bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DeepAdversaries: examining the robustness of deep learning models for galaxy morphology classification
Authors: Ćiprijanović Aleksandra , Kafkes Diana , Snyder Gregory , Sánchez F Javier , Perdue Gabriel Nathan , Pedro Kevin , Nord Brian , Madireddy Sandeep , Wild Stefan M
Published: July 2022

With increased adoption of supervised deep learning methods for work with cosmological survey data, the assessment of data perturbation effects (that can naturally occur in the data processing and analysis pipelines) and the development of methods that increase model robustness are increasingly important. In the context of morphological classification of galaxies, we study the effects of perturbations in imaging data. In particular, we examine the consequences of using neural networks when training on baseline data and testing on perturbed data. We consider perturbations associated with two primary sources: (a) increased observational noise as represented by higher levels of Poisson noise and (b) data processing noise incurred by steps such as image compression or telescope errors as represented by one-pixel adversarial attacks. We also test the efficacy of domain adaptation techniques in mitigating the perturbation-driven errors. We use classification accuracy, latent space visualizations, and latent space distance to assess model robustness in the face of these perturbations. For deep learning models without domain adaptation, we find that processing pixel-level errors easily flip the classification into an incorrect class and that higher observational noise makes the model trained on low-noise data unable to classify galaxy morphologies. On the other hand, we show that training with domain adaptation improves model robustness and mitigates the effects of these perturbations, improving the classification accuracy up to 23% on data with higher observational noise. Domain adaptation also increases up to a factor of

≈

2.3

the latent space distance between the baseline and the incorrectly classified one-pixel perturbed image, making the model more robust to inadvertent perturbations. Successful development and implementation of methods that increase model robustness in astronomical survey pipelines will help pave the way for many more uses of deep learning for astronomy.
High-dimensional encryption in optical fibers using spatial modes of light and machine learning
Authors: Lollie Michelle L J , Mostafavi Fatemeh , Bhusal Narayan , Hong Mingyuan , You Chenglong , León-Montiel Roberto de J , Magaña-Loaiza Omar S , Quiroz-Juárez Mario A
Published: July 2022

The ability to engineer the spatial wavefunction of photons has enabled a variety of quantum protocols for communication, sensing, and information processing. These protocols exploit the high dimensionality of structured light enabling the encoding of multiple bits of information in a single photon, the measurement of small physical parameters, and the achievement of unprecedented levels of security in schemes for cryptography. Unfortunately, the potential of structured light has been restrained to free-space platforms in which the spatial profile of photons is preserved. Here, we make an important step forward to using structured light for fiber optical communication. We introduce a classical encryption protocol in which the propagation of high-dimensional spatial modes in multimode fibers is used as a natural mechanism for encryption. This provides a secure communication channel for data transmission. The information encoded in spatial modes is retrieved using artificial neural networks, which are trained from the intensity distributions of experimentally detected spatial modes. Our on-fiber communication platform allows us to use single spatial modes for information encoding as well as the high-dimensional superposition modes for bit-by-bit and byte-by-byte encoding respectively. This protocol enables one to recover messages and images with almost perfect accuracy. Our classical smart protocol for high-dimensional encryption in optical fibers provides a platform that can be adapted to address increased per-photon information capacity at the quantum level, while maintaining the fidelity of information transfer. This is key for quantum technologies relying on structured fields of light, particularly those that are challenged by free-space propagation.
Helium Plasma Dermal Resurfacing With and Without Concurrent Aesthetic Surgery of the Face and Neck: A Retrospective Review
Authors: DeLozier Joseph B , Holcomb J David
Published: July 2022

Background

Helium plasma dermal resurfacing (HPDR) is an emerging off-label use for an existing FDA-approved device.

Objectives

Retrospective evaluation of patient satisfaction and adverse events (AEs) following facial skin resurfacing with HPDR technology.

Methods

Single-site, retrospective review of 301 patient charts following HPDR treatment of the face. Patient satisfaction data were collected during review of medical records. AE data were analyzed to determine the effects of demographic, procedural, and posttreatment variables on the presence or absence of AEs.

Results

HPDR was performed concurrently with other facial/non-facial surgical procedures in 193 of 301 patients (64.1%) including over undermined facial skin in 58 patients (19.3%) during rhytidectomy. No serious AEs were observed. Nonserious AEs were noted, however, in 20 patients (7.3%) and included erythema/prolonged erythema, hyperpigmentation, milia, slow healing, and upper lip hypertrophic scar. Among the 288 patients returning for follow-up (mean 2 months postprocedure), satisfaction with HPDR treatment results was documented in 275 patients (95.5%); the remaining 13 patients’ charts did not reference satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and no AEs were recorded for this patient subgroup.

Conclusions

This retrospective study supports the use and safety of HPDR technology for facial skin rejuvenation; no serious AEs and relatively few nonserious AEs were observed following either sole modality HPDR or HPDR with concurrent treatment of undermined skin tissue during rhytidectomy procedures. Patient satisfaction and observed results are comparable to full-field laser skin resurfacing treatments.

