bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benders Adaptive-Cuts Method for Two-Stage Stochastic Programs
Authors: Ramírez-Pico Cristian , Ljubić Ivana , Moreno Eduardo
Published: June 2023

Benders decomposition is one of the most applied methods to solve two-stage stochastic problems (TSSP) with a large number of scenarios. The main idea behind the Benders decomposition is to solve a large problem by replacing the values of the second-stage subproblems with individual variables and progressively forcing those variables to reach the optimal value of the subproblems, dynamically inserting additional valid constraints, known as Benders cuts. Most traditional implementations add a cut for each scenario (multicut) or a single cut that includes all scenarios. In this paper, we present a novel Benders adaptive-cuts method, where the Benders cuts are aggregated according to a partition of the scenarios, which is dynamically refined using the linear program-dual information of the subproblems. This scenario aggregation/disaggregation is based on the Generalized Adaptive Partitioning Method (GAPM), which has been successfully applied to TSSPs. We formalize this hybridization of Benders decomposition and the GAPM by providing sufficient conditions under which an optimal solution of the deterministic equivalent can be obtained in a finite number of iterations. Our new method can be interpreted as a compromise between the Benders single-cuts and multicuts methods, drawing on the advantages of both sides, by rendering the initial iterations faster (as for the single-cuts Benders) and ensuring the overall faster convergence (as for the multicuts Benders). Computational experiments on three TSSPs [the Stochastic Electricity Planning, Stochastic Multi-Commodity Flow, and conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) Facility Location] validate these statements, showing that the new method outperforms the other implementations of Benders methods, as well as other standard methods for solving TSSPs, in particular when the number of scenarios is very large. Moreover, our study demonstrates that the method is not only effective for the risk-neutral decision makers, but also that it can be used in combination with the risk-averse CVaR objective.

Funding: Financial support from Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo - Chile [FONDECYT 1200809] and STIC-Amsud [STIC19007] is gratefully acknowledged.
Assessing Cause of Defect Using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
Authors: Rahmawati Berty Dwi , Maharani Nadia Nisya Budi
Published: June 2023

A company should implement good quality management to maintain consumer confidence in producing quality products. FMEA serves to identify product failures in a process and the causes of defects or losses that occur during the production process of a product, component, or system. The research aims to analyze quality control and identify production defects that cause a decrease in quality. The samples studied were rejected goods in production activities. Forty damaged parts were used as the samples in this study. This study used both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis was conducted to determine the type of rejection and then to rank the risk, while qualitative analysis was performed with Ishikawa diagram to evaluate risk priorities. This research not only helps identify and assess the root cause of rejected goods but also affects the following year's planning by proposing measures to reduce risk. Check sheets and histograms are used to present further research. The analysis results show two classifications of defects in production: size error and painting error, with the most dominant defect, size error, and equal to 73.17%. Based on the analysis of the causes of defects, several factors were found that caused product defects; man, material, method, machine. The man factor has the highest value in contributing to defect, with an RPN score of 192.
Adhesive small bowel obstruction: a clinical review
Authors: Parker Jennifer , Mortimore Gerri
Published: June 2023

Each year, acute bowel obstruction accounts for 22 000 hospital admissions in England and Wales. Surgery is sometimes required to treat this condition, which increases the risk of death. To prevent complications, timely intervention is essential. This review will discuss the different types of bowel obstruction, with a focus on adhesive small bowel obstruction, the investigations that lead to a diagnosis and the treatment and management of this condition.
Parents’ social networks, transitional moments and the shaping role of digital communications: an exploratory study in Austria, Denmark, England and Portugal
Authors: Das Ranjana , Chimirri Niklas , Jorge Ana , Trueltzsch-Wijnen Christine
Published: June 2023

This paper draws upon a qualitative, exploratory study in Austria, Portugal, Denmark and England to argue that the role of digitally mediated ties in parents’ social networks is significantly shaped by offline contexts, crucible moments and transitional events in parenting journeys. The paper draws upon qualitative interviews conducted with parents across 16 families, four in each nation, to draw out how parents’ abilities to participate in, benefit from, and contribute to online networks – amidst an array of groups, forums and chat groups – is often restrained and shaped by offline factors. Particularly, the paper pays attention to transitional moments – not necessarily formal transitions, but nonetheless key events in parenting journeys which shape the course taken by digitally mediated parent networks, amidst widely uneven contexts of family support systems across the countries in the study.
Phase compensation algorithm based on image segmentation in dual-wavelength holographic microscopy
Authors: Liu Wei , Tao Siqin , Cheng Fuxia , Yang Zeqiu , Wang Wenlu , Kong Ming
Published: June 2023

