bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial Parasagittal Patellectomy in Dogs: A Retrospective Case Series of 19 Dogs
Authors: Dumitru Emilian Adrian , Garland Ben William , Allen Matthew J.
Published: July 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to describe partial parasagittal patellectomy for the surgical management of patellar luxation, including surgical technique, proposed indications, complications, and outcomes in a cohort of dogs.

Study Design This is a single-center retrospective clinical case series.

Methods Medical records (2019–2020) of dogs presenting for patellar luxation were reviewed. Clinical signs, luxation direction and grade, preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings, and complications were retrospectively retrieved. Owners were contacted via questionnaire for medium- and long-term follow-up.

Results A total of 24 stifles in 19 dogs met the inclusion criteria. Intraoperative minor complications occurred in four stifles. A single minor complication occurred postoperatively with no major complications. Increased thickness and radiographic attenuation of the patellar ligament were noted in 14 stifles at radiographic reassessment. Re-luxation was not encountered, with long-term owner-assessed outcome as good to excellent in all cases.

Conclusion Partial parasagittal patellectomy, used in conjunction with block recession trochleoplasty and tibial tuberosity transposition, provided reliable resolution of patellar luxation in canine stifles with grade 2 or 3 luxation where width mismatch between the patella and the trochlea was noted intraoperatively. Long-term outcome appears to be good to excellent with a low rate of complication.
SWSA transformer: A forecasting method of ultra-short-term wind speed from an offshore wind farm using global attention mechanism
Authors: Lin Shengmao , Wang Jing , Xu Xuefang , Tan Hang , Shi Peiming , Li Ruixiong
Published: July 2023

Accurate ultra-short-term wind speed forecasting is great significance to ensure large scale integration of wind power into the power grid, but the randomness, instability, and non-linear nature of wind speed make it very difficult to be predicted accurately. To solve this problem, shifted window stationary attention transformer (SWSA transformer) is proposed based on a global attention mechanism for ultra-short-term forecasting of wind speed. SWSA transformer can sufficiently extract these complicated features of wind speed to improve the prediction accuracy of wind speed. First, positional embedding and temporal embedding are added at the bottom of the proposed method structure to mark wind speed series, which enables complicated global features of wind speed to be more effectively extracted by attention. Second, a shifted window is utilized to enhance the ability of attention to capture features from the edge sequences. Third, a stationary attention mechanism is applied to not only extract features of wind speed but also optimize the encoder-decoder network for smoothing wind speed sequences. Finally, the predicted values of wind speed are obtained using the calculation in the decoder network. To verify the proposed method, tests are performed utilizing data from an real offshore wind farm. The results show that the proposed method outperforms many popular models evaluated by many indexes including gated recurrent unit, Gaussian process regression, long-short term memory, shared weight long short-term memory network, and shared weight long short-term memory network -Gaussian process regression, in terms of mean absolute error, mean square error (MSE), root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, mean square percentage error, and coefficient of determination (R2).
Electronic health record “gag clauses” and the prevalence of screenshots in peer-reviewed literature
Authors: Bapna Monika , Miller Kristen , Ratwani Raj M
Published: July 2023

Objective

To determine whether the Office of the National Coordinator’s policy change restricting the use of “gag clauses” in contracts between electronic health record (EHR) vendors and healthcare facilities increased the prevalence of screenshots in peer-reviewed literature.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed EHR usability and safety-related peer-reviewed journal articles from 2015 to 2023 and quantified the number of articles containing screenshots. For those that did not contain screenshots, we identified whether they would have benefited from screenshots.

Results

When gag clauses were permitted 6 of 79 (7.6%) of articles contained screenshots and 8 (10.1%) would have benefited from screenshots. When gag clauses were restricted 3 of 40 (7.5%) contained screenshots and 8 (20%) would have benefited from screenshots.

Discussion

The policy change does not appear to have an impact on the prevalence of screenshots in peer-reviewed literature.

Conclusions

Additional steps are necessary to promote the use of screenshots in peer-reviewed literature.
Eastern Nature
Authors: Ragan Mark A.
Published: July 2023

There is only fleeting evidence that early cultural, philosophical, or religious traditions in the Indian subcontinent, China, or Japan held plants and animals to be comprehensive, mutually exclusive groupings in the natural world. This chapter explores high-level concepts of natural beings in the Vedic, Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, Mohist, and syncretic Shintō traditions. It is unlikely that the later Hellenic, Mediterranean, or European philosophical traditions drew significantly on Eastern sources for a high-level distinction between plants and animals.
Nature’s mystic book
Authors: Ragan Mark A.
Published: July 2023