Level of Evidence: 3
DockingPie: a consensus docking plugin for PyMOL
Authors: Rosignoli Serena , Paiardini Alessandro
Published: July 2022

Motivation

The primary strategy for predicting the binding mode of small molecules to their receptors and for performing receptor-based virtual screening studies is protein–ligand docking, which is undoubtedly the most popular and successful approach in computer-aided drug discovery. The increased popularity of docking has resulted in the development of different docking algorithms and scoring functions. Nonetheless, it is unlikely that a single approach outperforms the others in terms of reproducibility and precision. In this ground, consensus docking techniques are taking hold.

Results

We have developed DockingPie, an open source PyMOL plugin for individual, as well as consensus docking analyses. Smina, AutoDock Vina, ADFR and RxDock are the four docking engines that DockingPie currently supports in an easy and extremely intuitive way, thanks to its integrated docking environment and its GUI, fully integrated within PyMOL.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/paiardin/DockingPie.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Flashfm-ivis: interactive visualization for fine-mapping of multiple quantitative traits
Authors: Zhou Feng , Butterworth Adam S , Asimit Jennifer L
Published: July 2022

flashfm-ivis provides a suite of interactive visualization plots to view potential causal genetic variants that underlie associations that are shared or distinct between multiple quantitative traits and compares results between single- and multi-trait fine-mapping. Unique features include network diagrams that show joint effects between variants for each trait and regional association plots that integrate fine-mapping results, all with user-controlled zoom features for an interactive exploration of potential causal variants across traits.

Availability and implementation

flashfm-ivis is an open-source software under the MIT license. It is available as an interactive web-based tool (http://shiny.mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk/apps/flashfm-ivis/) and as an R package. Code and documentation are available at https://github.com/fz-cambridge/flashfm-ivis and https://zenodo.org/record/6376244#.YjnarC-l2X0. Additional features can be downloaded as standalone R libraries to encourage reuse.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information are available at Bioinformatics online.
Multiple mechanisms shape the relationship between pathway and duration of focal seizures
Authors: Schroeder Gabrielle M , Chowdhury Fahmida A , Cook Mark J , Diehl Beate , Duncan John S , Karoly Philippa J , Taylor Peter N , Wang Yujiang
Published: July 2022

A seizure’s electrographic dynamics are characterized by its spatiotemporal evolution, also termed dynamical ‘pathway’, and the time it takes to complete that pathway, which results in the seizure’s duration. Both seizure pathways and durations have been shown to vary within the same patient. However, it is unclear whether seizures following the same pathway will have the same duration or if these features can vary independently. We compared within-subject variability in these seizure features using (i) epilepsy monitoring unit intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings of 31 patients (mean: 6.7 days, 16.5 seizures/subject), (ii) NeuroVista chronic iEEG recordings of 10 patients (mean: 521.2 days, 252.6 seizures/subject) and (iii) chronic iEEG recordings of three dogs with focal-onset seizures (mean: 324.4 days, 62.3 seizures/subject). While the strength of the relationship between seizure pathways and durations was highly subject-specific, in most subjects, changes in seizure pathways were only weakly to moderately associated with differences in seizure durations. The relationship between seizure pathways and durations was strengthened by seizures that were ‘truncated’ versions, both in pathway and duration, of other seizures. However, the relationship was weakened by seizures that had a common pathway, but different durations (‘elasticity’), or had similar durations, but followed different pathways (‘semblance’). Even in subjects with distinct populations of short and long seizures, seizure durations were not a reliable indicator of different seizure pathways. These findings suggest that seizure pathways and durations are modulated by multiple different mechanisms. Uncovering such mechanisms may reveal novel therapeutic targets for reducing seizure duration and severity.
New-onset atrial fibrillation in intensive care: epidemiology and outcomes
Authors: Bedford Jonathan P , Ferrando-Vivas Paloma , Redfern Oliver , Rajappan Kim , Harrison David A , Watkinson Peter J , Doidge James C
Published: July 2022

Aims

New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is common in patients treated on an intensive care unit (ICU), but the long-term impacts on patient outcomes are unclear. We compared national hospital and long-term outcomes of patients who developed NOAF in ICU with those who did not, before and after adjusting for comorbidities and ICU admission factors.

Methods and results

Using the RISK-II database (Case Mix Programme national clinical audit of adult intensive care linked with Hospital Episode Statistics and mortality data), we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 4615 patients with NOAF and 27 690 matched controls admitted to 248 adult ICUs in England, from April 2009 to March 2016. We examined in-hospital mortality; hospital readmission with atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, and stroke up to 6 years post discharge; and mortality up to 8 years post discharge. Compared with controls, patients who developed NOAF in the ICU were at a higher risk of in-hospital mortality [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.02–3.44], only partially explained by patient demographics, comorbidities, and ICU admission factors (adjusted OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.38–1.63). They were also at a higher risk of subsequent hospitalization with AF [adjusted cause-specific hazard ratio (aCHR) 5.86, 95% CI 5.33–6.44], stroke (aCHR 1.47, 95% CI 1.12–1.93), and heart failure (aCHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.14–1.44) independent of pre-existing comorbidities.

