bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Public Response to Increased Risk from Natural Hazards: Application of the Hazards Risk Communication Framework
Authors: Blanchard-Coehm R. Denise
Published: January 2023

For the past four, decades researchers in the field of natural hazards have studied extensively how people “hear” warning messages of potential natural disasters and then, eventually, how they “respond” by way of adopting preparation and mitigation measures. Until the 1980s, a single framework did not exist for understanding risk communication as an integrated process. Much of the early research on risk communication was piecemeal and descriptive, and consisted of exploring the details of communicating risk within the events of a particular disaster. The proliferation of research on risk communication over several decades, though, has resulted in the evolution of a general model of hazards risk commnication. This model presupposes that the process of risk communication is one whereby individuals: (1) hear a warning message; (2) understand its content; (3) internalize or believe the salience of its message; (4) confirm one's interpretation with others; and (5) act or respond to its message. to save one's life and property. This paper applies the risk communication framework and its principles to a case study where probabilities were increased in 1990 of future earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay area. Following the scientific community's announcement, a low-key warning was issued to approximately two million residents through a large-scale information campaign. This study demonstrates that the risk communication model is an invaluable fool for helping us to understand the behavior of individuals who must learn of and act upon warning information that could save their lives and property. Further, researchers are urged to find ways to adapt this risk communication model to other types of natural and human-made hazards.
Exploring the “Cry Wolf Hypothesis
Authors: Atwood L. Erwin , Major Ann Marie
Published: January 2023

The “cry wolf” hypothesis argues that individuals who have experienced predictions of disasters that do not materialize will discount the validity of subsequent disaster warnings. This belief in the false alarm effect is widely mentioned in the disaster literature, and anecdotal material appears to support the validity of the hypothesis. This study of a false earthquake warning supports experimental findings indicating that cancellation of a disaster waiving leads to a false alarm effect. Following cancellation of the threat by the nonappearance of the predicted earthquake, 46.7 percent of the panel respondents indicated that they would pay less attention whereas only 16.7 percent said that they would pay more attention to a future earthquake prediction. The panel data also suggest that the mass media were substantial contributors to the. observed false alarm effect, while at the same time the media escaped blame for their contributions to the problem.
Down but Not Out: Earthquake Awareness and Preparedness Trends in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, 1990–1997
Authors: Farley John E.
Published: January 2023

This paper reports results of a telephone survey in the St. Louis metropolitan area assessing household earthquake awareness and preparedness in November 1997. This survey extends time-series data on awareness and preparedness in the area, which I obtained from earlier surveys conducted in October 1990, February 1991, July 1992, and May 1993. The previous surveys constitute the only time-series data assessing the effects of a pseudo-scientific earthquake prediction (in this case, one made by the late Iben Browning) with measurement of attitudes and beliefs both before and after disconfirmation of the prediction. In general, the new survey shows that both the perceived risk of a damaging earthquake and levels of household preparedness in the region have undergone steady, long-term declines since 1991. There has also been some decline in concern about earthquake risk since 1992. Nonetheless, there has been some lasting effect of preparation actions taken in response to Iben Browning's 1990 pseudoscientific earthquake prediction. For all three preparedness actions for which data are available from 1990 through 1997, the 1997 data indicate a higher level of preparedness than was observed in October 1990, two months before the date on which Browning said a damaging earthquake was likely. And the level of preparedness is much higher than was observed in the larger New Madrid region in another survey taken in 1987.
Epidemiological Profile of Intimate Partner Homicides of Sexual and Gender Minority Women in the United States, 2003 to 2017
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth J , Marlow Heather , Izugbara Chimaraoke
Published: January 2023

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) women are among the many victims killed by intimate partner homicide (IPH) each year, though the differences between different SGM groups (and how these groups compare to non-SGM IPH) have not been well established. The objective of this article was to identify practicable, correlated risk factors of IPH of SGM women that may have utility in prevention of future IPH among these populations in the U.S. Homicide data from the National Violent Death Reporting System spanning 2003 to 2017 were used to identify a profile of IPH specific to SGM women compared to women who were neither sexual nor gender minorities. Situational and individual characteristics significantly differentiated sexual minority (SM) women from non-SGM women victims of IPH, including substance abuse history (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.80 [2.42, 9.51]), having themselves used a weapon during the incident (AOR = 3.63 [1.44, 9.16]), and the type of weapon(s) used, such as firearms (AOR = 0.61 [0.40, 0.91]), with notably different differentiating characteristics for gender minority (GM) women (vs. non-SGM women) such as the likelihood that the victim was known to have experienced interpersonal violence victimization in the previous month (AOR = 0.50 [0.07, 3.67]). Lesbian and bisexual women homicide victims were far more likely to have been killed via IPH than non-SGM women (AOR for Black SM women = 7.84 [3.65, 16.88], AOR for White SM women = 2.30 [1.03, 5.17]). There was no corresponding difference for GM women victims, whose likelihood of being killed by an intimate partner was similar to that of non-SGM women. Based on these findings, actionable public health recommendations—centered around evidence that neither “all women” nor “all LGBTQ people” are appropriate intimate partner violence prevention umbrellas—are proposed.
Led by God in Freedom: Lessons on Prudence and Moral Transformation from Aquinas’s Commentary on Romans
Authors: Klooster Anton ten
Published: January 2023

