bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel technique with Dacron vascular graft augmentation for knee extensor mechanism repairs: Technical note
Authors: Silva Rómulo , Pereira Eva Campos , Distefano Marco , Toon Roskams , Verhaegen Jeroen , Lagae Koen , Verdonk Peter
Published: August 2022

Ruptures of the extensor apparatus can have different etiologies and be complicated by underlying situations. Direct repair is not always possible, and reconstruction procedures can be insufficient, which leads to the appearance of multiple augmentation techniques to improve the strength of these constructs. Despite the proven results of these techniques, numerous procedures are described without any gold standard. We present our augmentation method for repairing the knee extensor apparatus with a vascular prosthesis that facilitates healing, does not interfere with the primary procedure, has no donor morbidity or rejection risk, and allows earlier mobilization and rehabilitation. The technique was used in different cases with multiple etiologies that needed reinforcement, with promising results.
Fußbeschwerden – eine praxisorientierte
Einführung
Authors: Kamp Rainer
Published: August 2022

Zahlreiche Störungen und Erkrankungen können die Funktion unserer
Füße beeinträchtigen. Die Einteilung in der Literatur
ist uneinheitlich. Sie kann z. B. nach Art der Erkrankungen erfolgen,
nach der Lokalisation oder auch nach Fachgebiet. Da der Fuß in der
Primärversorgung ein komplexes Organ ist, nutzt dieser Artikel die
funktionell im Vordergrund stehenden Ursachen (biomechanisch,
neurophysiologisch, zirkulatorisch, metabolisch-entzündlich,
psychosozial) und behandelt in der Praxis häufig vorkommende
Krankheitsbilder. Die Einteilung erhebt dabei keinen Anspruch auf
Vollständigkeit, fließende Übergänge sind
möglich und wahrscheinlich. Für eine detailliertere Betrachtung
wird auf Spezialliteratur verwiesen. Hinweise zur Untersuchung und zur evtl.
Anordnung bildgebender Verfahren runden den Artikel ab.
Chronische Blepharitis
Authors: Dietrich-Ntoukas Tina
Published: August 2022

Blepharitis ist eine häufige entzündliche Erkrankung der Augenlider
einschließlich des Lidrandes, die bei Erwachsenen und Kindern auftreten und
schwere Symptome hervorrufen haben kann. Je nach anatomischer Lokalisation kann
die Blepharitis in anteriore und posteriore Formen eingeteilt werden. Die
Pathogenese der chronischen Blepharitis ist noch nicht vollständig geklärt, es
wird jedoch ein multifaktorielles Krankheitsgeschehen vermutet. Die Erkrankung
stellt eine therapeutische Herausforderung dar.
The Female Genital Tract on MDCT: A Pictorial Review of Normal Anatomy and Incidental Abnormalities
Authors: Gulati Shrea , Rathi Vinita , Bhatt Shuchi , Jain Sandhya
Published: August 2022

Purpose This article aims to review the pertinent anatomy and the incidental abnormalities involving the female genital tract on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) through a pictorial review.

Methods The review is based on critical analysis of the existing literature as well as our experience in dealing with incidental lesions involving the female genital tract.

Results The lack of awareness regarding the normal appearances of the female pelvis on MDCT can puzzle the inexperienced radiologist and create management dilemmas for the treating clinician. It is important for radiologists to recognize normal appearances of the female genital tract on MDCT to prevent misinterpretation as pathology. The identification of incidentalomas of the female genital tract on CT can further guide whether additional workup is required or not. This pictorial review familiarizes radiologists with the normal appearances of the female genital tract on MDCT and a few common incidentalomas.

Conclusion It is imperative for a clinical radiologist to be familiar with the anatomy and common incidental lesions involving the female genital tract.
Nodulisporic acid produces direct activation and positive allosteric modulation of AVR-14B, a glutamate-gated chloride channel from adult
Brugia malayi
Authors: Choudhary Shivani , Abongwa Melanie , Kashyap Sudhanva S. , Verma Saurabh , Mair Gunnar R. , Kulke Daniel , Martin Richard J. , Robertson Alan P.
Published: August 2022

Glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) are unique to invertebrates and are targeted by macrocyclic lactones. In this study, we cloned an AVR-14B GluCl subunit from adult
Brugia malayi
, a causative agent of lymphatic filariasis in humans. To elucidate this channel’s pharmacological properties, we used
Xenopus laevis
oocytes for expression and performed two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology. The receptor was gated by the natural ligand L-glutamate (effective concentration, 50% [

EC
50

] = 0.4 mM) and ivermectin (IVM;