Conclusion

Patients who develop NOAF during an ICU admission are at a higher risk of in-hospital death and readmissions to hospital with AF, heart failure, and stroke than those who do not.
Endogenous assessment of late gadolinium enhancement grey zone in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy with T1ρ and native T1 mapping
Authors: Dong Zhixiang , Yin Gang , Yang Kai , Jiang Ke , Wu Zhigang , Chen Xiuyu , Song Yanyan , Yu Shiqing , Wang Jiaxin , Yang Shujuan , Ma Xuan , Xu Yangfei , Zhao Kankan , Lu Minjie , Xu Xiaodong , Zhao Shihua
Published: July 2022

Aims

This study aims to validate and compare the feasibility of T1ρ and native longitudinal relaxation time (T1) mapping in detection of myocardial fibrosis in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, focusing on the performance of both methods in identifying late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) grey zone.

Methods and results

Twenty-seven hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, 16 idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients, and 18 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled for native T1 and T1ρ mapping imaging and then all the patients underwent enhancement scan for LGE extent and extracellular volume (ECV) values. In LGE positive patients, the LGE areas were divided into LGE core (6 SDs above remote myocardium) and grey zone (2–6 SDs above remote myocardium) according to the signal intensity of LGE. Both HCM and DCM patients showed significantly higher native T1 values and T1ρ values than controls no matter the presence of LGE (all P < 0.01). There were significant differences in native T1 and T1ρ values among four different types of myocardia (LGE core, grey zone, remote area and control, P < 0.0001). However, the T1ρ values of grey zone were significantly higher than control (P < 0.01), while the native T1 values were not (P = 0.089). T1ρ values were significantly associated with both native T1 values (r = 0.54, P < 0.001) and ECV values (r = 0.54, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

T1ρ mapping is a feasible method to detect myocardial fibrosis in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy no matter the presence of LGE. Compared with native T1, T1ρ may serve as a better discriminator in the identification of LGE grey zone.
Myocardial strain analysis by cardiac magnetic resonance 3D feature-tracking identifies subclinical abnormalities in patients with neuromuscular disease and no overt cardiac involvement
Authors: Azzu Alessia , Antonopoulos Alexios S , Krupickova Sylvia , Mohiaddin Zain , Almogheer Batool , Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Pantazis Antonis , Pennell Dudley J , Mohiaddin Raad H
Published: July 2022

Aims

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is valuable for the detection of cardiac involvement in neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). We explored the value of 2D- and 3D-left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain analysis using feature-tracking (FT)-CMR to detect subclinical cardiac involvement in NMD.

Methods and results

The study included retrospective analysis of 111 patients with NMD; mitochondrial cytopathies (n = 14), Friedreich’s ataxia (FA, n = 27), myotonic dystrophy (n = 27), Becker/Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy (BMD/DMD, n = 15), Duchenne’s carriers (n = 6), or other (n = 22) and 57 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Biventricular volumes, myocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and LV myocardial deformation were assessed by FT-CMR, including 2D and 3D global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and torsion. Compared with the healthy volunteers, patients with NMD had impaired 2D-GCS (P < 0.001) and 2D-GRS (in the short-axis, P < 0.001), but no significant differences in 2D-GRS long-axis (P = 0.101), 2D-GLS (P = 0.069), or torsion (P = 0.122). 3D-GRS, 3D-GCS, and 3D-GLS values were all significantly different to the control group (P < 0.0001 for all). Especially, even NMD patients without overt cardiac involvement (i.e. LV dilation/hypertrophy, reduced LVEF, or LGE presence) had significantly impaired 3D-GRS, GCS, and GLS vs. the control group (P < 0.0001). 3D-GRS and GCS values were significantly associated with the LGE presence and pattern, being most impaired in patients with transmural LGE.

Conclusions

3D-FT CMR detects subclinical cardiac muscle disease in patients with NMD even before the development of replacement fibrosis or ventricular remodelling which may be a useful imaging biomarker for early detection of cardiac involvement.
Could echocardiographic left atrial characterization have additive value for detecting risks of atrial arrhythmias and stroke in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Wazzan Adrien Al , Galli Elena , Lacout Marion , Paven Elise , L’official Guillaume , Schnell Frederic , Oger Emmanuel , Donal Erwan
Published: July 2022

Aims

Atrial arrhythmia (AA) is considered a turning point for prognosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We sought to assess whether the occurrence of AA and stroke could be estimated by an echocardiographic evaluation.

