bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying dysmorphologies of the neurocranium using artificial neural networks
Authors: Abdel‐Alim Tareq , Tapia Chaca Franz , Mathijssen Irene M. J. , Dirven Clemens M. F. , Niessen Wiro J. , Wolvius Eppo B. , van Veelen Marie‐Lise C. , Roshchupkin Gennady V.
Published: May 2024

Background

Craniosynostosis, a congenital condition characterized by the premature fusion of cranial sutures, necessitates objective methods for evaluating cranial morphology to enhance patient treatment. Current subjective assessments often lead to inconsistent outcomes. This study introduces a novel, quantitative approach to classify craniosynostosis and measure its severity.

Methods

An artificial neural network was trained to classify normocephalic, trigonocephalic, and scaphocephalic head shapes based on a publicly available dataset of synthetic 3D head models. Each 3D model was converted into a low‐dimensional shape representation based on the distribution of normal vectors, which served as the input for the neural network, ensuring complete patient anonymity and invariance to geometric size and orientation. Explainable AI methods were utilized to highlight significant features when making predictions. Additionally, the Feature Prominence (FP) score was introduced, a novel metric that captures the prominence of distinct shape characteristics associated with a given class. Its relationship with clinical severity scores was examined using the Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient.

Results

The final model achieved excellent test accuracy in classifying the different cranial shapes from their low‐dimensional representation. Attention maps indicated that the network's attention was predominantly directed toward the parietal and temporal regions, as well as toward the region signifying vertex depression in scaphocephaly. In trigonocephaly, features around the temples were most pronounced. The FP score showed a strong positive monotonic relationship with clinical severity scores in both scaphocephalic (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.001) and trigonocephalic (ρ = 0.64, p < 0.001) models. Visual assessments further confirmed that as FP values rose, phenotypic severity became increasingly evident.

Conclusion

This study presents an innovative and accessible AI‐based method for quantifying cranial shape that mitigates the need for adjustments due to age‐specific size variations or differences in the spatial orientation of the 3D images, while ensuring complete patient privacy. The proposed FP score strongly correlates with clinical severity scores and has the potential to aid in clinical decision‐making and facilitate multi‐center collaborations. Future work will focus on validating the model with larger patient datasets and exploring the potential of the FP score for broader applications. The publicly available source code facilitates easy implementation, aiming to advance craniofacial care and research.
Magnet‐assisted endoscopic removal of ferromagnetic metallic gastric foreign bodies in 4 dogs
Authors: Skinner Stephanie M. , Gilor Chen , Berg Alisa Saule , Pascutti Kristina M. , Cooke Kirsten L.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Describe presenting signs, diagnostic findings, and magnet‐assisted endoscopic removal method of ferromagnetic gastric foreign bodies (FBs) in dogs.

Clinical Presentation

Four dogs presented with ingestion of sharp metallic FBs. The presence of gastric FBs was confirmed by abdominal radiography.

Results

In 3 cases, initial attempts at endoscopic removal were unsuccessful because of ingesta and fluid in the stomach. A magnet contained within a Roth net was introduced endoscopically. Magnet and attached objects were successfully removed from the stomach. In the fourth case, removal with a magnet was judged to be the most expedient method of removal because multiple metallic objects were present.

Clinical Relevance

An endoscopic technique was used for the removal of difficult‐to‐visualize or multiple metallic FBs. The use of this technique allows the removal of ferromagnetic gastric FBs without surgery or risk of complications associated with the passage of sharp material through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Complementary inputs, outsourcing and vertical integration: Price versus quantity competition
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit , Senalp Burcu
Published: May 2024

We compare the effects of price and quantity competition in an industry with complementary inputs, outsourcing and a vertically integrated firm where vertical integration occurs between a final goods producer and a subset of input suppliers. The profit of the integrated firm and the industry profit are higher under Bertrand competition, the profit of the non‐integrated firm is higher under Bertrand competition for high product differentiation, and consumer surplus and welfare are higher under Bertrand competition for low product differentiation. Further, no market foreclosure can be the preferred choice of the vertically integrated firm for any degree of product differentiation.
Constitution Making and Enduring Challenges To Democracy in Turkey
Authors: Evrensel Ayşe Y.
Published: May 2024

Some observers expected that the 2023 general elections in Turkey would end the long rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, while others anticipated his narrow victory. But it takes more than results at the ballot box for Turkish democracy to flourish in the medium term. Instead, we must focus on the underlying political structure, especially the constitution and its making. This study examines the social and political forces that have shaped Turkey's constitutions, from the Ottoman Empire through today. The analysis shows that top‐down constitutional processes only create advantages for the incumbent power, and they are symptomatic of weak democratic traditions. The most common use of constitutional revisions has been to serve the needs of the political elite at the time, without any long‐term objectives or broadly based political discourse among governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders. Therefore, Turkey has not been able to break the cycle of authoritarianism, even through seemingly democratic constitutional revisions. The study concludes that the future of the constitution is not bright. Given Erdoğan's narrow victory in the 2023 elections and setbacks in the recent municipal voting, revisions in the near term will seek to shore up the power of the ruling Justice and Development Party.
Evaluation of visceral adipose tissue thresholds for elevated metabolic syndrome risk across diverse populations: A systematic review
Authors: Bennett Jonathan P. , Prado Carla M. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Shepherd John A.
Published: May 2024