This chapter explores plants, animals, and intermediate organisms as they appear in occult writings and practise including the Hermetic tradition, Gnostic texts, alchemy, mystery-books, and magic. Plants and animals were only loosely demarcated in Hermetic and Gnostic texts. Building on Neoplatonic cosmology, Hermetic texts described a web of occult sympathies and antipathies that link macrocosm (the cosmos) and microcosm (man), and might be exploited for good (e.g. healing) or evil. On the eve of the Italian Renaissance, an extensive occult literature acknowledged only animals, vegetables, and minerals. Pico della Mirandola, Gianfrancesco Pico, and Agrippa considered zoophytes to have a distinct nature. Paracelsus ignored zoophytes, but many later alchemists followed Agrippa. Minerals, vegetables, and animals were first called Kingdoms in Novum lumen chymicum (1614) and Tractatvs de svlphvre (1616). Bruno but not Fludd held zoophytes to be intermediate beings. Francis Bacon abandoned macrocosm-microcosm theory in 1605.
From histoire naturelle to anatomie and morphologie
Authors: Ragan Mark A.
Published: July 2023

This chapter examines the development of high-level biological classification in France from the mid-Eighteenth to the mid-Nineteenth centuries. The period 1750–1800 brought revolution to natural history in France, as Buffon and the Encyclopédie gave way to the Muséum d’histoire naturelle. Lamarck reordered the animaux sans vertèbres, proposing not only his well-known trees of animal relations (1809, 1815) but also, just before his death, a major variant. Cuvier’s four embranchemens dismembered the animal series; Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire tried to restore a unity of plan. Diverse arrangements at the plant-animal boundary, including an important (albeit problematic) new “third kingdom”, are seen in works of seven other naturalists who wrote in French between 1786 and 1856.
Fine Fescue Species Vary in Their Susceptibility to Snow Molds
Authors: Koch P. L. , Chou Ming-Yi , Murphy J. A. , Genova K. , Hempfling J. , Clarke B. B.
Published: July 2023

Fine fescues are a group of turfgrass species that are often planted when low-input maintenance is desired. The five species most commonly associated with the fine fescues are strong creeping red fescue, slender creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, sheep fescue, and hard fescue. Little is known about the resistance of fine fescues to snow mold diseases despite the widespread adoption of fine fescues across temperate climates with harsh winters. Field and controlled environment trials were conducted in Wisconsin and New Jersey between 2014 and 2017 to assess snow mold resistance among the fine fescues. In both the field and controlled environments, hard and sheep fescue were among the most resistant to snow molds, and Chewings fescue was the most susceptible. However, significant variation existed among the cultivars within each species, suggesting that opportunities exist for breeding to improve resistance to snow mold in the fine fescues.
Pedaling towards sustainability: a mixed-method study of the drivers and barriers to bike-sharing adoption
Authors: Sajid Muhammed , Midhun V. , Zakkariya K.A. , Surira Mukul Dev , Vishnu K.P.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the motivations and barriers behind the adoption of bike-sharing services, explore the influence of individual values and environmental knowledge on bike-sharing adoption and analyze the relationship between reasons, attitude and intention to utilize bike-sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study initially conducted a semi-structured interview with 19 bike-sharing users and performed a thematic analysis to identify the context-specific motivators and barriers. The identified factors were then incorporated into the behavioral reasoning theory (BRT) framework and quantitatively examined using the data gathered from 412 Indian bike-sharing users.

Findings

The findings outlined the complex reasoning process underlying bike-sharing adoption and how environmental value and attitude are related to the reasons. Further, the study examined the moderating impact of environmental knowledge, which was overlooked in previous studies.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable suggestions to bike-sharing businesses, which helps them to induce facilitators and remove barriers.

Originality/value

Behavioral research in bike-sharing is in its embryonic stage. This is one of the initial attempts to address this knowledge deficit by comprehensively examining the factors affecting bike-sharing intention through the theoretical lens of BRT.
Data usefulness in determining cause of stillbirth in South Asia
Authors: Goldenberg Robert L. , Hwang Kay , Saleem Sarah , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Yogeshkumar S. , Kulkani Vardendra , Ghanchi Najia , Harakuni Sheetal , Ahmed Imran , Uddin Zeeshan , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Guruprasad Gowder , Dhaded Sangappa , Goco Norman , Silver Robert M. , McClure Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of data to determine cause of stillbirth in India and Pakistan.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Settings

Study hospitals in India and Pakistan.

Population

200 fetal deaths with placental evaluation and minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) of internal organs and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for 75 pathogens.

Main outcome measures

Data defined as useful to determine stillbirth causes.

Results

Placental pathology was the most useful to determine cause of stillbirth. Comparing placental and fetal weight with standard weights was useful in 44.5% and 48.5%, respectively. Lung histology was useful in 42.5%. Most of the other findings of internal organ histology were only occasionally useful. Signs of abruption, by maternal history or placental evaluation, were always deemed useful. Placenta, brain and cord blood PCR were also useful, but less often than histology.

