bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence factors of the accuracy of monocular vision pose estimation for spacecraft based on neural network
Authors: Zhao Hongliang , Ye Dong , Guo Yubo , Chen Gang
Published: March 2022

Accurate acquisition of spacecraft pose information is a key step in tasks such as space debris removal, rendezvous and docking, and on-orbit maintenance. The application of neural network has deepened for aerospace measurement and control. Studying the parameters’ influence and degree of imaging and neural network on the accuracy of spacecraft pose estimation is necessary and urgent, but there is still little research in related fields. Approximate Bayesian inference in the depth Gaussian process is utilized in this paper to explore above problems, and systematic verification experiments are carried based on the general neural network and spacecraft pose estimation data set. The verification results depict that the estimation errors of position and attitude can be both effectively reduced by selecting a camera whose radial distortion error is less than 240%. Selecting a camera with focal ratio error less than 2.0% can effectively reduce the position estimation error. Selecting a camera whose principal point error is less than 1.0% can effectively improve the accuracy of attitude estimation. The suppression of tangential distortion error does not significantly improve the estimation accuracy of both position and attitude. Parameters about weighted attenuation factor, the number of network layers and characteristic channels of neural network are all sensitive to the accuracy of pose estimation of spacecraft within a specific range. An excellent balance can be achieved between the estimation accuracy and computational overhead when the weight attenuation factor is set between 0.01 and 0.1, and the number of network layers and characteristic channels are set separately between 20 ∼ 40 and 70 ∼ 90. It can reach the accuracy of the traditional pose estimation algorithm, and has better processing time stability in real ground test system by using the network architecture of ResNet34 with weight attenuation factor of 0.01, characteristic channels of 90.
Preferences for Delivering Brief Alcohol Intervention to Risky Drinking Parents in Children’s Social Care: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: McGovern R , Homer T , Kaner E , Smart D , Ternent L
Published: March 2022

Aims

Many parents in contact with children’s social care services misuse alcohol however do not meet the threshold for specialist alcohol treatment, and typically do not receive appropriate support for their needs. Brief alcohol interventions have been found to be effective in healthcare settings, however, it is unknown whether the brief intervention structure delivered within health settings would transfer well into children’s social care. This paper aims to examine the characteristics of brief intervention for alcohol misusing parents which social care practitioners consider to be important and acceptable to implement in this sector.

Methods

We assessed preferences for, and acceptability of, brief alcohol intervention with parents in contact with children’s social care using a discrete choice experiment. We recruited 205 children’s social care practitioners from London and the North East of England. Data were analysed using mixed logit which accounted for repeated responses.

Findings

Six attributes showed statistically significant coefficients, suggesting that a brief intervention with these attributes would encourage implementation. These were: level of alcohol-related risk targeted; intervention recipient; timing of intervention; duration of sessions; number of sessions and intervention structure. The attribute of most importance identified based on the attribute with the largest coefficient in the conditional logit model was risk level.

Conclusions

Brief alcohol interventions delivered to parents in social care should focus on the impact upon children and the wider family, they should be a flexible part of on-going casework and should be more intensive and less structured.
Spherical clustering in detection of groups of concomitant extremes
Authors: Fomichov V , Ivanovs J
Published: March 2022

There is growing empirical evidence that spherical $k$-means clustering performs well at identifying groups of concomitant extremes in high dimensions, thereby leading to sparse models. We provide one of the first theoretical results supporting this approach, but also demonstrate some pitfalls. Furthermore, we show that an alternative cost function may be more appropriate for identifying concomitant extremes, and it results in a novel spherical $k$-principal-components clustering algorithm. Our main result establishes a broadly satisfied sufficient condition guaranteeing the success of this method, albeit in a rather basic setting. Finally, we illustrate in simulations that $k$-principal components clustering outperforms $k$-means clustering in the difficult case of weak asymptotic dependence within the groups.
Ticagrelor monotherapy after PCI in patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: TWILIGHT DM-CKD
Authors: Dehghani Payam , Cao Davide , Baber Usman , Nicolas Johny , Sartori Samantha , Pivato Carlo A , Zhang Zhongjie , Dangas George , Angiolillo Dominick J , Briguori Carlo , Cohen David J , Collier Timothy , Dudek Dariusz , Gibson Michael , Gil Robert , Huber Kurt , Kaul Upendra , Kornowski Ran , Krucoff Mitchell W , Kunadian Vijay , Mehta Shamir , Moliterno David J , Ohman E Magnus , Escaned Javier , Sardella Gennaro , Sharma Samin K , Shlofmitz Richard , Weisz Giora , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Pocock Stuart , Mehran Roxana
Published: March 2022

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the treatment effects of ticagrelor monotherapy in the very high risk cohort of patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and results

