bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Longitudinal Association of Late-Life Visual and Hearing Difficulty and Cognitive Function: The Role of Social Isolation
Authors: Yorgason Jeremy B. , Tanner Corinna Trujillo , Richardson Stephanie , Hill Melanie M.Y. Serrao , Stagg Brian , Wettstein Markus , Ehrlich Joshua R.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Sensory impairments are prevalent among older adults and have been associated with cognitive challenges in later life, yet mechanisms are less well understood. We examined the mediating role of social isolation in the longitudinal relationship between self-reported sensory difficulty and impaired cognitive functioning among older adults.

Methods

Data were taken from the NHATS Study, an annual survey of Medicare beneficiaries’ age ≥ 65. Participants ( N = 6,338) provided data at Rounds 5, 6, and 7 (2015, 2016, 2017). Structural equation models were estimated to test longitudinal direct and indirect associations.

Results

All sensory difficulties were negatively associated with all cognitive functioning measures cross-sectionally through social isolation. Longitudinally, vision difficulty and dual sensory difficulty were indirectly associated with cognitive functioning across time. Hearing difficulty had no longitudinal indirect associations with cognitive functioning through social isolation.

Discussion

Social isolation is an important pathway through which late-life vision difficulty is associated with decreased cognitive function.
For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church, Section VIII: Science, Technology and the Natural World. A Response
Authors: Theokritoff Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Section VIII of Toward a Social Ethos covers the areas of healing and medicine, new technologies including the internet, faith and science, human sciences and pastoral care, the natural world and ecological crisis. This article comments on the text in the light of wider Orthodox thinking on these areas (where it exists) and earlier statements on use of the world and environment from the Churches of Constantinople, Antioch and Moscow.
Numerical Simulations of Environmental Energy Features in Solar Pump Application by Using Hybrid Nanofluid Flow: Prandtl-Eyring Case
Authors: Jamshed Wasim , Safdar Rabia , Brahmia Ameni , Alanazi Abdullah K. , Abo-Dief Hala M. , Eid Mohamed Rabea
Published: February 2022

As the primary energy source derived from the sun, solar energy is widely utilized in various technologies, including photovoltaic cells as well as the solar types of energy plates, street lights, and water pumping. This era is about studying solar radiations and a way to active enhancements in solar power pump (SWP) efficacy with the use of solar radiations and nanotechnology. Communication is structured to examine the capability of SWP in terms of transfer of heat using a hybrid nanofluid passing through a parabolic trough surface collector (PTSC) placed inside the pipeline of SWP. Solar radiation has been considered a heat source. The performance in terms of heat transfer of the SWP is scrutinized for various effects like porous media, viscous dissipation, radiative heat flux, and Cattaneo–Christov heat flux (C–CHF). Entropy generation analysis is also conducted for Prandtl – Eyring fluid (P-EF). The simulated momentum and energy equations were solved using the Keller box technique, which is a well-known numerical approach. For this work, Prandtl – Eyring hybrid nanofluid (P-EHNF) has been considered, consisting of double diverse kinds of nanotubes (NT), including single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in the rich, viscous fluid of kind Sodium Alginate (SA). The impact of various parameters on velocity, temperature fields, shear stress, coefficient of drag force, and Nusselt number are investigated and demonstrated in graphs and tables. The SWP experience an enhancement in the transfer of heat for amplification of the parameters of thermal radiative flow as well as viscous dissipation. In comparison with conventional nanofluid, hybrid nanofluid performs better in heat transmission. The thermal efficacy of MWCNT/SWCNT-SA over SWCNT-SA got down to a minimal level of 39.9% and peaked at 42.2%.
Declining memberships and Australia’s political party registration test: Legal doubts and democratic principles
Authors: Head Michael
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, membership of established parties in parliamentary democracies such as Australia has been in marked decline. This has been accompanied by the regulation of political parties, featuring membership tests for the registration of non-parliamentary parties. This article raises questions about both the legality and democratic credentials of the ‘membership testing process’ applied by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC).
The EXTrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development: Present and Future
Authors: Larson Abby C. , De Bie Felix R. , Chang Jonathan , Davey Marcus G. , Flake Alan W.
Published: February 2022

Despite advances in clinical care and modest improvement in mortality rates for extreme prematurity, morbidity remains a significant challenge. The ideal environment to support prematurity would be fluidic and rely on natural fetal circulation to mimic the natural fetal amniotic environment, yet such an environment has been unsuccessful in long-term support until recently. Our group has succeeded in developing such a support system to foster fetal growth in the premature lamb model that shows promise for clinical translation. Here, we describe the EXTrauterine Environment for Neonatal Development (EXTEND) from its conception onwards, review published literature on fetal development and support of the premature lamb model in EXTEND, and discuss future applications.
Making Queer content visible: approaches and assumptions of Australian film and television stakeholders working with LGBTQ+ content
Authors: Cover Rob
Published: February 2022

