potential public health challenge.
A Fijivirus Major Viroplasm Protein Shows RNA-Stimulated ATPase Activity by Adopting Pentameric and Hexameric Assemblies of Dimers
Authors: Llauger Gabriela , Melero Roberto , Monti Demián , Sycz Gabriela , Huck-Iriart Cristián , Cerutti María L. , Klinke Sebastián , Mikkelsen Evelyn , Tijman Ariel , Arranz Rocío , Alfonso Victoria , Arellano Sofía M. , Goldbaum Fernando A. , Sterckx Yann G. J. , Carazo José-María , Kaufman Sergio B. , Dans Pablo D. , del Vas Mariana , Otero Lisandro H.
Published: February 2023

The mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV) causes an important maize disease in Argentina. MRCV replicates in several species of
Gramineae
plants and planthopper vectors.
Phospholipase B Is Critical for Cryptococcus neoformans Survival in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Hamed Mohamed F. , Araújo Glauber Ribeiro de Sousa , Munzen Melissa E. , Reguera-Gomez Marta , Epstein Carly , Lee Hiu Ham , Frases Susana , Martinez Luis R.
Published: February 2023

Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CME) is a serious disease caused by infection by the neurotropic fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
. Due to the increasing number of cases in HIV-infected individuals, as well as the limited therapies available, investigation into potential targets for new therapeutics has become critical.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Lymphomas Exploit Ectonucleotidase Activity To Limit Immune Responses and Prevent Cell Death
Authors: Lange Philip T. , Damania Blossom
Published: February 2023

EBV is a ubiquitous pathogen responsible for significant global lymphoma burden, including Hodgkin lymphoma, numerous non-Hodgkin B, T, and NK cell lymphomas, and lymphoproliferative disorders. EBV is also associated with epithelial cancers and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacterium bovis Strains Affiliated with Bovine Tuberculosis Outbreaks in Canada in 2016 and 2018
Authors: Andrievskaia Olga , Garceac Amalia , Lloyd Dara , Savic Mirjana , Duceppe Marc-Olivier
Published: February 2023

Mycobacterium bovis
is the primary causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, a zoonotic infectious disease that presents a risk to public health, livestock, and wildlife. Here, we report complete genome sequences of two
Mycobacterium bovis
strains affiliated with bovine tuberculosis outbreaks in Canadian cattle farms in 2016 and 2018.
Functional and Compositional Changes in the Fecal Microbiome of a Shorebird during Migratory Stopover
Authors: Grond Kirsten , Louyakis Artemis S. , Hird Sarah M.
Published: February 2023

Many animals migrate long distances annually, and these journeys require intense physiological and morphological adaptations. One such adaptation in shorebirds is the ability to rapidly gain weight at stopover locations in the middle of their migrations.
Transcriptome Dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during Transition from Overlapping To Non-Overlapping Cell Cycles
Authors: Alpers Kathrin , Vatareck Elisabeth , Gröbe Lothar , Müsken Mathias , Scharfe Maren , Häussler Susanne , Tomasch Jürgen
Published: February 2023

The coordination of gene expression with the cell cycle has so far been studied only in a few bacteria, the bottleneck being the need for synchronized cultures. Here, we determined replication-associated effects on transcription by comparing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
cultures that differ in their growth mode and number of replicating chromosomes.
Transcriptome and Proteome of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Small-Colony Variants Reveal Changed Metabolism and Increased Immune Evasion
Authors: Liu Si , Chen Hongbin , Chen Juan , Wang Tianyi , Tu Shangyu , Zhang Xiaoyang , Wang Qi , Yin Yuyao , Zhang Yawei , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhao Chunjiang , Wang Hui
Published: February 2023

Small-colony variants (SCVs) of
Staphylococcus aureus
have drawn increasing research attention. Owing to their slow growth, atypical colony morphology, and unusual metabolic characteristics, SCVs often cause confusion in the laboratory.
The Effects of Smoking on Human Pharynx Microbiota Composition and Stability
Authors: Bach Lydia , Ram Asha , Ijaz Umer Z. , Evans Thomas J. , Haydon Daniel T. , Lindström Jan
Published: February 2023

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections. Hypothetically, the altered community diversity of smokers’ pharyngeal microbiota, together with changes in their ecological stability properties, could facilitate their invasion by pathogens.
Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria Maintain Abundance but LoweramoA-Gene Expression during Cold Temperature Nitrification Failure in a Full-Scale Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Johnston Juliet , Du Zhe , Behrens Sebastian
Published: February 2023