EC
50

= 1.8 nM). We also characterized the effects of nodulisporic acid (NA) on
Bma
-AVR-14B and NA-produced dual effects on the receptor as an agonist and a type II positive allosteric modulator. Here we report characterization of the complex activity of NA on a nematode GluCl.
Bma
-AVR-14B demonstrated some unique pharmacological characteristics. IVM did not produce potentiation of L-glutamate–mediated responses but instead, reduced the channel’s sensitivity for the ligand. Further electrophysiological exploration showed that IVM (at a moderate concentration of 0.1 nM) functioned as an inhibitor of both agonist and positive allosteric modulatory effects of NA. This suggests that IVM and NA share a complex interaction. The pharmacological properties of
Bma
-AVR-14B indicate that the channel is an important target of IVM and NA. In addition, the unique electrophysiological characteristics of
Bma
-AVR-14B could explain the observed variation in drug sensitivities of various nematode parasites. We have also shown the inhibitory effects of IVM and NA on adult worm motility using Worminator. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown suggests that AVR-14 plays a role in influencing locomotion in
B. malayi
.
Racial residential segregation shapes the relationship between early childhood lead exposure and fourth-grade standardized test scores
Authors: Bravo Mercedes A. , Zephyr Dominique , Kowal Daniel , Ensor Katherine , Miranda Marie Lynn
Published: August 2022

Racial/ethnic disparities in academic performance may result from a confluence of adverse exposures that arise from structural racism and accrue to specific subpopulations. This study investigates childhood lead exposure, racial residential segregation, and early educational outcomes. Geocoded North Carolina birth data is linked to blood lead surveillance data and fourth-grade standardized test scores (n = 25,699). We constructed a census tract-level measure of racial isolation (RI) of the non-Hispanic Black (NHB) population. We fit generalized additive models of reading and mathematics test scores regressed on individual-level blood lead level (BLL) and neighborhood RI of NHB (RINHB). Models included an interaction term between BLL and RINHB. BLL and RINHB were associated with lower reading scores; among NHB children, an interaction was observed between BLL and RINHB. Reading scores for NHB children with BLLs of 1 to 3 µg/dL were similar across the range of RINHB values. For NHB children with BLLs of 4 µg/dL, reading scores were similar to those of NHB children with BLLs of 1 to 3 µg/dL at lower RINHB values (less racial isolation/segregation). At higher RINHB levels (greater racial isolation/segregation), children with BLLs of 4 µg/dL had lower reading scores than children with BLLs of 1 to 3 µg/dL. This pattern becomes more marked at higher BLLs. Higher BLL was associated with lower mathematics test scores among NHB and non-Hispanic White (NHW) children, but there was no evidence of an interaction. In conclusion, NHB children with high BLLs residing in high RINHB neighborhoods had worse reading scores.
Sexual repurposing of juvenile aposematism in locusts
Authors: Cullen Darron A. , Sword Gregory A. , Rosenthal Gil G. , Simpson Stephen J. , Dekempeneer Elfie , Hertog Maarten L. A. T. M. , Nicolaï Bart M. , Caes Robbe , Mannaerts Lisa , Vanden Broeck Jozef
Published: August 2022

Adaptive plasticity requires an integrated suite of functional responses to environmental variation, which can include social communication across life stages. Desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) exhibit an extreme example of phenotypic plasticity called phase polyphenism, in which a suite of behavioral and morphological traits differ according to local population density. Male and female juveniles developing at low population densities exhibit green- or sand-colored background-matching camouflage, while at high densities they show contrasting yellow and black aposematic patterning that deters predators. The predominant background colors of these phenotypes (green/sand/yellow) all depend on expression of the carotenoid-binding “Yellow Protein” (YP). Gregarious (high-density) adults of both sexes are initially pinkish, before aYP-mediated yellowing reoccurs upon sexual maturation. Yellow color is especially prominent in gregarious males, but the reason for this difference has been unknown since phase polyphenism was first described in 1921. Here, we use RNA interference to show that gregarious male yellowing acts as an intrasexual warning signal, which forms a multimodal signal with the antiaphrodisiac pheromone phenylacetonitrile (PAN) to prevent mistaken sexual harassment from other males during scramble mating in a swarm. Socially mediated reexpression ofYPthus adaptively repurposes a juvenile signal that deters predators into an adult signal that deters undesirable mates. These findings reveal a previously underappreciated sexual dimension to locust phase polyphenism, and promote locusts as a model for investigating the relative contributions of natural versus sexual selection in the evolution of phenotypic plasticity.
Subdiffusive hydrodynamics of nearly integrable anisotropic spin chains
Authors: De Nardis Jacopo , Gopalakrishnan Sarang , Vasseur Romain , Ware Brayden
Published: August 2022

We address spin transport in the easy-axis Heisenberg spin chain subject to different integrability-breaking perturbations. We find subdiffusive spin transport characterized by dynamical exponent
z
= 4 up to a timescale parametrically long in the anisotropy. In the limit of infinite anisotropy, transport is subdiffusive at all times; for finite anisotropy, one eventually recovers diffusion at late times but with a diffusion constant independent of the strength of the perturbation and solely fixed by the value of the anisotropy. We provide numerical evidence for these findings, and we show how they can be understood in terms of the dynamical screening of the relevant quasiparticle excitations and effective dynamical constraints. Our results show that the diffusion constant of near-integrable diffusive spin chains is generically not perturbative in the integrability-breaking strength.
Comparative genomics uncovers the evolutionary history, demography, and molecular adaptations of South American canids
Authors: Chavez Daniel E. , Gronau Ilan , Hains Taylor , Dikow Rebecca B. , Frandsen Paul B. , Figueiró Henrique V. , Garcez Fabrício S. , Tchaicka Ligia , de Paula Rogério C. , Rodrigues Flávio H. G. , Jorge Rodrigo S. P. , Lima Edson S. , Songsasen Nucharin , Johnson Warren E. , Eizirik Eduardo , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Wayne Robert K.
Published: August 2022