A concept of visibility frames much scholarship and public writing on LGBTQ+ representation in film and television, and underpins diversity reporting and inclusivity measurement. Although visibility is often depicted as a social good, there is a growing critical interest in asking if there are different kinds of visibility, and how these might be differentially valued. This paper reports insights gained from interviews with Australian stakeholders involved in the production of screen entertainment with LGBTQ+ content. The study found that stakeholders are motivated by to create texts that make LGBTQ+ stories and characters visible. The range of approaches to visibility was, however, nuanced and diverse: some understood any LGBTQ+ representation as valuable, while others discussed visibility in contexts of character depth, anti-stereotyping, and visibility tempered by concepts of human dignity. Although visibility is perceived diversely, it remains a significant lens by which creative artists involved in LGBTQ+ texts understand their work.
A study on effect of engine operating parameters on NOx emissions and exhaust temperatures of a heavy-duty diesel engine during idling
Authors: Dev Shouvik , Lafrance Simon , Liko Brian , Guo Hongsheng
Published: February 2022

Though NOx emissions from on-road heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) have reduced drastically over the past three decades, upcoming North American regulations may call for further reductions. Lowering NOx emissions below current levels is challenging, especially at lower operating loads such as idling and/or colder climates when the exhaust gas temperature is insufficient for high NOx conversion in the HDV’s exhaust after treatment (EAT) system. This paper investigates the impact of various engine operating parameters on the three-way trade-off between NOx emissions, exhaust temperature, and fuel consumption using a single-cylinder, heavy-duty diesel engine outfitted with a conventional EAT system and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection. The engine parameters investigated include exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) ratio, intake pressure, intake temperature, injection pressure, multiple injections, and engine fluid temperatures. In order to simulate cold climate operation, the baseline intake air, coolant, and lubricating oil temperatures are maintained at 10°C, 40°C, and 50°C, respectively. Results show that using a moderate level of EGR has the dual benefit of reducing the engine-out NOx and increasing the intake charge temperature. Increasing the intake or injection pressure does not result in significant benefit in improving the three-way trade-off. However, using double injection with the second injection at the start of the expansion stroke can help reduce NOx emissions and increase exhaust temperature with marginal impact on fuel efficiency. Based on the parametric study, three particular engine operating conditions are chosen for further investigation with the EAT online. At an identical DEF dosing rate, the rates of NOx reduction in the SCR are similar for the three conditions (∼96%), and the lowest tail-pipe NOx observed for this study is 0.032 g/kWh.
Platform urbanism in a pandemic: Dark stores, ghost kitchens, and the logistical-urban frontier
Authors: Shapiro Aaron
Published: February 2022

As demand for e-commerce surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, investors began pouring billions into start-ups promising to accelerate digitization and automation in small-margin, winner-take-all sectors, such as retail, grocery, and dining. I examine two business models that feature prominently in this swell of financial optimism: dark stores and ghost kitchens. Both sacrifice consumer-facing real estate to create logistical spaces for online order fulfillment, and both are predicted to become permanent fixtures of the post-pandemic economic landscape. However, few have commented on the consequences of this future-in-the-making or who is likely to suffer them. The essay therefore anticipates how “going dark” may impact consumers, workers, and urban geographies. I argue that going dark represents a new threshold in the spatial materialities and financial imaginary of platform urbanism, what I call the logistical-urban frontier. I theorize how this frontier threatens historically disenfranchised urban communities, and I conclude the essay with a reflection on the conflicted temporalities of logistical speculation.
Sky luminance distribution model based on the information method and ant colony system
Authors: He Y , Zhang X , Quan L , Shi D , Zhang Y
Published: February 2022

This study presents a novel model to estimate the sky luminance distribution (SLD) using the information method based on the research results of the SLD and atmospheric optics theory. The ant colony system of complex optimisation heuristic algorithms is used to analyse and optimise the influencing factors of sky luminance. The SLD using the information method is universal and is not related to geographical, latitudinal or climatic conditions. First, a simple and clear sky classification method is proposed. Then, a model framework is constructed. Using the ant colony system, the effects of the sky luminance elements are analysed and optimised, and numerical expressions for the coefficients of the relative luminance distribution are obtained. Finally, the proposed model is compared with other sky models (Perez’s model, the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage model and Igawa’s all-sky model). The results show that the proposed model offers significant advantages for generating a universal SLD. Moreover, the information method SLD model can significantly enrich the coverage of the reference sky, and it avoids the shortcomings of existing sky models.
The company a word keeps: The role of neighbourhood density in verbal short-term memory
Authors: Greeno David J , Macken Bill , Jones Dylan M
Published: February 2022