Conclusion

Based on this analysis, maternal clinical history, placental histology and fetal examination were most informative. Comparing the placental and fetal weights with recognised standards was useful in nearly half the cases. Fetal tissue histology and PCR were also informative. Of all the potential tests of MITS‐obtained specimens, we would first recommend histological evaluation of the lungs, and using a multiplex PCR platform would determine pathogens in blood and brain/CSF. We recognise that this approach will not identify some causes, including some genetic and internal organ anomalies, but will confirm most common causes of stillbirth and most of the preventable causes of stillbirth in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Diuretics or ultrafiltration in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Terpos Vasileios , Roumeliotis Stefanos , Georgianos Panagiotis I. , Papa Eleni , Tsalikakis Dimitrios G. , Papachristou Evangelos , Liakopoulos Vassilios
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Hospitalization for decompensated heart failure is a major public health issue.

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis to summarize and analyze if there is a benefit in using ultrafiltration over diuretics in terms of reducing mortality or hospital readmissions, primarily and identified 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 941 patients.

Results

Compared to diuretics, treatment with ultrafiltration was associated with a significant reduction in heart failure hospitalizations (risk ratio [RR]: 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55–0.96, p = 0.02) and significant increase in weight and net fluid loss (mean difference [MD]: −1.55, CI: −2.36 to −0.74, p = 0.0002) and (MD: −2.10, CI: −3.32 to −0.89, p = 0.0007), respectively. There was no significant difference among treatments regarding the duration of hospitalization, the increase in serum creatinine levels, and mortality.

Conclusion

Among patients with decompensated heart failure, compared to diuretics, ultrafiltration is associated with reduced rehospitalizations and increased weight/net fluid loss.
Experimental nest cooling reveals dramatic effects of heatwaves on reproduction in a Mediterranean bird of prey
Authors: Corregidor‐Castro Alejandro , Morinay Jennifer , McKinlay Susan E. , Ramellini Samuele , Assandri Giacomo , Bazzi Gaia , Glavaschi Alexandra , De Capua Enrico L. , Grapputo Alessandro , Romano Andrea , Morganti Michelangelo , Cecere Jacopo G. , Pilastro Andrea , Rubolini Diego
Published: July 2023

Future climatic scenarios forecast increases in average temperatures as well as in the frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme events, such as heatwaves. Whereas behavioral adjustments can buffer direct physiological and fitness costs of exposure to excessive temperature in wild animals, these may prove more difficult during specific life stages when vagility is reduced (e.g., early developmental stages). By means of a nest cooling experiment, we tested the effects of extreme temperatures on different stages of reproduction in a cavity‐nesting Mediterranean bird of prey, the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), facing a recent increase in the frequency of heatwaves during its breeding season. Nest temperature in a group of nest boxes placed on roof terraces was reduced by shading them from direct sunlight in 2 consecutive years (2021 and 2022). We then compared hatching failure, mortality, and nestling morphology between shaded and non‐shaded (control) nest boxes. Nest temperature in control nest boxes was on average 3.9°C higher than in shaded ones during heatwaves, that is, spells of extreme air temperature (>37°C for ≥2 consecutive days) which hit the study area during the nestling‐rearing phase in both years. Hatching failure markedly increased with increasing nest temperature, rising above 50% when maximum nest temperatures exceeded 44°C. Nestlings from control nest boxes showed higher mortality during heatwaves (55% vs. 10% in shaded nest boxes) and those that survived further showed impaired morphological growth (body mass and skeletal size). Hence, heatwaves occurring during the breeding period can have both strong lethal and sublethal impacts on different components of avian reproduction, from egg hatching to nestling growth. More broadly, these findings suggest that the projected future increases of summer temperatures and heatwave frequency in the Mediterranean basin and elsewhere in temperate areas may threaten the local persistence of even relatively warm‐adapted species.
Influence of the orthodontic bonding procedure on biofilm formation
Authors: Blochberger Bijan Levent , Symmank Judit , Nitzsche Ánn , Nietzsche Sandor , Steiniger Frank , Guellmar André , Reise Markus , Sigusch Bernd , Jacobs Collin , Hennig Christoph‐Ludwig
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In orthodontics, white spot lesions are a persistent and widespread problem caused by the demineralization of buccal tooth surfaces around bonded brackets. The remaining adhesive around the brackets leads to surface roughness, which might contribute to demineralization. The present in vitro study aimed to compare a conventional and a modern adhesive system (APC Flash‐Free technology) for orthodontic brackets with regard to the adhesion of Streptococcus sobrinus, a leading caries pathogen.

Methods

This in vitro study included 20 premolar teeth and compared 10 APC Flash‐Free adhesive‐coated ceramic brackets (FF)with 10 conventionally bonded (CB) ceramic clarity brackets. Specimens were incubated in an S. sobrinus suspension for 3 h. To evaluate the bacterial formation, samples were analysed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Imaging software was used to quantify and statistically compare percentage values of colonization (PVC) in both groups' adhesion and transition areas.

