bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board social ties, institutional change asynchronicity, and performance
Authors: Zitian Chen Victor , Hobdari Bersant , Shen Chen
Published: October 2022

This research contributes to the literature on the relationship between board social ties and the complexity of institutional environments. It remains unclear what reactions a firm needs to take in response to the complexity of interconnected changes in multiple institutional dimensions. We seek to understand the changes of social ties on corporate boards due to the asynchronicity across dimensions of pro-market institutional changes—an overlooked type of institutional uncertainty. We address the gap in understanding firm responses to institutional environmental complexity by analyzing changing board social ties as a response to the asynchronicity of pro-market institutional changes in emerging markets. Based on a sample of 8205 firm-year observations during 2005–2016 in 15 emerging markets, we find that firms increased the presence of directors with both corporate interlocks and political ties in response to asynchronous pro-market institutional changes. This increase appeared less salient when the firm already had a greater presence of the other type of social ties on board or a higher percentage of state ownership. Finally, we find that the performance consequences of such board changes depend on the existing level of pro-market institutional developments.
Exploring the constituent mechanisms of hepatitis: a dynamical systems approach
Authors: Dunster Joanne L , Gibbins Jonathan M , Nelson Martin R
Published: October 2022

Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation in the liver. It is associated with a high rate of mortality, but the underlying disease mechanisms are not completely understood and treatment options are limited. We present a mathematical model of hepatitis that captures the complex interactions between hepatocytes (liver cells), hepatic stellate cells (cells in the liver that produce hepatitis-associated fibrosis) and the immune components that mediate inflammation. The model is in the form of a system of ordinary differential equations. We use numerical techniques and bifurcation analysis to characterize and elucidate the physiological mechanisms that dominate liver injury and its outcome to a healthy or unhealthy, chronic state. This study reveals the complex interactions between the multiple cell types and mediators involved in this complex disease and highlights potential problems in targeting inflammation in the liver therapeutically.
Spectral Gap for Weil–Petersson Random Surfaces with Cusps
Authors: Hide Will
Published: October 2022

We show that for any $\varepsilon>0$, $\alpha \in [0,\frac {1}{2})$, as $g\to \infty $ a generic finite-area genus $g$ hyperbolic surface with $n=O\left (g^{\alpha }\right )$ cusps, sampled with probability arising from the Weil–Petersson metric on moduli space, has no non-zero eigenvalue of the Laplacian below $\frac {1}{4}-\left (\frac {2\alpha +1}{4}\right )^{2}-\varepsilon $. For $\alpha =0$ this gives a spectral gap of size $\frac {3}{16}-\varepsilon $ and for any $\alpha <\frac {1}{2}$ gives a uniform spectral gap of explicit size.
The Relationship Between Anti-Spike SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels and Risk of Breakthrough COVID-19 Among Fully Vaccinated Adults
Authors: Asamoah-Boaheng Michael , Goldfarb David M , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , O’Brien Sheila F , Wall Nechelle , Drews Steven J , Barakauskas Vilte , Jassem Agatha N , Grunau Brian
Published: October 2022

The relationship between antibodies to wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens and the risk of breakthrough infections is unclear, especially during circulation of the Omicron strain. We investigated the association of anti-spike and anti-receptor binding domain antibody levels and the risk of subsequent breakthrough coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We included adult paramedics from an observational cohort study who received ≥ 2 mRNA vaccines but did not have COVID-19 before the blood collection. Higher postvaccination antibody levels to wild-type SARS-CoV-2 antigens were associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19. Further research into clinical utility of antibody levels, to inform a threshold for protection and timing of boosters, should be prioritized.
Where Is the Money From? Attitudes toward Donor Countries and Foreign Aid in the Arab World
Authors: Singh Renu , Williamson Scott
Published: October 2022

How does funding from foreign aid shape public opinion toward development programs? Existing research suggests that citizens of recipient countries prefer aid-funded programs, particularly if they view the domestic government as corrupt and ineffective. However, these studies have been implemented in contexts where major donors are relatively popular. We extend this literature by analyzing attitudes toward foreign aid in the Arab world, where Western donors are often polarizing and disliked. A survey experiment conducted in Egypt provides some evidence that respondents approve less of public health programs when they are funded by the US or French development agencies instead of the Egyptian government. We find that this effect is driven by distrust of Western donors’ motives. Descriptive survey data from the Arab Barometer reinforce the experimental findings by illustrating the importance of anti-Americanism and perceptions of donor motives in heightening opposition to aid. This research note contributes to a growing literature on public opinion toward foreign aid in recipient countries.
An Anarcho-Pacifist Reading of International Relations: A Normative Critique of International Politics from the Confluence of Pacifism and Anarchism
Authors: Christoyannopoulos Alexandre
Published: October 2022