Beyond obesity, excess levels of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) significantly contribute to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS), although thresholds for increased risk vary based on population, regions of interest, and units of measure employed. We sought to determine whether a common threshold exists that is indicative of heightened MetS risk across all populations, accounting for sex, age, BMI, and race/ethnicity. A systematic literature review was conducted in September 2023, presenting threshold values for elevated MetS risk. Standardization equations harmonized the results from DXA, CT, and MRI systems to facilitate a comparison of threshold variations across studies. A total of 52 papers were identified. No single threshold could accurately indicate elevated risk for both males and females across varying BMI, race/ethnicity, and age groups. Thresholds fluctuated from 70 to 165.9 cm2, with reported values consistently lower in females. Generally, premenopausal females and younger adults manifested elevated risks at lower VAT compared to their older counterparts. Notably, Asian populations exhibited elevated risks at lower VAT areas (70–136 cm2) compared to Caucasian populations (85.6–165.9 cm2). All considered studies reported associations of VAT without accommodating covariates. No single VAT area threshold for elevated MetS risk was discernible post‐harmonization by technology, units of measure, and region of interest. This review summarizes available evidence for MetS risk assessment in clinical practice. Further exploration of demographic‐specific interactions between VAT area and other risk factors is imperative to comprehensively delineate overarching MetS risk.
Conspicuity of staircase configuration: Effects of markings and contrast
Authors: Yu Deyue , Chung Susana T. L. , Bailey Ian L.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To be able to walk safely up or down a staircase, we must be able to judge the configuration and slope of the staircase and our viewing position. Adding markings to the stairs might help form correct perceptions of the staircase geometry. In this study, we examined how visual judgements about staircase configuration are affected by different marking patterns.

Methods

Fifteen normally sighted young participants viewed computer‐generated images of staircases as seen from the top landing of the stairs. Marking patterns included contrasting baseboard, transverse edge‐stripes, longitudinal side‐stripes, longitudinal stripes, diamond patterns, longitudinal stripes extended to landing and diamond patterns extended to landing. For comparison, we included the no‐marking condition as a control. We tested several contrast levels of marking patterns (3.2%–50%), pitch lines of the staircases (shallow/medium/steep) and viewing positions (left/centre/right). The effect of the overall shape cue of the staircase on participants' performance was also evaluated. We measured participants' accuracies in judging whether the staircase was shallow, medium or steep, and whether the viewing position was located to the left, centre or right.

Results

Transverse edge‐stripes markings yielded fewer underestimations of slope (9% [transverse] vs. 18% [others]) when compared with other markers. The presence of an overall shape cue helped both slope (67% [presence] vs. 51% [absence]) and viewing position judgements (79% [presence] vs. 62% [absence]). When the overall shape cue was present, only the transverse edge‐stripes markings yielded a significant improvement in performance (compared with no‐marking condition). When the cue was absent, performance was significantly better with markings with high and moderate contrasts.

Conclusions

Adding marking patterns such as high‐contrast transverse stripes to stairs may help enhance the visibility of the stairs and judgements of staircase geometry. This might be particularly useful for people with visual impairment or normally sighted individuals under compromised environmental conditions.
A case of repeated rate‐dependent pacing threshold elevation after leadless pacemaker implantation
Authors: Yoshiyama Tomotaka , Nakatsuji Kenichi , Yanagishita Tomoya , Tamura Shota , Fukuda Daiju
Published: May 2024

The pacing threshold is important for leadless pacemakers, as the pacing output has a significant impact on battery longevity. Acute pacing rate‐dependent threshold increases have also been reported with leadless pacemakers. In the present case, we experienced a case in which the threshold, which had been raised in the acute phase, once showed a tendency to improve, but then worsened again. And, as in previous reports, thresholds improved completely in the chronic phase. Repeated retrieval and reimplantation of leadless pacemakers increases the likelihood of fatal complications, so being aware of such phenomenon may prevent unnecessary procedure and complications.
A hierarchical occupancy network with multi‐height attention for vision‐centric 3D occupancy prediction
Authors: Li Can , Gao Zhi , Lin Zhipeng , Ye Tonghui , Li Ziyao
Published: May 2024

The precise geometric representation and ability to handle long‐tail targets have led to the increasing attention towards vision‐centric 3D occupancy prediction, which models the real world as a voxel‐wise model solely through visual inputs. Despite some notable achievements in this field, many prior or concurrent approaches simply adapt existing spatial cross‐attention (SCA) as their 2D–3D transformation module, which may lead to informative coupling or compromise the global receptive field along the height dimension. To overcome these limitations, we propose a hierarchical occupancy (HierOcc) network featuring our innovative height‐aware cross‐attention (HACA) and hierarchical self‐attention (HSA) as its core modules to achieve enhanced precision and completeness in 3D occupancy prediction. The former module enables 2D–3D transformation, while the latter promotes voxels’ intercommunication. The key insight behind both modules is our multi‐height attention mechanism which ensures each attention head corresponds explicitly to a specific height, thereby decoupling height information while maintaining global attention across the height dimension. Extensive experiments show that our method brings significant improvements compared to baseline and surpasses all concurrent methods, demonstrating its superiority.
Impacts of pathogen strain and barley cultivar on Fusarium head blight in barley and during malting
Authors: Jayathissa Anuradha U. , Tucker James R. , Badea Ana , Fernando W. G. Dilantha , Bakker Matthew G.
Published: May 2024

