bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of multi-sample 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing for the diagnosis of postoperative bone and joint infections during antimicrobial treatment
Authors: Wallander Katja , Vondracek Martin , Giske Christian G.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Clinicians worldwide struggle to identify the bacterial aetiology of bone and joint infections. Failure to unequivocally identify the pathogen is linked to poor clinical outcomes. We explored the added value of analysing multiple samples per patient with 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequencing in diagnosing postoperative bone and joint infections. All patients had received antimicrobials prior to sampling, and false-negative cultures could be suspected. Bone biopsies obtained from patients with postoperative bone and joint infections for cultures were also subjected to 16S rDNA sequencing.

Results

In 5/28 infectious episodes, sequencing identified the causative organism of the infection when cultures failed. In 8/28 episodes, the methods led to different results, potentially leading to different antimicrobial choices. The analysis of multiple samples per patient helped rule out potential contaminating pathogens. We conclude that 16S rDNA sequencing has diagnostic value for patients receiving antibiotic treatment. We regard the method as a complement to culturing when the cultures are negative. Multiple samples per patient should be analysed to determine the clinical significance of positive findings.
RNA-Seq analysis of gene expression in 25 cases of canine lymphoma undergoing CHOP chemotherapy
Authors: Mee Miles W. , Faulkner Sydney , Wood Geoffrey A. , Woods J. Paul , Bienzle Dorothee , Coomber Brenda L.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Canine lymphoma, the most common hematological cancer in dogs, shares many molecular and clinical characteristics with human Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The standard treatment for canine lymphoma is “CHOP” multiagent chemotherapy protocol consisting of Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin (Hydroxydaunorubicin), Vincristine (Oncovin™), and Prednisone. Approximately 70–85% of patients treated with CHOP achieve clinical remission. However, duration of remission varies and the majority of dogs eventually relapse. To identify possible biomarkers for patients failing to achieve remission, we performed RNA-Seq analysis on 25 cases of canine lymphoma obtained prior the start of their CHOP therapy regime and assessed gene expression associated with patient progression free survival (PFS).

Data description

The data consists of (1) raw RNA-Seq reads in 75 bp fastq format from fine needle aspirate samples of enlarged lymph nodes from canine patients with naturally occurring lymphoma; (2) Fragments Per Kilobase Million (FPKM) values for each sample; (3) raw transcript counts for each sample; (4) anonymized patient details including PFS; (5) heat map of gene expression and (6) Cox proportional hazard analysis showing significantly expressed genes. These data may be useful for comparative analysis of gene expression in human NHL and analysis of gene expression associated with disease outcome in canine lymphoma.
Outcome of a de-labelling algorithm compared with results of penicillin (β-lactam) allergy testing
Authors: Schrüfer Philipp , Stoevesandt Johanna , Trautmann Axel
Published: March 2022

Background

Penicillin allergy labels frequently impede guideline-directed treatment with a penicillin or other β-lactam antibiotics. Despite presumed allergy, targeted questioning may indicate a low probability of sensitization and permit reasonably safe administration of the antibiotic in question. In this study, we evaluated a standardized algorithm aiming to differentiate non-allergic patients from those with true allergic β-lactam hypersensitivity.

Methods

We retrospectively applied a de-labelling algorithm in 800 consecutive patients with suspected β-lactam hypersensitivity. All had undergone complete allergy work-up permitting to definitely exclude or diagnose β-lactam allergy between 2009 and 2019.

Results

In 595 (74.4%) out of 800 cases evaluated, β-lactam allergy could be excluded by negative challenge testing. IgE-mediated anaphylaxis was diagnosed in 70 (8.7%) patients, delayed-type hypersensitivity in 135 (16.9%). In 62 (88.6%) anaphylaxis cases, the algorithm correctly advised to use an alternative antibiotic. Accuracy was higher in patients with moderate to severe anaphylaxis (97.7%) compared to those with a history of mild reactions (73.1%). The algorithm correctly identified 122 (90.4%) patients with proven delayed-type hypersensitivity. It permitted de-labelling in 330 (55.5%) out of 595 patients with diagnostic exclusion of penicillin hypersensitivity, but failed to identify the remaining 265 (44.5%) as low-risk cases.

Conclusions

The algorithm detected 89.8% of cases with penicillin (β-lactam) allergy, sensitivity was optimal for moderate to severe anaphylaxis. Study data justify the implementation of a standardized de-labelling algorithm under close supervision in order to permit guideline-directed treatment and reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics as part of an antibiotic stewardship program.
Allergy-related outcomes and sleep-related disorders in adults: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Xi Yang , Deng Yu-Qin , Chen Shi-Ming , Kong Yong-Gang , Xu Yu , Li Fen , Jiao Wo-Er , Lu Gan , Tao Ze-Zhang
Published: March 2022

Background

Epidemiological evidence between the sleep disorders and allergy-related outcomes is limited.

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the relationship between sleep disorders and allergy-related outcomes in adults.

Methods

We built logistic regression models to examine the associations between sleep disorders and allergy-related outcomes in adult participants using the 2005–2006 NHANES database. Allergy-related outcomes included sIgE levels, asthma, hay fever, sneezing, wheezing, and eczema. Sleep disorders included sleep latency, sleep length, sleep problems, OSA symptoms, and daytime sleepiness. A t-test was used for between-group comparisons.

