bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the inter and intraobserver reproducibility of the “defect coverage index method”, a new computed tomography assessment method of sagittal graft positioning in arthroscopic bone block procedures
Authors: Delgado Cristina , De Rus Ignacio , Cañete Pablo , Díaz Jorge , Ruiz Raquel , García Navlet Miguel , Ruiz Ibán Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To assess the reproducibility of a new 2‐dimensional computed tomography (CT) method of assessing graft positioning in arthroscopic bone block procedure.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study. Twenty‐seven patients, (all men, mean [Standard deviation] age at surgery 30.9 [8.49] years) were included. Vertical graft position was assessed on the sagittal view by measuring the amount of glenoid bone defect covered by the graft. The length of the bone defect and the amount of graft covering the defect were measured. Positioning of the graft on the sagittal plane was classified as accurate if the graft covered at least 90% of the defect. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Kappa coefficient with 95% confidence.

Results

Excellent intraobserver reproducibility was found, with an ICC of 0.94 (CI 95%, 0.86‐0.97). Interobserver reproducibility was good, with the ICC value of 0.71, ranging from 0.45 to 0.86 (CI 95%).

Conclusion

This new method of assessing graft positioning in arthroscopic bone block procedures on 2‐dimensional computed tomography scans is reliable, with an excellent intraobserver and good interobserver reproducibility.

Level of evidence

III
Nanomedicine and nanoparticle-based delivery systems in plastic and reconstructive surgery
Authors: Solidum Jea Giezl N. , Ceriales Jeremy A. , Ong Erika P. , Ornos Eric David B. , Relador Ruth Joy L. , Quebral Elgin Paul B. , Lapeña Jose Florencio F. , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G. , Lee Ka Yiu
Published: March 2023

Background

Nanotechnology and nanomedicine are rising novel fields in plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS). The use of nanomaterials often goes with regenerative medicine. Due to their nanoscale, these materials stimulate repair at the cellular and molecular levels. Nanomaterials may be placed as components of nanocomposite polymers allowing enhancement of overall biochemical and biomechanical properties with improved scaffold properties, cellular attachment, and tissue regeneration. They may also be formulated as nanoparticle-based delivery systems for controlled release of signal factors or antimicrobials, for example. However, more studies on nanoparticle-based delivery systems still need to be done in this field. Nanomaterials are also used as frameworks for nerves, tendons, and other soft tissues.

Main body

In this mini-review, we focus on nanoparticle-based delivery systems and nanoparticles targeting cells for response and regeneration in PRS. Specifically, we investigate their roles in various tissue regeneration, skin and wound healing, and infection control. Cell surface-targeted, controlled-release, and inorganic nanoparticle formulations with inherent biological properties have enabled enhanced wound healing, tumor visualization/imaging, tissue viability, and decreased infection, and graft/transplantation rejection through immunosuppression.

Conclusions

Nanomedicine is also now being applied with electronics, theranostics, and advanced bioengineering technologies. Overall, it is a promising field that can improve patient clinical outcomes in PRS.
A comparative study between continuous epidural analgesia, ultrasound guided continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB), and ultrasound guided continuous adductor canal block (ACB) for post-operative pain management after total knee replacement (TKR)
Authors: Kalad Remon Nadhy Nassif , Ali Hoda Omar Mahmoud , Thabet Wael Reda Hussein , Elsotouhy Abdelrahman Mabrouk Abdelghaffar , Sharaf Amr Gaber Sayed
Published: March 2023

Background

Total knee replacement (TKR) is considered a prevailing cause of severe postoperative pain and discomfort among orthopedic surgeries, limiting postoperative ambulation that is important for regaining joint function. Despite being the gold standard, epidural analgesia can be accompanied by diverse complications delaying postoperative ambulation and discharge from hospital. Continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) and continuous adductor canal block (ACB) are reliable and efficacious regional anaesthesia techniques allowing better control of postoperative pain. This study purposed to compare epidural analgesia, continuous femoral nerve block & continuous adductor canal block regarding postoperative analgesia & incidence of postoperative complications.

The aim of this study is to estimate the efficacy of epidural analgesia, continuous femoral nerve block & continuous adductor canal block regarding postoperative pain control following total knee replacement and the rate of incidence of associated postoperative complications.

This is a prospective randomized controlled study where sixty patients were randomized into three equal groups, patients in group A received epidural analgesia, patients in group B received continuous femoral nerve block while patients in group C received continuous adductor canal block with postoperative continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine with fentanyl 2µg/ml in the three groups at a rate of 5 ml/hr. VAS score was assessed for 48 hours post-operatively and complications were recorded.