In the TWILIGHT (Ticagrelor with Aspirin or Alone in High-Risk Patients after Coronary Intervention) trial, after 3-month dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor and aspirin post-PCI, event-free patients were randomized to either aspirin or placebo in addition to ticagrelor for 12 months. Those with available information on DM and CKD status were included in this subanalysis and were stratified by the presence or absence of either condition: 3391 (54.1%) had neither DM nor CKD (DM−/CKD−), 1822 (29.0%) had DM only (DM+/CKD−), 561 (8.9%) had CKD only (DM−/CKD+), and 8.0% had both DM and CKD (DM+/CKD+). The incidence of the primary endpoint of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding did not differ according to DM/CKD status (P-trend = 0.13), but there was a significant increase in BARC 3 or 5 bleeding (P-trend < 0.001) as well as the key secondary endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (P-trend < 0.001). Ticagrelor plus placebo reduced bleeding events compared with ticagrelor plus aspirin across all four groups, including DM+/CKD+ patients with respect to BARC 2–5 [4.5% vs. 8.7%; hazard ratio (HR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.24–1.01] as well as BARC 3–5 (0.8% vs. 5.3%; HR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.53) bleeding, with no evidence of heterogeneity. The risk of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke was similar between treatment arms across all groups.

Conclusion

Irrespective of the presence of DM, CKD, and their combination, ticagrelor monotherapy reduced the risk of bleeding without a significant increase in ischaemic events compared with ticagrelor plus aspirin.
P2Y12 inhibitor versus aspirin monotherapy for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events: meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Aggarwal Devika , Bhatia Kirtipal , Chunawala Zainali S , Furtado Remo H M , Mukherjee Debabrata , Dixon Simon R , Jain Vardhmaan , Arora Sameer , Zelniker Thomas A , Navarese Eliano P , Mishkel Gregory J , Lee Cheong J , Banerjee Subhash , Bangalore Sripal , Levisay Justin P , Bhatt Deepak L , Ricciardi Mark J , Qamar Arman
Published: March 2022

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of P2Y12 inhibitor or aspirin monotherapy for secondary prevention in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Methods and results

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched to identify randomized trials comparing monotherapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor versus aspirin for secondary prevention in patients with ASCVD (cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or peripheral artery disease). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary outcomes were myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, all-cause mortality, and major bleeding. A random-effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) and heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Higgins I2 value. A total of 9 eligible trials (5 with clopidogrel and 4 with ticagrelor) with 61 623 patients were included in our analyses. Monotherapy with P2Y12 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of MACE by 11% (0.89, 95% CI 0.84–0.95, I2 = 0%) and MI by 19% (0.81, 95% CI 0.71–0.92, I2 = 0%) compared with aspirin monotherapy. There was no significant difference in the risk of stroke (0.85, 95% CI 0.73–1.01), or all-cause mortality (1.01, 95% CI 0.92–1.11). There was also no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding with P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy compared with aspirin (0.94, 95% CI 0.72–1.22, I2 = 42.6%). Results were consistent irrespective of the P2Y12 inhibitor used.

Conclusion

P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy for secondary prevention is associated with a significant reduction in atherothrombotic events compared with aspirin alone without an increased risk of major bleeding.
Health system governance in settings with conflict-affected populations: a systematic review
Authors: Lokot Michelle , Bou-Orm Ibrahim , Zreik Thurayya , Kik Nour , Fuhr Daniela C , El Masri Rozane , Meagher Kristen , Smith James , Asmar Michele Kosremelli , McKee Martin , Roberts Bayard
Published: March 2022

Health system governance has been recognized as critical to strengthening healthcare responses in settings with conflict-affected populations. The aim of this review was to examine existing evidence on health system governance in settings with conflict-affected populations globally. The specific objectives were (1) to describe the characteristics of the eligible studies; (2) to describe the principles of health system governance; (3) to examine evidence on barriers and facilitators for stronger health system governance; and (4) to analyse the quality of available evidence. A systematic review methodology was used following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria. We searched six academic databases and used grey literature sources. We included papers reporting empirical findings on health system governance among populations affected by armed conflict, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced populations, conflict-affected non-displaced populations and post-conflict populations. Data were analysed according to the study objectives and informed primarily by a governance framework from the literature. Quality appraisal was conducted using an adapted version of the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Of the 6511 papers identified through database searches, 34 studies met eligibility criteria. Few studies provided a theoretical framework or definition for governance. The most frequently identifiable governance principles related to participation and coordination, followed by equity and inclusiveness and intelligence and information. The least frequently identifiable governance principles related to rule of law, ethics and responsiveness. Across studies, the most common facilitators of governance were collaboration between stakeholders, bottom-up and community-based governance structures, inclusive policies and longer-term vision. The most common barriers related to poor coordination, mistrust, lack of a harmonized health response, lack of clarity on stakeholder responsibilities, financial support and donor influence. This review highlights the need for more theoretically informed empirical research on health system governance in settings with conflict-affected populations that draws on existing frameworks for governance.
Influence and Implications of the Molecular Paradigm of Nitric Oxide Underlying Inflammatory Reactions of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Dog: A Major Hallmark of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Rana Tanmoy
Published: March 2022