Methods and results

A total of 216 patients with HCM (52 ± 16 years old) were analysed. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography for the evaluation of left atrial volume (LAV), peak left atrial strain (PLAS), and peak atrial contraction strain. The patients were followed for 2.9 years for the occurrence of a composite endpoint including AA and/or stroke and peripheral embolism. Among the 216 patients, 78 (36%) met the composite endpoint. These patients were older (57.1 ± 14.4 vs. 50.3 ± 16.7 years; P = 0.0035), had a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (62.3 vs. 42.3%; P = 0.005), and had higher NT-proBNP. The LAV (47 ± 20 vs. 37.2 ± 15.7 mL/m²; P = 0.0001) was significantly higher in patients who met the composite endpoint, whereas PLAS was significantly impaired (19.3 ± 9.54 vs. 26.6 ± 9.12%; P < 0.0001). After adjustment, PLAS was independently associated with events with an odds ratio of 0.42 (95% confidence interval 0.29–0.61; P < 0.0001). Stroke occurred in 67% of the patients without any clinical AA. The PLAS with a cut-off of under 15.5% provided event prediction with 91% specificity. Using a 15% cut-off, PLAS also demonstrated a predictive value for new-onset of AA.

Conclusion

The decrease in PLAS was strongly associated with the risk of stroke, even in patients without any documented AA. Its value for guiding the management of patients with HCM requires further investigation.
Genome-wide association study for morphological traits and resistance to Peryonella pinodes in the USDA pea single plant plus collection
Authors: Martins Lais B , Balint-Kurti Peter , Reberg-Horton S Chris
Published: July 2022

Peas (Pisum sativum) are the second most cultivated pulse crop in the world. They can serve as human food, fodder, and cover crop. The most serious foliar disease of pea cultivars worldwide is Ascochyta blight, which can be caused by several pathogens. Of these, Peyronella pinodes is the most aggressive and prevalent worldwide. Several traits, including resistance to Peyronella pinodes, stem diameter, internode length between nodes 2–3 and 5–6, and area of 7th leaf, were measured in 269 entries of the pea single plant plus collection. The heritability (H2) of the morphological traits was relatively high, while disease resistance had low heritability. Using 53,196 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers to perform a genome-wide association study to identify genomic loci associated with variation in all the traits measured, we identified 27 trait–locus associations, 5 of which were associated with more than 1 trait.
L-GrassF: a functional–structural and phenological model ofLolium perenneintegrating plant morphogenesis and reproductive development
Authors: Rouet Simon , Durand Jean-Louis , Leclercq Denis , Bernicot Marie-Hélène , Combes Didier , Escobar-Gutiérrez Abraham , Barillot Romain
Published: July 2022

In the context of climate change and agrosystem complexification, process-based models of the reproductive phenology of perennial grasses are essential to optimize the agronomic and ecologic services provided by grasslands. We present a functional–structural model called L-GrassF, which integrates the vegetative and reproductive development of individual Lolium perenne plants. The vegetative development in L-GrassF was adapted from a previous model of perennial ryegrass where leaf elongation and tillering dynamics partially result from self-regulated processes. Significant improvements have been made to this vegetative module in order to deal with the whole growing cycle during which plants are exposed to contrasting temperatures. The reproductive module is a new functionality describing the floral induction of the individual tiller from daily temperature and photoperiod as well as its phenological state. From the interactions between the vegetative and reproductive developments, L-GrassF simulates the dynamics of plant architecture, the floral transition and heading date (HD) at tiller level. A sensitivity analysis was performed on L-GrassF and showed that parameters controlling the kinetics of leaf elongation and leaf appearance rate have a significant impact on HD. After calibration, L-GrassF was able to simulate the HD on seven L. perenne cultivars grown in a broad range of environmental conditions, as provided by an independent data set. We conclude that L-GrassF is a significant step towards better prediction of grassland phenology in contrasted conditions.
Cloaking the ACE2 receptor with salivary cationic proteins inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry
Authors: Yoshizato Katsutoshi , Taira Toshio , Sato-Matsubara Misako , Sekiguchi Shizuko , Yabunaka Yoriko , Kira Yukimi , Ohashi Tetsu , Daikoku Atsuko , Ofusa Ken , Kadono Chiho , Oikawa Daisuke , Matsubara Tsutomu , Nakagama Yu , Kido Yasutoshi , Tokunaga Fuminori , Ikeda Kazuo , Kaneko Akira , Kawada Norifumi
Published: July 2022

Saliva contributes to the innate immune system, which suggests that it can prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry. We studied the ability of healthy salivary proteins to bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) using biolayer interferometry and pull-down assays. Their effects on binding between the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 (S1) and ACE2 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Saliva bound to ACE2 and disrupted the binding of S1 to ACE2 and four ACE2-binding salivary proteins were identified, including cationic histone H2A and neutrophil elastase, which inhibited the S1-ACE2 interaction. Calf thymus histone (ct-histone) also inhibited binding as effectively as histone H2A. The results of a cell-based infection assay indicated that ct-histone suppressed SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral invasion into ACE2-expressing host cells. Manufactured polypeptides, such as ε-poly-L-lysine, also disrupted S1-ACE2 binding, indicating the importance of the cationic properties of salivary proteins in ACE2 binding. Overall, we demonstrated that positively charged salivary proteins are a barrier against SARS-CoV-2 entry by cloaking the negatively charged surface of ACE2 and provided a view that the cationic polypeptides represent a preventative and therapeutic treatment against COVID-19.
Do Police Maximize Arrests or Minimize Crime? Evidence from Racial Profiling in U.S. Cities
Authors: Stashko Allison
Published: July 2022

