bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A building polygonal object matching method based on minimum bounding rectangle combinatorial optimization and relaxation labeling
Authors: Liu Lingjia , Fu Zhiyi , Xia Yu , Lin Hui , Ding Xiaohui , Liao Kaitao
Published: March 2023

Volunteered geographic information (VGI) is an emerging phenomenon where anyone can create geographic information and share it with others. Compared with traditional authoritative geospatial data, it has several advantages, such as enriched data, instant updates, and low cost. The object matching method is widely used in VGI quality assessment and data updates. However, VGI matching faces certain challenges, such as the levels of detail that vary from object to object, the uneven distribution of data quality, and the automated matching requirement. To resolve these problems, this article proposes a new matching method that effectively combines the advantages of minimum bounding rectangle combinatorial optimization (MBRCO) and relaxation labeling. The proposed method (1) avoids setting the similarity threshold and weights and does not require training samples. This process is realized based on contextual information and optimization. (2) It overcomes the disadvantage that the MBRCO algorithm cannot distinguish adjacent buildings with similar shapes. Our approach is experimentally validated using two publicly available spatial datasets: OpenStreetMap and AutoNavi map. The experimental studies show that the proposed automatic matching method outperforms all the threshold‐based MBRCO methods and achieves high accuracy with a precision of 97.8% and a recall of 99.2%.
Role of mycorrhizas and root exudates in plant uptake of soil nutrients (calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium): has the puzzle been completely solved?
Authors: Sardans Jordi , Lambers Hans , Preece Catherine , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Penuelas Josep
Published: March 2023

Anthropogenic global change is driving an increase in the frequency and intensity of drought and flood events, along with associated imbalances and limitation of several soil nutrients. In the context of an increasing human population, these impacts represent a global‐scale challenge for biodiversity conservation and sustainable crop production to ensure food security. Plants have evolved strategies to enhance uptake of soil nutrients under environmental stress conditions; for example, symbioses with fungi (mycorrhization) in the rhizosphere and the release of exudates from roots. Although crop cultivation is managed for the effects of limited availability of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), there is increasing evidence for limitation of plant growth and fitness because of the low availability of other soil nutrients such as the metals potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe), which may become increasingly limiting for plant productivity under global change. The roles of mycorrhizas and plant exudates on N and P uptake have been studied intensively; however, our understanding of the effects on metal nutrients is less clear and still inconsistent. Here, we review the literature on the role of mycorrhizas and root exudates in plant uptake of key nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe) in the context of potential nutrient deficiencies in crop and non‐crop terrestrial ecosystems, and identify knowledge gaps for future research to improve nutrient‐uptake capacity in food crop plants.
Looking Together as Method
Authors: GÜRSEL ZEYNEP DEVRİM
Published: March 2023

Between 1896 and 1908, over 4300 Ottoman Armenians emigrated abroad through terk‐i tabiiyet, an expatriation process that required emigrants never return to the empire. A key step in this process was sitting for a photograph. Using Ottoman Armenian expatriation photographs as an example, this article details “looking together” as a method for working ethnographically with photographs. It details three moments in time and three kinds of time to show how looking together yielded an understanding of how the state intended these photographs to function and how individuals conscripted these portraits of unbelonging into their own projects of belonging.
The value of percutaneous ultrasound-guided subacromial bursography in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears
Authors: Li Ruochen , Li Miao , Cui Yipeng , Yang Pei , Zhang Chen
Published: March 2023

AbstractPurpose To determine the feasibility and diagnostic value of percutaneous ultrasound-guided subacromial bursography (PUSB) in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears.Methods Between July 2019 to October 2021, 78 patients who had suspected rotator cuff injury and who were admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were selected, including 32 males and 46 females, aged 31-70 years (mean age 53.9±9.1 years), with a course of 1D-2 years. The MRI, US and PUSB images of patients were retrospectively analyzed to obtain the diagnostic and predictive indexes (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value，negative predictive value and accuracy) of these three methods for different rotator cuff tears types (full-thickness tears, partial-thickness tears and no tears of rotator cuff ). With the results of shoulder arthroscopy serving as the standard, PUSB results were compared with MRI and US results using the X2 -test (a=0.05, two-sided).Results In all 78 patients, the overall accuracy of MRI, US, and PUSB in diagnosing rotator cuff tears was 82.1% (64/78), 75.6% (59/78) and 96.2% (75/78), respectively (P < 0.001). Among 21 patients with full-thickness tears, the numbers of cases correctly diagnosed by MRI, US and PUSB were 19, 19 and 21, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI, US and PUSB in diagnosing full-thickness tears were 90.5%, 90.5%, 100% and 98.2%, 93.0%, 100%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracies of full-thickness rotator cuff tears were 90.5%, 90.5% and 100%, respectively, with no statistical difference (P = 0.344). Among 42 patients with partial-thickness tears, the numbers of patients whose cases were correctly diagnosed on MRI, US and PUSB were 32, 27 and 40, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI, US and PUSB in diagnosing partial-thickness tears were 76.2%, 64.3%, and 95.2% and 88.9%, 88.9%, and 97.2%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracies of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears were 76.2% (32/42), 64.3% (27/42) and 95.2% (40/42), respectively (P＜0.05). Among the 15 patients without tears, the numbers of misdiagnosed cases by MRI, US and PUSB were 2, 2, and 1, respectively, and they were all misdiagnosed as partial-thickness tears. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI, US and PUSB in the diagnosis of complete rotator cuff were 86.7%, 86.7%, and 93.3% and 85.7%, 82.5% and 96.8%, respectively, and the accuracies in diagnosing no tears were 86.7% (13/15), 86.7% (13/15) and 87.5% (14/15), respectively (P = 0.997).Conclusions It is feasible to diagnose rotator cuff tears by PUSB, which can be used as an important supplement imaging method to evaluate rotator cuff tears.
Comments and illustrations of the WFUMB CEUS liver guidelines: Rare focal liver lesions – infectious (bacterial)
Authors: Ignee André , Möller Kathleen , Thees-Laurenz Ruth , Zadeh Ehsan Safai , Görg Christian , Correas Jean Michel , Chaubal Nitin , Sansone Vito , Jenssen Christian , Dong Yi , Götzberger Manuela , Meloni Maria Franca , Cui Xin Wu , Klinger Christoph , DeMolo Chiara , Carla Serra , Lim Adrian , Huang Pintong , Espinosa Montagut Nathally , Dietrich Christoph Frank
Published: March 2023

