bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) stool multiplex PCR can replace culture for clinical diagnosis and follow‐up
Authors: Jääskeläinen Anu E. , Salmenlinna Saara , Antikainen Jenni , Sihvonen Reetta , Ahava Maarit , Tarkka Eveliina , Pätäri‐Sampo Anu
Published: April 2023

Shiga toxin (stx)‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes potentially severe gastrointestinal infections. Due to its public health importance, control measures are required, and carriers may need to refrain from work or daycare when the risk of spread to vulnerable people is high. We evaluated the use of direct stool multiplex PCR compared to culture for primary STEC diagnostics and for follow‐up in order to update the national guidelines for STEC monitoring. We analyzed primary and follow‐up samples of 236 STEC PCR‐positive cases at HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland in 2016–2017, altogether 858 samples. All STEC PCR‐positive samples were inoculated on non‐selective chromogenic agar plates. Culture positivity was confirmed from culture sweeps by PCR. 211 (89%) of the cases were culture positive in their primary sample. Of all primary and follow‐up samples, 499 were PCR positive and of these 450 (90%) were culture positive. PCR‐negative follow‐up samples were available from 125 cases. Of these, 88 cases were followed for at least three consecutive PCR‐negative samples. Two cases (2%) had culture‐positive sample(s) after two consecutive PCR‐negative samples. The median time for STEC clearance was 22–23 days. The laboratory‐developed multiplex PCR test used in this study is a reliable method for STEC diagnostics and follow‐up in a clinical laboratory. When non‐selective methodology is used, the majority of PCR‐positive samples (90%) are also culture positive. Furthermore, only two cases (2%) in our material had two consecutive PCR‐negative samples followed by positive samples. Consequently, to demonstrate the clearance from STEC infection, we consider two PCR‐negative follow‐up samples sufficient. The Finnish national guidelines for STEC monitoring have been updated accordingly.
Internal hernia after laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with splenic flexural mobilization and high ligation of the inferior mesenteric vein: A case report
Authors: Feng Dongping , Kondo Akihiro , Asano Eisuke , Matsukawa Hiroyuki , Nishiura Bumpei , Ando Yasuhisa , Suto Hironobu , Kishino Takayoshi , Oshima Minoru , Kumamoto Kensuke , Okano Keiichi
Published: April 2023

Several studies have recently reported the rare occurrence of internal herniation of the small bowel after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Most cases of internal herniation after laparoscopic colorectal surgery occur due to a mesenteric defect. However, there have been no reports on the indications for closing mesenteric defects to prevent the development of an internal hernia. This study reports a case of an internal hernia of the proximal jejunum near the ligament of Treitz in a patient who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with splenic flexural mobilization and high ligation of the inferior mesenteric vein. Assessing the risk for internal herniation before completing the initial surgery is crucial. Additionally, mesenteric defect closure should be performed to prevent the development of internal hernias among patients with a potential risk.
Decade‐long trends in prostate cancer biopsy grade groups and treatment within a population‐based registry
Authors: Wei Gavin , Ranasinghe Weranja , Evans Melanie , Bolton Damien , Dodds Lachlan , Frydenberg Mark , Kearns Paul , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Murphy Declan G. , Millar Jeremy , Papa Nathan
Published: April 2023

Objective

To assess changes in diagnosis prostate cancer (PCa) grade, biopsy and treatment approach over a decade (2011–2020) at a population level within a clinical quality cancer registry.

Patients and Methods

Patients diagnosed by prostate biopsy between 2011 and 2020 were retrieved from the Victorian Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry, a prospective, state‐wide clinical quality registry in Australia. Distributions of each grade group (GG) proportion over time were modelled with restricted cubic splines, separately by biopsy technique, age group and subsequent treatment method.

Results

From 2011 to 2020, 24 308 men were diagnosed with PCa in the registry. The proportion of GG 1 disease declined from 36–23%, with commensurate rises in GG 2 (31–36%), GG 3 (14–17%) and GG 5 (9.3–14%) disease. This pattern was similar for men diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography or transperineal biopsy. Patients aged <55 years had the largest absolute reduction in GG 1 PCa, from 56–35%, compared to patients aged 55–64 (41–31%), 65–74 (31–21%), and ≥75 years (12–10%). The proportion of prostatectomies performed for patients with GG 1 disease fell from 28% to 7.1% and, for primary radiation therapy, the proportion fell from 22% to 3.5%.