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease in barley, causing significant losses for the malting and brewing industries. We hypothesized that the variation observed in Fusarium‐related issues during malting may be partially attributable to differences among Fusarium graminearum strains. Field trials in 2019–2021 used barley cultivars with different FHB resistance: Newdale (intermediate) and AAC Goldman (moderately resistant). Barley plants were grown under disease‐conducive conditions, and plots were inoculated with conidial suspensions of each of seven different F. graminearum monoclonal isolates plus a noninoculated control. Disease severity (as a percentage of symptomatic spikelets) significantly differed among years (2020 > 2019 > 2021). F. graminearum density in barley varied significantly across years (2019 > 2021 > 2020). Pathogen strain identity and cultivar (Newdale > AAC Goldman) had significant effects on F. graminearum density in barley grain. The harvested barley was micromalted. The deoxynivalenol (DON) content in barley and malt significantly differed among years and cultivars, with the highest levels in 2019 and in Newdale. Pathogen strain identity significantly influenced DON content in barley and malt. F. graminearum density in malt showed significant variation among years (2021 > 2019 > 2020) and was influenced by the pathogen strain identity, while cultivar did not significantly affect F. graminearum density in malt. Gushing varied significantly across years but was not affected by cultivar or pathogen strain identity and was independent of F. graminearum density. Our finding that F. graminearum strain identity altered impact in barley grain and malt may explain the variability of FHB impacts.
Perception of Surroundings: Materiality and Affect in the Russian Kustar Arts Revival
Authors: McQuillen Colleen
Published: May 2024

Abramtsevo and Talashkino are well known for their handicraft workshops that participated in the revival of Russian folk arts known as kustarnichestvo at the turn of the last century. Typically examined in terms of its stylistic progenitors or as a manifestation of Russia’s nationalist politics, kustarnichestvo can also offer unique insights into how craftspeople and consumers related to their natural and built environments. This article examines the materiality of kustar art objects from two perspectives: first, it turns to forests and woodlands as a source of natural resources and ornamental inspiration; then it tackles narratives about how the resulting neo‐Russian style interiors produced a distinctive kind of affect in their beholders. By showing how human subjects understood themselves to be enmeshed in natural and affective ecologies at the fin de siècle, it argues that a movement thoroughly grounded in materialist concerns paradoxically gave rise to a new understanding of the perceiving subject’s affective experience.
High‐intensity interval training and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Poon Eric Tsz‐Chun , Li Hong‐Yat , Gibala Martin J. , Wong Stephen Heung‐Sang , Ho Robin Sze‐Tak
Published: May 2024

Background

High‐intensity interval training (HIIT) is characterized by repeated bouts of relatively intense exercise interspersed with recovery periods. Previous studies have evaluated this exercise strategy with various population subgroups, regimens, and comparator groups, limiting the generalizability of findings. We performed a novel umbrella review to generate an up‐to‐date synthesis of the available evidence regarding the effect of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adults as compared to non‐exercise control and traditional continuous forms of exercise such as moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT).

Methods

An umbrella review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews guideline. Seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) were searched until February 2024. Systematic reviews with meta‐analyses comparing HIIT and active/non‐active control conditions were included. Literature search, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment (AMSTAR‐2) were conducted independently by two reviewers.

Results

Twenty‐four systematic reviews with meta‐analyses, representing 429 primary studies and 12 967 unique participants, met the inclusion criteria. Most of the systematic reviews received moderate‐to‐critically low AMSTAR‐2 scores. The data showed that HIIT, including the particularly intense variant “sprint interval training” (SIT), significantly increases CRF in adults compared to non‐exercise control (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.28 to 4.31; weighted mean difference [WMD]: 3.25 to 5.5 mL/kg/min) and MICT (SMD: 0.18 to 0.99; WMD: 0.52 to 3.76 mL/kg/min). This effect was consistently observed across specific groups of individuals (e.g., apparently healthy adults, individuals with overweight/obesity, older adults, and high‐level athletes) and HIIT modalities (e.g., low‐volume HIIT, whole‐body HIIT, home‐based HIIT, aquatic HIIT, and short SIT).

