bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Symptomatic Epidural Hematoma Following Percutaneous Endoscopic Unilateral Laminectomy for Bilateral Decompression (Endo‐ULBD)—Series Report and Management Strategies
Authors: Lin Antao , Meng Shengwei , Wang Chao , Zhao Xiaodan , Han Shuo , Zhang Hao , Shen Yanqing , Zhu Kai , Zhou Dan , Su Kunpeng , Ma Xuexiao , Zhou Chuanli
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Severe symptomatic epidural hematoma (SSEH) is one of the most severe complications following percutaneous endoscopic unilateral laminectomy for bilateral decompression (Endo‐ULBD). Considering that this technique has been performed for a short time, no detailed reports have been recently published. Thus, it is critical to gain a better understanding of SSEH occurring in its postoperative period with regard to its incidence, possible causes, outcome, etc., in order to identify relevant management strategies.

Methods

Patients with spinal stenosis who had undergone Endo‐ULBD in our department from May 2019 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Of which, patients with postoperative epidural hematoma were followed‐up. The preoperative and postoperative physical conditions of each patient were recorded, and the information related to hematoma removal surgery was recorded in detail. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the results were classified into “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” or “poor” based on the modified MacNab criteria. The incidence of hematoma with different factors was calculated, and a bar graph was used to compare the difference of the indexes related to hematoma removal between cases, and a line graph was used to reflect the trend of the outcome of each patient within 6 months to evaluate the effect of the treatment.

Results

A total of 461 patients with spinal stenosis who underwent Endo‐ULBD were enrolled in the study. SSEH occurred in four cases, with an incidence rate of 0.87% (4/461). All these four patients underwent decompression of multiple segments, and three of them had a history of hypertension comorbid with diabetes. Notably, one patient had a past history of hypertension and coronary artery disease and was on postoperative low molecular heparin due to lower extremity venous thrombosis. According to the conditions of the four patients, three types of treatment were used. And with timely treatment, all patients recovered well.

Conclusion

Despite being a minimally invasive technique, postoperative epidural hematoma remains a severe complication of Endo‐ULBD. Therefore, during percutaneous endoscopic surgery, it is essential to enhance the comprehensive perioperative management of patients with Endo‐ULBD. Signs related to postoperative hematoma must be recognized and promptly managed. If necessary, satisfactory results can be achieved by using percutaneous endoscopy along the original surgical channel to remove the hematoma.
Tibial Tubercle‐Trochlear Groove Distance Has Better Diagnostic Reliability Than Tubercle‐Posterior Cruciate Ligament Distance For Predicting Patellar Instability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tian Ming , Wu Shuang , Xu Tianhao , Zhang Kaibo , Xie Xing , Fu Weili
Published: July 2023

Objective

The tibial tubercle‐trochlear groove (TT‐TG) distance is now routinely utilized to help determine whether a realignment procedure is necessary for patients with patellar instability. The tibial tubercle‐posterior cruciate ligament (TT‐PCL) distance has been explored as an alternative measurement. The aim of this study is to compare the reliability of TT‐TG and TT‐PCL; to explore whether there is a relationship between the TT‐PCL and the TT‐TG distance; to determine whether there is a relationship between the TT‐TG and TT‐PCL distances and knee rotation; and to compare the abilities of the TT‐PCL distance and the TT‐TG distance with predicted patellar instability.

Method

This systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Three databases, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched from inception to September 2021 to identify clinical studies comparing TT‐TG and TT‐PCL distances to patellar instability. Data on patient baseline characteristics, TT‐TG and TT‐PCL distances, inter‐observer reliability, and area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) were recorded. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the quality assessment form recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Result

Twenty studies were included in the final analysis, comprising 2330 knees from 2260 patients. The current study showed that TT‐TG and TT‐PCL have similar observer reliability. The inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability of TT‐TG ranged from 0.807 to 0.98 and 0.553 to 0.99, respectively. The inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability of TT‐PCL ranged from 0.553 to 0.99 and 0.88 to 0.981, respectively. Six studies compared the AUC for predicting patellar instability and showed that TT‐TG had better predictive performance than TT‐PCL. Three studies reported a correlation between TT‐TG and knee rotation, but no such relationship was found for TT‐PCL. Eight studies reported a weak or moderate correlation between TT‐TG and TT‐PCL.

Conclusion

TT‐TG and TT‐PCL have similar inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability (as measured by ICC), but TT‐TG has greater discriminatory power to predict patellar instability than TT‐PCL (as measured by AUC values and odds ratio). However, considering trochlear dysplasia and individual variations, future studies need to find more accurate and individualized methods to predict patellar instability.
Biofire pneumonia panel in lung donors: faster detection but limited pathogens
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Chen Joy , Isaza Erin , Panchal Niel , Deiter Fred , Hoover Jonathan , Trinh Binh , Hays Steve R. , Golden Jeffrey A. , Singer Jonathan P. , Brzezinski Marek , Greenland John R. , Kukreja Jasleen
Published: July 2023

Background

Culture of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens takes time to report. We tested whether a molecular diagnostic test could accelerate donor lung assessment and treatment.

Methods

We compared BioFire Film Array Pneumonia Panel (BFPP) with standard of care (SOC) tests on lung allograft samples at three time points: (1) donor BAL at organ recovery, (2) donor bronchial tissue and airway swab at implantation, and (3) first recipient BAL following lung implantation. Primary outcomes were the difference in time to result (Wilcoxon signed‐ranked tests) and the agreement in results between BFPP and SOC assays (Gwet's agreement coefficient).