Psycholinguistic information plays an important role in verbal short-term memory (vSTM). One such linguistic feature is neighbourhood density (ND)—the number of words that can be derived from a given word by changing a single phoneme or single letter—with vSTM performance typically better when word sequences are from dense rather than sparse neighbourhoods. This effect has been attributed to higher levels of supportive activation among dense neighbourhood words. Generally, it has been assumed that lexical variables influence item memory but not order memory, and we show that the typical vSTM advantage for dense neighbourhood words in serial recall is eliminated when using serial recognition. However, we also show that the usual effect of ND is reversed—for both serial recall and serial recognition—when using a subset of those same words. The findings call into question the way in which ND has been incorporated into accounts of vSTM that invoke mutual support from long-term representations on either encoding or retrieval.
Consensus statement – Urogenital atrophy
Authors: Briggs Paula
Published: February 2022

This guidance refers to urogenital atrophy, a chronic and progressive condition due to estrogen deficiency, most commonly associated with the menopause. There is a potential negative impact on all urogenital tissue quality including the vulva, vagina, bladder and urethra. Symptoms may not become apparent for several years after the menopause and therefore any association is lost, with women accepting symptoms as a normal part of the aging process. There may be reluctance to discuss symptoms with a clinician and this is likely to be linked with under diagnosis and under treatment. Urogenital atrophy has been described as a silent epidemic with lack of awareness affecting an accurate diagnosis and access to treatment. Whilst vaginal estrogen (also referred to as local estrogen) therapy is the best-known treatment, newer drugs and interventions are now available.
Upper limb infections: A comparison between diabetic and non-diabetic patients
Authors: Lim Shan Hua , Tunku Ahmad Tunku Sara , Devarajooh Cassidy , Gunasagaran Jayaletchumi
Published: February 2022

Background

Upper limb infections are common among patients with diabetes mellitus and their sequelae can be debilitating. They tend to present with severe infections but minimal symptoms probably due to neuropathy and vasculopathy among diabetics. The study aims to compare the demographic characteristics, clinical presentations and outcomes of upper limb infections between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Methods

All patients with upper limb infections who were admitted in a tertiary hospital from June 2017 to December 2020 were included in this study. Demographic data, clinical presentations, investigations and outcomes were obtained retrospectively from electronic medical record. There were 117 patients with diabetes mellitus and 127 with no diabetes mellitus. Comparisons were made between these two groups, and statistical analysis was done with SPSS.

Results

There were 244 patients included; 117 were diabetic and 127 were non-diabetic. Diabetic patients were more likely to present with emergent scenarios, especially necrotizing fasciitis and infective tenosynovitis ( p < .05) with higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) readings ( p < .05). Their microbiological cultures were less likely to be negative ( p < .05). Diabetic patients also had poorer clinical outcomes with higher risk of amputation, re-operation and longer duration of hospital stay ( p < .05).

Conclusion

Upper limb infections among diabetic patients should be treated aggressively. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention might decrease the morbidity and mortality in this group. Prevention of infections should be emphasized.
Does tranexamic acid affect intraventricular hemorrhage growth in acute ICH? An analysis of the STOP-AUST trial
Authors: Yogendrakumar Vignan , Wu Teddy Y , Churilov Leonid , Tatlisumak Turgut , Strbian Daniel , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Kleinig Timothy J , Sharma Gagan , Campbell Bruce CV , Zhao Henry , Hsu Chung Y , Meretoja Atte , Donnan Geoffrey A , Davis Stephen M , Yassi Nawaf
Published: February 2022

Background

Trials of tranexamic acid (TXA) in acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have focused on the imaging outcomes of intraparenchymal hematoma growth. However, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) growth is also strongly associated with outcome after ICH. Revised definitions of hematoma expansion incorporating IVH growth have been proposed.

Aims

We sought to evaluate the effect of TXA on IVH growth.

Methods

We analyzed data from the STOP-AUST trial, a prospective randomized trial comparing TXA to placebo in ICH patients presenting ≤ 4.5 h from symptom onset with a CT-angiography spot sign. New IVH development at follow-up, any interval IVH growth, and IVH growth ≥ 1 mL were compared between the treatment groups using logistic regression. The treatment effect of TXA against placebo using conventional (> 6 mL or 33%), and revised definitions of hematoma expansion (> 6 mL or 33% or IVH expansion ≥ 1 mL, > 6 mL or 33%, or any IVH expansion, and > 6 mL or 33% or new IVH development) were also assessed. Treatment effects were adjusted for baseline ICH volume.

Results

The analysis population consisted of 99 patients (50 placebo, 49 TXA). New IVH development at follow-up was observed in 6/49 (12%) who received TXA and 13/50 (26%) who received placebo (aOR: 0.38 [95% CI: 0.13–1.13]). Any interval IVH growth was observed in 12/49 (25%) who received TXA versus 26/50 (32%) receiving placebo (aOR: 0.69 [95% CI: 0.28–1.66]). IVH growth ≥ 1 mL did not differ between the two groups. Using revised definitions of hematoma expansion, no significant difference in treatment effect was observed between TXA and placebo.

Conclusions

IVH may be attenuated by TXA following ICH; however, studies with larger cohorts are required to investigate this further.