Results

Participants with OSA symptoms had 2.72 × higher odds of experiencing hay fever and 1.54 × higher odds of having eczema compared to Non-OSA symptoms participants. Participants with insufficient sleep (≤ 6 h/night) had 1.27 × higher odds of developing allergic sensitisation compared to participants with adequate sleep (7–8 h/night). Sneezing was positively associated with sleep problems (OR: 1.706; 95% CI 1.386, 2.099), OSA symptoms (OR: 1.297; 95% CI 1.049, 1.605), and daytime sleepiness (OR: 1.569; 95% CI 1.205, 2.04).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a positive association between allergy-related outcomes and sleep disorders. In particular, OSA symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and sleep problems are strongly associated with allergic conditions.

Graphical Abstract
What radiologists need to know about patients’ expectations: P.A.T.I.E.N.T.S C.A.R.E.R.S A.I.M.S
Authors:   European Society of Radiology (ESR), Carrié Dominique , Cruwys Cheryl , Brady Adrian , Bauer Birgit , England Andrew , Traykova Nikoleta , Justich Caroline , Briers Erik , Birch Judy , Bargalló Alabart Núria , Rockall Andrea , Karantanas Apostolos , Catalano Carlo
Published: March 2022

The Patient Advisory Group (PAG) of the European Society of Radiology aims to highlight, in this short paper, patients’ expectations from the radiological community and support workers, throughout the patient’s medical imaging journey for completion of diagnostic or interventional examinations. In order to maintain constant awareness of patients’ expectations, key expectations have been summarised in an easy-to-remember mnemonic: PATIENTS CARERS AIMS.

Due to disparate healthcare systems and medical imaging services in Europe, not all patient expectations can be systematically met, but healthcare providers should be mindful, when setting up new operational procedures, of the need to focus on patient-centred needs and care. At times when new or improved technology is being introduced, such as artificial intelligence applications, telemedicine, robotisation of interventional procedures and digitised records, the impact on radiologist–patient communication and interactions should be considered.
Development of a segregation method to sort fast-grown Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden plantation trees and logs for higher quality structural timber products
Authors: Balasso Michelle , Hunt Mark , Jacobs Andrew , O’Reilly-Wapstra Julianne
Published: March 2022

Key message

A method to segregate trees and logs of planted Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden has been developed, showing that accounting for wood quality during the process of segregation and sorting of timber resources allows for the recovery of structural timber of the desired quality.

Context

Appropriate sorting of raw forest resources is necessary to allocate logs to different production streams, to ensure that the desired quality of timber is achieved. Acoustic wave velocity can be used to test the wood quality of trees and logs, and its use as a sorting tool needs to be investigated prior to the development of a segregation method to recover high-quality timber.

Aims

This study aimed to develop a segregation methodology for plantation E. nitens trees and logs to obtain high-quality structural boards.

Methods

Forty-nine logs of planted E. nitens were measured, assessed with acoustic wave velocity, and processed into 268 structural boards maintaining board, log, and tree identity. Board stiffness was determined via structural testing and boards were ranked in structural grades. Linear mixed effect models were used to predict board stiffness based on tree and log variables, and machine learning decision trees were used to create a segregation method for board grades. Different segregation options were compared through scenario simulation.

Results

The prediction of individual board stiffness with tree or log variables yielded low coefficients of variation due to large intra-log variability (R2 = 0.22 for tree variables and R2 = 0.28 for log variables). However, the decision tree identified acoustic wave velocity thresholds to segregate E. nitens trees and logs. When applied in scenario simulation, segregation based on log variables produced the best results, resulting in large shares of high-quality board grades, showing that a segregation method based on wood quality traits can yield larger higher recovery of higher quality timber, in respect to other scenarios.

Conclusion

Acoustic wave velocity can be used to segregate trees and logs for structural boards from plantation E. nitens, and machine learning decision trees can support the development of a segregation method to determine operational thresholds to increase the recovery of high-quality timber.
Automatic kidney segmentation using 2.5D ResUNet and 2.5D DenseUNet for malignant potential analysis in complex renal cyst based on CT images
Authors: Kittipongdaja Parin , Siriborvornratanakul Thitirat
Published: March 2022

Bosniak renal cyst classification has been widely used in determining the complexity of a renal cyst. However, it turns out that about half of patients undergoing surgery for Bosniak category III, take surgical risks that reward them with no clinical benefit at all. This is because their pathological results reveal that the cysts are actually benign not malignant. This problem inspires us to use recently popular deep learning techniques and study alternative analytics methods for precise binary classification (benign or malignant tumor) on Computerized Tomography (CT) images. To achieve our goal, two consecutive steps are required–segmenting kidney organs or lesions from CT images then classifying the segmented kidneys. In this paper, we propose a study of kidney segmentation using 2.5D ResUNet and 2.5D DenseUNet for efficiently extracting intra-slice and inter-slice features. Our models are trained and validated on the public data set from Kidney Tumor Segmentation (KiTS19) challenge in two different training environments. As a result, all experimental models achieve high mean kidney Dice scores of at least 95% on the KiTS19 validation set consisting of 60 patients. Apart from the KiTS19 data set, we also conduct separate experiments on abdomen CT images of four Thai patients. Based on the four Thai patients, our experimental models show a drop in performance, where the best mean kidney Dice score is 87.60%.
What is the effect on antibiotic resistant genes of chlorine disinfection in drinking water supply systems? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Ghordouei Milan Esfandiar , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Nabizadeh Ramin , Alimohammadi Mahmood
Published: March 2022

Background

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) usually enter water sources in different ways, such as via municipal and hospital wastewaters. Because conventional technologies used to treat water inefficient in removing these contaminants (especially antibiotic-resistant genes; ARGs), these contaminants easily enter drinking water distribution networks and pose serious threats to consumers’ health. This study’s main purpose is to systematically investigate the effect of chlorine disinfection on ARGs in drinking water supply systems. This study could play an important role in elucidating the effect of chlorine disinfection on ARGs.