Nitric oxide (NO), a pleiotropic free radical messenger molecule, is responsible for the various cellular function of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It plays a major role in the maintenance of perfusion, regulation of microvascular, epithelial permeability, and immune functions. Nitric oxide exerts its beneficial effect on the initiation and maintenance of inflammation in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But the accelerated production of NO triggers activation of the inducible form of the NO synthase enzyme (iNOS) that leads to damages of the intestinal membrane. Nitric oxide synthase enzyme is responsible for the higher production of NO from l-arginine and causes an inflammatory condition in the intestinal epithelium. Nitric oxide induces nitrative DNA damage and oxidative DNA damage in the cellular system. Accelerated production of NO enhances iNOS activity that is associated with cytotoxicity and apoptosis of gastrointestinal epithelial cells in the dog. Chronic inflammation leads to angiogenesis that is modulated by the immune system in IBD. Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for the development of gastrointestinal malignancies. Nitric oxide participates in mucosal inflammation in the intestine through invigoration of NO synthase enzyme. The intrinsic complex mechanism is correlated with the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and is also correlated with the expression of iNOS, enzymatic activity and NO production. Nitric oxide employs a significant role in modulating epithelial permeability with accelerated immune response in acute colitis. But the enormous generation of NO causes adverse effects on the mucosal cell during the inflammatory process in IBD. In this review, a complex episode of NO generation with altered biochemical pathways was assessed for the regulation of mucosal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease of dogs. This review is a unique compilation of the role of NO in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease of dogs.

Nitric oxide plays a key role in modulating cancer in the gastrointestinal tract. This review seeks to explore the characteristics of NO as a major hallmark of canine inflammatory bowel diseases.
The gender pay gap: How FIFA dropped the ball
Authors: Poppelwell-Scevak Claire
Published: March 2022

The pursuit for equal pay has been a struggle for those striving for gender equality. This struggle is no different in football, where female players face an uphill battle in gaining equal remuneration. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has remained markedly silent on the issue of the pay gap. However, FIFA’s recent adoption of an extensive human rights framework explicitly includes gender equality, and thus, equal pay. This article examines how FIFA’s new human rights framework and investment programs can support efforts to close the pay gap. The investment in and revenue from the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments will be examined to illustrate both the pay gap’s existence and the difficulties in addressing it. This article argues this human rights framework is a positive step towards gender equality; however, it must be embedded in FIFA’s governing bodies before equal pay can be remedied. While FIFA may be responsible for the World Cup prize money, FIFA’s member associations are accountable for distributing money to the players. Considering this, this article looks to the Australian member association, Football Australia (FA), as an example of the difficulties facing member associations that try to close the pay gap nationally. On this basis, this article finds that due to the dynamics between FIFA and its member associations, pay parity cannot be achieved by a member association when its purse strings are controlled by FIFA.
Energy retrofitting strategies for office buildings in hot arid climate
Authors: Rached Ehab , Anber Maha
Published: March 2022

The building sector consumes ~30% of the primary energy consumption. Energy retrofitting of buildings contributes greatly to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. This research aims at revealing the potential energy savings resulting from applying energy retrofitting strategies to office buildings in hot arid climate. The study is applied on Cairo, Egypt, representing the hot arid climate. The case study building was selected to be an existing office building with an area of 12 000 m2. The energy simulation software used is the DesignBuilder software. The suggested retrofitting strategies are upgrading the lighting systems to use LED lights, upgrading the air conditioning performance, using external shading devices, improving AC efficiency, improving the building’s air tightness and improving the R-value of the building envelope by using insulation for exterior walls and roof and substituting the existing window glazing. Those strategies were applied to the building for evaluating their potential for achieving energy savings. The conclusion of the applied study was that by combining the most effective strategies has resulted in annual energy consumption reduction by 86%.
Molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of polygenetic antifungal drug resistance in msh2 mismatch repair mutants of Cryptococcus
Authors: Albehaijani Samah H. I. , Macreadie Ian , Morrissey C. Orla , Boyce Kylie J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Fungal infections are common life-threatening diseases amongst immunodeficient individuals. Invasive fungal disease is commonly treated with an azole antifungal agent, resulting in selection pressure and the emergence of drug resistance. Antifungal resistance is associated with higher mortality rates and treatment failure, making the current clinical management of fungal disease very challenging. Clinical isolates from a variety of fungi have been shown to contain mutations in the MSH2 gene, encoding a component of the DNA mismatch repair pathway. Mutation of MSH2 results in an elevated mutation rate that can increase the opportunity for selectively advantageous mutations to occur, accelerating the development of antifungal resistance.

