bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reading man flap in four dogs: a case series
Authors: Siegelmayer Desiree , Gradner Gabriele
Published: September 2023

Background

The reading man flap is a novel technique in human medicine for the closure of cutaneous circular defects. To the best of our knowledge, no recent clinical studies have described this procedure in small animals.

Case presentation

In this case series, we present four dogs in which neoplasms were reconstructed using the reading man procedure, which is a double-advancement transposition subdermal flap. The reading man flap was applied in wound revision after surgical removal of a neoplasm in two dogs and in the closure following the excision of a neoplasm in another two dogs. Successful tension-free closure of the lesion site was achieved in all four patients. The postoperative period was uneventful in all patients, and there was no flap necrosis or surgical site infection, although surgical site infection preceded in two cases. Minor complications included partial suture dehiscence in one dog and seroma formation in two dogs. Only one dog required a second anesthesia to insert an active drainage system. The follow-up examination of all four dogs revealed no further complications with the reading man flap at time of the latest wound reevaluation conducted by the surgeon.

Conclusion

The reading man flap is a well-vascularized fasciocutaneous flap that provides tension-free closure owing to its asymmetrical Z-plasty. It is a simple-to-use option for the closure of circular skin lesions in dogs.
Divergent functions of NLRP3 inflammasomes in cancer: a review
Authors: Shadab Alireza , Mahjoor Mohamad , Abbasi-Kolli Mohammad , Afkhami Hamed , Moeinian Parisa , Safdarian Amir-Reza
Published: September 2023

The cancer is a serious health problem, which is The cancer death rate (cancer mortality) is 158.3 per 100,000 men and women per year (based on 2013–2017 deaths). Both clinical and translational studies have demonstrated that chronic inflammation is associated with Cancer progression. However, the precise mechanisms of inflammasome, and the pathways that mediate this phenomenon are not fully characterized. One of the most recently identified signaling pathways, whose activation seems to affect many metabolic disorders, is the “inflammasome” a multiprotein complex composed of NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3), ASC (apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), and procaspase-1. NLRP3 inflammasome activation leads to the processing and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. The goal of this paper is to review new insights on the effects of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the complex mechanisms of crosstalk between different organs, for a better understanding of the role of chronic inflammation in cancer pathogenesis. We will provide here a perspective on the current research on NLRP3 inflammasome, which may represent an innovative therapeutic target to reverse the malignancy condition consequences of the inflammation.
Recombinase-independent AAV for anterograde transsynaptic tracing
Authors: Faress Islam , Khalil Valentina , Yamamoto Haruka , Sajgo Szilard , Yonehara Keisuke , Nabavi Sadegh
Published: September 2023

Viral transsynaptic labeling has become indispensable for investigating the functional connectivity of neural circuits in the mammalian brain. Adeno-associated virus serotype 1 (AAV1) allows for anterograde transneuronal labeling and manipulation of postsynaptic neurons. However, it is limited to delivering an AAV1 expressing a recombinase which relies on using transgenic animals or genetic access to postsynaptic neurons. We reasoned that a strong expression level could overcome this limitation. To this end, we used a self-complementary AAV of serotype 1 (scAAV1) under a strong promoter (CAG). We demonstrated the anterograde transneuronal efficiency of scAAV1 by delivering a fluorescent marker in mouse retina-superior colliculus and thalamic-amygdala pathways in a recombinase-independent manner in the mouse brain. In addition to investigating neuronal connectivity, anterograde transsynaptic AAVs with a strong promoter may be suitable for functional mapping and imaging.
The effect of abdominal bracing on respiration during a lifting task: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sembera Martin , Busch Andrew , Kobesova Alena , Hanychova Barbora , Sulc Jan , Kolar Pavel
Published: September 2023

Background

Abdominal bracing is a maneuver widely used by rehabilitation specialists and sports trainers to improve spinal stability. This study aimed to investigate how lifting tasks with and without abdominal bracing affect the respiratory function of the diaphragm.

Methods

M-mode ultrasonographic assessment of diaphragmatic motion combined with spirometry was performed on 31 healthy adults. Participants were asked to breathe continuously whilst lifting a load with spontaneous abdominal muscle contraction (natural loaded breathing) and abdominal bracing (AB loaded breathing).

Results

Pearson’s correlations revealed strong correlations between ultrasonography and spirometry measures (p < 0.001) for all types of breathing: tidal breathing (r = 0.709, r2 = 0.503), natural loaded breathing (r = 0.731, r2 = 0.534) and AB loaded breathing (r = 0.795, r2 = 0.632). Using paired-samples t-tests, the natural loaded breathing ultrasonography revealed more caudal diaphragm positions during inspiration (p < 0.001) but not during expiration (p = .101). Spirometry demonstrated lower lung volumes (L) at the end of inspiration and expiration (p < 0.001), with no changes in total lung volume (p = 0.06). The AB loaded breathing ultrasonography revealed more caudal diaphragm positions during inspiration (p = 0.002) but not during expiration (p = 0.05). Spirometry demonstrated lower lung volumes at the end of inspiration (p < 0.001), expiration (p = 0.002), and total lung volumes (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that abdominal bracing performed during a lifting task reduces lung volume despite an increase in diaphragmatic motion. Diaphragm excursions strongly correlate with lung volumes even under postural loading.

