bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamic Coefficients of Generic Subsea Modules in Forced Oscillation Tests – Importance of Structure Parts
Authors: Abrahamsen-Prsic Mia , Solaas Frøydis , Kristiansen Trygve
Published: October 2022

A systematic study of the hydrodynamic coefficients for simplified subsea modules has been performed, to support the estimation of the coefficients needed for planning of subsea installation operations. The coefficients are assessed for a nearly two-dimensional test setup. The tests are performed as forced oscillations at various amplitudes and periods, representing the forces on the module lowered through the water column.

The importance of each of the main components of the subsea modules — mudmat, protection roof and process equipment of different shapes inside the modules are studied at fully submerged condition. Results for the module elements, generic contents and different combinations of these elements are presented.

For the tested modules, damping is generally the dominating hydrodynamic force. However, the presence of the content inside the modules will generally increase the importance of added mass.

Estimation of the hydrodynamic coefficients by summation of the coefficients for the individual structure elements generally overestimates the damping, compared to the coefficients measured for the complete modules. For added mass, estimation based on summation gives generally good results.
Artificial Underwater Dataset: Generating Custom Images Using Deep Learning Models
Authors: Polymenis Ioannis , Haroutunian Maryam , Norman Rose , Trodden David
Published: October 2022

The rapid developments in underwater operations by the offshore industry and the scientific community have led to more sophisticated Underwater Vehicles. Notably, many underwater operations such as inspection of underwater structures are done with the help of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). In recent years autonomous vehicles have benefited immensely from the advancements in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and particularly in Deep Learning (DL). Although DL models and applications are extensively used in different areas, such as in Aerial Unmanned Vehicles, Autonomous Car Navigation, and other applications, they are not so widespread in underwater applications mainly because of the difficulties in obtaining underwater datasets for a given application. In this regard, the present work takes the recent advances that have been made in the DL field and creates a custom dataset by using images of objects taken in a controlled, lab environment. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) were used to generate underwater images by combining the images taken in a lab and images with underwater environment characteristics. The results showed that it is possible to create such a dataset since the generated images were close to the actual underwater conditions. Consequently, artificial datasets of the underwater environment can overcome the difficulties arising from the limited access to real underwater images and be employed in projects with specific needs in autonomous underwater operations.
Underwater Vehicle Manipulator System (UVMS) With BlueROV2 and SeaArm-2 Manipulator
Authors: Skaldebø Martin , Schjølberg Ingrid , Haugaløkken Bent O. A.
Published: October 2022

This work presents a novel digital twin for an underwater vehicle manipulator system (UVMS). The twin represents a framework for low cost UVMS and builds on the BlueROV2 and the SeaArm-2 manipulator. UVMS’s are currently applied in ocean interventions and the presented platform enables testing and verification of intervention methods in subsea inspection, maintenance and repair operations. The UVMS twin represents an excellent research platform for such systems as it is low cost with highly accessible and customizable software. The paper further presents a platform for the UVMS where the robotic system is modeled in the Gazebo simulator. The Marine Cybernetics laboratory at NTNU is modeled and the UVMS can be deployed into this environment for testing before deployed in real world experiments. The twin represents a simulator which offers a base where overall system, control system, communication, etc. can be tested before progressing to real world experiments. The low cost of the equipment is essential to perform experiments and tests of subsea intervention efficiently and at a sustainable cost.
Assessment of Power Requirements for Alternative Vertical Transportation System for Deepsea Mining
Authors: Sevillano Lucas Cantinelli , Sangesland Sigbjørn
Published: October 2022

The continuous expansion of the technology sector is dependent on metals currently found at very low concentrations on land-based mining operations. Therefore, mineral deposits located on the seafloor are considered future valuable resources, given the high concentration of sought-after metals.

Considerable research has been made in concepts and technologies to ensure the safety and viability of seafloor mining. Because the mining operation could take place under water depths of up to 6000 m, transporting the ore to the surface is a critical part of the operation, for which different concepts have been proposed. An often-observed concept in publications is to use a free hanging riser with pumps installed along it as the conduit to the slurry. However, other concepts may be feasible.

In fact, seafloor mining may benefit from copying the practices of the offshore oil and gas industry. Drilling offshore wells employs a drill string and a riser. Drilling fluid is pumped into the well through the drill string, and it returns to the surface through the annular space between drill string and riser. Among other purposes, this fluid removes the rock cuttings from the bottom of the well and transports them to the drilling rig.