Pacifism and anarchism have been until recently largely missing on the landscape of international relations (IR) theories, even though they help articulate valuable and nuanced reflections on core IR themes such as war and peace, the structure of the international order, and the multiple effects of political violence. In particular, an analysis grounded in the territory shared by pacifism and anarchism offers a focused vantage point from which an original contribution can be articulated around five main themes: the widespread fetishization of violence; the chronic sliding toward systemic militarism; the multifaceted manifestations of intersectional exploitation and domination enforced by states around the world; both current and potential alternative structurings of international politics; and reflections concerning political agency. This puts an anarcho-pacifist encounter with IR in a position to either develop further or dispute claims central to more established schools of IR theory. This article thus offers a normative reading of international politics, which adapts and develops arguments aired separately by anarchism and pacifism, demonstrates where they fruitfully overlap, develops anarcho-pacifism by extending its analysis specifically to international politics, and invites a reconsideration of established orthodoxies in IR theory by articulating a more radical, critical, and normative diagnosis of the Westphalian international order.
Effects of chronic heat stress on the immunophenotyping of lymphocytes in immune organs of growing pigs
Authors: Tang Shanlong , Li Meijing , Sun Yue , Liao Yuanyuan , Wu Xiaofeng , Zhong Ruqing , Chen Liang , Zhang Hongfu
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic heat stress on the immunophenotyping of lymphocytes in immune organs of growing pigs. A single-factor randomized block design was used, and 15 healthy growing large white barrows (5 litters, 3 pigs/litter) with similar body weight (40.8 kg) were assigned into 3 groups (5 pigs in each group). Groups were: control group (Con, in 23 °C environmental control chamber, fed ad libitum), heat stress group (HS, in 33 °C environmental control chamber, fed ad libitum), and pair-fed group (PF, in 23 °C environmental control chamber, fed diets according to the feed intake of HS group). After a 7-d adaption, the experiment lasted for 21 d. The results showed as follows: (1) activated T cells in the thymus of HS pigs were higher than those in PF pigs (P < 0.05). Monocytes and dendritic cells in the thymus of HS pigs were significantly higher than that in Con and PF pigs (P < 0.05), while the proportions of these 2 lymphocytes in the thymus of Con pigs did not differ from PF pigs (P > 0.05). Compared with Con pigs, the proportion of CD4+ (P < 0.05) and CD8+ T cells (P < 0.10) in the thymus was increased in HS pigs, while the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in PF pigs did not differ from Con pigs (P > 0.05). (2) Compared with Con pigs, significantly decreased T cells, increased B cells and monocytes were found in the spleen of pigs exposed to heat stress (P < 0.05); the proportions of these 3 types of lymphocytes were not significantly different between Con and PF pigs (P > 0.05). The proportions of CD4+ T cells and Treg cells in the spleen of pigs exposed to heat stress tended to be lower than those in the Con pigs (P < 0.10). (3) The proportion of lymphocytes in the tonsils of pigs exposed to heat stress did not differ from Con pigs (P > 0.05); compared with PF pigs, the proportion of Treg cells was significantly decreased in HS pigs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, chronic heat stress stimulates the development and maturation of T cells in the pig thymus toward CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and increases the proportion of monocytes and dendritic cells; under the condition of chronic heat stress, the immune response process in the spleen of pigs is enhanced, but chronic heat stress impairs the survival of CD4+ T cells in the spleen.
Interaction between reduced pH and multiple stressors affects the physiology of the fiddler crabLeptuca thayeri(Rathbun, 1900) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Ocypodidae)
Authors: de Andrade Isabel M , Ferreira Julia R do C , Ramaglia Andressa C , Augusto Alessandra
Published: October 2022

Increasing ocean acidification combined with other impacts may cause changes in homeostatic mechanisms of intertidal invertebrates. Stressors do not act in isolation, and experimental work is needed to assess their synergistic potential. We evaluated the effect of exposure to multiple stressors on the survival, osmoregulation, metabolism, Q10, excretion, hepatosomatic index, and energy substrate oxidation on of the fiddler crab Leptuca thayeri (Rathbun, 1900). Crabs were exposed to two pH values (7.0, 6.3) combined with temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, 40 °C) and these pH values combined with salinities (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 psu) during acute exposure. All individuals died at 40 °C. Crabs osmoregulated, suggesting that the factors evaluated did not affect salt absorption or secretion. Individuals were weak hyperosmorregulators at lower salinities in the pH 7 control, but they became strong hyperosmoregulators at acidified pH 6.3. Alterations in oxygen consumption and hepatosomatic index were observed in individuals exposed to the acidified pH combined with temperatures or salinities, compared to those kept in the control pH. Q10 was elevated under an acidified pH, with crabs using proteins and lipids as energy substrates. The interaction between reduced pH and temperature or salinity thus affected physiological mechanisms related to the energetic metabolism, but elevated temperatures are more limiting because they affected survival. These physiological effects of acute exposure offer clues about extreme climatic events, which have a short duration but can affect the related energy demands.
Special Collection: Highlights of Medical, Urban and Veterinary Entomology. Highlights in Medical Entomology, 2021
Authors: Gloria-Soria A
Published: October 2022