Registration

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01702636.
Biosystematics studies on Elymus breviaristatus and Elymus sinosubmuticus (Poaceae: Triticeae)
Authors: Tan Lu , Huang Qing-Xiang , Song Yang , Wu Dan-Dan , Cheng Yi-Ran , Zhang Chang-Bin , Sha Li-Na , Fan Xing , Kang Hou-Yang , Wang Yi , Zhang Hai-Qin , Zhou Yong-Hong
Published: February 2022

Background

Elymus breviaristatusandElymus sinosubmuticusare perennial herbs, not only morphologically similar but also sympatric distribution. The genome composition ofE. sinosubmuticushas not been reported, and the relationship betweenE. sinosubmuticusandE. breviaristatusis still controversial. We performed artificial hybridization, genomic in situ hybridization, and phylogenetic analyses to clarify whether the two taxa were the same species.

Results

The high frequency bivalent (with an average of 20.62 bivalents per cell) at metaphase I of pollen mother cells of the artificial hybrids ofE. breviaristatus(StYH) × E. sinosubmuticuswas observed. It illustrated thatE. sinosubmuticuswas closely related toE. breviaristatus. Based on genomic in situ hybridization results, we confirmed thatE. sinosubmuticuswas an allohexaploid, and the genomic constitution wasStYH. Phylogenetic analysis results also supported that this species containedSt,Y, andHgenomes. In their F1hybrids, pollen activity was 53.90%, and the seed setting rate was 22.46%. Those indicated that the relationship betweenE. sinosubmuticusandE. breviaristatusis intersubspecific rather than interspecific, and it is reasonable to treatedE. sinosubmuticusas the subspecies ofE. breviaristatus.

Conclusions

In all, the genomic constitutions ofE. sinosubmuticusandE. breviaristatuswereStYH, and they are species in the genusCampeiostachys.BecauseE. breviaristatuswas treated asCampeistachys breviaristata,Elymus sinosubmuticusshould be renamedCampeiostachys breviaristata(Keng) Y. H. Zhou, H. Q. Zhang et C. R. Yang subsp.sinosubmuticus(S. L. Chen) Y. H. Zhou, H. Q. Zhang et L. Tan.
A brief gestalt intervention changes ultrasound measures of tongue movement during breastfeeding: case series
Authors: Douglas Pamela Sylvia , Perrella Sharon Lisa , Geddes Donna Tracy
Published: February 2022

Background

Lactation consultants frequently advise adjustments to fit and hold (or positioning and attachment) with the aim of optimising intra-oral nipple placement. However, approaches to fit and hold vary widely, with limited evidence of benefits, and effects of fit and hold on infant tongue movement have not been examined. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether a gestalt breastfeeding intervention alters tongue movement, using measurements from ultrasound imaging to determine nipple placement and intra-oral nipple and breast tissue dimensions.

Methods

Ultrasound measurements were conducted in five breastfeeding dyads, infants aged 4–20 weeks, while feeding in their usual or ‘standard’ position and again after brief application of gestalt principles of fit and hold. Four of the mother-baby pairs, who had received comprehensive lactation support, reported persisting nipple pain. Three of these infants had difficulty latching and fussed at the breast; three had been diagnosed with oral ties. A fifth pair was breastfeeding successfully.

Results

Ultrasound demonstrated that the distance from nipple tip to junction of the hard and soft palate decreased, intra-oral nipple and breast tissue dimensions increased, and nipple slide decreased after a brief gestalt intervention.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that changes in fit and hold impact on infant tongue movement and contour. Further research investigating short- and long-term outcomes of a gestalt breastfeeding intervention in larger cohorts is required.
Teen pregnancy in the setting of familial dilated cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: George Joshua S. , Johnson Jeffrey
Published: February 2022

Background

Women with pre-existing forms of familial cardiomyopathy are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality due to hemodynamic changes of pregnancy. There is a lack of consensus about the management and care for these patients given the rarity of this condition. This case represents possibly the youngest pregnant familial dilated cardiomyopathy patient to deliver and the youngest patient to be fitted for a wearable cardiac defibrillator in the postpartum period.

Case Presentation

A 14-year-old gravida 1 with familial dilated cardiomyopathy presented late for prenatal care at 38 weeks, which precluded typical care plans including baseline and serial echocardiograms, medication management, and routine prenatal care. An echocardiogram showed severely decreased left ventricular systolic function compared to studies from one year prior. Three days later the patient presented in labor and had a spontaneous vaginal delivery complicated by postpartum hemorrhage. Her postpartum course was notable for persistence of decreased cardiac function testing and placement of a wearable cardiac defibrillator for prevention against life threatening arrhythmias.