This paper proposes that a system which employs much of the equipment already available in conventional offshore drilling rigs is used for transporting the production of seafloor mining. This system is compared to other transport concepts typically proposed for seafloor mining. The analyses presented in this paper focus on power requirements for delivering the design ore production. The calculations conducted take into consideration the extensive published research on vertical transport of slurries. The annular vertical transport of slurries, as proposed in this paper, presents several advantages with consideration to required power, flow circulation, mineral production rates, handling of plugs, and maintenance of equipment. These results justify future further analyses of the proposed transport system.
Potential and Consequences of Earthquake Induced Liquefaction Under a Gravity Based Structure
Authors: Carlton Brian , Lee Patrick , Belloni Filippo , Kaynia Amir M
Published: October 2022

This study focused on the potential liquefaction due to earthquake shaking of a gravity based structure (GBS) located off the northeast coast of Italy in the Adriatic Sea. The reinforced concrete GBS is 88 m wide by 180 m long and is underlain by a sand unit with variable thickness that could cause differential settlement and sliding. We first estimated settlements using cone penetration test (CPT) based liquefaction triggering methods and simplified settlement calculations with adjustments to account for the influence of the GBS. We then performed the same calculations but with the earthquake demand estimated from 1D site response analyses. Finally, we performed 2D finite element analyses of the soil-structure system using the advanced constitutive model PM4Sand to model the liquefiable sand layers. The results show that the total amount of displacement is small (1.5–7.5 cm), and no significant differential settlement or sliding is expected for the design earthquake scenarios. A practical observation from the study is that the more detailed and integrated analyses resulted in lower estimates of settlements and a more accurate representation of the soil-structure response.
Kinetic Characteristics and Hydrodynamic Forces on Semi-Planing Typed High-Speed Vehicle by Model Test and RANS Simulation
Authors: Hasegawa Kenta , Araki Motoki , Ishida Kei , Yukawa Kazuhiro , Saito Shota , Sano Ryoya , Uemura Keisuke
Published: October 2022

This paper aims to understand the kinetic characteristics and the hydrodynamic forces on a semi-planing typed high-speed vehicle during moving straight in calm water and in head waves. One of the features of this vehicle is considerable variation in its attitude due to the changes in the resistance value and propulsion performance associated with the change in a Froude number of the vehicle, and no reliable method has been established to evaluate this feature in advance. Therefore, we conducted free/captive towing tests at Froude numbers ranging from 0.03 to 1.8 using a scale model of the vehicle. The results show that the vehicle can move straight stably without unstable vibration even at high Froude numbers. In addition, we performed 3D unsteady RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equation) simulations for the vehicle with Froude numbers of 0.9, 1.2, and 1.8 in calm water and found that the RANS simulation could reproduce the experimental results relatively well with respect to the vehicle’s attitude, the drag coefficient, and the free surface shape around the vehicle.
A Special Thread Design Based on TC4 Titanium Alloy and its Successful Application in Offshore Extended-Reach Drilling
Authors: Li Zhenkun , Yin Qishuai , Guo Yingying , Long Yang , Li Minshi , Zhou Xu , Guo Shujun , Meng Fanhua
Published: October 2022

Short radius drilling (dogleg > 20°/30m) increases yearly to satisfy the growing demand for infill and sidetrack wells during offshore oil development due to the limited operating space. TC4 titanium alloy threads perform better than steel and iron-based or nickel-based alloy threads for short radius wells. However, the current thread design of commonly used tubing and casing strings is not appliable to TC4 titanium alloy threads.

This paper first designed reasonable ranges for radial interference (pitch diameter) and sealing surface interference of the TC4 titanium alloy thread. Then, the reasonable range of pitch diameter radial interference and sealing surface interference were validated by finite-element analysis and verified by make-up and breakout tests under different working conditions. In the end, tubing and casing strings with appropriate thread were made and tested by a third party. Testing results supported our thread design. Furthermore, the TC4 titanium alloy tubing and casing strings with the designed thread in this paper have been successfully applied in more than 100 offshore extended reach wells with a maximum deviation of 90°. Hence, our thread design is acceptable and recommended widely used in offshore extended reach drilling.
Leading-Edge Tubercles Applied Onto a Flapped Rudder
Authors: Troll Moritz , Shi Weichao , Stark Callum
Published: October 2022

The addition of a trailing edge flap is an effective way to enhance the lift generated by marine rudders. This is achieved through camber being introduced into the foil section when the flap is deflected. But the strong curvature in the flow around the flap’s leading edge makes it prone to early flow separation and increased drag. Leading-edge tubercles offer a means to control flow separation whilst improving lifting performance at post-stall angles of attack (AOA). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the tubercle leading edge’s (TLE) ability to improve the hydrodynamic performance of a flapped rudder. A finite-span reference rudder with a 20% trailing-edge flap and its TLE modification were numerically analysed using Detached Eddy Simulations (DES) for fully turbulent flow at a Reynolds number of 1.15 × 106.

Flow separation severity and progression were controlled and minimised through the TLE modifications. As a result, the TLE rudder produced up to 15% higher maximum lift and up to 25% more post-stall lift. The rudder efficiency also improved for various rudder and flap angle combinations.
The Role of Surface Roughness on Pitting Corrosion Initiation in Nickel Aluminium Bronzes in Air
Authors: Dobson Tamsin , Larrosa Nicolas , Kabra Saurabh , Coules Harry
Published: October 2022

Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) continues to be used extensively in the marine industry and is most commonly seen in valves and propellers due to its strength and corrosion resistance. However, components used for marine applications often endure long exposure to air during storage periods prior to installation and NAB is vulnerable to pitting corrosion in air. To investigate the potential condition of stored NAB, this study measured the height, width and percentage coverage of corrosion pits observed in NAB samples after 4 months of air exposure at room temperature in a laboratory.