It is difficult to identify sources of discrimination in police stop and search data. In part, this is due to uncertainty over the objective of discretionary police stops: Do officers aim to maximize arrests or to minimize crime? In this paper, I compare theoretical predictions implied by these two objectives to data from U.S. cities. Empirical evidence is consistent with a model of arrest maximization and inconsistent with a model of crime minimization. The findings support the validity of existing tests for discrimination that rely on the assumption that police officers maximize arrests.
Does Coordinated Administrative Leadership Improve US Federal Agency Management of Discrimination Problems?
Authors: Krause George A , Park Jungyeon
Published: July 2022

Although the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires that agency EEO directors serve under the direct supervision of agency heads, considerable variation exists on whether agencies adequately implement this requirement into practice by adopting a formal mechanism termed a coordinated reporting organizational arrangement (CROA). A dual exposure−informal resolution strategy is proposed to understand how CROAs improve US federal agencies’ organizational efforts at managing workplace discrimination. This logic is statistically evaluated by estimating endogenous treatment effect regression models that analyze discrimination caseload data from EEOC Annual Reports between 2010 and 2014 spanning 131 US federal agencies. Consistent with this dual exposure−informal resolution strategy, the statistical evidence reveals that CROAs not only encourage agency employees to report incidents of workplace discrimination, but also augment agency efforts at successful internal resolutions of these reported incidents, thus reducing formal complaint filings. Yet, the beneficial effects associated with CROAs are most acutely realized for those agencies displaying either low or high levels of organizational fairness.
Simultaneous bilateral extracapsular proximal femur fractures in the elderly. A case report
Authors: Rodríguez-Zamorano Patricia , Galán-Olleros María , Garcia-Coiradas Javier , Llanos Sergio , Valle-Cruz José Antonio , Marco Fernando
Published: July 2022

Simultaneous and bilateral proximal femoral fractures (PFF) are rare and have scarcely been reported in the literature. A case of a bilateral extracapsular PFF is herein presented. Besides, an exhaustive review of the literature was performed, analyzing the information of all previously reported cases.

An 81-year-old woman, who suffered a casual fall, was diagnosed with bilateral PFF consisting of both a subtrochanteric and an intertrochanteric fracture. She underwent concurrent intramedullary fixation for both fractures without any relevant complication and started early ambulation. Simultaneous bilateral extracapsular PFF are exceptional, with only 23 cases described in the current literature. In the elderly, they deserve special attention with treatment strategies in between the ones for unilateral hip fractures and those provided to old multiply injured patients. PFF management is not well established. Minimal reaming and careful nailing can be safely performed bilaterally under close monitoring, in order to start an early functional recovery.
A rare case of a congenital pancreatic duplication cyst in an infant complicated by an upper GI bleed, pancreatitis, cyst infection and gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Cadili Lina , Cullen Krystal L , Finn Nicola J , Singh Andrew , Webber Eric , Hayashi Allen H
Published: July 2022

Enteric duplication cysts are rare congenital entities most commonly found in the esophagus, ileum or colon but can be in remote locations such as the biliary tree, liver or pancreas. Pancreatic duplication cysts are very uncommon and usually present in adulthood with pancreatitis or abdominal pain. Here, we present a unique and complex case of an infant with a pancreatic duplication cyst initially presenting with an upper gastrointestinal bleed followed by pancreatitis, cyst infection and gastric outlet obstruction.
Erectile Dysfunction in a U.S. National Sample of Male Military Veterans
Authors: Way Bailey M , Griffin Kaelyn R , Kraus Shane W , Tsai Jack , Pietrzak Robert H
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent sexual dysfunctions in men and often co-occurs with physical and mental health issues. Military veterans are at elevated risk for many comorbid physical and mental health issues, including ED, although little research has examined the prevalence and health burden of ED in the general U.S. veteran population. The present study calculated the weighted lifetime prevalence of ED and its association with physical and mental health conditions in a nationally representative sample of U.S. veterans.

Materials and Methods

Using data from a nationally representative sample of 921 male U.S. veterans, self-report assessments assessed major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder, probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), at-risk/problem gambling, and past two-week suicidal ideation and attempts, as well as 22 physical health conditions.