Methods

The systematic review outlining this protocol will be performed according to the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE) guidelines. The main question is, “what is the effect of chlorine disinfection on ARGs in drinking water supply systems?” For this purpose, the articles will be considered, in which chlorine’s effect on ARGs is investigated. The search includes electronic resources, grey literature, and related websites. Electronic resources include Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Science Direct. After the final search, the obtained articles will be collected in the reference management software (Endnote X8). Upon removing the duplicate articles, the first stage of article screening will be performed based on the title and abstract the articles. In the second stage, the articles obtained from the first screening stage will be screened based on the full text of the articles based on the eligibility criteria. Then, two members of the expert team extract the data. To assess the validity of the articles, bias sources will be determined by an expert team. Biases will be defined according to the criteria designed by Bilotta et al. Finally, a narrative synthesis will be performed for the extracted data; if appropriate data are available, quantitative analysis will also be performed.
Impact of Mixing Methods and Cement Dosage on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cement-Stabilized Macadam
Authors: Zhao Kaiyin , Zhao Lijun , Hou Jinru , Feng Zhongxu , Jiang Wenzhi
Published: March 2022

The technology of vibratory mixing has been applied to improve the compressive strength of cement-stabilized macadam (CSM). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of vibration acceleration and cement dosage on the unconfined compressive strength and density of CSM. The mixtures with four cement dosages (2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) were prepared by conventional mixing (0 g) and vibratory mixing (1 g, 2 g, and 3.5 g). The unconfined compressive strength was tested under different mixing methods. And the microstructure of CSM was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. The results indicate that samples using vibratory mixing have higher strengths, lower coefficient of variation, and denser microstructures, compared with the conventional compulsory mixing. Compared with 15% in conventional mixing, the strength variable coefficient of CSM is less than 10% in the vibratory mixing method. As the cement dosage and the vibration acceleration increase, the unconfined compressive strength increases. However, cement dosage has a more significant influence on improving the unconfined compressive strength than the mixing method. With the increase of every 1% in cement dosage, the 7-day strength of conventional mixing and in vibratory mixing average increased by 59% and 38%, respectively. However, the maximum improvement rate of the UCS value is 20–56.7% when vibration acceleration increased from 0 to 1 g. Especially when cement dosage is high, the effect of vibratory mixing on improving strength is limited. Besides, vibratory mixing reduces the original cement dosage by over 1.6% with the qualified unconfined compressive strength at vibration acceleration of 2 g, which is recommended in construction practice.
Self-care practice among adult hypertensive patients at ambulatory clinic of tertiary teaching Hospital in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Melaku Tsegaye , Bayisa Bodena , Fekeremaryam Helen , Feyissa Alemayehu , Gutasa Alemayehu
Published: March 2022

Background

Globally, hypertension is a major public health problem and a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease complications. To reduce and prevent complications from hypertension, it is important to adapt self-care behaviors. This study aimed to assess the self-care practices of adult hypertensive patients at a tertiary teaching hospital in Ethiopia.

Methods

A health facility-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma Medical Center in Ethiopia between February 2021 and July 2021. Binary and logistic regression was performed to assess the strength of associations between independent and dependent variables. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for social science (SPSS) software version 22.0. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.

Results

From a total of 422 respondents included to the study, male accounted 55.7% and the mean ± SD age of the respondents was 58.7 ± 9.75 years. About 53.1% of patients had poor self-care practices toward hypertension. Not attending formal education [AOR = 2.15; 95% CI (1.74, 6.39); p ≤ 0.001], uncontrolled blood pressure [AOR = 2.14 95% CI (1.27, 3.61); p = 0.003], chronic disease co-morbidity [AOR = 1.48; 95% CI (0.25, 7.73); p ≤ 0.001], unfavorable attitude toward hypertension[AOR = 3.13; 95% CI (1.95, 7.52); p ≤ 0.001], and poor social support [AOR = 2.75; 95% CI (1.45, 6.43); p ≤ 0.001] were independent predictors of poor self-care practice.

Conclusion

The level of self-care practices for hypertension in the study area was low. In particular, the level of adherence to the DASH diet, exercise, and weight control was very low. Patient-specific targeted interventions are required to improve self-care practices for hypertension.
Spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in a woman with an intrathecal baclofen pump
Authors: Allen Heath , Komatsu Ryu , El-Omrani Hani
Published: March 2022

Background

Intrathecal baclofen pumps are commonly used for the management of lower extremity spasticity in the setting of spinal cord injury. There have been no reports of the performance of spinal anesthesia in patients with a pre-existing intrathecal baclofen pump.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old parturient presented for cesarean section. She had a history of spinal cord injury due to fractures of the thoracic vertebrae with lower extremity spasticity, which had been treated with an intrathecal baclofen pump inserted through lumbar (L) 3-L4 intervertebral space. Preoperative lumbosacral ultrasound was performed to identify the L4-5 interspace, and spinal anesthesia was performed through that space with a 25-gauge 3.5-inch-long Whitacre spinal needle. Thoracic (T) 4 dermatomal level anesthesia was achieved, and the patient underwent the cesarean section without requiring additional intravenous analgesic adjuncts.