Four different types of NAB samples were considered; off-the-shelf (sample 1a), polished (sample 1b), laser beam welded (sample 1c) and failed in service (samples 2a and 2b) and the microstructure of the samples was characterised using a mixture of microscopic techniques including surface roughness characterisation, SEM, EBSD, EDX and neutron diffraction.

Examples of pitting corrosion were found on each sample type after 4 months of exposure to air. The results show significant correlation between surface roughness of the pre-corroded sample and pitting coverage, and this is thought to be due to the development of crevice corrosion during the 4 months of air exposure. It also highlights the inaccuracies in using Ra values alone to measure surface roughness in samples where localised corrosion pits are suspected due to high surface roughness or long periods of air exposure.

The results of this study bring into question the pitting corrosion that would be found in components that are stored for longer period before being installed onto vessels. This has concerning safety implications as the initial surface characteristics of the metal may influence the residual load-bearing capacity of components.
Dynamic Analysis of Collision Between Two Floating Bodies Considering Hydrodynamic Loads
Authors: Cerik Burak Can , Choung Joonmo
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a simulation model for coupled simulation of external and internal mechanics of two colliding floating bodies. The model employs a rigid body motion solver, which calculates the hydrostatic restoring, wave radiation forces and solves the 6-DOF motion components in time domain. Rigid body solver is coupled with the structural analysis code Abaqus/Explicit using a user-defined load subroutine. The load subroutine is verified by comparing the benchmark analysis results for heave motion of a sphere. A case study is presented considering a simple box-shaped ship hit by a floating object with a wedge-shaped bow. Simulations are run by considering hydrodynamic loads on the struck ship. The importance of roll restoring and added mass effects are highlighted.
Identification of Wave Drift Forces on a Floating Wind Turbine Sub-Structure With Heave Plates and Comparison With Predictions
Authors: Fonseca Nuno , Nybø Synne , Rodrigues José Miguel , Gallego Aitor , Garrido Carlos
Published: October 2022

The paper presents empirical quadratic transfer functions (QTFs) of the horizontal wave drift loads on a turret moored floating wind turbine in operational and in severe sea states. Comparison between the empirical results and potential flow predictions of mean wave drift coefficients provide an assessment of the limitations of state of the art numerical tools.

The floating substructure has a catamaran configuration with heave plates to minimize the vertical motions. The empirical QTFs are determined from cross bi-spectral analysis of model test data obtained in an ocean basin. Validation of the identified QTFs is provided by comparing low frequency motions reconstructed from the empirical QTF with measurements. The comparisons are performed in terms of low frequency spectra and motion time histories.

The numerical mean wave drift coefficients are calculated by a panel code that solves the wave-structure linear potential flow problem. Systematic comparisons between numerical predictions and empirical QTFs allows identification of tendencies of the empirical QTFs and limitations of the potential flow predictions, namely with respect to the sea state severity and with respect to wave-current interaction effects. The results indicate a decrease of the wave drift coefficients with increasing sea state severity. Furthermore, wave-current effects for collinear conditions increase the empirical wave drift coefficients.
A Kalman Filtering Technique for Prediction of Wave Time Histories Around Ship Based on Response Measurements and its Experimental Validation
Authors: Komoriyama Yusuke , Iijima Kazuhiro , Fujikubo Masahiko
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a Kalman filter technique for identifying the wave time histories encountered by a ship is developed and verified in a series of tank tests. The method inversely analyzes the wave time histories from the measured response. A series of irregular wave tests using a flexible ship model made of acrylic resin was conducted at the Actual Sea Model Basin of National Maritime Research Institute, Japan. Then the wave elevation, the rigid body motions such as heave and pitch, and the vertical bending moment (VBM) at several sections were measured in the test. Optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were equipped on the model to find the VBM distribution. The estimation accuracy for the wave time histories is discussed by comparing the estimation with the measurement. The same technique is found to be effective in predicting the wave time histories in a few cycles ahead.
Blind beamforming-based strong interference suppression in underwater acoustic direct-sequence code-division multiple-access systems
Authors: Men Wei , Zhang Liang , Yin Jing-wei , Han Xiao , Yin Hong-yu
Published: October 2022

In an underwater acoustic direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) system, the performance of the conventional receiver is severely limited by the strong multiple-access interferences, which is due to the near-far effect. In this paper, a time-frequency-time with eigendecomposition-based blind beamformer (TFT-EBB) method is proposed for a distant user to suppress strong interference from a nearby user in DS-CDMA underwater acoustic communications. When the interference level is moderately higher than that of the desired signal, the TFT-EBB method can estimate the composite steering vector of all multipath components of the weak desired user signal via the eigendecomposition of the array covariance matrix at each frequency bin. Then the proposed energy detection-based RAKE receiver is cascaded to achieve multipath diversity, in which it requires less prior information compared with the conventional RAKE receiver. The proposed method is evaluated by using both simulated and field experimental data, which verifies its effectiveness.
The pinna enhances angular discrimination in the frontal hemifield
Authors: Stevenson-Hoare Joshua O. , Freeman Tom C. A. , Culling John F.
Published: October 2022

