bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ILC Articles on State Responsibility in Investment Treaty Arbitration
Authors: Shirlow Esmé , Duggal Kabir
Published: February 2022

The International Law Commission adopted the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts in 2001, when there had been fewer than 100 recorded investment claims. Since then, there has been a significant rise in the number of investment treaty arbitration cases. This article considers how the ILC Articles have been used by investment treaty tribunals to analyse issues of State responsibility in investment treaty claims. The article summarises key trends concerning the use of the ILC Articles in investment treaty arbitration. It addresses the application of the ILC Articles in investment disputes, the role given to the ILC Articles in determining questions of attribution, the influence of the ILC Articles for the analysis of temporal issues, and the role of the ILC Articles in determining matters of reparation and contributory fault. The article is accompanied by a lengthy case appendix which summarises references by investment treaty tribunals to the ILC Articles from 2010–2020.
Sharp Decay Rate for the Damped Wave Equation With Convex-Shaped Damping
Authors: Sun Chenmin
Published: February 2022

We revisit the damped wave equation on two-dimensional torus where the damped region does not satisfy the geometric control condition. It was shown in [1] that, for sufficiently regular damping, the damped wave equation is stale at a rate sufficiently close to $t^{-1}$. We show that if the damping vanishes like a Hölder function $|x|^{\beta }$, and in addition, the boundary of the damped region is locally strictly convex with positive curvature, the wave is stable at rate $t^{-1+\frac {2}{2\beta +7}}$, which is better than the known optimal decay rate $t^{-1+\frac {1}{\beta +3}}$ for strip-shaped dampings of the same Hölder regularity. Moreover, we show by example that the decay rate is optimal. This illustrates the fact that the sharp energy decay rate depends not only on the order of vanishing of the damping but also on the shape of the damped region. The main ingredient of the proof is the averaging method (normal form reduction) developed by Hitrik and Sjöstrand ([20], [35]).
Human–AI Interactions in Public Sector Decision Making: “Automation Bias” and “Selective Adherence” to Algorithmic Advice
Authors: Alon-Barkat Saar , Busuioc Madalina
Published: February 2022

Artificial intelligence algorithms are increasingly adopted as decisional aides by public bodies, with the promise of overcoming biases of human decision-makers. At the same time, they may introduce new biases in the human–algorithm interaction. Drawing on psychology and public administration literatures, we investigate two key biases: overreliance on algorithmic advice even in the face of “warning signals” from other sources (automation bias), and selective adoption of algorithmic advice when this corresponds to stereotypes (selective adherence). We assess these via three experimental studies conducted in the Netherlands: In study 1 (N = 605), we test automation bias by exploring participants’ adherence to an algorithmic prediction compared to an equivalent human-expert prediction. We do not find evidence for automation bias. In study 2 (N = 904), we replicate these findings, and also test selective adherence. We find a stronger propensity for adherence when the advice is aligned with group stereotypes, with no significant differences between algorithmic and human-expert advice. In study 3 (N = 1,345), we replicate our design with a sample of civil servants. This study was conducted shortly after a major scandal involving public authorities’ reliance on an algorithm with discriminatory outcomes (the “childcare benefits scandal”). The scandal is itself illustrative of our theory and patterns diagnosed empirically in our experiment, yet in our study 3, while supporting our prior findings as to automation bias, we do not find patterns of selective adherence. We suggest this is driven by bureaucrats’ enhanced awareness of discrimination and algorithmic biases in the aftermath of the scandal. We discuss the implications of our findings for public sector decision making in the age of automation. Overall, our study speaks to potential negative effects of automation of the administrative state for already vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens.
Treatment for Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain: An Initial Examination of Reciprocal Associations Between Pain, Functional Impairment, and Parental Distress
Authors: Calvano Claudia , Warschburger Petra
Published: February 2022

Objective

While cross-sectional studies underline that child and parent factors in pediatric chronic pain are reciprocally related, so far, little is known on their prospective relationship, especially in treatment contexts. This study aims to analyze directions of influence between child and parental outcomes using data from an intervention study.

Methods

The sample covered 109 families with children aged 7–13 years diagnosed with functional abdominal pain (FAP). Child outcomes included pain and impairment, and parental outcomes covered caregiver-specific distress including both parental personal time burden (i.e., less time available for personal needs) and emotional burden due to child’s pain (i.e., increased worries). Cross-lagged panel analyses examined the directions of the relations between child and parental outcomes across time (pretreatment T1, post-treatment T2, and 3-month follow-up and 12-month follow-up T3/T4).

Results

First, a significant improvement over time in all measures was observed. Cross-lagged effects were found for less parental personal time burden at T2, predicting both less pain (β = −0.254, p = .004) and less impairment (β = −0.150, p = .039) at T3. Higher baseline pain was predictive for higher parental emotional burden after treatment (β = −0.130, p = .049) and, reversely, for less emotional burden at 12-month follow-up (β = 0.261, p = .004).