Trial registration

The study was prospectively registered on 8 April 2021 at ClinicalTrials.gov with identification number NCT04841109.
Prognosis and management of acute symptomatic seizures: a prospective, multicenter, observational study
Authors: Herzig-Nichtweiß Julia , Salih Farid , Berning Sascha , Malter Michael P. , Pelz Johann O. , Lochner Piergiorgio , Wittstock Matthias , Günther Albrecht , Alonso Angelika , Fuhrer Hannah , Schönenberger Silvia , Petersen Martina , Kohle Felix , Müller Annekatrin , Gawlitza Alexander , Gubarev Waldemar , Holtkamp Martin , Vorderwülbecke Bernd J. ,   IGNITE! study group
Published: September 2023

Background

Acute symptomatic epileptic seizures are frequently seen in neurocritical care. To prevent subsequent unprovoked seizures, long-term treatments with antiseizure medications are often initiated although supporting evidence is lacking. This study aimed at prospectively assessing the risk of unprovoked seizure relapse with respect to the use of antiseizure medications. It was hypothesized that after a first acute symptomatic seizure of structural etiology, the cumulative 12-month risk of unprovoked seizure relapse is ≤ 25%.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 and acute symptomatic first-ever epileptic seizure; patients with status epilepticus were excluded. Using telephone and mail interviews, participants were followed for 12 months after the acute symptomatic first seizure. Primary endpoint was the occurrence and timing of a first unprovoked seizure relapse. In addition, neuro-intensivists in Germany were interviewed about their antiseizure treatment strategies through an anonymous online survey.

Results

Eleven of 122 participants with structural etiology had an unprovoked seizure relapse, resulting in a cumulative 12-month risk of 10.7% (95%CI, 4.7%–16.7%). None of 19 participants with a non-structural etiology had a subsequent unprovoked seizure. Compared to structural etiology alone, combined infectious and structural etiology was independently associated with unprovoked seizure relapse (OR 11.1; 95%CI, 1.8–69.7). Median duration of antiseizure treatment was 3.4 months (IQR 0–9.3). Seven out of 11 participants had their unprovoked seizure relapse while taking antiseizure medication; longer treatment durations were not associated with decreased risk of unprovoked seizure relapse. Following the non-representative online survey, most neuro-intensivists consider 3 months or less of antiseizure medication to be adequate.

Conclusions

Even in case of structural etiology, acute symptomatic seizures bear a low risk of subsequent unprovoked seizures. There is still no evidence favoring long-term treatments with antiseizure medications. Hence, individual constellations with an increased risk of unprovoked seizure relapse should be identified, such as central nervous system infections causing structural brain damage. However, in the absence of high-risk features, antiseizure medications should be discontinued early to avoid overtreatment.
Existence and Hyers–Ulam stability of stochastic integrodifferential equations with a random impulse
Authors: Kasinathan Ramkumar , Kasinathan Ravikumar , Sandrasekaran Varshini , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: September 2023

The theoretical approach of random impulsive stochastic integrodifferential equations (RISIDEs) with finite delay, noncompact semigroups, and resolvent operators in Hilbert space is investigated in this article. Initially, a random impulsive stochastic integrodifferential system is proposed and the existence of a mild solution for the system is established using the Mönch fixed-point theorem and contemplating Hausdorff measures of noncompactness. Then, the stability results including a continuous dependence of solutions on initial conditions, exponential stability, and Hyers–Ulam stability for the aforementioned system are investigated. Finally, an example is proposed to validate the obtained results.
Association of gender-related factors and household food security in southwest Oromia, Ethiopia: evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hiruy Honelgn Nahusenay , Barden-O’Fallon Janine , Mitiku Fikadu , Millar Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Background

Food insecurity is a major concern across Ethiopia and a long-standing public health problem. Vulnerability to food insecurity varies by several individual and household factors; however, understanding the role of gender-related factors can serve as additional input for designing policy and interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve in southwest Oromia, Ethiopia as part of a baseline assessment for the My Forest, My Livelihood, My Family program. A total of 1.113 households were selected from six woredas (districts) using a two-stage sampling procedure. The outcome variable was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, version 3. The association between gender-related factors and household food security was assessed by fitting a logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of food insecurity was 62.4%, with 28.1% of households assessed as severely food insecure. Households with both the wife and husband making decisions about major purchases were associated with an increased odds of household food security (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.44, confidence interval [CI] 1.06, 1.96). The odds increased when the woman alone made these decisions (AOR 2.15, CI 1.20, 3.85). Women’s formal education was also associated with increased odds of household food security.