Human sound localization in the horizontal dimension is thought to be dominated by binaural cues, particularly interaural time delays, because monaural localization in this dimension is relatively poor. Remaining ambiguities of front versus back and up versus down are distinguished by high-frequency spectral cues generated by the pinna. The experiments in this study show that this account is incomplete. Using binaural listening throughout, the pinna substantially enhanced horizontal discrimination in the frontal hemifield, making discrimination in front better than discrimination at the rear, particularly for directions away from the median plane. Eliminating acoustic effects of the pinna by acoustically bypassing them or low-pass filtering abolished the advantage at the front without affecting the rear. Acoustic measurements revealed a pinna-induced spectral prominence that shifts smoothly in frequency as sounds move from 0° to 90° azimuth. The improved performance is discussed in terms of the monaural and binaural changes induced by the pinna.
Medial olivocochlear reflex reliability: The effects of averaging and presence of synchronized spontaneous otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Jedrzejczak W. Wiktor , Kochanek Krzysztof , Pilka Edyta , Pastucha Małgorzata , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: October 2022

The medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR), usually assessed by the inhibition of transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) with contralateral noise, is a very small effect. In understanding the origin of the MOCR, it is crucial to obtain data of the highest accuracy, i.e., with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which in turn largely depends on the number of signal averages. This study investigates how the reliability of MOCR measures is affected by the number of averages. At the same time, the effect of the presence of synchronized spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SSOAEs) is taken into account, as it is known that this factor significantly affects TEOAE amplitudes and SNRs. Each recording session consisted of two series of four measurements, allowing comparison of MOCR magnitude based on 250, 500, 750, and 1000 averages. Reliability was based on comparing the two series. The results show that, for a good quality MOCR measure (i.e., intraclass correlation above 0.9), the required number of averages is at least double that obtainable from a standard TEOAE test (i.e., 500 compared to 250). Ears without SSOAEs needed a higher number of averages to reach a correlation of 0.9 than ears with SSOAEs.
Can oceanic flows be heard? Abyssal melodies
Authors: Wunsch Carl
Published: October 2022

Fluid flows generate an acoustic noise field. In principle, oceanic flows on varying time and length scales produce a sound field and its detectability is considered here. A fragile lower bound analysis is made of the acoustic signature, using the Lighthill theory, of a simple train of boundary vortices generated by baroclinic tidal flows. Subject to numerous assumptions, the accompanying sound should be detectable within the hum band of seismo-acoustic pressure fields, and more generally, across the entire oceanic spectrum—likely through wave number analyses of spatially coherent acoustic array data.
A numerically stable constrained optimal filter design method for multichannel active noise control using dual conic formulation
Authors: Zhuang Yongjie , Liu Yangfan
Published: October 2022

In practical active noise control (ANC) applications, various constraints are usually required, for example, the disturbance enhancement constraint, the robust stability constraint, and the controller output power constraint. One commonly used approach for designing a constrained ANC filter is to formulate a constrained optimization problem using an H2/H∞ framework, which requires significant computational power to solve. Recent work has shown that such an ANC filter design problem can be reformulated into a convex optimization problem and then further reformulated to a cone programming problem to reduce the required computational time by several orders. However, the standard cone programming reformulation procedure leads to a large number of free variables, which, in many applications, can adversely influence the numerical behavior of the optimization algorithm. In the current work, the ANC filter design problem structure is exploited in its dual conic form, which allows an elimination of free variables and can result in a numerically more stable solving process for the filter design problem while keeping the noise control performance unchanged. It is demonstrated that when compared with the reformulation using the standard procedure, the proposed formulation significantly improves its numerical stability and computational efficiency.
Engagement capstone projects: A collaborative approach to a case study in psychoacoustics
Authors: San Millán-Castillo Roberto , Latorre-Iglesias Eduardo , Glesser Martin
Published: October 2022

Undergraduates in Spanish universities conclude their science degrees with a capstone project (CP) where they must apply the knowledge gained during their studies. In recent years, students in technical degrees often postponed this last step due to a fast entry into the labour market or disappointment about the development of their capstone projects. This article presents an approach that tries to overcome these challenges and avoid delays in project submission called Engagement capstone projects. The authors, supported by the French Company EOMYS, manage this educational project in which students become responsible for their contribution to a free and open software project called MOSQITO, which provides sound quality metrics based on psychoacoustics. A framework is provided to ensure involvement in the project by both students and academic/industrial supervisors to help avoid student discouragement. The proposed methodology is compared with the current program and the learning proposal, and the expected outcomes are extensively explained. The experience gathered to date is limited, but the results obtained show the potential application of the proposed Engagement capstone projects as a solution to late CP submission.
Clinician Impact on Athlete Recovery and Readiness in a 24-Hour Training Cycle
Authors: Golden Dana P. , Hertel Jay N.
Published: October 2022

This paper explores a 24-hr training cycle and how clinicians contribute to an athlete’s transition from recovery to readiness. The cycle is divided into three phases: immediate, intermediate, and extended. Phase break down is meant to provide wellness prioritization for the athlete and how the clinician can facilitate sustainable performance during a competitive season.
Data sharing and community-engaged research
Authors: Sabatello Maya , Martschenko Daphne O. , Cho Mildred K. , Brothers Kyle B.
Published: October 2022