Results

Epidural analgesia was superior to CFNB and ACB regarding postoperative pain control using visual analogue scale and postoperative pain control. CFNB and ACB are superior to epidural analgesia regarding postoperative ambulation and postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Continuous epidural analgesia provides superior analgesia following total knee replacement than femoral nerve block and adductor canal block, with relatively more adverse effects like pruritus, post operative nausea, and vomiting (PONV). Both CFNB and ADB are good alternatives with fewer systemic side effects.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 05249478.
Embolization for acute nonvariceal bleeding of upper and lower gastrointestinal tract: a systematic review
Authors: Ini’ Corrado , Distefano Giulio , Sanfilippo Filippo , Castiglione Davide Giuseppe , Falsaperla Daniele , Giurazza Francesco , Mosconi Cristina , Tiralongo Francesco , Foti Pietro Valerio , Palmucci Stefano , Venturini Massimo , Basile Antonio
Published: March 2023

Background

Acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleedings (GIBs) are pathological conditions associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Embolization without angiographic evidence of contrast media extravasation is proposed as an effective procedure in patients with clinical and/or laboratory signs of bleeding. The purpose of this systematic review is to define common clinical practice and clinical and technical outcomes of blind and preventive embolization for upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Main body

Through the PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar database, an extensive search was performed in the fields of empiric and preventive embolization for the treatment of upper and lower gastrointestinal bleedings (UGIB and LGIB). Inclusion criteria were: articles in English for which it has been possible to access the entire content; adults patients treated with empiric or blind transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for UGIB and/or LGIB. Only studies that analysed clinical and technical success rate of blind and empiric TAE for UGIB and/or LGIB were considered for our research. Exclusion criteria were: recurrent articles from the same authors, articles written in other languages, those in which the entire content could not be accessed and that articles were not consistent to the purposes of our research. We collected pooled data on 1019 patients from 32 separate articles selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 22 studies focused on UGIB (total 773 patients), one articles focused on LGIB (total 6 patients) and 9 studies enrolled patients with both UGIB and LGIB (total 240 patients). Technical success rate varied from 62% to 100%, with a mean value of 97.7%; clinical success rate varied from 51% to 100% with a mean value of 80%. The total number of complications was 57 events out of 1019 procedures analysed.

Conclusion

TAE is an effective procedure in the treatment of UGIB patients in which angiography does not demonstrate direct sign of ongoing bleeding. The attitude in the treatment of LGIBs must be more prudent in relation to poor vascular anastomoses and the high risk of intestinal ischemia. Blind and preventive procedures cumulatively present a relatively low risk of complications, compared to a relatively high technical and clinical success.
Standardizing lymphangiography and lymphatic interventions: a preclinical in vivo approach with detailed procedural steps
Authors: Pan Feng , Do Thuy D. , Schmitt Niclas , Vollherbst Dominik F. , Möhlenbruch Markus , Tinoush Parham , Brobeil Alexander , Koch Vitali , Richter Götz M. , Pereira Philippe L. , Kauczor Hans U. , Sommer Christof M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To present a preclinical in vivo approach for standardization and training of lymphangiography and lymphatic interventions using a pictorial review.

Materials and methods

Different lipiodol- and gadolinium-based lymphangiography and lymphatic interventions were performed in twelve (12) landrace pigs with a mean bodyweight of 34 ± 2 kg using various imaging and guiding modalities, similar to the procedures used in humans. The techniques used were explicitly introduced and illustrated. The potential applications of each technique in preclinical training were also discussed.

Results

By applying visual, ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, CT, cone-beam CT, and/or MRI examination or guidance, a total of eleven techniques were successfully implemented in twelve pigs. The presented techniques include inguinal postoperative lymphatic leakage (PLL) establishment, interstitial dye test, five types of lymphangiography [incl. lipiodol-based translymphatic lymphangiography (TL), lipiodol-based percutaneous intranodal lymphangiography (INL), lipiodol-based laparotomic INL, lipiodol-based interstitial lymphangiography, and interstitial magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL)], and four types of percutaneous interventions in the treatment of PLL [incl. thoracic duct embolization (TDE), intranodal embolization (INE), afferent lymphatic vessel sclerotherapy (ALVS), and afferent lymphatic vessel embolization (ALVE)].

Conclusion

This study provides a valuable resource for inexperienced interventional radiologists to undergo the preclinical training in lymphangiography and lymphatic interventions using healthy pig models.
“It doesn’t make any sense to even try”: the disruptive impact of COVID-19’s first wave on people with chronic pain using medical cannabis in New York
Authors: Zolotov Yuval , Lomba Jacinta , Ghiroli Megan , Masyukova Mariya , Arnsten Julia H. , Starrels Joanna L. , Ross Jonathan , Cunningham Chinazo O. , Slawek Deepika E.
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health care but it is unknown how it impacted the lives of people using medical cannabis for chronic pain.

Objective

To understand the experiences of individuals from the Bronx, NY, who had chronic pain and were certified to use medical cannabis during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted 1:1 semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews from March through May 2020 with a convenience sample of 14 individuals enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study. We purposively recruited participants with both frequent and infrequent patterns of cannabis use. Interviews addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life, symptoms, medical cannabis purchase, and use. We conducted a thematic analysis, with a codebook approach, to identify and describe prominent themes.

