bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular disease risk prediction models in the Chinese population- a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhiting Guo , Jiaying Tang , Haiying Han , Yuping Zhang , Qunfei Yu , Jingfen Jin
Published: August 2022

Background

There is an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in China, which represents the leading cause of mortality. Precise CVD risk identification is the fundamental prevention component. This study sought to systematically review the CVD risk prediction models derived and/or validated in the Chinese population to promote primary CVD prevention.

Methods

Reports were included if they derived or validated one or more CVD risk prediction models in the Chinese population. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database, etc., were searched. The risk of bias was assessed with the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). Meta-analysis was performed in R using the package metamisc.

Results

From 55,183 records, 22 studies were included. Twelve studies derived 18 CVD risk prediction models, of which seven models were derived based on a multicentre cohort including more than two provinces of mainland China, and one was a model developed based on a New Zealand cohort including Chinese individuals. The number of predictors ranged from 6 to 22. The definitions of predicted outcomes showed considerable heterogeneity. Fourteen articles described 29 validations of 8 models. The Framingham model and pooled cohort equations (PCEs) are the most frequently validated foreign tools. Discrimination was acceptable and similar for men and women among models (0.60–0.83). The calibration estimates changed substantially from one population to another. Prediction for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease Risk in China (China-PAR) showed good calibration [observed/expected events ratio = 0.99, 95% PI (0.57,1.70)] and female sex [1.10, 95% PI (0.23,5.16)].

Conclusions

Several models have been developed or validated in the Chinese population. The usefulness of most of the models remains unclear due to incomplete external validation and head-to-head comparison. Future research should focus on externally validating or tailoring these models to local settings.

Trail registration

This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, CRD42021277453).
Analysis of KIR gene variants in The Cancer Genome Atlas and UK Biobank using KIRCLE
Authors: Gao Galen F. , Liu Dajiang , Zhan Xiaowei , Li Bo
Published: August 2022

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells represent a critical component of the innate immune system’s response against cancer and viral infections, among other diseases. To distinguish healthy host cells from infected or tumor cells, killer immunoglobulin receptors (KIR) on NK cells bind and recognize Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complexes on their target cells. However, NK cells exhibit great diversity in their mechanism of activation, and the outcomes of their activation are not yet understood fully. Just like the HLAs they bind, KIR receptors exhibit high allelic diversity in the human population. Here we provide a method to identify KIR allele variants from whole exome sequencing data and uncover novel associations between these variants and various molecular and clinical correlates.

Results

In order to better understand KIRs, we have developed KIRCLE, a novel method for genotyping individual KIR genes from whole exome sequencing data, and used it to analyze approximately sixty-thousand patient samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and UK Biobank. We were able to assess population frequencies for different KIR alleles and demonstrate that, similar to HLA alleles, individuals’ KIR alleles correlate strongly with their ethnicities. In addition, we observed associations between different KIR alleles and HLA alleles, including HLA-B*53 with KIR3DL2*013 (Fisher’s exact FDR = 7.64e−51). Finally, we showcased statistically significant associations between KIR alleles and various clinical correlates, including peptic ulcer disease (Fisher’s exact FDR = 0.0429) and age of onset of atopy (Mann-WhitneyUFDR = 0.0751).

Conclusions

We show that KIRCLE is able to infer KIR variants accurately and consistently, and we demonstrate its utility using data from approximately sixty-thousand individuals from TCGA and UK Biobank to discover novel molecular and clinical correlations with KIR germline variants. Peptic ulcer disease and atopy are just two diseases in which NK cells may play a role beyond their “classical” realm of anti-tumor and anti-viral responses. This tool may be used both as a benchmark for future KIR-variant-inference algorithms, and to better understand the immunogenomics of and disease processes involving KIRs.
Surgical treatment of tension pneumomediastinum in patients with covid-19 at the field hospital: a case series
Authors: Thuan Phan Quang , Phuong Pham Phan Phuong , Anh Huynh Phuong Nguyet , Long Le Phi , Khoi Le Minh
Published: August 2022

Background

Tension pneumomediastinum is one of the most serious complications in COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. This complication can lead to rapid hemodynamic instability and death if it is not recognized in a timely manner and intervenes promptly.

