bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Investigation of a Shared Mooring Arrangement for a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Farm in Deep Water
Authors: Wang Yutao , Wolgamot Hugh , Watson Phillip , Gaudin Christophe , Zhao Wenhua , Milne Ian
Published: October 2022

In recent years, floating wind has been attracting increasing attention due to its ability to be deployed in greater water depths, which are usually associated with higher wind energy. At present, floating wind technology is more expensive than fixed offshore wind, with higher cost being driven by challenges such as the extended length of mooring lines, installation of anchors in deep water etc. For floating wind to become more competitive it will be necessary to devise methods that are able to bring down the overall cost by addressing areas such as these.

This paper presents a relatively novel concept that may help reduce the capital cost by using an arrangement of ‘shared mooring lines’. This arrangement is able to significantly reduce the number of anchors used in a windfarm, compared to the current common industry practice of using 3 mooring lines to moor each individual turbine, by connecting some of the turbines to their neighbours, rather than the seabed. Furthermore, this study aims to address a scenario in which shared mooring lines are expected to be more favourable, i.e. deep water (1000 m) and large (10 MW) turbines.

This numerical study provides some insights to a cost-saving mooring concept for a FOWT wind farm, by investigating loads in mooring lines and anchors, as well as relative displacement of the FOWTs in the windfarm. The cost saving is roughly estimated in terms of number of anchors and length of mooring line saved — serving as preliminary guidance for shared mooring line arrangements to be applied on larger windfarms or other geometric layouts (e.g. staggered rectangular array or hexagonally shared mooring connection).
Mitigating Force Oscillations in a Wave Energy Converter Using Control Barrier Functions
Authors: Marley Mathias , Skjetne Roger
Published: October 2022

Control barrier functions (CBFs) is a novel feedback control strategy for enforcing safety constraints of mechanical systems. An appealing feature of the CBF method is that the safety objective is defined and enforced independent of the underlying control objective. This enables the merging of CBF-based control with any existing nominal control strategy, by imposing the safety objective as input constraints in a convex optimization problem. CBFs are gaining popularity in the robotics community, in particular for motion control of autonomous vehicles. Yet, limited use of CBFs for mechanical devices such as wave energy converters (WECs) are reported in literature. This paper motivates the use of CBF-based control for constraint satisfaction of WECs, using the Bolt Lifesaver point absorber WEC developed by Fred. Olsen Ltd. as a case study. During initial sea trials of Bolt Lifesaver, large force oscillations were observed in the power take-off unit. The source of oscillations was identified as sudden saturation of the actuator force provided by the generator. Mitigating the undesired response using conventional feedback control is non-trivial, since any such control strategy will attempt to cancel inertia forces, resulting in a reduced stability margin of the system. Using higher order CBF theory, we design a robust controller that ensures safe operation of the device, while minimally interfering with the existing control law optimized for power output. The theoretical results are verified by numerical simulations.
Is Participation in Physical Education Classes Related to Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior? A Systematic Review
Authors: Silva Diego Júnio da , Barbosa Arthur Oliveira , Barbosa Filho Valter Cordeiro , Farias Júnior José Cazuza de
Published: October 2022

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the results and assess the methodological quality of studies that analyzed the relation between physical education participation, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in schoolchildren. Methods: Searches were conducted for original cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish between January 2007 and August 2020, on the PubMed, Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Education Resources Information Center, and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 60 articles (68 independent samples) were included in the revision (58 cross-sectional and 2 longitudinal observational studies). With regard to methodological quality, 27%, 52%, and 21% of the studies were classified as high, moderate, and low methodological quality, respectively. Physical activity was analyzed in 93% of the studies (n = 56) and sedentary behavior in 33% (n = 20). The higher frequency of physical education participation was associated with higher physical activity levels (56 of 68 results – 54/65 cross-sectional and 2/3 longitudinal studies) and less sedentary behavior (14 of 24 results), even after stratifying analyses by type and methodological quality. Conclusion: Physical education class participation may contribute to students being physically more active and less likely to engage in sedentary behavior.
Regulation of α-synuclein homeostasis and inflammasome activation by microglial autophagy
Authors: Choi Insup , Heaton George R. , Lee You-Kyung , Yue Zhenyu
Published: October 2022

Autophagy clears protein aggregates, damaged cellular organelles, and pathogens through the lysosome. Although autophagy is highly conserved across all cell types, its activity in each cell is specifically adapted to carry out distinct physiological functions. The role of autophagy in neurons has been well characterized; however, in glial cells, its function remains largely unknown. Microglia are brain-resident macrophages that survey the brain to remove injured neurons, excessive synapses, protein aggregates, and infectious agents. Current studies have demonstrated that dysfunctional microglia contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. In Alzheimer’s disease animal models, microglia play a critical role in regulating amyloid plaque formation and neurotoxicity. However, how microglia are involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains poorly understood. Propagation of aggregated α-synuclein via cell-to-cell transmission and neuroinflammation have emerged as important mechanisms underlying neuropathologies in PD. Here, we review converging evidence that microglial autophagy maintains α-synuclein homeostasis, regulates neuroinflammation, and confers neuroprotection in PD experimental models.
Beyond autophagy: LC3-associated phagocytosis and endocytosis
Authors: Peña-Martinez Carolina , Rickman Alexis D. , Heckmann Bradlee L.
Published: October 2022