In order to solve the problem of phase compensation errors in the
traditional 2π phase compensation method caused by a
rough surface and complex structure of objects in dual-wavelength
digital holographic microscopy, a phase compensation algorithm based
on image segmentation was proposed. First, the phase less than zero in
the phase obtained by an equivalent wavelength is compensated for by
adding 2π initially. Then the phase after the
initial compensation is binarized, and the small connected areas in
the binarized graph are removed, so as to obtain a new binarized
graph. Finally, according to the two binarized graphs, the phase of
the object after the initial 2π phase compensation is recompensated
for in different regions, so as to obtain the continuous phase
distribution of the object. Based on the dual-wavelength digital
holographic microscopy experimental system with an adjustable
equivalent wavelength, the proposed algorithm is used to perform
three-dimensional imaging of the channel of the microfluidic chip. The
experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively
obtain the continuous real phase of the object when the structure of
the object is known, so as to obtain a more accurate and reliable
three-dimensional topography of the object. The above results provide
a new idea for the high-quality three-dimensional imaging of the
microfluidic system.
ASA-BiSeNet: improved real-time approach for road lane semantic segmentation of low-light autonomous driving road scenes
Authors: Liu Yang , Yi Fulong , Ma Yuhua , Wang Yongfu
Published: June 2023

The solution to the problem of road environmental perception is one of the essential prerequisites to realizing the autonomous driving of intelligent vehicles, and road lane detection plays a crucial role in road environmental perception. However, road lane detection in complex road scenes is challenging due to poor illumination conditions, the occlusion of other objects, and the influence of unrelated road markings. It also hinders the commercial application of autonomous driving technology in various road scenes. In order to minimize the impact of illumination factors on road lane detection tasks, researchers use deep learning (DL) technology to enhance low-light images. In this study, road lane detection is regarded as an image segmentation problem, and road lane detection is studied based on the DL approach to meet the challenge of rapid environmental changes during driving. First, the Zero-DCE++ approach is used to enhance the video frame of the road scene under low-light conditions. Then, based on the bilateral segmentation network (BiSeNet) approach, the approach of associate self-attention with BiSeNet (ASA-BiSeNet) integrating two attention mechanisms is designed to improve the road lane detection ability. Finally, the ASA-BiSeNet approach is trained based on the self-made road lane dataset for the road lane detection task. At the same time, the approach based on the BiSeNet approach is compared with the ASA-BiSeNet approach. The experimental results show that the frames per second (FPS) of the ASA-BiSeNet approach is about 152.5 FPS, and its mean intersection over union is 71.39%, which can meet the requirements of real-time autonomous driving.
Image restoration algorithm for terahertz FMCW radar imaging
Authors: Hu Weidong , Xu Zhihao , Jiang Huanyu , Liu Qingguo , Yao Zhiyu , Tan Zhen , Ligthart Leo P.
Published: June 2023

The terahertz frequency modulation continuous-wave (THz FMCW) imaging technology has been widely used in non-destructive testing applications. However, THz FMCW real-aperture radar usually has a small depth of field and poor lateral resolution, thus restricting the high-precision imaging application. This paper proposes a 150–220 GHz FMCW Bessel beam imaging system, effectively doubling the depth of field and unifying the lateral resolution compared to the Gaussian beam quasi-optical system. Moreover, a THz image restoration algorithm based on local gradients and convolution kernel priors is proposed to eliminate further the convolution effect introduced by the Bessel beam, thereby enhancing the lateral resolution to 2 mm. It effectively improves the image under-restoration or over-restoration caused by the mismatch between the ideal and actual point spread function. The imaging results of the resolution test target and semiconductor device verify the advantages of the proposed system and algorithm.
Addressing the programming challenges of practical interferometric mesh based optical processors
Authors: Mojaver Kaveh (Hassan) Rahbardar , Zhao Bokun , Leung Edward , Safaee S. Mohammad Reza , Liboiron-Ladouceur Odile
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate a novel mesh of Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) for programmable optical processors. We thoroughly analyze the benefits and drawbacks of previously known meshes and compare our newly proposed mesh with these prior architectures, highlighting its unique features and advantages. The proposed mesh, referred to as Bokun mesh, is an architecture that merges the attributes of the prior topologies Diamond and Clements. Similar to Diamond, Bokun provides diagonal paths passing through every individual MZI enabling direct phase monitoring. However, unlike Diamond and similar to Clements, Bokun maintains a minimum optical depth leading to better scalability. Providing the monitoring option, Bokun’s programming is faster improving the total energy efficiency of the processor. The performance of Bokun mesh enabled by an optimal optical depth is also more resilient to the loss and fabrication imperfections compared to architectures with longer depth such as Reck and Diamond. Employing an efficient programming scheme, the proposed architecture improves energy efficiency by 83% maintaining the same computation accuracy for weight matrix changes at 2 kHz.
Prediction of the superimposed laser shot number for copper using a deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Rani K. , Ozaki N. , Hironaka Y. , Hashimoto K. , Kodama R. , Mukai K. , Nakamura H. , Takai S. , Nagatomo H.
Published: June 2023

