bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring women's perspectives on prenatal screening for adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Olsen Jeanette M. , Galloway Elizabeth G. , Guthman Pamela L.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To learn more about women's views on screening for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) during healthcare visits in pregnancy.

Design

Mixed methods with an online survey.

Sample

A convenience sample of 154 women with a history of one or more pregnancies was recruited through public health department social media pages in one predominantly rural region of a Midwest state.

Measurements

Quantitative measures included demographic variables, ACE scores, and preferences regarding screening format, strategies, and resources. Additional perspectives were captured through open‐ended questions.

Results

Women's mean ACE score was 2.56 (SD = 2.37) with 68% reporting 0–3 ACEs and 32% reporting four or more. Routine screening for ACEs during prenatal care was supported by 67.5% of women with 9.1% indicating sometimes, 20.8% unsure, and 2.6% against. Strong preference was indicated for screening by one's physician or midwife (80.3%), in an exam room (83.1%), using an independently completed questionnaire (64.2%). Preferred approaches for screening and post‐screening interventions also were identified with qualitative themes providing additional insights.

Conclusions

Findings inform strategies for efficiently and sensitively screening for ACEs during pregnancy, highlight the importance of using a trauma‐informed approach, and provide direction for educational and interventional resource development.
The social determinants of health and health outcomes among adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Green Heidi , Fernandez Ritin , MacPhail Catherine
Published: August 2021

Objective

To synthesize the best available evidence on the relationship between the social determinants of health and health outcomes among adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Introduction

COVID‐19 has created widespread global transmission. Rapid increase in individuals infected with COVID‐19 prompted significant public health responses from governments globally. However, the social and economic impact on communities may leave some individuals more susceptible to the detrimental effects.

Methods

A three‐step search strategy was used to find published and unpublished papers. Databases searched included: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. All identified citations were uploaded into Endnote X9, with duplicates removed. Methodological quality of eligible papers was assessed by two reviewers, with meta‐synthesis conducted in accordance with JBI methodology.

Results

Fifteen papers were included. Three synthesized‐conclusions were established (a) Vulnerable populations groups, particularly those from a racial minority and those with low incomes, are more susceptible and have been disproportionately affected by COVID‐19 including mortality; (b) Gender inequalities and family violence have been exacerbated by COVID‐19, leading to diminished wellbeing among women; and (c) COVID‐19 is exacerbating existing social determinants of health through loss of employment/income, disparities in social class leading to lack of access to health care, housing instability, homelessness, and difficulties in physical distancing.

Conclusion

Reflection on social and health policies implemented are necessary to ensure that the COVID‐19 pandemic does not exacerbate health inequalities into the future.
Proteomic and other ‘‐omic’ analyses to develop disease stage‐specific platforms and therapeutic strategies for COPD: It is about time
Authors: Selemidis Stavros
Published: August 2021

See related article
The Role of Personal Risk Experience—An Investigation of Health and Terrorism Risk Perception in Germany and Israel
Authors: Kollmann Josianne , Benyamini Yael , Lages Nadine C. , Renner Britta
Published: August 2021

The present study examined the relationship between risk experience and risk perceptions in relation to the target (risk to the self vs. others) and for two different types of risk: acute risks (i.e., terrorist attacks) and cumulative health risks (i.e., alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, and unhealthy eating) in two countries (Israel and Germany). An online survey (N = 571) was conducted to assess participants’ previous personal experience with acute and cumulative risks and their personal and general risk perceptions. The results showed that personal experience with terrorism was related to increased personal and general risk perceptions, while personal experience with cumulative health risks was related to increased personal but not general risk perceptions. It is argued that an increase in risk perception with more risk experience can be explained by the amount of available information about people's personal as well as other people's risk status. The findings emphasize that the experience–risk perception relationship depends on the target of the risk and the type of risk experience.
Changes in ploidy affect vascular allometry and hydraulic function in Mangifera indica trees
Authors: Barceló‐Anguiano Miguel , Holbrook N. Michele , Hormaza José I. , Losada Juan M.
Published: August 2021

The enucleated vascular elements of the xylem and the phloem offer an excellent system to test the effect of ploidy on plant function because variation in vascular geometry has a direct influence on transport efficiency. However, evaluations of conduit sizes in polyploid plants have remained elusive, most remarkably in woody species. We used a combination of molecular, physiological and microscopy techniques to model the hydraulic resistance between source and sinks in tetraploid and diploid mango trees. Tetraploids exhibited larger chloroplasts, mesophyll cells and stomatal guard cells, resulting in higher leaf elastic modulus and lower dehydration rates, despite the high water potentials of both ploidies in the field. Both the xylem and the phloem displayed a scaling of conduits with ploidy, revealing attenuated hydraulic resistance in tetraploids. Conspicuous wall hygroscopic moieties in the cells involved in transpiration and transport indicate a role in volumetric adjustments as a result of turgor change in both ploidies. In autotetraploids, the enlargement of organelles, cells and tissues, which are critical for water and photoassimilate transport at long distances, point to major physiological novelties associated with whole‐genome duplication.
Vessel‐ and ray‐specific monolignol biosynthesis as an approach to engineer fiber‐hypolignification and enhanced saccharification in poplar
Authors: De Meester Barbara , Vanholme Ruben , de Vries Lisanne , Wouters Marlies , Van Doorsselaere Jan , Boerjan Wout
Published: August 2021

