bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel airbag system of abdominal compression for reducing respiratory motion: preliminary results in healthy volunteers
Authors: Li Wenxin , Konishi Kenta , Ohira Keiichi , Hirata Masanori , Wakabayashi Kohei , Aramaki Shuhei , Sakamoto Masataka , Nakamura Katsumasa
Published: April 2022

This study used cine-magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel airbag system combined with a shell-type body fixation system in reducing respiratory motion in normal volunteers. The airbag system consists of a six-sided polygon inflatable airbag, a same shape plate, a stiff air supply tube, an air-supply pump and a digital pressure load cell monitor. Piezoelectric sensors were installed in the plate to detect compression pressure load changes; pressure load data were transferred to the digital pressure load cell monitor through Bluetooth. Five volunteers underwent cine-MRI with and without airbag compression to detect differences in the respiratory motion of the organs. The volunteers’ physiologic signs were stable during the experiment. The maximum inspiration pressure load was 4.48 ± 0.86 kgf (range, 4.00–6.00 kgf), while the minimum expiration pressure load was 3.69 ± 0.95 kgf (range, 2.8–5.3 kgf). Under airbag compression, the right diaphragm movement was reduced from 19.50 ± 6.43 mm to 9.60 ± 3.61 mm (P < 0.05) in the coronal plane and 23.12 ± 6.30 mm to 11.00 ± 3.69 mm (P < 0.05) in the sagittal plane. The left diaphragm, pancreas and liver in the coronal plane and the right kidney and liver in the sagittal plane also showed significant movement reduction. This novel airbag abdominal compression system was found to be safe during the experiment and successful in the reduction of internal organ respiratory motion and promises to be a convenient and efficient tool for clinical radiotherapy.
Clinical Pathways When Considering Antimicrobials for the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19
Authors: Krauth Daniel S
Published: April 2022

Amidst a constrained supply of novel therapeutics for the outpatient treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19, clinicians face new challenges, especially among those practicing at overseas military treatment facilities. Although prescribers may be unfamiliar with these medications, appropriate use necessitates detailed query of patient symptomatology and familiarization with each drug’s side effect profile. Risk stratification also requires careful consideration to patient-specific comorbidities and immunization status for determining whom to treat and how. In recognition of these complexities, a stepwise guide is provided here to aid clinicians in their management of outpatients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
Cosmic evolution of low-excitation radio galaxies in the LOFAR two-metre sky survey deep fields
Authors: Kondapally Rohit , Best Philip N , Cochrane Rachel K , Sabater José , Duncan Kenneth J , Hardcastle Martin J , Haskell Paul , Mingo Beatriz , Röttgering Huub J A , Smith Daniel J B , Williams Wendy L , Bonato Matteo , Calistro Rivera Gabriela , Gao Fangyou , Hale Catherine L , Małek Katarzyna , Miley George K , Prandoni Isabella , Wang Lingyu
Published: April 2022

Feedback from low-excitation radio galaxies (LERGs) plays a key role in the lifecycle of massive galaxies in the local Universe; their evolution, and the impact of these active galactic nuclei on early galaxy evolution, however, remain poorly understood. We use a sample of 10 481 LERGs from the first data release of the LOFAR two-metre Sky Survey Deep Fields, covering ∼25 deg2, to present the first measurement of the evolution of the radio luminosity function (LF) of LERGs out to z ∼ 2.5; this shows relatively mild evolution. We split the LERGs into those hosted by quiescent and star-forming galaxies, finding a new dominant population of LERGs hosted by star-forming galaxies at high redshifts. The incidence of LERGs in quiescent galaxies shows a steep dependence on stellar mass out to z ∼ 1.5, consistent with local Universe measurements of accretion occurring from cooling of hot gas haloes. The quiescent-LERGs dominate the LFs at z < 1, showing a strong decline in space density with redshift, tracing that of the available host galaxies, while there is an increase in the characteristic luminosity. The star-forming LERG LF increases with redshift, such that this population dominates the space densities at most radio-luminosities by z ∼ 1. The incidence of LERGs in star-forming galaxies shows a much weaker stellar-mass dependence, and increases with redshift, suggesting a different fuelling mechanism compared to their quiescent counterparts, potentially associated with the cold gas supply present in the star-forming galaxies.
Compact star merger events with stars composed of interacting strange quark matter
Authors: Kumar Anil , Thapa Vivek Baruah , Sinha Monika
Published: April 2022

We investigate the properties of stars participating in double compact star merger events considering interacting model of stable strange quark matter. We model the matter making it compatible with the recent astrophysical observations of compact star mass–radius and gravitational wave events. In this context, we consider modified MIT bag model and vector bag model with and without self-interaction. We find new upper bound on tidal deformability of $1.4\, {\rm M}_\odot$ strange star corresponding to the upper bound of effective tidal deformability inferred from gravitational wave event. Range of compactness of $1.4\, {\rm M}_\odot$ strange star is obtained as 0.175 ≤ C1.4 ≤ 0.199. Radius range of $1.5\, {\rm M}_\odot$ primary star is deduced to be 10.57 km ≤ R1.5 ≤ 12.04 km, following stringent GW170817 constraints. GW190425 constraints provide with upper limit on radius of 1.7 solar mass strange star that it should be less than $13.41\, \text{km}$.
Probing the rest-frame of the Universe with the near-IR cosmic infrared background
Authors: Kashlinsky A , Atrio-Barandela F
Published: April 2022