Results

We found a significant difference in biofilm formation between the groups for the adhesive and transition areas. PVC in the adhesive area was approximately 10.3‐fold greater for the CB group compared with the FF group (median: 3.2 vs 0.31; P < 0.0001). For the transition area, median PVC was approximately 2.4‐fold greater for the CB group compared with the FF group (median: 53.17 vs 22.11; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

There was a significantly lower level of S. sobrinus formation around the FF bracket system than there was surrounding the conventionally bonded group. This study suggests that the FF adhesive bracket system can help reduce the occurrence of bacterial growth around orthodontic brackets.
Grooving in the midcontinent: A tectonic origin for the mysterious striations of L’Anse Bay, Michigan, USA
Authors: Alemu Tadesse B. , Hodgin Eben B. , Swanson-Hysell Nicholas L.
Published: July 2023

A striated surface is present at an erosional unconformity between foliated Paleoproterozoic Michigamme Formation and fluvial conglomerate and sandstone of the Neoproterozoic Jacobsville Formation exposed at L’Anse Bay (Michigan, USA). These striations have been interpreted to be the result of ice flow in either the Proterozoic, the Pleistocene, or the modern. Recently, the glacial origin interpretation for this striated surface has been used to argue that it may be related to ca. 717–635 Ma Cryogenian snowball Earth glaciation. This interpretation would make the surface a rare example of a Neoproterozoic glacial pavement, with major chronostratigraphic implications that in turn impose constraints on the timing of intracratonic erosion related to the formation of the Great Unconformity. In this contribution, we present new observations showing that the surface is a tectonic slickenside caused by largely unconformity-parallel slip along the erosional unconformity. We document structural repetition of the Michigamme-Jacobsville contact with associated small-scale folding. The unconformity-parallel slip transitions into thrust faults that ramp up into the overlying Jacobsville Formation. We interpret that the surface records contractional deformation rather than ancient glaciation, recent ice movement, or recent mass wasting. The faulting likely occurred during the Rigolet phase of the Grenvillian orogeny, which also folded the Jacobsville Formation in the footwall of the Keweenaw fault.
Decoupled Oligocene mylonitic shearing and Miocene detachment faulting in the East Humboldt Range metamorphic core complex, northeast Nevada, USA
Authors: Zuza Andrew V. , Dee Seth
Published: July 2023

The relationships between brittle detachment faulting and ductile shear zones in metamorphic core complexes are often ambiguous. Although it is commonly assumed that these two structures are kinematically linked and genetically related, direct observations of this coupling are rare. Here, we conducted a detailed field investigation to probe the connection between a detachment fault and mylonitic shear zone in the Ruby Mountain–East Humboldt Range metamorphic core complex, northeast Nevada. Field observations, along with new and published geochronology, demonstrate that Oligocene top-to-the-west mylonitic shear zones are crosscut by ca. 17 Ma subvertical basalt dikes, and these dikes are in turn truncated by middle Miocene detachment faults. The detachment faults appear to focus in preexisting weak zones in shaley strata and Mesozoic thrust faults. We interpret that the Oligocene mylonitic shear zones were generated in response to domal upwelling during voluminous plutonism and partial melting, which significantly predated the middle Miocene onset of regional extension and detachment slip. Our model simplifies mechanical issues with low-angle detachment faulting because there was an initial dip to the weak zones exploited by the future detachment-fault zone. This mechanism may be important for many apparent low-angle normal faults in the eastern Great Basin. We suggest that the temporal decoupling of mylonitic shearing and detachment faulting may be significant and underappreciated for many of the metamorphic core complexes in the North American Cordillera. In this case, earlier Eocene–Oligocene buoyant doming may have preconditioned the crust to be reactivated by Miocene extension, thus explaining the spatial relationship between structures.
Coupling rare earth element analyses and high-resolution topography along fault scarps to investigate past earthquakes: A case study from the Southern Apennines (Italy)
Authors: Bello Simone , Perna Maria Grazia , Consalvo Ada , Brozzetti Francesco , Galli Paolo , Cirillo Daniele , Andrenacci Carlo , Tangari Anna Chiara , Carducci Andrea , Menichetti Marco , Lavecchia Giusy , Stoppa Francesco , Rosatelli Gianluigi
Published: July 2023

The systematic study of faults that have released strong earthquakes in the past is a challenge for seismic hazard assessment. In carbonate landscapes, the use of rare earth element (REE) concentrations on slickensides may aid the reconstruction of fault slip history. We applied this methodology to the Caggiano normal fault (Southern Apennines, Italy), cropping out southeast of the Irpinia 1980 CE earthquake fault (Mw 6.9), which was responsible for both the 1561 CE and partly the 1857 CE Basilicata earthquakes (Mw 6.7 and 7.1). We integrated the REE analysis approach with a high-resolution topographic analysis along 98 serial topographic profiles to measure vertical separations attributable to faulting since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The asymmetric scarp height profiles suggest fault-lateral propagation and along-strike variations in the fault evolution. Our results indicate the occurrence of 7 to 11 earthquakes with variable slip between ~40 cm and ~70 cm within post-LGM times. We estimated the magnitudes of the respective earthquakes, between 5.5 and 7.0, and most commonly between 6.3 and 6.5. The results suggest a recurrence time between 1.6 k.y. and 2.3 k.y. and a slip rate ranging between 0.6 mm/yr and 0.9 mm/yr. This approach may be useful for application to carbonate fault planes in similar tectonic contexts worldwide.
The influence of aneurysm feature on coiling treatment of internal carotid artery aneurysms: Numerical and statistical study
Authors: Zhou Linqiang , Kadir Dler Hussein , Shi Lei , Mousavi S. Valiallah , Huang Xianlai
Published: July 2023