Conclusions

Spinal anesthesia can be successfully performed in patients with intrathecal baclofen pumps. Existing intrathecal catheters can be located with preoperative imaging, and ultrasound can be used to determine the vertebral levels below the intrathecal catheter through which spinal anesthesia can be performed safely.
Gene expression trend changes in breast cancer populations over two decades: insights from The Cancer Genome Atlas database
Authors: Wu Jinbo , Liu Hongjun , Hu Taobo , Wang Shu
Published: March 2022

Background

Breast cancer has remained the most common malignancy in women over the past two decades. As lifestyle and living environments have changed, alterations to the disease spectrum have inevitably occurred in this time. As molecular profiling has become a routine diagnostic and objective indicator of breast cancer etiology, we analyzed changes in gene expression in breast cancer populations over two decades using The Cancer Genome Atlas database.

Methods

We performed Heatmap and Venn diagram analyses to identify constantly up- and down-regulated genes in breast cancer patients of this cohort. We used Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses to visualize associated functional pathways.

Results

We determined that three oncogenes, PD-L2, ETV5, and MTOR and 113 long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) were constantly up-regulated, whereas two oncogenes, BCR and GTF2I, one tumor suppression gene MEN1, and 30 lincRNAs were constantly down-regulated. Up-regulated genes were enriched in “focal adhesion” and “PI3K-Akt signaling” pathways, etc., and down-regulated genes were significantly enriched in “metabolic pathways” and “viral myocarditis”. Eight up-regulated genes exhibited doubled or higher expression and the expression of three down-regulated genes was halved or lowered and correlated with long-term survival.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that gene expression and molecular pathway enrichments are constantly changing with time, importantly, some altered genes were associated with prognostics and are potential therapeutic targets, suggesting that the current molecular subtyping system must be updated to keep pace with this dynamic change.
Learning analytics to develop future competences in higher education: a case study
Authors: Kleimola Riina , Leppisaari Irja
Published: March 2022

Higher education institutions are challenged to develop innovative educational solutions to meet the competence development requirements set by the emerging future. This qualitative case study aims to identify the future competences considered important for higher education students to acquire during their studies and how the development of these competences can be supported with learning analytics. Reflection on these issues is based on three dimensions (subject development, object, and social environment) of future competences. A special emphasis is placed on the views of 19 teaching professionals gathered from group interviews and analyzed through a qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate that subject development-related future competences, such as reflective competence, self-awareness and self-management, learning literacy, and personal agency and self-efficacy were strongly identified as necessary future competences. The potential of learning analytics to support their development was also widely recognized as it provides means to reflect on learning and competence development and increase one’s self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses. In addition, learning analytics was considered to promote goal-orientation, metacognition and learning to learn, active engagement as well as learning confidence. To deal with complex topics and tasks, students should also acquire object-related competences, such as changeability and digital competence. In addition, they need cooperation and communication competence as well as a developmental mindset to operate successfully in social environments. The use of learning analytics to support most of these object and social environment-related competences was considered promising as it enables the wide exploitation of digital tools and systems, the analysis and visualization of social interactions, and the formation of purposeful learning groups and communal development practices. However, concrete ways of applying learning analytics were largely unacknowledged. This study provides useful insights on the relationship of important future competences and learning analytics while expanding on previous research and conceptual modelling. The findings support professionals working at higher education institutions in facilitating successful conditions for the development of future competences and in advancing purposeful use of learning analytics.
Australian Cancer Physicians and the Pharmaceutical Industry: A Survey of Attitudes and Interactions
Authors: Pokorny Adrian M.J. , Moynihan Ray , Fox Peter , Karikios Deme J. , Bero Lisa A. , Mintzes Barbara J.
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE:

Interactions between cancer physicians and the pharmaceutical industry may create conflicts of interest that can adversely affect patient care. We aimed to survey cancer physicians regarding their attitudes toward and interactions with industry.

METHODS:

We surveyed Australian cancer physicians between December 2020 and February 2021, questioning how often they interacted with industry and their attitudes toward this. We also assessed factors associated with accepting payments from industry and the amount received, and opinions on policies and industry influence. We used logistic and linear regression to examine links between attitudes and behaviors.

RESULTS:

There were 116 responses (94 complete). Almost half (n = 53 of 115, 46.1%) felt that there was a positive relationship between cancer physicians and industry. Most (n = 79 of 104, 76.0%) interacted with industry at least once a month, and 67.7% (n = 63 of 93) had received nonresearch payments from industry previously, with a median value of 2,000 Australian dollars over 1 year. Most respondents believed that interactions could influence prescribing while simultaneously denying influence on their own prescribing (n = 66 of 94, 70.2%). Those who judged general sales representative interactions (odds ratio [OR] 9.37 [95% CI, 1.05 to 83.41], P = .045) or clinician sponsorship (OR 3.22 [95% CI, 1.01 to 10.30], P = .049) to be more acceptable also met with sales representatives more frequently. Physicians were more likely to accept industry payments when they deemed sponsorship of clinicians for conferences (OR 10.55 [95% CI, 2.33 to 47.89], P = .002) or honoraria for advisory board membership more acceptable (OR 3.91 [95% CI, 1.04 to 14.74], P = .04) or when they had higher belief in industry influence over own prescribing (OR 25.51 [95% CI, 2.70 to 241.45], P = .005).