While the cosmic microwave background (CMB) dipole is largely assumed to be entirely kinematic, there is evidence that part of it is primordial. Such a possibility arises in models implying a tilt, interpreted as a dark flow, across the observable Universe. The kinematic nature of the entire CMB dipole can be probed using the dipole of cosmic backgrounds from galaxies after the last scattering. The near-infrared (near-IR) cosmic infrared background (CIB) spectral energy distribution leads to an amplified dipole compared with the CMB. The CIB dipole is affected by galaxy clustering, decreasing with fainter, more distant galaxies, and by Solar System emissions and Galactic dust, which dominate the net CIB cosmological dipole in the optical/near-IR. We propose a technique that enables an accurate measurement of the kinematic near-IR CIB dipole. The CIB, effectively the integrated galaxy light (IGL), would be reconstructed from resolved galaxies in forthcoming space-borne wide surveys covering four bands, 0.9–2.5 μm. The galaxies will be subselected from the identified magnitude range where the dipole component from galaxy clustering is below the expected kinematic dipole. Using this technique, the dipole can be measured in each of the bands at the statistical signal-to-noise ratio S/N ≳50–100 with the forthcoming Euclid and Roman surveys, isolating the CMB dipole’s kinematic nature.
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cells endogenously expressing follicle-stimulating hormone receptors: modeling the function of an inactivating receptor mutation
Authors: Lundin K , Sepponen K , Väyrynen P , Liu X , Yohannes D A , Survila M , Ghimire B , Känsäkoski J , Katayama S , Partanen J , Vuoristo S , Paloviita P , Rahman N , Raivio T , Luiro K , Huhtaniemi I , Varjosalo M , Tuuri T , Tapanainen J S
Published: April 2022

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is crucial in the development and regulation of reproductive functions. The actions of human FSH and its receptor (FSHR) and mutations therein have mainly been studied using in vivo models, primary cells, cancer cells and cell lines ectopically expressing the FSHR. To allow studies of endogenous FSHR function in vitro, we differentiated FSHR-expressing cells from human pluripotent stem cells. FSH stimulation of the wild-type (WT), but not the inactivating Finnish founder mutant (A189V) receptor, activated the canonical cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling pathway and downstream mediators. To investigate protein–protein interaction partners of FSHR at resting state and upon FSH stimulation, we expressed FSHR in HEK293 cells followed by affinity purification mass spectrometry analyses. We found 19 specific high-confidence interacting proteins for WT FSHR and 14 for A189V FSHR, several of which have been linked to infertility. Interestingly, while only WT FSHR interacted with FSH, insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), for example, interacted with both WT and A189V FSHR upon FSH stimulation. In conclusion, our protocol allows detailed studies of FSH action and disease modeling in human cells endogenously expressing FSHR.
Bi-allelic variants in SHOC1 cause non-obstructive azoospermia with meiosis arrest in humans and mice
Authors: Wang Weili , Meng Lanlan , He Jiaxin , Su Lilan , Li Yong , Tan Chen , Xu Xilin , Nie Hongchuan , Zhang Huan , Du Juan , Lu Guangxiu , Luo Mengcheng , Lin Ge , Tu Chaofeng , Tan Yue-Qiu
Published: April 2022

Meiosis is pivotal to gametogenesis and fertility. Meiotic recombination is a mandatory process that ensures faithful chromosome segregation and generates genetic diversity in gametes. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) caused by meiotic arrest is a common cause of male infertility and has many genetic origins, including chromosome abnormalities, Y chromosome microdeletion and monogenic mutations. However, the genetic causes of the majority of NOA cases remain to be elucidated. Here, we report our findings of three Shortage in chiasmata 1 (SHOC1) bi-allelic variants in three NOA patients, of which two are homozygous for the same loss-of-function variant (c.231_232del: p.L78Sfs*9), and one is heterozygous for two different missense variants (c.1978G>A: p.A660T; c.4274G>A: p.R1425H). Testicular biopsy of one patient revealed impairment of spermatocyte maturation. Both germ-cell-specific and general Shoc1-knockout mice exhibited similar male infertility phenotypes. Subsequent analysis revealed comprehensive defects in homologous pairing and synapsis along with abnormal expression of DMC1, RAD51 and RPA2 in Shoc1-defective spermatocyte spreads. These findings imply that SHOC1 may have a presynaptic function during meiotic recombination apart from its previously identified role in crossover formation. Overall, our results provide strong evidence for the clinical relevance of SHOC1 mutations in patients with NOA and contribute to a deeper mechanistic understanding of the role of SHOC1 during meiotic recombination.
Gadolinium retention in the tunica media of arterial walls—a complementary study using elemental bioimaging and immunogold staining
Authors: Fingerhut Stefanie , Buchholz Rebecca , Bücker Patrick , Clasen Wolfgang , Sperling Michael , Müller Klaus-Michael , Rehkämper Jan , Radbruch Alexander , Richter Henning , Jeibmann Astrid , Karst Uwe
Published: April 2022