Conclusions

This study adds evidence that policy and programmatic interventions that improve the agency of women to participate in asset ownership and household economic decision making, expand female literacy and education, and diversify income sources to include off-farm wage employment in the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve are important steps for improving household food security.
Correlation of skeletal age by Greulich-Pyle atlas, physiological age by body development index, and dental age by London Atlas and modified Demirjian’s technique in children and adolescents of an Eastern Indian population
Authors: Behera Champak Kumar , Rath Rachna , Das Surya Narayan , Sahu Geeta , Sharma Gaurav , Bhatta Archana
Published: September 2023

Background

Forensic age estimation using multiple maturity indicators necessitates investigation of correlation between various techniques. This study intended to compare and evaluate the correlation between skeletal age using Greulich-Pyle atlas, dental age by Acharya’s modification of Demirjian’s technique and London Atlas method of Tooth Development, and age estimated by body developmental index with chronological age. Orthopantomograms and left hand-wrist radiographs of one hundred seventy-four subjects (64 males and 70 females) in the age group of 8–20 years were evaluated by age estimation methods. Physical parameters including height, weight, biacromial breadth, and biliospinale breadth were measured. The data were entered in the SPSS software (Version 27.0). Comparison between age estimation methods was done using Student’s t-test for paired samples. Unpaired t-test was utilized for gender-wise comparison of age. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to assess correlation between the various methods.

Results

Significant mean differences were noted between the chronological age and all the age estimation methods when Greulich-Pyle atlas method (− 0.43), modified Demirjian’s method (− 0.31), London Atlas Method (− 0.62), and body developmental index (− 0.51) were employed respectively. Inter-group comparison between all methods yielded no significant differences except for modified Demirjian’s method and London Atlas method (mean difference = 0.31). All the age estimation techniques showed strong correlation with chronological age; the best was provided by the Greulich-Pyle method (r = 0.92).

Conclusion

All the assessed age estimation techniques show strong correlation with chronological age. Acharya’s modified Demirjian’s method (dental age) and Greulich-Pyle atlas method (skeletal age) showed good accuracy and strong correlation with chronological age, suggesting that these methods can be used simultaneously and/or interchangeably for age assessment in children and adolescents of Eastern Indian population.
Capital structure and financial sustainability: stakes of microfinance institutions in Bamenda, Cameroon
Authors: Fonchamnyo Dobdinga Cletus , Anyangwe Tony , Chantal Ndichia Nana , Dinga Gildas Dohba
Published: September 2023

This research assesses the effect of capital structure on the sustainability of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Bamenda, Cameroon. We use panel data obtained from audited annual financial statements of fifteen (15) MFIs, comprising both member- and shareholder-owned MFIs in Bamenda, Cameroon from 2014 to 2020, and an ex-post facto causal research design. Debt, equity, grants, and retained earnings are used to capture capital structure, while Operational Self-Sufficiency is used as a proxy for sustainability. The Generalised Least Squares and the quantile-on-quantile techniques are used for data analysis. Our findings indicate a statistically significant negative relationship between debt, grants and financial sustainability of MFIs, while a statistically significant positive relationship is found between retained earnings and financial sustainability of MFIs. A positive, though statistically insignificant relationship is found between equity or share capital and MFI financial sustainability. The results are robust upon consideration of different quantiles. Based on the findings, MFIs in Cameroon should rely more on retained earnings and equity to be more financially sustainable. The findings additionally provide evidence relating to the shortcoming of grants in the financing of development initiatives.
Deep sedation for nasal septal surgery: an observational retrospective study with an inverse probability weighting model
Authors: Campiglia Laura , Consales Guglielmo , Zamidei Lucia , Garotta Matteo , Sarno Antonio , Cappellini Iacopo
Published: September 2023

Background

Septoplasty, a common surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum, can be performed under either general anesthesia or deep sedation anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia can influence the duration of anesthesia and surgical outcomes, impacting the feasibility of outpatient procedures.

Methods

The institutional review board approved the protocol, and we obtained written informed consent from all participants. This retrospective, single-center observational study analyzed data from 586 patients who underwent rhino septoplasty at Santo Stefano Hospital in Prato, Italy, from 2017 to 2021. Patients received either general anesthesia or deep sedation anesthesia. Propensity score matching and inverse probability weighting were used to balance patient characteristics. The main outcome variable was discharge time, with anesthesia time and surgical time as covariates. Statistical analysis was conducted using R software.

Results

Patients who received deep sedation anesthesia had a significantly shorter duration of anesthesia compared to those who received general anesthesia. A multivariate linear regression model showed that the type of anesthesia had a strong positive association with discharge time, while anesthesia time had a weaker negative association, although not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Deep sedation anesthesia is associated with a shorter duration of anesthesia compared to general anesthesia during nasal septal surgery, suggesting it could be a more feasible option for outpatient procedures. However, the choice of anesthesia should be tailored to individual patient factors and surgical requirements. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential benefits of sedation anesthesia in outpatient nasal septal surgery.

Question

How do general anesthesia and deep sedation anesthesia compare in terms of duration of anesthesia and surgical outcomes during nasal septal surgery?

Findings

Our study found that deep sedation anesthesia was associated with a shorter duration of anesthesia compared to general anesthesia in patients undergoing nasal septal surgery. However, there were no significant differences in the duration of the surgical procedure.