Conclusion

From 2011 to 2020, there has been a substantial decrease in the proportion of GG 1 PCa diagnosed, particularly in younger men. The percentage of interventional management performed in GG 1 disease has fallen to very low levels. These results reflect the implementation of major changes to diagnostic and treatment guidelines and inform the future allocation of treatment methods.
Use of carrion fly iDNA metabarcoding to monitor invasive and native mammals
Authors: Fernandes Kristen , Bateman Philip W. , Saunders Benjamin J. , Bunce Michael , Bohmann Kristine , Nevill Paul
Published: April 2023

Severely fragmented habitats increase the risk of extirpation of native mammal populations through isolation, increased edge effects, and predation. Therefore, monitoring the movement of mammal populations through anthropogenically altered landscapes can inform conservation. We used metabarcoding of invertebrate‐derived DNA (iDNA) from carrion flies (Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae) to track mammal populations in the wheat belt of southwestern Australia, where widespread clearing for agriculture has removed most of the native perennial vegetation and replaced it with an agricultural system. We investigated whether the localization of the iDNA signal reflected the predicted distribution of 4 native species—echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), woylie (Bettongia penicillata), and chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii)—and 2 non‐native, invasive mammal species—fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cat (Felis catus). We collected bulk iDNA samples (n = 150 samples from 3428 carrion flies) at 3 time points from 3 conservation reserves and 35 road edges between them. We detected 14 of the 40 mammal species known from the region, including our target species. Most detections of target taxa were in conservation reserves. There were a few detections from road edges. We detected foxes and feral cats throughout the study area, including all conservation reserves. There was a significant difference between the diversity (F3, 98 = 5.91, p < 0.001) and composition (F3, 43 = 1.72, p < 0.01) of taxa detections on road edges and conservation reserves. Conservation reserves hosted more native biodiversity than road edges. Our results suggest that the signals from iDNA reflect the known distribution of target mammals in this region. The development of iDNA methods shows promise for future noninvasive monitoring of mammals. With further development, iDNA metabarcoding could inform decision‐making related to conservation of endangered taxa, invasive species management, and impacts of habitat fragmentation.
Revisiting two dogmas of conservation science
Authors: Ferraro Kristy M. , Ferraro Anthony L. , Arietta A. Z. Andis , Sommer Nathalie R.
Published: April 2023

Conservation science is a morally motivated field, with implicit and explicit values built into its practice. As such, conservationists must engage with conservation ethics to interrogate underlying values. We examine cutting‐edge ecological science and contemporary ethics to revisit two conservation norms that have become dogmatic in the field: ecological collectives, but not individual animals, are valuable and anthropomorphism should be staunchly avoided. Emerging studies demonstrate that individuals and their intraspecific variation can be instrumentally valuable for conservation science, and there is an emerging consensus within environmental philosophy around the moral worth of individuals. Thus, we suggest conservation science should explicitly recognize the value of individuals. We also argue that avoiding anthropomorphism is detrimental to conservation because critical anthropomorphism enables a more nuanced scientific approach—allowing conservationists to ask enlightened questions with creativity and compassion. We provide evidence that both dogmatic norms are scientifically and morally outdated and propose new normative values to push conservation towards more robust science and ethical practice.
Endovascular aortic repair impact on myocardial contractility: A prospective study
Authors: Spinella Giovanni , Boschetti Gian Antonio , Bauckneht Matteo , Raffa Stefano , Marini Cecilia , Finotello Alice , Pane Bianca , Pratesi Giovanni , Palombo Domenico , Sambuceti Gianmario
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to estimate if the altered sphygmic wave transmission may affect the left ventricular (LV) contractile function in patients undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR).

Methods

A prospective single‐centre study was carried out on consecutive patients undergoing EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm. A preoperative and 6‐month single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with arterial stiffness measurement were performed to evaluate variations in pressure wave curve and myocardial perfusion parameters.

Results

From 2018 to 2020 a total of 16 patients were included in the study. Among the parameters evaluated, we found a measurable reduction of the reflected wave transit time from pre‐ to postoperative period, for both stress (115.13 ± 7.2 ms–111.1 ± 7.0 ms, p = .08) and rest SPECT acquisitions (115.3 ± 6.2 ms–112.2 ± 5.6 ms, p = .1). Unidirectional increase of both LV end‐systolic volume (34 ± 9 mL–39 ± 8 mL, p = .02) and end‐diastolic volume (85 ± 34 mL–89 ± 29 mL, p = .6) was also observed. Lastly, the ratio between the end‐systolic pressure and the end‐systolic volume (maximal systolic myocardial stiffness) decreased from 3.6 ± 1.5 mmHg/mL to 2.66 ± .74 mmHg/mL (p = .03).

Conclusions

Our data showed that EVAR induced an altered transmission of the sphygmic wave associated with an early LV contractile impairment.
Frequency aware task scheduling using DVFS for energy efficiency in Cloud data centre
Authors: Samual Joshua , Hussin Masnida , Hamid Nor Asilah Wati Abdul , Abdullah Azizol
Published: April 2023