Gadolinium (Gd) deposition has been found in both animal and human tissues after injections of Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Without the knowledge of which tissues are most affected, it is difficult to determine whether Gd accumulation could lead to any pathological changes. The current study aims at investigating histological sections of three patients who were exposed to GBCAs during their lifetime, and identify areas of Gd accumulation. Tissue sections of three autopsy cases were investigated by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) to assess the distribution of Gd, and the deposition within tissue sections was quantified. Additional application of laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (LA–ICP–OES) enabled a sensitive detection of calcium (Ca) in the vessel walls, which is usually impeded in LA–ICP–MS due to the isobaric interference with argon. Complementary LA–ICP–MS and LA–ICP–OES analysis revealed that Gd was co-localized with zinc and Ca, in the area where smooth muscle actin was present. Notably, high levels of Gd were found in the tunica media of arterial walls, which requires further research into potential Gd-related toxicity in this specific location.
Reovirus μ2 protein modulates host cell alternative splicing by reducing protein levels of U5 snRNP core components
Authors: Boudreault Simon , Durand Mathieu , Martineau Carole-Anne , Perreault Jean-Pierre , Lemay Guy , Bisaillon Martin
Published: April 2022

Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) is a double-stranded RNA virus from the Reoviridae family presenting a promising activity as an oncolytic virus. Recent studies have underlined MRV’s ability to alter cellular alternative splicing (AS) during infection, with a limited understanding of the mechanisms at play. In this study, we investigated how MRV modulates AS. Using a combination of cell biology and reverse genetics experiments, we demonstrated that the M1 gene segment, encoding the μ2 protein, is the primary determinant of MRV’s ability to alter AS, and that the amino acid at position 208 in μ2 is critical to induce these changes. Moreover, we showed that the expression of μ2 by itself is sufficient to trigger AS changes, and its ability to enter the nucleus is not required for all these changes. Moreover, we identified core components of the U5 snRNP (i.e. EFTUD2, PRPF8, and SNRNP200) as interactors of μ2 that are required for MRV modulation of AS. Finally, these U5 snRNP components are reduced at the protein level by both MRV infection and μ2 expression. Our findings identify the reduction of U5 snRNP components levels as a new mechanism by which viruses alter cellular AS.
ERMer: a serverless platform for navigating, analyzing, and visualizingEscherichia coliregulatory landscape through graph database
Authors: Mao Zhitao , Wang Ruoyu , Li Haoran , Huang Yixin , Zhang Qiang , Liao Xiaoping , Ma Hongwu
Published: April 2022

Cellular regulation is inherently complex, and one particular cellular function is often controlled by a cascade of different types of regulatory interactions. For example, the activity of a transcription factor (TF), which regulates the expression level of downstream genes through transcriptional regulation, can be regulated by small molecules through compound–protein interactions. To identify such complex regulatory cascades, traditional relational databases require ineffective additional operations and are computationally expensive. In contrast, graph databases are purposefully developed to execute such deep searches efficiently. Here, we present ERMer (E. coli Regulation Miner), the first cloud platform for mining the regulatory landscape of Escherichia coli based on graph databases. Combining the AWS Neptune graph database, AWS lambda function, and G6 graph visualization engine enables quick search and visualization of complex regulatory cascades/patterns. Users can also interactively navigate the E. coli regulatory landscape through ERMer. Furthermore, a Q&A module is included to showcase the power of graph databases in answering complex biological questions through simple queries. The backend graph model can be easily extended as new data become available. In addition, the framework implemented in ERMer can be easily migrated to other applications or organisms. ERMer is available at https://ermer.biodesign.ac.cn/.
FastViFi: Fast and accurate detection of (Hybrid) Viral DNA and RNA
Authors: Javadzadeh Sara , Rajkumar Utkrisht , Nguyen Nam , Sarmashghi Shahab , Luebeck Jens , Shang Jingbo , Bafna Vineet
Published: April 2022