Meaning

The findings suggest that deep sedation anesthesia could potentially make nasal septal surgery more feasible as an outpatient procedure.
Modeling Tumor Growth Using Partly Conditional Survival Models: A Case Study in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Flynn Jessica R. , Curry Michael , Zhao Binsheng , Yang Hao , Dercle Laurent , Fojo Antonio Tito , Connors Dana E. , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Gönen Mithat , Moskowitz Chaya S.
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE

There are multiple approaches to modeling the relationship between longitudinal tumor measurements obtained from serial imaging and overall survival. Many require strong assumptions that are untestable and debatable. We illustrate how to apply a novel, more flexible approach, the partly conditional (PC) survival model, using images acquired during a phase III, randomized clinical trial in colorectal cancer as an example.

METHODS

PC survival approaches were used to model longitudinal volumetric computed tomography data of 1,025 patients in the completed VELOUR trial, which evaluated adding aflibercept to infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan for treating metastatic colorectal cancer. PC survival modeling is a semiparametric approach to estimating associations of longitudinal measurements with time-to-event outcomes. Overall survival was our outcome. Covariates included baseline tumor burden, change in tumor burden from baseline to each follow-up time, and treatment. Both unstratified and time-stratified models were investigated.

RESULTS

Without making assumptions about the distribution of the tumor growth process, we characterized associations between the change in tumor burden and survival. This change was significantly associated with survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.05; P < .001), suggesting that aflibercept works at least in part by altering the tumor growth trajectory. We also found baseline tumor size prognostic for survival even when accounting for the change in tumor burden over time (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.02; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The PC modeling approach offers flexible characterization of associations between longitudinal covariates, such as serially assessed tumor burden, and survival time. It can be applied to a variety of data of this nature and used as clinical trials are ongoing to incorporate new disease assessment information as it is accumulated, as indicated by an example from colorectal cancer.
Machine Vision and Image Analysis in Anesthesia: Narrative Review and Future Prospects
Authors: Lonsdale Hannah , Gray Geoffrey M. , Ahumada Luis M. , Matava Clyde T.
Published: September 2023

Machine vision describes the use of artificial intelligence to interpret, analyze, and derive predictions from image or video data. Machine vision–based techniques are already in clinical use in radiology, ophthalmology, and dermatology, where some applications currently equal or exceed the performance of specialty physicians in areas of image interpretation. While machine vision in anesthesia has many potential applications, its development remains in its infancy in our specialty. Early research for machine vision in anesthesia has focused on automated recognition of anatomical structures during ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia or line insertion; recognition of the glottic opening and vocal cords during video laryngoscopy; prediction of the difficult airway using facial images; and clinical alerts for endobronchial intubation detected on chest radiograph. Current machine vision applications measuring the distance between endotracheal tube tip and carina have demonstrated noninferior performance compared to board-certified physicians. The performance and potential uses of machine vision for anesthesia will only grow with the advancement of underlying machine vision algorithm technical performance developed outside of medicine, such as convolutional neural networks and transfer learning. This article summarizes recently published works of interest, provides a brief overview of techniques used to create machine vision applications, explains frequently used terms, and discusses challenges the specialty will encounter as we embrace the advantages that this technology may bring to future clinical practice and patient care. As machine vision emerges onto the clinical stage, it is critically important that anesthesiologists are prepared to confidently assess which of these devices are safe, appropriate, and bring added value to patient care.
Pregnant female and near term embryos of the honeycomb stingray Himantura uarnak (Chondrichthyes – Dasyatidae) from Mersin Bay, northeastern Mediterranean
Authors: BASUSTA NURI , BAŞUSTA ASIYE
Published: September 2023

The honeycomb stingray Himantura uarnak (Gmelin, 1789) is one of the non-indigenous species in habiting eastern Mediterranean Sea. A single pregnant female was accidentally captured in March 2022 in the commercial purse seiner fishing. The taxonomic identification of this species has been confirmed by using DNA barcoding. The present study provides the first account of a gravid female and near term embryos H. uarnak, captured off the coast of Mersin Bay, Türkiye. Data of near term embryos, suggests that parturition occurred in either end of March or early April.
Co-Design of a website for women with pelvic organ prolapse: A study protocol
Authors: Carroll Maria-Louise , Doody Catherine , O' Sullivan Cliona , Perrotta Carla , Fullen Brona M
Published: September 2023

Background: Despite high reported prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), women report difficulties accessing evidence-based and reliable information about the condition. Many rely on social media and other popular and highly visible internet platforms which have been found to contain poor quality information that is difficult for the average patient to understand. The aim of the study is to co-design an information website for women with POP. The website design will be based on the Website Developmental Model for the Healthcare Consumer (WDMHC) framework.

Methods: A four phase process will be utilised as per the WDMHC framework: 1) User, task and environmental analysis; 2) Functional and representational analysis; 3) Cognitive walkthrough, keystroke level model, heuristic testing; 4) Content based testing, expert testing and user-based testing.  