Case presentation

We reported 7 COVID-19 patients with tension pneumomediastinum at a field hospital. All patients were critically ill with ARDS. These 7 patients, including 3 females and 4 males in this series, were aged between 39 and 70 years. Tension pneumomediastinum occurred on the first day of mechanical ventilation in 3 patients and later in the course of hospital stay, even 10 days after being intubated and ventilated. The tension pneumomediastinum caused hemodynamic instability and worsened respiratory mechanics with imminent cardiopulmonary collapse. In this series, we used two surgical techniques: (i) mediastinal decompression by suprasternal drainage with or without simultaneous pleural drainage in the first two cases and (ii) mediastinal drainage via suprasternal and subxiphoid incisions in 5 patients. The surgical procedures were feasible and reversed the pending cardiopulmonary collapse. Four patients had a favorable postprocedural period and were discharged from the intensive care center. Both patients undergoing suprasternal drainage died of failed/recurrent tension pneumomediastinum and nosocomial infection. Only one in five patients who underwent mediastinal drainage via suprasternal and subxiphoid incisions died of septic shock secondary to ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Conclusion

Tension pneumomediastinum was a life-threatening complication in critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Surgical mediastinal decompression was the salvage procedure. The surgical technique of mediastinal drainage via suprasternal and subxiphoid incisions proved an advantage in tension relief, hemodynamic improvement and mortality reduction.
Single cell RNA-seq analysis reveals temporally-regulated and quiescence-regulated gene expression in Drosophila larval neuroblasts
Authors: Dillon Noah , Cocanougher Ben , Sood Chhavi , Yuan Xin , Kohn Andrea B , Moroz Leonid L , Siegrist Sarah E , Zlatic Marta , Doe Chris Q.
Published: August 2022

The mechanisms that generate neural diversity during development remains largely unknown. Here, we use scRNA-seq methodology to discover new features of the Drosophila larval CNS across several key developmental timepoints. We identify multiple progenitor subtypes – both stem cell-like neuroblasts and intermediate progenitors – that change gene expression across larval development, and report on new candidate markers for each class of progenitors. We identify a pool of quiescent neuroblasts in newly hatched larvae and show that they are transcriptionally primed to respond to the insulin signaling pathway to exit from quiescence, including relevant pathway components in the adjacent glial signaling cell type. We identify candidate “temporal transcription factors” (TTFs) that are expressed at different times in progenitor lineages. Our work identifies many cell type specific genes that are candidates for functional roles, and generates new insight into the differentiation trajectory of larval neurons.
Impact of combined versus single-mode training programs based on drop jump and specific multidirectional repeated sprint on bio-motor ability adaptations: a parallel study design in professional basketball players
Authors: Brini Seifeddine , Boullosa Daniel , Calleja-González Julio , van den Hoek Daniel J. , Nobari Hadi , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: August 2022

Background

Jumping and specific multidirectional repeated sprint ability are important in basketball. The objective of this study was to assess the contributions of 8-week combined versus single-mode training programs based on drop jump (DJ) and specific multidirectional repeated sprint (MRSA) on repeated sprint ability performances, body balance and lower limbs power in male professional basketball players.

Methods

This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Fifty-two professional male basketball players from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were randomly assigned to 4 groups: DJ group (JG; n = 13), MRSA group (RSG; n = 13), combined group (COMB; n = 13) and an active control group (CON; n = 13). The JG, RSG and COMB groups completed the 8-week training programs with 2 sessions per week while the CON continues their regular basketball training. Training volume was similar between groups all over the experimental period. Before and after the intervention, the four groups were evaluated for the stork test, Y-balance test, the repeated sprint ability test (IRSA5COD), the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, the single leg drop jump test, the five time-jump test and T—change of direction (CoD) test.

Results

All measures displayed significant main effect, (medium/small) magnitude (effect size) improvements for time (post-test > pre-test) except the physiological parameters for IRSA5COD. Significant time × group interactions were revealed for body balance, T test, IRSA5COD (total time and best time) and jump tests (vertical/horizontal). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc tests revealed significant greater improvement in favor of RSG and COMB compared to JG for body balance, CoD and IRSA5COD. Moreover, greater improvement in CMJ, SJ and single leg DJ in favor of JG compared to the RSG. In addition, a greater CoD improvement was observed in favor of COMB when compared to the RSG.

Conclusion

Combined and single-mode training programs based on DJ and MRSA contributed to a significantly better performance in specific basketball physical fitness parameters with results favoring combined interventions.
Early-stage reconstruction of flexor pollicis longus using palmaris longus in a patient with compartment syndrome of forearm: a case report
Authors: Fujita Muneyoshi , Miyamoto Hideaki , Kurozumi Taketo
Published: August 2022

Background

The flexor pollicis longus is the most vulnerable muscle in acute compartment syndrome of the forearm. Reconstruction of a dysfunctional flexor pollicis longus is occasionally necessary following compartment syndrome of the forearm.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old Japanese man injured his left forearm in a motor vehicle accident. Open radial shaft fracture and acute compartment syndrome of the left forearm was diagnosed. We performed a fascial release of the forearm and debridement of the involved myonecrosis of the flexor pollicis longus. At second-look operation (3 days after the initial release), we performed palmaris longus tendon transfer to the flexor pollicis longus tendon. At 6-month follow-up, the patient had no complaints and returned to his job. At 2-year follow-up, the patient had achieved 88% of pinch strength, compared with the contralateral hand, and scored 11.4 on the QuickDASH score.

