bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stochastic modeling of antibody binding predicts programmable migration on antigen patterns
Authors: Hoffecker Ian T. , Shaw Alan , Sorokina Viktoria , Smyrlaki Ioanna , Högberg Björn
Published: March 2022

Viruses and bacteria commonly exhibit spatial repetition of the surface molecules that directly interface with the host immune system. However, the complex interaction of patterned surfaces with immune molecules containing multiple binding domains is poorly understood. We developed a pipeline for constructing mechanistic models of antibody interactions with patterned antigen substrates. Our framework relies on immobilized DNA origami nanostructures decorated with precisely placed antigens. The results revealed that antigen spacing is a spatial control parameter that can be tuned to influence the antibody residence time and migration speed. The model predicts that gradients in antigen spacing can drive persistent, directed antibody migration in the direction of more stable spacing. These results depict antibody–antigen interactions as a computational system where antigen geometry constrains and potentially directs the antibody movement. We propose that this form of molecular programmability could be exploited during the co-evolution of pathogens and immune systems or in the design of molecular machines.
Styrene-based polymerised high internal phase emulsions using monomers in the internal phase as co-surfactants for improved liquid chromatography
Authors: Desire Christopher T. , Arrua R. Dario , Mansour Fotouh R. , Bon Stefan A. F. , Hilder Emily F.
Published: March 2022

Poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene)-based monoliths prepared from the polymerisation of water-in-monomer high internal phase emulsions, where water-soluble monomers acrylamide or poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (Mw 258) were included in internal phase.
Microreactor equipped with naturally acid-resistant histidine ammonia lyase from an extremophile
Authors: Ade Carina , Marcelino Thaís F. , Dulchavsky Mark , Wu Kevin , Bardwell James C. A. , Städler Brigitte
Published: March 2022

Encapsulation of an extremophile histidine ammonia lyase into a photo-crosslinked polyvinyl-alcohol hydrogel allowed it to retain substantial activity following exposure to simulated digestive fluids.
Biodiesel production from candlenut oil using a non-catalytic supercritical methanol transesterification process: optimization, kinetics, and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Shaah Marwan Abdulhakim , Hossain Md Sohrab , Allafi Faisal , Ab Kadir Mohd Omar , Ahmad Mardiana Idayu
Published: March 2022

The present study was conducted to determine the feasibility of biodiesel production from candlenut oil using supercritical methanol (scMeOH) as a non-catalytic transesterification process.
Electrochemical fabrication of long-range ordered macro-microporous metal–organic framework films
Authors: Qin Sijia , Zhang Sai , Chen Min , Wu Limin
Published: March 2022

Centimeter-scale (4 × 3 cm2) 3DOM ZIF-8 film on substrate is developed by electrochemical cathodic deposition method. This controllable and facile method enabled to create 3DOM ZIF-8 films with varying uniform macropores sizes within a few minutes.
Grid‐forming inverter control design for PV sources considering DC‐link dynamics
Authors: Ray Ishita , Tolbert Leon M.
Published: March 2022

A grid‐forming inverter in an inverter‐dominated grid should operate as a dispatchable voltage source, which is difficult to achieve when the inverter is interfaced with nonlinear dc sources such as photovoltaic (PV) arrays. This paper presents a new grid‐forming controller which considers the PV source dynamics and limitations and maintains dc‐link stability under transient and overload conditions. A single‐loop voltage controller without ac current feedback is used, and the synchronization is achieved using dc voltage‐frequency droop. Additional dc current‐virtual impedance feedforward compensation is included to improve the ac output passivity. The controller limits the operation of the PV source inverter in the linear portion of its characteristic by regulating its modulation index, thus preventing dc voltage collapse. The proposed controller is implemented and tested on a controller‐in‐the‐loop simulation platform. The simulation results show that the controller shares power in proportion to the dc source capacities of parallel inverters, effectively limits the output current during faults, and limits dc‐link voltage drop when the inverter is overloaded. The controller is also validated on a hardware testbed.
Pilot study on the influence of spatial resolution of human voice directivity on speech perception
Authors: Quélennec Aurian , Luizard Paul
Published: March 2022

A perceptual threshold related to spatial resolution of the human voice directivity was determined through a listening test of similarity (MUSHRA). Directivity data of an artificial talking head measured at high spatial resolution (spherical harmonics order 35) was the input of a room acoustics simulation software (RAVEN) to build sound stimuli in various room acoustic conditions and source–receiver arrangements, with different voices. Results showed that, at spherical harmonics order 8 and above, the voice signal was not anymore perceived as significantly different from the greatest resolution. An analytical model was proposed and showed good agreement with the listening test results.
Anti-reflection cover to control acoustic intensity in in vitro low-intensity ultrasound stimulation of cells
Authors: Majnooni Meysam , Doveri Elise , Baldisser Jeanne , Long Vincent , Houles Julien , Scimeca Jean-Claude , Momier David , Guivier-Curien Carine , Lasaygues Philippe , Baron Cécile
Published: March 2022