Conclusions

Addressing parental personal time burden in FAP treatment might possibly support the improvement on the child level. Replication of results in larger samples is warranted to gain more insight into the directions of influence and, in that way, to optimize treatment for pediatric FAP.
Mother– and Father–Child Reminiscing About Past Events Involving Pain, Fear, and Sadness: Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Pavlova Maria , Mueri Kendra , Peterson, PhD Carole , Graham, PhD Susan A , Noel, PhD Melanie
Published: February 2022

Objective

Pain in childhood is prevalent and is associated with fear, particularly in the context of injuries or procedural pain, and negative emotions (e.g., sadness). Pain and fear share a bidirectional relationship, wherein fear exacerbates the experience of pain and pain increases subsequent anticipatory fear. The existing research has focused primarily on children’s immediate experience of pain and fear. Research on how children remember or talk about past painful, fearful, or sad events is lacking. Parent–child reminiscing about past pain has been demonstrated to differ from reminiscing about other past negative emotional events (i.e., those involving sadness, but not fear). The present study aimed to examine differences in how parent–child dyads reminisce about past pain, fear, and sadness.

Methods

One hundred and three 4-year-old children (55% girls) and their parents (52% fathers) engaged in a narrative elicitation task in which they reminisced about unique past events involving pain, fear, and sadness. Parent–child narratives were coded using established coding schemes based on the developmental psychology literature.

Results

Parent–child narratives about pain were characterized by fewer emotion-laden words and explanations, as well as more pain-related words compared to sadness or fearful narratives. Mothers and fathers reminisced with sons and daughters in a similar way across all types of events.

Conclusions

Parent–children reminiscing about past painful events differs from reminiscing about other types of distressing events (e.g., involving sadness or fear). This highlights a possibility of differential socialization of pain versus fear. Potential clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
A legume-specific novel type of phytosulfokine, PSK-δ, promotes nodulation by enhancing nodule organogenesis
Authors: Yu Liangliang , Di Qi , Zhang Danping , Liu Yumin , Li Xiaolin , Mysore Kirankumar S , Wen Jiangqi , Yan Junhui , Luo Li
Published: February 2022

Phytosulfokine-α (PSK-α), a tyrosine-sulfated pentapeptide with the sequence YSO3IYSO3TQ, is widely distributed across the plant kingdom and plays multiple roles in plant growth, development, and immune response. Here, we report a novel type of phytosulfokine, PSK-δ, and its precursor proteins (MtPSKδ, LjPSKδ, and GmPSKδ1), specifically from legume species. The sequence YSO3IYSO3TN of sulfated PSK-δ peptide is different from PSK-α at the last amino acid. Expression pattern analysis revealed PSK-δ-encoding precursor genes to be expressed primarily in legume root nodules. Specifically, in Medicago truncatula, MtPSKδ expression was detected in root cortical cells undergoing nodule organogenesis, in nodule primordia and young nodules, and in the apical region of mature nodules. Accumulation of sulfated PSK-δ peptide in M. truncatula nodules was detected by LC/MS. Application of synthetic PSK-δ peptide significantly increased nodule number in legumes. Similarly, overexpression of MtPSKδ in transgenic M. truncatula markedly promoted symbiotic nodulation. This increase in nodule number was attributed to enhanced nodule organogenesis induced by PSK-δ. Additional genetic evidence from the MtPSKδ mutant and RNA interference assays suggested that the PSK-δ and PSK-α peptides function redundantly in regulating nodule organogenesis. These results suggest that PSK-δ, a legume-specific novel type of phytosulfokine, promotes symbiotic nodulation by enhancing nodule organogenesis.
Formation of supermassive black holes in galactic nuclei – II. Retention and growth of seed intermediate-mass black holes
Authors: Askar Abbas , Davies Melvyn B , Church Ross P
Published: February 2022

In many galactic nuclei, a nuclear stellar cluster (NSC) co-exists with a supermassive black hole (SMBH). In this second one in a series of papers, we further explore the idea that the NSC forms before the SMBH through the merger of several stellar clusters that may contain intermediate-mass black holes (IMBHs). These IMBHs can subsequently grow by mergers and accretion to form an SMBH. To check the observable consequences of this proposed SMBH seeding mechanism, we created an observationally motivated mock population of galaxies, in which NSCs are constructed by aggregating stellar clusters that may or may not contain IMBHs. Based on several assumptions, we model the growth of IMBHs in the NSCs through gravitational wave (GW) mergers with other IMBHs and gas accretion. In the case of GW mergers, the merged BH can either be retained or ejected depending on the GW recoil kick it receives. The likelihood of retaining the merged BH increases if we consider the growth of IMBHs in the NSC through gas accretion. We find that nucleated lower mass galaxies (${\it M}_{\star } \lesssim 10^{9}\, {\rm M_{\odot }}$; e.g. M33) have an SMBH seed occupation fraction of about 0.3–0.5. This occupation fraction increases with galaxy stellar mass and for more massive galaxies ($\rm 10^{9} \ \lesssim {\it M}_{\star } \lesssim 10^{11}\, {\rm M_{\odot }}$), it is between 0.5 and 0.8, depending on how BH growth is modelled. These occupation fractions are consistent with observational constraints. Furthermore, allowing for BH growth also allows us to reproduce the observed diversity in the mass range of SMBHs in the ${\it M}_{\rm NSC}\!-\!{\it M}_{\rm BH}$ plane.
Crosstalk in image plane beam combination for optical interferometers
Authors: Mortimer Daniel J , Buscher David F
Published: February 2022

