bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Computation of Minimum-Cost Flows with Piecewise Quadratic Costs
Authors: Klimm Max , Warode Philipp
Published: September 2021

We develop algorithms solving parametric flow problems with separable, continuous, piecewise quadratic, and strictly convex cost functions. The parameter to be considered is a common multiplier on the demand of all nodes. Our algorithms compute a family of flows that are each feasible for the respective demand and minimize the costs among the feasible flows for that demand. For single commodity networks with homogenous cost functions, our algorithm requires one matrix multiplication for the initialization, a rank 1 update for each nondegenerate step and the solution of a convex quadratic program for each degenerate step. For nonhomogeneous cost functions, the initialization requires the solution of a convex quadratic program instead. For multi-commodity networks, both the initialization and every step of the algorithm require the solution of a convex program. As each step is mirrored by a breakpoint in the output this yields output-polynomial algorithms in every case.
The management of failed cubital tunnel decompression
Authors: Burahee Abdus S. , Sanders Andrew D. , Power Dominic M.
Published: September 2021

Cubital tunnel decompression is a commonly performed operation with a much higher failure rate than carpal tunnel release. Failed cubital tunnel release generally occurs due to an inadequate decompression in the primary procedure, new symptoms due to an iatrogenic cause, or development of new areas of nerve irritation. Our preferred technique for failed release is revision circumferential neurolysis with medial epicondylectomy, as this eliminates strain, removes the risk of subluxation, and avoids the creation of secondary compression points. Adjuvant techniques including supercharging end-to-side nerve transfer and nerve wrapping show promise in improving the results of revision surgery. Limited quality research exists in this subject, compounded by the lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria, classification, and outcome assessment.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:735-742. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200135
Return to sport after shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Küffer Julie , Taha Mohy E. , Hoffmeyer Pierre , Cunningham Gregory
Published: September 2021

The main goal of this study was to determine the rate of return to sport (RTS) after shoulder arthroplasty. A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PRISMA guidelines. All clinical studies written in English, French or German, with a level of evidence of 1 to 4, and evaluating return to sport after shoulder arthroplasty, were included. A total of 23 studies were included with 2199 patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty (HA), anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Mean age was 68 years (range 18 to 92.6), sex ratio (male:female) was 1:1.5. The surgery was performed on the non-dominant/dominant shoulder in 1:1.8 cases. The mean follow-up was 4.2 years. The rate of RTS was 75.5% with a mean time of 7 months. It was 77.4% for TSA, 75% for RSA and 71.2% for HA (P = non-significant). RTS after shoulder arthroplasty is high, regardless the type of arthroplasty, with a trend for a higher rate after TSA. Patients who were able to maintain a sport activity preoperatively had a greater chance of RTS after arthroplasty. Failure to RTS seems to be mostly linked to the severity of the underlying condition and length of preoperative disability.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:771-778. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200147
Compressed sensing time-resolved spectrometer for quantification of light absorbers in turbid media
Authors: Ioussoufovitch Seva , Cohen David Jonathan Fulop , Milej Daniel , Diop Mamadou
Published: September 2021

Time-resolved (TR) spectroscopy is well-suited to address the challenges of quantifying light absorbers in highly scattering media such as living tissue; however, current TR spectrometers are either based on expensive array detectors or rely on wavelength scanning. Here, we introduce a TR spectrometer architecture based on compressed sensing (CS) and time-correlated single-photon counting. Using both CS and basis scanning, we demonstrate that—in homogeneous and two-layer tissue-mimicking phantoms made of Intralipid and Indocyanine Green—the CS method agrees with or outperforms uncompressed approaches. Further, we illustrate the superior depth sensitivity of TR spectroscopy and highlight the potential of the device to quantify absorption changes in deeper (>1 cm) tissue layers.
Depth-based removal of thermal reflection with the light-field theory
Authors: Jin Xueqian , Li Ming , Peng Chenglei , Du Sidan , Li Yang
Published: September 2021

Thermal imaging is a useful imaging technique in many scenarios. It can capture the temperature distribution of scenes in the dark and see through sparse smoke and dust. However, some surfaces such as steel and glass with high reflectivity lead to a reflection problem in thermal imaging, while heavy mist and gases lead to the occlusion problem. We proposed an efficient algorithm to solve the occlusion problem in our earlier work. The reflection in thermal images causes errors in detection and temperature measurement. Therefore, the precise model and efficient algorithms to solve this problem are in high demand. In this paper, we mainly model the reflection problem in thermal imaging and propose an algorithm to deal with it. In our experiments, a thermal camera array is built to capture the thermal light-field images. We first separate a part of the reflection pixels from thermal images based on the depth information. After that, the thermal reflection is removed by optimizing a designed cost function. The experiment results show that our reflection removal method can separate the thermal reflection with high precision, retain the objects in the scene, and get better performance than existing methods.
Optical random phase dropout in a diffractive deep neural network
Authors: Xiao Yong-Liang , Li Sikun , Situ Guohai , You Zhisheng
Published: September 2021