Ethics approval has been obtained (LS-23-19-Carroll-Ful). Two groups of stakeholders will be recruited (i) patient group (ii) healthcare professional (HCP) group. Patient participants will be recruited from an online pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) support group (n=950 members). A website designer and HCP stakeholders involved in the multidisciplinary team caring for women with POP will be invited to participate. 

Both groups will participate in separate co-design online workshops. Focus group workshops will be video-recorded, transcribed and imported into NVivo. Themes and subthemes will be developed.  

The website will be designed and disseminated to all participants for feedback. Cognitive walkthrough and heuristic testing will be undertaken. Following this, necessary modifications will be made to the website. Participants will then complete a modified System Usability Scale (SUS) and the eHealth Impact Questionnaire, while five HCPs will complete the DISCERN instrument.  

Conclusion: This study will inform the design and testing of an information website for women with POP. The website design and content will be informed by patient and HCP stakeholder voices and the health literacy literature.
Investigation of otolith mass asymmetry in three stocks of European sardine, Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) from Türkiye
Authors: Özpiçak Melek , Saygın Semra
Published: September 2023

It was aimed to investigate sagittal otolith mass asymmetry Sardina pilchardus sampled from Aegean, Marmara and Mediterranean seas of Türkiye in present study. In this study, differences between right and left otoliths were statistically significant for Marmara and Mediterranean seas (P<0.05) not significant for Aegean Sea, (P˃0.05). The mean values of otolith mass asymmetry (X) were found between 0.0393 and 0.0144 according to Aegean Sea, Marmara Sea and Mediterranean Sea, respectively. In addition, absolute mass asymmetry │X│ were calculated as 0.03226±0.00514, 0.02057±0.00439 and, 0.05141±0.00755 for S. pilchardus samples according to Aegean Sea, Marmara Sea and Mediterranean Sea, respectively. The present study showed that the otolith mass asymmetry in S.pilchardus does not depend on fish length and otolith growth. Also, when there were no significant differences between localities for otolith mass asymmetry (P˃0.05), there were significant differences for absolute otolith mass (P˂0.05). The value of the otolith mass asymmetry can reveal information about pollutants such heavy metals, pesticides, stressors, and changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of water in relation to the environment of fishes. This is the first study about otolith mass in three stocks of S. pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) from Türkiye.
Aflatoxin, bacterial and heavy metal load in Scomber scombrus and Clupea harengus from two selected coldroom facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Oghenochuko Oghenebrorhie Mavis , Kolawole Rachael Oluwatosin , Olajide Olasunkanmi Peter , Agbato Adeyinka Olamide
Published: September 2023

Impurities found in fish have been a major cause of disease and illness to consumers. This study's objective was to evaluate the total aflatoxin, heavy metal and microbial load in two frozen fish: Scomber scombrus and Clupea harengus from two (2) cold room facilities in Omu-Aran and Ilorin. Heavy metals, aflatoxin and microbial load were investigated using standard methods. Health risk was also determined using health risk index (HRI), daily intake of metals (DIM), and health quotient (HQ), and total toxicity of metals (TTM). Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn and Cr did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in both species from both locations. Nickel was lower than the recommended limit by World Health Organization (WHO). Level of Mn and Cr were higher in both species. Mn load was higher in the muscles of the sampled fish than in the gills from September through to November with highest value of 1.26±0.08 and 1.30±0.12 obtained for S. scombrus and C. harengus. Highest concentrations of all metals was observed in the gills except manganese and copper [Cd = 0.03 (S. scombrus), Cr = 1.22±0.13 (S. scombrus), Ni = 0.025±0.04 (S. scombrus), Pb = 0.06±0.02 (S. scombrus)]. HRI was > 1 in the different age groups for the different metals. TTM was > 1 in both species. Total aflatoxin level was higher in the gills (4.25 – 5) ppb than in the muscle (1.5 - 3) ppb for both locations respectively. Vibrio spp. and non-coliform bacteria were high in both species from both locations. The study concludes that heavy metal loads (Mn, Cd, Cu, Cr, and Ni) were more than the permitted limitations imposed by FAO, WHO and EU legislation for fish and fish products placing consumers at health risk.
(In)traduisibles : la traductologie française récente face aux figements linguistiques et aux jeux de mots
Authors: Fossa Paola
Published: September 2023

(UN)TRANSLATABLE: RECENT FRENCH TRANSLATION STUDIES ON FROZEN EXPRESSIONS AND PUNS

Frozen expressions and puns can be compared in terms of translation solutions. As plural elements and because of their idiomaticity and cultural charge, they have long been considered as « untranslatable ». However, recent translation studies have focused on these textual objects, proposing several solutions. We will draw on recent studies and some older ones to illustrate the techniques the translator can adopt. The sharing of knowledge and translation practices between different fields is always fruitful: when faced with a frozen expression or a pun, the translator often encounters the same problems, so similar solutions could be adopted. The intersection of descriptive and normative approaches helps to define translation solutions for these plural and resistant textual objects.
Acyclovir-induced glomerulonephritis in a 40-year-old woman without medical history: a case report
Authors: Desrumaux Marie-Justine , Mahieu Elien , Vanfraechem Céline
Published: September 2023