Reliable processing capacity and flexible storage space make Cloud computing the most recent favourable technology. Many organizations have converted their conventional processing data centre to a Cloud data centre. Cloud computing provides promising execution and storage, which leads to massive growth in processing demand by Cloud users. It makes the Cloud data centre increase the number of virtual machines (VM) to execute the users tasks. Hence, it causes high frequency disbursed and has increased energy consumption. Many techniques were proposed, which focuses on Cloud energy saving. However, there is still a lack of trade‐off between energy‐efficient task allocation and frequency scaling for a given workload. In this work, we propose a task scheduling algorithm that aims to minimize energy consumption through the frequency scaling technique while improving task execution time. Specifically, our scheduler comprises two modules, which are the scaling frequency module and frequency‐aware task scheduling module. In our first module, we utilize Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling‐Optimal Frequency (DVFS) to determine the optimal frequency and selecting the best server for the incoming tasks. The number of VM is created upon the best server. As for the second module, the VM processing capacity is scaled to the required frequency of the task. We identify it as a required processing capacity for executing the tasks. The experiment result shows that our algorithm has outperformed and efficiently minimized the energy consumption in the Cloud data centre as compared with existing energy‐saving techniques. Meanwhile, the task allocation also has met the system's Quality of Service (QoS). Significantly, leveraging the resource processing frequency is able to gain better trade‐off between performance and energy consumption in the Cloud data centre.
Metabolic alterations in patients with Helicobacter pylori‐related gastritis: The H. pylori‐gut microbiota‐metabolism axis in progression of the chronic inflammation in the gastric mucosa
Authors: Zang Hongmin , Wang Jin , Wang Huijie , Guo Jiaxuan , Li Yuchan , Zhao Yinuo , Song Jinzhong , Liu Fengshuang , Liu Xuzhao , Zhao Yubin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To characterize the serum metabolism in patients with Helicobacter pylori‐positive and H. pylori‐negative gastritis.

Methods

Clinical data and serum gastric function parameters, PGI (pepsinogen I), PGII, PGR (PGI/II), and G‐17 (gastrin‐17) of 117 patients with chronic gastritis were collected, including 57 H. pylori positive and 60 H. pylori negative subjects. Twenty cases in each group were randomly selected to collect intestinal mucosa specimens and serum samples. The gut microbiota profiles were generated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the serum metabolites were analyzed by a targeted metabolomics approach based on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) technology.

Results

Altered expression of 20 metabolites, including isovaleric acid, was detected in patients with HPAG. Some taxa of Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella in the gut microbiota showed significant correlations with differentially expressed metabolites between H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative individuals. As a result, an H. pylori‐gut microbiota‐metabolism (HGM) axis was proposed.

Conclusion

Helicobacter pylori infection may influence the progression of mucosal diseases and the emergence of other complications in the host by altering the gut microbiota, and thus affecting the host serum metabolism.
A scoping review of patient‐led teaching of health professions students
Authors: Stretton Brandon , Bacchi Stephen , Thomas Josephine
Published: April 2023

Patients with chronic health conditions may become experts in their own conditions. Thus, utilising patients as teachers, with autonomy over taught content, may better prepare students to deliver patient‐centred care. A scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley and Joanna Briggs Institute framework was performed. A total of 2162 articles were identified and 28 unique studies were included. Patient teacher programmes range from single, short 1‐ to 2‐h tutorials to longitudinal community‐based programmes. These programmes are mutually beneficial for students, improving awareness of all patient‐centred domains, and patients feel empowered by their roles in education.
Remote‐Sensing Method for Monitoring Suspended‐Sediment Concentration on the Middle‐Mississippi and Lower‐Missouri Rivers
Authors: Martinez Megan J. , Cox Amanda L.
Published: April 2023

Sediment transport, erosion, and deposition are primary drivers of river geomorphic processes and ecological services. Suspended‐sediment concentration (SSC) is an important parameter for evaluating these processes and is accordingly of significant interest to engineers, scientists, and water resource managers. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) previously operated nine daily SSC gauging stations along the Mississippi River, with operating dates ranging from 1974 to 2018. Currently, there are no USGS gauging stations reporting daily SSC values along the Mississippi River. For this study, regression models were developed to compute the SSC along the Middle‐Mississippi River (MMR) and Lower‐Missouri River (LMOR) using publicly and freely available Landsat imagery. Surface reflectance data from Landsat satellites were used with USGS‐measured SSC to develop regression models for three different Landsat sensors (Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 4‐5 TM). Previous models published for predicting SSC in the MMR and LMOR from Landsat images have a linear‐regression form and have provided invalid negative values when extrapolated outside of the dataset used for development. The objectives of this study were to develop reflectance‐SSC regression models using a power‐function form and demonstrate their extrapolation performance using multiple novel applications in the MMR basin. The reflectance‐SSC regression models were applied to the following conditions: 1) mixing at the Mississippi and Missouri River confluence, 2) point‐source pollution, and 3) SSC changes along the entire MMR reach for a range of discharges. The regression models were also used to develop sediment rating curves for the four largest tributaries of the MMR.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in Water Dialogues: A Review and Conceptualization
Authors: Williams Simone A. , Eden Susanna , Megdal Sharon B. , Joe‐Gaddy Valerisa
Published: April 2023