Results

The weighted lifetime prevalence of ED among veterans was 14.2% (95% CI = 12.0%-16.0%). Veterans with ED were more likely to be older than 60, unemployed, to have served less than four years in the military, and to have served in combat roles and in the Vietnam War. Relative to veterans without ED, veterans with ED had higher rates of sleep disorders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.23), arthritis (aOR = 2.60), high cholesterol (aOR = 2.30), diabetes (aOR = 2.29), high blood pressure (aOR = 2.14), obesity (aOR = 2.12), heart disease (aOR = 2.10), cancer (aOR = 2.07), respiratory illness (aOR = 2.02), and chronic pain (aOR = 1.86). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and physical health conditions, ED was associated with increased odds of MDD (aOR = 2.88), at-risk/problem gambling (aOR = 2.45), and suicidal ideation (aOR = 1.91) but not for generalized anxiety disorder (aOR = 1.69) or probable PTSD (aOR = 1.63). When considered in the context of all mental health variables, MDD was independently associated with ED (aOR = 3.39).

Conclusion

This study examined both mental and physical health conditions associated with ED in a U.S. nationally representative sample of veterans. ED is prevalent in veterans and associated with elevated physical and mental health burden. Results highlight the importance of considering ED in disease prevention and treatment efforts in this population. These findings may help inform prevention approaches as well as clinical targets for early screening and treatment in vulnerable subgroups of this population. Notably, data collected relied on self-report assessments; data on race and socioeconomic status were not collected.
CD4+ T cell metabolism, gut microbiota, and autoimmune diseases: implication in precision medicine of autoimmune diseases
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Yu Tianming , Cong Yingzi
Published: July 2022

CD4+ T cells are critical to the development of autoimmune disorders. Glucose, fatty acids, and glutamine metabolisms are the primary metabolic pathways in immune cells, including CD4+ T cells. The distinct metabolic programs in CD4+ T cell subsets are recognized to reflect the bioenergetic requirements, which are compatible with their functional demands. Gut microbiota affects T cell responses by providing a series of antigens and metabolites. Accumulating data indicate that CD4+ T cell metabolic pathways underlie aberrant T cell functions, thereby regulating the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we summarize the current progress of CD4+ T cell metabolic programs, gut microbiota regulation of T cell metabolism, and T cell metabolic adaptions to autoimmune disorders to shed light on potential metabolic therapeutics for autoimmune diseases.
Entropy production in a longitudinally expanding Yang–Mills field with use of the Husimi function: semiclassical approximation
Authors: Matsuda Hidefumi , Kunihiro Teiji , Ohnishi Akira , Takahashi Toru T
Published: July 2022

We investigate the possible thermalization process of the highly occupied and weakly coupled Yang–Mills fields expanding along the beam axis through an evaluation of the entropy, particle number, and pressure anisotropy. The time evolution of the system is calculated by solving the equation of motion for the Wigner function in the semiclassical approximation with initial conditions mimicking the glasma. For the evaluation of the entropy, we adopt Husimi–Wehrl (HW) entropy, which is obtained by using the Husimi function, a positive semidefinite quantum distribution function given by smearing the Wigner function. By numerical calculations at g = 0.1 and 0.2, the entropy production is found to occur together with the particle creation in two distinct stages: In the first stage, the particle number and entropy at low longitudinal momenta grow rapidly. In the second stage, the particle number and entropy of higher longitudinal momentum modes show a slower increase. The pressure anisotropy remains in our simulation and implies that the system is still out of equilibrium.
Settlements of property for persons lacking capacity: principles, practices, and problems
Authors: Lynn Andrew
Published: July 2022

The settlement of property for persons who lack capacity under the statutory powers conferred by mental health legislation requires courts and practitioners to have a firm understanding of the fundamentals of trust law as well as a clear appreciation of the administration of trusts in practice. This article considers, making reference to recent case authority from England and Hong Kong, the following aspects of the issue: (i) whether there is any presumption or starting point under the statutory regime in favour of appointing deputies rather than establishing trusts; (ii) the factors that should be considered by the courts in deciding whether to establish trusts for persons lacking capacity; (iii) whether and to what extent trusts have a role to play in solving or reducing any perceived resource deficit in the supervisory machinery established under the statutory regime; and (iv) difficulties encountered with complex trusts.
Automated Quantitative Measurement of Yellow Halos Suggests Activity of Necrotrophic Effectors in Septoria tritici Blotch
Authors: Anderegg Jonas , Kirchgessner Norbert , Kronenberg Lukas , McDonald Bruce A.
Published: July 2022

Many necrotrophic plant pathogens utilize host-selective toxins or necrotrophic effectors during the infection process. We hypothesized that the chlorotic yellow halos frequently observed around necrotic lesions caused by the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici could result from the activity of necrotrophic effectors interacting with the products of toxin sensitivity genes. As an initial step toward testing this hypothesis, we developed an automated image analysis (AIA) workflow that could quantify the degree of yellow halo formation occurring in wheat leaves naturally infected by a highly diverse pathogen population under field conditions. This AIA based on statistical learning was applied to more than 10,000 naturally infected leaves collected from 335 wheat cultivars grown in a replicated field experiment. We estimated a high heritability ( h2 = 0.71) for the degree of yellow halo formation, suggesting that this quantitative trait has a significant genetic component. Using genome-wide association mapping, we identified six chromosome segments significantly associated with the yellow halo phenotype. Most of these segments contained candidate genes associated with targets of necrotrophic effectors in other necrotrophic pathogens. Our findings conform with the hypothesis that toxin sensitivity genes could account for a significant fraction of the observed variation in quantitative resistance to Septoria tritici blotch.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Residency Program Responses to Early COVID-19 Surges Highlight Tension as to Whether Residents Are Learners or Essential Workers
Authors: Martin Shannon K. , Finn Kathleen M. , Kisielewski Michael , Simmons Rachel , Zaas Aimee K.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To quantify the extent to which internal medicine (IM) residents provided care for patients with COVID-19 and examine characteristics of residency programs with or without plans (at some point) to exclude residents from COVID-19 care during the first 6 months of the pandemic.