Well-known side effects of acyclovir are nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. We present a 49-year-old woman without pre-existing renal failure, with an acute kidney injury and encephalopathy. Since there was a clear correlation with the intake of acyclovir and the course of illness, findings were attributed to the antiviral agent. Urinalysis showed a proteinuria in nephrotic ranges, which is not described in the currently known causes of acyclovir-induced renal failure. We postulate the hypothesis of a nephritis with podocyte damage induced by acyclovir or, more likely, by an acyclovir metabolite.
Secondary organising pneumonia caused by denosumab
Authors: Ouakidi Djalaleddine , Bourouis Bouchra Nesrine , Banat Mohammed Amine , Azzi Nesrine , Benzait Siham , Snouber Abdelmadjid
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Organising pneumonia belongs to diffuse interstitial lung diseases; we distinguish the cryptogenic organising pneumonia, which is idiopathic, from the secondary organising pneumonia caused by drugs or a defined cause. Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody, rarely inducing adverse pulmonary effects. Case description: A 57-year-old female patient was admitted to our chest clinic for acute respiratory distress. She was treated with denosumab for severe osteoporosis. The patient described a dry cough and dyspnoea over the previous four months, increased after the last injection of denosumab. A high-resolution computed tomography scan showed bilateral basal parenchymal condensations. The aetiological investigation did not reveal any infectious or immunological origin. The favourable computed tomography imaging and clinical evolution after corticosteroid therapy led to the diagnosis of drug-induced organising pneumonia. Conclusion: Denosumab could induce organising pneumonia. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this pulmonary toxicity.
The Odd Couple: Strindberg and Roth
Authors: Nadel Ira
Published: September 2023

Abstract: At first glance, it would seem that Philip Roth and August Strindberg, Swedish dramatist, novelist, social critic, and iconoclast, share little. However, a careful comparison of the two authors reveals numerous connections. Roth owned a series of Strindberg texts and commentaries and drew from his plays and life in a number of his works. This discussion not only highlights connections between the two authors but also explores why Roth felt a union, personally and thematically, with Strindberg. Whether it was women, marriage, Judaism, or sex, Strindberg and Roth united. Additionally, like Strindberg, Roth found monogamy difficult, while railing against female dishonesty. “When it comes to war, women have their own rules” (24), Strindberg wrote in The Father (1887). Roth never forgot it as he demonstrates that marriage is a battleground where love and hate coexist.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Ghost: Joycean Echoes in Philip Roth’s Depiction of the Artist
Authors: Puddu Rachele
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This essay traces the origin of the ghost’s metaphor in Philip Roth’s The Ghost Writer (1979) and argues that, under the influence of James Joyce, Roth molds his poetics through his most famous fictional double and his artistic journey. At the same time, he shapes an authorial figure that questions the act of writing in the twentieth century.
Anticipating Illness: The Illusion of Health in Knock ou Le Triomphe de la Médicine
Authors: Tynan Avril
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Knock ou Le Triomphe de la Médicine [ Knock, or the Triumph of Medicine ] (1923) is a satirical play by Jules Romains parodying the hierarchical power relationship between patient and doctor and the supposed infallibility of science in the early twentieth century. Drawing on the phenomenological work of German physician Herbert Plügge (1970), I argue that the play exploits the physical interconnections between the healthy body and the sick body to present health as a deceptive state of hidden or imminent illness. By anticipating illness, the play shatters the illusion of health in ways that are ethically, psychosocially, and biomedically salient.
Binocular measurement method for a continuous casting slab based on the one-dimensional probabilistic Hough transform and local sub-pixel sifting
Authors: Xu Sixiang , Zhang Hao , Dong Binhui , Shi Yuxiang , Yang Lifa
Published: September 2023

Due to the low measurement accuracy of the continuous casting slab model caused by difficulty in detecting ideal corners, a binocular measurement method based on the one-dimensional probabilistic Hough transform and local sub-pixel sifting is proposed. First, the one-dimensional probabilistic Hough transform based on inclination angle voting and the Freeman chain code is used to detect the line segments of the exterior outline. Next, sub-pixel points are extracted in each region of interest (ROI) by using Zernike moments, and sifted in the overlapping area of adjacent ROIs. Then the orthogonal total least squares (TLS) method is applied to fitting sub-pixel edges. Finally, after the key points are matched, three-dimensional localization and measurement are completed according to the binocular vision measurement principle. The experimental results show that the minimum relative error and average relative error of length reach 0.3401% and 0.3945%, respectively, satisfying the measurement requirement. Compared with scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) and the oriented FAST and rotated BRIEF (ORB), the measurement error of the proposed algorithm is reduced by 80.01% and 74.63%, respectively. Compared with another edge fitting method based on k-means clustering and least squares fitting, its measurement error is reduced by 34.11%, and the time consumption is shortened by 39.07%, verifying its excellent performance in accuracy and efficiency.
Deeply subwavelength integrated excitonic van der Waals nanophotonics
Authors: Ling Haonan , Manna Arnab , Shen Jialiang , Tung Ho-Ting , Sharp David , Fröch Johannes , Dai Siyuan , Majumdar Arka , Davoyan Artur R.
Published: September 2023