Results

Participants’ median age was 49 years, nine were female, four were Hispanic, four were non-Hispanic White, and four were non-Hispanic Black. We identified three themes: (1) disrupted access to health services, (2) disrupted access to medical cannabis due to the pandemic, and (3) mixed impact of chronic pain on social isolation and mental health. Due to increased barriers to health care in general and to medical cannabis specifically, participants reduced medical cannabis use, stopped use, or substituted medical cannabis with unregulated cannabis. Living with chronic pain both prepared participants for the pandemic and made the pandemic more difficult.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified pre-existing challenges and barriers to care, including to medical cannabis, among people with chronic pain. Understanding pandemic-era barriers may inform policies in ongoing and future public health emergencies.
Severe lupus after two years of hemodialysis: It exists and can be serious
Authors: Jabrane Marouane , Bouchoual Mohammed , Arrayhani Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Progression of lupus nephropathy (LN) to end-stage renal disease is a serious complication and requires subsequent replacement therapy. Lupus disease activity is extinguished in chronic hemodialysis. We report the observation of a 35-year-old female patient, in conventionnel hemodialysis for two years (chronic glomerulonephritis), admitted to the emergency room for convulsions, left flaccid tenderness, cutaneous-mucosal pallor and altered general condition evolving since three days before her admission. we also observed a spontaneous ecchymotic lesions on the right arm. Echodoppler of the right upper extremity was in favor of a partially thrombosed aneurysm of the right brachial artery. The biological workup showed pancytopenia, the requested immunological workup showed a low complement C3, a positive level of anti-DNA antibodies. The patient was treated as severe lupus flare: Bolus of methylprednisolone, followed by oral administration, associated with Mycophenolate mofétil (MMF) at a dose of 1 g/d. The evolution was favorable on the clinical, biological and radiological levels.

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) can occur even after several years of hemodialysis and sometimes in a severe form, pushing the clinician to think of this pathology in the presence of evocative signs.
Mink infection with influenza A viruses: an ignored intermediate host?
Authors: Mok Chris Ka Pun , Qin Kun
Published: March 2023

Continuously emergence of human infection with avian influenza A virus poses persistent threat to public health, as illustrated in zoonotic H5N1/6 and H7N9 infections. The recent surge of infection to farmed mink by multiple subtypes of avian influenza A viruses in China highlights the role of mink in the ecology of influenza in this region. Serologic studies suggested that farmed mink in China are frequently infected with prevailing human (H3N2 and H1N1/pdm) and avian (H7N9, H5N6, and H9N2) influenza A viruses. Moreover, genetic analysis from the sequences of influenza viruses from mink showed that several strains acquired mammalian adaptive mutations compared to their avian counterparts. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mink to human alerts us that mink may serve as an intermediate host or reservoir of some emerging pathogens. Considering the high susceptibility to different influenza A viruses, it is possible that mink in endemic regions may play a role as an “mixing vessel” for generating novel pandemic strain. Thus, enhanced surveillance of influenza viruses in mink should be urgently implemented for early warning of potential pandemic.
Hapten design to prepare monoclonal antibodies and establishment of immunoassay for direct screening of oxamichydrazide in chicken, the metabolite of nifuraldezone
Authors: Mari Ghulam Mujtaba , Wu Weilin , Talpur Aisha , Shah Jan Muhammad , Ali Saqib , Khand Faiz , Bughio Erum , Samad Abdul , Wang Zhanhui , Eremin Sergei A.
Published: March 2023

In this study, two novel haptens of oxamichydrazide (OXZ), the metabolite of nifuraldezone, were designed and synthesized by derivatization with ethyl-4-bromobutanoate and ethyl-2-bromoacetate for the first time. The rationality of the haptens was enlightened by conformational alignment and electronic evaluations based on computional chemistry. The synthesized haptens were efficient in generating antibody response to OXZ.  A monoclonal antibody (mAb) named 2D9 with high affinity was obtained and used to establish an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) for the direct determination of OXZ in chicken samples without the need for derivatization step. Under optimum conditions, the developed icELISA showed an IC50 value of 0.66 ng mL−1, and limit of detection of 0.11 µg kg−1 in chicken. The average recoveries were found to be 80.4–91.3% with a coefficient of variation less than 9.0%. In conclusion, we have successfully desigened haptens, prepared mAbs and developed an immunoassay for the direct determination of OXZ in chicken samples without the need for a derivatization step for the first time. This provides a potentially rapid, accurate, and sensitive screening tool for nifuraldezone residue in animal-derived food.
Porphyromonas gulae infection in canines, pet owners and veterinarians in China: an epidemiological study and risk factor analysis
Authors: Bai Yang , Song Peijia , Shen Zhangqi , Shi Hao , Jiang Zimo , Lin Jiahao , Jin Yipeng
Published: March 2023