Conclusions

Palmaris longus transfer performed immediately after injury is simple and does not require an additional surgical approach. Hence, early palmaris longus tendon transfer, which can provide satisfactory outcomes, could be considered as a potential choice for flexor pollicis longus reconstruction in patients with compartment syndrome of the forearm.
COVID-19 trends, public restrictions policies and vaccination status by economic ranking of countries: a longitudinal study from 110 countries
Authors: Park Myung-Bae , Ranabhat Chhabi Lal
Published: August 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has transitioned to a third phase and many variants have been originated. There has been millions of lives loss as well as billions in economic loss. The morbidity and mortality for COVID-19 varies by country. There were different preventive approaches and public restrictions policies have been applied to control the COVID-19 impacts and usually measured by Stringency Index. This study aimed to explore the COVID-19 trend, public restriction policies and vaccination status with economic ranking of countries.

Methods

We received open access data from Our World in Data. Data from 210 countries were available. Countries (n = 110) data related to testing, which is a key variable in the present study, were included for the analysis and remaining 100 countries were excluded due to incomplete data. The analysis period was set between January 22, 2020 (when COVID-19 was first officially reported) and December 28, 2021. All analyses were stratified by year and the World Bank income group. To analyze the associations among the major variables, we used a longitudinal fixed-effects model.

Results

Out of the 110 countries included in our analysis, there were 9 (8.18%), 25 (22.72%), 31 (28.18%), and 45 (40.90%) countries from low income countries (LIC), low and middle income countries (LMIC), upper middle income countries (UMIC) and high income countries (HIC) respectively. New case per million was similar in LMIC, UMIC and HIC but lower in LIC. The number of new COVID-19 test were reduced in HIC and LMIC but similar in UMIC and LIC. Stringency Index was negligible in LIC and similar in LMIC, UMIC and HIC. New positivity rate increased in LMIC and UMIC. The daily incidence rate was positively correlated with the daily mortality rate in both 2020 and 2021. In 2020, Stringency Index was positive in LIC and HIC but a negative association in LMIC and in 2021 there was a positive association between UMIC and HIC. Vaccination coverage did not appear to change with mortality in 2021.

Conclusion

New COVID-19 cases, tests, vaccinations, positivity rates, and Stringency indices were low in LIC and highest in UMIC. Our findings suggest that the available resources of COVID-19 pandemic would be allocated by need of countries; LIC and UMIC.
Machine learning algorithm to characterize antimicrobial resistance associated with the International Space Station surface microbiome
Authors: Madrigal Pedro , Singh Nitin K. , Wood Jason M. , Gaudioso Elena , Hernández-del-Olmo Félix , Mason Christopher E. , Venkateswaran Kasthuri , Beheshti Afshin
Published: August 2022

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has a detrimental impact on human health on Earth and it is equally concerning in other environments such as space habitat due to microgravity, radiation and confinement, especially for long-distance space travel. The International Space Station (ISS) is ideal for investigating microbial diversity and virulence associated with spaceflight. The shotgun metagenomics data of the ISS generated during the Microbial Tracking–1 (MT-1) project and resulting metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) across three flights in eight different locations during 12 months were used in this study. The objective of this study was to identify the AMR genes associated with whole genomes of 226 cultivable strains, 21 shotgun metagenome sequences, and 24 MAGs retrieved from the ISS environmental samples that were treated with propidium monoazide (PMA; viable microbes).

Results

We have analyzed the data using a deep learning model, allowing us to go beyond traditional cut-offs based only on high DNA sequence similarity and extending the catalog of AMR genes. Our results in PMA treated samples revealed AMR dominance in the last flight for Kalamiella piersonii, a bacteria related to urinary tract infection in humans. The analysis of 226 pure strains isolated from the MT-1 project revealed hundreds of antibiotic resistance genes from many isolates, including two top-ranking species that corresponded to strains of Enterobacter bugandensis and Bacillus cereus. Computational predictions were experimentally validated by antibiotic resistance profiles in these two species, showing a high degree of concordance. Specifically, disc assay data confirmed the high resistance of these two pathogens to various beta-lactam antibiotics.

Conclusion

Overall, our computational predictions and validation analyses demonstrate the advantages of machine learning to uncover concealed AMR determinants in metagenomics datasets, expanding the understanding of the ISS environmental microbiomes and their pathogenic potential in humans.
A community-operated landslide early warning approach: Myanmar case study
Authors: Dixon Neil , Smith Alister , Pietz Matthew
Published: August 2022

A landslide early warning system based on monitoring acoustic emission (AE) generated by slope movements has been developed that can deliver alerts direct to a community at risk, with relevance to low- and middle-income countries. The Community Slope SAFE (Sensors for Acoustic Failure Early-warning) (CSS) approach uses steel waveguides driven into the slope to transmit detected high frequency noise (AE) to a sensor at the ground surface. CSS gives a measure of slope displacement rate. Continuously measured AE is compared to a pre-defined trigger level that is indicative of decreasing slope stability (i.e., landslide initiation), and a visual and audible alert automatically generated so that a community can follow a pre-defined course of action (e.g., evacuation). This paper describes the CSS approach and details a field trial of the system at two sites in Hakha, Chin Sate, Myanmar. The trial, which included training a group of youth Landslide Response Volunteers to install and operate the CSS system, increased landslide awareness and knowledge in the Hakha community, delivered the required real-time continuous operation, and demonstrated the practicality of using the CSS system for community landslide protection.
Spatial ability of transitioning 2D to 3D designs in virtual environment: understanding spatial ability in apparel design education
Authors: Moritz Anna , Youn Song-yi
Published: August 2022