Image plane beam combination in optical interferometers multiplexes the interference fringes from multiple baselines on to a single detector. The beams of starlight are arranged in a non-redundant pattern at the entrance of the combiner so that the signal from each baseline can be separated from one another in the frequency domain. If the signals from different baselines overlap in the frequency domain, this can give rise to a systematic error in the fringe measurements known as baseline crosstalk. In this paper, we quantify crosstalk arising from the combination of atmospheric seeing and beam propagation over distances of the order of hundreds of metres. We find that in idealized conditions atmospheric wavefront errors and beam propagation do not contribute to crosstalk. However, when aperture stops are included in the optical beam train we observe that wavefront errors can result in squared visibility errors arising from crosstalk as high as ΔV2 = 6.6 × 10−3 under realistic observing conditions.
First Light And Reionisation Epoch Simulations (FLARES) – III. The properties of massive dusty galaxies at cosmic dawn
Authors: Vijayan Aswin P , Wilkins Stephen M , Lovell Christopher C , Thomas Peter A , Camps Peter , Baes Maarten , Trayford James , Kuusisto Jussi , Roper William J
Published: February 2022

Using the First Light And Reionisation Epoch Simulations (flares), we explore the dust-driven properties of massive high-redshift galaxies at z ∈ [5, 10]. By post-processing, the galaxy sample using the radiative transfer code skirt we obtain the full spectral energy distribution. We explore the resultant luminosity functions, IRX–β relations as well as the luminosity-weighted dust temperatures in the Epoch of Reionisation (EoR). We find that most of our results are in agreement with the current set of observations, but underpredict the number densities of bright IR galaxies, which are extremely biased towards the most overdense regions. We see that the flares IRX–β relation (for 5 ≤ z ≤ 8) pre-dominantly follows the local starburst relation. The IRX shows an increase with stellar mass, plateauing at the high-mass end (∼1010 M⊙) and shows no evolution in the median normalisation with redshift. We also look at the dependence of the peak dust temperature (Tpeak) on various galaxy properties including the stellar mass, IR luminosity, and sSFR, finding the correlation to be strongest with sSFR. The luminosity-weighted dust temperatures increase towards higher redshifts, with the slope of the Tpeak–redshift relation showing a higher slope than the lower redshift relations obtained from previous observational and theoretical works. The results from flares, which are able to provide a better statistical sample of high-redshift galaxies compared to other simulations, provides a distinct vantage point for the high-redshift Universe.
Rapid and accurate identification of ribosomal RNA sequences via deep learning
Authors: Deng Zhi-Luo , Münch Philipp C , Mreches René , McHardy Alice C
Published: February 2022

Advances in transcriptomic and translatomic techniques enable in-depth studies of RNA activity profiles and RNA-based regulatory mechanisms. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences are highly abundant among cellular RNA, but if the target sequences do not include polyadenylation, these cannot be easily removed in library preparation, requiring their post-hoc removal with computational techniques to accelerate and improve downstream analyses. Here, we describe RiboDetector, a novel software based on a Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) neural network, which rapidly and accurately identifies rRNA reads from transcriptomic, metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, noncoding RNA, and ribosome profiling sequence data. Compared with state-of-the-art approaches, RiboDetector produced at least six times fewer misclassifications on the benchmark datasets. Importantly, the few false positives of RiboDetector were not enriched in certain Gene Ontology (GO) terms, suggesting a low bias for downstream functional profiling. RiboDetector also demonstrated a remarkable generalizability for detecting novel rRNA sequences that are divergent from the training data with sequence identities of <90%. On a personal computer, RiboDetector processed 40M reads in less than 6 min, which was ∼50 times faster in GPU mode and ∼15 times in CPU mode than other methods. RiboDetector is available under a GPL v3.0 license at https://github.com/hzi-bifo/RiboDetector.
X-ray hot spots in the eastern ear of the supernova remnant W 50 and the microquasar SS 433 system
Authors: Hayakawa Ryota , Yamada Shinya , Suda Hirotaka , Ichinohe Yuto , Higurashi Ryota , Sakemi Haruka , Machida Mami , Ohmura Takumi , Katsuda Satoru , Uchiyama Hideki , Sato Toshiki , Akamatsu Hiroki , Axelsson Magnus
Published: February 2022