Conclusion

Existing evidence from systematic reviews consistently supports the effect of HIIT on enhancing CRF in adults when compared to non‐exercise control and MICT. Our findings offer a comprehensive basis that may potentially contribute to informing physical activity guidelines aimed at improving CRF in the general population.
Setting the stage for successful inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder: Supports to generate and process mathematical language
Authors: Cox Sarah K. , Hughes Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are included in the general education classroom more often than ever before. Despite mathematical strengths and early success, these students experience poor outcomes (academic and employment) compared to their typically developing peers. The language of mathematics increases in complexity, use, and expectations as students age. To facilitate the development of mathematical proficiency for students with ASD, teachers can incorporate instructional strategies to support language processing and use in mathematics. This manuscript provides practical advice for teachers who want to support math language for students with ASD in the general education environment including (a) the importance of these supports, (b) specific recommendations, (c) visual and descriptive examples, and (d) additional resources.
Utilization of Hepatitis B viremic donors (NAT+) leads to improved kidney transplant access for older adult recipients with little to no wait time
Authors: Lopez‐Soler Reynold I. , Joyce Cara , Cotiguala Laura , Aguirre Oswaldo , Samra Manpreet , Trotter Chrsitine , Zingraf Geraldine , Sorensen Jeffrey , Sodhi Rupinder , Thorndyke Anne
Published: May 2024

Background

Though the use of Hepatitis B viremic (HBV) donor kidneys may be a safe alternative to improve access to transplantation, there has not been wide acceptance of this practice. In this study, we determined the safety and effectiveness of HBV NAT (+) donor kidneys in a protocolized manner in an older adult population.

Methods

Over a 3‐year period, 16 decreased donor kidney transplants were performed with HBV NAT+ kidneys. Recipients of HBV NAT+ kidneys were treated with entecavir started pre‐operatively and continued for 52 weeks.

Results

HBV NAT+ kidneys were preferentially used in older (68 ± 5 vs. 64 ± 9 years; p = .01) recipients with less dialysis time (93.8% < 5 years vs. 67% <5 years; p = .03). In this cohort, 3/16 had detectable HBV PCR 1‐week post‐transplant, but all were negative at 9‐ and 12‐months. Calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was slightly decreased 12‐months post‐transplant. Post‐transplant outcomes in an age‐matched cohort showed no difference in rates of delayed graft function, readmission within 30 days, and graft loss or death within 6 months of transplant (p > .05).

Conclusion

Transplants with HBV NAT+ donor kidneys in a pre‐emptive treatment protocol allow for increased safe access to transplantation in older adult recipients with little or no dialysis time.

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Infective endocarditis is rare in patients with hematologic malignancy and neutropenia
Authors: Scolarici Michael J. , Berman Leigh R. , Callander Natalie , Smith Jeannina , Saddler Christopher
Published: May 2024

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious complication of bloodstream infections (BSIs) that occurs at variable rates depending on the pathogen and clinical setting. There is a paucity of data describing the risk of IE in patients with hematologic malignancy who develop bacteremia while neutropenic.

Methods

Adult patients on the hematology ward from January 2018 to December 2020 with hematologic malignancy and bacteremia were evaluated retrospectively for endocarditis by applying the 2023 Duke‐ISCVID criteria. Charts of possible cases were evaluated 90 days after the initial BSI for new infectious complications that could indicate missed IE. Descriptive statistics compared patients admitted for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to those admitted for alternative reasons (non‐HSCT).

Results

Among the 1005 positive blood cultures initially identified, there were 66 episodes in 65 patients with hematologic malignancy and at least grade 3 neutropenia for a mean duration of 11.4 days during their admission. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed in 34.8% of BSIs, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in 6.1%. There were no new infectious complications in possible cases 90 days after their initial BSI. No cases of endocarditis were identified.

Conclusions

Endocarditis is rare amongst patients with hematologic malignancy, bacteremia, and neutropenia, and no cases were identified in this cohort. The use of routine TTE in this setting seems unwarranted, and the addition of TEE is unlikely to improve patient‐centered outcomes.

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In planta imaging of pyridine nucleotides using second‐generation fluorescent protein biosensors
Authors: Lim Shey‐Li , Liu Jinhong , Dupouy Gilles , Singh Gaurav , Baudrey Stéphanie , Yang Lang , Zhong Jia Yi , Chabouté Marie‐Edith , Lim Boon Leong
Published: May 2024

Redox changes of pyridine nucleotides in cellular compartments are highly dynamic and their equilibria are under the influence of various reducing and oxidizing reactions. To obtain spatiotemporal data on pyridine nucleotides in living plant cells, typical biochemical approaches require cell destruction. To date, genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors are considered to be the best option to bridge the existing technology gap, as they provide a fast, accurate, and real‐time readout. However, the existing pyridine nucleotides genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors are either sensitive to pH change or slow in dissociation rate. Herein, we employed the biosensors which generate readouts that are pH stable for in planta measurement of NADH/NAD+ ratio and NADPH level. We generated transgenic Arabidopsis lines that express these biosensors in plastid stroma and cytosol of whole plants and pollen tubes under the control of CaMV 35S and LAT52 promoters, respectively. These transgenic biosensor lines allow us to monitor real‐time dynamic changes in NADH/NAD+ ratio and NADPH level in the plastids and cytosol of various plant tissues, including pollen tubes, root hairs, and mesophyll cells, using a variety of fluorescent instruments. We anticipate that these valuable transgenic lines may allow improvements in plant redox biology studies.
MORN motif‐containing protein OsMORN1 and OsMORN2 are crucial for rice pollen viability and cold tolerance
Authors: Han Jiajun , Yang Xiaoying , Cai Yibei , Qiao Fengpei , Tao Ji , Zhu Xiaobo , Mou Qingshan , An Jianyu , Hu Jin , Li Zhan , Guan Yajing
Published: May 2024