Lignin is one of the main factors determining recalcitrance to processing of lignocellulosic biomass towards bio‐based materials and fuels. Consequently, wood of plants engineered for low lignin content is typically more amenable to processing. However, lignin‐modified plants often exhibit collapsed vessels and associated growth defects. Vessel‐specific reintroduction of lignin biosynthesis in dwarfed low‐lignin cinnamoyl‐CoA reductase1 (ccr1) Arabidopsis mutants using the ProSNBE:AtCCR1 construct overcame the yield penalty while maintaining high saccharification yields, and showed that monolignols can be transported between the different xylem cells acting as ‘good neighbors’ in Arabidopsis. Here, we translated this research into the bio‐energy crop poplar. By expressing ProSNBE:AtCCR1 into CRISPR/Cas9‐generated ccr2 poplars, we aimed for vessel‐specific lignin biosynthesis to: (i) achieve growth restoration while maintaining high saccharification yields; and (ii) study the existence of ‘good neighbors’ in poplar wood. Analyzing the resulting ccr2 ProSNBE:AtCCR1 poplars showed that vessels and rays act as good neighbors for lignification in poplar. If sufficient monolignols are produced by these cells, monolignols migrate over multiple cell layers, resulting in a restoration of the lignin amount to wild‐type levels. If the supply of monolignols is limited, the monolignols are incorporated into the cell walls of the vessels and rays producing them and their adjoining cells resulting in fiber hypolignification. One such fiber‐hypolignified line had 18% less lignin and, despite its small yield penalty, had an increase of up to 71% in sugar release on a plant base upon saccharification.
Who sends me face masks? Evidence for the impacts of COVID‐19 on international trade in medical goods
Authors: Hayakawa Kazunobu , Imai Kohei
Published: August 2021

This study empirically investigates what kinds of countries imported and exported medical products during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We examine the bilateral trade values of medical products traded among 35 reporting countries and 250 partner countries between January and August in both 2019 and 2020. We shed light on four kinds of bilateral linkages, including political ties (captured by voting similarity in the United Nations), economic ties (existence of trade agreements), demographic ties (migrants) and geographical ties (distance). Our findings can be summarised as follows. An increase in COVID‐19 burden leads to decreases in exports of medical products. However, such a decrease is smaller when exporting to countries with closer political, economic or geographical ties. In contrast, demographic ties play a key role in the import of personal protective products. Immigrants receive face masks from relatives in their home country when the immigrant's country of residence is strongly impacted by COVID‐19.
Labial and buccal minor salivary glands of the dog – location, three‐dimensional arrangement and histology
Authors: Gabner Simone , Michels Christina , Lanz Bernadette , Nell Barbara , Handschuh Stephan , Egerbacher Monika
Published: August 2021

Objective

Transplantation of minor salivary glands (MSGs) to the conjunctiva is a treatment option for patients suffering from dry eye disease. As there is not enough information about labial and buccal MSGs in dogs, the aim of this study was to provide evidence of the presence of these glands and to investigate their spatial arrangement and excretory ducts.

Methods

The oral mucosa of the lower lip of 4 dogs and the whole lower jaw of 1 dog were used for histological and microCT analysis. Presence, number, volumes and the tissue depth of MSGs were assessed.

Results

Histological analysis showed that compact tubulo‐acinar glands were located in the submucosal connective tissue. MicroCT images revealed that 9 to 21 MSGs were arranged in a single row at the level of the dental alveolae. The volume of the MSGs increased from rostral to caudal and the total volume of glandular tissue per animal ranged from 35.01 mm3 to 549.43 mm3. The mean tissue depth of MSGs ranged from 0.57 mm to 1.37 mm (upper surface of glands) and between 1.43 mm and 3.09 mm (lower surface of the glands). Excretory ducts left the dorsal part of the glands and ran in dorso‐rostral direction.