Image-based deep learning (IBDL) is an advanced technique for predicting the surface irradiation conditions of laser surface processing technology. In pulsed-laser surface processing techniques, the number of superimposed laser shots is one of the fundamental and essential parameters that should be optimized for each material. Our primary research aims to build an adequate dataset using laser-irradiated surface images and to successfully predict the number of superimposed shots using the pre-trained deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models. First, the laser shot experiments were performed on copper targets using a nanosecond YAG laser with a wavelength of 532 nm. Then, the training data were obtained with the different superimposed shots of 1 to 1024 in powers of 2. After that, we used several pre-trained deep CNN models to predict the number of superimposed laser shots. Based on the dataset with 1936 images, VGG16 shows a high validation accuracy, higher sensitivity, and more than 99% precision than other deep CNN models. Utilizing the VGG16 model with high sensitivity could positively impact the industries’ time, efficiency, and overall production.
3D integral imaging depth estimation of partially occluded objects using mutual information and Bayesian optimization
Authors: Wani Pranav , Javidi Bahram
Published: June 2023

Integral imaging (InIm) is useful for passive ranging and 3D visualization of partially-occluded objects. We consider 3D object localization within a scene and in occlusions. 2D localization can be achieved using machine learning and non-machine learning-based techniques. These techniques aim to provide a 2D bounding box around each one of the objects of interest. A recent study uses InIm for the 3D reconstruction of the scene with occlusions and utilizes mutual information (MI) between the bounding box in this 3D reconstructed scene and the corresponding bounding box in the central elemental image to achieve passive depth estimation of partially occluded objects. Here, we improve upon this InIm method by using Bayesian optimization to minimize the number of required 3D scene reconstructions. We evaluate the performance of the proposed approach by analyzing different kernel functions, acquisition functions, and parameter estimation algorithms for Bayesian optimization-based inference for simultaneous depth estimation of objects and occlusion. In our optical experiments, mutual-information-based depth estimation with Bayesian optimization achieves depth estimation with a handful of 3D reconstructions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to use Bayesian optimization for mutual information-based InIm depth estimation.
Real-time observation of stationary and pulsating noise-like vector pulses in a fiber laser
Authors: Li Kaixin , Wang Xude , Geng Xu , Lu Mengxiang , Fu Mingzhu , Fan Yuhan , Li Suwen
Published: June 2023

Rapid progress in real-time measurement technology has uncovered varieties of transient pulse dynamics. Here, we report the vector nature of noise-like pulse (NLP) in a passive fiber laser based on the nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) as the polarization independent saturable absorber. After achieving the basic operation regime of NLP, various types of vector pulses, namely, the polarization locked noise-like vector pulse (PLNLVP), the group velocity locked noise-like vector pulse (GVLNLVP), and the transitional state of combined characteristics of GVLNLVP and polarization rotation noise-like vector pulse (PRNLVP) are also obtained in the cavity. Besides, by utilizing the Dispersive Fourier transform (DFT) technique, the spectral evolution and the energy vibration of pulsating PLNLVP, GVLNLVP, and the transitional state of combined characteristics of GVLNLVP and PRNLVP are also analyzed in real time. Particularly, the coexisting pulsation vector state of NLP and soliton is also captured. All these findings will help to complement our understanding of noise-like vector pulses (NLVPs) in a fiber laser.
Compact wavemeter incorporating femtosecond laser-induced surface nanostructures enabled by deep learning
Authors: Cai Rui , Xiao Yao , Sui Xiaolin , Li Yongyi , Wu Ziyan , Wu Jie , Deng Guoliang , Zhou Hao , Zhou Shouhuan
Published: June 2023

Miniature spectrometers have the advantage of high portability and
integration, making them quick and easy to use in various working
environments. The speckle patterns produced by light scattering
through a disordered medium are highly sensitive to wavelength changes
and can be used to design high-precision wavemeters and spectrometers.
In this study, we used a self-organized, femtosecond laser-prepared
nanostructure with a characteristic size of approximately 30–50 nm on
a sapphire surface as a scattering medium to effectively induce
spectral dispersion. By leveraging this random scattering structure,
we successfully designed a compact scattering wavelength meter with
efficient scattering properties. The collected speckle patterns were
identified and classified using a neural network, and the variation of
speckle patterns with wavelength was accurately extracted, achieving a
measurement accuracy of 10 pm in multiple wavelength ranges.
The system can effectively suppress instrument and environmental noise
with high robustness. This work paves the way for the development of
compact high-precision wavemeters.
Interferometric measurement of arbitrary propagating vector beams that are tightly focused
Authors: Quinto-Su Pedro A.
Published: June 2023

In this work, we demonstrate a simple setup to generate and measure arbitrary vector beams that are tightly focused. The vector beams are created with a spatial light modulator and focused with a microscope objective with an effective numerical aperture of 1.2. The transverse polarization components (E
x
, E
y
) of the tightly focused vector beams are measured with three-step interferometry. The axial component E
z
is reconstructed using the transverse fields with Gauss's law. We measure beams with the following polarization states: circular, radial, azimuthal, spiral, flower, and spider web.
Mitigating fast thermal instability by engineered laser sweep in AlN soliton microcomb generation
Authors: Liu Kewei , Wang Zihao , Yao Shunyu , Guo Yanan , Yan Jianchang , Wang Junxi , Yang Changxi , Bao Chengying
Published: June 2023