Results

We enrolled 50 subjects. In donor lung BAL specimens, BFPP detected 52 infections (14 out of 26 pathogens in the panel). Viral and bacterial BFPP results were reported 2.4 h (interquartile range, IQR 2.0–6.4) following BAL versus 4.6 h (IQR 1.9–6.0, p = 0.625) for OPO BAL viral SOC results and 66 h (IQR 47–87, p < .0001) for OPO BAL bacterial SOC results. Although there was high overall agreement of results between BAL–BFPP versus OPO BAL–SOC tests (Gwet's AC p < .001 for all), the level of agreement differed among 26 pathogens designed in BFPP and differed by types of specimens. BFPP could not detect many infections identified by SOC assays.

Conclusions

BFPP decreased time to detection of lung pathogens among donated lungs, but it cannot replace SOC tests due to the limited number of pathogens in the panel.

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The meso‐octoploid Heliophila variabilis genome sheds a new light on the impact of polyploidization and diploidization on the diversity of the Cape flora
Authors: Huang Yile , Guo Xinyi , Zhang Kang , Mandáková Terezie , Cheng Feng , Lysak Martin A.
Published: July 2023

Although the South African Cape flora is one of the most remarkable biodiversity hotspots, its high diversity has not been associated with polyploidy. Here, we report the chromosome‐scale genome assembly of an ephemeral cruciferous species Heliophila variabilis (~334 Mb, n = 11) adapted to South African semiarid biomes. Two pairs of differently fractionated subgenomes suggest an allo‐octoploid origin of the genome at least 12 million years ago. The ancestral octoploid Heliophila genome (2n = 8x = ~60) has probably originated through hybridization between two allotetraploids (2n = 4x = ~30) formed by distant, intertribal, hybridization. Rediploidization of the ancestral genome was marked by extensive reorganization of parental subgenomes, genome downsizing, and speciation events in the genus Heliophila. We found evidence for loss‐of‐function changes in genes associated with leaf development and early flowering, and over‐retention and sub/neofunctionalization of genes involved in pathogen response and chemical defense. The genomic resources of H. variabilis will help elucidate the role of polyploidization and genome diploidization in plant adaptation to hot arid environments and origin of the Cape flora. The sequenced H. variabilis represents the first chromosome‐scale genome assembly of a meso‐octoploid representative of the mustard family.
Role of individual factor X concentrate pharmacokinetic studies in perioperative management of AL amyloidosis‐associated acquired factor X deficiency
Authors: Lewis Akeem R. , Peffley Nathan , Klompas Allan M. , Ashrani Aneel A.
Published: July 2023

Background

AL amyloidosis is associated with acquired factor X (FX) deficiency. Experience related to its management is limited to case reports and series using prothrombin complex concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, plasma exchange, recombinant activated factor seven, and desmopressin with limited and variable efficacy. FX concentrate has not been widely used in its management.

Study Design and Methods

We report our experience with the perioperative use of FX concentrate (Coagadex) in two patients with AL amyloidosis‐associated acquired FX deficiency requiring surgery, using their individual pharmacokinetic studies to manage perioperative hemostasis. Pharmacokinetic studies involved obtaining post‐infusion FX activity at 10 min, 2, and 4 h following the administration of FX concentrate to calculate the FX half‐life.

Results

Both patients' plasma FX activity was successfully increased to provide perioperative hemostatic support. Monitoring FX activity post‐surgery was also utilized to maintain FX activity levels to prevent post‐operative bleeding.

Conclusion

Pharmacokinetic studies have a useful role in tailoring preoperative FX repletion in patients with AL amyloidosis associated with acquired FX deficiency.
THE GENERAL RESURRECTION AND EARLY MODERN NATURAL PHILOSOPHERS: A PRELIMINARY SURVEY
Authors: Henry John
Published: July 2023

Noting that the doctrine of the general resurrection attracted renewed attention after the Reformation, and after the atomist revival led to the displacement of traditional hylomorphism by alternative matter theories, this article surveys the ways in which the resurrection was discussed by leading natural philosophers in seventeenth‐century England. These include discussion of how bodily resurrection might be possible, what resurrected bodies will be like; as well as the nature of living conditions after the resurrection. It is indicated that the resurrection seems to have played a much less prominent place in the writings of natural philosophers than the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, and other issues of natural theology. Reasons for this lack of prominence are tentatively offered, chiefly focusing on its unsuitability for combatting the perceived atheism of the time. It is hoped that this preliminary survey might inspire others to extend the survey, especially to cover Continental philosophers.
Lower systemic nitric oxide bioactivity, cerebral hypoperfusion and accelerated cognitive decline in formerly concussed retired rugby union players
Authors: Owens Thomas S. , Marley Christopher J. , Calverley Thomas A. , Stacey Benjamin S. , Fall Lewis , Tsukamoto Hayato , Iannetelli Angelo , Filipponi Teresa , Davies Bruce , Jones Gareth L. , Hirtz Christophe , Lehmann Sylvain , Tuaillon Edouard , Marchi Nicola , Bailey Damian M.
Published: July 2023