In this series of papers on comments and illustrations of the World Federation for Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) guidelines on contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) the topics of bacterial infections are discussed. Improved detection and characterization of common focal liver lesions (FLL) are the main topics of these guidelines but detailed and illustrating information is missing. The focus in this paper on infectious (bacterial) focal liver lesions is on their appearance on B-mode and Doppler ultrasound and CEUS features. Knowledge of these data should help to raise awareness of these rarer findings, to think of these clinical pictures in the corresponding clinical situation, to interpret the ultrasound images correctly and thus to initiate the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic steps in time.
Backscattering enhancements by partially exposed spheres due to reflected subsonic Rayleigh waves at air–water interfaces
Authors: Tan Liwen , Fan Jun , Wang Bin , Zhao Kaiqi , Li Bing
Published: March 2023

Air–water interfaces can enable distinct target scattering mechanisms different from the mechanism under free field conditions. In this study, backscattering experiments are performed by lowering an acrylic or polymethylmethacrylate sphere through the air–water interface into the water and insonifying the sphere from below at grazing incidence. Pronounced backscattering enhancements associated with the subsonic Rayleigh wave propagation mechanism are observed before the specular reflection point of the sphere reaches the water. The results indicate that, for a partially exposed sphere, subsonic Rayleigh waves can pass through the air–water interface and circumnavigate the sphere multiple times. The phase velocities of Rayleigh waves are different when propagating above and below the air–water interface. Moreover, subsonic Rayleigh waves are partially reflected when passing through the air–water interface, generating wavefronts that propagate in the reverse direction.
Guidelines for higher efficiency supported thermo-acoustic emitters based on periodically Joule heated metallic films
Authors: Leizeronok Boris , Losin Slava , Kleiman Alex , Julius Shimon , Romm Iliya , Cukurel Beni
Published: March 2023

The paper focuses on the evaluation of the impact associated with various geometrical and material properties on the overall acoustic performance of generic multi-layer thermo-acoustic sources. First, a generalized numerical framework is developed using a state-of-the-art thermo-acoustic emission model for multi-layered devices and is used to forecast the effects associated with different parameters (thickness, density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity), based on a set of 65 536 simulated architectures. Then, the acoustic facility is designed, assembled, and instrumented, and the findings of the simulation campaign are validated against experimental measurements for 32 different samples, manufactured via various vacuum deposition techniques. The results of the experimental campaign corroborate the simulation's prediction and indicate that the variables that have the strongest impact on the thermo-acoustic performance are the thicknesses of the substrate and thermophone layers, as well as the backing's thermal conductivity. Finally, the experimental results are directly comparable with the simulation predictions and the deviation between the two values is within the limits of the experimental accuracy, with an average deviation of 12% (maximal divergence of 28%) and best absolute performance of 0.018 Pa/W when measured from a distance of 75 mm. Overall, the findings provide an insight into the effect of analyzed properties and offer a set of tangible guidelines that can be applied in the future toward the design optimization process that can potentially result in higher-efficiency thermophone-on-substrate thermo-acoustic emitters.
The NF-κB multidimer system model: A knowledge base to explore diverse biological contexts
Authors: Mitchell Simon , Tsui Rachel , Tan Zhixin Cyrillus , Pack Arran , Hoffmann Alexander
Published: March 2023