The wave nature of light sets a fundamental diffraction limit that challenges confinement and control of light in nanoscale structures with dimensions significantly smaller than the wavelength. Here, we study light–matter interaction in van der Waals MoS2 nanophotonic devices. We show that light can be coupled and guided in structures with dimensions as small as ≃λ/16 (∼60nm at 1000 nm excitation wavelength), while offering unprecedented optical field confinement. This deep subwavelength optical field confinement is achieved by exploiting strong lightwave dispersion in MoS2. We further study the performance of a range of nanophotonic integrated devices via far- and near-field measurements. Our near-field measurements reveal detailed imaging of excitation, evolution, and guidance of fields in nanostructured MoS2, whereas our far-field study examines light excitation and coupling to highly confined integrated photonics. Nanophotonics at a fraction of a wavelength demonstrated here could dramatically reduce the size of integrated photonic devices and opto-electronic circuits with potential applications in optical information science and engineering.
Optical projection tomography reconstruction with few views using highly-generalizable deep learning at sinogram domain
Authors: Fei Peng , Sun Jiahao , Zhao Fang , liu binbing , Zhu Lanxin
Published: September 2023

Optical projection tomography (OPT) reconstruction using a minimal number of measured views offers the potential to significantly reduce excitation dosage and greatly enhance temporal resolution in biomedical imaging. However, traditional algorithms for tomographic reconstruction exhibit severe quality degradation, e.g., presence of streak artifacts, when the number of views is reduced. In this study, we introduce a novel domain evaluation method which can evaluate the domain complexity, and thereby validate that the sinogram domain exhibits lower complexity as compared to the conventional spatial domain. Then we achieve robust deep-learning-based reconstruction with a feedback-based data initialization method at sinogram domain, which shows strong generalization ability that notably improves the overall performance for OPT image reconstruction. This learning-based approach, termed SinNet, enables 4-view OPT reconstructions of diverse biological samples with showing robust generalization ability. It surpasses the conventional OPT reconstruction approaches in terms of peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM) metrics, showing its potentials for the augment of widely-used OPT techniques.
Rescue of bmp15 deficiency in zebrafish by mutation of inha reveals mechanisms of BMP15 regulation of folliculogenesis
Authors: Zhai Yue , Zhang Xin , Zhao Cheng , Geng Ruijing , Wu Kun , Yuan Mingzhe , Ai Nana , Ge Wei
Published: September 2023

As an oocyte-specific growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) plays a critical role in controlling folliculogenesis. However, the mechanism of BMP15 action remains elusive. Using zebrafish as the model, we created a bmp15 mutant using CRISPR/Cas9 and demonstrated that bmp15 deficiency caused a significant delay in follicle activation and puberty onset followed by a complete arrest of follicle development at previtellogenic (PV) stage without yolk accumulation. The mutant females eventually underwent female-to-male sex reversal to become functional males, which was accompanied by a series of changes in secondary sexual characteristics. Interestingly, the blockade of folliculogenesis and sex reversal in bmp15 mutant could be partially rescued by the loss of inhibin (inha-/-). The follicles of double mutant (bmp15-/-;inha-/-) could progress to mid-vitellogenic (MV) stage with yolk accumulation and the fish maintained their femaleness without sex reversal. Transcriptome analysis revealed up-regulation of pathways related to TGF-β signaling and endocytosis in the double mutant follicles. Interestingly, the expression of inhibin/activin βAa subunit (inhbaa) increased significantly in the double mutant ovary. Further knockout of inhbaa in the triple mutant (bmp15-/-;inha-/-;inhbaa-/-) resulted in the loss of yolk granules again. The serum levels of estradiol (E2) and vitellogenin (Vtg) both decreased significantly in bmp15 single mutant females (bmp15-/-), returned to normal in the double mutant (bmp15-/-;inha-/-), but reduced again significantly in the triple mutant (bmp15-/-;inha-/-;inhbaa-/-). E2 treatment could rescue the arrested follicles in bmp15-/-, and fadrozole (a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor) treatment blocked yolk accumulation in bmp15-/-;inha-/- fish. The loss of inhbaa also caused a reduction of Vtg receptor-like molecules (e.g., lrp1ab and lrp2a). In summary, the present study provided comprehensive genetic evidence that Bmp15 acts together with the activin-inhibin system in the follicle to control E2 production from the follicle, Vtg biosynthesis in the liver and its uptake by the developing oocytes.
Cloning, expression, and molecular modification of glycoside hydrolase family 5 genes from Thermoascus aurantiacus
Authors: Shao Hongwei
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a novel bifunctional cellulase gene cel1 was cloned from Thermoascus aurantiacus by PCR and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. Bioinformatics and other related tools were used to compare the nucleotide homology of target genes, and analyze the signal peptide, transmembrane domain, hydrophilicity, secondary and tertiary structure of proteins. It was concluded that cel1 has similar endoglucanase nucleotide sequences and falls under the GH5 family. It was also found that cel1 has nucleotide sequences similar to glucosidase, which can infer that cel1 may have the properties of glucosidase, indicating that cel1 is multifunctional. At the same time, a part of the nucleotide sequence of the gene was removed to obtain a new gene cel2, and after highly efficient heterologous expression, its specific activity was found to be 2.1 times higher. Its enhancement is related to the exposure of the protein’s hollow three-dimensional structure. This paper provides good material for exploring the relationship between the structure of bifunctional enzymes and their functions, which lays a solid foundation for further research and applications, and provides useful insight for gene mining of other novel enzymes.
Levels and in vitro functional effects of circulating anti-hinge antibodies in melanoma patients receiving the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab
Authors: Hock Barry D. , Goddard Liping , MacPherson Sean A. , Strother Matthew , Gibbs David , Pearson John F. , McKenzie Judith L.
Published: September 2023