Data sharing must be accompanied by responsibility sharing
Indonesia tightens grip on conservation science
Authors: Rochmyaningsih Dyna
Published: October 2022

Five foreign scientists banned after critical op-ed; animal population estimates shelved
Evidence backs natural origin for pandemic, report asserts
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2022

Authors were dropped from broader Lancet review
Efficacy of Co-Trimoxazole against Experimental Melioidosis Acquired by Different Routes of Infection
Authors: Nelson Michelle , Burton Neil , Nunez Alejandro , Butcher Wendy , Ngugi Sarah , Atkins Timothy P.
Published: October 2022

Burkholderia pseudomallei
is the causative agent of melioidosis and presents with diverse clinical manifestations. Naturally occurring infection occurs following contamination of cuts or skin abrasions, or ingestion of contaminated water, and occasionally through inhalational of infected soil or water particles.
Evolution of Fluconazole Resistance Mechanisms and Clonal Types of
Candida parapsilosis
Isolates from a Tertiary Care Hospital in South Korea
Authors: Kim Tae Yeul , Huh Hee Jae , Lee Ga Yeong , Choi Min Ji , Yu Hui-Jin , Cho Sun Young , Chang Yun Sil , Kim Yae-Jean , Shin Jong Hee , Lee Nam Yong
Published: October 2022

We investigated the evolution of fluconazole resistance mechanisms and clonal types of
Candida parapsilosis
isolates from a tertiary care hospital in South Korea. A total of 45 clinical isolates, including 42 collected between 2017 and 2021 and 3 collected between 2012 and 2013, were subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing, sequencing of fluconazole resistance genes (
ERG11
,
CDR1
,
TAC1
, and
MRR1
), and microsatellite typing.
Water Stress-Driven Changes in Bacterial Cell Surface Properties
Authors: Karagulyan Mariam , Goebel Marc-Oliver , Diehl Dörte , Abu Quba Abd Alaziz , Kästner Matthias , Bachmann Jörg , Wick Lukas Y. , Schaumann Gabriele E. , Miltner Anja
Published: October 2022

Changes in precipitation frequency, intensity, and temporal distribution are projected to result in increased frequency and intensity of droughts and heavy rainfall events. Prolonged droughts can promote the development of soil water repellency (SWR); this impacts the infiltration and distribution of water in the soil profile, exposing soil microorganisms to water stress.
Leaf Mycobiome and Mycotoxin Profile of Warm-Season Grasses Structured by Plant Species, Geography, and Apparent Black-Stroma Fungal Structure
Authors: Chen Ko-Hsuan , Marcón Florencia , Duringer Jennifer , Blount Ann , Mackowiak Cheryl , Liao Hui-Ling
Published: October 2022

The leaf mycobiome of forage grasses can have a major impact on their mycotoxin contents of forage and subsequently affect livestock health. Despite the importance of the cattle industry in warm-climate regions, such as Florida, studies have been primarily limited to temperate forage systems.
A Lesson from the Pandemic: Utilizing Digital Tools To Support Student Engagement during Instructional Assistant-Led Sessions
Authors: Morra Christina N. , Fultz Robert , Raut Samiksha A.
Published: October 2022

Student instructional assistants (IAs) are an integral part of most students’ college experience in higher education. When properly trained, IAs can improve students’ grades, engagement with course content, persistence, and retention.
G3BP/Rin-Binding Motifs Inserted into Flexible Regions of nsP2 Support RNA Replication of Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Wang Sainan , Merits Andres
Published: October 2022

CHIKV is a reemerging alphavirus that has spread throughout more than 60 countries and is the causative agent of chikungunya fever. No approved drugs or vaccines are available for the treatment or prevention of CHIKV infection.
Zika Virus Infection Downregulates Connexin 43, Disrupts the Cardiomyocyte Gap Junctions and Induces Heart Diseases in A129 Mice
Authors: Li Shuxuan , Armstrong Najealicka , Zhao Huan , Cruz-cosme Ruth , Yang Hongwei , Zhong Chunlian , Fu Wenkun , Wang Wei , Yang Decheng , Xia Ningshao , Cheng Tong , Tang Qiyi
Published: October 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a teratogen causing devastating sequelae to the newborns who suffer a congenital ZIKV infection while it brings about only mild symptoms to the health-competent older children or adults. Mouse models have played an important role in mechanistic and pathogenic studies of ZIKV.
Persistent Nonviral Plasmid Vector in Nasal Tissues Causes False-Positive SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostic Nucleic Acid Tests
Authors: Beck Ingrid A. , Styrchak Sheila , Miller Leslie , Mast Fred , Vigdorovich Vladimir , Yeung Winnie , Ko Daisy , Oldroyd Alyssa , Hardy Samantha , Li Song , Houck John , Jiang Yonghou , Dambrauskas Nicholas , Darcey Catherine , Raappana Andrew , Selman William , Sather D. Noah , Aitchison John D. , Harrington Whitney E. , Frenkel Lisa M.
Published: October 2022