We examined the X-ray and radio spatial structure at the eastern ear of the W 50/SS 433 system to clarify a characteristic feature of the termination region of the SS 433 jet, and found that a hot spot ahead of the filament structure, which is considered to be a terminal shock of the SS 433 eastern jet, is clearly different from a single point source. The detailed spatial structure of the X-ray emission is finely resolved by Chandra observations, showing that there are two sources. By comparing the point-spread function of Chandra with the radial profiles of the two sources, the northern one is clearly more extended than a point source while the other seems marginally extended. Since there are no point sources nearby, the northern hot spot is likely a localized diffuse source. The northern hot spot spatially corresponds to the peak of the radio emission. Its spatial correlation is confirmed by an X-ray image using XMM-Newton. The X-ray spectra of the two sources are reproduced by a single absorbed power-law but the column density of the northern part is larger by a factor of ∼3. When a radiation model comprising synchrotron emission and inverse Compton emission is applied to the spectral energy distribution of the northern hot spot, the emission from this spot can be explained by the radiation from an electron population accelerated up to 30 TeV in a magnetic field strength of B ≲ 50 μG. This model also agrees with the radio and X-ray data, as well as the upper limit of gamma-ray emission obtained by the Fermi satellite.
Occupational causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an update
Authors: De Matteis Sara
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

This brief narrative review aims to highlight relevant recent updates on occupational causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Recent findings

The most recent literature has been searched for any new relevant association between occupational exposures and COPD. Only large epidemiological studies of high quality have been included. Beyond the more traditional exposures, such as mineral or organic dusts, new chemicals have emerged as potential occupational causal agents for COPD. In particular, pesticides and cleaning products, including disinfectants, that have shown also positive exposure-response trends. For cleaning products, some specific chemicals have been identified, but for pesticides the identification of specific causal compounds is more challenging. The biological underlying mechanisms are still under study.

In the recent literature, occupational exposure to pesticides and cleaning products has emerged as potential cause of COPD. Awareness on occupational causes of COPD should increase among all stakeholders, from health professionals to public to prevent the associated public health burden. More studies on identifying the specific causal agents and mechanisms are needed to focus preventive strategies.
Regional anesthesia and the acute pain service: compliance and controversies
Authors: May Keith A. , Craven Jack M. , Wright Crystal , Tran Bryant
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

The aims of this article are three-fold: first, to describe the necessary elements that result in accurate and compliant billing practice; second, to discuss billing in the context of new blocks and liposomal bupivacaine; and third, to gain a better understanding of compliance law.

Recent findings

Regional anesthesia techniques provide an appealing alternative to opioid medication for pain management. However, these techniques also increase the cost of care. As new peripheral and fascial plane blocks emerge, proper coding has become more complex.

Familiarity with documentation, billing, and compliance requirements can help maintain proper reimbursement rates, as well as limit potential downstream consequences. Most importantly this can help increase the viability and success of an acute pain service.
Controlling for Lexical Factors in the Word Auditory Recognition and Recall Measure
Authors: Ryan David B. , Smith Sherri L.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to confirm that lexical factors associated with the Word Auditory Recognition and Recall Measure (WARRM) items have minimal impact WARRM scores. As the WARRM test was designed to minimize the impact of lexical factors, we hypothesized that lexical factors would have no effect on WARRM recognition or recall.

Method:

This report provides a complementary analysis to the original study. Generalized linear mixed models were applied to examine the effects of lexical factors (frequency, neighborhood density, neighborhood frequency) on the WARRM recognition and recall scores.

Results:

There were no significant effects of lexical factors on WARRM recognition or recall. These null effects were attributed to selection and distribution of words on the WARRM, and the balancing of lexical factors for each set size.

Conclusions:

Word selection and test design of the WARRM successfully controlled for potential effects of lexical factors on recognition and recall.
Interobserver Variability of Hip Dysplasia Indices on Sweep Ultrasound for Novices, Experts, and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Ghasseminia Siyavash , LIM Andrew Kean Seng , Concepcion Nathan D.P. , Kirschner David , TEO Yi Ming , Dulai Sukhdeep , Mabee Myles , Kernick Sara , Brockley Cain , Muljadi Siska , Singh Pavel , Rakkunedeth Hareendranathan Abhilash , Kapur Jeevesh , Zonoobi Dornoosh , Punithakumar Kumaradevan , Jaremko Jacob L.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Ultrasound for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is challenging for nonexperts to perform and interpret. Recording “sweep” images allows more complete hip assessment, suitable for automation by artificial intelligence (AI), but reliability has not been established. We assessed agreement between readers of varying experience and a commercial AI algorithm, in DDH detection from infant hip ultrasound sweeps.