The remarkable radiation of South American (SA) canids produced 10 extant species distributed across diverse habitats, including disparate forms such as the short-legged, hypercarnivorous bush dog and the long-legged, largely frugivorous maned wolf. Despite considerable research spanning nearly two centuries, many aspects of their evolutionary history remain unknown. Here, we analyzed 31 whole genomes encompassing all extant SA canid species to assess phylogenetic relationships, interspecific hybridization, historical demography, current genetic diversity, and the molecular bases of adaptations in the bush dog and maned wolf. We found that SA canids originated from a single ancestor that colonized South America 3.9 to 3.5 Mya, followed by diversification east of the Andes and then a single colonization event and radiation ofLycalopexspecies west of the Andes. We detected extensive historical gene flow between recently diverged lineages and observed distinct patterns of genomic diversity and demographic history in SA canids, likely induced by past climatic cycles compounded by human-induced population declines. Genome-wide scans of selection showed that disparate limb proportions in the bush dog and maned wolf may derive from mutations in genes regulating chondrocyte proliferation and enlargement. Further, frugivory in the maned wolf may have been enabled by variants in genes associated with energy intake from short-chain fatty acids. In contrast, unique genetic variants detected in the bush dog may underlie interdigital webbing and dental adaptations for hypercarnivory. Our analyses shed light on the evolution of a unique carnivoran radiation and how it was shaped by South American topography and climate change.
A distinct class of GTP-binding proteins mediates chloroplast protein import in Rhodophyta
Authors: Baek Sanghun , Imamura Sousuke , Higa Takeshi , Nakai Yumi , Tanaka Kan , Nakai Masato
Published: August 2022

Chloroplast protein import is mediated by translocons named TOC and TIC on the outer and inner envelope membranes, respectively. Translocon constituents are conserved among green lineages, including plants and green algae. However, it remains unclear whether Rhodophyta (red algae) share common chloroplast protein import mechanisms with the green lineages. We show that in the rhodophyte
Cyanidioschyzon merolae
, plastome-encoded Tic20
pt
localized to the chloroplast envelope and was transiently associated with preproteins during import, suggesting its conserved function as a TIC constituent. Besides plastome-encoded FtsH
pt
and several chaperones, a class of GTP (guanosine 5′-triphosphate)-binding proteins distinct from the Toc34/159 GTPase family associated transiently with preproteins. This class of proteins resides mainly in the cytosol and shows sequence similarities with Sey1/RHD3, required for endoplasmic reticulum membrane fusion, and with the periplastid-localized import factor PPP1, previously identified in the Apicomplexa and diatoms. These GTP-binding proteins, named plastid targeting factor for protein import 1 (PTF1) to PTF3, may act as plastid targeting factors in Rhodophyta.
Angiotensin II enhances bacterial clearance via myeloid signaling in a murine sepsis model
Authors: Leisman Daniel E. , Privratsky Jamie R. , Lehman Jake R. , Abraham Mabel N. , Yaipan Omar Y. , Brewer Mariana R. , Nedeljkovic-Kurepa Ana , Capone Christine C. , Fernandes Tiago D. , Griffiths Robert , Stein William J. , Goldberg Marcia B. , Crowley Steven D. , Bellomo Rinaldo , Deutschman Clifford S. , Taylor Matthew D.
Published: August 2022

Sepsis, defined as organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host-response to infection, is characterized by immunosuppression. The vasopressor norepinephrine is widely used to treat low blood pressure in sepsis but exacerbates immunosuppression. An alternative vasopressor is angiotensin-II, a peptide hormone of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which displays complex immunomodulatory properties that remain unexplored in severe infection. In a murine cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis, we found alterations in the surface levels of RAS proteins on innate leukocytes in peritoneum and spleen. Angiotensin-II treatment induced biphasic, angiotensin-II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-dependent modulation of the systemic inflammatory response and decreased bacterial counts in both the blood and peritoneal compartments, which did not occur with norepinephrine treatment. The effect of angiotensin-II was preserved when treatment was delivered remote from the primary site of infection. At an independent laboratory, angiotensin-II treatment was compared in LysM-Cre AT1aR−/−(Myeloid-AT1a−) mice, which selectively do not express AT1R on myeloid-derived leukocytes, and littermate controls (Myeloid-AT1a+). Angiotensin-II treatment significantly reduced post-CLP bacteremia in Myeloid-AT1a+mice but not in Myeloid-AT1a−mice, indicating that the AT1R-dependent effect of angiotensin-II on bacterial clearance was mediated through myeloid-lineage cells. Ex vivo, angiotensin-II increased post-CLP monocyte phagocytosis and ROS production after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. These data identify a mechanism by which angiotensin-II enhances the myeloid innate immune response during severe systemic infection and highlight a potential role for angiotensin-II to augment immune responses in sepsis.
Symmetries of the asymptotically de Sitter spacetimes
Authors: Kamiński Wojciech , Kolanowski Maciej , Lewandowski Jerzy
Published: August 2022