Following retirement from sport, the chronic consequences of prior‐recurrent contact are evident and retired rugby union players may be especially prone to accelerated cognitive decline. The present study sought to integrate molecular, cerebrovascular and cognitive biomarkers in retired rugby players with concussion history. Twenty retired rugby players aged 64 ± 5 years with three (interquartile range (IQR), 3) concussions incurred over 22 (IQR, 6) years were compared to 21 sex‐, age‐, cardiorespiratory fitness‐ and education‐matched controls with no prior concussion history. Concussion symptoms and severity were assessed using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool. Plasma/serum nitric oxide (NO) metabolites (reductive ozone‐based chemiluminescence), neuron specific enolase, glial fibrillary acidic protein and neurofilament light‐chain (ELISA and single molecule array) were assessed. Middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv, doppler ultrasound) and reactivity to hyper/hypocapnia (/) were assessed. Cognition was determined using the Grooved Pegboard Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Players exhibited persistent neurological symptoms of concussion (U = 109(41), P = 0.007), with increased severity compared to controls (U = 77(41), P < 0.001). Lower total NO bioactivity (U = 135(41), P = 0.049) and lower basal MCAv were apparent in players (F2,39 = 9.344, P = 0.004). This was accompanied by mild cognitive impairment (P = 0.020, 95% CI, −3.95 to −0.34), including impaired fine‐motor coordination (U = 141(41), P = 0.021). Retired rugby union players with history of multiple concussions may be characterised by impaired molecular, cerebral haemodynamic and cognitive function compared to non‐concussed, non‐contact controls.
Using Smartphones as a Measurement Platform in Geoscience Applications
Authors: Sampaio Lívia Faria , Veiga Luís Augusto Koenig , Alves Samir De Souza Oliveira
Published: July 2023

Most modern smartphones come with a variety of sensors. Among them are the gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receiver, and from 2020, most modern devices are also coupled with a Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor. These specific sensors allow to acquire data that enables the location and spatial orientation of the smartphone in relation to other objects, and also measure them. For this, it is important to understand how the principle of operation of these sensors occurs, as well as the respective raw data obtained and how to use these data from the sensors to get measurements of the elements of the physical surface of the Earth. This article aims to present a state of the art about the working principle of these sensors and presents the raw data from them. In addition, this article seeks to present an initial test on the quality of the orientation sensor, based on the comparison between the data obtained from this sensor and a total station with high angular precision (1 second). It was noted the occurrence of a systematic error in the observations of the horizontal directions, and an average discrepancy of 5.20° between the observations of the vertical angle. The use of sensors attached to smartphones can support in several activities of geoscience application, such as carrying out a prior survey of a given area of study, aiming to do a pre-analysis of geodetic networks, to carry out measurements of angles and distances for applications in terrain measurements, or even to assist the Geographic Information System (GIS) development.
Investigating wet chemical oxidation methods to form SiO2 interlayers for self-aligned Pt-HfO2-Si gate stacks
Authors: Brummer Amy C. , Kurup Siddharth , Aziz Daniel , Filler Michael A. , Vogel Eric M.
Published: July 2023

Self-aligned metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors are studied with several low-temperature, wet chemical silicon dioxide (SiO2) interlayers to understand their impact on electrical performance. Self-aligned MOS capacitors are fabricated with a bottom-up patterning technique that uses a poly(methyl methacrylate) brush and dopant-selective KOH etch combined with area-selective atomic layer deposition of hafnium dioxide (HfO2) and Pt. The wet chemical pretreatments used to form the SiO2 interlayer include hydrofluoric acid (HF) etch, 80 °C H2O, and SC-2. Capacitance-voltage measurements of these area-selective capacitors exhibit a HfO2 dielectric constant of ∼19, irrespective of pretreatment. After a forming gas anneal, the average interface state density decreased between 1.8 and 7.5 times. The minimum observed Dit is 1 × 1011 eV−1 cm−2 for the HF-last treatment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows an increase in stoichiometric SiO2 in the interfacial layer after the anneal. Additional carbon is also observed; however, comparison with capacitors fabricated in a nonselective process reveals minimal impact on performance.
The
Plasmodium
Lactate/H
+
Transporter PfFNT Is Essential and Druggable
In Vivo
Authors: Davies Heledd , Bergmann Bärbel , Walloch Philipp , Nerlich Cornelius , Hansen Christian , Wittlin Sergio , Spielmann Tobias , Treeck Moritz , Beitz Eric
Published: July 2023

Malaria parasites in the blood stage express a single transmembrane transport protein for the release of the glycolytic end product
l
-lactate/H
+
from the cell. This transporter is a member of the strictly microbial formate-nitrite transporter (FNT) family and a novel putative drug target.
Ceftolozane-Tazobactam against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Isolates in the Hollow-Fiber Infection Model: Challenges Imposed by Hypermutability and Heteroresistance
Authors: Tait Jessica R. , Harper Marina , Cortés-Lara Sara , Rogers Kate E. , López-Causapé Carla , Smallman Thomas R. , Lang Yinzhi , Lee Wee Leng , Zhou Jieqiang , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Nation Roger L. , Boyce John D. , Oliver Antonio , Landersdorfer Cornelia B.
Published: July 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
remains a challenge in chronic respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis (CF). Ceftolozane-tazobactam has not yet been evaluated against multidrug-resistant hypermutable
P. aeruginosa
isolates in the hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM). Isolates CW41, CW35, and CW44 (ceftolozane-tazobactam MICs of 4, 4, and 2 mg/L, respectively) from adults with CF were exposed to simulated representative epithelial lining fluid pharmacokinetics of ceftolozane-tazobactam in the HFIM.
Rapid Evolution of Multidrug Resistance in a Candida lusitaniae Infection during Micafungin Monotherapy
Authors: Scott Nancy E. , Edwin Erayil Serin , Kline Susan E. , Selmecki Anna
Published: July 2023