Conclusions

The location, number and volume of the labial and buccal MSGs in the dog could be detected and described using microCT scans and histology. The present results can provide valuable information for future transplantation of labial MSGs as therapeutic measure against keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Biology, distribution and management of the invasive Jatropha gossypiifolia (Bellyache bush): A global review of current and future management challenges and research gaps
Authors: Roberts Jason , Florentine Singarayer
Published: August 2021

Jatropha gossypiifolia (Bellyache bush) is an evergreen, perennial, invasive woody shrub that globally threatens agricultural and native landscapes. The species is native to North and South America, but is currently found in over 52 countries; in many of these countries, it is listed as invasive, due to its aggressive and competitive growth. These behaviour traits are characterised by its quick flowering and seed production that make the species difficult to contain and control, as it forms dense monocultures and restricts the growth of many native and pastoral species through aggressive competition for resources, such as soil moisture and nutrients. Infestation by J. gossypiifolia results in a loss of biodiversity in the affected area and disrupts the maintenance of sustainable land systems. It has been reported that J. gossypiifolia is used in many countries as a traditional medicine to treat a range of diseases, illnesses and injuries. However, despite these claims of its positive use, J. gossypiifolia leaves, seeds and stems are highly toxic to grazing animals and humans, leading to disruption and significant increases in the cost of agricultural production through the loss of production and the instituting of necessary management efforts. Around the world, there have been various attempts to control J. gossypiifolia, but these have widely varied in their success. The most common and successful treatments to control J. gossypiifolia, including herbicide application (cut stump application), fire management and mechanical control; however, when each is applied as a single treatment, long‐term success is often limited. Consequently, this review explores the biology and distribution of J. gossypiifolia, together with previous and current control attempts, and synthesises potentially useful approaches to control this noxious weed, whilst identifying areas of future research to improve effective and long‐term sustainable management strategies for this noxious species.
Study on Pipe Wear Based on Large Scale Experiment and Scale Effect for Deep Sea Mining
Authors: Takano Satoru , Sato Hirotaka , Terao Takashi , Masanobu Sotaro , Kawano Seiya
Published: August 2021

For the production of seafloor massive sulfides, the ores are expected to be transported as a slurry up to the sea surface. The pipe wear is caused mainly by the collision of the ores against the pipe wall; thus, the evaluation of pipe wear is required for the operation of the production system. The authors conducted a full-scale experiment for evaluating pipe wear due to slurry flow. As the result, the pipe wear resistance of a SUS304 stainless steel is higher than the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. In addition, the pipe wall thickness was measured before and after the experiment to obtain the distribution of the erosion on the pipe wall. The authors confirmed that the wall thickness reduced uniformly along the circumferential direction for vertical pipe, and the erosion occurred mainly along the bottom surface of the pipe for the horizontal and inclined pipes. Also, the authors investigated the relation between the index of rock abrasivity and erosion and proposed a correlation for pipe wear with the index of rock abrasivity. Finally, the authors predicted the pipe wear on the condition of full-scale experiment based on the data obtained in the reduced-scale experiment conducted previously. Then, the authors compared the predicted pipe wear with that measured in the full-scale experiment.
Fluid Migration Characterization of Full-Scale Annulus Cement Sections Using Pressure-Pulse-Decay Measurements
Authors: Skadsem Hans Joakim
Published: August 2021

Fluid migration behind casings is a well integrity problem that can result in sustained casing pressure, undetected leaks to the environment, and potentially very challenging remediation attempts. Understanding the geometric dimensions and extent of annular migration paths is important for diagnosing and effectively treating fluid migration and sustained casing pressure problems in wells. In this study, permeability and micro-annuli sizes in two full-scale cemented annulus test sections are measured using transient pressure-pulse-decay and steady-state seepage measurements. One of the studied sections is a cemented 9 5/8-in. and 13 3/8-in. casing section from a 30 years old Norwegian North Sea production well. A model for predicting the transient pressure decay in annular sections with non-uniform permeability is presented and the permeabilities of the two sections are determined by fitting the transient model to pressure measurements at either side of the test sections and at selected axial positions. For both sections, measured micro-annulus sizes are within the range of effective wellbore permeabilities based on sustained casing pressure records and previous vertical interference tests from other wells. The test sections display measurable axial permeability variations with the bottom part of these vertical sections having the lower permeability. For the retrieved casing section, the axial permeability variation occurs close to the middle of the test section and is attributed to the top-of-cement. Increasing internal casing pressure is found to slightly reduce the equivalent micro-annulus size, indicative of fracture-like response of the migration paths. Using two independent test protocols, we have measured effective permeabilities as well as local permeability variations in full-scale test sections and found consistent results. The study suggests that the transient test procedure can be used to more effectively characterize low-permeable annular cement where it is otherwise time-consuming or difficult to establish steady-state flow conditions.
Amplitude modulated wind farm noise relationship with annoyance: A year-long field study
Authors: Hansen Kristy L. , Nguyen Phuc , Micic Gorica , Lechat Bastien , Catcheside Peter , Zajamšek Branko
Published: August 2021