Low-intensity ultrasound stimulation is a technique used in therapeutic ultrasound for bone regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In vitro studies on cell cultures are implemented to understand the processes involved. To analyze the effects of ultrasonic waves on cells, the control of the delivered acoustic intensity is essential. However, depending on the insonification protocol chosen, multiple reflections and standing waves that form inside the culture medium strongly hinder the estimates. In this work, we propose the development and the experimental validation of an anti-reflection cover. We demonstrate that this custom-designed device is effective in avoiding multiple reflections and makes it possible to artificially replace the layer of culture medium with a large amount of water. Finally, an analytical study of the acoustic intensity delivered to the cells is proposed.
Single pressure transducer probe for 3D flow measurements
Authors: Schlienger Joel , Pfau Axel , Kalfas Anestis I. , Abhari Reza S.
Published: March 2022

A new method of measuring 3D flow with a single pressure transducer mounted inside the head of a single probe is presented in this paper. The 3D flow field around the hemispherical or ellipsoidal probe head is used to derive the 3D flow vector in virtual 5-sensor mode. A pressure tap located in the vicinity of the probe head connects the instantaneous pressure of the measurement volume to the pressure transducer. By turning the probe to five different positions around the axis of the stem, a set of five pressures is formed. The relevant flow parameters such as total and static pressure, yaw and pitch angle as well as Mach number are derived from these five pressures using the proposed calibration model. A selection of six different probe head geometries with different pressure tap positions have been manufactured and calibrated in a free jet facility in order to find the ideal probe geometry. The results of the steady probe calibration showed that the probe captures 3D flow at a slightly higher error band compared to other probe techniques such as pneumatic multiple hole probes. A summary of the achieved model accuracy for each probe is given. Finally, the calibration model can be extended to any single sensor cylindrical probe, provided that the pressure coefficient shows a measurable variation with pitch angle.
Stereoscopic PIV measurements in a two-stage axial turbine
Authors: Porreca Luca , Kalfas Anestis I. , Abhari Reza S. , Yun Yong Il , Song Seung Jin
Published: March 2022

In the present work, the three-dimensional flow field in the interstage region of a twostage axial turbine has been measured by a stereoscopic PIV system. The stereoscopic method is used to compensate for perspective as well as to observe the highly threedimensional flows. The digital images are recorded with a set of two cameras positioned perpendicularly to the measurement plane and inclined by an angle varying between 22° and 30° to allow stereoscopic measurements. The laser beam is delivered to a laser endoscope able to access the measurement areas. By traversing radially, several blade-to-blade planes can be illuminated with the laser endoscope from 66 to 96% blade span. To compensate for the perspective distortion of the field of view due to the tilt angle of camera B as well as the optical distortion through the double-curvature windows, a threedimensional calibration method is used. In the current investigation, a Monte Carlo simulation has been conducted to evaluate measurement errors of PIV. Results of these measurements are compared with velocities derived from time resolved pressure measurements using fast aerodynamic response probe (FRAP). A good agreement is found at the exit of the second rotor. The present work present a unique set of steady and unsteady data measured in a two-stage axial turbine. Measured data in a volume can be used for numerical tool validation as well as improve existing kinematic model of vortex transport and dissipation.
Biomass woodchip tracking by image analysis in a model of a fixed bed combustor
Authors: Ferrari Lorenzo , Caposciutti Gianluca , Higl Martin , Müller Bernhard
Published: March 2022

Energy sector sustainability is one of the main concerns in the recent years. Biomass, in form of woodchips, is interesting for direct combustion in external combustion cycles (e.g. supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles) due to the opportunity of using low quality and low environmental impact fuels. In this study, a direct combustion system working with biomass woodchips is investigated by means of an image analysis technique. The system is made up by a screw conveyor and a fixed bed, where the woodchips are processed. The analysed device operates in cold-condition, and woodchips are partially coloured according to their dimensional class to be traced once these reached the bed surface. A proper algorithm was developed to identify the particles size, define and detect macroparticles centres, and evaluate the main particles motion pattern by comparing the centre positions during time. The results were particularly useful to understand potential inefficiencies of the combustion system due to an uneven woodchips distribution. In addition, the results achieved with the proposed test rig and the adopted methodology can also be used to validate results from Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) simulations.
15 N/14N isotopic exchange in the dissociative adsorption of N2 on tantalum nitride cluster anions Ta3N3−
Authors: Li Zi-Yu , Mou Li-Hui , Jiang Gui-Duo , Liu Qing-Yu , He Sheng-Gui
Published: March 2022

Adsorption and activation of dinitrogen (N2) is an indispensable process in nitrogen fixation. Metal nitride species continue to attract attention as a promising catalyst for ammonia synthesis. However, the detailed mechanisms at a molecular level between reactive nitride species and N2 remain unclear at elevated temperature, which is important to understand the temperature effect and narrow the gap between the gas phase system and condensed phase system. Herein, the 14N/15N isotopic exchange in the reaction between tantalum nitride cluster anions Ta314N3− and 15N2 leading to the regeneration of 14N2/14N15N was observed at elevated temperature (393−593 K) using mass spectrometry. With the aid of theoretical calculations, the exchange mechanism and the effect of temperature to promote the dissociation of N2 on Ta3N3− were elucidated. A comparison experiment for Ta314N4−/15N2 couple indicated that only desorption of 15N2 from Ta314N415N2− took place at elevated temperature. The different exchange behavior can be well understood by the fact that nitrogen vacancy is a requisite for the dinitrogen activation over metal nitride species. This study may shed light on understanding the role of nitrogen vacancy in nitride species for ammonia synthesis and provide clues in designing effective catalysts for nitrogen fixation.
Electronic reconstruction at the polar (111)-oriented oxide interface
Authors: Ryu S. , Zhou H. , Paudel T. R. , Campbell N. , Podkaminer J. , Bark C. W. , Hernandez T. , Fong D. D. , Zhang Y. , Xie L. , Pan X. Q. , Tsymbal E. Y. , Rzchowski M. S. , Eom C. B.
Published: March 2022