Moral transformation is the process by which a person grows in holiness. The grace of the Holy Spirit enables this growth. This article explores how the notion of ‘prudence of the Spirit’ in Aquinas’s commentary on Romans can help to further elaborate the concept of moral transformation. It does so by first presenting this transformation as a human process. Second, the article presents an in-depth interpretation of Aquinas’s commentary on Romans 8:14: ‘those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God’. Here, special attention will be given to the proper character of the prudence the Holy Spirit forms in believers. The concluding discussion draws lessons from our reading of the commentary and related texts. This reinforces the conviction that grace enables freedom and will help us to find proper metaphors for speaking of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
A Chronotopic Evaluation of Autonomous Rog: The Spatiotemporalities of a “Quasi-Public” Urban Squat
Authors: Kanellopoulou Jenny , Ntounis Nikos
Published: January 2023

The paper explores an urban squat in Ljubljana, Slovenia, following a chronotopic narrative approach. Urban squats often represent a manifestation of alternative notions of who belongs where, when, and why, questions that matter when issues pertaining to their legal status are raised. We examine the case of Autonomous Rog, a formerly squatted bike factory area in the city centre of Ljubljana that the Supreme Court of Slovenia described as “quasi-public.” The paper welcomes the Slovenian Supreme Court's ability to appreciate the social, spatiotemporal, and material elements that make up this idiotropic type of urban space, moving beyond the confines of human-centred legal analysis. We present the journey of Autonomous Rog through three distinctive chronotopic viewpoints, in order to accentuate the subversive human and material properties that found their way into the Slovenian legal system, as we reflect on the law's ability to embrace spatiotemporal representations in an urban context.
Patent hepatic ciliated foregut remnant resulting in an umbilicobiliary sinus tract, with gallbladder agenesis, in an 8-wk-old male French Bulldog
Authors: Wong Hannah E. , Cullen John M. , Vilà-González Marta , Pittaway Rachel , Desmet Valeer J. , Gillian Tammy D.
Published: January 2023

Hepatic ciliated foregut remnants or cysts are congenital abnormalities resulting from retention of embryonic ciliated foregut within the liver. These structures are rarely reported in the human medical literature and have not been reported in the veterinary literature previously, to our knowledge. We describe here a case of an 8-wk-old male French Bulldog with a congenital patent hepatic ciliated foregut remnant resulting in an umbilicobiliary sinus tract. The dog also had concurrent gallbladder agenesis. The patient had yellow fluid discharging from the umbilicus, mimicking a patent urachus. Surgical exploration, removal, and histology provided a conclusive diagnosis of a hepatic foregut remnant and therapeutic resolution of the clinical signs. The histologic appearance of a hepatic foregut remnant is classical, namely a duct composed of 4 layers: an inner ciliated epithelial lining, loose connective tissue, smooth muscle, and a fibrous capsule.
An Obscured View of “Both Sides”: Default Whiteness and the Protest Paradigm in Television News Coverage of the Charlottesville “Unite the Right” Rally
Authors: Chuang Angie , Tyler Autumn
Published: January 2023

The violence surrounding the 2017 Unite the Right rally challenged journalists with ambiguities from a euphemistic language like “alt-right” to describe White supremacy, to President Trump’s “very fine people on both sides” statement. This critical discourse analysis of television news coverage of Charlottesville applies the protest paradigm, and theories of default Whiteness, to reporting on both the White supremacists and the counterprotesters. The analysis finds misrepresentations of the true nature of both protesters and counterprotesters diluted the danger of the former movement as well as the purpose and diversity of the latter, including a vague portrayal of slain counterprotester Heather Heyer.
Pathways and Patterns for Communication with Intimate Partners: Men’s Retrospectives After a Relationship Breakdown
Authors: Oliffe John L. , Kelly Mary T. , Gonzalez Montaner Gabriela , Seidler Zac E. , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Kealy David , Rice Simon M.
Published: January 2023