The pollen viability directly affects the pollination process and the ultimate grain yield of rice. Here, we identified that the MORN motif‐containing proteins, OsMORN1 and OsMORN2, had a crucial role in maintaining pollen fertility. Compared with the wild type (WT), the pollen viability of the osmorn1 and osmorn2 mutants was reduced, and pollen germination was abnormal, resulting in significantly lower spikelet fertility, seed‐setting rate, and grain yield per plant. Further investigation revealed that OsMORN1 was localized to the Golgi apparatus and lipid droplets. Lipids associated with pollen viability underwent alterations in osmorn mutants, such as the diacylglyceride (18:3_18:3) was 5.1‐fold higher and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (18:2_18:2) was 5.2‐fold lower in osmorn1, while the triacylglycerol (TG) (16:0_18:2_18:3) was 8.3‐fold higher and TG (16:0_18:1_18:3) was 8.5‐fold lower in osmorn2 than those in WT. Furthermore, the OsMORN1/2 was found to be associated with rice cold tolerance, as osmorn1 and osmorn2 mutants were more sensitive to chilling stress than WT. The mutants displayed increased hydrogen peroxide accumulation, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, elevated malondialdehyde content, and a significantly decreased seedling survival rate. Lipidomics analysis revealed distinct alterations in lipids under low temperature, highlighting significant changes in TG (18:2_18:3_18:3) and TG (18:4_18:2_18:2) in osmorn1, TG (16:0_18:2_18:2) and PI (17:2_18:3) in osmorn2 compared to the WT. Therefore, it suggested that OsMORN1 and OsMORN2 regulate both pollen viability and cold tolerance through maintaining lipid homeostasis.
Restricted responses of AcMYB68 and AcERF74/75 enhanced waterlogging tolerance in kiwifruit
Authors: Chen Yue , Su Wen‐yue , Ren Chun‐jiang , Lin Yi‐lai , Wang Wen‐qiu , Zhang Hui‐qin , Yin Xue‐ren , Liu Xiao‐fen
Published: May 2024

Most of kiwifruit cultivars (e.g. Actinidia chinensis cv. Donghong, “DH”) were sensitive to waterlogging, thus, waterlogging resistant rootstocks (e.g. Actinidia valvata Dunn, “Dunn”) were widely used for kiwifruit industry. Those different species provided ideal materials to understand the waterlogging responses in kiwifruit. Compared to the weaken growth and root activities in “DH”, “Dunn” maintained the relative high root activities under the prolonged waterlogging. Based on comparative analysis, transcript levels of pyruvate decarboxylase (PDCs) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADHs) showed significantly difference between these two species. Both PDCs and ADHs had been significantly increased by waterlogging in “DH”, while they were only limitedly triggered by 2 days stress and subsided during the prolonged waterlogging in “Dunn”. Thus, 19 differentially expressed transcript factors (DETFs) had been isolated using weighted gene co‐expression network analysis combined with transcriptomics and transcript levels of PDCs and ADHs in waterlogged “DH”. Among these DETFs, dual luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated AcMYB68 could bind to and trigger the activity of AcPDC2 promoter. The stable over‐expression of AcMYB68 significantly up‐regulated the transcript levels of PDCs but inhibited the plant growth, especially the roots. Moreover, the enzyme activities of PDC in 35S::AcMYB68 were significantly enhanced during the waterlogging response than that in wild type plants. Most interestingly, comparative analysis indicated that the expression patterns of AcMYB68 and the previously characterized AcERF74/75 (the direct regulator on ADHs) either showed no responses (AcMYB68 and AcERF74) or very limited response (AcERF75) in “Dunn”. Taken together, the restricted responses of AcMYB68 and AcERF74/75 in “Dunn” endow its waterlogging tolerance.
The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on snake‐bite‐associated wounds in dogs
Authors: Olin Shelly , Schildt Julie , Lane Michael , Odunayo Adesola , Springer Cary , Call Dana , Jones Selene , Geiser Dennis , Millis Daryl , Drum Marti
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on Crotalinae envenomation‐induced wound swelling and severity and pain in dogs, and to describe the safety and complications of HBOT.

Design

Prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded study (2017–2021).

Setting

University teaching hospital, private veterinary practice.

Animals

Thirty‐six client‐owned dogs presenting within 24 hours of a confirmed or suspected naturally occurring Crotalinae snake bite injury were enrolled between 2017 and 2021.

Interventions

In addition to the standard of care treatment, dogs received 2 interventions with either HBOT (n = 19) or control (n = 16) within 24 hours of hospital admission. Dogs receiving HBOT were pressurized over 15 minutes (1 psi/min), maintained at a target pressure of 2 atmosphere absolute (ATA) for 30 minutes, and decompressed over 15 minutes. Control dogs received 1 ATA for 1 hour. Local wound swelling, wound severity score, and pain score were assessed at admission, before and after each intervention, and at hospital discharge.