Atomically flat (111) interfaces between insulating perovskite oxides provide a landscape for new electronic phenomena. For example, the graphene-like coordination between interfacial metallic ion layer pairs can lead to topologically protected states [Xiao et al., Nat. Commun. 2, 596 (2011) and A. Rüegg and G. A. Fiete, Phys. Rev. B 84, 201103 (2011)]. The metallic ion/metal oxide bilayers that comprise the unit cell of the perovskite (111) heterostructures require the interface to be polar, generating an intrinsic polar discontinuity [Chakhalian et al., Nat. Mater. 11, 92 (2012)]. Here, we investigate epitaxial heterostructures of (111)-oriented LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO). We find that during heterostructure growth, the LAO overlayer eliminates the structural reconstruction of the STO (111) surface with an electronic reconstruction, which determines the properties of the resulting two-dimensional conducting gas. This is confirmed by transport measurements, direct determination of the structure and atomic charge from coherent Bragg rod analysis, and theoretical calculations of electronic and structural characteristics. Interfacial behaviors of the kind discussed here may lead to new growth control parameters useful for electronic devices.
Beyond the chloride threshold concept for predicting corrosion of steel in concrete
Authors: Angst Ueli M. , Isgor O. Burkan , Hansson Carolyn M. , Sagüés Alberto , Geiker Mette Rika
Published: March 2022

All existing models to forecast the corrosion performance of reinforced concrete structures exposed to chloride environments are based on one common theoretical concept, namely, a chloride threshold, as a sharply defined trigger for corrosion, followed by a period of active corrosion. We critically review the resulting treatment of corrosion initiation and propagation as two distinct, successive stages. We conclude that this concept presents a major barrier for developing reliable corrosion forecast models, and that a new approach is needed. In reality, steel corrosion in concrete is a continuous process, that is, rarely separable into uncoupled, sequential phases. We propose that the focus be placed on the quantification of the time- and space-variant corrosion rate from the moment steel is placed in concrete until it reaches the end of the service life. To achieve this, a multi-scale and multi-disciplinary approach is required to combine the scientific and practical contributions from materials science, corrosion science, cement/concrete research, and structural engineering.
Identification of Sclerotinia stem rot resistance quantitative trait loci in a chickpea (
Authors: Mwape Virginia W. , Khoo Kelvin H. P. , Chen Kefei , Khentry Yuphin , Newman Toby E. , Derbyshire Mark C. , Mather Diane E. , Kamphuis Lars G.
Published: March 2022

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the most economically devastating diseases in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). No complete resistance is available in chickpea to this disease, and the inheritance of partial resistance is not understood. Two hundred F7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between a partially resistant variety PBA HatTrick, and a highly susceptible variety Kyabra were characterised for their responses to SSR inoculation. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was conducted for the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) after RIL infection with S. sclerotiorum. Four QTLs on chromosomes, Ca4 (qSSR4-1, qSSR4-2), Ca6 (qSSR6-1) and Ca7 (qSSR7-1), individually accounted for between 4.2 and 15.8% of the total estimated phenotypic variation for the response to SSR inoculation. Candidate genes located in these QTL regions are predicted to be involved in a wide range of processes, including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, and plant hormone signal transduction. This is the first study investigating the inheritance of resistance to S. sclerotiorum in chickpea. Markers associated with the identified QTLs could be employed for marker-assisted selection in chickpea breeding.
Intellectual discourse on Chinese media in times of the coronavirus
Authors: Tang Xuefei
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates intellectual discourse in China during the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis through two discourse analyses, aiming to see the role of intellectuals in leading public discussion and perception on government decisions in times of crisis. Digital ethnography and digital discourse analysis are implemented to do a micro and in-depth analysis of texts and the media engagement of the Chinese intellectuals. In the context in which the presence and reception of public intellectuals in China has been transformed from pro-West gongzhi (公知) to intellectuals in the system (体制内), this study reviews the moral values and norms that promoted governmental policies and social coherence embedded in a new intellectual discourse. It contributes to the analysis of the dynamics and flexibility of China’s public communication in times of crisis within the social context in which online activities and offline realities are closely bonded in modern China.
The discourse of Xinmin
Authors: Cao Qing
Published: March 2022