Unitary learning is a backpropagation (BP) method that serves to update unitary weights in fully connected deep complex-valued neural networks, meeting a prior unitary in an active modulation diffractive deep neural network. However, the square matrix characteristic of unitary weights in each layer results in its learning belonging to a small-sample training, which produces an almost useless network that has a fairly poor generalization capability. To alleviate such a serious over-fitting problem, in this Letter, optical random phase dropout is formulated and designed. The equivalence between unitary forward and diffractive networks deduces a synthetic mask that is seamlessly compounded with a computational modulation and a random sampling comb called dropout. The dropout is filled with random phases in its zero positions that satisfy the Bernoulli distribution, which could slightly deflect parts of transmitted optical rays in each output end to generate statistical inference networks. The enhancement of generalization benefits from the fact that massively parallel full connection with different optical links is involved in the training. The random phase comb introduced into unitary BP is in the form of conjugation, which indicates the significance of optical BP.
Rats spontaneously perceive global motion direction of drifting plaids
Authors: Matteucci Giulio , Zattera Benedetta , Bellacosa Marotti Rosilari , Zoccolan Davide
Published: September 2021

Computing global motion direction of extended visual objects is a hallmark of primate high-level vision. Although neurons selective for global motion have also been found in mouse visual cortex, it remains unknown whether rodents can combine multiple motion signals into global, integrated percepts. To address this question, we trained two groups of rats to discriminate either gratings (G group) or plaids (i.e., superpositions of gratings with different orientations; P group) drifting horizontally along opposite directions. After the animals learned the task, we applied a visual priming paradigm, where presentation of the target stimulus was preceded by the brief presentation of either a grating or a plaid. The extent to which rat responses to the targets were biased by such prime stimuli provided a measure of the spontaneous, perceived similarity between primes and targets. We found that gratings and plaids, when used as primes, were equally effective at biasing the perception of plaid direction for the rats of the P group. Conversely, for the G group, only the gratings acted as effective prime stimuli, while the plaids failed to alter the perception of grating direction. To interpret these observations, we simulated a decision neuron reading out the representations of gratings and plaids, as conveyed by populations of either component or pattern cells (i.e., local or global motion detectors). We concluded that the findings for the P group are highly consistent with the existence of a population of pattern cells, playing a functional role similar to that demonstrated in primates. We also explored different scenarios that could explain the failure of the plaid stimuli to elicit a sizable priming magnitude for the G group. These simulations yielded testable predictions about the properties of motion representations in rodent visual cortex at the single-cell and circuitry level, thus paving the way to future neurophysiology experiments.
The chromatin remodeler Chd1 supports MRX and Exo1 functions in resection of DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Gnugnoli Marco , Casari Erika , Longhese Maria Pia
Published: September 2021

Repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) by homologous recombination (HR) requires that the 5’-terminated DNA strands are resected to generate single-stranded DNA overhangs. This process is initiated by a short-range resection catalyzed by the MRX (Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2) complex, which is followed by a long-range step involving the nucleases Exo1 and Dna2. Here we show that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling protein Chd1 participates in both short- and long-range resection by promoting MRX and Exo1 association with the DSB ends. Furthermore, Chd1 reduces histone occupancy near the DSB ends and promotes DSB repair by HR. All these functions require Chd1 ATPase activity, supporting a role for Chd1 in the opening of chromatin at the DSB site to facilitate MRX and Exo1 processing activities.
Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder on health professionals in the era of COVID-19 pandemic, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: A multi-centered cross-sectional study
Authors: Asnakew Sintayehu , Legas Getasew , Muche Liyeh Tewachew , Belete Amsalu , Haile Kalkidan , Yitbarek Getachew Yideg , Bayih Wubet Alebachew , Feleke Dejen Getaneh , Birhane Binyam Minuye , Amha Haile , Shumet Shegaye , Chanie Ermias Sisay
Published: September 2021

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder among health professionals working in South Gondar Zone hospitals in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amhara Ethiopia 2020.

Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted. A total of 396 respondents completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. A previously adapted self-administered pretested standard questionnaire, Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-22) was used to measure post-traumatic stress disorder. Data was entered into Epi data version 4.4.2 then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Descriptive and analytical statistical procedures, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and 95% confidence interval were employed. The level of significance of association was determined at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among health care providers in this study was 55.1% (95% CI: 50.3, 59.6). Lack of standardized PPE supply (AOR = 2.5 7,95CI;1.37,4.85), respondents age > 40 years (AOR = 3.95, 95CI; 1.74, 8.98), having medical illness (AOR = 4.65, 95CI;1.65,13.12), perceived stigma (AOR = 1.97, 95CI;1.01, 3.85), history of mental illness(AOR = 8.08,95IC;2.18,29.98) and having poor social support (AOR = 4.41,95CI;2.65,7.3) were significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder at p-value < 0.05. Conversely, being a physician (AOR = 0.15, 95CI; 0.04, 0.56) was less affected by PTSD.