Methods:

We selected a full spectrum of poor-to-excellent quality images and normal to severe dysplasia, in 240 hips (120 single 2-dimensional images, 120 sweeps). For 12 readers (radiologists, sonographers, clinicians and researchers; 3 were DDH subspecialists), and a ultrasound-FDA-cleared AI software package (Medo Hip), we calculated interobserver reliability for alpha angle measurements by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) and for DDH classification by Randolph Kappa.

Results:

Alpha angle reliability was high for AI versus subspecialists (ICC=0.87 for sweeps, 0.90 for single images). For DDH diagnosis from sweeps, agreement was high between subspecialists (kappa=0.72), and moderate for nonsubspecialists (0.54) and AI (0.47). Agreement was higher for single images (kappa=0.80, 0.66, 0.49). AI reliability deteriorated more than human readers for the poorest-quality images. The agreement of radiologists and clinicians with the accepted standard, while still high, was significantly poorer for sweeps than 2D images (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

In a challenging exercise representing the wide spectrum of image quality and reader experience seen in real-world hip ultrasound, agreement on DDH diagnosis from easily obtained sweeps was only slightly lower than from single images, likely because of the additional step of selecting the best image. AI performed similarly to a nonsubspecialist human reader but was more affected by low-quality images.
Comparative Evaluation of the Radiographic Parameters for Screening Early Blount Disease
Authors: Wongcharoenwatana Jidapa , Chotivichit Apakorn , Eamsobhana Perajit , Ariyawatkul Thanase , Chotigavanichaya Chatupon
Published: February 2022

Background:

Radiographic findings in young children with physiological bowing sometimes difficult to distinguish from early Blount disease. However, early diagnosis of the disease is critical because of the poor treatment outcomes for Blount disease. In this study, we aim to evaluate the accuracy of the metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle (MDA) compared with the medial metaphyseal beak (MMB) angle for differentiating between physiological bowing and early Blount disease and to determine which parameter to adequately screen for the subsequent development of Blount disease.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on children aged 1 to 3 years old who were brought to our outpatient clinic with bowed leg between 2000 and 2017. Data on the patients’ age, sex, and affected sides were collected. Radiographic measurements of the femorotibial angle (FTA), MDA, and MMB angle were evaluated from the initial radiographs. An observer repeated the measurements on all the radiographs 2 weeks after they were first done.

Results:

In total, 158 legs were considered from 79 children (48 males/31 females), whose average age was 26.0±6.1 months old. Eighty-seven legs were diagnosed with Blount disease and 71 legs had physiological bowing. Using single cutoff values of 16 degrees for the MDA showed low sensitivity (50.6%), very high specificity (100.0%), and a very high positive predictive value (PPV); while using MMB angle cutoff values ≥122 degrees showed very high sensitivity (92.0%), high specificity (80.3%), and a high PPV. Considering the MDA and MMB angle simultaneously showed very high sensitivity (93.1%), high specificity (80.3%), and a high PPV. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the MDA and MMB showed excellent (0.89) and outstanding (0.93) discriminative ability, respectively. When combining the MDA and MMB angles, it was also considered outstanding performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve=0.95).

Conclusions:

The MMB angle represents a potential radiographic screening parameter for predicting early Blount disease in children 1 to 3 years old, offering high sensitivity and specificity. The MDA showed excellent specificity as a confirmation parameter for Blount disease patients. Applying both the MDA and MMB angles is another option to increase early recognition and confirm the diagnosis in early Blount disease patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level II.
ALIF Versus TLIF for L5-S1 Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: ALIF Demonstrates Superior Segmental and Regional Radiographic Outcomes and Clinical Improvements Across More Patient-reported Outcome Measures Domains
Authors: Lightsey Harry M. , Pisano Alfred J. , Striano Brendan M. , Crawford Alexander M. , Xiong Grace X. , Hershman Stuart , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Simpson Andrew K.
Published: February 2022

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

The purpose of this study was to compare segmental and regional radiographic parameters between anterior interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior interbody fusion (TLIF) for treatment of L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis, and to assess for changes in these parameters over time. Secondarily, we sought to compare clinical outcomes via patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between techniques and within groups over time.

Summary of Background Data.

Isthmic spondylolistheses are frequently treated with interbody fusion via ALIF or TLIF approaches. Robust comparisons of radiographic and clinical outcomes are lacking.

Methods.

We reviewed pre- and postoperative radiographs as well as Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) elements for patients who received L5-S1 interbody fusions for isthmic spondylolisthesis in the Mass General Brigham (MGB) health system (2016–2020). Intraclass correlation testing was used for reliability assessments; Mann-Whitney U tests and Sign tests were employed for intercohort and intracohort comparative analyses, respectively.

Results.