We start a systematic investigation of possible isometries of the asymptotically de Sitter solutions to Einstein equations. We reformulate the Killing equation as conformal equations for the initial data at

I

+

. This allows for partial classification of possible symmetry algebras. In particular, if they are not maximal, they may be at most four-dimensional. We provide several examples. As a simple corollary it is shown that the only spacetime in which the Killing horizon intersects

I

+

(after a conformal completion) is locally the de Sitter Universe.
Quantifying the breakdown of the rotating-wave approximation in single-photon superradiance
Authors: Jørgensen M A , Wubs M
Published: August 2022

We study quantitatively the breakdown of the rotating-wave approximation (RWA) when calculating collective light emission by quantum emitters, in particular in the weak-excitation limit. Our starting point is a known multiple-scattering formalism where the full light–matter interaction leads to induced inter-emitter interactions described by the classical Green function of inhomogeneous dielectric media. When making the RWA in the light–matter interaction, however, these induced interactions differ from the classical Green function, and for free space we find a reduction of the interatomic interaction strength by up to a factor of two. By contrast, for the corresponding scalar model the relative RWA error for the inter-emitter interaction even diverges in the near field. For two identical emitters, the errors due to the RWA in collective light emission will show up in the emission spectrum, but not in the sub- and superradiant decay rates. In case of two non-identical emitters, also the collective emission rates will differ by making the RWA. For three or more identical emitters, the RWA errors in the interatomic interaction in general affect both the collective emission spectra and the collective decay rates. Ring configurations with discrete rotational symmetry are an interesting exception. Interestingly, the maximal errors in the collective decay rates due to making the RWA occur for finite emitter separations.
A novel capacity expansion and recognition acceleration method for dot-dispersing coded targets in photogrammetry
Authors: Wang Meng , Guo Yuhan , Wang Qiang , Liu Yang , Liu Jiaxin , Song Xin , Wang Guo , Zhang Hu
Published: August 2022

In close-range photogrammetry, some improved designs have been developed to increase the coding capacity of Schneider-like concentric circular coded targets. However, another typical type, Hattori-like dot-dispersing coded targets (HCTs), is rarely expanded. In this paper, we give our detailed solution to recognize a kind of non-public HCT used in video-simultaneous triangulation and resection systems. Then, an advanced HCT (AHCT) with multiple templates and simplified

P
2

-Invariant is proposed, which achieves capacity expansion and recognition acceleration. First, the cross-ratio invariant is used in template recognition, and then the affine transformation is used in decoding. During the template recognition process, multiple templates are designed to expand the coding capacity, and a simplified

P
2

-Invariant is adopted to accelerate the recognition. Experiments are carried out with different shooting angles ranging from 0° to 80°, with smaller coded targets, with mixed coded targets of different sizes and with large outdoor scenes, and the results show that AHCTs can not only preserve the stability of the HCTs, but also achieve the capacity growth of coded targets at a faster recognition rate by 14.6%. The AHCTs with large capacity can be applied in scenarios with a large size or complex structure, and the acceleration advantage can be considered in real-time dynamic domains.
An assessment of full-wave effects on Maxwellian lower-hybrid wave damping
Authors: Frank S J , Wright J C , Hutchinson I H , Bonoli P T
Published: August 2022

Lower-hybrid current drive (LHCD) actuators are important components of modern day fusion experiments as well as proposed fusion reactors. However, simulations of LHCD often differ substantially from experimental results, and from each other, especially in the inferred power deposition profile shape. Here we investigate some possible causes of this discrepancy; ‘full-wave’ effects such as interference and diffraction, which are omitted from standard raytracing simulations and the breakdown of the raytracing near reflections and caustics. We compare raytracing simulations to state-of-the-art full-wave simulations using matched hot-plasma dielectric tensors in realistic tokamak scenarios for the first time. We show that differences between full-wave simulations and raytracing in previous work were primarily due to numerical and physical inconsistencies in the simulations, and we demonstrate that quantitative agreement between raytracing and converged full-wave simulations can be obtained in reactor relevant-scenarios and qualitative agreement can be obtained in situations with weak damping.
A coordinate system invariant formulation for space-charge limited current with nonzero injection velocity
Authors: Halpern Jacob M , Darr Adam M , Harsha N R Sree , Garner Allen L
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have extended the classical space-charge limited current (SCLC) solution in a non-magnetic, planar diode with zero injection velocity to other geometries using variational calculus (VC). We further extend VC to solve for SCLC with a non-relativistic, monoenergetic injection velocity from first principles for nonplanar diodes. By extremizing either the current or a functional of the electric field (and not its derivative), we demonstrate that VC can find either the bifurcation or the SCLC solution, respectively. The bifurcation solution is characterized by the onset of particle reflection, resulting in a singularity in the derivative of the electric field at the virtual cathode, physically analogous to the singularity at the cathode in SCLC for zero injection velocity. Alternatively, using VC to extremize a functional of the potential and its gradient (electric field) yields the maximum current SCLC result. We then derive the SCLC solutions in cylindrical and spherical diodes; additionally, we develop a method to determine SCLC numerically and the bifurcation solution exactly for any orthogonal geometry. Implications for the potential profile and virtual cathode are discussed, especially the behavior for other geometries.
Self-hybridized exciton–polaritons in perovskite-based subwavelength photonic crystals
Authors: Li Lixia , Li Wanlu , Zong Xueyang , Liu Yufang
Published: August 2022