This paper presents results from a one-year study of indoor annoyance and self-reported sleep times for two participants located near different wind farms. Continuous measurements of outdoor and indoor noise and meteorological conditions were taken at each location for the duration of the study. In at least 50% of the annoyance recordings, participants described noise as “swish” or “swoosh.” Furthermore, the majority of the annoyance recordings occurred at nighttime and in the early morning. The third quartile of A-weighted indoor sound pressure level [SPL(A)], between 27 and 31 dBA, was associated with an 88% increased probability of annoyance compared to the lowest reference quartile, which was between 12 and 22 dBA [odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals, 7.72 (2.61,22.8), p < 0.001]. The outdoor SPL(A) was also predictive of annoyance but only between 40 and 45 dBA. The outdoor prevalence of amplitude modulation (AM), defined as the percentage of time that AM was detectable by an algorithm for each annoyance period, was also associated with annoyance. Self-reported sleep efficiency (time spent asleep relative to time in bed available for sleep) was significantly associated with nighttime annoyance (β = −0.66, p = 0.02) but only explained a small fraction of the variance (R2 = 5%).
Modelling microprosodic effects can lead to an audible improvement in articulatory synthesis
Authors: Krug Paul Konstantin , Gerazov Branislav , van Niekerk Daniel R. , Xu Anqi , Xu Yi , Birkholz Peter
Published: August 2021

When pitch is explicitly modelled for parametric speech synthesis, microprosodic variations of the fundamental frequency f0 are usually disregarded by current intonation models. While there are numerous studies dealing with the nature and the origin of microprosody, little research has been done on its audibility and its effect on the naturalness of synthetic speech. In this work, the influence of obstruent-related microprosodic variations on the perceived naturalness of articulatory speech synthesis was studied. A small corpus of 20 German words and sentences was re-synthesized using the state-of-the-art articulatory synthesizer VocalTractLab. The pitch contours of the real utterances were extracted and fitted with the Target-Approximation-Model. After the real microprosodic variations were removed from the obtained pitch contours, synthetic variations were applied based on a microprosody model. Subsequently, multiple stimuli with different microprosody amplitudes were synthesized and evaluated in a listening experiment. The results indicate that microprosodic variations are barely audible, but can lead to a greater perceived naturalness of the synthesized speech in certain cases.
Mandarin tone recognition training with cochlear implant simulation: Amplitude envelope enhancement and cue weighting
Authors: Kim Seeon , Chou Hsiao-Hsiuan , Luo Xin
Published: August 2021

With limited fundamental frequency (F0) cues, cochlear implant (CI) users recognize Mandarin tones using amplitude envelope. This study investigated whether tone recognition training with amplitude envelope enhancement may improve tone recognition and cue weighting with CIs. Three groups of CI-simulation listeners received training using vowels with amplitude envelope modified to resemble F0 contour (enhanced-amplitude-envelope training), training using natural vowels (natural-amplitude-envelope training), and exposure to natural vowels without training, respectively. Tone recognition with natural and enhanced amplitude envelope cues and cue weighting of amplitude envelope and F0 contour were measured in pre-, post-, and retention-tests. It was found that with similar pre-test performance, both training groups had better tone recognition than the no-training group after training. Only enhanced-amplitude-envelope training increased the benefits of amplitude envelope enhancement in the post- and retention-tests than in the pre-test. Neither training paradigm increased the cue weighting of amplitude envelope and F0 contour more than stimulus exposure. Listeners attending more to amplitude envelope in the pre-test tended to have better tone recognition with enhanced amplitude envelope cues before training and improve more in tone recognition after enhanced-amplitude-envelope training. The results suggest that auditory training and speech enhancement may bring maximum benefits to CI users when combined.
An acoustic investigation of non-uniformly structured porous coated cylinders in uniform flow
Authors: Arcondoulis Elias J. G. , Geyer Thomas F. , Liu Yu
Published: August 2021

The application of a porous coating to a smooth cylinder placed in uniform flow can reduce its vortex shedding tone and overall sound pressure level. The responsible noise generation mechanisms are not fully understood nor has an optimal porous coating type been presented. Structured Porous Coated Cylinders (SPCCs) have been recently investigated as an alternative to randomized porous coated cylinders that use metal foam or polyurethane. SPCCs possess similar noise reduction characteristics to randomized porous coated cylinders, yet their porosity can be modified in circumferential and spanwise directions. An acoustic investigation was conducted in a small anechoic wind tunnel using SPCCs constructed in four spanwise segments, yielding varying spanwise and circumferential porosities. Acoustic signals were recorded using two microphone arc arrays symmetric about the flow axis. Each SPCC revealed a reduced vortex shedding tone, a primary harmonic, and a high frequency broadband contribution. For each SPCC, the vortex shedding tones were weaker than the equivalent bare cylinder shedding tone and presented decreased overall sound pressure level. Variations in circumferential and spanwise porosity were shown to have little effect on tonal noise reduction yet influence high frequency contributions.
It’s a Long Way to the Top: Determinants of Developmental Pathways in Paralympic Sport
Authors: Patatas Jacqueline Martins , De Rycke Jens , De Bosscher Veerle , Kons Rafael Lima
Published: August 2021