Conclusions

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among health care providers in this study was high. Adequate and standardized PPE supply, giving especial emphasis to those care providers with medical illness, history of mental illness, and having poor social support, creating awareness in the community to avoid the stigma faced by health care providers who treat COVID patients is recommended.
Is adiposity associated with back and lower limb pain? A systematic review
Authors: Peiris Waruna L. , Cicuttini Flavia M. , Hussain Sultana Monira , Estee Mahnuma M. , Romero Lorena , Ranger Tom A. , Fairley Jessica L. , McLean Emily C. , Urquhart Donna M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Back and lower limb pain have a major impact on physical function and quality of life. While obesity is a modifiable risk factor for musculoskeletal pain, the role of adiposity is less clear. This systematic review aimed to examine the relationship between both adiposity and its distribution and back and lower limb pain.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify studies that examined the association between anthropometric and/or direct measures of adiposity and site specific musculoskeletal pain. Risk of bias was assessed and a best evidence synthesis was performed.

Results

A total of 56 studies were identified which examined 4 pain regions, including the lower back (36 studies), hip (two studies), knee (13 studies) and foot (eight studies). 31(55%) studies were assessed as having low to moderate risk of bias. 17(30%) studies were cohort in design. The best evidence synthesis provided evidence of a relationship between central adiposity and low back and knee pain, but not hip or foot pain. There was also evidence of a longitudinal relationship between adiposity and the presence of back, knee and foot pain, as well as incident and increasing foot pain.

Conclusions

This systematic review provides evidence of an association between both body fat and its central distribution and low back and knee pain, and a longitudinal relationship between adiposity and back, knee and foot pain. These results highlight the potential for targeting adiposity in the development of novel treatments at these sites.
Morphine promotes microglial activation by upregulating the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Yaqiong , Sun Yu , Hu Rong , Yan Jia , Wang Ziheng , Li Wenlong , Jiang Hong
Published: September 2021

Although they represent the cornerstone of analgesic therapy, opioids, such as morphine, are limited in efficacy by drug tolerance, hyperalgesia and other side effects. Activation of microglia and the consequent production of proinflammatory cytokines play a key pathogenic role in morphine tolerance, but the exact mechanisms are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on microglial activation induced by morphine in mouse microglial BV-2 cells. In this research, BV-2 cells were stimulated with morphine or pretreated with AG1478 (an inhibitor of EGFR). Expression levels of cluster of differentiation molecule 11b (CD11b), EGFR, and phospho-EGFR were detected by immunofluorescence staining. Cell signaling was assayed by Western blot. The migration ability of BV-2 cells was tested by Transwell assay. The production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the cell supernatant was determined by ELISA. We observed that the expression of CD11b induced by morphine was increased in a dose- and time- dependent manner in BV-2 cells. Phosphorylation levels of EGFR and ERK1/2, migration of BV-2 cells, and production of IL-1β and TNFα were markedly enhanced by morphine treatment. The activation, migration, and production of proinflammatory cytokines in BV-2 cells were inhibited by blocking the EGFR signaling pathway with AG1478. The present study demonstrated that the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway may represent a novel pharmacological strategy to suppress morphine tolerance through attenuation of microglial activation.
Analysis of amyloid-like secondary structure in the Cryab-R120G knock-in mouse model of hereditary cataracts by two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Alperstein Ariel M. , Molnar Kathleen S. , Dicke Sidney S. , Farrell Kieran M. , Makley Leah N. , Zanni Martin T. , Andley Usha P.
Published: September 2021