Conclusion

This case report adds to the literature on pregnancy complicated by familial dilated cardiomyopathy and describes management best practices and considerations during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods.
The impact of psychosocial variables on initial presentation and surgical outcome for ulnar-sided wrist pathology: a cohort study with 1-year follow-up
Authors: Teunissen J. S. , van der Oest M. J. W. , van Groeninghen D. E. , Feitz R. , Hovius S. E. R. , Van der Heijden E. P. A.
Published: February 2022

Aims

Ulnar-sided wrist pain has historically been equated to lower-back pain of wrist surgery. Little is known about the relationship between psychosocial profile and the manifestation of ulnar-sided wrist pathology and their treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the impact of pain catastrophising, psychological distress, illness perception, and patients’ outcome expectations on patient-reported pain and hand function before and one year after surgery for ulnar-sided wrist pathology.

Patients and Methods

We included patients who underwent surgical treatment for ulnar-sided wrist pathology. Before surgery, patients completed the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), Brief-Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ), and Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ). Pain and dysfunction were assessed before (n = 423) and one year after surgery (n = 253) using the Patient Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE). Hierarchical linear regression was used to assess the relationship between psychosocial factors and the preoperative PRWHE score, postoperative PRWHE score, and change in PRWHE.

Results

Psychosocial variables explained an additional 35% of the variance in preoperative PRWHE scores and 18% on postoperative scores. A more negative psychosocial profile was associated with higher (worse) preoperative PRWHE scores (PCS: B = 0.19, CI = [0.02–0.36]; B-IPQ Consequences: B = 3.26, CI = 2.36–4.15; and B-IPQ Identity, B = 1.88 [1.09–2.67]) and postoperative PRWHE scores (PCS: B = 0.44, CI = [0.08–0.81]) but not with the change in PRWHE after surgery. Higher treatment expectations were associated with a lower (better) postoperative PRWHE score (CEQ expectancy: B = -1.63, CI = [-2.43;-0.83]) and a larger change in PRWHE scores (B =|1.62|, CI = [|0.77; 2.47|]).

Conclusion

A more negative psychosocial profile was associated with higher pain levels and dysfunction preoperatively and postoperatively. However, these patients showed similar improvement as patients with a more feasible psychosocial profile. Therefore, patients should not be withheld from surgical treatment based on their preoperative psychosocial profile alone. Boosting treatment expectations might further improve treatment outcomes.

Level of evidence

III (Cohort study).
Developing decision model for the outsourcing of medical service delivery in the public hospitals
Authors: Khosravizadeh Omid , Maleki Aisa , Ahadinezhad Bahman , Shahsavari Saeed , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Tazekand Nasibeh Mansouran
Published: February 2022

Background

The decision to outsource an activity is one of the most complex organizational decisions. This decision is also influenced by several factors and components. In order to facilitate and optimize it, for the first time in this study, a decision model for outsourcing medical service delivery in public hospitals has been developed.

Methods

We conducted this cross-sectional study in 3 stages: 1) We identified the factors affecting the outsourcing decisions, 2) an expert panel identified the influential factors. After standardization, we distributed 220 questionnaires among university staff managers and heads, nursing managers, and managers of the research units, and 3) Structural Equation Model applied to evaluate the relationship between the variables on AMOS22, at 0.05 significant level.

Results

Findings indicated the optimal level of all fit indices. The path coefficient between all identified factors with the outsourcing decision was positive (t > 1.96). Factors ranging from the most effective to least effective included monitoring and control, service type, human resource, economic and financial, executive capability, external environment, and terms and conditions.

Conclusion

The proposed model provides unit evaluation to make the appropriate decision on outsourcing or non-outsourcing. Control and monitoring were the most determining factors. We recommend performing monitoring continuously as a guide and deterrent to error. We also recommend continuous monitoring and control over the quality of outsourced units and stakeholder satisfaction.
Radiographic vertical tracheal diameter assessment at different levels along the trachea as an alternative method for the evaluation of the tracheal diameter in non-brachycephalic small breed dogs
Authors: Mostafa Ayman A. , Berry Clifford R.
Published: February 2022

Background

Tracheal narrowing due to congenital tracheal hypoplasia, acquired tracheal stenosis and tracheal collapse can lead to life-threatening respiratory distress. Tracheal hypoplasia has been identified in brachycephalic dog breeds, predominantly English Bulldogs, by measuring the tracheal diameter compared to the diameter of the thoracic inlet and creating a ratio. However, reference ranges for tracheal diameter have not been established for non-brachycephalic small breed dogs. It would be advantageous to have established tracheal diameters for non-brachycephalic small breed dogs, as these are the dogs most at risk of tracheal collapse. The main objective, of this study was to radiographically evaluate vertical tracheal diameter (VTD) at three standardized locations along the trachea of non-brachycephalic small breed dogs, in an attempt to further establish a screening diagnostic protocol for canine tracheal hypoplasia. Medical records and thoracic radiographs of non-brachycephalic small breed dogs without respiratory disease were reviewed. Right lateral radiographs were reviewed. The absolute and average VTDs at three locations (location A: caudal cervical VTD; location B thoracic inlet VTD; location C: intrathoracic VTD) were standardized by manubrium length (ML), as well as by the previously utilized thoracic inlet distance (Ti-D) and proximal 3rd rib width (PR3-W) to calculate manubrium-tracheal index (M-TI), thoracic inlet-tracheal index (Ti-TI), and proximal R3-tracheal score (PR3-TS), respectively. Correlations between averaged tracheal diameter and each of the ML, Ti-D, and PR3-W, and between M-TI and each of Ti-TI and PR3-TS were calculated.