Porphyromonas gulae is a clinically prevalent, anaerobic, oral bacteria in canines, that may be a causative agent of canine periodontal disease, and a potential threat to human oral health. Research on P. gulae pathogenicity in canines, their owners, and veterinarians is lacking in China. This study aimed to determine the isolation and detection rates of P. gulae in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples from 101 canines in Beijing, using anaerobic culture techniques and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The main risk factors for the transmission of P. gulae from canines to humans were also analyzed through analyzing the statistical data on risk factor variables from 103 canine owners and 60 veterinarians in Beijing who tested positive for P. gulae detection in GCF samples. The isolation and detection rates of P. gulae in canines were 31.5% (29/92) and 92.1% (93/101), respectively, compared with detection rates of 24.3% (25/103) in canine owners, 43.3% (26/60) in veterinarians, and 52.0% (13/25) in dentists. The degree of contact with canines (P = 0.001, P < 0.01) and smoking (P = 0.021, P < 0.05) were significant risk factors for P. gulae detection in owners. Moreover, the degree of contact during ultrasonic scaling (P = 0.065, 0.05 < P < 0.1) was the most important risk factor for the positive detection of P. gulae in veterinarians. These findings suggest that P. gulae may colonize the human oral cavity through intimate contact with canines or participation in dental ultrasonic scaling operations.

Graphical Abstract
China antimicrobial resistance surveillance network for pets (CARPet), 2018 to 2021
Authors: Ma Shizhen , Chen Siyu , Lyu Yanli , Huang Wei , Liu Yang , Dang Xukun , An Qi , Song Yu , Jiao Ying , Gong Xiaowei , Wang Qian , Shi Yuqian , Li Yifei , Shao Dongyan , Zou Zhiyu , Zhang Kaiying , Li Luxin , Zhang Gege , Yang Tengkun , Yang Lu , Zhang Zhenbiao , Zhang Haixia , Chen Yanyun , Li Gebin , Wang Yongqiang , Wang Lu , Shen Zhangqi , Wu Congming , Hu Fupin , Schwarz Stefan , Wang Yang , Xia Zhaofei , Shen Jianzhong
Published: March 2023

China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network for Pets (CARPet) was established in 2021 to monitor the resistance profiles of clinical bacterial pathogens from companion animals. From 2018 to 2021, we recovered and tested 4,541 isolates from dogs and cats across 25 Chinese provinces, with Escherichia coli (18.5%) and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (17.8%) being the most predominant bacterial species. The Enterobacterales were highly susceptible to tigecycline, meropenem, colistin, and amikacin (70.3%–100.0%), but showed moderate resistance to ampicillin, ceftriaxone, doxycycline, florfenicol, levofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (29.3%–56.7%). About 66.3% of Acinetobacter spp. were resistant to florfenicol, with relatively low resistance to another 11 antibiotics (1.2%–23.3%). The Pseudomonas spp. showed high susceptibility to colistin (91.7%) and meropenem (88.3%). The coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. showed higher resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents than coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates. However, over 90.0% of Staphylococcus spp. were susceptible to linezolid, daptomycin and rifampin, and no vancomycin-resistant isolates were detected. E. faecium isolates demonstrated higher resistance rates to most antimicrobial agents than E. faecalis isolates. Streptococcus spp. isolates showed low resistance to most antimicrobial agents except for doxycycline (78.2%) and azithromycin (68.8%). Overall, the tested clinical isolates showed high rates of resistance to commonly used antimicrobial agents in companion animals. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen the monitoring of bacterial resistance in pets. By timely and effectively collecting, analyzing, and reporting antimicrobial resistance dynamics in pets, the CARPet network will become a powerful platform to provide scientific guidance for both pet medical care and public health.
Re-emergence of canine Leishmania infantum infection in mountain areas of Beijing
Authors: Liu Gang , Wu Yuanheng , Wang Lei , Liu Yang , Huang Wei , Li Yifan , Gao Mengbo , Kastelic John , Barkema Herman Wildrik , Xia Zhaofei , Jin Yipeng
Published: March 2023

Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) is an endemic infectious disease in China, causing visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and resulting in important public health problem. However, in the last 3 y, endemic trends have changed considerably and spatial–temporal aggregation areas have shifted from northwestern to central China. Although Beijing was an endemic area for CanL in the last century, this disease has not been reported in Beijing since control programs were implemented in the 1950s. In the present study, PCR and immunochromatographic (ICT) were used to estimate prevalence of Leishmania infection in domestic dogs living in Beijing, a VL re -emergencearea. In total, 4420 canine blood samples were collected at vet clinics in 14 districts of Beijing. Overall prevalence (percentage of dogs seropositive and/or PCR positive) of CanL infection in Beijing was 1.22% (54/4420). However, prevalence of CanL in the western mountain areas was 4.68% (45/961), significantly higher than that (0.26%, 9/3459) of the plains. In addition, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of seven enzyme-coding genes was used to examine phylogenetic relationships of CanL strains. Forty-one Leishmania infantum isolates were well separated from the other strains and divided into five major clades (A to E) by MLST analysis. All clades were closely related to strains from Sichuan Province and Gansu Province. A phylogenetic tree, based on the MLST, revealed that L. infantum in Beijing was genetically related to strains from western endemic of Mountain type VL in China. In conclusion, CanL has re-emerged in Beijing, and almost 5% of dogs living in Beijing’s mountain areas were infected with L. infantum. The phylogenetic tree based on MLST effectively distinguished species of Leishmania and reflected geographical origins. Because dogs are considered a natural reservoir, comprehensive control measures including surveillance, phylogenetic analyses and management should be implemented to mitigate or eliminate Leishmaniasis.
Our values and our historical understanding of psychiatrists
Authors: Hilton Claire
Published: March 2023