Noncanonical functions of the autophagy machinery in pathways including LC3-associated phagocytosis and LC3-associated endocytosis have garnered increasing interest in both normal physiology and pathobiology. New discoveries over the past decade of noncanonical uses of the autophagy machinery in these distinct molecular mechanisms have led to robust investigation into the roles of single-membrane LC3 lipidation. Noncanonical autophagy pathways have now been implicated in the regulation of multiple processes ranging from debris clearance, cellular signaling, and immune regulation and inflammation. Accumulating evidence is demonstrating roles in a variety of disease states including host-pathogen responses, autoimmunity, cancer, and neurological and neurodegenerative pathologies. Here, we broadly summarize the differences in the mechanistic regulation between autophagy and LAP and LANDO and highlight some of the key roles of LAP and LANDO in innate immune function, inflammation, and disease pathology.
Barriers to gene flow in the deepest ocean ecosystems: Evidence from global population genomics of a cosmopolitan amphipod
Authors: Weston Johanna N. J. , Jensen Evelyn L. , Hasoon Megan S. R. , Kitson James J. N. , Stewart Heather A. , Jamieson Alan J.
Published: October 2022

The deepest marine ecosystem, the hadal zone, hosts endemic biodiversity resulting from geographic isolation and environmental selection pressures. However, the pan-ocean distribution of some fauna challenges the concept that the hadal zone is a series of isolated island-like habitats. Whether this remains true at the population genomic level is untested. We investigated phylogeographic patterns of the amphipod,
Bathycallisoma schellenbergi
, from 12 hadal features across the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Southern oceans and analyzed genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism markers and two mitochondrial regions. Despite a cosmopolitan distribution, populations were highly restricted to individual features with only limited gene flow between topographically connected features. This lack of connectivity suggests that populations are on separate evolutionary trajectories, with evidence of potential cryptic speciation at the Atacama Trench. Together, this global study demonstrates that the shallower ocean floor separating hadal features poses strong barriers to dispersal, driving genetic isolation and creating pockets of diversity to conserve.
Infrared plasmons propagate through a hyperbolic nodal metal
Authors: Shao Yinming , Sternbach Aaron J. , Kim Brian S. Y. , Rikhter Andrey A. , Xu Xinyi , De Giovannini Umberto , Jing Ran , Chae Sang Hoon , Sun Zhiyuan , Lee Seng Huat , Zhu Yanglin , Mao Zhiqiang , Hone James C. , Queiroz Raquel , Millis Andrew J. , Schuck P. James , Rubio Angel , Fogler Michael M. , Basov Dmitri N.
Published: October 2022

Metals are canonical plasmonic media at infrared and optical wavelengths, allowing one to guide and manipulate light at the nanoscale. A special form of optical waveguiding is afforded by highly anisotropic crystals revealing the opposite signs of the dielectric functions along orthogonal directions. These media are classified as hyperbolic and include crystalline insulators, semiconductors, and artificial metamaterials. Layered anisotropic metals are also anticipated to support hyperbolic waveguiding. However, this behavior remains elusive, primarily because interband losses arrest the propagation of infrared modes. Here, we report on the observation of propagating hyperbolic waves in a prototypical layered nodal-line semimetal ZrSiSe. The observed waveguiding originates from polaritonic hybridization between near-infrared light and nodal-line plasmons. Unique nodal electronic structures simultaneously suppress interband loss and boost the plasmonic response, ultimately enabling the propagation of infrared modes through the bulk of the crystal.
Acetylenotrophic and Diazotrophic
Bradyrhizobium
sp. Strain I71 from TCE-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Akob Denise M. , Sutton John M. , Bushman Timothy J. , Baesman Shaun M. , Klein Edina , Shrestha Yesha , Andrews Robert , Fierst Janna L. , Kolton Max , Gushgari-Doyle Sara , Oremland Ronald S. , Freeman John L.
Published: October 2022

The isolation of
Bradyrhizobium
strain I71 expands the distribution of acetylene-consuming microbes to include a group of economically important microorganisms. Members of
Bradyrhizobium
are well studied for their abilities to improve plant health and increase crop yields by providing bioavailable nitrogen.
The Outer Surface Protease, SepM, Is Required for
blp
Locus Activation in Three of the Four Most Common Pherotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Ratner Samantha , Bollinger Kevin , Richardson John , Dawid Suzanne
Published: October 2022

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is an important cause of disease in humans that occurs when the bacteria in the nasopharynx bypasses host defenses to invade deeper tissues. Colonization fitness thus represents an important initial step in pathogenesis.
S. pneumoniae
produces antimicrobial peptides called bacteriocins that provide a competitive advantage over neighboring bacteria in the nasopharynx.
Expression of the Group A Streptococcus Fibrinogen-Binding Protein Mrp Is Negatively Regulated by the Small Regulatory RNA FasX
Authors: Danger Jessica L. , Roshika Roshika , Baral Sushila , Sumby Paul
Published: October 2022

Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) represent a major class of regulatory molecule that promotes the ability of the group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) and other pathogens to regulate virulence factor expression. Despite FasX being the best-described sRNA in GAS, there remains much to be learned.
Characterization of M-Type-Specific Pilus Expression in Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Roshika Roshika , Jain Ira , Glenaldo Theodore , Sickler Tyler , Musser James M. , Sumby Paul
Published: October 2022

Our ability to characterize how a pathogen infects and causes disease, and consequently our ability to devise approaches to prevent or attenuate such infections, is inhibited by the finding that isolates of a given pathogen often show phenotypic variability, for example, in their ability to adhere to host cells through modulation of cell surface adhesins. Such variability is observed between isolates of group A
Streptococcus
(GAS), and this study investigates the molecular basis for why some GAS isolates produce pili, cell wall-anchored adhesins, in lower abundance than other isolates do.
Blocking Autophagy in M1 Macrophages Enhances Virus Replication and Eye Disease in Ocularly Infected Transgenic Mice
Authors: Jaggi Ujjaldeep , Matundan Harry H. , Lee Dhong Hyun , Ghiasi Homayon
Published: October 2022

Autophagy plays a critical role in clearing, disassembling, and recycling damaged cells, thus limiting inflammation. The HSV-1 γ34.5 gene is involved in neurovirulence and immune evasion by blocking autophagy in infected cells.
Draft Genome Sequence Analysis of the Genotype II African Swine Fever Virus from India
Authors: Buragohain Lukumoni , Dutta Rupam , Bharali Arpita , Sen Suparna , Barman Nagendra Nath , Borah Probodh , Saikia Deep Prakash , Kumar Sachin , Malik Yashpal Singh , Pawar Satyam , Bora Durlav Prasad , Gogoi Sophia M. , Aasdev Ashutosh
Published: October 2022

African swine fever virus (ASFV) entered the northeastern (NE) part of India early in 2020, causing huge economic loss to the piggery sector. Here, we are presenting a brief report on the draft genome sequence of an ASFV strain ABTCVSCK_ASF007 from Assam state of NE India belonging to genotype II.
Microbiome of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Rhizosphere from Free State, South Africa
Authors: Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Ajiboye Titilope Tinu , Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun
Published: October 2022

Soybean develop a symbiotic relationship with the rhizospheric microbial communities. These organisms are important in maintaining soybean growth and health. Soil samples for this study were collected from Free State, South Africa. We present the microbiome of the soybean rhizosphere and its functional categories at level 1 of the SEED subsystem.
Virulence Potential of Escherichia coli Isolates from a Beef Farm in Puerto Rico
Authors: Malavez Yadira , Loperena-Gonzalez Paola N. , Nieves-Miranda Sharon M. , Vazquez-Rodriguez Enilanice , Centeno-Velez Carlos N. , Xiaoli Lingzi , Dudley Edward G.
Published: October 2022

Sixteen
Escherichia coli
isolates were obtained from fecal matter from a beef farm in Puerto Rico. Isolates were whole-genome sequenced for
in silico
characterization, including pathotype characterization, virulence, and plasmid identification. The results of the draft genomes identified potential pathogenic
E. coli
strains from beef cattle in Puerto Rico.
Complete Coding Sequences of Rhinovirus Types A46, A39, C56, and C48
Authors: Collins Courtney L. , Faleye Temitope O. C. , Kraberger Simona , Fontenele Rafaela S. , Adams Deborah , Adhikari Sangeet , Sandrolini Helen , Finnerty Sarah , Halden Rolf U. , Scotch Matthew , Varsani Arvind
Published: October 2022

We report the coding-complete sequences of rhinovirus types C48, A46, A39, and C56, determined from nasopharyngeal swabs from three individuals with influenza-like symptoms in the United States. One sample showed a coinfection of rhinovirus types A46 and C48.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of
Penicillium simplicissimum
A4, a Putative Endophyte from
Echium plantagineum
Authors: Fisher Stacey , De Villers Dewald , Du Plessis Morne , Hattingh Kacey , Saulse Crishe , Basson Gerhard , Barker Adelé , Innalegwu Daniel Augustine , Al-Hashimi Ali , Hitzeroth Arina , Makhalanyane Thulani , Mavumengwana Vuyo , Gokul Arun , Keyster Marshall , Klein Ashwil
Published: October 2022

We report the draft whole-genome sequence of the putative endophytic fungus
Penicillium simplicissimum
A4, isolated from the roots of
Echium plantagineum
plants. The genome was sequenced using PacBio technology with an estimated genome size of 39 Mb.
Evaluation of Four Strategies for SARS-CoV-2 Detection: Characteristics and Prospects
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Ma Yu , Han Yanxi , Diao Zhenli , Chang Lu , Li Jinming , Zhang Rui
Published: October 2022