Candida
(
Clavispora
)
lusitaniae
is a rare, emerging non-
albicans Candida
species that can cause life-threatening invasive infections, spread within hospital settings, and rapidly acquire antifungal drug resistance, including multidrug resistance. The frequency and spectrum of mutations causing antifungal drug resistance in
C. lusitaniae
are poorly understood.
Precisely Controlling Csr sRNA Levels by MshH Enhances Vibrio cholerae Colonization in Adult Mice
Authors: Shi Mengting , Ye Jinjie , Fan Fenxia , Zhao Feifei , Zhong Xiaojun , Zhong Zengtao , Wang Hui , Wang Zhengjia , Yang Menghua
Published: July 2023

The ability of
V. cholerae
to colonize the intestine is a key factor for its fitness and transmissibility between hosts. Here, we investigated the mechanism of
V. cholerae
colonization of adult mammal intestine and found that precisely controlling the CsrB, -C, and -D contents by MshH and CsrA plays an essential role for
V. cholerae
colonization in the adult mouse intestine.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Clinical Mastitis-Associated Escherichia coli Strains, of Sequence Type 101 and Novel Sequence Type 13054, Isolated from Dairy Cows in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad H. , El Zowalaty Mohamed E. , Falgenhauer Linda , Khan Mohammad Ferdousur Rahman , Alam Jahangir , Popy Najmun Nahar , Rahman M. Bahanur
Published: July 2023

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two
Escherichia coli
strains that were isolated from raw milk samples obtained from lactating cows with mastitis in Bangladesh. One strain was assigned to a novel sequence type 13054, and the other strain belonged to sequence type 101.
An Effective Sanitizer for Fresh Produce Production:
In Situ
Plasma-Activated Water Treatment Inactivates Pathogenic Bacteria and Maintains the Quality of Cucurbit Fruit
Authors: Rothwell Joanna G. , Hong Jungmi , Morrison Stuart J. , Vyas Heema Kumari Nilesh , Xia Binbin , Mai-Prochnow Anne , McConchie Robyn , Phan-Thien Kim-Yen , Cullen Patrick J. , Carter Dee A.
Published: July 2023

Plasma-activated water (PAW) is an emerging sanitizer in the fresh food industry, where food safety must be achieved without a thermal kill step. Here, we demonstrate PAW generated
in situ
to be a competitive sanitizer technology, providing a significant reduction of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms while maintaining the quality and shelf life of the produce item.
Identification, Isolation, and Molecular Characterization of
Betacoronavirus
in
Oryx leucoryx
Authors: David Dan , Asiku Jimmy , Storm Nick , Lapin Katya , Berkowitz Asaf , Kovtunenko Anita , Edery Nir , King Roni , Sol Asaf
Published: July 2023

CoVs cause enteric and respiratory infections in humans and animal hosts. The ability of CoVs to cross interspecies barriers is well recognized, as emphasized by the ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Empirical guide to a safe thoracic paravertebral block based on dimensions of paravertebral space when ultrasound visualization is challenging
Authors: Jones Anastasia , Le-Wendling Linda , Ihnatsenka Barys , Smith Cameron , Baker Erik , Boezaart Andre
Published: July 2023

Although ultrasound (US) guidance is the mainstay technique for performing thoracic paravertebral blocks, situations arise when US imaging is limited due to subcutaneous emphysema or extremely deep structures. A detailed understanding of the anatomical structures of the paravertebral space can be strategic to safely and accurately perform a landmark-based or US-assisted approach. As such, we aimed to provide an anatomic roadmap to assist physicians. We examined 50 chest CT scans, measuring the distances of the bony structures and soft-tissue surrounding the thoracic paravertebral block at the 2nd/3rd (upper), 5th/6th (middle), and 9th/10th (lower) thoracic vertebral levels. This review of radiology records controlled for individual differences in body mass index, gender, and thoracic level. Midline to the lateral aspect of the transverse process (TP), the anterior-to-posterior distance of TP to pleura, and rib thickness range widely based on gender and thoracic level. The mean thickness of the TP is 0.9±0.1 cm in women and 1.1±0.2 cm in men. The best target for initial needle insertion from the midline (mean length of TP minus 2 SDs) distance would be 2.5 cm (upper thoracic)/2.2 cm (middle thoracic)/1.8 cm (lower thoracic) for females and 2.7 cm (upper)/2.5 cm (middle)/2.0 cm (lower thoracic) for males, with consideration that the lower thoracic region allows for a lower margin of error in the lateral dimension because of shorter TP. There are different dimensions for the key bony landmarks of a thoracic paravertebral block between males and females, which have not been previously described. These differences warrant adjustment of landmark-based or US-assisted approach to thoracic paravertebral space block for male and female patients.
Numerical and statistical analysis of hydromagnetic couple-stress hybrid nanofluid flow in a channel induced due to stretching of a wall
Authors: Kumar Premful , Nandkeolyar Raj
Published: July 2023