Method

The authors used data from a nationally representative, annually recurring survey of U.S. IM program directors (PDs) to quantify early (March–August 2020) resident participation in COVID-19 care. The survey was fielded from August to December 2020. PDs reported whether they had planned to exclude residents from COVID-19 care (i.e., PTE status). PTE status was tested for association with program and COVID-19 temporal characteristics, resident schedule accommodations, and resident COVID-19 cases.

Results

The response rate was 61.5% (264/429). Nearly half of PDs (45.4%, 118/260) reported their program had planned at some point to exclude residents from COVID-19 care. Northeastern U.S. programs represented a smaller percentage of PTE than non-PTE programs (26.3% vs 36.6%;P= .050). PTE programs represented a higher percentage of programs with later surges than non-PTE programs (33.0% vs 13.6%,P= .048). Median percentage of residents involved in COVID-19 care was 75.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 22.5–100.0) for PTE programs, compared with 95.0 (IQR: 60.0–100.0) for non-PTE programs (P< .001). Residents participated most in intensive care units (87.6%, 227/259) and inpatient wards (80.8%, 210/260). Accommodations did not differ by PTE status. PTE programs reported fewer resident COVID-19 cases than non-PTE programs (median percentage = 2.7 [IQR: 0.0–8.6] vs 5.1 [IQR: 1.6–10.7];P= .011).

Conclusions

IM programs varied widely in their reported plans to exclude residents from COVID-19 care during the early pandemic. A high percentage of residents provided COVID-19 care, even in PTE programs. Thus, the pandemic highlighted the tension as to whether residents are learners or employees.
Effect of Postoperative Femoral Neck Shaft Angle on Femoral Head Sphericity Following Proximal Femoral Osteotomy in Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Authors: Kim Sungmin , Oh Ho-Seok , Lee Minsu , Jung Sung Taek
Published: July 2022

Background:

Herein, we aimed to examine the relationship between the postoperative neck shaft angle (NSA) and the Stulberg outcome at skeletal maturity in patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) who underwent proximal femoral varus osteotomy (PFVO) and to determine the optimal angle of varization.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 90 patients aged older than 6 years at the time of diagnosis with LCPD who underwent PFVO at our institution between 1979 and 2014. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the effects of variables on the sphericity of the femoral head at skeletal maturity, including the age at onset, sex, stage at operation, extent of epiphyseal involvement and epiphyseal collapse, presence of specific epiphyseal, metaphyseal, and acetabular changes, and postoperative NSA. The sphericity of the femoral head on the final plain follow-up radiographs of the hip joint at skeletal maturity was assessed using the Stulberg classification. Cases of spherical femoral head (Stulberg I or II) were rated as good, whereas those of ovoid or flat femoral head (Stulberg III, IV, or V) were rated as bad.

Results:

The mean age at diagnosis was 7.93 (range, 6.0-12.33) years. The average follow-up period was 10.11 (range, 5.25-22.92) years. The pre and postoperative mean NSAs were 137.31±6.86 degrees (range, 115.7-158 degrees) and 115.7±9.83 degrees (range, 88.6-137.6 degrees), respectively. The age at diagnosis, lateral pillar classification, and postoperative NSA were found to be closely related to the sphericity of the femoral head at skeletal maturity. Patients with a postoperative NSA of <105 degree or more than 125 degree were less likely to have a spherical femoral head.

Conclusions:

Our study showed that patients with a postoperative NSA between 105 and 125 degrees were more likely to have a spherical femoral head. When performing PFVO in patients with LCPD, reasonable varus angulation of PFVO should be taken into consideration for the success of the operation.