Life remained far from normal as we completed the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic and entered a second year. Despite the challenges faced worldwide, together we continue to move the field of Medical Entomology forward. Here, I reflect on parallels between control of Covid-19 and vector-borne disease control, discuss the advantages and caveats of using new genotyping technologies for the study of invasive species, and proceed to highlight papers that were published between 2020 and 2021 with a focus on those related to mosquito surveillance and population genetics of mosquito vectors.
Black hole mass and spin measurements through the relativistic precession model: XTE J1859+226
Authors: Motta S E , Belloni T , Stella L , Pappas G , Casares J , Muñoz-Darias A T , Torres M A P , Yanes-Rizo I V
Published: October 2022

The X-ray light curves of accreting black holes and neutron stars in binary systems show various types of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs), the origin of which is still debated. The relativistic precession model identifies the QPO frequencies with fundamental time-scales from General Relativity, and has been proposed as a possible explanation of certain types of such oscillations. Under specific conditions (i.e. the detection of a particular QPOs triplet) such a model can be used to obtain self-consistent measurements of the mass and spin of the compact object. So far this has been possible only in the black hole binary GRO J1655-40. In the RXTE/PCA data from the 1999–2000 outburst of the black hole transient XTE J1859+226 we found a QPO triplet, and used the relativistic precession model to obtain high-precision measurements of the black hole mass and spin – M = (7.85 ± 0.46) M⊙, a* = 0.149 ± 0.005 – the former being consistent with the most recent dynamical mass determination from optical measurements. Similarly to what has been already observed in other black hole systems, the frequencies of the QPOs and broad-band noise components match the general relativistic frequencies of particle motion close to the compact object predicted by the model. Our findings confirm previous results and further support the validity of the relativistic precession model, which is the only electromagnetic-measurement-based method that so far has consistently yielded spins close to those from the gravitational waves produced by merging binary black holes.
Comparison of clinical and radiographic results of mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tada Masahiro , Inui Kentaro , Okano Tadashi , Koike Tatsuya
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Clinical results of mobile-bearing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been reported, but no studies have compared osteoarthritis (OA) and RA. Clinical and radiographic outcomes after at least 3 years were compared between OA and RA.

Methods

Eleven ankles with OA and 22 ankles with RA were followed after mobile-bearing TAA (FINE total ankle system). Clinical outcomes were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated by the angular position of the implant, radiolucent lines, migration, and subsidence. Operative and postoperative complications were assessed.

Results

There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, or complications, except the final follow-up AOFAS total score (OA: 89.4 vs RA: 78.2; p = .044) and pain score (OA: 37.3 vs RA: 30.5; p = .041) at a mean follow-up of 83.4 months. Delayed wound healing occurred in 9.1% in RA and none in OA. Radiolucent lines were observed in 45% of both groups, and implant removal was performed in 9.1% and 18.2% of OA and RA, respectively; there were no significant differences.

Conclusions

The final follow-up AOFAS total score and pain score were significantly higher in OA after the FINE total ankle system. There was a discrepancy between radiographic abnormalities and implant removal in both OA and RA.
Chemoprophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in Japanese patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis: An observational study
Authors: Nakaya Izaya , Sada Ken-ei , Harigai Masayoshi , Soma Jun , Amano Koichi , Dobashi Hiroaki , Atsumi Tatsuya , Yuzawa Yukio , Fujimoto Shouichi , Sugihara Takahiko , Takasaki Yoshinari , Arimura Yoshihiro , Makino Hirofumi
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study investigated the current practice of prophylactic treatment against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and its effectiveness in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

This study included 319 patients registered from 53 institutions in Japan and newly diagnosed with AAV. During the 2-year observation period, we examined the frequency of usage, effectiveness and safety of prophylactic drugs against PCP.

Results

Most patients received prophylactic drugs against PCP with the initiation of immunosuppressive agents, and >50% of them remained on chemoprophylaxis against PCP at 2 years after. The initial daily dose of oral prednisolone and the proportion of cyclophosphamide administration were higher in patients who received chemoprophylaxis against PCP than in those who did not. PCP occurred in nine patients (3%) and resulted in the death of four. The incidence rate of PCP in patients who received chemoprophylaxis was 1.13/100 patient-years (95% confidence interval, 0.38–2.68) and that in those who did not was 2.74 (1.04–6.02). The incidence rate ratio was 0.41 (0.11–1.53).

Conclusions

The markedly low incidence of PCP may be attributed to the continuous chemoprophylaxis against PCP received by >50% of Japanese patients with AAV, although the effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis against PCP was not statistically confirmed.
Rheumatoid factor value for determining the first biologic agent to use for non-systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Yamasaki Yuichi , Nakamura Aki , Kubota Tomohiro , Mitsunobu Takuro , Moriyama Mizuki , Takei Syuji , Okamoto Yasuhiro
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Currently, no indicators on which biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) should be used first for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have been established. Thus, this study aimed to determine the useful biomarkers in JIA to enable the best selection of the first bDMARDs without primary failure.