ALIFs generated greater segmental and L4-S1 lordosis than TLIF, both at first postoperative visit (mean 26 days [SE = 4]; 11.3° vs. 1.3°, P 
< 0.001; 6.2° vs. 0.3°, P 
= 0.005) and at final follow-up (mean 410days [SE = 45]; 9.6° vs. 0.2°, P < 0.001; 7.9° vs. 2.1°, P = 0.005). ALIF also demonstrated greater increase in disc height than TLIF at first (9.6 vs. 5.5 mm, P < 0.001) and final follow-up (8.7 vs. 3.6 mm, P < 0.001). Disc height was maintained in the ALIF group but decreased over time in the TLIF cohort (ALIF 9.6 vs. 8.7 mm, P = 0.1; TLIF 5.5 vs. 3.6 mm, P < 0.001). Both groups demonstrated improvements in Pain Intensity and Pain Interference scores; ALIF patients also improved in Physical Function and Global Health - Physical domains.

Conclusion.

ALIF generates greater segmental lordosis, regional lordosis, and restoration of disc height compared to TLIF for treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis. Additionally, ALIF patients demonstrate significant improvements across more PROMs domains relative to TLIF patients.

Level of Evidence: 3
Ten-Year Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients With Single-Level Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Kwon Ji-Won , Park Yung , Lee Byung Ho , Yoon So Ra , Ha Joong-Won , Kim Hyunkyo , Suk Kyung-Soo , Moon Seong-Hwan , Kim Hak-Sun , Lee Hwan-Mo
Published: February 2022

Study Design.

A retrospective observational study.

Objective.

This study investigated the clinical and radiological results of minimally invasive (MI) versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients with single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis over a 10-year period.

Summary of Background Data.

Few studies have compared 10-year follow-up outcomes between MI-TLIF and open TLIF.

Methods.

We retrospectively collected the outcome data of patients with single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent TLIF procedures using an MI (n = 108) or open (n = 53) approach. Fifty-two (48%) and 31 (58%) patients in the MI-TLIF and open TLIF groups, respectively, completed the 10-year follow-up. A primary clinical outcome included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) as well as visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain at baseline and at 2, 5, and 10 years postoperatively. The radiographic fusion rate and incidence of secondary surgery due to adjacent segment disease were assessed at 2, 5, and 10 years postoperatively.

Results.

Intraoperative blood loss and length of hospitalization were significantly lower in the MI-TLIF group than in the open TLIF group. At 2 years postoperatively, the ODI and VAS scores for back and leg pain were significantly lower in the MI-TLIF group than in the open TLIF group. No significant differences were found in VAS scores for back and leg pain or ODI scores between the two groups at 10 years postoperatively. Radiographic fusion rates and prevalence of secondary surgery for adjacent segment disease were not significantly different between the groups at 10 years postoperatively.

Conclusion.

Efficacy of MI-TLIF for patients with single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis is comparable to that of open TLIF over 10-years. However, MI-TLIF may have superior perioperative recovery and 2-year postoperative functional outcomes than open TLIF.

Level of Evidence: 3
Health Service Utilization by Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Versus Global Developmental Delay at a Tertiary Center in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Okwara Florence N. O. , le Roux Stanzi M. , Donald Kirsten A.
Published: February 2022

Objective:

We investigated patterns and predictors of health service utilization (HSU) among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and global developmental delays (GDD, non-ASD) attending tertiary services in a resource-constrained setting.

Method:

Caregivers and children (diagnosed with either ASD or GDD) attending the developmental service were enrolled into a retrospective cohort study. Sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, and service use over the preceding year were collected using structured questionnaires and medical record reviews.

Results:

We enrolled 240 households (116 ASD, 124 GDD; ages 3–8 years; male:female ratio 2:1). The majority (84%) had moderate-to-severe symptoms, and 42% were nonverbal. Children with GDD had higher levels of underlying syndromic diagnoses than those with ASD (46, 37.1%; 14, 9.5%); (p < 0.01) and more co-occurring comorbidities (51, 41.0%; 14, 12.1%; p = 0.0001). Those with GDD had higher mean total HSU visits (13.3; 11.5; p = 0.02), higher mean specialist visits (4.0:2.0; p = 0.001), and more hospitalizations than those with ASD (38, 31%; 16, 14%; p = 0.02). Other services were similarly attended by both groups: therapy 6.0 (2.0–10.0), emergency visits 1.0 (1.0–2.0), auxiliary services 0 (0–1.0), and primary care visits 0 (0–1.0). Having an employed parent was the strongest predictor of increased HSU (p = 0.05).

Conclusion:

Despite high functional impairment in this cohort, many households underutilized therapy services. There was skewed attendance of emergency and specialist services over primary care services. Children with GDD had greater HSU compared with those with ASD, primarily because of more specialist visits. HSU could be improved by caregiver education, household economic empowerment, and strengthening of primary care services.
Chin Microgenia: An Anthropometric Analysis on the Prevalence and Severity in a Chinese Population
Authors: Hsieh Daniel Meng-Yen , He Huinan , Zhong Shaomin , Liew Steven , Wu Yan
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The chin is an important component of facial harmony, and deficient chins are associated with unattractiveness. Previous studies have reported microgenia as the most common subtype of chin deformities.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and severity of microgenia in a Chinese population through facial anthropometric analysis.