Focusing on Liang Qichao’s campaign of national moral character reform, this article examines the discourse of xinmin (新民 new people) as a social engineering project that sought to remold the mindset and behaviors of the people a means of nation-building in the 1900s. Drawing on Koselleck’s idea of conceptual history, it analyses how the idea of qun (群) was deployed as a discursive building block of xinmin to cultivate a sense of membership in the political community of Chinese nation. It argues that the xinmin discourse facilitated a fundamental restructuring of the mental-cognitive framing of society in changing China from a Confucian cultural entity to a national political identity.
From transitive to intransitive and voiceless to voiced in Proto-Sino-Tibetan
Authors: Gates Jesse P. , Honkasalo Sami , Lai Yunfan
Published: March 2022

This paper offers new evidence from Stau, Geshiza, and Khroskyabs to address the question of directionality in valency-changing derivations in Sino-Tibetan. Examining Stau, Geshiza, and Khroskyabs causative and anticausative verb stem pairs adds to the evidence that in Proto-Sino-Tibetan, a number of intransitive stems are derived from transitive stems, in some cases as the result of *N‑ prefixation, and in other cases from voicing alternation independent of *N‑ prefixation. In addition, the proto-sigmatic prefix (*s-) does not cause devoicing in Stau, Geshiza, and Khroskyabs, but rather often undergoes voicing assimilation, and has more than just a causativization function. Furthermore, by looking at Gyalrong, Minyag, Tangut, Middle Chinese, and Old Chinese we emphasize that there is no synchronic evidence to support devoicing induced by *s‑, nor is there historical evidence to support the claim that *s‑ caused devoicing in Proto-Gyalrongic, or even at genetically deeper stages.
Strain-induced alignment of printed silver nanowires for stretchable electrodes
Authors: Moon Yoon Jae , Kang Kyung-Tae
Published: March 2022

Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) have been in the spotlight as a nanomaterials for roll-to-roll printed stretchable electrode because of excellent mechanical properties. Electrical conductivity of Ag NWs was affected by the nanowire orientation. Here, we printed Ag NWs ink with the drop-on-demand dispenser and stretched the Ag NWs electrode on silicone rubber and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) up to 140% in length. The averaged resistance at released state of 50 test samples of Ag NWs electrodes on silicone rubber film after 10% stretching test was approximately 14% lower than before stretching test. During the stretching test, both electrodes and film were stretched and strain was induced. However, the resistance at released state of Ag NWs electrodes on TPU film was increased as strain increased. The Ag NWs alignment to the stretching direction was observed on silicone rubber film by FESEM images, but alignment of Ag NWs on TPU film by stretching did not occur. Because the adhesion class (ASTM D 3359) of Ag NWs electrodes with the silicone rubber film is 1B and TPU film is 5B, Ag NWs could slide and rotate on silicone rubber film as applying the strain. We confirmed that alignment of Ag NWs on the silicone rubber film by stretching resulted in reduction of electrical resistance.
Experimental investigation on abrasive water jet machining of neem wood plastic composite
Authors: Boopathi Sampath , Thillaivanan Alagu , Azeem Mohammed Abdul , Shanmugam P , Pramod V R
Published: March 2022

In this article, the neem wood plastic composite material has been fabricated by mixing neem wood saw powder with polypropylene (PP) matrix by injection molding method to study the machining characteristics of the abrasive water jet machining process. The volume percentage of neem wood saw powder, the volume percentage of additive agent talc mixed with PP matrix (A), table traveling speed (Ts), and water-jet pressure (Wp) have been considered as process parameters. The experiments were conducted and analyzed to predict the optimum parameters setting for surface roughness (SR) and kerf angle (KA) using the Taguchi method. It was observed that KA and SR have been greatly impacted by the percentage of neem wood saw powder, table traveling speed, and water-jet pressure. The SR and KA were minimized by reducing the percentage of neem wood powder, table traveling speed, and water-jet pressure. The SR has been decreased by adding talc agent, conversely, the KA has been increased. The concurrent optimum process parameters setting to minimize both SR and KA had been estimated by the weighted product method (WPM). The predicted results from Taguchi and WPM had been verified by microscopic analysis and confirmation experiments.
PyLiger: scalable single-cell multi-omic data integration in Python
Authors: Lu Lu , Welch Joshua D
Published: March 2022

Motivation

LIGER (Linked Inference of Genomic Experimental Relationships) is a widely used R package for single-cell multi-omic data integration. However, many users prefer to analyze their single-cell datasets in Python, which offers an attractive syntax and highly optimized scientific computing libraries for increased efficiency.

Results

We developed PyLiger, a Python package for integrating single-cell multi-omic datasets. PyLiger offers faster performance than the previous R implementation (2–5× speedup), interoperability with AnnData format, flexible on-disk or in-memory analysis capability and new functionality for gene ontology enrichment analysis. The on-disk capability enables analysis of arbitrarily large single-cell datasets using fixed memory.