The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) system is critical for various biological functions in numerous cell types, including the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and pathogenic responses. Each cell type is characterized by a subset of 15 NF-κB dimers whose activity is regulated in a stimulus-responsive manner. Numerous studies have produced different mathematical models that account for cell type–specific NF-κB activities. However, whereas the concentrations or abundances of NF-κB subunits may differ between cell types, the biochemical interactions that constitute the NF-κB signaling system do not. Here, we synthesized a consensus mathematical model of the NF-κB multidimer system, which could account for the cell type–specific repertoires of NF-κB dimers and their cell type–specific activation and cross-talk. Our review demonstrates that these distinct cell type–specific properties of NF-κB signaling can be explained largely as emergent effects of the cell type–specific expression of NF-κB monomers. The consensus systems model represents a knowledge base that may be used to gain insights into the control and function of NF-κB in diverse physiological and pathological scenarios and that describes a path for generating similar regulatory knowledge bases for other pleiotropic signaling systems.
Egress of Listeria monocytogenes from Mesenteric Lymph Nodes Depends on Intracellular Replication and Cell-to-Cell Spread
Authors: Tucker Jamila S. , Cho Jooyoung , Albrecht Taylor M. , Ferrell Jessica L. , D’Orazio Sarah E. F.
Published: March 2023

The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) function as a barrier to systemic spread for both commensal and pathogenic bacteria in the gut.
Listeria monocytogenes
, a facultative intracellular foodborne pathogen, readily overcomes this barrier and spreads into the bloodstream, causing life-threatening systemic infections. We show here that intracellular replication protected
L. monocytogenes
from clearance by monocytes and neutrophils and promoted colonization of the small intestine-draining MLN (sMLN) but was not required for dissemination to the colon-draining MLN (cMLN).
Cathelicidins Target HSP60 To Restrict CVB3 Transmission via Disrupting the Exosome and Reducing Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Yang Yang , Huang Chunjing , Hui Li , Song Yahui , Fu Yuxuan , Li Min , Yang Hailong , Wu Jing , Sun Jia , Xu Wei , Wei Lin
Published: March 2023

The relative mechanisms that cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides use to influence nonenveloped virus infection are unclear. We show here that cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides (CRAMP and LL-37) directly target exosomal HSP60 to destroy exosomes, which in turn block the diffusion of exosomes to recipient cardiomyocytes and reduced HSP60-induced apoptosis, thus restricting coxsackievirus B3 infection.
Genome Sequence Resource of Bacillus velezensis Strain ML61, a Potential Biocontrol Bacterium Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Bok Choy (Brassica rapa var.
chinensis
)
Authors: Ma Liang , Liu Tong
Published: March 2023

Bacillus velezensis
is widely known as a biocontrol agent against various plant diseases. Here, we report on the genome sequence of
Bacillus velezensis
strain ML61, which was isolated from the rhizosphere of bok choy (
Brassica rapa
var.
chinensis
) in Hangzhou, China, in 2020.
Trade-Offs between Competitive Ability and Resistance to Top-Down Control in Marine Microbes
Authors: Yang Jinny Wu , Chang Feng-Hsun , Yeh Yi-Chun , Tsai An-Yi , Chiang Kuo-Ping , Shiah Fuh-Kwo , Gong Gwo-Ching , Hsieh Chih-hao
Published: March 2023

We addressed the “kill-the-winner” hypothesis from the perspective of its principle (the competition-resistance trade-off) in marine bacterial communities incubated
in situ
. Our results supported the existence of competition-resistance trade-offs and the positive effect on bacterial community diversity.
Infection Studies with Airway Organoids from
Carollia perspicillata
Indicate That the Respiratory Epithelium Is Not a Barrier for Interspecies Transmission of Influenza Viruses
Authors: Su Ang , Yan Miaomiao , Pavasutthipaisit Suvarin , Wicke Kathrin D. , Grassl Guntram A. , Beineke Andreas , Felmy Felix , Schmidt Sabine , Esser Karl-Heinz , Becher Paul , Herrler Georg
Published: March 2023

We developed an organoid culture system derived from the airways of the bat species
Carollia perspicillata
. Using this cell system, we showed that the airway epithelium of these bats is highly susceptible to infection by influenza viruses of other mammalian species and thus is not a barrier for interspecies transmission.
B Lymphocyte Development in the Bursa of Fabricius of Young Broilers is Influenced by the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Cheng Jiaheng , Lei Huangtao , Xie Chunlin , Chen Jianwei , Yi Xinyu , Zhao Fang , Yuan Yushan , Chen Peng , He Jingyi , Luo Chenglong , Shu Dingming , Qu Hao , Ji Jian
Published: March 2023

In this study, we used young broilers to investigate the relationship between their gut microbiota and bursal B cell development. We characterized the important variables, microbes, B cells, and immunoglobulins during the posthatch development of birds.
Long-Term Anthropogenic Management and Associated Loss of Plant Diversity Deeply Impact Virome Richness and Composition of
Poaceae
Communities
Authors: Maclot François , Debue Virginie , Malmstrom Carolyn M. , Filloux Denis , Roumagnac Philippe , Eck Mathilde , Tamisier Lucie , Blouin Arnaud G. , Candresse Thierry , Massart Sébastien
Published: March 2023