In the United States, the lack of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in water governance and management has been identified as a serious problem that affects the validity of decisions. Because water governance and management institutions, processes, and practices at all scales involve dialogue, it is important to understand DEIJ in water dialogues. This paper reports on the results of a systematic literature survey that was undertaken to guide efforts by The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center to improve diversity and inclusion in its engagement practices and outreach strategies. Three questions are explored: 1) How is DEIJ defined, conceptualized, and measured in water dialogues?, 2) How does a lack of DEIJ in water dialogues affect water‐related outcomes and actors?, and 3) What are the approaches that can be used to increase DEIJ in water dialogues, especially with respect to underrepresented groups? The review synthesizes definitions of DEIJ and examines theories and methods from the literatures on discourse, diversity, social learning, and environmental justice. The lens of dialogue focused these disparate literatures on how people with diverse voices can be engaged and enabled to effectively participate in water dialogues. Despite the paucity of DEIJ literature relating to water resources in general, and to water dialogues more specifically, the review identified characteristics of DEIJ, factors that contribute to DEIJ issues, general lessons, and pathways that apply to increasing DEIJ in water dialogue participation. Further, this paper articulates a conceptual framework for understanding and addressing DEIJ failures in water dialogues. A concept of “just water dialogues” emerged that integrates insights from the literature reviewed with notions of environmental justice to help with identifying and resolving “water dialogue justice” (i.e., DEIJ failures). Review results suggest that DEIJ in water resources dialogues depends on the distribution of knowledge resources, and on broader issues that include cultural, political, and other often ignored contextual factors. Importantly, addressing DEIJ problems through the creation and maintenance of just water dialogues requires tackling power imbalances, enhancing individual and organizational capacity, and building bridges through effective engagement of diverse voices, especially those of underrepresented groups. Strategies that have demonstrated effectiveness in other contexts are highlighted, and future research needed to improve practices to enhance DEIJ in water dialogues is outlined.
Vitamin D may alleviate pre‐eclampsia by modulating the ferroptosis signalling pathway: A hypothesis based on recent literature
Authors: Li Cui‐Ping , Su Hua‐Qin , He Lian‐Ping
Published: April 2023

Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death typically characterized by non‐apoptotic, iron‐dependent, and reactive accumulation of oxygen species. Recent studies have found that ferroptosis plays an important role in the pathophysiology of pre‐eclampsia (PE). In order to find potential therapeutic targets for ferroptosis intervention and better prevent the occurrence and progression of PE, the signalling pathways that regulate ferroptosis need to be identified. In this article, we review the role of vitamin D in PE and the role of ferroptosis in PE. Based on recent literature, we propose the scientific hypothesis that vitamin D can alleviate preeclampsia by modulating the ferroptosis signalling pathway. The aim of this review is to understand the regulatory pathways of ferroptosis in PE and to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Early‐stage predictors of deterioration among 3145 nonsevere SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected people community‐isolated in Wuhan, China: A combination of machine learning algorithms and competing risk survival analyses
Authors: Min Kaiyuan , Cheng Zhenshun , Liu Jiangfeng , Fang Yanhong , Wang Weichen , Yang Yehong , Geldsetzer Pascal , Bärnighausen Till , Yang Juntao , Liu Depei , Chen Simiao , Wang Chen
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine which early‐stage variables best predicted the deterioration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) among community‐isolated people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and to test the performance of prediction using only inexpensive‐to‐measure variables.

Methods

Medical records of 3145 people isolated in two Fangcang shelter hospitals (large‐scale community isolation centers) from February to March 2020 were accessed. Two complementary methods—machine learning algorithms and competing risk survival analyses—were used to test potential predictors, including age, gender, severity upon admission, symptoms (general symptoms, respiratory symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms), computed tomography (CT) signs, and comorbid chronic diseases. All variables were measured upon (or shortly after) admission. The outcome was deterioration versus recovery of COVID‐19.

Results

More than a quarter of the 3145 people did not present any symptoms, while one‐third ended isolation due to deterioration. Machine learning models identified moderate severity upon admission, old age, and CT ground‐glass opacity as the most important predictors of deterioration. Removing CT signs did not degrade the performance of models. Competing risk models identified age ≥ 35 years, male gender, moderate severity upon admission, cough, expectoration, CT patchy opacity, CT consolidation, comorbid diabetes, and comorbid cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases as significant predictors of deterioration, while a stuffy or runny nose as a predictor of recovery.

Conclusions

Early‐stage prediction of COVID‐19 deterioration can be made with inexpensive‐to‐measure variables, such as demographic characteristics, severity upon admission, observable symptoms, and self‐reported comorbid diseases, among asymptomatic people and mildly to moderately symptomatic patients.
The role of tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 in the coagulation and fibrinolysis system
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroshi , Matsubara Sho , Imanaka Shogo
Published: April 2023

Aim

Tissue factor (TF), the primary initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, contributes to the generation of a hypercoagulable and prothrombotic state in cancer patients. TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a major inhibitor of TF‐mediated coagulation pathway. The two proteins, TFPI1 and TFPI2, are encoded by separate genes. Indeed, various cancer patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) had significantly lower TFPI1 levels than those without VTE. In contrast, serum TFPI2 level was found to increase in ovarian cancer patients with VTE. It remains unclear why TFPI2, unlike TFPI1, is elevated in ovarian cancer patients with VTE. The aim of this review is to explore the pathophysiological role of TFPI2 on the coagulation and fibrinolysis system.