αB-crystallin is a small heat shock protein that forms a heterooligomeric complex with αA-crystallin in the ocular lens. It is also widely distributed in tissues throughout the body and has been linked with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, where it is associated with amyloid fibrils. Crystallins can form amorphous aggregates in cataracts as well as more structured amyloid-like fibrils. The arginine 120 to glycine (R120G) mutation in αB-crystallin (Cryab-R120G) results in high molecular weight crystallin protein aggregates and loss of the chaperone activity of the proteinin vitro, and it is associated with human hereditary cataracts and myopathy. Characterizing the amorphous (unstructured) versus the highly ordered (amyloid fibril) nature of crystallin aggregates is important in understanding their role in disease and important to developing pharmacological treatments for cataracts. We investigated protein secondary structure in wild-type (WT) andCryab-R120G knock-in mutant mouse lenses using two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy, which has been used to detect amyloid-like fibrils in human lenses and measure UV radiation-induced changes in porcine lenses. Our goal was to compare the aggregated proteins in this mouse lens model to human lenses and evaluate the protein structural relevance of theCryab-R120G knock-in mouse model to general age-related cataract disease. In the 2DIR spectra, amide I diagonal peak frequencies were red-shifted to smaller wavenumbers in mutant mouse lenses as compared to WT mouse lenses, consistent with an increase in ordered secondary structure. The cross peak frequency and intensity indicated the presence of amyloid in the mutant mouse lenses. While the diagonal and cross peak changes in location and intensity from the 2DIR spectra indicated significant structural differences between the wild type and mutant mouse lenses, these differences were smaller than those found in human lenses; thus, theCryab-R120G knock-in mouse lenses contain less amyloid-like secondary structure than human lenses. The results of the 2DIR spectroscopy study confirm the presence of amyloid-like secondary structure inCryab-R120G knock-in mice with cataracts and support the use of this model to study age-related cataract.
Association between plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity and in-hospital outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Sato Ryota , Akita Keitaro , Ikoma Takenori , Iguchi Keisuke , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Akari Seigo , Mogi Satoshi , Naruse Yoshihisa , Ohtani Hayato , Maekawa Yuichiro
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Reactive oxygen species generated by xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) are associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. However, changes in plasma XOR (pXOR) activity after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unknown.

Methods

Herein, we compared the change in the pXOR activity in patients undergoing PCI with that in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) and further evaluated the relation between changes in pXOR activity and in-hospital and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing PCI. The pXOR activity of 80 consecutive patients who underwent PCI and 25 patients who underwent CAG during the hospitalization was analyzed daily. The percentage changes from baseline regulated time interval was evaluated.

Results

We found that although pXOR activity decreased after PCI, and remained low until discharge, no significant changes were observed in patients undergoing CAG. Furthermore, among the patients undergoing PCI, those who experienced in-hospital adverse events, had a higher percentage of pXOR reduction 3 days after PCI. There was no association between these changes and long-term events.

Conclusions

A significant change in pXOR activity was observed in patients undergoing PCI than in patients undergoing CAG, and there seems to be a correlation between the in-hospital outcomes and the percentage reduction from baseline in pXOR activity.
Does postoperative quantitative bone scintigraphy reflect outcomes following medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy?
Authors: Bae Jung-Kwon , Kim Kang-Il , Kim Jun-Ho , Gwak Hyun-Gon , Kim Chanwoo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The present study evaluated changes in bone tracer uptake (BTU) after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and determined whether postoperative BTU correlates with clinical symptoms, radiologic parameters, or cartilage regeneration following MOWHTO.

Methods

A total of 210 knees underwent MOWHTO for medial compartmental osteoarthritis (OA) were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-up period was 42.7 months. We assessed BTU for the medial compartment of the knee before MOWHTO and at the time of plate removal. Radiologic parameters included Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade and Hip-Knee-Ankle angle (HKAA). Clinical evaluation included American Knee Society (AKS) score and cartilage status was graded at the time of MOWHTO and second-look arthroscopy according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system and articular cartilage regeneration stage. Statistical analysis performed to assess the relationships among postoperative BTU of the medial compartment, radiologic parameters, arthroscopic changes and clinical outcomes.

Results

BTU of medial femoral condyle and tibial plateau were significantly decreased at 2 years after MOWHTO (p<0.001). AKS scores and arthroscopic cartilage status were also significantly improved following MOWHTO. BMI and postoperative HKAA showed significant correlations with postoperative changes of BTU in uni- and multi-variable analysis. Meanwhile, postoperative changes of BTU did not show significant correlation with clinical outcomes or cartilage regeneration following MOWHTO.

Conclusion

Lower BMI and postoperative valgus alignment were significant predictor for postoperative BTU decrease of the medial compartment following MOWHTO. However, postoperative changes of BTU did not reflect cartilage regeneration or clinical outcomes until the midterm follow-up.
Is there proactive inhibitory control during bilingual and bidialectal language production?
Authors: Declerck Mathieu , Özbakar Elisabeth , Kirk Neil W.
Published: September 2021

The bilingual language control literature generally assumes that cross-language interference resolution relies on inhibition of the non-target language. A similar approach has been taken in the bidialectal language control literature. However, there is little evidence along these lines for proactive language control, which entails a control process that is implemented as an anticipation of any cross-language interference. To further investigate the possibility of proactive inhibitory control, we examined the effect of language variety preparation time, by manipulating the cue-to-stimulus interval, on parallel language activation, by manipulating cognate status. If proactive language control relies on inhibition, one would expect less parallel language activation (i.e., a smaller cognate facilitation effect) with increased proactive inhibitory control (i.e., a long cue-to-stimulus interval). This was not the case with either bilinguals or bidialectals. So, the current study does not provide evidence for proactive inhibitory control during bilingual and bidialectal language production.
How to lead health care workers during unprecedented crises: A qualitative study of the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut, USA
Authors: Adeyemo Oluwatosin O. , Tu Stephanie , Keene Danya
Published: September 2021