As the apparel industry has been transforming through digital-driven technologies in the apparel design process, the need for students to learn spatial visualization skills specified within a three-dimensional virtual environment is critical. By applying an apparel spatial visualization test into a virtual environment (ASVT-V), the purpose of this study is to examine the three-dimensional visualization skills in a virtual prototype environment of students who are majoring in apparel design and product development at the college level. The dataset was collected from 70 college students and analyzed by adopting correlation and variance analysis (ANOVA). Results from an online survey indicate that their ASVT-V scores were positively related to their general spatial visualization skills measured by a paper folding test. The results also indicate that students who received higher scores on the ASVT-V performed better in apparel design-related courses, while there was no influence on their perceived performance from the number of apparel design-related courses taken. This study provides practical implications for professionals in apparel design and product development education in that they can consider ASVT-V scores to understand and enhance domain-specific spatial visualization skills.
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) variable number of tandem repeat polymorphisms in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: an association study in Turkish population
Authors: Pehlivan Sacide , Oyaci Yasemin , Tuncel Fatima Ceren , Aytac Hasan Mervan
Published: August 2022

Background

Pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine imbalance in cerebrospinal fluid or plasma of schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) patients has been documented over the last decade. We aim to examine the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1RA)andIL-4variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms in SCZ and BD patients by comparing them with healthy controls.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-four unrelated patients (127 patients with SCZ, 107 patients with BD) and 204 healthy controls were included. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders was used to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, the polymerase chain reaction technique was used to investigateIL-1RAandIL-4VNTR polymorphisms.

Results

Our results showed that the distributions ofIL-1RAandIL-4genotype and the allele frequencies of SCZ or BD patients were not significantly different from the healthy control group.IL-1RAallele 2 homozygous genotype andIL-1RAallele 2 frequencies were non-significantly higher among SCZ patients than in controls.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that theIL-1RA and IL-4VNTR polymorphisms are not considered risk factors for developing SCZ and BD among Turkish patients.
Shear wave elastography as a quantitative method for thyroid gland elasticity assessment in pediatrics patients with autoimmune-related thyroid disease, diagnostic utility and laboratory correlation
Authors: Kamel Sara Mahmoud , ElKhashab Khaled Mohamed , Bhagat Suchi , Elzayat Wessam Abdelrahman
Published: August 2022

Background

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is the most common thyroid pathology in pediatric patients among which Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has the highest prevalence. Along with size, measuring mechano-acoustic tissue elasticity is evolving as an important parameter in the evaluation of diffuse thyroid pathology. This study aims to investigate the role of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in the pediatric population and also compare the elasticity between them and healthy individuals.

Results

This case–control analytical study was carried out on 64 pediatric subjects ranging in age from 7 to 17 years. All the cases were diagnosed as AIT by anti-thyroid antibodies, and their thyroid function was evaluated by thyroid hormones. We performed thyroid Ultrasonography and Shear wave elastography. Patients with AIT had significantly higher elasticity values (35.6 kPa, IQR 8.43–103.7 kPa) than the control group (9.35 kPa, IQR 5.73–13.21 kPa). There was no correlation of elasticity values of thyroid gland in patients with AIT with autoantibodies and thyroid function test, respectively. The cutoff value for elasticity was 12.317 kPa with sensitivity and specificity of 96.9% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

SWE is a highly sensitive imaging method integrating routine ultrasonography in the diagnosis of AITD which estimates the extent of fibrosis in numerical value.
A cross-sectional study on the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity patterns among residents in a South Indian City
Authors: Ganesh G. Shankar , Dakshinamoorthy Anandhi , Tamilalagan M. , Shah Deepali , Dokania Saloni
Published: August 2022

Background

Studies have revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased sedentary behavior and reduced the number of physical activities in public. The present study attempted to assess the changes in physical activity patterns among the residents of a south Indian city at different stages after the COVID-19 outbreak.

The present cross-sectional prospective study was conducted on 372 participants between November 2020 and March 2021. The physical activity patterns before, during, and after the lockdown phase were collected using a custom-built questionnaire, and the current level of physical activity was recorded using the international physical activity questionnaire–short form (IPAQ-SF).

Results

Higher number of respondents reported limiting the intensity of physical activities during and after lockdown [(228/372; 61.29%) and (216/372; 58.06%), respectively]. Additionally, respondents reporting lower physical activity intensity [mean total metabolic equivalents of task (MET)/week: 1182.80] compared with (99/372; 26.61%), and (63/372; 16.93%) numbers of participants who engaged in moderate (mean total MET/week-3005.86) and high levels (mean total MET/week-4188.67) of physical activities respectively.