Self-coupled photonic resonators made of exciton materials have recently provoked great interest in the context of light–matter interactions due to their ability to produce large normal mode splittings. In order to obtain giant Rabi energy, it is rather necessary to ensure large electromagnetic fields within exciton materials. Here, using two independent numerical algorithms, namely, the finite-element method and the rigorous coupled wave analysis, we demonstrate that, even with a moderate oscillation strength, giant Rabi splittings in excess of 250 meV can be achieved in subwavelength perovskite-based photonic crystals. This can be attributed to the fact that quasi-guided resonance modes supported by photonic systems are strongly confined inside the exciton material, highly conducing to increasing the volume of light–matter interaction. We reveal how the oscillator strength of excitons and the thickness of perovskite photonic crystals influence photon–exciton couplings. Moreover, the perovskite nanostructures investigated allow us to engineer polaritonic dispersions with linear or slow-light characters. These findings show that perovskite-based photonic crystals could be an appealing and promising platform in realizing polaritonic devices.
Temperature dependence of electrical characteristics and interface state densities of Au/n-type Si structures with SnS doped PVC interface
Authors: Karataş Şükrü , Altındal Şemsettin , Ulusoy Murat , Azizian-Kalandaragh Y , Özçelik Süleyman
Published: August 2022

In this study, the electrical properties of Au/(SnS doped PVC)/n–Si structures were investigated in detail using current/voltage (IV) data in wide temperature range (80–340 K by 20 K steps). Some of the basic electrical parameters such as ideality factor (n), saturation current (I
0), and barrier height (Φ
bo
) were obtained. When these parameters were extracted using thermionic emission (TE) theory, it was found that the value of n decreases whereas Φ
bo
increases with increasing temperature. This result can be explained by the barrier height (BH) inhomogeneity. The observed two linear regions in the plots of Φ
bo
–n, Φ
bo
–(1/2kT)1 and (n
−1–1)–(1/2kT) in temperature regions of 80–160 K and 80–340 K form an evidence to the presence of Double Gaussian distribution (DGD). Using the plot of Φ
bo
–(1/2kT), the values of mean BH (

Φ
¯

b
o

) and standard deviation (σ
S) were found as 0.486 eV and 66 mV for first region, and 0.984 eV and 139 mV for second region, respectively. Thus, the effective Richardson constant (A*) was obtained using the interception point of the modified Richardson plot for these regions as 7.013 × 10−6 A.K−2cm−2 and 88.12 A.K−2cm−2, respectively. It is clear that A* value for second region is closer to theoretical value (=112 A.K−2cm−2 for n–Si). Finally, the energy dependent profile of the surface-states (Nss) was extracted using Card-Rhoderick method and Nss was found to range from ∼1012 (at 80 K) to 1013 eV−1 cm−2 (at 340 K).
Preliminary study of generating a local time scale with NIM 87Sr optical lattice clock
Authors: Zhu Lin , Lin Yige , Wang Yuzhuo , Jia Zhengsen , Wang Qiang , Li Ye , Yang Tao , Fang Zhanjun
Published: August 2022

A local time scale can be generated by steering flywheel clocks with state-of-the-art optical lattice clocks. This paper presents our simulations about the influence of the optical lattice clock’s operational strategies and the flywheel clock’s noise characteristics on the performance of the generated time scale. By post-processing the measured frequency difference between the optical lattice clock Sr1 and the hydrogen maser HM50 at the National Institute of Metrology (NIM), during the modified Julian date (MJD) 59029–59059, a local time scale with 0.68 ns time variation referencing to the TT(BIPM20) is demonstrated.
Rotifera
Authors: Hochberg Rick
Published: August 2022

Rotifers are some of the smallest known invertebrates and have been described from all aquatic (marine, estuarine, freshwater) and some semi-terrestrial (soils, mosses) environments. They were the first ‘animalcules’, described by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in the seventeenth century, and since then, have been the subject of countless investigations that have resulted in over 2000 described species. Studies of the rotifer nervous system began in the eighteenth century, with classical histological techniques that revealed several unique features that remain true to this day, including the eutelic nature of the rotifer brain, the gross morphology of sensory receptors, and the general topography of their nerve cords. With the advent of electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and neuropharmacological techniques in the twentieth century, the details of the rotifer nervous system have become more apparent. The brain consists of a cortex of somata without glial cells and surrounding a fibrous neuropil. Brain somata can be categorized based on several ultrastructural details, as well as differences in neurotransmitter phenotype, which include populations of cells containing catecholamines, serotonin, and neuropeptides. The cerebral neuropil and neurites that innervate the nerve cords, mastax, and sensory receptors also display a variety of neurotransmitter phenotypes. These sensory receptors include putative chemo-, mechano-, and photosensitive organs that function in locomotion, feeding, and reproduction, and appear to respond to a wide variety of exogenous neurotransmitters and neurohormones. While details on neurogenesis remain largely unexplored, early results based on gene expression studies hold promise for future developments in rotifer neurobiology.
Principles for Ending Human Immunodeficiency Virus as an Epidemic in the United States: A Policy Paper of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the HIV Medicine Association
Authors: Person Anna K , Armstrong Wendy S , Evans Tyler , Fangman John J W , Goldstein Robert H , Haddad Marwan , Jain Mamta K , Keeshin Susana , Tookes Hansel E , Weddle Andrea L , Feinberg Judith
Published: August 2022