Transient thermal instability represents a significant challenge in generating soliton microcombs. Fast laser sweep can be an efficient method to mitigate thermal instability, but it requires an ultrahigh laser sweep rate for crystalline microresonators with fast thermal relaxation. Here, we engineer a laser sweep waveform to generate AlN-on-sapphire soliton microcombs with an intermediate sweep speed (<30  GHz/μs). Two laser sweep methods with backward plus forward tuning or two-step backward tuning added after the fast forward laser sweep were demonstrated to stabilize solitons. Reducing the soliton number is found to be useful to stabilize solitons in fast laser sweep. The effectiveness of the methods was numerically verified. Our measurements and simulations also reveal the impacts of different thermal relaxation processes occurring at quite different time scales on thermal instability. The requirement of the laser sweep protocols is discussed.
Structural basis for proapoptotic activation of Bak by the noncanonical BH3-only protein Pxt1
Authors: Lim Dahwan , Choe So-Hui , Jin Sein , Lee Seulgi , Kim Younjin , Shin Ho-Chul , Choi Joon Sig , Oh Doo-Byoung , Kim Seung Jun , Seo Jinho , Ku Bonsu
Published: June 2023

Bak is a critical executor of apoptosis belonging to the Bcl-2 protein family. Bak contains a hydrophobic groove where the BH3 domain of proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members can be accommodated, which initiates its activation. Once activated, Bak undergoes a conformational change to oligomerize, which leads to mitochondrial destabilization and the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and eventual apoptotic cell death. In this study, we investigated the molecular aspects and functional consequences of the interaction between Bak and peroxisomal testis-specific 1 (Pxt1), a noncanonical BH3-only protein exclusively expressed in the testis. Together with various biochemical approaches, this interaction was verified and analyzed at the atomic level by determining the crystal structure of the Bak–Pxt1 BH3 complex. In-depth biochemical and cellular analyses demonstrated that Pxt1 functions as a Bak-activating proapoptotic factor, and its BH3 domain, which mediates direct intermolecular interaction with Bak, plays a critical role in triggering apoptosis. Therefore, this study provides a molecular basis for the Pxt1-mediated novel pathway for the activation of apoptosis and expands our understanding of the cell death signaling coordinated by diverse BH3 domain-containing proteins.
Female students’ perspectives on cervical cancer screening inclusion in pre-admission university requirements in Ghana
Authors: Appiah Evans Osei , Appiah Stella , Ani-Amponsah Mary , Agyekum Boateng Susana , Acquah Janet , Gyasi Anna Nyamekye Addo , Ofori-Appiah Cindy
Published: June 2023

Cervical cancer is a huge contributor to cancer-related deaths and the commonest gynecological cancerous growth among women globally. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that cervical cancer incidence and mortality could be reduced through early diagnosis. Regardless of the accessibility of cervical cancer screening in Ghana, low reports of cervical screening had been recorded among female students and women in Ghana. The study objectives were to explore.Female students’ opinions on the inclusion of cervical cancer screening in the pre-university admission screening requirement in Ghana. The facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening among female University students.Qualitative exploratory-descriptive design was employed for the purpose of this study. The target population was female students in a public university in Ghana who were purposively selected. Content analysis was employed for the data analysis. In all, 30 female students were selected to engage in face-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Two categories and seven sub-categories were generated from the study analysis. It was interesting to know that majority 20 (66.66%) of the students supported adding CCS to the preadmission screening requirement with few refuting it. Others also recommended compulsory screening as a means of enhancing screening practices. The reasons for refusing this proposal by a few 10 (33.3%) of the participants were it being burdensome, time-consuming, and capital intensive. Other reasons for refusing it were sexual inactiveness following the screening, fear of discomfort, and the screening results. In conclusion, the study found that students were willing to undergo CCS if made mandatory for admission and suggested it be included in pre-admission screening requirements to encourage more Ghanaian women to participate. As CCS is effective in reducing cervical cancer incidence and burden, the proposal of including it in pre-university screening should be considered to increase uptake.
Knowledge, understanding and perceptions of key stakeholders on the maternity protection available and accessible to female domestic workers in South Africa
Authors: Pereira-Kotze Catherine , Faber Mieke , Doherty Tanya
Published: June 2023