Health Care Leaders (HCLs) faced unprecedented challenges during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaders played an important role in shaping the experiences of Health Care Workers (HCWs) during this time. However, research is needed on how HCWs experienced and characterized HCLs’ response and support. The aim of our study was to examine HCWs’ experiences with leadership and to identify aspects of HCLs’ response that were effective in supporting HCWs in their roles during the early phases of the pandemic. This was a qualitative study based on open-ended semi-structured interviews conducted (June 1- July 18, 2020) with frontline HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut, USA. Participants (N = 45) included physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and patient care assistants who worked in inpatient and outpatient settings in various specialties, roles and 3 health systems across Connecticut, USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were offered a $25 gift card as an incentive for participation. We used inductive techniques derived from grounded theory to develop themes. We identified 6 main themes related to leadership response and support of HCWs during the pandemic namely: 1) Effective communication and transparency; 2) Prioritizing their health and safety; 3) Employee scheduling considerations: autonomy, assignment support and respite; 4) Appreciation- financial and nonfinancial; 5) Showing up and listening and 6) Stepping up with resources. Our findings can inform leadership responses to future pandemics and other unanticipated crises leading to strengthening of the health care system as a whole.
Prognostic role of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients with head and neck neoplasms undergoing radiotherapy: A meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Yujie , Zhang Yue , Niu Yaling , Chen Yingjie , Kou Changgui
Published: September 2021

Background

This novel meta-analysis was conducted to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the prognostic role of the pretreatment PNI in patients with head and neck neoplasms (HNNs) undergoing radiotherapy.

Methods

Three databases, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, were used to retrieve desired literature. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and pooled by fixed-effects or random-effects models to analyze the relationship between the PNI and survival outcomes: overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Ten eligible studies involving 3,458 HNN patients were included in our analysis. The robustness of the pooled results was ensured by heterogeneity tests (I2 = 22.6%, 0.0%, and 0.0% for OS, DMFS, and PFS, respectively). The fixed-effects model revealed a lower pretreatment PNI was significantly related to a worse OS (HR = 1.974; 95% CI: 1.642–2.373; P<0.001), DMFS (HR = 1.959; 95% CI: 1.599–2.401; P<0.001), and PFS (HR = 1.498; 95% CI: 1.219–1.842; P<0.001). The trim-and-fill method (HR = 1.877; 95% CI: 1.361–2.589) was also used to prove that the existing publication bias did not deteriorate the reliability of the relationship.

Conclusion

The pretreatment PNI is a promising indicator to evaluate and predict the long-term prognostic survival outcomes in HNN patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Deciphering the low abundance microbiota of presumed aseptic hip and knee implants
Authors: Carr Charles , Wilcox Hannah , Burton Jeremy P. , Menon Sharanya , Al Kait F. , O’Gorman David , Lanting Brent A. , Vasarhelyi Edward M. , Neufeld Michael , Teeter Matthew G.
Published: September 2021

16S rRNA gene sequencing of DNA extracted from clinically uninfected hip and knee implant samples has revealed polymicrobial populations. However, previous studies assessed 16S rRNA gene sequencing as a technique for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infections, leaving the microbiota of presumed aseptic hip and knee implants largely unstudied. These communities of microorganisms might play important roles in aspects of host health, such as aseptic loosening. Therefore, this study sought to characterize the bacterial composition of presumed aseptic joint implant microbiota using next generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and it evaluated this method for future investigations. 248 samples were collected from implants of 41 patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty revision for presumed aseptic failure. DNA was extracted using two methodologies—one optimized for high throughput and the other for human samples—and amplicons of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced. Sequencing data were analyzed and compared with ancillary specific PCR and microbiological culture. Computational tools (SourceTracker and decontam) were used to detect and compensate for environmental and processing contaminants. Microbial diversity of patient samples was higher than that of open-air controls and differentially abundant taxa were detected between these conditions, possibly reflecting a true microbiota that is present in clinically uninfected joint implants. However, positive control-associated artifacts and DNA extraction methodology significantly affected sequencing results. As well, sequencing failed to identify Cutibacterium acnes in most culture- and PCR-positive samples. These challenges limited characterization of bacteria in presumed aseptic implants, but genera were identified for further investigation. In all, we provide further support for the hypothesis that there is likely a microbiota present in clinically uninfected joint implants, and we show that methods other than 16S rRNA gene sequencing may be ideal for its characterization. This work has illuminated the importance of further study of microbiota of clinically uninfected joint implants with novel molecular and computational tools to further eliminate contaminants and artifacts that arise in low bacterial abundance samples.
Riot grrrls and shredder bros: Punk ethics, social justice and (un)popular popular music at School of Rock
Authors: Rush Kayla
Published: September 2021