Many people like to perceive themselves as better than previous generations: more knowledgeable, moral, tolerant and humane. Values associated with these aspects of ourselves may affect how we understand our professional forebears. In the early 20th century, some psychiatrists adopted new biomedical theories, including focal sepsis and eugenics, which resulted in inestimable harm. Detrimental clinical practices arose and were perpetuated in the context of societal values, medical ethics and other forces within and outside the medical profession. Historical understanding of the processes by which these things took place may help inform debate concerning current and future challenges of providing psychiatric care. The methods by which psychiatrists consider their predecessors may also have a bearing on how psychiatrists of the future will perceive us, the psychiatrists of the 2020s.
Sugemalimab Monotherapy for Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma (GEMSTONE-201): Results From a Single-Arm, Multicenter, Phase II Study
Authors: Huang Huiqiang , Tao Rong , Hao Siguo , Yang Yu , Cen Hong , Zhou Hui , Guo Ye , Zou Liqun , Cao Junning , Huang Yunhong , Jin Jie , Zhang Liling , Yang Haiyan , Xing Xiaojing , Zhang Huilai , Liu Yanyan , Ding Kaiyang , Qi Qinzhou , Zhu Xiaoli , Zhu Dan , Wang Siyuan , Fang Teng , Dai Hangjun , Shi Qingmei , Yang Jason
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

Relapsed or refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (R/R ENKTL) is a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with limited treatment options. This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sugemalimab, an anti–PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, in R/R ENKTL.

METHODS

Eligible patients received sugemalimab 1,200 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks for up to 24 months or until progression, death, or study withdrawal. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) assessed by an independent radiologic review committee. Key secondary end points included ORR assessed by the investigators, complete response rate, duration of response, and safety.

RESULTS

At the data cutoff (February 23, 2022), 80 patients were enrolled and followed for a median of 18.7 months. At baseline, 54 (67.5%) had stage IV disease and 39 (48.8%) had received ≥2 lines of prior systemic therapy. Independent radiologic review committee–assessed ORR was 44.9% (95% CI, 33.6 to 56.6); 28 (35.9%) patients achieved a complete response and seven (9.0%) achieved a partial response, with a 12-month duration of response rate of 82.5% (95% CI, 62.0 to 92.6). Investigator-assessed ORR was 45.6% (95% CI, 34.3 to 57.2), and 24 (30.4%) patients achieved a complete response. Most treatment-emergent adverse events were grade 1-2 in severity, and grade ≥ 3 events were reported in 32 (40.0%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Sugemalimab showed robust and durable antitumor activity in R/R ENKTL. Treatment was well tolerated with expected safety profile for this drug class.
Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Postoperative Delirium in Procedures of Moderate-to-High Complexity: A Hospital-Registry Study
Authors: Wagner Soeren , Ahrens Elena , Wachtendorf Luca J. , Suleiman Aiman , Tartler Tim M. , Shay Denys , Azimaraghi Omid , Munoz-Acuna Ricardo , Chen Guanqing , Ma Haobo , Eikermann Matthias , Schaefer Maximilian S.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience chronic sleep disturbances and desaturation, factors that have been associated with postoperative delirium and that can be aggravated after anesthesia for complex procedures. We investigated whether OSA is associated with delirium after anesthesia, and whether this association is modified by procedural complexity.

METHODS:

Hospitalized patients ≥60 years who underwent general anesthesia or procedural sedation for procedures of moderate-to-high complexity between 2009 and 2020 at a tertiary health care network in Massachusetts were included. The primary exposure was OSA, defined based on International Classification of Diseases (Ninth/Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification) (ICD-9/10-CM) diagnostic codes, structured nursing interviews, anesthesia alert notes, and a validated risk score (BOSTN [body mass index, observed apnea, snoring, tiredness, and neck circumference]). The primary end point was delirium within 7 days after the procedure. Multivariable logistic regression and effect modification analyses adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and procedural factors were applied.