Objectives

To characterize the molecular mechanisms causing the microevolutionary emergence of antifungal resistance in msh2 mismatch repair mutants of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Methods

The mechanisms resulting in the emergence of antifungal resistance were investigated using WGS, characterization of deletion mutants and measuring ploidy changes.

Results

The genomes of resistant strains did not possess mutations in ERG11 or other genes of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway. Antifungal resistance was due to small contributions from mutations in many genes. MSH2 does not directly affect ploidy changes.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that resistance to fluconazole can evolve independently of ERG11 mutations. A common microevolutionary route to the emergence of antifungal resistance involves the accumulation of mutations that alter stress signalling, cellular efflux, membrane trafficking, epigenetic modification and aneuploidy. This complex pattern of microevolution highlights the significant challenges posed both to diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant fungal pathogens.
Profile analysis of adverse events after boron neutron capture therapy for head and neck cancer: a sub-analysis of the JHN002 study
Authors: Hirose Katsumi , Sato Mariko , Kato Takahiro , Takayama Kanako , Suzuki Motohisa , Yamaguchi Hisashi , Seto Ichiro , Kikuchi Yasuhiro , Murakami Masao , Takai Yoshihiro
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to outline the course and profile of adverse events specific to boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for head and neck cancer. This was a sub-analysis of the phase II JHN002 trial. Patients received 400 mg/kg borofalan(10B), followed by neutron irradiation. The course of adverse events after BNCT was documented in the JHN002 Look Up study. Patients were grouped into face/front (FF), face/lateral (FL) and neck (N) beam groups according to the point of skin incidence of the epithermal neutron beam axis, and the profile of adverse events dependent on beam incidence position was examined. The courses of adverse events in eight recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (R-SCC) and 13 recurrent or locally advanced non-SCC cases were analyzed. Median interval to complete recovery was 23 days (interquartile range (IQR), 14–48 days) for oral mucositis, 40 days (IQR, 24–56 days) for dermatitis, 58 days (IQR, 53–80 days) for dysgeusia and 156 days (IQR, 82–163 days) for alopecia. In the FF beam group, parotitis (P = 0.007) was less frequent, while oral mucositis (P = 0.032), fatigue (P = 0.002), conjunctivitis (P = 0.001), epistaxis (P = 0.001) and abdominal discomfort (P = 0.029) tended to be more frequent than in the FL and N beam groups. Courses and irradiation site-specific profiles of adverse events in BNCT for head and neck cancer were identified. This profile may be useful for considering interventions to prevent exacerbation of treatment-related adverse events on BNCT.
Automatic detection of low surface brightness galaxies from Sloan Digital Sky Survey images
Authors: Yi Zhenping , Li Jia , Du Wei , Liu Meng , Liang Zengxu , Xing Yongguang , Pan Jingchang , Bu Yude , Kong Xiaoming , Wu Hong
Published: March 2022

Low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies are galaxies with central surface brightness fainter than the night sky. Due to the faint nature of LSB galaxies and the comparable sky background, it is difficult to search LSB galaxies automatically and efficiently from large sky survey. In this study, we established the low surface brightness galaxies autodetect (LSBG-AD) model, which is a data-driven model for end-to-end detection of LSB galaxies from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) images. Object-detection techniques based on deep learning are applied to the SDSS field images to identify LSB galaxies and estimate their coordinates at the same time. Applying LSBG-AD to 1120 SDSS images, we detected 1197 LSB galaxy candidates, of which 1081 samples are already known and 116 samples are newly found candidates. The B-band central surface brightness of the candidates searched by the model ranges from 22 to 24 mag arcsec−2, quite consistent with the surface brightness distribution of the standard sample. A total of 96.46 per cent of LSB galaxy candidates have an axial ratio (b/a) greater than 0.3, and 92.04 per cent of them have $fracDev\_r$ < 0.4, which is also consistent with the standard sample. The results show that the LSBG-AD model learns the features of LSB galaxies of the training samples well, and can be used to search LSB galaxies without using photometric parameters. Next, this method will be used to develop efficient algorithms to detect LSB galaxies from massive images of the next-generation observatories.
Three-dimensional weak gravitational lensing of the 21-cm radiation background
Authors: Lozano Torres Jose Agustin , Schäfer Björn Malte
Published: March 2022