Maternity protection enables women to combine reproductive and productive roles. Domestic workers are a vulnerable group due to heterogeneous non-standard employment relationships and are unlikely to have access to comprehensive maternity protection. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, understanding and perceptions of key stakeholders in government, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and other relevant organisations of the maternity protection entitlements that should be available and accessible to female domestic workers in South Africa. This qualitative cross-sectional study included in-depth interviews with fifteen stakeholders working in different sectors in South Africa and mainly at a national level involved in maternity protection availability and access. Results show that stakeholders appear to have limited understanding of comprehensive maternity protection. Many challenges related to accessing cash payments while on maternity leave were described and suggestions were provided for how this could be improved. Participants described how certain labour-related characteristics unique to the domestic work sector were barriers in accessing maternity protection. Ensuring greater awareness of all components of maternity protection and improving implementation of existing labour legislation intended to guarantee maternity protection for non-standard workers in South Africa is important to improve access to maternity protection for this vulnerable group. Improved access to maternity protection would contribute to optimal maternal and new-born health and ensure economic security for women around the time of childbirth.
Understanding why EmpaTeach did not reduce teachers’ use of violence in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp: A quantitative process evaluation of a school-based violence prevention intervention
Authors: Fabbri Camilla , Powell-Jackson Timothy , Rodrigues Katherine , De Filippo Alexandra , Kaemingk Michael , Torrats-Espinosa Gerard , Leurent Baptiste , Shayo Elizabeth , Barongo Vivien , Devries Karen M.
Published: June 2023

EmpaTeach was the first intervention to address teacher violence to be tested in a humanitarian setting and the first to focus on reducing impulsive use of violence, but a cluster randomised trial found no evidence that the intervention was effective in reducing physical and emotional violence from teachers. We aimed to understand why. We conducted a quantitative process evaluation to describe the intervention implementation process (what was implemented and how); examine teachers’ adoption of positive teaching practices (was the content of the intervention taken up by participants), and test mechanisms of impact underlying the program theory (how the intervention was supposed to produce change). Despite participation in the intervention activities and adoption of intervention-recommended strategies (classroom management and positive disciplinary methods), we show that teachers who used more positive discipline did not appear to use less violence; and teachers in intervention schools did not experience gains in intermediate outcomes such as empathy, growth mindset, self-efficacy or social support. Our findings suggest that the intervention did not work due to the failure of some key hypothesised mechanisms, rather than because of implementation challenges.
Uptake and perceptions of oral HIV self-testing delivered by village health teams among men in Central Uganda: A concurrent parallel mixed methods analysis
Authors: Nangendo Joanita , Katahoire Anne R. , Karamagi Charles A. , Obeng-Amoako Gloria O. , Muwema Mercy , Okiring Jaffer , Kabami Jane , Semitala Fred C. , Kalyango Joan N. , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Kamya Moses R.
Published: June 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends HIV self-testing (HIVST) to increase access to and utilization of HIV services among underserved populations. We assessed the uptake and perceptions of oral HIVST delivered by Village Health Teams (VHTs) among men in a peri-urban district in Central Uganda. We used a concurrent parallel mixed methods study design and analyzed data from 1628 men enrolled in a prospective cohort in Mpigi district, Central Uganda between October 2018 and June 2019. VHTs distributed HIVST kits and linkage-to-care information leaflets to participants in 30 study villages allowing up-to 10 days each to self-test. At baseline, we collected data on participant socio-demographics, testing history and risk behavior for HIV. During follow-up, we measured HIVST uptake (using self-reports and proof of a used kit) and conducted in-depth interviews to explore participants’ perceptions of using HIVST. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data and a hybrid inductive, and deductive thematic analysis for the qualitative data and integrated the results at interpretation. The median age of men was 28 years, HIVST uptake was 96% (1564/1628), HIV positivity yield was 4% (63/1564) and reported disclosure of HIVST results to sexual partners and significant others was 75.6% (1183/1564). Men perceived HIVST as a quick, flexible, convenient, and more private form of testing; allowing disclosure of HIV test results to sexual partners, friends and family, and receiving social support. Others perceived it as an opportunity for knowing or re-confirming their sero-status and subsequent linkage or re-linkage to care and prevention. Utilizing VHT networks for community-based delivery of HIVST is effective in reaching men with HIV testing services. Men perceived HIVST as highly beneficial but needed more training on performing the test and the integrating post-test counseling support to optimize use of the test for diagnosing HIV.
Updated estimation of cutaneous leishmaniasis incubation period in French Guiana
Authors: Blaizot Romain , Fontaine Albin , Demar Magalie , Delon François , d’Oleon Albane de Bonet , Mayet Aurélie , de Laval Franck , de Santi Vincent Pommier , Briolant Sébastien
Published: June 2023

Background

The cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) incubation period (IP) is defined as the time between parasite inoculation by sandfly bite and the onset of the first CL lesion. IP distribution is difficult to assess for CL because the date of exposure to an infectious bite cannot be accurately determined in endemic areas. IP current estimates for CL range from 14 days to several months with a median around 30–60 days, as established by a few previous studies in both New and Old Worlds.

Methodology

We estimated CL incubation period distribution using time-to-event models adapted to interval-censored data based on declared date of travels from symptomatic military personnel living in non-endemic areas that were exposed during their short stays in French Guiana (FG) between January 2001 and December 2021.