RESULTS:

A total of 46,352 patients were included, of which 1694 patients (3.7%) developed delirium, 537 (3.2%) with OSA, and 1,157 (4.0%) without OSA. In adjusted analyses, OSA was not associated with postprocedural delirium in the overall cohort (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–1.20; P = .35). However, a high procedural complexity modified the primary association (P value for interaction = .002). OSA patients had a higher risk of delirium after high-complexity procedures (≥40 work relative value units) such as cardiac (ORadj, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.08–1.64; P = .007, P value for interaction = .005) or thoracic surgery (ORadj, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.19–3.00; P = .007, P value for interaction = .009), but no increased risk after moderate complexity procedures, including general surgery (ORadj, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.55–1.35; P = .52).

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared to non-OSA patients, a history of OSA is associated with a higher risk after high-complexity procedures such as cardiac or thoracic surgery but not after procedures of moderate complexity.
Trapped yet Free inside the Tube: Supramolecular Chemistry of Molecular Peapods
Authors: Matsuno Taisuke , Isobe Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

Supramolecular composites of carbon nanotubes and trapped fullerenes are known as peapods, and the structures of the “peapods” have been diversified by trapping many other entities in the cylindrical nanospaces. By using the molecular segments of carbon nanotubes, we have explored the supramolecular chemistries of discrete molecular peapods exhibiting atomically precise structures. In this Account, the supramolecular molecular peapod chemistry investigated in our group is reviewed. Although the peapods are assembled by weak intermolecular interactions such as van der Waals interactions and CH-π hydrogen bonds, the association force can be so tight that it results in an association constant of 1012 M−1 in solution owing to the presence of multiple interactions. These multiple interactions also enable dynamic motions of the tightly trapped guests either in the solution phase or in the solid state. The solid-state dynamic motions of the molecular peapods are particularly anomalous and can take place with ultrafast rotational frequencies in the inertial regime.
Globalization and Pandemics
Authors: Antràs Pol , Redding Stephen J. , Rossi-Hansberg Esteban
Published: March 2023

We provide theory and evidence on the relationship between globalization and pandemics. Business travel facilitates trade and travel leads to human interactions that transmit disease. Trade-motivated travel generates an epidemiological externality across countries. If infections lead to deaths, or reduce individual labor supply, we establish a general equilibrium social distancing effect, whereby increases in relative prices in unhealthy countries reduce travel to those countries. If agents internalize the threat of infection, we show that their behavioral responses lead to a reduction in travel that is larger for higher-trade-cost locations, which initially reduces the ratio of trade to output. (JEL D91, F14, F60, I12, N30, N70, Z31)
The Matching Multiplier and the Amplification of Recessions
Authors: Patterson Christina
Published: March 2023

This paper shows that the unequal incidence of recessions in the labor market amplifies aggregate shocks. Using administrative data from the United States, I document a positive covariance between workers' marginal propensities to consume (MPCs) and their elasticities of earnings to GDP, which is a key moment for a new class of heterogeneous-agent models. I define the matching multiplier as the increase in the multiplier stemming from this matching of high MPC workers to more cyclical jobs. I show that this covariance is large enough to increase the aggregate MPC by 20 percent over an equal exposure benchmark. (JEL E21, E23, E24, E32)
The identification of high-performing antibodies for Profilin-1 for use in Western blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence
Authors: Ayoubi Riham , McDowell Ian , Fotouhi Maryam , Southern Kathleen , McPherson Peter S. , Laflamme Carl ,   NeuroSGC/YCharOS/EDDU collaborative group,   ABIF Consortium
Published: March 2023

Profilin-1, a member of the Profilin family, is a ubiquitously expressed protein that controls actin polymerization in a concentration-dependent manner. As mutations in the Profilin-1 gene have potential implications in neurodegenerative disease progression, well-characterized anti-Profilin-1 antibodies would be beneficial to the scientific community. In this study, we characterized sixteen Profilin-1 commercial antibodies for Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence applications, using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. We identified many high-performing antibodies and encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibody for their specific needs.
Impact of dexamethasone on persistent symptoms of COVID-19: an observational study
Authors: Milne Alice , Maskell Samuel , Sharp Charles , Hamilton Fergus W. , Arnold David T.
Published: March 2023

Background: Dexamethasone has been shown to reduce mortality for patients hospitalised with acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. However, a significant proportion of patients suffer persistent symptoms following COVID-19 and little is known about the longer-term impact of this intervention on symptom burden.

Methods: Patients initially hospitalised with COVID-19 were prospectively recruited to an observational study (April-August 2020) with follow-up at 8 months (Dec 2020-April 2021) post-admission. A review of ongoing symptoms using a standardised systems-based proforma was performed alongside health-related quality of life assessment. In the UK, patients with COVID-19 (requiring oxygen) only received dexamethasone following the pre-print of the RECOVERY trial (June 2020), or as part of randomisation to that trial, allowing for a comparison between patients treated and not treated with dexamethasone.

Results: Between April to August 2020, 198 patients were recruited to this observational study. 87 required oxygen and were followed up at 8-months, so were eligible for this analysis. Of these 39 received an inpatient course of dexamethasone (cases) and 48 did not (controls). The groups were well matched at baseline in terms of age, comorbidity and frailty score. Over two-thirds of patients reported at least 1 ongoing symptom at 8-month follow-up. Patients in the dexamethasone group reported fewer symptoms (n=73, 1.9 per patient) than the non-dexamethasone group (n=152, 3.2 per patient) (p = 0.01).