Effective communication is key to the quality of men’s intimate partner relationships. The current study examines men’s pathways and patterns for communication with intimate partners. Based on interviews with 47 Canadian and Australian participants (26–70-years-old; M = 40.87, SD = 10.59) who had experienced a relationship breakdown[s], three themes were derived: (a) Breaking through after breaking up, (b) Detailing deficiencies, and (c) Building skills and strategies. Breaking through after breaking up mapped men’s pathways in retrospectively evaluating and addressing their communication. Men’s self-work focussed on knowing themselves to more authentically communicate with partners. Detailing deficiencies included self-censoring characterized by men’s reticence to communicate their feelings for fear of conflict and/or the relationship ending. Building skills and strategies highlighted temporal dimensions of communication wherein men idealized regular formal check-ins with partners to discuss, and when necessary adjust the relationship. Connections between masculinities and men’s communication are discussed to guide tailored relationship programs for men.
Age of autism diagnosis in Latin American and Caribbean countries
Authors: Montiel-Nava Cecilia , Montenegro Maria C , Ramirez Ana C , Valdez Daniel , Rosoli Analia , Garcia Ricardo , Garrido Gabriela , Cukier Sebastian , Rattazzi Alexia , Paula Cristiane Silvestre
Published: January 2023

An earlier diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder might lead to an earlier intervention, yet knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorder in Latin America and Caribbean Countries are limited. A later autism spectrum disorder diagnosis has been associated with negative consequences, as it might imply later access to services. This study aims to identify factors associated with the age of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis as reported by 2520 caregivers of autistic children from six Latin America and Caribbean Countries. Results indicate that on average, caregivers were concerned about their child’s development by 22 months of age; however, the diagnosis was 24 months later. Current age of autistic individuals, better language abilities, and having public health coverage increased the age of diagnosis. On the contrary, the presence of medical comorbidities, severity level, and type of diagnosis decreased the age of diagnosis. The age of diagnosis of autistic individuals in Latin America and Caribbean Countries corresponded to the start of formal schooling despite a much earlier age of first noticed developmental concern, highlighting the need to reduce this age gap and increase children’s probability of benefiting from early intervention. Taken together, autism spectrum disorder personal/clinical characteristics and access to health service are the main determinants for the age of diagnosis.

Lay abstract

An earlier diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder might lead to earlier intervention. However, people living in Latin American and Caribbean countries do not have much knowledge about autism spectrum disorder symptoms. It has been suggested that the older a child is when diagnosed, the fewer opportunities he or she will have to receive services. We asked 2520 caregivers of autistic children in six different Latin America and Caribbean Countries, the child’s age when they noticed some developmental delays and their child’s age when they received their first autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Results indicate that, on average, caregivers were concerned about their child’s development by 22 months of age; however, the diagnosis was received when the child was 46 months of age. In addition, older children with better language abilities and public health coverage (opposed to private health coverage) were diagnosed later. On the contrary, children with other medical problems and more severe behaviors received an earlier diagnosis. In our study, children were diagnosed around the time they entered formal schooling, delaying the access to early intervention programs. In summary, the characteristics of the autistic person and the type of health coverage influence the age of diagnosis in children living in Latin America and Caribbean Countries.
Prevalence and risk factors of psychological distress among foreign-born population in Finland: A population-based survey comparing nine regions of origin
Authors: Robertsson Tessa , Kokko Sami , Lilja Eero , Castañeda Anu E.
Published: January 2023

Aims:

Previous research indicates that foreign-born populations experience more psychological distress than general populations. However, it remains unclear how prevalence varies between regions of origin. The role of socio-demographic and migration-related factors also needs to be further investigated. We aimed to (a) compare the prevalence of psychological distress in foreign-born and general Finnish populations, (b) investigate differences in prevalence between nine regions of origin and (c) examine which socio-demographic and migration-related factors are associated with distress among foreign-born populations.

Methods:

The study used data from the Survey on Well-Being among Foreign Born Population (FinMonik), a population-based survey ( n=6312) of foreign-born populations living in Finland collected between 2018 and 2019 by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Psychological distress was measured using the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5), with a cut-off point of 52. Logistic regression was used to adjust analyses by age and sex to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and the associated socio-demographic factors.

Results:

Psychological distress was more prevalent among those who were foreign born (17.4%) than among the general population (12.9%). Migrants from the Middle East and North Africa had the highest prevalence (29.7%) compared to other regions of origin. Unemployment or economic inactivity, international protection as a reason for migration and beginner-level language proficiency were the main factors increasing the odds for distress among foreign-born populations.