Measurements and Main Results

There was no significant difference in wound swelling (P = 0.414), severity score (P = 1.000), or pain score (P = 0.689) between HBOT and control groups. Pain decreased significantly over time regardless of the study intervention (P < 0.001). There were no major adverse effects associated with either study intervention.

Conclusions

HBOT did not significantly alter the short‐term recovery from Crotalinae envenomation in this study population. However, the study might be underpowered to detect a significant treatment effect.
Point‐of‐care viscoelastic coagulation monitor parameters in Amazon parrots (Amazona spp.)
Authors: Burke Amanda , Reems Miryam , Spriggs Maria
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of the point‐of‐care viscoelastic coagulation monitor (VCM) in Amazon parrots (Amazona spp.) and describe the parameters with fresh whole‐blood samples in healthy Amazon parrots.

Design

A total of 18 Amazon parrots were enrolled. Physical examinations, a CBC, and a biochemistry profile, including bile acids, were performed on all parrots. VCM tracings were obtained at the time of venipuncture for baseline laboratory work.

Measurements and Main Results

The median clot time was 2102 seconds (range: 38.6–3599 s), median clot formation time was 929 seconds (range: 21.4–1711 s), median alpha angle was 20 (range: 6–67), and the median maximum clot formation was 8.5 (range: 0–36). The median lysis index at 30 minutes (LI30) was 100 (range: 98–100), and the median lysis index at 45 minutes (LI45) was 100 (range: 90–100). Of 18 samples, alpha angles were not reported in 7 samples, LI30 was not reported in 10 samples, and LI45 was not reported in 12 samples. Of the qualitative curves, 6 reflected normal mammalian curves, and the remainder were consistent with a hypocoaguable state.

Conclusions

The results were markedly variable, with the majority of VCM tracings being hypocoagulable in comparison with reference intervals established for dogs and cats. Using these protocols, the VCM is not reliable in Amazon parrots. Future areas of investigation include altering the temperature during sample analysis, the use of activators, or an exchange of clotting reagents for an extrinsic pathway activator, which may contribute to the success of this device in avian species.
Mydriasis in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) following topical administration of proparacaine, 10% phenylephrine, and rocuronium bromide
Authors: Tucker‐Retter Emily K. , Petritz Olivia A. , Westermeyer Hans D.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine the mydriatic effect of topical 10% phenylephrine with 10 mg/mL rocuronium bromide and compare this protocol with and without pretreatment with proparacaine.

Animals Studied

Ten client‐owned pet adult eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).

Procedures

All turtles were sedated with 8 mg/kg alfaxalone intramuscularly. One group of four turtles received four 20 μL drops of 10% phenylephrine and four 20 μL drops of rocuronium bromide in the right eye. Another group of four turtles received one standard drop of proparacaine followed by four 20 μL drops of 10% phenylephrine and four 20 μL drops of rocuronium bromide in the right eye. Two control group turtles received four 20 μL drops of saline in the right eye. The left eye was untreated in all turtles. Drops of the same type were separated by 2 min while drops of different types were separated by 5 min. Pupil size was recorded at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 360 min after administration of the final drop.

Results

Treatment with 10% phenylephrine and rocuronium bromide resulted in pupil diameter changes from baseline that were statistically significant from zero at 60, 90, and 120 min in the non‐proparacaine group and 90 min in the proparacaine group. The time to peak effect was 90 min in the proparacaine group and 75 min in the non‐proparacaine group. Saline‐treated pupils in the control group decreased in diameter over the study period. Overall, the treated eyes of the proparacaine group and non‐proparacaine group were not different from each other, but both dilated more than the control group.

Conclusions

Rocuronium bromide and 10% phenylephrine can produce effective and safe mydriasis in eastern box turtles, but there was wide interindividual variation in effectiveness. Proparacaine did not improve the mydriatic effect.
Late graft failure of pig‐to‐rhesus renal xenografts has features of glomerulopathy and recipients have anti‐swine leukocyte antigen class I and class II antibodies
Authors: Ladowski Joseph M. , Tector Matt , Martens Gregory , Wang Zheng Yu , Burlak Chris , Reyes Luz , Estrada Jose , Adams Andrew , Tector A. Joseph
Published: May 2024

Prolonged survival in preclinical renal xenotransplantation demonstrates that early antibody mediated rejection (AMR) can be overcome. It is now critical to evaluate and understand the pathobiology of late graft failure and devise new means to improve post xenograft outcomes. In renal allotransplantation the most common cause of late renal graft failure is transplant glomerulopathy—largely due to anti‐donor MHC antibodies, particularly anti‐HLA DQ antibodies. We evaluated the pig renal xenograft pathology of four long‐surviving (>300 days) rhesus monkeys. We also evaluated the terminal serum for the presence of anti‐SLA class I and specifically anti‐SLA DQ antibodies. All four recipients had transplant glomerulopathy and expressed anti‐SLA DQ antibodies. In one recipient tested for anti‐SLA I antibodies, the recipient had antibodies specifically reacting with two of three SLA I alleles tested. These results suggest that similar to allotransplantation, anti‐MHC antibodies, particularly anti‐SLA DQ, may be a barrier to improved long‐term xenograft outcomes.
Double-bellied latissimus dorsi free flap to correct full dental smile palsy
Authors: Allevi Fabiana , Motta Gloria , Colombo Valeria , Biglioli Federico
Published: May 2024