While we have the tools to achieve this goal, the persistent barriers to healthcare services experienced by too many individuals will need to be addressed to make significant progress and improve the health and quality of life of all people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The necessary structural changes require actions by federal, state, and local policymakers and range from ensuring universal access to healthcare services to optimizing care delivery to ensuring a robust and diverse infectious diseases and HIV workforce. In this article, we outlines 10 key principles for policy reforms that, if advanced, would make ending the HIV epidemic in the United States possible and could have much more far-reaching effects in improving the health of our nation.
COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Conlon Christopher P. , Firth John D.
Published: August 2022

A novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2), first appeared in the city of Wuhan in Central China in December 2019. Initial cases appeared to be centred on a so-called wet market, but the outbreak spread rapidly. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a Pandemic Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January, 2020. By mid January 2021, there have been over 90 million cases globally and more than two million deaths.
Early Knee Range of Motion Following Operative Treatment for Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fractures Is Safe
Authors: Huang Kevin , Houlihan Nathan , Arkader Alexandre , Flynn John M. , Williams Brendan A.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAF) often require surgical reduction and stabilization. Traditional teachings recommend postoperative knee immobilization for 4 to 6 weeks; however, the necessity of these restrictions is unclear and the actual practice varies. This study’s purpose was to: (1) retrospectively review operatively managed TTAFs at a single center to examine the spectrum of postoperative rehabilitation guidelines, and (2) compare the outcomes of patients based on the timing of initiation of postoperative knee range of motion (ROM).

Methods:

Operatively managed TTAFs treated at a single center from 2011-2020 were identified. Patients with polytrauma, associated lower extremity compartment syndrome, or treatment other than screw fixation were excluded. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, Ogden Classification, associated injuries, operative technique, postoperative ROM progression, and time to release to unrestricted activities were collected. Patients were grouped based on the initiation of postoperative ROM as Early (<4 wk, EROM) or Late (≥4 wk, LROM). Bivariate analysis was used to compare characteristics between these 2 groups.

Results:

Study criteria identified 134 patients, 93.3% (n=125) of whom were male. The mean age of the cohort was 14.77 years [95% confidence interval (CI: 14.5 to 15.0]. Forty-nine patients were designated EROM; 85 patients were categorized as LROM. The groups did not differ significantly with regards to age, race, injury characteristics, or surgical technique. Both groups progressed similarly with regards to postoperative range of motion. Ultimate activity clearance was achieved at ~20 weeks postoperatively without differences between groups (P>0.05). Four instances of postoperative complication were identified, all of which occurred in the LROM group.

Conclusion:

A broad range of postoperative immobilization protocols exists following the screw fixation of TTAFs. Across otherwise similar cohorts of patients undergoing operative treatment, initiation of knee range of motion before 4 weeks was without complication and provided equivalent outcomes to traditional immobilization practices. Given the clear benefits to patients and caregivers provided by the permission of early knee motion and the avoidance of casting, providers should consider more progressive postoperative rehab protocols following operatively treated TTAFs.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, Retrospective Cohort.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Determination of Cardiac Output Augmentation in a Swine Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Patel Nathan T. P. , Templeton T. Wesley , Lane Magan R. , Williams Timothy K. , Neff Lucas P. , Goenaga-Diaz Eduardo J.
Published: August 2022

CONTEXT:

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive tool for assessing local oxygen balance. In circulatory shock, the microcirculatory environment as measured by NIRS during resuscitation may provide additional diagnostic tools of value to the critical care physician.

HYPOTHESIS:

To assess whether a relative increase in peripheral NIRS was correlated with a clinically relevant increase in cardiac output following a fluid bolus in a swine model of shock.

METHODS AND MODELS:

Nine healthy young adult swine with median weight 80 kg (interquartile range, 75–83 kg) were anesthetized and surgically instrumented. They underwent a controlled hemorrhage of 20% of their blood volume followed by partial or complete aortic occlusion to create a variable ischemia-reperfusion injury. Next, the animals underwent four 500-mL plasmalyte boluses over 9 minutes each followed by a 6-minute pause. The animal then underwent a 25% mixed auto/homologous blood transfusion followed by four more 500 mL plasmalyte boluses over 9 minutes. Finally, the animals underwent a 25% mixed auto/homologous blood transfusion followed by an additional four rounds of 500-mL plasmalyte boluses over 9 minutes. Left thoracic limb NIRS, descending thoracic aortic flow (dAF), arterial blood pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), and mixed central venous oxygen saturation (Svo
2) were measured continuously for comparison.