DNA viruses are important infectious agents known to mediate a large number of human diseases, including cancer. Viral integration into the host genome and the formation of hybrid transcripts are also associated with increased pathogenicity. The high variability of viral genomes, however requires the use of sensitive ensemble hidden Markov models that add to the computational complexity, often requiring > 40 CPU-hours per sample. Here, we describe FastViFi, a fast 2-stage filtering method that reduces the computational burden. On simulated and cancer genomic data, FastViFi improved the running time by 2 orders of magnitude with comparable accuracy on challenging data sets. Recently published methods have focused on identification of location of viral integration into the human host genome using local assembly, but do not extend to RNA. To identify human viral hybrid transcripts, we additionally developed ensemble Hidden Markov Models for the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) to add to the models for Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) viruses and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and used FastViFi to query RNA-seq data from Gastric cancer (EBV) and liver cancer (HBV/HCV). FastViFi ran in <10 minutes per sample and identified multiple hybrids that fuse viral and human genes suggesting new mechanisms for oncoviral pathogenicity. FastViFi is available at https://github.com/sara-javadzadeh/FastViFi.
Endocrine outcomes after limited surgery and conformal photon radiation therapy for pediatric craniopharyngioma: Long-term results from the RT1 protocol
Authors: Merchant Thomas E , Edmonston Drucilla Y , Wu Shengjie , Li Yimei , Boop Frederick A , Lustig Robert H
Published: April 2022

Background

To estimate the incidence of endocrinopathy in children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma after treatment with photon-based conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (CRT).

Methods

One hundred one pediatric patients were enrolled on a phase II single-institution protocol beginning in 1998 (n = 76) or followed a similar non-protocol treatment plan (n = 25). Surgery was individualized. CRT (54 Gy) was administered using a 1.0-cm or ≤0.5-cm clinical target volume margin. Patients underwent baseline and serial evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Results

The 10-year cumulative incidence (CI) of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was 68.42% (±11.27) for black patients and 94.23% (±3.57) for white patients (P = .0286). The CI of thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency (TSHD) was 70.94% (±8.44) at 10 years for non-shunted patients and 91.67% (±10.40) at 6 years for shunted patients (P = .0260). The CI of TSHD was 100% (±14.29) at 4 years for those with diabetes insipidus (DI) and 71.36% (±8.86) at 10 years for those without DI (P = .0008). The 10-year CI of adrenocortical hormone deficiency was 70.00% (±16.15) for those with DI and 48.39% (±9.19) for those without DI (P = .0080). The 10-year CI of LH/FSH deficiency was 43.33% (±9.32) age <7 years, 61.29% (±9.11) aged 7-10 years, and 78.95% (±6.38) age ≥10 years (P < .0001). BMI was significantly greater prior to CRT in white patients with DI (P = .0004) and preexisting GHD (P = .0275).

Conclusions

Hormone deficiencies are common in pediatric patients with craniopharyngioma and are associated with host, tumor, and treatment factors. Understanding the incidence and time to onset may facilitate intervention and patient selection for treatment.
The intrinsic and microenvironmental features of diffuse midline glioma: Implications for the development of effective immunotherapeutic treatment strategies
Authors: Persson Mika L , Douglas Alicia M , Alvaro Frank , Faridi Pouya , Larsen Martin R , Alonso Marta M , Vitanza Nicholas A , Dun Matthew D
Published: April 2022

Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including those of the brainstem (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma), are pediatric tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). Recognized as the most lethal of all childhood cancers, palliative radiotherapy remains the only proven treatment option, however, even for those that respond, survival is only temporarily extended. DMG harbor an immunologically “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME) with few infiltrating immune cells. The mechanisms underpinning the cold TME are not well understood. Low expression levels of immune checkpoint proteins, including PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, are recurring features of DMG and likely contribute to the lack of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The unique epigenetic signatures (including stem cell-like methylation patterns), a low tumor mutational burden, and recurring somatic mutations (H3K27M, TP53, ACVR1, MYC, and PIK3CA), possibly play a role in the reduced efficacy of traditional immunotherapies. Therefore, to circumvent the lack of efficacy thus far seen for the use of ICIs, adoptive cell transfer (including chimeric antigen receptor T cells) and the use of oncolytic viruses, are currently being evaluated for the treatment of DMG. It remains an absolute imperative that we improve our understanding of DMG’s intrinsic and TME features if patients are to realize the potential benefits offered by these sophisticated treatments. Herein, we summarize the limitations of immunotherapeutic approaches, highlight the emerging safety and clinical efficacy shown for sophisticated cell-based therapies, as well as the evolving knowledge underpinning the DMG-immune axis, to guide the development of immunotherapies that we hope will improve outcomes.
A Single-arm Phase II Study Combining NLG207, a Nanoparticle Camptothecin, with Enzalutamide in Advanced Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Post-Enzalutamide
Authors: Schmidt Keith T , Karzai Fatima , Bilusic Marijo , Cordes Lisa M , Chau Cindy H , Peer Cody J , Wroblewski Susan , Huitema Alwin D R , Schellens Jan H M , Gulley James L , Dahut William L , Figg William D , Madan Ravi A
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite the clinical efficacy of enzalutamide monotherapy in patients with advanced prostate cancer, therapeutic resistance and disease progression are inevitable. We proposed a study to evaluate NLG207, a nanoparticle-drug conjugate (NDC) of the potent topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin, in combination with enzalutamide, in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following progression on enzalutamide.

Methods

This was a single-arm, optimal two-stage, phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of NLG207 in combination with enzalutamide in patients with mCRPC who received prior enzalutamide. A lead-in dose escalation evaluated the recommended phase 2 dose of NLG207 in combination with enzalutamide. Patients received NLG207 via IV infusion every 2 weeks and enzalutamide 160 mg orally once daily.