The geometrical aspects of the saccular aneurysm are an important factor for the rupture of aneurysm. In this paper, the effects of the sac centerline on the aneurysm rupture are fully investigated. Our attention is to disclose the important factors related to aneurysm rupture in different time instants. CFD method is applied for the analysis of WSS, OSI, pressure and velocity inside the saccular aneurysm with different sac centerlines. Our results also show that the coiling technique could sufficiently decrease the risk of rupture since decreasing the coil porosity (increasing the coil permeability) would increase the OSI and pressure and decrease WSS and blood velocity inside the aneurysm sac.
Traffic flow study for a modified car-following model based on dynamical safety headway
Authors: He Dou , Sun Wen-Xin , Hu Wen-Xiu , Guo Xin-Yue , Zhang Geng
Published: July 2023

A modified optimal velocity with dynamical safety headway is introduced based on the optimal velocity car-following model. The dynamical safety headway relates to vehicle’s velocity compared to the constant safety headway. To study the influence of dynamical safety headway on the car-following performance, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation of the optimal velocity car-following model with dynamical safety headway are carried out. With the stability analysis method in control theory, a linear stability condition is obtained for the new model. In addition, the car-following performances of traffic flow evolution rules, traffic capacity properties and vehicle starting features of the new model are exhibited through numerical simulation. The results show that the dynamical safety headway is more efficient than the constant safety headway in improving traffic stability, enhancing traffic capacity and shortening the vehicle starting time in the car-following process. It concludes that the dynamical safety headway is a better strategy compared to constant safety headway in real car-following control.
An Image Classification Method Based on Semi-Supervised Classification Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Shi Liyan , Chen Hairui
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to propose an improved image classification model to reduce the cost of model construction. Aiming at the problem that network training usually requires the support of a large number of labeled samples, an image classification model based on semi-supervised deep learning is proposed, which uses labeled samples to guide the network to learn unlabeled samples. A convolutional neural network model for simultaneous processing of labeled and unlabeled data is constructed. The tagged data is used to train the Softmax classifier and provide the initial K-means clustering center for the untagged data. The nonsubsampling contourlet layer is used to replace the first convolutional layer of the full convolutional neural network to extract multi-scale depth features, and the nonsubsampling contourlet full convolutional neural network is constructed. The network can extract multi-scale information of the images to be classified, and extract more discriminative deep image features. In addition, the parameters of the nonsubsampled contourlet layers are pre-set and do not require network training. The proposed method has higher classification accuracy than the contrast method on polarimetric SAR images using the nonsubsampled contourlet full convolutional neural network.
EFFECT OF BURNING BIO-MASS FUEL ON THE CORROSION PERFORMANCE OF STEELS IN THE 34.5MW BOILER
Authors: BHAGRIA BINU KUMAR , SIDHU SIMRANJIT SINGH , AHUJA LALIT , MUDGAL DEEPA
Published: July 2023

The usage of fossil fuels such as coal is now being reduced and shifted to bio-fuel in the boilers. It is because fossil fuels are exhaustible and generate CO2 emission during burning. Whereas, bio-fuels are abundantly available at low cost and also produce fewer greenhouse gases. However, burning of such fuels create a lot of corrosive species which can damage the components used for construction of boilers. Ferritic, austenitic, and martensitic steels are widely used to construct various parts of the boiler. Hence, in this study, four different grades of steels known as T91, SS304, SS316, and SS410 have been placed in the actual boiler environment for 493h. The boiler utilizes wood chips, rice husk, sawdust, bamboo base and leaf cuttings as burning fuel and operates at 850±50∘C. The results indicate that T91 steel showed a maximum rate of corrosion followed by SS304, SS316, and SS410. Martensitic steel 410 showed the minimum loss in weight among other steels. No intergranular corrosion was noticed in 410 steel, but the oxide so formed on the surface was fragile and porous although the chromium content is less in SS410 as compared to SS304 and SS316.
Fear effect exerted by carnivore in grassland ecosystem
Authors: Cong Pingping , Fan Meng , Zou Xingfu
Published: July 2023