Availability and implementation

PyLiger is available on Github at https://github.com/welch-lab/pyliger and on the Python Package Index.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Timescale separation and models of symbiosis: state space reduction, multiple attractors and initialization
Authors: Pfab Ferdinand , Brown Alexandra Lynne , Detmer A Raine , Baxter Ethan C , Moeller Holly V , Cunning Ross , Nisbet Roger M
Published: March 2022

Dynamic Energy Budget models relate whole organism processes such as growth, reproduction and mortality to suborganismal metabolic processes. Much of their potential derives from extensions of the formalism to describe the exchange of metabolic products between organisms or organs within a single organism, for example the mutualism between corals and their symbionts. Without model simplification, such models are at risk of becoming parameter-rich and hence impractical. One natural simplification is to assume that some metabolic processes act on ‘fast’ timescales relative to others. A common strategy for formulating such models is to assume that ‘fast’ processes equilibrate immediately, while ‘slow’ processes are described by ordinary differential equations. This strategy can bring a subtlety with it. What if there are multiple, interdependent fast processes that have multiple equilibria, so that additional information is needed to unambiguously specify the model dynamics? This situation can easily arise in contexts where an organism or community can persist in a ‘healthy’ or an ‘unhealthy’ state with abrupt transitions between states possible. To approach this issue, we offer the following: (a) a method to unambiguously complete implicitly defined models by adding hypothetical ‘fast’ state variables; (b) an approach for minimizing the number of additional state variables in such models, which can simplify the numerical analysis and give insights into the model dynamics; and (c) some implications of the new approach that are of practical importance for model dynamics, e.g. on the bistability of flux dynamics and the effect of different initialization choices on model outcomes. To demonstrate those principles, we use a simplified model for root-shoot dynamics of plants and a related model for the interactions between corals and endosymbiotic algae that describes coral bleaching and recovery.
PASS2.7: a database containing structure-based sequence alignments and associated features of protein domain superfamilies from SCOPe
Authors: Bhattacharyya Teerna , Nayak Soumya , Goswami Smit , Gadiyaram Vasundhara , Mathew Oommen K , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: March 2022

Sequence alignments are models that capture the structural, functional and evolutionary relationships between proteins. Structure-guided sequence alignments are helpful in the case of distantly related proteins with poor sequence identity, thus rendering routine sequence alignment methods ineffective. Protein Alignment organized as Structural Superfamilies or PASS2 database provides such sequence alignments of protein domains within a superfamily as per the Structural Classification of Proteins extended (SCOPe) database. The current update of PASS2 (i.e. PASS2.7) is following the latest release of SCOPe (2.07) and we provide data for 14 323 protein domains that are <40% identical and are organized into 2024 superfamilies. Several useful features derived from the alignments, such as conserved secondary structural motifs, HMMs and residues conserved across the superfamily, are also reported. Protein domains that are deviant from the rest of the members of a superfamily may compromise the quality of the alignment, and we found this to be the case in ∼7% of the total superfamilies we considered. To improve the alignment by objectively identifying such ‘outliers’, in this update, we have used a k-means-based unsupervised machine learning method for clustering superfamily members, where features provided were length of domains aligned, Cα-RMSD derived from the rigid-body superposition of all members and gaps contributed to the alignment by each domain. In a few cases, we have split the superfamily as per the clusters predicted and provided complete data for each cluster. A new feature included in this update is absolutely conserved interactions (ACIs) between residue backbones and side chains, which are obtained by aligning protein structure networks using structure-guided sequence alignments of superfamilies. ACIs provide valuable information about functionally important residues and the structure–function relationships of proteins. The ACIs and the corresponding conserved networks for backbone and sidechain have been marked on the superimposed structure separately.

Database URL

The updated version of the PASS2 database is available at http://caps.ncbs.res.in/pass2/.
On reduced form estimation of the effect of policy interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Korolev Ivan
Published: March 2022

Several studies have estimated the effects of various nonpharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic using a ‘reduced form’ approach. In this paper, I show that many different SIR models can generate virtually identical dynamics of the number of reported cases during the early stages of the epidemic and lead to the same reduced form estimates. In some of these models, policy interventions effectively reduce the transmission rate; in others, the growth of the reported number of cases slows down even though policy has little or no effect on the transmission rate. Thus, the effect of policy cannot be uniquely determined based on the reduced form estimates. This result holds regardless of whether time series or panel data is used in reduced form estimation. I also demonstrate that the reduced form estimates of the policy effect based on panel data specifications with two-way fixed effects can have the wrong sign.
Return to work after acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock: a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lauridsen Marie D , Rørth Rasmus , Butt Jawad H , Schmidt Morten , Weeke Peter E , Kristensen Søren L , Møller Jacob E , Hassager Christian , Kjærgaard Jesper , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil L
Published: March 2022

Background

Physical and mental well-being after critical illness may be objectified by the ability to work. We examined return to work among patients with myocardial infarction (MI) by cardiogenic shock (CS) status.

Methods

Danish nationwide registries were used to identify patients with first-time MI by CS status between 2005 and 2015, aged 18–63 years, working before hospitalization and discharged alive. Multiple logistic regression models were used to compare groups.

Results

We identified 19 799 patients with MI of whom 653 had CS (3%). The median age was similar for patients with and without CS (53 years, interquartile range 47–58). One-year outcomes in patients with and without CS were as follows: 52% vs. 83% returned to work, 41% vs. 16% did not and 6% vs. 1% died. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of returning to work was 0.53 [95% confidence limit (CI): 0.42–0.66]. In patients with CS, males and patients surviving OHCA were more likely to return to work (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.15–2.92 and 1.55, 95% CI: 1.00–2.40, respectively), whereas prolonged hospitalization (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22–0.65) and anoxic brain damage (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.18–0.72) were associated with lower likelihood of returning to work.