Asymptomatic laboratory workers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 for days to months were found to harbor a laboratory plasmid vector containing SARS-CoV-2 DNA, which they had worked with in the past, in their nasal secretions. While prior studies have documented contamination of research personnel with PCR amplicons, our observation is novel, as these individuals shed the laboratory plasmid over days to months, including during isolation in their homes.
Diagnosis and Early Prediction of Lymphoma Using High-Throughput Clonality Analysis of Bovine Leukemia Virus-Infected Cells
Authors: Okagawa Tomohiro , Shimakura Honami , Konnai Satoru , Saito Masumichi , Matsudaira Takahiro , Nao Naganori , Yamada Shinji , Murakami Kenji , Maekawa Naoya , Murata Shiro , Ohashi Kazuhiko
Published: October 2022

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection causes aggressive B-cell lymphoma in cattle and sheep. The virus has spread to farms around the world, causing significant economic damage to the livestock industry.
Electroencephalographic and Autonomic Correlates of Imaginary and Real Movements of Legs in Right-Handers and Left-Handers
Authors: Vedyasova O. A. , Morenova K. A. , Pavlenko S. I.
Published: October 2022

Abstract—

Changes in the spectral power (SP) of electroencephalogram (EEG) in the α-band and the heart rate variability (HRV) were studied in subjects with right and left motor dominance profiles during imaginary and real flexion of right and left feet. During the implementation of motor tasks, a pronounced desynchronization of α-rhythm in frontal and central leads and its less significant changes in parietal and occipital zones of both hemispheres were revealed. The peculiarity of right-handers during mental and real leg movements was the variable and asymmetric character of changes in the SP of α-rhythm in the bilateral leads from various cortical areas. In left-handed subjects, when imagining and performing movements, the desynchronization of α-rhythm in different leads had the same severity and there were practically no hemispheric asymmetry in SP. Right-handers had are latively stable vegetative status during the performance of motor tasks, and HRV changes occurred mainly with real leg movements. In left-handers HRV parameters changed more strongly and mainly during mental actions with their feet. Correlations were found between the α-rhythm SP and HRV parameters, depending on the type of movement and the motor dominance profile of subjects. The obtained data reflect the peculiarities of regulation mechanisms of voluntary leg movements and the differences in the vegetative support of motor activity in right-handed and left-handed people.
Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery: a 13-year real-life report of 56 700 cataract operations
Authors: Hujanen Pekko , Vaajanen Anu , Felin Tuukka , Lehtonen Eemil , Syvänen Ulla , Huhtala Heini , Helminen Mika , Sintonen Harri , Tuulonen Anja , Uusitalo-Järvinen Hannele
Published: October 2022

Background/aims

To assess the frequency of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) and endophthalmitis during 13-year period in Tays Eye Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.

Methods

All cataract surgeries performed between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2020, and all endophthalmitis cases during the same period were searched from electronic patient records. Numbers and frequencies of ISBCS, and complications, including endophthalmitis and vitreous loss, were recorded and compared with unilateral operations.

Results

The study included 56 700 cataract surgeries in 34 797 patients of whom 39% (n=13 445) had ISBCS. The median age of the patients was 75 (IQR 68–80, range 0.08–99) years at the time of surgery. The proportion of ISBCS patients increased from 4.2% in 2008 to 46% in 2020. Vitreous loss occurred in 480 (0.9%) of cataract surgeries. There were no postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery (n=0) during the 13-year period.

Conclusion

The proportion of patients undergoing ISBCS increased from 4.2% in 2008 to 46% in 2020. No endophthalmitis were found to be associated with ISBCS.
Effect of atropine, orthokeratology and combined treatments for myopia control: a 2-year stratified randomised clinical trial
Authors: Xu Shengsong , Li Zhouyue , Zhao Wenchen , Zheng Bingru , Jiang Jinyun , Ye Guitong , Feng Zhibin , Long Wen , He Liying , He Mingguang , Hu Yin , Yang Xiao
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To investigate the 2-year efficacy of atropine, orthokeratology (ortho-k) and combined treatment on myopia. To explore the factors influencing the efficacy.

Methods

An age-stratified randomised controlled trial. Children (n=164) aged 8–12 years with spherical equivalent refraction of −1.00 to −6.00 D were stratified into two age subgroups and randomly assigned to receive placebo drops+spectacles (control), 0.01% atropine+spectacles (atropine), ortho-k+placebo (ortho-k) or combined treatment. Axial length was measured at baseline and visits at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. The primary analysis was done following the criteria of intention to treat, which included all randomised subjects.

Results

All interventions can significantly reduce axial elongation at all visits (all p<0.05). Overall, the 2-year axial elongation was significantly reduced in combined treatment than in monotherapies (all p<0.05). After stratification by age, in the subgroup aged 8–10, the difference between combined treatment and ortho-k became insignificant (p=0.106), while in the subgroup aged 10–12, the difference between combined treatment and atropine became insignificant (p=0.121). A significant age-dependent effect existed in the ortho-k group versus the control group (p for interaction=0.013), and a significant age-dependent effect existed in the ortho-k group versus the atropine group (p for interaction=0.035), which indicated that ortho-k can achieve better efficacy in younger children.