In the study, we reported an evaluation of 4 detection strategies implemented in different scenarios for SARS-CoV-2 detection: single sampling tests, 20-in-1 pooling tests, nucleic acid point-of-care tests, and rapid antigen tests. 3 SARS-CoV-2-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 cell culture supernatants and 5 recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins were used for evaluation. In this analysis, we found that for the WT, Delta, and Omicron supernatants, the lowest concentrations to achieve 100% detection rates of single sampling tests ranged between 1.28 × 10
2
to 1.02 × 10
3
, 1.28 × 10
2
to 4.10 × 10
3
, and 1.28 × 10
2
to 2.05 × 10
3
copies/mL.
Management of aneurysmal recurrence after Woven EndoBridge (WEB) treatment
Authors: Caroff Jildaz , Janot Kevin , Soize Sebastien , Marnat Gaultier , Cortese Jonathan , Mihalea Cristian , Popescu Septimiu Daniel , Ikka Léon , Chalumeau Vanessa , Gallas Sophie , Ozanne Augustin , Eltantawy Eman , Grimaldi Lamiae , Barreau Xavier , Herbreteau Denis , Pierot Laurent , Spelle Laurent
Published: October 2022

Background

Around 10% of Woven EndoBridge device (WEB)-treated intracranial aneurysms will need retreatment, and it is generally believed to be more challenging than retreatment after an initial coiling. We aim to report retreatment strategies and outcomes after initial WEB embolizations.

Methods

Databases from four treatment centers, containing consecutive aneurysms treated with a WEB between 2013 and 2022, were reviewed. Demographics, aneurysm characteristics, retreatment strategies and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

From a 756 WEB database, 57 aneurysms were included. The global retreatment rate was 7.5% (95% CI 5.6% to 9.4%). The retreatment rate was significantly higher in the ruptured compared with the unruptured population (13% vs 3.9%, respectively, P<0.0001). Aneurysms were retreated on average 21.2 months after the initial WEB treatment (range 4.8–70 months). Surgery was performed in 11% and endovascular treatment in 89% of cases, consisting of flow diversion (48%), stent-assisted coiling (30%), coiling (12%), and second WEB placement (10%). Imaging follow-up was available in 88% of all WEB retreatments (50/57) (average 17 months, 49% digital subtraction angiography), demonstrating complete occlusion in 56% and ‘adequate’ occlusion in 88%. Morbidity was 5.3% (95% CI 0% to 12.0%) and mortality 0%. No patient experienced rebleeding during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The retreatment rate after an initial WEB treatment seems to compare favorably with that of coiling. Endovascular treatment of recurrence following WEB implantation is feasible in most situations; it generally requires the use of a stent and leads to a high rate of satisfactory occlusion.
Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds versus conventional drug-eluting stents across time: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Jackson-Smith Elliot , Zioupos Stephanie , Banerjee Prithwish
Published: October 2022

Background

Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were designed to reduce the rate of late adverse events observed in conventional drug-eluting stents (DES) by dissolving once they have restored lasting patency.

Objectives

Compare the safety and efficacy of BVS versus DES in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease across a complete range of randomised controlled trial (RCT) follow-up intervals.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from inception through 5 January 2022 for RCTs comparing the clinical outcomes of BVS versus DES. The primary safety outcome was stent/scaffold thrombosis (ST), and the primary efficacy outcome was target lesion failure (TLF: composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI) and ischaemia-driven target lesion revascularisation (ID-TLR)). Secondary outcomes were patient-oriented composite endpoint (combining all-death, all-MI and all-revascularisation), its individual components and those of TLF. Studies were appraised using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan V.5.4.

Results

11 919 patients were randomised to receive either BVS (n=6438) or DES (n=5481) across 17 trials (differing follow-up intervals from 3 months to 5 years). BVS demonstrated increased risk of ST across all timepoints (peaking at 2 years with risk ratio (RR): 3.47; 95% CI 1.80 to 6.70; p=0.0002). Similarly, they showed increased risk of TLF (peaking at 3 years, RR: 1.35; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.70; p=0.01) resulting from high rates of TVMI and ID-TLR. Though improvements were observed after device dissolution (5-year follow-up), these were non-significant. All other outcomes were statistically equivalent. Applicability to all BVS is limited by 91% of the BVS group receiving Abbott’s Absorb.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrates that current BVS are inferior to contemporary DES throughout the first 5 years at minimum.
Safety and efficacy of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a phase I/II trial
Authors: Wang Huijing , Li Ting , Sun Fangfang , Liu Zhe , Zhang Danting , Teng Xiangyu , Morel Laurence , Wang Xiaodong , Ye Shuang
Published: October 2022

Objective

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been identified profound renal/cardiac protective effects in different diseases. Here, we assessed the safety and efficacy of dapagliflozin among adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We conducted a single-arm, open-label, investigator-initiated phase I/II trial of dapagliflozin in Chinese patients with SLE with/without lupus nephritis (LN). Patients received oral dapagliflozin at a daily dose of 10 mg added to the standard of care for 6 months. The primary end point was the safety profile. The secondary efficacy end points were composite assessments of disease activity.