METHODS

A total of 800 Han Chinese adults from various age groups of both sexes were recruited for facial anthropometric measurements and photographic analysis. Chin deficiencies in both sagittal and vertical dimensions were evaluated using G-S-P angle, chin retrusion distance, and Sn–Vl/Sn–Me ratio criteria.

RESULTS

In the sagittal dimension, microgenia was present in 60.7% of men and 68.6% of women according to the G-S-P angle criterion, and the angle significantly decreased with age in women (p < .05). According to the chin retrusion criterion, microgenia was present in 38.7% of men and 32.3% of women, and the retrusion distance significantly increased with age in both sexes (p < .05). Vertical microgenia was present in 69.6% of men and 81.9% of women according to the Sn–Vl/Sn–Me criterion, and the ratio gradually increased with age in both sexes (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Microgenia is common among Chinese, particularly in women, and the prevalence and severity increase with age.
Risk Factors for Infection After Noncultured Melanocyte Keratinocyte Transplantation for Vitiligo
Authors: Altalhab Saad , Shalaby Suzan S. , Saadi Dina G. , Ezzedine Khaled , AlJasser Mohammed I.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Noncultured autologous melanocyte keratinocyte transplantation is considered a safe and effective treatment option in stable vitiligo. Factors associated with risk of infection are still poorly explored.

OBJECTIVE

To search for factors associated with the risk of infection after noncultured autologous melanocyte keratinocyte transplantation (MKTP).

METHOD

This was a retrospective multicentric study including all patients with vitiligo who had undergone noncultured autologous MKTP between January 2010 and December 2020. Data included age, sex, site, and size of the treated area, recipient area preparation method, and antibiotic prescription preceding the procedure. Univariate and multivariate analyses to search for factors associated with infection after MKTP were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 672 patients were included. Infection was present in 39 of the patients (6%) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2%–7.7%). The following factors were independently associated with higher rate of infection: cryotherapy for recipient area preparation (OR 19.76, 95% CI: 3.21–121.74) and treated lesions on the trunk (OR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.21–5.90), lower extremity (OR 5.99, 95% CI: 2.49–14.40), and foot (OR 13.15, 95% CI: 4.37–39.62).

CONCLUSION

Infection after noncultured autologous MKTP is not uncommon. Cryotherapy for recipient area preparation and lesions on the trunk, lower extremity, or foot was independently associated with an increased risk of infection.
The 5-HT6R agonist E-6837 and the antagonist SB-271046 reverse the psychotic-like behaviors induced by ketamine
Authors: Suárez-Santiago José Eduardo , Roldán Roldán Gabriel , Picazo Picazo Ofir
Published: February 2022

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects 1% of the world’s population. Although various therapeutic tools have been developed since the appearance of the first generation of antipsychotics, the effect of these agents does not manage to attenuate a significant part of psychotic symptoms. Ketamine is an anesthetic agent able to produce psychotic-like symptoms through the antagonism of the glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs). This drug has been widely used to study new pharmacological tools with potential antipsychotic properties. On the contrary, it is known that the 5-HT6 receptor agonist and antagonist drugs induce procognitive, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in different preclinical models. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioral actions of the 5-HT6 receptors’ agonist E-6837 and the antagonist SB-271046, in ICR-CD1 mice previously treated with a subchronic ketamine scheme (10 mg/kg i.p. daily for 5 days). Results showed that repeated administration of ketamine induced recognition memory deficit, anxiogenic effects, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and stereotyped movements. The acute administration of both 5-HT6 agents reversed the memory deficit and induced a decrease in anxiety, whereas SB-271046 administration produced a decrease in climbing behavior. The injection of either of these 5-HT6 drugs had no effect in the light–dark test. Surprisingly, when these drugs were injected together with ketamine, anxiogenic actions were produced. Current findings suggest that both agonist and antagonist 5-HT6 drugs play an important role in modulating psychotic-like symptoms induced by the subchronic blockade of NMDAR.
The Utility of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) Sleep Disturbance Item as a Screener for Insomnia in Individuals With Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lequerica Anthony H. , Watson Eric , Dijkers Marcel P. , Goldin Yelena , Hoffman Jeanne M. , Niemeier Janet P. , Silva Marc A. , Rabinowitz Amanda , Chiaravalloti Nancy D.
Published: February 2022

Objective:

To examine the utility of the sleep disturbance item of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as a screening tool for insomnia among individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting:

Telephone interview.

Participants:

A sample of 248 individuals with a history of moderate to severe TBI participated in an interview within 2 years of their injury.

Design:

Observational, cross-sectional analysis.

Main Measures:

The PHQ-9 was administered along with the Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Sleep Hygiene Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Insomnia Interview Schedule.