CONCLUSION:

Australian cancer physicians interact with industry frequently, and those who feel positive about these interactions are likely to do so more often. More research is needed to understand the motivations behind these interactions.
Nonlinear mapping between continuous- and discrete-time dynamics
Authors: Zhang Liang , Cai Chao-Ran , Zhang Ji-Qiang , Liu Xu-Sheng , Wang Chong-Yang , Wu Zhi-Xi
Published: March 2022

Linear mapping is widely used in dynamic modeling and empirical data analysis, but it suffers from the serious shortcoming that it does not work in the common case of time intervals being large. The fundamental cause of the failure is that the linear mapping does not take into account the coupling effects of multiple events within a discrete time interval. Here, we develop a theoretical framework to provide a nonlinear mapping between continuous- and discrete-time dynamics by accounting for the coupling effect. We have verified the effectiveness of our mapping by exploring classical susceptible-infected-susceptible and susceptible-infected-recovered models. In particular, we give a quantitative criterion that the sum of two transition probabilities —from one state to the other and vice versa— must be strictly less than 1 for binary-state dynamics.
The Results of Interfacetal Fusion Using Local Bone Combined With an Atlantoaxial Instrumentation
Authors: Oh Younggyu , Lee Byung-Jou , Lee Subum , Jeon Sang Ryong , Roh Sung Woo , Park Jin Hoon
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

Many studies have described different C1–2 fusion techniques that have evolved over time. We introduced an easy and effective C1–2 fusion technique using local bone chips combined with atlantoaxial instrumentation.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify the efficacy of interfacetal fusion using local bone combined with atlantoaxial instrumentation by assessment of clinical outcomes and fusion rate.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed the data from 25 patients who underwent atlantoaxial stabilization surgery using C1–2 pedicle screws and interfacetal bone fusion by a single surgeon between March 2012 and December 2019.

RESULTS:

The demographics were 15 men and 10 women with a mean age of 57.6 years (range, 27-85 years) at the time of surgery. Three patients underwent surgery for myelopathy due to os odontoideum, 9 for C1–2 instability, 9 for trauma, 3 for rheumatoid arthritis, and 1 for bony spur, C1–2. At 3 months postsurgery, 3 and 21 patients showed 2-point and 1-point improvements in the Nurick grade, respectively. There was no difference in the Nurick score in 1 patient. Seven patients had a computed tomography scan at 1 year after surgery, which revealed a bridging trabecular bone. No movement was observed in the x-ray flexion/extension view at 1 year after surgery in all patients. In addition, no patients complained of postoperative occipital neuralgia.

CONCLUSION:

This study showed that interfacetal fusion with C1–2 pedicle screws using the free-hand technique was efficient and simple.
Surgical Anatomy of the Middle Communicating Artery and Guidelines for Predicting the Feasibility of M2-M2 End-to-End Reimplantation
Authors: Abramov Irakliy , Belykh Evgenii , Loymak Thanapong , Srinivasan Visish M. , Labib Mohamed A. , Preul Mark C. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

M2-M2 end-to-end reimplantation that creates a middle communicating artery has recently been proposed as a reconstruction technique to treat complex aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery that are not amenable to clipping.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the surgical anatomy, define anatomic variables, and explore the feasibility of this bypass.

METHODS:

Sixteen cadaver heads were prepared for bypass simulation. After the middle cerebral artery bifurcation was approached, the proximal insular (M2) segments and perforators were explored. To define the maximal distance between the M2 segments that allows the bypass to be performed, the M2 segments were mobilized and reimplanted in an end-to-end fashion.

RESULTS:

Successful reimplantation was performed in all specimens. The mean maximal distance between the M2 segments to create the proposed reimplantation was 9.1 ± 3.2 mm. The mean vessel displacement was significantly greater for the superior (6.0 ± 2.3 mm) M2 segment than for the inferior (3.2 ± 1.4 mm) M2 segment (P < .001).

CONCLUSION:

In this cadaveric study, the stumps of the M2 segments located at a distance of ≤9.1 mm could be approximated to create a feasible M2-M2 end-to-end anastomosis. Intraoperative inspection of the M2 segments and their perforators could allow further assessment of the feasibility of the procedure before final revascularization decisions are made.
Safety and Feasibility of DTRAX Cervical Cages in the Atlantoaxial Joint for C1/2 Stabilization
Authors: Sommer Fabian , Kirnaz Sertac , Goldberg Jacob L. , McGrath Lynn B. , Schmidt Franziska , Gadjradj Pravesh , Medary Branden , Härtl Roger
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

Pathological changes in the atlantoaxial joint often lead to instability, pain, and neurological deterioration. One treatment option is the surgical stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint. In other areas of the spine, fusion rates have been improved by the introduction of an interbody cage. Our aim was to use cervical interbody spacers, originally designed to augment fusion across subaxial posterior cervical facets, to optimize the conditions for atlantoaxial fusion.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of implanting cervical cages in the atlantoaxial joint for C1/2 stabilization.