Methods

This retrospective study used data of patients examined for JIA between 2015 and 2021 at Kagoshima University Hospital in Japan.

Results

Altogether, 67 cases of non-systemic JIA were analyzed, excluding cases that had been treated for <6 months. Of the 67 cases, 52 were treated with bDMARDs and all rheumatoid factor (RF)+ types (32 cases) were treated with bDMARDs. Eleven cases (31.4&) (all were RF+ types and used anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α agents) switched to other bDMARDs because of primary failure, and nine cases had secondary failure (6;anti-TNF, 3;anti-Interleukin-6). A significant difference in pre-treatment RF values (177.9 vs 25.7 IU/ml, p = 0.002) and presence (Odds Ratio 1.952,p = 0.004) were observed between the primary failure group and effective group.

Conclusions

RF+ JIA required bDMARDs with high probability. JIA with high titre of RF tends to be refractory to anti-TNFα agents. Tocilizumab or abatacept could be a first-choice bDMARD in such cases.
Appropriate Antibiotic Use for Group B Streptococcus Prophylaxis Among Penicillin-Allergic Patients in Academic and Nonacademic Hospitals
Authors: Pineles Beth L , Goodman Katherine E , Pineles Lisa , Harris Anthony D
Published: October 2022

This study estimated prophylactic antibiotic usage rates for the prevention of early-onset invasive neonatal group B Streptococcus infection among patients with penicillin allergy. Undertreatment (no antibiotics, underuse of cefazolin, overuse of clindamycin inconsistent with resistance patterns) and overtreatment (vancomycin use) were common. Academic hospitals were marginally more adherent to guidelines than nonacademic hospitals.
The Sociology of Science in Africa
Authors: Boshoff Nelius , Mouton Johann , Ngwenya Similo
Published: October 2022

This chapter discusses four themes in the sociology of science that are peculiar to the African science landscape. The themes relate to the decline and subsequent revival of African science, trends in African scientific production, challenges in local and international funding of science in Africa, and the dynamics of different forms of research collaboration on the continent. The first theme provides context for the other themes, with emphasis on the fact that African science is in the process of reviving itself. There are new funding commitments, continent-wide flagship research programs mapped out for development goals, and renewed efforts at institutional building through the establishment of centers of excellence, all with international support. From a study perspective, bibliometric and scientometric studies are currently the primary sources of information on the state of science in Africa. A case can be made for more in-depth, microlevel sociological studies of scientific communities, cultures, and practices on the continent.
Three-dimensional nanoscale analysis of light-dependent organelle changes inArabidopsismesophyll cells
Authors: Midorikawa Keiko , Tateishi Ayaka , Toyooka Kiminori , Sato Mayuko , Imai Takuto , Kodama Yutaka , Numata Keiji
Published: October 2022

Different organelles function coordinately in numerous intracellular processes. Photorespiration incidental to photosynthetic carbon fixation is organized across three subcellular compartments: chloroplasts, peroxisomes, and mitochondria. Under light conditions, these three organelles often form a ternary organellar complex in close proximity, suggesting a connection with metabolism during photorespiration. However, due to the heterogeneity of intercellular organelle localization and morphology, organelles' responses to changes in the external environment remain poorly understood. Here, we used array tomography by field emission scanning electron microscopy to image organelles inside the whole plant cell at nanometer resolution, generating a three-dimensional (3D) spatial map of the light-dependent positioning of chloroplasts, peroxisomes, nuclei, and vacuoles. Our results show, in light-treated cells, the volume of peroxisomes increased, and mitochondria were simplified. In addition, the population of free organelles decreased, and the ternary complex centered on chloroplasts increased. Moreover, our results emphasized the expansion of the proximity area rather than the increase in the number of proximity sites interorganelles. All of these phenomena were quantified for the first time on the basis of nanoscale spatial maps. In summary, we provide the first 3D reconstruction of Arabidopsis mesophyll cells, together with nanoscale quantified organelle morphology and their positioning via proximity areas, and then evidence of their light-dependent changes.
Special tactical police’ experience and perception of their use of force: Evidence from the Chinese SWAT police
Authors: Liu Lu
Published: October 2022

Despite an increasing amount of literature on police use of force, special tactical police—the specialists in the infliction of force within police forces—remains understudied, especially outside of the English-speaking world. Based on 23 semi-structured interviews and 22 days of ethnographic observation, this exploratory study aims to understand how special tactical police officers in China experience and perceive their own use of force. What are the common situations giving rise to their use of force and how do they process the moral repugnance of having to inflict force on people? Amongst others, this study found that moral ambivalence is not uncommon, especially among those routinely deployed to crowd-control situations. Two ‘coping’ mechanisms were identified via which experienced officers managed to integrate conflicting moral perspectives: by holding up faith in the decision-making at higher levels and the ‘larger collective good’ served by their use of force, or by dismissing their personal perspectives as irrelevant and ‘disengaged’ from the moral deliberation process. Implications were discussed.
Women with Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders After Menopause: A Vulnerable Group for Relapse
Authors: Sommer Iris E , Brand Bodyl A , Gangadin Shiral , Tanskanen Antti , Tiihonen Jari , Taipale Heidi
Published: October 2022

Background and Hypothesis

Throughout the life stages of women with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD), lower estrogen levels are associated with more severe disease course. At perimenopause in the mid-forties, estrogen levels decline to remain persistently low after menopause. This period is hypothesized to increase relapse risk and reduce antipsychotic effectiveness in preventing relapse.