Conclusions

Atropine combined with ortho-k treatment can improve the efficacy of myopia control compared with monotherapy in children aged 8–12. Younger children might benefit more from ortho-k.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800015541.
Long-term surgical outcomes of Aurolab aqueous drainage implant in pediatric eyes with primary congenital glaucoma versus aphakic glaucoma
Authors: Puthuran George Varghese , Ramesh Sujitha , Maheswari Peethala , Reddy Madan Mohan , S Mohammed Sithiq Uduman , Krishnadas Subbaiah Ramasamy , Gedde Steven J
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) placed in eyes with refractory primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) versus aphakic glaucoma (APG).

Design

Retrospective comparative interventional case series.

Methods

Case files of consecutive eyes with PCG or APG that underwent AADI surgery between January 2013 and December 2016 and had a minimum 4 years follow-up were extracted from a computerised database. Failure was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP)>21 mm Hg or reduced<20% below baseline on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, IOP≤5 mm Hg on two consecutive follow-up visits after 3 months, reoperation for glaucoma or a complication, or loss of light perception.

Results

Eighty-nine eyes underwent AADI placement, including 42 eyes (47%) with PCG and 47 eyes (53%) with APG. Both groups were comparable at baseline. At 1 year, the APG group had lower mean IOP (13.6±8.1 mm Hg vs 17.6±7.5 mm Hg, p=0.02) with use of fewer IOP-lowering medications (0.8±1.0 vs 1.5±1.0, p=0.01) than the PCG group. The cumulative failure rate at 4 years was 57% (95% CI 43% to 72%) in PCG versus 40% (95% CI 28% to 56%) in the APG eyes (p=0.11). Eyes with PCG had greater tube-related complications (48% vs 38%, p=0.07) and number of reoperations (40% vs 32%, p=0.02) compared with eyes with APG.

Conclusions

Eyes with APG had relatively better outcomes after AADI placement compared with PCG during 4 years of follow-up. Reoperations accounted for more than 70% of the failures.
Avoidable childhood blindness in a high-income country: findings from the British Childhood Visual Impairment and Blindness Study 2
Authors: Solebo Ameenat Lola , Teoh Lucinda , Sargent Jenefer , Rahi Jugnoo S
Published: October 2022

Background/aims

Addressing childhood visual disability is an international priority, with data on causes needed to plan, implement and evaluate public health and clinical care. We have examined the contribution of ‘avoidable’ blinding disorders to childhood visual impairment, severe visual impairment and blindness (VI/SVIBL) in the UK.

Methods

National prospective observational longitudinal study, the British Childhood Visual Impairment and Blindness Study 2 (BCVIS2), of children (aged 18 years or under) newly diagnosed with vision worse than 0.48 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) or equivalent in both eyes. Proportions of children with an ‘avoidable’ disorder comprising either a
potentially preventable
(isolated disorders with an effective intervention which reduces disease incidence) or
treatable
(isolated eye or vision disorders for which there are routinely available effective interventions able to improve vision or halt progressive visual loss) are reported.

Results

Of the 784 children within BCVIS2, isolated potentially preventable disorders were present in only 17% (132/784) and treatable disorders in an additional 13% (99/784). The most common treatable causes were cataract, retinopathy of prematurity and glaucoma. Of the 132 children with potentially preventable disease, 64 had hypoxic–ischaemic encephalopathy. Non-accidental injury accounted for almost two-thirds (11/16, 69%) of those with VI/SVIBL due to injury.

Conclusion

Despite significant progress in the past decades in high-income countries, there remains a need to be vigilant about implementing preventive strategies and treatments. Attention to disorders that are currently neither preventable nor treatable remains a priority in these settings and will become increasingly important in lower-income and middle-income countries undergoing economic transition.
Visual outcome and ocular complications in patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma after eye-sparing surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy
Authors: Zhao Zhenyang , Frank Steven Jay , Ning Jing , Zhao Jiawei , Jiang Xinyang , Wang Xin A , Schefler Amy C , Hanna Ehab , Moreno Amy , Gunn Brandon , Ferrarotto Renata , Esmaeli Bita
Published: October 2022

Background

We report visual outcomes and ocular complications in patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma who had eye-sparing surgery followed by radiotherapy.

Methods

This review included consecutive patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma who underwent eye-sparing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiation therapy between 2007 and 2018. Clinical data, including details of ophthalmological examinations and radiation treatment were reviewed.

Results

The study included 23 patients, 15 males and 8 females, with median age 51 years. Twenty patients (87%) received intensity-modulated proton therapy; 3 (13%) received intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Nineteen patients (83%) received concurrent chemotherapy. After a median follow-up time of 37 months (range: 8–83), 13 patients (57%) had best-corrected visual acuity 20/40 or better, 3 (13%) had moderate vision loss (between 20/40 and 20/200) and 7 (30%) had severe vision loss (20/200 or worse). The most common ocular complications were dry eye disease (21 patients; 91%), radiation retinopathy (16; 70%) and cataract progression (11; 49%). Tumour crossing the orbital midline (p=0.014) and Hispanic ethnicity (p=0.014) were associated with increased risk of severe vision loss. The risk of radiation retinopathy was significantly different among the three racial groups; Hispanic patients (n=3) had the highest rate of retinopathy (p<0.001). Tumour size, initial T category and total prescribed radiation dose were not significantly associated with severe vision loss.