Methods

A literature search was performed from inception to April 30, 2022 in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

Results

TFPI1 and TFPI2 are homologs with different protease inhibitory activities in the coagulation and fibrinolysis system. TFPI1 inhibits TF/factor VIIa (FVIIa) catalyzed factor X (FX) activation. On the other hand, TFPI2 is unlikely to affect TF‐initiated thrombin generation, but it has strong inhibitory activity against plasmin. Plasmin is involved in fibrin degradation, clot lysis, and inactivation of several coagulation factors (such as FV, FVIII, FIX, and FX). TFPI2 may increase the risk of VTE by inhibiting plasmin‐dependent fibrinolysis.

Conclusion

TFPI1 and TFPI2 may have different key functions in regulating the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems.
Classification of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis on cone beam computed tomography images using artificial intelligence system
Authors: Eşer Gözde , Duman Şuayip Burak , Bayrakdar İbrahim Şevki , Çelik Özer
Published: April 2023

Background

The use of artificial intelligence has many advantages, especially in the field of oral and maxillofacial radiology. Early diagnosis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by artificial intelligence may improve prognosis.

Objective

The aim of this study is to perform the classification of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis and TMJ segmentation on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) sagittal images with artificial intelligence.

Methods

In this study, the success of YOLOv5 architecture, an artificial intelligence model, in TMJ segmentation and osteoarthritis classification was evaluated on 2000 sagittal sections (500 healthy, 500 erosion, 500 osteophyte, 500 flattening images) obtained from CBCT DICOM images of 290 patients.

Results

The sensitivity, precision and F1 scores of the model for TMJ osteoarthritis classification are 1, 0.7678 and 0.8686, respectively. The accuracy value for classification is 0.7678. The prediction values of the classification model are 88% for healthy joints, 70% for flattened joints, 95% for joints with erosion and 86% for joints with osteophytes. The sensitivity, precision and F1 score of the YOLOv5 model for TMJ segmentation are 1, 0.9953 and 0.9976, respectively. The AUC value of the model for TMJ segmentation is 0.9723. In addition, the accuracy value of the model for TMJ segmentation was found to be 0.9953.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence model applied in this study can be a support method that will save time and convenience for physicians in the diagnosis of the disease with successful results in TMJ segmentation and osteoarthritis classification.
Etiology and effusion characteristics in 29 cats and 60 dogs with pyothorax (2010‐2020)
Authors: Johnson Lynelle R. , Epstein Steven E. , Reagan Krystle L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Pyothorax, an accumulation of inflammatory fluid in the pleural space, is often caused by foreign body inhalation in dogs, whereas the etiology in cats can be more difficult to discern.

Objective

Compare clinical, microbiologic findings, and etiology in cats and dogs with pyothorax.

Animals

Twenty‐nine cats and 60 dogs.

Methods

Medical records of cats and dogs diagnosed with pyothorax from 2010 to 2020 were reviewed. Clinical findings, fluid analysis, and microbiologic results were retrieved.

Results

Antimicrobials had been administered to equal proportions of cats and dogs before fluid sampling (45% and 47%). Groups did not differ in age or total protein concentration or percentage neutrophils in pleural fluid, but effusion cell count was significantly higher in cats than in dogs (P = .01). Neutrophils containing intracellular bacteria were identified in more cats (27/29, 93%) than dogs (44/60, 73%; P = .05). Penetrating damage to the thorax was implicated as the cause of pyothorax in equal percentages of cats (76%) and dogs (75%). Etiology could not be determined in 2 cats and 1 dog. Cats had higher numbers of bacterial isolates per patient (median, 3) than dogs (median, 1; P = .01) and anaerobes were isolated more often in cats (23/29, 73%) than in dogs (27/60, 45%; P = .003).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pyothorax had similar etiologies in cats and dogs. Cats had higher fluid cell counts, higher numbers of bacterial isolates identified per patient, and intracellular bacteria detected more commonly than did dogs.
Naming and gaming: The illicit taxonomic practice of ‘nomenclatural harvesting’ and how to avoid it
Authors: Denzer Wolfgang , Kaiser Hinrich
Published: April 2023

We coin the term 'nomenclatural harvesting' to identify a distinct form of taxonomic vandalism, in which practitioners generate taxon names for operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified in phylogenetic trees published by others, even when there is no scientifically useful or practical basis for doing so. This practice can destabilize the nomenclature of scientifically established groups by swamping them with questionable new names, and this may have broader impacts in the application of taxon names to clinical toxinology, studies of biodiversity and conservation, and it may contribute to further erode the trust placed by the public in science. A change to Article 73 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and the addition of suitable language in publications presenting taxonomic decisions to authenticate research effort and specimen work would alleviate the problem.
What nursing chooses not to know: Practices of epistemic silence/silencing
Authors: Dillard‐Wright Jessica , Valderama‐Wallace Claire , Canty Lucinda , Perron Amélie , De Sousa Ismalia , Gullick Janice
Published: April 2023