Results

A total of 38 eligible patients were enrolled. Overall, 19 (50%) adverse events (AEs) were recorded, including 8 (21%) AEs leading to drug discontinuation, of which 4 (10.5%) were attributed to dapagliflozin. Two serious AEs (one of major lupus flare and one of fungal pneumonia) were recorded. Lower urinary tract infection was observed in one (2.63%) patient. The secondary end points revealed no improvement of SLE Disease Activity Index scores or proteinuria (among 17 patients with LN); the cumulative lupus flare rate was 18%, and a reduction of ~30% in the prednisone dose was captured. Net changes in body mass index (−0.50 kg/m2), systolic blood pressure (−3.94 mm Hg) and haemoglobin levels (+8.26 g/L) were detected. The overall estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was stable, and there was an improvement in the eGFR slope among patients with LN with a baseline eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin had an acceptable safety profile in adult patients with SLE. Its possible renal/cardiac protective effects and long-term safety issues in patients with SLE, patients with LN in particular, call for further exploration.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800015030.
Long-term and season-specific changes in the concentrations of trace elements and sulfur in a human body over twelve years by means of quantitative analyses of beard samples collected every day — A case study
Authors: Sera K. , Goto S. , Hosokawa T. , Saitoh Y. , Terakawa A. , Ishii K.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we measured more than 4200 beard samples collected from a single person every day over a 12-year period and analyzed them based on a standard-free method. It was found that the sulfur concentration remained almost constant from a long-term perspective but showed small periodic elevations. Silicone, phosphorus and rubidium showed significant periodic changes with a cycle of several years. While manganese, strontium and molybdenum seemed to show long-term changes, there were no significant differences due to their large standard deviations. Concerning seasonal changes, silicone and phosphorus showed decreasing trends in summer, albeit without significant differences. The bromine concentration showed clear seasonal variations, rising in winter and falling in summer, suggesting the possible influence of seasonal changes in the elemental components in the airborne particles that pass over to Japan from the Asian Continent. These findings confirmed that beard analyses are useful not only for evaluating changes in trace element concentrations in the human body but also for clarifying the main pathways of the intake of these elements.
Relieving Pressure on the Emergency Department with a New Treatment Pathway for Hand Trauma Patients – A Three-Year Experience with 15,539 Patients
Authors: HALLE-SMITH James M. , BAGE Timothy , CHESTER Darren , MALONE Paul ASC , FOSTER Mark A.
Published: October 2022

Background: Hand injuries are a significant and rising burden on the Emergency Department (ED), often leading to protracted waiting times for patients awaiting specialist input. To combat this, a new treatment pathway for hand trauma was introduced at our institution to reduce waiting times and pressure on the ED.

Methods: The treatment pathway performance using waiting times, length of stay and cost metrics was measured prior to and following the introduction of a new treatment pathway.

Results: There were 15,539 patients reviewed in total. After the new pathway had been introduced, the number of assessments in ED significantly reduced (Year 1: 907 [19.9%] vs. Year 2: 422 [7.9%]; p < 0.001), and the proportion of patients who had an operation on the same day that they were assessed significantly increased (69 [1.5%] vs. 403 [7.5%] patients; p < 0.001). The median waiting time from assessment to operation and length of stay also significantly reduced following the introduction of the treatment pathway (Year 1: 53 hours and Year 2: 45 hours; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Our data over 3 years shows that these changes have been maintained and, in some cases, have continued to improve since the introduction of the new treatment pathway. We advocate the use of such an approach for all hand trauma centres worldwide to replicate these improvements in patient care.

Level of Evidence: Level III
Biopsies from the Distal Radius after Implantation of Calcium Phosphate Cement
Authors: WINGE Mona I. , JOHANSSON Carina B. , RØKKUM Magne
Published: October 2022

Background: Calcium Phosphate (CaP) bone cement is gradually replaced by new bone when used as a gap-filler. Details of the re-modelling process are still unclear. Uncertainty is also present as to the possible release of cement particles during the resorption phase causing local soft tissue reactions. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive histological investigation of the injectable CaP bone cement used as a void filler in corrective radius osteotomies and adjacent tissue reactions.

Methods: Fourteen patients, median age 56 years (18–72), 4 men/10 women, underwent removal of distal radius plates (11 dorsal/3 volar) due to tenosynovitis-like symptoms. Eleven study patients went through corrective osteotomies with CaP bone cement and three were control patients. Previous surgery in three controls consisted in (1) corrective osteotomy with bone graft (dorsal plate), and (2) plated distal radius fractures (1 dorsal/1 volar plate). Biopsies were taken of bone-cement-bone junctions (11), bone-bone graft-bone junctions (1), bone (2) and juxtaposing soft tissue (14). The interval from corrective CaP cement surgery to biopsy was median 1.1 (0.6–2.3) years.

Results: Biopsies of bone-cement junctions showed the different stages of new bone formation from CaP to immature bone and later mature well-organised bone. The cement showed signs of osteoclast-mediated resorption. Cement particles, macrophages, multinucleated giant cells (MNGC) and plasma cells were observed in most soft tissue biopsies. MNGC with internalised particles were seen. Macrophages were found along and/or within tendon sheaths in all patients in both groups, but rarely containing cement particles.