The efficacy of PD-1 monoclonals such as pembrolizumab can be modulated by the signals delivered via their Fc region. Tumour/inflammation associated proteases can generate F(ab’)2 fragments of therapeutic monoclonals, and subsequent recognition of F(ab’)2 epitopes by circulating anti-hinge antibodies (AHA) can then, potentially, link F(ab’)2 binding to the target antigen with novel Fc signalling. Although elevated in inflammatory diseases, AHA levels in cancer patients have not been investigated and functional studies utilising the full repertoire of AHA present in sera have been limited. AHA levels in pembrolizumab treated melanoma patients (n = 23) were therefore compared to those of normal donors and adalimumab treated patients. A subset of melanoma patients and the majority of adalimumab patients had elevated levels of AHA reactive with F(ab’)2 fragments of IgG4 anti-PD-1 monoclonals (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) and IgG1 therapeutic monoclonals (rituximab, adalimumab). Survival analysis was restricted by the small patient numbers but those melanoma patients with the highest levels (>75% percentile, n = 5) of pembrolizumab-F(ab’)2 reactive AHA had significantly better overall survival post pembrolizumab treatment (p = 0.039). In vitro functional studies demonstrated that the presence of AHA+ sera restored the neutrophil activating capacity of pembrolizumab to its F(ab’)2 fragment. Neither pembrolizumab nor its F(ab’)2 fragments can induce NK cell or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). However, AHA+ sera in combination with pembrolizumab-F(ab’)2 provided Fc regions that could activate NK cells. The ability of AHA+ sera to restore CDC activity was more restricted and observed using only one pembrolizumab and one adalimumab patient serum in combination with rituximab- F(ab’)2. This study reports the presence of elevated AHA levels in pembrolizumab treated melanoma patients and highlight the potential for AHA to provide additional Fc signaling. The issue of whether tumour associated proteolysis of PD-1 mAbs and subsequent AHA recognition impacts on treatment efficacy requires further study.
Functional social support: A systematic review and standardized comparison of different versions of the DUFSS questionnaire using the EMPRO tool
Authors: Lozano-Hernández Cristina M. , Cladellas Yolanda Pardo , Gil Conesa Mario , Garin Olatz , Forés Montserrat Ferrer , del Cura-González Isabel
Published: September 2023

Background

Functional social support is one of the most established predictors of health, and the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire (DUFSS) is one of the most commonly used instruments to measure this parameter. The objective of this study is to systematically review the available evidence on the psychometric and administration characteristics of the different versions of the DUFSS and perform a standardized assessment though to a specifically designed tool.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, WOS and SCIELO databases. All articles that contained information on the development process of the instrument, the psychometric properties and aspects related to its administration were included, without restrictions based on publication date, language, or the version of the questionnaire that was studied. The selection and extraction procedure were carried out by two researchers. The articles finally included were peer-reviewed through a standardised assessment using the Evaluating the Measurement of Patient-Reported Outcomes (EMPRO) tool. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022342977.

Results

A total of 54 articles were identified. After eliminating duplicates and screening articles based on the selection criteria, 15 studies that examined the DUFSS questionnaire resulting in 4 different versions: 3 articles obtained the 8-item version; 11 the 11-item version; and a single article obtained two versions, the 14-item version and the 5-item version. At least 60% of them did so in a young adult population, predominantly female and with a medium-low socio-economic level or with characteristics of social vulnerability. The EMPRO evaluation showed that the 11-item version (54.01 total score) was the only one that had been studied on all recommended attributes and had higher total scores than the other versions: 8 items (36.31 total score), 14 items (27.48 total score) and 5 items (23.81 total score). This difference appears in all attributes studied, with the highest scores in "reliability (internal consistency)" and "validity".

Conclusions

Of the 4 versions identified in the DUFSS questionnaire, the 11-item version was found to be optimal based on the EMPRO standardized tool. Although, a priori, we could prioritise its use in epidemiological studies over the other versions, it should be noted that this version should also be used with caution because there are attributes that have not been studied.