Principal findings

A total of 180 patients were included, of which 176 were men (97.8%), with a median age of 26 years. When recorded, the parasite species was always Leishmania guyanensis (31/180, 17.2%). The main periods of CL diagnosis spread from November to January (84/180, 46.7%) and over March-April (54/180, 30.0%). The median IP was estimated at 26.2 days (95% Credible Level, 23.8–28.7 days) using a Bayesian accelerated failure-time regression model. Estimated IP did not exceed 62.1 days (95% CI, 56–69.8 days) in 95% of cases (95th percentile). Age, gender, lesion number, lesion evolution and infection date did not significantly modify the IP. However, disseminated CL was significantly associated with a 2.8-fold shortening of IP.

Conclusions

This work suggests that the CL IP distribution in French Guiana is shorter and more restricted than anticipated. As the incidence of CL in FG usually peaks in January and March, these findings suggest that patients are contaminated at the start of the rainy season.
A comparison of biomonitoring methodologies for surf zone fish communities
Authors: Gold Zachary , Koch McKenzie Q. , Schooler Nicholas K. , Emery Kyle A. , Dugan Jenifer E. , Miller Robert J. , Page Henry M. , Schroeder Donna M. , Hubbard David M. , Madden Jessica R. , Whitaker Stephen G. , Barber Paul H.
Published: June 2023

Surf zones are highly dynamic marine ecosystems that are subject to increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures, posing multiple challenges for biomonitoring. Traditional methods such as seines and hook and line surveys are often labor intensive, taxonomically biased, and can be physically hazardous. Emerging techniques, such as baited remote underwater video (BRUV) and environmental DNA (eDNA) are promising nondestructive tools for assessing marine biodiversity in surf zones of sandy beaches. Here we compare the relative performance of beach seines, BRUV, and eDNA in characterizing community composition of bony (teleost) and cartilaginous (elasmobranch) fishes of surf zones at 18 open coast sandy beaches in southern California. Seine and BRUV surveys captured overlapping, but distinct fish communities with 50% (18/36) of detected species shared. BRUV surveys more frequently detected larger species (e.g. sharks and rays) while seines more frequently detected one of the most abundant species, barred surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus). In contrast, eDNA metabarcoding captured 88.9% (32/36) of all fishes observed in seine and BRUV surveys plus 57 additional species, including 15 that frequent surf zone habitats. On average, eDNA detected over 5 times more species than BRUVs and 8 times more species than seine surveys at a given site. eDNA approaches also showed significantly higher sensitivity than seine and BRUV methods and more consistently detected 31 of the 32 (96.9%) jointly observed species across beaches. The four species detected by BRUV/seines, but not eDNA were only resolved at higher taxonomic ranks (e.g. Embiotocidae surfperches and Sygnathidae pipefishes). In frequent co-detection of species between methods limited comparisons of richness and abundance estimates, highlighting the challenge of comparing biomonitoring approaches. Despite potential for improvement, results overall demonstrate that eDNA can provide a cost-effective tool for long-term surf zone monitoring that complements data from seine and BRUV surveys, allowing more comprehensive surveys of vertebrate diversity in surf zone habitats.
Severe infections in peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis patients: An inception cohort study
Authors: Bitar Wisam , Helve Jaakko , Kanerva Mari , Honkanen Eero , Rauta Virpi , Haapio Mikko , Finne Patrik
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Infections are the most common non-cardiovascular cause of death among dialysis patients. Earlier studies have shown similar or higher risk of infectious complications in peritoneal dialysis (PD) compared to hemodialysis (HD) patients, but comparisons to home HD patients have been rare. We investigated the risk of severe infections after start of continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) and automated PD (APD) as compared to home HD.

Methods

All adult patients (n = 536), who were on home dialysis at day 90 from starting kidney replacement therapy (KRT) between 2004 and 2017 in Helsinki healthcare district, were included. We defined severe infection as an infection with C-reactive protein of 100 mg/l or higher. Cumulative incidence of first severe infection was assessed considering death as a competing risk. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox regression with propensity score adjustment.

Results

The risk of getting a severe infection during the first year of dialysis was 35% for CAPD, 25% for APD and 11% for home HD patients. During five years of follow-up, the hazard ratio of severe infection was 2.8 [95% CI 1.6–4.8] for CAPD and 2.2 [95% CI 1.4–3.5] for APD in comparison to home HD. Incidence rate of severe infections per 1000 patient-years was 537 for CAPD, 371 for APD, and 197 for home HD patients. When excluding peritonitis, the incidence rate was not higher among PD than home HD patients.

Conclusions

CAPD and APD patients had higher risk of severe infections than home HD patients. This was explained by PD-associated peritonitis.
Reliability and validity of the Forgotten Joint Score-12 for total ankle replacement and ankle arthrodesis
Authors: Noguchi Koji , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Teramoto Atsushi , Amaha Kentaro , Kanzaki Noriyuki , Tanaka Hirofumi , Yasui Tetsuro , Inaba Yosuke
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12)—a measure of patients’ ability to forget their joints in daily life—in patients who underwent total ankle replacement (TAR) or ankle arthrodesis (AA).