This article presents a case study of riot grrrl music in a School of Rock franchise in the Midwestern United States. It presents the school as a place in which gender is bound up in specific notions of what it is to play rock music, notions that directly inform what constitutes popular popular music within this context. The article examines the Riot Grrrl project using frame analysis, presenting and discussing three frames through which riot grrrl was taught: as music, punk ethics and social justice. It examines a case of frame conflict as played out in a disagreement between the programme’s two male instructors. It suggests that multi-frame approaches to popular music teaching, including clashes that may arise from conflicting frames, are effective in disrupting the musical-cultural status quo and in creating spaces in which students may productively and empathetically encounter the unpopular popular music of marginalized musical ‘Others’.
Host Plants Association with Longhorn Beetles of Food Value: Traditional Knowledge of the Guaraní as Cultural Identity Keepers
Authors: Araujo Jorge Justino , Keller Héctor Alejandro , Hilgert Norma Inés
Published: September 2021

The study of plant-insect interactions and how cultural groups perceive and manage them constitutes one of the interests of ethnoentomology. This work describes the association between host plants and longhorn beetles (Order: Coleoptera; Family: Cerambycidae), an important food among the Guaraní peoples of the province of Misiones, Argentina. Different management methods of host tree species are analyzed in order to promote the rearing of larvae for edible use. We also discuss a story about the mythical origin of cerambicids relayed by the Ava Chiripa Guaraní community. We reflect on the importance of the local worldview in the maintenance of ancestral practices, such as the cultural tasks involved in slash-and-burn agriculture and the intimate knowledge of biological relationships between the cerambycids and their woody host plants.
Representativeness of the FluWatchers Participatory Disease Surveillance Program 2015–2016 to 2018–2019: How do participants compare with the Canadian population?
Authors: Desroches Mireille , Lee Liza , Mukhi Shamir , Bancej Christina
Published: September 2021

Background: FluWatch is Canada’s national surveillance system that monitors the spread of influenza. Its syndromic surveillance component monitors the spread of influenza-like illness (ILI) in near-real time for signals of unusual or increased activity. Syndromic surveillance data are collected from two main sources: the Sentinel Practitioner ILI Reporting System and FluWatchers. We evaluated the representativeness of the most recent participant population to understand changes in representativeness since 2015, to identify demographic and geographic gaps and correlates/determinants of participation to characterize a typical participant. Methods: In this serial cross-sectional study, characteristics of participants during four consecutive influenza seasons (2015–2016, 2016–2017, 2017–2018 and 2018–2019) were compared with the 2016 Canadian Census and the 2015–2016, 2016–2017, 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 National Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Coverage Surveys. Associations between demographic factors and the level of user participation were also analyzed among the 2018–2019 FluWatchers population. Results: Infants (0–4 years) and older adults (65 years and older) were under-represented in FluWatchers across all four influenza seasons. Female and urban participants were significantly over-represented. Vaccination coverage remained significantly higher among the FluWatchers populations from the past four influenza seasons across all age groups. Level of participation among FluWatchers was associated with age and vaccination status, but not with sex or geography. Over its four years of implementation, the FluWatchers participant population became more representative of the Canadian population with respect to age and geography (urban/rural and provincial/territorial). Conclusion: FluWatchers participants under-represent the tails of Canada’s age distribution and over-represent those who engage in health promoting behaviours as indicated by high influenza vaccine coverage, consistent with typical volunteer-based survey response biases. Representativeness would likely improve with targeted recruitment of under-represented groups, such as males, older adults and Canadians living in rural areas.
Funerary Practices as a Testimony of Ideology in Western Linearbandkeramik Culture
Authors: Augereau Anne
Published: September 2021