Because viruses have been mostly studied in cultivated plants, little is known about virus diversity and ecology in less-managed vegetation or about the influence of human management and agriculture on virome composition.
Poaceae
(grass family)-dominated communities provide invaluable opportunities to examine these ecological issues, as they are distributed worldwide across agro-ecological gradients, are essential for food security and conservation, and can be infected by numerous viruses. Here, we used multiple levels of analysis that considered plant communities, individual plants, virus species, and haplotypes to broaden understanding of the
Poaceae
virome and to evaluate host-parasite richness relationships within agro-ecological landscapes in our study area.
Vibrio cholerae Alkalizes Its Environment via Citrate Metabolism to Inhibit Enteric Growth
In Vitro
Authors: Kostiuk Benjamin , Becker Mark E. , Churaman Candice N. , Black Joshua J. , Payne Shelley M. , Pukatzki Stefan , Koestler Benjamin J.
Published: March 2023

Vibrio cholerae
must compete with other bacteria in order to cause disease. Here, we show that
V. cholerae
creates an alkaline environment, which is able to inhibit the growth of other enteric bacteria. We demonstrate that
V. cholerae
environmental alkalization is linked to the capacity of the bacteria to metabolize citrate. This behavior could potentially contribute to
V. cholerae’s
ability to colonize the human intestine.
Stochastic Processes Drive the Assembly and Metabolite Profiles of Keystone Taxa during Chinese Strong-Flavor Baijiu Fermentation
Authors: Yuan Shukun , Du Hai , Zhao Dong , Qiao Zongwei , Zheng Jia , Yu Xiaowei , Xu Yan
Published: March 2023

From an ecological perspective, keystone taxa in microbial networks with high connectivity have crucial roles in community assembly and function. We used CSFB fermentation as a model system to study the ecological functions of dominant and keystone taxa at the metabolic level.
Quasistationary Polariton States in Mesocavities
Authors: Belonovski A. V. , Nikolaev V. V. , Girshova E. I.
Published: March 2023

When the strength of light–matter interaction (the Rabi splitting) in mesocavities is comparable to the energy spacing between the cavity modes, an exciton mode is coupled simultaneously to a number of optical modes. It has recently been demonstrated that a nonmonotonic dependence of the population of polariton states in mesocavities on the pump intensity is possible. Here, it is shown that an additional quasistationary state may appear in the hysteresis region and the time spent by the system in this state depends on the pump intensity.
Slowly progressive distal muscle weakness: neuropathy or myopathy?
Authors: Nahari Yafit , Abbas Ahmed , Curtis Elizabeth , Jacob Saiju
Published: March 2023

Nonaka myopathy is an autosomal recessive and slowly progressive distal myopathy. It is part of a rare group of myopathies predominantly affecting the distal limb musculature. Over 150 cases have been reported across the Middle East, Japan and Europe. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman presenting with symmetrical upper and lower limb weakness, most severely affecting the distal muscle groups. After extensive neurological investigation including neurophysiology, muscle biopsy and genetic analysis, she was finally diagnosed with Nonaka myopathy and treated conservatively with physiotherapy.
Benign metastasising leiomyoma presenting with respiratory distress
Authors: Stabler Robert , Azim Adnan , Edwards Dawn
Published: March 2023

Benign metastasising leiomyoma (BML) is a rare gynaecological tumour which most commonly presents with incidental lung nodules. Here, we present a case of BML in which a 43-year-old woman was admitted in respiratory distress. She was found to have widespread lung involvement with numerous, moderately sized lesions and emphysematous lung regions. Imaging of this patient demonstrated more extensive respiratory disease than has previously been reported in BML, and rendered surgical resection of the nodules impossible. We describe the patient’s treatment with chemical castration and report some improvement in both lung imaging and function.
Iatrogenic cerebral abscess leading to resolution of severe delusional disorder
Authors: Gillespie Conor SN , McMahon Catherine J
Published: March 2023

A cerebral abscess (focal infection of brain parenchyma) carries a high mortality and morbidity. Iatrogenic cerebral abscesses are less common and make up 10% of all cases. The presence of a cerebral abscess can rarely improve a patient’s prognosis and quality of life, however this case illustrates an abscess and its treatment following a prolonged course of antibiotics leading to resolution of a severe psychotic disorder. This is a case report of a 32-year-old female inpatient at a psychiatric hospital with a long-standing history of congenital hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy and organic delusional disorder who developed an iatrogenic cerebral abscess after insertion of an implantable intracranial pressure monitoring device. After receiving treatment of 6 weeks of intravenous meropenem the patient’s mental condition rapidly improved, she became stable and euthymic and was discharged home. The patient has since had no delusions or hallucinations and is living independently at home.
Myasthenia gravis presenting as bilateral pseudointernuclear ophthalmoplegia in a patient with an incidental prolactinoma
Authors: Arias Chavez Julian Fernando , Fernandez Cornelius James
Published: March 2023