Conclusions: Gradual re-modelling of the cement into well-organised bone was observed confirming osteoclast–osteoblast coupling. There was no indication that cement particles were the cause of the tenosynovitis-like symptoms.
An Analysis of the Structures at Risk from Percutaneous Pinning of Distal Radius Fractures and a Comparison of Two Pinning Techniques: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: KAMBLE Prashant , PRABHAKAR Akil S. , MOHANTY Shubhranshu S. , PRABHU Rudra M. , KENY Swapnil , PANCHAL Sameer
Published: October 2022

Background: A stab incision and blunt dissection prior to wire placement are believed to decrease the risk of injury to underlying structures during percutaneous pinning of distal radius fractures (DRF). However, only a few studies have compared stab incision and blunt dissection to direct wire placement. The aim of this cadaveric study is to analyse the structures at risk during percutaneous pinning of DRF and compare the two methods of wire placement.

Methods: A total of 10 cadavers (20 upper limbs) were divided into two groups of five each. Five 2.0 mm Kirschner (K)-wires were inserted into the distal radius under fluoroscopic control in a standard fashion to simulate percutaneous pinning of DRF. In group 1, the K-wires were inserted directly, whereas in group 2, the wires were inserted after making a stab incision and blunt dissection to reach the bone. Each cadaveric limb was then dissected carefully to measure the distance of the K-wires from the branches of the superficial radial nerve (SRN), the cephalic vein and the first dorsal compartment and to determine the structures injured (pierced or in close contact) by the K-wires.

Results: Out of the 100 K-wires placed, 18 wires were in close contact or pierced an underlying structure. These included 11 wires injuring tendons, six wires injuring branches of the SRN and one wire injuring the cephalic vein. Direct wire placement (group 1) resulted in injury to eight structures (44.4%) while stab incision and blunt dissection prior to wire placement (group 2) resulted in injury to 10 structures (55.5%). This difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Percutaneous pinning of DRF is associated with a high risk of injury to the extensor tendons and branches of the SRN. This risk is not reduced by making a stab incision and blunt dissection prior to K-wire placement.
User Cold-start Problem in Multi-armed Bandits: When the First Recommendations Guide the User’s Experience
Authors: Silva Nicollas , Silva Thiago , Werneck Heitor , Rocha Leonardo , Pereira Adriano
Published: October 2022

Nowadays, Recommender Systems have played a crucial role in several entertainment scenarios by making personalised recommendations and guiding the entire users’ journey from their first interaction. Recent works have addressed it as a Contextual Bandit by providing a sequential decision model to explore items not tried yet (or not tried enough) or exploit the best options learned so far. However, this work noticed these current algorithms are limited to naive non-personalised approaches in the first interactions of a new user, offering random or most popular items. Through experiments in three domains, we identify a negative impact of these first choices. Our study indicates that the bandit performance is directly related to the choices made in the first trials. Then, we propose a new approach to balance exploration and exploitation in the first interactions and handle these drawbacks. This approach is based on the Active Learning theory to catch more information about the new users and improve their long-term experience. Our idea is to explore the potential information gain of items that can also please the user’s taste. This method is named Warm-Starting Contextual Bandits, and it statistically outperforms 10 benchmarks in the literature in the long run.
Interference of Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) in Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IIFA)-Based Perinuclear Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (pANCA) Interpretation
Authors: Deka Sangeeta , Kalita Deepjyoti , Rekha Udaykumar Sasi , Mahanta Putul , Rani Diksha , Shankar Ravi , Raj Anusha Krishna , Jha Mithilesh Kumar , Badoni Gaurav , Paul Manisha , Gupta Shailesh Kumar , Negi Shailender , Singh Anshu , Chatterjee Kuhu
Published: October 2022

Background. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) based on antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) testing is a commonly employed test for diagnosing autoimmune vasculitis. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) can give rise to a false interpretation of perinuclear-ANCA (pANCA) in ethanol-fixed granulocyte substrates. Analytical interference could frequently occur in setups where ethanol-fixed substrates are used alone. Here, we intend to investigate this ANA interference in pANCA interpretation. Methods. In this retrospective study, we studied anti-MPO-negative but ANA-positive and pANCA (IIFA based) samples. We also correlated immunoblot results (where data were available) and checked the association between grades of blot positivity (an indicator of the concentration of ANA) and frequency of pANCA interpretation. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical techniques (Chi-square and kappa statistics). Results. About 19.2% of ANA blot (ENA-blot) positive samples displayed a pANCA positive pattern in the ethanol-fixed substrate, while this positivity in ENA-blot negatives was 6.5%. In positive ANA-IIFA samples, about 14.7% yielded pANCA patterns (on ethanol fixed substrates). Out of this, nuclear homogenous pattern yielding samples gave the highest frequency pANCA, that is, in 31.5% followed by speckled (11.1%), DFS (10.3%), and centromere (6.7%).The association of the nuclear homogenous pattern was statistically significant. Conclusions. ANA-positive results may interfere with the interpretation of pANCA as observed in ANA-IIFA and ENA-blot positive samples. ANA-IIFA patterns like nuclear homogenous may strongly associate this pANCA interpretation. This can help laboratories perform ANCA testing more effectively, ruling out ANA interference in ANCA screening.
Stage-Dependent Regulation of Dental Pulp Stem Cell Odontogenic Differentiation by Transforming Growth Factor-β1
Authors: Bai Yu , Liu Xin , Li Junqing , Wang Zhihua , Guo Qian , Xiao Min , Cooper Paul R. , Yu Qing , He Wenxi
Published: October 2022