Results

Eighty-one healthy dogs met the criteria for inclusion. Significant differences (P < 0.0001) were identified among the mean values of the absolute and standardized VTDs at levels A, B, and C. The smallest tracheal diameter was identified at the level of the thoracic inlet (Level B).

The average VTD correlated better with ML (rs = 0.82,P < 0.0001) compared to Ti-D and PR3-W. A relatively strong correlation (rs = 0.77,P < 0.0001) was identified between the averaged manubrium tracheal index (M-TI) and thoracic inlet tracheal index (Ti-TI).

Conclusion

M-TI is an appropriate alternative to Ti-TI and PR3-TS to radiographically evaluate VTD in dogs. M-TI < 0.43, < 0.34, or < 0.38 at level A, B, or C, respectively, may indicate tracheal hypoplasia in non-brachycephalic small breed dogs. Screening of canine VTD could be achieved using M-TI.
Expressing 2-keto acid pathway enzymes significantly increases photosynthetic isobutanol production
Authors: Xie Hao , Lindblad Peter
Published: February 2022

Background

Cyanobacteria, photosynthetic microorganisms, are promising green cell factories for chemical production, including biofuels. Isobutanol, a four-carbon alcohol, is considered as a superior candidate as a biofuel for its high energy density with suitable chemical and physical characteristics. The unicellular cyanobacteriumSynechocystisPCC 6803 has been successfully engineered for photosynthetic isobutanol production from CO2and solar energy in a direct process.

Results

Heterologous expression of α-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase (KivdS286T) is sufficient for isobutanol synthesis via the 2-keto acid pathway inSynechocystis. With additional expression of acetolactate synthase (AlsS), acetohydroxy-acid isomeroreductase (IlvC), dihydroxy-acid dehydratase (IlvD), and alcohol dehydrogenase (Slr1192OP), theSynechocystisstrain HX42, with a functional 2-keto acid pathway, showed enhanced isobutanol production reaching 98 mg L−1in short-term screening experiments. Through modulatingkivdS286Tcopy numbers as well as the composition of the 5′-region, a finalSynechocystisstrain HX47 with three copies ofkivdS286Tshowed a significantly improved isobutanol production of 144 mg L−1, an 177% increase compared to the previously reported best producing strain under identical conditions.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates the feasibility to express heterologous genes with a combination of self-replicating plasmid-based system and genome-based system inSynechocystiscells. Obtained isobutanol-producingSynechocystisstrains form the base for further investigation of continuous, long-term-photosynthetic isobutanol production from solar energy and carbon dioxide.

Graphic abstract
Supermicrosurgical treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Will Patrick A. , Wan Zhenzhen , Seide Svenja E. , Berner Juan Enrique , Kneser Ulrich , Gazyakan Emre , Hirche Christoph
Published: February 2022

Background

Lymphedema is a condition that affects up to 130 million subjects worldwide. Since it is related to several complications and a significant reduction in terms of quality of life, it is a heavy burden not only to the patients but also for the healthcare system worldwide. Despite the development of supermicrosurgery, such as vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) and lymphovenous anastomosis LVA, the indications and outcomes of these complex groups of interventions remain a controversial topic in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery.

Methods

This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to assess the evidence of outcomes of LVA and VLNT in patients with lymphedema. Secondary aims of the project are to determine if for any outcomes, LVA or VLNT is superior to conservative therapy alone, and whether the available evidence favors any kind of supermicrosurgical interventions for lymphedema patients. This study will include original studies of patients with lymphedema on the extremities indexed in PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PASCAL, FRANCIS, ISTEX, LILACS, CNKI, and IndMED that reported microsurgery (supermicrosurgery) of all techniques aiming the re-functionalization of the lymphatic system. As comparators, mere observation, conservative treatment of any kind, and the other subgroups of supermicrosurgery are planned. The primary outcome of this systematic review and network meta-analysis is the difference of the limb volume, while the secondary outcomes of interest will be erysipelas rates, major and minor complications, postoperative necessity of continuous compression garments, and patient satisfaction, measured by already published and validated scores for quality of life.

Discussion

We will provide an overview and evidence grade analysis of the scientific literature available on the effectiveness of the subcategories of supermicrosurgical interventions for lymphedema.
Gambling problems among Lebanese adults: Arabic-Language version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) scale validation and correlates
Authors: Haddad Patrick , Roukoz Roger , Akel Marwan , Hallit Souheil
Published: February 2022

Background

In the DSM-5, gambling disorder is recognized as the only behavioral addiction. The number of people with mental health disorders is increasing in Lebanon, especially since the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), the most used tool in the world in terms of pathological gambling, has never been translated to Arabic, culturally adapted in a way that suits the Lebanese population and validated. This study’s objectives were to validate an Arabic-language version of the SOGS and assess factors associated with probable pathological gambling among Lebanese adults.