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare and potentially dangerous autoimmune condition, which affects the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscle. MG’s diverse symptomatology may readily masquerade as other neurological conditions, posing a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. We describe a 24-year old man who presented to the emergency department with a new onset internuclear ophthalmoplegia. After a series of investigations, we eventually arrived at a diagnosis of MG with pseudointernuclear ophthalmoplegia with an incidentally detected prolactinoma. We explore the literature regarding the pathophysiology of pseudointernuclear ophthalmoplegia, the link between prolactin and autoimmunity and the association between prolactinoma and MG.
Metastatic myxopapillary ependymoma treated with immunotherapy achieving durable response
Authors: Tapia Rico Gonzalo , Townsend Amanda , Price Timothy , Patterson Kevin
Published: March 2023

Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a rare glial tumour mainly located in the areas of the conus medullaris, cauda equina and filum terminale of the spinal cord. Ectopic MPE tends to behave more aggressively and distant metastases are often seen. Unfortunately, no standard treatment options are established as only small series of treated patients and a few reported cases are available in the literature. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed with a metastatic MPE, with multiple bilateral lung metastases. She was treated with an investigational monoclonal antibody antiprogrammed cell death protein 1, called tislelizumab (BGB-A317), following surgical resection of the perisacral primary mass. The response was long-lasting and side effects nil. Immunotherapy is a treatment modality to be considered in patients with rare tumours.
Cavernous malformation of the intracranial optic nerve with operative video and review of the literature
Authors: Stellon Michael Anthony , Elliott Ross-Jordon , Taheri M Reza , Jean Walter C
Published: March 2023

Optic pathway cavernous malformations represent less than 1% of all central nervous system cavernomas. They can lead to visual loss with indeterminate speed, and therefore, the timing of intervention is controversial. We present a patient with an optic nerve cavernoma, which was discovered incidentally 3 years before the onset of visual symptoms. The evolution of her symptoms, visual function and radiographic findings are reported in detail. The cavernoma was eventually removed via a transciliary orbitocranial keyhole approach with the goal to protect the optic chiasm from progressive involvement. The function in the affected optic nerve was not salvageable. This is the second reported case of a cavernoma selectively involving the intracranial portion of the optic nerve. The debate on the timing of intervention is highlighted with reference to the natural history of these rare lesions.
Rare and unusual presentation of gastrocardiac syndrome
Authors: Mehta Aditya , Bath Anandbir , Ahmed Mohammad Umar , Kalavakunta Jagadeesh K
Published: March 2023

Gastrointestinal pathology can cause cardiac symptoms and disorders. We present a case of a patient who had worsening of her palpitations with food intake. She was found to have a high burden of premature ventricular contractions in the setting of hiatal hernia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. After extensive investigations and ruling out cardiac causes, her arrhythmia resolved with the surgical correction of hiatal hernia.
Bilateral renal haematuria and obstructive renal failure from acquired haemophilia A: a medical cause for a surgical problem
Authors: Ajjikuttira Aiyapa , Sharma Pranav , Rhee Handoo
Published: March 2023

A 55-year-old male presented to our emergency department with haematuria and abdominal pain. Investigations including a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an intraluminal filling defect within the left collecting system, consistent in appearance with blood clot. With an initial working diagnosis of upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma, he was discharged with plans for an urgent cystoscopy and ureteroscopy. He subsequently represented with ongoing frank haematuria, anasarca, dropping haemoglobin and new right collecting system blood clot. Subsequent investigations showed that the patient had acquired haemophilia A resulting in the episodes of haematuria, highlighted after an elevated activated partial thromboplastic time prompted a thrombophilia screen. The patient was subsequently treated with factor eight inhibitor bypass activity, corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.
Transfemoral thrombolysis with thrombosuction: an aid to renal biopsy in a case of acute Budd Chiari syndrome complicating nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Vaidyanathan Arvind , Trivedi Mayuri , Ukirde Vivek , Karnik Niteen
Published: March 2023

Renal biopsy is usually a prerequisite in the diagnosis of adult patients with nephrotic syndrome. Acute Budd Chiari syndrome is a known complication of certain aetiologies of nephrotic syndrome like membranous glomerulopathy and minimal change disease. This complication requires emergent anticoagulation, which would preclude the performance of a renal biopsy. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with acute Budd Chiari syndrome as the initial presentation of nephrotic syndrome. The difficult situation in which we had to give anticoagulation and also perform a renal biopsy led us to devise a novel way to treat the patient, namely, the initial use of transfemoral thrombolysis and thrombosuction followed by a renal biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy. Anticoagulation was safely instituted 48 hours later with documented clinical and radiological improvement.
Recoverin antibody-associated late-onset ataxia without retinopathy
Authors: Herzog Rebecca , Brüggemann Norbert , Sprenger Andreas , Münte Thomas F
Published: March 2023

Acquired cerebellar ataxia is a rare, in many cases immune-modulated and paraneoplastic illness. Acute and slowly progredient processes are possible. An early treatment is important for a good clinical outcome. Here we present the case of female patient in her 60s with an antirecoverin associated cerebellitis without retinopathia and neoplasia. After an immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and rituximab the symptoms improved, and the progression could be stopped.
Uncommon hand injury to the batsman in ‘gully cricket’: report of two cases
Authors: Murali Sujayendra Davanagere , Madi Sandesh , Sait Anika
Published: March 2023