Level of Evidence:

Level III retrospective cohort study.
Dermal Cystine Crystals: An Incidental Finding During Mohs Surgery
Authors: Kwan Zhenli , Balachandran Pushpaharan , Daruish Maged , Stefanato Catherine M. , Kiely Clare
Published: July 2022

Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder with intracellular cystine accumulation caused by mutations in the CTNS gene. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with a history of cystinosis and squamous cell carcinoma treated with Mohs micrographic surgery where widespread deposition of cystine crystals were noted on frozen sections of the Mohs layers. These were rectangular to polygonal refractile crystals within the cytoplasm of dermal fibroblasts and macrophages which were highlighted by polarized light microscopy. This case illustrates the use of frozen section processing to demonstrate the presence of intracellular cystine crystals. Moreover, because patients with cystinosis may be predisposed to developing carcinomas postrenal transplantation, Mohs surgeons should be aware of this unusual phenomenon when evaluating the slides.
Mechanical circulatory support in the treatment of cardiogenic shock
Authors: Fernando Shannon M. , Price Susanna , Mathew Rebecca , Slutsky Arthur S. , Combes Alain , Brodie Daniel
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Cardiogenic shock is a condition that is characterized by end-organ hypoperfusion secondary to reduced cardiac output, and is associated with substantial mortality. The mainstay of therapy for cardiogenic shock is reversal of the underlying cause, and concomitant supportive care with vasoactive medications (vasopressors and inotropes). Patients who continue to deteriorate despite these measures may require mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Here, we review the devices available for MCS, and their associated benefits and risks.

Recent findings

Despite growing use worldwide, there is little randomized evidence supporting the routine use of any specific device for MCS in cardiogenic shock. A large randomized trial of the intra-aortic balloon pump did not demonstrate short- or long-term improvement in mortality. The TandemHeart and Impella devices which assist in left ventricular unloading have only been evaluated in small randomized trials, which showed an increase in adverse events without improvement in mortality. Finally, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (provides both circulatory and respiratory support) and is currently being evaluated in large randomized clinical trials.

Various devices for MCS in cardiogenic shock are available, but routine use is not supported by high-quality randomized evidence. Given the resources required for initiation of MCS, use of these treatments should be limited to centers experienced in advanced cardiac care, and future research should focus on what role (if any) these devices have in clinical practice.
Novel insights in Turner syndrome
Authors: Aly Jasmine , Kruszka Paul
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Turner syndrome is the most common sex chromosome abnormality in female individuals, affecting 1/2000–1/2500 female newborns. Despite the high incidence of this condition, the mechanisms underlying the development of multiorgan dysfunction have not been elucidated.

Recent findings

Clinical features involve multiple organ systems and include short stature, dysmorphic facial features, delayed puberty and gonadal failure, cardiac and renal abnormalities, audiologic abnormalities, and a high prevalence of endocrine and autoimmune disorders. Paucity of available genotype/phenotype correlation limits the ability of clinicians to provide accurate guidance and management. Given the advent of robust genetic testing and analysis platforms, developments in the genetic basis of disease are materializing at a rapid pace.

The objective of this review is to highlight the recent advances in knowledge and to provide a framework with which to apply new data to the foundational understanding of the condition.
Procedural Unit Nurses’ Perception of Confidence in Performing Critical Care Skills During COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Nelson Patricia , Kuriakose Leena , Brennan Mary , Alemar Diana , Villamayor Joanna Marie , Sebastian Bindhu , Cortes Oreana , Goode-Marshall Brenda
Published: July 2022

Nursing professional development practitioners at an academic medical center conducted a quality improvement project to address the educational needs of procedural unit nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Procedural nurses completed a 1-day critical care nursing skills education and pre- and postsurveys. Survey results indicated an improved nurses’ skills confidence in caring for COVID-19 patients, which was statistically significant, t(34.9) = 4.8, p < .001.
Characterization of Patients Seeking Care at a Sexual Health Clinic Who Report Engaging in Exchange Sex
Authors: Bole Medhavi , Khosropour Christine M. , Glick Sara N. , Barbee Lindley A. , Golden Matthew R. , Dhanireddy Shireesha , Dombrowski Julia C.
Published: July 2022

Background

People who exchange sex (PWES) for money or drugs are at increased risk for poor health outcomes and may be reluctant to engage in health services.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of patients seen for new problem visits at the Public Health—Seattle and King County Sexual Health Clinic between October 2010 and March 2020 who reported exchanging sex for drugs or money in a computer assisted self-interview. We analyzed demographics; sexually transmitted infections (STIs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) history; and HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, stratified by gender. We compared characteristics of people who ever versus never exchanged sex using χ2 tests and analyzed the visit reason and outcomes among PWES.

Results

Among 30,327 patients, 1611 (5%) reported ever exchanging sex: 981 (61%) cisgender men, 545 (34%) cisgender women, and 85 (5%) transgender and gender diverse persons. Compared with people who never exchanged sex, PWES were more likely to report homelessness (29% vs 7%, P < 0.001), injection drug use (39% vs 4%, P < 0.001), prior STIs (36% vs 19%, P < 0.001), prior HIV diagnosis (13% vs 5%, P < 0.001), and prior HCV diagnosis (13% vs 2%, P < 0.001). People who exchange sex came to the clinic seeking STI tests (60%), HIV tests (45%), and care for STI symptoms (38%). Overall, 320 (20%) PWES were diagnosed with STIs, 15 (1%) were newly diagnosed with HIV, and 12 (1%) initiated PrEP at the visit.

Conclusion

People who exchange sex have complex barriers to care, and sexual health clinic visits present an opportunity to improve health services for this population.