Conclusion

In patients with MI discharged alive, approximately 80% of those without CS returned to work at 1-year follow-up in contrast to 50% of those with CS. Among patients with CS, male sex and OHCA survivors were markers positively related to return to work, whereas prolonged hospitalization and anoxic brain damage were negatively related markers.
Recurrent mitral regurgitation with haemolytic anaemia after MitraClip procedure: an autopsy case report
Authors: Hoshino Naoki , Muramatsu Takashi , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Yamada Akira
Published: March 2022

Background

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVr) has been developed as an alternative therapeutic approach to patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) at high-surgical risks. Single leaflet device attachment (SLDA) is a well-known complication after the TMVr procedure, while an autopsy case experiencing haemolytic anaemia has been scarcely reported.

Case summary

A 79-year-old woman presented with New York Heart Association Class 3 congestive heart failure due to severe MR. The Heart Team planned TMVr using the MitraClip considering a high-surgical risk due to the history of open-chest surgery. The procedure was successful with two clips and a significant reduction of MR was confirmed. On the 12th day after the procedure, congestive heart failure was worsened and a transthoracic echocardiogram revealed severe MR suggestive of SLDA. Blood test showed normocytic anaemia with serum lactate dehydrogenase level elevation and renal function deterioration. We diagnosed as mechanical haemolysis induced by recurrent MR because of a decrease in serum haptoglobin level and the presence of schizocyte in the blood smear. Despite our intensive medical treatment, she died on the 119th day after the procedure. The pathological autopsy demonstrated that the ruptured leaflet was thickened with layered structure and severe fibrosis, while there were no findings of calcification, vegetations, or abscesses.

Discussion

Single leaflet device attachment and subsequent mechanical haemolysis are rare but fatal complications after TMVr with the MitraClip. Not only degenerative MR but also functional MR may be associated with valve leaflet degeneration. A possibility of mechanical haemolysis should be considered when recurrent MR is observed after TMVr.
Determinants of label non-adherence to non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation
Authors: Seelig J , Trinks-Roerdink E M , Chu G , Pisters R , Theunissen L J H J , Trines S A , Pos L , Kirchhof C J H J , de Jong S F A M S , den Hartog F R , van Alem A P , Polak P E , Tieleman R G , van der Voort P H , Lenderink T , Otten A M , de Jong J S S G , Gu Y L , Luermans J G L M , Kruip M J H A , Timmer S A J , de Vries T A C , Cate H ten , Geersing G J , Rutten F H , Huisman M V , Hemels M E W
Published: March 2022

Aims

To evaluate the extent and determinants of off-label non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) dosing in newly diagnosed Dutch AF patients.

Methods and results

In the DUTCH-AF registry, patients with newly diagnosed AF (<6 months) are prospectively enrolled. Label adherence to NOAC dosing was assessed using the European Medicines Agency labelling. Factors associated with off-label dosing were explored by multivariable logistic regression analyses. From July 2018 to November 2020, 4500 patients were registered. The mean age was 69.6 ± 10.5 years, and 41.5% were female. Of the 3252 patients in which NOAC label adherence could be assessed, underdosing and overdosing were observed in 4.2% and 2.4%, respectively. In 2916 (89.7%) patients with a full-dose NOAC recommendation, 4.6% were underdosed, with a similar distribution between NOACs. Independent determinants (with 95% confidence interval) were higher age [odds ratio (OR): 1.01 per year, 1.01–1.02], lower renal function (OR: 0.96 per ml/min/1.73 m2, 0.92–0.98), lower weight (OR: 0.98 per kg, 0.97–1.00), active malignancy (OR: 2.46, 1.19–5.09), anaemia (OR: 1.73, 1.08–2.76), and concomitant use of antiplatelets (OR: 4.93, 2.57–9.46). In the 336 (10.3%) patients with a reduced dose NOAC recommendation, 22.9% were overdosed, most often with rivaroxaban. Independent determinants were lower age (OR: 0.92 per year, 0.88–0.96) and lower renal function (OR: 0.98 per ml/min/1.73 m2, 0.96–1.00).