Results

Between March 2019 and June 2021, four patients were accrued to the lead-in dose escalation. Two of the four patients were evaluable and both experienced DLTs at the NLG207 12 mg/m2 dose level; one DLT was related to a dose delay for noninfective cystitis and myelosuppression, the other a grade 3 noninfective cystitis. Further evaluation of NLG207 in combination with enzalutamide was halted and the study was ultimately terminated. PSA declines from baseline were observed in two patients.

Conclusion

NLG207 12 mg/m2 in combination with enzalutamide was not well tolerated in patients with mCRPC following several lines of the standard of care therapy.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT03531827.
GLRaV-2 protein p24 suppresses host defenses by interaction with a RAV transcription factor from grapevine
Authors: Zhang Chenwei , Wang Xianyou , Li Hanwei , Wang Jinying , Zeng Qi , Huang Wenting , Huang Haoqiang , Xie Yinshuai , Yu Shangzhen , Kan Qing , Wang Qi , Cheng Yuqin
Published: April 2022

Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 (GLRaV-2) is a prevalent virus associated with grapevine leafroll disease, but the molecular mechanism underlying GLRaV-2 infection is largely unclear. Here, we report that 24-kDa protein (p24), an RNA-silencing suppressor (RSS) encoded by GLRaV-2, promotes GLRaV-2 accumulation via interaction with the B3 DNA-binding domain of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) RELATED TO ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3/VIVIPAROUS1 (VvRAV1), a transcription factor belonging to the APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) superfamily. Salicylic acid-inducible VvRAV1 positively regulates the grapevine pathogenesis-related protein 1 (VvPR1) gene by directly binding its promoter, indicating that VvRAV1 may function in the regulation of host basal defense responses. p24 hijacks VvRAV1 to the cytoplasm and employs the protein to sequester 21-nt double-stranded siRNA together, thereby enhancing its own RSS activity. Moreover, p24 enters the nucleus via interaction with VvRAV1 and weakens the latter’s binding affinity to the VvPR1 promoter, leading to decreased expression of VvPR1. Our results provide a mechanism by which a viral RSS interferes with both the antiviral RNA silencing and the AP2/ERF-mediated defense responses via the targeting of one specific host factor.
Patient Experienced Symptom State in rheumatoid arthritis: sensitivity to change in disease activity and impact
Authors: Duarte Catiá , Kvien Tore K , Sexton Joe , Santos Eduardo , de Wit Maarten , Gossec Laure , da Silva Jose A P
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The Patient Experienced Symptom State (PESS) is a single-question, patient-reported outcome that is validated to assess global disease impact in RA. This study addresses its sensitivity to change, and reliability.

Methods

Disease activity, disease impact in the seven domains of RA Impact of Disease (RAID) and PESS were assessed in patients with RA from the NOR-DMARD registry, at two visits, 6 months apart. The PESS over the last week was scored at five levels, from ‘very bad’ to ‘very good’. Disease impact and disease activity were compared between patients who improved, maintained or worsened PESS over time, through one-way analysis of variance, with post hoc Bonferroni correction. Correlations between changes in these parameters were assessed through Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Sensitivity to change was assessed by standardized response mean (SRM) between the two visits. Reliability was analysed through intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the two visits in patients with stable disease activity and impact.

Results

In 353 patients [76.8% females, mean (s.d.) 9.9 (9.6) years disease duration], improvement in PESS level was associated with substantial improvements in mean impact in all domains as well as disease activity (P <0.02). PESS change was moderately to strongly correlated with RAID domains and disease activity (rho: 0.4–0.7). PESS was responsive to change (SRM: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.76), particularly among RAID responders (SRM: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.54, 1.99). PESS was moderately reliable in patients with stable condition (ICC: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.83).

Conclusion

PESS is valid, feasible, reliable and responsive, representing an opportunity to improve the assessment of disease impact with minimal questionnaire burden.
Reassessing the phylogeny and divergence times of sloths (Mammalia: Pilosa: Folivora), exploring alternative morphological partitioning and dating models
Authors: Casali Daniel M , Boscaini Alberto , Gaudin Timothy J , Perini Fernando A
Published: April 2022

Phylogenetic relationships among sloths (Folivora) have been extensively studied in the past few decades using maximum parsimony approaches. Recently, Bayesian phylogenetic methods also began to be employed for this task, with advances in methods for data partitioning and tip-dating analyses leading to exciting new possibilities in morphological phylogenetics. In this context, we assembled the largest morphological data set ever applied to sloths and reassessed their phylogeny and divergence times, evaluating alternative models of partitioning and dating in a Bayesian framework. The updated phylogeny of sloths is largely in agreement with previous morphological studies, with Bradypus recovered as sister to Eufolivora, the presence of two major sloth clades (Mylodontoidea and Megatherioidea) and Choloepus among Megalonychidae. However, the present study yields some important advances in understanding the relationships of genera with historically unresolved or controversial allocations. The major sloth clades diversified from the Late Eocene to the Early Miocene. Homoplasy-based partition models outperformed anatomical partitioning and unpartitioned analyses, with considerable impacts on topology and posterior probabilities. Estimates obtained using homoplasy-partitioned models with Bayesian analyses were in strong agreement with those of maximum parsimony. We emphasize the importance of model comparison with Bayes factors and the assessment of synapomorphies in Bayesian morphological phylogenetics.
The subtle Lisfranc injury
Authors: Burfeind Victoria Hart , Bernard Stephanie
Published: April 2022