Conclusions

The results of the study reported immediate and long-term impacts on self-reported physical activity patterns among the study sample.
Nifurtimox for Treatment of Chagas Disease in Pediatric Patients: the Challenges of Applying Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Principles to Dose Finding
Authors: Stass Heino , Ince Ibrahim , Grossmann Ulrike , Weimann Boris , Willmann Stefan
Published: August 2022

The
antiparasitic drug nifurtimox was approved in the USA in 2020 for the treatment of patients with Chagas disease aged less than 18 years and weighing at least 2.5 kg, based on outcomes from the phase 3 CHICO study. Accordingly, pediatric patients with Chagas disease take nifurtimox thrice daily with food at one of two body weight–adjusted dose ranges. We investigated possible relationships between pharmacokinetic (PK) data, and pharmacodynamic efficacy and safety data collected in an analysis population of 111 participants in CHICO, using a published population PK model to estimate nifurtimox exposure at the patient level. Pediatric exposure to nifurtimox was benchmarked against levels of nifurtimox exposure known to be effective in adults with Chagas disease. Given the complex dosing regimen for nifurtimox, we also modeled nifurtimox exposure associated with simpler dosing strategies. We found no relationship between exposure to nifurtimox and efficacy measures (e.g., serological response to treatment), or between exposure and safety outcomes (including typical adverse events, e.g., headache, decreased appetite, nausea/vomiting). The analysis population appeared to represent the overall CHICO population based on the similarity of their baseline characteristics and the profiles of adverse events in the two groups. Modeled exposure based on the dosing regimen in CHICO was within the reference range derived from phase 1 data in adults. The relationship between nifurtimox exposure and cure is complex; a simplified pediatric dosing regimen is unlikely to be beneficial.

Graphical abstract
Sancho Panza in Eighteenth-Century English Theater: Disrupting the Path of the English Knight-Errant
Authors: Solomon Diana
Published: August 2022

Widely translated and adapted in eighteenth-century England, Don Quixote inspired some of the period's greatest fiction. Yet while literary adaptations of Cervantes's novel often render its humor “amiable” and accommodate it to polite society, dramatic adaptations instead accentuate its low comedy and farce. This paper argues that dramatic entertainments should factor into discussions of the novel's extraordinary influence in eighteenth-century England. Thomas D'Urfey's popular trilogy, The Comical History of Don Quixote (1694–95), and several of its successors augment the base characteristics of Sancho and employ physical violence and cruelty to women and lower characters, showing that low comedy thrived in not only marginalized genres like jestbooks and comic illustrations, but also popular drama.
Endovascular Therapy for Cerebral Vein Thrombosis: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Anticoagulation in the Treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Siegler James E. , Shu Liqi , Yaghi Shadi , Salehi Omran Setareh , Elnazeir Marwa , Bakradze Ekaterina , Psychogios Marios , De Marchis Gian Marco , Yu Siyuan , Klein Piers , Abdalkader Mohamad , Nguyen Thanh N.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Endovascular treatment (EVT) for cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) has not been proven to be more effective than anticoagulation based on recent results of the Thrombolysis or Anticoagulation for Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (TO-ACT) randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare outcomes of EVT vs medical management in CVT.

METHODS:

We compared EVT vs medical management in a retrospective multinational cohort of consecutive patients with CVT across 4 countries (USA, Italy, Switzerland, and New Zealand) and 27 sites (2015-2020), using propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW), and meta-analyzed these results with the TO-ACT trial. The primary outcome was excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-1) at 90 days.

RESULTS:

Of the 987 patients, the mean age was 45.7 ± 16.9 years and 79 (8%) underwent EVT. With PSM (n = 124), there were no major differences in clinical or imaging features between groups other than a higher proportion of female patients receiving EVT (81% vs 65%, P = .04). There was no difference in the primary outcome with PSM (odds ratio [OR] 1.48, 95% CI, 0.55-3.96) or IPTW (OR 1.02, 95% CI, 0.34-3.06). EVT was associated with a higher 90-day shift in modified Rankin Scale (OR 2.00, 95% CI, 1.01-3.98) and mortality with IPTW (OR 4.60, 95% CI, 1.10-19.23) but no other differences in secondary outcomes with PSM or IPTW. A meta-analysis of primary and secondary outcomes from TO-ACT and PSM patients from anticoagulation in the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis also showed no significant association with EVT in primary or secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION:

In this large observational cohort, there was no evidence of benefit with EVT for CVT. These findings corroborate the results from the TO-ACT trial.
Voxel-Based Morphometric MRI Postprocessing-Assisted Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Focal Cortical Dysplasia-Suspected Lesions: Technique and Outcomes
Authors: Hu Wen-han , Mo Jia-jie , Yang Bo-wen , Liu Huan-guang , Zhang Chao , Wang Xiu , Qiu Jia-ji , Zhao Bao-tian , Shao Xiao-qiu , Zhang Jian-guo , Zhang Kai
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a novel treatment modality for focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). However, identifying the location and extent of subtle FCD by visual analysis during MRgLITT remains challenging.