We study weak gravitational lensing by the cosmic large-scale structure of the 21-cm radiation background in the 3D weak-lensing formalism. The interplay between source distance measured at finite resolution, visibility, and lensing terms is analysed in detail and the resulting total covariance Cℓ(k, k′) is derived. The effect of lensing correlates different multipoles through convolution, breaking the statistical homogeneity of the 21-cm radiation background. This homogeneity breaking can be exploited to reconstruct the lensing field $\hat{\phi }_{\rm \ell m}(\kappa)$ and noise-lensing reconstruction $N_{\ell }^{\hat{\phi }}$ by means of quadratic estimators. The effects related to the actual measurement process (redshift precision and visibility terms) change drastically the values of the off-diagonal terms of the total covariance Cℓ(k, k′). It is expected that the detection of lensing effects on a 21-cm radiation background will require sensitive studies and high-resolution observations by future low-frequency radio arrays such as the SKA survey.
Destroying the Village in Order to Save It: Collateral Damage in the Battle Over Lyme Disease
Authors: Boyce Ross M
Published: March 2022

A federal court recently dismissed the case against the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) brought by a group of patients with Lyme disease. While the outcome represented an important victory of the IDSA, I argue that it should also serve as a turning point in our approach to patients with “chronic” Lyme disease, many of whom experience substantial symptoms and suffer an emotional burden due to the uncertainty of their diagnosis. As the incidence of Lyme disease continues to increase and the geographic range of the vector expands, infectious disease specialists—experts in history taking, physical examination, and diagnosis—should play a leading role, not only to combat pervasive misinformation, but more importantly to benefit patients.
Chris Wickham on ‘The Economic Logic of Medieval Societies’: A Response
Authors: Ghosh Shami
Published: March 2022

Chris Wickham’s theory regarding the feudal economy is predicated on the continuing existence and numerical majority of peasant producers with direct access to their means of subsistence. While his theory holds good for the period up to c.1200, after that point, the numbers of those without direct access to their full means of subsistence increased so much that their impact on the economy has to be considered in any explanatory model. Furthermore, subsistence needs to be understood not only as what is needed for biological survival, but also what is needed for social survival and reproduction. Because of the extent of market demand and dependence in the period after c.1200, the economic logic of societies in core regions during this period does not accord well with the model Wickham proposes. It is also, however, not to be understood as capitalist, proto-capitalist, or necessarily leading towards capitalism. This period needs to be understood on its own terms as neither feudal nor capitalist.
The Experiences of Nursing Students While Caring for Patients at Risk for Suicide: A Descriptive Phenomenology
Authors: Zohn Jennifer H.
Published: March 2022

Nurses have many opportunities to screen patients and intervene to prevent patient suicide. This study used Moustakas’ transcendental descriptive phenomenology method to generate a description of the experiences of student nurses while caring for patients at risk for suicide. Fourteen bachelor of science in nursing graduates with experience in caring for suicidal patients were recruited from two universities and interviewed once. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed, and five themes were identified. In nursing education, greater and earlier emphasis on suicide prevention and crisis intervention may help prepare nurses for their vital role. These findings have implications for nursing education, nursing practice, and patient health outcomes.
Self-Reported Use of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Is Highly Accurate Among Sexual Health Clinic Patients in New York City
Authors: Qasmieh Saba , Nash Denis , Gandhi Monica , Rozen Elliot , Okochi Hideaki , Goldstein Harris , Herold Betsy C. , Jamison Kelly , Pathela Preeti
Published: March 2022

In New York City, 91% of sexually transmitted infection clinic patients reported preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use that matched the detection of PrEP in their serum. Self-report had 80% sensitivity and 96% specificity (κ = 0.79) compared with measured PrEP. Our findings suggest that self-report may be a valid indicator of PrEP uptake.
Use of Microscope-Integrated Near-Infrared Fluorescence for Enhancing Deep Lymphatic Vessel Detection during Supermicrosurgical Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Mito Daisuke , Wang Yu-Ming , Wu Shao-Chun , Lin Wei-Che , Tsai Pei-Yu , Hsieh Ching-Hua , Yang Johnson Chia-Shen
Published: March 2022

Background:

The default setting of microscope-integrated near-infrared fluorescence (MINIRF) using indocyanine green for locating superficial lymphatic vessels during lymphaticovenous anastomosis was limited to less than or equal to 70 percent intensity. The authors investigated whether maximizing the MINIRF intensity setting could increase the number of deep lymphatic vessels being found, thereby increasing the total number of lymphatic vessels for lymphaticovenous anastomosis.

Methods:

This longitudinal cohort study enrolled 94 patients (86 female and eight male patients) with lower limb lymphedema. Superficial lymphatic vessels were identified with the MINIRF default setting, before maximal intensity was used for deep lymphatic vessel detection. Primary/secondary endpoints included the number of superficial and deep lymphatic vessels identified. No control was used. Demographic data, intraoperative findings [including superficial and deep (indocyanine green–enhanced and non–indocyanine green–enhanced) lymphatic vessels], and severity of lymphosclerosis were recorded. Data in three regions of the lower limb (i.e., foot/above ankle, below knee, and thigh) were compared.