Conclusions:

Foreign-born populations experience more psychological distress than the general population, but prevalence varies between regions of origin. Future efforts should aim at a better understanding of the mental health risk factors and the development of targeted interventions for these subpopulations.
A novel technique to obtain a time-delayed vibration control analytical solution with simulation of He’s formula
Authors: El-Dib Yusry O , Elgazery Nasser S , Gad Nada S
Published: January 2023

The impetus for the current investigation relates to the implementation of an efficient novel technique to obtain a time-delayed vibration control analytical solution. The current technique follows simple and easy-to-apply criteria. This technique is based on converting the nonlinear time-delayed Van der Pol (VDP)-Duffing oscillator to an equivalent linear one. Details of the conversion to an equivalent linear ordinary differential equation are mentioned. The convergence between the numerical outcomes and the analytic solution is achieved and gives a satisfying accuracy of the equivalent result.
Contextualizing the ethics of algorithms: A socio-professional approach
Authors: Avnoon Netta , Kotliar Dan M , Rivnai-Bahir Shira
Published: January 2023

Research on AI ethics tends to examine the subject through philosophical, legal, or technical perspectives, largely neglecting the sociocultural one. This literature also predominantly focuses on Europe and the United States. Addressing these gaps, this article explores how data scientists justify and explain the ethics of their algorithmic work. Based on a pragmatist social analysis, and of 60 semi-structured interviews with Israeli data scientists, we ask: how do data scientists understand, interpret, and depict algorithmic ethics? And what ideologies, discourses, and worldviews shape algorithmic ethics? Our findings point to three dominant moral logics: (1) ethics as a personal endeavor; (2) ethics as hindering progress; and (3) ethics as a commodity. We show that while data science is a nascent profession, these moral logics originate from the techno-libertarian culture of its parent profession—engineering. Finally, we discuss the potential of these moral logics to mature into a more formal, agreed-upon moral regime.
Segmentation of Clinical Target Volume From CT Images for Cervical Cancer Using Deep Learning
Authors: Huang Mingxu , Feng Chaolu , Sun Deyu , Cui Ming , Zhao Dazhe
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Segmentation of clinical target volume (CTV) from CT images is critical for cervical cancer brachytherapy, but this task is time-consuming, laborious, and not reproducible. In this work, we aim to propose an end-to-end model to segment CTV for cervical cancer brachytherapy accurately. Methods: In this paper, an improved M-Net model (Mnet_IM) is proposed to segment CTV of cervical cancer from CT images. An input and an output branch are both proposed to attach to the bottom layer to deal with CTV locating challenges due to its lower contrast than surrounding organs and tissues. A progressive fusion approach is then proposed to recover the prediction results layer by layer to enhance the smoothness of segmentation results. A loss function is defined on each of the multiscale outputs to form a deep supervision mechanism. Numbers of feature map channels that are directly connected to inputs are finally homogenized for each image resolution to reduce feature redundancy and computational burden. Result: Experimental results of the proposed model and some representative models on 5438 image slices from 53 cervical cancer patients demonstrate advantages of the proposed model in terms of segmentation accuracy, such as average surface distance, 95% Hausdorff distance, surface overlap, surface dice, and volumetric dice. Conclusion: A better agreement between the predicted CTV from the proposed model Mnet_IM and manually labeled ground truth is obtained compared to some representative state-of-the-art models.
Share the Experience, Don’t Take it: Toward Attunement With Neurodiversity in Videogames
Authors: Meinen Lisanne E.
Published: January 2023

Videogames increasingly focus on marginalized experiences such as neurodivergence. Specifically, the immersive and embodied aspects of videogames allow neurodivergent people to better explain their experiences. However, current research is limited to instrumentalization, by specifically looking for the therapeutic or educational benefits of videogames. I reflect on ethical questions that arise if we try to communicate the embodied experiences related to neurodiversity through videogames. I argue that videogames with the explicit goal to create empathy or care for neurodivergence can also be restrictive. Instead, I put forward attunement as an intersubjective and nonhierarchic mode of affective engagement with neurodiversity through gaming. An analysis of the videogames Unravel and Celeste helps me to illustrate what attunement in a videogame could look like. I conclude that better understanding neurodiversity through play, means “letting it be” instead of (re)shaping it to be easily consumable in videogames.
Evaluation of a Digital Health Tool for Titration of Basal Insulin in People With Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale and Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hermanns Norbert , Ehrmann Dominic , Finke-Gröne Katharina , Roos Timm , Freckmann Guido , Kulzer Bernhard
Published: January 2023

Background:

Optimal insulin titration is essential in helping people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to achieve adequate glycemic control. Barriers of people with diabetes to implementation of titration include lack of self-efficiency and self-management skills, increased diabetes-related distress, low treatment satisfaction, poor well-being, as well as concerns about hypoglycemia and insulin overdose. My Dose Coach is a digital health tool for optimizing titration of basal insulin that combines a smartphone app for patients with T2DM and a Web portal for healthcare professionals.

Methods/Design:

This is a prospective, open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled parallel study conducted in approximately 50 centers in Germany that are specialized in the treatment of diabetes. Patients in the intervention group will use the titration app and will be registered on the Web portal by their treating physician. Control group patients will continue their current basal insulin titration without using the app. The primary outcome is the mean change in HbA1c levels at the 12-week follow-up. The secondary outcome measures include patient-reported outcomes such as diabetes-related distress, self-management, empowerment, self-efficacy, treatment satisfaction, and psychological well-being as well as fasting blood glucose values.