A 45-year-old woman with left facial palsy presented to our department. She developed the condition after radical resection of a neurinoma of the homolateral VIII cranial nerve 2 years prior. On physical examination, a complete palsy of the lower third of the face was reported. Electromyographic examination showed no fibrillation potentials in mimic muscles. Alatissimus dorsimuscle free flap (6 cm×3 cm), split into two bellies linked by their own neurovascular pedicle, was used to restore full-mouth smile. Ten years after surgery, the patient showed a near-natural smile without need of any ancillary procedure.
Successful intubation of a difficult airway due to a large obstructive vocal cord polyp augmented by the delivery of a transtracheal injection of local anaesthetic
Authors: George Jayan , Kader Jishar Abdul , Arumugam Sivasundari , Murphy Anthony
Published: May 2024

We describe a case of a very difficult intubation which was safely navigated through careful planning. Our patient presented initially with increasing hoarseness and shortness of breath over a 6-month period. This was investigated and the patient was found to have a large vocal cord mass and was referred for urgent microlaryngoscopy and vocal cord polypectomy. On the day of surgery the obstruction was noted and awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy was used with a remifentanil infusion. Given the mass was large and increased in size with expiration, the time frame to pass the tube was extremely short. We delivered a transtracheal injection of local anaesthesia. This approach allowed for safe passage of the endotracheal tube. In patients such as this it may be worth considering the use of a transtracheal injection in the first instance.
Improving NLO QCD event generators with high-energy EW corrections
Authors: Pagani Davide , Vitos Timea , Zaro Marco
Published: May 2024

In this work we present a new method for the combination of electroweak (EW) corrections at high energies, the so-called EW Sudakov logarithms (EWSL), and next-to-leading-order QCD predictions matched to parton-shower simulations (NLO+PS). Our approach is based on a reweighting procedure of NLO+PS events. In particular, both events with and without an extra hard emission from matrix elements are consistently reweighted via the inclusion of the corresponding EWSL contribution. We describe the technical details and the implementation in the MadGraph5_aMC@NLO framework. Via a completely automated procedure, events at this level of accuracy can be obtained for a vast class of hadroproduction processes. As a byproduct we provide results for phenomenologically relevant physical distributions from top-quark pair and Higgs boson associated production ($$t {\bar{t}} H$$

t

t

¯

H

) and from the associated production of three Z gauge bosons (ZZZ).
Deep Learning for Code Intelligence: Survey, Benchmark and Toolkit
Authors: Wan Yao , Bi Zhangqian , He Yang , Zhang Jianguo , Zhang Hongyu , Sui Yulei , Xu Guandong , Jin Hai , Yu Philip
Published: May 2024

Code intelligence leverages machine learning techniques to extract knowledge from extensive code corpora, with the aim of developing intelligent tools to improve the quality and productivity of computer programming. Currently, there is already a thriving research community focusing on code intelligence, with efforts ranging from software engineering, machine learning, data mining, natural language processing, and programming languages. In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive literature review on deep learning for code intelligence, from the aspects of code representation learning, deep learning techniques, and application tasks. We also benchmark several state-of-the-art neural models for code intelligence, and provide an open-source toolkit tailored for the rapid prototyping of deep-learning-based code intelligence models. In particular, we inspect the existing code intelligence models under the basis of code representation learning, and provide a comprehensive overview to enhance comprehension of the present state of code intelligence. Furthermore, we publicly release the source code and data resources to provide the community with a ready-to-use benchmark, which can facilitate the evaluation and comparison of existing and future code intelligence models (https://xcodemind.github.io). At last, we also point out several challenging and promising directions for future research.
Frequently Hypercyclic Semigroup Generated by Some Partial Differential Equations with Delay Operator
Authors: Hung Cheng-Hung
Published: May 2024

In this paper, under appropriate hypotheses, we have the existence of a solution semigroup of partial differential equations with delay operator. These equations are used to describe time–age‐structured cell cycle model. We also prove that the solution semigroup is a frequently hypercyclic semigroup.
Specifications of the ACMG/AMP Variant Curation Guidelines for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Genes—ENG and ACVRL1
Authors: DeMille Desiree , McDonald Jamie , Bernabeu Carmelo , Racher Hilary , Olivieri Carla , Cantarini Claudia , Sbalchiero Anna , Thompson Bryony A. , Jovine Luca , Shovlin Claire L. , Dupuis-Girod Sophie , Lesca Gaetan , Tusseau Maud , Ganguly Arupa , Kasthuri Raj S. , Jessen Jaime , Massink Maarten P. G. , Ichikawa Shoji , Bayrak-Toydemir Pinar
Published: May 2024