RESULTS:

The area under the receiver operating curve for an increase in dAF of 10% in response to a 500 mL bolus based on a percent increase in the proximal NIRS was 0.82 with 95% CI, 0.72–0.91; Svo
2, 0.86 with 95% CI, 0.78–0.95; MAP, 0.75 with 95% CI, 0.65–0.85 and CVP, 0.64 with 95% CI, 0.53–0.76.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS:

A dynamic relative increase in NIRS in response to a crystalloid challenge has moderate discriminatory power for cardiac output augmentation during shock in a swine model of ischemia-reperfusion injury. NIRS performed as well as invasive measurements (Svo
2 and MAP) and better than CVP.
Nursing Students' Perceptions of People who are Homeless
Authors: O'Dell Deborah C. , Kobayashi Akiko
Published: August 2022

Public perceptions of people who are homeless tend to be negative, perpetuating unfair treatment. This study investigated the effect of a 3.5-hour interaction with homeless people on baccalaureate (BSN) students, including students' descriptions of the characteristics of the homeless. The BSN nursing students who interacted face-to-face with homeless people experienced positive changes in their perceptions of this population.
Number of Months of Baseball in the Previous Year and Preseason Olecranon Tenderness: Risk Factors for Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in High-School Baseball Players
Authors: Lau Brian C. , Scribani Melissa , Kim Billy I. , Benoit Thomas , Spence Andrew , Wittstein Jocelyn R.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To identify risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in high-school baseball position players and pitchers in the preseason history and physical examination.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Community high-school baseball.

Participants:

Three hundred seventy-one male baseball players' mean age 15.0 ± 1.8 years.

Outcome Measures:

A preseason history and physical examination was performed on all athletes. Injury information was collected by weekly self-report and athletic trainer injury logs throughout the season. Comparisons between injured and noninjured players were performed using t tests and χ2 analyses. Binary logistic regression models were developed to identify risk factors for injury.

Results:

Seventy-six injuries were recorded over the season. In univariate analysis, the injured group had greater months of baseball participation (P = 0.007) and shoulder visual analog scale for the past year (P = 0.003). The injured group also had more olecranon tenderness (P < 0.0001, odds ratio [OR] 2.9) and decreased elbow arc of motion. All other factors were not significantly different (P > 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression, months per year of baseball participation was the only factor significantly associated with injuries (P = 0.010, OR = 1.21).

Conclusions:

Baseball players who developed arm injuries during a season were more likely to play more months of baseball and report shoulder pain in the previous year. The presence of preseason olecranon tenderness was associated with nearly triple the risk of injury during the season. Every additional month of baseball participation in the previous year was associated with a 1.2× increased odds of injury. The presence of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit was not a predictor of injury.
Association of Self-Reported Coping Strategies With Speech Recognition Outcomes in Adult Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Espahbodi Mana , Harvey Erin , Livingston Austin J. , Montagne William , Kozlowski Kristin , Jensen Jamie , Liu Xuerong , Juan Wanlin , Tarima Sergey , Rusch Mark , Harris Michael S.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To characterize the degree to which individual coping strategies may influence speech perception after cochlear implantation.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

Adult, postlingually deaf cochlear implant recipients.

Intervention(s)

The Coping Orientation to Problems Experience inventory, a validated, multidimensional self-reported coping scale, was administered preoperatively.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Speech perception was measured using consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) phoneme and word scores, AzBio sentence accuracy in quiet and noise, and Hearing in Noise Test sentences in quiet preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Quality of life was measured with the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index and the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire.

Results

Thirty-six patients were included in this study. Mean age at surgery was 70.7 ± 11.4 years. Acceptance was associated with a decreased AzBio in noise score in the 6 months after CI (regression coefficient b = −0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.07 to −0.03; p < 0.01). Denial was associated with a decreased AzBio in quiet score (b = −0.05; 95% CI, −0.09 to −0.01; p < 0.05), whereas humor was associated with an increased AzBio in quiet score (b = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.04; p < 0.05). Humor was also associated with an increased Hearing in Noise Test score (b = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.07; p < 0.05). Denial was associated with decreased CNC word (b = −0.04; 95% CI, −0.06 to −0.02; p < 0.01) and phoneme (b = −0.04; 95% CI, −0.07 to −0.02; p < 0.01) scores, whereas substance use was associated with increased CNC word (b = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.05, p < 0.01) and phoneme (b = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.06; p < 0.01) scores. Scores on self-reported quality of life measures were not significantly correlated with coping strategies.