Conclusion:

This digital health tool has been previously implemented in several independent pilot studies. The findings from this multicenter randomized controlled trial can provide further evidence supporting the effectiveness of this tool in patients with T2DM and serve as a basis for its clinical integration.

Trial Registration:

German Register for Clinical Studies-DRKS-ID: DRKS00024861
Presentation of Colorectal Carcinoma as Abdominal Wall Phlegmon
Authors: Cautha Sandhya , Gupta Sorab , Moirangthem Valentina , Okobi Tobechukwu , Chandok Taruna , Penikilapate Shalini , Jain Kevin
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second most common deadly cancer worldwide as of 2020. Unusual presentation of this cancer with locally advanced disease is rare and seen in only 5% to 22% of cases. We present the case of a 53-year-old male who had invasive cecal adenocarcinoma with phlegmon of the abdominal wall musculature at presentation and an aggressive course that did not respond to the standard lines of therapy. In the current era of ongoing tremendous developments in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment, this uncommon case reminds us that locally advanced CRC is still a challenge to manage. Precision medicine with treatment strategies tailored to an individual’s genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors is the current need.
Comparison of Suture Button and Syndesmotic Screw for Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xu Baoyun , Wang Shanshan , Tan Jindong , Chen Wan , Tang Kang-lai
Published: January 2023

Background:

The syndesmotic screw (SS) and suture button (SB) fixation methods are both widely used for the reduction of ankle syndesmotic injury, with varying outcomes.

Purpose:

To review recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the outcomes between SS and SB fixation for ankle syndesmotic injury.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

The PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov , and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant RCTs published between 1966 and 2021 according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Eligible studies were RCTs comparing SS and SB fixation for ankle syndesmotic injury. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Primary outcomes included complications, malreduction, and unplanned reoperation, and secondary outcomes were the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Olerud-Molander ankle score (OMAS), and EuroQol-5 Domain (EQ-5D) score. The mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) were calculated for continuous and dichotomous outcomes, respectively. Random- or fixed-effects model was applied according to heterogeneity.

Results:

Of 389 studies, 8 RCTs involving 512 patients were included. Overall, 257 patients received SS fixation and 255 patients received SB fixation. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in malreduction (RR, –0.06; 95% CI, –0.18 to 0.07) or EQ-5D (MD, 0.01; 95% CI, –0.01 to 0.03). However, the SB group showed significant advantages over the SS group in complications (RR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.66), unplanned reoperation (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.89), AOFAS score (MD, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.77 to 4.31), and OMAS (MD, 4.51; 95% CI, 1.54 to 7.48). The risk of bias of the included studies was acceptable.

Conclusion:

The results showed that there were no significant differences between the SS and SB groups in malreduction and EQ-5D scores. However, the SB group had significantly better local irritation rates, unplanned reoperation rates, AOFAS scores, and OMASs.
Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of hands in systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional analytical study of prevalence of inflammatory changes in patients with subclinical arthropathy
Authors: Babulal Vadher Akash , Sinha Anindita , Roy Choudhury Shayeri , Prakash Mahesh , Maralakunte Muniraju , Rehman Tanveer , Sharma Shefali , Kumar Yashwant
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

Prevalence of synovitis, tenosynovitis, erosions, acro-osteolysis and bone marrow edema in systemic sclerosis is not extensively reported. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of changes in individual joints of hands in systemic sclerosis patients.

Method:

A cross-sectional analytical study consisting of 34 adults (females, n = 32) with systemic sclerosis. Patients with clinical synovitis were excluded. All patients underwent ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging of bilateral hands.

Results:

On US, synovitis, tenosynovitis, erosions, and acro-osteolysis were detected in 97%, 94%, 97%, and 29% patients. Grade I synovitis observed in 67% joints—first carpometacarpal joint (55%), first metacarpophalangeal joint (54%), distal radioulnar joint (50%), and intercarpal joints (47%) were commonly affected. Erosions were common in distal phalanges (first DP72% to fifth DP39%). On magnetic resonance imaging, synovitis, tenosynovitis, erosions, and bone edema were observed in 91%, 85%, 97%, and 85% patients. Grade I synovitis was seen in 70% joints, affecting intercarpal joint (70.6%) and third metacarpophalangeal joint (52.9%) commonly. Grade I erosions were seen in 61%, affecting distal phalanges (55.8%), capitate (60.3%), and lunate (55.8%). Grade I edema was commonly affecting lunate (39%) and capitate (26%). On magnetic resonance imaging, acro-osteolysis was present in 28% (97/340) distal phalanges. Fair agreement (0.21–0.40) was noted between US and magnetic resonance imaging for synovitis and erosions.