Conclusions: In conclusion, in this case-control observational study, patients who received oral dexamethasone for hospitalised COVID-19 were less likely to experience persistent symptoms at 8-month follow-up. These are reassuring results for physicians administering dexamethasone to this patient group.
Chemical modulation of Schistosoma mansoni lysine specific demethylase 1 (SmLSD1) induces wide-scale biological and epigenomic changes
Authors: Padalino Gilda , Celatka Cassandra A. , Rienhoff Jr. Hugh Y. , Kalin Jay H. , Cole Philip A. , Lassalle Damien , Forde-Thomas Josephine , Chalmers Iain W. , Brancale Andrea , Grunau Christoph , Hoffmann Karl F.
Published: March 2023

Background: Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm species responsible for the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, undergoes strict developmental regulation of gene expression that is carefully controlled by both genetic and epigenetic processes. As inhibition of S. mansoni epigenetic machinery components impairs key transitions throughout the parasite’s digenetic lifecycle, a greater understanding of how epi-drugs affect molecular processes in schistosomes could lead to the development of new anthelmintics.

Methods:  In vitro whole organism assays were used to assess the anti-schistosomal activity of 39 Homo sapiens Lysine Specific Demethylase 1 (HsLSD1) inhibitors on different parasite life cycle stages. Moreover, tissue-specific stains and genomic analysis shed light on the effect of these small molecules on the parasite biology.

Results: Amongst this collection of small molecules, compound 33 was the most potent in reducing ex vivo viabilities of schistosomula, juveniles, miracidia and adults. At its sub-lethal concentration to adults (3.13 µM), compound 33 also significantly impacted oviposition, ovarian as well as vitellarian architecture and gonadal/neoblast stem cell proliferation. ATAC-seq analysis of adults demonstrated that compound 33 significantly affected chromatin structure (intragenic regions > intergenic regions), especially in genes differentially expressed in cell populations (e.g., germinal stem cells, hes2+ stem cell progeny, S1 cells and late female germinal cells) associated with these ex vivo phenotypes. KEGG analyses further highlighted that chromatin structure of genes associated with sugar metabolism as well as TGF-beta and Wnt signalling were also significantly perturbed by compound 33 treatment.

Conclusions: This work confirms the importance of histone methylation in S. mansoni lifecycle transitions, suggesting that evaluation of LSD1 - targeting epi-drugs may facilitate the search for next-generation anti-schistosomal drugs. The ability of compound 33 to modulate chromatin structure as well as inhibit parasite survival, oviposition and stem cell proliferation warrants further investigations of this compound and its epigenetic target SmLSD1.
Review: Desire After Dark
Authors: Coker Cait
Published: March 2023

Review of Andrew J. Owens, Desire After Dark: Contemporary Queer Cultures and Occultly Marvelous Media.
Determining the Need for Library Support of Digital Humanities
Authors: Shelley Anne
Published: March 2023

The library is a natural driver for discussions about digital humanities. Work in the digital humanities is inherently interdisciplinary, and a recognized purpose of the library is to serve all disciplines on campus in terms of research support and physical space. The library is a place for collaboration and experimentation. It is the keeper of materials—particularly unique and rare—used by humanities researchers. It has years of experience creating and sustaining digital collections. As modes of scholarship change on campus, the library strives to provide services, technology, collections, spaces, and expertise relevant to the current needs of faculty and students. In spring 2019, the library at Illinois State University convened a task force of teaching faculty and librarians to investigate the campus’s current activities and interest in digital humanities, and from that, determine the types and levels of library support needed. This poster describes the task force's goals, process, and strategies, including but not including but not limited to environmental scans, results of a faculty survey and focus group interviews, and deliverable (white paper submitted to library administration).
Book Reviews
Authors: Shen Wenjing
Published: March 2023

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. The editor will be pleased to receive an email from those willing to review a book with an indication of specific areas of interest. If you are aware of a specific book that you would like to review or that you think should be reviewed, please contact the editor. The following books are reviewed in this issue of INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics: The Spirit of Green: The Economics of Collisions and Contagions in a Crowded World (author: William D. Nordhaus; reviewer: Amitrajeet A. Batabyal) and Supply Chain Scheduling (authors: Zhi-Long Chen and Nicholas G. Hall; reviewer: Chelliah Sriskandarajah).
Come Together, Right Now? An Empirical Study of Collaborations in the Music Industry
Authors: Deshmane Abhishek , Martínez-de-Albéniz Victor
Published: March 2023