A four-dimensional mathematical model is formulated to explore the fear effect exerted by large carnivore in the grassland ecosystem. The model depicts the interactions among herbage, domestic herbivore, wild herbivore and large carnivore, which incorporates both direct predation and anti-predator mechanisms. The dynamic properties of the model are analytically investigated, including the dissipativity of solutions, and the existence and stability of different equilibria. Some numerical simulations are also presented to exhibit rich dynamical behaviors, such as various types of bistabilities, periodic oscillation and chaotic oscillation. The study reveals that the appropriate level of fear factors can stabilize the system and increase the density of herbage and domestic herbivore. The fear effect plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the grassland ecosystem and promoting the economy of human society.
Algorithm Comparison and Evaluation of GAN Models Based on Image Transferring from Desert to Green Field
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Li Hongjun
Published: July 2023

Some time-consuming and labor-intensive techniques, like manual drawing or interactive modeling with an image editing system, are often used to show how a desert area might look after being transformed into a green field (oasis) in an image way. In order to improve the rendering efficiency of image style transformation and increase the variety of renderings, we can build an algorithm for automatically generating style images based on machine learning. In this paper, after comparing seven generative adversarial network (GAN) models in the way of theory analysis, we propose a method for generating green fields using desert images as input data, and a comprehensive comparison is presented on how GANs are currently applied to solve the desert-to-oasis problem. Experimental results show that two GAN models, geometrically consistent GAN and cyclic consistent GAN, have the best transfer effect of a desert image to oasis one in the view of quantitative indicators, Fréchet inception distance, and learned perceptual image patch similarity.
Bilateral Cystoid Macular Edema with Zanubrutinib Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Pennipede Dante , Sciulli Harrison , Ajlan Radwan
Published: July 2023