Conclusion:

High prevalence of low-grade inflammation is found in systemic sclerosis patients on US and magnetic resonance imaging. Distal joint assessment in addition to proximal joints improves accurate estimation of prevalence of early arthropathy.
Modified Eden-Lange Triple-Tendon Transfer for Chronic Trapezius Palsy
Authors: Gong Matthew F. , Engler Ian D. , Morales-Restrepo Alejandro , Sabzevari Soheil , Lin Albert
Published: January 2023

Background:

Trapezius palsy can occur due to traumatic or idiopathic spinal accessory nerve injury. As a result of trapezius palsy, shoulder girdle imbalance can develop and present as lateral scapular winging and diminished shoulder range of motion and function. The modified Eden-Lange triple-tendon transfer procedure is a notable salvage operation which can treat chronic trapezius palsy after failure of conservative and nonsalvage interventions.

Indications:

A 42-year-old right-hand dominant woman who underwent a cervical lymph node biopsy 3 years before presents with chronic left shoulder weakness, severe shoulder pain, and scapular winging. On presentation, she has failed conservative treatments and operative interventions including attempted spinal accessory nerve exploration and repair with ansa cervicalis autograft.

Technique Description:

A modified Eden-Lange triple-tendon transfer, using the Elhassan modification, was performed to treat the patient’s chronic trapezius palsy. The levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, and rhomboid major were sequentially transferred to the lateral scapular spine, central scapular spine, and medial scapular spine, respectively.

Results:

At interval follow-up, the patient was recovering well from her operation and with progressively improving range of motion and strength.

Discussion/Conclusion:

The modified Eden-Lange triple-tendon transfer technique is a salvage procedure for treating chronic trapezius palsy by anatomically reconstructing the force vectors of the native trapezius muscle. Effective restoration of proper scapular and shoulder kinematics via the triple-tendon transfer technique can result in improved pain and shoulder girdle function. The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
High-dose melphalan treatment significantly increases mutational burden at relapse in multiple myeloma
Authors: Samur Mehmet Kemal , Roncador Marco , Aktas Samur Anil , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Bazarbachi Abdul Hamid , Szalat Raphael , Shammas Masood A. , Sperling Adam S. , Richardson Paul G. , Magrangeas Florence , Minvielle Stephane , Perrot Aurore , Corre Jill , Moreau Philippe , Thakurta Anjan , Parmigiani Giovanni , Anderson Kenneth C. , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Munshi Nikhil C.
Published: January 2023

High-dose melphalan (HDM) improves progression-free survival in multiple myeloma (MM), yet melphalan is a DNA-damaging alkylating agent; therefore, we assessed its mutational effect on surviving myeloma cells by analyzing paired MM samples collected at diagnosis and relapse in the IFM 2009 study. We performed deep whole-genome sequencing on samples from 68 patients, 43 of whom were treated with RVD (lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone) and 25 with RVD + HDM. Although the number of mutations was similar at diagnosis in both groups (7137 vs 7230; P = .67), the HDM group had significantly more mutations at relapse (9242 vs 13 383, P = .005). No change in the frequency of copy number alterations or structural variants was observed. The newly acquired mutations were typically associated with DNA damage and double-stranded breaks and were predominantly on the transcribed strand. A machine learning model, using this unique pattern, predicted patients who would receive HDM with high sensitivity, specificity, and positive prediction value. Clonal evolution analysis showed that all patients treated with HDM had clonal selection, whereas a static progression was observed with RVD. A significantly higher percentage of mutations were subclonal in the HDM cohort. Intriguingly, patients treated with HDM who achieved complete remission (CR) had significantly more mutations at relapse yet had similar survival rates as those treated with RVD who achieved CR. This similarity could have been due to HDM relapse samples having significantly more neoantigens. Overall, our study identifies increased genomic changes associated with HDM and provides rationale to further understand clonal complexity.
MYB insufficiency disrupts proteostasis in hematopoietic stem cells, leading to age-related neoplasia
Authors: Clarke Mary L. , Lemma Roza B. , Walton David S. , Volpe Giacomo , Noyvert Boris , Gabrielsen Odd S. , Frampton Jon
Published: January 2023

MYB plays a key role in gene regulation throughout the hematopoietic hierarchy and is critical for the maintenance of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Acquired genetic dysregulation of MYB is involved in the etiology of a number of leukemias, although inherited noncoding variants of the MYB gene are a susceptibility factor for many hematological conditions, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The mechanisms that connect variations in MYB levels to disease predisposition, especially concerning age dependency in disease initiation, are completely unknown. Here, we describe a model of Myb insufficiency in mice that leads to MPN, myelodysplasia, and leukemia in later life, mirroring the age profile of equivalent human diseases. We show that this age dependency is intrinsic to HSC, involving a combination of an initial defective cellular state resulting from small effects on the expression of multiple genes and a progressive accumulation of further subtle changes. Similar to previous studies showing the importance of proteostasis in HSC maintenance, we observed altered proteasomal activity and elevated proliferation indicators, followed by elevated ribosome activity in young Myb-insufficient mice. We propose that these alterations combine to cause an imbalance in proteostasis, potentially creating a cellular milieu favoring disease initiation.
Clinical phenotyping of plasma thrombospondin-2 reveals relationship to right ventricular structure and function in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Dittrich Anna M. , Mienert Julia , Pott Julian , Engels Lena , Sinning Christoph , Hennigs Jan K. , Klose Hans , Harbaum Lars
Published: January 2023