OBJECTIVE:

To introduce voxel-based morphometric MRI postprocessing into the procedure of MRgLITT for FCD-suspected lesions and assess the complementary value of the MRI postprocessing technique for the trajectory design and thermal parameter setting of MRgLITT.

METHODS:

Junction and normalized fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal intensity images were used to detect the gray–white matter junction blurring and cortical fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity, respectively. According to the 2 postprocessing images, the region of interest (ROI) for ablation was drawn. The main principle of presurgical planning is that the trajectory of the laser fiber was designed as far as possible along the long axis of the ROI while the extent of planned ablation covered the entire ROI. The subsequent intraoperative procedure was performed under the guidance of the presurgical plan.

RESULTS:

Nine patients with epilepsy with FCD-suspected lesions underwent MRgLITT with the assistance of MRI postprocessing images. Among them, 4 patients were junction positive, 2 patients were normalized fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal intensity positive, and the remaining 3 patients were positive for both. Postsurgical MRI demonstrated that the ROIs were ablated entirely in 7 patients. Engel Ia, Ib, and IV scores were obtained at 1-year follow-up for 6, 1, and 2 patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

MRI postprocessing provides complementary information for designing the laser fiber trajectory and subsequent ablation for FCDs.
Identification of highly specific antibodies for Serine/threonine-protein kinase TBK1 for use in immunoblot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence
Authors: Alshafie Walaa , Fotouhi Maryam , Shlaifer Irina , Ayoubi Riham , Edwards Aled M. , Durcan Thomas M. , McPherson Peter S. , Laflamme Carl
Published: August 2022

TBK1 is a serine-threonine protein kinase that has been linked to a number of diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Reproducible research on TBK1 has been hampered by the lack of well characterized antibodies. In this study, we characterized 11 commercial antibodies for TBK1 for use in immunoblot, immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation, using an isogeneic knock-out cell line as a control. We identify antibodies that appear specific for all three applications but invite the readers to interpret the present findings based on their own scientific expertise and use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibody for their specific needs.
Limiting adverse birth outcomes in resource-limited settings (LABOR): protocol of a prospective intrapartum cohort study
Authors: Adu-Amankwah Amanda , Bellad Mrutunjaya B. , Benson Aimee M. , Beyuo Titus K. , Bhandankar Manisha , Charanthimath Umesh , Chisembele Maureen , Cole Stephen R. , Dhaded Sangappa M. , Enweronu-Laryea Christabel , Freeman Bethany L. , Freeman Nikki L. B. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Jiang Xiaotong , Kasaro Margaret P. , Kosorok Michael R. , Luckett Daniel , Mbewe Felistas M. , Misra Sujata , Mutesu Kunda , Nuamah Mercy A. , Oppong Samuel A. , Patterson Jackie K. , Peterson Marc , Pokaprakarn Teeranan , Price Joan T. , Pujar Yeshita V. , Rouse Dwight J. , Sebastião Yuri V. , Spelke M. Bridget , Sperger John , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Tuuli Methodius G. , Valancius Michael , Vwalika Bellington ,   LABOR Study Group
Published: August 2022

Background: Each year, nearly 300,000 women and 5 million fetuses or neonates die during childbirth or shortly thereafter, a burden concentrated disproportionately in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying women and their fetuses at risk for intrapartum-related morbidity and death could facilitate early intervention.

Methods: The Limiting Adverse Birth Outcomes in Resource-Limited Settings (LABOR) Study is a multi-country, prospective, observational cohort designed to exhaustively document the course and outcomes of labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum period in settings where adverse outcomes are frequent. The study is conducted at four hospitals across three countries in Ghana, India, and Zambia. We will enroll approximately 12,000 women at presentation to the hospital for delivery and follow them and their fetuses/newborns throughout their labor and delivery course, postpartum hospitalization, and up to 42 days thereafter. The co-primary outcomes are composites of maternal (death, hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, infection) and fetal/neonatal adverse events (death, encephalopathy, sepsis) that may be attributed to the intrapartum period. The study collects extensive physiologic data through the use of physiologic sensors and employs medical scribes to document examination findings, diagnoses, medications, and other interventions in real time.

Discussion: The goal of this research is to produce a large, sharable dataset that can be used to build statistical algorithms to prospectively stratify parturients according to their risk of adverse outcomes. We anticipate this research will inform the development of new tools to reduce peripartum morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings.
Braf protein mutation and its significancy within patients with melanoma
Authors: Kuchnicka Julia , Kuchnicka Aleksandra , Kosz Katarzyna , Remjasz Klaudia , Zarankiewicz Natalia , Zielińska Martyna , Sapuła Klaudia , Aleksandrowicz Jakub , Siedlecki Wojciech
Published: August 2022

Introduction and purpose:  

This review aims to analyze BRAF mutation significancy and its influence on progression and therapy methods within patients with melanoma. 