A subtle Lisfranc ligament disruption is a rare but potentially devastating injury to the midfoot. If the injury is recognized and treated early, the patient can avoid future arthritic changes and the need for more extensive surgery. The use of bilateral weight-bearing radiographs can aid in the early detection of this subtle injury. This article describes a patient who presented to an orthopedic office with complaints of right foot pain and an inability to participate in physical activity following an intramural sports injury 3 months earlier, and was eventually diagnosed with Lisfranc injury.
PA clinical postgraduate training
Authors: Grabenkort Rob , Hilton Ginny
Published: April 2022

Clinical postgraduate training (CPGT) for physician assistants (PAs) began in 1971. A half-century later, the United States has 144 programs in 33 specialties. A growing and aging population, specialization in healthcare, and changes in graduate medical education have created new opportunities for PAs to consider this alternative following graduation. Postgraduate training is attractive to PA graduates who desire advanced skills and deeper understanding in a medical or surgical specialty. This article describes the history of CPGT programs, training, and establishment of an accreditation process for educational standardization.
Robotic Spine Surgery: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Perfetti Dean C. , Kisinde Stanley , Rogers-LaVanne Mary P. , Satin Alexander M. , Lieberman Isador H.
Published: April 2022

Study Design.

Systematic review.

Objective.

The aim of this review is to present an overview of robotic spine surgery (RSS) including its history, applications, limitations, and future directions.

Summary of Background Data.

The first RSS platform received United States Food and Drug Administration approval in 2004. Since then, robotic-assisted placement of thoracolumbar pedicle screws has been extensively studied. More recently, expanded applications of RSS have been introduced and evaluated.

Methods.

A systematic search of the Cochrane, OVID-MEDLINE, and PubMed databases was performed for articles relevant to robotic spine surgery. Institutional review board approval was not needed.

Results.

The placement of thoracolumbar pedicle screws using RSS is safe and accurate and results in reduced radiation exposure for the surgeon and surgical team. Barriers to utilization exist including learning curve and large capital costs. Additional applications involving minimally invasive techniques, cervical pedicle screws, and deformity correction have emerged.

Conclusion.

Interest in RSS continues to grow as the applications advance in parallel with image guidance systems and minimally invasive techniques.

IRB Approval.

N/A.
Measuring the Resting Energy Expenditure in Children on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Ewing Linette J. , Domico Michele B. , Ramirez Rogelio , Starr Joanne P. , Lam Danny R. , Mink Richard B.
Published: April 2022

Both overfeeding and underfeeding critically ill children are problematic. This prospective pilot study evaluated the resting energy expenditure in infants and children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. An indirect calorimeter was used to measure oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) from the mechanical ventilator. Blood gases were used to determine VO2 and VCO2 from the ECMO circuit. Values from the mechanical ventilator and ECMO circuit were added, and the resting energy expenditure (REE) (Kcal/kg/day) was calculated. Measurements were obtained > 24 hours after ECMO support was initiated (day 2 of ECMO), 1 day before ECMO discontinuation or transfer, and 1 day after decannulation. Data were compared with the predicted energy expenditure. Seven patients aged 3 months to 13 years were included. The REE varied greatly both above and below predicted values, from 26 to 154 KCal/kg/day on day 2 of ECMO support. In patients with septic shock, the REE was > 300% above the predicted value on day 2 of ECMO. Before ECMO discontinuation, two of six (33%) children continued to have a REE > 110% of predicted. Three patients had measurements after decannulation, all with a REE < 90% of predicted. REE measurements can be obtained by indirect calorimetry in children receiving ECMO support. ECMO may not provide metabolic rest for all children as a wide variation in REE was observed. For optimal care, individual testing should be considered to match calories provided with the metabolic demand.
It Is Not What Happens to You But How You React to It That Matters
Authors: Dodd Dorian R. , Johnson Emma L. , Hazzard Vivienne M. , Cao Li , Crosby Ross D. , Wonderlich Stephen A.
Published: April 2022