METHODS:

Our retrospective study evaluated patients who had undergone C1/2 cervical fusions by the Harms/Goel technique. This technique was modified by implanting a titanium cervical interbody spacer into the joint space. Mean overall pain, as measured by a 0 to 10 visual analog scale (VAS) and neurological outcomes were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. In addition, radiological outcomes were collected using follow-up imaging.

RESULTS:

Nine patients were included in this case series. The mean preoperative VAS for overall pain was 5.0 ± 4.0, which changed to a mean VAS of 2.0 ± 3.0 after an average follow-up period of 41.4 ± 20.4 (P = .043). All patients showed a bony fusion in our case series. None of the radiological imaging during follow-up showed screw loosening, hardware breakage, implant migration, or nonunion.

CONCLUSION:

The implantation of cervical titanium cages into the atlantoaxial joint in combination with posterior fixation appears to be a safe and effective method for achieving C1/2 fusion.
Transitions in development – an interview with Antonio Scialdone
Authors: Eve Alex
Published: March 2022

Antonio Scialdone is a Junior Group Leader at the Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, in Germany. Trained as a theoretical physicist, Antonio now uses multidisciplinary approaches, combining both computational methods and physical models, to study cellular decision making. We met Antonio over Teams to learn more about his experiences moving between different research fields and the transition to becoming a group leader.
Ppp4r3a deficiency leads to depression-like behaviors in mice by modulating the synthesis of synaptic proteins
Authors: Gao Fei , Liu Ai , Qi Xing , Wang Meitian , Chen Xiao , Wei Shijun , Gao Shang , Sun Yueqing , Sun Ping , Li Xi , Sun Wenjie , Li Jiangxia , Liu Qiji
Published: March 2022

Chronic stress is one of the main risk factors for the onset of major depressive disorder. Chronic unpredictable mild stress results in reduced expression of synaptic proteins and depression-like behaviors in rodent models. However, the upstream molecule that senses the demand for synaptic proteins and initiates their synthesis under chronic stress remains unknown. In this study, chronic unpredictable mild stress reduced the expression of PPP4R3A in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in mice. Selective knockout of Ppp4r3a in the cortex and hippocampus mimicked the depression- and anxiety-like behavioral effects of chronic stress in mice. Notably, Ppp4r3a deficiency led to downregulated mTORC1 signaling, which resulted in reduced synthesis of synaptic proteins and impaired synaptic functions. By contrast, overexpression of Ppp4r3a in the cortex and hippocampus protected against behavioral and synaptic deficits induced by chronic stress in a PPP4R3A–mTORC1-dependent manner. Rapamycin treatment of Ppp4r3a-overexpressing neurons blocked the regulatory effect of Ppp4r3a on the synthesis of synaptic proteins by directly inhibiting mTORC1. Overall, our results reveal a regulatory role of Ppp4r3a in driving synaptic protein synthesis in chronic stress.
Effects of prey density and flow speed on plankton feeding by garden eels: a flume study
Authors: Ishikawa Kota , Wu Heng , Mitarai Satoshi , Genin Amatzia
Published: March 2022

Feeding by zooplanktivorous fish depends on their foraging movements and the flux of prey to which they are exposed. While prey flux is a linear function of zooplankton density and flow speed, those two factors are expected to contribute differently to fish movements. Our objective was to determine the effects of these factors for garden eels, stationary fish that feed while anchored to the sandy bottom by keeping the posterior parts of their bodies inside a burrow. Using a custom-made flume with a sandy bottom, we quantified the effects of prey density and flow speed on feeding rates by spotted garden eels (Heteroconger hassi). Feeding rates increased linearly with prey density. However, feeding rates did not show a linear relationship with flow speed and decreased at 0.25 m s−1. Using label-free tracking of body points and 3D movement analysis, we found that the reduction in feeding rates was related to modulation of the eel's movements, whereby the expected increase in energy expenditure was avoided by reducing exposure and drag. No effects of flow speed on strike speed, reactive distance or vectorial dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA) were found. A foraging model based on the body length extended from the burrow showed correspondence with observations. These findings suggest that as a result of their unique foraging mode, garden eels can occupy self-made burrows in exposed shelter-free sandy bottoms where they can effectively feed on drifting zooplankton.
Sucking lice and spiracular transpiration: turning a liability into a benefit and a necessity
Authors: Burgess Ian F.
Published: March 2022

Sucking lice feed on blood and therefore ingest more water than they require for maintaining hydration. This water must be excreted; however, unlike other blood-feeding insects, they do not produce urine but do become dehydrated within hours if unable to feed. Using human clothing lice and head lice, Pediculus humanus ssp., and high sensitivity balances, it was shown that recently fed lice lost mass consistently as water ingested with the blood meal was excreted via the respiratory system. If all spiracles were occluded using petroleum jelly, mass/water loss was inhibited. Blocking thoracic spiracles resulted in a slight reduction in the rate of mass loss compared with untreated lice, but blocking the abdominal spiracles resulted in an enhanced rate of mass loss. Lice immersed in water did not lose mass but maintained the same mass for several hours, after which they increased in mass as the tissues became turgid, indicating that the insects were able to block water ingress during the period of stability, but that after some time the mechanism failed allowing water to enter the lice by osmosis.
Göçmenlere Yönelik Algının Oluşmasında Teritoryal Sınır Anlayışının Rolü
Authors: Tekin Ferhat
Published: March 2022