Study Design

The cohort of persons with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder was identified from Finnish nationwide registers (N = 61 889) and stratified by sex and age <45 vs. ≥45 years. Hospitalizations for psychosis were defined per 5-year age group during the follow-up 1996–2017. Risk of psychosis hospitalization (Adjusted Hazard Ratio, aHR) was assessed using within-individual design, by comparing antipsychotic monotherapy use to nonuse periods in the same individuals for seven dose categories in defined daily doses (DDDs/day).

Results

Starting at age 45–50, women were consistently more often hospitalized for psychosis than their male peers. Women ≥45 had significantly higher aHRs than women <45 at antipsychotic monotherapy >0.6 DDDs/day, and than men at >1.1 DDDs/day. This female-specific age-dependent decrease in effectiveness was present for clozapine doses >0.6 DDDs/day, olanzapine doses >1.4 DDDs/day, and for specific doses of quetiapine (0.9–1.1 DDDs/day) and risperidone (0.6–0.9 DDDs/day).

Conclusions

While younger women have a lower risk of relapse and generally need a lower antipsychotic dose to prevent rehospitalization than men, antipsychotic effectiveness declines in women after the age of 45. Starting in mid-forties, older women with SSD should be regarded as a vulnerable group that deserve special attention.
Random Skin Biopsy Is a Useful Procedure in the Evaluation of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Hegazy Shaymaa , Moesch John , Guerrero Angela , Ho Jonhan , Karunamurthy Arivarasan
Published: October 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening syndrome, characterized by aberrant activation of T lymphocytes and macrophages leading to hypercytokinemia. HLH can be familial or a result of various secondary etiologies. We present a case of a 46-year-old woman with a past medical history of multiple sclerosis on rituximab who presented as a transfer from an outside hospital with numerous clinical abnormalities including recurrent episodes of fever of unknown origin for 3 weeks, persistent leukocytosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and steatohepatitis. Given the uncertain nature of her illness, she underwent a random skin biopsy from the abdominal region to exclude hematolymphoid malignancy. Histopathology revealed a brisk histiocytic rich dermal infiltrate accompanied by perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. The histiocytes were enlarged and positive for muraminadase and CD68 stains exhibiting hemophagocytosis focally. As per the HLH-2004 protocol, our patient met the diagnostic criteria of HLH. Concurrent bone marrow biopsy revealed similar rare hemophagocytosis. Cytogenetics and molecular studies were negative, supporting secondary HLH.
Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap for Salvage Breast Reconstruction with Exposed Breast Implants
Authors: Mesa Felipe , Mesa Sara , López Federico
Published: October 2022

Background:

Multiple techniques have been described for breast reconstruction surgery after breast implant exposure; breast implant removal and delayed breast reconstruction is the procedure of choice. However, in some mild exposures and infections, we propose an alternative treatment.

Methods:

This is a case series of a 14-year study in 16 female patients with mild exposure of a breast implant after breast reconstruction surgery. Salvage surgery was performed on these cases. The defects were between 1 and 6 cm, with a median size of 3.9 × 2.9 cm. Eighteen intercostal artery perforator flaps were used with an island of skin from the inframammary fold; 83.3% were anterior intercostal artery perforator flaps‚ and 16.7% were lateral intercostal artery perforator flaps.

Results:

Thirteen of the 16 patients presented infection (81.25%). There was no necrosis of any flap, and the success rate of salvage surgery was 62.5% of all patients. The success of surgery was 53.8% in patients with breast infection and 100% in patients without infection. Seven patients received chemotherapy and radiotherapy, six received only chemotherapy, and nine patients received only radiotherapy. Five of the six patients whose salvage surgery failed were treated with radiotherapy.

Conclusion:

This technique can be used as an alternative when there is exposure of the implant‚ even in cases with a mild breast infection and in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
A Successful Outcome after Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis Using a Contralateral Augmented Reality Mapping Technique in a Lymphedema Patient Secondary to a Mycobacterium abscessus Infection
Authors: Yodrabum Nutcha , Tianrungroj Jirapat
Published: October 2022

We report a case of extremity lymphedema after a Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a 43-year-old man with anti-interferon-γ autoantibody syndrome. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis was performed using the contralateral healthy or less severe limb as a mirror image to map the lymph vessels in the edematous limb. A satisfying outcome was provided after the surgery. No report of lymphedema caused by this condition has been previously reported in the literature.
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in Corneal Tissue of Deceased Asymptomatic Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Donors
Authors: Mahalingam Karthikeyan , Angmo Dewang , Kakkar Aanchal , Bafna Rahul Kumar , Sharma Tushar , Rai Aishwarya , Agrawal Sahil , Dar Lalit , Saxena Rohit , Titiyal Jeewan S. , Sharma Namrata
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the corneal tissue of asymptomatic deceased novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study performed at a tertiary eye hospital. All corneas of the deceased asymptomatic donors who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on a nasopharyngeal swab at the time of corneal tissue harvesting were included in the study. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry were performed. mRNA in situ hybridization for SARS-CoV-2 was performed in all specimens that showed positive immunostaining. The main outcome measure was the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the corneal tissues.