Methods

This study was carried out between February and April 2021, during the lockdown period imposed by the Lebanese government. A total of 601 individuals participated in this study by filling the online questionnaire.

Results

A factor analysis, using the principal component analysis, was performed on the SOGS scale items. The SOGS items were able to explain 73.35% of the variance, with an internal reliability of KR20 = 0.947 for the total scale. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the results of the factor analysis. More problematic alcohol use (aOR = 1.17), and more depression (aOR = 1.13) were significantly associated with higher odds of probable pathological gambling, whereas females (aOR = 0.27) had significantly lower odds of probable pathological gambling compared to males.

Conclusion

Our study validated an Arabic-language version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) for use in Lebanon, and showed some factors associated with probable pathological gambling (male gender, alcohol use disorder and depression). This reliable and valid version will hopefully contribute towards better screening for gambling disorder in Lebanon.
A validity framework for accountability: educational measurement and language testing
Authors: Hoeve Karen B.
Published: February 2022

High stakes test-based accountability systems primarily rely on aggregates and derivatives of scores from tests that were originally developed to measure individual student proficiency in subject areas such as math, reading/language arts, and now English language proficiency. Current validity models do not explicitly address this use of aggregate scores in accountability. Historically, language testing and educational measurement have been related, yet parallel disciplines. Accountability policies have increasingly forced these disciplines under one umbrella with a common system of rewards and sanctions based on results achieved. Therefore, a validity framework, as suggested in the present paper, is relevant to both.
Characteristics and potential quality indicators for evaluating pre-travel consultations in Japan hospitals: the Japan Pretravel consultation registry (J-PRECOR)
Authors: Yamamoto Kei , Asai Yusuke , Nakatani Issaku , Hayashi Kenichi , Nakagawa Hidenori , Shinohara Koh , Kanai Shinichiro , Shimatani Michitsugu , Yamato Masaya , Shimono Nobuyuki , Kitaura Tsuyoshi , Komiya Nobuhiro , Nagasaka Atsushi , Mikawa Takahiro , Manabe Akihiro , Matono Takashi , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Ogawa Taku , Kutsuna Satoshi , Ohmagari Norio
Published: February 2022

Background

Awareness of pre-travel consultations (PTCs) and prevention methods for overseas travel-related diseases, and the understanding of PTCs among Japanese travelers and medical professionals remains low in Japan. A multicenter registry was established to examine PTCs in Japan. This study assessed the PTC implementation rate and examined the indicators of PTCs that can be used as criteria for evaluating quality.

Methods

Clients who presented for their PTCs at 17 facilities and were registered between February 1, 2018, and May 31, 2020, were included. Medical information was extracted retrospectively via a web-based system. Correlations between vaccination risk categories and advice/intervention proportions by the facility were evaluated using Spearman’s ordered phase relations (α = 0.05).

Results

Of the 9700 eligible clients (median age, 32 years; 880 [9.1%] aged < 16 years and 549 [5.7%] aged ≥65 years), the most common travel duration was ≥181 days (35.8%); higher among younger clients. The most common reason for travel was business (40.5%); the US (1118 [11.5%]) and Asia (4008 [41.3%]) were the most common destinations and continents, respectively. The vaccine number (median three per person) increased after the PTCs except for the tetanus toxoid. Only 60.8% of the clients recommended for malaria prophylaxis received anti-malarial agents. The gross national income; the incidence of human rabies, typhoid fever, falciparum malaria; and dengue risk category were associated with the percentage of hepatitis-A vaccines; explaining rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, typhoid-fever vaccinations, malaria-prophylaxis prescriptions; and mosquito repellants, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the characteristics of the travelers differed, the quality of the PTCs should be improved to address, for example, the lower rate of acceptance of malaria prophylaxis in Japan.
The air we breathe: understanding the impact of the environment on pneumonia
Authors: Smit Lidwien A. M.
Published: February 2022

An increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia has been shown in residents of rural livestock farming areas in the Netherlands and United States, probably due to air pollution exposure or zoonotic infections. Spatial epidemiological analyses have particularly implicated poultry and goat farms in the increased risk—an observation that warrants further research. Studying the viral or bacterial etiology of community-acquired pneumonia using traditional microbiological methods or metagenomic sequencing could help to fathom to what extent environmental factors and causative pathogens contribute to spatial differences in the incidence of severe acute respiratory infections.
Complementary role of computed tomography angiography with fixed perfusion defects on SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Abazid Rami M. , Sallam Yasmine T. , Romsa Jonathan G. , Warrington James C. , Akincioglu Cigdem , De Sabe , Tzemos Nikolaos , Vezina William C.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We present this case series exploring the complementary role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in the detection of myocardial necrosis.