Background

Converging evidence from proteogenomic analyses prioritises thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) as a potential biomarker for idiopathic or heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We aimed to assess TSP2 levels in different forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to define its clinical phenotype.

Methods

Absolute concentrations of TSP2 were quantified in plasma samples from a prospective single-centre cohort study including 196 patients with different forms of PH and 16 disease controls (suspected PH, but normal resting pulmonary haemodynamics). In an unbiased approach, TSP2 levels were related to 152 clinical variables.

Results

Concentrations of TSP2 were increased in patients with PHversusdisease controls (p<0.001 for group comparison). The discriminatory ability of TSP2 levels to distinguish between patients and controls was superior to that of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (p=0.0023 for comparison of areas under the curve). Elevation of TSP2 levels was consistently found in subcategories of PAH, in PH due to lung disease and due to left heart disease. Phenotypically, TSP2 levels were robustly related to echocardiographic markers that indicate the right ventricular (RV) response to chronically increased afterload with increased levels in patients with impaired systolic function and ventriculoarterial uncoupling. Focusing on PAH, increased TSP2 levels were able to distinguish between adaptive and maladaptive RV phenotypes (area under the curve 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–0.98).

Interpretation

The study indicates that plasma TSP2 levels inform on the presence of PH and associate with clinically relevant RV phenotypes in the setting of increased afterload, which may provide insight into processes of RV adaptability.
Feature importance measures from random forest regressor using near-infrared spectra for predicting carbonization characteristics of kraft lignin-derived hydrochar
Authors: Hwang Sung-Wook , Chung Hyunwoo , Lee Taekyeong , Kim Jungkyu , Kim YunJin , Kim Jong-Chan , Kwak Hyo Won , Choi In-Gyu , Yeo Hwanmyeong
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the feature importance of near-infrared spectra from random forest regression models constructed to predict the carbonization characteristics of hydrochars produced by hydrothermal carbonization of kraft lignin. The model achieved high coefficients of determination of 0.989, 0.988, and 0.985 with root mean square errors of 0.254, 0.003, and 0.008 when predicting the carbon content, atomic O/C ratio, and H/C ratio, respectively. The random forest models outperformed the multilayer perceptron models for all predictions. In the feature importance analysis, the spectral regions at 1600–1800 nm, the first overtone of C–H stretching vibrations, and 2000–2300 nm, the combination bands, were highly important for predicting the carbon content and O/C predictions, whereas the region at 1250–1711 nm contributed to predicting H/C. The random forest models trained with the high-importance regions achieved better prediction performances than those trained with the entire spectral range, demonstrating the usefulness of the feature importance yielded by the random forest and the feasibility of selective application of the spectral data.
Dyskinesia as a unique presentation of subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report
Authors: Jaffery Aleq , Morchel Herman , Poon Jessica
Published: January 2023

Background

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a diagnosis that emergency physicians must have a high index of suspicion for. Many common chief complaints such as headache, nausea, altered mental status, and even syncope may alert clinicians to the possibility of a SAH.

Case presentation

The authors present an unusual case of SAH in a patient presenting with acute dyskinesia and altered mental status, which has seldom been documented as the presenting feature of SAH, as well as the diagnostic pitfalls encountered in assessing this patient.

Conclusion

Emergency physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for dangerous pathology in cases without a clear etiology; they should also utilize metacognition to assess their own biases and thought patterns so as to avoid missing critical diagnoses.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of skin color-associated genes in leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus)
Authors: Wu Hung-Yi , Chen Kao-Sung , Huang You-Syu , Hsieh Hern-Yi , Tsai HsinYuan
Published: January 2023

Background

The leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) is an important economic species in East Asia-Pacific countries. To meet the market demand, leopard coral grouper is facing overfishing and their population is rapidly declining. With the improvement of the artificial propagation technique, the leopard coral grouper has been successfully cultured by Fisheries Research Institute in Taiwan. However, the skin color of farmed individuals is often lacking bright redness. As such, the market price of farmed individuals is lower than wild-type.