In this research paper, the authors wish to examine the effects of couple stress on hybrid nanofluid considering magnetohydrodynamic three-dimensional transient flow between two parallel plates. Stretching of the lower plate causes fluid flow in the channel. The fluid flow model is shown in mathematical form using a set of coupled nonlinear partial differential equations, which are then translated into coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations using the proper transformation. The authors used the spectral quasi linearization method (SQLM), an effective numerical technique, to solve the updated equations and study the effects of various flow parameters on fluid temperature and velocity. The Nusselt number and skin friction coefficients were also investigated from an engineering standpoint. The generated solutions are verified using the residual analysis. Statistical analysis is performed on the skin-friction coefficients and the Nusselt number using quadratic regression models.
Two-Stream Spatial–Temporal Feature Extraction and Classification Model for Anomaly Event Detection Using Hybrid Deep Learning Architectures
Authors: Mangai P. , Geetha M. Kalaiselvi , Kumaravelan G.
Published: July 2023

Identifying events using surveillance videos is a major source that reduces crimes and illegal activities. Specifically, abnormal event detection gains more attention so that immediate responses can be provided. Video processing using conventional techniques identifies the events but fails to categorize them. Recently deep learning-based video processing applications provide excellent performances however the architecture considers either spatial or temporal features for event detection. To enhance the detection rate and classification accuracy in abnormal event detection from video keyframes, it is essential to consider both spatial and temporal features. Earlier approaches consider any one of the features from keyframes to detect the anomalies from video frames. However, the results are not accurate and prone to errors sometimes due to video environmental and other factors. Thus, two-stream hybrid deep learning architecture is presented to handle spatial and temporal features in the video anomaly detection process to attain enhanced detection performances. The proposed hybrid models extract spatial features using YOLO-V4 with VGG-16, and temporal features using optical FlowNet with VGG-16. The extracted features are fused and classified using hybrid CNN-LSTM model. Experimentation using benchmark UCF crime dataset validates the proposed model performances over existing anomaly detection methods. The proposed model attains maximum accuracy of 95.6% which indicates better performance compared to state-of-the-art techniques.
SplitZNS: Towards an Efficient LSM-Tree on Zoned Namespace SSDs
Authors: Huang Dong , Feng Dan , Liu Qiankun , Ding Bo , Zhao Wei , Wei Xueliang , Tong Wei
Published: July 2023

The Zoned Namespace (ZNS) Solid State Drive (SSD) is a nascent form of storage device that offers novel prospects for the Log Structured Merge Tree (LSM-tree). ZNS exposes erase blocks in SSD as append-only zones, enabling the LSM-tree to gain awareness of the physical layout of data. Nevertheless, LSM-tree on ZNS SSDs necessitates Garbage Collection (GC) owing to the mismatch between the gigantic zones and relatively small Sorted String Tables (SSTables). Through extensive experiments, we observe that a smaller zone size can reduce data migration in GC at the cost of a significant performance decline owing to inadequate parallelism exploitation. In this article, we present SplitZNS, which introduces small zones by tweaking the zone-to-chip mapping to maximize GC efficiency for LSM-tree on ZNS SSDs. Following the multi-level peculiarity of LSM-tree and the inherent parallel architecture of ZNS SSDs, we propose a number of techniques to leverage and accelerate small zones to alleviate the performance impact due to underutilized parallelism. (1) First, we use small zones selectively to prevent exacerbating write slowdowns and stalls due to their suboptimal performance. (2) Second, to enhance parallelism utilization, we propose SubZone Ring, which employs a per-chip FIFO buffer to imitate a large zone writing style; (3) Read Prefetcher, which prefetches data concurrently through multiple chips during compactions; (4) and Read Scheduler, which assigns query requests the highest priority. We build a prototype integrated with SplitZNS to validate its efficiency and efficacy. Experimental results demonstrate that SplitZNS achieves up to 2.77× performance and reduces data migration considerably compared to the lifetime-based data placement.

1
How Flies See Motion
Authors: Borst Alexander , Groschner Lukas N.
Published: July 2023

How neurons detect the direction of motion is a prime example of neural computation: Motion vision is found in the visual systems of virtually all sighted animals, it is important for survival, and it requires interesting computations with well-defined linear and nonlinear processing steps—yet the whole process is of moderate complexity. The genetic methods available in the fruit fly Drosophila and the charting of a connectome of its visual system have led to rapid progress and unprecedented detail in our understanding of how neurons compute the direction of motion in this organism. The picture that emerged incorporates not only the identity, morphology, and synaptic connectivity of each neuron involved but also its neurotransmitters, its receptors, and their subcellular localization. Together with the neurons’ membrane potential responses to visual stimulation, this information provides the basis for a biophysically realistic model of the circuit that computes the direction of visual motion.
Cholesterol Metabolism in Aging and Age-Related Disorders
Authors: Saher Gesine
Published: July 2023

All mammalian cell membranes contain cholesterol to maintain membrane integrity. The transport of this hydrophobic lipid is mediated by lipoproteins. Cholesterol is especially enriched in the brain, particularly in synaptic and myelin membranes. Aging involves changes in sterol metabolism in peripheral organs and also in the brain. Some of those alterations have the potential to promote or to counteract the development of neurodegenerative diseases during aging. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of general principles of sterol metabolism in humans and mice, the most widely used model organism in biomedical research. We discuss changes in sterol metabolism that occur in the aged brain and highlight recent developments in cell type–specific cholesterol metabolism in the fast-growing research field of aging and age-related diseases, focusing on Alzheimer's disease. We propose that cell type–specific cholesterol handling and the interplay between cell types critically influence age-related disease processes.
Neural Networks for Navigation: From Connections to Computations
Authors: Wilson Rachel I.
Published: July 2023