Conclusion

In newly diagnosed Dutch AF patients, off-label dosing of NOACs was seen in only 6.6% of patients, most often underdosing. In this study, determinants of off-label dosing were age, renal function, weight, anaemia, active malignancy, and concomitant use of antiplatelets.
Genome sequencing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain M2 illuminates traits of an opportunistic pathogen of burn wounds
Authors: Verhoeve Victoria I , Brammer Jerod A , Driscoll Timothy P , Kambouris Adrienne R , Rasko David A , Cross Alan S , Gillespie Joseph J
Published: March 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative nosocomial pathogen and one of the most prevalent organisms isolated from burn wounds worldwide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain M2 (O5 serotype, type B flagella) is utilized for examining the murine model associated with burns. Pseudomonas aeruginosa M2 is similar in lethality to common laboratory P. aeruginosa strains when infecting CD-1 mice. Conversely, we recently showed that, relative to these strains, P. aeruginosa M2-infected mice are more susceptible to sepsis and demonstrate a 6-log reduction in LD50 from subcutaneous infection at the infection site directly after 10% total body surface area burn. To better understand this striking phenotypic difference from other P. aeruginosa strains employed in burn models, we sequenced the P. aeruginosa M2 genome. A total of 4,136,641 read pairs were obtained, providing an average genome coverage of 97.5X; subsequent assembly yielded a draft genome with 187 contigs comprising 6,360,304 bp with a G + C content of 66.45%. Genome-based phylogeny estimation of 92 P. aeruginosa strains placed P. aeruginosa M2 with P. aeruginosa-12-4-4(59), a nonairway clinical strain isolated from the blood culture of a burn patient. Phylogenomic analyses identified genes shared between P. aeruginosa M2 and P. aeruginosa 14, another strain exhibiting increased lethality in thermal tissues, as well as P. aeruginosa M2 unique genes with diverse functions like degradation of toxic aromatic compounds, iron scavenging, swarming motility and biofilm formation, defense against invasive DNA, and host assault. Predicted lateral gene transfers illuminate proteins heretofore uncharacterized for roles in P. aeruginosa biology. Our work yields a rich resource for assessing P. aeruginosa genes required for increased lethality in burn tissue seroma.
Does labral treatment technique influence the outcome of FAI surgery? A matched-pair study of labral reconstruction versus repair and debridement with a follow-up of 10 years
Authors: Laboudie Pierre , Gauthier Paul , Kreviazuk Cheryl , Beaulé Paul E
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term clinical outcomes of labral reconstruction in patients undergoing femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) surgery and compare them with labral repair and debridement. This is a single-center, single-surgeon, retrospective match-paired study from a prospectively collected hip preservation database. All patients underwent a hip surgical dislocation for FAI surgery. Eight patients underwent labral reconstruction with the ligamentum teres and were matched on sex, age and body mass index with 24 labral repair and 24 labral debridement (1:3). Failure was defined as conversion to total hip replacement (THR) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected. Mean follow-up was 9.8 years ±2.6 (5.2–13.9). There was a significant improvement in postoperative PROMs in the three groups regarding the WOMAC total, WOMAC function, HOOS-QoL, HOOS-ADL and HOOS-SRA (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the three groups regarding postoperative PROMs and change in PROMs (P > 0.05). A total of 10 hips underwent joint replacement surgery at a mean time of 7.9 ± 3.5 years (2.4–12). There was no statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding the conversion rate to THR (P = 0.64) or time between surgery and conversion to THR (P = 0.15). Compared to a match-pair group of labral repair and debridement, labral reconstruction with ligamentum teres provides similar survival with conversion to a THR as an endpoint, as well as similar improvement in PROMs. Labral treatment can be safely adapted at the nature of the labral lesion with a treatment ‘à la carte’.
Mammographic Density Decline, Tamoxifen Response, and Prognosis by Molecular Characteristics of Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Abubakar Mustapha , Mullooly Maeve , Nyante Sarah , Pfeiffer Ruth M , Aiello Bowles Erin J , Cora Renata , Bodelon Clara , Butler Eboneé , Butcher Donna , Sternberg Lawrence , Troester Melissa A , Weinmann Sheila , Sherman Mark , Glass Andrew G , Berrington de Gonzalez Amy , Gierach Gretchen L
Published: March 2022

Background

Mammographic breast density (MBD) decline post-tamoxifen initiation is a favorable prognostic factor in estrogen receptor (ER)–positive breast cancer (BC) and has potential utility as a biomarker of tamoxifen response. However, the prognostic value of MBD decline may vary by molecular characteristics among ER–positive patients.

Methods

We investigated associations between MBD decline (≥10% vs <10%) and breast cancer–specific mortality (BCSM) among ER–positive breast cancer patients aged 36-87 years at diagnosis treated with tamoxifen at Kaiser Permanente Northwest (1990-2008). Patients who died of BC (case patients; n = 62) were compared with those who did not (control patients; n = 215) overall and by tumor molecular characteristics (immunohistochemistry [IHC]–based subtype [luminal A–like: ER–positive/progesterone receptor [PR]–positive/HER2–negative/low Ki67; luminal B–like: ER–positive and 1 or more of PR–negative, HER2–positive, high Ki67] and modified IHC [mIHC]–based recurrence score of ER/PR/Ki67). Percent MBD was measured in the unaffected breast at baseline mammogram (mean = 6 months before tamoxifen initiation) and follow-up (mean = 12 months post-tamoxifen initiation). Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed from logistic regression models. All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

MBD decline was statistically significantly associated with reduced risk of BCSM overall (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.92). This association was, however, stronger among women with aggressive tumor characteristics including luminal B–like (OR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.73) vs A–like (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.19 to 2.92); large (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.78) vs small (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.04 to 3.79) tumors; PR–negative (OR = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.001 to 0.37) vs PR–positive (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.18 to 1.40) disease; and high (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.93) vs low (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.10 to 2.09) mIHC3 score.