Results:

A total of 481 lymphatic vessels were identified, comprising 260 superficial and 221 deep lymphatic vessels. The median number of lymphatic vessels found per patient was five (interquartile range, four to six), and the median lymphatic vessel size was 0.63 mm (interquartile range, 0.5 to 0.8 mm). No difference was found in number (p = 0.360), size (p = 0.215), or severity of lymphosclerosis (p = 0.226) between the overall superficial and deep lymphatic vessels in the three lower limb regions.

Conclusions:

Deep lymphatic vessel detection can be aided by maximizing MINIRF intensity. These deep lymphatic vessels are comparable to superficial lymphatic vessels in number, size, and functionality, making them potentially valuable for lymphedema improvement.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Diagnostic, II.
Unusual Illustration of Richter Transformation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Liu Yiyan
Published: March 2022

A man with history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in remission had multiple rapidly growing lumps in recent 2 months. FDG PET/CT demonstrated disseminated FDG-avid nodal and extranodal lesions including those in unusual locations such as the nasopharynx, salivary glands, lungs, gastric wall, peritoneum, bones, and muscles. Subsequent biopsy of the right axillary mass showed absolute lymphocytosis with focus of large B-cell lymphoma. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping demonstrated κ-restricted CLL and B-cell lymphoma, consistent with Richter transformation of CLL. FDG PET/CT images of this case illustrated the most severe and most disseminated nodal and extranodal involvements of Richter transformation in CLL.
Three-Dimensional Tarsal Plate Reconstruction Using Lower Lateral Cartilage of the Nose
Authors: Gümüş Nazim
Published: March 2022

Background

Many types of graft tissue have been used to reconstruct the posterior lamella of the eyelids in cases of full-thickness defect, lid retraction, and loss of lower lid stability. In this study, lower lateral cartilage of the nose was used for the reconstruction of posterior lamella of the eyelids, which mimics the tarsal plate in shape, thickness, and size.

Material and Methods

This study included 10 patients who underwent lid reconstruction to support tarsal plate strength and repair full-thickness defects of the eyelids due to tumor excision and trauma. While anterior lamella was reconstructed with local or regional flaps, posterior lamella was repaired by using either chondromucosal or chondral graft of the lower lateral cartilage of the nose. Graft harvesting was performed on the inner surface of the alar rim by turning it inside out.

Results

Cartilage grafts were sufficient to reconstruct the tarsal plate in all of the patients having eyelid defects of various sizes. In 3 patients, horizontal half of the eyelid was defective, in 3 patients 3/4, and in 2 patients 4/5 of the lids were missing. The inferior eyelid was totally reconstructed in 1 patient. Surgical outcomes provided good lid symmetry and esthetics, patient satisfaction, and proper lid function without any nasal deformity, incision scar, or discomfort.

Conclusions

Ala graft provides a thin, pliable, and curved cartilage for the eyelid reconstruction. It has a high similarity with the anatomy of the tarsal plate, making it adaptable to the convex surface of the eyeball, and making 3 dimensional repair possible.
Art Therapy in Burn Cases
Authors: Malhotra Bani , Anand Susan A. , Kaimal Girija
Published: March 2022

In this article, we provide an overview of the literature on contributions of art making and medical art therapy for patients with burn injuries. The potential value of art therapy in addressing the complex physical and psychosocial needs of burn patients is discussed through examination of 7 peer-reviewed articles. Two case examples of burn survivors, 1 pediatric and 1 adult, are included to demonstrate the use of art therapy in an inpatient and outpatient setting, respectively. Art therapy and other intervention strategies for overall psychosocial adjustment of burn patients are often underutilized. Further research in art therapy is needed to examine the psychosocial aspects of burns patients and the potential role that medical art therapy may have in a burn care center.
Labile sex expression in angiosperm species with sex chromosomes
Authors: Käfer Jos , Méndez Marcos , Mousset Sylvain
Published: March 2022

Here, we review the literature on sexual lability in dioecious angiosperm species with well-studied sex chromosomes. We distinguish three types of departures from strict dioecy, concerning either a minority of flowers in some individuals (leakiness) or the entire individual, which can constantly be bisexual or change sex. We found that for only four of the 22 species studied, reports of lability are lacking. The occurrence of lability is only weakly related to sex chromosome characteristics (number of sex-linked genes, age of the non-recombining region). These results contradict the naive idea that lability is an indication of the absence or the recent evolution of sex chromosomes, and thereby contribute to a growing consensus that sex chromosomes do not necessarily fix sex determination once and for all. We discuss some implications of these findings for the evolution of sex chromosomes, and suggest that more species with well-characterized lability should be studied with genomic data and tools.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Sex determination and sex chromosome evolution in land plants’.
Peptidome Surveillance Across Evolving SARS-CoV-2 Lineages Reveals HLA Binding Conservation in Nucleocapsid Among Variants With Most Potential for T-Cell Epitope Loss In Spike
Authors: Wnuk Kamil , Sudol Jeremi , Spilman Patricia , Soon-Shiong Patrick
Published: March 2022