Methods

A cardiac hybrid imaging database search identified 144 patients with a previous history of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with coronary revascularization. CCTA and MPI scans were evaluated to determine whether CCTA had an added value to MPI in detecting myocardial necrosis.

Results

Five patients with patent stents and/or bypass grafts and both fixed perfusion defects on MPI and sub-endocardial hypo-perfusion on CCTA were identified. The extent and location of the perfusion defects were closely correlated between the CCTA and SPECT MPI images.

Conclusion

In this series, CCTA and SPECT MPI were found to play a complementary role in the assessment of fixed perfusion defect, with CCTA adding specificity to the diagnosis of myocardial necrosis.
Lifestyle changes and its effect towards the evolution of human dentition
Authors: Kurniawan Arofi , Moza Shafa Marwa , Nuraini Nathania , Hanif Mayang Aziza , Sekar Dhea Arum , Talitha Patricia
Published: February 2022

Background

The dentition of modern humans has evolved from their hominid ancestors to their current form. Factors regarding the changes of lifestyle such as dietary habits and usage of tools have affected the evolution of human dentition. This article aimed to discuss the effect of dietary changes on the evolution of human teeth. An online literature search in the PubMed database was conducted according to the inclusion criteria of this study.

Main body

The culture transition from a hunter-gatherer society to agriculture is followed by dietary changes, which result in a decrease of tooth wear due to more refined food sources in agricultural intensification. By analyzing the microwear pattern such as shear, striation, and pattern of the buccal teeth, the dietary hypothesis based on the occlusal tooth microwear analysis could be examined.

Conclusion

The dietary hypothesis based on the occlusal tooth microwear study could be tested by analyzing the microwear pattern (shear, striation, pattern) of the buccal teeth. Posterior teeth are more closely related to diet, while anterior teeth are related to non-dietary tooth-use behaviors, or using the teeth as a tool or third hand which causes more limited striations at the labial surface.
Applicability of Willems method for age estimation in Brazilian children: performance of multiple linear regression and artificial neural network
Authors: Rocha Letícia Tose , Ingold Mara Sampaio , Panzarella Francine Kühl , Santiago Bianca Marques , de Oliveira Rogério Nogueira , de Macedo Bernardino Ítalo , Makeeva Irina , Junqueira José Luiz Cintra , Mânica Scheila , Franco Ademir
Published: February 2022

Background

Dental age estimation of children may be necessary in the clinical and forensic fields. In the former, it may contribute to the investigation of dental development and biological maturation. In the latter, dental age estimation may support the Court in several circumstances, such as adoption and unidentified bodies of deceased children. This study aimed to apply Willems method for dental age estimation of children from Southeastern Brazil. The second aim of the study was to test the performance of the method modeled with multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN). The sample consisted of 1000 panoramic radiographs of female (n = 500) and male (n = 500) Brazilian children. The individuals were evenly distributed through ten age intervals of 1 year from 6 to 15.99 years. Dental development was classified with the 7-teeth technique of Demirjian et al. (1973), followed by age calculation with Willems method (2001). The difference between chronological and estimated ages was quantified for the original Willems model and for the MLR and ANN models.

Results

For females and males, the overall difference found with Willems original model was 0.27 and 0.28, respectively. With MLR and ANN, the overall differences were 0.54 and 0.35, and 0.26 and 0.24, respectively. The ANN was able to reduce half of the mean error of female age predictions up to 100%. The same phenomenon occurred in 1/3 of the males. Despite the improvements of the ANN model to specific age groups, the original Willems model performed similar or better in 40% of the studied age intervals. All the models showed the worse age predictions in the interval between 15 and 15.99 years (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Willems method remains optimal and applicable after 20 years since original development. The ANN model might be an option for future improvements (depending on sex and age interval).
Insights on electromagnetic scattering by steel casings in surface-to-borehole and borehole-to-surface methods
Authors: Cuevas Nestor H.
Published: February 2022

The development of surface-hole electromagnetic technologies has gained renewed interest in recent years. This is motivated by the method's capability to provide the sensitivity of the resistivity distribution in a hydrocarbon reservoir and its variation over time associated with fluid displacement. However, it has been long recognized that data acquired in a realistic experimental setting will carry a distorting component to the measured fields, superimposed to those expected in an idealized open-hole setup. Investigating the processes driving the casing effect can lead to properly identifying distortions of the measurements and ultimately defining adequate strategies to deal with the inversion of casing-contaminated data sets. In this paper, I discuss the main aspects of the electromagnetic physics behind the conceptual model and describe current channeling and radial flow arising when the formation is excited by sources embedded inside the pipe. I revisit these concepts to explain measurement distortion of receivers placed in the vicinity of the casing, describe measurement sensitivity of resistive targets in surveys deploying casing antennas, and review suitable strategies for the inversion of casing-distorted data. I also briefly outline active topics of research intended to provide further insight to better understand the casing effect.