Conclusion

The findings support MBD decline as a prognostic marker of tamoxifen response among patients with aggressive ER–positive BC phenotypes, for whom understanding treatment effectiveness is critical.
Repair of patellar tendon rupture after total knee arthroplasty using knotless suture bridge technique: a case report
Authors: Seki Toshihiro , Shiigi Eiichi , Seki Kazushige , Yoshida Koji , Okazaki Tomoya , Uehara Kazuya , Tanaka Hiroshi , Sakai Takashi
Published: March 2022

Few studies have reported on the use of knotless suture anchors to treat patellar tendon rupture from tibial tuberosity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We report a case of patellar tendon rupture in an 82-year-old female. She fell 8 weeks after bilateral TKA and presented with a patellar tendon rupture. A knotless suture anchor and a fully threaded Twist-In knotless anchor with flat-braided suture were used to repairing the patellar tendon. Complications related to the extension mechanism after TKA can lead to disastrous consequences. This surgical procedure is a safe and good treatment option to repair patellar tendon rupture after TKA.
Teratocarcinosarcoma of the cheek: a case report
Authors: El Ochi Mohamed Reda , Essaoudi Amine , El Ktaibi Abderrahim , Damiri Amal , Chahdi Hafsa , Oukabli Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Teratocarcinosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor of uncertain histogenesis. It presents <1% of all cancers and ~3% of malignant tumors of the head and neck. It arises commonly from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. To the best of our knowledge, only one case has been reported in the oral cavity. A 46-year-old woman presented with 3-week history of a rapidly growing tumor in the inner side of the left cheek. Physical examination revealed an ulcerating mass measuring 4 × 3.5 cm. An excisional biopsy was performed. Histological analysis revealed a teratocarcinosrcoma. The patient was treated by combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy. No recurrence was noted 6 months after treatment. The prognosis is poor.
Chiari Malformation and Migraine
Authors: Newman Lawrence C. , Levin Morris , Halker Singh Rashmi B. , Michael Rebecca L.
Published: March 2022

Chiari malformations are congenital deformities that are thought to arise from intrauterine underdevelopment of the posterior cranial fossa. The resultant crowding of the posterior fossa causes a downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum and into the upper cervical spinal canal. This chapter on Chiari malformation and migraine provides a review of typical findings on history, exam, and imaging when a patient presents with a Chiari malformation. Because individuals who have a primary headache disorder such as migraine can also present with Chiari malformation, the chapter also provides commentary on tips to distinguish between the two headache types.
New Daily Persistent Headache
Authors: Newman Lawrence C. , Levin Morris , Halker Singh Rashmi B. , Michael Rebecca L.
Published: March 2022

This chapter investigates new daily persistent headache (NDPH), which is a rare primary headache disorder characterized by persistent headache with a particular profile because it starts one day with a clearly remembered onset and continues in a daily pattern. NDPH can have either chronic migraine or chronic tension-type headache features. Only a sudden onset and persistence are required for the diagnosis of NDPH. The most important first step in these cases is to exclude secondary causes; a number of occult mimics must be ruled out. However, treatment of NDPH is generally never fully effective. In clinical practice, most headache specialists treat NDPH based on the prominent headache phenotype, whether migrainous or tension-type. Medication overuse is frequently a problem, for obvious reasons, and must be dealt with in order to have a chance at successful outcome.
Cough Headache
Authors: Newman Lawrence C. , Levin Morris , Halker Singh Rashmi B. , Michael Rebecca L.
Published: March 2022

Headaches that occur with coughing, sneezing, straining, or exertion should prompt a search for lesions within the posterior fossa, craniocervical junction, or cerebrospinal fluid pathways. Primary cough headache is uncommon. Within seconds of coughing, sneezing, straining, or other Valsalva maneuvers, an immediate headache is experienced. Primary exercise headache occurs with exertional effort, as may occur during physical exercise such as running or other forms of cardio. The headache is of sudden onset and often bilateral in location, but unlike cough headache, the pain is often pulsatile and of longer duration. This chapter describes the typical presentation of the cough headache diagnosis as well as the related condition of primary exercise headache. The chapter outlines the workup that should be undertaken when patients present with cough headache, and it also shares treatment options.
Cervicogenic Headache
Authors: Newman Lawrence C. , Levin Morris , Halker Singh Rashmi B. , Michael Rebecca L.
Published: March 2022

This chapter focuses on cervicogenic headache, a secondary headache disorder in which pain is referred to the head from a source in the cervical spine. It can be challenging to diagnose, in part because neck pain may not be a prominent part of the presentation. One diagnosis which should not be missed is dissection of the vertebral or internal carotid arteries, which can present with neck pain and/or headache. Lesions in the posterior cranial fossa should be eliminated as well. Diagnostic imaging of the cervical spine may be helpful in some cases, although is often not necessary in diagnosing cervicogenic headache. For probable cervicogenic headache, or in circumstances in which diagnostic blocks are not an option, exercises with or without manual therapy seem to be the best options among conservative therapy. Pharmacological treatments are not well established, but neuropathic pain medications, tricyclic antidepressants, and muscle relaxants have been employed.