Conclusion

Eye-sparing surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma has a reasonable overall visual prognosis. Patients with tumours crossing the orbital midline and Hispanic patients have a higher risk of severe vision loss.
Injury incidence rates in women’s football: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective injury surveillance studies
Authors: Horan Dan , Büttner Fionn , Blake Catherine , Hägglund Martin , Kelly Seamus , Delahunt Eamonn
Published: October 2022

Objective

To review the literature to establish overall, match and training injury incidence rates (IIRs) in senior (≥18 years of age) women’s football (amateur club, elite club and international).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of overall, match and training IIRs in senior women’s football, stratified by injury location, type and severity.

Data sources

MEDLINE via PubMed; EMBASE via Ovid; CINAHL via EBSCO and Web of Science were searched from earliest record to July 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

(1) football players participating in a senior women’s football league (amateur club or elite club) or a senior women’s international football tournament; (2) the study had to report IIRs or provide sufficient data from which this outcome metric could be calculated through standardised equations; (3) a full-text article published in a peer-reviewed journal before July 2021; (4) a prospective injury surveillance study and (5) case reports on single teams were ineligible.

Results

17 articles met the inclusion criteria; amateur club (n=2), elite club (n=10), international (n=5). Overall, match and training ‘time-loss’ IIRs are similar between senior women’s elite club football and international football. ‘Time-loss’ training IIRs in senior women’s elite club football and international football are approximately 6–7 times lower than their equivalent match IIRs. Overall ‘time-loss’ IIRs stratified by injury type in women’s elite club football were 2.70/1000 hours (95% CI 1.12 to 6.50) for muscle and tendon, 2.62/1000 hours (95% CI 1.26 to 5.46) for joint and ligaments, and 0.76/1000 hours (95% CI 0.55 to 1.03) for contusions. Due to the differences in injury definitions, it was not possible to aggregate IIRs for amateur club football.

Conclusion

Lower limb injuries incurred during matches are a substantial problem in senior women’s football. The prevention of lower limb joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries should be a central focus of injury prevention interventions in senior women’s amateur club, elite club and international football.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020162895.
The development of children born to young mothers with no, first- or second-generation HIV acquisition in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sherr Lorraine , Haag Katharina , Steventon Roberts Kathryn J , Cluver Lucie Dale , Wittesaele Camille , Saliwe Bongiwe , Tolmay Janke , Langwenya Nontokozo , Jochim Janina , Saal Wylene , Zhou Siyanai , Marlow Marguerite , Chen-Charles Jenny J , Toska Elona
Published: October 2022

Background

The intergenerational effects of HIV require long-term investigation. We compared developmental outcomes of different generations impacted by HIV—children of mothers not living with HIV, the ‘second generation’ (ie, with recently infected mothers) and the ‘third generation’ (ie, children of perinatally infected mothers).

Methods

A cross-sectional community sample of N=1015 young mothers (12–25 years) and their first children (2–68 months, 48.2% female), from South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. 71.3% (n=724) of children were born to mothers not living with HIV; 2.7% (n=27; 1 living with HIV) were third-generation and 26.0% (n=264; 11 living with HIV) second-generation children. Child scores on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), the WHO Ten Questions Screen for Disability and maternal demographics were compared between groups using χ2tests and univariate approach, analysis of variance analysis. Hierarchical linear regressions investigated predictive effects of familial HIV infection patterns on child MSEL composite scores, controlling for demographic and family environment variables.

Results

Second-generation children performed poorer on gross (M=47.0, SD=13.1) and fine motor functioning (M=41.4, SD=15.2) and the MSEL composite score (M=90.6, SD=23.0) than children with non-infected mothers (gross motor: M=50.4, SD=12.3; fine motor: M=44.4, SD=14.1; composite score: M=94.1, SD=20.7). The third generation performed at similar levels to non-exposed children (gross motor: M=52.4, SD=16.1; fine motor: M=44.3, SD=16.1, composite score: M=94.7, SD=22.2), though analyses were underpowered for definite conclusions. Hierarchical regression analyses suggest marginal predictive effects of being second-generation child compared with having a mother not living with HIV (B=−3.3, 95% CI=−6.8 to 0 .1) on MSEL total scores, and non-significant predictive effects of being a third-generation child (B=1.1, 5% CI=−7.5 to 9.7) when controlling for covariates. No group differences were found for disability rates (26.9% third generation, 27.7% second generation, 26.2% non-exposed; χ2=0.02, p=0.90).

Conclusion

Recently infected mothers and their children may struggle due to the disruptiveness of new HIV diagnoses and incomplete access to care/support during pregnancy and early motherhood. Long-standing familial HIV infection may facilitate care pathways and coping, explaining similar cognitive development among not exposed and third-generation children. Targeted intervention and fast-tracking into services may improve maternal mental health and socioeconomic support.