We examined the moderating role of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the association between trauma and impulsive behaviors. Adult women (N = 97) with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA; n = 26), rape in adulthood (n = 21), both CSA and adult rape (n = 25), or no history of sexual trauma (n = 25) completed self-report questionnaires. PTSD symptoms were positively associated with self-harm and with stealing and accident proneness, but not with sexual impulsivity. Trauma group had no independent associations with impulsive behaviors. PTSD reexperiencing symptoms interacted with trauma group such that reexperiencing symptoms were positively associated with self-harm for the two trauma groups that included CSA but not for the control and adult rape–only groups. Overall, results indicate that PTSD symptoms—more so than the occurrence of trauma itself—associate with impulsive behavior. Results highlight the importance of assessing posttraumatic symptomatology, and not just trauma occurrence, when aiming to prevent or treat impulsive behaviors.
Ramifications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nursing Students’ Transition to Practice
Authors: Phillips Kathryn E. , Dzurec Laura , Burgess Ann , Beauvais Audrey , McNutt-Clarke Beth
Published: April 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic altered the course of nursing education worldwide, it disrupted efforts to transition nursing students to professional practice. The investigators examined clinical nursing faculty members’ assessment of senior students’ practice strengths and challenges compared to graduates of prior years. Findings demonstrated COVID-19’s wide-ranging impacts on nursing students’ transition to practice and offered suggestions about the implications for nursing professional development practitioners.
Psychological Stress Reported at the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent Stress and Successful Coping in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Duculan Roland , Jannat-Khah Deanna , Wang Xin A. , Mancuso Carol A.
Published: April 2022

Objective

In a cohort assembled during the height of mortality-associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in New York City, the objectives of this qualitative-quantitative mixed-methods study were to assess COVID-related stress at enrollment with subsequent stress and clinical and behavioral characteristics associated with successful coping during longitudinal follow-up.

Methods

Patients with rheumatologist-diagnosed rheumatic disease taking immunosuppressive medications were interviewed in April 2020 and were asked open-ended questions about the impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being. Stress-related responses were grouped into categories. Patients were interviewed again in January–March 2021 and asked about interval and current disease status and how well they believed they coped. Patients also completed the 29-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) measuring physical and emotional health during both interviews.

Results

Ninety-six patients had follow-ups; 83% were women, and mean age was 50 years. Patients who reported stress at enrollment had improved PROMIS-29 scores, particularly for the anxiety subscale. At the follow-up, patients reported persistent and new stresses as well as numerous self-identified coping strategies. Overall coping was rated as very well (30%), well (48%), and neutral-fair-poor (22%). Based on ordinal logistic regression, variables associated with worse overall coping were worse enrollment–to–follow-up PROMIS-29 anxiety (odds ratio [OR], 4.4; confidence interval [CI], 1.1–17.3; p = 0.03), not reporting excellent/very good disease status at follow-up (OR, 2.7; CI, 1.1–6.5; p = 0.03), pandemic-related persistent stress (OR, 5.7; CI, 1.6–20.1; p = 0.007), and pandemic-related adverse long-lasting effects on employment (OR, 6.1; CI, 1.9–20.0; p = 0.003) and health (OR, 3.0; CI, 1.0–9.0; p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study reflects the evolving nature of COVID-related psychological stress and coping, with most patients reporting they coped well. For those not coping well, multidisciplinary health care providers are needed to address long-lasting pandemic-associated adverse consequences.
Cell fusion through slime mould network dynamics
Authors: Hsu Sheryl , Schaposnik Laura P.
Published: April 2022

Physarum polycephalum
is a unicellular slime mould that has been intensely studied owing to its ability to solve mazes, find shortest paths, generate Steiner trees, share knowledge and remember past events and the implied applications to unconventional computing. The CELL model is a cellular automaton introduced in Gunji
et al
. (Gunji
et al.
2008
J. Theor. Biol.
253
, 659–667 (
doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2008.04.017
)) that models
Physarum
’s amoeboid motion, tentacle formation, maze solving and network creation. In the present paper, we extend the CELL model by spawning multiple CELLs, allowing us to understand the interactions between multiple cells and, in particular, their mobility, merge speed and cytoplasm mixing. We conclude the paper with some notes about applications of our work to modelling the rise of present-day civilization from the early nomadic humans and the spread of trends and information around the world. Our study of the interactions of this unicellular organism should further the understanding of how
P. polycephalum
communicates and shares information.
Stochastic reduced order modelling and analysis of rotating bladed discs
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Ali Shaikh Faruque , Gupta Sayan
Published: April 2022

A computational finite-element (FE)-based technique is proposed for developing a stochastic reduced order model for rotating bladed disc with spatial random inhomogeneities. The spatial inhomogeneities imply the system to be randomly mistuned. The formulation assumes the availability of a high fidelity FE model for the tuned system. The corresponding FE matrices are antisymmetric on account of the Coriolis forces due to rotation. The spatial inhomogeneities, available from limited point measurements on the blades, are modelled as non-Gaussian random fields with arbitrary distributions. A low order stochastic computational model is developed by projecting the FE model onto a reduced dimensional state space defined in terms of specified observable nodal points and expressing the stochasticity through an arbitrary polynomial chaos (aPC) basis. This model enables probabilistic quantification of the variabilities in the system response and estimating failure probabilities. The methodology enables drastic reduction in the state space and stochastic dimensions, addresses the practical difficulties with having limited measurable data points, antisymmetric FE matrices, aPC representation in complex irregular geometries and carrying out probabilistic analyses on industrial systems, at significantly reduced computational costs. The methodology is illustrated through an academic rotor and an industrial rotor blade.
Ruminococcus bromii enables the growth of proximal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron by releasing glucose during starch degradation
Authors: Rangarajan Aathmaja Anandhi , Chia Hannah E. , Azaldegui Christopher A. , Olszewski Monica H. , Pereira Gabriel V. , Koropatkin Nicole M. , Biteen Julie S.
Published: April 2022