Volar plate injuries are typically caused by hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal joint. These injuries are usually seen in sports where the ball comes in direct contact with the hands. Forceful dorsiflexion of the finger caused by the speeding ball leads to volar plate avulsion. In cricket, such finger injuries predominantly occur in fielders trying to catch or stop the speeding ball with bare hands. We report two unusual cases of volar plate avulsion injury occurring in batsmen that occurred during ‘gully cricket’ (street-cricket). We propose the possibility of a novel contrecoup-type mechanism causing this type of injury in the two cases. Both were successfully managed with splinting and had excellent recovery without any residual deformity or instability.
Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma of the lip
Authors: Schnur Jack , Johnson Shaw Mary E , Carnio Lorenzo R , Casadesus Damian
Published: March 2023

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip typically has a good prognosis when diagnosed at an early stage and treated properly. We present a 65-year-old man with a 3-month history of an ulcerative lesion of the lower lip. On physical examination, he had an ulceration of approximately 5×5 cm in the mucosa of the lower lip, extending through 50% of the lip, and multiple mandibular and neck lymph nodes. The biopsy confirmed SCC of the lip. Surgical treatment was recommended, but the patient was lost to follow-up. The patient eventually returned to the hospital for medical treatment. However, the physical examination, and the images obtained showed progression of the disease. Chemotherapy was started with improvement in the primary site, but he then developed a large submental mass compatible with SCC. The tumour was considered incurable at that time. Palliative radiation therapy was offered; however, he refused any further procedures or treatment.
An unexpected allergic skin reaction to peppermint oil capsules
Authors: Sanders Gabrielle
Published: March 2023

Peppermint oil capsules are prescribed to manage abdominal colic and distension, a common complaint in postcaesarean section patients. Arachis (peanut) oil is contained within one frequently prescribed peppermint formulation: Colpermin. This ingredient is contraindicated in patients with peanut and soya allergy; however, this is not stated in the side effects or contraindications section of the British National Formulary, or present on the medication packaging. A postpartum woman in her early 30s had an unexpected allergic reaction to the capsules, in the form of a generalised body rash, fortunately with no anaphylactic features. The patient reported the same reaction to soya in the past. After review of the patient’s clinical and medication history, Colpermin capsules were thought to be responsible for the patient’s symptoms. This case highlights the necessity for clearer documentation in prescribing formularies and on medication packaging to ensure patient safety.
Antiepileptic drug-induced severe granulomatous interstitial nephritis
Authors: Aggarwal Sunita , Garg Chetan , Kumar Shanu , Singh Ranvijay
Published: March 2023

Granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN) is a type of tubulointerstitial nephritis characterised by tubulointerstitial infiltration of mononuclear cells and eosinophils. It accounts for about 6% of all tubulointerstitial nephritis and is detected in ∼0.5%–0.9% of all renal biopsies. GIN has been linked to several antibiotics, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and granulomatous disorders like tuberculosis and sarcoidosis but is rarely reported with anti-epileptic medications like phenytoin and levetiracetam. We present a case report of a man in his early 20’s with previously normal renal function who developed GIN following levetiracetam and phenytoin consumption for 7 years. After withdrawal of the causative drug and starting steroid therapy, his kidney function gradually improved. In cases of GIN, medication history is important in the evaluation of aetiology.
Outcomes following repair of early-onset versus delayed-onset rhegmatogenous retinal detachments after acute posterior vitreous detachment
Authors: Swaminathan Vishal Balasubramanian , Salabati Mirataollah , Israilevich Rachel , Cehelyk Eli , Mahmoudzadeh Raziyeh , Uhr Joshua H , Spirn Marc J , Klufas Michael A , Garg Sunir J , Hsu Jason
Published: March 2023

Aim

To report anatomical and functional outcomes after surgical repair of acute-onset vs delayed-onset rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RDs) following acute posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

Methods

A retrospective, comparative interventional cohort study where patients presenting to a single-centre retina practice between October 2015 and March 2020 with delayed RDs (diagnosed ≥42 days after initial presentation of acute PVD) were compared with a 2:1 age-matched and gender-matched acute RD cohort (PVD and RD at initial presentation). The primary outcome was the final attachment rate and single surgery anatomic success (SSAS) at 3 months after RD repair.

Results

A total of 210 eyes were analysed—70 in the delayed RD group and 140 in the acute RD group. SSAS was 58/70 (82.9%) for the delayed RD group and 112/140 (80%) for the acute RD group (p=0.71). At the time of RD diagnosis, mean (SD) logarithm of minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (VA) was 0.51 (0.70) (Snellen, 20/65) in the delayed RD group vs 1.04 (0.92) (Snellen, 20/219) in the acute RD group (p<0.001). Mean VA was better at 1 and 3 months post-repair in the delayed RD group (p=0.005 and 0.041, respectively) but similar by 6 months, 12 months and at the final visit post-repair (p=0.48, 0.27, and 0.23, respectively).