The literature suggests that the current athlete development models do not reflect the multifaceted developmental pathways in Paralympic sport. This study aimed to analyze how parasport athletes progress through developmental phases of an athletic career pathway by comparing differences in their trajectories based on the nature of the impairment (acquired or congenital), age, and sex. A total of 345 para-athletes representing 15 sports completed an online survey. Results showed that the developmental phases for athletes with acquired impairment are of shorter duration, taking 4.5 years to progress from the attraction to the elite phase, while athletes with congenital impairment take 6 years. Athletes with congenital impairment start in parasport approximately 8 years younger and win medals in international competitions 7 years earlier than athletes with acquired impairment. Insights gathered in this study have the potential to enhance further thinking toward the genesis of specific models of para-athlete development.
Elucidating the Beta-Diversity of the Microbiome: from Global Alignment to Local Alignment
Authors: Su Xiaoquan
Published: August 2021

Quantitative comparison among microbiomes can link microbial beta-diversity to environmental features, thus enabling prediction of ecosystem properties or dissection of host-microbiome interaction. However, to compute beta-diversity, current methods mainly employ the entire community profiles of taxa or functions, which can miss the subtle differences caused by low-abundance community members that may play crucial roles in the properties of interest.
Bacterial Epigenomics: Coming of Age
Authors: Oliveira Pedro H.
Published: August 2021

Epigenetic DNA methylation in bacteria has been traditionally studied in the context of antiparasitic defense and as part of the innate immune discrimination between self and nonself DNA. However, sequencing advances that allow genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation at the single-base resolution are nowadays expanding and have propelled a modern epigenomic revolution in our understanding of the extent, evolution, and physiological significance of methylation.
Phage Diversity in the Human Gut Microbiome: a Taxonomist’s Perspective
Authors: Adriaenssens Evelien M.
Published: August 2021

Bacteriophages (phages) have been known for over a century, but only in the last 2 decades have we really come to appreciate how abundant and diverse they are. With that realization, research groups across the globe have shown the importance of phage-based processes in a myriad of environments, including the global oceans and soils, and as part of the human microbiome.
Separation of Donor and Recipient Microbial Diversity Allows Determination of Taxonomic and Functional Features of Gut Microbiota Restructuring following Fecal Transplantation
Authors: Olekhnovich Evgenii I. , Ivanov Artem B. , Ulyantsev Vladimir I. , Ilina Elena N.
Published: August 2021

We assumed that the enrichment of successful gut microbes by lantibiotic/antibiotic resistance genes can be related to gut microbiota colonization resistance by third-party microbe phenomena and resistance to bacterium-derived or host-derived antimicrobial substances. According to this assumption, competition between the donor-derived and recipient-derived microbes as well as host immunity may play a key role in the FMT-related colonization and redistribution of recipient gut microbiota structure.
Approach for tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an HIV-negative patient
Authors: Weber Michèle Rebecca , Fehr Jan Sven , Kuhn Félix Pierre , Kaelin Marisa Brigitta
Published: August 2021

A male refugee from the Middle East was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and Pott’s disease with paravertebral abscess. After starting the standard regimen, the sputum culture converted to negative and the patient’s general condition improved. Six weeks later, the patient presented with clinical worsening of known symptoms, new appearance of focal neurological deficits and progress of radiological features showing progression of the paravertebral abscess. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome withMycobacterium tuberculosis(TB-IRIS) was presumed, and treatment with high-dose steroids was started. Due to recurrent relapses while tapering, corticosteroids had to be given over a prolonged period. After treatment completion, the patient was in a good general condition, abscesses had decreased and neurological deficits were in complete remission. This case presents the rare manifestation of TB-IRIS in HIV-negative patients and its management in a high-income country.
Successful management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension with epidural blood patch
Authors: Ebejer Amanda , Vijay Mithila , Min Thinzar
Published: August 2021

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is characterised by postural headache and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure of ≤6 cmH20 measured with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. Other symptoms include tinnitus, altered hearing, diplopia, photophobia, nausea and neck stiffness, and must not have occurred within a month of dural puncture. Symptoms typically remit after normalisation of CSF pressure or successful sealing of the CSF leak. An epidural blood patch (EBP) is a treatment option in those who have not responded to bed rest, fluids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or caffeine. We present a case of SIH successfully treated with both conservative measures and EBP. We compare our case with similar cases in the literature and summarise what is known about EBP for SIH to help clinicians take a more informed approach to managing such patients.
Management of post-traumatic ischaemic ileal stricture using intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence-guided resection
Authors: Aggarwal Vaibhav , Ravi Venugopal , Puri Gopal , Ranjan Piyush
Published: August 2021