Many animals can navigate toward a goal they cannot see based on an internal representation of that goal in the brain's spatial maps. These maps are organized around networks with stable fixed-point dynamics (attractors), anchored to landmarks, and reciprocally connected to motor control. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding these networks, focusing on studies in arthropods. One factor driving recent progress is the availability of the Drosophila connectome; however, it is increasingly clear that navigation depends on ongoing synaptic plasticity in these networks. Functional synapses appear to be continually reselected from the set of anatomical potential synapses based on the interaction of Hebbian learning rules, sensory feedback, attractor dynamics, and neuromodulation. This can explain how the brain's maps of space are rapidly updated; it may also explain how the brain can initialize goals as stable fixed points for navigation.
Preparation of Al-Ni Alloys of Different Phases Through Direct Electro-Deoxidation of Al2O3-NiO in CaCl2-NaCl Molten Salt
Authors: Huang Haoyu , Li Na , Chen Zeng , Ren Zhengyu , Zhang Rui , Liu Meiyue , Zhang Putao , Li Shengjun
Published: July 2023

Al-Ni alloys have several common thermodynamically stable alloy phases. These alloys showed distinct physical properties and were applied in different fields, including aerospace and electrochemical catalysis. However, it is difficult to prepare Al-Ni alloys with the certain phase composition through traditional preparation methods, such as casting and mechanical alloying. Herein, Al-Ni alloys were prepared through electro-deoxidation in CaCl2-NaCl molten salt. Pure Al-Ni alloys phases (AlNi3, AlNi and Al3Ni2) were obtained after optimizing the electro-deoxidation conditions, such as the molar ratio of Al and Ni in the original tablet, the sintering temperature of the precursor, electro-deoxidation time and the molten salt temperature. The deoxidation processes of the Al2O3-NiO composite were investigated through various electrochemical methods, such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometric curve and constant potential electro-deoxidation experiment. The loss of Al2O3 in the molten salt was confirmed to be responsible for the loss of Al in the electro-deoxidation processes. Meanwhile, it was proposed that the loss of Al could be efficiently delayed by increasing the precursor’s sintering temperature and the molten salt temperature. The obtained Al-Ni alloys (AlNi3, AlNi and Al3Ni2) could be used as efficient additives in the cathode of lithium–sulfur batteries to improve the charging/discharging capacity.
Chemogenetic activation of ventral medullary astrocytes enhances feeding and corticosterone release in response to mild glucoprivation
Authors: Li Ai-Jun , Wang Qing , Rogers Richard C. , Herman Gerlinda , Ritter Robert C. , Ritter Sue
Published: July 2023

To investigate the role of glial cells in the regulation of glucoprivic responses in rats, a chemogenetic approach was used to activate astrocytes neighboring catecholamine (CA) neurons in the ventromedial medulla (VLM) where A1 and C1 CA cell groups overlap (A1/C1). Previous results indicate that activation of CA neurons in this region is necessary and sufficient for feeding and corticosterone release in response to glucoprivation. However, it is not known whether astrocyte neighbors of CA neurons contribute to glucoregulatory responses. Hence, we made nanoinjections of AAV5-GFAP-hM3D(Gq)-mCherry to selectively transfect astrocytes in the A1/C1 region with the excitatory designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), hM3D(Gq). After allowing time for DREADD expression, we evaluated the rats for increased food intake and corticosterone release in response to low systemic doses of the antiglycolytic agent, 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG), alone and in combination with the hM3D(Gq) activator clozapine- n-oxide (CNO). We found that DREADD-transfected rats ate significantly more food when 2DG and CNO were coadministered than when either 2DG or CNO was injected alone. We also found that CNO significantly enhanced 2DG-induced FOS expression in the A1/C1 CA neurons, and that corticosterone release also was enhanced when CNO and 2DG were administered together. Importantly, CNO-induced activation of astrocytes in the absence of 2DG did not trigger food intake or corticosterone release. Our results indicate that during glucoprivation, activation of VLM astrocytes cells markedly increases the sensitivity or responsiveness of neighboring A1/C1 CA neurons to glucose deficit, suggesting a potentially important role for VLM astrocytes in glucoregulation.
Effect of Lorazepam on the Development of the Hairy Maggot Blow Fly, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart): Implication for Forensic Entomology
Authors: Annasaheb Bansode Sarika , Ramrao More Vitthal
Published: July 2023

Entomotoxicology is based on using insect evidence recovered from a dead body to find out the cause and time of the death. Drugs can accumulate in fly larvae when they ingest the flesh of deceased persons and alter the normal development of the fly causing implications in calculating postmortem intervals. Lorazepam is an antidepressant generally used to treat anxiety. Larvae of Chrysomya rufifacies were fed on the beef liver mixed with lorazepam to study the effect of lorazepam on the developmental rate of larvae and to count delay in postmortem interval. Larvae grown on the beef liver with different doses of lorazepam showed delayed development as compared to normal larvae. The life cycle durations in experimental cultures with different concentrations of lorazepam completed in 1 ppm (272.56 hrs), 2 ppm (289.23 hrs), 3 ppm (324.10 hrs), and 4 ppm (350.72 hrs), while in the control culture life cycle completed in 257.26 hrs. The length, weight, and width of the larvae treated with lorazepam were smaller than the untreated culture. Length, weight, and width decreased with increased concentration of lorazepam. This delay in development ultimately affects the postmortem interval. That is why prior knowledge of the life cycle of flies with respect to various drugs needs to be studied, and these baseline data can be used to calculate postmortem interval and cause of death.
Modulating Effects of the Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Persicaria lanigera R. Br. Soják (Polygonaceae) against Acute Inflammation
Authors: Antwi-Adjei Meshack , Obese Ernest , Adakudugu Emmanuel Awiintig , Henneh Isaac Tabiri , Biney Robert Peter , Aboagye Benjamin , Amoani Benjamin , Anokwah Daniel , Ameyaw Elvis Ofori
Published: July 2023