Conclusions

Delayed-onset RDs occurring ≥6 weeks after initial presentation to a retina specialist with an acute PVD generally had better VA at the time of RD diagnosis and faster post-surgical visual recovery compared with acute-onset RDs diagnosed at the initial presentation. No significant difference in anatomic outcomes was seen between the two groups.
Implications of LAG3 and CTLA4 immune checkpoints beyond PD-1/PD-L1 as a potential target in determining the prognosis of uveal melanoma patients
Authors: Kashyap Seema , Singh Mithalesh Kumar , Kumar Nikhil , Jha Jayanti , Lomi Neiwete , Meel Rachna , Bakhshi Sameer , Sen Seema , Singh Lata
Published: March 2023

Background

Response rate of PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapeutic blockade agents in uveal melanoma (UM) is poor. Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) are the two promising immune checkpoint targets. Therefore, our aim was to explore at how these proteins were expressed in tumour tissue and serum, as well as their prognostic implications in UM.

Methods

The expression of LAG3, CTLA-4, CD3, CD4, CD8 and FOXP3 was determined by immunohistochemistry in 54 enucleated UM tissue samples. mRNA expression level of LAG3 and CTLA-4 was determined by quantitative real-time PCR and corroborated by western blotting. Furthermore, soluble form of LAG3, CTLA-4 and CCR8 expression in serum was measured in 40 UM patients using ELISA.

Result

The expression of LAG3, CTLA-4, CD3, CD4, CD8 and FOXP3 was observed in 30%, 33%, 41%, 35%, 50% and 39% of the cases, respectively. Loss of nBAP1 expression was significantly correlated with CD8+expression (p=0.012) but not with tumour infiltrating lymphocytes. LAG3 and CTLA-4 mRNA levels were higher in UM compared with normal uveal tissues. Higher LAG3 expression with CD8+expression was associated with lower metastasis-free survival (MFS) (p=0.049), but not with CTLA-4 in UM patients. MFS rate was reduced in patients having lower levels of CCR8 protein (p=0.050) and increased level of LAG3 protein (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that higher levels of LAG3 in UM with histopathologically high-risk parameters predict high metastatic potential and that it could be used as a targeted immunotherapy alone or in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade agents.
Healthcare workers’ level of adherence to infection prevention and control and its impact on puerperal and neonatal sepsis among delivering women and neonates in Central Tanzania: a protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Marandu Laura Edward , Masika Golden Mwakibo
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Delivering women and neonates are at a great risk of acquiring infections due to a lack of adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC), a low level of immunity and extended exposure to care procedures that can lead to infections. This prospective cohort study aims to assess the level of adherence to IPC among healthcare workers and its impact on puerperal and neonatal sepsis in the Dodoma region.

Methods and analysis

The level of adherence to IPC is examined cross-sectionally among healthcare workers (HCWs) in contact with delivering women and their neonates. A prospective cohort approach is used to assess the level of exposure of 294 delivering women and their neonates to poor hygienic practices of HCWs through an observation checklist. Outcomes, including the incidence of puerperal and neonatal sepsis, are evaluated clinically 2 days later before discharge. Laboratory culture and sensitivity confirmatory tests of blood samples are done on positive cases. Data analysis for level of adherence to IPC practices, incidence of puerperal and neonatal sepsis, and relative risk among the exposed women and neonates will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Dodoma Research Ethics Committee approved this study (ref no. MA.84/261/‘A’/25). Findings of this study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences to the participating hospitals, the University of Dodoma and the Tanzanian Ministry of Health for informing practice and policy.
Reducing the incidence and impact of peer-to-peer online trolling: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Beatson Amanda Tracy , Riedel Aimee , Mulcahy Rory , Keating Byron William , Wang Shasha , Campbell Marilyn , Johnson Daniel
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Governments worldwide are committed to reducing the prevalence of peer-to-peer online trolling. The practice of peer-to-peer online trolling, which is broadly defined as where a user intends to cause disruption or conflict online for their own amusement or advantage, is a widespread pervasive and damaging behavior, affecting over one-third of all social media users. There remains, however, a substantial barrier to addressing this behaviour due to a lack of understanding of peer-to-peer online trolling and its unique psychopathology that distinguishes it from other forms of peer-to-peer online abuse such as cyberbullying and flaming, as well as the primary information technology approach used to investigate trolling. Providing a synthesis of peer-to-peer online trolling research will assist organisations, governments and educators in addressing this deviant behaviour online.

Methods and analysis

This protocol follows the six-stage scoping review process proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Identifying the scoping review research question (stage 1) is followed by discussion on how studies will be selected (stage 2). We then discuss how we will determine which studies will be included in the scoping review (stage 3), as well as chart the data involved for each study included (stage 4). In stage 5, the scoping review protocol gathers, synthesises and reports the results, and consults with stakeholders about the initial protocol specifications (stage 6).