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an important multifunctional cytokine with dual effects on stem cell differentiation. However, the role of TGF-β1 on odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) remains to be entirely elucidated. In the present study, we initially investigated the effect of TGF-β1 at a range of concentrations (0.1-5 ng/mL) on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of DPSCs. Subsequently, to determine the effect of TGF-β1 on odontogenic differentiation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining assays at different concentrations and time points were performed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to determine the levels of odonto-/osteo-genic differentiation-related gene and protein expression, respectively. For in vivo studies, newly formed tissue was assessed by Masson’s trichrome and von Kossa staining. Data indicated that TGF-β1 inhibited DPSCs proliferation in a concentration-and time-dependent manner (

p
<
0.05

) and induced cell cycle arrest but did not affect apoptosis. ALP activity was enhanced, while ARS reduced gradually with increasing TGF-β1 concentrations, accompanied by increased expression of early marker genes of odonto-/osteo-genic differentiation and decreased expression of late-stage mineralization marker genes (

p
<
0.05

). ALP expression was elevated in the TGF-β1-treatment group until 14 days, and the intensity of ARS staining was attenuated at days 14 and 21 (

p
<
0.05

). Compared with the control group, abundant collagen but no mineralized tissues were observed in the TGF-β1-treatment group in vivo. Overall, these findings indicate that TGF-β1 promotes odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs at early-stage while inhibiting later-stage mineralization processes.
A Traffic Density-Based Congestion Control Method for VANETs
Authors: Subramaniam Mahendrakumar , Rambabu Chunchu , Chandrasekaran Gokul , Kumar Neelam Sanjeev
Published: October 2022

This research presents a vehicle ID-based congestion aware message (CAM) for beacon signals on the vehicle environment. At the MAC protocol of the vehicle environment, enhanced vehicle ID-based analysis model is given first. With the automobile ID embedded in their separate CAMs, the model weights the randomized back-off numbers chosen by cars engaging in the back-off procedure. This leads to identifying a car ID-based randomized back-off code, which reduces the likelihood of a collision due to the identical back-off number. A traffic density based-congestion control algorithm (TDCCA) is suggested in this research. The revised mathematical approach surpasses previous work’s overall packet latency because just one-fourth of the congestion window is employed during the experiment. The research includes a congestion management method that adjusts the rate of CAM transmitted over the host controller to improve the efficiency of the model parameters. The method considers various circumstances, from nonsaturated to substantially saturated networks (in terms of congestion probability) and sparsely dispersed and teemed networks (in the form of vehicular intensity). The technique is run across various automobile ID-based back-off values for high-standard results analysis. The simulation outcomes in terms of packet delivery ratio, energy consumption, delay, success rate, and collision ensure the effectiveness of the TDCCA method. Even at high traffic densities, the automobile ID-based CAM following information method outperforms the typical fixed CAM frequency IEEE 802.11p, according to simulation findings for all back-off figures.
The Status of Dry Evergreen Afromontane Forest Patches in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Masresha Getinet , Melkamu Yirgalem
Published: October 2022

Ethiopian dry evergreen afromontane forests are primary biodiversity priority areas including many forest patches of Amhara Region. Natural vegetation of the region is now almost exclusively limited to sacred places, very few protected and less accessible areas. Despite different studies on the various dry evergreen afromontane forest patches of the region, there was not a review work on these forest patches at a regional level. Lack of comprehensive review work creates ambiguity to the understanding of the current status of the forest patches. Scientific information on these forest patches is important for future managerial intervention and sustainable utilization. Thus, the review was aimed to evaluate the status of dry evergreen afromontane forest patches of the Region. Each forest patch contained 15–156 plant species with a total of 525 species under 328 genera and 112 families. Asteraceae was the most species richest family followed by Fabaceae. Most patches harbored considerable number of endemic plant species with a total of 46 species within 44 genera and 26 families. Asteraceae was the most endemic species rich family. Most forest patches had high diversity. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height class analyses of most forest patches revealed an inverted J-shape pattern. Mean basal area of the forest patches ranged from 1 m2h−1 to 115.36 m2h−1. In most forest patches many number of species were put in low frequency classes. The forests had more seedlings and/or saplings than mature individuals. Although each patch had a rich source of biodiversity, it is influenced by severe anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, appropriate managerial interventions are required.
NFE2L3 as a Potential Functional Gene Regulating Immune Microenvironment in Human Kidney Cancer
Authors: Zhang Qian , Tang Donge , Zha Aiyun , He Jingquan , Li Dandan , Chen Yumei , Cai Wanxia , Dai Jian , Luan Shaodong , Yin Lianghong , Zhang Wei , Dai Yong
Published: October 2022