Artist collaborations in music have been on the rise, and they tend to produce commercially and critically successful songs. We seek to uncover the effect of these collaborative projects on career trajectories and identify the factors that lift an artist’s profile in the short and long term. We develop a theory of collaboration based on the transfer of capital between the collaborating artists that facilitates spillovers across time. To validate the theory, we use weekly radio plays of individual songs across 25 European countries between the years 2011 to 2018, together with a multiattribute Spotify data set of songs and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions in relation to artist origins. We create pairs of similar artists who released a collaboration and a solo song in the same week and measure the impact of collaborations based on the difference-in-differences methodology. We find that releasing a collaboration song, in comparison with a solo song, increases the number of plays of an artist in the future by +4.6%. This lift can be broken down into +9.6% for the current song and +7.7% for subsequently released songs, whereas past songs are unaffected. The effect is moderated by the difference in economic, social, and cultural capitals and is significantly larger when one’s partner has higher economic and social capital or is highly dissimilar along the cultural dimension. Our theoretical and empirical exploration of such strategic alliances uncovers several underlying mechanisms at play in the success of these pairings and can serve as the basis for future work targeted at prescriptive contributions.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, operations management.

Funding: The research was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación) [Grant Ref. PID2020-116135GB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4743 .
Accounts and Accountability: On Organizational Purpose, Organizational Identity, and Meaningful Work
Authors: Pratt Michael G. , Hedden Luke N.
Published: March 2023

The recent rediscovery of corporate purpose has illuminated how much more we still need to understand about purpose and its role in organizations. After tracing the historical roots of purpose and conceptualizing its unique value in bridging the mundane and the moral in organizational life, we propose links among purpose and organizational identity, image and reputation, as well as with meaningful work. These linkages suggest two core functions of purpose: a vehicle for accountability (internal and external) and a source of accounts and justifications. These functions serve as mechanisms connecting purpose to different levels of analysis both within and outside of the organization. We also highlight potential impediments to maximizing the benefits of purpose: stakeholder cynicism and employee disillusionment. We conclude by suggesting new areas of research to overcome these impediments and to better establish purpose as a root construct in organizational scholarship.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Strategy Science Special Issue on Corporate Purpose.
Joint precoding and power allocation in a FSO channel with signal-dependent noise
Authors: Feng Renhai , Kong Jingtian , Guo Xinchun , Wang Jiang , Xie Sheng
Published: March 2023

To enhance the throughput of visible light communication (VLC), this
paper investigates precoding and power allocation jointly in a free
space optical channel with signal-dependent noise (SDN-FSO). With the
presence of SDN from a light source, a more realistic multi-user
multiple-input single-output (MU-MISO) VLC channel model is
introduced. First, based on the entropy power inequality, a capacity
bound for the SDN-FSO channel is derived under a MU-MISO scenario.
Second, due to the nonnegativity of SDN-FSO input, a zero forcing
constraint is introduced to alleviate multi-user interference. Third,
from the perspective of resource allocation, min-max and total power
budget constraints are taken into consideration. A non-convex joint
optimization problem is formulated and divided into two subproblems,
i.e., the precoding subproblem and power allocation subproblem.
Moreover, an iterative algorithm based on a concave and convex program
and a simplified high signal-to-noise ratio approximation method are
iteratively implemented in the precoding subproblem. For the power
allocation subproblem, successive convex approximation is employed to
ensure its optimality. Simulation results indicate that the proposed
joint optimization methods can converge after about two iterations and
accomplish a throughput improvement of up to 1∼3nats/s/Hz as compared with the benchmarks for
four different spacing scenarios. When channel state information is
interfered with noise, the proposed methods still demonstrate their
superior performance with varying degrees of noise.
Out of focus ultrafast processing of metals for reduced secondary electron yield
Authors: Uren Robin , Din A. , Wackerow S. , Bez E. , Pfeiffer S. , Rimoldi M. , Himmerlich M. , Taborelli M. , Abdolvand A.
Published: March 2023

We have demonstrated out-of-focus ultrafast pulsed laser processing of copper with a variable working distance, without the need for mechanical movement. This was achieved by employing a diffractive optical element. The method has been demonstrated in a practical application to reduce the secondary electron yield (SEY) of copper to below 1.3. We show that using an extended focus element not only increases the consistency of processing across a range of working distances, but also changes the topography of the produced structures, reducing the SEY. This presented approach shows promise in facilitating the Large Hadron Collider’s (LHC’s) upcoming high luminosity upgrade by preventing electron clouds.
Magneto-optic spectrometer and filter based upon tandem vapor cell dispersion in atomic cesium
Authors: Vance J. D.
Published: March 2023

A magneto-optic spectrometer based upon dispersion associated with the 852 nm absorption line in atomic cesium vapor is demonstrated with high frequency resolution appropriate for measuring motion (Doppler shift). The spectrometer measures frequency without depletion of signal from atomic absorption, and has an 11% total signal extinction from the optic elements of which it is constructed. Also demonstrated is an optical filter with a high transmission region that coincides with the operating range of the spectrometer useful for blocking background light. Possible applications may include ground based LIDAR for long range targets such as space debris and free space optical communication.