We present a patient with recurrent mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who was treated with zanubrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor. He subsequently developed bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) in both eyes. This is the first report of CME in a patient with MCL who was treated with zanubrutinib. CME was refractory to topical corticosteroid therapy, but sub-Tenon’s steroid injections and holding off zanubrutinib managed to decrease the CME. Treatment managed to prevent further vision loss but did not restore lost vision. The prompt ophthalmic exam is recommended for patients on zanubrutinib with decreased vision.
Arthritis in Children with Psychiatric Deteriorations: A Case Series
Authors: Ma Meiqian , Sandberg Jesse , Farhadian Bahare , Silverman Melissa , Xie Yuhuan , Thienemann Margo , Frankovich Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS), pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections, Sydenham chorea, and other postinfectious psychiatric deteriorations are thought to be caused by inflammatory/autoimmune mechanisms, likely involving the basal ganglia based on imaging studies. Patients have a relapsing-remitting course and some develop severe refractory psychiatric disease. We found that 55/193 (28%) of consecutive patients meeting PANS criteria developed chronic arthritis and 25/121 (21%) of those with related psychiatric deteriorations developed chronic arthritis. Here we describe 7 of these patients in detail and one sibling. Many of our patients often have “dry” arthritis (no effusions found on physical exam) but subtle effusions detected by imaging and features of spondyloarthritis, enthesitis, and synovitis. Joint capsule thickening, not previously reported in children, is a common finding in the presented cases and in psoriatic arthritis in adults. Due to the severity of psychiatric symptoms in some cases, which often overshadow joint symptoms, and concomitant sensory dysregulation (making the physical exam unreliable in the absence of effusions), we rely on imaging to improve sensitivity and specificity of the arthritis classification. We also report the immunomodulatory treatments of these 7 patients (initially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs with escalation to biologic medications) and note any coincidental changes to their arthritis and psychiatric symptoms while on immunomodulation. Patients with overlapping psychiatric syndromes and arthritis may have a unifying cause and pose unique challenges; a multi-disciplinary team can utilize imaging to tailor and coordinate treatment for this patient population.
Timing of Initiation of Acute Stroke Rehabilitation and Management Corresponding to Complications at Primary Stroke Centers in Japan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Web-Based Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Oki Koichi , Nakajima Makoto , Koyama Tetsuo , Oyama Naoki , Koga Masatoshi , Hayase Makoto , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Omori Tomohiro , Matsumoto Koichi , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Fujimoto Shigeru , Kakuda Wataru , Ogasawara Kuniaki ,   Project Team for the Equalization and Standardization in Acute Stroke Rehabilitation
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Many guidelines now recommend early rehabilitation for acute stroke patients. However, evidence remains lacking regarding the specific timings for initiation of various rehabilitation steps and management when complications are encountered in acute stroke rehabilitation. This survey aimed to investigate actual clinical situations in acute stroke rehabilitation in Japan and to improve the medical systems for rehabilitation and plan further studies. Methods: This nationwide, cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire survey was administered between February 7, 2022, and April 21, 2022, targeting all primary stroke centers (PSCs) in Japan. Among several components of the survey, this paper focused on the timing of the initiation of three rehabilitation steps (passive bed exercise; head elevation; and out-of-bed mobilization), along with the management of rehabilitation (continued or suspended) in the event of complications during acute stroke rehabilitation. We also investigated the influence of facility features on these contents. Results: Responses were obtained from 639 of the 959 PSCs surveyed (response rate: 66.6%). In cases of ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, most PSCs initiated passive bed exercise on day 1, head elevation on day 1, and out-of-bed mobilization on day 2 (with day of admission defined as day 1). In cases with subarachnoid hemorrhage, rehabilitation steps were delayed compared to other stroke subtypes or showed wide variation depending on the facility. Passive bed exercise was accelerated by the presence of protocols for rehabilitation and weekend rehabilitation. Out-of-bed mobilization was accelerated by the presence of a stroke care unit. Facilities with board-certified rehabilitation doctors were cautious regarding the initiation of head elevation. Most PSCs suspended rehabilitation training in the event of symptomatic systemic/neurological complications. Conclusion: Our survey revealed the actual situation of acute stroke rehabilitation in Japan and indicated that some facility features appear to influence early increases in physical activity levels and early mobilization. Our survey provides fundamental data to improve the medical systems for acute stroke rehabilitation in the future.
Extraskeletal Myxoid Chondrosarcoma of the Jugular Foramen in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Oktay Kadir , Aliyev Araz , Alcan Halil Emre , Erdogan Seyda , Ozsoy Kerem Mazhar , Cetinalp Nuri Eralp , Erman Tahsin
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma of the jugular foramen is a rare clinical entity, especially in the pediatric population. Thus, it can be confused with other pathologies. Case Presentation: We report an extremely rare case of a 14-year-old female patient with jugular foramen myxoid chondrosarcoma that was completely removed through microsurgical resection. Conclusion: The primary purpose of the treatment is gross total resection of the chondrosarcomas. However, adjuvant methods such as radiotherapy should additionally be applied in patients who have high-grade diseases or cannot undergo gross total resection because of anatomic localization.
Quality Assessment of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Quek Jingxuan , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Chan Kai En , Lim Wen Hui , Ng Cheng Han , Ren Yi Ping , Koh Teng Kiat , Teh Readon , Xiao Jieling , Fu Clarissa , Syn Nicholas , Teng Margaret , Muthiah Mark , Fowler Kathryn J. , Sirlin Claude B. , Loomba Rohit , Huang Daniel Q.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: To achieve early detection and curative treatment options, surveillance imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) must remain of quality and without substantial limitations in liver visualization. However, the prevalence of limited liver visualization during HCC surveillance imaging has not been systematically assessed. Utilizing a systematic review and meta-analytic approach, we aimed to determine the prevalence of limited liver visualization during HCC surveillance imaging. Methods: MEDLINE and Embase electronic databases were searched to identify published data on liver visualization limitations of HCC surveillance imaging. An analysis of proportions was pooled using a generalized linear mixed model with Clopper-Pearson intervals. Risk factors were analysed using a generalized mixed model with a logit link and inverse variance weightage. Results: Of 683 records, 10 studies (7,131 patients) met inclusion criteria. Seven studies provided data on liver visualization limitations on ultrasound (US) surveillance exams: prevalence of limited liver visualization was 48.9% (95% CI: 23.5–74.9%) in the overall analysis and 59.2% (95% CI: 24.2–86.9%) in a sensitivity analysis for cirrhotic patients. Meta-regression determined that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with limited liver visualization on US. Four studies provided data for liver visualization limitations in abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (aMRI), with inadequate visualization ranging from 5.8% to 19.0%. One study provided data for complete MRI and none for computed tomography. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of US exams performed for HCC surveillance provide limited liver visualization, especially in cirrhosis, which may hinder detection of small observations. Alternative surveillance strategies including aMRI may be appropriate for patients with limited US visualization.
Critical Evaluation of Transcripts and Long Noncoding RNA Expression Levels in Prostate Cancer Following Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Ruiz Christian , Alborelli Ilaria , Manzo Massimilinao , Calgua Byron , Keller Eveline Barbara , Vuaroqueaux Vincent , Quagliata Luca , Rentsch Cyrill A. , Spagnoli Giulio Cesare , Diener Pierre André , Bubendorf Lukas , Morant Rudolf ,   on behalf of the former members of the Urology Team in St. Gallen, Eppenberger-Castori Serenella
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The clinical course of prostate cancer (PCa) is highly variable, ranging from indolent behavior to rapid metastatic progression. The Gleason score is widely accepted as the primary histologic assessment tool with significant prognostic value. However, additional biomarkers are required to better stratify patients, particularly those at intermediate risk. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the expression of 86 cancer hallmark genes in 171 patients with PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy and focused on the outcome of the 137 patients with postoperative R0-PSA0 status. Results: Low expression of the IGF1 and SRD52A, and high expression of TIMP2, PLAUR, S100A2, and CANX genes were associated with biochemical recurrence (BR), defined as an increase of prostate-specific antigen above 0.2 ng/mL. Furthermore, the analysis of the expression of 462 noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) in a sub-cohort of 39 patients with Gleason score 7 tumors revealed that high levels of expression of the ncRNAs LINC00624, LINC00593, LINC00482, and cd27-AS1 were significantly associated with BR. Our findings provide further evidence for tumor-promoting roles of ncRNAs in PCa patients at intermediate risk. The strong correlation between expression of LINC00624 and KRT8 gene, encoding a well-known cell surface protein present in PCa, further supports a potential contribution of this ncRNA to PCa progression. Conclusion: While larger and further studies are needed to define the role of these genes/ncRNA in PCa, our findings pave the way toward the identification of a subgroup of patients at intermediate risk who may benefit from adjuvant treatments and new therapeutic agents.
Management of Aortoesophageal Fistula in a Palliative Patient with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Adler Kathrin , Evertz Ruben , Neesse Albrecht , Biggemann Lorenz , Overbeck Tobias R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Aortoesophageal fistulas are a rare but life-threatening complication in patients with thoracic malignancies. Case Presentation: We describe a case of a 55-year-old female patient with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Due to esophageal tumor compression, a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (fcSEMS) had been deployed in the esophagus several months before. The patient was subsequently admitted to the emergency department with massive hematemesis. Endoscopy suggested a fistula between the aorta and the esophagus proximal of the fcSEMS, which was confirmed by computed tomography and led to hemodynamical relevant upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed to stop the hemorrhage. After the successful intervention, the patient needed long-term antibiotic treatment, and the fcSEMS remained in place. Afterward, the patient continued palliative tumor therapy using pembrolizumab for further 5 months. The patient died 8 months after the initial admission to the emergency department. Conclusion: This is to the best of our knowledge the first case of a technically successful interventional therapy of an aortoesophageal fistula which did not only achieve hemostasis but also enabled the patient to continue tumor therapy to regain quality of life.
Potential Cost Savings by Switching from Subcutaneous to Intralymphatic Insect Venom Immunotherapy
Authors: Chabot Alexandra , Lang Claudia , Kündig Thomas M. , Schmid-Grendelmeier Peter , Johansen Pål
Published: July 2023