Drawing from a keynote panel held at the hybrid 25th International Philosophy of Nursing Conference, this discussion paper examines the question of epistemic silence in nursing from five different perspectives. Contributors include US‐based scholar Claire Valderama‐Wallace, who meditated on ecosystems of settler colonial logics of nursing; American scholar Lucinda Canty discussed the epistemic silencing of nurses of colour; Canadian scholar Amelie Perron interrogated the use of disobedience and parrhesia in and for nursing; Canada‐based scholar Ismalia De Sousa considered what nursing protects in its silences; and Australian scholar Janice Gullick spoke to trans invisibility in nursing.
Clinical Characteristics, Mechanism, and Outcome of Humeral Shaft Fractures Sustained during Arm Wrestling in Young Men: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Shen Junjie , Yu Pei , Yang Renhao , Li Gen , Sun Qi , Cai Ming , Zheng Xianyou , Wang Lei
Published: April 2023

Objective

Humeral fractures are common in arm wrestling and other sports and military activities requiring similar movements; however, the precise mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we present an overview of the characteristics, possible mechanisms, and treatment of humeral shaft fractures sustained during arm wrestling.

Methods

We reviewed 8 years (January 2013 to January 2021) of medical records and retrospectively analyzed data from 27 patients with humeral shaft fractures sustained during arm wrestling. The clinical data included sex, age, affected arm, alcohol consumption, muscle warm‐up, history of competitive participation, opponents' characteristics, wrist position, and post‐fracture radial nerve injuries. The fracture configurations were radiographically assessed and analyzed. Surgical management included single or dual plating. Scores on the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at the last follow‐up visit.

Results

All fractures sustained during arm wrestling were spiral fractures of the distal third of the humerus. Of these, 11 were 12‐A1 type and 16 were 12‐B2 type with a wedge fragment. The two subtypes differed in the total fracture line length (12‐A1: 0.18 ± 0.04; 12‐B2: 0.23 ± 0.04; P < 0.001). The radial nerve injury rate was 0/11 (0%) in patients with 12‐A1 type fractures and 7/16 (43.8%) in patients with 12‐B2 type fractures (P = 0.011). Most patients were young men (mean age, ~25 years) with a history of competitively participating in arm wrestling for >2 years. Cold seasonal temperatures and a lack of warm‐ups increased the risk of injury. All patients showed improved DASH scores at the last follow‐up (12‐A1:77.82 ± 5.14 to 10.25 [5.38]; 12‐B2:78.91 ± 7.46 to 8.95 [3.17]; P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed among the different surgical treatments.

Conclusions

Individuals who participated in arm wrestling were at risk of humeral shaft fractures (type 12‐A1 or 12‐B2). The 12‐B2 type occurs with a wedge fragment and is frequently accompanied by radial nerve injuries. The characteristics of arm‐wrestling fractures and the mechanism(s) underlying these fractures can help orthopedic surgeons understand the causes of these fractures and similar fractures sustained in traditional sports. This understanding will help surgeons choose more effective surgical treatments that will result in more desirable functional outcomes and a faster return to work.
Under the thin skin of narcissus: Facial muscle activity reveals amplified emotional responses to negative social evaluation in individuals with grandiose narcissistic traits
Authors: Harjunen Ville J. , Krusemark Elizabeth , Stigzelius Saskia , Halmesvaara Otto W. , Annala Mikko , Henttonen Pentti , Määttänen Ilmari , Silfver Mia , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa , Ravaja Niklas
Published: April 2023

Individuals with grandiose narcissism exhibit enhanced antagonism and a defensive pattern of discordance between their emotional and physiological reactions to self‐threatening evaluations. Although theoretical perspectives link narcissistic defensiveness to negative emotions, empirical evidence linking grandiose narcissism to emotional reactivity remains mixed. The current study used self‐reported affect, electrocardiography, and facial electromyography (fEMG) to examine whether people scoring high in grandiose narcissism show amplified physiological and self‐reported emotional reactivity to negative social evaluation. Following two challenging cognitive tasks, participants received negative and neutral feedback in a face‐to‐face evaluation situation. Receiving negative feedback decreased self‐reported positive affect and dominance, slowed heart rate, and amplified fEMG activity related to frowning and eye constriction. Although self‐reported emotional reactions were unrelated to grandiose narcissism, fEMG activity associated with negative affect was significantly enhanced by grandiose narcissism. In conclusion, individuals with higher levels of grandiose narcissism may not be willing to report overt emotional reactivity to self‐threatening feedback, but physiological responses “beneath their thin skin” reveal amplified threat‐related facial muscle activity suggestive of a negative emotional state.
Numerical Investigation of Parameters Affecting Energy Losses in Multi-Stage Perforated Plates
Authors: La Rosa Davide Maria , Rossi Marco Maria Agostino , Ferrarese Giacomo , Malavasi Stefano
Published: April 2023