The 2015 ACMG/AMP standards and guidelines for interpretation of sequence variants are widely used by laboratories, including for variant curation of the hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) genes. However, the need for gene- and disease-specific modifications and specifications of these general guidelines to optimize and standardize variant classification was recognized at the time of publication. With this goal, the ClinGen HHT variant curation expert panel was formed. Here, we describe our recommended HHT-specific variant classification criteria and the outcomes from pilot testing of 30 variants of the ENG and ACVRL1 genes. Eight of the original ACMG/AMP rules were determined to not be applicable for ENG- or ACVRL1-related HHT or were previously recommended by ClinGen for removal, two rules were unmodified, and the remaining 18 rules were modified according to HHT specifications or previous ClinGen general recommendations. This study demonstrates the importance of HHT-specific criteria in the optimization and standardization of HHT variant classification and conflicting classification resolution.
Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis as a Late‐Onset Pulmonary Toxicity after Treatment with Anticancer Chemotherapy for High‐Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Yokoyama Satoshi , Kanai Risa , Fukao Daisuke , Hamahata Keigo
Published: May 2024

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare, progressive, restrictive lung disease characterized by hypercarbic respiratory failure. In pediatrics, it has been described in patients with a history of malignancy who have received a bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. It is characterized by pleural thickening, fibrosis, subpleural elastosis, and intraalveolar collagen deposits. Survival is poor, and the only therapy is lung transplantation. Here, we report a patient who developed PPFE as a late‐onset pulmonary toxicity after treatment with anticancer chemotherapy for high‐risk neuroblastoma (NB).
New Proof of the Property of Stirling Number Based on Fubini Polynomials
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Xiaoge
Published: May 2024

The main purpose of this article is using the elementary methods and the properties of the Fubini polynomials to study the congruence properties of a signless Stirling number of the first kind and solve a conjecture proposed by J. H. Zhao and Z. Y. Chen. Without a doubt, the novel approach employed in this work provides a useful reference for researching the congruence properties of other nonlinear binary recursive sequences.
A Whole Plant Analysis of Chloride and Sodium Exclusion Using a Range of Grapevine Rootstock Genotypes
Authors: Walker R. R. , Blackmore D. H. , Dunlevy J. D. , Clingeleffer P. R. , Walker A. R.
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims. Salt exclusion is an important attribute for wine grapes since many countries have limits to the concentration of sodium (Na+) and/or chloride (Cl−) tolerated in wine. The aim was to investigate whole plant capacity for Na+ and Cl‾ exclusion and the within-plant partitioning of accumulated ions to better understand these important salt tolerance traits. Methods and Results. Rooted cuttings of 140 Ruggeri and K51-40 (good and poor shoot Cl− excluders, respectively) and five hybrids from a cross between the two genotypes were used. When challenged with salinity, 140 Ruggeri limited the accumulation of Cl− and Na+ in the stem, petioles, and laminae and had a significantly lower whole plant concentration of Cl− and Na+ when compared to K51-40. The latter indicates that 140 Ruggeri accumulates less Cl− and Na+ than K51-40 by a lower uptake or a potentially greater efflux by roots, or both. While K51-40 accumulated significantly more Na+, it was able to retrieve it from the xylem; store it in the roots, stem, and petiole; and keep the lamina concentration comparable to that of 140 Ruggeri. Petioles of all genotypes appeared to play a role in limiting Cl− accumulation in laminae and particularly for K51-40, to limit Na+ accumulation in laminae. Conclusions. The grapevine capacity for Cl− and Na+ exclusion can be defined primarily as the lower net accumulation on a whole plant basis, reflecting the difference between the uptake and any efflux that may occur. Lower root to shoot transport is a key factor in shoot Cl− and Na+ exclusion. Petiole accumulation assists in limiting the Cl− and Na+ accumulation in the laminae. Significance of the Study. The study addressed the knowledge gap by examining Cl− and Na+ exclusion on a whole plant basis, highlighting a range of within-plant mechanisms that act in limiting the accumulation of both ions in the laminae.
The Psychosocial Considerations for Behaviour Change, Mental Health, and Work-Related Satisfaction in Preregistration Nurses, during Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Mitchell Andrew E. P.
Published: May 2024

The mental health of healthcare workers was affected by physical and psychological challenges during the pandemic. The aim was to study how psychosocial considerations can help manage behaviour change, mental health, and work satisfaction of nurse trainees in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. This cross-sectional study involved ninety-nine students. Participants’ anxiety, fear of the coronavirus, and perceived work satisfaction were measured by GAD-7, FCV19S, and COM-B scales and assessed using descriptive, correlational, and linear regression analysis. The significant zero-order correlations between job satisfaction and fear, anxiety, and psychosocial considerations were significant. They indicated moderate strength that allowed for further inferential development to find the best predictors of job satisfaction. The findings suggested that 50% of trainees showed anxiety above the suggested ≥8 cut-off on GAD-7, and 48% scored high for fear on FCV19S. There was a significant effect between year groups (F (2, 99) = 4.25,p=0.02, η2 = 0.081), with a Tukey post hoc test showing a significant difference between training years 1 and 2 with ap=0.015. A significant linear regression found that psychosocial variables in behaviour change (p≤0.001) and anxiety (p=0.011) were significant factors in job satisfaction, explaining 53.4% of the variance. Conclusion. Satisfaction was associated with higher levels of psychosocial considerations and low levels of anxiety and fear, which adds to previous literature on job satisfaction in nurse education. Future implications must examine ways to alleviate mental health effects and support policies and curricula to address this need.