Results:

Twenty-two corneal tissues of 11 donors were analyzed. The mean age was 72.2 ± 14.2 years. On histological examination, no signs of inflammation or any other abnormalities were detected in the cornea and adjacent bulbar conjunctiva. Immunohistochemistry revealed faint to moderate cytoplasmic staining in the basal layer of the corneal epithelium in 8 specimens from 5 patients. None of the specimens with positive immunostaining showed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA.

Conclusions:

In line with previous studies, our study also reflects the absence of SARS-CoV-2 viral mRNA in corneal tissues of clinically asymptomatic deceased COVID-19 donors, thereby indicating a probable low risk of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the transplantation of corneas from donors who tested positive for, but were asymptomatic for COVID-19. In addition, further studies on the subject should include histopathological examination because of the false positive and negative rates of molecular tests.
Clinical Registries in Dry Eye Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Khoo Pauline , Downie Laura E. , Stapleton Fiona , Rauz Saaeha , Daien Vincent , Arnalich Francisco , Mingo David , Watson Stephanie L.
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to undertake a systematic review of the literature reporting on clinical registries in dry eye disease (DED).

Methods:

Electronic searches were conducted using systematic review methodology to provide an overview of clinical registries in ophthalmology and to identify clinical registries reporting on dry eye parameters. Two reviewers independently assessed titles and abstracts, then full-texts for eligibility.

Results:

A total of 129 clinical registries in ophthalmology were identified. The most common conditions captured were blindness or low vision, followed by glaucoma and corneal transplantation. Most of the registries originated in Europe (n = 56), followed by North America (n = 28). Of the registries identified, 12 were multinational, 59 were national, and 17 were regional. The second search identified 27 eligible articles, from which 8 clinical registries reporting on dry eye parameters were identified. One registry included patients with a diagnosis of dry eye. The remaining 7 registries included patients from a nationwide administrative ophthalmic database (n = 1), Sjögren syndrome (n = 4), glaucoma (n = 1), or were monozygotic and dizygotic twins (n = 1), who were evaluated for DED. Five of the registries were actively collecting data.

Conclusions:

Most of the registries identified in this review evaluated aqueous deficient dry eye; however, the most common type of dry eye in the general population is evaporative. Few registries also collected recommended dry eye clinical assessment. A well-designed clinical registry for DED that engages international eye care clinicians has the potential to vastly contribute to addressing pivotal gaps in understanding this highly prevalent disease.
Bilateral Corneal Neurotization for Ramos-Arroyo Syndrome and Developmental Neurotrophic Keratopathy: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Rowe Lucas W. , Berns Jessica , Boente Charline S. , Borschel Gregory H.
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to report the use of bilateral corneal neurotization for neurotrophic keratitis in the setting of Ramos-Arroyo syndrome.

Methods:

The case report and surgical technique are described in detail in this article, as well as a review of the literature on corneal neurotization for congenital corneal anesthesia.

Results:

We report a 17-year-old patient who underwent bilateral corneal neurotization for neurotrophic keratitis secondary to corneal anesthesia in Ramos-Arroyo syndrome. Corneal neurotization was performed with great auricular nerve transfers extended by sural nerve autografts.

Conclusions:

We present the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy with corneal neurotization in a patient with Ramos-Arroyo syndrome. We describe how bilateral corneal neurotization using the great auricular nerve technique is a safe and effective procedure for patients with congenital/developmental corneal anesthesia.
A Case of Herpes Zoster Due to Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccines in a 14-Month-old Girl
Authors: Koide Tatsuo , Nishigaki Toshinori
Published: October 2022

Herpes zoster (HZ) due to Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) vaccines is rare and the accurate incidence remains unknown. We report a case of HZ due to VZV vaccines presented in an immunocompetent 14-month-old girl 62 days after vaccination which is the youngest case from the first dose of the VZV vaccine in immunocompetent children.
Development of an Algorithm for Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Based on Breath Print Analysis
Authors: Dokter Laura A. , à Nijeholt Jeanine H. , Rigterink Bernadette M. , de Lange Natascha M. , de Haan Harm H. , van Eijndhoven Hugo W.F. , Joostens Mieke , Kruse Arnold-Jan
Published: October 2022

Objectives

This study was designed to develop an algorithm for the diagnosis of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), based on patterns of volatile organic compounds, evaluated using an e-nose.