Perforated plates are commonly used for flow control in pressurized systems. In different industrial applications, these devices are also used in series (multistage perforated plates) to manage high-pressure drop or reduce cavitation occurrence in industrial pipelines and enhance efficiency of gas turbines in power plants. In some specific conditions, the installation of perforated plates in series is a simple and cost-effective solution that increases plant efficiency. However, the large number of design parameters complicates the search for the optimal solution. With the aim of improving the knowledge of the most relevant design parameters, in the present investigation, the dissipation characteristics of multistage perforated plates are studied. Specifically, the analysis of the dependence of the pressure loss coefficient Eu on relative spacing and hole alignment for two subsequent identical plates is performed with CFD approach. Eight plates with different characteristics such as porosity, thickness, diameter, position, and number of holes are studied. The considered porosities vary in a range of 0.3–0.5, the ratio between plate thickness and hole diameter ranges between 0.7 and 1.3, and the number of holes between 4 and 26. A critical spacing between the plates, beyond which the pressure losses are independent of the alignment of the holes, has been calculated. The results obtained are relevant for a deeper understanding of the complex phenomenon of multistage perforated plates and can be used for the design and the installation of these devices commonly used in different engineering applications.
Super-resolution cellular ultrasound imaging via localization of nanodroplets
Authors: Kim John , Welch Phoebe J. , Shi Chengzhi
Published: April 2023

Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM) had made it possible to differentiate microbubble contrast agents that are separated only by a few micrometers and, thus, opening the path for super-resolution imaging. However, due to the innate limits of acoustic waves and microbubble imaging, similar levels of resolution to optical imaging (i.e., submicron resolution) are still very challenging. In this paper, we utilize ULM to achieve cellular imaging by using phase-change perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFCnDs) as a contrast agent that were fabricated with spontaneous nucleation method. To identify the point spread function (PSF) of a single nanodroplet, gaussian fit function was applied for reconstruction. Nanodroplets were injected into cells through patch clamping and later captured with two transducers: a single element transducer for focused ultrasound and linear array transducer for imaging. Nonlinear imaging (NLO) was used to maximize the sound to noise ratio (SNR), which enables optimal amplitude. With the PSF of a phase-transitioned nanodroplet known, stochastic activation of multiple nanodroplets within a cell was accumulated to image a full cell morphology. These findings can lead researchers to develop effective ultrasound imaging paradigms that can visualize intracellular level of organs in deep tissue invivo.
Resolution and contrast improved ultrafast power Doppler microvessel imaging with null subtraction imaging
Authors: Oelze Michael L. , Kou Zhengchang
Published: April 2023

In this work, we demonstrate a novel non-linear beamforming technique, called null-subtraction imaging (NSI), to improve spatial resolution and image contrast of ultrafast, power Doppler microvessel imaging without significantly increasing computational cost compared to traditional delay and sum (DAS). NSI is a non-linear beamforming technique that operates on receive data by subtracting envelopes of beamforming results from three apodization windows. An array transducer and Verasonics Vantage 256 system were used to capture 1600 frames of raw ultrasonic radio frequency (RF) channel data by scanning a rat brain using nine plane waves spanning angles between -4° and 4° at a pulse repetition frequency of 1000 Hz. A singular value decomposition filter was applied on the raw RF channel data to filter out the tissue signal. Coherent compounding was performed individually on the beamformed result for each apodization window. Next, the subtraction of the envelopes for each apodization was conducted to form the NSI image. A total of 1,600 frames of NSI images were accumulated to form the final image. The NSI based ultrafast power Doppler microvessel imaging provided a ten-fold improvement in spatial resolution and a three-fold improvement in image contrast compared with the traditional DAS-based ultrafast power Doppler microvessel imaging.
Vibration and airborne acoustic data fusion for diesel engine health management
Authors: Willet Ruth , Reichard Karl
Published: April 2023

Prognostic health management (PHM) on ground vehicles is an important process to maximize vehicle availability and operational effectiveness. In doing so, maintainers can proactively address vehicle health concerns. Diesel engines are common to many platforms, so improving diesel engine health monitoring has wide applicability. Specifically, non-intrusive acoustic sensing techniques using microphones and accelerometers have been chosen for this application. This study presents initial research to fuse engine structural vibration and airborne acoustic signals for PHM. The research aims to understand how data from an accelerometer on an engine and multiple microphones placed at key locations around the engine can be integrated together for a better understanding of the engine health. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each sensor relative to the acoustic signals produced by different sources or processes on or within the engine, best practices can be developed for diesel engine acoustic data fusion for PHM.
The effect of nozzle contour on the vibroacoustic loads that form from high area ratio rocket nozzles during sea level launch
Authors: Tinney Charles
Published: April 2023

An accurate assessment of the vibro-acoustic loads that form during startup of large area ratio rocket nozzles is important for sea-level launch vehicle design and certification. These loads are driven principally by various flow and shock patterns that form inside the nozzle, which are unique to the nozzle contour. This presentation will review a number of laboratory-scale measurements of different nozzle contours and configurations reported by Baars and Tinney, Exp. Fluids, (2013), Donald et al. AIAA Journal (2014), Canchero etal. AIAA Journal (2016), and Rojo et al. AIAA Journal (2016) as it relates to launch platforms of current interest. In particular are the various sources of noise pertaining to transonic resonance, broadband shock associated noise, and the end-effects-regime (EER). The latter of these is unique to the thrust-optimized parabolic contour nozzle as is used on the current Space Launch System vehicle. This EER event occurs when the annular flow structure is in a partial restricted-shock separated (RSS) flow state and is categorized by an onset of relatively low frequency energy driven by intermittent buffeting between RSS flow and partial free shock separated flow at the nozzle lip.
An overview of acoustical measurements made of the Atlas V JPSS-2 rocket launch
Authors: Mathews Logan T. , Gardner Carson D. , McLaughlin Bradley W. , Anderson Mark C. , Hinds Brooke M. , McCullah-Boozer Megan R. , Hall Lucas K. , Gee Kent L.
Published: April 2023