Ethics and dissemination

As the scoping review methodology focuses on incorporating information from available publications, ethical approval is not required. An article summarising the scoping review results will be submitted for publication to a journal, presented at appropriate conferences and disseminated as part of future workshops with professionals and educators involved in reducing online trolling.
Magnetic Forces: Do They Really Work?
Authors: Veetil Sidharth Chambocheri , Sim Hui Xiang , Ricardo Bernard
Published: March 2023

In high school and undergraduate physics, magnetic forces are often introduced as not being capable of doing work. In this paper, we explore the truth of this statement, analyzing the work done in various physical scenarios, including the bending of a wire in an external magnetic field, as well as the interaction between magnetic dipoles. In particular, the formation of surface charges and thorough analysis of the Hall force are elaborated. This paper addresses certain misconceptions regarding magnetic forces and work, and is expected to be of interest to students and educators alike.
Beyond Coulomb’s Law: The Interaction Between Overlapping Charged Balls
Authors: Ivchenko Vladimir
Published: March 2023

We give a detailed analysis of the interaction between overlapping charged balls, depending on the distance between them and their sizes. If one of the balls is entirely inside another ball, the interaction force is strictly proportional to the distance between the balls’ centers. This force has a maximum when some partial balls overlap depending on the ratio of their radii. For example, if the balls are the same, then the maximum corresponds to the distance between the centers equal to the balls’ radius. At small relative displacements of oppositely charged balls, they should perform harmonic oscillations around their common center of mass. The paper is addressed to undergraduates who deal with modern electrostatics.
Resource-Efficient Convolutional Networks: A Survey on Model-, Arithmetic-, and Implementation-Level Techniques
Authors: Lee JunKyu , Mukhanov Lev , Molahosseini Amir Sabbagh , Minhas Umar , Hua Yang , Martinez del Rincon Jesus , Dichev Kiril , Hong Cheol-Ho , Vandierendonck Hans
Published: March 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are used in our daily life, including self-driving cars, virtual assistants, social network services, healthcare services, and face recognition, among others. However, deep CNNs demand substantial compute resources during training and inference. The machine learning community has mainly focused on model-level optimizations such as architectural compression of CNNs, whereas the system community has focused on implementation-level optimization. In between, various arithmetic-level optimization techniques have been proposed in the arithmetic community. This article provides a survey on resource-efficient CNN techniques in terms of model-, arithmetic-, and implementation-level techniques, and identifies the research gaps for resource-efficient CNN techniques across the three different level techniques. Our survey clarifies the influence from higher- to lower-level techniques based on our resource efficiency metric definition and discusses the future trend for resource-efficient CNN research.
A Generalized Estimating Equations Approach to Investigate Predictors of Teacher Candidates’ Views of Coding
Authors: Belland Brian R. , Kim Chanmin , Zhang Anna Y. , Lee Eunseo
Published: March 2023

This article reports the analysis of data from five different studies to identify predictors of preservice, early childhood teachers’ views of (a) the nature of coding, (b) integration of coding into preschool classrooms, and (c) relation of coding to fields other than computer science (CS). Significant changes in views of coding were predicted by time, prior robot programming experience, and perceptions of the value of coding. Notably, prior programming knowledge and positive perceptions of mathematics predicted decreases in views of coding from pre- to post-survey.
Outsmarting Pathogens with Antibody Engineering
Authors: Qerqez Ahlam N. , Silva Rui P. , Maynard Jennifer A.
Published: March 2023

There is growing interest in identifying antibodies that protect against infectious diseases, especially for high-risk individuals and pathogens for which no vaccine is yet available. However, pathogens that manifest as opportunistic or latent infections express complex arrays of virulence-associated proteins and are adept at avoiding immune responses. Some pathogens have developed strategies to selectively destroy antibodies, whereas others create decoy epitopes that trick the host immune system into generating antibodies that are at best nonprotective and at worst enhance pathogenesis. Antibody engineering strategies can thwart these efforts by accessing conserved neutralizing epitopes, generating Fc domains that resist capture or degradation and even accessing pathogens hidden inside cells. Design of pathogen-resistant antibodies can enhance protection and guide development of vaccine immunogens against these complex pathogens. Here, we discuss general strategies for design of antibodies resistant to specific pathogen defense mechanisms.
The Political Economy of Health: Bringing Political Science In
Authors: Lynch Julia
Published: March 2023

The public's health is intimately linked to politics and policy. But political science has yet to make a major contribution to understanding the political economy of health (as distinct from medical care). In order to advance understanding of the drivers of health in an era of emerging infectious disease and global pandemics, more political scientists must begin to do what we are uniquely well situated to do: analyze in a contextualized way the pathways and mechanisms through which power configurations cause illness and inequity. This article reviews key findings from recent literature about the policy, political, and structural contributors to population health and health equity and sketches what a political economy of health more deeply rooted in political science could look like.
The Politics of Reparations for Black Americans
Authors: Balfour Lawrie
Published: March 2023

Although struggles for reparations for slavery and its legacies date back to the earliest period of US politics, they have received relatively little attention from political scientists. Focusing on reparations claims, I argue, can enhance the study of Black social movements and political thought. The recent resurgence of demands for redress for racial injustice, both in the United States and internationally, and contemporary divisions over the politics of memory suggest why reparations are an important indicator of the prospects for multiracial democracy. Because the language of reparations has been used to advance a range of political ends, I conclude by considering some of the dilemmas that remain unresolved in the literature.