Bu makale, ulus-devlet sınır anlayışının göçmene yönelik hedef ülkedeki toplumsal algı ve tutumları nasıl ve hangi yönlerden etkilediğine ve ulusal cemaatin zihniyetini nasıl şekillendirdiğine odaklanmaktadır. Westfalya Anlaşması’yla kabul edilen ve daha sonraki süreçte tüm dünyaya gittikçe yayılan modern teritoryal sınırlar, devletin imajına ve denetim gücüne işaret eden çok önemli semboller olmuştur. Bunun yanında sınırın, ulusal kimliği, “bizi” ve “öteki”ni, “dostu” ve “düşmanı” tanımlamada da işlevsel bir ideolojik aygıt olduğu belirtilmelidir. Buna bağlı olarak sınır sadece ulus-devlet için değil onun inşa ettiği cemaat için de farklılığa, aidiyete, düzene ve güvene işaret etmekte ve yabancıya, göçmene karşı bir perspektif sunmaktadır. Bu anlamda teritoryal sınır, fiziki anlamda bir yere sabitlenmişken teritoryal sınır fikri, ulusal mekânın ya da daha sosyopolitik bir ifadeyle vatanın hemen her yerinde kendini gösterdiği söylenebilir. Dolayısıyla yerlinin bu “sınır gözlüklü bakış”ına bağlı olarak göçmenler çeşitli kalıp yargılara, damgalama biçimlerine ve ayrımcılıklara maruz kalmaktadırlar. Bu da sınırın sadece sınır bölgesinde değil ulusal teritoryanın her yerinde olabileceğini bize göstermektedir.
Χώροι από ήχο – χρόνοι της τεχνικής: Διασυνδέσεις μεταξύ τεχνολογίας, δικτύων, μουσικής και σώματος
Authors: Κυριακόπουλος Λέανδρος
Published: March 2022

Πως διαμορφώνονται οι δυνατότητες της μουσικής παραγωγής, του ήχου, της ακρόασης αλλά και της εμπειρίας του μουσικού και ηχητικού τεχνουργήματος μέσα από τις τεχνολογίες των δικτύων και τα ψηφιακά μέσα; Πως αλλάζουν οι επιστημολογίες αλλά και οι οντολογίες της ηχητικότητας από τον ορίζοντα δυνατοτήτων που διανοίγει ο χώρος της ψηφιακότητας; Τα κείμενα του παρόντος τόμου επιδιώκουν τη διερεύνηση και την ανάδειξη των «συνάψεων» που δημιουργούνται από τις σχέσεις μεταξύ τεχνολογιών, δικτύων, μουσικής και σώματος. Ενδιαφέρονται να κατανοήσουν τις σχέσεις μεταξύ εικονικών περιβαλλόντων και παράγωγων σχηματισμών του χρόνου μέσα από τον ήχο, τον θόρυβο, και τη μουσική.  Συσχετίζουν τη δυτική μουσική παράδοση – μια έντονα σημασιολογική πολιτιστική τέχνη – με τις αλγοριθμικές οικονομίες και τις νέες οικονομίες ορατότητας των ψηφιακών πλατφορμών· όπως εξίσου και με τις πρακτικές, τις πολιτικές και τις αισθητικές συνδηλώσεις που διαλεκτικά συνοδεύουν τις οικονομίες αυτές. Εξετάζουν τη δυνατότητα της αναπαραγωγής των ηχητικών ερεθισμάτων που στοχεύουν στην υποκειμενική εμπειρία του παρόντος, και τη σχέση αυτής της δυνατότητας με την πολιτιστική και τη δημιουργική βιομηχανία. Αλλά και αναδεικνύουν τις καλλιτεχνικές και πειραματικές εφαρμογές που στοχεύουν στον αναστοχασμό και την κριτική κατανόηση των αλλαγών που επιφέρουν οι δυνατότητες αυτές.
“WHATEVER DOESN’T KILL YOU SIMPLY MAKES YOU STRANGER”: FEAR IN THE CHARACTER OF THE JOKER IN THE DARK KNIGHT AND JOKER.
Authors: ARROYO PANIAGUA JUAN JOSÉ
Published: March 2022

The Joker is one of the most frightening comic book characters ever created and has, as a result, been the subject of numerous adaptations to film and television. This article analyses the portrayals of the Joker by actors Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix in The Dark Knight (2008) and Joker (2019), respectively, and the differences in their representations of the Joker in relation to fear. It also explores how the two films serve as allegorical representations of public fears present at the time of the films’ creation, and how these fears are either embodied in or experienced by each films’ Joker. Fear elements utilized by each film’s Joker character are also analysed, i.e., acts of terrorism, use of make-up, and laughter. Moreover, the article’s treatment of the Joker reveals a character who is a victim both of public fears and of his own traumatic past—fearful experiences which come to shape the Joker’s violent persona. The article’s comparative analysis makes use of psychological and sociological explanations of fear and its characteristics.
Implications of Revenue Models and Technology for Content Moderation Strategies
Authors: Liu Yi , Yildirim Pinar , Zhang Z. John
Published: March 2022