Blunt abdominal trauma can affect mesenteric circulation which may lead to bowel strictures. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography can be used to assess mesenteric blood flow and bowel perfusion as a guide to resect length intraoperatively. But this concept has not been applied to ischaemic bowel strictures. We present a case of ischaemic ileal stricture induced by blunt abdominal trauma which was managed by resection and anastomosis. Intraoperative near-infrared (NIR) ICG angiography was used as a guide to resect the bowel length. This case emphasises that ischaemic bowel strictures should be suspected in patients presenting with intestinal obstruction following trauma. Resection and anastomosis of the affected segment remains the primary treatment modality with excellent outcomes. NIR ICG angiography is a real-time objective and useful resource for assessing bowel perfusion and could be used to determine the length of the segment to be resected in patients with ischaemic bowel stricture.
Spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage secondary to anticoagulation polypharmacy
Authors: Uddin Mohammed M , Mir Tanveer , Khalil Amir , Bhat Zeenat , Noronha Anita Maria
Published: August 2021

Retroperitoneal haemorrhage (RH) is not uncommon in patients with provoking events like trauma. However, spontaneous RH (SRH) is a rare and life-threatening complication described as the development of bleeding into the retroperitoneal cavity, appearing spontaneously and without a preceding history of trauma or other predisposing illness. We are reporting a case of an elderly patient with recurrent deep vein thrombosis who had developed SRH secondary to concurrent use of multiple anticoagulation agents, resulting from poor healthcare follow-up and lack of sufficient medication reconciliation. This article highlights the significance of recognising risk factors for SRH, as well as management strategies through literature review.
Pathological diagnosis of thoracic endometriosis
Authors: Keijzer Seline , Oosterhuis Wolter , Hazelbag Hans M , Meuleman Tess
Published: August 2021

A 26-year-old woman, who underwent abdominal surgery because of pelvic endometriosis, suffered from upper abdominal pain, fever and dyspnoea 2 days postoperatively. Paralytic ileus and right-sided pneumothorax were revealed. Treatment with a chest drain was not successful and, thus, a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed, revealing endometriosis-like lesions. Basic histopathology did not confirm the visual diagnosis, but additional immunohistochemical staining for oestrogen and progesterone receptors showed positive reaction in epithelial lung cells, thus proved the diagnosis thoracic endometriosis. A resection of the apex of the right upper lobe and pleurodesis by talc poudrage was performed after which a mesh graft was applied on the diaphragm. After 5 years of follow-up, no recurrent pneumothorax occurred.
Hydralazine-induced liver injury: a review and discussion
Authors: Bhardwaj Meeta , Bhardwaj Nakul Jay , Cueto Kendra , Killeen T Colin
Published: August 2021

Hydralazine is a commonly prescribed antihypertensive agent. Some of its labelled adverse reactions include lupus-like syndrome, tachycardia, headache and fever. Despite its well-known side effects, little is known about hydralazine’s hepatotoxic effects. We report the case of a 54-year-old female patient who was started on hydralazine for hypertension management but later presented with hydralazine-induced liver injury. Her initial presentation consisted of non-specific symptoms and a hepatocellular injury pattern. Liver biopsy revealed hepatic steatosis. Three weeks after discontinuation of hydralazine, the patient’s liver enzymes normalised, and her symptoms resolved. Few studies have examined the incidence and mechanism by which hydralazine induces a liver injury pattern. With this case, we review the literature, the pathogenesis involved and the eventual management of hydralazine-induced liver injury. We propose close monitoring of liver enzymes for patients on hydralazine throughout their treatment course.
Pre-emptive veno-venous ECMO in advanced tracheal malignancy prior to tracheal stenting
Authors: Siddiqi Mohammad Salman , Al Kindi Adil H , Mandisha Ahmed Fahmy , Al Sukaiti Rashid
Published: August 2021

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is helpful in providing ventilatory support when other conventional methods of ventilation fail. We report a case of successful management of advanced tracheal malignancy with impeding airway obstruction where veno-venous ECMO (VV-ECMO) was instituted prior to performing critical endotracheal procedure. After securing the VV-ECMO through right jugular vein and left femoral vein under local anaesthesia, the tracheal stent placement was conducted under flexible bronchoscope and fluoroscope control. Oxygenation and carbon dioxide levels were maintained by the ECMO. VV-ECMO is a useful adjunct in the management of subglottic difficult airway obstruction due to complex tracheal pathology where conventional ventilation may not be possible or adequate.
Intrascleral haptic fixation for haptic exposure after Yamane technique
Authors: Asif Mohamed Ibrahime , Bafna Rahul Kumar , Kapoor Anirudh , Sharma Namrata
Published: August 2021

A 55-year-old patient presented with exposure of both the haptics beyond the conjunctiva of the scleral fixated multipiece intraocular lens (IOL). Two diagonally opposite scleral pockets were created, and the exposed haptics was redirected and repositioned aseptically into these pockets to facilitate intrascleral fixation. Herein, we report a simple rescue method for management of exposed haptic after Yamane technique of scleral fixated IOL.
When the uterine mass is not a leiomyoma
Authors: Pereira Sofia , Sousa Rita , Constantino Liliana , Abrantes Carlos
Published: August 2021