The diverse microbial community of activated sludge used in biological treatment systems exhibits dynamic seasonal shifts in community composition and activity. Many wastewater treatment plants in temperate/continental climates experience seasonal cold temperature nitrification failure. “Seasonal nitrification failure” is the discharge of elevated concentrations of ammonia (greater than 4 mg/liter) with treated wastewater during the winter (influent wastewater temperatures below 13°C).
Deciphering the Tangible Spatio-Temporal Spread of a 25-Year Tuberculosis Outbreak Boosted by Social Determinants
Authors: López Mariana G. , Campos-Herrero Ma Isolina , Torres-Puente Manuela , Cañas Fernando , Comín Jessica , Copado Rodolfo , Wintringer Penelope , Iqbal Zamin , Lagarejos Eduardo , Moreno-Molina Miguel , Pérez-Lago Laura , Pino Berta , Sante Laura , García de Viedma Darío , Samper Sofía , Comas Iñaki
Published: February 2023

Infectious disease outbreaks represent a significant problem for public health. Tracing outbreak expansion and understanding the main factors behind emergence and persistence remain critical to effective disease control.
Safety Evaluation and Probiotic Potency Screening of Akkermansia muciniphila Strains Isolated from Human Feces and Breast Milk
Authors: Hou Fengyi , Tang Jingyi , Liu Yangyang , Tan Yafang , Wang Ye , Zheng Lijun , Liang Debao , Lin Yuqing , Wang Likun , Pan Zhiyuan , Yang Ruifu , Bi Yujing , Zhi Fachao
Published: February 2023

In this study, we isolated 30 strains of
Akkermansia muciniphila
from different samples of human feces, and for the first time we isolated an
A. muciniphila
strain from human breast milk. This isolation verified the existence of microbes in human breast milk, which suggests that
A. muciniphila
can be vertically propagated from mother to infant and participates in the formation of the early gut microbiome.
Plant Disease Resistance-Related Pathways Recruit Beneficial Bacteria by Remodeling Root Exudates upon Bacillus cereus AR156 Treatment
Authors: Yang Bingye , Zheng Mingzi , Dong Wenpan , Xu Peiling , Zheng Ying , Yang Wei , Luo Yuming , Guo Jianhua , Niu Dongdong , Yu Yiyang , Jiang Chunhao
Published: February 2023

Our data suggest that
B. cereus
AR156 can promote the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms in the plant rhizosphere by regulating salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET) signaling pathways in plants, thereby playing a role in controlling bacterial wilt disease. Meanwhile, Spearman correlation analysis showed that the relative abundances of these beneficial bacteria were correlated with the secretion of root exudates.
Rare recurrence of malignant mesothelioma spreading to the perineum
Authors: Marra Angelo Alessandro , Di Giorgio Andrea , Ratto Carlo
Published: February 2023

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare aggressive tumour of the mesothelium with a propensity to spread locally and, rarely, to distant organs. The latest advances in its diagnosis and treatment have led to an increase in unusual disease presentations. Although a direct invasion of the perineum has been previously described in a men, a malignant mesothelioma spreading to the perianal region was never reported in a women. We presented a rare case of malignant mesothelioma recurrence spreading from the peritoneal cavity to the perineum through the rectovaginal space.
Neurocristic cutaneous hamartoma of the scalp with disseminated melanocytic nevi
Authors: Mariki Haika , Mwamanenge Naomi , Mkony Martha , Manji Karim Premji
Published: February 2023

We report a newborn with neurocristic cutaneous hamartoma of the scalp. He was delivered at term via caesarean section due to a previous scar and presented at the neonatal unit on the fifth day with giant congenital nevi on the scalp and disseminated melanocytic nevi throughout the body. The MRI scan of the brain showed a defect at the occipital region with herniation of the occipital lobes and ventricles through the defect, with infratentorial brain parenchyma exhibiting normal signal return and intact cerebellum. The initial diagnosis was a giant haemangioma, which has ruptured, and possible cytomegalovirus infection, causing ‘blueberry muffin’ syndrome. On follow-up, the hamartoma/haemangioma-like mass regressed, and a large well-demarcated melanotic patch on scalp and large encephalocele were seen. This infant is now being scheduled for neurosurgical intervention.