This paper develops a theoretical model to study how the revenue model and technology of a social media platform affect its content-moderation strategy.
Hypergraph k-Cut for Fixed k in Deterministic Polynomial Time
Authors: Chandrasekaran Karthekeyan , Chekuri Chandra
Published: March 2022

We consider the Hypergraph-k-Cut problem. The input consists of a hypergraph [Formula: see text] with nonnegative hyperedge-costs [Formula: see text] and a positive integer k. The objective is to find a minimum cost subset [Formula: see text] such that the number of connected components in G – F is at least k. An alternative formulation of the objective is to find a partition of V into k nonempty sets [Formula: see text] so as to minimize the cost of the hyperedges that cross the partition. Graph-k-Cut, the special case of Hypergraph-k-Cut obtained by restricting to graph inputs, has received considerable attention. Several different approaches lead to a polynomial-time algorithm for Graph-k-Cut when k is fixed, starting with the work of Goldschmidt and Hochbaum (Math of OR, 1994). In contrast, it is only recently that a randomized polynomial time algorithm for Hypergraph-k-Cut was developed (Chandrasekaran, Xu, Yu, Math Programming, 2019) via a subtle generalization of Karger’s random contraction approach for graphs. In this work, we develop the first deterministic algorithm for Hypergraph-k-Cut that runs in polynomial time for any fixed k. We describe two algorithms both of which are based on a divide and conquer approach. The first algorithm is simpler and runs in [Formula: see text] time while the second one runs in [Formula: see text] time, where n is the number of vertices and m is the number of hyperedges in the input hypergraph. Our proof relies on new structural results that allow for efficient recovery of the parts of an optimum k-partition by solving minimum (S,T)-terminal cuts. Our techniques give new insights even for Graph-k-Cut.
Food Safety Audits in Developing Economies: Decentralization vs. Centralization
Authors: Dong Lingxiu , Rashkova Iva , Shi Duo
Published: March 2022

Problem definition: This paper investigates and compares two types of food safety auditing structures: decentralized and centralized audits. Academic/practical relevance: Decentralized food safety auditing systems are common among developing economies, that is, different tiers of a food supply chain are audited by separate government agencies. Such an auditing structure has been widely criticized as ineffective at mitigating food safety risks. Some developing countries began implementing centralized auditing systems as a remedy for the mis-coordination across local auditing agencies. We compare food safety outcomes and economical payoffs of the two auditing systems. Methodology: We study a parsimonious game-theoretic model of a one-supplier, one-buyer supply chain and two agencies auditing each tier of the supply chain, respectively. Under decentralized audits, each of the two agencies minimizes its individual cost, and their decisions are sequential; under centralized audits, the agencies minimize total agency cost and make auditing commitment up front. Results: We identify forces that drive equilibrium decisions under decentralized audits. The penalty-shield effect of an agency’s auditing capability may lead to risky behavior by the supplier. The free-riding effect between the two agencies may lead to less auditing. A centralized commitment makes the agencies the leader in the game at the expense of them losing the flexibility to respond to the actions of supply chain members. The common objective under centralization strengthens the incentives for at least one agency to conduct an audit, but it may also induce the lower-cost, less-capable agency to audit. Hence, centralized audits can be detrimental to performance regarding both food safety outcomes and system payoff. Managerial implications: Changing the auditing structure from decentralization to centralization may fail to improve food safety and system payoff insofar as it may replace one form of inefficiency with another. Addressing the new inefficiencies should be part of the ongoing effort to enhance the efficacy of centralized audits.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Special Section on Responsible Research in Operations Management.

Funding: The work of D. Shi was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72102205].

Supplemental Material: The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.1058 .
Pendampingan Perancangan Gedung PAUD di Kalurahan Kalirejo, Kecamatan Kokap, Kulon Progo
Authors: Mokoagow Fahrul Nurfajri , Pranomo Dandi , Mopio Ilham , Anis Veronica Diana A , Novita Sari Sely , Prastowo Rizqi
Published: March 2022

Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat yang dilaksanakan di Kalurahan Kalirejo, Kecamatan Kokap, Kulon Progo dari tanggal 18 Oktober 2021 – 31 Januari 2022. Selama 4 bulan di kalurahan kalirejo, kegiatan pengabdian dilakukan dengan observasi terkait dengan pembangunan infrastruktur. Pada proses observasi di kalurahan kalirejo, mendapat sambutan yang sangat baik dan antusiasme yang tinggi dari masyarakat. Perencanaan pembangunan Gedung PAUD di Kalurahan Kalirejo tepatnya di padukuhan Plampang III menjadi fokus utama pada kegiatan pengabdian. Kegiatan pengabdian diawali dengan observasi terdahulu sebelum ke tahap perencanaan desain dan rencana anggaran biaya. Perencanaan Gedung PAUD menjadi sorotan penting dari Kalurahan Kalirejo sebagai produk Infrastruktur berlanjut dan jangka panjang.
The Use of Levomepromazine, a.k.a. Methotrimeprazine, a.k.a. Nozinan, in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Authors: Lambe John Alan
Published: March 2022

Levomepromazine is rarely used in child and adolescent psychiatry. Four cases are described where extreme behavioural disturbance responded favourably and promptly to oral prescription. Two additional cases are described where ceasing levomepromazine led to early signs of what was probably tardive dyskinesia, resolving completely.