The Linearbandkeramik (LBK) is behind the spread of the Neolithic way of life in a large part of Western Europe. This period is often regarded as the beginning of social inequalities whose ideological frameworks deserve to be highlighted. According to social anthropologists, funerary practices are relevant for this debate as they reflect the symbolic thought in relation to death. In addition, as they are perpetuated by the living, funerary practices are pertinent in addressing the ideological values, symbolic systems, and thoughts that support social organisation. Whilst examining how grave goods are allocated amongst the LBK population, we have identified a small group of dominant men characterised by a specific burial kit (adzes, arrows, lighter set, and red deer antlers), a richer protein intake in diet, and their local origin. Comparing them to other social categories characterised by minor marking of identity in grave goods, poorer protein intake in diet, and of diverse origin, we aim to explore the ideological frameworks and values sustaining the social LBK system. LBK dominant ideology appears to revolve around hunting and exploits in warfare, manhood, and virility, in short around violent behaviours perhaps linked to a territorial competition.
Impact of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D deficiency on lipid biomarkers in established coronary artery disease
Authors: Yassir Shaheena , Ramarajan Madan Gopal , Patil Seema , Shaikh Shaheen B. , Abdulla Yassir M. , Manjrekar Poornima A.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) directly by augmenting atherosclerosis and indirectly through cardiovascular risk factors. The present study was aimed to find an association of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with lipid profile among established CAD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 73 patients of angiographically confirmed CAD aged between 35 and 55 years of both gender. Serum 25(OH)D and lipid profile were estimated by ELISA kit and Roche autoanalyzer respectively. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and sdLDL (small dense low-density lipoprotein) were calculated using the accepted formula.

Results

The mean 25(OH)D level was 17.95 ± 13.51. Only 15% had sufficient 25(OH)D level. There was a significant negative correlation of 25(OH)D with TC/HDL (T.cholesterol/High-density lipoprotein) ratio (p=0.022). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no statistically significant impact of 25(OH)D with lipid biomarkers.

Conclusions

We found low 25(OH)D mean value among CAD and a significant negative correlation of 25(OH)D with TC/HDL. This study suggests VDD may affect primary lipid target resulting in unfavorable outcomes in CAD.
Anion reorientations and cation diffusion in a carbon-substituted sodium nido-borate Na-7,9-C2B9H12: 1H and 23Na NMR studies
Authors: Skripov Alexander V. , Babanova Olga A. , Skoryunov Roman V. , Soloninin Alexei V. , Udovic Terrence J.
Published: September 2021

Polyhydroborate-based salts of lithium and sodium have attracted much recent interest as promising solid-state electrolytes for energy-related applications. A member of this family, sodium dicarba-nido-undecahydroborate Na-7,9-C2B9H12 exhibits superionic conductivity above its order-disorder phase transition temperature, ∼360 K. To investigate the dynamics of the anions and cations in this compound at the microscopic level, we have measured the 1H and 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and spin-lattice relaxation rates over the temperature range of 148–384 K. It has been found that the transition from the low-T ordered to the high-T disordered phase is accompanied by an abrupt, several-orders-of-magnitude acceleration of both the reorientational jump rate of the complex anions and the diffusive jump rate of Na+ cations. These results support the idea that reorientations of large [C2B9H12]− anions can facilitate cation diffusion and, thus, the ionic conductivity. The apparent activation energies for anion reorientations obtained from the 1H spin-lattice relaxation data are 314 meV for the ordered phase and 272 meV for the disordered phase. The activation energies for Na+ diffusive jumps derived from the 23Na spin-lattice relaxation data are 350 and 268 meV for the ordered and disordered phases, respectively.
Safety of parathyroidectomy in older vs. younger patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Mueller Marlena , Ebrahimi Fahim , Christ Emanuel , Nebiker Christian Andreas , Schuetz Philipp , Mueller Beat , Kutz Alexander
Published: September 2021

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a prevalent endocrinopathy for which surgery is the only curative option. Parathyroidectomy is primarily recommended in younger and symptomatic patients, while there are still concerns regarding surgical complications in older patients. We therefore assessed the association of age with surgical outcomes in patients undergoing parathyroidectomy in a large population in Switzerland.

Methods

Population-based cohort study of adult patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy in Switzerland between 2012 and 2018. The cohort was divided into four age groups (<50 years, 50–64 years, 65–74 years, ≥75 years). The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, unplanned 30-day-readmission, and prolonged length of hospital stay.

Results

We studied 2642 patients with a median (IQR) age of 62 (53–71) years. Overall, 111 patients had complications including surgical re-intervention, hypocalcemia, and vocal cord paresis. As compared to <50 year-old patients, older patients had no increased risk for in-hospital complications after surgery (50–64 years: odds ratio (OR): 0.51 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.92); 65–74 years: OR: 0.72 (95% CI, 0.39 to 1.33); ≥75 years: OR: 1.03 (95% CI, 0.54 to 1.95), respectively. There was also no association of age and rates of ICU-admission and unplanned 30-day-readmission, but oldest patients had longer hospital stays (OR: 2.38 (95% CI, 1.57 to 3.60)).