Methods

For this pilot study, the study population consisted of a group of 25 patients with histologically confirmed HSIL and a group of 26 controls. Controls consisted of women visiting the outpatient department for gynecological complaints unrelated to cancer. Women had a negative high-risk human papillomavirus and/or normal cytology (negative for intraepithelial lesions of malignancy) of their most recent test performed in the context of participation in routine cervical cancer screening. Breath tests were performed and labeled with the correct diagnosis. Machine-learning techniques were used to develop a model for predicting HSIL. Based on the receiver operating characteristics curve, both sensitivity and specificity were calculated.

Results

Individual classifications of all patients with HSIL and controls, as calculated by the model, showed a sensitivity of 0.88 (95% CI = 0.68–0.97) and specificity of 0.92 (95% CI = 0.73–0.99). The positive predictive value and the negative predictive value were 0.92 (95% CI = 0.72–0.99) and 0.89 (95% CI = 0.70–0.97), respectively. The Cohen κ coefficient was 0.80.

Conclusions

E-nose can detect distinctive patterns of volatile organic compounds between cervical HSIL patients and controls. Validation of the algorithm in further studies is necessary before possible implementation into daily practice.
Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Forgotten Joint Score in patients with total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Angilecchia Domenico , Stano Flavia , Signorelli Maria , Giovannico Giuseppe , Pournajaf Sanaz , Pellicciari Leonardo
Published: October 2022

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries are increasing; to assess quality of life after THA, an instrument that considers patient’s perspective on surgical outcomes is necessary. The objective of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-I) in patients with THA. The FJS-I was administered to 111 patients with THA, as well as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and the EuroQol 5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L). Structural validity [confirmatory factor analysis (CFA)], internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), test–retest reliability [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1)], measurement error [standard error of the measurement (SEM)], and construct validity (hypothesis testing with correlation of the WOMAC, NPRS, and EQ-5D-5L) were assessed. In addition, the minimal detectable change (MDC) was computed. The result of CFA confirmed the one-factor structure. Internal consistency was supported (α = 0.944). A high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.958; 95% confidence interval, 0.914–0.980) was found with an SEM and an MDC of 5.3 and 16.6 points, respectively. The a-priori hypotheses were fully met, determining the construct validity to be satisfactory. Psychometric properties of the FJS-I were confirmed, and it can be used for single-person assessment. Further research is suggested to refine its structural validity.
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy With Modified Mucosal Flap Technique
Authors: Vatansever Mustafa , Dursun Özer
Published: October 2022

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the success of mucosa-sparing surgery with a modified inverted U flap in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (E-DCR). Forty-two patients who underwent E-DCR without mucosal flap were included in group 1, and 41 patients who underwent E-DCR with modified inverted U mucosal flap technique were included in group 2. The patients were followed up for at least 12 months postoperatively, and the complications and functional success in both groups were analyzed comparatively. The functional success rate was 81% in group 1 and 95.1% in group 2. The difference between the 2 groups is statistically significant (P=0.04). Postoperative granulation tissue development was observed in 9 patients (20.4%) in group 1 and in 2 patients (4.88%) in group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.02). Mucosa-sparing E-DCR with modified inverted U flap achieves higher functional success than flapless surgery and causes less granulation formation.
Synchronous invasive ductal breast cancer with clear cell renal carcinoma: a rare case report with review of literature
Authors: Bapir Rawa , Hammood Zuhair D. , Omar Sami S. , Salih Abdulwahid M. , Kakamad Fahmi H. , Najar Kayhan A. , Salih Karzan M.
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Multiple cancer refers to the emergence of 2 or more cancers in a single patient. This study aims to report a rare case of clear cell renal cancer associated with invasive breast ductal carcinoma.

Case presentation:

A 56-year-old female presented with a left breast mass. Clinical examination revealed a mobile left side breast mass at the left upper quadrant. An irregular hypoechoic mass was seen on ultrasound, and mammography showed a unifocal spiculated mass seated on the pectoralis muscle. Computed tomography of the chest and abdomen revealed a cystic mass lesion in the cortex of the lower pole of the left kidney. Partial nephrectomy and wide local breast mass excision with sentinel lymph node biopsy were done. Histopathologic results confirmed associated invasive ductal breast carcinoma with clear renal cell carcinoma.

Discussion:

In the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with multiple tumors, several factors should be interpreted, including the tumor stage, evaluation for the presence of metastasis, and whether the kidney tumor is accessible for operation.