Material and method: 

This review was mainly based on articles collected in Pubmed in years 2004-2018. The research was done by looking through keywords as follows “braf kinase”, “braf mutation”, “melanoma” “wemurafenib”. 

Results: 

The selected studies have demonstrated that it is justified to identify patient with BRAF mutation due to it’s influence on treatment’s method choosing. 

Conclusions: 

Citied researches have proven BRAF mutation significancy in growth and progressions of many malignant tumors. Further tests are likely to not only prolong life expectancy within patients with melanoma, but also being a source of crucial knowledge about tumors development.
Case Article—School Timetabling Problem: A Scheduling Problem for High-School Institutions
Authors: Saltos Ramiro , Maldonado Sebastián
Published: August 2022

We present a comprehensive case study to integrate students into several concepts related to integer linear programming. The case article starts with a relatively simple scheduling/assignment problem. Then, the problem incorporates new elements to present various modeling principles incrementally. Each variation of the case enables the instructor to engage in insightful discussion about the nature of the optimal solutions and how the changes made to the objective function or key constraints affect these solutions. The case article also describes different ways to use the case, which range from a comprehensive introduction to a concluding capstone project in an undergraduate or graduate course in linear and integer programming.

Funding: This work was supported by Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico [Grant 1200221] and Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo [Grant AFB180003].

Supplemental Material: The Teaching Note and data file are available at https://www.informs.org/Publications/Subscribe/Access-Restricted-Materials .
Case—School Timetabling Problem: A Scheduling Problem for High-School Institutions
Authors: Saltos Ramiro , Maldonado Sebastián
Published: August 2022

Funding: This work was supported by the Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico [Grant 1200221] and the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo [Grant AFB180003].
How to maintain control in a regulated environment
Authors: Clothier Mat
Published: August 2022

From banking to healthcare and pharmaceuticals, a variety of industries are finding themselves subject to ever-multiplying regulations and rules that they must comply with to avoid sanctions and penalties. And the continual accumulation of regulatory changes and updates can leave some organisations struggling to keep pace.
Kinematic alignment in total knee arthroplasty: a five-year prospective, multicentre, survivorship study
Authors: Tran Ton , McEwen Peter , Peng Yi , Trivett Adrian , Steele Robert , Donnelly William , Clark Gavin
Published: August 2022

Aims

The mid-term results of kinematic alignment (KA) for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using image derived instrumentation (IDI) have not been reported in detail, and questions remain regarding ligamentous stability and revisions. This paper aims to address the following: 1) what is the distribution of alignment of KA TKAs using IDI; 2) is a TKA alignment category associated with increased risk of failure or poor patient outcomes; 3) does extending limb alignment lead to changes in soft-tissue laxity; and 4) what is the five-year survivorship and outcomes of KA TKA using IDI?

Methods

A prospective, multicentre, trial enrolled 100 patients undergoing KA TKA using IDI, with follow-up to five years. Alignment measures were conducted pre- and postoperatively to assess constitutional alignment and final implant position. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of pain and function were also included. The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Arthroplasty Registry was used to assess survivorship.

Results

The postoperative HKA distribution varied from 9° varus to 11° valgus. All PROMs showed statistical improvements at one year (p < 0.001), with further improvements at five years for Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms (p = 0.041) and Forgotten Joint Score (p = 0.011). Correlation analysis showed no difference (p = 0.610) between the hip-knee-ankle and joint line congruence angle at one and five years. Sub-group analysis showed no difference in PROMs for patients placed within 3° of neutral compared to those placed > 3°. There were no revisions for tibial loosening; however, there were reports of a higher incidence of poor patella tracking and patellofemoral stiffness.

Conclusion

PROMs were not impacted by postoperative alignment category. Ligamentous stability was maintained at five years with joint line obliquity. There were no revisions for tibial loosening despite a significant portion of tibiae placed in varus; however, KA executed with IDI resulted in a higher than anticipated rate of patella complications. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(8):656–665.
Dual-mode microstrip leaky-wave antenna for pattern diversity application
Authors: Du Xiaoyu , Ren Jian , Li Huidong , Yin Yingzeng
Published: August 2022