Complex carbohydrates shape the gut microbiota, and the collective fermentation of resistant starch by gut microbes positively affects human health through enhanced butyrate production. The keystone species

Ruminococcus bromii

(Rb) is a specialist in degrading resistant starch; its degradation products are used by other bacteria including

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron

(Bt). We analysed the metabolic and spatial relationships between Rb and Bt during potato starch degradation and found that Bt utilizes glucose that is released from Rb upon degradation of resistant potato starch and soluble potato amylopectin. Additionally, we found that Rb produces a halo of glucose around it when grown on solid media containing potato amylopectin and that Bt cells deficient for growth on potato amylopectin (∆sus Bt) can grow within the halo. Furthermore, when these ∆sus Bt cells grow within this glucose halo, they have an elongated cell morphology. This long-cell phenotype depends on the glucose concentration in the solid media: longer Bt cells are formed at higher glucose concentrations. Together, our results indicate that starch degradation by Rb cross-feeds other bacteria in the surrounding region by releasing glucose. Our results also elucidate the adaptive morphology of Bt cells under different nutrient and physiological conditions.
Press-fit process fault diagnosis using 1DCNN-LSTM method
Authors: Ye Xialiang , Li Minbo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Press-fit with force and displacement monitoring is commonly adopted in automotive mechatronic system assembling. However, suitable methods for the press-fit study are still at initial investigation phase. The sequential data physical meaning, small data sets from different resources and computing efficiency should be considered. Therefore, this paper aims to better identify press-fit fault types.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposed one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN)–long short-term memory (LSTM) method to perform press-fit fault diagnosis into automotive assembling practice which is in accordance with current product development procedure. Specialized data augmentation method is proposed to merge different data resources and increase the sample size. Referring one-way sequential data characteristics, LSTM and batch normalization layers are integrated in 1DCNN to improve the performance.

Findings

The proposed 1DCNN-LSTM method is feasible with small data sets from different sources. Using data augmentation to make data unified and sample size increased, the accuracy could reach more than 99%. Training time has reduced from 90 s/Epoch to 4 s/Epoch compare to pure LSTM method.

Originality/value

The proposed method shows better performance with less training time compared to LSTM. Therefore, the method has practical value and is worthy of industrial application.
Manufacturers' efficiency disparity: a comparative analysis in the Southeast Asian region
Authors: Anh Dao Le Trang , Gan Christopher
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the profitability and marketability efficiency scores and determinants of 899 listed manufacturers in six Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the bootstrap two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure profitability and marketability efficiencies of Southeast Asian manufacturers. The study uses the panel-data fractional regression model (FRM), which is an advantageous method that is suitable for the fractional response variables and applicable to time-differing heterogeneity, to investigate the determinants of Southeast Asian manufacturers' efficiencies.

Findings

The study demonstrates that listed manufacturers in Indonesia and Singapore achieve the highest average profitability and marketability efficiencies among the six Southeast Asian countries. The study also shows that the cash ratio, institutional ownership, headcount and technology-application positively affect Southeast Asian-listed manufacturers' profitability and marketability efficiencies at different levels of significance.

Originality/value

The current study is the first assessment of the listed manufacturers' profitability and marketability efficiencies in Southeast Asian countries, which consist of different market levels (developed, emerging and frontier markets). The study is a reference source for regional investors, manufacturers' managers and governments to make appropriate decisions in investing, managing and enhancing the development of the Southeast Asian manufacturing sector.
Drinking in style? Literature review of luxury wine consumption
Authors: Wright Dannielle K. , Yoon Hyunsun , Morrison Alastair M. , Šegota Tina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review and map the landscape of luxury wine consumption in multidisciplinary literature. It highlights the key themes of analysis, consumer markets and common behaviours of luxury wine consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses 85 articles on luxury wine consumption using Leximancer and content analysis.

Findings

Six main topics in the extant literature are identified as follows: product perception, wine price, wine information, consumption behaviour, group and China market. Our study revealed the shift in luxury consumption towards affordability, availability, middle-class, younger consumers and predominantly Asian markets.

Research limitations/implications

As a follow-up to this research, empirical research on luxury wine consumption is needed to establish more precise definitions of terms.

Social implications

Wine as a product is susceptible to social changes and preferences, positioning it between old and common luxury.

Originality/value

This research offers theoretical insights into research on luxury wine, including how the literature reflects recent societal changes. It also provides a roadmap for future research in this field.