Conclusion

A variety of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies are used by postlingually deaf adult cochlear implant users. Denial and acceptance may be more predictive of poor speech performance, whereas humor and substance use may be more predictive of improved speech performance.
Evolution of Type D Personality Traits After Cochlear Implantation in Severely Hearing Impaired Adults 55 Years and Older: An Exploratory Prospective, Longitudinal, Controlled, Multicenter Study
Authors: Andries Ellen , Bieńkowska Katarzyna , Świerniak Weronika , Skarżyński Piotr Henryk , Skarżyński Henryk , Calvino Miryam , Cuadrado Isabel Sanchez , Muñoz Elena , Gavilán Javier , Lassaletta Luis , Tavora-Vieira Dayse , Acharya Aanand , Killan Catherine , Ridgwell Jillian , Raine Christopher , Van de Heyning Paul , Van Rompaey Vincent , Mertens Griet
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To study the evolution of type D personality traits in older adults after cochlear implantation compared with a control group of severely hearing impaired older adults who did not receive a cochlear implant (CI). The influence of COVID-19 on this evolution was also explored. Type D personality combines a high degree of negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI).

Methods

In this prospective, longitudinal, controlled multicenter exploratory study, 76 older CI users and 21 severely hearing impaired controls without CI were included. The CI group and the control group did not differ significantly regarding age, formal education, residual hearing, Type D Scale-14 (DS14) total score, NA, and SI at baseline. Type D personality traits were assessed with the DS14 at baseline (T0) and 14 months later (T14).

Results

Type D personality traits differed significantly over time between the CI group and the control group (p < 0.001). In the CI group, the DS14 total score (mean delta T = −6.63; p < 0.001), NA (mean delta T = −3.26; p < 0.001), and SI (mean delta T = −3.37; p < 0.001) improved significantly over time (delta T = T14–T0), whereas no significant difference was found in the control group. Significantly fewer subjects were categorized as type D personalities in the CI group (delta T = −12; p = 0.023) at T14, whereas no significant change was found in the control group (delta T = 3; p = 0.250). COVID-19 did not influence the evolution of type D personality traits significantly in the CI group.

Conclusion

Cochlear implantation has a positive effect on type D personality traits in older adults with a severe-to-profound hearing impairment.
Factors Influencing Postoperative Experiences in Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients: A Multistakeholder Perspective
Authors: Ebrahimi-Madiseh Azadeh , Eikelboom Robert H. , Bennett Rebecca J. , Upson Gemma S. , Friedland Peter , Swanepoel De Wet , Atlas Marcus D.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To explore factors influencing postoperative experiences of adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients, determine the impact of each factor, and conceptualize recipients' postoperative journey.

Study Design

Participatory mixed methods; concept mapping.

Setting

Tertiary care (private and public).

Patients

Ninety-three participated in the brainstorming activity. Eighty-nine completed the sorting tasks (96% retention rate): CI recipients (n = 44), significant others (n = 13), CI audiologists (n = 14) and surgeons (n = 5), CI clinics' administration staff (n = 5) and managers (n = 3), and CI manufactures' clinical support staff (n = 5).

Intervention(s)

Rehabilitative (CIs).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Statements were generated and rated by participants. Similarity of grouping of the statements informed the matrices used for cluster analysis to form concepts.

Results

Eighty-seven unique statements described the factors influencing adapting to, use, and maintenance of CIs after implantation. These were grouped, and five concepts were identified: financial considerations, complications, device usability and durability, device programming and adaptation, and patient motivation and supports. Although statements within the concepts financial considerations and complications were negatively rated, statements within the concepts device programming and adaptation, and patient motivation and supports were mostly rated as having positive influence in patients' postoperative journey. The concept device usability and durability contained both negatively and positively rated statements.

Conclusions

Postoperative experience of adult CI recipients is a multifaceted journey with several challenges to address to improve services. Although support from and connection with family and clinicians, and simplicity of using a CI device facilitated the experience, medical and surgical complications, durability, and cost of maintaining the device challenged the postoperative experience.
Implementation Strategy for Highly-Coordinated Cochlear Implant Care With Remote Programming: The Complete Cochlear Implant Care Model
Authors: Nassiri Ashley M. , Saoji Aniket A. , DeJong Melissa D. , Tombers Nicole M. , Driscoll Colin L. W. , Neff Brian A. , Haynes David S. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To introduce and discuss implementation strategy for the Complete Cochlear Implant Care (CCIC) model, a highly-coordinated cochlear implant (CI) care delivery model requiring a single on-site visit for preoperative workup, surgery, and postoperative programming.

Study Design

Prospective, nonrandomized, two-arm clinical trial.

Setting

Tertiary referral CI center.

Patients

Adults who meet audiologic criteria for cochlear implantation.

Interventions

Cochlear implantation, coordinated care delivery, including remote programming.

Main outcome measures

Care delivery model feasibility and process implementation.

Results

Patients determined to be likely CI candidates based on routine audiometry are eligible for enrollment. The CCIC model uses telemedicine and electronic educational materials to prepare patients for same-day on-site consultation with CI surgery, same or next-day activation, and postoperative remote programming for 12 months. Implementation challenges include overcoming inertia related to the implementation of a new clinical workflow, whereas scalability of the CCIC model is limited by current hardware requirements for remote programming technology. A dedicated CCIC process coordinator is critical for overcoming obstacles in implementation and process improvement through feedback and iterative changes. Team and patient-facing materials are included and should be tailored to fit each unique CI program looking to implement CCIC.

Conclusion

The CCIC model has the potential to dramatically streamline hearing healthcare delivery. Implementation requires an adaptive approach, as obstacles may vary according to institutional infrastructure and policies.