A 37-year-old nulliparous woman with abnormal uterine bleeding and a uterine mass suggestive of a leiomyoma not responding to medical therapy was submitted to two hysteroscopies with histological analysis. The first one showed a ‘leiomyoma’ and the second a ‘uterine smooth muscle tumour of uncertain malignant potential/epithelioid leiomyosarcoma, with positivity for hormonal receptors’. The patient was submitted to a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and the microscopic examination of the tumour revealed a ‘uterine tumour resembling ovarian sex-cord tumours’. According to the literature, most cases are diagnosed in postmenopausal women and have a favourable prognosis. These rare tumours have uncertain malignant potential and have no established treatment protocol, but it appears that a fertility-sparing approach is possible once they are well diagnosed.
Severe respiratory failure in a patient with COVID-19 and acromegaly: rapid improvement after adding octreotide
Authors: Luty Jacob , Hayward LesleAnn , Jackson Melanie , Duell P Barton
Published: August 2021

Acromegaly is a rare disorder of unregulated hypersecretion of growth hormone that causes cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory complications. Herein, we describe the case of a middle-aged man admitted to the hospital with severe COVID-19 found to have clinical and biochemical evidence of acromegaly. His respiratory status declined despite initiation of standard treatments, prompting initiation of subcutaneous octreotide. Following initiation of this therapy, he rapidly improved and was discharged from the hospital 2 days later. Subsequent workup revealed a pituitary macroadenoma that was surgically removed, with improvement in his acromegaly symptoms. COVID-19 disease severity is increased by pre-existing diabetes, lung disease and immunosuppression. Although this patient had obstructive sleep apnoea and pre-diabetes, we hypothesise that our patient’s acromegaly contributed to his severe course, as reflected by his rapid improvement after starting treatment with subcutaneous octreotide. Acromegaly may predispose to more severe outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
Application of pie-crusting technique to facilitate closure of open abdomen after decompressive laparotomy
Authors: Martin Thomas J , Kheirbek Tareq
Published: August 2021

We present the case of a 23-year-old man who developed abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to severe pancreatitis and required decompressive laparotomy and pancreatic necrosectomy. Despite application of a temporary abdominal closure system (ABThera Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy), extensive retroperitoneal oedema and inflammation continued to contribute to loss of domain and prevented primary closure of the skin and fascia. The usual course of action would have involved reapplication of ABThera system until primary closure could be achieved or sufficient granulation tissue permitted split-thickness skin grafting. Though a safe option for abdominal closure, application of a skin graft would delay return to baseline functional status and require eventual graft excision with abdominal wall reconstruction for this active labourer. Thus, we achieved primary closure of the skin through the novel application of abdominal wall ‘pie-crusting’, or tension-releasing multiple skin incisions, technique.
Ultrawide field imaging to document the progression of gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina over 5 years
Authors: Jena Soumya , Tripathy Koushik , Chawla Rohan , Mansour Ahmad M
Published: August 2021

A family of three siblings affected with gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina is presented. Ultrawide field fundus imaging was used to monitor the progression of the disease objectively over 5 years.
Relationships between pest density and associated leaf necrosis for an invasive leaf-mining weevil, Orchestes fagi, on American beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Authors: Edwards Sara , Brodersen Garrett , Hughes Cory , Moore Keegan , Morin Benoit , Morrison Andrew , Owens Emily , Sweeney Jon , Johns Rob C.
Published: August 2021

Pest density – plant damage relationships are essential guides for decision-making in integrated pest management. In this article, we established pest density – leaf damage relationships for the beech leaf-mining weevil, Orchestes fagi L. (formerly Rhynchaenus fagi, Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in its invasive range of Nova Scotia, Canada. Outbreaks of O. fagi cause tree-wide leaf necrosis in American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), which can eventually result in tree mortality. In 2014 and 2016, we collected weekly samples in stands with American beech and assessed leaves for densities during different life stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae), population proxy measures (adult feeding damage, egg slits, and larval galleries), and percent necrosis. In general, feeding damage and leaf necrosis plateaued soon after the end of budburst, but before the larval mine expanded. This strongly suggested that leaf necrosis may be linked to damage caused by adults or by mine initiation rather than that caused by larval mine expansion and gallery development. The density of O. fagi per leaf for life stages and population proxies all significantly explained ∼42%–81% of the variation in end-of-season percent leaf necrosis. Results from this study provide a variety of relationships that could be used in both short- and long-term monitoring efforts for O. fagi.
Orbital angular momentum uncertainty relations of entangled two-photon states
Authors: Li Wei , Zhao Shengmei
Published: August 2021

The inseparability of quantum correlation requires that the particles in the composite system be treated as a whole rather than treated separately, a typical example is the Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) paradox. In this paper, we provide a theoretical study on the uncertainty relations of two kinds of bipartite observables in two-photon orbital angular momentum (OAM) entanglement, that is, the relative distance and centroid of the two photons at azimuth. We find that the uncertainty relations of the bipartite observables holds in any two-photon state, and they are separable in two-photon OAM entanglement. In addition, the entangled state behaves as a single particle in the bipartite representation. Finally, we find that the uncertainty relations of the bipartite observables can be used to manipulate the degree of the entanglement of an EPR state.