Methods

Patients who underwent TAR or AA were recruited from seven hospitals. The patients completed the Japanese version of FJS-12 twice, at an interval of two weeks, at a minimum of one year postoperatively. Additionally, they answered the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire and EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level as comparators. The construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, and floor and ceiling effects were evaluated.

Results

A total of 115 patients (median age, 72 years), comprising 50 and 65 patients in the TAR and AA groups respectively, were evaluated. The mean FJS-12 scores were 65 and 58 for the TAR and AA groups, respectively, with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.20). Correlations between the FJS-12 and Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire subscale scores were good to moderate. The correlation coefficient ranged from 0.39 to 0.71 and 0.55 to 0.79 in the TAR and AA groups, respectively. The correlation between the FJS-12 and EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level scores was poor in both groups. The internal consistency was adequate, with Cronbach’s α greater than 0.9 in both groups. The intraclass correlation coefficients of test-retest reliability was 0.77 and 0.98 in the TAR and AA groups, respectively. The 95% minimal detectable change values were 18.0 and 7.2 points in the TAR and AA groups, respectively. No floor or ceiling effect was observed in either group.

Conclusions

The Japanese version of FJS-12 is a valid and reliable questionnaire for measuring joint awareness in patients with TAR or AA. The FJS-12 can be a useful tool for the postoperative assessment of patients with end-stage ankle arthritis.
Nociceptive withdrawal reflexes of the trunk muscles in chronic low back pain
Authors: Massé-Alarie Hugo , Hamer Genevieve V. , Salomoni Sauro E. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: June 2023

Individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) move their spine differently. Changes in brain motor areas have been observed and suggested as a mechanism underlying spine movement alteration. Nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) might be used to test spinal networks involved in trunk protection and to highlight reorganization. This study aimed to determine whether the organization and excitability of the trunk NWR are modified in CLBP. We hypothesized that individuals with CLBP would have modified NWR patterns and lower NWR thresholds. Noxious electrical stimuli were delivered over S1, L3 and T12, and the 8th Rib to elicit NWR in 12 individuals with and 13 individuals without CLBP. EMG amplitude and occurrence of lumbar multifidus (LM), thoracic erector spinae, rectus abdominus, obliquus internus and obliquus externus motor responses were recorded using surface electrodes. Two different patterns of responses to noxious stimuli were identified in CLBP compared to controls: (i) abdominal muscle NWR responses were generally more frequent following 8th rib stimulation and (ii) occurrence of erector spinae NWR was less frequent. In addition, we observed a subgroup of participants with very high NWR threshold in conjunction with the larger abdominal muscle responses. These results suggest sensitization of NWR is not present in all individuals with CLBP, and a modified organization in the spinal networks controlling the trunk muscles that might explain some changes in spine motor control observed in CLBP.
Delays in obtaining hospital care and abortion-related complications within a context of illegality
Authors: Hamui Romina M. , Aquino Estela M. L. , Menezes Greice M. S. , Velho Barreto de Araújo Thália , Seabra Soares de Britto e Alves Maria Teresa , Valongueiro Alves Sandra , Almeida Maria da Conceição C.
Published: June 2023

Abortion, particularly when illegal, highlights inequities in different populations. Although abortion-related mortality is lower compared to other obstetric causes, abortion complications tend to be more lethal. Delays in seeking and obtaining care are determinants of negative outcomes. This study, nested within the GravSus-NE, analyzed healthcare delays and their association with abortion-related complications in three cities of northeastern Brazil (Salvador, Recife and São Luís). Nineteen public maternity hospitals were involved. All eligible women ≥18 years old hospitalized between August and December 2010 were evaluated. Descriptive, stratified and multivariate analyses were performed. Youden’s index was used to determine delay. One model was created with all the women and another with those admitted in good clinical conditions, thus determining complications that occurred during hospitalization and their associated factors. Of 2,371 women, most (62.3%) were ≤30 years old (median 27 years) and 89.6% reported being black or brown-skinned. Most (90.5%) were admitted in good condition, 4.0% in fair condition and 5.5% in poor/very poor condition. Median time between admission and uterine evacuation was 7.9 hours. After a cut-off time of 10 hours, the development of complications increased considerably. Black women and those admitted during nightshifts were more likely to experience a wait time ≥10 hours. Delays were associated with severe complications (OR 1.97; 95%CI: 1.55–2.51), including in the women admitted in good condition (OR 2,56; 95%CI: 1.85–3.55), and even following adjustment for gestational age and reported abortion type (spontaneous/induced). These findings corroborate the literature, highlighting the social vulnerability of women hospitalized within Brazil’s public healthcare system in a situation of abortion. The study strongpoints include having objectively measured the time between admission and uterine evacuation and having established a cut-off time defining delay based on conceptual and epidemiological criteria. Further studies should evaluate other settings and new measurement tools for effectively preventing life-threatening complications.
Speech-in-noise performance in objectively determined cochlear implant maps, including the effect of cognitive state
Authors: Yiannos Jessica M. , Bester Christofer W. , Zhao Christopher , Gell Barbara , Jayakody Dona M. P.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Cochlear Implant (CI) programming based on subjective psychophysical fine-tuning of loudness scaling involves active participation and cognitive skills and thus may not be appropriate for difficult-to-condition populations. The electrically evoked stapedial reflex threshold (eSRT) is an objective measure that is suggested to provide clinical benefit to CI programming. This study aimed to compare speech reception outcomes between subjective and eSRT objectively determined CI maps for adult MED-EL recipients. The effect of cognitive skills on these skills was further assessed.