Conclusion

≥50 year-old patients undergoing parathyroidectomy had comparable risk of in-hospital complications as compared with younger ones. These data support parathyroidectomy in even older patients with primary hyperparathyroidism as performed in clinical routine.
Rho GTPase signalling networks in cancer cell transendothelial migration
Authors: Rodenburg Wessel S , van Buul Jaap D
Published: September 2021

Rho GTPases are small signalling G-proteins that are central regulators of cytoskeleton dynamics, and thereby regulate many cellular processes, including the shape, adhesion and migration of cells. As such, Rho GTPases are also essential for the invasive behaviour of cancer cells, and thus involved in several steps of the metastatic cascade, including the extravasation of cancer cells. Extravasation, the process by which cancer cells leave the circulation by transmigrating through the endothelium that lines capillary walls, is an essential step for metastasis towards distant organs. During extravasation, Rho GTPase signalling networks not only regulate the transmigration of cancer cells but also regulate the interactions between cancer and endothelial cells and are involved in the disruption of the endothelial barrier function, ultimately allowing cancer cells to extravasate into the underlying tissue and potentially form metastases. Thus, targeting Rho GTPase signalling networks in cancer may be an effective approach to inhibit extravasation and metastasis. In this review, the complex process of cancer cell extravasation will be discussed in detail. Additionally, the roles and regulation of Rho GTPase signalling networks during cancer cell extravasation will be discussed, both from a cancer cell and endothelial cell point of view.
Radionuclides contamination of leaves of woody plants growing within the CHNPP cooling pond
Authors:   Institute for Safety Problems of Nuclear Power Plants, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Shynkarenko V.K. , Paskevych S.A. , Menshenin Y.A. , Odintsov O.O.
Published: September 2021

The data on the state of radioactive contamination of leaves of plants growing directly on the territory of the drained part of the cooling pond of the Chernobyl NPP are presented. It was shown that the main source of contamination is the root intake of radionuclides (137Cs and 90Sr). This contamination is larger in previously drained areas compared to recently exposed ones. Hot particles were found on the leaf surface by autoradiography. Their total β-activity is a few percent of the total pollution. Possible sources of hot particles – resuspension in the air in the region of the northern part of the cooling pond are discussed.
Application of modern learning technologies on development of qualification in physical protection
Authors:   Institute for Nuclear Research, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Gavrilyuk V.I. , Drapej S.S. , Kaidyk B.V. , Kirischuk V.I. , Parkhomenko V.V. , Romanova O.P. , Strilchuk G.M. , Strilchuk M.V. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: September 2021

Two training technologies, developed and implemented by the George Kuzmich Training Center for Physical Protection, Accounting and Control of Nuclear Material of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in the training process for advanced training in physical protection, are considered. The first is a training technology based on the use of the Training ground "Complex of engineering and technical means of a physical protection system", which enables students to acquire practical skills in operational management and technical operation of a complex engineering and technical means of a physical protection system. The second is a technology based on the use of the Interactive training complex "Nuclear Power Plant with elements of the physical protection system", which allows interactively checking the configurations of the nuclear power plant physical protection system proposed by the students for the presence of vulnerable routes to the targets of adversaries. The effectiveness of using these technologies in the training process is discussed, as well as the development and implementation of other modern training technologies by the Training Center.
Prevention and correction of dyshormonal disorders of the reproductive system in modern conditions of chronic stress
Authors:   Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kyiv, Zhuk S.I. , Nochvina O.A. ,   Vinnitsa national medical University M.I. Pirogov
Published: September 2021

The objective: to determine the optimal prophylactic and therapeutic drug to support and restore the biphasic menstrual cycle against the background of the influence of chronic stress. Materials and methods. A comparative study of the effectiveness of the use of preparations of dry extract of common rod (Vitex Agnus castus ) BNO 1095 and various vitamin complexes with a sedative effect, which contain vitamins of group B, magnesium, folic acid, herbal preparations of valerian, pasiflora, was carried out. The hormonal profile and psychoemotional state in women with dyshormonal disorders in modern conditions were studied. Results. The clinical efficacy and feasibility of using the drug Vitex Agnus castus in women with dyshormonal disorders in conditions of psychoemotional disadaptation due to the harmonizing effect on the concentration of female sex hormones, normalizing the ratio of gonadotropic hormones, eliminating the estradiol / progesterone imbalance against the background of a decrease in prolactin level has been proven. Conclusion. The presented results of the study prove the effectiveness of the use of the phytopreparation Vitex Agnus castus in women with dyshormonal disorders under conditions of chronic stress due to its dopaminergic effect on psychoemotional status as a result of elimination of latent stress-induced hyperprolactinemia, comparable to the effect of synthetic inhibitors of prolactin secretion. In addition, the drug Vitex Agnus castus can be prescribed to prevent the occurrence of phase inconsistency in the secretion of gonadotropic hormones due to the activation of stress-limiting systems and local neuroendocrine modulators, which helps to reduce stress stress. Keywords: dyshormonal disorders, chronic stress, maladjustment.