Plant species have been used traditionally to treat numerous inflammatory disorders because of their known medicinal properties. This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Persicaria lanigera using acute inflammatory models. The safety profile of the Persicaria lanigera extract was assessed using an acute toxicity model. The anti-inflammatory effect of the Persicaria lanigera leaf extract (100–600 mg·kg−1, p.o.) was studied in carrageenan-induced paw oedema, zymosan-induced knee joint arthritis, and histamine-induced paw oedema in Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 5). It was observed that the Persicaria lanigera leaf extract administered prophylactically significantly inhibited paw oedema from 99.01 ± 12.59 to 59.10 ± 4.94%, 56.08 ± 3.65%, and 48.62 ± 3.27% at 100 mg·kg−1, 300 mg·kg−1, and 600 mg·kg−1, while the standard drug, aspirin, showed 41.84 ± 9.25% in carrageenan-induced paw oedema, respectively. Furthermore, the extract decreased knee joint inflammation significantly from 62.43 ± 5.73% to 32.07 ± 2.98% and 24.33 ± 8.58% at 300 mg·kg−1 and 600 mg·kg−1 in zymosan-induced knee joint inflammation, respectively. In the histamine-induced paw oedema model, the extract significantly inhibited oedema to 61.53 ± 9.17%, 54.21 ± 9.38%, and 54.22 ± 9.37% at the same doses. Aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Persicaria lanigera is safe and attenuates inflammation in acute inflammation models.
Data from The MDM2–p53 antagonist BI 907828 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors: results of a phase Ia, first-in-human, dose-escalation study
Authors: LoRusso Patricia , Yamamoto Noboru , Patel Manish R. , Laurie Scott A. , Bauer Todd M. , Geng Junxian , Davenport Teffany , Teufel Michael , Li Jian , Lahmar Mehdi , Gounder Mrinal M.
Published: July 2023

Abstract
BI 907828 is an oral MDM2–p53 antagonist that has shown encouraging antitumor activity in vivo. We present phase Ia results from an open-label, first-in-human, phase Ia/Ib study investigating BI 907828 in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03449381). Fifty-four patients received escalating doses of BI 907828 on day 1 of 21-day cycles (D1q3w) or days 1 and 8 of 28-day cycles (D1D8q4w). Based on dose-limiting toxicities during Cycle 1, the MTD was selected as 60 mg for D1q3w and 45 mg for D1D8q4w. The most common treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) were nausea (74.1%) and vomiting (51.9%); the most-common grade ≥3 TRAEs were thrombocytopenia (25.9%) and neutropenia (24.1%). As evidence of target engagement, time- and dose-dependent increases in GDF-15 levels were seen. Preliminary efficacy was encouraging (11.1% overall response and 74.1% disease control rates), particularly in well-differentiated or dedifferentiated liposarcoma patients (100% and 75% disease control rates, respectively).
Interleukin-6-to-Albumin Ratio as a Superior Predictor of Mortality in End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: li xiejia , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Suliman Mohamed E. , Heimburger Olof , Barany Peter , Stenvinkel Peter , Lindholm Bengt
Published: July 2023

Introduction: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), high interleukin-6 (IL-6) and low albumin circulating concentrations are associated with worse outcomes. We examined the IL-6-to-albumin ratio (IAR) as a predictor of risk of death in incident dialysis patients. Methods: In 428 incident dialysis patients (median age 56 years, 62% men, 31% diabetes mellitus, 38% cardiovascular disease [CVD]), plasma IL-6 and albumin were measured at baseline to calculate IAR. We compared the discrimination of IAR with other risk factors for predicting 60-month mortality using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and analyzed the association of IAR with mortality using Cox regression analysis. We divided patients into IAR tertiles and analyzed: (1) cumulative incidence of mortality and the association of IAR with mortality risk in Fine-Gray analysis, taking kidney transplantation as competing risk and (2) the restricted mean survival time (RMST) to 60-month mortality and differences of RMST (∆RMST) between IAR tertiles to describe quantitative differences of survival time. Results: For all-cause mortality, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for IAR was 0.700, which was greater than for IL-6 and albumin separately, while for CV mortality, the AUC for IAR (0.658) showed negligible improvement over IL-6 and albumin separately. In Cox regression analysis, IAR was significantly associated with all-cause mortality but not with CV mortality. Both high versus low and middle versus low tertiles of IAR associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, subdistribution hazard ratio of 2.22 (95% CI 1.40–3.52) and 1.85 (95% CI 1.16–2.95), respectively, after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, CVD, smoking, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. ∆RMST at 60 months showed significantly shorter survival time in middle and high IAR tertiles compared with low IAR tertile for all-cause mortality. Conclusions: Higher IAR was independently associated with significantly higher all-cause mortality risk in incident dialysis patients. These results suggest that IAR may provide useful prognostic information in patients with CKD.
A New Meta-Analysis of the Proteus Effect: Studies in VR Find Stronger Effect Sizes
Authors: Beyea David , Ratan Rabindra (Robby) , Lei Yiming (Skylar) , Liu Hanjie , Hales Gabriel E. , Lim Chaeyun
Published: July 2023