On 10 November 2022, measurements were made of the Atlas V JPSS-2 rocket launch from SLC-3E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Measurements were made at 11 stations from distances of 200 m to 7 km from the launch pad. Measurement locations were arranged at various azimuthal angles relative to the rocket to investigate possible noise asymmetry. This paper discusses preliminary results from this measurement including overall levels, temporal and spectral characteristics, evidence of nonlinear propagation, and potential azimuthal asymmetry effects.
Initial comparison of RUMBLE predictions with measurements for an Atlas V rocket launch
Authors: Anderson Mark C. , Mathews Logan T. , Rasband Reese D. , Wall Alan T. , Gee Kent L.
Published: April 2023

As commercial space launches continue to become more frequent, increasing attention will be given to the noise generated during these launches. Of particular concern are nearby communities, launch infrastructure, and wildlife. To understand the impacts of such launches, noise models have been developed. One commonly used software package is known as RUMBLE. This paper aims to calculate noise metrics from measurements of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket and compare those to RUMBLE-predicted values. Locations were measured ranging in the hundreds of meters to several kilometers and the compared metrics will include the A-weighted and unweighted maximum sound level and the sound exposure level. This analysis is part of an overall goal to determine the prediction accuracy and determine how future models may be improved as the cadence of rocket launches continues to rise. [Research funded in part by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.]
Spherical-sector harmonics domain processing for wideband source localization using spherical-sector array of directional microphones
Authors: Nnonyelu Chibuzo J. , Jiang Meng , Lundgren Jan
Published: April 2023

The spherical microphone array can be uneconomical for applications where the sources arrive only from a known section of the sphere. For this reason, the spherical-sector harmonics was developed for processing spherical sector array. The orthonormal spherical sector harmonics (SSH) basis functions which accounts for the discontinuity arising from sectioning the sphere have been developed and shown to work for the array of omnidirectional microphones. In this work, the SSH basis functions are applied to far-field wideband sound source localization using spherical-sector array of first-order directional microphones (cardioid microphones). The array manifold interpolation method is used to produce the steered covariance matrix and the MUSIC algorithm applied for the direction of arrival estimation. The root-mean-square error performance of this spherical-sector array of the first-order cardioid microphones is compared against that of the omnidirectional microphones for different directions and signal-to-noise ratio.
A hybrid compressive sensing approach to noise source visualization: Application to a diesel engine
Authors: Shi Tongyang , Bolton J. S. , Eberhardt Frank
Published: April 2023

To identify sound source locations by using Fourier-based Near-field Acoustical Holography (NAH), a large number of microphone measurements is generally required to span the source region and ensure a sufficiently high spatial sampling rate. As a result, such measurements are costly, a fact which has discouraged the industrial application of NAH to identify sound source locations. However, recently, compressive sensing approaches have made it feasible to identify concentrated sound sources with a limited number of microphone measurements. In the present work, sound radiation from the front face of a diesel engine was measured by using one set of measurements from a 35-channel combo-array. The locations of significant noise sources were then identified by using three compressive sensing algorithms: Wideband Acoustical Holography (WBH), l1-norm minimization, and a hybrid approach which combined WBH and l1-norm minimization. The latter approach takes advantage of the l1’ norm’s ability to locate spatially distinct sources, and WBH’s ability to suppress “ghost” sources. It was found that the hybrid algorithm can localize and visualize the major noise sources over a broad range of frequencies, even though using a relatively small number of microphones. Finally, comments are made regarding sound field reconstruction differences between the algorithms.
Difference-frequency MUSIC for beamforming
Authors: Park Yongsung , Gerstoft Peter , Lee Jeung-Hoon
Published: April 2023

A beamforming method is derived to estimate direction-of-arrivals (DOAs) for high-frequency sources. The algorithm uses multiple frequencies and their difference frequencies (DFs). Due to the DFs below the aliasing frequency, the method mitigates spatial aliasing. DF-processing has been applied previously to the conventional beamforming [Abadi et al., J.Acoust. Soc. Am., 132(5):3018–3029, 2012]. The proposed method uses a classical beamformer, MUSIC, which is a subspace method. The MUSIC shows sharp peaks in the beamforming spectrum and high-resolution. The DF-MUSIC integrates data samples into a sample covariance matrix and estimates DOAs. We propose three ways to treat multiple time and DF samples. The time-DF-MUSIC obtains MUSIC spectra at each DF and averages the spectra over time to get final DOAs. The frequency-DF-MUSIC obtains MUSIC spectra at each time snapshot and averages the spectra over frequency to get final DOAs. The time-frequency-DF-MUSIC considers all time and frequency jointly and improves the DOA estimation.