Conclusion:

The term multiple cancer refers to the development of more than one tumor in a single patient that could be synchronous or metachronous. The association of invasive ductal breast cancer with clear renal cell carcinoma is a sparse entity.
Confirmation of the first intronic sequence in the bivalvian mitochondrial genome of
Macoma balthica
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Lubośny Marek , Śmietanka Beata , Lasota Rafał , Burzyński Artur
Published: October 2022

In 2020, the first male-type mitochondrial genome from the clam
Macoma balthica
was published. Apart from the unusual doubly uniparental inheritance of mtDNA, scientists observed a unique (over 4k bp long) extension in the middle of the
cox2
gene. We have attempted to replicate these data by NGS DNA sequencing and explore further the expression of the long
cox2
gene. In our study, we report an even longer
cox2
gene (over 5.5 kbp) with no stop codon separating conserved
cox2
domains, as well as, based on the rtPCR, a lower relative gene expression pattern of the middle part of the gene (5′ = 1; mid = 0.46; 3′ = 0.89). Lastly, we sequenced the
cox2
gene transcript proving the excision of the intronic sequence.
Lipopolysaccharide detection by the innate immune system may be an uncommon defence strategy used in nature
Authors: Gauthier Anna E. , Rotjan Randi D. , Kagan Jonathan C.
Published: October 2022

Since the publication of the Janeway's Pattern Recognition hypothesis in 1989, study of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and their immuno-stimulatory activities has accelerated. Most studies in this area have been conducted in model organisms, which leaves many open questions about the universality of PAMP biology across living systems. Mammals have evolved multiple proteins that operate as receptors for the PAMP lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria, but LPS is not immuno-stimulatory in all eukaryotes. In this review, we examine the history of LPS as a PAMP in mammals, recent data on LPS structure and its ability to activate mammalian innate immune receptors, and how these activities compare across commonly studied eukaryotes. We discuss why LPS may have evolved to be immuno-stimulatory in some eukaryotes but not others and propose two hypotheses about the evolution of PAMP structure based on the ecology and environmental context of the organism in question. Understanding PAMP structures and stimulatory mechanisms across multi-cellular life will provide insights into the evolutionary origins of innate immunity and may lead to the discovery of new PAMP variations of scientific and therapeutic interest.
Condition-dependent trade-offs maintain honest signalling
Authors: Számadó Szabolcs , Samu Flóra , Takács Károly
Published: October 2022

How and why animals and humans signal reliably is a key issue in biology and social sciences that needs to be understood to explain the evolution of communication. In situations in which the receiver needs to differentiate between low- and high-quality signallers, once a ruling paradigm, the Handicap Principle has claimed that honest signals have to be costly to produce. Subsequent game theoretical models, however, highlighted that honest signals are not necessarily costly. Honesty is maintained by the potential cost of cheating: by the difference in the marginal benefit to marginal cost for low versus high-quality signallers; i.e. by differential trade-offs. Owing to the difficulties of manipulating signal costs and benefits, there is lack of empirical tests of these predictions. We present the results of a laboratory decision-making experiment with human participants to test the role of equilibrium signal cost and signalling trade-offs for the development of honest communication. We found that the trade-off manipulation had a much higher influence on the reliability of communication than the manipulation of the equilibrium cost of signal. Contrary to the predictions of the Handicap Principle, negative production cost promoted honesty at a very high level in the differential trade-off condition.
Motor control beyond reach—how humans hit a target with a whip
Authors: Krotov Aleksei , Russo Marta , Nah Moses , Hogan Neville , Sternad Dagmar
Published: October 2022

Humans are strikingly adept at manipulating complex objects, from tying shoelaces to cracking a bullwhip. These motor skills have highly nonlinear interactive dynamics that defy reduction into parts. Yet, despite advances in data recording and processing, experiments in motor neuroscience still prioritize experimental reduction over realistic complexity. This study embraced the fully unconstrained behaviour of hitting a target with a 1.6-m bullwhip, both in rhythmic and discrete fashion. Adopting an object-centered approach to test the hypothesis that skilled movement simplifies the whip dynamics, the whip's evolution was characterized in relation to performance error and hand speed. Despite widely differing individual strategies, both discrete and rhythmic styles featured a cascade-like unfolding of the whip. Whip extension and orientation at peak hand speed predicted performance error, at least in the rhythmic style, suggesting that humans accomplished the task by setting initial conditions. These insights may inform further studies on human and robot control of complex objects.
Quantum communication using a quantum switch of quantum switches
Authors: Das Debarshi , Bandyopadhyay Somshubhro
Published: October 2022

The quantum switch describes a quantum operation in which two or more quantum channels act on a quantum system with the order of application determined by the state of an order quantum system. And by suitably choosing the state of the order system, one can create a quantum superposition of the different orders of application, which can perform communication tasks impossible within the framework of the standard quantum Shannon theory. In this paper, we consider the scenario of one-shot heralded qubit communication and ask whether there are protocols using a given quantum switch or switches that could outperform the given ones. We answer this question in the affirmative. We define a higher-order quantum switch composed of two quantum switches, with their order of application controlled by another order quantum system. We then show that the quantum switches placed in a quantum superposition of their alternative orders can transmit a qubit, without any error, with a probability higher than that achievable with the quantum switches individually. We demonstrate this communication advantage over quantum switches that are useful as a resource and those that are useless. We also show that there are situations where there is no communication advantage over the individual quantum switches.