Results

To understand the genetic mechanisms of skin coloration in leopard coral grouper, we compared leopard coral grouper with different skin colors through transcriptome analysis. Six cDNA libraries generated from wild-caught leopard coral grouper with different skin colors were characterized by using the Illumina platform. Reference-guided de novo transcriptome data of leopard coral grouper obtained 24,700 transcripts, and 1,089 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found between red and brown skin color individuals. The results showed that nine candidate DEGs (epha2, sema6d, acsl4, slc7a5, hipk1, nol6, timp2, slc25a42, and kdf1) significantly associated with skin color were detected by using comparative transcriptome analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Conclusions

The findings may provide genetic information for further skin color research, and to boost the market price of farmed leopard coral grouper by selective breeding.
Oropharyngeal, proximal colonic, and vaginal microbiomes of healthy Korean native black pig gilts
Authors: Bugenyi Andrew Wange , Lee Ma-Ro , Choi Yeon-Jae , Song Ki-Duk , Lee Hak-Kyo , Son Young-Ok , Lee Dong-Sun , Lee Sang-Chul , Son Young-June , Heo Jaeyoung
Published: January 2023

Background

Exploring the microbiome in multiple body sites of a livestock species informs approaches to promote its health and performance through efficient and sustainable modulation of these microbial ecosystems. Here, we employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to describe the microbiome in the oropharyngeal cavity, proximal colon, and vaginal tract of Jeju Black pigs (JBP), which are native to the Korean peninsula.

Results

We sampled nine 7-month-old JBP gilts raised under controlled conditions. The most abundant phyla that we found within the oropharyngeal microbiota were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria and Firmicutes, collectively providing core features from twenty-five of their genera. We also found a proximal colonic microbial core composed of features from twenty of the genera of the two predominant phyla, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Remarkably, within the JBP vaginal microbiota, Bacteroidetes dominated at phylum level, contrary to previous reports regarding other pig breeds. Features of the JBP core vaginal microbiota, came from seventeen genera of the major phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria. Although these communities were distinct, we found some commonalities amongst them. Features from the genera Streptococcus, Prevotella, Bacillus and an unclassified genus of the family Ruminococcaceae were ubiquitous across the three body sites. Comparing oropharyngeal and proximal colonic communities, we found additional shared features from the genus Anaerorhabdus. Between oropharyngeal and vaginal ecosystems, we found other shared features from the genus Campylobacter, as well as unclassified genera from the families Fusobacteriaceae and Flavobacteriaceae. Proximal colonic and vaginal microbiota also shared features from the genera Clostridium, Lactobacillus, and an unclassified genus of Clostridiales.

Conclusions

Our results delineate unique and ubiquitous features within and across the oropharyngeal, proximal colonic and vaginal microbial communities in this Korean native breed of pigs. These findings provide a reference for future microbiome-focused studies and suggest a potential for modulating these communities, utilizing ubiquitous features, to enhance health and performance of the JBP.
The plastid genome of twenty-two species from Ferula, Talassia, and Soranthus: comparative analysis, phylogenetic implications, and adaptive evolution
Authors: Qin Huan-Huan , Cai Jing , Liu Chang-Kun , Zhou Ren-Xiu , Price Megan , Zhou Song-Dong , He Xing-Jin
Published: January 2023

Background

TheFerulagenus encompasses 180–185 species and is one of the largest genera in Apiaceae, with many ofFerulaspecies possessing important medical value. The previous studies provided more information forFerula, but its infrageneric relationships are still confusing. In addition, its genetic basis of its adaptive evolution remains poorly understood. Plastid genomes with more variable sites have the potential to reconstruct robust phylogeny in plants and investigate the adaptive evolution of plants. Although chloroplast genomes have been reported within theFerulagenus, few studies have been conducted using chloroplast genomes, especially for endemic species in China.

Results

Comprehensively comparative analyses of 22 newly sequenced and assembled plastomes indicated that these plastomes had highly conserved genome structure, gene number, codon usage, and repeats type and distribution, but varied in plastomes size, GC content, and the SC/IR boundaries. Thirteen mutation hotspot regions were detected and they would serve as the promising DNA barcodes candidates for species identification inFerulaand related genera. Phylogenomic analyses with high supports and resolutions showed thatTalassia transiliensisandSoranthus meyeriwere nested in theFerulagenus, and thus they should be transferred into theFerulagenus. Our phylogenies also indicated the monophyly of subgeneraSinoferulaand subgeneraNarthexinFerulagenus. Twelve genes with significant posterior probabilities for codon sites were identified in the positively selective analysis, and their function may relate to the photosystem II, ATP subunit, and NADH dehydrogenase. Most of them might play an important role to helpFerulaspecies adapt to high-temperatures, strong-light, and drought habitats.

Conclusion

Plastome data is powerful and efficient to improve the support and resolution of the complicatedFerulaphylogeny. Twelve genes with significant posterior probabilities for codon sites were helpful forFerulato adapt to the harsh environment. Overall, our study supplies a new perspective for comprehending the phylogeny and evolution ofFerula.