With the increasing incidence and mortality of renal cancer, it is pressing to find new biomarkers and drug targets for diagnosis and treatment. However, as one negative upstream regulator of p53, the prognostic and immunological role of NFE2L3 in renal cancer is still barely known. We investigated the expression, prognostic value, and relevant pathways of NFE2L3 using the datasets from public databases, including The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA), Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and UALCAN. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between NFE2L3 expression and the immune microenvironment using distinct methods. We found that NFE2L3 was higher expressed in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) tissues than adjacent normal tissues. Additionally, we identified NFE2L3 as one survival‐related factor for KIRC and KIRP. The enrichment analyses revealed that NFE2L3 was associated with a variety of immune‐relevant pathways in KIRC and related to the infiltration ratios of 17 types of immune cells in KIRC patients. Ultimately, we demonstrated nine significantly enriched mutations, such as TP53 and MET, in NFE2L3‐expression‐changing groups. The elevated expression of NFE2L3 in renal cancerous tissues versus normal tissues is associated with poor outcomes in patients. Besides, NFE2L3 has a role in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in renal cancer patients. The findings of our study provide a potential prognostic biomarker and a new drug target for renal cancer.
Endoluminal Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy for Upper Gastrointestinal Leak, Perforation, and Fistula: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Zhong Wei-dong , Hu Gen , Feng Zhi-hua , Shen Wei-dong , Shao Guo-yi
Published: October 2022

Background: With the increasing incidence of upper digestive tract tumors, more upper digestive tract surgeries are performed each year, and surgeons have difficulty in the postoperative management of gastrointestinal anastomotic fistula. The use of a new minimally invasive technique, endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC), has increased the success rate of the treatment of gastrointestinal fistula. Methods: We present 6 cases of gastrointestinal fistula treated in our hospital in 2021: 3 cases of anastomotic fistula after esophageal cancer surgery, 2 cases of anastomotic fistula after gastric cancer surgery, and one case of esophageal rupture after trauma. With E-VAC and other adjuvant treatment measures, the gastrointestinal fistulas were eventually closed or significantly reduced. Results: Both local and systemic infections in all 6 patients were controlled with the use of E-VAC device, resulting in significant reduction or closure of fistulas. Conclusion: E-VAC devices can effectively help in the removal of the exudate and necrotic tissue around the fistula, promote the proliferation of granulation tissue, and support closure of the fistula. However, further improvements to the device are needed to improve patient comfort and operational safety.
Editorial
Authors: Montagner Alessandra , Nhur Andreia , Rochelle Henrique , Bulhões Marcos , Boito Sofia , Viganó Suzana Schmidt , Veloso Verônica
Published: October 2022

A revista Sala Preta continua. Ano passado, seu projeto viu um anúncio de término, diante de diversas dificuldades de ordem operacional e financeira. Agora, após um breve período de interrupção, retomamos a revista com o apoio financeiro fundamental do Departamento de Artes Cênicas da Escola de Comunicações e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo (ECA/USP). A revista assume uma proposta de gestão colaborativa, dividida entre sete editores, oriundos de diferentes áreas de pesquisa em Artes Cênicas. Nesse contexto, lançamos este primeiro número do volume 21 como um espelhamento do caráter horizontal dessa proposta.
Políticas e desafios dos periódicos de artes cênicas no Brasil a partir da experiência da Revista Brasileira de Estudos da Presença: Henrique Rochelle entrevista Gilberto Icle
Authors: Rochelle Henrique , Icle Gilberto
Published: October 2022

Em entrevista a Henrique Rochelle, membro do novo corpo editorial da Revista Sala Preta, Gilberto Icle, editor-chefe da Revista Brasileira de Estudos da Presença, discute a revista, sua história, seus processos e fluxo editorial, e as políticas e perspectivas da área de Artes quanto à publicação e editoração de periódicos acadêmicos. Destacam-se a observação do processo de formação da Revista Brasileira de Estudos da Presença, pensada a partir da consideração de critérios de indexadores internacionais; seu pioneirismo na publicação de artigos dentro de um fluxo de trabalho profissional; a atual estrutura de funcionamento e financiamento da revista; as etapas do fluxo editorial e sua assimilação pela comunidade acadêmica; o sistema de avaliação de periódicos, suas mudanças e impactos nas publicações; e, ainda, o caráter indutivo e performativo do papel das revistas acadêmicas em pesquisas da área.
O pensamento decolonial de Leda Maria Martins e sua importante contribuição para as artes da cena: resenha do livro Performance do tempo espiralar– poéticas do corpo-tela de Leda Maria Martins
Authors: Boito Sofia Rodrigues
Published: October 2022

Esta resenha se debruça sobre o novo livro da pesquisadora Leda Maria Martins, publicado pela editora Cobogó, em 2021, no qual a autora desenvolve conceitos em torno do tempo e do corpo nas práticas performáticas afrodiaspóricas. O texto pretende demonstrar de que maneira as análises da autora contribuem para a concepção de instrumentos teóricos decoloniais para as artes da cena.
First report of marine sponge Chelonaplysilla delicata (Demospongiae: Darwinellidae) from the Andaman Sea/Indian Ocean with baseline information of epifauna on a mesophotic shipwreck
Authors: Das Rocktim Ramen , Immanuel Titus , Lakra Raj Kiran , Baath Karan , Thiruchitrambalam Ganesh
Published: October 2022

During a biodiversity assessment on a wreck located in the Andaman Sea (Andaman Islands), a single specimen of sponge Chelonaplysilla delicata was recorded. Our finding confirms the species taxonomy and highlights the current observation as a first report from the Andaman Sea/Indian Ocean. The baseline information on epifaunaof the wreck is further stated in this study.