The present study examines why some studies of the Proteus effect—the phenomenon that people tend to conform behaviorally and attitudinally to their avatars’ identity characteristics—facilitate the phenomenon more effectively than others. A previous meta-analysis of the Proteus effect (Ratan et al., 2020) failed to examine potentially notable moderating factors of the phenomenon, so we examine such factors through a meta-analysis of the 56 quantitative experimental Proteus effect studies published at the time of this analysis. Studies that utilized virtual reality technology (e.g., head-mounted displays) elicited stronger effect sizes than those that utilized flat screens, as hypothesized. No support was found for the hypothesis that effect sizes differ by software type utilized (commercial or custom-built). We offer suggestions for future research into the Proteus effect, and how to best examine possible variables of the phenomenon.
Taxonomic revision of the Afrotropical genus Pseudagris de Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae), with description of four new species
Authors: SELIS MARCO
Published: July 2023

The Afrotropical genus Pseudagris de Saussure, 1863 is revised. Four new species, Pseudagris apicalis sp. nov., Pseudagris nigrithorax sp. nov., Pseudagris nigrorufa sp. nov., and Pseudagris tanzanica sp. nov., are described. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: Pseudagris versicolor (von Schulthess, 1914) = Synagris versicolor var. meade-waldoi Maidl, 1914 syn. nov.; Pseudagris tessmanniana (von Schulthess, 1913) stat. rev. et comb. nov. is resurrected from synonymy. Lectotypes for Synagris aterrima Maidl, 1914 and Synagris versicolor von Schulthess, 1914 are designated. The males of Pseudagris brunnea Gusenleitner, 2007 and Pseudagris carinata (de Saussure, 1863), and the female of P. pygmaea Gusenleitner, 1998 are described for the first time. A key to the species is provided.
Letrasilta, a new genus for the Striatella cernyi Volynkin species-group with description of a new species from Xizang, China, and a replacement name for the genus group name Striatella Volynkin & S.-Y. Huang, 2019 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: HUANG SI-YAO , VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , YIN XIONG-YAN , ZHANG YU-LONG , FAN XIAO-LING , PAN ZHAO-HUI , WANG MIN
Published: July 2023

The name Striatochrista nom. n. is introduced as replacement for Striatella Volynkin & S.-Y. Huang, 2019. A new genus, Letrasilta S.-Y. Huang & Volynkin gen. n. is erected to include the Striatella cernyi species-group with the new species, L. ratnasambhava S.-Y. Huang, Volynkin & Yin sp. n. from Xizang, southwestern China designated as the type species. Based on the molecular phylogenetic analysis, the new genus is found to be sister to the clade (Aberrasine + ((Indiania + Idopterum) + Striatochrista nom. n.)) but is distinguished from all the relevant genera by the unique genitalia features. Letrasilta cernyi (Volynkin, 2018) comb. n. is also reported from India for the first time. Adults and genitalia of the aforementioned taxa are illustrated. A checklist of the genus Striatochrista is also provided.
A new species of the bark louse genus Paramanicapsocus (Insecta, Psocodea, Manicapsocidae) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber
Authors: CHEN SHENGFU , WANG MENGLIN , LIANG FEIYANG
Published: July 2023

A new fossil psocodean species of the previously monospecific genus Paramanicapsocus is described from Burmese amber, namely Paramanicapsocus xingyuei sp. n.. This new species can be distinguished from the other species P. longiantennatus based on the hindwing vein M two-branched and the female gonapophyses with robust external valves.
One new species of the genus Capnogryllacris Karny, 1937 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) from China
Authors: DUAN YUE-TING , CHEN PO-WEI , SHI FU-MING
Published: July 2023

The paper reports a new species of the genus Capnogryllacris Karny, 1937 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae) from China, i.e. Capnogryllacris latilamargis sp. nov. The all specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University, Baoding, China.
Current Inpatient Screening Practices for Sexual History and STIs: An Opportunity to Seize
Authors: Mukherjee Gargi , Zhang Chao , Kandaswamy Swaminathan , Gooding Holly , Orenstein Evan
Published: July 2023

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends utilizing hospitalizations as an opportunity to provide sexual health screenings for adolescents. This study aimed to describe the current practice of sexual history documentation (SHxD) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing among adolescents admitted to a pediatric hospital medicine service. Retrospective cross-sectional study of adolescents (14-19 years old) admitted to the PHM service from 2017-2019 was performed at an academic children’s health system. Patient (demographics, history of complex chronic condition, and insurance), hospitalization (length of stay, diagnosis, STI tests ordered/results), and physician (level of training and gender) characteristics were extracted for each encounter. A natural language processing algorithm identified the presence of SHxD. Univariate analysis and multivariable analysis were performed to detect factors associated with SHxD and STI screening. The prevalence of STIs was calculated for those who were tested. Out of 2242 encounters, SHxD and STI testing rates were 40.9% and 17.2%, respectively. Patient gender, race, lack of complex chronic condition, and resident involvement were predictive of SHxD and STI testing. SHxD increased the odds of STI testing significantly (OR 5.06, CI 3.90-6.58). Among those who were tested, the prevalence of STIs was highest for chlamydia (37/329, 11.2%). Overall, sexual health screening rates remain low in the hospital setting and future improvement initiatives are needed.