Graphic abstract
Large eddy simulation of turbulent cavitating flow in a Venturi-type section with special emphasis on LES errors and pressure fluctuation analyses
Authors: Deng Linfeng , Long Yun , Ji Bin , Long Xinping
Published: August 2021

In this study, large eddy simulation (LES) coupled with the homogeneous cavitation model is used to simulate the turbulent cavitating flow in the venturi with special emphasis on LES errors and pressure fluctuation analysis. The numerical results accurately predict the quasi-periodic behavior and frequency characteristics of the cavitation by comparing them with the experimental observations. The modified one-dimensional model is utilized here to figure out the relationship between cavitation and pressure fluctuation. A good coincidence between the predicted and monitored pressure is obtained to validate the consideration of the geometric and flow factors in the modified model. Further analysis indicated that the cavity volume acceleration is the main source of cavitation excited pressure fluctuation. Moreover, LES Verification and Validation (V&V) are involved to quantify the errors and uncertainties of the numerical results. It is found that the large magnitude of the errors often emerges in the region where the re-entrant jet and shedding cavity occurs, which demonstrates the influence of cavitation on the simulation accuracy. The modeling error has a larger magnitude than the numerical error and both often show opposite signs. To better understand the influence of cavitation on LES V&V, the interaction between cavitation and vortex is also discussed further.
Pressure-induced metallic phase transition in gallium arsenide up to 24.3 GPa under hydrostatic conditions
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Dai Lidong , Hu Haiying , Hong Meiling
Published: August 2021

A series of experiments of structural, vibrational and electrical transport characterization of gallium arsenide (GaAs) have been performed up to 24.3 GPa under hydrostatic conditions in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) in conjunction with in situ Raman scattering spectroscopy, electrical conductivity measurements, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Upon compression, a phase transition from the zinc-blende (zb) to the orthorhombic (Cmcm) structure of GaAs was observed at 12.2 GPa through the discontinuous variations of the Raman shifts, Raman full-width at half-maximum values and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the results of variable temperature electrical conductivity experiments confirmed that the high-pressure phase (Cmcm) exhibited one obvious metallic behavior. Upon decompression, the Raman scattering results of the recovered sample under ambient conditions indicated that the phase transition was reversible under hydrostatic conditions. The reversibility of the phase transition was further verified by HRTEM and AFM images for the recovered sample.
Unsupervised Feature Selection Based on Spectral Clustering with Maximum Relevancy and Minimum Redundancy Approach
Authors: Khozaei Bahareh , Eftekhari Mahdi
Published: August 2021

In this paper, two novel approaches for unsupervised feature selection are proposed based on the spectral clustering. In the first proposed method, spectral clustering is employed over the features and the center of clusters is selected as well as their nearest-neighbors. These features have a minimum similarity (redundancy) between themselves since they belong to different clusters. Next, samples of data sets are clustered employing spectral clustering so that to the samples of each cluster a specific pseudo-label is assigned. After that according to the obtained pseudo-labels, the information gain of the features is computed that secures the maximum relevancy. Finally, the intersection of the selected features in the two previous steps is determined that simultaneously guarantees both the maximum relevancy and minimum redundancy. Our second proposed approach is very similar to the first one whose only but significant difference with the first method is that it selects one feature from each cluster and sorts all the features in terms of their relevancy. Then, by appending the selected features to a sorted list and ignoring them for the next step, the algorithm continues with the remaining features until all the features to be appended into the sorted list. Both of our proposed methods are compared with state-of-the-art methods and the obtained results confirm the performance of our proposed approaches especially the second one.
Mitered Offsets and Skeletons for Circular Arc Polygons
Authors: Weiß Bastian , Jüttler Bert , Aurenhammer Franz
Published: August 2021

The offsetting process that defines straight skeletons of polygons is generalized to arc polygons, i.e., to planar shapes with piecewise circular boundaries. The offsets are obtained by shrinking or expanding the circular arcs on the boundary in a co-circular manner, and tracing the paths of their endpoints. These paths define the associated shape-preserving skeleton, which decomposes the input object into patches. While the skeleton forms a forest of trees, the patches of the decomposition have a radial monotonicity property. Analyzing the events that occur during the offsetting process is non-trivial; the boundary of the offsetting object may get into self-contact and may even splice. This leads us to an event-driven algorithm for offset and skeleton computation. Several examples (both manually created ones and approximations of planar free-form shapes by arc spline curves) are analyzed to study the practical performance of our algorithm.