To provide a unique global view of the relative potential for evasion of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells by SARS-CoV-2 lineages as they evolve over time, we performed a comprehensive analysis of predicted HLA-I and HLA-II binding peptides in spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) protein sequences of all available SARS-CoV-2 genomes as provided by NIH NCBI at a bi-monthly interval between March and December of 2021. A data supplement of all B.1.1.529 (Omicron) genomes from GISAID in early December was also used to capture the rapidly spreading variant. A key finding is that throughout continued viral evolution and increasing rates of mutations occurring at T-cell epitope hotspots, protein instances with worst case binding loss did not become the most frequent for any Variant of Concern (VOC) or Variant of Interest (VOI) lineage; suggesting T-cell evasion is not likely to be a dominant evolutionary pressure on SARS-CoV-2. We also determined that throughout the course of the pandemic in 2021, there remained a relatively steady ratio of viral variants that exhibit conservation of epitopes in the N protein, despite significant potential for epitope loss in S relative to other lineages. We further localized conserved regions in N with high epitope yield potential, and illustrated HLA-I binding heterogeneity across the S protein consistent with empirical observations. Although Omicron’s high volume of mutations caused it to exhibit more epitope loss potential than most frequently observed versions of proteins in almost all other VOCs, epitope candidates across its most frequent N proteins were still largely conserved. This analysis adds to the body of evidence suggesting that N may have merit as an additional antigen to elicit immune responses to vaccination with increased potential to provide sustained protection against COVID-19 disease in the face of emerging variants.
Robust and durable prophylactic protection conferred by RNA interference in preclinical models of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Anglero-Rodriguez Yesseinia I. , Lempp Florian A. , McIninch James , Schlegel Mark K. , Brown Christopher R. , Foster Donald J. , Castoreno Adam B. , Nguyen Tuyen , Subramanian Megha , Montiel-Ruiz Martin , Kaiser Hannah , Sahakyan Anna , Spreafico Roberto , Morskaya Svetlana Shulga , Barry Joseph D. , Berman Daniel , Lefebvre Stephanie , Kasper Anne , Racie Timothy , Weddle Diann , Mobley Melissa , Rogers Arlin , Dybowski Joseph , Chong Saeho , Nair Jayaprakash , Simon Amy , Sloan Kevin , Hwang Seungmin , Virgin Herbert W. , Fitzgerald Kevin , Maier Martin A. , Hinkle Gregory , Hebner Christy M. , Akinc Akin , Jadhav Vasant
Published: March 2022

RNA interference is a natural antiviral mechanism that could be harnessed to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting and destroying the viral genome. We screened lipophilic small-interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugates targeting highly conserved regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and identified leads targeting outside of the spike-encoding region capable of achieving ≥3-log viral reduction. Serial passaging studies demonstrated that a two-siRNA combination prevented development of resistance compared to a single-siRNA approach. A two-siRNA combination delivered intranasally protected Syrian hamsters from weight loss and lung pathology by viral infection upon prophylactic administration but not following onset of infection. Together, the data support potential utility of RNAi as a prophylactic approach to limit SARS-CoV-2 infection that may help combat emergent variants, complement existing interventions, or protect populations where vaccines are less effective. Most importantly, this strategy has implications for developing medicines that may be valuable in protecting against future coronavirus pandemics.
Mapping the Neural Dynamics of Locomotion across the Drosophila Brain
Authors: Brezovec Luke E. , Berger Andrew B. , Druckmann Shaul , Clandinin Thomas R.
Published: March 2022

Walking is a fundamental mode of locomotion, yet its neural correlates are unknown at brain-wide scale in any animal. We use volumetric two-photon imaging to map neural activity associated with walking across the entire brain of Drosophila. We detect locomotor signals in approximately 40% of the brain, identify a global signal associated with the transition from rest to walking, and define clustered neural signals selectively associated with changes in forward or angular velocity. These networks span functionally diverse brain regions, and include regions that have not been previously linked to locomotion. We also identify time-varying trajectories of neural activity that anticipate future movements, and that represent sequential engagement of clusters of neurons with different behavioral selectivity. These motor maps suggest a dynamical systems framework for constructing walking maneuvers reminiscent of models of forelimb reaching in primates and set a foundation for understanding how local circuits interact across large-scale networks.
Plant Virus Database: a resource for exploring the diversity of plant viruses and their interactions with hosts
Authors: Wu Han , Fu Ping , Fu Qiong , Zhang Zheng , Zheng Heping , Mao Longfei , Li Xiaoxu , Yu Feng , Peng Yousong
Published: March 2022