Methods

Twenty-seven post lingually hearing-impaired MED-EL CI recipients were recruited, 6 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI– 4 male, 79 years ± 5), 21 with normal cognitive function (5 male, 63 years ± 12). Two MAPs were generated: a subjective MAP and an objective MAP in which eSRTs determined maximum comfortable levels (M-Levels). Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group A trialled the objective MAP for two weeks before returning for outcome assessment. During the following two weeks, Group A trialled the subjective MAP before returning for outcome assessment. Group B trialled MAPs in reverse. Outcome measures included the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI), Consonant-Nucleus-Consonant (CNC) word test, and Bamford-Kowal-Bench Speech-in-Noise (BKB-SIN) test.

Results

eSRT based MAPS were obtained in 23 of the participants. A strong relationship was demonstrated between global charge between eSRT-based and psychophysical-based M-Levels (r = 0.89, p < .001). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment for the Hearing Impaired (MoCA-HI) testing identified 6 CI recipients with MCI (MoCA-HI total score ≤23). The MCI group was older (63, 79 years), but were not otherwise different in sex, duration of hearing loss or duration of CI use. For all patients, no significant differences were found for sound quality or speech in quiet scores between eSRT-based and psychophysical-based MAPs. However, psychophysically determined MAPs showed significantly better speech-in-noise reception (6.74 vs 8.20-dB SNR, p = .34). MoCA-HI scores showed a significant, moderate negative correlation with BKB SIN for both MAP approaches (Kendall’s Tau B, p = .015 and p = .008), with no effect on the difference between MAP approaches.

Conclusion

Results indicate eSRT-based methods provide poorer outcomes than psychophysical-based method. While speech-in-noise reception is correlated with MoCA-HI score, this affected both behaviourally and objectively determined MAPs. The results suggest fair confidence in the eSRT-based method as a guide for setting M-Level for difficult-to-condition CI populations in simple listening conditions.
Prediction of local recurrence in tenosynovial giant cell tumor of the knee: Based on preoperative MRI evaluation into disease subtypes and severity
Authors: Kim Jun-Ho , Lee Seul Ki , Kim Jee-Young
Published: June 2023

Objective

Tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TSGCTs) of the knee differ in their clinical outcome according to disease subtypes and severity. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive MRI features related to local recurrence in TSGCT of the knee regarding disease subtypes and severity.

Methods

This retrospective study included 20 patients with pathology-proven TSGCT of the knee who underwent preoperative MRI and surgery from Jan. 2007 to Jan. 2022. The anatomical point of the lesion was determined with a knee mapping. And then MRI features related to disease subtype including nodularity (single vs. multinodular); margin (circumscribed vs. infiltrative); peripheral hypointenseity (present vs. absent); internal hypointensity reflecting hemosiderin deposition (speckled vs. granular) were assessed. Third, MRI features related to disease severity including involvement of bone, cartilage, and tendon were evaluated. MRI features for predicting local recurrence of TSGCT were tested using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Ten patients with diffuse-type TSGCT (D-TSGCT) and 10 patients with localized-type TSGCT (L-TSGCT) were included. There were six cases of local recurrence and all of them were D-TSGCT and none for L-TSGCT with statistical difference (P = 0.015). D-TSGCT that was direct risk factor for local recurrence showed more multinodular (80.0% vs. 10.0%; P = 0.007), infiltrative margin (90.0% vs. 10.0%; P = 0.002), and absent peripheral hypointensity (100.0% vs. 20.0%; P = 0.001) than L-TSGCT. Multivariate analysis showed infiltrative margin (odds ratio [OR], 81.0; P = 0.003) was independent MRI factor for D-TSGCT. Disease severity for risk of local recurrence included cartilage (66.7% vs. 7.1%; P = 0.024) and tendon (100.0% vs. 28.6%; P = 0.015) involvement compared to no local recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed tendon involvement (OR, 12.5; P = 0.042) was predictive MRI parameter for local recurrence. By combining tumor margin and tendon involvement, local recurrence was predicted sensitively on preoperative MRI (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 50%; accuracy, 65%).

Conclusion

D-TSGCTs was associated with local recurrence and showed multinodularity infiltrative margin, and absent peripheral hypointensity. Disease severity including cartilage and tendon involvement was associated with local recurrence. Preoperative MRI evaluation by combining disease subtypes and severity can predict local recurrence sensitively.