Introduction: IgE-mediated bee venom allergy can be treated with allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is time and cost intensive due to the repeated consultations, but the costs are justified by the high risk of potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. However, intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) offers potential to reduce treatment costs due to a significant reduction in injections and a shorter duration of therapy. Therefore, we calculated the cost savings that arise when switching from SCIT to ILIT. Methods: Treatment protocols for ILIT were based on previous ILIT studies. Treatment protocols for SCIT were based on routine treatment at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ). The treatment costs were calculated based on the internal hospital information system (KISIM). Results: The calculations revealed a potential two-fold reduction in treatment costs if ILIT is used instead of SCIT in patients with bee venom allergy. The costs could be reduced from EUR 11,612.59 with SCIT to EUR 5,942.15 with ILIT over 5 years. Conclusions: This study shows that bee venom ILIT has a cost-benefit potential for health insurances and patients, which should encourage further ILIT studies and which should be taken into account when considering future implementation of ILIT in the standard care of venom allergy.
Breaking Down the Evidence: Does Perioperative Hypotension Cause Kidney Injury?
Authors: Antonucci Edoardo , Prado Victor E. , Legrand Matthieu
Published: July 2023

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in the postoperative period and is associated with negative patient outcomes. The definition of perioperative hypotension is wide, but it is associated with various complications, including AKI. Summary: Preclinical data suggest that sustained severe renal hypoperfusion per se does not cause persistent AKI. The evidence associating blood pressure levels and postoperative renal dysfunction is predominantly retrospective and observational, and therefore potentially misled by the complex interactions between exposures, confounders, and mediators. Key Messages: To better understand how perioperative hemodynamic management could affect the occurrence of kidney injury, it is pivotal to further investigate the association between hypotension and kidney dysfunction in the perioperative period and determine the degree to which hypotension is a causal factor.
Hepatic Progenitor Cells in the Form of Ductular Structures within a GIST Liver Metastasis: Supporting a Putative Role in the Hepatic Metastatic Niche
Authors: Lobo João , Gama João , Luis Rita , Tiniakos Dina , Cipriano Maria Augusta
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Recent studies have highlighted the presence of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in metastatic liver carcinomas. We provide further evidence of this phenomenon, presenting a case of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) liver metastasis with evidence of intra- and peritumoral HPC. Case Description: A 64-year-old man presented with a gastric mass diagnosed as a high-risk KIT-mutated GIST. The patient was treated with imatinib, recurring 5 years later with a liver mass. Liver biopsy disclosed a GIST metastasis, hallmarked by a proliferation of ductular structures without cytological atypia intermingled with the tumour cells, with a CK7/CK19/CD56-positive immunophenotype and rare CD44 positivity. The patient underwent liver resection, and the same ductular structures were present in the tumour interior and at its periphery. Conclusion: We document for the time the presence of HPC in the form of ductular structures in a GIST liver metastasis, further supporting their role in the liver metastatic niche.