Plant viruses cause huge damage to commercial crops, yet the studies towards plant viruses are limited and the diversity of plant viruses are under-estimated yet. This study built an up-to-date atlas of plant viruses by computationally identifying viruses from the RNA-seq data in the One Thousand Plant Transcriptomes Initiative (1KP) and by integrating plant viruses from public databases, and further built the Plant Virus Database (PVD, freely available at http://47.90.94.155/PlantVirusBase/#/home) to store and organize these viruses. The PVD contained 3,206 virus species and 9,604 virus-plant host interactions which were more than twice that reported in previous plant virus databases. The plant viruses were observed to infect only a few plant hosts and vice versa. Analysis and comparison of the viromes in the Monocots and Eudicots, and those in the plants in tropical and temperate regions showed significant differences in the virome composition. Finally, several factors including the viral group (DNA and RNA viruses), enveloped or not, and the transmission mode of viruses, were found to have no or weak associations with the host range of plant viruses. Overall, the study not only provides a valuable resource for further studies of plant viruses, but also deepens our understanding towards the genetic diversity of plant viruses and the virus-host interactions.
A conformational switch in clathrin light chain regulates lattice structure and endocytosis at the plasma membrane of mammalian cells
Authors: Obashi Kazuki , Sochacki Kem A. , Strub Marie-Paule , Taraska Justin W.
Published: March 2022

The conformations of endocytic proteins and their interactions are key regulators of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Three clathrin light chains (CLC), along with three clathrin heavy chains, assemble to form single clathrin triskelia that link into a geometric lattice that curves to drive endocytosis. Conformational changes in CLC have been shown to regulate triskelia assembly in solution, yet the nature of these structural changes, and their effects on lattice growth, curvature, and endocytosis in cells are unclear. Here, we develop a correlative fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and platinum replica electron microscopy method, named FRET-CLEM. With FRET-CLEM, we measure conformational changes in proteins at thousands of individual morphologically distinct clathrin-coated structures across cell membranes. We find that the N-terminus of CLC moves away from the plasma membrane and triskelia vertex as lattices curve. Preventing this conformational switch with acute chemical tools inside cells increased clathrin structure sizes and inhibited endocytosis. Therefore, a specific conformational switch in CLC regulates lattice curvature and endocytosis in mammalian cells.
Thousands of examining eyes: credibility, authority and validity in biodiversity citizen science data production
Authors: Ekström Björn
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute with knowledge about how valid research data in biodiversity citizen science are produced through information practices and how notions of credibility and authority emerge from these practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an empirical, interview-based study of the information practices of 15 participants active in the vicinity of the Swedish biodiversity citizen science information system Artportalen. Interview transcripts were analysed abductively and qualitatively through a coding scheme by working back and forth between theory and data. Values of credibility, authority and validity of research data were unfolded through a practice-oriented perspective to library and information studies by utilising the theoretical lens of boundary objects.

Findings

Notions of credibility, authority and validity emerge through participant activities of transforming species observations to data, supplementing reports with objects of trust, augmenting identification through authority outreach and assessing credibility via peer monitoring. Credibility, authority and validity of research data are shown to be co-constructed in a distributed fashion by the participants and the information system.

Originality/value

The article extends knowledge about information practices in emerging, heterogeneous scholarly settings by focussing on the complex co-construction of credibility, authority and validity in relation to data production.
TRIVIA’s social media effectiveness
Authors: Arora Soma
Published: March 2022

Learning outcomes

Besides the metrics developed to measure the impact of the video campaign run by the company, the case has serious practical implications for all companies in emerging markets selling budget/low-cost products. Marketing managers can take note of these key performance indicators in evaluating the success of their social media campaigns.More importantly, students need to understand how the campaign managed to integrate uninitiated and less-privileged consumers to the world of social media with aspirational sentiments.

Case overview/synopsis

The case deals with a digital media planning activity for a low-cost handset company based in India. TRIVIA International Ltd is a manufacturer and marketer of smart phones and feature phone in the price range of below US$70–100 and US$20, respectively. The phones cater to low-income consumer bracket, which forms the vast microcosm of India. The consumer base is huge, but the purchasing power is very low, so they are at times referred to as the micro-consumer in Bottom of Pyramid approach. To approach this consumer base, Trivia planned a very engaging campaign on social media that yielded positive results, contrary to popular belief that only high-income individuals explore the social media intensively through their smart phones. The chapter ends with a set of recommendations for all digital managers who want to analyse their campaigns effectively via awareness, sentiment and engagement metrics.

Complexity academic level

The case is meant for all post graduate programs in Business Management, which include the MBAs, Masters in Business Administration and the Executive Development program for managers. The case can also be used in Part Time Business Management programs held over weekends for working professionals. Most likely the students are going to handle this case in their second year of a full-time program or at an advanced level of their career development programs. The subjects so mentioned here were offered as electives or areas of specialization. It is presumed that the students undergoing these courses have basic understanding of marketing management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.