We present a dual-mode microstrip leaky-wave antenna (LWA), which is characterized by radiating a single beam or dual symmetrical beam. Different from the conventional single-mode microstrip LWA, the designed antenna is based on the odd mode and the even mode of the employed shorted microstrip line. The working principle of these two modes is fully studied by analyzing the electric-field distributions and their dispersion curves. Additionally, it can be found that the odd mode and the even mode are capable of realizing different radiation patterns. Furthermore, a mode translator is particularly designed in order to efficiently excite the concerned two modes. Finally, the presented antenna is simulated, fabricated, and measured, and the simulated results agree well with the measurements. The tested far-field results show that the designed dual-mode LWA realized single-beam scanning from 39° to 64° when the frequency ranges from 4.5 to 5.0 GHz and dual symmetrical beam scanning from 44° to 60° as the frequency varies from 4.5 to 4.9 GHz, respectively.
5D-fusion imaging for surface shape, polarization, and hyperspectral measurement
Authors: Luo Jing , Forsberg Erik , He Sailing
Published: August 2022

We present a five-dimensional (5D) imager that is capable of simultaneous detection of the surface shape, spectral characteristics, and polarization states of macroscopic objects, and straightforwardly fuse collected data into a 5D data set. A polarized module that uses a polarized camera obtains polarized images, while a 3D hyperspectral module reconstructs the target as a 3D point cloud using a fringe projection technique. A liquid-crystal tunable filter is placed in front of the camera of this module to acquire spectral data that can be assigned to corresponding point clouds directly. The two modules are coupled by a dual-path configuration that allows the polarization information to be merged into a comprehensive point cloud with spectral information, generating a new 5D model. The 5D imager shows excellent performance, with a spectral resolution of 10 nm, depth accuracy of 30.7 µm, and imaging time of 8 s. Sample experiments on a toy car with micro scratch defects and a yellowing plant are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the 5D imager and its potential for use in a broad range of applications, such as industrial manufacturing inspection, plant health monitoring, and biological analysis.
Parametric modeling and experimental measurement of rolling shutter characteristics for optical camera communication using undersampled modulation
Authors: Dong Ke , Ke Xizheng , Zhang Xuezhi , Wang Mingjun
Published: August 2022

The characteristics of a rolling shutter in a commonly used complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) camera are important for the demodulation of an undersampled OOK symbol in optical camera communication (OCC). Therefore, a parametric model is proposed to analytically characterize the rolling shutter transfer function that converts the intensity of the light source to the brightness of the output image using several parameters. To validate the model, an effective sampling technique was used to measure the rolling shutter effect using a low-frame-rate CMOS camera. The model and results provided insights into the threshold adaptation and error performance analysis of OCC using undersampled modulation.
Exclusion zone analysis on secret key distillation over a realistic satellite-to-satellite free-space channel
Authors: Pan Ziwen , Djordjevic Ivan B.
Published: August 2022

Quantum cryptography is the study of unconditional information security against an all-powerful eavesdropper in secret key distillation. However, the assumption of an omnipotent eavesdropper is too strict for some realistic implementations. In this paper, we study the realistic application model of secret key distillation over a satellite-to-satellite free-space channel in which we impose a reasonable restriction on the eavesdropper by setting an exclusion zone around the legitimate receiver as a defense strategy. We first study the case where the eavesdropper’s aperture size is unlimited so their power is only restricted by the exclusion zone. Then, we limit Eve’s aperture to a finite size and study the straightforward case when her aperture is in the same plane of Bob’s, investigating how an exclusion zone can help improve security. Correspondingly, we determine the secret key rate lower bounds as well as upper bounds. Furthermore, we also apply our results on specific discrete variable (DV) and continuous variable (CV) protocols for comparison. We show that, by putting reasonable restrictions on the eavesdropper through the realistic assumptions of an inaccessible exclusion zone, we can significantly increase the key rate in comparison to those without and do so with relatively lower transmission frequency. We conclude that this model is suitable for extended analysis in many light-gathering scenarios and for different carrier wavelengths.
Synchronization of frequency combs by optical injection
Authors: Hillbrand Johannes , Bertrand Mathieu , Wittwer Valentin , Opačak Nikola , Kapsalidis Filippos , Gianella Michele , Emmenegger Lukas , Schwarz Benedikt , Südmeyer Thomas , Beck Mattias , Faist Jérôme
Published: August 2022

Optical frequency combs based on semiconductor lasers are a promising technology for monolithic integration of dual-comb spectrometers. However, the stabilization of offset frequency f
ceo
remains a challenging feat due the lack of octave-spanning spectra. In a dual-comb configuration, the uncorrelated jitter of the offset frequencies leads to a non-periodic signal resulting in broadened beatnotes with a limited signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Hence, expensive data acquisition schemes and complex signal processing are currently required. Here, we show that the offset frequencies of two frequency combs can be synchronized by optical injection locking, which allows full phase-stabilization when combined with electrical injection locking of both repetition frequencies f
rep
. A single comb line isolated via an optical Vernier filter serves as Master oscillator for injection locking. The resulting dual-comb signal is periodic and stable over thousands of periods. This enables coherent averaging using analog electronics, which increases the SNR and reduces the data size by one and three orders of magnitude, respectively. The presented method will enable fully phase-stabilized dual-comb spectrometers by leveraging on integrated optical filters and provides access for comparing and stabilizing f
ceo
to narrow-linewidth optical references.