Results:

Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted for the PHQ-9 sleep item rating against a set of insomnia criteria to determine an optimal cutoff score. A cutoff of 2 on the PHQ-9 sleep item maximized sensitivity (76%) and specificity (79%), with an area under the curve of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.88). The 2 groups formed using this cutoff differed significantly on all sleep measures except the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Conclusions:

The PHQ-9 sleep item may serve as a useful screener to allow for detection of potential sleep disturbance among individuals with moderate to severe TBI. Those who screen positive using this item included in a commonly used measure of depression can be prioritized for further and more comprehensive assessment of sleep disorders.
The Role of Neuroinflammation in Neuropsychiatric Disorders Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Feiger Jeremy A. , Snyder Rachael L. , Walsh Michael J. , Cissne Mackenzie , Cwiek Andrew , Al-Momani Seima I. , Chiou Kathy S.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common following traumatic brain injury (TBI), but their etiological onset remains unclear. Mental health research implicates neuroinflammation in the development of psychiatric disorders. The presence of neuroinflammatory responses after TBI thus prompts an investigation of their involvement in the emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders postinjury.

Objective:

Review the literature surrounding the role of neuroinflammation and immune response post-TBI in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Methods:

A search of scientific databases was conducted for original, empirical studies in human subjects. Key words such as “neuroinflammation,” “TBI,” and “depression” were used to identify psychopathology as an outcome TBI and the relation to neuroinflammatory response.

Results:

Study results provide evidence of neuroinflammation mediated post-TBI neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety, trauma/stress, and depression. Inflammatory processes and stress response dysregulation can lead to secondary cell damage, which promote the development and maintenance of neuropsychiatric disorders postinjury.

Conclusion:

This review identifies both theoretical and empirical support for neuroinflammatory response as feasible mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders after TBI. Further understanding of these processes in this context has significant clinical implications for guiding the development of novel treatments to reduce psychiatric symptoms postinjury. Future directions to address current limitations in the literature are discussed.
Community-Based Interventions After Acquired Brain Injury—A Systematic Review of Intervention Types and Their Effectiveness
Authors: Hauger Solveig Lægreid , Borgen Ida M. H. , Løvstad Marianne , Lu Juan , Forslund Marit V. , Kleffelgård Ingerid , Andelic Nada , Røe Cecilie
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

Comprehensive review of existing types and effectiveness of community-based interventions delivered to adults (mean age 18-65 years) with long-lasting (≥6 months) difficulties following acquired brain injury (ABI).

Design:

Systematic review of controlled intervention studies published until February 2021.

Main Measures:

Systematic searches in databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects [Cochrane Library], and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [Cochrane Library]) and inclusion of English peer-reviewed full-text articles; randomized or controlled community-based intervention studies; sample size of 20 or more participants; and 3 or more intervention sessions. Two reviewers independently extracted data for the synthesis and assessed the methodological quality. Data extraction included study characteristics, demographics of participants, content and dose of intervention, outcome measures, and findings.

Result:

The search returned 7386 publications, of which 49 eligible studies were included, revealing a diverse range of community-based interventions and a myriad of outcome measures applied for assessing functional capacities, participation, and quality of life in the chronic phase of ABI. Intervention types encompassed 14 holistic, 23 physical, and 12 specific interventions. A large heterogeneity regarding intervention frequency and intensity was found. Meta-analyses performed on the holistic, physical, and specific interventions did not indicate any significant pooled effects but showed highly variable effects between individuals, both in persons with traumatic and nontraumatic brain injuries.

Conclusions:

Because of lack of pooled effects within types of community-based interventions, specific evidence-based recommendations within holistic, physical, and specific interventions designed to mitigate long-lasting ABI problems cannot be made. This review highlights the need for future studies to address methodological issues concerning larger sample size, lack of clear description interventions and comparator, missing reports of effects in change scores, need for consistent use of recommended outcome measures, and investigating the wide variety in intervention responsiveness among participants with ABI. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42019124949).
RESCUE INTRAVITREAL METHOTREXATE TREATMENT FOLLOWING EARLY RECOGNITION OF PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY
Authors: Alabi Rolake , Stryjewski Tomasz P. , Vora Robin A. , Eliott Dean , Moussa Kareem
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

To report a case of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in a man with recurrent retinal detachment successfully managed without surgical intervention following the initiation of intravitreal methotrexate injections to arrest progression of PVR.

Methods:

Report of a case.

Results:

A 60-year-old man presented to the retina clinic 4 weeks after undergoing vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and was found to have an inferior recurrent retinal detachment. He underwent repeat vitrectomy and scleral buckling with successful reattachment of the retina in the immediate postoperative period. At postoperative Week 2, preretinal membranes were noted inferiorly with stretching of the causative retinal break and localized subretinal fluid, consistent with early PVR. The patient underwent immediate laser barricade, and a course of intravitreal methotrexate injections was started. At the final follow-up 7 months later, the retina was fully attached without progression of PVR.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal methotrexate may play a role in arresting progression of early postoperative PVR and obviating the need for surgical intervention.